A safari experience through Zita's eyes

On a ridiculously busy day in April, I escaped the hustle and bustle of Cape Town city and travelled to the Sabi Sand Reserve. This was highlighted by a charter flight with Federal Air from Hoedspruit Airport to Arethusa Airstrip, which certainly makes you feel like royalty with your special pass through the airport and flying over the endless plains of the park.

We spent our first night at Arathusa Safari Lodge in the northern sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve. Known for its warm hospitality and memorable game drive experiences, we had the once in a lifetime opportunity of spotting wild dogs, which are incredibly difficult to track, due to the speed in which they often move throughout the reserve. After finding the restful Talamati Breakaway pride with their baby cub, this was enough to confirm that the wildlife sightings in this area are endless.

The following day we moved to Leopards Hill Private Game Reserve, located in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve. Aptly named due to its leopard thriving location. This lodge impressed us with its attention to detail, stylish and comfortable rooms, delectable cuisine and knowledgeable rangers and trackers. My favourite sighting in this area was watching their spectacular resident Ravenscourt male leopard casually stroll past our vehicle, not forgetting to mention the sound of the two Plains Camp males that could be heard from our room during the night and spotted on our game drive the following morning. This lodge left a lasting impression.

We moved on to a quick visit to Dulini River Lodge, Dulini Leadwood and Dulini Moya Lodge. With its contemporary design, hospitable staff, and superb, lush surroundings it is easy to fall in love with the Dulini Collection. My favourite was the plunge pool at Dulini Moya Lodge, ideal for couples seeking romance and privacy.

Our final stay was at Lion Sands River Lodge, located in the southern Sabi Sand reserve sector. Overlooking the superb Sabie River, we saw an elephant taking a lengthy stroll along the riverbed. We arrived in our room for the night, which had been beautifully decorated with leaves to welcome us to the lodge. With its elegantly lit wooden pathways and stunning décor, this lodge blends effortlessly into the natural surroundings. Experiencing a traditional boma dinner, with some of the South African favourite dishes was a highlight for us. Our final morning game drive allowed us to spot a male leopard who lived to see another day after a massive fight with a rival male the day prior.

After being unable to go on safari for three years, due to the covid hiatus, simply being out in nature and connecting with people and wildlife is an experience that should never be taken for granted.

For first-time safari goers, this is the place to be.

The magic of the South African bush awaits…