Going on safari is something that everyone should do at least once, although we do warn you that once you’ve spent the dawn hours atop a 4x4 Landrover looking for that elusive female leopard everyone spotted yesterday you’ll almost certainly be hooked. There’s something about them that is quite addictive and whether that’s because they appeal to your spirit of adventure or your competitive streak (“We can’t possibly leave without spotting the Big Five, darling!”) probably depends upon your individual nature.

Of course, where South African safaris are concerned there’s the added allure of the five-star lodges. Afro-chic is the word that comes to mind when describing them, although whether that’s appropriate for both the contemporary ones and the colonial ones is probably debatable. Whatever the case, the finest ones are all veritable works of art,
delightfully intimate, decidedly exotic and all conceived with the greatest respect for their surroundings. Were it not for the amazing wildlife spectacle right on the doorstep (usually quite literally!) you’d be happy as a clam taking advantage of the bush spa or the swimming pool; your only thought for the wonderful carvery they put out every
lunchtime or whether you’ve been spoilt forever by that starlit dinner in the middle of the bush.

As it is you do have something else to occupy you. Something good enough to merit dragging yourself out of bed each morning at the crack of dawn! The South African wildlife experience ranks with the best on the continent, spotting the Big Five (rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant) obviously the main point of it all, but one lodge also
promoting the Little Five (elephant shrew, ant lion, leopard tortoise, rhino beetle and buffalo weaver) which just shows you the incredible diversity that’s on offer! And then there’s the star-gazing for the romantics, the birdwatching for the twitchers and the walking safaris for the lionhearted, your personal safari ranger in charge of it all and sure to impress you as much with his social skills as for his encyclopedic knowledge.

When choosing which safari to take - and we recommend you stay in more than one lodge per trip - you should probably take into account the following. Firstly the wildlife you’re likely to see is as important as the lodge itself and contrasting experiences always contribute to the most stimulating vacation. The time of year also comes into play here as the climate changes from season to season and the animals you’re likely to spot do vary from summer to winter. No doubt you’ll also be combining your safari with other aspects of South Africa, so something as simple as geography may also have an impact on your choice. And if you don’t want to bother with malaria precautions then you’ll have to discount the game reserves adjoining the Kruger National Park and focus instead upon those on the Eastern Cape or in the north-western Madikwe Game Reserve.

We, of course, will be delighted to give you personal advice on the South African holiday that is right for you. Whatever you decide upon you’re sure to have an experience that will be unforgettable and enriching. And don’t
forget it will all still be there next year. This is just the beginning!