~World Environment Day, the most renowned day for environmental action, has been celebrated each year on 5th June, since 1974 ~
The 2020 theme is ‘Biodiversity’, a concern that is both urgent and existential. A powerful platform to accelerate change and engage communities across the globe, World Environment Day can be used to draw awareness and inspire steadfast individual activism.
One way to stimulate this thought-process is to invite people to immerse themselves in nature and experience the functioning of awe-inspiring ecosystems firsthand. However, as most parts of the world face travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic, nature enthusiasts can turn to virtual mediums to indulge themselves.
Virtual safaris prove to be an excellent channel as they not only entertain and amaze, but also educate – and are hence a huge hit with parents who otherwise sought out edutaining summer vacations/ camps for their children.
One such popular game reserve offering virtual safaris is the South African Shamwari Game Reserve. This 5-star-lodge that stretches along the Bushman’s River is based in the Eastern Cape, which was home to the great Nelson Mandela. Wrapped in settler history, this award-winning game reserve is known for its quality of game sightings, and is now bringing safaris into homes with the Head Ranger.
Andrew Kearney, Head Ranger, invites audiences to join him on his daily virtual game drives through the #LockdownSeries, that is published on their YouTube channel.
The veteran ranger delivers a range of information – from the basics of tracking and identifying wildlife footprints to masterclasses on giraffes and interesting trivia on the indigenous flora and fauna species found on the reserve.
It is on this Game Reserve that Tiger Woods got engaged to former Swedish model Elin Nordegren, when he popped the question during a sunset stroll.
The property also hosted Brad Pitt, who wrote a review stating, “The people are as fantastic as the animals majestic. Enjoyed the food chain. Many thanks.”
While closed for visitors at the moment, the reserve otherwise also offers luxury experiences. Travellers can swim in one of the two pools, stroll in the lush gardens with wrought-iron benches or pamper themselves with a rejuvenating treatment in the luxurious spa.
We cannot think of a better way to spend our weekend than to escape into the wild, albeit through our screens!
LIFESTYLES OF MUMBAI 