South Africa Safari Trip Report
There are few journeys as memorable as a South Africa safari.
This South Africa safari trip report was contributed by Oliver Ainsworth, who lives in England.
I had always wanted to visit South Africa, not only to imbibe its incredible culture, but to experience the thrill of seeing the country’s wildlife up-close and personal. I was therefore instantly drawn towards Kruger National Park. Located in the north-east of South Africa, it is one of the biggest game reserves on the entire continent and home to some of the most awe-inspiring animals the world has ever known.
Kruger National Park offers prospective wildlife enthusiasts the chance of driving through the park by themselves. This approach was not for me. I had been waiting to go on safari for my entire life, and I knew that if I were to venture out into the African Bushveld alone my poor knowledge of South Africa’s vast and varied terrain would be keep me from viewing the full scope of the environment and wilderness.
Royal Malewane is an exclusive luxury safari getaway.
Royal Malewane Lodge
I therefore decided that I would stay within a private reserve for the duration of my visit. The benefits for staying in a private reserve are plentiful, and I’m really glad that I chose to stay at the Royal Malewane Lodge. My South Africa safari experience was completely tailored around my needs. I was able to create my own itinerary and, as you are surrounded by luxury and splendour, there is nothing to do but relax and immerse yourself within the picturesque environment.
The Royal Malewane Lodge is situated within a private reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park area. The reserve stretches over a total of 13,000 hectares and, because there are no fences that border the reserve, animals are free to pass through as they see fit. This means that you are just as likely, if not more so, to see Africa’s so called “Big Five” within the private reserve as you would if you were within the confines of Kruger.
Twice daily game drives are the highlights of every South Africa safari.
Your itinerary for the day is based around an early morning and late afternoon game drive. Many people choose to spend their time in-between these drives relaxing in the excellent spa or by the swimming pool as the midday heat can be exceedingly hot. However, there are many activities that you may choose to fill your day. These include hot air balloon flights, golf, and horse riding safaris to name but a few. An optional midday game viewing is also available by either open topped Land Rover or on foot to those who can deal with the heat. From my experiences, I’d say it was worth the effort and some discomfort.
On the second day of our South Africa safari we felt acclimated enough to venture out into the blistering heat at high noon. We were lead out into the Bushveld by our tracker and ranger (all of which are of a very high standard at the Royal Malewane) in anticipation that we would be able to see South Africa’s biodiversity in all of its majesty.
Only a short while into the journey we were brought to a halt by the ranger. He pointed over to a small clearing where there was a downed buffalo surrounded by a pride of lions. The male of the group, who was visible by his mighty mane, gave out a blood curdling roar as he watched over the young cubs who were feeding on the buffalo carcase. It was an incredible sight, not only because it illustrated South Africa’s wilderness in its natural setting, but because it was a glimpse of how these lions survive in the wild.
Royal Malewane is located in a private reserve within Greater Kruger National Park.
South Africa safari
The highlight of my South Africa safari came early on the fourth day of our stay. We rose early, and after an exquisite gourmet breakfast, travelled out into the lush foliage of South Africa’s densely inhabited Bushveld. As the early morning sun began to rise above the trees our car suddenly came to an unexpected halt. Everyone was silent and the land was eerily still. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a huge African Bush elephant emerged from behind the tall vegetation.
The elephant came closer and closer until it was within arm’s length of our vehicle. Silhouetted by the sun it raised its enormous trunk, gave out a huge playful trumpet, and flapped its great big ears with such force that we could feel the breeze on our faces. There was suddenly a smaller, higher pitch rumbling that could be heard from a distance. The elephant slowly turned around and walked off towards the sound of the rumblings and, just like that, as soon as it had appeared the elephant was gone.
We were told later by the ranger that the rumblings we heard from behind the tall foliage were that of the elephant’s offspring. The elephant had approached our vehicle because it was checking to ensure that we did not present a threat to its calf. It was an incredibly intimate moment with one of nature’s true giants and a memory that I will never forget.
The success of every South Africa safari depends on the choice
of lodging. Royal Malewane accommodates only 20 guests.
No disappointments
Throughout our stay we saw every animal that I had hoped to see and more, from leopards to cheetahs (the two elusive big cats), elephants to rhinos, hippos to Cape buffalo; we saw them all. This was attributed to staying in the private reserve as we were able to benefit from having the knowledge of the very best rangers and trackers.
I would recommend going on a South Africa safari to anyone. We visited during the summer months and were treated to lush green foliage and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of the unspoilt bush setting. However, no matter what time of year you visit South Africa there will always be something new and different to experience.
From more information about the Royal Malewane lodge and other private game reserves in South Africa click here.
Royal Malewane is known for personalized service and great game viewing.
Category: Safaris, South Africa
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Thanks for bringing to your readers the extra joy and diversity of your guest posts like South Africa Safari and Bhutan: An Insider’s Guide. They were excellent. Well done.
Ricardo