Have you ever thought about going on safari? When you say the words African Safari what comes to mind?

The thought of trailing through the bush in pith helmets with insects incessantly buzzing around provides an image of hard work rather than a relaxing vacation. Fortunately safaris are no longer about traipsing around under the blazing sun in the ever elusive hunt for at least one of the Big Five. Today South African safaris are synonymous with luxury, comfort, astounding wildlife, relaxation and oddly enough cosmetic surgery (but thats a whole other kind of article).

South African Safari

South Africas parks and game reserves are teeming with wildlife; you will see everything from Elephants to Ant Lions. Safari drives allow you to explore the parks in the comfort of 4x4s driven by experienced game rangers. No longer do you have to concern yourselves with the thought of outdoor ablutions or a lack of electricity. Today all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the power of nature envelop you.

Luxury safaris are extremely popular amongst visitors to South Africa, the thrill of the wild is effortlessly combined with 5 star guest lodges and amazing entertainment. You really do get the best of both worlds with a holiday option such as this.

A day in the life

On a typical summers morning safari enthusiasts arise from their heavenly beds at approximately 5am for morning tea out on the terrace overlooking the magnificent expanse of raw natural beauty laid out in front of them. After tea the early morning game drive sets off stopping for refreshments about half way through. At this time of morning the park is beginning to come to life after a peaceful night. The sun rises overhead whilst antelope and zebra gallop across the plains. It is a good time of day for game viewing as it is relatively cool in the morning and the animals seem to be more active.

Once guests have returned to the lodge a hearty breakfast is served after which they have the option to chose how they will spend the next few hours until lunch. Whether you prefer to spend your time taking an adventurous safari walk with one of the parks rangers, an aromatherapy massage or simply sitting on the terrace reading your hours will be filled and extremely fulfilling. The culinary skills of the chefs at these luxury safari lodges are acclaimed; meal times are a time to enjoy both international as well as local delights. Lunch is usually served outside after which guests can spend sometime enjoying the lodges facilities. As it usually gets very hot at this time of day guests spend quite a bit of time near the swimming pools rather than in the bush tracking game. Most luxury lodges have an impressive array of facilities such as fully equipped gymnasiums, tennis courts, spas, saunas, gift shops and a bar.

Sunset cocktails are the perfect way to kick of the evening game drive. The park has once again cooled down and the animals are more active. At sunset the waterholes are teeming with various animal species. It is not uncommon to see wildebeest and giraffes drinking next to elephants. You may even be lucky enough to see a lioness and her cubs cooling down after a hot African day. As it gets darker the nocturnal animals begin to surface from their day of slumber. A spot lit night drive is a truly amazing experience; it is also that much more thrilling being in the middle of the wild at night when the sounds of the bush are intense. After returning from the night drive guests sit down to dinner. It is usually not just a meal but an entire evening of festivities and entertainment. Apart from the gastronomic delights that keep coming course for course there is usually live entertainment at dinner. Whether it be traditional dancers, singing or drumming; dinner is transformed from a necessity to a celebration each night of your safari adventure.

If you are looking for a truly unforgettable holiday experience in South Africa, a luxurious safari is a must. Besides the excitement of game viewing activities, you'll be able to rest, rejuvenate and return to the real world with a new appreciation of nature's spectacular beauty.