Wild & Wonderful: Soumya's Thrillophilia Review of a Trip to South Africa
Never in my wildest dreams had I thought that we'd plan a trip to South Africa. It happened to be an impromptu decision that sparked over a casual dinner conversation.
"What if we went to a totally different place for our vacation this year?" I suggested, thinking about how most of the people visit Europe and Dubai for vacations.
“How about a wildlife safari? I've always wanted to spot exotic animals in the wild!”
“I think there's no better destination than South Africa when it comes to exploring wildlife and unique culture,” my partner said, grinning as he booked our entire trip with Thrillophilia.
With our itinerary in hand, we both felt a rush of excitement building within. “It feels like this is going to be the trip of a lifetime,” I declared, realizing we were about to embark on a memorable adventure together.
First Impressions
The energy of Johannesburg was infectious, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the vibrant atmosphere that surrounded us.
“Can you feel how alive this place is?” I asked my partner, my eyes darting around, taking in the bustling streets filled with local vendors, art, and culture.
Our first day in Johannesburg was dedicated to a guided city tour, and I was eager to soak up every bit of history and culture. Our guide was engaging, sharing stories about the landmarks we passed.
Being a huge fan of Nelson Mandela and his contribution to the world, I had specially requested the destination experts of Thrillophilia to include a visit to Nelson Mandela Square. I felt a deep sense of gratitude as we moved through Houghton, the neighborhood where Mandela once lived.
The highlight of our day was the Lesedi Cultural Village, where we were fully immersed in the traditions and customs of South African tribes. We found the vibrant performances held at the complex, particularly the traditional dances, to be very captivating.
Into Kruger’s Wilderness
After exploring Johannesburg, it was time for us to head to Kruger National Park. My partner was the most excited about it, and for all the right reasons - I had never come across a bigger wildlife lover than him. Visiting the park had been on his list for a long time, and as we entered the gates, his excitement knew no bounds.
We joined a group of tourists for a full-day game drive and boarded an open safari jeep, the thrill of the unknown had washed all over us by then. The trickiest part about a wildlife safari is the fact that you don't always get to see your favorite animals.
But we were lucky enough to come across not one but several exotic creatures, from giant elephants to playful monkeys.
“Look over there!” I exclaimed, pointing to a big group of giraffes, munching on the treetops. Our guide was very knowledgeable and shared many insights about regional wildlife, helping us build a deeper understanding of animal behaviors and habitats.
Roaming around the dense forests and open fields, trying to spot animals was an excellent experience. The sound of the bushes, the sightings of wild creatures, and the company of fellow travelers made our wildlife safari a wholesome combination. As we returned to our hotel in the evening, I turned to my partner, filled with excitement. “Today was way better than I had originally expected it to be,” I told him, my heart still racing from the adventures.
The next day, we headed out for another game drive - this time for a sunset safari. Watching the sun drop below the horizon, throwing a golden glow all over the landscape, was a magical experience. “I can't believe how beautiful this is,” I said softly as we spotted a wildebeest herd moving across, against the sunset.
Penguins and Pastel Houses
Up next on our South African adventure was Cape Town, the city that welcomes us with the breathtaking views of Table Top Mountain. It seemed like one of the destinations that you fall in love with at first sight.
“Look at those buildings...such bright and beautiful colors!” I exclaimed as we took a walk across the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, famous for its pastel-colored houses. The highlight of our city tour was Table Top Mountain, where we took a cable car ride to the summit. Watching the views of the city and coastline from a height of more than 4,000 feet will always hold a special place in my heart.
Our final adventure was a full-day tour of Cape Peninsula, where we explored sites like Cape Point and Boulders Beach, home to a colony of playful African penguins.
South Africa has become a destination that I will cherish forever. I can’t recommend it enough for couples seeking adventure, and a deep connection to nature and culture.
On our last evening, while packing our bags, I turned to my partner and said, “This trip was more than just a vacation; it was an adventure that brought us closer together.”
“I can’t wait to plan our next trip,” he replied, smiling.
Read More: Thrillophilia South Africa Tours