UnDiplomatic Wife

SOUTH AFRICA

An opportunity came up for us to visit South Africa so we took it Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to visit South Africa. We arrived vía the O.R. Tambo International AirPort in Johannesburg then did a 2.5hr drive using one of our hotel’s affiliate airport transfer driver named Paul, who we loved. He gave us so much inside information and was also very entertaining. He’s good at his job. He knew every single pothole and we felt safe in his hands.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO TO S.AFRICA

When we went in winter (July), all the locas were telling us it was the best time to go to S.Africa because:

  • It wont be too warm when you are doing the game drive, in fact we had to wear winter puffer jackets, gloves, scarves & hats during the game drives
  • Because it’s cold we don’t have to worry about insect bites
  • Winter is the time that locals go for game drives. They said it’s not as crowded but there were already 100 trucks. Can you imagine how much more in the peak season of summer?

Btw if you are going make sure to google how to protect yourself from Tsetse flies. Pilanesberg doesn’t have them but other places in S.Africa do.

PILANESBERG NATIONAL PARK

When you are inside the national park being driven by their rangers and inside your lodge, security and safety is not such a concern. You can even wear real jewelry. However this is not the case when you are outside the protection of your lodge.

  • SHEPHERD’S TREE LODGE living inside the national park was the best decision ever. Shepherd’s Tree is upscale and they take care of everything because it’s FULL BOARD meals, including GAME DRIVES 2x per day.
  • DINING AT SHEPHERD’S TREE LODGE the dining experience was almost perfect (except for the seared tuna which they promised to improve). There is one night where we dine in the BOMA underneath the stars to the local drum beats. It’s quite an experience after the afternoon gamedrive.

Game Rides FAQs

  • WHEN TO GO ON GAME RIDES? Locals usually do safaris or game rides in winter when it’s cold. Doing it in summer will be too cold and there will be a lot of flies, mosquitos & other insects. I brought insect spray, but I never used it. We went in July, the temp was perfect not too cold.
  • WHAT TIME TO GO ON GAME RIDES? Our lodge had them at 6:30 & 3pm. They served tea 30mins before each ride.
  • WHAT TO WEAR? We went in winter so we wore UNIQLO Ultra Light Down jackets, wool/cashmere hats, scarves & fingerless gloves (so I could still take pics). It’s super cold early in the morning and when it’s get’s darker late afternoon. Our lodge provided each of us with a warm blanket & warm bottles to keep our hands and legs warm.
  • WHAT COLORS TO WEAR? They say wear neutral colors like khaki, tan, dark green, light gray to help you camouflage with the surroundings, but since we are in dark green trucks, it’s not really required. Camo print is not allowed though.
  • ARE THERE TSETSE FLIES? There are none in Pilanesberg so you can also wear black/dark gray. Normally they say don’t wear black/dark colors so as not to attract flies and mosquitos. This is not an issue in winter.
  • WHO DO YOU DO GAME RIDES WITH? Shepherds lodge’s ranger is a one man show. He drives the truck, spots the game, answers all our questions, sets up & serves tea (am), mixes the cocktails (pm). Usually we have 2-3 groups or 6-8 people in the truck with the ranger. The small groups are great coz we get to really converse & even make friends.
  • WHAT TO BRING ON GAME RIDES? Binoculars, cameras/phone camereas, water bottle, sunblock, sunglasses. In summer bring insect repellent & don’t wear dark colors.
  • WHAT NOT TO BRING ON GAME RIDES? Avoid too bright clothing & strong scents/perfume so animals aren’t warned ahead of your presence & hide from you. Also not allowed are camo print clothing & drones.

JOHANNESBURG

We stayed at the most fabulous location at THE HYDE at The Rosebank because of the intense security my son & I felt safe going shopping and eating in the connected malls – THE ZONE & ROSEBANK MALL – while TD was at his meeting. I highly recommend staying in this hotel. CLICK HERE for detailed pics & review of THE HYDE & their amazing restaurant called PROUD MARY.

Tips to Keep You Safe in S.Africa

  1. Never travel with your bag/phone on your lap or on the dashboard. Thieves can break the car window to grab them. Place bag under your knees and phones in your pocket.
  2. Never walk to a place you are going to, even if it looks near. Always take an UBER so you don’t get mugged. We know someone who was mugged crossing the street to go to a Spar across their hotel.
  3. Use uber instead of taking normal cabs so you can meet them in a secure location.
  4. Do not wear jewelry or branded bags. Even fake jewelry might attract the wrong attention.

THE ZONE

  • NAP LIVING my favorite store in S.Africa coz everything was so classy & well-made. Perfect for gifts. Go to whichever is near you.
  • HAMLEYS
  • KFC
  • CINEMA cheap cinema is always good when we are traveling because it’s so expensive in Switzerland
  • FUGAZZI an old-timey diner experience with good pizza. The aglio olio left much to be desired.
  • ARCADE my husband and son had fun playing arcade games here. Open until later than the stores.
  • Museum of Illusions Johannesburg
  • MODERN TAILORS some of best Indian food we’ve ever had!

ROSEBANK MALL

Slightly down the road and worth taking an UBER to is this place for delicious Mexican food. NEVER WALK!!! Even its near.

  • OCASO Rosebank guac mixed right in front of you. Massive delicious servings

THINGS TO DO AROUND JOHANNESBURG

  • APARTHEID MUSEUM: This place is a must when in JoBurg. It is a well-designed museum that helps us understand how apartheid shaped the history & lives of South Africans.
  • Sci-Bono Discovery Centre interesting for both kids and adults

SANDTON CITY

JOBURG AIRPORT GOOD TO KNOW

On the way back to Geneva, we made sure to have our 2 Rimowa luggage wrapped this time so we didn’t have any delayed bags. While waiting it was too crowded in the departure area so we had a little snack at JACKSONS, which had a great view of the airplanes flying off. The toasts weren’t bad at all. It was more pleasant to dine at JACKSONS than wait in the crowded waiting area.

If schedule permitted it, we would have gone to Cape Town. My South African friend highly recommends it because there are so many things to do with the family there and so much good food. The beach is also famous for the peguins that live there.

Even if we didn’t get to go, I hope you find this post useful in planning you trip to South Africa, if you are flying through Joburg.

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