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South Africa

Kruger National Park: August 2016

lion cubs kumana dam

So admittedly this is a bit late because it’s now almost December and I’m FINALLY posting about our August Kruger trip. BUT I have a good excuse: I recently quit my job and moved to South Africa!  Plus I was busy creating our BIG 5 SAFARI STICKERS, which are the new must-have for your next Kruger trip […]

Categories: BLOG KRUGER SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on December 6, 2016December 6, 2016
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Why I quit my job to move to South Africa

elephant-Kruger-Park

It’s less than 24 hours until I board a plane bound for South Africa for an indefinite period of time. I’m sitting here at my bench in my empty kitchen in my empty house wondering how on earth did I get here? I’ve travelled a lot in my time but never did I think I […]

Categories: BLOG SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on November 27, 2016November 27, 2016
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2 Comments

South Africa Safari Itineraries & Budgets

Lions Timbavati

Note – I am in the process of updating the below pricing as this is a little outdated now! The best bet is to get in touch with me for custom itineraries as I’m always receiving offers from lodges and camps that provide fantastic value – even for last minute trips! Looking for ideas for […]

Categories: ITINERARIES KRUGER SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on September 25, 2016September 2, 2019
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40 simple Kruger tips to get the most out of your safari

Kudu-jumping-Kruger

After spending countless hours driving around and staying in Kruger National Park, we have some handy tips for those who are lucky enough to be heading into the park soon! These are probably most useful for first-timers to Kruger, but there may be some gems in there for regulars too. Of course this list is […]

Categories: KRUGER SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on September 12, 2016January 8, 2017
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The best roads in Kruger to find animals

Leopard-H1-3-Kruger

Heading to Kruger soon and curious to know where to drive in order to find the best wildlife sightings? I can help you out with my curated list of the roads that are pretty consistently productive. I will even let you know which roads to drive to have the best chance of lion, leopard and […]

Categories: KRUGER SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on September 4, 2016September 12, 2016
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Kruger National Park: April 2016

Elephant in Kruger

What better time to recap our trip to Kruger in April than the day before we leave for our next Kruger experience! We visited Kruger from 10 April – 14 April directly after our wedding at Karongwe Private game reserve. Because we had almost 20 family and friends joining us we kept it simple and […]

Categories: BLOG KRUGER SOUTH AFRICA
Posted on August 17, 2016September 5, 2016
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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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Overall Rating
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susan edgar
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
Tim Orchard
recommends
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
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
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
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
Bunmi Torres Ogunbona
recommends
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
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
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
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
Rozi Grbac
recommends
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.

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The revenge of the dogs! Watch what happens when h The revenge of the dogs! Watch what happens when hyenas steal a wild dog kill...

One of the best wild dog sightings we have ever had! Also highlights the perks of staying at a game lodge within Kruger National Park, where you can drive the public roads after everyone else has gone. This was taken while we were staying at @jocksafari - one of many wild dogs sightings for the trip! 

#wilddogs #hyena #animalbattle #kruger #safari #africansafari #safarilife #wildlifephotography #wildlifeencounters #wildlifeplanet #animalvideos #jocksafarilodge #krugernationalpark #readysetsafari #natgeowild
A safari in South Africa is one of the best holida A safari in South Africa is one of the best holidays you can take your kids on.  Cooler than Bali or Fiji. Easier than Disneyland. Trust us, we have done it... many times. 

DM us for info or to join us in October 2026 for the ultimate family safari for Aussies (you can also save up to $12k 🤑)

#familysafari #luxurytravel #luxuryfamilytravel #bucketlisttravel #familyadventure #visitsouthafrica #kidsholidays #travelaustralia #africasafari
Have you seen the new rhino fashion sweeping Kruge Have you seen the new rhino fashion sweeping Kruger? So chic. So safari. 

#rhino #animalfashion #kruger #greaterkruger #big5 #animalsofinstagram #rhinolove #southafricasafari #gamedrives #safarisouthafrica #stoppoaching #rhinoconservation #saveourrhinos #visitsouthafrica #krugerthroughmyeyes
Take us back to the sunsets at @orpheusisland #o Take us back to the sunsets at @orpheusisland 

#orpheusisland #australiangetaway #queenslandlife #islandparadise #luxuryresort #barefootluxury #helicoptertransfer #visitqueensland #greatbarrierreef #tropicalescape #sunsetgoals #luxurytravel #paradiseisland #beachresort #australianluxury #wanderlustaustralia #queenslanduncut #sunsetlovers #exclusiveescape #travelaustralia
He never saw it coming. Another part of the epic He never saw it coming. 

