Right then, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into an experience that’s less “roughing it” and more “pampered by the savannah.” I recently had the absolute pleasure of embarking on an ultra luxe fly in safari – a grand eight day affair whisking me from the enigmatic Madikwe Game Reserve to the legendary Chobe National Park. And let me tell you, my usual diet of lukewarm tea and existential dread was replaced with champagne and the thrill of a lifetime. First stop, Madikwe. Now, I’m not one for roughing it. My idea of a wilderness adventure usually involves a well appointed hotel with excellent room service. So, the notion of a “fly in” safari initially had me picturing tiny planes landing on dusty airstrips. And yes, there were tiny planes, but they were rather chic, private jets if you will, that deposited us directly at our lodges. We’re talking private plunge pools overlooking watering holes, staff who anticipate your every need before you even realise you have it, and meals that would make Michelin star chefs weep with envy. Madikwe itself is an absolute cracker of a place. It's a malaria free zone, which, for us sensitive types, is a huge bonus. The game viewing was spectacular. I swear, the lions were putting on a private show. We’d be sipping on GandTs, perfectly chilled of course, and then BAM! A pride of lions would saunter by, looking as if they’d just stepped out of a particularly glamorous photoshoot. My ranger, bless his patient soul, would patiently point out the nuances of lion politics while I was mostly just trying to remember if I’d packed enough SPF. Self reflection? Yes, I realised I spend an alarming amount of time worrying about my tan. After a few days of this glorious indulgence, it was time to hop on another one of those rather pleasant little planes and head for Chobe. Now, Chobe. If you’ve heard of it, you’ll know it’s famous for its elephants. And oh boy, does it deliver. Imagine standing on a riverbank, a sundowner in hand, and then a herd of elephants, hundreds strong, emerges from the trees. It’s less of a sighting and more of an immersive, trunk sloshing, ear flapping spectacle. We’d take these leisurely boat cruises on the Chobe River, again, with cocktails readily available. It was like a floating cocktail party with a rather impressive wildlife documentary playing out before our eyes. Hippos grumbling, crocodiles basking, and those magnificent elephants, of course, coming to drink. I found myself wondering if I could train my own dog to fetch me a GandT in a similar fashion. Turns out, probably not, but a girl can dream. The lodges in Chobe were equally breathtaking. Think sprawling suites with panoramic views, staff who treat you like royalty (which, let's be honest, on this trip, we were), and the constant hum of nature just outside your door. It was a stark contrast to my usual commute, which involves battling for a seat on the tube. This safari wasn’t just about seeing animals; it was about experiencing the wild in unparalleled comfort. It was about being woken by the distant roar of a lion, not an alarm clock. It was about seeing Africa through a lens of pure luxury. And as I sat there, under a canopy of stars so bright they looked unreal, I realised that sometimes, it’s perfectly okay to be utterly, gloriously, and unapologetically pampered. After all, someone has to review these fabulous adventures, right? And frankly, I’m exceptionally well qualified.