Elite Traveler Summer 2022

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Into the wild

There’s a rawness to going on safari. The smells, the constant feeling of vulnerability, the pure ecstasy of being privy to Mother Nature’s mercy. Here, out in the wild, you learn the art of liberation, of escapism. The adrenaline rush of being so exposed, so defenseless, so helpless out in the savannah is like some kind of sexy, dangerously addictive, stomach-churning drug. Within seconds of the bush slowly revealing its secrets, you begin to realize your problems are tiny in comparison to those of a weak impala. Think of it, in other words, as nature’s very distinct wake-up call. I fi rst feel this twinge of enlightenment while out on my fi rst game drive. Hidden in the bushes lies a pride of lions: two males (rare, our driver Tovi and tracker Kevin tell us), lionesses and about six or seven cubs. The leader of the pride stares at me as we gaze in excitement. His amber eyes glow; his teeth seem almost eerily and opportunistically poised. It makes me feel nervous and scared as I watch his full, exhausted belly as he digests last night’s dinner. I feel sick with fear but am in awe of just how helpless I am in comparison with this magni fi cent beast. I am in the middle of Singita’s stretch of Kruger National Park. Rumor has it, owner Luke Bailes had his pick of Kruger concessions, and this lush oasis was his fi rst choice. For those not familiar with the trekking trailblazer, he successfully pioneered a form of safari in which conservation and next-level experiences for the 0.1% make a virtuous lap of

From top Singita Lebombo Lodge; an outdoor sleepout setup