TheMac

Having lived in Africa for the last 5 1/2 years and been on several safaris, as well as visited many different venues. I have to say that the safari.......even when the animals are not very "cooperative", is fantastic.
A few of my observances:

1) The wonder of seeing the Milky Way and meteor shower in the Namibian Sky.
2) Being chased (in a vehicle) by an elephant who just "isn't have a good day".
3) Having a sundowner and snacks sitting inside an open vehicle, as the sun goes down while watching a lion pride "on the hunt".
4) Hearing the lions "bellow" in the middle of the night.
5) As someone else points out, not knowing what you will see around the next bush/tree.
6) Spending a few days riding around, 2 to 3 game drives a day, with people of a like mind..."all animals are interesting".
7) Watching lions drag an animal out of a swollen river.........the easy kill.
8) Spending time with friends, bbqing on your own, and having over 10 banded mongoose "come for a visit".
9) Listening to your kids explain how they made a bow and arrow, and casted a Hyena track....after 2 game drives in the same day.
10) The gourmet lunch served on linen, with linen napkins...inside a fenced enclosure in a park and watching the elephants wander in for a drink at the waterhole.
11) Listening to the lions roaring, leaving breakfast in a bit of hurry and seeing to two young male lions drinking from puddle in the middle of the track.
12) Marveling at the colors of a Lilac Breasted Roller, and the size of the Kori Bustard (and that it can fly!).

So many.

Having lived on 5 different continents, in 8 countries, and visited many more, the safaris do hold a special place.

Leely2

<i> I found the experience to be too much of the same thing after the first couple of hours.</i>

Interesting because I find the experience so different every single time! A different bird, a different bee, a different slant of light, etc. And speaking of difference, I think this is just a case of different strokes for different folks.

Now I've typed the word different so many times in a row it looks strange to me.

TheMac

Should read...4 continents...though someday it may be 5.

LAleslie

Thanks Shelley. I loved Kirstenbosch too. But to me a safari is all about the drama.

atravelynn

"As I travelled, I found that I was most interested in the architecture, culture and scenery of the country I was visiting." That's your cup of tea, ShelleyK, instead of wildlife. Not that you don't appreciate wildlife but other things appeal more. Very well.

shelleyk

Leely2-I think you have summed it up.-"Different strokes for different folks."

uhoh_busted

What thrilled me most was being immersed in the vastness of the place under those amazing skies, with the super stereophonic sounds all around. I felt so lucky to be there, in a world so totally different from my everyday life. It's not unlike snorkling or diving a reef teeming with beautiful colored fish and coral -- you are in another world.

hooliganskids

I love the very diverse products on offer at the malls as well as the fleamarkets where we can get masks etc and all sorts of stuff to take home for decor. Also the clothing is lovely and my family in the US have loved the clothing I bought from Out of Africa in the JNB departures hall.There is a shop called "Kids", I think as you enter the departures.