The Magic I Wasn’t Prepared For: My First African Safari

Intro

It took me a while to write this as I am still processing my time in Africa. I go into most things “wanting” to like them, so I’m always convincing myself to accept or embrace things during a new experience. When it came to going on my first safari, I didn’t need any convincing.

A lot of anticipation had been building up for my first safari; 7 years of anticipation. Though I have been in close proximity to two safari experts, Kili and Jeremy, absorbing all the information they tell clients daily and even had my own sit downs with them preparing me for my first safari, there was something I was just not prepared for…How magical safaris are.

I knew it would be fun, I knew it would be adventurous, I just wasn’t expecting to feel like a kid again. When I was out on those game drive during the early hours or late afternoon, I truly did not have a care in the world other than “will we see a rhino?” or “how many leopards will I see in the Sabi Sands?” 

Being on safari suspends your responsibility in a way I haven’t felt since childhood. From the seamless logistics and hand offs, to the world-class service and dining, to the wildlife viewing experiences, I found myself just letting go of who I am in my day-to-day life and just existing. I was totally reliant on the transfer agents, drivers, guides, hosts, servers, housekeepers and had to submit to whatever “the Bush” wanted to present to me. It was utterly liberating.

Pre Departure

Being on the “staff” for Next Adventure did not mean I didn’t get to experience the full guest experience. My intra-Africa flights were booked through our air desk, I received a coveted dossier, and followed the instructions of the packing list. I read all the documents and followed all the instructions. I even sat down with Kili and Jeremy for a pre-departure conversation where they answered my questions and provided advice. I was ready.

Itinerary and Accommodations

As soon as I stepped off the aircraft, I was greeted by a smiling face holding a sign with my name. That moment set the tone for the journey ahead; a luxury African safari defined by warm, welcoming people who seamlessly cared for us every step of the way.

Our journey began in Johannesburg, a city many travelers to Southern Africa pass through, often only briefly. Rather than treating it as a gateway, we chose to linger and experience its depth and complexity. Guided by our exceptional guide Nteko, a proud Soweto native, we explored Constitution Hill, Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Mandela House, and Nelson Mandela Square. Each stop carries profound historical weight, stories that are not always easy to absorb, but essential to understand. This powerful introduction grounded our journey, offering meaningful context before the beauty and wonder of our safari experiences unfolded.

JoBurg Tour Photo

From Johannesburg, we flew to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where our safari truly began. Upon arrival at our first luxury safari lodge, Matetsi, along the Zambezi River, we were warmly welcomed by the co-founder, along with the guide and tracker who would accompany us. The lodge blended effortlessly into its surroundings, perched right on the riverbank. As I was shown to my suite, I learned that a nearby stream was a favorite drinking spot for wildlife, a thrilling reminder of how immersed we were in nature.

Sitting quietly in my room, I felt almost overwhelmed but in the best possible way. Being so close to the “mighty” Zambezi River, with wildlife moving freely around me, was something I could hardly comprehend.

Between our stays at camps along the Zambezi, we experienced a guided tour of Victoria Falls. Visiting during high water season mean the Falls were at their most overflowing and thunderous. Thankfully, our guide came prepared with ponchos and towels. Needless to say, we still got completely drenched.

Kili and I laughed like children at a water park as the mist soaked us through. With every step closer, the roar of Victoria Falls grew louder. I had visited the Grand Canyon before, but nothing prepared me for how small I felt in this moment. The saying is absolutely true; Victoria Falls doesn’t just flow, it thunders! You can feel it vibrating through your entire body.

Having a knowledgeable guide made all the difference. While we noticed other visitors struggling with the intensity of the experience, our guide ensured we could fully enjoy it. If it’s your first time visiting Victoria Falls, a guided tour is essential to truly appreciate its scale and power.

The Falls During Our Visit

Our journey continued down the Zambezi River to Mpala Jena. We were welcomed by staff singing, clapping, and dancing in rhythm; a joyful and unforgettable arrival. This camp offered a different style, with elegant tented suites and a relaxed, beachy atmosphere along the river. Rope swings hung near the bar, and the setting felt both luxurious and laid-back. With just one night here, we enjoyed a sunset cruise along the Zambezi, a peaceful and scenic highlight.

From Zimbabwe, we traveled to South Africa, arriving at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport en route to the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Due to a canceled charter flight, we transferred by road to Tintswalo Safari Lodge. The weather shifted dramatically. Rain poured as soon as we arrived. Still, it only added to the sense of adventure.

Our wet game drives were exhilarating. Wrapped in ponchos, we embraced the elements as rain poured down on us and into the open vehicle. Despite the conditions, wildlife sightings were incredible! A highlight was watching African wild dogs on the hunt, moving silently and strategically through the bush. We also enjoyed fantastic sightings of elephants, zebras, and wildebeest.

Another road transfer brought us to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where we stayed at the grand Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge. Even in the rain, the lodge made an immediate impression with its striking design and “wow” factor. Our suite featured a private plunge pool, a fully stocked bar, and sweeping views of the bush.

Game viewing in Sabi Sands was exceptional. Elephants and hippos seemed to appear around every corner, and the guiding team worked tirelessly to help us check off our wildlife wish list. We also had the opportunity to explore the entire Sabi Sabi collection, including Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, and Selati Camp, each offering its own unique take on luxury safari accommodations.

