African Safari: Big Five & Bigger Impact

For those dedicated to conservation, the call of the wild is a lifelong and persistent passion. It's the impulse to get off the couch and out of doors, among the trees, on the water, and in the fields, always seeking a deeper connection to nature. That impulse recently took me a bit further than normal, across the globe on a journey that offered a powerful new perspective and insightful new scope on what it means to be a conservationist.

Like many who grew up in the '90s, my earliest vision of Africa came from a well-worn The Lion King VHS that lived on my childhood bedroom shelf until the day I packed up for college. That movie sparked a dream I carried for decades- to experience the real-life version of that world. To go on safari.

And then, finally, I did.

Over three unforgettable days, we saw the Big Five (elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion, and leopard) not once, but twice. We dined on authentic South African cuisine and game meat, slept beneath canvas in beautiful tented camps, and found ourselves immersed in a landscape far more breathtaking and humbling than I imagined.

Reality Check

Seeing the Big Five was nothing short of magical. Watching white rhinos, stoic old males and mothers with their calves, roaming in their natural habitat was impressive and exciting. But amid the wonder, the reality of conservation challenges was shared through our Safari Guide, Ben.

We were told the story of 'Ike', a male rhino found with a bullet hole in his body and both horns violently removed. His story is one of many, a devastating reminder of the poaching epidemic fueled by black-market demand. It's these moments that underscore the importance of choosing a responsible safari operator.

Our journey with Kapama Private Game Reserve not only gave us an unforgettable experience but also ensured our tourism dollars supported anti-poaching efforts, wildlife veterinary care, and local community programs. That aspect of our trip is incredibly important to me, that this wasn't just a vacation, but also a contribution to local conservation.

"Ike" - his front horn has regrown a bit disfigured, while the rear horn was removed in such a way that the horn has no chance of regrowing

The Kapama Experience

Kapama is a privately-owned game reserve spanning nearly 40,000 acres in the Greater Kruger area. We stayed at Buffalo Camp, a beautifully and authentically designed tent style camp limited to a mere 20 guests, offering an intimate, adults-only experience that balances rustic charm with modern comforts. In my opinion, it was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Your day at Kapama is perfectly structured to balance adventure and relaxation. The morning starts early with a 5:30am wake-up call, followed by coffee and a light breakfast at 6:00am. By 6:30am, you're off on your morning safari drive. You're bundled into the open-concept Land Cruiser, with a fleece blanket and hot water bottle on your lap. This is when the air is cool and the animals are most active, and watching the sunrise over the African plains, with a giraffe or elephant silhouetted against the path, is a moment you'll never forget.  The drive includes a mid-way stop for coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks before you return to camp for a full breakfast at 9:30am.

You do not go hungry.

After a midday break, where you can go for a bush walk, lounge around camp, or visit the wellness center, the schedule picks up again with lunch at 1:00pm. High Tea is offered at 3:30pm, a perfect prelude to the evening safari drive that begins at 4:00pm. This drive carries you into the golden hour, and you'll pause for sundowners, wine or cocktails, as the nocturnal animals emerge as the weather cools. The day concludes with an authentic meal back at the camp at 7:00pm- which often featured game meats, chakalaka, and homemade desserts like malva pudding.

Guided By Experts

One of the standout features is the continuity of being paired with the same Guide and Tracker throughout our stay. Over the course of multiple drives, we developed a rapport, and they somewhat tailored the experience to our interests in the species we wanted to see, learn more about, watch their habits, and more.

Our Guide, Ben, and our Tracker, Thabo, were conservation experts. They communicated with other vehicles to track the movements of herds and the more difficult to find species, but they also analyzed animal behavior, habitats, signs of stress or injury, and even scat to monitor wildlife health throughout each of our drives.

On one drive, we came across a pride of lions after a fresh kill. On another, we tracked elephants moving through fresh vegetation. Each encounter was exhilarating, but it was the behind-the-scenes knowledge from Ben and Thabo that elevated the experience from sightseeing to meaningful engagement.

More Than A Trip...

This safari was more than just a check mark on a bucket list; it was a transformative experience that solidified my appreciation for international conservation efforts.

Seeing these animals in the wild, in their rightful place, is something everyone should experience if they are able. But just as important is how we choose to experience it.

By supporting ethical tourism operators, we not only create lasting memories, we actively contribute to the protection of our planet's most iconic and vulnerable wildlife.

Check out a quick video of my Safari sightings!