You can’t come to South Africa and not visit one or two of its many National Parks. In this article, I will bring you along to see what it was like to be in awe of all the natural beauty. Also, check out my post on the Apartheid Museum and Soweto for more South African content.
Lion & Safari Park
From the Johannesburg/Sandton area, this particular Lion & Safari Park was about an hour away. By the time we arrived, it was around 11 am. The idea of this park is to be around indigenous animals while they are able to move around in their natural environment. It allows visitors to get as close as possible but still be safe from harm.
The vehicle we were in was an enclosed truck that had bars around the windows. We could take pictures and video but you had to angle your camera just right in order to bypass the bars. In certain areas we drove through, there was staff around to open up different entrances to another section of the park.
I am not a city girl, but I was not raised on a farm either. However, being out in this environment was so serene and beautiful. It brought a sense of peace around you. We weren’t the only ones on this path as there were other viewing vehicles with other groups, so you never felt like you were on your own.
The tour guide we had gave us specific instructions regarding how to interact with the animals. This is not the first time the animals have seen people, so usually they are just lying down resting and looking unbothered. Our tour guide asked us not to yell at the animals or make those kissing noises like you do for your house pets because it’s not going to work. Yelling just makes them go further into hiding.
The tour guide stopped and let us out of the vehicle to another area of the park. This had more of a zoo vibe because the animals were behind the fence and we were on the outside. Here we had the opportunity to see wild dogs and hyenas.
During that walk, I captured a beautiful moment where the mountain met the sky. That was such a peaceful moment for me and I could have just stayed in that moment for the rest of the day.
As the day went on, we stopped at another scenic area within the park that had a river where you could relax and take some pictures. The temperature was perfect at around 75-80 degrees with a nice breeze. This was a nice mid-way stop throughout our day.
Of course, with any major park, there is a gift shop on the way out so we were able to pick up a few things. It was different as there were 5 pods that were connected by a walkway. Each pod had different items for sale and then once you exited you could pay at the last pod.
Pilanesberg Private Game Reserve
The next day we went on a full-day safari with a guide at the Pilanesberg National Park. It is home to the Big 5. What is the Big 5 you ask? The Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. This game reserve was bigger and further away than the Lion Park. It took almost 2 hours to drive from the Johannesburg/Sandton area.
Because it takes a few hours to drive, we made a quick stop at a quick shop that also had a KFC. There are many of the same restaurants here that are back in the States. So if you are ever in South Africa and are craving an American-type restaurant, they have these in South Africa as well. It may not be the same exact ingredients, but you’ll at least feel a sense of familiarity.
The vehicle we were in this time was slightly different. It was still a truck but the sides were open and I had a better view without the confines of bars on the windows and the weather was perfect. All sunshine and no rain in sight.
The animals were doing what they do best. Ignoring us and going on with their day-to-day. But that’s what you want when you are out in their environment. We were able to capture animals roaming and even being chased. One of my favorite pictures I captured was of a zebra just stopping in the middle of our path. I’d never been this close to one without it being in some zoo in the States.
After our time was up with our first guide, we got back into our regular driver’s van and continued on with seeing more animals on the game reserve. One highlight was seeing a Cheetah chase a gazelle and then have it for dinner.
Lunch was at the Bakubung Bush Lodge. In this location, you can stay in their lodges or just come for lunch and dinner with a great view of the grounds.
After lunch, we made a pit stop to see a property that one could purchase or rent out. It’s a little too far out for me, but it was beautiful and the thought of having animals like the Big 5 just roam in the back of your home is intriguing. If anyone ever thinks that South Africa is just huts, tell them to go back and do their research.
If you are ever in the Pilanesberg National Park, look up Kgabo Safaris for a tour. We didn’t have him as our first guide, but he was sharing a little bit about his journey when we got back. The truck you see has a similar layout to the one we were on where the sides are out.
Overall this was a great experience. I never thought of myself as someone who would enjoy nature like this because I’m not fond of just going to zoos, but this was enjoyable. If you are physically capable of coming to one of these national parks, then I would recommend it.
It’s such a large area that you can’t see everything in one day, but we got the highlights. By the time we got home from Pilanesberg it was close to 10 pm, so be prepared for a long day ahead if you are planning to visit.
Key takeaways
- You can’t see everything in one day and that’s okay.
- Bring water and snacks on your journey.
- There are no easily accessible restrooms within the park so plan accordingly.
- The Bush Lodge Restaurant had buffet style for lunch.
- Bring sunscreen and bug spray. The sun is hot early in the morning and you don’t have an enclosure to protect yourself.