Another part of the epic hyena vs wild dogs saga we witnessed while staying at @jocksafari ... Stay tuned for the final video of the Revenge of the Wild Dogs 💪🏻

#wilddog #hyena #animalvideo #kruger #krugernationalpark #ninjaattack #wildlifeencounters #paintedwolves #wilddogs #epicanimemoments #animalsplaying #safarisouthafrica
This elephant was making the most of bath time on This elephant was making the most of bath time on a hot day in Kruger 🐘🛁

#elephant #krugernationalpark #southafrica #africansafari #wildlifephotography #safarilife #animalsdoingthings #funnyanimals #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers #animalsoftiktok #africanwildlife #bigfive #safarivibes #naturecomedy #wildlife_perfection #safariadventures #travelafrica #wildlifeaddicts #animalvideos
This is why Kruger is our happy place. We though This is why Kruger is our happy place. 

We thought we were done for the day, heading back to camp (just in time as always) when we came across this beauty wandering down the road towards us. What a way to finish the day. ♥️🦁

#lion #lionking #lionsofinstagram #bigcatsofinstagram #krugerwildlife #knp #krugerthroughmyeyes #southafricasafari #wildlife_shots #panasoniclumix #selfdrivesafari #krugerwildlife #krugernationalpark #amazinganimals #wildlifephotography #readysetsafari
Turns out a waterhole during the dry season isn't Turns out a waterhole during the dry season isn't the best place to have a "special moment"...

These lions found out the hard way at Girvana waterhole, KNP.

#lion #big5 #bigcat #lionsofinstagram #elephantsofinstagram
#wildlifeencounters #bigfiveafrica #safariadventure #safariexperience
#inthewild #krugernationalpark #knp #funnyanimalsvideos
Is there anything more enjoyable than watching wil Is there anything more enjoyable than watching wild dogs play?

These guys were living it up after stealing back their kill from hyenas. (Video of the steal to come soon!)

It was certainly an game drive...as they always are at @jocksafari lodge ♥️

#krugerwildlife #jocksafarilodge #wilddogs #paintedwolves #animalsplaying #wildlifelovers #latestsightings #africanwilddogs #safari #gamedrivesightings #safarisouthafrica  #krugernationalpark #knp #wildlifephotography #africanwilddog #wilddog #wildlifeplanet #wildlifeinsa #readsetsafari #greaterkruger
Unbelievable stay at @klaseriedrift_safari_camps M Unbelievable stay at @klaseriedrift_safari_camps Misava Safari Camp in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve 😍

Definitely added to our top 5⭐ lodges. Possibly our favourite room ever? Plus amazing views, delicious food and incredible game viewing. 

In just 4 drives we saw the Big 5 including a buffalo charging lions on a kill, a hyena stealing two leopards' kill and of course the elephant grieving after playing with an elephant skull.

#klaserie #misavasafaricamp #klaseriedriftsafaricamps #luxurytravel #lodgelife #fivestartravel #travelsouthafrica #big5 #travelgram #amazinghotels #greaterkruger #safari #luxuryhotel #readysetsafari #roomwithaview
This elephant was giving Mana Pools vibes 🐘 Th This elephant was giving Mana Pools vibes 🐘

This is behaviour commonly seen in Mana Pools in Zimbabwe but rarely in Kruger. We were lucky to witness him go on his hind legs to reach a high branch and managed to get a good snap (not so fortunate with the video footage).

This is why Kruger is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get. You just know it's going to be good ♥️🐘

#krugernationalpark #kruger #southafrica #southafricasafari #krugersafari #africansafari #safariexperience #bigfive #discoverkruger #krugerwildlife #wildlifeinsa #africanwildlife #naturephotography #bushlife #safariadventures #elephants #elephantlove #elephantsofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifephotography #wildlifeplanet #naturelovers #raresighting #safarilife #wildafrica #natureloversgallery #animallovers #wildlifeonearth #africamagic
#readysetsafari
Parenting limit reached for the day. We can all r Parenting limit reached for the day.

We can all relate. 

#safari #safarilife #africansafari #hyena #wildlife #wildlifephotography #animalsoftiktok #natgeowild #parentinghumor #familychaos #mumlife #toddlerlife #wildlifeplanet #readysetsafari #reelsinstagram #fyp #funnyanimals #animalvideos #reelsvideo
What holiday makes Disneyland look boring? A safar What holiday makes Disneyland look boring?
A safari with your kids 🦁

Here are 10 reasons it’s the most unforgettable family holiday you’ll ever take.

