South Africa 2022 Recap
For the 2022 trip we traveled to South Africa’s northernmost province, Limpopo — a region defined by its vast bushveld, dramatic rock formations, and powerful river systems. Situated along the borders of Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, it’s an area rich in biodiversity with excellent access to the Big Five and unique conservation opportunities that were available to us throughout the journey.
We stayed at Karongwe River Lodge, where the accommodations are beautifully integrated into the surrounding wilderness. Our room blended modern comfort with warm African design elements and included a private veranda overlooking the bush. The main lodge offered a spectacular viewing deck, an inviting dining room and lounge, a bar, an outdoor pool, and a wonderful curio shop — all creating a comfortable, welcoming base between game drives and conservation activities.
A few key things always guide me when planning these kinds of trips.
I start with the wildlife: where they are, the best time of year to visit, and whether seasonal shifts or landscape changes have altered their movements or migration routes. Equally important is the experience and conservation knowledge of the private guide we’ll be working with — and yes, a good sense of humor matters too.
Flexibility is another priority. I look for the freedom to shape our days around what’s happening in the bush: long stretches of wildlife observation, meaningful photography opportunities, quiet time in nature, and the chance to follow unexpected moments as they unfold. I also choose secluded, remote, eco-friendly lodges and areas so that the “crowds” we encounter are made up of animals, not people.
And finally, I know that nature often rewrites the script. Unforeseen opportunities arise, sightings shift, and suddenly the day unfolds in a way no one could have planned. That’s part of the magic. It’s why I love collaborating with trusted specialist guides — they understand what I’m seeking and how I like to travel, and together we create experiences that are both unforgettable and deeply meaningful.
We saw an incredible variety of wildlife
— leopard, cheetah, lion, hyena, giraffe, elephant, rhino, and all the familiar plains game. Some of the highlights included being surrounded by a herd of elephants, watching cheetahs hunt, and tracking lions through the bush. There were lighter moments too: baboons broke into my room and stole the cookie jar (thankfully they left my clothes, though not without making a spectacular mess). Antelopes, warthogs, vervet monkeys, and other animals spent their days grazing and relaxing just outside my tent. And, of course, the camaraderie among our group — paired with the warmth of the staff — made the experience even more memorable.
The conservation component of these trips is truly remarkable. Everyone walked away with a new perspective and a deeper understanding of what conservation work actually entails — especially the ‘necessary’ preventative medical procedures carried out on some of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species. Seeing this work firsthand reveals how essential these interventions are for the animals’ safety and long-term survival. And the more people understand, the more they can share, advocate, and help amplify the importance of conservation
Trip Highlights
Dehorning Rhino
Wow — the rhino has such a powerful presence in the bush. Seeing them this close feels almost otherworldly. Their massive bodies are pure muscle, covered in thick, grey, leather-like skin layered with old scars and dried mud. And yet, behind the ears, along the inner legs, inside the gums — their skin is as soft as a baby’s. They carry a gentle, sweet musk, and their eyes are unexpectedly kind.
Speaking with the wildlife veterinarians, the management team, the anti-poaching unit, and even the helicopter and fixed-wing pilots was incredibly educational. The level of coordination that goes into protecting these animals is extraordinary. And the hands-on participation each of us had with the rhino was mind-blowing. It’s an emotional, spiritual, and deeply humbling experience — one that affects you in the most profound way.
Vet Hospital to See Pangolin
Pangolins are the most trafficked animals in the world, and seeing one in the wild is extraordinarily rare — a true stroke of luck. The fact that we were able to see a pangolin up close felt almost unreal. We visited a specialized wildlife veterinary hospital that had recently rescued this beautiful female pangolin. She was traumatized and struggling to acclimate to her new surroundings, but she was safe, monitored, and slowly on the mend. The level of care was exceptional — nothing spared, every detail focused on her recovery.
Hearing directly from the veterinarians about her rescue and treatment was deeply educational. When we arrived, she was in the process of being sedated to receive vital nutrients and fluids. It was during this quiet, delicate moment that we were given the privilege of gently touching her body. Pangolins are unlike any other mammal on earth — covered from head to tail in overlapping, geometric keratin scales, with soft brown eyes, delicate hands tipped with strong claws, and the sweetest little feet.
I was profoundly moved by her vulnerability, her resilience, and the compassion of the team caring for her. Her story brought me to tears — a mix of heartbreak and gratitude. Heartbreak for what she had endured, and gratitude that she was now in the care of people who understood her worth and were fighting to give her another chance.
Visits with Several Anti-Poaching Units
I’ve always been deeply intrigued — and profoundly impressed — by the work anti-poaching units (APUs) do. These men and women risk their lives every single day to protect Africa’s wildlife and fragile ecosystems. It’s incredibly eye-opening to see where and how they live, especially knowing they spend many consecutive days out in the bush under brutal sun, sleeping in small tents with minimal equipment, limited supplies, and only their rifles for protection. They are the most exposed and vulnerable “foot soldiers” on the front lines of the anti-poaching war.
Alongside them are Project Rhino’s exceptional K9 units and the anti-poaching horse units — the remarkable “animals saving animals” teams whose contribution to wildlife protection is invaluable. I felt truly privileged to meet all of them, to hear their stories, and to witness the depth of their commitment. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication are beyond measure.
Review the SA 2022 Trip
Limpopo South Africa; Lion and Rhino Safari Conservation Trip.
September 12th-18th, 2022
Testimonials
"It’s such a good mix when you get to have these conservation experiences with safari. The safari is just amazing and eye opening and incredibly experiential in terms of just being close to these beautiful animals that otherwise you’d just see in photographs or documentaries, and then to be able to get close and see the conservation work that people are doing to really try and save these animals is phenomenal. Its far exceeded my expectations." - Denise H.
"I didn’t really know what to expect. Our lodge is mind blowing, so beautiful and tranquil, and with the animals just walking right through the grounds it was really special. The safari itself has been just magical, its literally day 2 and last night we saw a pride of lions, then went back after dark to see them again, it was extraordinary, I can’t even describe it." - Shannon C.
It’s just really incredible to be involved in an actual conservation experience. This cause is so important to me personally, and even some of the folks that were here that aren't fully aware of what’s happening with endangered species, it was fascinating to watch them learn and become more aware of what’s happening with rhinos in particular the dehorning. I love watching people learn about the cause because they become more passionate and they tell others and that’s how the word spreads. - Jen P.