South Africa - So much more than a Safari

Angela Tadd on 22 August 2018
Having never visited South Africa or experienced the thrill of a safari, I was not sure what to expect from my trip to the Limpopo and Mpumalanga region of South Africa. I was not to be disappointed!

After arriving at Johannesburg, I travelled to the Kapama Game Reserve - a magnificent reserve between the Kruger National Park and the Drakensberg mountains. This region is renowned for its wildlife, safaris and numerous bird species. A day at a Safari Lodge starts early, you might be tempted to hit the snooze button when the 5.30am call comes for the morning drive. You won't regret the early start though when you come across a giraffe enjoying an early morning drink at a waterhole, or the impressive sight of a herd of elephants crossing the path in front of you, or quite simply watching the antics of the yellow-billed hornbill.

Guided game drive Safaris operate in the afternoon and early evening too, both times of the day will afford opportunities for you to see different animals with no two excursions ever being the same. On one evening safari, I had the opportunity to see two leopards resting in the branches of a tree just before sunset and watch lions lazing around in the evening sun.

As an alternative to a vehicle safari you can also consider a Bush Walk. Guides offer an informative and fascinating walking safari through the South African bush. Our guide took time to explain how to recognise the different types of footprints on the dusty ground - we identified leopard, cheetah and lion paw prints.

My trip was not just about safaris, I also experienced the thrill of ziplining through the Magoebaskloof over the Groot Letaba River completing 11 separate zip lines. I have always been nervous about heights, so I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this – I’m ready to try this again! I went for a ride on a quad bike for the first time and panned for gold in Pilgrims Rest but sadly did not make my fortune! We drove around the Limpopo & Mpumalanga region stopping to enjoy the breath-taking views of the Blyde River along the Panorama Route, at God's Window I shopped for local trinkets from small market stalls and stepped inside the centre of the fascinating Baobab Tree (also known as the 'upside down' tree).

My trip to South Africa ended with a couple of nights in Johannesburg before returning to the UK. With friends I had made along the way we took part in a fun and informative bicycle tour of Soweto. Being on bikes made it easy to move between the various neighbourhoods - we stopped at a local market, visited the house where Nelson Mandela used to live on Vilakazi Street before cycling back to Lebo’s. Here we were invited to taste their home brew before enjoying a meal over an open fire. A top experience to complete an amazing time in South Africa!

My tips for a Safari holiday would be:

Clothing - avoid bright colours as you will want to blend in as much as possible so khaki, green and browns are a good choice. Clothing - think layers as it can get quite chilly on the back of the vehicle when you are on your game drive but it will warm up quickly. A pair of binoculars. A good pair of walking boots or trainers or closed in shoes for Bush Walks. A good camera. A backup charger for your phone as you end up taking several pictures and you wouldn't want to miss any opportunities to take that perfect shot. If you take an internal flight be aware that the baggage allowances may be less than you were permitted on your international flight to South Africa.