South Africa Safari! The Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and The Rhino).
South Africa (aka Mzansi) has always been one of my favorite places. Not just because I lived there for seven years, but because the country has so much to offer. What’s there not to like? The weather, wildlife, the gorgeous beaches, and the fact that it’s affordable too. Just to mention a few.
Johannesburg (aka Joburg, or Jozi) is the largest urban city in South Africa. Having lived there for seven years, and despite the fact that I’ve been back there two times within the past three years; I still believe this city still have so much more to offer.
Here’s the trip report of my last 2 visits:
After an 8 hours flight from Dubai on Emirates Airlines, I was excited to be back in my second home. This was a continuation of my 3 weeks of globetrotting. You can read more about my trip in Switzerland (link here).
OR Tambo International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Africa. This airport is one of the few airports that has a nonstop flight to six out of the seven continents.
O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
There are not so many South African restaurants around the world, hence they say you have to be in South Africa to truly enjoy South African food. The next morning, I began the day with a perfect brunch at Mugg & Bean. 
Breakfast at Mugg & Bean
South Africa has tons of Safari destinations. And, the Big Five (AfricanLion,AfricanLeopard, AfricanElephant,CapeBuffalo, and TheRhino(either white or black)) is one of the most-memorable experience one can have.
After about an hour (40m/65km) drive from Sandton to Lion & Safari Parkin Hartebeespoort, I decided to have a detour with a stopover first at The Elephant Sanctuary. Hartebeesport falls under North West Province.
Located on Hartebeespoort Dam, this sanctuary offers its visitors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch, walk with, and feed the elephants. You can as well ride on the elephants, or better yet get a special kiss from the elephants. Yes, you read that right. A special kiss from the elephants. 
A pose for pictures with the African Elephants
Lion & Safari Park:
Lion & Safari Park boasts 600 hectares wilderness reserve situated in the Hartebeespoort, Magaliesburg and Cradle of Humankindarea. This safari gives you an opportunity to get side by side with a lot of South Africa’s most iconic animals. They offer Guided Tours with different animals like Lion, Cheetah, Hyena, Leopard, etc. You can also do the self-drives tour whereby you drive around the park in your own car through the lion and wild dog enclosures.
The sign at the restroom showing Men (Lions) & Women (Lionesses)
Hanging out with the lions: the strongest of beasts, which fears not the meeting of any man
Roarrrrrrrr
Play time with the King of the Jungle
There are also other animals onsite. One could hear the African Wild Dog (Wolf) barking from afar off. Driving away in that caged truck, 2 giraffes came to say hello to us. Being the tallest living terrestrial, seeing them from the distance was made easy.
Giraffe: the tallest living terrestrial animal and the largest ruminant
After a long day of spending some quality time with the wild animals at the Lion and Safari Park, I felt I still haven’t had enough of what this neighborhood has to offer. I headed out to Sun City. Thoughts of using one stone to kill two birds.
The 90-minutes drive from Hartebeesport to Sun City was packed with adventures of itself, with lots of breathtaking and scenic views along the way. Sun City is a world of itself within a city. A premium destination with tons of attractions, and kids friendly.
The Valley of Waves at this resort is one of the advanced water parks of the world. The legendary Roaring Lagoon is still the undisputed main attraction at the Sun City’s famous water park.
Selfie time. Welcome to Sun City
MAZE OF THE LOST CITY:
Constructed to resemble a semi-ruined Mayan stone maze, in keeping with the theme of The Lost City and the Valley of the Waves. This Maze covers an area of 23700 square foot. The maze is accessible by first crossing a 300 feet long suspension bridge from the Sun City Entertainment Center. This too challenging, yet too easy is a must if you’re ever in Sun City. Good experience and great fun for everyone.
By the way, did I mentioned I was going round and round in circles? Smiles! But eventually i made it out. Once you get to the Maze Bar, then you have found your way out.
