safari in bloemfontein

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Wildlife safari

Franklin game reserve, bloemfontein: nature and wildlife in the heart of the free state capital.

T T he Franklin Game Reserve is a unique 250-hectare wildlife reserve in the heart of Bloemfontein , established in 1930 . The capital of Free State province and the largest city in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Bloemfontein shares with H o ng K ong the distinction of being the only 2 places in the world in which a game reserve is completely enclosed within the city.  

Giraffe, blue wildebeest (gnu) and city views are on offer – a nd apart from the game, there are bird species aplenty to delight twitchers’ hearts , including Karoo scrub robin, the fairy flycatcher and violet-eared waxbills.  

For safety reasons, it ’ s best not to walk alone in the reserve – hike in larger groups or take an organised tour . You can also take a day drive to the top of Naval Hill in the reserve, from which you ’ll enjoy breath-taking city view s .  

An iconic feature on the east side of Naval Hill is the White Horse, an image created with rocks painted white. It is believed to have been created during the South African Wa r of 1899-1902 ( formerly called the Second Anglo-Boer War) as a direction marker for the British cavalry to see from afar.   

A remount camp was stationed here after the British captured Bloemfontein from the Boers on 15 March 1900. The White Horse was most likely the handiwork of men of the Second Battalion of the Duke of Edinburgh ’ s Wiltshire regiment, and is said to be the only ‘ Wiltshire white horse ’ that is not in Wiltshire , England .  

One of several urban legends about the White Horse is that every time a maiden is kissed on Naval Hill, it moves a step forward.  

Tour guides are available – simply ask the host at your guesthouse, hotel or backpackers ’ lodge to advise you.  

T T ravel tips & Planning  info  

How to get here

You can f ly or drive to Bloemfontein – it’s about 4 hours from Johannesburg or 10 hours from Cape Town on the N1 . The entrance to Franklin Game Reserve is on Union Avenue.  

Best time to visit

Bloemfontein is an all-year-round destination, but the city’s famed roses, plus a huge variety of other botanical wonders, are flowering at their best in spring (September to November) – which is also when you’ll see animals with their new-born young in the game reserve .  

Walk or drive around the reserve – but if you’re on foot, enlist the services of a recommended tour guide to show you around . Enquire about guide d tours at your accommodation .  

Length of stay

Take 2 nights in Bloemfontein and explore the surroundings over 2 or 3 days .  

Related l inks  

• Bloemfontein Tourism  

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Bloemfontein

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Imvelo Safari Lodge & Game Breeders

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IMVELO SAFARI LODGE & GAME BREEDERS - Hotel Reviews (Bloemfontein, South Africa)

Mattanu Private Game Reserve

M attanu Private Game Reserve is located in the Northern Cape Province, the biggest, safest and Malaria free province in South-Africa, approximately 50Km north west of the diamond digging city of Kimberley. Nestled in the shade of indigenous Camelthorn trees, this family owned and managed business offer unparalleled intimacy and seclusion in their luxury tents and is characterised by exuding warmth and effortless hospitality.The only reserve in South Africa where you can view breeding programs of Roan, Sable, Buffalo, Royal Oryx, Golden Oryx, Golden Gnu, Black Impala, Tsessebe and Livingstone Eland together on the same property.

Dr Johan Kriek, wildlife veterinarian and owner along with the rest of the family, has been in the wildlife industry since the early 1980’s and their passion for conservation is infectious. The farm was bought in 1991 and developed as a breeding area for rare antelope species and it was only in 2006 that Mattanu opened its doors to the public as an eco tourism destination.

The Kriek family realise that without sustainable utilisation of the species in Africa, numbers will decline as it will not be economically viable to run a reserve purely just for breeding and tourism activities. Thus, older animals are moved to a separate free roaming area where they are selectively hunted by clients on a fair chase basis to control numbers and use the income and meat as a much-needed source of foreign exchange and communal food security respectively. Although controversial for some it has been proven as the most effective way to save species from extinction and control poaching. For more information on our hunting areas and packages visit www.tharosafaris.com .

