As South Africa approaches winter, those in the know make plans for visiting the bush. The days are warm and sunny, even hot and nights are cool to cold but not uncomfortably so. Sometimes however, holidays need taking at certain times… and the bush is wonderful at all times! The night sky is bejewelled and sitting around a fire with the night sounds of the bush and grunt or roar from lion, is indescribable. It is a heady mix of the unknown in the darkness, the awareness of dangerous animals around and pure magic enveloping everything. The sense of being alive and part of this magic, is palpable. It is easier to view wildlife as foliage clears and dryer conditions mean that the waterholes with their fantastic photographic opportunities, attract more game.
The Saunter recommends a combined wildlife experience with a safari at your chosen private lodge as well as time in the simple but comfortable parks board controlled reserves such as Mkuse and Huhluwe- Umfolosi in KwaZulu Natal, the renowned Kruger in the interior and Addo in the Eastern Cape. The combination of being driven by an experienced and knowledgeable ranger in a safari experience, plus self- driving through the reserves when you can stop and watch for as long as you want to, is the best.
The 5 and 4 star private lodges we recommend are each so different. To get a full picture, click on the links and be inspired to book!
Mala Mala and Singita can each be combined with a visit to the Kruger National Park. Gorah Elephant Camp is set within Addo which has a 600 rich elephant population.
The next private lodges have special routes or destinations near them, so we link them differently.
Zimanga can be combined with a North Coast beach holiday or the KZN wildlife reserves.
Babanango works well with the Anglo Boer Battlefields and iSimangaliso.
Sibuya, close to Kenton, one of South Africa’s most scenic beach areas, is good in both summer and winter.
Botlierskop is on the Garden Route so you can easily incorporate it into your Garden Route trip.
Nambiti Hills is close to the stunning Drakensberg making a fantastic combo.
For the best deal… always book directly with the lodge.
General Points.
Access to your chosen reserves: Depending on your budget, try to get to your location the quickest way possible. In the Kruger, fly in if you can or into Hoedspruit. For any reserve, find the nearest airport, unless time is not an issue. If it is not, use The Saunter to travel well with interesting stops along the way. European visitors can under estimate the driving distances. Long periods on the road can be tiring and lessen the initial safari experience when you arrive.
Are you a serious photographer? If you are, consider a photographic guide, or stay at the very best place for wildlife photography- Zimanga. You may need to organize game drives with your own vehicle, which is expensive, or come to an agreement with the lodge to limit numbers in the vehicle. Some lodges such as Singita, have vehicles adapted for photography.
Numbers of vehicles at a sighting: Ask your lodge about the maximum numbers of vehicles at a sighting. That Out of Africa romance soon dissipates when a leopard is spotted in a tree and 7 or 8 vehicles arrive, josling for position and many noisy from both guests and 2 way radios. Smaller reserves with less lodges can be an advantage here.
Entrance fees: Even if reserved and paid for, all game reserves have entrance fees which go towards conservation and the community. Check if you need cash or can use a card before travelling. We do not recommend using ATMs in unknown towns.