Photos of Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Our final stop in the bush was Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve. After a short transfer, we arrived to warmer, sunnier weather. Perched on a hill, the Leopard Hills offered breathtaking panoramic views over the treetops. From our private deck, we could spot wildlife in the distance.

Leopard Hills Patio

Leopard Hills truly lived up to its name. We had incredible leopard sightings during our game drives. It was the perfect grand finale to an unforgettable luxury safari itinerary. Great Plains and the partner lodges curated a seamless journey, connecting diverse landscapes and experiences beautifully.

Kirstenbosch

What stood out most to me throughout my first safari trip were the people. From lodge managers to guides to kitchen staff, every interaction felt genuine and heartfelt. Saying goodbye to the bush and to the people who made it so special was not easy.

Our journey ended in Cape Town, where coastal air and cool breezes greeted us. The resemblance to California’s Bay Area was striking, with weather reminiscent of San Francisco. We visited Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens before settling into The Claremont Hotel, part of the Sabi Sabi portfolio.

Our Cape Town experience included a full Peninsula Tour. We visited the famous penguins at Boulders Beach, drove along the stunning coastline, and stopped at Chapman’s Peak for breathtaking views. Our guide, Jared, was knowledgeable and engaging, adding depth to every stop.

Cape Town was the perfect send-off, offering a blend of natural beauty, culture, and relaxation before returning home. It felt like a gentle transition from the wild heart of Africa back to everyday life, closing out an extraordinary safari journey.

Jessica’s Highlights

My first game drive was nothing short of magical. I will never forget my first elephant encounter in the bush; a large female emerging from the brush, followed by her family, including a tiny calf only a few weeks old. I audibly gasped. sand I thought I had already reached the pinnacle. Surely, it could not get better than this.

It did.

Safari has a way of organically outdoing itself. Just when I thought the elephant sighting was the highlight, I found myself standing atop a hill in a natural clearing, a makeshift bar set before me. This was my first sundowner. In Zimbabwe, with a glowing sunset, a gin and tonic in hand, and silhouettes of giraffes and elephants stretching across the horizon, the moment felt almost unreal.

The following morning on game drive we tracked Cape buffalo on foot after the terrain became too dense for the vehicle. Stepping out into the bush was one of the most adrenaline-inducing moments of my life. Moving quietly through the trees, it became clear the buffalo were aware of us. We were no longer observers; we were part of the environment.

Later, we tracked lions but came up short. Our luck changed on the next drive.

A male lion appeared in the road ahead of us. As he began to roar and walk toward the vehicle, my heart pounded in a way I had never experienced. I had heard people say lions can be underwhelming on safari but in this moment I certainly was very much beyond overwhlemed. Watching him move with such power and purpose directly toward us was electrifying.

The encounters only continued to build. Along the Zambezi, during a sunset cruise from Impala Jena, we finally hippos. As we admired them, one suddenly began charging toward our boat. Our captain reacted instantly, speeding us safely away. It was both thrilling and terrifying.

During our time in the Sabi Sands, a female elephant approached our vehicle, holding a branch in her trunk. Our guide demanded complete stillness from everyone in the vehicle. The female elephant extended the branch from her trunk and deliberately nudged the vehicle. Time seemed to stop. My chest pounded, caught between awe and fear. Our guide calmly eased us away, leaving the ele undisturbed. It was a powerful reminder of the respect these encounters demand.

Later during that same game drive, we set out in search of rhino. Guided by determination and a well-timed radio call, we found two adults and a calf at twilight. The baby still had its horns, a quiet, sobering reminder of conservation realities. The scene was set against a moody sky, soft light fading into dusk.

And even later that same evening, after a sundowner, we were called to a lion sighting. In complete darkness, illuminated only by the spotlight our tacker was holding, we found ourselves face-to-face with a coalition of male lions. One approached the front of the vehicle. Then another passed within feet of me on the side of the vehicle. A third emerged from the darkness. I held my drink tightly, acutely aware of how exposed we were—especially our tracker, seated at the very front with nothing between him and the lions. His composure was remarkable.

At Leopard Hills, ne unforgettable moment involved a tense encounter between a young male and his father. The confrontation unfolded in flashes through thick bush, until the younger leopard escaped up a tree where we discovered there was a kill up those branches. Soon, hyenas gathered below, waiting for scraps. The intensity of the scene left all of us speechless.

Our final wildlife encounter came in Cape Town, where we visited the penguins at Boulders Beach. Seeing them up close, so numerous and unbothered by our presence, was a charming and unexpected conclusion.

Penguins at Boulders

Even now, I find it impossible to fully summarize this journey. What began as a collection of extraordinary moments has, over time, revealed itself to be something far deeper, something that continues to unfold long after my return. Months later, I still find myself revisiting fleeting details. Going on safari is not simply something that concludes, but instead lingers. The memories resurface in unexpected ways, each one a reminder of a place and time that felt both grounding and extraordinary. In many ways, they have become a kind of “joy bank,” as in a reserve of moments I can return to, drawing from them whenever I need a sense of perspective, wonder, or calm.

It is easy to understand why so many travelers feel called to return, again and again.

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