These unique factors contributed to the numerous accommodation, service and wine list awards Mattanu has received over the last 10 years. Five luxury safari tents, each with a private viewing deck overlooking a waterhole, are decorated in African design, complete with luxury sleeper wood furnishings, full bathroom en-suite, indoor showers and air-conditioning with under floor heating. The two-bedroom en-suite log cabin, with fully equipped kitchen and lounge, is very popular also overlooking the waterhole whilst sitting in your jacuzzi on the veranda. The fire place and air-conditioning in both units add to your comfort during your fully or self-catered visit. A two bedroom thatched roof suite comprising of a loft main bedroom opening onto a private deck, lounge, bar and 2 bathrooms is accentuated with teak wooden finishes. The fire place and airconditioning adds to your comfort during your fully or self catered visit.

Here you will savour uncompromising high standards of service, efficiency and personalised attention. Come and relax in the African Kalahari Bushveld Savannah amidst the Camel-thorn trees. Enjoy your evenings in our air-conditioned luxury restaurant and bar and experience true South-African cuisine. For the wine connoisseur we also provide an extensive wine selection in our underground wine cellar. Relax at the pool after a hot day, be pampered by our therapists with some of our massage treatments or partake in any of our numerous activities at Mattanu or the surrounding area.

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Guest Comments

Thank you Nadia for all your hospitality! We had a wonderful stay, too short! 7/7/21

Die stilte en die groot baas was regtig priceless. Dankie oom Johan. Jacques jou pa is ongelooflik interresant. Baie dankie vir ‘n heerlike tyd! 18/8/21

Wow! Watter awesome tyd hier by julle. Meeste gasvryheid en vriendelike personeel. Kos, slaapplek uit die boonste gehalte. 21/8/2

Exceptional quality game ranch. All GREAT! Kind & helpfull staff. Very much a family orientated experience. Fantastic quality game. 2/9/21

Dankie dankie dankie! Bush dinner was awesome, alles was great! Ons sal verseker weer kom. 11 jaar anniversary. 18/9/21

Wonderful service & hospitality. We had a great stay. Very friendly, clean and great service. Thank you. Amazing! Thank you Nadia, Chris, Dr Kriek & family. 17/9/21

Exellent service, great food and we really enjoyed ourselves. 4/4/21

Amazing hospitality. Staff and rangers were wonderful and accommodating. Beautiful room. Food was delicious – so much fun! 8/5/21

Beautiful game reserve, wonderful hosts, we will definitely be back. 17/1/21

Fantastic 2 days leave. Loved the open spaces and all the game. 16/12/20

‘Wat ‘n heerlike voorreg om die Kriek familie te ontmoet, groot en klein. Ons het lekker gekuier saam met julle en is dankbaar vir die gasvryheid en gemaklike en vriendelike mense wat julle is. Seen vorentoe, julle het ‘n pragtige plaas.’ 16/11/2020

‘So ‘n treat! Baie baie dankie. Julle is stunning. Ons kom weer!’ 20/01/21

‘Gasvryheid 5* Kos en netheid 5* Dankie vir ‘n onvergeetlike naweek!’ 8/11/20

‘Awesome naweek. Great venue, great mense. God se rykste seen, sien julle weer!’ 15/11/20

The most fun I have ever had.

Excellent stay, clean comfortable rooms. Management and staff gave excellent service! Food was great along with the bike ride and game drives. Peace, quiet and tranquillity. Thanx!

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Welcome to Kandirri

True south African tranquility

Less than an hour's drive from Bloemfontein, and thirty-five odd minutes from Kimberley, you will find a little paradise. This tranquil waterside Lodge offers you the true South African spirit you seek. Experience hospitality at its best whilst relaxing in one of our luxurious self-catering chalets, or in the refreshing water of the swimming-pool. Sunset on this beautiful farm with game drinking from the dam on your doorstep, is an unforgettable experience.

CONFERENCES / WEDDINGS

Accommodation / camping, team building, sunset views, booking enquiries.

From Chalets, overnight rooms, caravan accommodation, luxury tent and Honeymoon suit.

Lodge Rd Spitsdam, Petrusburg, 9340 South Africa

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OFFICE (office hours from 7:30 am to 18:00 pm)

Lodges in Bloemfontein

Find the lodges that appeal to you the most, the 10 best lodges in bloemfontein, south africa, check out our selection of great lodges in bloemfontein, review score.

