“There is magic waiting in the bush, a wild connection that will forever change your sense of the world, outside and inside.  Once you venture into the heart of Africa on Safari, you never leave.  It pulses inside you, around you, wherever you may be”.

It all began years ago as I listened with awe to the experiences of others who have traveled to Africa on Safari….to Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, the Serengeti and Kruger National Park. The dream became a reality when a landmark birthday approached and family discussions crystalized on how and where we would celebrate life, adventure, and one another!

As first-time travelers to Africa (with the exception of my son-in-law, experienced in the ways of the Bush)…and with the help of a highly recommended travel specialist….we decided upon Kruger National Park….known to be family friendly, and the heart of primal wildlife encounters, vivid landscapes, and the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes).

So after long flights from Boston and New York….connecting  in Amsterdam…our group of six (including two teenagers, their parents, Art and me)….prepared for the deeply magical and multi-sensory experience ahead.  Allow me now to walk you through a typical Safari, beginning with the lodging.

Safari Lodges Vs the Tent Experience

In a word, today’s Safari lodges go far beyond tents and offer a range of creature comforts Including viewing decks, stylish decor influenced by local design, plunge pools, outdoor and indoor showers, spa amenities, communal lounge areas and the security of permanent solid structures that blend into their natural surroundings.  A walk around the grounds may include a friendly encounter with the graceful Impala or imagine falling asleep at night to the far-off sounds of the wild.

For a more intimate immersion in nature, tented camps are defined by canvas tents of various sizes,  often located in remote areas to provide a more adventurous and authentic safari experience closer to the wilderness.

The Bush Breakfast and “Bomas”

African hospitality in Safari lodges is renowned for its blend of personalized service, cultural immersion and a deep connection to the surrounding environment.  Indeed, the guest experience highlights the warm, attentive and welcoming nature of the staff which truly feels “like family” while maintaining 5-star standards.

And the culinary experience is “24/7”, including pre-safari light breakfast, full breakfast, lunch often served poolside or overlooking wildlife watering holes, afternoon tea/snacks, and the evening dinner, sometimes by candlelight.

A personal favorite was the Bush Breakfast, a unique experience in the African wilderness, served after an early morning game drive.  Instead of returning to the lodge, a freshly prepared breakfast is set up in a scenic outdoor spot , under a large acacia tree, beside a river, or in an open clearing area of the Bush.  Meal offerings include a hearty spread, local dishes such as chaoatu (a fried doughnut) and a full bar with the best bloody mary ever!  The meal is served by the lodge staff at beautifully set tables and often accompanied by the sounds of wildlife or the sighting of animals grazing nearby at a safe distance.

Another unique treat is a candlelight boma…not just a meal but a sensory journey of nature, culture, cuisine and hospitality, considered the quintessential African safari experience under the stars. It all appens in an open air, circular enclosure called a boma…centered around a crackling fire pit, surrounded by guest seating.  As night falls, candles and lanterns are lit, guests gather around the fire to share stories of the day’s game drives, local music, and sometimes Masai or other indigenous dance.  The menu includes local and regional African flavors, grilled meat, fine South African wines and more.  At the Tangile River Lodge where we stayed, staff and guests danced together under the stars (our teenagers were the first to join) and it was truly an unforgettable evening under the African sky.

 Game Drives – Morning and Evening

There is a thrilling sense of anticipation in every moment on safari, especially during game drives which take place in the early morning (6 AM) and in the evening (3:30 PM).  These drives are conducted in specially designed 4 x 4 vehicles that comfortably seat 6. The drives are generally three hours. twice daily,and are lead by highly trained drivers and a tracker, who sits on the front of the vehicle.

The driver and tracker work as a team, with an emphasis on specialized skills including wildlife tracking, safety awareness, cultural and environmental knowledge, and coordination and communication with one another.

The tracker learns to identify and follow subtle signs in nature like animal tracks, droppings, broken branches, and alarm calls of birds and other animals, which helps in locating elusive or camouflaged animals in the wild.  Being part of this discovery adds a layer of mystery and excitement to the game drives, making every animal sighting feel like the ultimate discovery.

The sunrise drive with its soft morning light (great for photography), and crisp, clean air is excellent for observing active daytime animals, especially predators and grazers, as they hunt or feed after a night of rest. The night drive with its golden hour lighting (excellent for dramatic shots), highlights nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, lions, and bush babies.  The reduced visibility after sunset requires careful driving and sometimes a spotlight to see the “sleeping lion” and others.

As you venture through the bush at dawn or dusk, the sights, sounds, and scents of the African landscape come alive…the bird calls and distant animal sounds, the smell of dry bush, the breath-taking views of plains dotted with acacia trees, and the blend of thrill and tranquility….expands sense of self and renews one’s perspectives.

The Big Five: We saw them all!

The term Big Five is less about size and more historically about the challenge and danger in hunting these animals.   Today, the term is used by Safari tour operators to describe  these majestic animals.

THE LION: King of the African bush, they are the largest African carnivore and are social animals living in prides and mostly active at night.

LEOPARD: Elusive and nocturnal, the hardest of the Big Five to spot.

ELEPHANT; The largest land mammal in the world, known for their size, trunks, tusks and high intelligence. They can be aggressive if threatened, especially when protecting their young.

RHINOCEROUS: Including both black and white rhinos, these large herbivores have two prominent horns on their noses.  Rhinos are critically endangered due to peaching and highly prized by wildlife enthusiasts.

AFRICAN BUFFALO: Also known as the Cape Buffalo, this species is known for its unpredictable nature and strength. It is considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa, especially when encountered on foot.

In addition to the Big Five, we were also fortunate to see the African wild dogs (rarely spotted) after a kill of an Impala.  The wild dogs are fascinating, highly social and effective predators with unique physical and behavioral adaptations. With only 6600 adults in wild populations, they face significant conservation challenges.

A Walking Safari and My Favorite Animal: The Giraffe 

An option to the safari game drive is the walking safari, a highlight of my trip.  Trekking across uneven terrain, hiding in the bush, accompanied by an armed guide, together we encountered the beloved giraffe, the tallest mammal on earth and a “gentle giant”.  Their long necks, legs, purple tongues, and unique spotted coat patterns set giraffes apart…and like human fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same pattern.  Calm and non-aggressive, they have massive hearts (literally about two feet long), they sleep very little (only about 30 mins. a day, mostly standing up) and their young can walk within an hour of birth.

The giraffe is known to “reach higher and see further”, which for me was an inspiring metaphor for this magical trip to Africa.

Farewell 

Beyond the wildlife encounters, and experiencing the soul of Africa, a Safari represents the chance to disconnect from the world and connect with Nature…the land, its timeless rhythm, the changing colors of the sky at sunrise and sunset, and the nighttime stars.  Departing Africa felt less like leaving the continent and more like saying farewell to a blessed state of mind.

Indeed, the only person I envy is anyone who has not yet traveled to Africa, for they have so much to look forward to!

When you return, let’s share stories…

NOTE:  Part Two will explore our pre-and-post trip to Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Soweto