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Our South African adventure began before sunrise on New Year’s Day, with a 3:30am alarm and a 6am departure from Melbourne Airport. As there are no direct flights from
Melbourne to Johannesburg, we had a brief pit stop in Sydney (or Perth is another option) before continuing on to South Africa. Bleary-eyed but buzzing with excitement,
we boarded the first flight, the opening leg of a 21-night journey through Southern Africa that would take us from city skylines to safari airstrips.
Sydney: First Class Surprises and Sky-High Indulgence
We’d mentally prepared ourselves for caffeine-fuelled survival mode, but Qantas had other plans. At check-in, we were met with an unexpected and utterly delightful surprise: a First Class upgrade. Cue wide eyes, raised eyebrows, and the kind of restrained squeal that two overgrown children try (and fail) to keep dignified.
From the moment we stepped into the First Class Lounge, it was clear this holiday was already shaping up to be something special. Morning champagne? Absolutely. Neil Perry’s breakfast menu? Don’t mind if we do. The atmosphere was calm, spacious and indulgent, a world away from the usual airport hustle. We sipped, nibbled, relaxed and watched the airport come alive, quietly marvelling at how effortlessly this trip had begun.
Transfers between Sydney’s domestic and international terminals were seamless, setting the tone for what lay ahead. Once onboard, the Qantas First Class crew were nothing short of exceptional. Attentive without being intrusive, warm, charming and seemingly able to anticipate every need before we even voiced it. Our 14.5-hour “date in the sky” flew by in a haze of good food, great wine, movies, laughter and yes sampling the menu more than once. Or twice.
By the time we touched down in Johannesburg, we were admittedly a little sleepy, but overwhelmingly exhilarated. Floating off the plane feeling like VIPs, we couldn’t help but think: if this is how the journey starts, what on earth is waiting for us next?
Johannesburg Arrival: Warmth, Humidity and a Rookie Mistake
Stepping off the plane in Johannesburg, the first thing that hit us was the warmth and the humidity. A stark contrast to Melbourne’s summer, it was slightly overwhelming but strangely comforting all at once. Even within the airport, there was an unmistakable energy: business travellers, tourists and locals all moving with purpose under an African sun that felt noticeably stronger than anything we were used to.
Customs and immigration were refreshingly smooth, and before we knew it, we’d crossed straight over to our accommodation the InterContinental Johannesburg. Sleek, modern and welcoming, it felt like a soft landing after hours in the air. The cool air-conditioning, plush bedding and genuinely warm staff instantly reassured us: we were officially on African soil.
High on adrenaline (and perhaps still a little champagne), we made our first rookie mistake of the trip attempting a “quick nap” at around 5pm. What we hadn’t factored in was waking wide-eyed and very awake at 2:30am. And so began our first African morning with a mini gym session, followed by our inaugural buffet breakfast.
Jet lag, overindulgence, malaria medication and sheer excitement make for very strange sleep patterns, it turns out. But honestly? There are worse ways to start a holiday of a lifetime.
From Johannesburg to Kruger: Small Planes, Big Excitement
After our unconventional first night, we made our way back to the terminal for our short flight to Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park. Boarding the smaller aircraft felt like the opening act to the main event. As the city gave way to vast stretches of land below, the reality began to sink in. Looking out the window, watching the landscape change beneath us, I remember thinking: this is really happening, we’re really here.
From the gentle hum of the plane to the teeny-tiny airport on arrival, everything felt wonderfully intimate and just a little surreal. Safari staff greeted us directly at the airstrip, wildlife sounds floated in from the distance, and suddenly the idea of Africa shifted from something imagined to something deeply real. The adventure had truly begun.
Reflections on the Journey So Far
It’s funny how travel works. What starts with alarm clocks, airport transfers and long-haul flights can quickly turn into champagne mornings, first-class indulgence and unforgettable moments before you even reach your destination.
From Melbourne to Johannesburg, our journey had already delivered laughter, luxury and anticipation in equal measure. The unexpected upgrades, the exceptional people we encountered along the way, and yes even that 2:30 am “nap gone wrong” all became part of the story.
And with Kruger waiting just beyond the runway, we knew this was only the beginning.
- Alex
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