One Week in Eastern South Africa: Kruger and Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a vibrant city that you will never forget. Enjoy its cultural diversity, embodied by the thriving local population.

You will likely be exhausted from your long travel day. Take some time to rest in a hotel near the airport, so that you can hit the ground running tomorrow. A great option is the Premier Hotel, which has a good on-site restaurant and pool area.

Time to explore! Since you spent the first night outside the city, it is time to relocate. The best neighborhoods are Melrose Arch and Sandton -- still close to the action, but in less gritty areas. Protea Hotel Fire and Ice is in a great location.

Johannesburg is a modern metropolis with a vibrant culture and economy. It played a pivotal role in South Africa's struggle for freedom, with iconic sites like Soweto and the Apartheid Museum standing as reminders of the fight against oppression. Today, you will learn more about the interwoven strands of this city's history.

Once you settle into your new hotel. Opt for early check-in. If not available, they can hold your luggage. Choose either a food tour or a local cooking class. Either one will give you a taste of the local cuisine. It incorporates flavors from the African continent as well as from the Indian immigrant population.

If you are still hungry after your food tour, check out one of the restaurants in Melrose Arch. Your hotel is part of this shopping complex, so you needn't worry about a long walk. You may also find a lively spot for an after-food tour drink.

With the full day available, it's time to delve into the history of Johannesburg. Book (in advance) a day tour with Ilan Ossendryver -- a photojournalist who is a long-time resident. His relationships with the local communities will give you a direct insight into Johannesburg's communities. Ilan is strongly acquainted with many residents of SoWeTo (SouthWest Township), previously established as a settlement for Black workers during Apartheid. Ilan's tour is an experience you will never forget.

After a day of walking around the city, you can opt for the convenience of dinner at a Melrose Arch restaurant.

It's time to get your wheels on and say goodbye to Jo'burg. Pick up your rental car at JNB airport and start the six-hour drive to the Kruger National Park area.

A must-stop along the way is the Alzu Petroport, about a third of the way to Kruger. It's a great opportunity for a toilet break and a quick snack. Try the drinks at Mugg and Bean. But the best part is the watering hole behind the facility. You will likely catch a glimpse of rhinos and ostriches -- and many other local animals -- while enjoying your coffee!

Settle into your lodge either in or near the park. You can save a lot of money by staying outside of park boundaries, and it's a short drive to Kruger. My favorite hotel outside the park is African Rock Lodge. It is a small boutique hotel with wandering animals, nightly group dinners and an outdoor pool for when you want to kick back and relax. The owners give great destination advice and will help you with all of your arrangements.

Your hotel host can help you arrange your safari trip, if you haven't already arranged it. The early morning pickup is daunting, but absolutely worth it, so that you can spend the entire day in the park.

If you travel during the lower season (their winter/early spring), you may have a safari jeep to yourself, as I did. Your guide is such a valuable resource to track down the best visibility areas for local animals. If you're lucky, you may be able to see all five of the Big Five!

Make sure you have your best camera with you, as this is an experience you will never forget.

After a long, but rewarding day out on safari, relax with dinner on-site at your hotel.

Today is a traveler's choice of things to see:

• Option 1: Hop in your rental car to drive the Panorama Route. This three-hour drive takes you to stunning vistas, such as Blyde Canyon and The Three Rondavels. You will also travel through charming villages like Graskop, where you can take a break for a coffee. If the sun is out, your views will be even more stunning. I recommend allowing most of the day for this drive, so you can stop as long as you want at the viewpoints.

• Option 2: Choose from among other activities in the area -- these are less dependent on the weather, so this may be a better option if it is overcast or raining. Rain or shine, a covered boat cruises down the Blyde River, offering scenic views with protection from the elements. This can easily be combined with a visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. You can visit, and learn about local animals that will be rehabbed and released. While I was not able to see all of the Big Five in the wild on my trip, I was able to view some of them at this rehab center.

If you have an additional day to spare in the area, you can choose between both options on two separate days.

Reflect on your rewarding experiences in this diverse country as you return to Johannesburg and the airport. With the diversity of activities and warmth of the people, you will certainly want to visit South Africa again!