Just reflecting on an incredible journey I completed in February—a 20-day adventure across the stunning sceneries of South Africa. From awe-inspiring landscapes that filled my camera roll to the charming guest houses that felt like home away from home, every moment was a delight. And those luxury coach rides? Absolute bliss on wheels!
I left Blantyre, Malawi on January 27th, 2025, traveling in style with Ulemu Coaches’ business class to Polokwane, South Africa. This was just the beginning of an epic adventure that took me through breathtaking landscapes and immersive cultural experiences.
What made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just the sights, but the vibrant culture and warm hospitality that welcomed me at every stop. This journey was all about embracing the beauty and diversity that South Africa has to offer. Truly a trip of a lifetime.
Polokwane
I had a comfortable stay at Motel Villa Africa. It was my first time visiting and walking around Polokwane; it is a relatively small city, and most of the attractions are located in the city centre. The best way to get around the city is by car or taxi. There are several reasons to visit Polokwane, including its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. The city is home to several museums and art galleries that showcase the history and culture of the region.
On my first day I visited The Polokwane Art Museum; it houses over a thousand works of art, including an impressive collection of pieces by Venda, Pedi, and Tsonga artists. Many of these artworks explore the region’s rich mythology, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of the local communities in Limpopo. My next visit was at The Irish House Polokwane Museum; it is housed in a historic building that has now been restored to its former glory and displays exhibits on the history of Limpopo’s cultural groups, including pottery, woodwork, weaving, ceramics, glasswork, rock art, and cast iron. Then I ended my day at the Hugh Exton Photographic Museum. It was tranquil and surprisingly informative about the history of Polokwane. Amazing to look at those old cameras. Overall, a great experience with good staff. As you step inside, you are greeted by a stunning array of photographs, each telling its own story of the people, culture, and landscapes that define this vibrant country.
My second day began by visiting Meropa Casino & Entertainment World; it’s a great place that offers a variety of entertainment facilities that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and thoroughly entertained. Luckily, there is a water park too, especially for the hot days in Polokwane. I strongly recommend it for anyone who wants to spend time with family on weekend afternoons. Prices are extremely affordable. In short, it’s a Moroccan-style gaming mecca, providing an all-in-one entertainment destination. My next stop was at Peter Mokaba Stadium; the design is truly impressive, inspired by the baobab tree. At each corner, you see a cylindrical steel structure that resembles the baobab’s muscular trunk. I honestly didn’t expect to stay long at the stadium; it’s an iconic structure worthy of visiting and moving around. My day ended at the Mall of the North; my experience here was so amazing. The environment was very clean, the service I got from the stores was good, and everything was so easy to get. I am so proud of whoever trained them for customer care. The mall at night looks magical with all the beautiful lights. There are a host of restaurants that cater to every palate. No matter what your reason is for visiting the mall, you will definitely leave with a feeling of delightful satisfaction.
My third day I had to check out of my accommodation early and head to the Mall of the North for my bus to Johannesburg, my next stop. There are several bus services that operate between Polokwane and Johannesburg, i.e Greyhound, Translux, City to City, Funlovers, etc. For my journey, I booked Citiliner Plus to Johannesburg, which was an awesome choice for my six-hour trip.
| Bus | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Citiliner Plus 03 Feb 2025 | R234/USD13 | 09:00am 03 Feb 2025 Mall of the north Polokwane | 14:50pm 03 Feb 2025 Park Station Johannesburg |
Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and one of the most vibrant and exciting destinations on the African continent. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, which is one of the busiest airports in Africa, with flights to destinations all over the world. The city is well-connected to other major cities in South Africa through Park station. It is the largest bus terminals in the entire Southern African region, you can easily find a bus to all parts of South Africa and the sadc region i.e Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, etc.
I booked my stay at Ecomotel Park Station right within the premises of the bus station as I didn’t want to be late for my next bus to the coastal city of East London. This time I decided to get a 14-hour night bus so that I could sleep while traveling and enjoy my two full days in East London. My accommodation was close to most of the attractions within Johannesburg city centre. A robust city with a well-developed transportation system that makes it easy to get around. Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Johannesburg, but it’s important to use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. For buses, Johannesburg has a network of buses that connect the city’s neighbourhoods. The buses are affordable and easy to use.
On my second day I went to visit the famous Apartheid Museum: it tells the story of apartheid in South Africa and is a must-visit for anyone interested in the country’s history. The Apartheid Museum, the first of its kind, illustrates the rise and fall of apartheid. From the museum I went to explore the Johannesburg Botanical Garden: it’s a beautiful garden home to over 30,000 trees and plants and a great place to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy its special gardens, namely, the Shakespeare Garden, the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, a Hedge Demonstration Garden, and the main arboretum, which houses family groupings of plants and trees of South Africa and the rest of the world. My final place for the day was The Joburg Zoo. It is one of the most popular local tourist attractions. It houses over 300 species of animals. The zoo has so much to offer visitors such as various night and day tours and other regular events for the public. I saw Africa’s big five land animals i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Unexpectedly I also saw animals from the Amazon such as spider monkeys, armadillos, and pumas. At the zoo you can have a picnic, grab a snack from a variety of vendors, or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. My day ended much faster than I expected, the area is quite huge.
