Time spent in nature is never time wasted. Escaping the bustle of life is a necessity for my soul, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson. Though I haven’t spent much time in the bush, the handful of trips I have been lucky enough to take are treasured journeys.
It’s quite bizarre how life’s most profound experiences are born from the bare necessities: man, fire, bushveld. Whilst many of the South Africa’s game reserves feature remarkable luxury, it’s rarely the warm facecloth on arrival or Egyptian cotton sheets that shifts our internal paradigms (although greatly appreciated).
It’s raw nature, bloody and gritty, which reminds us of our humanity and brings us back down to earth (quite literally). The thrill of a lion’s kill, the fierce spirit of a baboon, the curiosity of a cheetah cub. It’s the call of the wild, and we have to answer.
My aunt, Janine Sanders recently visited Londolozi Game Reserve situated on the banks of the Sand River, in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve (within the Greater Kruger National Park). Her sightings of the Legendary Leopards of Londolozi set fire to my soul like a match to the savanna.
Sanders (Aunty Jan) visited the reserve this month where she captured some truly special shots of the Legendary Leopards of Londolozi . Call me crazy for wanting a taste, right?
For those with an appetite wet for the wild, here are four places to stay and see wildlife in/near the Western Cape. Who knows, maybe we’ll find each other there…
1. Sanbona Wildlife Reserve
Three Luxury Lodges and an adventurous Explorer Camp nestle in 58 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains and wide-open plains awaits at Sanbona.
Experience a huge diversity of indigenous flora and fauna and rare examples of San rock art, some dating back more than 3 500 years, plus a unique boat safari and thrilling game drives. Conservation is paramount at Sanbona and every guest contributes to preserving this wilderness for future generations.
More than a Big 5 wilderness reserve, it’s the vastness of the landscape, the alluring stillness and isolation amid raw beauty and boundless plains that make Sanbona unique.
- Location: R62, Montagu (in the heart of the Little Karoo).
- Distance from Cape Town: Just under three-hours drive.
- Website: www.sanbona.com
2. Addo Elephant National Park
Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide range of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora.
This park offers some of the most spectacular wildlife viewings in the world with over 600 elephants and 4oo Cape Buffalo ready to delight visitors with their antics, to name a few. Addo is home to big cat species, including leopards and lions, and is renowned for its incredible bird-watching facilities.
- Location: Situated close to Gqeberha (From Port Elizabeth it can be accessed via the R335 (77km) to the Addo Main Gate or via the N2 (40km) to the Camp Matholweni entrance).
- Distance from Cape Town: Just under 9-hours drive.
- Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/
3. Gondwana Game Reserve
This 26 000-acre private park offers a distinctive and luxurious bush holiday featuring the Big 5 in all of their untamed glory.
Herds of wildlife including eland, giraffe, hippo, cheetah and zebra can be seen on the majestic landscape with breathtaking views of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountains seen in every direction. Indigenous Fynbos vegetation cloaks the undulating valleys, promising a truly spectacular tango with the wild.
- Location: R327 Heuningklip Farm, Herbertsdale.
- Distance from Cape Town: Under four-hours drive (along South Africa’s scenic Garden Route).
- Website: www.gondwanagr.co.za
4. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
This reserve offers unparalleled luxury combined with a natural and enlightened way of living, connecting guests to the earth, other people and themselves.
Whether it’s spotting whales and their calves in the ocean, learning how bees pollinate flowers or meeting passionate people changing the world, you’ll have your eyes opened — as well as your heart.
The safari of the sea, Grootbos boasts sightings of Cape fur seals, great white sharks, southern right whales, endangered African penguins and bottlenose dolphins, to name a few.
- Location: 148, Gansbaai, South Africa.
- Distance from Cape Town: Just over two-hours drive.
- Website: www.grootbos.com
It’s important to remember that the safety and ethical treatment of wildlife should be a priority when booking your safari holiday. Avoid visiting establishments which support cub-petting, elephant riding and/or feeding, captive breeding, and activities like walking with elephants and lions.
Picture: Janine Sanders
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Also read:
https://www.capetownetc.com/news/sa-bans-captive-breeding-for-trophy-hunting-not-authentic-hunting-experiences/