&Beyond Safari, South Africa
Why Safari?
Have you ever dreamed of facing the marble eyes of a lion?
Or wanted to see…really see, the glossy patterned coat of a leopard?
What about driving past a lumbering herd of elephants at dusk?
If you’ve ever wondered at the greatnesses of some of our planet’s largest and most impressive mammals, a South African safari will highlight your next adventure.
Here are the deets…!
Image by Jeff Blumberg, the room villas at Ngala Private Game Reserve
Two Uniquenesses of &Beyond Safari
Safari is a life-changing excursion that’s great for families, special trips, honeymoons, solo adventure travel, or for groups. But most specifically, why to safari is answered by two uniquenesses that combine the best of travel:
Safari is off-the-beaten-path travel, literally
And yet, it combines that with total comfort
Safari is for you who want to experience the wilderness and be in awe of the world’s wildlife. It’s also for you who appreciate a curated trip that has an easy itinerary, indulgent accommodations, great food, and excellent service.
&Beyond Ecotourism and Wildlife Sustainability
&Beyond is a luxury safari company whose mission is to offer sustainable ecotourism and to conserve both the land and the animals of its African wilderness. With 30 lodges in a handful of countries, their motto is “Care for the land, care for the wildlife, care for the people.”
They embody a commitment to bolstering biodiversity alongside uplifting local communities. And they’ve been awarded recognition for the sustainable practices that their company provides.
Image by Geranimo, a leopard posing rock-side at Kruger National Park
The “Big Five”
The Big Five are what adventurers often travel for, the MVP notable animals of Africa, and named after the legacy of safari. Back in the day, these were connoted with hunting. Historically, it was the dangerousness and difficulty of securing any of these Big Five mammals that made them categorized as such. They are the:
Lion
Leopard
Elephant
Rhinoceros
and the Cape buffalo
It’s these animals that have been said to give reason to safari in South Africa. They can be seen all almost every trip year-round and alongside a host of other awesome ones: cheetah, hippo, various antelope species, wild dog, and giraffe. You might even see a nocturnal chameleon or a host of lion cubs.
Where to Safari? Ngala & Kirkman’s
&Beyond’s two reserves in South Africa are the safaris I’ll speak to, although they also operate in Mozambique, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, and more, and have excursions per the local place. For South Africa, the country’s hospitable environment of savanna and bush gives way to a red carpet of amazing creatures to behold. This is the premier reason to go.
Besides the animal sightings, it’s also the guides and trackers that make enriching experiences here. They’re so versed and give compelling intel on the details, behavior, and explanations of everything going on. Some have lived lifelong studying the patterns of these Big Five and tracking other animals not only for spotting but to forge human safety living in this place as well.
Image by Tobin Rogers, tallest in the class
Itineraries
In terms of the day-to-day, the safari trips are mapped out. The days begin early and are rewarded with sumptuous spreads of food and coffee. Sometimes food is offered at the main lodge, and sometimes lavishly displayed in the bush somewhere remote itself.
The days are easily decided primarily based on what animals have been tracked by the experts dispersed throughout the property. If there’s a baby hippo that’s been spotted, you’ll ramble over to its waters. Or if a pride of lions is nearby, that’s what may dictate your direction for the day.
Image by Annakate Auten
Likewise, traversing the animals’ familiar spots will lead around scenic areas, and water holes, and give an air of conquering even though you’re not hunting, you’re tracking sightings only.
While the days are long in your off-road vehicles, there’s such a thrill of what might be around the bend that it keeps you alert and immersed in the drive.
Some days will be in the vehicle for eight hours, sometimes four, or less. You will stop for hearty meals and for golden hour happy hours.
Image by Matthias Mullie, did you know that the hippo is considered one of the most fatally dangerous animals there is? They may seem benign until they open their maw and you see what they’re capable of
Evening and dinners are festive affairs in the main dining areas. Meals can be followed by swims in the pool, a treatment in the massage sala, or bush walks that are guided. There’s also stargazing to sign up for, and a thoughtful library and gift shop.
Overall, it feels like you’re in a remote area away from civilization. And yet the accommodations are delightful and the days are so filled to the brim with sensory intake. I particularly recommend this trip for families who strive to get their kids to remember what play and exploring in the physical world value is outside of the digital realm.
The Accommodations: Ngala Safari Lodge & Kirkman’s
Ngala Private Game Reserve is a part of Kruger National Park. Ngala, means "lion" in the Shangaan language and reflects its population of the beast. The accommodations include a main lodge, dining area, and 21 villas. Ngala is my preference for accommodation, a combination of Earthy villas with thatched roofs, and comforted dim-lit interiors. They feel safe in addition to being well-curated. It's important to note that Ngala Private Game Reserve has two lodge locations, Ngala Safari Lodge, the one I’m referring to, and Ngala Tented Camp, located in different sections of the reserve. The second location accommodations are tent facilities that provide more of an authentic bush camping experience. I recommend the former for a more luxurious and safe experience, especially with kids.
Image by Mark Gibson
At Kirkman’s, the dwellings feel like a European colonial hunting ambiance. Or, more like a hotel as the rooms are attached in main lodge buildings all together rather than separate villas like at Ngala. Still beautiful, with similar amenities, itineraries, food, and excellent guides, sightings, and service.
Food
There’s a global focus on food at both Ngala and Kirkman’s, they actively cater to everyone’s palette. There’s high planes African cuisine, Asian, European, and a real vista of different foods that are generously served.
When to Go?
The optimum time to go is June-August when the climate is the most temperate and the grasses are low, which also gives the best visibility to spot animals. However, South Africa has a moderate climate year-round, and &Beyond emphasizes being able to spot game annually, no matter the season.
How to Get There
Image by Sebastian Canaves
For traveling internationally, it’s easiest to fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town. The drive from Johannesburg is 6 hours away and shuttles can be rented or a car can be rented independently. However, if you rent a car, you’ll need your International Drivers License.
If traveling domestically, you’ll fly into Hoedspruit from either Johannesburg or Cape Town. And from the airport, it’ll take 2 and a half hours to travel to Ngala.
Once booked, they’ll help you to arrange a shuttle for your transfer.
*Safety tip
Malaria is a recommendation for not only safari but for travel to South Africa overall. Talking to a physician ahead of time is recommended.
Be cautious when exploring outside of the vehicles. Heed instructions, stay on paths during night hours, and stay with a buddy. It’s important to keep safety in mind throughout the area.
Bottom line
Safari is a trip of a lifetime experience.
Seeing the creatures you read about as a kid in the wild is breathtaking. It zips perspective in for the animals and their place of this world. For the explorers out there, it’s not only a trip, but inevitably a crash course in the geography and wildlife of the area, the guides and trackers know everything. With &Beyond at Ngala especially the experience of the local environment is outdone only by the very animals that the lodge seeks to protect. For those who seek adventure, the off-the-beaten-path marked by the muddy paws of a giant beast, you just gotta go.
