From Early Morning Safari to Airport Adventures: My Wild South African Journey

The adventure began at the crack of dawn, with a taxi whisking me away at 5 am to catch my flight to Johannesburg. Despite a slight delay, I arrived in Jo’burg around 7 am, ready to embark on an unforgettable journey. A vivasafari’s minibus awaited me, along with an eclectic group of fellow travelers – a Frenchman, an Argentinean-Irish duo, a South African couple, and four Americans. Our destination? Balule Plains Wildpark, a mere 6 to 7 hours’ drive away, with a pit stop for a communal meal along the way.

Arriving at Balule Plains Wildpark, I settled into my lodge, eager for the adventures ahead. Our first evening kicked off with a thrilling 3-hour Sunset Drive through the park, spotting a plethora of nocturnal creatures, from zebras to cheetahs. After an enjoyable dinner, it was an early night in preparation for the excitement of the next day.

Saturday morning dawned with a 4-hour trek through Balule Plains, escorted by armed rangers. Alongside a group of 15 fellow adventurers, we encountered various wildlife, including antelopes, hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys, while our knowledgeable guides shared insights into the park’s flora and fauna.

Following a hearty lunch, we spotted a group of wild boars and a vigilant jackal nearby. The afternoon brought a sunset tour, where we traversed the park in jeeps, encountering an abundance of antelopes and, unexpectedly, a majestic giraffe blocking our path.

Later, we journeyed to a nearby park where I would spend the night in a treehouse, surrounded by the buzz of insects beneath a thatched roof. It was a rustic experience, but one that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Sunday brought an early breakfast before a thrilling 40-minute drive to Kruger National Park, a long-awaited highlight of the trip. The weather cooperated, and the park did not disappoint, offering sightings of a myriad of wildlife, including impalas, baboons, eagles, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and an array of birds.

  • Cheetah spotting at night
  • Lion
  • Wildebeest
  • Kudu

Despite the abundance of sightings, I yearned to spot one of the Big Five. Thanks to our guide Isaac’s efforts, we finally encountered a magnificent lion, though a leopard had been spotted just minutes before our arrival. Nevertheless, it was a thrilling experience, rounding out an incredible day of wildlife encounters.

As evening fell, we reluctantly left the park, gathering for a communal dinner before retiring for the night. Monday brought a leisurely morning and a scenic drive to Johannesburg International Airport, punctuated by a stop at a picturesque waterfall and canyon viewpoint.

However, my return journey was not without its challenges. Flight delays tested my patience, with multiple setbacks prolonging my journey by several hours. Despite the frustrations, the trip had been worth every moment, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty and untamed wilderness of South Africa.

In the end, despite the mishaps and delays, I returned home with unforgettable memories and a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the African bush.