Embarking on my trip to South Africa turned out to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Let me share the highs and lows of my journey, all while keeping it simple and relatable.
The journey began with not one, but two rejections for my e-visa application. It was quite the wake-up call. The first rejection made me realize I had underestimated the importance of documents like the Yellow Fever Certificate, Proof of Employment, Flight Reservation, and Hotel Booking. Lessons learned the hard way, right?
The second rejection, though, was a different story. I had all the necessary documents in order, but due to backlogs from the Department of Home Affairs, they couldn’t process my application in time for my travel date. It was a frustrating setback, but I wasn’t about to give up.
Third time’s the charm, they say, and indeed it was. The third application finally got approved. The elation I felt was beyond words; it marked not only the approval of my first visa but also my first solo trip. The uncertainty of what lay ahead in Johannesburg added a thrilling edge to my excitement.
My journey started at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. I chose Air Peace for my flight, having booked my ticket six months in advance. I learned the importance of booking directly with the airline when I had to adjust my travel dates multiple times.
Here’s a tip: when traveling with an e-visa, don’t just rely on your phone to display it; make a hard copy. It might save you some trouble, as I soon discovered.
The flight itself was relatively empty, with only about 30 passengers on a full plane. This gave everyone some room to spread out, and I had a row of seats all to myself. The 6-hour journey to Johannesburg felt long, but the anticipation kept me going.
Arriving in South Africa, I faced a minor hiccup due to my e-visa. I was the first in line waiting to be stamped into the city, yet I was asked to step back. It turned out that I was at the wrong counter for e-visas. It would have been helpful if the immigration officer had directed me to the right place, but I had to figure it out myself.
Things took an interesting turn when I booked an Uber. The driver arrived before I was even stamped into Johannesburg, and he canceled the trip. I had to pay an Uber waiting fee, a situation that could have been avoided with the right guidance. It turns out there’s a specific counter for e-visas.
Finally, I got through the immigration process after a bit of confusion. However, it wasn’t the end of my encounters with authorities. The airport police stopped me and inquired about my purpose in South Africa. They were skeptical even after I showed them my hotel reservation. It was a nerve-wracking experience, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had gone wrong.
Around 9:30 PM, my hotel in South Africa called my Nigerian number to check if I was still coming. The police decided to inspect my travel luggage, and the threat of deportation hung in the air. I showed them my Morocco Visa and flight ticket, which were scheduled for the next 12 days with a departure from Lagos. Perhaps that convinced them, or maybe they simply decided to let me go.
My Uber ride to Randburg took about 35 minutes, but the driver refused to drop me outside the hotel gate due to safety concerns. Instead, he ensured my safety by dropping me inside the hotel compound, a gesture I deeply appreciated.
Upon my arrival, I was welcomed by Lynne, my host, who gave me a brief tour of my apartment. It was already late, around 10:25 PM, so we decided to call it a day, considering the long journey and the events at the airport.
The following day, I took some time to settle in and explore the neighborhood. Lynne kindly drove me to the mall, where I got an MTN SIM card for connectivity, even though Wi-Fi was readily available in many places.
To make my tour around Johannesburg, South Africa convenient and cost-effective, I opted for the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. With this City Sightseeing Bus, all the activities on my itinerary were conveniently covered.
I explored iconic places, from the Nelson Mandela Foundation to Melrose Arch, Constitution Hill, the Apartheid Museum, and Golden Reef City. I also chose the Soweto Extension, which allowed me to visit Orlando Stadium, Mandela House, Soweto Brewing Company, and the Hector Peterson Memorial.
Driving through Johannesburg and Soweto, South Africa I had the chance to meet diverse people and take in the beauty of the city. The sunny day made the tour even more enjoyable, and the guides’ explanations added depth to the rich history of South Africa.
My journey had its share of ups and downs, but it was shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure.