Posted on: 02 July 2024 | Written by: Remi Guiot
Introduction:
In June 2024, two groups from the Go Tourism team embarked on an incredible journey across South Africa. Each day was packed with visits and site inspections that immersed us in the cultural and natural wonders of the country. From exploring the historic landmarks of Pretoria to encountering majestic wildlife in Kruger National Park and witnessing the breathtaking vistas along the Panorama Route, every moment was fantastic and awe-inspiring. In Johannesburg and Soweto, we delved into the vibrant history and culture of these dynamic urban centers. Our trip not only broadened our knowledge but also fostered a deep appreciation for the diversity and beauty of South Africa’s landscapes and communities, making it both successful and incredibly enjoyable. Here’s a day-by-day account of our adventure:
Group 1: Martha, Siphokazi, Robyn, Chrisell
Group 2: Nokonwaba, Remi, Paola, Peggy, Candice
Day 1: Thursday, June 20, 2024 – Cape Town to Pretoria
Our journey began at noon with a transfer from the Go Tourism office in Newlands to the Cape Town International Airport. We arrived in Johannesburg by 16:30, where we met our guide and driver, Freddy & Isaac and for Group 1 and Charles & Daniel for Group 2. Our first site inspection was at African Rock in Kempton Park, followed by a visit to Castello Di Monte in Pretoria. We ended the day with a delightful dinner at La Madeleine before checking into RH Hotel Pretoria for the night.
Day 2: Friday, June 21, 2024 – Exploring Pretoria, Southern Kruger National Park & White River
After an early breakfast, we started our day with a quick tour around the Voortrekker Monument and the historic Church Square followed by a visit to the stunning Union Buildings to witness the largest statue of Nelson Mandela in the world. We then hit the long road to Mpumalanga. On route we stopped at The Corn & Cob and the Ndebele Cultural Village, where we experienced a quick snippet of the rich cultural heritage of the Ndebele people and the amazing hospitality of the The Corn & Cob venue. We then proceeded to Southern Kruger National Park to Mjejane Game Lodge for a site inspection and lunch. We had a great lunch overlooking the famous Crocodile River and also spotting some wildlife like Warthogs, Crocodiles, Monkeys and Waterbuck. We then made our way to White River, ending the day with inspections to Oliver’s Lodge and Nut Grove Manor in before settling in at Stille Woning for a spectacular Boma dinner and a well deserved rest.
Day 3: Saturday, June 22, 2024 – White River, Hazyview & Hoedspruit
After another early morning, we began our day with site inspections at Summerfields Rose Retreat, Little Pilgrim’s Hotel, and Umbhaba Eco Lodge all in and around Hazyview. The adventure continued with visits to Nkambeni Safari Camp, Mdluli Safari Lodge located right at Numbi Gate, Kruger National Park. We hit the road to the Hoedspruit area and arrived at Kapama River Lodge, where we enjoyed a wonderful lunch, after which we did a small sunset game drive on route to visit Kapama Southern Camp, we witnessed some stunning Kudu under the African sunset. The day ended with a beautiful sunset site inspection at Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor and then we drove to Karongwe Private Game Reserve arriving just in time for dinner. We spent the night at Chisomo Safari Camp, enjoying a serene and immersive safari & bush experience at this wonderful tented camp.
Day 4: Sunday, June 23, 2024 – Morning Safari, Panorama Route & Drive to Johannesburg
The day began with an early morning game drive at 06:00 am, we got lucky as we witnessed Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, various antelope and Vultures all within 1 hour. We then proceeded to inspect the other lodges in the Karongwe Portfolio. Kuname Lodge, Shiduli Lodge, River Lodge and Becks Lodge. We rushed off at 09:00 am after a busy morning with a nice packed breakfast from Chisomo for the road. We then visited Blyde Canyon, A Forever Resort for an inspection and a spectacular view of the Canyon and Three Rondavels, to top off the experience we drove around in true South African style in the back of a bakkie while our driver Daniel filled up our vehicle for the long drive back to Johannesburg later. Our journey continued with visits to Bourke’s Luck Pothole and God’s Window, offering stunning natural views. We then made our way to the quaint town of Graskop. After site inspections at Rustique and Graskop Hotel, and a visit to Graskop Gorge Lift, which only Group 1 managed to do as Group 2 where running behind by 30 minutes. The time had come to head back to Johannesburg which was the longest drive of the trip it took us 4h39, but we all caught up on a well deserved sleep along the way. We concluded the day with a spectacular dinner and a site inspection at 54 On Bath Hotel before checking into the beautiful Melrose Place Guest Lodge for the night.
Day 5: Monday, June 24, 2024 – Johannesburg and Soweto Tour
We where now in the routine of early morning wake ups and this would be the last of the trip. Our final day started with breakfast and a series of site inspections at the Peech Hotel, Fairlawns, the Saxon Hotel and Sanctuary Mandela. All fabulous hotels located in Johannesburg. We then visited Garden Court Sandton City and Mandela’s Square to see another famous statue of Nelson Mandela. We then made our way to Soweto driving past the famous Soccer City stadium from the 2010 Fifa World Cup which its the largest stadium in Africa with a capacity of 94,736. We had a great local lunch at Chez Alina in the heart of Soweto. The afternoon was spent on a panoramic tour of Soweto, visiting Mandela’s House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial. We concluded our trip with a drive to the airport for our flight back to Cape Town at 18:15 pm, reflecting on an extraordinary and successful journey that we just experienced.
Conclusion:
Our trip through South Africa was an enriching experience, blending site inspections, cultural exploration, and breathtaking landscapes. Each day brought new adventures and insights, making this journey truly unforgettable. We look forward to many more such successful trips in the future!
This spectacular and well organised trip was created by the talented Chrisell Kazadi a Key Account Senior Consultant here at Go Tourism, so we give a huge thank you to her for all the hard work, dedication and many hours spent on this project 👏👏👏