Peter and Lauren recently returned from a safari adventure with Africa Adventure Consultants. They chose South Africa to visit Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula and to go on a safari to see the Big 5 for thrilling encounters with wildlife. They also wanted to see Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and to visit an area where they would be able to do walking and canoeing safaris. Finally, they also added time in Uganda to their adventure so that they could trek to spend time with mountain gorillas.
“It was special to see so many animals in their natural habitat and to have such unique and thrilling encounters with them.”
Peter and Lauren had several memorable wildlife sightings at Savanna Lodge in Sabi Sand, including seeing the Big 5, zebra, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and endangered African wild dogs on the hunt.
“We saw the pack of wild dogs start the hunt and followed them for a bit, and then all of a sudden, the dogs took off and after about a 7 minute fast, bumpy, exhilarating ride through the bush we found the kill. We observed the dogs eating an impala and then raced back with the dogs to their den to see them feed their 10 puppies. The puppies were so excited to see the adult dogs come back and would all run to greet the returning dog and then scramble for the food. It was a wild experience!”
From South Africa, the duo continued their safari adventure in Zimbabwe and Zambia. With the diversity of locations that Peter and Lauren visited, they were spoiled for choice in activities. In addition to game drives on safari, they were able to enjoy both walking and boating safaris as well. In Zimbabwe at Mana Pools, they were able to have unique encounters with the animals on foot, namely walking to see the elephant Boswell stand on his hind legs to bring down branches to eat and observing hippos, lions and crocodiles.
“To walk in the bush and see the wildlife that way is just a completely different experience. We loved it. It’s just a different way and perspective to see the wildlife and felt more natural than sitting in the Jeep.”
Peter and Lauren enjoyed all of the animals they saw on safari but found a special spot in their hearts for the leopard.
“We were fortunate that during our time in Savanna we were able to see many different leopards, and every time they were doing something different. The leopards were so difficult to find, and it was fun tracking them and then once located, watching how gracefully and elegantly they move and how easily they disappear into the bush. We were lucky to find a 3-month-old leopard cub in a tree, a leopard lounging on a rock, a leopard eating the scraps of a carcass and observed three different leopards as they patrolled their territory.”
Finally, Peter and Lauren traveled to Uganda to spend time with the mountain gorillas. They were wowed by their experience.
“Our first gorilla trek took us to a mountain gorilla family that had several babies. The babies were very playful and curious, they kept running around and tackling each other, and at one point they ran right through the group of us, and one even ran up and touched Lauren’s leg twice. The gorilla family continued to eat and move as we had our hour with them, so we would watch them for a few minutes and then the gorillas would disappear into the jungle! The trackers would take off after them with us following close behind, and we would find them again and get to watch them, and then they would move again. It was a fun and out of this world experience to spend time with gorillas.”
A great guide is a big part of any safari experience and at AAC, we only work with the best. Peter and Lauren noted that while all of their guides were exceptional, one, along with his tracker, stood out.
“Derrick and his tracker Kiley had a plan for every game drive and made every drive thrilling and unique, they were masters at finding leopards, lions, and wild dogs. We especially enjoyed the off-roading experience to follow the leopards, lions, and wild dogs as they moved. Derrick also had a great sense of humor and took such care of us – we were always grateful for the heated seats and blankets put in the Jeep to his willingness to regularly reposition the vehicle for the perfect photos.”
There are a wide variety of accommodations options on safari including lodges, tented camps and mobile camps. Peter and Lauren enjoyed all of the accommodations they stayed in throughout their adventures, but South Africa’s Savanna Lodge in Sabi Sands took top prize.
“Savanna was the perfect combination of beauty, luxury, amenities, service and in a spectacular location to view the animals. We particularly loved that at Savanna we could view warthogs, elephants, zebra and more from the patio of our tent or while enjoying a beverage in the plunge pool! Savanna also had the perfect balance for the dining experience, with some meals for just the two of us and others with the guides and other travelers. The staff was so welcoming and friendly, and made us feel at home. We appreciated how thorough and attentive but discreet the staff were, the mini bar was always fully re-stocked and after the evening game drive we always returned to finding a perfectly drawn warm bath. In short, Savanna is the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and comfort.”
Food can be a big part of a safari – the abundance and variety of meals and snacks enjoyed in myriad beautiful spots compliments the excitement of wildlife viewing. Peter and Lauren had a few special meals that will last long in their memories.
“All the dinners on the safari were excellent! However, the favorite is likely our final day at Nyamatusi Camp in Mana Pools. For our final day there we ended up being the only guests in the camp! It was incredibly peaceful; a great opportunity to take photos of the camp with no one around, and the staff went out of their way to create special moments. That day we ate lunch along the Zambezi River right next to the lodge, which was a beautiful spot. Then before dinner several of the camp staff, guides, and management joined us for drinks at the bar and we got to hear more of their stories and backgrounds. Then for dinner we had a private dinner in the camp’s wine cellar (a spot we didn’t even know existed prior to that moment!).”
After their fantastic African safari experience, Peter and Laura offered up the following advice to others considering a safari:
“Go on the safari! But seriously, use a travel company like AAC to plan the trip and help you execute it. Without Angie’s and AAC’s planning, we would not have been able to make this epic itinerary and smoothly transition from place to place. All the places we went allowed us to do something different and unique, from close encounters with the Big 5 in Savanna to walking safaris in the remote bush of Mana Pools and then smoothly transitioning up to Uganda from Zimbabwe to trek with the gorillas. Angie and AAC’s help made this trip possible and for smooth connections throughout, which allowed us to relax and enjoy every moment.”
Next up for Peter and Laura will be a return trip to Savanna along with some time in Botswana’s Okavango Delta to see the area’s wildlife and enjoy more water-based safari activities.
Are you ready to plan your own customized safari adventure? Contact one of our Journey Specialists to start planning your dream trip!
Photos courtesy AAC Livingstone Club member Peter S.