Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don’ts

Cover up when on safari; closed shoes are a must (or at least open shoes that fasten tightly).
Consider neutral-coloured clothing when in the bush. Keep it down to preserve noise pollution and respect fellow safari goers.

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Casual Clothing Keep clothing neutral and comfortable

Notice the small things. While sighting the Big Five in South Africa is a must, noticing the smaller details will make your experience that much more enriching.
Don’t get too close to the wildlife - the power of nature is formidable and should be respected at all times.
Take a pair of binoculars if you want a good close-up of wildlife while still maintaining your distance

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Buffalo

Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance
Protect yourself in terms of insects and viruses. Always check what vaccinations you need.
Understand how game drives work. Private lodges offer game drives for guests (anywhere from 4-10 people). There is generally a chance for a coffee break in the morning and sundowners in the evening.

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Gondwana Game Reserve Camps and lodges in game reserves offer meals as part of your safari package | Credit: Gondwana Game Reserve

Rangers are usually in radio contact with other vehicles and allow the other the courtesy of enjoying a sighting before making it known to the rest of the vehicles.
Pack the right kit for a safari.
Keep children entertained with an animal checklist when on game drives.

Lodges in South Africa: The dos and don'ts_Children Children will love the excitement of the African bush

Sit in the middle of the vehicle. This gives you the best of both vantage points.
If you are a keen birdwatcher or photographer then you may want to consider a private vehicle - just be sure to comply with the game lodge rules, i.e. never get out of your vehicle.

South African food and tipping

Restaurants operate on a similar basis to those in Europe or North America. A 10-15% tip to the waiter is standard, depending on the quality of service. At hotels, it’s usually easier to sign drinks and meals to the room than to pay cash, but you could still leave a tip for an individual waiter or bartender, or add one to the bill before you sign it. Hotel porters usually expect a tip of around R10 per item of luggage. On organised tours, most tips are handled by the guide, but it…

Luxury safari holiday in South Africa

The five-star Singita Lebombo in the Kruger is an example of safari luxury A must-for for anybody with a taste for bush luxury is a stay at one of the small and exclusive camps or lodges set in private reserves or concessions such as the Kruger concessions, Sabi Sand, Madikwe, Phinda and the vicinity of Addo Elephant National Park. Typically these lodges combine chic Africa-themed accommodation with world-class cuisine, fine wines, attentive staff and most importantly, thrilling game…

A relaxed safari holiday in South Africa

Discover the beaches of the Wild Coast in Eastern Cape on a leisurely adventure at your own pace South Africa’s lovely coastline offers ideal conditions for chilling out, catching a tan, taking the occasional dip, and relaxing over a paperback or magazine. Most coastal resorts also boast a fine array of restaurants where seafood and other cuisines can be enjoyed along with fine homegrown white and red wines. If you want to punctuate lazy seaside days with the occasional gentle…