by Kimberley O'Sullivan, 18 June 2010

Maybe you've travelled to Thailand, Paris and South Korea; maybe you've ventured into Vietnam, gone skiing in New Zealand and traversed the Inca Trail in South America...but mention an African safari and a shiver goes down your spine.

Many first time safari goers just don't know what to expect, and when faced with the idea of a trip to Africa, thoughts of growling lion prides circling a safari vehicle race through their minds.

It couldn't be more untrue as a group of new Go2Africans recently found out. Last month, Antoinette, Lisa and Candice headed up the scenic Garden Route and into the Eastern Cape for their first South African safari, and were incredibly surprised at their experience.

1. Dispelling the Safari Misconceptions

The team were doing a trip to Kwandwe, Blaauwbosch, Kariega, Hillsnek and Pumba, all Big 5 private reserves in the Eastern Cape known for not only their superb game-viewing and guiding experiences, but first-rate luxury accommodation too.

"I was a bit apprehensive, I must admit", says Lisa, her comments backed up by a wide-eyed Candice: "Excited and nervous, sure! The idea of an open jeep that the animals could jump into was scary".

Outrageous! I thought. But then realised that this is the most common misconception of an African safari. With a professional, armed ranger and tracker with you, all you need to worry about is getting your camera out in time.

The animals are really not as interested in you as you are in them anyway. Having recently visited Shamwari Private Game Reserve, we experienced a massive lioness stalking some unknown prey right next to the vehicle. And completely and utterly ignoring us.

2. So What to Expect on Safari?

Antoinette lights up like new star, "I loved that you can relax, enjoy the tranquil environment and enjoy the 1000 mile stare from your private deck!" I enquire a little more, and find out that the 1000 mile stare is the endless view some lodges have across the plains - magical!

She continues "It all just exceeded my expectations; the general knowledge and friendliness of the guides was fantastic - they are so jovial!"

Apart from the overwhelming first-class service and the luxury suites, Lisa was bowled over by the wilderness experience,

"Being out in the bush with no other vehicles was amazing. The 4 hours go by like the wind!"

Even Candice agreed, "After being out on a game drive for a while, I became more comfortable and adjusted to my surroundings. Quite a change after being so scared of going out into the wild!"

The luxury of having minimal vehicles around on a game drive is the hallmark of any good private game reserve: you're not in a national park where there are no rules around number of cars at a sighting, rather, your ranger respects the animal and allows for viewing time, before moving off so that another vehicle can take a look.

3. The 'Special Moment' Factor

Every safari is unique and special, and the girls all agreed that each of the reserves they visited offered a completely different take on the game-viewing experience, a true reflection of spending time at a number of different lodges.

I asked the ladies about their favourite sighting.

"Oh my word, the lions at Pumba were breathtaking!" says Candice excitedly, "The whole pride came walking through the mist...it was just the ultimate safari moment."

Antoinette recalls another memorable sighting, "We saw a waterbuck birthing at Hillsneck. Now that was something else."

Lisa just couldn't take her eyes off the smaller animals, "The baby animals were so sweet, and we were so close, just 10m away! I thought we'd be miles away, but our ranger managed to get us close enough for some great shots. It was great."

Other than the game-viewing, the ladies were all mightily impressed with the calibre of accommodation, food and service. When staying at a luxury lodge, it's those extra-special touches that make an impression.

From being offered mufflers, blankets and hot water bottles on a winter game drive, to returning to your suite to find a bubble bath lit up by candles, well that's a luxury safari.

4. A Luxury Safari - is it Worth it?

Yes, a luxury safari might be more expensive, but you're getting the full experience: expert guiding, use of an open-air safari vehicle, exclusive private suites, delicious gourmet food and spectacular game-viewing.

If you're paying for all of that and promised amazing wildlife sightings, then that's definitely what you expect says Antoinette, "You want to see the Big 5 but it's worth knowing that the smaller private reserves can tailor your safari experience to make it happen."

"I'd be happy with the option of a spa treatment in place of one of the daily game drives!" laughs Lisa, a thought that is commonly expressed after a few hours bouncing around on uneven roads.

But all three agreed unanimously: a luxury safari is SO worth it.

5. Second Time Around: Where Next?

Having got the 'safari bug', Lisa, Candice and Antoinette had to think carefully about where they'd like to go next.

"Rwanda", nods Antoinette, "I'd love to go gorilla trekking in the forest - it's such a different experience". The other two were adamant that their next safari destination would be the Kruger - known for its incredible wildlife, luxury lodges and amazing wilderness experience.

If you're planning on experiencing your first African safari, then the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Kruger or even the private reserves in Namibia are great options.

Wanting a little more adventure? Botswana is a breathtaking game-viewing paradise: Chobe, the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve offering a truly remote wilderness experience.

For a more classic safari, East Africa offers great safaris in both Kenya and Tanzania, while Victoria Falls is the ultimate southern Africa destination.

But as Lisa says, once the bug has bitten, you'll want "to do it all over again".

Readers' Comments:

Are you thinking about going on your first African safari? Let us know.

Article © Copyright 2010 Go2Africa.

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