Johannesburg: Wildlife Safari & Exotic Game Meat

The day began with excitement (JOHANNESBURG WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS & CAPE TOWN THE TRAVEL STEALER) as we headed to Sun City, where the plan was to spend our time at leisure, exploring as we wished. The main highlight was the Open Jeep Safari to Pilanesberg National Park, but the day promised plenty of other adventures in Sun City itself.

Nestled in South Africa's North West Province, about two hours' drive from Johannesburg, Sun City is a premier holiday destination known for its luxurious resorts and vibrant entertainment options. Often referred to as Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure, this sprawling complex offers attractions (JAIPUR TRAVEL MAGIC & CHENNAI AWAIT) like the renowned Valley of Waves water park, world-class golf courses, and a bustling casino.

On our way to Sun City, we stopped for lunch at a charming garden restaurant. The meal was lavish, almost too much for us to finish. By 3 PM, we arrived at Sun City and checked into our hotel (MYANMAR ACROSS MAE SAI). The glamorous decor and style of the Sun City Resort Hotel left me in awe. The grandeur was mesmerizing.

After settling into my room and putting my luggage aside, I remembered the guide's warning not to leave windows open. The monkeys living in the area were known to climb inside in search of food. True to his words, a group of monkeys, including some adorable little ones, were perched on the trees right outside my window. I spent about ten minutes watching them before heading out to explore Sun City.

Sun City was envisioned and developed by Sol Kerzner as part of his Sun International group, officially opening on December 7, 1979. Nestled in an extinct volcano crater, Sun City is famously known as Africa's Kingdom of Pleasure. It also offers nature lovers a lush forest, with many rare plants, rock structures, Stone Age sites, and minerals that have attracted scientists and geologists from around the world.

While walking around Sun City, I had no intention of swimming, neither I can play golf, or indulging in water activities. The place reminded me of Sunway Resort and Sunway Lagoon but on a much larger scale. So, I enjoyed a leisurely stroll, taking in the sights. I checked out the retail outlets, but the steep prices kept me from buying anything.

By 7 PM, we had dinner at a Chinese restaurant within Sun City. As a fan of Chinese cuisine, I found the meal delightful. After dinner, some of the group headed to the casino, while I opted to return to my room for a shower and an early bedtime.

The next morning, I skipped breakfast but joined three tour buddies for lunch at Raj Restaurant, located on the first floor of the hotel. With prompt service and a captivating ambiance, we were the only customers for this early lunch. We started with papadam dipped in mint and tomato chutneys before diving into biryani, naan, and crab curry. Though the meal was pricey, it was worth every bit for the delicious spices and flavors.

After lunch, we spent an hour relaxing in the hotel lobby before heading out for the open jeep safari to Pilanesberg National Park. Located in South Africa's North West Province, Pilanesberg is a magnificent wildlife reserve set within the crater of an ancient, long-extinct volcano. Covering an area of 572 square kilometers, the park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, hosting over 7,000 animals, including the iconic Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. Its diverse habitats, ranging from open grasslands to dense woodlands, support a wide variety of flora and fauna. 

Pilanesberg also boasts an extensive network of roads and walking trails, making it accessible for game drives and safaris. Its unique geological formations and abundance of wildlife make Pilanesberg National Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

As we entered the park, we could see animals in the distance, and our guide told us to remain silent. The safari was enjoyable, but suddenly, it started raining heavily. Sitting at the front by the window, I was soaked and shivering. Despite the guide lowering a see-through canvas, the rain continued to pour in. It was both fun and challenging, but we laughed and pressed on, spotting mainly elephants. Soaking wet and standing to watch these majestic creatures was an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of the wild with the unpredictability of nature.

After our thrilling yet soaking safari in Pilanesberg National Park, we took a half-hour break at a park café. I wiped myself down, trembling with cold, and grabbed a drink. Once rested, our safari adventure continued for another hour, during which more animals started appearing. One of our tour buddies mentioned that on a previous safari, they hadn't seen any animals, noting that it's always a gamble whether animals will show up. We felt quite lucky to have seen quite a number.

Returning to the hotel, I showered and packed for our next destination. En route, we stopped at Carnivore Restaurant, located in the neighboring Misty Hills Hotel, overlooking the Krugersdorp hills. The restaurant, adorned with African artworks and warm earth tones, featured bamboo walls and an indigenous garden. Dinner began with soup and salad, followed by a variety of exotic meats.

Frankly speaking, I didn’t eat at all. The strong smell of kudu, crocodile, zebra, ostrich, and antelope, skewered and served by the staff, was overwhelming. Only a few in our group enjoyed the different meats, while the rest of us watched in amazement. Despite not partaking, dining at Carnivore Restaurant was a historic moment, a testament to the diverse experiences of our journey.

To be continued....