Personalized Safaris in Southern Africa

Imagine you are on a guided 4x4 safari deep in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, you’re surrounded by pristine indigenous bush, the air is still, warm and dry. You’re captivated by the melodious call of the Emerald Spotted Dove just as your game ranger slowly pulls the vehicle up in sight of a leopard kill hanging in the large Jackleberry Tree above you. The leopard’s emerald eyes watch you intensely, your heart races and a cold sweat covers your body as you realize you are the intruder in her territory. Your game ranger slowly maneuvers the vehicle away leaving her in peace to live her endangered existence. A little further down the track a massive breeding herd of elephants bumble across in front of you, with the vehicle engine off all you hear is breaking branches, the soft grumble of the adult elephants communicating with one another, young calves playing about joyously trumpeting with excitement. All the while your experienced ranger is interpreting to you what is happening around you, the intricate details of the African wildlife.

Africa has something special to offer even the most discerning traveler. It welcomes you with open arms, climbs into your heart and never lets go. It will have you returning to her again and again each time leaving you with unforgettable memories. 

Personalized safaris in southern Africa are incredible rewarding experiences. Contacting a local tour operator and asking them to put together an African safari to suit you I believe is the best way to travel. Have a safari designed according to your budget, the number of days or nights that you have and including activities on the itinerary that suit your style of holiday, whether it be active and adventurous or passive and pampered, whether it be staying in luxurious 5 star lodges or comfortable tented bushcamps. The more detail that you can supply to the specialized tour operator the more personalized your safari becomes.

Budget is a very important aspect of a personalized safari as there is a huge range of different experiences available to you at differing price ranges. Lets take for example a one night stay at one of my most favourite 5 star game lodges in the world renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, part of the greater Kruger National Park. It offers ultimate luxury, consummate hospitality, delectable cuisine and some of the best game viewing experiences in Africa. Londolozi Private Game Reserve’s Tree Camp goes for R8950 per person per night all-inclusive (valid 2010). This includes all meals, teas/ coffees, local house wines, beers, soft drinks, twice daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, guided bush walks and laundry.

Then take another example of a game lodge situated in northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve called Arathusa Safari Lodge, which offers great value for money, wonderful homely service, tasty food and excellent game viewing. This goes at R2400 per person per night all-inclusive (including all meals, teas/coffees, twice daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and guided bush walks). A considerable difference in price wouldn’t you say? 

Most of us avid travelers may only find the time and money to travel once a year, maybe only once every three years. So make the next one a memorable one! Make it a personalized safari to southern Africa.