Our safari to southern Africa was wonderful! We spotted an impressive variety of game -- lions feeding on a giraffe, leopards stalking prey in the dark, cheetah scent-marking their territory, a herd of several hundred buffalo at a watering hole, and small herds of elephant. South Africa also felt a step closer to civilization, often within reach of cellular service and the internet. The country also offers a wide range of camps, from rustic and charming Hemmingway-style tents to ultra chic, minimalist modern luxury chalets.
We were able to visit Johannesburg at the end of our safari and concluded that back in the city there is simply no substitute for luxury. Our stay at the exclusive all-suite Fairlawns Boutique Hotel in the tony Sandton suburb of Johannesburg was thoroughly enjoyable as we were able to sample authentic African game cuisine paired with Cape Town wines over a romantic, candlelit dinner.
Despite all the negative media reports about Johannesburg, the people we met were all friendly and helpful and we felt safe and secure at all times even when while driving around Sandton and across the impressive and modern highways of Mpumalanga and Gauteng.