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Weltevreden Game Lodge

Bloemfontein

Offering garden views, Weltevreden Game Lodge in Bloemfontein offers accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, a bar and barbecue facilities. Complimentary WiFi is featured. Boyden Observatory is 12 km from Weltevreden Game Lodge , while Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is 30 km away. The nearest airport is Bram Fischer International Airport, 30 km from the accommodation.

The staff was absolutely amazing! Great communication, we didn't arrive prepared with food and they organised great meals and an amazing braai pack too! The pool was clean with a nice slide for kids. The hyena enclosure was a treat, and great to see that they could move around to the game farm and back so not caged. The game drive was also so much fun, and the lion were gorgeous! We were comfortable and relaxed. Loved it!

Situated in Bloemfontein, Lion Lodge offers accommodation with a balcony or a patio, free WiFi and flat-screen TV, as well as a garden and a terrace. Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is 5.7 km from the lodge , while Boyden Observatory is 27 km from the property. The nearest airport is Bram Fischer International Airport, 13 km from Lion Lodge .

Excellent hospitality and great venue

Sangiro Game Lodge

Situated in Bloemfontein, 8.4 km from Oliewenhuis Art Gallery and 32 km from Boyden Observatory, Sangiro Game Lodge features accommodation with air conditioning and access to a garden with a terrace. A barbecue is available for guests to use at Sangiro Game Lodge .

The staff is amazing. You can't go wrong staying here. Awesome beds and well appointed fixings. A labour of love in action. No power outages here. Amazing air-conditioned chalets. Thank you for sharing your place.

Victorian Lodge

Set in Bloemfontein in the Free State region and Oliewenhuis Art Gallery reachable within 2.3 km, Victorian Lodge offers accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a garden and free private parking.

Comfortable clean and pleasant stay

Bains Lodge

With an outdoor pool, thatched Bains Lodge is on 4.2 hectares of land, 3 minutes’ drive from Bloemfontein’s Cheetah Experience. Statues of animals feature in the garden, lounges and 24-hour reception. Bloemfontein International Airport is a 20-minute drive away from Bains Lodge .

The atmosphere was good. The place is quiet and clean.

Rhino Creek Estate

Boasting a garden, a shared lounge as well as a terrace, Rhino Creek Estate is set in Bloemfontein, within 8 km of Boyden Observatory and 20 km of Oliewenhuis Art Gallery. A barbecue is available for guests at the lodge to use.

Lovely accomodation, super big room and lots of space to unwind.

Ehrlichpark Lodge self catering and spa

Set in Bloemfontein in the Free State region and Oliewenhuis Art Gallery reachable within 6 km, Ehrlichpark Lodge self catering and spa offers accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a shared lounge and free private parking.

The location is good. The staff is quite helpful.

Located in Bloemfontein in the Free State region and Oliewenhuis Art Gallery reachable within 10 km, Cura Lodge provides accommodation with free WiFi, BBQ facilities, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and free private parking.

It was excellent and the staff was great, friendly and helpful.

Melted Butter Lodge

Bayswater (Near Bloemfontein)

Located 4 km from Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, Melted Butter Lodge provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk for your convenience. The lodge offers a children's playground.

Guest house is well priced for the area, staff are super friendly. Would stay here again thanks

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Bloemfontein Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION TYPE

Bloemfontein in free state, near bloemfontein.

Westdene (Bloemfontein)

Dan Pienaar

Fichardt Park

Universitas

Bloemfontein

• About Bloemfontein
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Accommodation in Bloemfontein

Isabella's Accommodation

Isabella's Accommodation is a beautiful guest house situated in a peaceful neighbourhood, in Bloemfontein. The guest house is close to many shops and...

• Swimming Pool
• Braai/Barbecue
• Pet Friendly

Helena's Overnight Accommodation

Helena's Overnight Accommodation is an affordable, neat overnight accommodation providing the perfect stopover in Bloemfontein and privately run by the...

• On-site Parking

Plaas Cottage

Enjoy peace and tranquillity in a safe farm environment for your overnight stay. Great for a stop off on your way to the coast or while attending to...

