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How and why South Africa?
Taking part in a safari had been my dream since childhood. I’ve watched a countless number of National Geographic shows, so savannahs, rainforests, safaris, Africa — they were all on my list of goals.
I didn’t have a specific time or place set for the trip, but I often watch cheap flight deals and gather ideas. My aim is to travel over my own and my husband’s birthdays, so I orient myself around exactly that time and countries that suit it. The dream of going on safari came alive when I spotted cheap flights from Vilnius to Johannesburg.
I bought the flight tickets without thinking long, and started planning the trip to South Africa on my own.
The trip in brief
Duration: 12 days (not counting flight time).
Flights: VNO – IST – JNB (Vilnius – Istanbul – Johannesburg).
Main goal: the Big Five and Cape Town.
Johannesburg
Even though this city is considered one of the most dangerous in the world, that information should be viewed critically. Of course, it’s worth looking into which districts are safer, not walking the streets at night, not openly using your phone, and not flaunting expensive accessories.
It’s a city that, in my opinion, deserves a chance. It holds within it all the attributes of any big city, but also Africa’s poverty, which makes it very contrasting. It’s a city where you can stroll through the most luxurious shops, but just a few dozen kilometres away watch children running around the slums.
Although Johannesburg was only a transit stop from which we flew on to other places, we still gave the city two nights. It was our first time in this country, so it was interesting to see the city’s different sides. What to do in Johannesburg — you’ll find it in my guide.
Safari
The biggest and most popular game reserve in South Africa is Kruger National Park, but malaria is fairly widespread there. We had to decide whether to take anti-malaria medication or look for a place without malaria. The nice thing is that South Africa has such an abundance of different reserves that, depending on what you want to see, you can pick the one that suits you best.
The transfer to the park was very comfortable: free cold water, breaks at petrol stations, calm music and a driver who communicated according to the guests’ wishes. It’s important to mention that once you leave the city, there’s no signal — especially as you approach the park. That’s important to know if you’re driving to the park on your own. Anyone who doesn’t want to drive or be driven can fly in on small private planes. Of course, that service is far more expensive.
When we entered the park, the whole environment changed: dirt roads, lots of vegetation and animals appearing. You have to drive very carefully and know the basic safety rules — for example, if an elephant blocks the road, never try to shoo it off; wait until it moves. Angry elephants can charge a car.
Our hotel was a local-community-run tented camp beside a river. The tents have all the comforts and are set up quite privately. Monkeys often circle the tent, so you’re advised not to leave tents open. The whole territory is fenced, so larger animals can’t wander in.
The camp has a common area with a restaurant, bar and pool. You can simply sit in the pool and watch the animals coming down to the river. By the way, they have their own schedule, so they always come at the same time.
That’s exactly what we did — waited for the room to be ready and rested by the pool, watching the animals come. I don’t know if there could be anything better in such a remote place!
The camp organises game drives twice a day. Although sitting in a vehicle for 3 hours doesn’t seem like hard work, it’s quite tiring. It’s also worth mentioning that the vehicle is open, so both early in the morning and late in the evening it gets chilly, the wind blows constantly and the sun beats down.
On the first day, after checking into the hotel, we went to look around the grounds, and just at that moment a herd of elephants came to drink. The sight is unrepeatable — and you don’t have to go anywhere!
The first drive was wonderful, because I hadn’t expected you could see so many animals in a few hours. The Big Five are: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo.
The first from this list we met were African buffalo. They’re considered some of the most dangerous animals in the savannah, live in herds and easily deal with lions.
The animals are used to vehicles, so you can drive up very close to them. The big catches of the first day: buffalo, zebras, elephants, giraffes, a rhino. And with the herd of elephants came a baby just 2 days old! We’d see this little one on the hotel grounds too, when it came to drink and bathe in the river. It’s lovely to watch how tenderly the herd protects and helps the baby. Since a calf that age can’t control its trunk well yet, they simply play with it.
The guide chose a remote, safe spot to stop. Guides communicate with each other by radio, so they know where to look for which animals and where you can safely get out of the vehicle. We saw off the sun with a cup of tea, and my dream of going on safari was fulfilled. And that was only day one!
