After months of anticipation, I finally packed my bags for a long-awaited journey to South Africa, a country that has been calling my name for years. The adventure began with an overnight flight from Heathrow to Johannesburg, landing early in the morning, a little bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement.
A Warm Welcome in Johannesburg
A lot of clients ask me if they should stay in Johannesburg or move straight on…. I decided to stay and decide for myself. Johannesburg is situated 1700 metres above sea level so, believe it or not, there is some acclimatization to do.
For the first two nights, I checked into the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg and what a gem it turned out to be. Nestled in the leafy suburb of Sandton, this elegant property feels like a peaceful retreat from the city’s buzz. Each suite has its own distinctive character, and the grounds are simply stunning, manicured gardens, fountains, and tranquil courtyards that instantly make you feel at home.
Our first day was all about slowing down and adjusting to the South African rhythm. After the long flight, we spent a lazy day lounging by the pool, soaking up the sunshine, and indulging in a delicious lunch on the terrace. Jet lag melted away with each sip of chilled wine and the soft hum of birds in the background, the perfect start to our trip.
Sunday Jazz and Soul at Sanctuary Mandela
On our second day, we made our way to Sanctuary Mandela for a Sunday Jazz Afternoon, and it was a highlight of the city stay. Located in the former home of Nelson Mandela, this boutique hotel and restaurant pay tribute to his legacy through thoughtful design, warm hospitality, and a strong sense of history. Sitting in the garden, listening to live jazz, and enjoying South African cuisine felt truly special an experience that blended culture, music, and emotion in the most beautiful way.
By Monday morning, it was time to balance out the indulgence! We headed over to Parklife Wanderers, a local CrossFit gym, to get our fitness fix. It’s always fun to see how the CrossFit community thrives around the world, and this gym was full of energy and friendly faces. A great reminder that no matter where you are, there’s always room for a little sweat before the next adventure.
So would I recommend my clients visit Johannesburg, absolutely, even if it is just rest and recuperate for a night before venturing on to your safari lodge or self-drive holiday.
Onward to the Wild: Pilanesberg National Park
After our workout, we were picked up and driven three hours north to Pilanesberg National Park, our base for the next few days of safari magic. The drive itself was scenic, with rolling hills and glimpses of rural life along the way, and before long we arrived at our next stop: Shepherd’s Tree Lodge. Shepherd’s Tree Lodge is tucked away in a private concession within Pilanesberg and is absolutely breathtaking. The lodge blends seamlessly with its surroundings, offering panoramic views over the bushveld and a sense of calm that’s hard to describe. Each suite opens out onto a private deck, the perfect spot for morning coffee or watching animals wander by. The food, service, and spa were exceptional, but it’s the twice-daily game drives that truly steal the show.
Every day began before sunrise with coffee and biscuits, followed by an early morning game drive through the park. As the sun peeked over the hills, we spotted elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and an incredible array of birds. In the evenings, we headed out again for sundowners, that wonderful safari tradition of stopping at a scenic spot to enjoy a drink while watching the sunset over the bush. Pure magic.
Across the Park to Ivory Tree Lodge
After two unforgettable nights, we made our way across the park to the sister property, Ivory Tree Lodge for another two-night stay. While the style here was slightly different, the atmosphere was just as welcoming. The lodge has a lively feel with a beautiful central area, open boma, and spacious rooms designed with comfort in mind. The game viewing in this part of the park was fantastic. We saw just about everything in Pilanesberg including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, cheetah and even an elusive leopard. The only animals that escaped us were the lions! But that’s the beauty of safari, nature plays by its own rules.
About Pilanesberg National Park
For those unfamiliar, Pilanesberg National Park is a true hidden gem. Just a few hours from Johannesburg, it’s set within an extinct volcanic crater, creating a dramatic landscape that’s both rugged and beautiful. It’s a malaria-free reserve, making it ideal for families and first-time safari-goers, and its home to an incredible diversity of wildlif, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). The park is open to the public, which means it can get quite busy on weekends and during school holidays, especially when word spreads about a predator sighting. On one occasion, we saw up to 15 vehicles gathered to catch a glimpse of a leopard, a reminder that this is a popular reserve with fewer restrictions on animal viewing than some of the private parks. Still, the experience of being surrounded by nature, with elephants crossing the road and impalas grazing just metres away, is something truly special.
Into the Heart of the Wild: Welgevonden Game Reserve
From Pilanesberg, we continued our journey, driving another three hours north to the magnificent Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province, a 37,500-hectare private, malaria-free reserve that perfectly balances luxury and conservation. The emphasis here is on privacy and preservation. Welgevonden has strict wildlife viewing regulations, allowing no more than four vehicles at a sighting and maintaining limited visitor numbers to protect both the animals and the environment. It’s also home to the Big Five, along with one of the largest white rhino populations in Africa, a truly remarkable conservation success story. The landscape here is mind-blowing: a dramatic mix of mountains, deep valleys, and wide-open plains, creating breathtaking views at every turn.
A Hidden Haven: Tshwene Lodge
Our home in Welgevonden was Tshwene Lodge, part of the Rare Earth collection, and what a special place it was. With only five rooms, accommodating a maximum of ten guests, it felt wonderfully intimate and exclusive. Each suite is tucked into the hillside and offers sweeping views over the treetops, complete with a private deck where you can watch baboons or even elephants wander below.
The lodge blends rustic charm with understated luxury, open-air lounges, warm earthy tones, and a cozy firepit where stories are shared under starlit skies. The staff were exceptional, creating a sense of family and connection that made it hard to leave. Meals were beautifully prepared and enjoyed to the soundtrack of the African bush, cicadas, nightjars, and the occasional distant roar of a lion.
Our three nights here were peaceful yet adventurous, filled with incredible sightings, deep rest, and that indescribable feeling of being completely immersed in nature. We were rewarded on our last day with a sighting of the king of the jungle, a male lion, the icing on the cake to a wonderful 7 nights on safari.
After an unforgettable stay, we reluctantly packed our bags and began the journey back to Johannesburg for our flight home, our hearts full, our cameras overflowing, and our spirits recharged by the wild beauty of South Africa.
My Reflections and Recommendations
If there is one thing I took away from this trip, it is that a South African safari is not about how many stars your lodge has, it is about where you are, and how it makes you feel.
The real luxury lies in the experience itself: waking up to the sounds of the bush, watching elephants at sunrise, and feeling the stillness of nature all around you.
It is also about comfort, not in terms of thread counts or spa menus, but in being at ease with how your safari is run. Some people prefer the buzz of a busy park with lots of vehicles and action, while others find their peace in private reserves where encounters are more intimate and respectful of the animals.
My recommendation? Choose your safari for the location and the experience not the number of stars. You are paying for access to extraordinary wilderness, for the knowledge of expert guides, and for the privilege of being part of something raw, wild, and unforgettable.
Farewell to the Bush
After an unforgettable stay, we reluctantly packed our bags and began the journey back to Johannesburg for our flight home, our hearts full, our cameras overflowing, and our spirits recharged by the wild beauty of South Africa.
A Final Word
From the chic calm of Fairlawns to the soulful sounds at Sanctuary Mandela, the energy of CrossFit Johannesburg, and the breathtaking wildlife experiences of Pilanesberg and Welgevonden, this trip captured everything I love about South Africa, its warmth, diversity, and ability to surprise you at every turn.
If you have been dreaming of a trip that combines luxury, adventure, and authenticity, South Africa delivers it all and then some.
Until the next adventure…
