Safari Stories

To wake up in the morning hearing no noisy car alarms or the honking of an annoying motor vehicle is a song in my ears!

What’s better than to wake up in the bush to the chorus of a new day. The birds are tuning their loud instruments for the morning show. The bush orchestra is ready to play their daily tune of spectacular music.

“Nowhere on earth (and possibly space either) can the senses as well as the emotions wallow in a combination of stimulate such as are found in the African bush. -Peter Hathaway-

The Story of an African Farm by Olive Schreiner makes you feel that a holiday is just as good as an African Safari.

‘The full African moon poured down its light from the blue sky into the wide, lonely plain. The dry, sandy earth, with its coating of stunted ‘karroo’ bushes a few inches high, the low hills that skirted the plain, the milk-bushes with their long finger-like leaves, all were touched by a weird and an almost oppressive beauty as they lay in the white light.

In one spot only was the solemn monotony of the plain broken. Near the center, a small solitary ‘kopje’ rose. Alone it lay there, a heap of round iron-stones piled one upon another, as over some giant’s grave. Here and there a few tufts of grass or small succulent plants had sprung up among its stones, and on the very summit a clump of prickly-pears lifted their thorny arms, and reflected, as from mirrors, the moonlight on their broad fleshy leaves.’

An African Safari, take the joyride and smell the fresh air.

Nothing tops a South African safari

Heading out on safari is fun!

You’ll meet new people, witness some incredible animal moments. With so much to see and do, you won’t have a chance to be bored.

The safari regions are very much pollution-free and well-preserved, which means that the air is crisp and the sky is clear at night to gaze at the stars. From African sunsets to star gazing, good wine, potjiekos, herds of elephants, and dry savannah; to early-morning jeep rides and luxurious chalets, nothing beats a South African safari.

The reason to visit Africa and journeying out on safari is a unique experience.  Walk on the wild side, South Africa is host to all the ‘wild’ animals that you knew from your childhood. You get to see spectacular landscapes and the climate of South Africa has a predominantly semi-arid climate with sunny days and cool nights.

Support conservation efforts, interact with the knowledgeable guides and rangers and have fun!

It’s always WINE o’clock. The wine culture of South Africa is world-renowned. We have several wine routes, wine festivals, wine estates and wine tasting to tempt the connoisseur.  Supporting local communities and giving you a chance to relax in a new environment.

Laying tracks for luxury, we’ve got one of the best luxury train trips in the world. The Blue Train travels about 1 600 kilometers between Cape Town and Pretoria. A unique experience every time.

Sometimes you don’t need roads.  The off-road and 4×4 culture in South Africa is huge. Even though the general road infrastructure is really great, there are many 4×4 trails for any off-road lover. Even some national or nature parks are best explored with a 4×4 vehicle with great photography opportunities.

Don’t forget the glorious food. South Africa offers a huge variety when it comes to cuisine. Our food culture has an emerging emphasis on local, handmade and organically grown produce.

The perfect way to end a day in the warm sun spotting animals is to lie back, soak in the peacefulness, reflect, listen to nothing but the crickets chirping in the distance, and stare at the gleaming milky way. All you’ll need is a blanket, a hot flask of cocoa, binoculars to reveal the millions of stars, and your favorite person by your side.

Come and enjoy a wild journey on an African Safari!

Nature and it’s attractions

The love for living systems “biophilia” makes the simplicity of the word nature sound like a gift, it will open any moment.

Attraction to the wildlife comes from inner excitement, wanting to experience and to see more. The chasing of cars, trucks, and smoke from buildings that fill the blue sky will make you want to breathe clean air. Stare at the extreme starry night and live life’s adventures to the fullest. Hoping that one day all adventures can be written in a diary for grandchildren to be found so they can keep nature alive.

Karreekloof offers the inner beauty of the Karoo, breathtaking scenery from sunrise to sunset. A star night that lets you get lost in another world and forgetting about the problems of yesterday and today. Breathe with the feeling of relief and relax for a while.

For the adventure-loving people who is crazy about water, the Orange River’s kayak rides can only be worthwhile or even take a trip down memory lane with white water river rafting.

