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I survived 3 months in the African bush

About four months ago, I decided to quit my corporate job and move over to South Africa to live in the bush. I can’t believe it’s already been that long, and that I have survived… relatively unscathed. No malaria, no scorpion stings or snake bites. I haven’t been trampled by an elephant or stalked by […]

Categories: BLOG BOTSWANA SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on April 18, 2017April 18, 2017

Back in 2012 I celebrated my birthday in Africa for the first (but hopefully not the last) time. Funnily enough it was only a week or so after I first met Van, but I had left South Africa and was in Tanzania all by myself (OK technically I was on a tour with a bunch […]

Categories: BLOG BOTSWANA
Posted on February 25, 2017February 25, 2017

5 Comments

Kruger update: January 2017

Ok so we have been a bit slack because we have had a few trips to Kruger that are yet to be posted about on here and I KNOW YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING IN SUSPENSE. Ok so maybe you haven’t, but even so I think it’s time I provide a KRUGER UPDATE!! Maybe one […]

Categories: BLOG KRUGER SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on February 25, 2017January 27, 2018

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Hi, we're Cara & Van (CaraVan for short)!
An Aussie safari fanatic and South African Ranger combining firsthand experience and local knowledge to craft the perfect safari for every style and budget. Let us turn your dream safari into a reality!

Next Safari: Big 5 in South Africa

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susan edgar

September 26, 2025

I discovered Cara when I e-mailed her to ask about the choice of a lodge for a safari. She is very knowledgable and helped us to plan the perfect trip. I wholeheartedly recommend her.

Tim Orchard

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September 17, 2025

Cara was a great support to us as we booked our recent trip to South Africa. We split the trip between a week in Cape Town and a week in Kruger National Park. Plenty of suggestions on where to stay and also what to do were provided and we felt the itinerary helped us with all we wanted to achieve. In particular was the suggestions on game lodges of which there are plenty to choose from. We ended up at Motswari which could not have been been any better in terms of lodging but also the game drives. Thanks Cara for all your help.

Tim Orchard

September 17, 2025

Cara has been a fantastic support in the planning and booking for our recent trip to South Africa. Very informative and with a great understanding of not only the safari lodges across the country but also the other places to visit. We had lots of suggestions on what we could do during our time in Cape Town. I highly recommend using Cara if you are looking for ideas on how best to plan an itinerary and where to stay.

Rozi G

August 8, 2025

Cara from Ready at Safari was absolutely fantastic to work with. From the very start, she took the time to really get to know me and understand what I was looking for in my South African safari experience. She was incredibly patient with my endless questions and made sure every recommendation suited my preferences perfectly. She helped me book Kambaku, which turned out to be the most perfect choice — everything was exactly what I’d hoped for and more. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and deep knowledge made the entire booking process stress-free and enjoyable. If you’re planning a safari, I can’t recommend Cara enough — she will go above and beyond to ensure your trip is unforgettable!

Olubunmi Ogunbona

August 8, 2025

We had the best time on the Safari organised by Cara and Van! We experienced both the luxury of private lodges, and the fun and independence of public lodges (which were still very nice!). I never would have imagined I'd feel comfortable driving through Kruger myself, searching for Pangolins (having seen the Big 5 within the first few days), but I'm totally hooked and can't wait for Ready Set Safari to plan another phenomenal trip with my family! Time for my toddler to see her favourite animals up close!

Bunmi Torres Ogunbona

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August 8, 2025

Cara and Van organised the most amazing and unique erience! We loved experiencing both the luxury of private lodges, as well as public lodges and self driving! Saw the Big 5 within the first 3 days!

MrRonburden

August 4, 2025

Cara and Van were amazing arranging all our activities and sightseeing in South Africa. Would not hesitate in booking thru Ready Set Safari again and highly recommend for a trouble free and stress free experience. They made it so easy.

Sarah

July 31, 2025

Cara and Van planned and booked my first international trip to South Africa and absolutely nailed it. Incredible sightings, smooth planning, and an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend them to anyone, they’re the best in the business! Can’t beat a South African Sunset🌅

Marnie Murphy

July 31, 2025

We used Ready Set Safari for our family holiday and highly recommend their services. Cara and Van made the process so simple for us to book our first South African holiday, were available for any questions, and gave us great tips! Thank you for doing all the hard work for us to enjoy one of our best holidays!

Rozi Grbac

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July 28, 2025

I was fortunate to have found Cara from Ready at Safari to help me book my first ever African safari. I had so many questions (and follow-up questions!), and she answered every single one with so much patience, care and knowledge from her extensive first hand experience of South Africa and passion for safari. Nothing was too much trouble. She took the time to understand me and my needs which was important given this was my first safari and I was travelling solo, with Cara I was in great hands. She booked me into Kambaku Safari lodge in the Timbavati private reserve (Greater Kruger) and it was the perfect first safari, one that I will always treasure. The whole experience was fantastic, I highly recommend and will be booking with Ready Set Safari again.