What It’s Really Like To Safari In South Africa

If you’ve never been on safari – and I don’t mean one of those man-made zoo experiences that some cities have but I mean a real-life, in the bush, under the African sun type of safari, then you don’t know what you’re missing!

We got a chance to go on our first safari for our honeymoon and I was surprised how it was everything I expected but was also way different at the same time.

It’s that “hakuna matata” world Disney painted for me and those iconic pictures of the one tree in the distance with giraffes in silhouette.

THE SAFARI YOU THINK YOU KNOW

In real life, in some ways I was almost disappointed that the African savannah wasn’t like Lion King but in other ways the safari experience exhilarated me in ways unexpected.

IS IT ALL THAT DIFFERENT?

I was able to see more of the landscape but with all the heat and dry nature of the climate, it’s really more desert than jungle. I was also amazed at how diverse the landscape is as well.

It’s an experience of unpredictability and constant surprise and wonder. Sure it’s still somewhat of a manufactured experience with human roads, camps, electric fences, and walkie-talkies.

SO WHAT ABOUT THE SAFARI EXPERIENCE?

But it’s almost difficult to comprehend that you’re in the natural habitat of these animals and you’re just a guest taking a small peek into their world.

As you’re watching these incredible beasts, you start picking up on the smallest nuances like how a mother treats their young, how a baby struggles with eating grass or why a bird keeps landing on its back.

Next steps

More amazing travel inspiration in the blog post!