No trip to Africa would be complete without enjoying the incredible wildlife viewing. You wake up at dawn, hot coffee waiting and then join your guide and tracker for a 3 or 4 hour game viewing drive in open landrovers.

The sightings are something that will touch the very core of your being. Huge elephant heards, cheetahs and lions all in their natural habitat. After the drive, a day of relaxation by your private pool or enjoy the spa services that most of the luxury lodges offer.

There are four choices of luxury accommodation lodges that we would recommend from our own personal experience. The first is to start or finish your trip with some time in the Kruger.

KRUGER

This is a fantastic area where wild game, including the Big 5, roam freely. It is the most natural way to view the African wildlife and the bushveld offers beautiful scenery coupled with abundant wildlife. In the Kruger we recommend Ulusaba in the Sabi Sands.

Ulusaba has two lodges on the property, 5 star accommodation, gourmet meals and fantastic game viewing in the early morning and evening drives. We originally chose Ulusaba because of the two bedroom suites they offered as we were traveling with the boys. Their other lodge is adults only. Either way Sir Richard Branson's Ulusaba will provide an experience you will not forget.

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE

Closer to Jeffreys is Shamwari Game Reserve. Shamwari offers futuristic architecture in their Eagle Crag lodge. Each of the bungalows made of rock and thatch offers their own private plunge pools, outdoor showers and the ultimate in sophistication and privacy. Shamwari has 5 lodges on the property and has continually won awards for their leadership in the Eastern Capes conservation.

An unforgettable experience yet only 1 and 1/2 hours from Dolphin House. Shamwari is part of the Mantis collection and offers fine 5 star accommodation at a variety of locations in the Eastern cape, the Garden Route and the vineyards that surround Capetown.

ELEPHANT HOUSE

Elephant House is a Quaint luxury property only minutes from the world famous Addo Elephant Park. The meals are delicious, served in a charming dining room. The rooms are large and very well appointed. All of this is only a short drive from the Park.

The park is set up so that you can pay your entrance fee and bring your car into the park quite an experience as you come head to head with one the 300 elephants that roam through the park. Elephant House and Addo are within easy reach of Dolphin House, again about 1 and 1/2 hours drive.

LALLIBELLA

Lallibella is another top reserve about 1/2 hours drive from Shamwari towards historic Grahamstown. For a small group of 3 or 4 couples, Lallibella has a perfect little five star lodge on the property with private landrover and chef who will whip up the most incredible meals. Lallibella also has two other lodges that both offer 5 star accommodation.

Do not leave South Africa without experiencing one of its most incredible natural wonders: its wildlife. Even the most non-chalant will be moved by this experience.