The night was very interesting, because the tent doesn’t hold back sound, so you could hear the whole animal world — especially when an elephant forced its way through the forest. I won’t lie, it was unsettling. In the morning the hotel reception always calls the room and wakes you for the first drive. After a quick breakfast, we climb into the jeeps and race off to watch the animals. It’s still not light when we set out, so greeting the sunrise in such wonderful nature is magical.
The next day’s morning “catch”: hyenas, impalas, a herd of giraffes, a lioness, a rhino, a cheetah, a wildebeest.
There aren’t many lions, rhinos or cheetahs in this reserve, so finding them is every guide’s challenge. The guide had seen a leopard only twice in his whole career, so we had no expectations of finding such a rare, well-hidden animal. But even without it, there were plenty of animals!
After a few hours we returned to camp for lunch and a short rest. And right after lunch, a herd of elephants comes to the nearby river to bathe. Complete magic to sit on an outdoor sofa and watch it.
When the safaris wear you out, this hotel is perfect for watching herds of animals from its grounds without going anywhere. That’s especially convenient if you’re travelling with children.
On the evening drive we calmly watched the animals coming to drink at a waterhole. It’s interesting to see how some animals guard against others — the elephants reign completely. While they’re at the water, no one dares approach. A hyena also circled around, trying to hunt a warthog. Most people know this animal as Pumbaa from the cartoon “The Lion King”.
The day ends with a sunset over the savannah and dinner at the camp. Although you don’t have to do anything physical on the drives, they tire you out enough that sleep after all the fresh air is very sweet.
And again an early morning, and again we’re on the road. Right from the start we managed to meet a male lion, so the day was already off to a good start. It’s one of the reserve’s animals there aren’t many of and which are hard to come across. Sometimes it’s strange to see how animals stay completely calm while at least a few jeeps of tourists circle around them. It’s clear who the real masters of the savannah are.
Back from the morning drive, we spent time watching elephants and cooling off in the pool. The naughty monkeys tried to steal my flip-flops, so it’s important to guard your things. With some effort I managed to get the flip-flop back by showing I’d give another object in exchange. Since it was my husband’s birthday that day, at lunch the staff brought a cake with dancing and singing and congratulated him. Very sweet! The other hotel guests joined in the wishes too. The evening drive held no special discoveries — we simply enjoyed the variety of animals — and back at camp we had dinner outside by the fires, tasted grilled meat and ate the birthday cake. The hotel organises fireside dinners once a week, so we were very lucky that that day happened to fall for us. It’s very cosy to dine outdoors, in the dark with lanterns, eating tasty food.
The last morning drive was a farewell to a wonderful animal world. The guide got word from other guides that a lion was catching prey, but we arrived already at the lion’s breakfast. We drove up close enough to see it eating the impala it had caught. I don’t know if you can call it admiring, but I feel I saw everything I wanted on this safari. We saw most of Africa’s Big Five, though a hippo was still in my dreams — but it doesn’t live in this park. There’ll be a chance to come back to this country.
After the safari we moved on to explore Cape Town.
Cape Town
Cape Town is a wonderful city where mountains meet the ocean and different cultures come together. In this city both budget travellers and lovers of luxury will find something to do — from hikes to wine tastings.
Our goal was to explore the city a little more calmly, but at the same time to visit Cape Town’s most famous spots, taste good food and wine. And we managed it! If you want to try it too but save time on planning, grab my ready-made SOUTH AFRICA GUIDE.
During our stay we chose different activities so we’d get to know the culture, see wonderful natural sights, rest, and return home not worn out. And below — views that will stay in memory for a long time.
My impressions
- I would repeat it, repeat it, and repeat it again.
- Cape Town became my favourite city I’ve ever visited, one where I’d gladly even live.
- The people are very helpful, kind and always in good spirits.
- The level of safety is no different from other big cities in the world.
- Prices are very similar to home, and maybe even cheaper compared with the quality.
- A safari is a must.
- A great place for whale watching, but you should check when the right time is.
And if you’re interested in another exotic country, read about my independent trip to Peru — Machu Picchu, the Amazon and practical tips.
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Travel Without Chaos: South Africa — 13-Day Itinerary Without a Car (+ Safari)
South Africa in 13 Days: PDF Guide with Itinerary and Travel Tips
