From rides through dense Balinese jungles, to capturing the “big five” animals of South Africa with your camera, or skimming through the Florida Everglades aboard an airboat, here’s what you need to know about going on safari – and not a campground in sight.
The ‘Big Five’ in South Africa
The number one reason people travel to South Africa is to catch a glimpse of the big five in the wild: African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and Black rhinoceros. Our favorite African safari experience includes these animals and many others on the Madikwe Reserve in South Africa. Unlike other safari tours, you won’t be fighting crowds of cars packed with other travelers. That’s because the properties owned by the Morukuru family have their own private guides for this luxury safari holiday.
Imagine waking up to find that your guide has already scouted the area and discovered that four of the big five are nearby. The only animal missing is the elusive leopard. You pack your things, and head out on quiet roads to “hunt” the animals with your digital camera.
The guides are simply amazing, and their passion for the land and the animals of the Reserve is apparent. They seem to know everything. From time to time, you see the guide looking up into the trees, and you ask him why. “Leopard,” he replies in his charming accent. “One was in these trees just two days ago.” Now you’re looking up into the trees as well, and just a moment later your breath catches as you spot a leopard not fifteen feet from the truck, lazily watching you from the branches overhead. Everything is quiet as the guide pulls to a stop as you pull your camera up for a quick shot. This is a moment no one in the truck will ever forget, and you’ve got it all to yourselves. Pro Tip: Don’t use your camera flash on night safaris – you don’t want to spook the animals.
Meeting Elephants in Bali
Traveling through Bali is like traveling in a dream. Everything is at once more stimulating and serene than daily life. A guided 4×4 safari through the mountain jungles gives you the opportunity to see this dream culture in a much more intimate way.Take a private tour through the quiet countryside to see the local villages and plantations of Tegaljadi and Tajen, where friendly local farmers and sweet Balinese children wave as you go by. Balinese society continues to revolve around each family’s ancestral village, and you’ll get to see it first-hand.
Stop at Jati Luwih, an extensive rice field recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Take a 2km walk through this exotic paradise surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and lush rice fields. Enjoy an Indonesian buffet lunch at nearby Beratan Lake and then ride to Tambligan Lake for a ride in a traditional wooden canoe. The highlight of your trip will no doubt be meeting an elephant. Enjoy feeding and playing with these intelligent, majestic creatures for an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Pro Tip: Respect the wildlife and make sure you use a reputable company such as Bali Made Tours.
Spotting Alligators in Miami
We know this one is a surprise. A safari in Miami? The Everglades Safari Park is a well-kept secret just outside of Miami, Florida that we’re only too happy to share with you. Private airboat tours are available to take you on a thrilling ride through the complex River of Grass system in the Everglades National Park. If you keep your eyes open, you may see alligators, turtles, deer, wild hogs, raccoons, and other native wildlife.
Try the Island Hopping Tour which stops at remote islands within the Everglades. Explore ancient Indian campsites and discover artifacts that date as far back as 800 years. Learn about the ecosystem and natural history of the area as you enjoy beautiful panoramic views of this mysterious wilderness. Or, if you want to catch the wildlife at its most active, schedule a Sunset Tour to begin as night approaches. What ever you choose, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to get a photo of yourself holding Snappy, the Park’s celebrity alligator! Pro Tip: Mosquitoes love the humid climate of the Everglades, so pack cotton pants and long-sleeved shirt.
*Originally published in Luxury Retreats Magazine
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