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"The Great Escape"
By: David J. Marks
As the blistering heat of our Texas summer approaches, many of us are looking to escape from the dog days of summer by heading off on a cool and adventurous vacation. In your search for a cool destination, you might consider planning a safari in South Africa.
The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern most tip of the African continent. During our hot summer, South Africa is enjoying their mild winter days. The high temperatures during the months of June through August range from the high 60’s to the low 70’s. The cool, clear nights are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the warmth of a traditional evening campfire.
South Africa is known as the number one big game hunting destination in the world. This country not only boasts the greatest variety of plains game species, but is one of only a handful of countries where you can still see and hunt the “Big Five”. The “Big Five”, which include the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, are what everyone on safari dreams of encountering in the wild. Although most game ranches in South Africa are now game fenced, they generally encompass expansive tracts of land, often many thousands of acres in size. These large areas allow animals to live within their natural range perimeters and provide a truly wild and authentic safari experience.
South Africa is also home to numerous large game reserves including Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve (pronounced ShuShluwee) and Mkhuze Game Reserve, to name just a few. These reserves contain millions of unspoiled and unfenced acres and each are home to incredible numbers of free ranging wildlife.
If hunting is not your thing, Eco-safaris have been gaining in popularity over the years. Unlike hunting safaris, Eco-safaris are a non-hunting safari catered to sightseers, outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. Because the wildlife, bird life and fauna vary so greatly within the country, Eco-safaris will usually include excursions to multiple provinces where you can experience the many different game areas. In addition, these excursions also allow you to experience the unique flavors of the local villages, shopping and cultural points of interest.
Think you’re not cut out for life in the bush? No worries. Safari accommodations can range from authentic thatched- roofed huts, to very tasteful and comfortable “safari chic” tents, to sophisticated world- class hotels, or cozy Bed and Breakfast Inns. There’s something for everyone’s taste or a combination of each to round out your experience.
Although South Africa has long been a favorite European vacation destination, Americans too, are finding South Africa to be a first rate vacation experience. Scott Collins, owner of a Dallas-based roofing company, is one of these people. He has been on numerous safaris and recently returned with his entire family. Scott writes, “The smells, the sounds, the sights of Africa stick with you forever. At times, when it is quiet, I can close my eyes and I’m there once again. If you ask each of us what we remember or cherish the most, we all have different answers. For me it was the look on my wife’s face as we watched a hyena carrying her newborn pup to hide it from the lions in the area, or my 11 year old son’s face when he took his first African trophy, an impala.” He goes on to say, “You see, there were so many moments and so many fascinating things that we experienced in that three weeks that my memory can at times muddle them together, and then, suddenly, specific instances can become crystal clear just like the moment they happened.”
In growing numbers, Americans are discovering that a South African safari can be a life changing experience. Despite the severe poverty in many places, I saw in the South African people a warmth of spirit and a sense of gratitude for the good in their lives. In turn, I left with a renewed sense of gratitude and the desire to help those less fortunate than myself. Once you have had a taste of South Africa, its wildlife, and its people, you will probably feel as if your stay was much too short. Regardless of the duration, you will yearn for the day of your next return.
South Africa is a country of great diversity in both landscape and culture. Its beautiful savannahs and acacia covered bushveld of the Limpopo (North) Province contrast the huge semi-desert plains of the Kalahari Desert in the Northern Cape. The South African sunsets rival those in our great state of Texas. Few places in the world can match the beauty of the tropical swamps and lush lowveld along the spectacular Indian Ocean coastline, the fertile beauty of the Drakensberg Mountain Range in KwaZulu-Natal or the Garden Route of the Eastern Cape. The country is not only varied in topography and picturesque in landscape, it is also diverse in history, culture and wildlife. South Africa is beautiful and mysterious; friendly and welcoming. It truly has something for everyone.
The dog days of summer… perhaps this saying was made up to describe our Texas summers! When you’re planning your “great escape” visit South Africa. You"ll be glad you did!