And Why It Matters for Your Next Trip
After years of travelling through Africa, staying at countless safari lodges, I’ve come to understand what it means to be a ‘safari snob’ and I am unashamedly embracing the title for myself.
But not because I demand luxury at every turn.
Instead, because I’ve been lucky enough to experience some of the best safari lodges in the world, and so I know just how much the little details can enhance an already magical experience – and why my being a snob (!) will mean your holiday is exquisite.
After all, going on a Safari isn’t something you do every day (unless you’re a ranger!) so your experience should be truly exceptional.
So I go seeking those experiences out, with my discerning Safari Snob hat on.
The Height of Safari Luxury
Picture this: having a personal chef, butler, pastry chef, sommelier, and massage therapist catering to your every need. And (to answer one of the most frequent questions I have from first-timers) even a Japanese-style toilet with a heated seat, warm water and warm air to … well, you get it. (All adjustable to your preferences of course.)
Some safari lodges take indulgence to another level, creating an experience that feels almost surreal – even more so when you consider their location.
But beyond the luxury, the real reason I keep returning to the bush is the wildlife. The sounds of nature, and the sheer beauty of the landscapes.
Every time I’m on safari, I feel incredibly privileged. I am aware that many will never have the chance to witness Africa’s wilderness in the way that I do, so I don’t take a single minute for granted.
Why is this important for you? The suggestions I make for your safari are drawn from years of experience, and years of understanding what makes a truly great Safari, to make sure that your time in Africa is life-alteringly memorable.
What Makes a Safari Truly Special?
Over time, I’ve realised that I have become a little particular when it comes to service, accommodation, and overall comfort. I enjoy rustic, back-to-basics camps, and especially when these increase the chances of incredible sightings – but I do notice when the finer details are missing.
What are these fine details?
For example, a well-trained ranger will anticipate your needs, offering a chance to use the bush toilet before an exciting sighting (and providing a paper bag with toilet paper so nothing is left behind) – invaluable.
Poolside service, a perfectly timed sundowner, and guides who instinctively know when to stop for the best wildlife sightings or for the best picture setting all make a world of difference.
I love the romance of a bucket shower, but I do prefer having both an indoor and outdoor shower – the best lodges and camps anticipate this, and make sure they’re available, but always minimising the impact on the surrounding area.
Electricity is a great convenience, but there’s something magical about candlelight and petroleum lamps flickering in the night. (That said, I absolutely hate not being able to charge my camera, phone or laptop overnight, some things are non-negotiable!)
These are just some of the things that I, now a proud Safari Snob, look out for when I’m planning my next adventure.
Snobby or Simply Knowing What Works?
Being a ‘safari snob’ isn’t just about luxury, it’s about knowing what makes a safari unforgettable.
The right balance of comfort and authenticity can elevate your experience, making each moment in the wild feel seamless and extraordinary.
Whether you’re looking for an ultra-luxurious escape or a more down-to-earth, authentic adventure, I’m here to craft a safari that suits you perfectly. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about where your stay, it’s about how those little details make the big picture incredible. How the smallest of touches mean your journey is one you’ll always remember.
What about you? Have you become a safari snob too?
If so, for example this itinerary would suit you!
Places that raised the bar
Zambia made me a safari snob, as this is where I truly experienced what sustainable and ‘silent’ game drives and cruises mean. Green Safaris is leading the way here with their e-cruisers and e-bikes, which allow guests to explore the wilderness with minimal impact. Focused on community-driven conservation, solar-powered energy, and reforestation projects, ensuring that tourism benefits both the environment and local people.
South Africa offers some excellent safari options and places to stay, have a look at ‘Where to Stay’. Here, you’ll find some of the best-trained rangers in the industry, as the country has only a handful of Level III ‘Master’ guides. Several private reserves have taken conservation to the next level, not only protecting wildlife but actively reintroducing species such as cheetahs and pangolins.
Namibia is home to breathtaking landscapes and some of the most remote and stunning lodges, such as Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. This lodge exemplifies low-impact tourism, operating entirely off-grid with solar power and supporting desert-adapted wildlife research. Here, conservation is at the heart of every experience, from tracking desert lions to learning about how wildlife thrives in extreme environments.
Botswana, another place that added to my safari snobbery, is a country deeply committed to conservation-focused tourism. The Okavango Delta is stunning, and due to its vast waterways, you often travel by helicopter or small plane from one camp to another. Seeing the Delta from above—spotting hippo ‘highways’ or a massive herd of buffalo from an eagle’s-eye perspective is something you’ll never forget. My latest site inspection through Botswana inspired me to create the ‘Circle of Wildlife’ itinerary, which captures the essence of these incredible ecosystems.
If you like to read more about my adventures, have a look at my blogs.
Written by Daphne Wijnveldt
Top Travel Tip
“..Waking up at 5am, doesn’t get better than in the African Bush! Waking up to the sounds of the wildlife, the smell of fresh coffee and the knowledge that soon you will see amazing things during a morning game drive” – Daphne, Africa Safari Specialist
