Eastern Cape, Madikwe, South Africa

The Eastern Cape is located at the end of the Madikwe is one of many reserves in South Garden Route, so you can combine Cape Town, Africa where land that was used for farming the scenic route and a safari in an easy trip – has been reclaimed and returned to the wildlife and there’s no need to take malaria tablets. It’s that once roamed it. The malaria-free reserve a different landscape to up north; instead of lies close to the , creating an acacia trees expect thickets of low bush and overlap of habitats that is home to both the rolling hills of . The reserves here are Big 5 and some elusive desert antelope, like smaller and with fewer animals than Kruger. gemsbok, sable and nyala. It’s also one of the Not all reserves have the Big 5, however only places in South Africa where you can see most are child-friendly and many have safari the endangered wild dog, which Madikwe has programmes especially for kids. Addo Elephant been very successful in breeding. The landscape National Park is the centrepiece. The elephants consists of wide open plains that allow you to here are calm – there’s been no hunting for spot game from a great distance, giving it the so long that they’re relaxed with people and feel of an East African reserve. vehicles, allowing you to get very close.

Best time to visit Best time to visit Year-round game viewing. Good throughout the year, but Summer rainfall with afternoon especially the dry months of thunderstorms take place October May to September when animals – April while winters (May- congregate around water holes. September) are dry with mild sunny Rains peak in February/March and days and chilly nights. October/November.

WATERBERG, South Africa Kruger, South Africa FUN FACTS: { The hippo is Africa’s most dangerous The Greater is creature, killing an estimated 3000 compromised of the Kruger National Park people per year. The only other and the 20 private game reserves that border creature with such a high kill rate is it, creating one of the largest unfenced the mosquito. reserves in the world with free movement of { animals across the land. You’ll find many of Africa’s award-winning luxury lodges here, due to Kruger’s accessibility and the high concentration of animals – Big 5 sightings are almost guaranteed. The landscape is classic South African safari, with rolling punctuated by trees and large bushes. Kruger is a modern-day Noah’s ark, home to animals of every imaginable type, and to this day remains the most popular safari destination in Africa.

Best time to visit The Waterberg district of Limpopo is a rugged The dry winter season from May landscape of mountainside forests dissected to October, as the lack of rainfall by deep ravines and tumbling waterfalls with means the vegetation is sparse and panoramic views over the plains below – you’ll Best time to visit game is easier to spot. need a 4x4 to navigate here. It’s home to the Marakele National Park and two private Good viewing year-round with reserves – Welgevonden and Entabeni. All temperate summers and clear three are Big 5 reserves but the concentration winter days, although the nights of animals is small, so you may not spot them get very chilly. all. Waterberg is malaria free and only 3 hours’ drive from Joburg – that and the mild climate make it a great option for families. Okavango Delta, Botswana Etosha, Namibia

The Etosha National Park is characterised by The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland Best time to visit a white salt pan so large, it can be seen from waterway systems in the world. It’s made up of space. In fact, the name Etosha means ‘great a tangle of channels, lagoons and islands which The delta floods between July white space’. Four of the Big 5 are found here create a lush habitat for an incredibly diverse and October each year, making (buffalo is the exception), but it’s really the concentration of bird and wildlife. A safari in this the best time for your watery diversity of game and ease of viewing that make the delta is a bucket list experience. Explore explorations. Winter lasts from May Etosha special. During the rainy season, the the waterways by traditional mokoro (dugout to September, so visits during this salt pan fills with water and attracts thousands canoe), as your guide paddles you past pods time will be mostly dry and mild. of flamingos as well over 340 other bird of hippo with only their eyes peaking up from species. Big game is easily visible across the flat the water’s surface, and take in a walking safari landscape and around numerous water holes, across the islands. some of which are floodlit. The park is malaria- free and easily accessible by normal sedan on the well tarred roads.

