Is a safari on your bucket list?
Not sure you are ready for a safari? Read through our adventure to learn what to expect on an African Safari. There are several ways to experience a safari. After researching a variety of experiences we opted for a private camp. Lodges are a perfect way to get the most from your adventure with full amenities, dedicated staff, and excellent food & drink. A safari is the perfect blend of excitement and pampering.
Getting to the Lodge
Landing at the small airfield, we were greeted by our driver, who provided us with an informative and educational drive. While we had done our research, hearing from someone who grew up in the area and understood the history of the area brings the area to life in a new way. Our lodge was located within the Timbavati Preserve and about an hour from the airport
While once inside the preserve, there are no fences, you must pass through a guard gate with proper paperwork and reservations to the protected area. As soon as we crossed through the gate, our safari had begun. So excited, we didn’t know which side of the road to look, amazing sights on both sides! Our driver stopped for photos as we saw zebras, elephants, kudus, and African Buffalo – one of the big 5. All before we made the turn into Motswari Game lodge. Our safari had begun!
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Arriving at our Lodge
We were greeted by the lovely team, showed to our cabin, toured the lodge. The cabins are spaced for ample privacy with each cabin featuring a deck to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Full bathrooms, and luxurious furnishings mixed with the natural element creating a soothing atmosphere. We were left at the bar to enjoy a drink before High Tea (late lunch) and our first game drive.
Why did we choose a private lodge
We approached this trip as a once in a lifetime adventure due to the amount of travel and expense. So it made sense for us to invest in a private lodge. The small group size meant we could ask our guides questions and get to know our group. While at the camp, you are never wanting, there is plenty of staff to make your stay perfect. A lodge is also romantic and intimate, you feel nostalgic, almost like you stepped back in time.
Our First Game Drive
We climbed into an open top Land Rover jeep, and met our group and guides. Safety protocols and essential information prepared us for our afternoon. Cruising down a dirt road, heading into the wild, we were in awe, we spotted a journey of giraffes eating, and further along, elephants, and then a leopard.
Our guides began tracking the female leopard who had begun hunting a herd of Kudu. Watching her track her prey was unbelievable experience. Her patience and stealth nature not more than ten feet from our jeep. I admit I held my breath as she walked next to the vehicle. But she was not interested in us, possibly a little annoyed that we were following her, but other than that – she remained unimpressed by us. Sadly (for her) she did not catch her prey as the Kudu sensing her, sounded the alarm and quickly escaped the area.
After that intense experience, we set off to find more animals. Driving along the dirt roads, the fresh air whisks the sweat away, and as far as you can see – open land, no buildings, no structures, just wide open spaces. Your eyes darting to the left and right, hoping to catch a glimpse of some animal hidden in the trees. On our first day, we were not as focused on the details, but on each subsequent game drive, our eyes grew accustomed to the shadows and differences between trees & bushes and animals.
We rounded a lake, hippos were swimming and coming up for air, as the daylight descended over the horizon we stopped along the shore. Our guides set up a bar for happy hour to enjoy the glorious sunset. It’s a pretty awesome moment as enjoyed our drink and took in the magnitude of where we were and all we had seen in such a short period of time. All I can say is wow.
A Full Day on a Safari
A gentle tap at the door signals our wake up at 4:30 am, yep, it’s early. A quick cup of coffee and pastry, and we are off for our morning game drive. What would we see today?!? We had an education on the antelopes – size and variations, more zebras, giraffes, elephants, birds, warthogs, and mongoose. And began our hunt for the lions. There were some tracks and sightings, but each time we were a little late, the lions had moved on. But, as we stopped for a coffee break, with the morning light coming over the horizon and the expanse of the savannah before us, the early wakeup call was well worth it.
Good Morning!
A gentle tap at the door signals our wake up at 4:30 am, yep, it’s early. A quick cup of coffee and pastry, and we are off for our morning game drive. What would we see today?!? We had an education on the antelopes – size and variations, more zebras, giraffes, elephants, birds, warthogs, and mongoose. And began our hunt for the lions. There were some tracks and sightings, but each time we were a little late, the lions had moved on. But, as we stopped for a coffee break, with the morning light coming over the horizon and the expanse of the savannah before us, the early wakeup call was well worth it.
