A first impression has an important job. Travelers recall their first impressions when talking with others about the places they’ve visited. A first impression leaves a lasting impact of a place on someone. That is the reason why West Chester University’s Honors College ISL trips often stop first at Table Mountain after landing in South Africa.

Table Mountain is situated in Cape Town with sweeping views of the city and Table Bay. Tourists get to its flat top by hiking or via cable car. The mountain showcases the rich vegetation and biodiversity of South Africa. One the way up, any of the roughly 2,200 species of plants and 1470 floral species can be seen. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Western Province of South Africa.

A student recounts her first impression on the 2016 trip:

On Table Mountain, I didn’t want to ever stop seeing the view and feeling the wind. I got amazing pictures I’m really excited about, yet nothing could compare to the full experience. It breaks my heart thinking I probably won’t experience it again. I need to remind myself to take everything in.

Cape Town paints an exciting picture of South Africa. The country’s history is showcased in places like the District Six Museum and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, now a museum. Since the Apartheid era, Cape Town has seen much modernization and renovation. The city draws visitors in with its exciting sights and sounds. One student on a 2016 trips gives her impression:

Cape Town has everything- the alive waterfront, luxurious beaches, diverse vegetation, delicious food, all kinds of peoples (all beautiful), flawless weather (even though it is cloudy/ rainy now, it was gorgeous yesterday), statues, art, parks—it doesn’t end and I’m still discovering more.

At the southern tip of South Africa is the Cape of Good Hope, a rocky outcropping featuring more sweeping views of the coastline. The roughness of the wind and sea are easily seen and felt here, especially during stormy weather. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Preserve was established in 1939 to protect the cape and its surrounding peninsula.

A tourist’s day would not be complete without a trip to one of South Africa’s renowned wineries. Ranking seventh in international wine production, South Africa features nearly 30 districts of wine land, each with their own unique taste. It is an experience incomparable with the wine culture of Europe. Their uniqueness make wineries a significant contributor to the tourism sector and the economy as a whole.

Finally, a safari. From the more recognizable bushland safaris where giraffes and zebras emerge in welcoming style, to beach safaris with penguin colonies, something of the nature and wildlife of South Africa will leave an impression on you. Elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, and more can be seen on these excursions in their natural habitats. Students on the West Chester University’s Honors College ISL trips get to go on safari. After this and other pleasurable experiences of the touristy side of South Africa, many had to reconcile this with the hardships and poverty of other areas. Many times those areas were right across the street. Perhaps this juxtaposition leaves the most memorable impression.

A student from the 2019 trip remembers both the disparity of the country and the kindness of the people:

The city is beautiful, but different from anything I’ve seen at home. There was a township on one side and then a golf course on the other…The people are very friendly and the hospitality is amazing. They even leave chocolate on your pillow.