Planning a Safari? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Leave

South Africa is known for our luxurious safari game lodges. It takes glamping to a whole new level. Africa is home to the Big 5 wild animals, which consist of the African Lion, African Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo and Black Rhino. Every year thousands of tourists flock to South Africa to see these beasts in their natural habitat.

Cam and I drove 2 hours from home, to the Pilanesburg National Park. We stayed at an incredible 4-star lodge called Bakubung Bush Lodge. We stayed for a weekend - two nights and it did wonders for the soul. Being out in the bush with nature in its purest form changes you.

Now you're wondering what to expect. Well here's a breakdown of what I learned:

Accommodation:

At this particular lodge, we had a beautiful brick chalet in front of the watering hole where we woke up to little warthogs and buck would come to sip from the sparkling waters. There was also a night view camera linked to the watering hole so you can see the animals drinking at night. We slept in a cosy king size bed where I had the best night's rest.

Food:

Typically at a game lodge, you'll have three meals and tea breaks per day. You think that the time will go by slowly because there isn't much to do. I experienced completely the opposite. The food is prepared by world class chefs and they display a magnificent feast for the eyes and pallet. The teatime cakes are light and fluffy. The three delicious meals we had were something to write home about. Look forward to experiencing totally different foods, that are sourced from the region. This is important to support the local community.

Activities:

So if you're looking for excitement, this is the destination for you. We experienced two game drives daily. One at sunrise and one at sunset. This is when the animals are out and about, it's not too hot for them and the bush comes alive! For those who struggle to get up early on vacation, please do yourself a favour and go! This is the chance of a lifetime to see baby warthogs follow their mums tail through the tall grass, feeling an African lion roar which echos of your chest and proves that these beauties are the king of the jungle. You could hear the neigh of the zebra or the laugh of the hyena. Do it, you deserve this experience. You'll have coffee and muffins in the bush while a guide keeps a lookout for any animals that could come and pinch a bite.

What to Pack:

If you're going in South African summer, make sure you're prepared for extreme heat. The crickets bring out their violins for us; flies come to kiss everything they see and the sway of a zebras tail is somewhat soothing. I recommend sunscreen and a hat, shorts and short sleeve shirts, a swimming costume, closed hiking shoes and bug spray. Always pack a set of warm clothes and take a jacket on the back of the game drive vehicle. It gets surprisingly cold!

South African winter, although milder than the European winter, still gets very cold. Typically South Africa isn't prepared for sub-zero weather conditions as you may be. Ensure you pack warm clothes, a hat (yes, you can still burn in the winter sun!). Take a hat or something to cover your head. You'll probably use a blanket on the back of the game drive vehicles, but make sure you're ready for a very cold wind!

As you can see, there's a wealth of culture and nature to take in on a game lodge stay. Be sure to let us know what your experience is like through DM on our social media platforms, or via email.

If you're unsure of booking one of these trips, do it. Nothing will ever prepare you for the experience of the African bush. It's an incredibly humbling journey and I wish that every person could experience this if just once. It's the magic of South Africa.