| Settle in with your cuppa, because I’m about to spill the beans on what can only be described as a proper jaw dropping, utterly indulgent, four day escape to Onguma Tented Camp. And when I say escape, I mean *escape*. Forget your worries, ditch your spreadsheets, and prepare for a serious dose of pampering mixed with a healthy (and by healthy, I mean thrilling) dose of the wild. This isn't your grandma’s camping trip, mind you. We’re talking a fly in safari. Yes, you read that right. A plane whisked us away, leaving the mundane world behind faster than you can say ‘gin and tonic’. The journey itself felt like the opening scene of a rather fancy movie. Landing on a dusty airstrip, the air thick with that unique African scent of dry earth and something vaguely floral, felt immediately… important. Upon arrival at Onguma Tented Camp, the ‘tent’ part of the name is a bit of an understatement. These are more like opulent suites that just happen to be made of canvas. Think plush king size beds, freestanding baths (yes, you can soak while watching the sunset, no judgement here), and private decks where you can actually hear your own thoughts for a change. My personal favourite was the outdoor shower; showering under a canopy of stars with the distant rumble of a lion… let’s just say it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to your morning ablutions. So, what do you actually *do* on an exclusive luxury safari? Well, besides perfecting the art of the leisurely gin and tonic on your deck, there’s the wildlife. And oh boy, is there wildlife. Our days were punctuated with game drives in open top vehicles, driven by guides who seemed to possess an almost mystical ability to spot a leopard camouflaged in a thorn tree from fifty paces. We’re talking the full shebang: elephants lumbering by, giraffes delicately nibbling leaves, zebras in their dazzling stripes, and a cheetah so close I’m pretty sure it winked at me. Honestly, sometimes I felt less like a tourist and more like a particularly privileged spectator at nature’s most exclusive show. The guides are not just trackers; they are storytellers. They weave tales of the bush, pointing out medicinal plants and explaining animal behaviour with a passion that’s infectious. It’s humbling to realise how little we know about the world right under our noses, or in this case, just beyond the camp’s perimeter. Evenings are a highlight. Picture this: sundowners on a kopje, the sky ablaze with colour, followed by a gourmet dinner served under the stars. The food was, frankly, outstanding. Think tender venison, perfectly cooked fish, and desserts that would make a Michelin star chef weep. It’s the kind of dining that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret VIP club. Self reflection time: I’ll admit, for a city dweller like myself, the initial quiet can be deafening. But soon, the absence of constant notifications becomes a balm. You start to notice the small things: the way the light filters through the acacia trees, the chattering of birds at dawn, the sheer vastness of the landscape. It’s a detox for the soul, disguised as an adventure. Four days might sound short, but when you’re living at this pace, it feels like a lifetime. You leave feeling refreshed, a little bit spoiled, and with a profound appreciation for the raw beauty of Africa and the people who protect it. If you’re looking for an experience that combines unparalleled luxury with unforgettable encounters, Onguma Tented Camp is, quite simply, the bee's knees. Now, where's that travel agent? I'm already planning my next trip. |