Best time to visit The bone-dry winter months of July to October, when wildlife congregates around the water holes. Chobe, Botswana KwaZulu-Natal, SOUTH AFRICA

Northern KZN is home to a number of game Chobe National Park is often combined with reserves including Mkuze, Nambiti, Hulhulwe- a visit to the neighbouring Okavango Delta. Best time to visit iMfolozi and Pongola, as well as World Heritage Chobe is known for its extensive herds of Site, the isiMangaliso Wetland Park. The elephant and Cape buffalo, which you can view During the dry winter months reserves are small in comparison to Kruger, during a boat cruise up the Chobe River or on a from May to September, when the but some do have the Big 5 and they are easily more traditional game drive. Large numbers of vegetation isn’t as thick. accessible from Durban, the nearest being a game converge on the surrounding rivers during 2.5-hour drive. The landscape is forested with the dry months. It’s not uncommon for vehicles trees and thick vegetation that make sightings to come to a standstill as hundreds of elephants less frequent than in other regions. cross the main road on their way to the river to drink, bathe and play. A Chobe safari has a remote, untamed feel that you won’t find in South Africa.

Best time to visit The dry winter months from May to October. Nights are chilly and days are mild, but as you go into October it starts to get hot. Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert Kenya and Tanzania

The red-orange sand dunes trademark the region of Sossusvlei, a mud pan created by a transient river that flows through the desert every five to ten years. The high percentage of iron in the water gives the towering sand Best time to visit dunes their rich colour. Due to a lack of water The winter months of May to many of the local Acacia trees die, unable to October when days are milder – this even decompose, which adds to the eeriness is the desert and it gets unbearably of the place. A Namib desert safari is unique. hot in summer. You’ll see the small mammals and reptiles who have adapted to the arid land, as well as ostrich and antelope. The appeal here is less about the wildlife and more about the contrasting landscapes, where the orange sand against the brilliant blue sky and dazzling white salt pans The site of the Great Migration, which sees two produces unforgettable images. million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle follow the rains and make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to greener pastures in the Masai Mara in Kenya. It’s the most spectacular wildlife show on earth – and the camps there know it. Rates are high and it can get crowded in the public reserves. Should you self-drive through the extensive Kruger Park or safari on a private game reserve? It’s a Private game reserves question we’re asked time and again by both local and international travellers. One could even suggest vs that it’s the same thing, as none of the reserves have fences. Surely the elephant that you saw in Sabi national parks Sand you could see again in Kruger at a considerably lower cost? Yes and no. Here we break down the differences between a private safari and national park, and explain the pros and cons of each.

Private Game Reserves

These are privately owned areas alongside a national park or special concessions within the park. Only the game drive vehicles that belong to the lodges in a reserve can drive on the land, meaning you’re not competing for road space with other guests and you won’t get stuck in traffic jams. Rangers are not subject to national park rules – they can drive off road in search of animals and take you on night drives to see nocturnal game. In most private reserves, you can also do walking safaris where you track game on foot.

In South Africa, private reserves have a rule that limits vehicles to two or three per wildlife sighting, so even if you do share a viewing with a vehicle from another lodge, it won’t be a whole queue of them. Most evening game drives include a stop somewhere in the open bush for drinks and snacks with your ranger as you take in the African sunset. Accommodation on private reserves tends to be of the more luxurious variety, although we do have options to suit smaller budgets. Expect attention to detail such as crisp linen, delicious meals and a strong focus on excellent service. National Parks

These are reserves managed by local councils or governments. You can self-drive through the park without a guide to help you locate the animals, or you can join one of the game drives hosted by your lodge/camp at an additional cost (note: these are usually in larger vehicles that can seat up to 25 people). Whichever you choose, expect crowded roads. The number of vehicles is not limited, so roads can get really busy and there are frequent traffic jams.

You also have to adhere to strict gate access times, which mean you’ll likely get out into the reserve later and return earlier than if you were on a private safari. Most wildlife is inactive during the heat of the day, so long hours of daytime driving can be tiring with little reward. Accommodation ranges from rondawels and huts to campsites where you bring your own camping gear. Most options are self- catering and require you to bring all provisions with you. What to expect from a private safari Luxury accommodation Private safari accommodation range from 5-star deluxe lodges that will make you feel like royalty to comfortable, well-furnished tents with every amenity you’ll need. The common denominator is attention to detail. Expect private viewing decks, plunge pools and open plan bathrooms, often with outdoor showers. Service is what the private safari is all about - welcoming staff take care of your every need and treat you as if you’re the only guest.

