South Africa Day One: Johannesburg to Ladybrand

Alright… People have been saying South Africa is not safe for travelling… Even Lonely Planet guides say you have to be careful especially downtown. I say its safe, but not all the time. Like the same for every country, there’s always an area where you have be careful day or night. So I made sure that any expensive stuff like cameras, watches and smartphones with you are always secure. Wherever I travel, I always use my secret wallet/passport/card holder sling bag inside my shirt so in any case I get mugged, I can give my wallet without any issues. This applies to all countries. I remember the time I got lost north of Vietnam and it almost saved my life(but that’s another story).

Since I’m based in Dubai, Emirates Airlines flies to three cities in South Africa… Old mine town but super city Johannesburg, surf and beach town Durban(six hour drive from Joburg) and the most amazing City in the world in terms of landscape, architecture and culture… Cape Town.

Took an 8 hour Direct flight to Johannesburg, arrived late at night. The first pitstop for this leg of the travel. Stayed at the OR Tambo Garden Court Airport Hotel(they have amazing Booking.com rates) since the car rental will only be ready the next day at 11am. Hotel was nice, it was a little busy because of the Rugby players staying over for the International Rugby Championship or something. Woke up to the sound of squaking and chrirping of African birds. The difference with the birds in Africa is when they chirp, they actually sing in tune with the others not like back home or in Dubai which is rare. Room was good, breakfast was amazing with a nice view of the manicured garden. Saw five kinds of birds right away in the garden.

So off to the airport again to get the car at Budget. And what a surprise, booked a Honda Jazz for the trip and Budget upgraded it to a 2013 Audi A3 without any extra charges. Wow… Sorry but I’m a sucker for German Engineering and Technology and Audi is on top of my list…

So the hand over was done… Left Johannesburg right away going south east to Cradock. GPS set, snacks and warer bottles set for the adventure. And off we go. Never planned on going around and see the sights of Johannesburg and neighboring Pretoria anyway. Target for the trip was The famous Garden Route going to the Western Cape and of course do the 4 day safari in Kruger National Park.

They say driving in South Africa is dangerous and unsafe? Not true! Driving there is bliss. Great paved roads, wide highways, not too many potholes(rare) and the landscape, just the landscape driving through small towns and farms is just amazing. Its more safer to drive in South Africa than in Dubai by far. People S.Africa let you pass if you are in a hurry, they wave at you, flash their lights to thank you or welcome whenver you cut or pass. Flashing in Dubai roads means ‘get off the road slowpoke!’ Or “move your lazy ass coz I own this road!” In S.Africa, its more of communication and thanking each other in the road.

It was a 7 hour drive from Joburg to Ladybrand, a small quiet town near the borders of landlocked country of Lesotho. Passed by Golden Gate Highlands National Park. When in the park, you feel like you are in Arizona or Utah(never been there but I have the feeling it looks the same).

There are so many bed and breakfasts/hotels/mountain resorts along the highway where you can have a quick lunch and refreshments… And when we say quick lunch, since we are in S.Africa, order Steak and Ribs! Which is dirt cheap compared to dining in Dubai. A good quality steak in Dubai will cost you USD30. A good cut of steak in S.Africa will be around USD8-10 and that includes your side dishes. Pop in a dollar or two and you already have a bottle of wine to go with your steak!

Day One in South Africa and I already saw Zebras, Ostriches, Donkeys and crazy monkeys already ate Juicy Prime Rib Steaks and couple bottles of Savannah Dry, which is my favorite cider to drink in Dubai. Arrived in The Freestate town of Ladybrand early evening for the next pitstop. Found a nice B&B online, The Cranberry Cottage.

For now, I will end it here. Lets continue tomorrow since I have to finish some Christmas Cards, already late for the holidays…