Exploring the Wild in North Uthungulu, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Safari Journey in South Africa: Exploring Phinda Private Game Reserve
Caught a glimpse of a massive predator mere feet away, his gaze locked onto ours as we rolled by in our open-top vehicle. One wrong move, and he'd be our afternoon meal!
We were in the heart of Phinda Private Game Reserve, a massive, protected wilderness area resting within the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. This haven for wildlife promised an experience that would shake the very foundations of any animal lover.
The African Safari Adventure Awaits
From breeding endangered species to preserving rare ecosystems, "African Safari" is an expression that strikes a chord in countless hearts, fueling dreams of unforgettable encounters with the Continent's most stunning creatures.
Immersed in the African bush for 3 days and 2 nights, my senses were bombarded with jaw-dropping sights as I unwittingly drank from the wellspring of nature. Everywhere I looked, there was something new and exciting to behold. My jaw ached from being perpetually dropped.
The Adventure of a Lifetime
South Africa boasts both public national parks, like Kruger, and private game reserves, such as Phinda. Depending on your location, you may have the option of a self-guided safari, or you could hire an expert guide to be your eyes and ears in the wild.
At Phinda, a privately owned game reserve, the self-guided tour was not an available option. But fear not, for the guides, Matt and Dan, were the epitome of professionalism, fun, and knowledge. I learned far more with them than I ever would have venturing out on my own.
Their ability to track and spot wild animals was nothing short of preposterous.
Sleeping in the Heart of the Wild
Phinda's forest lodge was where our nights were spent, nestled deep within the reserve itself. This meant that common denizens like monkeys and antelope often made their way right up to camp. Armed guards escorted us to our cabins after nightfall, to keep us safe from our newfound friends that roamed the darkness.
Wouldn't want to stumble upon a lion, elephant, or buffalo on your own in the dark...
On the Hunt for Game
Mornings were spent gathering coffee and muffins before congregating to plan our day's adventure. "What exotic creatures would we pursue today?" asked the passionate guides, tickling our anticipation as we eagerly mapped out our safari routes.
Elephants? Lions? Cheetahs? Rhinos? Giraffes? Perhaps a rare glimpse of a leopard? Such dreams were about to become our reality.
Our open-air, safari-equipped Land Rover was our steed, its specially designed body providing an incredible 360-degree view of our habitat. Caffeinated and ready, we'd position ourselves in the back, and off we'd go, the stunning South African landscape unfurling beneath us.
Trackers like Dan, native to the Zulu tribe and with a lifetime of tracking behind him, used his trained eyes to find wildlife from extremely long ranges. Matt, our driver and seasoned safari guide, shared fascinating facts and observations throughout our journey, ensuring we appreciated every moment.
Between them, this dynamic duo worked tirelessly to bring us the wonders of South Africa and her wild denizens.
Keep the King at Bay
Out on the safari trails, the guides kept a sharp eye out for minute signs of animal activity. From the slightest tracks in the dirt to the subtlest changes in bird behavior, we followed their lead to the most spectacular wildlife encounters.
When they found something of interest, we'd venture off-road to get as close as possible. Most animals took our vehicle in stride, ignoring the intruders as they would any other creature.
This close proximity allowed us to truly experience the splendor of the wild up close and personal.
The King of the Jungle Demands Respect
Despite the animals' tolerance of our presence, there were strict rules to follow to ensure our survival. Never get out of the vehicle unless authorized, never stand up when near animals, and absolutely refrain from reaching out to touch the wildlife, especially the big cats.
A curious lion is a deadly predator, and extending an invitation to unprovoked interaction was not the way to live the safari experience.
Such lessons were learned the hard way by Earl, my friend who encountered a hungry lion that looked him directly in the eyes from a mere five feet away.
Earl's transgression? He didn't ask permission to snap a photo.
All Aboard the Elephant Express
One morning, our safari group embarked on an elephant hunting expedition. The previous day, these magnificent creatures were spotted on the far side of the reserve, a two-hour drive from camp. Once we arrived in their general vicinity, we searched for these gentle giants amongst the thick brush.
Thanks to young male elephants' penchant for tree-murder, we knew they were nearby when we found a trail of destroyed trees. Before long, our tireless search was rewarded with the sighting of a lone elephant, huge and intimidating, seemingly in no hurry to move.
Radio chatter informed us that a herd of female elephants with their babies were nearby, playing and rolling around in the mud. We arrived on the scene, breathless and excited, to find around twenty elephants, their playful antics a sight to behold!
Safari: A Whirlwind of Creatures & Adventures
I could easily go on for hours, recounting the breathtaking encounters we had on safari at Phinda. But to keep things brief, here are a few of the incredible experiences we shared:
- A family of cheetahs chasing after antelope
- Spending time face-to-face with lions, close enough to touch
- Surviving a buffalo stampede by a hairsbreadth
- Marveling at giraffes stretching high over our heads
- Zebras squaring off in playful combat
- Watching baby rhinoceroses and warthogs frolic
- Epic herds of elephants lounging in the mud
- Spotting Hyenas prowling the night
- Feasting on grilled kudu under the stars
- Savoring the beauty of "sundowners" (cocktails at sunset in the bush)
The entire safari experience in South Africa left a lasting impression, transcending anything I could have ever imagined. Though Africa can be crossed off my bucket list, that certainly doesn't mean I would never want to return to its stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
Watch Video: South African Safari
Location: North Uthungulu, South AfricaCompany:&Beyond SafarisCost: $510 USD per night
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN WILDLIFE
I hope you enjoyed the wonders of the African Safari! Here are some more enticing travel tips to inspire further adventures:
- Scuba Diving at Protea Banks
- Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
- Rafting South Africa's Orange River
*Discovering the thrill of a close encounter with a grazing giraffe during a morning safari ride in Phinda Private Game Reserve, as the sun rises, casting long shadows over the African plains.* Embracing the adrenaline rush of a safari travel, blending luxury and adventure, as we embark on a journey through South Africa's diverse landscapes, from sports-filled cities like Johannesburg, to tranquil safari lodges, and breathtaking beaches along the eastern coast.