Find your way out. The Maze of the Lost City
To access the Maze, you first cross this 300 feet long suspension bridge
While in downtown Yeoville to catch up with some old friends, we decided to stop by at a Nigerian restaurant. Being one of my favorite Nigerian delicacies which I don’t get to eat often; Amala and Efo Riro with assorted meats (Fermented Yam Dumpling & Spinach served with spiced palm oil-based soup). 
Amala & Efo Riro (Fermented Yam Dumpling & Spinach served with spiced palm oil-based soup)
The trip to South Africa is never completed without a stop at the Nelson Mandela Square. Situated in Sandton, Johannesburg. The former Sandton Square, now named after the former President of South Africa and anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandelain March 2004. Mandela Square (as popularly called) is one of the most popular dining and shopping destinations in Johannesburg.
A very popular place for tourists who wants to take a picture with the 20ft tall statue of Nelson Mandela. Morning or evening, the Nelson Mandela Square is always bubbling and bustling. The Sandton City Mall, one of Africa’s leading and prestigious shopping mall offers an unparalleled shopping experience that combines the world’s most desirable brands.
There are also numerous hotels in and around here. Hotels like Michelangelo Towers, DaVinci, Hilton Sandton, Protea by Marriott, and many more.
Nelson Mandela Square
A pose for picture with Nelson Mandela Statue, while chanting Amandla, Awethu
CAPE TOWN:
When Cape Town is mentioned, there are certain places that comes to mind. Places like Table Mountain, Robben Island (the prison that once held Nelson Mandela) Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach, Camps Bay Beach, and many others.
Aerial view of the City of Cape Town
The city of Cape Town is a port-city on South Africa’s southwest coast. Seated on a peninsula beneath Table Mountain(one of the new seven wonders of the world).
Being the most iconic landmark in South Africa, Table Mountain has become the single most welcoming icon not only to locals, but travelers from all around the world. It is also South Africa’s most-photographed attraction.
After using the cableway to get to the top of the mountain, here I stand amaze at the wonders of the work of God. This is Africa, our very own.
Standing at the top of Table Mountain. One of the 7 Wonders of Nature
It is often said that “if you haven’t been to Mama Africa, you haven’t been to Cape Town. Established in 1995 as a celebration of South Africa’s new democracy and of the vibrant diversity and hospitality of the African continent. Since her opening, Mama (as often called) has served as an oasis for tourists and locals alike to meet, eat, drink and interact in a warm welcoming environment. Honestly, the meal I had at Mama was the most unique experience during my visit to Cape Town. The lamb curry soup and pap was one of the best I’ve ever had.
You haven’t been to Cape Town if you haven’t been to Mama Africa
Since it was summer in South Africa (this was in January), and the weather was perfect for the beach. Boulders Beach is a bit further away from Table Mountain (about an hour drive), while Camps Bay Beach is just about 15 minutes away. I headed out to Camps Bay Beach. With Table Mountain in the backdrop, I must say this beach is a must-see whenever you’re in the area.
Enjoying that African Sun at the Camps Bay Beach
In conclusion:
Although I usually rent a car or have a car available for me to get around during every of my stay in South Africa, but I must say that Uber is one of the best modes of transportation in Mzansi. And the good thing is, it is very affordable, and also available in most cities of South Africa.
There are many affordable hotels all around South Africa, and these hotels are very safe. Hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton have their presence in the major cities. AirBnB also offer safe and affordable accommodation.
Lastly, travelling to Africa generally requires a bit of extra preparation. Plan your trip accordingly. Even though I lived in South Africa for seven years and have also been there a couple of times since relocated, I always apply some safety practices whenever I visit. Be smart and be safe. Happy travels!
Have you travelled to South Africa before? If yes, what was your experience like?
Leave me a comment / suggestion below.
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Nigeria-born, California-based.
Kayode currently holds higher status on multiple airlines and hotel programs. He has visited 4 continents, 30 countries, and 35 of the 50 US states.
He began his adventure journey after selling his first cellphone ever, and used the money to apply for his first passport. He said to himself, “I’d rather have a passport than a cellphone”. And since then, he has been globetrotting.
