Dream Safari Trip: South Africa

November 2008

I’ve always been obsessed with safari animals—elephants, giraffes, rhinos, zebras—so I was ecstatic when my family decided to take a two-week trip to South Africa while my brother and I were in high and middle school, respectively. Flying into and out of Johannesburg took 15 hours one way and 18 the other, so we got plenty of quality time with movies and snacks on those long-haul planes.

Once there, we rented a tiny manual hatchback that barely fit the four of us, our luggage, and two sets of golf clubs. On top of that, South Africans drive on the opposite side of the road, so the driver’s seat was switched, making our navigation both hilarious and terrifying—we even once turned down a road going the wrong way.

Near Johannesburg, we stayed at a resort where screeching emus woke us every morning at 6 a.m. The resort was incredible, with in-ground trampolines (pure bliss for teenage me) and huge portions of South African cuisine.

One day, we visited a safari reserve and saw elephants (including a swimming bull!), hippos, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests, warthogs, giraffes, rhinos, impalas, kudus, birds, meerkats, snakes—you name it. It was straight out of The Lion King, and seeing these animals roam freely was unforgettable. That night, on a nighttime safari, we watched a baby rhino being protected by its mother and spotted cheetahs and panthers from our open-air truck, with the guide’s shotgun at the ready for any “unwelcoming friends.”

We also visited a big-cat sanctuary near Pietermaritzburg, where we went inside enclosures with injured or rehabilitated cheetahs, learning about the care provided for lions, cheetahs, and panthers. Another day, we stumbled upon a private zoo on someone’s property—where I pet a lion through a chain-link fence and “danced” with an orangutan. Somehow, it felt like the animals were genuinely cared for, which was reassuring.

At Sun City, the guys golfed while my mom and I soaked up the African sun by the pool. Nearby, we visited an elephant sanctuary, feeding, walking, and even riding these gentle giants—childhood dreams fulfilled. On the drive back, we navigated past cattle, donkeys, pedestrians, and an array of humans, which offered an unexpected moment for reflection.

Passing sprawling shantytowns next to gated communities, I was struck by the stark wealth disparity. Tin, wood, and thatch homes sat next to luxurious estates, yet children played soccer barefoot, elders fanned themselves in scant shade, and parents went about their daily tasks with resilience and pride. Observing this, I felt humbled, awed, and grateful, realizing that people everywhere ultimately seek the same things: family security, community support, and fulfillment.

That day solidified for me that life is meant to be lived beyond the confines of our own bubbles. Privilege gives you the choice to explore, experience, and embrace life, and I was determined not to let it go to waste.

This trip was a combination of childhood dreams and self-discovery, of experiencing culture shock, learning about global politics, and witnessing a world so different yet familiar in its human essence. Although my mom accidentally deleted almost all our photos and videos (how 2008 of us), the memories remain vivid and cherished—a family adventure that shaped who I am and how I want to live.

To Do or Not To Do?

Definitely do. I can’t wait to get back to Africa—it’s such a massive continent, and there’s so much more I want to see. South Africa was an incredible first taste, but I’m dreaming of Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and countless other stunning spots.

Maybe because we were young—or because we were skipping school for a family trip—we didn’t dive deeply into South Africa’s rich but troubled history. Next time, I’d prioritize learning more about the racial, political, and socioeconomic legacy of Apartheid.

As for prep: vaccines are required, and some medications are strongly recommended. The sun is intense, so stay hydrated and protect your skin. I’d suggest traveling modestly—both in packing and in approach—and blending in as an observant, respectful tourist. Let the locals’ stories, the breathtaking landscapes, and the majestic wildlife take center stage.

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