Stonehill Villa

Stonehill Villa is a luxurious guesthouse which has a tranquil setting and is located on the base of a hill in Langenhovenpark, Bloemfontein. Stonehill...

Altissimo Guest House

Altissimo means 'very high' in Italian and refers to the highest notes that can be played on woodwind instruments. At Altissimo Guest House, we pride...

30 on Whites Guesthouse

The front desk welcomes you with open arms every day from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, ready to make your check-in seamless and stress-free. To ensure a smooth...

President Hotel

The President Hotel is situated in the capital city of Bloemfontein and offers 145 bedrooms, a restaurant and the Locomotive Pub. The hotel has a variety...

Hobbit Boutique Hotel

Kick off your shoes and indulge in the luxurious comforts of Hobbit Boutique Hotel. From the warm welcome at the door to the fine furnishing and stylish...

Adelante Lodge

Adelante Lodge is situated in the heart of Bloemfontein's sport and business centre. It offers an outdoor swimming pool and spacious rooms with elegant...

@ the Villa Guest House

@ The Villa is an upmarket guest house, where we cater for all types of stays, whether it being for business, leisure or for guests merely passing...

Arista Guest House

Nestled in the leafy, tranquil and historical suburb of Dan Pienaar in Bloemfontein, lies Arista Guest House. Our rooms are tastefully and elegantly...

Grace Cottage

Blue Rain Guesthouse

Situated in Bloemfontein 8 km from Oliewenhuis Art Gallery Blue Rain Guest House features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool free private parking...

Acacia Lodge

Featuring an outdoor pool Acacia Lodge in Bloemfontein offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking for guests who drive. Fitted with a...

Lemon n Lime Guesthouse

Lemon 'n Lime Guest House is conveniently situated in Park West, one of the key areas of Bloemfontein. Expect charming accommodation in a tranquil...

Horizon Stables Guest House

Horizon Stables Guesthouse is situated 2.5 km from the N1, and approximately 4k from the Free State University. The guesthouse is in a country area, and...

With easy access from the N1 highway, Swans Nest is situated in Fichardt Park, a central area in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and close to all major...

A Contempo Guesthouse

Located in Bloemfontein less than 1 km from Mega World A Contempo Guesthouse provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool free private parking a...

Aandmuzik Guest House

Set in the middle of Bloemfontein, Aandmuzik Guest House offers refreshing charm and typical Free State home tradition. With tasteful architecture and...

Nightingale Guest House

Situated in the heart of Bloemfontein, the Nightingale Guesthouse is conveniently located and ideal for accommodation and conferencing in Bloemfontein....

Bloemfontein Reviews

Could get to centre of Bloemfontein, but not easy route.

Anja Morris-Paxton South Africa

Nelson here we come

Nelson Mandela's statue and the view over Bloemfontein

Thinus Delport South Africa

Nice quite area

Nice quite area just before Bloemfontein the perfect distance from Pretoria.

Marnus Mulder South Africa

If you are looking for Bloemfontein accommodation , SafariNow has a selection of Guest House , Self-catering , Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Bloemfontein and surrounds. With 291 listings in Bloemfontein, our handy Bloemfontein map search and great low prices, it's easy to book the perfect holiday accommodation for your Bloemfontein visit.

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I've been on over 100 safaris across Africa and repeatedly see tourists make 11 big mistakes, from sleeping in to ignoring birds

• I've been on over 100 safaris and often see tourists make the same mistakes time and again.
• Some ignore birds, while others exit the vehicle to get closer to wildlife, which is dangerous.
• Here's my advice on what not to do on safari, plus tips to improve your chances of seeing wildlife.

I'm a travel writer living in Nairobi, and I've been on more than 100 safaris across Africa.

I currently live in Nairobi, Kenya, working as a travel writer and vlogger, and have been to about 15 countries in Africa over the last 10 years.

As part of my travels, I often go on safari where I'm always awed by how large elephants are, the cunning nature of hyenas, the agility of leopards, the social life of lions, and the beauty of lilac-breasted rollers.

I've been on well over 100 safaris for leisure or on assignment as a journalist, in countries like Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and my home, Kenya.

On many of those safaris, I've shared vehicles with other tourists, and met travelers from all over the world, from the United States to Russia and Europe. I've also observed some common mistakes that people seem to make when they take this type of trip.

