After arriving around noon on Monday, the five of us who chose to extend our South African adventure together traveled to Pilanesberg National Park and the beautiful Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge. We were excited for our very first game drive, which began at 3:00 p.m.
Game drives are offered twice each day at Kwa Maritane, and from the moment we arrived, I knew this would be a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the incredible wildlife that makes South Africa so special.
Located in South Africa’s North West Province, Pilanesberg National Park is set within the crater of an extinct volcano, creating one of the country’s most unique landscapes. The park is home to the famous Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo—as well as approximately 27,000 animals and more than 360 species of birds. Just three hours from Johannesburg, it offers visitors an unforgettable safari experience.
What I wasn’t prepared for was how quickly the adventure would begin.
Within the first ten minutes of our drive, a herd of elephants calmly crossed the road directly in front of our vehicle. It was one of the most breathtaking moments I have ever experienced. Seeing elephants in their natural habitat—not behind fences or on a television screen, but walking freely before my own eyes—was surreal. This wasn’t National Geographic. This was my reality.
As we continued through the park, every turn revealed another incredible sight. Giraffes stood gracefully just yards from our jeep, their towering presence leaving me completely awestruck. Zebras wandered across the grasslands with an elegance that almost seemed intentional, as though they knew every visitor had stopped to admire them.
As the afternoon faded into evening, the temperature dropped, and I bundled up against the crisp winter air. The cool breeze only made the experience more memorable. Watching the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains, casting golden light across the valley, was the perfect ending to an extraordinary first safari.
My first game drive exceeded every expectation I had. It wasn’t just about seeing animals—it was about experiencing the beauty, peace, and wonder of creation in a way that photographs can never fully capture.
I have a feeling this is only the beginning of an unforgettable journey through the African wilderness.
Shawnette Brown 