📖 Read the full breakdown on our site → [link in bio]
📅 School holiday 2026 safaris are already filling fast!

#familysafari #safariwithkids #familytravel #africasafari #kidswhotravel #familyadventure #safarilife #luxuryfamilytravel #travelaustralia #familyholidayideas
Sick of the cold and rain in Sydney we decided to Sick of the cold and rain in Sydney we decided to grab a flight north and swap umbrellas for snorkels 🤿🐢

Just 45 minutes off the coast of Cairns, Fitzroy Island feels like another world... coral gardens, crystal water and the kind of wildlife encounters that make you forget winter even exists.

We usually share our African safari adventures, but this little Aussie escape reminded us that sometimes the magic is right on our doorstep. 🌴☀️

#fitzroyisland #greatbarrierreef #cairnslife #seeaustralia #exploretnq #thisisqueensland #australiavacation #travelinspo #wanderlustaustralia #paradisefound #oceanvibes #naturelovers #wildlifeencounters #readysetsafari #adventureawaits #bucketlisttravel #familytravel
Just another day in South Africa… We were enjoy Just another day in South Africa…

We were enjoying a cocktail in the pool when this unexpected guest rocked up for a drink.

Would you stay in the pool or get out?

📍 @honeyguidecamps Manyeleti Game Reserve

#safari #bucketlisttravel #elephant #africansafari #manyeleti #wildlifeencounter #luxurytravel #readysetsafari
It's always amazing after spending countless hours It's always amazing after spending countless hours in the African bush when you see something new. 

We had heard about elephants reacting to elephant skulls but never witnessed it firsthand...Until the very end of an awesome game drive at @klaseriedrift_safari_camps Misava Safari Camp. 

It had just started lightly sprinkling at the very end of our drive as we approached the lodge, but just before we got there we found this elephant intently inspecting an old elephant skull which had been there for years. 

Her reaction was as emotional as it was unexpected. This is why Africa is so amazing. You never know what you will see next. You just know it will be special ♥️

📍Klaserie Private Game Reserve, South Africa

#klaserie #elephantlover #elephantbehaviour #safarilife #naturemoments #africansafari #wildlifephotography #elephantsofinstagram #wildlifelovers #natureisamazing #ReadySetSafari
Think an African safari is just for adults? Think Think an African safari is just for adults? Think again!

Our eldest has already been 4 times. These highlights are from last October, when they were just 3 & 5 - and they still talk about it non-stop 🐘♥️

Next October, we’re heading back to the incredible @chitwachitwa… and this time you can join us! Save up to $12k on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury family safari.

Big 5 sightings ✅
Luxury accommodation ✅
Five-star cuisine ✅
Memories your kids will remember forever ✅

📍 Limited to 5 families – full details via the link in bio 🦁

#familysafari #kidsonsafari #luxuryfamilytravel #chitwachitwa #sabisands #big5safari #bucketlisttravel #africawithkids #familytravel #adventureswithkids #safarisouthafrica
Going on safari it can be tempting to drive from B Going on safari it can be tempting to drive from Big 5 sighting to Big 5 sighting, but sometimes it's nice to stop and appreciate the beauty of the everyday wildlife ♥️

On this day we had sightings of lion and leopards, but this was my fav shot of the day 📷

#kruger #krugernationalpark #thisiskruger #wildebeest #lionking #southafrica #safari #naturelovers #naturephotography
Flash back to one year ago when we swam with humpb Flash back to one year ago when we swam with humpback whales in #ningalooreef 
Absolutely amazing experience! Highly recommended. 

#australia #whale #ningaloo #westernaustralia #visitaustralia  #watersafari
Loved our stay at @klaseriedrift_safari_camps back Loved our stay at @klaseriedrift_safari_camps back in March. Great food, service and sightings. And those views 👌🏻
Check out our full review: https://www.readysetsafari.com/klaserie-drift-misava-safari-camp-review/

#klaserie #klaserieprivatenaturereserve #safari #visitsouthafrica #klaseriedriftsafaricamps
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About Ready Set Safari

Just two people who want to share their passion about Africa and going on safari with the world! We can help you plan a safari experience you will never forget - just ask :)

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Email: cara@readysetsafari.com

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