My First Time in South Africa: A Safari Experience at Leopard Song Game Reserve

Touching down in Johannesburg for the first time felt surreal. This wasn’t just another work trip — it was my very first time in South Africa. As cabin crew, I’ve been lucky enough to see many parts of the world, but there was something special about finally setting foot on South African soil. Within three hours of arriving at our crew hotel, I was already packed and ready for what promised to be an unforgettable experience at Leopard Song Game Reserve.

The Journey to the Wild

Our driver collected us mid-morning, and the two-hour journey from the city to the reserve gave me my first real glimpse of South Africa’s stunning countryside. The busy roads of Johannesburg soon gave way to open plains and rugged bushveld, the kind of scenery that makes you instinctively slow down and breathe deeper.

When we arrived, the staff greeted us warmly and offered a cool drink before giving us a quick tour of the property. The reserve was absolutely beautiful — a perfect blend of rustic charm and understated luxury. My room opened out to views of the bush, and I remember standing there in quiet awe thinking: So this is South Africa.

Lunch was served outdoors beneath the trees, a simple but delicious meal that we enjoyed before being told to rest for an hour. Little did I know that our first game drive would soon become one of the most memorable afternoons of my life.

The First Game Drive: Nature in Motion

Our afternoon-to-evening game drive lasted around four hours, and it was pure magic. The golden light of the setting sun spilled across the savannah as our guide navigated the tracks, pointing out wildlife hidden in plain sight.

We saw antelopes grazing peacefully, rhinos resting under trees, and jackals darting through the bush. A herd of buffalos moved slowly in the distance while a giraffe stretched lazily to reach the highest branches. Every moment felt like a scene from a nature documentary — except this time, I was part of it.

Just before sunset, our guide received a call over the radio and quickly turned the vehicle down a narrow path. “We’ve got a lion sighting,” he whispered, and my heart skipped. Moments later, we saw it — a powerful lion resting beside its kill, the raw evidence of nature’s balance right before our eyes. It was both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Dinner that evening was served around a glowing firepit under the stars. The starter? Ostrich! I hadn’t expected that, but it turned out to be surprisingly tender and full of flavour. We spent the night swapping stories, laughing, and listening to the sounds of the wild. The air was cool, the fire warm, and I couldn’t help but feel completely at peace.

The Morning Drive: A Cheetah Encounter

The next morning started before dawn. At 4 a.m., we bundled into the safari vehicle, wrapped in blankets, coffee in hand, ready for our early morning drive. The stillness of the bush was almost sacred — and then, as the first light crept across the horizon, the magic began again.

We spotted a mother cheetah with her cubs moving gracefully through the tall grass, their sleek forms illuminated by the soft morning glow. A few minutes later, we saw a massive adult cheetah resting alone, completely at ease. Watching these creatures up close was spellbinding.

As the morning continued, we encountered herds of zebra, antelopes, and buffalos — and, to my great discomfort, a hippo! (For context, I have an irrational fear of hippos; they fascinate me but also terrify me.) Still, seeing one in its natural environment, even from afar, was a thrill I won’t forget.

Reflections on My First Time in South Africa

By the time we returned to the lodge for breakfast, the sun was fully up, and I was deep in reflection. My first-ever trip to South Africa had been more than just a layover — it was an awakening. There’s something transformative about being in a place where nature still reigns, where the rhythms of the land remind you how small and connected we really are.

Leopard Song Game Reserve gave me my first taste of the country’s wild heart, and I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. From the lion at sunset to the cheetah at sunrise, every moment was a reminder of why I love to travel: to feel alive, to be present, and to see the world through new eyes.

If you ever find yourself in Johannesburg with time to spare, I can’t recommend Leopard Song Game Reserve enough. Whether you’re a first-time visitor like me or a seasoned traveller, this safari experience will stay with you long after you’ve left.

Travel Tips for Visiting Leopard Song Game Reserve

• Distance: About a two-hour drive from central Johannesburg.
• What to pack: Comfortable layers (it gets chilly on early drives), a hat, sunscreen, and a camera with a good zoom lens.
• Timing: Afternoon and early morning drives offer the best wildlife sightings.
• Food: Don’t skip the ostrich — it’s surprisingly delicious!
• Best for: First-time safari-goers, solo travellers, couples, small groups, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape into nature.

Leopard Song Game Reserve was where my South African story began — and I know it won’t be where it ends. The warmth of the people, the beauty of the land, and the thrill of the safari have all left an indelible mark on my traveller’s heart.

Until next time, South Africa — thank you for the adventure.