Day 1 & Day 2: Arrival in South Africa and Journey to Sebatana
A Dream Safari Begins
We have just returned from an incredible week on safari in South Africa, staying at Elephant Lodge in the Sebatana Private Reserve. This was my husband's bucket-list travel destination, and I can confidently say it did not disappoint!
Planning and Booking
We booked this trip approximately two years in advance because these safaris sell like hotcakes. It was officially a nine-night holiday, though two of those nights were spent on overnight flights. We flew directly from London Heathrow to Johannesburg with Virgin Atlantic (VA). It had been a while since we last flew with VA, and they certainly lived up to expectations.
Initially, we booked economy seats, but upon arriving at Heathrow, we managed to upgrade to premium, which was a fantastic start to our adventure.
The Flight Experience
Despite being an overnight flight, which meant we missed out on seeing the breathtaking African landscapes from above, the journey was smooth. The flight lasted around 10–11 hours, but it passed quickly. Since South Africa is only two hours ahead of the UK, we didn’t experience much jet lag—certainly less than we would traveling east or west.
Arrival in Johannesburg
After landing, we quickly made our way through passport control and collected our luggage. Given that our lodge was a four-hour drive away, I packed a change of clothes in my carry-on to freshen up before the long journey ahead.
Once we had our bags, we met our guide and the fellow travelers who would be staying at the same lodge. It was easy to locate our guide, who checked us in, handed us an information leaflet, and placed a sticker on our luggage with our room name on it.
The Journey to Sebatana
Once everyone arrived, we boarded minibuses that accommodated around ten passengers each. During the journey, we made two stops. The first was at a small service area with bathrooms, and the second was at a charming outdoor country shop and farm kitchen. Here, we enjoyed a delicious self-service lunch featuring fresh sandwiches, wraps, and salads, along with a welcome glass of fizz. It was a great opportunity to chat with our fellow travelers and start getting to know each other.
After lunch, we continued our journey to Sebatana Lodge, eager to begin our adventure.
A Warm Welcome at the Lodge
Upon arrival at the lodge, we were greeted with cold flannels and a refreshing welcome drink before being shown to our rooms. Later, before dinner, we gathered around the fireplace, where the lodge manager officially welcomed us. He provided an introduction to the lodge, explained how everything operated, and introduced the staff, including our safari drivers.
This warm welcome set the perfect tone for the week ahead, building anticipation for the adventures to come.
Our First Taste of Safari Cuisine
For our first dinner at the lodge, we were served kudu—a type of antelope—which was absolutely delicious. I would eat it again in a heartbeat!
This was just the beginning of what promised to be an unforgettable week in the heart of South Africa.
Until next time, keep dreaming big, traveling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon!
Sarah x