I recently returned from a business trip. My husband couldn’t attend so he followed my posts on social media. Upon my return he said “Your photos were all amazing. I think you looked the happiest I have ever seen you. Did you have the best trip of your life or what?” It made me stop and think how this trip made me feel. And though I felt a little guilty that he was not a part of it I had to admit “Wow, I think I did!” That is what a trip to South Africa may do for you.
What were the ingredients that made this trip so incredibly joyous and fulfilling? Wildlife viewing, stunning beaches, vibrant cities and nature’s inspiring landscapes mixed in with some pretty amazing food, gin and wine. And this is just a sliver of what South Africa has to offer. Too much to cover in one newsletter, I will split it up, starting with this episode featuring my truly memorable safari experience.
We stayed overnight at the capital city of Johannesburg in a 5 star hotel where we had the first of many wonderful meals we would experience in this country. South Africa is known for its “farm to table cuisine” where locally grown food and ingredients are used every day. The restaurants and hotels can accommodate all dietary requirements.
After a well-rested night, we boarded the quick flight to our game lodge and the start of our safari experience.
Photos Above: Saseka Tented Camp
We checked into Thornybush Waterside Game Lodge where we donned our safari attire and grabbed our binoculars for our first evening safari drive. As I walked over to the lobby I caught a glimpse of a few rhinos lazily cooling off in the river of our waterside lodge as impalas peacefully grazed all along the property enjoying a snack. Some were just steps from the lodge pool. I had to snap a few photos along the way.
Once seated in our safari jeep, our guide, knowing how excited we are to see the “Big Five”, informed us of the “rules of safari” that will help keep us safe and ensure the best wildlife viewing experience possible. 1) Stay seated at all times as standing may alert the wildlife and cause them to attack or react in a dangerous manner. 2) Keep quiet, keeping your voices to a whisper when animals are near and no screaming at any time. Easy enough – I can handle that. :-)
What are the “Big Five” commonly found in South Africa?
- Elephant
- Cape Buffalo
- Leopard
- Lion
- Rhino
Since our private game reserve lodge borders Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in all of South Africa, within 20 minutes of our drive we begin spotting wildlife. We easily spot nyla, wildebeests and giraffes. I zoom in a little on my binoculars and a giraffe looks at me with thick gorgeous eyelashes – just beautiful.
The next day’s game drive we encounter a couple of lions leisurely soaking in the early morning sun only six feet away from our jeep. Our safari guide asks if any of us are scared and just then a lion gives a HUGE yawn. We are in awe and whisper that we are just fine.
Something you may not know about me is that elephants are my passion. I have been anxiously waiting to catch a glimpse of these guys but so far we have not spotted a single one. During our afternoon break our group is given the option of enjoying a relaxing massage at the lodge spa or take part in a guided walking safari. In hopes of seeing elephants I opt for the walking safari. It was educational and enjoyable but not a single elephant was to be found. At dinner, my companions who chose the spa tell me they saw multiple elephants during their ride to the spa! Really??? I was so disappointed.
Now I am getting worried that my African safari experience may be an elephant-less adventure. After all, we are out in nature, not a controlled environment, so viewing specific animals cannot be guaranteed. We start off our 3rd game drive with a priority to discover those big mighty mammals I love. Did you know? Elephants are incredibly smart, they have a very long memory and feel deep emotion and compassion for members of their herd!
An hour into our drive we spot zebras galloping by. Suddenly we see two elephants by a watering hole with their trunks lovingly intertwined. And that is when I do exactly what I swore I would not do. In unexpected joy and excitement I jump up from my seat and shout “OMG!” I was horrified at my reaction. It almost felt like an outer body experience -what was I thinking?? Fortunately there was no other wildlife nearby so we all just enjoyed a good laugh at my spontaneous reaction.
During the next two game drives we encountered more elephants. One was outside our lodge lobby grazing on branches from a tree right in front of a jeep as a safari guide sat inside.
What animal was the biggest surprise to how it moved me? The buffalo! They were not high on my list of must-see. But as a herd of Cape Buffalo with babies in tow slowly moved in our direction they mesmerized me with those dark, deep super intense eyes. I have never seen anything like it. And observing the immense size of these strong animals combined with their agile movements was astounding.
My safari experience was phenomenal and little surprises made it even more special and memorable. Our guides arranged a breakfast in the bush consisting of African coffee and pastries. One evening drive they surprised us with sundowners of local gin and appetizers plus some African wine.
Look for next month’s newsletter where I will touch upon the other ingredients for a dream trip come true. Let’s plan your trip to South Africa!
I look forward to all we can plan for you in 2020 and beyond!
Our world is full of amazing destinations; our goal is to get you there one at a time!
