ON SAFARI

I HAD two options over what to do on my birthday: either book a flight overseas or spend it in search of the Big Five at a private reserve three hours away.

I chose the reserve. Over the past few months, local travel has grown on me. There are so many treasures waiting to be found.

The opportunity to see Thanda Private Nature Reserve, a five-star safari spot in Hluhluwe, KwaZuluNatal, comes only once.

Thanda makes sure visitors feel welcome and are given the royal treatment.

Although a popular hangout for international tourists, of late many locals have travelled from across the country to enjoy this Big Five spot.

Our game driver, Zee, greeted us at the gate, taking our luggage as we drove through to our tented camp. On the way, we were spied on by nyala, impala and a kudu.

The tented camp was a treat, having all the fixtures of what a home away from home should look like. The cosy tent-like structure had twin beds, a bathroom, outside shower and a pretty terrace with a great view.

With minimal electricity and lighting, this set the tone for what camping would be like with an added touch of glamour.

At night we heard a hyena in the distance, celebrating a hunt.

The next morning we headed to the Safari Lodge, five-star accommodation inspired by the Zulu homestead.

Inside our lodge was a private lounge, with a fireplace, stocked with family games, bookshelf and minibar.

The room was spacious. It overlooked the pool and dining area.

I loved the bathroom the most. There was an egg-shaped bath, his and hers dressing tables and a rain shower and toilet. The outside shower added an element of adventure.

There was also a lapa where you could easily spend hours in nature or catch up on some reading.

Thanda kept us busy during the weekend.

Besides some quiet nights near the fireplace and some spent splashing in our private pool, the game drives, photography lesson and interaction with nature took up a lot of time.

Not that I’m complaining. I have never been so taken by nature. From tracing a pride of lion to watching buffalo drink from the watering hole and going on a hopeless search for the most elusive animal, the leopard, it was a joy ride.

I enjoy going on safaris as each offers something new. For instance, we watched as a young lioness and her mother tried to bring down a giraffe calf and failed. It was by far the most intense hour of my life.

While we didn’t spot leopard we saw an adult and a cub’s prints. Our guide, Themba, said they were fresh tracks.

I’m hoping to get lucky on the next safari.

Besides the game-drive offerings, Thanda is a great break from city life and you get to meet all manner of delightful people. We met a Swedish family who were excited about seeing four of the Big Five.

A South African mother and daughter duo kept us entertained with their vast knowledge of game.

During our game drives, we were able to connect with most of the guests while enjoying an early morning hot chocolate or late night wine in the bush. It was surprising how many interesting people we met.

The dining experiences at both accommodation venues was top class. The food was freshly prepared, paying homage to South African flavours.

One night, we had a bush dinner which happened to coincide with my birthday.

Boma and bush dinners take place twice a week, to give visitors an African experience. Bonfires and lamps set the tone for a memorable evening and Zulu dancers dazzled us.

The food was delicious. I had kingklip skewers, a tomato chutney that I loved and roast vegetables.

For dessert, I tucked into my coffee birthday cake.

My “I can’t stop talking about…” activity was the photography session with photographer Christian Speka. The two-hour session is included in the overall price.

Speka bases his sessions on the camera a person uses and throws in some cellphone photography advice.

The bush walk is another treat for guests, who get to walk with some of the wild’s biggest animals. This time they got to see black rhino and buffalo.

My only complaint throughout the trip was that I wished staff at the Safari Lodge were as friendly to locals as foreigners.

Some dismissed us on several occasions.

However, the staff at the tented camp were hospitable and friendly.

Since returning home, I have been raving about going back.

Maybe this time I will see that leopard everyone loves to talk about.