Day 3: Our First Full Day on Safari
Morning Wake-Up and Breakfast
The day began with the sound of drums echoing through the lodge, signalling that breakfast was being served. The breakfast buffet was lovely, with the kitchen ladies toasting bread for us and the amazing chef Emma at the egg station. Hands down, Emma makes the best omelettes, and honestly, she was the star of the kitchen throughout our stay.
Head Chef - Emma calling us all for breakfast.
Welcome Wildlife Talk
After breakfast, we gathered around for a briefing from our game drivers. Once everyone had selected their jeeps, we headed into the bush to a special spot where our guides gave us an insightful wildlife talk. They explained what to expect on the game drives, shared details about optional excursions, and introduced us to some of the species of animals, birds, and plants we might encounter during our stay.
Spa and Shop Visit
On the way back to the lodge, we made stops at the onsite spa and shop. Sebatana has three lodges, and access to the spa and shop is scheduled according to your lodge’s itinerary.
The spa is absolutely stunning, featuring two treatment rooms, a hairdressing room, and an open-air area for pedicures with views of the surrounding bush. The setting is serene and peaceful.
As for the shop, it didn’t have anything I personally wanted to buy, but several people in our group found souvenirs and gifts there.
Onsite Spa
Afternoon Game Drive
After returning to the lodge, we had some time to relax and enjoy a coffee before lunch. That afternoon, we set off on our first photo safari game drive around the Sebatana Private Reserve. It was our first chance to see crocodiles and giraffes in the wild! Our guide also pointed out various plants and trees, making the experience educational as well as exciting.
The drive lasted around three hours. Upon our return, the lodge treated us to happy hour with buy-one-get-one-free cocktails—a perfect way to wind down before dinner.
Dinner: A South African-Chinese Fusion Feast
Dinner was a delightful surprise with a South African twist on Chinese cuisine. We started with cranberry and camembert phyllo spring rolls. For the main course, served buffet-style, we had:
Sweet and sour warthog with egg noodles
Crispy chicken with sticky honey soy sauce
Peppered Mongolian beef and broccoli
Served alongside egg fried rice and garden greens
I tried all three mains, and each was full of flavour. The beef was slightly spicy but still very palatable.
For dessert, we were served a basil-scented panna cotta with orange jelly—light, fragrant, and refreshing.
Early to Bed
Another wonderful day in the bush, another delicious meal. We headed to bed early, ready for a 5:30 AM breakfast before our 6:00 AM game drive.
Until next time, keep dreaming big, traveling far, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
See you soon!
Sarah x