Historical history from Magersfontein to Prieska will let your whole body fill up with goosebumps. Indulge your lifestyle for a moment, understand nature, experience it and you’ll never regret it one day. For that more social kind of feeling and tranquility of spirit, a boat on the river will work wonders, good company and the simplicity of the day as the host.

Come and feel the power of nature, admire the birds, smell the different flavors of plant life and let the animal kingdom entertain you.

Now comes the challenge, grab your bag, put both feet outside your front door, get in your car and experience all these unforgettable feelings.

“If you truly love nature, you’ll find beauty everywhere” – Van Gogh –

The Northern Cape is South Africa’s largest province and a must-see destination

Exploring a land of ancient deserts, deep canyons, winding rivers and unique flora, the Northern Cape promises an unsurpassed experience.

The Northern Cape is all about wide open spaces, a magnificent coastline and a number of unequaled National Parks. Offering the tourist a very different experience of the South African experience.

Northern Cape’s sheer size, clear skies, elaborate sunsets, dazzling starry nights and incredible silence is mesmerizing.

The ideal habitat for some of the country’s most beautiful and exciting predators and prey. Experience the solitude of the landscapes, the heat of the sun on your shoulders as you explore the game reserves and parks of this fascinating part of South Africa.

The Northern Cape has always been a family-friendly destination and the region has a distinct and rugged natural beauty.

Northern Cape’s natural beauty is enhanced by its enigmatic wildlife. From the “Small Five” to the Big Five, watching wild animals at close range is something truly unforgettable. Just thinking of the Karoo and its endless wilderness plateau, unique flat-topped koppies, warm hospitality, wide open spaces and mysteries. Each region will capture the imaginations of those who dare to explore its rugged mountains, endless flatlands, and undulating dunes.

There’s an outdoor adventure activity or experience for everyone.

RESPONSIBLE SAFARI HOLIDAYS

TRAVEL RIGHT WHILE ON SAFARI

Safaris are some of the world’s most exclusive holidays. Traveling to some of the least-explored wildernesses, staying in camps sleeping just a dozen people and enjoying the expertise of highly trained guides is an absolute privilege – as is seeing some of the continent’s most threatened wildlife, in the company of some of its most ancient tribes. But these indulgent holiday settings something belie the fact that most safaris take place in some of the poorest and least developed nations on earth – in regions where electricity and running water remain a privilege, not a right, and where, until recently, conflict or drought may have ravaged the landscape and its people. There is, of course, great potential for this wealth to cut through the poverty – to empower native communities who have long been without a voice, and to tackle conservation issues such as the extraction of natural resources and that ever-present voice: poaching. But doing so requires the participation of governments and tour operators, local communities and travellers, to ensure that safari is not something we will one day look upon as a quaint holiday of the past – while the animals still roamed the continent.

TRAVEL BETTER WHEN ON SAFARI

  • Remember that you are likely to be traveling in some of the world’s poorest nations. Do your bit by tipping your guides, drivers, cooks and hotel staff – discuss an appropriate amount with your tour operator before you depart, and come prepared with cash.
  • Never purchase items made from endangered species – including coral, turtle shells or eggs, ivory, fur or bone.
  • Learn the three-way African handshake – sure to be an icebreaker with the unsuspecting locals!
  • Water is extremely scarce in much of Africa’s safari destinations. Take short showers rather than baths and reuse towels. Some lodges provide buckets in the shower to catch water while it is heating and while you are showering. This is then used by staff for cleaning – you can also use it to do laundry. Clothes dry fast in the desert!
  • Limited water is also easily contaminated. Some lodges provide biodegradable toiletries and laundry detergents, but if bringing your own or camping, please use environmentally-friendly products.
  • It’s natural to want to get closer to the animals – but this will distress them. Never ask your guide to leave the trails or drive after wildlife, and be sure to obey all rules in the reserves.
  • Fires start fast and burn hard here; never drop cigarette butts or matches on the ground, be extremely careful when building fires, and keep water to hand to extinguish sparks and embers.

