SAFARI Recommendations

Safari is on a lot of peoples bucket list and we hope you’ll have time to tick it off yours during your trip to South Africa! Trying to plan a safari can be quite overwhelming and so here is some information to try and help.

For an authentic safari experience we would highly recommend heading out to the Kruger National Park area (roughly six hours drive outside of Johannesburg or a short flight). In order to do this properly we would suggest at least three full days in the bush. You will need to catch an internal flight from Cape Town to Joburg and head out from there or fly directly to Hoedspruit (the more expensive but much quicker route). On a side note, if you know this is something you’d like to build into your trip you may want to consider getting your main flight from the UK into Joburg rather than CT as this can sometimes be a little cheaper. This way you can fly to CT straight from JHB for the wedding and then head back to JHB after the wedding for your bush trip before heading home.

With Shaun’s background as a game ranger we have a great network of friends and ex-colleagues that have their own safari companies. They are trusted recommendations and between them there will be something to suit everyone. They are all fantastic and have a wealth of experience between them. Our advice is to take a look at all the websites below and go from there.

• www.wildagain.africa - Roan Du Plessis

• www.elliemaysafaris.com - Amy McMillan & Eric Exelby

• www.atandmsafaris.com - Dan Fiser

• www.breatheafricatravel.com - Lee-Anne Yammin
  

If you are particularly limited on time and cannot dedicate the three days for safari there are some alternative options around Cape Town. Although we personally have not been, Aquila Game Reserve (1.5 hours outside of CT) has a good reputation and would be a great experience. It differs from the Kruger Park in that it is not an open reserve, meaning that the animals are in bomas (large fenced areas). So, although a fantastic experience and worth the visit if you are very short on time, it is not the authentic South African wild safari.

#Top Tips….

1. In January out in the Kruger it will be HOT so pack accordingly.

2. January is also the rainy season so pack a light rain jacket just in case.

3. Whilst there are mosquitoes and bugs, Malaria is very rare so there’s no need to stress over expensive anti malaria medication - nobody that lives and works there takes them. Obviously this is your prerogative but we say just pack some bug spray and have never personally taken anti-malaria meds for SA.

4. Guides and trackers out in the bush do rely on tipping culture so it’s nice to bare this in mind during your trip. Feel free to chat to Shaun if you have any questions on this.

5. Muted tones and earthy colours are best, try to avoid bright clothing on your game drives.