LOCATION: Entabeni Safari Conservancy, rightfully dubbed “The Place of the Mountain”, is situated in the World Heritage Waterberg Biosphere. Approximately a three-hour drive north of Johannesburg, this 22 000 hectare malaria-free reserve boasts five eco-systems.
COST: Luxury tent $113 p/n (Includes 2 x 3 hr safari’s with snacks, beer & wine and meals!)
FACTS:
- Malaria Free Zone (YOu dont need shots if just visiting Johberg
- Each Safari is 3 hrs long w/ drinks/snacks and wet weather gear provided
24 Hours – Crazy, Right?
I was doubtful we could fit in an authentic African safari experience in this limited timeframe, but was happily proven wrong.
We got up early in Johannesburg and booked a hire car at hertz. Deep breaths are needed here. Here I was introduced to ‘African time’. And after a few hours of lost cars and working tom toms later (PLs check yours is working before you leave) we hit the road ready to start our safari adventure.
It was a fairly simple straight drive through to Entabini that would take approx 3 hours – Well it should of. Had we been given clearer instructions and not driven down wrong unmarked dirt roads. But after a quick stop chatting with the locals we were back on track and made it down the right red gravel dirt road on our way to Entabini.
We arrived at a big gate, signed in…. and drove to the next gate. Thats when things started to get exciting!
We saw zebras walking around on the road in front of the gate. My heart stopped. Our first wild animals! And we were seeing them already. Then another 5 meters drive into the 2nd gate I almost had a heart attack. A baby Giraffe just casually hanging out on the side of the road, greeting us as we entered the campsite.
On arrival we were greeted with a welcome drink by the friendly staff who assisted us with our bags and checking in.
And before you knew it we were on a Jeep with our guide Steve . Entabeni means ‘place of the mountain’, and whilst cruising around the reserve we were in awe of the magestic mountains that surrounded park covered in low lying clouds and waterfalls. It started to rain – But they have you all prepared here at Entabini. We were provided with thick hooded raincoats.
Steve had probably has one of the best set of eyes I have ever seen. Every now and then he would just stop the jeep. And then… a family of wild boars trotting along.
They have a vast range of wildlife in the Entabeni reserve.
What we managed to see many Rhinos, Hippos, Giraffes, Boars, Kudu, Oryx, Monkeys, Wildebeast and Zebras. (There are so many Zebras)
They also have 14 Elephants that must of been hiding that day. Cheetahs – Which we just missed and Lions.
After the sun set Steve stopped the jeep and told us to jump out. I was a little perplexed seeing as we were trying to spot cheetahs in the same spot. But he assured me that no one had ever been injured or attacked at the reserve. He dropped the back down and we had a moment to grab a drink and soak in the surroundings.
Some brave souls at this time could go pee behind a bush if nature was calling and then we were back in the jeep cruising around the dark, with lots of tiny eyes glistening back at us as we drove back to the camp.
We arrived back to the small camp restaurant – The camp only has 20 tents on the site and enjoyed a buffet dinner with fellow guests. I know we did book a Luxury tent. But I am Australian, And when I think I am staying in a tent. Well. I am not expecting much. These certainly lived up to their name.
The next morning we rose at 4:30am for the next Safari and despite pouring with rain was enjoyable and managed to spot some hippos and went on the hunt to see some lions, however t
