The Journal
Safari advice and stories from the specialists who live it — Botswana, South Africa and everything in between.
What to pack when going on safari
Packing for a South African safari can be a challenge — especially if it's your first time. From chilly early-morning game drives to warm afternoons by the pool and evenings around the fire, it pays to pack smart.
How game drives work at luxury safari lodges in South Africa
If you have never been on safari, you might be wondering how game drives actually work. What time do they start? How close do you get to the animals? And what is the difference between a guided drive and doing it yourself?
Best time to go on safari in South Africa: summer vs winter
Wondering when to go on safari in South Africa? The good news is that there is no wrong time. Each season offers something different — the right timing depends on the kind of experience you are after.
Luxury safari lodges near Johannesburg: exploring Pilanesberg
Looking for a luxurious safari a short drive from Johannesburg? Pilanesberg is one of South Africa's quieter gems: Big Five game viewing, striking scenery, and a handful of genuinely good lodges — without a long-haul transfer.
Luxury safari packages: discovering Thornybush Nature Reserve
When it comes to luxury safari packages in South Africa, few reserves rival Thornybush. Set alongside Kruger National Park, it offers a private Big Five experience with world-class lodges and genuinely personal service.
Sabi Sands: South Africa's ultimate luxury safari destination
Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of Africa's most exclusive safari destinations: 65,000 hectares alongside Kruger National Park, famous for its leopards, its lodges and the quality of its guiding.
Luxury safari lodges: an elevated safari experience
The Greater Kruger is synonymous with luxury safari, and its lodges are among the finest anywhere: comfort, elegance and an authentic bush experience in the same place.
Booking a luxury safari: why using a specialist makes a difference
Planning a safari is exciting, but the number of choices — lodges, reserves, transfers, activities — can be overwhelming, especially from the other side of the world. Here is why working with a specialist is both easier and more cost-effective than it looks.
Plettenberg Bay: where luxury meets adventure on South Africa's coast
On South Africa's Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay — Plett, to locals — is a coastal paradise: unspoilt beaches, real biodiversity, and a level of comfort that suits the end of a safari perfectly.
Plett's best-kept secrets
Think you have seen everything Plettenberg Bay has to offer? Beyond the usual attractions lies a quieter side of Plett, where off-the-beaten-path adventures wait for anyone willing to look.
Beyond the beach: discovering Plettenberg Bay's culture and food
Plettenberg Bay is famous for golden beaches and natural beauty, but its heart beats with history, food and art. There is far more here than sand and surf.
Why Lion Sands River Lodge should be on your bucket list
In the heart of Sabi Sands, Lion Sands River Lodge balances real indulgence with an authentic connection to the bush — and one of the best riverfront positions in the reserve.
Unforgettable luxury: Thornybush Nature Reserve and Franschhoek
South Africa's great advantage is contrast: iconic bushveld one day, the Cape Winelands the next. Pairing a safari in Thornybush with a stay in Franschhoek is one of the most satisfying combinations we build — and direct flights from Hoedspruit to Cape Town make it a two-hour transition.