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Green Season is in Full Bloom: Safari in the Southern Summer

No need for winter blues when it is summer down South

Summer in the Southern Hemisphere (aka winter to those up in the North) means one thing- rain, rain, glorious rain and with it, the blooming of green season and the abundance of all life. Water, after all, equals life.

Boteti Tented Camp, Botswana

Days are long and hot, peppered with the most magnificent thunderstorms. Imagine as the bright blue sky transforms with dramatic cumulonimbus clouds gathering in the distance. A shower of rain breaks the thick humid air and brightens the already vibrantly green and lush landscape. Days are spent reading beside the pool while game drives are spent exploring the lush wilderness in search of babies, pups, cubs, and calves and not to forget, the magnificent array of birdlife that the summer season brings. All migratory birds have arrived and it is every twitchers dream to discover the hundreds of bird species that frequent the African wilderness especially during this season.

Visiting the African wilderness in the midst of summer is an absolute joy to behold.

Have you booked your flight?

Boteti Tented camp, Botswana

Love is in the air

The month of love, February, lingers for longer than just Valentines day. The end of rainy season signals kudu and buffalo mating season. When grass is plentiful and nourishment abounds. Also known as rutting season, male kudus become more territorial and engage in enthralling ritualised displays and sparring matches. An incredibly phenomenal sight to see as kudu are one of the largest African buck (after eland) and have impressively long horns. They also become more vocal in this period with grunts that echo across the savannah.

Buffalo males are already known for their aggressive behaviour which is amplified even more during this period. Mating involves intense competition between bulls. Males will engage in sparring to compete which often brief but violent. A dominant bull is often recognizable by the thickness of his horns. Female buffalo are pregnant for about 11.5 months so give birth during the summer too. Interestingly, within a herd, many buffalo cows tend to synchronize their estrus cycles with the rainy season (aptly referred to as Green Season!) as this is when grazing is best. Males play no role in the rearing of the calves except aiding in the herd protection while females form intense and long relationships with their calves and will suckle for up to one year.

When I grow up, I’ll be a big dagga boy

During the wet season, the younger bulls rejoin a herd to mate with the females. They stay with them throughout the season to help with protecting the calves. With buffalo numbers equal protection and they will move as a herd to protect themselves from predators. The old bachelors that can no longer compete with the youngsters leave the herd and form their own bachelors herds. They are called dagga boys as they are often covered in mud and are amongst the most dangerous animal to encounter in the wild.

Chobe Mopani, Botswana

Chobe Mopani Forest Lodge, Botswana

Twitcher’s delight

Millions of birds journey from Europe and Asia to Southern Africa to escape the Northern winters. Just like us, they are in search of warmer climates, some birds can spend months in flight. This seasonal influx transforms ecosystems and makes for incredible birdwatching.

Discover the magic of each and every season on safari.

Witness the spectacle of Green Season in the bush. Contact our reservations team on reservations@sundestinations.co.za for unforgettable adventures into the heart of the African wilderness.

African Wildlife Mating Rituals: A Guide to Nature’s Most Intriguing Courtships

In honour of the month of love, we dive into nature’s most intriguing courtships and mating rituals in the African wilderness.

Africa’s romance extends beyond picturesque sunsets and the safari experience. It reaches into the very heart of its wild inhabitants. From fierce battles between elephant bulls in musth to the elaborate courtship dance of male ostriches, the African wilderness turns into a theatrical display of bizarre and fascinating behaviour when it comes to mating season. (Not that the mating rituals of humans are any less absurd) These fascinating rituals and complex courtships perfected over millennia, tell unique stories of adaptation, competition, and survival in the wild.

Shake your tail feather

The male ostrich performs one of the most elaborate dancing displays in the African wilderness. He drops to his knees, spreads his large wings out wide and begins to sway as if he were at a Coldplay concert. The male’s long neck turns bright pink as a signal that mating season is on. Their black and white plumage flutters dramatically as he attempts to win the attention of a female ostrich. Multiple dance sessions may take place before a female accepts.

The African Paradise Flycatcher makes use of what he has got in order to attract love.

During the breeding season, his already elegant tail grows extraordinarily long. Like an aerial artist, he performs elaborate dances to parade his long tail feathers. If that is not enough to woo her, he proves his worth by crafting intricate nests. Once successfully wooed, the pair will form a dedicated partnership where they share the tasks of nest-building and raising their chicks. Watch this video of these beautiful birds here.

Our last few blog posts have dived into the marvellous microscopic worlds of dung beetles. Our fascination with the celestial navigating dung beetles continues. They have a unique mating ritual in which males will spend hours crafting the perfect dung balls to attract the attention of a female. Competition is fierce as rival males battle dramatically over both their carefully crafted dung balls and potential mates. The winners performs a special dance atop their prize dung balls before rolling off into the sunset on their dung ball together.

