A Day on Safari

A safari holiday is like no other. I fell in love with safari and wild Africa when I was 18 and travelled on my first African adventure to Kenya. I feel exactly the same as Ernest Hemingway, who once said, “I never knew a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

I have travelled across the vast plains of the Serengeti to witness the great migration of wildebeest and have visited Kruger Park many times, but this time I wanted to experience South Africa’s Eastern Cape. I didn’t know what to expect and, to be honest, I was absolutely blown away by Pumba Game Reserve.

We picked up our car and drove the two hours to the reserve, which was quite easy. Upon arrival, we checked into Pumba Bush Lodge, and the only way I can describe it is wow! The family lodge consists of two adjoining lodges and is out of this world. Everything, from your outdoor plunge pool and open-air shower to the freestanding tub overlooking the bush and, of course, the most beautiful bed to sleep in, is simply spectacular. Pumba Bush Lodge rivals any lodge I’ve stayed in before. The meals at Pumba are all served at your table, and every dish was exceptional. The cuisine is world-class, and the staff are wonderful.

As we travelled in June, it was winter in South Africa. The morning game drive departed at 7 a.m. (6 a.m. in summer). As the sun rises, the bush comes alive. Our drives took us through the most incredible parts of the reserve. During one, we were lucky enough to come upon a pride of about 20 lions, including the rare white lion, and even witnessed a lion kill. We also saw elephants, rhinos, hippos and giraffes in abundance. A safari in Pumba is simply exhilarating.

It’s back to the lodge around 9.30 or 10 a.m. for breakfast, followed by some relaxation, lunch, and then out again for your evening game drive at 4 p.m. Afterwards, it’s dinner and drinks by the boma with fellow guests before an early night, ready to do it all again the next day.

Pumba Game Reserve is located in a non-malarial area, making it an ideal choice for families, as there’s no need for medication.

For honeymooners, Pumba offers exceptional experiences, and you can choose to stay at Bush Lodge or their sister property, Pumba Water Lodge, which I also visited on my trip. While at Pumba, you can also enjoy the Health Spa, bush walks, stargazing, birding and photographic safaris.

If you’d like to bring your family on a trip to South Africa, give me a call. It’s a trip of a lifetime. Your family will experience wild Africa, gaze at the stars in the night sky and be forever in awe of nature and its extraordinary wildlife.