Travel Guides

Little can prepare you for a Safari experience in South Africa it really is truly spectacular! You have all these expectations of what it may be and once you arrive it’s this and much more!! I couldn’t get over the closeness you get to the animals and how exclusive safari really is. We spent our week in the famous areas of Timbavati and Sabi Sands private game reserves in some of South Africa top lodges. Your day begins with an early morning wake up call for your first game drive of the day, on board your vehicle there will be a maximum of eight passengers along with your tracker and ranger (very important people!) within the game reserves each lodge can traverse onto their land so you can really cover some distance within the time you are out. The trackers look for fresh footprints whilst you spend your time keeping watch to see if you can spot something! The bush is not only home to the big 5 but some wonderful birds which sit in the trees’ calling. Once you have found a sighting you will gradually move in until close enough to get an amazing view and not to forget picture before the engine is turned off and you can then just sit and watch! After this exhilarating couple of hours breakfast is served then the day is at your leisure to lounge around the pool, maybe take a bush walk or possible have a massage before you go out for the afternoon game drive followed by a sundowner or two in the bush!

The best time to visit the Kruger National Park is their winter which is April – September when the game viewing is at its best. By day the sun will shine and be a comfortable 25c by night it drops down to be quite cold so jackets would be required on your early morning and night game drives. The game viewing is awesome because the leaves have dropped off the bushes making it easier to spot those lions!

There is so much more to see and do in South Africa other than Safari so if you’re interested in further details please do give us a call. In the meantime here are a few of my suggestions of Lodges…

Kings Camp

Situated in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Kings Camp reflects the charm and romance of a colonial past in a pristine corner of unspoilt Africa. Kings Camp is situated facing an open savanna plain with a waterhole, which is frequented by a wide variety of wildlife, day and night. The size of the reserve covers about 60 000 hectares of pristine African bush, part of the world famous greater Kruger National Park. The Kruger National Park itself is a further 2 million hectares in size, which is about the same size as Israel or Wales.

There are eleven generously spacious colonial suites are luxuriously equipped with air-conditioning, Victorian ball-and-claw bath, indoor and outdoor double shower, fully stocked mini-bar and private verandah. Dark tones of wood and thatch offset the natural colours of the bushveld.

Kings Camp offers a number of very comfortable living areas for you to just sit back, relax and soak up the tranquility of the African bush. A thatched viewing deck overlooking a very active waterhole and an open plan lounge, and bar are the ideal place to see out the heat of the day, while sipping an ice cold cocktail. Alternatively, a dip in the swimming pool is maybe a better option for some.

The spacious dining room offers stunning views of the bushveld, while enjoying the sumptuous meals offered at Kings Camp. No dinner will be the same at Kings Camp. From dining under the stars in the heart of the bush, or in our traditional boma, to fine service dinners in our dining room, or in the garden under a large knobthorn tree, alongside the swimming pool, overlooking the spot lit waterhole

Nottens Bush Camp

Nottens Bush Camp is a jewel within the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga, which means "the land of the rising sun" in the locally spoken language. Notten's is an exclusive and private safari lodge personally run by the Notten family. This beautiful, intimate safari lodge is situated within one of South Africa's finest natural sanctuaries the Sabi Sand Reserve and Greater Kruger National Park.

Each private suite is elegantly styled, spacious and cooled by ceiling fans. A magical atmosphere is created with the purposeful absence of electric lighting; the ambient candlelight and lanterns capturing an enchanting spirit of romance.  With splendid panoramic views, this private game lodge is the perfect place for peace and relaxation while watching animals meander past. 

The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a remarkable natural sanctuary known for its exceptionally high concentration of animal and bird life. Safaris are led by experienced rangers in open-top land rovers, offering an adventurous discovery of the region's prolific wildlife, including Big 5 game viewing. Unique walking safaris are offered daily giving you the opportunity of discovering the hidden treasures of the region.  This can be followed by lazy hours spent in the sparkling pool or having a massage at the Nature Spa. 

Under the cloak of nightfall one can enjoy the sounds of the African night, while dining in the enchanting candlelit boma beneath a canopy of stars – a truly amazing experience!

Camp Jabulani

Camp Jabulani is a family-owned and managed private luxury safari lodge located within the private Kapama Game Reserve in Hoedspruit, South Africa. With a Relais & Chateaux accreditation, this camp is guaranteed to offer first class accommodation, cuisine, facilities and personalized service. But its most notable feature is the herd of trained African elephants which were rescued by the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. You will be able to experience the extraordinary impact of interacting personally with the mammoth animals on daily elephant rides (the only night safari in the world!), around the waterhole as they swim and play, and in the wild habitat surrounding their stables.

This luxurious camp has only 6 suites - never more than 12 guests. Each of the six luxury suites is remote and private. Massive wooden sliding doors present interiors which are a pure translation of style, comfort, elegance and overall - an appreciation of the natural environment. Pure cotton sheets, massive stone tubs, an outdoor glass-enclosed shower, a fire-place with a separate lounge area, and a private plunge pool complement each of the rooms. Suites are also equipped with a mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and electric blankets. Comfort is ensured by the 24 hour temperature control and overhead ceiling fan.

During the day the “walls” of the suites are rolled away to bring the bush just that bit closer. In the evenings, cozy lighting, a blazing fire and a welcoming bed draw to a perfect close another day in Africa.

Some of Camp Jabulani's notable offerings include the daily elephant back safaris, safari drives in the Big Five private Kapama Reserve, visits to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, indulgent treatments in the outdoor Therapy Lapa, gastronomic delights at the hands of the masterful culinary team, and hot air balloon excursions over the reserve.

For me a destination that will truly touch your heart and soul.