In the fascinating world of hyenas, traditional gender roles are turned upside down. This matriarchal society is ruled by females who are not only larger than males but also more aggressive. Females outrank all males- even the lowest ranking female outranks the highest ranking male.

Courtship in hyena society is a marathon, not a sprint. There is no instant swiping right here Males must patiently court females for weeks or even months. Males must first submit to the female and then gain acceptance from both the female and her entire clan. The most successful males are those that spend time building relationships with the female and her clan.

The mating process itself is incredibly complex due to female hyenas’ distinctive anatomy – they possess a pseudopenis. It requires extraordinary cooperation between partners.The social structure impacts cub-rearing. Cubs inherit their mother’s rank, creating hierarchy within the clan. While there’s some cooperative care among females, rank still dictates behavior. Higher-ranking females may show aggression toward cubs of lower-ranking mothers, leading these mothers to raise their cubs separately initially. Only when the cubs are stronger and more resilient do they fully integrate into clan life.

Young males must leave the clan around age 2-3, starting at the bottom of the social ladder once again when they are accepted by a new clan. Hyenas remain one of Africa’s most misunderstood and intriguing species. Read more about them in this previous post.

Elephants another matriarchal society in the wild. When male elephants become teenagers (aged 15-20) they are ousted from the herd and sent on a journey of self discovery. When on safari, an elephant bull on musth can be an intimidating encounter. It is important to understand, respect and ready the signs of animals on safari. Bulls on musth secrete a dark, hormone-rich liquid from their temporal glands. They also have a distinct scent they secrete due to the constant drip of urine down their hind legs, females can detect this scent from several kilometres away. Even without the acute sense of smell of an elephant, humans can also detect this secretion.

During ‘musth’ males experience a period of heightened testosterone and aggression. Males wander extensively in search of receptive females. Females will steer clear of bulls unless they are ready and will let bulls know through vocalisations and scent. Courtships is short and mating even shorter, lasting no more than a few minutes. They may mate several times over a period of one or more days. If successful gestation will last up to 22 months. The entire herd will help support the pregnant mother as well as help care for the calf when born.

The mighty hippopotamus turns courtship into a dramatic display of power and territory. Males show dominance by opening their massive jaws up to 150 degrees, brandishing enormous canine teeth to establish hierarchy.
To mark their territory, they spray dung with flickering tails. Females choose their mates based on both fighting prowess and territory quality. Once calves arrive, the mothers become fierce protectors, protecting their young from all possible threats including male hippos, who play no role in raising the calves.

This is but a glimpse into the remarkable rituals and complex courtships in the African wilderness.
Each season brings new opportunities to witness nature’s most spectacular moments.
Experience these extraordinary wildlife encounters for yourself on an unforgettable safari adventure.

Contact our reservations on reservations@sundestinations.co.za to be part of Africa’s endless wild romance

A Wild Start to 2025: Wildlife Highlights

It’s been a wonderfully wild start to 2025 so we thought we would share a roundup of January wildlife highlights from our portfolio of incredible camps around South Africa and Botswana.

With green season in full bloom, landscapes are lush and bursting with life. Here are just some of the spectacular sightings captured in Jan.

Up close and personal with the king at Nambu Camp

Hyena feasting on a kill at Umkumbe River Lodge

Dusting off by Case Hoffman at nThambo Tree Camp

Spotted! Photo credit to Case Hoffman, guest at nThambo Tree Camp

Kumbela pride by Alex Paine at Umkumbe River Lodge

Green season means new life at Nambu Camp

Kambula pride at Umkumbe by Alex Paine

Leopard at Nyala Safari Lodge

Found a shady patch at Ezulwini

Vulture captured by guest Case Hoffman at nThambo Tree Camp

Dramatic skies at Nambu Camp

Hyena at Nyala Safari Lodge

Zebra crossings and a tower of giraffe at Africa on Foot

Has the safari-bug bitten? Book your next unforgettable escape into the wilderness.

Contact our reservations team on reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Intimate Safari Escapes 2025: A Guide to Exclusive Balule Lodge Offers

Have you been dreaming of an intimate safari escape in pristine wilderness such as the exclusive Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger? We have an incredible limited-time offer that allows you to discover this untamed and uncrowded region by staying at two boutique lodges in one seamless journey.

Spend 3 nights at the tranquil and serene Nyala Safari Lodge followed by 2 nights at the boutique Chacma Bush Camp for limited-time summer special.

Nyala Safari Lodge

Situated in the wildlife-rich heart of the Greater Kruger, the Balule Nature Reserve spans 40 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. Sharing unfenced borders with the Kruger National park, animals roam freely across ancient pathways. The Olifants river snakes through while rocky outcrops jut out offering beautiful viewpoints and make fantastic sundowner spots.

