One of my absolute favorite parts of the South Africa trip was the safari at Elephant Plains. Everything about that place is luxe: from the rondavels and the perfectly-prepared food, to the gorgeous grounds and magnificent tour guides. Unfortunately, since we were only there for a few days and wanted to see as much as the wildlife as possible, we didn’t get a chance to unwind with any of their amazing spa offerings, but it was perfect, nonetheless.
Our driver, Edwin, picked us in Johannesburg early in the morning. Edwin was quite possibly one of my favorite people I met on that entire trip. He was about my age, from Nelspruit, and spoke (I believe he said) eight different languages. He was more than just a driver though–he was also a tour guide, taking us through amazing little towns along the six-hour route to Sabi Sands. I was finally beginning to feel like I was really in Africa. Up to this point, I’d just seen soccer games and cities–those things can happen anywhere in the world, but once we got out of Johannesburg and were in the middle of nowhere, it sunk in–I was in Africa.
We split two rondavels between us (my boyfriend and I in one; his parents in the other), and both were magnificent. The decks off the back overlooked the game lands where you could see all kinds of wildlife running around. We were warned to lock the doors at all times because monkeys had a habit of opening them and stealing things from luggage. Luckily, that didn’t happen!
The few days that we were there were spent the same: we’d have our early morning wake-up call, get dressed and head out to meet our amazing driver, Richard. In the early mornings, they’d provide us with blankets and these heated waterpads to sit on and keep our bums warm. We’d head out before the sun even came up so that we could catch the animals just as they were coming out for the day. It was beyond beautiful to watch the pink sunrise create silhouettes of the giraffes as they munched on trees around us.
After the morning tours, we’d head back to the lodge for delectable eats before heading off on bush walks or sneaking a quick nap. Then we’d take another tour of the grounds in the late afternoon and watch the sunset and share some beverages with fellow safari goers. Then we’d head back to the lodge in the dark, occasionally flashing the spotlight in hopes of catching the reflection of eyes in the woods.
On our last night there, we enjoyed dinner around a campfire with just the stars and night sky above us. We roasted marshmallows on the fire and wrapped up in blankets and sipped hot tea to keep warm. It was the perfect way to end our stay there.
We ended up seeing the “Big Five”: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos. We also managed to see monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and so much more! Most of the animals were within a few feet of us–sometimes within a few inches. It was a whole lot less scary than it sounds. It was exhilarating to see all of those animals in the wild, in their natural habitat. I would love to go on another safari! (And I recommend Elephant Plains 100% if you decide to go on one, too!)
Gorgeous photos! I didn’t make it to Elephant Plains when I was there, but am already planning a trip back in August so will definitely keep this in mind. I just can’t get enough of South Africa.
Thank you! And I can’t recommend Elephant Plains any higher; it was one of the major highlights of my trip! I need to get back to South Africa again. I was there for three weeks and didn’t feel like I got to see enough of it. There are so many incredibly beautiful things to see. :)
Amazing pictures!! I think this is next on my very very long list of destinations to get to :D Phenomenol picture of the leopard – his eyes are so piercing!!
Meg xx
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Megan Claire recently posted..The BIG FIVE Animals of Africa – Photo Essay
Thanks, Meg! :) And yeah, the leopard was pretty incredible! I probably took hundreds of photos of it!
Really great photos!
Didn’t get a chance to go here when I backpacked around Africa, looks like I missed out.
It’s a wonderful place. Make sure to add it to your list for your next trip. ;)
Seems like quite the trip and a bit on the luxurious side, too! I haven’t been to Africa yet but it’s big on my to do list for Fall of 2014. Sitting under the Serengeti stars around a campfire seem just perfect to me! :-)
That does sound perfect, Ron! And yeah, it was pretty luxurious, but not overly so. It was just perfect.