South Africa Safari
I am an animal lover. If you show me any kind of animal, doing animal things – I’m sold. I was beside myself throughout this experience…sometimes with excitement, sometimes with fear. What a world God has created for us to enjoy!
Our trip took place in December which happened to be shortly after most of the animals had given birth! We got to see babies of all kinds which was amazing and also made for very protective mothers. It amazed me to observe the motherly instinct to protect young…a common thread in every species.
Safari is a spectacular experience that I cannot recommend enough. We cannot wait to return someday and share this experience with our children!
Getting there: We flew into Johannesburg then took a small plane to Hoedspruit airport, which is almost on top of the reserve we were staying at. You are picked up in an open top Land Rover and quickly arrive at “Jurassic Park” type gates that creak open letting your car drive in and revealing…the reserve. On our quick journey entering the gates from the airport to the lodge we spotted 2 Giraffes and some Impala!
Accomodations: Kapama River Lodge – one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. Game drives are twice a day – morning and evening – with plenty of down time for enjoying the spa or other amenities in between. Breakfast and lunch are served semi-buffet style where you get your food at the counter, but are waited on for drinks. What is unique about dinner (it is served in the same format) is that you eat with the people who are assigned to your vehicle for the game drives. This makes for an excellent evening of sharing and recounting the drives from the day!
- Kapama does not carry guns on the game drives. This made me very nervous and after speaking to others about safari experiences, quite often, guns are necessary.
- Malaria pills are suggested for this reserve.
