Dreaming of a safari? Our travel expert recommends this South Africa trip

An elephant steps into view, crossing the road with slow, deliberate ease. Nearby, zebras graze in a loose formation, shifting as one, ears flicking, bodies angled to watch. There are no fences, just open land and the quiet rhythm of wildlife moving around you.  

It’s the scene many travellers imagine when they think of an African safari.  

For Jessica Lefebvre, a CAA Travel Consultant at CAA North Bay, that image became reality on her first-ever trip to Africa.  

She travelled on Trafalgar’s Essence of South Africa, a 10-day guided itinerary that begins in Cape Town, winds through the Cape Peninsula, continues to Hoedspruit for safari, and ends in Johannesburg.  

Here’s what her first safari was like, and why she recommends it to other first-time travellers.  

Seeing animals up close on safari

The first thing you notice on safari is how little separates you from the landscape. From an open vehicle, there’s no glass or fencing, just open air and the sounds of the bush.  

For Lefebvre, that proximity defined the experience. Wildlife moves through the landscape as if you are simply another quiet presence.  

“These are not captive animals,” she said. “These are wildlife that live in that area, in their natural habitat.”  

Much wildlife viewing takes place on game drives, guided excursions through protected areas in search of animals. The drives can follow uneven, winding paths, with trackers helping spot wildlife hidden in the bush, Lefebvre said. 

Sightings can be unpredictable, with animals sometimes emerging just metres away before slipping quietly back into the landscape. That unpredictability is part of what makes each moment feel immediate and real, without disturbing the animals. 

At one point, a group of zebras lingered near the vehicle long enough to be observed in detail before moving on. Other encounters were brief, disappearing as quickly as they appeared.   

“They were right up close; it was pretty incredible,” Lefebvre said. 

Penguins, people and places beyond the wild

Wildlife encounters on this trip don’t stop at the safari. Along the Cape Peninsula, Lefebvre visited Boulders Beach, where African penguins roam freely across the sand and rocks, often weaving around visitors as they settle along the shoreline.  

The itinerary covers many of the sights first-time visitors come to see, Lefebvre said, including Table Mountain, where sweeping views stretch across Cape Town and the Atlantic coastline. 

Some of the most memorable moments, though, came from more personal experiences. During a hosted visit in a local home, she shared a meal prepared by her host,  a setting she described as far more intimate than a typical restaurant stop. 

Cultural experiences offered a similar sense of connection. In one village, music and dance unfolded as storytelling, with performers inviting visitors to take part rather than watch. 

“They interacted with the crowd,” Lefebvre said. “You could dance with them.” 

What to check before you depart

Even with a guided itinerary, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Lefebvre recommends travellers check vaccination requirements or recommendations for parts of Africa well in advance.  

She also advises reviewing travel advisories, confirming passport and entry requirements, and consulting a travel health clinic if needed. Planning helps ensure those details don’t add stress right before departure. 

Who is this trip best suited for

One of the biggest advantages of a guided tour is how quickly you can settle into the experience. “Everything is curated. You don’t have to think,” Lefebvre said. 

Moving between destinations requires less day-to-day coordination, making it easier to settle into the trip's pace. Travelling with a guide also makes it easier to reach places that might feel difficult to navigate independently, while adding insight into the history and culture of the places you’re visiting.  

It can also be a good fit for solo travellers, with the group dynamic making it easy to connect while still having space to explore. “In my opinion, very single-friendly,” Lefebvre said. 

That sense of ease and support is part of why she recommends the trip as an introduction. “If you want to visit Africa but feel nervous, this is a good entry-level trip,” she said. 

Ready to start planning your safari trip?   

Interested in planning a safari? CAA Members save $100 per person on Trafalgar guided tours. Plus, receive an additional $80 per person tour credit on select CAA Vacations® itineraries. 

To learn more and start planning your dream vacation, visit the CAA Travel hub for trip planning, booking, and expert support, or book an appointment with a CAA Travel Agent.