Chacma Bush Camp – Sundowners overlooking the untamed Balule

No one day is the same on safari. Unknown adventures lie around every dusty bend and beneath every acacia. With over 500 bird species and endless wildlife possibilities, nature choreographs a different performance on your twice-daily game drives. Thundershowers transform the sky in moments and the picturesque picturesque African sky becomes every photographer’s dream. Summer rains awaken green-draped landscapes and are the perfect canvas for those looking to venture on a photographic safari.

Begin your bucket list Balule adventure with 3 nights at the extraordinary Nyala Safari Lodge.
Blending seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscapes, Nyala Safari Lodge overlooks the banks of the Mohlabtesi River. Spend three extraordinary nights watching wildlife from the wrap-around deck that mimics the gentle curves of the meandering river. Stay in one of the five luxuriously comfortable chalets. The intimacy of Nyala Safari Lodge ensures an authentic and boutique safari experience.

Immersed in nature at Nyala Safari Lodge

DAY 1,2, 3: NYALA SAFARI LODGE

Self-drive or road transfer to Nyala Safari Lodge
Sunset game drive in the Balule Game Reserve

Awaken each morning to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the wild symphony of birdsong. As the first light of dawn paints the sky, you will set out in an open vehicle, the cool morning air carries the promise of adventure as you explore the rugged expanse of the Balule Nature Reserve.

Coffee stops on your dawn game drive turn this daily ritual into an unforgettable celebration. No barista can compete with elephant splashing alongside you. Watch the golden light drench the wilderness as day turns to dusk while sipping on a sundowner. Evening game drives are perfect for spotting elusive nighttime predators out on the prowl.

Nyala Safari Lodge – Coffee stops at zebra crossings

Enjoy exceptional cuisine paired with evenings beside a roaring campfire, a canvas of stars above and the sounds of the wild echoing below.

DAY 4: NYALA SAFARI LODGE TO CHACMA BUSH CAMP

Morning game drive
Self-drive or road transfer to Chacma Bush Camp
Afternoon game drive in the Maseke Game Reserve

After three glorious nights, your adventure continues with your last two evenings at Chacma Bush Camp, an intimate camp hosting just ten guests across three stone and thatch chalets. Chacma Bush camp captures the essence of African wilderness, with its swimming pool, boma, and dining area all positioned to showcase the daily wildlife happenings at the nearby watering hole. Expect monkeys for tea and elephants for dinner, enjoy wildlife from the comfort of this tasteful camp.

Day 5: Chacma Bush Camp

Morning game drive
Afternoon game drive

Morning game drives include coffees out in the wild. Soak up spectacular vistas while toasting to another day of discovery as the sun sets across the vast African savannah during sundowners on your evening game drive. Gourmet meals are served beneath starry skies while wildlife wanders nearby. Enjoy sharing your daily adventures around the crackling campfire and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bush.

Day 6: Chacma Bush Camp

Morning game drive
Self-drive or road transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport

Start your day with your last dawn game drive, taking in the sights and sounds of the African bush for the last few hours. Enjoy your last mouthwatering breakfast prepared by the talented chef at Chacma Bush Camp.After breakfast, take some time to freshen up before bidding farewell to the dedicated team at the camp. Then, embark on your journey back to Hoedspruit Airport for your onward journey.

Discover the breathtaking rugged landscapes of the lesser-known Balule Nature Reserve in one seamless journey.
This immersive five night special is available for all new bookings travelling from February until May 2025.

Escape the ordinary.
Book your epic adventure into the Balule now. Contact our reservations team directly on reservations@sundestinations.co.za

All Creatures Great and Small: Microscopic Wonders of the African Bushveld

While the Big 5 are spectacular to see, there are many more wonders, great and small, to marvel at in the African bushveld. From the architectural marvels of termite mounds and the complexity of their colonies to the celestial navigation of dung beetles. The more time you spend in the wilderness, the deeper you are drawn into these intricate ecosystems where each and every creature has an extraordinary story.

Size doesn’t matter

Living inside the swollen thorns of acacia trees are ants known as acacia ants. These tiny but mighty creatures protect the trees from herbivores by aggressively attacking them. They are so fierce that even an elephant will think twice before munching on these iconic African trees. They swarm onto the offending animal and bite them until it drives them away. Not only do they protect the tree from animals but they are able to identify and remove fungal growth before it damages the tree. The ants patrol the entire tree constantly and will remove any foreign plant material that lands on their tree as well as clear away seeds from other plants that try to germinate near the tree. They are the ultimate, live-in security defence force.

If you have travelled in the African bush, you will have seen these impressive, sculptural mounds rising from the earth. Termite colonies are one of the most complex microcosms in Africa. They master engineer their mounds with ingenious ventilation systems and are sometimes even built with North/South orientation to regulate heat. Their mounds are built to withstand heavy rains and are sturdy enough to survive floods. Termites have their own intricate caste system. From workers to soldiers, and a queen who can lay up to 30,000 eggs per day. Some species even cultivate their own fungus gardens underground, creating a complex symbiotic relationship that has evolved over millions of years. The temperature regulation of their mounds provides the perfect conditions for fungus growth, they feed plant matter to the fungus who breaks down the cellulose that the termites can’t digest. Some termites even farm their own food.

The Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, designed by architect Mick Pearce is a fantastic example of biomimicry. The building mimics how a termite mound maintains stable temperatures.There is even ongoing research into new building materials based on termite cement, agricultural systems based on termite soil management as well as sustainable urban planning inspired by termite colony organization. Nature is our greatest teacher and it only makes sense to utilise the intelligence of nature in design. One of the early examples of biomimicry was the study of birds to enable human flight. The Wright brothers allegedly derived inspiration from observations of pigeons in flight.

Pangolin

On the topic of termites and ants, the secretive and shy pangolin helps to control insect populations.
Pangolins are the only mammals completely covered in scales. When threatened they roll into a ball that not even a lion can pry open. They are able to swim and are even able to close their nostrils and ears underwater.
Their scales are made of keratin (the same stuff as fingernails) and are what makes them highly-prized by poachers. These quiet, reclusive creatures are the most trafficked animal in the world and are therefore, highly endangered. They are nature’s gardeners, their foraging helps mix soil layers and also aerates soil. Have you ever been lucky enough to spot on of these secretive and shy creatures on safari?

Twitchers feet

Once bitten by the safari bug, you are forever hooked. Africa has a way of seeping into your soul. The vast landscapes, the untamed wilderness, the dramatic skies, and the feeling of awe that arises when out in the bush. Not to mention, the abundance of wildlife and birdlife. A natural occurrence that tends to happen over time is that eventually the endless variety of birdlife will capture your attention. No avid safari-goer is spared from twitcher’s feet. From the shivers the distinct cry of the fish eagle sends down your spine, or watching the charismatic ground hornbill hop around while you sip on a coffee, or perhaps it is witnessing the the remarkable snake-hunting prowess of the Secretary Bird as he saunters by in his formal attire, it is easy to understand why the fascinating world of over 500 bird species becomes a wonder to dive into.

Get acquainted with the birds of Southern Africa in time for your next safari. Explore more here.

The world of dung beetles is another fascinating one. Putting body builders to shame, dung beetles can push dung balls that weigh up to 1,141 times their body weight. Elephants produce up to 150kg of dung per day and dung beetles are mega contenders when it comes to cleaning up after larger herbivores. These scarab-like insects work in male-female pairs to create perfect spheres of dung. Remarkably, these fascinating beetles navigate using the stars. They are the only known insects that use the Milky Way for orientation.

Lobed Argiope

This pretty arachnid, the Lobed Argiope, is an orb-wearing spider. They create distinctive zig-zag patterns called stabilimenta in their webs. It is highly visible and said to deter birds from flying through the web as well as attracting prey. It also camouflages the spider from predators.

It is only when walking with a skilled and knowledgeable guide when one might encounter this secretive spider. Trap-door spiders create perfectly camouflaged, hinged burrows. They will go as far as adding soil and vegetation from the surrounding vegetation so that it is perfectly hidden. Their burrows are architectural masterpieces complete with silk lined walls which not only sounds lush but waterproofs the burrow and prevents it from collapse. Vibrations and traplines alert the spider when prey is near. The spider waits holding the door slightly open and ambushes the prey in a lightning-fast attack. Trap-door spiders are pretty territorial and some use the same trapdoor their entire lives, which for a female can be up to 20 years.

Encounter these remarkable creatures and more on a walking safari through the African bush. Slowing down to explore the marvellous microscopic worlds that exist with the wilderness.

Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails offer an immersive 3 day walking safari through a wildlife-rich region of the Greater Kruger. Sleep beneath the stars in unique satellite camps set up each night.

Africa on Foot offer a morning walking safari while Chacma Bush Camp and Umkumbe Safari Lodge offer bush walks from camp.

For more information connect with our reservations team directly on reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Conservation from your Couch: How to Make a Difference Everyday

Conservation from your couch might sound like a contradiction; we’re not suggesting saving energy by becoming a couch potato, but rather practicing small everyday acts that create waves of positive change for our planet.

Understanding the intricacy of the wilderness on a bush walk at Umkumbe Safari Lodge

Watch the tiny but mighty dung beetle slowly gather dung and clean up after larger herbivores. An elephant can produce a jaw-dropping 150kg of dung per day. While we might wrinkle our noses at its choice of materials, there’s something remarkable about the impact just one small creature can have. This phenomenal insect plays a crucial role in the environment by enriching the soil with nutrients, spreading seeds and plant species, and reducing breeding sites for flies and parasites. Like the determined dung beetle, we too can play an important role in preserving our world. Our power lies in our choices. We are all part of an intricately interconnected web of existence and every small act can have a positive ripple-effect.

