Into The Wild

It was 4:15 AM, and the sun had just crossed the horizon as the bush symphony came to life outside my tent. “Zazu,” an African red-billed hornbill, greeted the morning as our camp staff went from tent to tent calling out, “Avuxeni! (Good morning!)” We answered in unison — “Ahee!” It was our guide’s way of making sure we were awake and ready for the game drive.

As I prepared for the day, adrenaline kicked in. What would we see today? Lions? Leopards? Maybe even the elusive black rhino? Every day on safari offered a chance to witness something extraordinary, and in Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, there was no shortage of wildlife.

A Leopard a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Safari life was easy to fall into. Every morning started with a game drive. Our guide, Dinamos (Dino for short), and our tracker, Isaac, greeted us over coffee and biscuits. Dino shot me a knowing look. “What are we looking for this morning?” I don’t miss a beat. “Ingwe (leopard), of course.”

We had a running joke — "A leopard a day keeps the doctor away." Leopards are elusive, but Isaac has a reputation for pulling animals from his pocket and dropping them in front of us. After four days with him, I could confirm — it was true.

There was magic in these guides and their love for the wild. It was in the hushed whisper of “Would you look at that? Can you even believe it?” when we came across a leopard sharpening his claws or a pride of Ngala (lions) finishing their feast on a Cape Buffalo. It was in the genuine excitement of “No way! There is no way!” when we tracked down a pack of nearly extinct wild dogs or the ever-rare cheetah. Their passion was infectious — it spread through the whole group.

The Trunk Show

Morning in the bush always brought surprises, but the elephants left the biggest impression. On a rainy morning drive, we came across a herd of more than 30 elephants. The matriarch, over 50 years old, led with quiet authority while the rest of the herd fell in behind her. We were delighted to see four babies who ranged from five months to a couple of years.

We sat in quiet awe until, suddenly, Dino shifted the jeep into reverse. Out of the bush, two females emerged. Isaac turned in his seat, lowered his voice, and stated: “Those ladies are crazy.” We burst into laughter. These guides don’t just know the herd as a whole — they recognize each individual that makes up the family.

The day continued with more breathtaking encounters. To cap off an amazing game drive, a bull elephant appeared up the road, enjoying his favorite snack at a marula tree. We were lucky to witness this massive elephant lean his full weight into the tree, and shake it until fruit fell around him. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Kings of the Bush

No safari is complete without lions, and we got to see them after a kill. The pride, complete with five females and one male, was feasting on a freshly taken-down buffalo. The male looked like he wouldn't be able to move for days once he finished, but he lifted his head and let out a roar that I can still hear.

Summer on Safari

By 5 AM, some mornings in Sabi Sands were already pushing 85+ degrees — the unmistakable heat of the African summer in January. I’ve also visited South Africa in July, when the days were mild and shorter. Each season offers a different experience, and the best time to visit depends on what you prefer — lush landscapes and crowded water holes in summer or cooler, crisp winter mornings with animals easier to spot through the thinner bush.

One particularly hot morning, we passed a watering hole where hippos and a crocodile shared the small space, cooling off before the heat of the day. Further down the dirt road, we suddenly found ourselves in the midst of a herd of nearly 300 Cape buffalo, lazily beginning their day. Then, Isaac turned and said, "Do you mind if we follow these leopard tracks?” A resounding “NO!” It was not even 6 AM yet and the bush was already alive with activity.

Isaac hopped down from the jeep, to track one of Africa’s most elusive predators on foot — armed with nothing but a branch he grabbed from the ground. The group started laughing at his unshaken confidence.

Less than 30 minutes later, the radio crackled. Isaac had found the male leopard, and we were back off to the races. The leopard was on patrol of his territory and couldn't care less that we decided to join him. He weaved around our jeep, so close I could reach out and touch him. The only thing I could think was that I am living in a movie.

Bush Mocha & Unexpected Encounters

After an unforgettable leopard sighting, it was time for a Bush Bar break — coffee, Amarula, and hot cocoa, affectionately called a Bush Mocha.

Dino took us down a dried riverbed to set up the bar. As we crossed the road, I was shocked to notice a hippo lumbering through the brush as he made his way between watering holes. Even on the quick drives, you never stop looking. A leopard tortoise crossed the road. Massive white-backed vultures circled overhead. Every moment held the possibility of something new.

The Magic of Evenings in the Bush

After action-packed morning drives, the midday hours invited pure indulgence. A massage in my villa, swimming in the pool, a nap on the porch, and leisurely lunch were the way to spend the day.

As the sun began its slow descent, it was time for my favorite part of the day — the evening game drive. Tonight, we were after hyena. Dino cleared up a common misconception. “They get a bad rap from The Lion King,” he said. “But they’re highly intelligent, social creatures. They care for each other’s families.” At the den, curious pups poked their heads out to check us out. With hyena checked off, we were ready for sundowners. But the bush had other plans.

We rounded a bend and froze. Six rhinos stood before us. With limited numbers remaining in the wild — and their location never shared over radio due to poaching — this was a remarkably rare sighting. We pulled over at a safe distance to set up the night's bush bar. Watching these animals strolling across the plain at sunset, gin and tonic in hand, was an experience I’ll never forget.

Inkomu Swinene, South Africa

There is nothing like the feeling of safari. The awe, the wonder, the privilege of witnessing nature at its most untamed. We saw it all — the Big Five, the Little Five, the Ugly Five, and everything in between. So, for now, I say, Inkomu Swinene, South Africa. Thank you so much, South Africa. I can’t wait to return.

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