Scientists say that Africa is the birthplace of humanity. It’s also where you can experience the greatest abundance of wildlife in the world and is home to millions of creatures, great and small. The quintessential colonial safari experience has been glammed up to suit modern tourists and is now on offer throughout the continent at five star level. It doesn’t mean it’s all clean and sparkly. It’s still rugged and it’s still dangerous. Your biggest decision is deciding if you want classic or contemporary.
The Classic Safari: Out of Africa Style
Cottars 1920’s
Situated in the Masai Mara Reserve, and bordering the Serengeti, is the colonially-inspired Cottars 1920’s. It’s in the fertility of the Great Rift Valley that this luxury tented camp finds its home. It evokes a romantic and adventurous ambience with its antique safari accessories. The luxury tents boast canvas baths and bucket showers.
It is on the plains of the Masai Mara that some of the biggest herds and groups of animals can be found in the world. This is where you can spot the Big Five and various other plains game, mammals and different species of birdlife.
Game drives are conducted in 4 x 4 vehicles to get you up, close and personal with Mother Nature.
The true colonial experience isn’t complete, of course, unless you charter a plane in.
The Lap of Luxury
Madikwe Hills Private Game Reserve
Located in the Madike Game Reserve, very close to South Africa’s border with Botswana is the Madikwe Hills Game Reserve. This reserve is as renowned for its groups of African wild dogs as it is for sightings of the Big Five.
This lodge is about all about luxury and exclusivity, and only offers 10 suites in total. The chalets are made out of wood and stone and each feature a private pool.
Families can take their safari vacation exclusively and hire their own chef, butler, game ranger and game viewing vehicle for the duration of their stay. The colonials would have loved it. Charter flights are also available.
