From Boardroom to Bushveld: My South African Safari Detour

During a work trip to South Africa in 2019, after a successful mindfulness training in our Johannesburg site, I took the opportunity to visit the renowned “Idube Game Lodge”, located in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park. This 5-star lodge offered a perfect blend of luxury and authenticity, with twice-daily game drives that brought us remarkably close to Africa’s famed “Big Five” — Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo. Luckily, we were fortunate enough to spot all five! including several leopards that are so habituated to the area they are often seen strolling near the lodge itself. Idube’s communal dining atmosphere during breakfast and dinner created a warm and welcoming environment, while the serene pool and a hide overlooking a bird-rich waterhole offered peaceful moments between safaris. I stayed in the secluded Mekubela Suite (Named after one of the Leopards) which featured its own private pool deck and a sense of tranquil privacy. Though elephants sometimes visit the suite’s pool during drier months, they didn’t appear during my stay. The Sabi Sand region is known for its rich biodiversity and exceptional wildlife viewing, thanks to its open boundaries with Kruger and its long-standing conservation efforts. Overall, the experience left me with vivid memories of South Africa’s natural beauty and a deep appreciation for the warm hospitality I received.

Excursion Tip: During this short trip I managed to see some of Johannesburg’s famous sites. I highly recommend visiting Nelson Mandela’s house in Soweto. The house, a world-class visitor attraction and a leading centre for the preservation, presentation, and research of the historical heritage and Mandela Family legacy.