Johannesburg - To Do 27Dec25 (Ukutula Lodge, Rosebank Catholic Church)

Johannesburg - To Do
Johannesburg - To Eat

JNB - To Do
 Like ABBATRAVEL on facebook to get the latest updates
Ukutula Lodge & Game Reserve
(Pretty much a 4hr-5hr half day program considering you start early at 8am)

ABBATip:
- For many of these bigger game interaction, there is a minimum age as well as min height 1.5m. Ultimately these are wild animals and many would view the young children as prey and can be dangerous for them.
- Photo opportunities and interactions aren't guaranteed and follow instructions closely to have a mutual respect with the animals and an overall enjoyable time. 
- The Lion walk has fixed timings. They generally do two walks in the morning and one more in the late afternoon. 8am and 4pm indicated to account for rest time for the lions. So be aware to be on time or early to catch the wave. 
- The rest of the tours are generally free and easy and run all day. You simply join one of the groups for the tour. 

We went with Lazo Safari +27 76 394 7841 for ease of the tour to Ukutula Lodge. They do also provide other tours to other/multiple locations. Remember that as crew you need your passport stamped if wanting to do these tours. 

*Transport we had for the day.*

This is a private transport to and from location but you can also arrange stop offs at other places or an alternate drop off after, as we did. We paid R2700 for the entire car for a party of 2. Different charges for small car with full 4pax and larger transport if going in a large group. (Negotiable)

- Pick up is promptly at 6am. They are very much on time. 
- You can arrange for a pick & go place to grab a bite to start of your day. 
- Travel Journey to Ukutula Lodge is about 1.5-2hrs pending traffic conditions. The last bit of travel to the Ukutula Lodge is on pretty rough roads and could get you motion sick.

Ukutula Lodge
(Pretty self contained with walking tours and refreshments in between.)

You can pick and choose what you'd like to do at the lodge. There's no minimum number required as you'd combine with other people there. We went for the Guided Tour and the Lion Waterhole experience. Their timings are a little flexible and don't start promptly but generally end within the time frame as advertised. 

Lion Waterhole Experience (Approx. 1hr)

Note this is more limiting as the Lions go out generally for 2-4 walks a day. 8am and 4pm. It really depends if there are the minimum number of people as well as how the lions are feeling on that day.

R1200/A No children under 12yrs allowed with min height of 1.5m

This was a really remarkable and somewhat spiritual experience. To be part of the pride walking with the big cats. Remember these are wild animals and at times when the Alpha gives his side eye, you instantly are reminded that you're the prey here. 

Follow instructions clearly and enjoy the entire experience. The staff are super helpful to ensure everyone gets their photos and videos. They are ultimately there for your safety and that of the animals as well. Highly recommended to try and be a part off.

Guided Tour (Approx. 2hrs)
Mon to Sun starting at 10:00 or 14:00
Note: Children of a smaller size may not be able to interact with Cheetahs and the lion cubs.
*It really depends on how the animas are on that day but the staff at Ukutula are incredibly accommodating and try their best to give everyone the opportunity with safety in mind.*
R750/Adult R375/C



*Talks about what they do at Ukutula Lodge and you get
really up-close with these beautiful beasts*

This was a wonderful tour with easy to absorb information on the animals and work that's being done at the reserve. Highly recommended, with a really different vibe and interactions than one would get at a zoo.

*Informative talks on the Spotted Hyenas being key stone animals.*

The tour comes with a nice break and its topped off with lovely interactions with the lion cubs and cheetah. 

*Viewing the cubs before the interactions when we arrived in the morning*

It was really nice that the staff helped with videos and pictures, with second opportunities with the animals. Despite keeping to their time schedule, they were constantly double checking if everyone was happy with their moments and if anyone wanted more interactions with the animals. 

*Talks on the rescued Caracals*

*Interactions with the Leopard.*

Ukutula Lodge is more of a half to 3/4 day full experience. All the exploration is done via foot and not that of taking a ride out into the great wilderness to look for animals in their natural environment. Somewhat controlled but still incredibly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Click here for ABBA location of Ukutula Lodge

Rosebank Catholic Church

Rosebank Catholic Church, officially the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is a historic 1936 parish in Johannesburg known for its beautiful stained glass, uplifting music, and a warm, multicultural community. 

Really nice blue vibes and giving off feelings of the Chapel of Our Lady of The Miraculous Medal in Paris, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Catherine Labouré in 1830, giving her the design for the Miraculous Medal, a devotional item worn by millions of Catholics worldwide

Click here for ABBA location of Rosebank Catholic Church