How can we let the conservation efforts that are awakened within us on safari, filter into our everyday lives. What can we do to all become conservationists at home?

Elephants on a game drive at Chacma Bush Camp

Like the ox-pecker and the buffalo, there is a symbiotic relationship between safaris and conservation

If you have been on a safari you will remember it; if you are yet to experience it, then you have this to look forward to – the moment you first encounter an elephant up close, or watch a lion slowly walk past the game vehicle as you sit with a bated breath. It is the feeling of awe that arises in the presence of something so totally wild. It is the expansive sensation in your chest when surveying a vast Savannah teeming with life. The wilderness speaks deeply to the wildness within us all. It awakens something within us – the desire to protect these magnificent creatures, to ensure the generations that follow us get to also have these experiences, a depth of understanding that our own fate is intertwined with the wilderness.

Many people don’t realise the integral role that safaris play in conservation. Going on a safari is so much more than simply going on an adventurous holiday. Safaris and conservation go hand-in-hand. It’s a little like the symbiotic relationship that exists between the ox-pecker and the buffalo. Without conservation efforts, there would be no safaris and without safaris, conservation would lack a sustainable funding model.

Dehorning rhino is a necessary anti-poaching precaution – Nambu Camp

As the wild places of the world begin to shrink, it is more important than ever to preserve and protect them. Just like the delicate, interconnected ecosystems conservation efforts are trying to protect, both safaris and conservation are integral to one another, playing vital roles in maintaining a thriving and sustainable ecosystem.

“Cherish the natural world, because you’re a part of it and you depend on it”
– David Attenborough

A rare pangolin in the wild. The most trafficked animal.

Transformational travel

To travel responsibly and with purpose is a growing trend across the world. As it should be. We live in a time where travelling has become more accessible but at a cost to our planet. Therefore, it is up to us all to ensure that we travel with integrity.

It’s unavoidable to escape the environmental impact of flying. We can however search for airlines that invest in sustainable technologies and have good environmental policies. Fly economy and potentially extend your stay in places that are far away from your home.
Use tour and travel companies who focus on sustainable travel methods. Those that work ethically and are integrated with local communities.
For nature-based activities, ensure that the travel or tour company practices are environmentally friendly and have minimal impact on the wildlife and natural surroundings of the places you are visiting.

Contact our reservations team directly to find out more about our low-impact safari packages.

Traditional mokoro boat safari at Boteti Tented Camp

Water = Life

All life is dependent on water. If you are lucky enough to have visited the bush in the summer months then you will have witnessed the magnificent transformation that takes place when the rains arrive. Landscapes transform into vibrantly abundant, lush green pastures teeming with life. Conserve water and use it mindfully.

Collect rainwater
Use grey water for your plants by creating grey water filtration systems
Shorten your showers or use water-saving shower heads
Make sure laundry and dishwasher loads are full
Did you know using AI uses water? Yep, the high processing required means water is required to keep systems cool. It is hard to state exact amount but like with everything, use intentionally
Don’t water your plants/lawn in the heat of the day

Want less, buy less, waste less

Overconsumption has a severe impact on the environment. Online sites such as Shein and Temu have gamified shopping. With incredibly low price points, they target consumers every whim and aim to hook consumers into buying excessively and unnecessarily. They drive out local businesses because they simply cannot compete.
Not only do they cut corners on quality but on ethical labour practices. We are overwhelming landfills with non-biodegradable waste and causing toxic pollution and waste from factories.
If you’ve been to second hand markets in parts of Africa, you will have witnessed the sky-high piles of second hand clothes and shoes shipped container load from the First World.

Buy smartly and intentionally
Buy quality products made to last. The Afrikaans saying goes ‘Goed koop is deur koop’ meaning to buy cheaply is expensive. Choose brands who are ethical and sustainable. Brands such as Patagonia and Osprey offer repair services prolonging the life span of their products
Buy second hand and give away what you don’t use to those who might treasure or need it

Nature is your living room – Nambu Camp

Food waste is another massive issue in our world. Statistics state that around 30% of global agricultural land is used to grow food that’s never eaten. That’s land that once wilderness. Here is what you can do to help

Compost your organic waste. For your own garden, or if you live in a city that doesn’t collect it for you, find a small business that will.
Buy only what you need. Planning meals can help reduce food waste.
Buy products with minimal packaging
Remember to take your reusable bag with you

Find the wild around you

Nature exists all around you, whether you live in the heart of a bustling metropolitan city, in the rolling hills of the countryside, or deep in the wilderness. From rescuing an exhausted bee with a drop of sugar water, tending to your own thriving hive, or supporting local beekeepers by buying their honey, we can all play a part in protecting our natural world.

