Like many countries in Africa, there are both publicly protected areas (i.e Kruger National Park) and private game reserves that usually surround them (i.e. Thornybush, Timbavati and Sabi Sands to name just a few). We are off to Thornybush first – a very large reserve at 34,600 acres – that’s 54 square miles. Thornybush hosts 14 lodges across the reserve, with a max of 44 vehicles out at any given time. Nearby Kapama Reserve, the same size, has a maximum of 100 vehicles out and they are limited to driving just the ¼ quadrant they are assigned to. So if that leopard is spotted in the SE quadrant and your ranger is assigned the NE quadrant – you’ll be sitting this sighting out. At Thornybush, your ranger can go wherever the game is. You’ll find everything but cheetah on the reserve, a very good chance of spotting the Big 5 during your stay.
Our home is the newly build Saseka Tented Camp. Reminiscent of the 5 star tented camps in the Okavango Delta, Saseka has an eclectic, contemporary design with open concept throughout. It’s an arresting mix of modern and vintage --- antique furniture, modern lamps, light colors. Definitely not your typical green and brown (and dark!) safari lodge. The big, airy tents sport a green, cream and grey color scheme.
Our first 24 hours is spent visiting each one of the 10 Thornybush Collection properties. Then, we are set free to participate in the regularly scheduled game drives and bush walks. Our guide and tracker are keen to show us the wildlife that the reserve has to offer. We are quick to find a mother rhino and her baby wallowing in mud, as well as elephant, giraffe, genet, hyena, hippo, zebra, impala, kudu, nyala, but no cat sightings. The other game vehicle saw leopard and lion, but we missed out during the lodge inspections, so we were without a cat sighting at Thornybush, despite our ranger/tracker team’s best work.
Mama and baby rhino! (Kassandra Magruder)
Our ranger did take us on a 1 hour bush walk, which was invigorating. It was nice to be on foot and moving our bodies. The vantage point is completely different from being up in the safari vehicle. We saw a herd of elephant browsing in the dry river bed. Seeing elephants up close and on foot reminded me of how small and insignificant my place in the universe actually is.
Erin is such a fabulous resource! She helped us bring our target destinations to life by suggesting activities that match our interests, fabulous lodging and excursion options, and patiently coordinating a seamless experience.
Debra D - RI USA
2 days ago
I don’t have the words to describe it but the last week has been one of the best I can remember. 6 days of adventure in South East Alaska including trekking through lush rain forest, sitting in silence listening to glaciers calving, up early to see the northern lights, kayaking and stupidly swimming in iceberg frozen waters ! (That actually hurt).
Animal sightings including black and brown bears, Minke and hundreds of Humpack Whales, porpoises, sea lions, mountain goats, harbour seals, bald eagles, salmon and more birds than I can count. Wonderful friends and connections made. A huge shout out to Trevor and his totally amazing crew on the Admiralty Dream whose energy and enthusiasm made this most incredible experience.
DAVID JAMES
3 days ago
Excellent safari trip with Adventure Life and Albatross Travel. Special shout out to our guides Eric Turasha (Kenya), and Blasi Shirima (Tanzania) from Albatross Travel. Both were world class!!! The trip went off without a hitch; all the camps were amazing…worth mentioning...one of the camps we were going to stay in on the Tanzanian side was damaged by high winds so we ended up in a different camp (Mara under Canvas Camp). Can't say enough good things! A great experience and superb service!!
Brenda Cox
4 days ago
very easy to deal with kassandra. she listened to what our interests were and planned a great trip for us. nothing to worry about!
carole therisod
4 days ago
Always professional knowledgeable and efficient. Jess H. is great.
