November 18, 2024
Working in travel sometimes has the odd perk, and as part of my TTG (Travel Trade Gazette) Sustainable Travel Ambassador training, I was invited to join a group of fellow travel agents on a once-in-a-lifetime, whirlwind trip to South Africa. It was a chance to experience not only the beauty of this incredible country but also to learn first hand about its efforts in wildlife conservation and community engagement, particularly through sustainable tourism practices.
My South African adventure began at Heathrow, where I met up with my fellow travellers. We flew overnight with Virgin Atlantic to Johannesburg, and while the flight was smooth and comfortable, it took nearly two hours to get through security after landing. Once in Johannesburg, though, the excitement started to build.
We stayed at the Maslow Hotel for one night, giving us just enough time to unwind by the pool and meet Johannes, our guide for the trip. Later that evening, we enjoyed a wonderful welcome meal together, our first taste of the vibrant flavours and warm hospitality South Africa is famous for.
The Journey to Greater Kruger
The next morning started early, our drive up to Greater Kruger would be a long one. On the way, we stopped at the breathtaking Three Rondavels viewpoint where the Blyde River Canyon unfolded before us in breathtaking beauty.. As one of the largest canyons in the world, it’s the kind of place that makes you pause, breathe, and appreciate the sheer beauty of nature and, standing at the edge of that dramatic landscape, it felt like South Africa was showing off its grandeur from the start.
After a traditional South African lunch, we headed further north, arriving at the HQ of the Black Mambas anti-poaching unit.
The Black Mambas are truly remarkable. This all-female anti-poaching unit is on the front line of protecting endangered wildlife, and they do much more than just patrol the bush. These women are educators, activists, and role models, showing their communities that wildlife protection is vital for the future. We spent the afternoon with them at their headquarters, learning about their work and joining them on a bush walk.
Walking through the wild with the Black Mambas was an unforgettable experience. They showed us how they search for snares and track poachers, and we even encountered a giraffe, reminding us just how close we were to nature. Their work is as much about protecting wildlife as it is about educating and empowering future generations. We even went on a bush walk with them, and at one point even encountered a curious giraffe!
As evening fell, we gathered around the campfire, sharing stories under a star-filled sky. The camp was simple but beautiful and, falling asleep in the bush with the sounds of the wild all around us, was an experience I’ll never forget. The distant roar of lions, the rustling of animals in the night—it was humbling to be so immersed in the untamed beauty of Africa.
Kubu Safari Lodge and Greater Kruger
The following day, after saying goodbye to the Black Mambas, we made our way to Kubu Safari Lodge, our base for the next two nights. The lodge was stunning and, just feet away from the pool, zebras were grazing at the nearby watering hole—a surreal experience.
That afternoon, we headed over to Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor for an afternoon game drive in the private reserve. As the sun set, we were treated to sightings of lions, elephants, wild dogs, and many more incredible animals. The highlight of the day was stopping by a watering hole for sundowners, watching the sun set over the African bush, while elephants roamed in the distance, was a moment of pure awe.
As night fell, the landscape transformed. We spotted nocturnal animals on the drive back and witnessed elephants using their incredible strength to push over trees, searching for the roots and bark beneath. The sheer noise they made and obvious power of these creatures, seen up close, was astonishing.
Kruger National Park – The Big Five
The following morning, the early start was worth it as we entered Kruger National Park just as the sun rose. We spent the entire day exploring, searching for the elusive Big Five. And we were lucky! We spotted elephants, rhinos, giraffes and, incredibly, a leopard!
One of the most memorable moments was seeing Kruger’s elusive white lion, Casper.Lunch was at the Oliphants Rest Camp, with a panoramic view overlooking the Limpopo River below. Watching hippos and giraffes roam along the riverbanks while we dined made for a peaceful break before we returned to our wildlife adventure.
We were one of the first groups into Kruger that morning and one of the last to leave, witnessing the sun set over the mountains as we headed back.
The day ended with another traditional South African braai at the lodge—this time with dancing, singing, and plenty of laughter around the fire, the perfect end to an exhilarating day.
Back to Johannesburg
The next morning, we began the long drive back to Johannesburg, stopping briefly at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a geological wonder. The sculpted rock formations and the stunning views made for an ideal photo stop before the final leg of our trip. That evening, we checked into our hotel for our last night in South Africa. It was a leisurely evening, filled with great food, a few drinks and lots of laughter as we recounted the incredible adventures we’d shared.
Soweto – A Welcoming Community with a Rich History
The following morning our heads may have been a little sore but, we packed our bags and checked out of the hotel however, our time in South Africa hadn’t quite finished.. Before heading to the airport for our flight home, we had one final experience: a tuk-tuk tour of Soweto.
Growing up, I’d heard plenty about Soweto in the news, often for all the wrong reasons. But this visit opened my eyes to the resilience, warmth, and hope of its people.
As we took a tuk-tuk tour through the vibrant streets I was struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone we met was. Despite the challenges of poverty, the sense of community in Soweto is strong, and the people are incredibly proud of their neighbourhood. Our guide shared stories of Soweto’s history, its role in the struggle against apartheid, and how it has transformed over the years.
We visited local landmarks, including Nelson Mandela’s former home, and learned about the township’s cultural significance. The pride and resilience of the people were truly inspiring. It’s a place that has known immense hardship, yet the people we met were full of optimism and hope for the future.
The tour ended with another traditional braai, and we were treated to more of that incredible South African hospitality. The warmth of the people we met in Soweto, their openness, and their generosity of spirit were a fitting end to a journey that had been so much more than I had even dared to imagine.
Reflections on South Africa
As I boarded the overnight flight back to the UK, I found myself reflecting on all the experiences we’d had. South Africa is a land of contrasts—wild, untamed landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and incredibly resilient and welcoming people. From the Black Mambas to the community in Soweto, South Africa left me with memories I’ll cherish forever. It’s a place that challenges your perceptions and leaves you feeling inspired, humbled, and deeply connected to its beauty and I can’t wait to go back again!!
