Safari

Tuesday, 24 July 2007

Safari

"I believe there is no sickness of the heart too great it cannot be cured by a dose of Africa. Families must go there to learn why they belong together on this earth, adolescents to discover humility, lovers to plumb old but untried wells of passion, honeymooners to seal marriages with a shared sense of bafflement, those shopworn with life to find a tonic for futility, the aged to recognize a symmetry to twilight."

John Hemingway, African Journeys

It has always been a dream of mine to go on a safari in South Africa. We had planned on going this year but we got lazy after getting back from Asia. We almost pushed it off for another year until I saw my Xanga bud's amazing South Africa photos. That gave me the nudge I needed to get crackin' and plan! Thanks J.!! I can't thank you enough for inspiring us!

The Singita Game Reserve received some notable distinctions in Travel & Leisure's 2007 World's Best Awards - #1 in Top 25 Hotels in Africa and the Middle East, #2 in Top 100 Hotels Overall and #2 in Top 15 Small Hotels.

Singita Boulders Lodge

Singita Lebombo Lodge

Our travel agent (Classic Africa) is awesome! He's actually a South African Rhodes Scholar, veterinarian and Oxford PhD. Wow! He helped us plan our whole trip and even made us our own personal website.

One really helpful site has been the Fodor's message boards. The people on there are so knowledgeable and helpful. You should check this site out if you want to get more info on any future trips!

Books I want to read before the trip:
The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals
Chris and Tilde Stuart's Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa
Journey Through South Africa
A History of South Africa (2001)
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela
South Africa Photo Safari Companion
Dead Men Don't Leave Tips: Adventures X Africa
A Traveller's History of South Africa (2003)
South Africa - Culture Smart!: A quick guide to customs and etiquette
Frommer's South Africa (2005)
Field Guide to The Mammals of the Kruger National Park

So...whenever I have a free minute I'm sitting here daydreaming of South Africa...of cheetahs, lions, elephants...

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Comments (52)

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sounds like an amazing trip!!! i can't want to read about it after you get back!
- 7/24/2007 2:27 PM
- dalgitang (message)
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i almost went on a safari last year. i think i'm just not a nature girl. husband wants to go on a safari. i'm going to let him go on that trip with his male friends. can't wait to read about your travels though!
- 7/24/2007 2:45 PM
- MissBride (message)
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one of my good friends went on a safari for her honeymoon. she said it was an amazing experience.
- 7/24/2007 2:46 PM
- MissBride (message)
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ah! looks so beautiful. i want to go now too!
- 7/24/2007 3:12 PM
- GeLLiBeLLy (message)
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oh, and thanks for your concern, jenny! i really appreciate it. you're way too sweet for words! i'm doing ok, i think it's just all in my head. i hope i get past it soon... :(
- 7/24/2007 3:13 PM
- GeLLiBeLLy (message)
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OMG, what an awesome trip. I definitely need to look into this!
- 7/24/2007 3:38 PM
- yoraflee (message)
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I admit that Africa is not a country on my "I have to visit" list, but your pictures make it look pretty awesome!
- 7/24/2007 3:47 PM
- karina157 (message)
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Awww...you're going to have such a great time! The cheetahs and lions are such beautiful creatures. I can't wait to see all the pics once you return from your trip!
- 7/24/2007 4:13 PM
- March_Bride (message)
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i've always wanted to go on an african safari, maybe when munchkin's older we can take him with us. PLEASE take LOTS and LOTS of pictures!!!!
- 7/24/2007 4:18 PM
- munchkincho (message)
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i'm so jealous... you just put our next 2 vacations to shame. =) really, i'm pretty strong and carry all kinds of luggage so would you please reconsider taking me? i'm so excited for you babe! i'll see you next tuesday~!!!
- 7/24/2007 5:41 PM
- wedBliss (message)
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cheetahs, lions and elephants... oh my! i'm jealous! take me with you! i fit into a large suitcase or a box with air holes, hahaha!
- 7/24/2007 6:36 PM
- fields_0f_gold (message)
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wow! that sounds amazing. those pictures are beautiful. i can't wait to see your pictures when you go!!!
- 7/24/2007 7:18 PM
- tpmoon (message)
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sounds like the trip of a lifetime. have fun planning!
- 7/24/2007 8:01 PM
- BabyGotAssay (message)
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you & the hubby travel so much!! when i grow up, i'll do the same.
- 7/24/2007 8:33 PM
- kchoo76 (message)
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so excited for you!!!! so much fun....i want to go to Africa some day too....
- 7/24/2007 8:45 PM
- purplesecret (message)
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I've always wanted to go to Africa...to even climb the Kilamanjaro. I hope you get to go! I'm hoping to take K there once she's old enough.
- 7/24/2007 9:08 PM
- joyful_mommy (message)
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wow how exciting! =D
- 7/25/2007 12:23 AM
- BustMyGroove (message)
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wow it looks amazing! and singita lebombo lodge looks extremely cozy! lucky! asia and now south africa! can't wait to hear all about it! hope you go after the "show" ends =).
- 7/25/2007 5:48 AM
- MsYuMMieJ (message)
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makes me want to go now too... I guess I'll have to wait till A is olderso she will get the full experience... the trip looks amazing.. can't wait to hear all of abour your excursions... don't leave a single detail out.. heheh
- 7/25/2007 6:18 AM
- jpjchen (message)
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That will really be a vacation for the memory books! We talk about traveling but we never take the plunge. A safari is really high up on our list of things to do as well because of our shared love of animals. :) How do you find these specialized travel agents? We've been so price conscious up to this point in our lives, it's going to be difficult to get out of that mindset for traveling.
- 7/25/2007 7:08 AM
- Daydreamer33 (message)
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i've been on a safari... but it was when i was 12 with my mum and her friends. i freaked out because my dad told me that the hyenas liked to eat little asian girls for breakfast. seriously. thanks dad.

i think you'll have heaps of fun though! swing by sun city. its so pretty
- 7/25/2007 8:23 AM
- missdior (message)
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It looks amazing! I can't wait to see pictures after you guys come back! :)
- 7/25/2007 9:08 AM
- graciegrace2000 (message)
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interesting, my bf and i'm planning to go to africa, too. have you booked your trip yet?
- 7/25/2007 11:29 AM
- happy_toki (message)
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yay! that's wonderful. my hubby and i are talking about it, but probably won't take place until end of 2008 or beginning of 2009. it's something we always wanted to do! few of my friends loved it there, i'd love to read/hear all about it from you! i'm soooo excited for you!!! :D :D :D what a jetsetter you are! ;) btw, do you have to get special shots beforehand?
- 7/25/2007 1:28 PM
- sista_kimchee (message)
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looks amazing. Thanks for the wedding suggestions btw!
- 7/25/2007 1:30 PM
- calitime (message)
- reply