Only on my last day in Johannesburg i began by visiting The South African National Museum of Military it’s an impressive memorial of the past with its collection of World War 1 and 2 fighter planes, some of them the only remaining planes of their kind in the world. I was able to see some of the tanks used by the South African Defence Force during their war with Angola, armaments, medals, military insignia, and uniforms. The Museum’s library has a unique collection of books, journals, and archival material, as well as official South African World War 2 art and photographs. They still conduct interviews in the library as part of their ongoing oral history collection and have a number of publications for sale. My next stop was at Lindfield Victorian House Museum. Built in 1909-1910, this Victorian house museum features period furnishings and guided tours. This was a very random and strange find, but worth a visit. This place is full of amazing antiques and a collection of memories, and gives a window into Victorian life. Each room reveals new treasures and curiosities to explore. I spent over an hour on the guided tour. The guide was full of information. I would recommend a visit on a day when you’re looking for something random to do! My last place to visit was Museum Africa, a place full of wisdom and history. There’s so much to learn in this museum that one hour is not enough time to invest. From the Iron Age, through the development of what is now the Southern Africa region, to modern politics. When visiting, please note there’s no air-conditioning. The best part of it is that the entrance is free.
I had to call it a day as my stay in the “city of gold, Johannesburg,” was now coming to an end. I headed back to Ecomotel were i had arranged for a late check-out for 16:00 so that I could return and freshen up. I went to Park Station bus terminals to check in for my evening journey to East London with Big Sky Intercity coaches.
| Bus | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Bigsky intercity 05 Feb 2025 | R486/USD27 | 17:00pm 05 Feb 2025 Park station Johannesburg | 09:15am 06 Feb 2025 Intercape offices, moore st. East London |
East London
East London is a city that offers a wealth of attractions, from its stunning beaches to its rich history and vibrant nightlife. The city is a gem which has plenty of attractions and activities to keep visitors entertained. Time wasn’t on my side as i only had a very short stay arriving in the morning my next bus was the following day in the evening. I was booked at the Garden court hotel just close to the Windmill bus station and just next to the sea. The location was ideal for a stroll along the East London Beachfront, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and a range of restaurants and cafes.
On my arrival day I visited the East London Aquarium, which has a range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and turtles. I also managed to take a boat tour on Buffalo River, which is home to a range of bird species and offers stunning views of the city. Due to time constraints, I couldn’t do much; I had to go back to my hotel, freshen up, take dinner, then went to bed.
On my final day, I checked out early morning soon after my breakfast. I went to visit the Lion Park, which offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with lions and other big cats. From there, I took a guided tour of the city’s historic architecture, including the Victorian-era City Hall and the Gothic-style St. Patrick’s Cathedral. East London needed more time to be explored; however, I had to respect the time, so I headed straight to Windmill bus station for my bus to Cape Town with Intercity Xpress. The journey was another overnight bus ride to the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Town. The Intercity Xpress bus departed just ten minutes late; overall, it was a smooth ride, with comfortable reclining seats, an onboard toilet, and a friendly crew.
| Bus | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Intercity xpress 07 Feb 2025 | R612/USD34 | 17:10pm 07 Feb 2025 Windmill bus station East London | 07:30am 08Feb 2025 Cape town bus station Cape town |
Cape town
I arrived in Cape town in morning around 08:15 my early check in at Fountain hotel was only after 10:00. i decided to get an Uber to the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. Cape point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Town is one of the few places in the world where you can see two oceans meeting. I spend an entire day there with no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore i didn’t wanna leave. I only went to check in the evening at around 5pm in the evening.
The following morning after a proper sleep on a comfortable bed and well freshened up for a busy day around Cape Town. Public transportation is limited, but there are several bus and train services available for those of us who are budget travellers. One must consider renting a car, as this will give them more freedom and flexibility. My day started off with a long train ride to Simon’s Town where I visited The Boulders Visitor Centre; it is where the African penguins bask in the sun and waddle about the stunning sandy beaches. There is a well-maintained walking path that leads directly to the beach, allowing for a close encounter with these charming creatures. Whether you are looking to take a leisurely stroll, engage in wildlife observation, or simply soak in the stunning scenery, the Visitor Centre is a must-visit stop on your journey through Cape Town. My day ended at the Table Mountain National Park, a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and is home to many interesting animals and thousands of exquisite plants and trees, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth!
