DESTINATION EAST AFRICA

A DAY ON A SILVERBIRD SAFARI
It begins the moment your plane touches down. Africa! In the footsteps of great explores, adventurers, writers, frontiersmen and royalty.
The next day your safari begins. Snow-capped mountains. Cavernous valleys. Vast deserts. Lush forests. Sparkling lakes. Arid plains. Romantic beaches. Vibrant waterfalls. And, most especially animals by the thousands. The sleek cats…lion, leopard and cheetah. Elephant by thundering herd. Exotic birds in every conceivable shape size and colour. Wildebeest, rhino, eland, buffalo, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, waterbuck, klipspringer and impala are abundant and easily within your view.
Who know what is in store for you? Chance, and skill of your driver, will determine whether you will see a family of cheetah sunning themselves sleepily on a rock, the drama of a lion kill or the thrill of an elephant charge. The trees in the distance turn out to be a family of a giraffe. The clump bushes are a pride of lions. And the rock that moves may well be a rhino lumbering out of your way. In any event, the sheer mass and spectacle of the animals surrounding you will 'provide endless opportunities to fill many an album of treasured memories.
You spend the night at a lodge, rustic and so very African from the outside, yet cool and elegant inside, surrounding you with luxury and pampering you with exquisite world-class service. No expense has been spared to provide for your every comfort.
Sun-up at 6.00 a.m. A brilliant orange ball. Steaming coffee awaits you as your driver prepares for an early morning game run. As soon as you are ready, it's off into the bush. The dew is fast disappearing and the predators are on the prowl. Your driver expertly sets off in the pursuit of the herds. Later back at the lodge, a hearty English breakfast awaits and offers a quiet moment in which to share your experiences with your fellow travelers. Animals may be seen at the waterhole. The vast open spaces and the quiet calm of Africa are suddenly apparent as crisp, clear air allows you to see far into the distance.
Luncheon. Four courses, an extravagant variety of fresh and delicious foods. Coffee and cheese are served on the veranda overlooking the waterhole. Yet another opportunity to absorb the beauty that surrounds you. Then a couple of hours at the pool or just relaxing, while in the background you hear the sounds of chattering monkeys, roaring lions and splashing elephants as they bathe in the water nearby.
A proper English tea on the veranda is followed is followed by an afternoon game drive. The sun is making its way down the horizon- its blaze of red produces long, enigmatic shadows-the perfect camouflage for all concerned.
Your drive is busily pointing out a dazzling array of happenings. For camera buffs, these are the ultimate moments. Return to the lodge several hour later. Piping hot showers or leisurely baths remove a thin veil of red dust to reveal the beginnings of an appealing tan. "Sundowners" at the bar precede dinner, a delectable meal with a splendid array of choices, offering just the right mixture of continental and local cuisine, prepared by chefs whom would be at home at any kitchens of the world's finest hotels.
The meal over, it is time to gather around the fireplace and trade tales or sit quietly on the veranda watching the game converge on the waterhole as evening shadows envelop the world. It's getting cool and you are ready scanning the surrounding grounds for a lone animal. Should you wish to observe a specific species that may turn up during the course of the night; a wake-up call can be arranged.
A well-earned night's sleep and then it is morning. The warm rays of the African sun awaken you for another day of safari adventure.

THE SAFARI- Preparing for the safari

THE SAFARI- Safari Briefing