Day 7: The Start of our Safari Adventure!

After several full days of sightseeing, our time at Sun City Resort was a welcome change of pace. It was the perfect place to recharge—set amid lush gardens and sparkling pools, with just enough grandeur to make you feel a little spoiled. The breakfast buffet didn’t disappoint either. In fact, it was one of the most impressive spreads we’d seen so far, offering a culinary tour of the globe: everything from made-to-order omelets and fresh pastries to Asian noodles, tropical fruits, and European charcuterie. As we ate, we looked out over the serene landscape and pool area, bathed in soft morning light.

After breakfast, I wandered the resort grounds with my camera. The manicured paths, peaceful corners, and curious monkeys made for plenty of photo ops. Eventually, I stumbled upon the Aviary, a hidden gem full of colorful and curious birds flitting through the branches above. It was peaceful and meditative—until it was time to regroup in the lobby for our next adventure.

We were soon picked up and transferred to Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, our home base for the next leg of the journey. Located on the edge of Pilanesberg National Park, Kwa Maritane (meaning “Place of the Rock”) is known for its prime location, upscale accommodations, and immersive safari experiences. The lodge blends comfort with the wild: you get the feeling of being close to nature while still enjoying air-conditioned rooms, great food, and even an underground hide that lets you view wildlife at the watering hole up close.

Our stay at Kwa Maritane included four days and three nights, with all meals and twice-daily safari drives led by professional rangers. We checked into our rooms—each one cozy, with earthy tones and views out toward the bush—then headed to lunch. And what a lunch it was! A massive buffet featuring crisp salads, juicy fruit, gourmet cheeses, and a carving station offering roasted lamb and chicken. There were so many options that everyone in our group found something to love.

Later that afternoon, we prepared for our first safari drive. The excitement in the air was undeniable as we met Eugene, the lead ranger and our guide for the next few days. With years of experience and a passion for conservation, Eugene immediately made us feel like we were in capable hands. After a short 15-minute drive from the lodge, we entered the park through a nearby gate—and even before we got there, we spotted a herd of impala grazing just off the road. It was like the safari started early!

Pilanesberg National Park is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. Unlike the more widely known Kruger Park, Pilanesberg is smaller and more intimate—but no less impressive. The park is set in the crater of a long-extinct volcano that collapsed in on itself over a billion years ago, creating a unique geological formation called an alkaline ring complex. The result is a dramatic landscape of rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and open plains, all teeming with wildlife.

Our first drive was truly unforgettable. Shortly after entering the park, we came upon a pond where a group of 6 to 10 hippos lounged in the water. Watching them in their natural habitat—ears twitching, eyes peeking above the surface—was surreal. From there, the sightings kept coming: zebra grazing in the golden grass, a small group of wildebeest, and then the showstopper—three rhinoceroses, including a playful juvenile. Of course, there were more impala, but they never get old. Eugene kept us engaged with stories and facts along the way, explaining animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the volcanic origins of the park itself.

As the sun began to set, we stopped at a fenced-in lookout point for what South Africans affectionately call “sundowners”—a refreshing drink and a light snack enjoyed under the vast African sky. But just as we were heading back to the lodge, the skies opened up and a rainstorm rolled in. With open sides on our safari truck, we got absolutely soaked, but somehow that only added to the fun. Laughing all the way back, we knew we’d be telling this story for years.

Once we made it back to Kwa Maritane, we dried off, warmed up, and headed to dinner. The cozy lodge dining room offered more great food and conversation before we turned in for the night. With a 4:30am wake-up call looming, we needed all the rest we could get for the early morning safari.

More stories (and elephants) to come...