Here are the biggest safari mistakes to avoid, plus my tips for how to maximize your experience.

Most often, I've observed tourists become disappointed when they don't see wildlife.

I've been to most of the wildlife parks in Kenya, like Amboseli , Samburu , Shaba , Tsavo East & West , Meru , and Lake Nakuru National Parks .

I always find the big cats impressive here, such as lionesses chasing a zebra through the plains, or a leopard hauling its prey up a tree as hyenas circle below hoping it falls.

On a recent safari, I observed two-month old lion cubs, still too young to eat meat, lapping up blood from a gazelle that their mother hunted and dragged under the shade of bushes. This sighting was, however, at the end of a three-hour morning game drive.

Whenever I'm sharing a vehicle with other tourists, particularly first timers, I see some becoming impatient after a few hours without such sightings.

It's understandable; you've come to Africa for the safari of a lifetime, and want to see and photograph it all. But as I've learned, you can't set up an appointment with wildlife. Sometimes, a leopard remains elusive. 

I think you'll have a better time if you're able to relax and enjoy the sightings as they come.

In addition to being patient on drives, I don't think visitors communicate what they hope to see to their guide, or make enough attempts.

If there's an animal you really want to see, speak up.

Guides can use their expertise and knowledge of the landscape to drive to the areas where they know that you're more likely to spot the animals that you hope to see.

You should also plan to go on more than one game drive. For a two to three-day trip, I recommend going for both morning and evening drives, every day, to maximize your chances. 

One of the biggest mistakes tourists make is thinking they can get out of the vehicle to take photos with wildlife. It could risk your life.

While on safari, I've seen tourists in other vehicles get out in areas to try and get close to wildlife where park rules prohibit them to do so.

You should always stay in the safari vehicle, and if you need to get out, communicate that to your guide who knows the landscape and will advise if it's safe.

Rather than risk your life, there are other places you can go if you want to get up close with animals.

In Nairobi, I like to spend time with orphaned baby elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and watch them mud bathe and guzzle milk formula. Another option I recommend is to feed pellets to Rothschild Giraffes at Giraffe Center.

And at Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, visitors may join rangers to track the endangered southern white rhinos on foot, which will place you within a few feet of the animals.

Not only are experiences like these safe, but they still provide the thrill of an up-close encounter, and proceeds usually go back to the continued protection of the wildlife. 

Often, I meet tourists who only go to the most popular parks, and in the high season. Then, they complain about how crowded it is.

Some of Africa's best-known parks are Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. And I understand the popularity — all of these destinations have an abundance of wildlife and stunning landscapes.

According to Safari Outfitter & Beyond , who I've been with on safari a few times in Serengeti and Maasai Mara, the best time for a Kenyan safari is the high season from June to October, when sparse vegetation and limited water draws wildlife to waterholes making them easier to spot.

But because of this phenomenon, I've always found this time period to be busy and crowded, which can take away from the experience.

In my experience, guides tend to work collaboratively and radio one another whenever there's a sighting, and when word gets out that a coalition of cheetahs were spotted, soon there are 20 cars charging to surround them at the same time. I also find the parks become particularly busy during the annual wildebeest migration season, and lodges get fully booked as tourists travel to witness it.

I've seen first-timers then become frustrated that the experience isn't the remote safari they pictured.

If you prefer less crowds, choose a less popular park, or consider a visit at another time.

I've seen many tourists wrongly assume that Africa is hot all the time, and fail to pack warm clothing.

In my experience, visitors to Africa tend to have the perception that it will be really hot, all the time. I think this is probably because of documentaries and movies they might have watched where people are dressed as such, and that's how the landscape is portrayed.

But I've found that isn't always the case. I've experienced many cold nights in some parks, even if it's not the rainy season when it can be cold and wet.

According to Masai Mara , temperatures in that park can range between 52 and 82-degrees Fahrenheit, and I know it will feel quite cold when it hits that lower end.

I suggest that visitors bring warm clothing to layer like jackets, scarves, and even gloves. Plus, some safari vehicles are open on the sides, and in my experience, this can make it feel really cold when driving fast during the day, too. 

Another big mistake I've witnessed is choosing not to wake up early for game drives.

