Southern African Journey Log 1: Jetlag, Jo'burg, and Journeying
For the next two weeks, we will be traveling through Southern African countries, embarking on a new chapter of our travel journey. We started booking hotels and flights only a month in advance, so we weren’t sure if we could finalize everything before departure. In fact, some details were left incomplete, forcing us to adjust our schedule on the go. Nevertheless, today marks the first day of our two-week adventure, and there's no turning back.
We arrived early in the morning at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg after a grueling 24-hour flight. Though it was our first time flying with South African Airways, the journey was hassle-free. Exhausted and hoping to rest, we soon realized our hotel was over two hours away, so we decided to hit the road quickly. Besides, stories of Joburg's risks—stolen luggage and even armed robberies near the airport—added urgency, especially since we were traveling with toddlers. At the rental car office, we faced another challenge: a long queue. Additionally, because we planned to cross the South African border with our rental car, we needed extra paperwork, including a letter of authorization from the rental company on official letterhead, vehicle registration documents, third-party insurance proof, and cross-border GPS settings.
Almost three hours after landing, we finally left the airport. Our ride, a Toyota Rush SUV, turned out to be reliable and comfortable throughout the trip. We maintained heightened vigilance until we passed downtown Johannesburg. After an hour of driving, traffic thinned, and we started to relax. Driving on South Africa's major roads was straightforward, with great weather adding to the ease. August is winter here in the southern hemisphere, but a hoodie and long pants kept us warm during the day.
Our destination for the next few days was Sun City, a resort situated in South Africa's North West Province, near Pilanesberg National Park. Established in 1979, Sun City is often called "Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure." It offers an array of attractions, including four hotels, a casino, world-class golf courses, and diverse dining options. Families, couples, and adventure-seekers all find something to enjoy here. The Valley of Waves, a massive water park with artificial beaches and thrilling slides, is a highlight. For wildlife enthusiasts, Pilanesberg National Park offers a chance to see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Sun City’s cultural offerings, such as traditional cuisine and local crafts, further enrich the experience.
We skipped pit stops on the drive, still feeling nervous about roadside safety. Looking back, I may have been overly influenced by the cautionary tales I'd read online, but exercising care when traveling in a new country is always wise. By early afternoon, we arrived at Sun City. The resort was as grand as any mega-resort, and our room was spacious and comfortable. After a quick check-in, we wasted no time and headed straight to the nearby Crocodile Sanctuary.
The Crocodile Sanctuary at Sun City is both a conservation and educational facility, home to Nile crocodiles and other reptiles like turtles and tortoises. Visitors can learn about crocodiles’ behavior and biology through guided tours and feeding demonstrations. The sanctuary emphasizes the importance of habitat preservation while offering interactive experiences, such as viewing crocodile eggs and hatchlings. It’s a memorable stop for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
We didn’t book a private tour or join a group, but we fully enjoyed the sanctuary. Watching the crocodiles being fed was fascinating. Their biting sounds—like the thud of a heavy wooden hammer hitting a stake—were unexpectedly loud and unforgettable. Reading about a crocodile's 3,000-pound bite force in books is one thing, but witnessing their sheer power in person is another.
After a couple of hours at the sanctuary, we strolled around the Sun City Resort. We explored the Maze of the Old City, played in the children’s playground, grabbed some food, and ended the day with an early night. Tomorrow begins a series of full-day adventures, and we couldn’t be more excited.
