Wildlife Safaris Limpopo
Magical Beauty of the African Bush, on Wildlife Safaris in Limpopo
Tourism has become a major economic force in South Africa, especially boosted by wildlife safaris in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. Upon hearing the word “safari”, one is immediately transported back to a bygone era, when most of Africa was truly wild, and all camping equipment was moved from site to site, as the journey continued.
It is interesting to note that the term “safari” is a Swahili word, meaning “long journey”, and its origins were Arabic. The magic and beauty of the imagery remains unchanged. In more recent times, these journeys are most likely to have one base from which they operate; few better than from a Limpopo safari lodge.
Wildlife safaris in Limpopo are but one type of tourist experience. There are various types of related and specific game related options.
Types of Wildlife and Other Safaris in Limpopo
Some of the options of safaris readily available to you include:
- Fly in (instead of arriving by road), and private air charters
- Walking – accompanied by a field guide
- Horseback – but not in areas where predators might pose a danger
- Balloon
- Primate
- River
- Culinary
- Photographic
- Bird watching
- Hunting
- Eco
- Wedding and honeymoon
- Elephant – view game seated on elephants
- Family
- Adventure
- Self drive – such as in the Kruger Park
Whatever type of safari is chosen, one typically rises early in the morning with a cup of tea or coffee and a rusk, and then proceeds with the day's game viewing activities. This is usually undertaken on an open vehicle, with a driver and accompanying guide. The guides are experienced and trained, both to spot game and point out interesting observations. They also have the knowledge to avoid dangerous situations.
Later, the vehicle returns to the lodge for guests to have brunch and/or lunch, whereafter an afternoon nap often provides additional relaxation, avoiding the heat of the day. Another game drive may be undertaken in the early evening, which is when the nocturnal inhabitants of the bush begin to awake.
This is also a good time to watch animals slake their thirst at rivers and waterholes. You may do the same from a viewing deck, whilst listening to the sounds of the approaching night.
Only those who have been fortunate enough to have experienced the African bush will truly know how wonderful it is to chat around a roaring fire after a sumptuous dinner. Being a malaria free area, wildlife safaris in Limpopo pose no health hazards in this regard.
There are both private and public Limpopo safari lodges. The private lodges generally offer additional facilities and more exclusivity. This may include spa treatments, which further enhance the feeling of well being and relaxation, which is so much part of escaping the tensions of daily living.
Should hunting be the purpose of your trip, specialised hunting safari operators cater for this activity. They would need to assist you in legally obtaining the required permits for the game in which you are interested. Each operator is likely to have his own equipment and facilities, which would be discussed with you, as would taxidermy services.
Birders can look forward to spotting and recording more than 300 species in the Limpopo region. Nylsvley bird sanctuary is situated within this province, and is well worth a visit.
The tap water is sweet and potable, and the region is one of the richest biodiversity areas in Southern Africa.
Limpopo is also rich in archaeology heritage sites. Khoi and Bantu rock paintings are to be found here, some of which date back to the Stone Age. Sites with relics of bead making, rain control ceremonies, and clay shards have been found.
Whatever your passion, there is lots to see and do from your safari lodge, and wildlife safaris in Limpopo promise you this and more – an unforgettable experience.