The Thrill of a Safari

Posted in Travel Writing, South Africa by Emma Bosworth on 19th May 2017

A safari is undoubtedly a bucket list experience and we’ve selected three contrasting Big 5 Game Reserves, with a spotlight on four luxury lodges, all tried and tested by our team. Discover the thrill of the Big 5 (Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion & Leopard) as part of your South African adventure.

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari is a malaria free 25,000 hectare game reserve situated on the Eastern Cape and home to Africa’s Big 5. Two safari drives of about 3 hours each are included daily as well as a visit to one of the Shamwari Born Free Sanctuaries. The Animal Rehab Centre and the Rhino Awareness Centre are great add-ons, especially for the kids.

Spotlight on Shamwari Bayethe Lodge

Shamwari Bayethe Lodge offers the ultimate luxury tented accommodation and is set in the north of Shamwari. Twelve Superior tents offer guests the chance to immerse themselves in calmness, surrounded by lush vegetation offering ample privacy and a feeling of seclusion. All tents are air-conditioned and offer electric blankets, a private plunge pool and a wooden viewing deck. The lodge also has a bush relaxation retreat for those wishing to indulge in some spa treatments.

Spotlight on Shamwari Riverdene Lodge

Perfect for families, Shamwari Riverdene Lodge accepts children from 4 years up. This light and contemporary-style experience, in a restored frontier homestead, has luxury rooms and offers a pool, supervised playroom, spacious green lawns and jungle gym facility. All the rooms are fully airconditioned and there are nine inter-leading rooms which are ideal for those with families. Each features a small lounge area, en-suite sandstone bathroom and private terrace leading onto the landscaped gardens.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Located approximately a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg, bordering Botswana, Madikwe Game Reserve is malaria free and the largest Game Reserve in South Africa after Kruger National Park. One of the lesser known parks, this hidden gem is regarded as one of the best conservation areas and offers Big 5 viewing.

Spotlight on Impodimo Game Lodge

Suited to couples and families, Impodimo Game Lodge, Madikwe is a stunning and luxurious game lodge set on a rocky ridge overlooking magnificent vistas out to the Big 5 game reserve. Accommodation includes eight glass-fronted luxury chalets and one deluxe suite each enjoying striking views of the African Bush. Luxury chalets boast en suite bathrooms with outdoor showers, closed system fireplaces and private decks. The Deluxe Suite is perfect for a family with two suites each with its own private deck and en-suite bathroom, a central lounge and dining area with kitchen, bar and viewing deck as well as its own private pool. Two game drives per day are also included.

Sabi Sands

Bordering the Kruger National park, with fenceless boundaries, Sabi Sands is a private Game Reserve that offers the ultimate experience in game viewing. Travellers can see a great variety of magnificent animals, including the sought-after Big Five and is one of the best destinations to see leopards. Sabi Sands offers a fantastic range of thrilling safari activities, including exhilarating game drives and bush walks – the ultimate way to experience Africa’s most amazing wildlife, complemented by outstanding accommodation

Spotlight on Dulini Lodge

Intimate and elegant, Dulini Lodge is a spectacular lodge in the heart of the exclusive Sabi Sand Resort where just six luxurious stone cottages nestle under a leafy canopy of ebony trees which grace the banks of the Mabrak River. As one of only twelve residents, guests feel instantly at home in this intimate family-owned retreat with its elegant and classic interiors. Generous private plunge pools and shady decks look out onto the dry riverbed, perfect for spotting wild game that meander through the grounds. Dulini is the ideal place to relax in between thrilling game drives. Two game drives per day are included in specially adapted safari vehicles.