By Lilian Chudey Pride
My Johannesburg travel experience was smooth and exciting.
I’ve passed through the Oliver Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg a few times, but none of those visits were enough to satisfy my curiosity about this beautiful space. The airport, with its breathtaking ambiance, is the busiest in Africa. It is a true aviation hub, and it holds all the features of a world-class airport.
On my first visit, I kept thinking about how beautiful the city beyond the airport must be. That thought stirred my desire to explore Johannesburg. This time, I decided to travel by road.
Starting from Windhoek, Namibia, my husband, Dr. Chudey Pride, and I set out for our Johannesburg travel experience with a stopover in Upington. This 12-hour break turned into a romantic, unexpected honeymoon. My husband, who was initially reluctant about joining me, turned the stopover into an unforgettable experience.
In Upington, we were serenaded by live music. My husband surprised me by booking a local saxophonist, Mr. Manie Davia, who played a beautiful rendition of Brenda Fassie’s songs. It was magical, filled with nostalgia and the kind of romance that makes time fly by.
Soon, it was time to continue our journey to Johannesburg. I felt a bit sad to leave Upington, but the anticipation of seeing Johannesburg kept me excited.
Finally, we arrived in Johannesburg. We stayed at Anka Lodge, a beautiful bed and breakfast located at 45 Cross Avenue, Atholl, Sandton. The lodge felt like a home away from home, with its well-maintained garden, refreshing pool, and cool, shaded areas. Our host, Mrs. Katherine, made our stay even better with her warm and friendly attitude.
If you ever visit Johannesburg, I highly recommend staying at Anka Lodge. It’s a perfect getaway for couples, families, or solo travelers.
After some days in Johannesburg, we made our way back to Upington for another 12-hour stopover. This time, our small group had grown. We were joined by Elizabeth, a bright young Namibian girl, a young man from Angola, and a middle-aged Namibian man. My husband and I, being Nigerians, felt the strong connection among all of us, even though we came from different parts of Africa.
This shared experience was a reminder of how Africa unites us all in spirit and purpose, no matter where we come from. Those 12 hours felt like a family reunion.
As we arrived back in Windhoek, Namibia, I reflected on our journey. It wasn’t just about the destination; it was about the connections we made along the way. Africa is like that—beautiful, rich in culture, love, and resources. She never grows old or weary, and her potential is limitless.
I encourage you to explore Africa. You’ll experience the warmth, diversity, and endless opportunities that make her unique. At iwriteafrica.com, we welcome you to Africa, where we connect her with the world and the world with her.
Join me on my next journey, as I continue to write Africa through the lens of my camera and the strokes of my pen.