Plant trees. The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago, the next best time is now. Trees = oxygen. Nature’s filtration system. Plant. More. Trees
Learn about indigenous fauna and flora around you
Install a bee/bird/bat house in your garden

A walking safari at Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails is a low-impact way to explore the African bush

“The best motto to think about is not to waste things. Don’t waste electricity; don’t waste paper; don’t waste food. Live the way you want to live but just don’t waste. Look after the natural world and the animals in it and the plants in it too. This is their planet as well as ours. Don’t waste them.” – David Attenborough

We’d like to add time to that list. Life is too short to waste a moment more. These are just a few ways that you can become a conservationist from home. There are many, many more. Creatively seek out the ways you can let a conservation mindset trickle into everything you do.

To book your next transformational safari experience, connect with our reservations team reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Wild Encounters: Our Most Spectacular Safari Moments

There is never a dull moment in the wild African bush; it’s only a question of whether you’re lucky enough to encounter it or quick enough to capture it. You never know what extraordinary moments each day on safari entails, which wildlife you’ll see, or what spectacular, hair-raising adventures lie ahead.

To tantalise your safari tastebuds, these were some of our favourite sightings captured by guests and guides in 2024- moments that made our hearts race (and melt!) and reminded us why the African bush holds such magic.

When the pack arrives in time for G&T’s.

While a picture is worth a thousand words, there’s nothing that compares to experiencing the magic of the African bush with your own eyes. We hope these have stirred your safari wanderlust. Explore our portfolio of remarkable lodges and camps located in Southern Africa’s expansive and pristine wilderness.

To book your next epic adventure contact our reservations team reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Make All Your Wildest Dreams Come True: 2025 Safari Bucket List

A Safari bucket list of adventures to make 2025 your wildest year yet.

While everyone else is making resolutions, how about dreaming up something a little more exciting? January 1st may not mean much to wild animals but it is the perfect opportunity for dreaming up your next epic adventure. Here’s how to make all your wildest dreams come true in 2025.

More adventures. But first, coffee.

We don’t mean giving it up, don’t be ridiculous. How about more wild and adventurous places to drink your morning cup? Rise with the sun and sip on a freshly brewed cup of coffee somewhere spectacular. Watch colours paint the sky and birdsong ring through the African bush as you head out into the crisp air on a morning game drive. Stopping at some point for your morning cuppa in the bush. Trust us, no café can compete with a coffee stop during a dawn game drive, where your barista might just be upstaged by a passing leopard.

Adventure + coffee = bliss.

Spend more time in nature, less on a screen.

Swop screens for stargazing. Trade notifications for the calls of the wild, TV for a campfire and alarm clocks for the dawn chorus of birdsong.

Tap out from the demands of daily life and relax into the rhythms of nature. Spend time recharging in the wild. A safari is more than a holiday, it is a total reset for your soul. Slow down enough to enjoy all the simple pleasures of life in the African bush.

Have fun with the whole family

Whether you are 8 or 80, safaris are fun for everyone. Watching a giraffe elegantly cross your path or hearing the cry of a Fish Eagle for the first time, there’s no age limit to marveling at the wonders of nature. Kids can spend all afternoon playing at the pool while everyone relaxes, reads, and unwinds at camp. Morning bush walks or game drives turn the wilderness into a classroom where every sense is stimulated. A safari is more than just a vacation, it’s quality time with the exact right dosage of adventure, excitement, stimulation, and relaxation.

Explore the unknown

Visit the untamed wilderness of lesser known reserves. Explore new terrains and discover parts of the wild you didn’t know existed. Each area has a magic of its own. Whether it’s the rocky outcrops and undulating landscapes of the Maseke Balule or the meandering waterways of the Okavango Delta, there’s something unique about every location of our portfolio of camps. Discover pristine and wild landscapes away from the crowds.

Awaken your wild side

Looking to discover your inner explorer? Step out on a walking safari. Sharpen your senses as you learn to read the signs of the wilderness. Immersing yourself in the heart of the Greater Kruger, learn how to track animals through their spoor, listen out for the warning calls of birds and baboons while observing the intricate details missed from a vehicle.

Inquire which of our camps include walking safaris or join Africa on Foot Wilderness Trails on a 3 day walking safari and immerse yourself in the wild while sleeping in style. Satellite safari camps are set up beneath star-studded skies in a beautiful new location each night.

How about navigating the meandering waterways of the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro boat? Watch gigantic, ancient crocodiles slide by and pass the twitching ears of hippos as you explore this pristine and abundant world from the water, accessing untouched wilderness.

Do something extra special

Maybe it’s an anniversary, a surprise proposal, or simply because today deserves to be extraordinary. Many of our lodges such as Nyala Safari Lodge offer intimate and unique sundowner experiences upon request. Spread out on plush cushions overlooking a panoramic vista or enjoy a candlelit table in the bush with the person you love most. In the African wilderness, each moment becomes unforgettable.

