Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa, by Gerald Hoberman

Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa, by Gerald Hoberman. Gerald & Marc Hoberman Collection. Cape Town, South Africa 2008. ISBN 9781919939377 / ISBN 978-1-919939-37-7

This collection of photographs is a representative excerpt from the illustrated book Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa. (Hoberman: ISBN 9781919939377 / ISBN 978-1-919939-37-7)

In this large format volume of Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa, master photographer Gerald Hoberman reveals the distinctive attributes of each exclusive safari lodge, making it an ideal book for just enjoyment or planning a safari holiday.

Marc Hoberman  Gerald Hoberman  

A typical day on safari

Going on a safari fame drive before first light is a rewarding experience. As the sun rises, the dew dissipates and, for a short while, the air becomes chilly. The sheer beauty of dawn in the African bushveld, characterised by long, silent shadows, sparkling golden light and crisp air, has an intoxicating quality. New animal tracks, fresh clung, drag marks, recently broken branches, uprooted trees, circling cultures, alarm calls, attentive jackals and a sudden stampede of animals are but some of the early-morning news items, to be read by the highly bush-literate trackers and rangers. They share their observations with other rangers by radio, to the mutual benefit of their respect ire guests. An early-morning stop in a relatively safe area of the bush after a couple of hours into a game drive is always welcome. It s an opportunity to stretch one's legs- scent-marking the territory, so lo speak - and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, lea or hot chocolate and rusks while discussing the sightings with fellow guests. Late, long breakfasts to satisfy the most ravenous of game viewers is taken on the terrace, followed by a pampering session in the health spa or a retreat to the library with a good book. Alternatively, you can slay on the terrace to view the wildlife and enjoy the congenial company of fellow guests. Then, before you know it, it's lunch lime. With some time to spare in the afternoon, a siesta in air-conditioned comfort beckons, followed by an elegant high lea. When it's off on the late-afternoon game drive, when animals once again are active. As the heat begins lo let up, shadows lengthen and the bush is bathed in warm hues of magic light as twilight approaches. Sundowners in the African bush is an important ritual, reminiscent of intrepid explores with pith helmets and khaki clothes sipping pink gins and quinine tonic water, their rifles at the ready. Nowadays it is marked by the quick setting up foldaway table, a checked tablecloth, delicious snacks and your favourite tipple ordered in advance and prepared just the tray you like it. The unrivalled camaraderie and romance of sundowners in the wilds of Africa is great for honeymooners and those fortunate enough to experience the wild outdoors. It is a celebration of one of life's magic moments. A boma is an enclosure made of branches and reeds. It is open to the stars and is usually illuminated with paraffin lanterns and a large log fire in the centre. The word boma is of Kiswahili origin. A popular myth is that the name is an acronym for British Officers Mess Association. This enclosure is the perfect environment for a leisurely bush dinner while also offering some protection front wild animals. Boma dinners provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy South African cuisine, including braais (barbecues) and potjiekos (a full flavoured stew cooked slowly for several hours in a three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire), (lame, such as ostrich, kudu, eland, warthog and crocodile, is served along with huge, imaginative salads and freshly baked bread. Traditional drumming, singing, clapping and dancing are laid on by the staff, creating a lively atmosphere and a deep sense of wellbeing. [...]

This is an excerpt from the book: Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa, by Gerald Hoberman.

Title: Exclusive Safari Lodges of South Africa
Author: Gerald Hoberman
Publisher: Gerald & Marc Hoberman Collection
Cape Town, South Africa 2008
ISBN 9781919939377 / ISBN 978-1-919939-37-7
Cloth bound hardcover, 31 x 25 cm, 336 pages, 1000 colour photographs, 1 map