By
the seaside
Winelands
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Safari – savanna and big game
In the minds of most people the Safari is the quintessence of Africa
With
over twenty national parks and even more private game reserves, South
Africa has everything to offer — in an open jeep in the safe hands of
expert guides, in your own car or by wilderness trail on foot, bringing
Africa up close. Or what about a balloon safari, by canoe, on
horseback, or on the back of an elephant? From arid Kalahari to lush
Zululand the possibilities are endless. |
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South Africa´s great strides in conservation
South Africa has been particularly far-sighted in initiating major
regeneration and preservation programmes to conserve its game stocks
and their natural habitats, which in the process has made South Africa
a highly attractive safari destination. |
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4 x 4 and experienced rangers
Self-driving
around national parks is permitted on condition that regulations are
observed to the letter and drivers confine themselves to designated
routes.
Private game reserves tend to be less
crowded. Only those staying at private lodges are allowed access and
you will quickly feel more a guest than a tourist at these small oases.
Game drives in
sturdy cross-country vehicles, led by experienced rangers, guarantee
maximum return from each area. To the extent, of course, that anything
can be promised on the movements of wild animals! And,
incidentally, no two safaris are alike. |
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A day on safari
The day starts early on safari, usually before dawn. Animals are most
active in the early morning hours before the sun rises in earnest.
If you’re lucky you’ll catch sight of the “Big Five”: Elephant,
Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino. But don’t ignore the other animals,
they, too, deserve attention — small and large antelope, wildebeest
and vultures, the hyena, crocodiles and the
hippo, each lord of its own domain.
Time to relaxe before the next encounter
Breakfast awaits on your return from the first drive, and then relax for the morning beside the pool.
By late afternoon, when the sun has lost some of its tenacity, you can set off again for the bush.
In open cross-country vehicles or perhaps on foot this time,
accompanied by skilled trackers, who act not only as pathfinders but
ooze with knowledge and anecdote on everything around you from the
animals, their tracks and habitats, to the vegetation, which is often
just as fascinating.
Rare nocturnal sights
In the beam of the tracker´s powerful flash light try to catch a
glimpse of some rare nocturnal wildlife on the return journey. A
soundless leopard, perhaps, on the prowl... |
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Under the starry African sky
Following the traditional sundowner dinner is served in what is called the Boma, an intimate hedged-in enclosure with a crackling bonfire at the centre.
A nightcap under the starry African sky won’t go amiss and then to bed,
and a well-earned night’s sleep in your luxury lodge or well-equipped
private tent. |
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