DESTINATIONS AFRICA | SAFARI
operator operator ASK THE
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Bull elephant and trackway, both Welgevonden Game Reserve; Elephant Lodge; Pilanesburg National Park PICTURES: Shutterstock/Simon Eeman, Sean Heatley, Mark Atkins
Claire Hodgkin
regional sales manager, Newmarket Holidays
“The Sebatana Reserve is
exclusive to us. We offer both the four-star Elephant Lodge and the five-star Rhino Lodge, which are next door to each
other. We have 17 itineraries in Africa and multi-centre options where customers can combine a safari with a beach extension. If agents have clients who are
interested in a safari but worried about the budget, our Sebatana Reserve properties offer an
affordable option, plus they can upgrade to include four extra activities plus drinks. This is a
great way to introduce customers to safari holidays and keep them coming back for more.”
KEEP TO THE BEAT As the sun slips over the horizon, my group heads for a traditional cultural evening, an optional extra on the itinerary. After a hearty meal of traditional mieliepap – a type of corn porridge we dig into with our hands – a troupe of dancers jive into the open space in front of us and perform two drum-banging routines, pulling up each and every person to the dance floor. We don’t possess much natural rhythm, but the entertainers more than make up for it with incredible moves, charisma and charm. The next day, we rise early and drive
for more than three hours to the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where we hope to spot more bucket-list wildlife. Within a few minutes of crossing the threshold, an agent shrieks with delight as she spots an elephant snacking on shrubs. We also receive word of a lion sighting, and to our delight get to see the big
58 27 JUNE 2024
cat lazing in long grass. The group agrees – the six-hour round trip was well worth it. A game drive in our local Sebatana reserve
proves fruitful too. Around mid-morning, just as we’re all feeling rather peckish, we arrive at Kudu Rock where we are treated to a champagne brunch with southern African delicacies – including kudu antelope. As we sip fizz, a herd of zebras simultaneously sip from a watering hole below, their tails flicking to and fro.
TIME TO REFLECT The last day sees our luck continue. We take our final game drive in the Kaingo Game Reserve, desperate to see a leopard and buffalo to complete our big-five checklist. As if to order, a buffalo appears right in front of our vehicle, bringing us to a skidding stop, its white horns glinting in the sunlight. “Number four!”, we cheer, but quickly quieten – this beast seems to
have been in a recent scuffle, staring back at us with a blood-stained cheek and eye. We round off the tour with a fireside South African wine tasting and a glass of Amarula, a creamy local liqueur, while feasting on kudu, corn and salad. Sparks flicker into the night and I feel the warmth on my cheeks as we raise a toast to the chefs and reflect on the trip. The elusive leopard deprived us of a big-five full house – but that’s all the more reason to look forward to a return.
TW BOOK IT
Newmarket Holidays’ seven-night On Safari in South Africa – Elephant Lodge escorted tour itinerary costs from £2,275, including flights, full-board accommodation, five game drives, a wine tasting and champagne brunch, plus a visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
travelweekly.co.uk
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