Everything is planned for you And we do mean everything! All you have to do is show up. In addition to your game drives, you’ll sit down to at least two tasty meals per day (usually brunch, served after the morning game drive, and a hearty dinner after the evening drive). Some lodges have planned activity programmes, especially for the kids, otherwise in the afternoons you’ll have free time to relax and soak up your surroundings.

Benefit from the top rangers and trackers The best rangers tend to gravitate towards the private reserves. Being with an experienced guide in an intimate setting really enhances your bush encounter. They’re not addressing a load of chattering tourists, trying to make themselves heard over a tinny sound system. They’ll share their personal stories and knowledge with you, creating an experience that is uniquely yours.

See amazing wildlife up close The Big Five might be top of your list, but your guides know there’s so much more to show you. They’ll help you spot unusual creatures like the pangolin and bush baby, and they’ll show you how to identify various animal tracks. They stay in touch with one another on radio to ensure that you get to all the best sightings in the reserve on any given day. With minimal competition for sightings, you can rest assured you’ll get that close up photo that you can proudly take home.

Make new friends The boma is without a doubt the social hub of any private reserve. It’s where you’re likely to enjoy your dinners and engage fellow guests in conversations beside the fire. It’s not only a great chance to mingle, but it’s also often where the rangers spend time chatting about their own fascinating experiences.

Enjoy a sundowner tradition On evening game drives, your ranger/tracker will find a suitable spot to park where you’ll enjoy drinks and snacks as the sun dips down low below the horizon. You can get out of the vehicle at this point and stretch your legs as you sip on an ice-cold beverage. Many lodges offer an extension of this experience in the form of a private bush dinner for two, complete with glowing lanterns and wait staff. If you ever wanted a marriage proposal to remember, take notes! Affordable safaris for South Africans live on the doorstep of some of the best safari destinations in the world. However, many locals never experience a safari due to the belief that they’re priced exclusively at international visitors. While this is true South African locals of many private game reserves, there are ways to make your local safari dream a reality without breaking the bank.

Travel in winter South African winter runs from May to August and travelling is cheaper countrywide, as accommodations drop their rates to account for fewer visitors. The bonus for safari seekers is that this is also the best time to view game in the scrubbier winter bush, which thins out due to decreased rainfall.

Keep it local Avoid an exchange rate that puts your rands at a disadvantage. Most of the lodges in Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania quote in US dollars, while the majority of South African lodges quote in rands. Consider a safari in a South African National Park instead of a private game reserve as they generally have less expensive accommodation. SANParks is responsible for 20 parks across the country; the most well-known for safaris are Kruger and Addo.

Go by car You don’t need to charter a private plane to the gate of your chosen reserve – the best way to save bucks is to self- drive. Like all SANParks, Kruger is set up to make self-driving and self-catering holidays easy, even for beginners. There are managers and support staff on duty around the clock at all camps to ensure your comfort and safety. Rangers are available to guide walks or drives and you can buy groceries in the rest camps or the nearby towns of Komatipoort and Malalane. Top tip: { Stay the affordable way Base yourself in Limpopo, which Locals in the know stay outside the big parks and borders Kruger on one side and book guided game drives or self-drive on daily trips has a number of budget-friendlier inside. This is particularly effective in Addo, as the lodges that still deliver a high-class park is surrounded by B&Bs and country houses safari experience. from which game drives are easily accessible. {

Insider info: Pick bush camps that have self-catering chalets

or cottages as opposed to luxury lodges. You can even bring your own camping gear and set up in one of the many dedicated campsites. Game drive yourself { Self-driving through a park costs you a fraction of an organised game drive and you’ll see plenty FUN FACTS: of game doing it on your own. Many parks feature Natural selection is evident in the daily boards with tips about where the different way that elephants have evolved species of wildlife have been spotted. Other to combat poaching. Nearly 40% parks like Addo have initiatives where they train of elephants in Zambia are born guides from the local community who can drive without tusks as the recessive with you in your car and ensure you see all the tuskless gene become dominant. game you’re looking for. It’s the personal safari { experience, at a fraction of the cost.