Daily Agenda
4:30 AM – Wake UP
6 AM – Game Drive
9 AM – Breakfast
Free Time
2 PM – High Tea
4 PM – Game Drive
8 PM – Dinner
A Walk in the Bush
There is an optional bush walk with your guides, usually at the end of the morning game drive. The jeep drops you off a little way outside of the lodge, and you walk back into camp. It’s a different perspective from the jeep, you feel a bit exposed being on the same level and without the protection of the jeep body. Our guide showed us how they read the tracks using the animals’ weight, weather and momentum to track the animal.
We trekked off exploring the foliage, the way nature supports the animals, and how different it all looks from the ground. In the distance, we heard elephants calling out and we altered our course to ensure we didn’t get caught up in them. That would not have gone well. We saw one of the “little” 5, warthogs and heard some rustling before arriving safely back at camp.
Back at the Lodge
The fresh air and long walk in the bush, made us incredibly hungry. A full buffet and freshly cooked sides. We enjoyed breakfast with our group, reliving the morning explorations and getting to know each other.
Breakfast
Pool Time
After a filling breakfast, we chose to relax and read in the bar/pool area. We were rewarded with a parade of 17 elephants coming down the bank. Elephants are incredibly quiet and quick when they move. It’s not like the movies. Check out the video to see for yourself.
High Tea
Steeped in history, High Tea is a late afternoon meal. In our lodge, high tea was a lunch buffet. Full of light, refreshing dishes, fruit, and dessert. Each high tea, the chefs and servers brought the meal into the patio bar with a unique song full of joy and expression. It was one of our favorite moments.
Afternoon Game Drive
Similar to yesterday, we took off out of the lodge for more incredible sights. There is a lot of driving around. Unlike the Greater Kruger National Park, in Timbavati, you can go off-road. This makes for close up and exciting moments. You have to go where the animals go and hope you will catch up with them. There was some conversation at High Tea that lions had been seen within Timbavati. So we exited for our afternoon drive with extra excitement. But, after crisscrossing and moving through the last known areas, the lion remained elusive. We did see plenty of other animals and experience another incredible sunset before heading back to camp.
Guides & Trackers
You are paired with a guide and tracker, and they will be with you for the duration of your stay. It’s great because they keep track of what you have seen and do their best to find you the big 5 among other animals and experiences. They share their love for the animals and the environment and are incredibly knowledgeable. They also keep you safe making sure you come home from each drive happy and in one piece!
One cool feature of a game preserve is the guides and trackers all working together for your benefit. They are constantly sharing updates about tracks, animal movements, and weather. Working together, the trackers helped us find a den of lionesses, a lion eating a kill, and the elusive endangered Rhino’s.
Dinner Date
Each dinner at Motswari is special. Different locations are transformed with themed meals. One night, there is an outdoor grill and bar area, it’s lit up with torches to guide you into the darkness. tables are set up around a large tree. The open bar creates a nice place to mingle with guests while sharing our day’s adventures and animal sightings. We are treated to a full buffet full of local meats, fruits, and vegetables and after a long day, we are ready to be escorted back to our room. We quickly fell asleep with frogs singing in the background: Looking forward to our 4:30 am knock on the door.
In the Dark
In the preserve, you do not walk alone at night. The lodges do not have fencing and animals make their way into the camp. While they are not trying to hurt humans, the unexpected encounter would make both of us anxious. After dinner, our escort stopped showing us tracks and how to read the print and direction from a Hyena that had run through the lodge while we were at dinner. Underscoring how close the animals really are.
Start Planning your African Safari
Going on a safari is one of the most soul-enriching experiences you can have. Each day brings new animals, new experiences, and perspectives. Sit back and enjoy the drive, the feel of the wind, the way the sun moves across the sky, how the animals walk, watch for danger, and see the circle of life. It truly is a once in a lifetime trip. Now that you know what to expect on a South African safari, get planning! You will not regret it.
Looking for an adventure but not the planning. G Adventures offers great tours with small groups. They provide complete itineraries with vetted companies and guides. A great trip to give you the best safari experience – Explore Kruger & Victoria Falls a nine-day adventure full of animal sightings, learnings, and stunning falls.
Booking Resources
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[…] Safaris offer a unique and incredible opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural environment. A safari can be a lifelong dream and a most memorable trip. Planning a safari takes a lot of thoughtful considerations and logistics to have a fantastic journey, but it is worth it. It will be one of the memorable experiences of your life. If you start planning today, you could be on your own Safari next year. Looking for more inspiration? Read What to expect on a Safari […]