On my final day in Cape Town, I went to Century City; I was booked for a Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom Tour which includes a Robben Island boat ticket. The tour takes you on a journey through history, starting with a visit to The Long March to Freedom sculptural display. Marvel at over 500 life-size bronze statues that represent South Africa’s journey to democracy. Afterwards, I boarded a boat to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Exploring the Robben Island Museum and hearing stories from former political prisoners who now serve as tour guides. Discovering the history and significance of this iconic island. The day concluded with a visit to Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you find the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which hosts the world’s largest collection of contemporary art from Africa.
Cape Town is a huge city that needs time and resources to explore. I truly had an awesome time exploring but had to call it a day. I went to the Cape Town bus station for my next bus to Upington. Intercape departure was on time; another comfortable and smooth night trip, toilet onboard, entertainment onboard, reclining seats, etc.
| Bus | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Intercape Mainliner 10 Feb 2025 | R666/USD37 | 17:30pm 10 Feb 2025 Cape town bus station Cape town | 07:30am 11 Feb 2025 Intercape office, Lutz street Upington |
Upington
My first time visiting the Northern cape province located in the Kalahari desert. The city is known for its hot and dry climate. Its located along the mighty Orange river, the longest river in South Africa, and the Kalahari Desert, which is one of the largest deserts in the world.
My stay in Upington was another very short one, just like in East London. The bus arrived almost an hour late. I was allowed to have an early check-in at Protea Upington hotel. After the previous long day and night of travel, I definitely needed to freshen up and get a short nap. Just across the street, I bought KFC for lunch and began exploring the city. I headed to the Kalahari-Oranje Museum, which is housed in a building built in 1875 as a church and mission station. I saw household items dating from the 1800s and items relating to the history of Upington and the Lower Orange River can be seen here. The museum is home to the life-sized statue of the donkey; it represents the unselfish contribution made by the donkey in developing the Lower Orange River Valley during the pioneer days. The museum opens at 9:00, closes for lunch at 12:30, and reopens from 14:00 to 17:00.
Next stop was the Sakkie se Arkie, a floating bar definitely not to be missed! You can even jump off the boat to take a dip in the Orange River while on the sunset cruise. Honestly, they offer an excellent service for the boat tour. You are able to see some birds on the riverbanks, homes, and a view of the train bridge on one end and the road bridge on the other. Afterwards one of the local residents took me for a short drive around town and we ended up at Kalahari Mall, a super regional shopping centre. With its wide variety of shops, services, and leisure options, it provides a welcoming retail environment that includes state-of-the-art air-conditioning to beat the Upington heat. Something to smile about for sure.
The following day, I woke up, took my bath, and had breakfast, then checked out. My hotel was located just a walking distance from the Intercape office. My next destination was Bloemfontein. From Upington, I boarded the Intercape bus to Durban, which passes through Bloemfontein. It was a day trip, and I enjoyed the scenery of South Africa as the landscape changed from the desert to the green vegetation as the bus was travelling through the scenic hills and valleys of the Northern Cape to Free State.
| Date | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Intercape mainliner 12 Feb 2025 | R504/USD28 | 09:00am 12 Feb 2025 Intercape office, Lutz street Upington | 18:15pm 12 Feb 2025 Intercape office, Park street tourist information centre Bloemfontein |
Bloemfontein
A warm evening welcome to Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa. It’s pretty much in the centre of South Africa in the Free State province. Bloemfontein is located on the N1 highway, which connects Johannesburg to Cape Town. You can also take a train from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Bloemfontein. I arrived at night, and I immediately got an Uber to Oak-wood Lodge where I had booked for my stay. The night was just to freshen up, have dinner, and enjoy a proper night’s sleep.
Bloemfontein is a small city, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to travel further afield, there are several transportation options available. On my first day, I started at the Anglo-Boer War Museum: learning about the South African War through a detailed art collection and a glimpse into life in concentration camps. Then I headed to the Bloemfontein City Hall: an impressive piece of architecture in this historic building. Built in 1935, it has a beautiful Italian-style interior with an attractive sandstone exterior. The Bloemfontein City Hall is a large, stately sandstone building designed by the well-known Sir Gordon Leith. The western entrance into Clarendon Hall has two large granite bowls on either side of it. The next place i visited was the Naval Hill: I explored a hill that was once the placement of British guns, and got some panoramic views of the city and surroundings. There is also a Nelson Mandela statue that looks out over the city of Bloemfontein. This statue is the largest bronze statue of the South African hero in the world. The area surrounding the statue is a lookout point where one can take in the beauty of the city. I had lunch at the New York Restaurant. This restaurant offers a mix of South African and American cuisine and is known for its burgers, steaks, and craft beers.
