When you inevitably try and imagine what safari might be like; how that first encounter might feel, what ‘sundowners’ actually are, how the bush actually sounds? You would be forgiven for understating reality, because to be honest, nothing prepares you for your first ever safari.

I remember like it was yesterday, going through those exact thoughts, trying to take myself to a world that was completely unknown.

The disappointing thing is, that not everyone will get to experience Africa in their lifetime - for me, it is a place that changed my life.

*Tamara & I at Vuyani, Greater Kruger - 2022*

The truth is, Africa is one of those places that has to be seen to be believed. Immersing yourself in nature, with spectacular scenery and literally mind-blowing experiences with every turn, just can’t be imagined... by even the most vivid imagination.

Tamara and I visited Africa for the first time in late 2018, with friends. We were on the continent for 16 days, taking in Umhlanga, where we were extremely fortunate to stay at The Oyster Box, before seeing in 2019 with 5 nights on safari spent at Rhino Sands Safari Camp, on Manyoni Private Game Reserve, in KwaZulu-Natal. We then spent 8 days in Cape Town, exploring the surrounding areas. The trip in its entirety, was incredible, but the 5 days spent in ‘the bush’ was something that will be etched into my inner being, for the rest of my life.

*Tamara & I in Manyoni, KwaZulu-Natal - 2018*

Africa is more than just a place, it gets under your skin, into your soul and even after the very first experience, lives forever in your heart. There have been very few experiences in my life, that have left me feeling the way that I do each and every time that I have been on safari.

I recall laying in bed at Rhino Sands, separated from the outdoors by nothing but canvas, listening to the cacophony that was engulfing my senses. The roar from distant Lions, the laugh of a wandering Hyena, the cackle of Baboons swinging in the trees overhead. When your eyes are restricted by darkness, your hearing is heightened, the rest of your senses supercharged, but even so, you feel like you are being taken on a sensory journey for 24 hours per day.

The light! I have never experienced sunrises, nor sunsets anywhere else in the world, that even come close - an African sunset takes some beating, it washes already beautiful landscapes with the richest warm tones and the skies are swathed as if ignited by fire.

Our safari in 2018 wasn’t our introduction into natural history or our passionate appreciation for wildlife, but certainly was my catalyst into wildlife photography. Armed only with a Panasonic ‘point and shoot’, I was unable to capture any images that I would now be happy with, but that didn’t mean to say that we weren’t spoilt by amazing wildlife encounters. Our first ever African Wild Dogs, first Lion, first Eagles in the wild and the most unbelievable night drive, witnessing two Cheetah brothers with their warthog kill. The most memorable of them all however, was our first Elephant encounter. We had been told that if we wanted to see the main Elephant herd during our stay, it would take an entire game drive, and possibly longer, with absolutely no guarantee. Despite the risk, we were ‘all in’ and headed out to the northern part of the reserve, which was a good 90 minute drive away. The anticipation was palpable and only increased as we got closer to the area that they had been last sighted. We stopped a few times, to listen for any tell tale ‘trumpet’ calls or the herd breaking branches as they marched toward water. I vividly recall a slightly anxious Tamara, trying to contain her fear as we first heard that we were close, and then, an image that I will never forget. The game vehicle turned a corner and was immediately dwarfed by a huge male elephant, standing in the middle of the track, looking down on the vehicle - so majestic, yet in an instant, a reminder of just how insignificant we are as humans.

When we returned from Africa in early 2019, I was already thinking and planning our next visit, and despite COVID, a few lockdowns and as a result, a 2 year delay, we finally got back to Africa in September 2022.

This time, it was just the 2 of us - we spent 8 days in the greater Kruger and were lucky to be able to have our own private ranger and guide - an unbelievable adventure that enabled us to build a safari experience that was totally bespoke.

There is a reason that the global smash hit The Lion King, features a song named ‘The Circle of Life’ - it is one thing that is more visually apparent in Afica than anywhere else on the planet. The ideology that every living thing exists as part of a delicate balance, but also that in dying, a creature gives life to another.

As difficult as this is to ever witness first hand, it is something that adds to the magnificence that is safari and helps us all appreciate that life is a gift.

On our most recent visit, Tamara and I got to experience exactly this, all at arms length, from the initial ‘kill’, to the feast, to the ‘clean up’ act and everything in between, over the space of 4-5 days of returning to the same location, stopping, watching, respecting and observing.

Africa is more than just a continent - it is a feeling, a comprehensive explosion of the senses, a wonderous place filled with spectacular landscapes, majestic wildlife and beautiful people. If you ever get the chance to visit, go with an open mind. If you are willing to embrace Africa and all it offers, you will view life through an ultra 4K experience, where colours are more vivid, sounds have more clarity and richness, and its inhabitants, both animal and human, will leave you falling in love with them.

Whether you are a wildlife lover or not, visiting Africa changes you for the better, and I can’t wait to go back.

Africa is more than just a place…

Taking solace from nature.

When it all comes together