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For Julia, living in Switzerland, and Reto, based in Bangkok, planning a holiday together was less about a simple getaway and more about finding a space to reconnect. Their paths ultimately crossed again in South Africa, stepping away from their corners of the world to journey deep into the ancient bushveld of Greater Kruger.
This is their story.
The idea for this safari began as a passing comment, a light-hearted challenge born after a trip to Egypt a few months prior, where we had spent hours snorkelling with wild dolphins. I saw how deeply moved Julia was by that experience with the dolphins and said, “If you’re so impressed by wild animals, let’s do a safari.”
As first-timers, the planning felt a bit intimidating. We looked at several options online, but the proposal from Chrizaan, our safari expert, stood out instantly. She listened to our budget, understood our tight timeline, and mapped out a four-night itinerary split evenly between two properties: Arathusa Safari Lodge in the Sabi Sand and Jock Safari Lodge in the heart of Kruger National Park.
While we initially wondered if four days might feel too short, it was the best decision we could have made. We were super happy, and it was more than enough time to take in the magic.
From the moment we made our payment, the seamless, fast, and reassuring communication we received made any lingering anxiety melt away. We felt completely informed – even over-informed – and looked after long before we ever arrived.
Arathusa: Paradise at the Water’s Edge
Our immersion into the bush began the moment we stepped off the plane at Hoedspruit. While we could have flown directly to the lodges via a small plane or helicopter, we wanted to be on the road to see the landscape.
The transfer was an experience in itself; passing through the local African villages and seeing the houses and lifestyle firsthand offered an irreplaceable sense of place. Within just five minutes of leaving the airport, giraffes greeted us from the roadside. Our safari had already begun.
Arriving at Arathusa felt like stepping directly into paradise. Our luxury lake-view bungalow faced a massive body of water that seemed to draw the entire theater of the bush right to our doorstep. Instantly, we saw the resident hippos honking in the water and crocodiles basking on the banks.
At one point, a female leopard strolled directly through the lodge territory with her cubs.
The open-roofed safari vehicles at Arathusa made us feel much more connected to the landscape, with the sky above us and the bush stretching out around us. We watched the shifting colours of the African sky and even a rainbow arching over the trees. Because Arathusa sits within the private Sabi Sand Reserve, our guide and tracker could steer us off-road, weaving through the tall grass to follow fresh tracks.
At one point, a female leopard strolled directly through the lodge territory with her cubs. On a later game drive, our tracker located a leopard family that had just successfully hunted an antelope. We sat in the open vehicle, just metres away, listening to the raw sounds of nature unfolding. You feel so close that a tiny part of you worries they might jump into the vehicle, but they don’t.
Even if we didn’t see big things or the Big Five, the guides would explain things – they had tricks to keep us entertained. Game drives were never boring.
Within just five minutes of leaving the airport, giraffes greeted us from the roadside. Our safari had already begun.
Jock Safari Lodge: Into the Heart of Kruger National Park
After two nights, we made our way to Jock Safari Lodge, located in central Kruger National Park. The contrast between the two properties was striking. Where Arathusa felt wide-open with its grand waterhole at the centre, Jock felt completely different, set among the trees along a dry riverbed.
Our room at Jock was a sanctuary. We had our own little plunge pool and an outdoor bed where we could actually sleep outside and listen to the midday hum of the bush. The food here was also a major highlight – absolutely excellent, and something we both raved about.
The style of game drives was different here as well. In the national park, the vehicles have canopy roofs for shade and mostly stay on the road networks. While this offered a more structured way of exploring, the wildlife was no less spectacular.
It was the tail end of summer, and despite our initial worries that the thick green vegetation would make spotting animals difficult, the bush seemed to overflow with new life.
Seeing the Next Generation of Wildlife
If there was one theme that stood out during our safari, it was the number of animal families we saw. We felt incredibly privileged to see the next generation of the African bush.
We spent quiet stretches of time watching herds of elephants with tiny babies that were only a few weeks old. But the most memorable moment was when our guide found a pride of lions. They had tucked their youngest cubs away together in a natural kids’ club.
In the evenings, the focus turned toward incredible food and a quiet moment between the two of us. We would sit together, watching elephants, antelopes, and zebras gather across the way. Everything felt easy and well organised, from the transfers and drives to the meals along the way.
The Realities of the Road
While malaria and insects were a worry before we left, in reality, there were just a few harmless flies but no mosquitoes at all.
We were also cautious of the general safety concerns whilst travelling in South Africa, having spent a few days in Cape Town earlier in our journey. However, the moment we entered the safari region, we realised it was an entirely different world. It felt peaceful, welcoming, and completely secure. There was never a single moment of tension or doubt.
Reflections on a Masterpiece
This trip was so thorough that there was never a moment of uncertainty. We even received a thoughtful, personal WhatsApp message from Chrizaan, our safari expert, the day before we arrived just to wish us a good start and remind us she was always on hand.
For both of us, the safari provided the ultimate space to come back together. It allowed us to slow down, look upward at the same sky, and share in the quiet awe of a wild, untouched world. Africa got under our skin, and we both know that one day we’ll return.
At Discover Africa, we specialise in turning the dream of the wild into seamless, life-changing realities. With specialised knowledge and first-hand experience, our safari experts are dedicated to tailoring the perfect itinerary. Every trip we design is crafted with care, precision, and a deep understanding of the landscapes we love.
Ready to plan your own unforgettable chapter in the African bush? Let us know more about what you’re dreaming of and let us design a safari tailored uniquely to you.
Itinerary
Accommodations and Destinations
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A5 Mar 2026
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B7 Mar 2026
Crafted with the expertise of Chrizaan Troch
“As Julia and Reto are a couple, I focused on romantic accommodations for their trip. Arathusa Safari Lodge is perfect for couples, as it doesn’t accept children under 12 – plus, it’s world-renowned for wildlife viewing. Jock Safari Lodge – with its private plunge pools – is an incredibly romantic place to end a safari.”
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