Good to know: While you’ll see plenty of animals self-driving through Kruger, you will be competing with many other vehicles on the road – traffic jams are a real thing. A self-drive safari in a smaller reserve is often a calmer and more rewarding experience. Kids on safari Stay the A safari is a rewarding experience at the best of times, but even more so when you’re instilling in your affordable way kids a respect for our environment and its wildlife. Locals in the know stay outside the big parks The expressions on your children’s faces as they see wild animals for the first time is one you will treasure and book guided game drives or self-drive on forever. Many travellers are nervous about taking daily trips inside. This is particularly effective their kids on safari, but there’s no need to be. Here’s in Addo, as the park is surrounded by B&Bs everything you need to know for a stress-free family and country houses from which game drives are safari experience. easily accessible. Location, location { Many travellers feel more comfortable choosing a malaria-free destination for a family safari. Reserves such as Madikwe, Welgevonden and those in Insider info: the Eastern Cape (like Addo Elephant Park) are ideal. Pick bush camps that have self- If you’re ok with malaria tablets for the family, you can catering chalets or cottages as look at Kruger and further into East Africa. opposed to luxury lodges. You can even bring your own camping Choose the right lodge gear and set up in one of the many Pick a lodge that is family-friendly and welcoming to { dedicated campsites. your kids. Not only should the accommodation itself be suitable (family tents work well, for example), but the staff should be used to dealing with little people. There’s a difference between a family-friendly lodge and one that offers activity programmes especially for children. Which one you choose depends on the ages of your kids and what you want to get out of your safari – we can advise you accordingly.

Game drive preparation Explain the concept of a game drive to your kids and how you have to have patience when waiting for to see animals. Bundle up on chilly morning drives and bring along activities to keep them occupied. Checklists are a great option – have the ranger get them to tick animals off the list as they’re spotted. Refer to guidebooks where they can learn about the animals they see, or have them draw them. Snacks are essential. Nurture your budding photographer The Big 8 and the best places to see them Kids experience things differently to adults and a good way to keep them engaged is to give each of them their own camera – you can buy a few disposables. This way you avoid possible bickering over just one camera and they get an opportunity to capture things through their own lens in their own way.

Get a private game vehicle (if the budget allows) This is especially useful for younger kids. You won’t have to deal with other guests potentially getting irritated with your little ones and you’ll have more control over the length of the drives. If you get a private ranger, they will form a relationship with you and your children, making for a more rewarding experience.

Mix it up

The rigidity of a game drive can become a bit much for kids after a while, so it’s helpful to introduce other activities into the daily routine. Find out about guided bush walks, horseback safaris and cultural excursions that you can incorporate into your safari.

Pack smart Warm apparel is a must - things like a cosy jacket, beanie, scarf and gloves should be on the list. During the day however, temperatures can soar, so you’ll need the usual summer essentials like including sunglasses, hat, sunscreen and swimming costume (for lodges where there is a pool). Remember to avoid bright colours – stick to neutral tones if you can. {

Consider combining beach and bush Try a shorter bush adventure combined with beach break. Relaxing days on the coast are the perfect complement FUN FACTS: to the structured nature of a safari. The giraffe not only appears to be a patchy horse that’s been stretched, Don’t forget it also has a blue tongue, the result Mosquito repellant to keep the pesky mozzies at bay! of high melanin content, which prevents their tongues from getting Ever wondered where the term Big 5 comes sunburnt. from? It’s actually an old hunter’s term for the most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, yet it caught the imagination of travellers and is { known today as the classic photographic safari checklist. The Big 5 refers to lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant and leopard. After the Big 5 became popularised, an offshoot emerged: the Big 8. Here are the best places to spot each of these magnificent animals.

Rhino Elephant

Northern KwaZulu Natal & Etosha Addo Elephant National Park { In 1894, a spate of poaching left just 40 surviving { FUN FACTS: white rhinos in KwaZulu Natal. The Mfolozi Black rhino are more critically and Hluhluwe reserves were created to protect FUN FACTS: endangered than white. Despite the group and attempt to breed them. The plan Baby elephant are more similar to us huge international efforts to contain worked, and new rhinos were reintroduced to than you’d think, as they often suck the poaching epidemic, the current other reserves in the area and eventually across their trunks for comfort, the way kill rate of black rhino equals the Southern Africa. Both white and black rhino can human babies suck their thumbs. birth rate, placing the population be seen here, but the still critically endangered { perilously close to tipping point. black rhino is best sighted at the water holes of { Etosha National Park in Namibia.

