SENSATIONAL SAFARI EXPERIENCES BEGIN AND END WITH PEOPLE...

What makes a great safari? Well, being in one of the most wildlife-rich areas of Africa helps. Here in the Klaserie we're fortunate to be part of the Greater Kruger National Park with no fences between us and the legendary South African game reserve. This means we get regular sightings of the Big Five - leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant and rhino - but like all game viewing, nothing is ever guaranteed.

Every game drive is unique and different to the last, and whenever we venture out into the African wilderness around Baobab Ridge we have no idea what we are going to see. It's part of the excitement that a safari provides - the chance of seeing something amazing around the very next corner. 

Sometimes things may seem quiet in the bush with periods where you may see very little at all. This is the way of things in Africa, and a safari is all about a holistic wilderness experience where you get to appreciate the way the eco-systems work and the finer details of life in the African bush as well as amazing sightings of iconic animals. 

So the responsibility for connecting you to wild Africa and understanding its moods rests squarely on the shoulders of our talented safari guides - David Mathonsi and Jabulani Victor "JV" Silinda. With enormous experience under their respective belts, David and JV help to translate what's going on out there in the wilderness for our guests, helping them to understand the way the environment works and how the plants and animals that call it home interact and are inextricably linked. 

By sharing information about life in the African bush - from the tiniest insects and unobtrusive plants to the Big Five everything in between - the job of a safari guide is to fill the naturally slow parts of each game activity with information that helps you interpret the wilderness and get the best out of your safari experience. Both David and JV are masters of bushlore and also have a deep understanding of the role the wilderness plays in their shared Shangaan culture. 

Sometimes it's all about being still and quiet and just looking and listening, absorbing the "spirit" of Africa by allowing your senses to adjust and become alert to the sights and sounds around you. That applies to being at the lodge as well as out on a game activity, and here at Baobab Ridge, the experience is amplified by our wonderful team of staff, the majority of whom come from our local communities.

Along with David and JV, our general staff are committed to making sure each and every guest has a truly superlative safari here at Baobab Ridge. From our groundsman Canaan to our lovely housekeeping team and the talented ladies in the kitchen, the mission is to make you feel at home and put smiles on your faces. You might arrive as guests, but you will definitely leave as friends and part of the extended Baobab Ridge family!

And that, really, is the secret to a successful safari!