We drove down a seemingly endless dirt track in our trusty Toyota steed with a plume of dust spitting from the back. Attempting to absorb the breathtaking panoramic views where wild Kudo and springbok grazed in the wilderness whilst dodging potholes and porcupines.

Then on the horizon appeared a golden shimmer which resembled a second sun starting to retire. On our approach it became clear that the golden light was our thatched lodge and we knew we had found our a destination deep in the Eastern Cape. Having only just pulled on the handbrake a lone figure dressed in safari attire approached our vehicle. He had an uncanny resemblance of Sean Connery and I had to take a double take.

After a warm South African welcome ‘howzit’ he hurled our suitcases onto either shoulder with ease and asked us to follow. Our welcome drinks and snack were awaiting and disappeared with ease along with our luggage. Our Sean Connery ranger approached and placed lifejackets over our heads and said ‘are you ready to see game?’ Before we had a chance to reply we found ourselves seated in a speed boat roaring down the Bushams River away from Kariega river lodge. Our ranger weaved his way down the Bushman River Valley with lush green vegetation on ever side. Then I realised my mistake, our ranger looked and acted like James Bond in full flow and was not Sean Connery at all.

After mooring up against a jetty we followed a short trail through the undergrowth where we found our Land Rover ready and waiting. We drove through some rough terrain with cactus plants dotted sporadically on the landscape. Our ranger ever so slowly stared to incline his vehicle up a steep bank, with a very quite roar of the engine. As we reached the summit we were greeted by a proud male lion with three females. They could not have been more than 30 yards away lazing in the late afternoon sun. Their coats shone similarly to that of the golden thatched roof of our lodge, I found myself entranced for what seemed like hours.

We continued on with our off road safari and were fortunate enough to see an abundance of wildlife from the massive to the minute. Stopping for sundowners and absorbing the last thread of warmth whilst snacking on an array of local specialities.

The crimson sun sunk into the ocean in the far distance and the dark sky started to unroll. Our ranger guided us through the galaxy above explaining how local tribes still navigate through the night sky. Slowly we started heading back towards our camp for a much welcomed evening meal.

Sinking back into the padded Land Rover seats I started to reflect on a most amazing day. Today I lived a boyhood dream, being part of a true adventure, finding myself deep within a real James Bond experience. This was one of the most exciting and memorable safari experiences of my life and I now have a new dream and that is to return to South Africa.