African sunsets are among the most beautiful in the world, so kick back and relax in the romantic ambience of the bushveld; feast around roaring fires under the African stars, eat at restaurants offering award-winning cuisine, and enjoy a good pampering at the resident spa or wellness centre.

Take your pick of the myriad outdoor activities on offer: expert game rangers do evening and daily game drives - you can explore the surrounding culture by visiting a local village and taking part in traditional singing and dancing - swimming, gyming, and a spot of tennis will get the blood flowing after indulging in those African cocktails. A safari doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are different ways to do it; depending on your budget and desired experience.

National or Private Reserve

If you decide to go 'Private' it will be a lot like flying first-class; everything you want, desire or need will be at your fingertips. This is plush 5-star in remote bushveld; you can safely expect the ultimate in adventure, luxury and exclusivity.

At a Private Reserve, the emphasis is on exceptional personal service, access to game-rich bushveld and superb facilities. Breathtaking views can be enjoyed in restful solitude. Experienced trackers and game rangers do game drives in open land rovers, tracking the big five, and sharing their vast knowledge of surrounding wildlife, flora and fauna.

A good example of unrivalled 'bush' luxury is the Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, where lodges are built into rock mounds and tree houses have rivers running through.

If you decide to go 'National', there are many options. The main rest camp at the Kruger National Park has chalets, family cottages, bungalows, safari tents, caravan and campsites, or there are bushveld camps and bush lodges. These vary in price and style, depending on how hands-on you want to be. These rest camps provide shops,

A large selection of wildlife safari tours are available. All walking safaris, or hiking trails are guided by experienced rangers who have an extensive knowledge of the area, wildlife, birds, and indigenous vegetation. Accommodation in the game reserve is in two-bedded safari-tents with communal toilet and shower facilities.

Know your weather

If you're going to wander around the wilderness getting intimate with the African Kingdom, you need to know your weather! The average summer temperature for the Sabi-Sabi/Kruger Park region is an average 34°C during the day. The warm summer rains bring a lush green hue to the once golden glow of the bushveld; providing a sometime welcome relief from the heat.

Temperatures gradually fall to roughly 20°C at night. You will be privy to brief but beautiful thunderstorms - so come prepared when eating under the stars - the night sky is occasionally illuminated by lightening, a truly spectacular sight.

These figures represent average temperatures, but this is Africa so remember the weather is not always predictable. Thundershowers could occur during the dry season, and days may go by with no rain at all during the rainy season. So, prepare for the contradictory nature of the weather by bringing a raincoat and copious amounts of sunblock.

Summer is still the season when wildlife thrives. In contrast to the winter months when most areas are dry and arid; the summer months are a time of plenty. As a result, the savannah is transformed into an emerald-green paradise; a great time to enjoy the floral diversity of the region and its dazzling array of bird life.

Virgin Summer Safari Delights:
* birthing season of the Impala
* a time of unique bird migrations
* myriad array of vegetation comes alive!

About the Author

Ulusaba is owned by Sir Richard Branson - the world's most illustrious adventurer and entrepreneur. It is found resting in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park in South Africa's Mpumalanga province. Ulusaba's luxury safari lodges offer an exclusive, private and luxurious safari adventure.