A safari is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of a South Africa tour experience. The allure of getting within close proximity of the ‘Big Five’ and seeing the likes of the African lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and Cape buffalo with your very own eyes is an exciting thought! But not everyone has the same idea as to what constitutes as their ideal safari experience. For some, it’s about experiencing the African wild in the most authentic way possible. While others still want to be enjoy a highly relaxing and luxurious experience. Luckily, when it comes to experiencing a South African safari, there are options that cater for both…
Introducing the Rovos Rail Luxury Train
If you desire relaxation and luxury during your discovery of the South African wilderness, then look no further. The Rovos Rail in South Africa offers a grand and magical way to encounter the national game.
For example, on-board this enchanting train, you will stay in a private sleeper, complete with you own sofa, en-suite shower, toilet and washbasin. All meals are carefully crafted by on-board chefs who pair the delicious dishes with their preferred South African wine. And the Rovos train’s timeless décor and atmosphere is reflective of bye-gone times, when slow moving journeys were more than just a trip, but a whole experience in itself.
During your journey on the Rovos Rail, you will stop to take an open-jeep game drive in the Spionkop Reserve where white rhinoceros, giraffe and antelope can be spotted. You’ll also spend an afternoon enjoying an exciting game experience in Nambiti Private Game Reserve. Here, your jeep will take you across savannah, grasslands, thornveld and giant acacia trees on your mission to discover ‘The Big Five’. In addition, you may be lucky enough to spot cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, hyenas and zebras.
We think you’ll agree that this experience is the perfect blend of luxury and adventure!
The Ubizane Wildlife Reserve experience
Alternatively, the Ubizane Wildlife Reserve offers a much more traditional, but equally as spectacular way to embark on the ‘Big Five’ safari. Located at the heart of Zululand, the reserve provides some breath-taking landscapes that are filled with the country’s superb wildlife. On the reserve you there are two different types of accommodation – The Ubizane Zululand Tree Lodge or The Ubizane Zululand Safari Lodge.
The Ubizane tree lodges are hidden amongst the African treetops, each one with their own private decking. The views from the tree lodges are spectacular, with the stars glistening in the night sky and wildlife passing by, you’ll find yourself at one with nature.
Then there are the Ubizane safari lodges that are beautifully designed with glass doors to ensure your views of the reserve are always available. So we recommend you bring a pair of trusty binoculars as you may catch sight of some of the local giraffes, zebras or impalas, without even having to leave your room. Plus with lights installed near the watering hole, you may even see some rare night-time activity.
During your stay here, you will explore the reserve in an open jeep to spot giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, white rhinos, and over 450 different bird species going about their day. You’ll also get the chance to visit Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and home of the ‘Big Five’.
Which safari experience will you choose?
Whichever way you decide to enjoy your South Africa Safari is down to you, but we don’t think you can go far wrong with either. Ultimately, getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most sought after wild animals is a remarkable experience and will provide memories that will stay with you forever. If anything, these contrasting safari experiences just give you another reason to visit again so that you can do both!