 

http://www.responsibletravel.com/holidays/safari/travel-guide/responsible-safari-holidays

 

Preparing for Your First Time on Safari

Going on a safari can be challenging for a first timer – even if you are a South African.  No one wants to look misplaced or be accused of frightening the animals away with their red shirts.  Here is some practical advice for your first safari experience:

What clothes do I need to wear?

Most camps encourage that guests wear clothing that fits in right with their bush environment.  That includes clothes of colours of beige, khaki, green or brown.  Make sure you know the temperatures of the place you are going to.  In winter in the Northern Cape, one can expect anything from very cold early morning and evenings to warm weather during mid-day.  Some basics one needs to have is T-shirts, a long sleeve shirt (one that can roll up preferably), vest, zip-off pants, hiking boots, warm jacket and a safari hat.

What necessities do you need to pack?

There are a few necessities that no person on safari should be without.  Sun block should definitely be your number one priority.  It doesn’t matter if it is in the middle of winter and icy cold, you should put sunblock on before you go out.  Also, put an extra sun block in your safari bag that must never leave that bag – you cannot afford to forget it at home.  Getting sunburnt and the sun sick on your first day is not something you want to report back home.  A hat and sunglasses will also be valuable in the African sun.

Mosquito and insect repellent is also an absolute must.  Before you go on safari, find out if you are in a malaria zone to get the appropriate medications.  There are lots of reading material about what to pack in your first aid bag and always remember your travel insurance!

A common mistake on your first safari

Buying hiking boots just before you go on safari and never walking in them before can really cause uncomfortable blisters.  Even if you think you are only going on a game drive, make sure that the boots you’ve got are comfortable.  Remember, you are still in Africa and unexpected things can happen – An unexpected walk in the bush will definitely not be a rare occurrence in Africa.

Other tips

It can become so hot over midday that most safari companies do not take their clients out over this time of day.  A book and swimsuit will really come in handy during your afternoon relaxation time.  Remember to rehydrate often and listen to what your guide are saying.  They are really knowledgeable on factors regarding the bush and create a valuable experience for you.

Now it’s time for you to go and enjoy your first African Safari!!

Medication for your First African Safari

Going on your first African safari can be quite daunting.  You want to be prepared, but you also don’t want to overdo it and make your luggage too heavy.  It is always best to double check the list of medication that you’ve made with your general practitioner.  It is also a good idea to contact the lodge where you will be staying to find out what they have in place in case of a medical emergency.

Here are some ideas for your list of medication:
  1. Prescription medicine. Always make sure that you have an adequate supply of your prescription medication with you.  It may be difficult to find replacement medication depending on where you are going.
  2. Malaria medication. Found out before the time if you are travelling to a malaria area.  There are different types of malaria medication that you need to discuss with your doctor.
  3. Yellow fever vaccines. “Yellow fever is endemic (always present) in many of the tropical areas of Africa and South America, and this means that any areas populated with the mosquito could harbour the disease.  You will not be able to get a visa or permit to travel to some countries unless you have been vaccinated at least 10 days prior to your departure date and can show a yellow fever certificate”. (travelstart.co.za)
  4. Medication for stomach issues, like vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. A dehydration packet might also come in handy.
  5. Mosquito repellent and anti-itch cream. You can also take an antihistamine for more serious insect bites and stings, like bees.
  6. An assortment of plasters and a bandage or two. Butterfly suture plasters can also be helpful.
  7. Eye drops
  8. Ibuprofen or something for pain relief or fever.
  9. Vitamin C and other vitamins to give you a boost if you think that you are coming down with something.
  10. Water purification tablets
  11. A tweezer might come in handy for an unexpected thorn or two.
  12. Lip Ice and Vaseline – never underestimate the African sun.
  13. Sunburn ointment – You don’t want to spoil your African safari with sunburn on your first day.

In some cases, you might have to seek professional medical help.  Depending on your destination, the quality and services of state hospitals may vary.  You, therefore, need to make sure that you have comprehensive travel insurance.

Sources

http://www.travelstart.co.za/lp/travel-tips/yellow-fever#sthash.NHKMpr4R.dpuf

http://goafrica.about.com/od/healthandsafety/a/firstaid.htm