When you think of safaris, you’re probably imaging the rich golden hues of a wide-open savannah, the dust kicked up by a herd of wildebeest rumbling by, or simply the grandeur of the big 5 and their imperial wonder.
But what if you could experience the bush in a more engaging and intimate way, with more than just your eyes?
Enter the world of Sound Safaris – a unique adventure that brings our African wilderness to life by immersing you in a rich serving of soundscapes, creating a multisensory treat for the senses that will keep you coming back for more.
Led by a team of wildlife experts and sound enthusiasts, Sound Safaris are a Hoedspruit based initiative, offering an unforgettable experience that allows participants to listen to the natural world in surreal detail.
Using specialised listening equipment, one can tune into the hidden symphony of the African bush. Whether a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time traveller from abroad, this innovative approach offers a deeply enriching way to connect with nature, providing an educationally empowering experience that titillates the senses.
Keen to find out more? Come along as we unpack the concept and introduce you to a team of passionate conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.
GUIDED BY EXPERTS
The Sound Safari is guided by none other than Casper Badenhorst, a vastly knowledgeable and passionate wildlife expert. Casper brings years of experience in birding and wildlife guiding to the fore on each tour, making him the perfect guide for this one-of-a-kind safari experience. Under his guidance, participants are encouraged to listen more deeply and understand the complex language of our bushveld.
Supporting Casper on the Sound Safari team are founders – Derek and Sarah Solomon, two individuals with an unparalleled love for wildlife sound and conservation.
Derek, in particular, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the operation. With over 40 years’ experience in wildlife sound recording, he’s undoubtedly a pioneer in his field, with his work having taken him across Africa, lending his expertise to many a conservation effort.
As a renowned sound specialist, Derek has spent his career studying how animals communicate, especially through sounds that are often imperceptible to the human ear. His research on animal communication has not only contributed to our understanding of wildlife behaviour but also to efforts in wildlife conservation.
Last but certainly not least is Sarah, the heart and soul of the operation. Coupled with her devotion to conservation and wildlife, she brings additional depth to the safari experience, making the entire team a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise. Together, this trio tailor your senses towards unlocking the secrets of the wild.
A CLOSER LOOK AT DEREK’S LEGACY:
With a career spanning over four decades, Derek has recorded the sounds of Africa’s most iconic species, contributing to a body of research that is crucial for wildlife conservation. His work focuses on how animals use sound to communicate over vast distances, detect predators, and establish social structures.
Having collaborated with leading wildlife researchers, conservationists, and filmmakers – His recordings have been used on various media and scientific platforms, with the aim of educating the public and establishing an awareness for our natural world.
Derek has also worked extensively with organisations focused on elephant communication, using his expertise to help monitor and understand the movements and behaviours of these incredible creatures.
THE SCIENCE OF ANIMAL SOUNDS
Sound plays a vital role in the survival of many animal species. For humans, sight often dominates how we perceive the world, but for wildlife, sound is key to communication, survival, and interaction. Animals use sound in a variety of ways—whether it’s to find a mate, locate prey, defend territory, or avoid predators.
Infrasound: Elephants use low-frequency sounds, known as infrasound, to communicate over vast distances. These sounds, which are below the range of human hearing, can travel many kilometers and are crucial for maintaining herd connections in thick bush or open savannah.
Ultrasound: On the other end of the spectrum, animals like bats and dolphins use high-frequency sounds, or ultrasound, to navigate and locate prey. These ultrasonic signals, often used in echolocation, are inaudible to humans but essential for many species’ survival.
High-Frequency Sounds: Birds are known for their vast range of vocalizations. From territorial calls to mating songs, birds use sound to communicate their presence and intentions. Birdwatchers on a Sound Safari will be thrilled to learn how to identify different species by their calls alone.
By understanding how animals use sound, you gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of nature’s soundscape. The Sound Safari gives you the tools to not just see the bush, but to hear and interpret its hidden conversations..
A SAFARI FOR ALL THE SENSES
The Sound Safari is a one-of-a-kind experience that is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a new way to engage with nature. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a conservation enthusiast, or a family seeking an interactive and educational adventure, the Sound Safari has something for everyone.
For international visitors, this safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with Africa in a way few have experienced before. It’s an immersive adventure that goes beyond traditional game drives and opens up a new sensory world. For locals, the Sound Safari is a fresh and exciting way to rediscover the bushveld, even for those who have explored it many times before.
WHY SOUND MATTERS TO CONSERVATION
Beyond the immediate experience of hearing the bush in a new way, sound plays a critical role in wildlife preservation. Derek’s extensive work in sound recording has contributed to numerous efforts, helping researchers monitor species, track animal movements, and better understand wildlife behaviour.
Infrasound recordings, for example, have been crucial in studying elephant herds and monitoring their interactions over long distances. Similarly, bird calls and other high-frequency sounds have been used to track changes in ecosystems and detect environmental threats.
By joining a Sound Safari, you not only get to enjoy a unique experience but also support the ongoing research and conservation efforts led by the likes of Derek himself. The insights gained from sound can lead to better wildlife management and preservation strategies, helping to protect Africa’s incredible biodiversity for generations to come..
HOW TO JOIN A SOUND SAFARI
To book your Sound Safari experience, visit sound-safaris.com or check out more about it on visithoedspruit.com for further details.
One things for sure, this isn’t your typical game drive—it’s a sensory journey that lets you tune in to the rhythm of nature, one where you don’t just get to observe, but flow in a current of soundwaves and decibels.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller craving something fresh or just someone who’s always dreamed of experiencing the wild in a new light, this experience offers a perspective you can’t ignore.
The bush is alive, are you ready to listen?