Africa Adventure Consultants (AAC) Safari Concierge Marina recently returned from a trip throughout South Africa. She joins us on the blog to share stories and photos from her trip. Welcome, Marina!
It’s always a joy to return to Africa – and this trip to South Africa was no different. I was able to visit three of the Greater Kruger’s best private conservancies – Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, Timbavati Private Reserve and Thornybush – before a lovely finish in Cape Town.
Safari began with my arrival to Kruger’s airport and a short, scenic drive to Sabi Sand Nature Reserve to stay at the beautiful Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. After a long day of travel, I came back to my room to find a prepared bubble bath (it was like they read my mind!). It’s these kind of special touches of hospitality and thoughtfulness that enriches the experience and takes a stay from good to unforgettable.
During a morning game drive, we came upon a mama leopard calling out for her cub to reunite for their next day’s adventure. Without my expert guide and tracker, we wouldn’t have been able to see this intimate good morning’s greeting. Also, because we were in a private reserve, the number of vehicles permitted on any sighting in Sabi Sand is strictly limited, though we were the only one there, making it all the more magical.
Next, I moved on to Timbavati Private Reserve to stay at three luxury lodges – Dulini Leadwood, Kambaku River Sands and Makanyi. Each brought their own take on luxury service – no detail was missed and I felt more like family than a guest!
The game viewing in this private reserve was top notch, with especially good sightings of big cats. I saw leopard, cheetah and lion, including a lion cuddle puddle which reminded me of my fur friends at home. The benefit of this reserve was also the emphasis on wildlife education as we got to spend more time at each sighting learning more about animal behavior. After a handful of game drives, I really came to understand the value of off roading in private conservancies – it makes a world of difference. The ability for guides to choose to thoughtfully take the vehicle off-road for certain sightings can be the difference between a fleeting glance of an animal to the chance to quietly observe behavior (and take great photos) with fewer obstructions.
While all of AAC’s preferred safari lodges have their own conservation efforts, I was especially impressed with Dulini’s assistance in providing world-class, remote learning opportunities to approximately 400 school-aged learners in the area surrounding the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Conservation comes in all shapes and sizes and it’s important to remember your travel supports so many efforts – many of which you may never know about.
After bidding farewell to the bush, I took a direct flight to Cape Town from Hoedspruit Airport. My first night at the trendy and gorgeous Cape Cadogan was the perfect introduction to a new city. Its serene vibe gave me the chance to relax and rest up before a tour of the Cape Peninsula, one of Cape Town’s undisputed gems. I also spent time hiking to the top of Table Mountain and exploring some of the city’s top spots, such as Kirstenbosch Gardens.
The final stop of my trip was at The Marly, overlooking the ocean where I was able to watch the sunset cascade down. When I return to Cape Town – I’ll be returning to The Marly for its outstanding location in Camps Bay, its airy bohemian feel and warm, courteous staff.
My time in South Africa was a wonderful blend of safari adventures, city explorations and beautiful scenic views from bush to beach. I can’t wait to return.
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Photos courtesy AAC Safari Concierge Marina Steffke, esiDulini Trust and The Marly