Adventures in Africa

Township life
Soweto (a shortened form of South Western Townships) was much bigger than I'd imagined and is another thriving city with a population of over three million. There's lots of building work going on here, to improve local housing and also provide shopping centres. And, with an eye to the 2010 World Cup, the public transport system is also getting an overhaul.

There's a genuine feeling of pride in people's accomplishments and belief in a more democratic way of life. Many small businesses, such as Chez Alina, a restaurant serving huge quantities of local specialities, thrive. Alina herself is a remarkable character, who often joins you at the table. She opened her restaurant in 1997, and now employs six other people to help her.

Local kids provide the entertainment here, as they come and dance for you after you've finished eating. After lunch, take a wander down Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu both lived. Their houses are clearly marked.

Going on safari
No trip to Africa would be complete without a safari and the Madikwe Reserve, near the border with Botswana, is only an hour's flight from Johannesburg. Much smaller than the Kruger National Park, but with the added advantage that it is malaria-free, Madikwe is home to the full range of African animals, and is regarded as one of the better conservation areas.

Our game drives were packed with activity and we were lucky enough to see all the 'big five' - lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino - along with countless antelope and zebra. The reserve is also home to wild dogs and cheetahs.

Madikwe is a relatively new reserve that opened in 1991. The land is reclaimed farmland and many of the animals have been relocated from other parts of the country. The land, which lies on the edges of the Kalahari, is mostly open grassland with bushveld, and is home to over 350 species of birds.

Unashamed luxury
Staying in the park is a fantastic experience. We were based at the Royal Madikwe Lodge, which is seriously luxurious. The suites are sumptuously furnished with dark woods and billowing white mosquito nets. Each has its own bathroom with a choice of indoor or outdoor showers (if you don't mind an audience of baboons watching you wash), and a huge bath from which you watch zebra, antelope and even elephants wander by on their way to the Lodge's watering hole.

The outdoor plunge pool on the deck is perfect for cooling off in after a strenuous morning of watching wildlife!

The Lodge is unashamedly opulent, but still manages to feel cosy and friendly. Owned by Dr Chai Patel, the Chief Executive of the Priory Group, the philosophy of the Lodge is one of caring, both for the guests and local communities. While guests enjoy the exclusive use of the Lodge, the tailor-made safaris, delicious foods, and unobtrusive but dedicated care from the staff, the local community benefits from the Bright Future Trust.

This organisation was set up by the Royal Madikwe and focuses on health, education and sustainable enterprises in the surrounding communities. The Lodge donates 20 per cent of its profits to the charity, which has so far raised over £78,500. Its latest project was installing playground equipment to benefit children in seven schools in local rural communities.