Exploring South Africa
Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Kruger & Sabi Sand
South Africa- it seems so far away, but thanks to direct flights from Atlanta to Cape Town, I was one long nap away from one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the world. It was summer time in South Africa, and I welcomed the warmth. My main focus of the trip was to check out some of the best safari lodges in Africa, but when you go to South Africa there is more to it than just safari.
Upon landing, we had a lovely meet and greet right when we stepped off the plane and on to Belmond Mt Nelson. Belmond Mt. Nelson is such a special place, it has the spirit of an old school glamorous hideaway within the busy streets of Cape Town. Gorgeous gardens, pool & outdoor dining.
I could have easily stayed there a week and been happy. We also had the opportunity of staying at the One & Only Capetown, our rooms had beautiful views of Table Mountain & we had a magical dinner in their wonderful restaurant overlooking the canals.
Next, we headed to wine country and stayed at Lanzerac Wine Estate. This beautiful historic hotel is everything; it is private, it is lively and it still has a feeling of home. We had a day of beautiful wine tours with partners who knew exactly where to take us for wine tastings with beautiful views and outstanding wine.
For safari, we had the treat of staying in two Singita lodges. Singita Ebony, which is located in the Private Game Reserve named Sabi Sand, and Singita Lebombo in Kruger. The importance of staying either in a Private Reserve or Private Concession while on safari is what is paramount on your safari trips. These are higher in cost, but they only allow 2 safari vehicles at a time for game viewing. This way, you do not feel like you are part of a zoo or drive-thru safari, making it a more intimate experience. This is why safaris in South Africa are so wonderful!
The Singita Experience
Singita Ebony Lodge in Sabi Sand was our first stop. Sabi Sand is a private reserve. It is considered one of the most exclusive game reserves as the number of people are limited for game viewing. Therefore, advanced booking is highly recommended as safari lodges fill up well ahead. Ebony Lodge was everything I had imagined in an Africa Lodge. It was warm and inviting and true to the local spirit of South Africa. Singita consists of 12 suites, each with their own plunge pool. Interiors feature curated still-life collections of antiques and artifacts, as well as vintage campaign furniture from the Bailes’ family collection. At Ebony Lodge, children of all ages are welcome. We began each day at sunrise with a game drive.
Each safari vehicle has a lead guide and a tracker who sits at the front as a lookout. Sabi Sand did not disappoint. We saw every animal one would hope to see on an African safari. Game drives are relaxing and truly an outdoor nature show. It was so exciting when an animal was spotted and we got to see the drama of nature unfold in front of our eyes.
Our next lodge was in Kruger National Park. The group took a small aircraft and landed on the Singita private air strip. Singita Lebombo was our next stop. Singita’s 33,000-acre private concession in the southeastern reaches of South Africa’s Kruger National Park traverses four different eco-zones, which means you can see an incredible diversity of animals and birds, including mega-prides of lion. The terrain was very different from Sabi Sand, and it was nice to see 2 wildly different safari spots.
When Is The Best Time To Go On Safari In South Africa?
There really is not a bad time to go on a safari. It really depends on what you want to experience. May-September is the dry season and winter. It is easier to spot animals because the vegetation is sparse. Green seasons are November to March, so this is considered the wet season. Vegetation is in full bloom and new babies are born. There is also excellent bird watching. Temperatures are warm, so humidity is high. The shoulder seasons are April and October which gives you a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer travelers.
Tailored Itineraries for Unforgettable Journeys
At Travel Modern, every journey is crafted with a deep understanding of individual preferences, ensuring a highly personalized experience that goes beyond mere logistics. Our Travel Advisors take a guest-centric approach, designing bespoke itineraries that reflect your unique interests and desires. With firsthand knowledge of every lodge, camp, and activity, they expertly curate seamless adventures that exceed expectations at every turn.
From the moment planning begins, every detail is carefully shaped to align with your tastes, dreams, and moods—whether it’s basking in the serenity of a private rim-flow pool overlooking the Serengeti, drifting to sleep beneath the stars on an authentic safari under canvas, witnessing Big Cats in action in Sabi Sand, or indulging in the exclusivity of a fully staffed villa immersed in nature’s embrace. Contact Travel Modern today to make your safari dream a reality.
