My Week on Safari in South Africa

Some trips are hard to put into words… and this is definitely one of them.

I‘m writing this on the journey home from an incredible week at Sebatana Private Reserve, staying at Rhino Lodge — and it‘s one of those experiences that really stays with you.

Getting There

Getting to Sebatana is actually really straightforward. We flew direct from Heathrow to Johannesburg (around 10 hours), then it's about a 3.5–4 hour transfer into the reserve.

It sounds long, but it's broken up with stops and genuinely feels like part of the experience. The moment you turn off onto the dirt roads and head into the reserve, everything changes — it feels remote and peaceful straight away.

The Lodge & Rooms

Rhino Lodge is really easy to settle into. It's comfortable, relaxed, and doesn't feel over the top. Rooms are big and spacious, with both a bath and a separate shower, air conditioning, and a lovely veranda to sit out on.

If you go for the drinks package, your minibar is included and restocked daily — a nice little extra. Everything is kept really clean and well-maintained. It just feels easy to be there.

Switching Off (Properly)

One of the biggest things you notice here is how easy it is to switch off. WiFi is only available near the bar, and with barely any signal in the rooms, you genuinely disconnect.

Evenings end up being spent chatting, having a drink, and getting to know the other guests and staff. It's a really special atmosphere — something you don't often get on other trips.

Facilities & Downtime

There's a good balance between being out on game drives and having time to simply relax. The pool area is lovely, with a large infinity-style pool overlooking the reserve, a hot tub-style pool, and a shallow pool. Sun loungers are modern and comfortable, and pool towels are provided. There's also a gym, spa, and tennis and paddle courts.

If the sunshine is on your side — and there's a very good chance it will be — this is a genuinely beautiful place to slow down. Spend a lazy afternoon by the pool, dip in and out of the hot tub, have a swim, read a book, and enjoy a cold drink with nothing but the reserve stretching out in front of you. It's the kind of downtime that actually feels restorative rather than restless.

That said, it's worth being prepared for the odd quieter day when the weather isn't as favourable. There are no TVs in the rooms, so downloading a few films or a series beforehand, or packing a good book, means you'll always have something to hand.

Best Time to Go

One of the great things about South Africa is that there's genuinely no bad time to visit — each season offers something different.

Our guide highlighted November and December as particularly special times to go. This is when the first rains fall after the long dry winter, bringing everything back to life — the landscape looks stunning, and the wildlife activity is incredible.

It's also worth knowing that South Africa's seasons are the reverse of ours. Their winter runs from around June to August, which lines up with our summer. During these months, as the weather is dry, the bush is less dense,se making wildlife easier to spot, and afternoon temperatures can still reach a very pleasant 24°C in the sunshine. The mornings will be cold, though, so warm layers for the early game drives are a must — a proper coat, gloves and a scarf are all worth packing whatever time of year you visit.

Their summer (our winter) brings warmth and rain, lush green scenery, and the arrival of newborn animals — a wonderful time to visit in its own right.

So whether you're planning around school holidays, the best weather, or a specific wildlife experience, there's a season to suit.

The Safari Experience

This is what it's all about.

Game drives are done in open vehicles and last around three hours. The early mornings can be really cold with the wind, so definitely take warm layers. Sebatana itself has loads of wildlife — giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and more — and everything feels wonderfully natural.

For the Big Five, we headed to Welgevonden Game Reserve and Kaingo, and both were definite highlights. We had some incredible encounters — watching lions feeding on a wildebeest they had just caught, seeing male giraffes fighting, and spotting baby zebras, warthogs, rhinos and giraffes out in the wild.

One of the biggest highlights for me was tracking elephants. We spent ages searching, watching our guide listen for sounds, follow prints, and even examine dung to work out where they'd gone. When we finally found them, it made it even more special.

The night safari is a completely different experience — the sounds in the dark are unreal, and seeing a crocodile at night is honestly quite scary.

If you love giraffes, Sebatana is definitely for you. In your spare time, you can actually walk out and see them up close, which is amazing.

Experiences Beyond the Game Drives

It's not just about the safari side of things. Some real highlights from the week included a bush dinner under the stars, a champagne brunch out in the reserve, sundowners at Sunset Rock, wildlife talks, and a visit to Johannesburg and Soweto, including the Apartheid Museum.

The tribal night was also a highlight — watching the dancing, getting involved, and eating traditional food with our hands. It was such a good experience and something completely different.

And one thing that really stayed with me was the staff. During our first breakfast, and again when we were leaving, they came out and sang to us. It was honestly quite emotional and really humbling.

What to Pack

A few things that will make a real difference: binoculars (you'll use them all the time), a good camera or newer smartphone, gloves, a scarf and warm layers for the early mornings, and a proper coat — I really wish I'd taken one.

Who Is It Best Suited To?

This is definitely more of an adult-focused trip. The early starts, time out on the vehicles, and the overall pace mean it's much better suited to couples, friends, or older teenagers. There is a shallow pool, but overall,l it's not somewhere I'd recommend for younger children.

Final Thoughts

This isn't your typical holiday. It's not about doing loads — it's about slowing down, switching off, and just taking everything in.

At the start of the week, none of us in the group had met before, and having never done a small group tour, I was definitely a bit anxious. But by the end of it, we'd all left as friends — having shared a proper bucket list experience and made memories that will stay with us.

And for me, that says everything.