South African safaris offer the most amazing experiences that you can’t get anywhere else. They are eye-opening, and adventurous and reconnect you with nature. Do you want moments with your friends or family that will last a lifetime? Come on safari. You won’t be disappointed.
The Best Reasons to Go on a South African Safari
Let’s dive into why a safari should be your next holiday choice.
1. Close Encounters with Unique African Wildlife
The highlight of a safari is the wildlife. Safaris provide unparalleled opportunities to observe iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. For most people, this is a bucket list dream, and seeing endangered animals is often an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
From majestic elephants to graceful giraffes, and from stealthy big cats to colourful birds, you’ll have the chance to observe these animals up close on game drives.
Safaris offer other unique experiences that are not game drives:
- Night Safaris: Experience the bush after dark and see nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and porcupines as they come alive at night.
- Bush Walks: Get closer to nature with guided walks that reveal the smaller details, from animal tracks and medicinal plants to insects and birds.
- Photographic Safaris: Perfect for photography enthusiasts, these safaris offer the chance to capture stunning wildlife moments, with guides providing tips for the best shots
2. Connect Deeply with Nature
Being immersed in the wilderness allows you to connect with nature on a profound level. This is difficult to define. You’re outside. You feel the heat, the cold, the wind. You smell the fresh dung. You hear the lion roaring and the birds calling.
You hear the zebra’s hooves on the ground as they run and kick up a cloud of dust. You see the elephant sucking water through its long trunk (you can hear it too, if you sit quietly!) and then spraying itself to cool down.
Falling asleep to the sounds of the bush and waking up to stunning sunrises are experiences you’ll cherish forever. Or taking a shower in your private outside shower whilst a herd of animals walk by. A safari is the ultimate experience.
3. The Adrenaline and Excitement of spotting Wildlife
Safaris offer an element of adventure and thrill as you embark on game drives or bush walks. You do not know what sights await around the next corner. Maybe it will be a new animal for you.
Maybe it will an elusive animal for which sightings are rare—like the caracal that’s stalking prey or the leopard that’s climbing up the rocks. Maybe the sighting will be an interaction—lions greeting each other, or a playful baby rhino prancing around its mother.
Whatever it is, it’s exhilarating. That’s what you will remember.
4. Personalised Safari Itineraries & Experiences
Your safari is personal because you can ask your guide to find particular species of animals. Your safari is personal because the staff at Etali want to go out of their way to make your safari memorable.
Our chefs want to cook meals that you’ll love, from dietary preferences to Kosher and Halal food – we can tailor this to your preferences.
Book the lodge for exclusive use and you can leave on game drive whenever you want, return whenever you want, and have a holiday that is based around your schedule.
5. Ideal Multigenerational Holiday
Family Safaris: Etali offers kid-friendly activities, allowing children to learn about wildlife while having fun.
Safari’s are also great for the older generation- those who many want to do less walking will still love a safari experience
6. All-Inclusive Options: Stress Free Holiday
Safari packages often include everything you need: accommodation, meals, game drives, and transfers. This all-inclusive approach makes planning easy and allows you to relax and enjoy the experience without any hidden costs.
Top tip: Planning a safari also does not need to be difficult – we have a guide on everything you need to check off your list during the planning process
7. Learn About Other Cultures
Etali employs people from the local communities. South Africa has significant cultural diversity and it is fascinating to ask your guide and tracker about their cultures and traditions.
8. Contribute to Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Many game reserves are entirely supported by tourism, including Madikwe Game Reserve. These reserves would not exist—and their wildlife would not be conserved—without tourism. By participating in responsible safaris, you contribute to conservation efforts aimed at protecting wildlife and preserving natural habitats.
Here in Madikwe Game Reserve, the government management authority, North West Parks & Tourism Board, has partnered with a non-profit from the private sector that is supported by all of the lodges in Madikwe. The non-profit, called Madikwe Futures Company, hires from the local communities and works in areas of anti-poaching, roadwork, bush-clearing, and community empowerment.
9. Great Value For Money
When you stay at a luxury safari lodge like Etali, your stay is all-inclusive except for extras like curio shop purchases. All-inclusive includes a luxury chalet, delicious meals, and twice daily game drives.
Although the cost is not cheap, it is on par with what one would spend going for a weekend in a place like New York City, staying in a hotel, going out for dinner and seeing a show. Plus, the South African rand is still trading relatively weakly to the major currencies—making it a bargain to come on safari.
Choose a Safari for your next Adventure
Overall, a South African safari offers a unique blend of adventure, education, and connection with nature that makes it a rewarding holiday. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, a safari is an amazing vacation.
You should be warned: often people say that a safari is a once in a lifetime experience. They go on safari and have the most amazing time…and then return again and again.
Ready for a holiday unlike any other? Dive into the adventure, excitement, and breathtaking beauty of a South African safari. Book your safari with Etali today, and start creating unforgettable memories in the heart of the wild.
