Having been in the public relations industry for more than 12 years and representing various travel/tourism clients, Bellus has visited incredible destinations. When she recently started her own PR agency, at times it seemed she had to pinch herself, as she was fortunate enough to mesh her new career direction with the long-standing passion and interest in Africa. And, combined with the love of photography, this was a dream come true for her. Working with Wilderness Safaris, which specializes in privately hosted safaris and memorable wildlife experiences in the most remote and pristine areas in southern Africa, gave Bellus the opportunity to travel to numerous luxury safari camps in Namibia and Botswana.
I have always had a fascination with Africa and recently had an opportunity to travel there on safari. I must admit I was worried about how someone who had never even been camping would tolerate the harsh conditions of the true African wilderness; after all, it’s quite a change from the palm-lined highways of South Florida. However, I realized from the moment I landed I was going to be spoiled.
Any concern I had about not being able to handle what I thought might be harsh conditions, disappeared as soon as I stepped foot on African soil and began being pampered like royalty. The wilderness experience is combined with the comfort of a five-star hotel to create a unique encounter with the rapidly disappearing wild places of our planet. Imagine lying at night snuggled in the safety of your bed, hearing the call of the wild and feeling the pulse of Africa just outside. Envision being able to choose between your en-suite shower inside and your bathtub outside, with the bright African sun or the twinkling Southern Cross shining down on you.
While I always pictured it in my dreams, I had the opportunity to see it with my own eyes. During my three-week safari, I stayed in numerous Wilderness Safaris Premier Camps throughout Botswana and Namibia. The beauty of Africa is its diversity—of scenery, wildlife, plants, mountains, deserts—you name it, Africa has it. I had the privilege of seeing so many different things from the wondrous wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta to the Linyanti area known for its wildlife-rich areas to the stark beauty of the Namib Desert in Namibia to the country’s Etosha National Park.
So, I learned that a trip to Africa is also a journey through places that are vastly different. Along every step of the way, I discovered distinctive sights, sounds and flavors with each new locale seeming vastly different than the one I just experienced. Regardless of where I visited, it was the passionate guides who taught me so much about the areas, the wildlife, the people… and truly brought Africa to life.
It is hard for me to select a favorite camp as each was truly unique—not only in its setting, but also in the experiences to which I was exposed, as well as the surroundings and wildlife I saw. Some of the camps I would recommend to other STRATEGY TRAVELS readers include:
In Botswana:
Abu Camp: Me, riding an elephant? If you asked me if this would ever be a reality, I would have told you the thought existed only in my imagination. But, now I can say that I experienced a safari on the back of an elephant. Living among the herd and literally, tracking through Botswana’s Okavango Delta as part of the elephant herd was one of the most incredible things I have ever done.
Vumbura Plains: Vumbura Plains, also in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, was such a juxtaposition of luxury and wildlife. The camp and tent designs were outrageously lavish After tracking prides of lion as they hunted buffalo, it was amazing to come “home” to my extravagant bedroom with my own lounge, private outdoor plunge pool and an outdoor shower under the stars.
In Namibia:
Little Ongava: Arguably Namibia’s most exclusive accommodation, this premier camp offers an extraordinary experience. This is an intimate lodge, with only three spacious, private suites each with its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, a ‘sala,’ and outdoor shower. It was at Ongava that I spotted my first rhino; actually, I think he spotted us. This was definitely a memorable African moment.
Little Kulala: “Kulala” in the Namibian language Oshiwambo means “to sleep.” But it was hard to sleep at this incredible camp as I could not stop thinking about my amazing opportunity to climb (and run down!) the dunes of Sossusvlei. Engrained in my mind forever are the colors of the red dunes, under the bright blue African sky are engrained in my mind forever. The elegant villas back at camp provided a breathtaking view of the surrounding Namib Desert. For the ultimate experience, each villa has a rooftop “sky bed” for romantic stargazing.
While I stayed in Premier Camps, for those of you who want to “rough it” a bit, Wilderness Safaris also offers Classic Camps, all featuring superb facilities and accommodations as well as Vintage Camps, which offer spacious tents with all of the amenities. These are best suited for guests who enjoy a simpler safari ambience.
No matter which type of camp you choose, you are certain to have an unforgettable experience – an educational, explorative and fun opportunity to view some of the most wild and remote places of Africa. In addition to Namibia and Botswana, Wilderness Safaris operates camps in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Seychelles.
So, what was my typical day like on safari? I woke up early—as did the animals (usually between 5 – 6 a.m.). During my adventure, the other guests and I started with an early morning activity to see our surroundings, we then returned to camp for brunch, followed by an afternoon siesta, then it was tea time and off for the afternoon activity. We then headed back to camp for gourmet dinners and often times set out for a night game drive. The options for the days’ activities are endless and included elephant back safaris, day/night game drives on open Land Rovers through the bushveld, walking safaris, boating activities such as drifting on a mokoro (dug out canoe), mountain hikes, hot air balloon rides, sand dune climbs and the list goes on and on. At day’s end, I fell asleep to the distant sound of lions calling in the distance as I tried to rest up for the next adventure-filled day.
You may be asking yourself, “how safe is an African safari?” Wilderness Safaris provides guests with very safe safari experiences. The safety of guests and their enjoyment of their travels is paramount. You should know there are not walls or electric fences around the camps. Animals do sometimes wander through, which is one of the most amazing treats. The unique chomping noises as elephants dined right outside my room is not something I hear every day! You simply need to listen to your guide's instructions to ensure they are safe. I was on safari for three weeks and felt safe the entire time.
Wilderness Safaris’ camps are located in incredible wild places. These magnificent areas, far off the beaten tourist tracks of Africa, allow us to discover our spirit that often gets trapped in our busy everyday lives. And the extraordinary way the staff hosted us enhanced the physical beauty and spirit of these pristine areas. Nowhere else on any of my journeys have I ever met such passionate, knowledgeable and dedicated people.
Everyone should experience Africa at least once in their lifetime. Africa gets in your blood; it becomes part of you – from the sights, sounds and scents to the warmth of the people to the passion that is felt on so many levels during one’s visit.
There is not a day that goes by that I do not daydream (sometimes only for a moment, sometimes longer) about my African adventures. Wilderness Safaris touts that its “journeys change people’s lives.” I am living proof—my safari experience was an unforgettable journey for my soul.
Before embarking on any African Safari, below are some tips on how to prepare:
First rule of a safari is that you never know what you’re going to see. So be prepared for anything, expect the unexpected! And, I can attest, Wilderness Safaris always aims to exceed guests’ expectations…
Aside from visas, tickets, passports, money and a great sense of adventure… here’s a general list of what to bring to start with: (Remember, it’s not complete, you’ll get a more comprehensive one when you book, and also remember that there are often luggage weight restrictions if you’re flying on small aircraft.)
- Good quality sunglasses—preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light
- Sun hat
- Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine)
- Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold winter months (May to September)
- Light rain gear for summer months (late November to April)
- Camera equipment and plenty of film (extra memory cards and batteries for digital cameras – you will want to take tons of photos! I shot more than 1,500 photos on my adventure!)
- Binoculars
- Malaria tablets (if applicable)
- Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc
- Waterproof/dustproof bags/cover for your cameras
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