Safari Adventure
A safari is one of those dream trips that many people yearn for, and a visit to Africa often feels incomplete without one. When I planned a trip to South Africa with my NYC running group, a safari was at the top of our must-do list.
After an exhaustive search (details in another post), we booked our adventure at Tangala Safari Camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve.
The Safari Camp Experience
Tangala Safari Camp exceeded our expectations as a perfect retreat. A safari truly offers a chance to unwind—you are pampered and taken on wildlife drives, providing a level of relaxation I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
The camp featured about six tents, a pool, a dining area, and several lounges. There was also a spot for a campfire. But don’t let the word “tents” fool you—my tent boasted a king-size bed, a bathroom, and power outlets for charging devices between game drives.
We enjoyed three daily meals: breakfast, high tea (essentially lunch), and dinner, all freshly prepared. We never lacked for anything, though we didn’t opt for the most extravagant package.
With plenty of downtime between game drives, comfort was crucial. I spent my free time editing photos and napping. The camp also had a fully stocked bar, though our group wasn’t much into drinking.
An exciting bonus—we had the entire camp to ourselves, making it easy to commandeer spots for singing, games, and fireside chats. The staff even lit a fire for us in the evenings when it got chilly.
The Thrill of Game Drives
Each day included two game drives, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, times when animals are most active. Arriving in the morning, we started with an afternoon drive on the first day and finished with a morning drive on our departure day.
The game drives were the trip’s highlight. Lasting several hours, we explored the reserve in open-air land cruisers guided by a knowledgeable team. Thornybush is a large reserve with multiple camps. Guides from different camps share sightings, increasing the chances of spotting wildlife.
Thornybush has the Big Five, and we were thrilled to see all of them, including a couple of leopards—a fantastic success for any safari.
Overall Impressions
Our two-night stay, which included four game drives, was perfect. While we encountered a few minor issues (extra charges for Wi-Fi, confusion over drink costs, and no game walks at this lodge), these were outweighed by the positive aspects. The lodge was comfortable, the food delicious, and the staff incredibly attentive. Our guide and tracker were exceptional, and everyone agreed the safari was the highlight of our trip.
Final Thoughts
A big shoutout to Tangala Safari Camp for providing a wonderful experience. They met all our needs, from affordability to the quality of the drives. Thanks also to Jacqui and her team at Active Africa, who managed our complicated requirements and found the perfect fit for our group of nine. If you book with them, be sure to say hi for us!
