5 unique South African safari experiences
With a plethora of tantalizing safari and game lodge options available in South Africa, why not opt for a once in a lifetime experience for your next trip. Here are five of my favorites to whet your safari appetite:
Explore the wildlife waterways at Marataba Luxury LodgeWhile sitting on a boat to watch wildlife is an experience typically associated with Botswana's Okavango Delta, thanks to Marataba Luxury Lodges, this experience is also possible in South Africa itself. Marataba operates two high-end lodges in a private concession in Marakele National Park, a three-hour drive from Johannesburg.
In addition to the impressive sandstone mountains and game plains, water safaris are possible along the eternal Marabas River. Upon arriving at the pier, you are greeted aboard Miss Mara, ready to offer you plenty of game, bird and landscape sightings. Passing by elephants playing in the shallows, or a group of hippos rushing into the river are indeed sights to see. Stay in either the tent units at the main Safari Lodge or the smaller, more remote Mountain Lodge.
Sleep under the stars in SamaraIf you are looking for an intimate and personal experience, why not consider spending a night under the stars. Several South African lodges offer sleeping options and one of the most exciting is the Star Bed at Samara Private Game Reserve. Located along a river bed, guests are led to the secluded spot where their night under the African sky awaits them. The raised platform has a dining area and getting to a sunset feast, a bottle of champagne on ice and a comfy bed under the stars is indeed an unmissable African experience.
The star bed is located in the territory of the Big 5 in the wild and thus allows the game to be watched from the safety of the platform. For added security there is an electric fence around the platform and guests are given a two-way radio to contact the lodge for any reason. I will never forget to fall asleep to the sounds of the African bush with a thousand stars above to keep me company.
Sleep on a train in Kruger ShalatiIn the heart of Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest and most iconic park, a previously disused bridge now has new life, offering guests the option of a Kruger first: sleeping aboard a luxury train suspended over the Sabie River below. Having only opened its doors in December 2020, Kruger Shalati is already collecting glowing reports from first visitors.
The glass-walled cars offer stunning views of the entire length of the Sabie River. The train is permanently parked on the bridge, providing an elegant base for guests to enjoy safaris in between. There are 31 rooms in total, then an observation deck with a swimming pool to spend the day and continue watching the game from the elevated position.
Exclusive use safari at Morukuru Family MadikwePerhaps the ultimate South Africa safari experience is one where you can call the shots. With the privilege of an exclusive use rental comes the chance to make what you want to do, and when you want, without having to worry about other guests. The Morukuru family in Madikwe offers just that. About four hours from Johannesburg, a few miles from the border with Botswana, you'll find the Madikwe Game Reserve.
Do you decide you want chocolate pancakes for breakfast? Just ask. Want a driving safari and a walking safari before breakfast? Easily done. Morukuru offers lodge-style accommodation in three houses for exclusive use, which can accommodate 4, 6 and 10 people respectively. My choice is the owner's house with 4 beds, with its prime riverside location with thatched roof sala - a dining room suspended over the river - and built-in fireplace.
Collect fynbos honey in GrootbosLocated in the mythically beautiful Overberg region, two hours from Cape Town Grootbos Private Nature Reserves offers guests the opportunity to experience unique hands-on experiences. This unique lodge celebrates the fynbos - an essential component of the Flowering Kingdoms of Cape Town, and also the most diverse in the world. In addition to fynbos safaris, one of Grootbos' experiences is the chance to join the resident beekeeper to harvest, type and bottle your own honey.
There are several beehives on the property; significantly the Erica regularis is one of the region's endemic fynbos species, flowering profusely during the winter months. The plant is therefore targeted by bees, resulting in a honey of single origin - one of the rarest plants in the world. Dressed in a beekeeping costume with dozens of bees flying around me, I was initially a little discouraged, but once acclimatized it was fascinating to get a glimpse of their world up close.