Safari – savanna and big game

In the minds of most people the Safari is the quintessence of Africa

With over twenty national parks and even more private game reserves, South Africa has everything to offer — in an open jeep in the safe hands of expert guides, in your own car or by wilderness trail on foot, bringing Africa up close. Or what about a balloon safari, by canoe, on horseback, or on the back of an elephant? From arid Kalahari to lush Zululand the possibilities are endless.

South Africa´s great strides in conservation

South Africa has been particularly far-sighted in initiating major regeneration and preservation programmes to conserve its game stocks and their natural habitats, which in the process has made South Africa a highly attractive safari destination.

4 x 4 and experienced rangers

Self-driving around national parks is permitted on condition that regulations are observed to the letter and drivers confine themselves to designated routes.

Private game reserves tend to be less crowded. Only those staying at private lodges are allowed access and you will quickly feel more a guest than a tourist at these small oases.

Game drives in sturdy cross-country vehicles, led by experienced rangers, guarantee maximum return from each area. To the extent, of course, that anything can be promised on the movements of wild animals! And, incidentally, no two safaris are alike.

A day on safari

The day starts early on safari, usually before dawn. Animals are most active in the early morning hours before the sun rises in earnest.

If you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of the “Big Five”: Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino. But don’t ignore the other animals, they, too, deserve attention ­ ­— small and large antelope, wildebeest and vultures, the hyena, crocodiles and the
hippo, each lord of its own domain.

Time to relaxe before the next encounter 

Breakfast awaits on your return from the first drive, and then relax for the morning beside the pool. By late afternoon, when the sun has lost some of its tenacity, you can set off again for the bush.

In open cross-country vehicles or perhaps on foot this time, accompanied by skilled trackers, who act not only as pathfinders but ooze with knowledge and anecdote on everything around you from the animals, their tracks and habitats, to the vegetation, which is often just as fascinating.

Rare nocturnal sights
In the beam of the tracker´s powerful flash light try to catch a glimpse of some rare nocturnal wildlife on the return journey. A soundless leopard, perhaps, on the prowl...

Under the starry African sky

Following the traditional sundowner dinner is served in what is called the Boma, an intimate hedged-in enclosure with a crackling bonfire at the centre.

A nightcap under the starry African sky won’t go amiss and then to bed, and a well-earned night’s sleep in your luxury lodge or well-equipped private tent.