Southern African Journey Log 2: Sunlit Mornings, Roaring Cats, and Safari Trails
Our second day in South Africa began with a classic English breakfast. The dining area was spacious and bathed in natural sunlight, making for a calm and refreshing start to the day. I’m not a fan of crowded breakfast rooms bustling with tourists and servers, so this tranquil setting was perfect.
Our first stop was Akwaaba Lodge & Predator Park, located less than an hour south of Sun City. This unique destination near Rustenburg combines luxury accommodation with thrilling wildlife experiences. While we didn’t stay at the lodge, its Predator Park was the highlight of our visit. The park is home to an impressive variety of big cats, including leopards, white tigers, cheetahs, and lions, alongside other wildlife. Guided tours offer close-up views of these majestic animals and emphasize the importance of conservation.
Walking through the park, we got remarkably close to leopards and white tigers, much closer than you would at a traditional zoo. The kids were thrilled to see these massive creatures roaming just beyond the fences. Later, we entered a separate area to meet lions up close. Adults interacted with adult lions, while the kids met cubs. Our son was fascinated by the cubs, but our daughter was less enthused—she cried hard, clearly overwhelmed by the experience. The adult lions, though well-fed and tamed, sent chills down my spine when one locked eyes with me. It's a reminder of their raw power and why caution is crucial. These experiences are thrilling, but they come with inherent risks, so visitors should always be mindful and enter at their own discretion.
The afternoon was spent at Pilanesberg National Park, conveniently located next to Sun City. This game reserve is set within the crater of an ancient volcano, offering a stunning geological backdrop for a diverse range of wildlife. Known for hosting the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), Pilanesberg is also home to over 7,000 animal species and 300 bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.
Unlike guided safaris, we opted for a self-drive experience. While guided tours often provide fascinating insights and help you spot elusive animals, we wanted the thrill of discovering wildlife on our own. The park’s infrastructure made it easy; roads are well-maintained, and paths are clearly marked, even for first-time visitors.
During our three-hour adventure, we encountered giraffes, elephants, zebras, rhinos, and blue wildebeests in abundance. The park's breathtaking scenery—rolling hills, open savannahs, and lush valleys—made every stop a delight for both wildlife viewing and photography. Starting from the Bakubung Gate and exiting via the Bakgatla Gate took us three and a half hours due to the numerous stops we made, captivated by the animals we encountered.
As the park closed at 6:30 p.m., we wrapped up the day with a sense of awe and fulfillment. Tomorrow, we head further northwest to explore private safari experiences—an exciting new chapter in our adventure awaits!
