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Writer's pictureScott (Swazipond)
May 22, 20185 min read

Your African Adventure: Arriving Safely

So, you’re flying into Johannesburg?


Are you planning the trip of a lifetime, to go on safari in Africa? Do you want to experience an open air vehicle and have close encounters with elephants, lions and rhinos? Chances are good that your travel research is pointing you to South Africa. Likely, Kruger National Park is a top suggestion, and for good reason. One of the largest parks on the African continent, it’s loaded with your entire checklist of ‘must-see’ animals! Kruger is not the only park in South Africa, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Pilanesberg are on a long list of amazing national and private game reserves. But this article is not about the safari aspect of your trip, this is about landing in Johannesburg!


"I'm going to Africa"


From the moment you tell your friends and family that you are planning a trip to Africa you will begin to hear; “but, Africa is scary”, “it’s dangerous”, “are you sure you want to go to Africa?” or any version of this type of commentary. When you realize that you will likely need to land and begin your trip in Johannesburg, you may also start to believe what they are saying.


While most of this negative perception is caused by the over-hyped, international media attention on crime and violence, Johannesburg (or South Africa in general) truly can be a dangerous place for an uninformed and unprepared tourist. I have spent plenty of time in the Johannesburg area with local residents, and many of them have a pretty scary hijacking or robbery story to tell. Still, Johannesburg is an ideal hub to begin and end your African adventure. Done right, South Africa can be an amazing destination. Nowhere in the world is 100% safe these days, still, even Johannesburg can be safely navigated. This article will mainly cover arriving in Johannesburg safely.


Landing at O.R. Tambo


O.R. Tambo International Airport is Africa’s biggest and busiest airport. They know how to get people in and out! Common sense along with paying attention to yourself and your surroundings is key. Don’t walk off the plane with a backpack partially unzipped, an iPad in one hand, an iPod strapped to your arm and an iPhone in your other hand, earbuds in, eye mask still on top of your head, yawning and just mindlessly flowing in the river of travelers exiting the plane and collecting your luggage. Keep your carry-on items simple, don’t have more than one device visible, and pull yourself together for your arrival. Take your face out of your phone screen and pay attention, walk with purpose and confidence, don’t look lost.


Stay at Sunrock Guesthouse


If you are not staying with friends who can personally fetch you from the airport, I suggest staying at Sunrock Guesthouse! First, they are really (really) close to the airport and they provide a free shuttle to and from Tambo. Already knowing your on-ground travel plans is the sign of a savvy (safe) traveler. As the shuttle nears the Sunrock Guesthouse, the sketchy neighborhood may have you second-guessing this decision, but please just wait until you arrive behind their security gate. Behind security you will find a completely unexpected oasis, palm trees and a clean, modern pool! The chill vibe will have you wondering if you are anywhere near the airport. Beyond the pool is an updated dining area, a Harley Davidson themed bar with flat screens, a fire pit and pool table.

https://www.sunrock.co.za/




The Rooms at Sunrock are clean and modern, especially the rooms near the pool area. If there is a negative, it would be the extremely slow WiFi, which will be a shock to any well connected, western, first world, tech savvy traveler. But perhaps the slow internet connection at Sunrock is for the best because data and WiFi in the African bush is either extremely slow or nonexistent. Likely you will find some sort of connectivity at the bush lodges, but please keep your expectations low on availability and connection speed.



A Sunrock stay includes breakfast service with nice hot food, cereal, tea, juice and coffee. They do offer a dinner service, but dinner is at an additional cost. If you rented a car and feel adventurous, there are decent restaurants within driving distance. I suggest looking for a restaurant at a shopping center or mall with secure parking. Also, ask the hotel staff for their suggestions on where to go close by.


Map your route well before you leave and know exactly where you are going, or at least look like you know. Lock your doors even before you start your car. Keep your electronics out of sight at stop lights. This is not out of paranoia its just a safe habit. When parking, don’t be afraid of the seemingly random guys with reflective vests waving you into and out of your parking spot at shopping centers, this is completely normal. They know that if your car is safe when you return they have earned a tip! So tip them, 2 or 5 Rand coins will be enough, plus it’s the polite gesture.


What did we learn?


South Africa is not to be taken lightly, but you also don’t need to avoid it. You CAN have the trip of a lifetime. A key step is your arrival, from the landing until you reach your first accommodations. Display confidence based on your good preparation, and be aware of your surroundings. Realize that things are different in Johannesburg and you will have the mentality to act in a way that will help ensure a safe trip.


All this preparation will be worth it when you are finally deep in the African bush, causally watching a herd of 30 elephants grazing on a lazy afternoon. Imagine staring into the eyes of that beautiful rhino or scanning the dry grass for any sign of the king and his pride!



I hope that this article was helpful!


After I started writing this piece we realized that we returned home without our Canon Rebel camera! We had been to St Lucia SA, on the road, Sunrock Guesthouse and the airport to drop off our visitors. We emailed Sunrock first and they had our camera safely in hand! We have had two wonderful stays at Sunrock and this situation solidifies my recommendation! To lose track of an expensive camera in South Africa, and to actually find it again, is nearly a miracle…. Trust me, we had a prior experience that did not turn out this way in 2012. Thank you Sunrock!


Travel Safe!!!


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