I went to Africa in the summer of ‘99. It was my very first encounter with the continent and I must say, looking back, that it’s a place I hold VERY dear to my heart. South Africa was a most interesting country. A mix of Afrikaan and English, I ended up in Johannesburgh at an AWESOME hotel called the ‘Michaelangelo’. The hotel itself was amazing and was actually ‘linked’ to a whole shopping mall. The food was amazing, the people were kind and hospitable (contrary to what I had believed beforehand, due to the very high crime rate). As long as you use common sense when you’re travelling you’re MOST LIKELY to not have an unpleasant encounter with a local criminal. I then boarded a small plane from the Airport in Johannesburgh and flew to Kruger Nat’l Park. I had reserved a spot at a safari (Idube- afrikaan for ‘zebra) The trip to the Idube Private Game Reserve was absolutely textbook National Geographic. We passed small villages, local schools, etc. I spent a total of 5 days (if I remember correctly) at the game reserve (I visited Africa during the Norther Hemisphere Summer, which meant it was Winter in the Southern Hemisphere so the vegetation wasn’t so lush, which meant that ‘game spotting’ was MUCH easier). Probably THE MOST memorable trip of my life as of yet. There’s nothing like going to sleep to the powerful roar of Lions right outside your Chalet. I don’t want to scare people away from safaris, if you have a chance to go to one TAKE IT!!! It an absolutely eye-opening experience into the animal kingdom and you will defenitely leave with a new respect for the wild. At the same time it is absolutely safe and as long as you listen to the Park Rangers there is virtually no danger. Like I said, South Africa is one of my TOP destinations and I can’t wait to go back.