By Rona, Sun Centre Travel & Holidays
On 7 February, my South African adventure officially began as we landed at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, flying with South African Airways. We even arrived slightly ahead of schedule, and I have to say, it was one of the most comfortable long-haul flights I’ve experienced (and no, not in business class!). I managed almost six hours of sleep, which is a win in my books.
Stepping into the airport and being welcomed by a towering image of Nelson Mandela felt incredibly symbolic, and a powerful introduction to a country with such an incredible story to tell.
From the moment we landed, we were looked after beautifully by Federal Airlines. Delicious food, comfortable facilities and the chance to freshen up set the tone for what would be an unforgettable journey.
We then met our Drifters crew and our trusty truck (affectionately named “Lazza”) and began heading south toward the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains. A picnic stop at Sterkfontein Dam, one of the largest earth-fill dams in the country, gave us our first taste of South Africa’s vast and dramatic landscapes before settling in at Alpine Heath Resort for two nights.
Day two brought adventure: a 14km hike through Tugela Gorge to the base of the world’s second tallest waterfall, Tugela Falls. Forested paths, river crossings and boulder hopping, it was spectacular.
Confession time: I made it 3km before calling it a day! But I was incredibly proud for giving it a go. Sometimes the achievement is simply in showing up.
After leaving the Drakensberg, we stopped at Howick Falls before visiting the deeply moving Nelson Mandela Museum. Walking through the exhibits and tracing Mandela’s journey to freedom was powerful and emotional, a true reminder of resilience and leadership.
We spent the evening at ANEW Hotel in Hilton, enjoying generous hospitality (we were completely spoiled on this trip!) before heading toward the coast.
Next stop: Umhlanga, near Durban. We stayed at Capital Pearls with sweeping coastal views. While the ocean was a little rough for swimming, I happily opted for some retail therapy instead!
We also visited the iconic The Oyster Box, a hotel rich in history and elegance. The hospitality and cuisine were exceptional. South Africa truly knows how to make visitors feel welcome.
From the coast, we travelled to St Lucia and embraced a new experience for me — camping! While I’ve confirmed I’m not quite a camper at heart, spotting zebras roaming freely made every moment worthwhile.
We then journeyed to Sungulwane Private Game Lodge for two unforgettable nights. Along the way, we stopped at a local village to deliver donations and were welcomed with heartfelt hospitality and traditional dancing, a highlight that reminded me how travel connects us beyond sightseeing.
An unexpected challenge arose when our bus became stuck in the sand, but thanks to our incredible driver and guide, we were soon back on track.
That afternoon, we headed out on safari, and what an experience. I saw four of the Big Five: elephants, buffalo, lions and rhino. Watching them roam freely in their natural habitat was exhilarating and deeply humbling. We also spotted giraffes, wildebeest, impala, nyala, and more zebras (my favourites!).
The following morning’s sunrise safari brought even more magic, including a family of cheetahs moving gracefully through the bush. Seeing wildlife in the wild, not in a zoo or behind a fence, is something I will never forget.
Day nine began with one more magical morning game drive, because truly, you can never have too many safari moments. There is something impossible to describe about being out in the bush at sunrise, the air crisp, the light golden, wildlife moving quietly through their natural home. It’s a feeling you have to experience to fully understand.
Back at Sungulwane Private Game Lodge, I was surprised with a beautiful birthday cake before we said our goodbyes, yes, it was my birthday! Celebrating in the African wilderness is something I will never forget. What a place to mark another year around the sun.
From there, we journeyed north into the heart of Zululand, arriving at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The scenery shifted once again — rolling hills, wild bushland and that unmistakable sense of being somewhere truly special. After lunch, we headed out for another afternoon game drive and were rewarded with even more incredible wildlife sightings. Every drive felt different, every encounter unique.
Day ten brought an early wake-up call for one final game viewing. None of us wanted it to end. There’s a quiet magic about safari mornings, the anticipation, the stillness, the thrill of what might appear around the next bend.
After our last wildlife adventure, we made our way to Richards Bay Airport to fly back to Johannesburg. We checked into the luxurious DaVinci Hotel and Suites in Sandton, a stunning contrast to our safari lodges and the perfect way to wrap up the journey.
But South Africa had a few more surprises for us. We ventured into the vibrant Newtown precinct to explore its incredible street art scene, where bold murals and powerful imagery tell modern stories of culture and identity. It was fascinating and full of energy.
The last few days were spent at the iconic Sun City Resort, where Rona enjoyed time relaxing and exploring this world-famous entertainment and leisure destination. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, it was the perfect place to unwind after an incredible African journey.
Then it was time to begin the journey home to Melbourne, but not before a truly memorable farewell lunch aboard the elegant Rovos Rail, a fittingly luxurious end to a remarkable adventure. The food was exceptional, the atmosphere warm, and it felt like the perfect farewell to an extraordinary adventure.
If you would like to learn more about holidaying in South Africa, please reach out to the team at Sun Centre Travel & Holidays on travel@suncentretravel.com.au.
