We travelled with British Airways on their A380 aircraft from Heathrow. Our journey started in Dublin, also flying with BA, which meant we didn’t need to change terminals at Heathrow — making the connection very smooth and stress-free.

 From Heathrow, we flew direct to Johannesburg in Premium Economy. This cabin is located upstairs on the A380, creating a lovely, quiet, and comfortable environment. The food and service were excellent, making the long-haul journey a very enjoyable part of the trip.

Johannesburg:

When we arrived in Johannesburg, we were met by our local representative from Sense of Africa, who was waiting in the arrivals hall with our name banner ready to transfer us to our hotel, The Catalyst. The Catalyst is a stylish, modern hotel with excellent facilities. The food was fantastic, and the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming.

Our first excursion was a Soweto TukTuk tour with Lebo’s Backpackers. This was a truly memorable experience as we travelled around the Soweto township, meeting locals and learning about the area’s fascinating history and culture. That evening, we enjoyed dinner at Nelson Mandela Square. The area had a fantastic atmosphere and felt very safe, with a great selection of restaurants and bars to enjoy.

 Laluka Safari Lodge:

The following morning, after a delicious breakfast at The Catalyst Hotel, we set off on the next stage of our journey to Laluka Safari Lodge in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, approximately a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg. The reserve is located in a malaria-free area, making it an ideal safari destination.

We stayed at Laluka for two nights, and it was a truly special experience. This beautiful boutique 5-star safari lodge has its own farm and produces much of the food served to guests. The service, staff, and surroundings were exceptional. With only five lodges, Laluka has a wonderfully personal and exclusive feel. Each lodge has its own private plunge pool, and the property also features a small spa and outdoor pool area.

The food was outstanding, and we enjoyed two game drives every day, one early in the morning and one in the evening. Our guides were fantastic, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about the wildlife and the reserve. We were genuinely sad to say goodbye to Laluka.

Constitution Hill & Victoria Yards:

We then travelled back to Johannesburg for our final night and stayed at The Fairlawns Hotel. This elegant hotel is set in beautiful gardens and offers a peaceful atmosphere, with an outdoor swimming pool and a stunning spa.

On our final day, we visited Constitution Hill, a former prison complex that has been transformed into a museum and is now home to South Africa’s Constitutional Court. The visit was very moving, with powerful stories about political prisoners and their journeys through South Africa’s history. We finished our trip at Victoria Yards, an old industrial space that has been transformed into a vibrant hub for local artists, food producers, and designers.

This trip was a fantastic combination of experiencing the real Johannesburg — its people, townships, and culture — together with an incredible 5-star safari experience just a short transfer away. I can tailor-make this itinerary to suit your needs, working with our trusted travel partners British Airways and Sense of Africa.