Meet Sara Essop: the travel blogger making every journey an unforgettable adventure

In the ever-evolving world of travel blogging, Sara Essop stands out as a beacon of knowledge, inspiration and adventure.

With over 13 years of experience in travel writing, Essop has turned her passion for exploration and storytelling into a rewarding career path that encourages fellow adventurers to embark on their own journeys.

The Durban-born content creator who is currently living in Johannesburg, finds herself at the heart of a vibrant travel scene that fuels her enthusiasm for sharing her experiences around the globe.

Essop’s journey began when she combined her love for travel and writing to create a blog that not only captures the essence of the destinations she visits but also invites other travellers to share their own experiences.

Her platform serves as a collaborative space for insights on travel tips, hotel reviews and anecdotes, which brings a sense of community to her readers.

“I love helping fellow travellers discover new places and make their journeys smoother and more fulfilling,” she shares.

Throughout her career, Essop has collaborated with many of the world’s leading travel brands and has contributed to numerous prestigious local and international publications.

The recognition she receives motivates her to continue delving into new cultures, cuisines and landscapes.

Yet, despite her significant achievements, such as being a well-respected figure in the travel writing community, she remains grounded and focused on her love for exploration.

Her adventures have taken her to 50 countries but she emphasises that there is still much to discover.

“My bucket list keeps growing,” she says with a hint of excitement. Essop’s insights into destinations like Istanbul - famous for its rich history and stunning architecture - and Venice, known for its picturesque canals, reveal her deep appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences.

Yet, it’s back home in Johannesburg where her heart lies, particularly due to its accessibility to some of the world’s most renowned game reserves.

“I am a bush addict,” she admits, encouraging visitors to indulge in the magic of a safari, an experience she believes is utterly transformative.

As she looks ahead to 2025, Essop is excited about upcoming projects, including collaborations with various companies and an enticing holiday giveaway on her blog.

However, as she pursues these new endeavours, she emphasises the importance of passion in travel blogging.

“You have to be passionate about a topic before you start blogging about it,” she counsels aspiring writers, underscoring that success is built over time through quality work, engaging stories, and continual learning.

In her downtime, Essop finds pleasure in the simple things, like enjoying freshly ground coffee to start her day or exploring new restaurants around Johannesburg.

She also cherishes indulging in her favourite comfort food, chicken biryani, but embraces culinary adventures while travelling internationally.

For aspiring travel bloggers, Essop’s mantra stands as a powerful reminder:

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do,” a philosophy she embodies as she seizes every opportunity to explore the world.

As she embarks on new journeys both near and far, Essop remains an inspirational figure, encouraging others to explore the unknown and create lasting memories.