The thought of roaming across wild African landscapes, marveling at untamed landscapes, not to mention even less tame animals, as you bounce along rugged tracks in the back of an open air jeep, may seem a very long way off at the moment. Especially at a time when just heading out to the shop for more cheese and a bottle of wine is practically frowned upon. And whilst things will eventually return to normal, three major companies are offering the chance to go on virtual adventures across such landscapes from the comfort of your own home, right now. Why fly halfway around the world, drive out into the dangerous bush hoping to see animals in their natural environment, when you can sit at home in your armchair sipping tea and wait for the animals to be brought to you?
Taking place twice a day, in the morning and just before sunset, throughout April, andBeyond’s live game drivers are teaming up with wildlife experts from WildEarth to bring all the exotic action and thrills to the home audience. Each three-hour drive will swap between live feeds from andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve, which borders the famous Kruger National Park and the nearby Djuma Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand wildlife area. Viewers will almost feel as if they are actually right there, exploring the wild plains and scrubby interior with these experienced adventurers and you can even ask questions in real time via YouTube or Twitter.
Some of the possible encounters that you might have are with elephants, giraffe, wild dogs, a female leopard, and perhaps even the Birmingham lion pride—which currently includes two white lion cubs.
And lions and baby elephants are also high on the list of sights if you virtually join wildlife resident photographer and safari guide Ross Couper on his drives through the Singita Sabi Sand concession in South Africa. Held twice a day, these popular lives streams last between 30 minutes and one hour and you can even find 30-second highlight clips on Singita’s Instagram account.
Richard Branson’s Virgin Limited Edition lodges within the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve are also the focus for such virtual safari’s. One is set high up in a rocky hillside, the other perched on the banks of a dry riverbed and both are surrounded by the rich life of the African savannah. Live outings will be streamed every Monday giving you the feeling that you are walking side by side with the retreats expert rangers and trackers.
Never has being so adventurous been so easy. Delight in a new experience to be enjoyed…
SEI Club 