Discover a hidden talent and stimulate your brain

The bush has a way of awakening dormant talents. Whether it’s mastering capturing birds in a moment of flight or finding the perfect golden light, honing photography skills in the bush can be incredibly rewarding. Or perhaps, it is learning more about the hundreds of bird species, the colours of their feathers, names, and calls. What begins as curiosity may blossom into a lifelong passion. The more time that you spend in the bush, the more detailed and intricate the learning becomes. There is never a dull moment on safari, no matter how often you go.

To make this year unforgettably wild contact our reservations team on reservations@sundestinations.co.za
Choose from our portfolio of incredible camps and lodges in the Kruger and Botswana region.

10 Best Books to Read on Safari

Here are 10 of the best books based on adventures in the African wilderness, the perfect Safari holiday reads.

During the heat of the day when everything lulls and the entire African bush tends to take a nap, there is no better place to unwind than beside the pool, book in hand.

Drifting between cat naps and chapters, you might lift your nose only to watch animals come to drink at nearby watering holes or to identify the flutters of coloured feathers passing you. In winter, you may be curled up beneath blankets on the couch overlooking panoramic vistas.

Not only do these books share the amazing wisdom and wild experiences to be found in Africa but they tantalise the safari taste buds. They are a fantastic antidote for when you have been bitten by the safari bug and find yourself wanderlust for open savannahs, fiery sunsets and all the magic that accompanies the African wilderness.

Let these books transport you straight to the heart of the African wilderness.

Cry of the Kalahari
Mark and Delia Owens

When Mark Owens and his wife Delia first arrived in Africa in 1974, they bought a third-hand Land Rover, drove deep into the Kalahari Desert, and lived there for seven years. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. The beautifully humorous and descriptive tales of this remarkable conservationist couple living in one of the wildest, deserted places on Earth.

I Dreamed of Africa
Kuki Gallman

“There is something about Africa that makes you dream. God help me, I dream of Africa.”

Kuki Gallman

I dreamed of Africa is the enthralling tale of conservationist, Kuki Gallman, as she discovers both the beauty and tragedy of living in the African wilderness. It chronicles her journey from Italy to the wild plains of Laikipia, transporting readers with her vivid imagery. It is a heart-wrenching, profound and deeply personal read.

West with the Night
Beryl Markham

“Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographer’s paradise, a hunter’s Valhalla, an escapist’s Utopia. It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations.”

Beryl Markham

Beryl Markham grew up in Kenya in the early 1900’s. This book is a memoir to her rather wild childhood and her journey to becoming the first female in East Africa to be granted a commercial pilot’s license. She was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from East to West.

The Elephant Whisperer
Laurence Anthony

Lawrence Anthony was a South African conservationist, environmentalist, explorer and author. The elephant whisperer tells the story of a herd of ‘rogue’ elephants. It beautifully depicts the incredible interactions between animals and humans while highlighting some of the conservation issues that South Africa faces. It is eye-opening and inspiring. It was even said, that upon his death the elephants came to mourn him in the same way that they would with their own kind.

The Last Rhinos
Laurence Anthony

From the same author, Laurence Anthony. Anthony finds out that the Northern white rhino is on the brink of extinction and the last remaining few are deep in the DRC – a country ravaged by war. He makes a perilous journey deep into the jungle to try to find and convince the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army, one of the most vicious rebel groups in the world, to help save the rhino. This book is an inspiring and heroic account of trying to save these remarkable creatures.

Out of Africa
Isak Dineson

‘You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.”

Isak Dinesen, Out of Africa.

You may be familiar with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford in the ionic safari scene where he washes her hair on the banks of a river. If you’re not, then read first, watch second! Out of Africa is Karen Blixen’s memoir (written under the pseudonym Isak Dineson). It tells her unconventional life story of living in Kenya and running a coffee plantation.

Going solo
Roald Dahl

Is there a wittier storyteller than Roald Dahl? Going solo is an autobiographical work that chronicles the years that Dahl spent working in East Africa and flying for the RAF in the second World War. A funny, insightful, and interesting glimpse into his younger years and East Africa in that era.

An African Love story
Daphne Sheldrick

A heart-warming memoir by Daphne Sheldrick, who was the first person ever to have successfully hand-reared newborn elephants. She shares the many love stories with the animals in her life as well as the heartbreaking story of her husband, David Sheldrick. Encompassing not only David and Daphne’s tireless campaign for an end to poaching and for conserving Kenya’s wildlife, but also their ability to engage with the human side of animals and their rearing of the orphans so they are able to return to the wild,

Into Africa
Martin Dugard

Into Africa is an extraordinarily researched account of the story of Stanley and Livingstone. In the mid-1860s, exploration had reached a plateau. The seas and continents had been mapped, the globe circumnavigated.
Legendary explorer David Livingstone was called to uncover the mystery of the source of the mighty Nile River. After he goes missing reporter, Henry Morton Stanley is sent to Africa to find him. It is a remarkable account of what exploration meant in that time. It is totally riveting.

