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In 2026, Janet and her husband joined our South Africa Safari tour. We caught up with Janet when she returned.
When my husband and I booked our South African safari with Travelsphere, we knew it was going to be a special holiday, but nothing could have prepared us for just how incredible it would be. From the moment we arrived, it felt as though every day brought another unforgettable experience. Looking back, it's difficult to choose one highlight because the trip just kept giving. Every game drive, every wildlife encounter and every moment spent at the lodge seemed to top the one before.
There were only eight of us in our group, including our two friends who had joined us on the tour. It was the perfect size and by the second evening we'd all started eating together. Before long it felt less like travelling with strangers and more like a holiday with friends. We shared breakfast every morning, chatted over lunch and spent every evening swapping stories from the day's safari. We've even kept in touch since returning home, which says everything about the atmosphere the tour created.
There were only eight of us in our group, including our two friends who had joined us on the tour. It was the perfect size and by the second evening we'd all started eating together. Before long it felt less like travelling with strangers and more like a holiday with friends. We shared breakfast every morning, chatted over lunch and spent every evening swapping stories from the day's safari. We've even kept in touch since returning home, which says everything about the atmosphere the tour created.
The safari itself was unlike anything I've ever experienced. We'd head out just before sunrise with a coffee and biscuit, watching the African bush come to life as the animals began to stir. Every drive was completely different. One morning we'd come across lionesses sleeping beneath a tree after a night-time hunt, while another we'd be watching elephants, giraffes, rhinos and countless baby animals. We were lucky enough to visit during baby season, so we saw young zebras, warthogs, rhinos and even a newborn giraffe, making every drive feel even more special.
If I had to choose one moment that will stay with me forever, it would be watching two cheetahs stalk a herd of zebra. We'd rounded a corner when our ranger suddenly stopped the vehicle. Everything became completely silent as we watched the cheetahs slowly creeping through the grass. Then, in an instant, they took off. Our ranger followed the chase across the reserve while we held on in the open vehicle, dust flying everywhere around us. Thankfully the zebra escaped, but witnessing something so raw and natural was one of the most exhilarating moments. Our ranger later told us that seeing a chase like that was incredibly rare.
What made the holiday even more memorable was our ranger, Matimba. His knowledge was simply incredible. He didn't just help us spot wildlife; he taught us about everything around us. We learned how to identify animal tracks, discovered fascinating facts about birds, plants and insects, and even found ourselves trying to identify different animals from their footprints. Every day he shared something new, from explaining why baby zebras spend time alone with their mothers to learning that hippos can walk up to ten miles every night in search of food. His passion for wildlife was infectious and made every game drive even more rewarding.
There was so much more to see and do than simply spotting the Big Five. We enjoyed a guided bush walk where we learned about the plants, trees and smaller wildlife that make up the ecosystem, and one evening we stood beneath an incredible African sky while Matimba pointed out the stars and planets above us. Every evening we also stopped for a traditional sundowner, where he would unpack drinks and snacks while we watched the sun set across the reserve. Those quiet moments, chatting together as the landscape changed colour, became some of my favourite memories.
One surprise came on our very first evening. After our afternoon game drive, instead of returning to the lodge, our ranger led us through the bush to a beautifully prepared barbecue beneath the stars. It was such an unexpected welcome after a long journey and set the tone for the rest of the holiday.
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to pack light. Safari is much more relaxed than I expected, so comfortable clothing and a few layers are all you really need for the cooler early mornings and warmer afternoons.
One tip I was so glad I'd been given before travelling was to take the correct South African plug adaptor. A standard universal adaptor won't work, so it's definitely worth picking one up before you go.
Looking back, what made this safari so special wasn't just the incredible wildlife. It was the combination of everything: the beautiful lodge, the wonderful food, the friendships we made, the small group atmosphere and, above all, the passion and knowledge of our ranger. Everything came together to create a holiday that genuinely exceeded every expectation.
People often ask me if I'd go on another safari, and my answer always surprises them. Probably not, not because I didn't love it, but because I honestly don't think anything could top this one. We were so lucky with everything we saw and experienced that I know these memories will stay with me forever. If you're thinking about booking a South African safari, my advice would simply be to embrace every moment. You never know what you'll see around the next corner, and that's what makes it so unforgettable.
Experience the ultimate safari, spending your days tracking the Big Five. Staying in a luxury boutique lodge you’ll discover a dazzling array of wildlife as well as have time to kick back and relax.
