A morning run through Sabi Sand: Embracing the sounds of the wild

Those who are fortunate enough to experience a stay at Singita will often make mention of the incredible shift of sounds, smells and all-round sensory experience that one can enjoy when changing the approach from a drive to the humbling sensation that is walking or being on foot. As with most aspects of nature, there is often a caveat to every "rule" or "law" of the wild, so to speak. One "rule" in particular that comes to question is the rule of "Don't run."

Now although that is the case in most circumstances, there is an approach to work around that for those who cherish a morning fitness routine, for those that want to experience the sounds, smells and dawn chorus whilst in the safe company of their guide, with their tracker not far behind, in a game drive vehicle, constantly maintaining a vigilant eye for the incredible creatures we are privileged to walk amongst.

There is something truly magical about the early morning hours in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. As dawn's first light breaks over the horizon, the world awakens with a symphony of sounds that transport you into the heart of Africa’s wilderness. For those seeking a unique way to experience the bush, a morning run through the reserve offers a thrilling and healthy start to the day - one that is as invigorating as it is unforgettable.

The call of the wild: The moment you step onto the soft earth of the reserve, the world feels different. The air is crisp and cool, a refreshing break from the intense heat that will come later in the day. There’s an electric anticipation in the air as the sound of the African bush fills your ears. The rhythmic call of birds echoes in the distance - perhaps the haunting cry of a fish eagle or the melodious trill of a red-billed hornbill. Every footfall on the earth seems to stir something deep within the soul, an ancient connection to the land that has been alive for millennia.

As you run along the trail, your senses come alive with the beauty of the sounds around you. The gentle rustle of the trees, the distant grunt of a hippo in a nearby river, and the deep, throaty calls of lions or leopards echo across the plains. These wild sounds serve as a reminder that, while you are here for the exercise, you are also a guest in a world that exists beyond human control - a world where animals rule and the rhythm of life follows the cycle of the land.

A natural alarm clock: The run through Sabi Sands feels like a natural alarm clock - a gentle but invigorating wake-up call to the start of your day. As the sun rises higher, its golden rays begin to bathe the landscape, turning the savannah into a sea of warm light. The mist that lingers in the valleys starts to lift, revealing the stunning contours of the land. You can’t help but feel a sense of awe as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the tops of acacia trees, their shadows stretching across the earth like ancient sentinels.

The sense of freedom that comes from running through the reserve is exhilarating. There’s something about the space - the vast, open plains and the thick, shadowy forests that feels boundless. It’s just you, the path ahead, and the wild sounds of the bush, all merging into a seamless, peaceful whole. The rhythm of your breath matches the cadence of the sounds, creating a perfect harmony between body, mind, and nature.