The Journey is the Destination and Safari as a way of life
Diary of Dan Eldon.

“To explore the unknown and the familiar, distant and near and to record in detail with the eyes of a child, any beauty, (of the flesh or otherwise) horror, irony, traces of utopia or Hell. Select your team with care, but when in doubt, take on some new crew and give them a chance. But avoid at all costs fluctuations of sincerity with your best people.”

Dan Eldon

Okay, this one might be more of a coffee table book than holiday read. An artistic journey through the diaries of Daniel Robert Eldon. A British-Kenyan photojournalist, artist, activist and Reuters photojournalist. More a visual than literary escapade, it shares insight into the safari way of life and creative mind of this wild, adventurous, and free soul. Sadly, he was killed in Mogadishu aged 22.

Adventure calling?

Book your next safari escape via reservations@sundestinations.co.za

When to Go on Safari? A Guide to Southern Africa’s Seasons

Southern Africa and Botswana dance to their own seasonal rhythms, the best part is that each season offers its own unique elements of safari magic.

Let’s explore what each season holds to discover which time of year offers the ideal wilderness experience for you.

Dreaming of a green Christmas?

While our Northern counterparts are gearing up for a cold and (hopefully) white Christmas, down South things are getting hotter and wetter.

The summer season brings those blessed rains. When Toto sang of the rains down in Africa, he must have been referring to November to March. Summer rains transform landscapes- the bush veld comes alive and turns into a vibrant, green and lush wonderland. Migrant birds return home. Water truly equals life so that means newborns. Yup, think cute pups, cubs, and calves.

The Okavango Delta floods with summer rains and with it comes an abundance of life.
The meandering waterways become perfect for traditional mokoro boat rides.
Navigate through the crystal-clear, hippo and croc-infested waters while elephants splash on the banks beside you. Have you watched Nat Geo’s ‘Into the Okavango’? Whet your appetite for the adventure of a lifetime.

Who needs the beach when you have a pool?

The long and hot days mean that downtime between game drives can be spent lazing by the pool. Most of our properties have incredible pools where you can spot wildlife from your sun lounger. Count how many bird species flitter past while taking a dip or get splashed by the resident herd at nThambo’s pool who love sliding their trunks for a quick thirst quencher.

Our portfolio has some of the most luxuriously beautiful pools where you can spend the afternoons relaxing and reading. Have a look here, here and here for some inspiration or contact our wonderful reservations team directly on reservations@sundestinations.co.za for more personalised information.

Green Season (November-March):

Summer rains transform landscapes
Lush greenery and dramatic skies
Newborns everywhere
Spectacular bird watching (welcome back migratory birds)
Thundershowers that cool and clear the air
Best for: Photographers seeking dramatic skies, bird enthusiasts, wanting to trade Northern winter for Southern summer

Winter down South

Winter down South (April-October) is known as the classic safari season. Winter down South is a far cry from winter up North. While the days are shorter, the climate is drier and mornings are more crisp, the temperature ranges from 8-25 degrees.
The colour palette shifts to more dusty, golden hues. Chilly, crisp mornings give rise to pleasantly sunny and warm days with cool, clear evenings.
Temperatures are milder throughout the day which means game are active for longer.
In summer, temperatures can soar and animals retreat as soon as the day begins to heat up, while in winter, there is more likelihood of spotting ‘action’ sightings in the daytime. Clear wintertime night skies make stargazing a dream. Think campfires, red wine and shooting stars streaking across the clear night skies.

Summer rains mean that the winter months are much drier so the landscape opens up. Sparser vegetation makes for excellent game viewing. Less water in general means that there are more concentrated water sources so it is much easier to find wildlife.

It is also the perfect time of year for stepping out into the wild on a walking safari.

Dry Season (April-October):

Classic ‘winter’ safari season
Sparse vegetation means excellent wildlife viewing
Animals concentrate around water sources
Crisp mornings, comfortable days, chilly nights
Minimal rain and mosquitos
Dusty, golden landscapes
Peak season pricing
Best for: First-time safari-goers, guaranteed game viewing, photographers seeking easier wildlife shots

Highlights month to month

January-February: Lush green landscapes, full waterholes, twitchers delight (primetime for bird spotting), dramatic skies

March-April: Shoulder season, warm temperatures, great mix of green and dry, best time for walking safaris

May-June: Start of dry season, comfortable temperatures, clear starry night skies,

July-August: Peak game viewing, crisp mornings, amazing colour palette, perfect red wine and campfire weather

September-October: Amazing predator action, observe mating rituals, migrant birds begin to return

November-December: Hot and humid, first rains, baby animals, prime pool time.

For information and to explore next years rates contact our reservations team directly reservations@sundestinations.co.za

Whatever the weather, your next adventure awaits.

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