South Africa is an experience on nearly everyone's bucket list. It had a lot to live up to and I am pleased to say it certainly did not disappoint. The whole experience was more than I ever thought it would be.
The tour I experienced with Newmarket includes 4 games drive in the Sebatana Private Reserve and one game drive in the Welgevondon Reserve, where you will get a chance to see the Big Five. You also have the option to see two other big 5 game reserves, which I would highly recommend.
I stayed at the Sebatana Elephant lodge on a full board basis, where they also offer an option to upgrade to All Inclusive. The superior rooms all feature an ensuite bathroom, terrace and air-conditioning. The Elephant lodge also has Wi FI, a restaurant and a bar. The outdoor pool area and jacuzzi was just what was needed in the afternoons.
In the evening, the banging of the drums meant that it was dinner time. The food was out of this world, and you could tell a lot of pride went into preparing it. You could be as adventurous as you wanted, and I recommend the Kudu and the Ostrich. We also had a vegetarian in our group, and they were certainly taken care off.
Day 1
This morning, we had a wildlife talk with our wonderful guides Janko and Dana, which was so fascinating, and we all learnt so much about this beautiful Country. We then had a game drive around the Sebatana Reserve where we saw giraffes, warthog (Pumba) and impala. After lunch and a few hours around the pool we went on a game drive in the Sebatana Reserve. We managed to see Crocodiles at one of the waterholes, as well as Giraffes and Zebras.
Day 2
Today we had our first big game drive and we saw rhinos, 1 out of the ‘Big Five’. On our optional excursion for the Big Five we also saw cheetahs, wildebeest, warthogs, baboons and hippos! Because of this, I would highly recommend doing the extra excursions for more chances to see the animals. After the game drives, we then had free time back at the lodge. Tonight, we had a bush dinner before we went on a night safari, which I have to say was my favourite safari of them all. It gave the bush a whole different feel.
Day 3
Janko, our tour guide, took us on an early morning walking trail, where he spoke about the wildlife, plant species and breeding areas. We followed the tracks of giraffes and zebra. We then had the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the pool area and cocktails or the wonderful air conditioning in your room. Tonight, we had a fantastic time at the tribal evening filled with dancing, food (I recommend the Guinea Fowl!) and hearing all about the culture of the tribe. This was certainly another highlight of the trip.
Day 4
Today was a long but amazing day. It was an early start for the 4 hour’s drive to Pilanesberg National Park, which is 135000 acres and gave us another chance at seeing the Big Five. This time we experienced 3/5 of the Big Five - rhinos, elephants and lions. Now only leopards and buffalos left to find! It was then back to the lodge ready for dinner.
Day 5
What a way to spend a Monday morning! We took part in a photo safari, where we had a competition for each jeep safari to create a tribal hat made from the bush! We had lots of fun and laughter creating our masterpiece, foraging through the reserve with our amazing guide Janko. We then had a champagne bush brunch with the most incredible views overlooking the Sebatana Reserve. I would just like to mention the winner was…. Janko’s team ‘The Bush Bella’s’! There was a game drive this afternoon with a visit to the wildlife observation deck (Christina’s Wallow). It was great seeing the monkeys on our safari. It’s cocktail time tonight with our guides Janko and Dana sampling some local shots!
Day 6
Today, we went off to Kango Game Reserve for one last push to see the ‘Big Five’. We luckily got to spot buffalo but the elusive leopard remained unseen. Hopefully next time! This was the last afternoon/evening on our trip, and what a perfect way to end an incredible trip with so many lasting memories! We went an another photo safari with sundowners at Sunset Rock with champagne and views looking out over the Waterberg Mountains.
Day 7
Today, it’s time to go home, but I am leaving with plenty of memories. On our way to the airport, we stopped at the Apartheid Museum, illustrating apartheid and the 20th-century history of South Africa, before we caught the overnight flight home.
This was certainly a trip of a lifetime, and I made many beautiful memories. I was concerned that I would be exhausted at the end of the trip due to the early mornings, but there was plenty of free time where you could relax and being exhausted was never the case. The entire staff from the lodge worked hard to ensure my time was perfect from the delicious food, bar service to the guides knowledge.
MY TOP TIPS
• Take a decent pair of binoculars and a great camera.
• Relax when you can.
• Take in every bit of knowledge given.
• Mosquito spray and sun lotion are a must.
If you would like to know more about my bucket list trip to South Africa, or if you’re interested in travelling to this amazing country yourself, please get in contact at [email protected] or call into the shop in Devizes.