Guides have explained to me that the best times for game drives are the cooler hours of the day, around sunrise and sunset.

They say this is because it's when the weather is more comfortable for animals. During later parts of the day, guides have said that animals prefer to stay tucked away under the shade to avoid the scorching heat. This means it's less likely you'll see much action if you choose to head out only in the afternoon.

To increase my chances of seeing wildlife, I choose morning drives that require wake-up calls as early as 4:30 a.m. On those drives, I've shared a vehicle with others where I heard them complain that it's too early.

It definitely is, and the roads can be rough, and the drives can be long and tiring, particularly if it's several days back to back. But I know morning is the best time to go if you want to see as many animals as possible.

I've spotted wildlife later in the day, too, but whenever I've come across a pride of lions around midday, for instance, they're usually sleeping.

Discuss with your guide to figure out a schedule that works best for you. If you can wake up early, though, I find the sunrises over the African bush are always so spectacular. Why would you want to miss such beauty?

Ignoring bird life is another commonly-made mistake.

It took me around 30 game drives to finally get into birdwatching.

I started off indifferent, but now I squeal with excitement when I spot a Marshall Eagle with its large wing-span perched atop a tree at Shaba National Reserve in Kenya, or if I've eyed a small gazelle, or a kettle of vultures stealing a zebra carcass from a hyena.

I wish I knew sooner that birds are really cool, and I think many visitors make this same mistake because they become too focused on just large wildlife.

I finally came to this realization thanks to helpful guides I met who helped me learn interesting facts about birds and their social life, and now I'm always left wanting to know more. 

I don't think many people realize that there are many ways to do a safari.

With over 100 safaris under my belt, I've been on so many game drives that I started getting a little jaded about driving around and seeing animals from a land cruiser, every time.

So I decided to switch things up recently, and I don't think many people know there are other ways to see wildlife besides from a car.

I've now been on several hot air balloons, from which I've spotted elephants in Amboseli National Park with Mt. Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak in the background. And it was from a balloon that I tracked black rhinos through the mud one rainy morning in Borana Conservancy .

I've also enjoyed camel-back safaris, boat cruises, and sunset walking safaris, and recommend working them into your itinerary to experience different perspectives.

Please stop bringing plastic bags and bottles into the parks.

Countries like Kenya and Rwanda have banned single-use plastics including water bottles, straws, disposable cups, and cutlery in protected areas like parks, forests, and beaches.

You're often not even allowed to bring your plastic bag carry-ons through the airports. According to section 144 of Kenya's Environmental Management and Co-Ordination act , if you're caught breaking this law, there are severe fines of one to four years in jail, or a $16,000 fine.

And while I haven't heard of cases of tourists being charged or fined, I still often see them trying to bring these items into the parks, where they're usually confiscated.

I think it's better to just plan ahead and adhere to the law, and also to make more efforts to be respectful of the land to preserve it for generations to come.

I wish lodge guests would be more considerate of others and keep the volume of their music down.

In my experience, many rooms at overnight lodges are located really close to each other.

In a few instances, I've struggled to sleep or relax as guests next to me played really loud music.

I can appreciate a good playlist as much as the next person, but I wish more tourists would be more considerate of other guests.

I find going to the bush to be a time for serenity and disconnecting from the bustle of city life. Returning to blasting music detracts from that feeling, in my opinion.

Instead, turn your music off and take your stay as a chance to listen to the sweet cacophony of nature. And should you strongly desire to still listen to Drake over the hippos grunting in the distance, please just keep your volume at a reasonable level.

Finally, I think too many tourists don't take advantage of the low season when it's much easier to plan a safari on a budget.

In the low season between March and May when there is often heavy rain, the roads get muddy and vegetation grows tall and thick.

In my experience, this draws less tourists, and as a result, lodges tend to reduce rates to attract visitors. I've found you can save a lot of money if you visit then instead of high season.

So if you're looking to go on safari on a budget and don't mind getting wet from time to time, you might want to come during this period, since I've seen firsthand that the wildlife is still visible. I also think it's a unique time since the vegetation is lush and green, the bird life is abundant, and new calves are birthed. 

I've also seen that fewer tourist numbers means less congestion of vehicles in parks for a more isolated experience.

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