Ask ten different people in the safari industry to define a “luxury safari,” and you’re bound to get twelve different opinions! For many, the concept of a luxury safari is like a fairy tale, with each “expert” having their own criteria for what constitutes this enchanting experience.
In today’s world, the focus has squarely shifted towards the sheer opulence of the safari camp and lodge. These are often characterized by magnificent guest areas designed by renowned interior designers and equally luxurious rooms. These rooms typically feature his-and-hers basins, bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and lavish bedrooms—straight out of Luxury Living Magazine. Not to forget the outside deck, which might include a private plunge pool. Such sheer luxury often comes with an equally impressive price tag, seamlessly blending glitz and glamour to create the magical mix that now epitomizes a luxury safari.
A smaller group of safari experts considers the above but also takes into account the size of the area guests can explore, the abundance and variety of wildlife, off-road driving, the quality of the guiding experience, local culture, and “green credentials.” This perspective offers a more balanced view, emphasizing not just luxury but also the richness of the safari experience.
Then, there is the minority—the smallest group of all—who believe that a true luxury safari encompasses all of the above and the most important element of all: an experience that leaves you with a lifetime of memories. This experience should tug at the very strings of your heart, leaving you mesmerized and spellbound.
A True Story
Now, I am going to recount a true story that happened to me, which deeply shaped my perspective on luxury safaris.
I was stunned as I entered the lodge. It was an impressive, awe-inspiring architecture of grand proportions, with décor befitting any royal palace, and a teak deck extending into the bush for what seemed to be an eternity. This grandeur and splendid opulence was masterfully carried from the main complex into the suites.
Once in my suite, I found modern amenities of every conceivable shape and application—plunge pool, electric towel warmers, air conditioning, and the “pièce de résistance,” a telephone connecting me from the middle of the African bush to the entire world at the press of a button. All this was just for me. The opulence and grandeur I had seen throughout my extensive travels in Southern Africa were only distinguished by the place and name of the lodge.
Moments before boarding the brand-new, glistening game drive vehicle, I was professionally met by my guide and tracker. The drive, shared with six other guests, each seated on very comfortable bucket seats, was a short but pleasant experience. Sundowners were served, every whim and taste catered to—impressive indeed.
After a short night drive, we arrived back at the lodge where dinner awaited—a thoroughly impressive affair that equaled any of the finest cuisine I had ever had. Later that night, I drifted off to sweet slumber, wrapped in the finest linen. In my mind’s eye, I recounted a very different experience.
I was traveling to the edge of the Central Kalahari in Botswana, the last refuge of the Kalahari Bushmen. My charter plane touched down on a dirt airstrip in the middle of nowhere. A man greeted me enthusiastically, as if we were long-lost friends—his name was Joe. Joe immediately introduced me to his San (Bushman) tracker, X’uta.
In X’uta’s eyes, I saw a genuine warmth and something mysterious as he held my hand.
The Land Rover was dusty and had seen better days. The seat was already uncomfortable, but we drove for an hour or so. During this time, Joe informed me that he fluently spoke Naro (one of the San languages). He was born and raised in the Kalahari, and this is the only way a Western tongue can learn this ancient language. We abruptly stopped. “From here, we take a short walk,” Joe announced with a warm smile and swiftly took up a backpack.
Not a word was spoken between us for what seemed like an eternity (in fact, it was only five minutes). Then, like magic, X’uta stopped and pointed to a twig in the sand. This was followed by a cacophony of clicks and unintelligible words, accompanied by gestures. He started to tell me about the plant—its uses to wildlife, its uses to man. Joe interpreted all of X’uta’s words for me. This pattern continued unabated for the rest of the afternoon.
They shared their knowledge and understanding of each and every living thing in the Kalahari. Never before, nor since, have I encountered two individuals so in touch with their environment.
Just before sunset, we stopped to rest under a large tree, each man clearing a spot with his bare hands to sit on. Joe jokingly told me that the closest phone was many, many kilometers away. “We are really in the wilderness here,” he said with a smile. I drank warm bottled water from the rucksack, and then we talked about the San—the world’s oldest living culture.
I found myself clinging to X’uta’s (through Joe’s voice) every word, spellbound. X’uta shared with me how the San treat the environment and all living things on this good earth. It was a life-changing experience.
X’uta’s words of wisdom will stay with me for a lifetime.
With the last rays of the sun edging towards the horizon, I arrived at the lodge for the very first time. Before I disembarked from the vehicle, I thought to myself, “Today, I have experienced a true luxury safari!”
THE END
If you are wondering, yes, the above tale is absolutely true, and yes, X’uta is still around—a man whose wisdom in terms of conservation, passed down from generation to generation, far surpasses anyone I have met. Yet, we label X’uta as illiterate because he cannot read or write from a Western perspective.
And yes, please forgive me, call me a dreamer, but I long for the day when Africa’s most luxurious safari is awarded its deserving title based on all factors—not just the thread count of the linen, the haute cuisine they serve, or the number of amenities they offer in the rooms.
The essence of luxury in an African safari is underpinned by the natural beauty of the African bush—the trees, shrubs, insects, birds, and wildlife—and, most importantly, the people who share their culture, customs, ancient wisdom, and knowledge of the African bush, enabling people from the four corners of the globe to have that magical moment in the bush.
If my arguments still leave you unconvinced, consider this scenario:
Mr. and Mrs. Gotbucks from the USA return from their African luxury safari, raving about the opulent safari camp, the exquisite décor, the luxurious rooms, and the breathtaking views. Their captivated friends eagerly ask, “What did you see?”
Mr. Gotbucks replies, “We saw impala and some deer-like creatures.”
“No lions, no elephants, no giraffes?” the audience inquires.
“No, none of those,” he responds, “but we were absolutely delighted with our luxury safari.”
Now, that, you see, is a fairy tale!