After years with no hunting, Addo elephants are peaceful, allowing you to get really close and snap the prized photo you’ve been hoping for. When the area was proclaimed a ntional park in 1931, there were just 11 elephants – today there are over 600. Lion Buffalo Timbavati Chobe National Park

Lions are plentiful in most large reserves, but we’ve chosen to highlight the Timbavati Private Game Reserve, as it’s here that rare white lions can be seen in their natural environment. These animals carry a recessive gene known as “chinchillia” which gives them their fair coats.

Buffalo are prevalent across most of Southern Africa, but it’s here in Chobe where they live in herds of thousands. Contrary to their docile, bovine appearance, buffalo are unpredictable and can be extremely dangerous - they kill some 200 people a year in Africa. Leopard Whale Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve Hermanus

The most elusive of the Big 5 due to its astounding camouflage and shy nature, the leopard is the one animal many safari goers never see. Sabi Sand is where you’re most likely to spot them, as photographic safaris have been run here for decades and the cats have become used to open landrovers and the clicking of cameras.

The gargantuan Southern Right whale journeys from Antarctica to South Africa to breed every year between June and November. The cliffs in the pretty town of Hermanus makes for the perfect whale watching spot, as you’re able to look down into the bay and see the mothers frolicking with their calves. Great White Shark Wild dog Gansbaai Madikwe Game Reserve

Like others on this list the wild dog, or painted wolf, is an animal that was brought back from This largely misunderstood creature is the centre the brink of extinction. They were reintroduced of the shark cage diving controversy (those against to Madikwe in 1994 where a successful it say if we chum the water to attract the sharks,

breeding programme was launched. They travel we can’t be upset when they come to shore and in packs, roaming vast areas at incredible speed. attack humans), but if you’re determined to do it,

It makes them difficult to spot, but this is Gansbaai, aka the Great White shark capital of the where you’re most likely to find them. world, is the place. FUN FACTS: { Only the alpha male and female in the pack will breed, while the rest of the pack act as den guards, babysitters and hunters for the first three months while the pups are { kept safe in their den. See Africa with Portfolio Journeys

You know when they talk about a match made in heaven? That’s exactly what Portfolio Journeys is: two forces within the travel industry combining their expertise, knowledge and guidance to bring you, the discerning traveller, the very best of Africa. Portfolio has over 35 years’ experience in personally handpicking a wide range of Southern African accommodation, visiting each one to ensure they meet the highest of standards. Africa Collection is a market leading tour operator based in the UK that offers exceptional service on an impressive selection of tours throughout Africa. Bringing together the expertise of both brands, Portfolio Journeys offers you the opportunity to design an itinerary that is personalised and tailored to your every need – we won’t stop until it’s exactly what you envisioned.

We offer a full itinerary booking service, including local flights, with the best available rates. Here’s what we can do for you. • Best price guaranteed – you won’t pay more than if you booked everything yourself, which can be extremely time consuming. In fact due to the rates we get from our suppliers, which are not offered direct to the public, you’ll actually pay less. • Expert assistance - we take care of all the research based on your preferences. We’ve been there ourselves, so we’ll use our first-hand knowledge and experience to help you make decisions. And we’ll do everything for you! • Extensive local knowledge – we are based South Africa and have extensive experience in booking African itineraries. • Accommodation of your choice – we’re able to give you accommodation options that may not be listed on the Portfolio website but which might be better suited to your requirements. • You’ll receive all your costs in one invoice, no hidden fees or last minute surprises. And much less admin for you. • Tell a friend about us and we’ll give you 5% of the booking value cashback when they book with us. Collectively our team has over 150 years’ experience in the travel industry. It’s our passion, and our favourite thing to do is share it. Get in touch with us today and we’ll start planning your dream trip to Africa.

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