On my second day, I started off at the The South African Armour Museum, which is located within the Tempe Military Base. The museum adheres to strict military security regulations. Please note that visitors will only be granted access to the School of Armour by booking in advance (booking number +27 51 402 1700). The museum operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 09:00 to 12:00. Visits are prohibited on Wednesdays, weekends, and public holidays. Then I went to Urban Kitchen: a restaurant that offers a fusion of African and Asian cuisine and is known for its sushi, dim sum, and curries. After the tasty lunch, I went to visit the Old Presidency Museum Bloemfontein: a majestic house that once was the official residence of the three presidents of the Republic of the Orange Free State from 1886 to 1900. The presidents lived in the house, and officers of the British army used the house as their military headquarters. It’s a gorgeous historical building inside and out. Meticulously maintained, the garden and the building make this place an absolute must-visit in Bloemfontein.
On my final full day, my first stop was at The National Museum of South Africa the building is rational and solid, with a nice garden around. The collection is well explained in English, and there is a lot of information to be learned. Absolutely incredible! Well-kept and organised, there is a wide diversity of displays and exhibits. I recommend spending at least two to three hours in the museum to see all the museum has to offer. A massive amount of information under one roof, it was definitely worth a visit. The next stop of the day was at the Freshford House Museum. This is a splendid little house museum. It does a great job of explaining how upper-class British people lived in the Edwardian period in South Africa. The lady who was in charge of the museum gave us a fantastic tour of the place, taking the time to explain, with lots of interesting details, the customs and habits of that period through the objects they have collected. I felt privileged that she took the time to give us so much information. It’s an absolute gem of a small museum in Bloemfontein. If you enjoy historical architecture and South African history in general, the house, the items in it, and the fantastically presented tour are an absolute must-see. To end my amazing stay, I went 35 km outside of Bloemfontein to a beautiful farm at De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa: where you can enjoy a spa experience and swimming pool and indulge in a 4-course gourmet meal in the Colonial restaurant that offers fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients and is located on a beautiful farm outside of Bloemfontein.
The next morning was that sad moment when I had to leave a place with much more to see, but time was not permitting. I checked out of Oakwood Lodge, heading to the tourist information center to get my final bus back to Johannesburg. This time it wasn’t an Irizar bus, Greyhound brought a double-decker Neo bus; my seat was 5D, right on top of the driver, allowing me to view the road throughout the journey to Johannesburg. It was an awesome ride! The bus had Wi-Fi onboard, a toilet, reclining seats, and a professional crew.
| Date | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Greyhound 16 Feb 2025 | R396/USD22 | 07:00am 16 Feb 2025 Intercape office, Park street tourist information centre Bloemfontein | 13:00pm 16 Feb 2025 Park Station Johannesburg |
Back to Johannesburg heading back to Blantyre
Back in Johannesburg the bus arrived just fifteen minutes late. Upon arrival at Park station I went to board a gautrain to Rhodesfield then took a bus to Kempton park city centre. I was booked at Eco motel Kempton park conveniently situated just 4 kilometres to the airport. After all the amazing stays, visits and bus journey it was time to get some rest before my flight to Blantyre the next day.
On 18 February I woke up, took my shower and breakfast then checked out of Eco motel. Took an Uber to OR Tambo International Airport the busiest airport on the African continent. It is one of the few airports in the world with scheduled passenger direct flights between all 6 inhabited continents and also serves as a continental gateway to many sub-Saharan countries.
| Airline | Price | Departure | Arrival |
| Malawi Airlines 18 Feb 2025 | R5920/USD328 | 12:20pm 18 Feb 2025 OR Tambo Airport Johannesburg, South Africa | 14:35pm 18 Feb 2025 Chileka Airport Blantyre, Malawi |
I did my flight check in at the airport, then immigration, and I went straight to the boarding gate. I was emotional leaving South Africa after such a wonderful and awesome stay; I couldn’t wait to be back in Blantyre to see my family. Boarding Malawi Airlines was an amazing flight; the food was top-notch and the service was 10/10.
Important Notes:
- Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 30 days after the date you leave South Africa and have at least 2 blank pages.
- Malawians don’t need a visa if you’re visiting South Africa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
- Plan your route in advance your hotel, bus or flight tickets to avoid last minute disappointments.
- Avoid walking alone, especially after dark & Do not display cash or valuables.
- To enter South Africa, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if travelled to or coming from any East African nation or any country listed are the malaria belt.
- Be alert to the risk of scams, Card skimming and confidence scams are widespread.
- Always carry a copy of your passport photo page and the page with your visitors permit. South African officials may ask for ID and proof of residence at any time. Keep your passport in a hotel safe or another secure location.
suzgo chingati 