Soak up the wonders of the wilderness

Want to go wild in Perthshire? Then check out what Highland Safaris has to offer, writes Susan Welsh

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NOW that’s something you don’t get every day – the chance to go on safari. According to the dictionary, the word safari means an overland journey by hunters, and while it refers usually to Africa, the one I undertook was in deepest Perthshire as a guest of Highland Safaris.

The company offers a variety of 4x4 Land Rover trips which promise a day of fun and discovery for all ages.

These range from an autumn-watch safari, when you can hear the roar of the rutting red deer and see Perthshire put on a colourful display, to mountain, cycle and walking safaris where you’re taken by Land Rover to the top of a mountain and given nature and track notes to help find your way down.

There are also opportunities to have a go at off-road driving, something I’d been keen to try.

Operating within 250,000 acres of prime estate, we met our kilted guide, Sandy MacGill, at the Safari Lodge, a four-star visitor attraction which includes a farm, gift shop and gold and gem panning centre in the village of Dull, which is not far from Pitlochry.

Sandy was formerly head guide at Blair Castle and his knowledge of history, along with his passion for the great outdoors, made him the perfect guide. He also has the patience of a saint which, given my terrible attempts at off-roading, was probably just as well.

Suffice to say, it’s a lot harder than the boys on Top Gear make it look, and allowing the engine to do the hard work for you takes some getting used to, too.

During our two-hour trip, the Land Rover climbed thousands of feet along private hill roads and tracks, stopping at points to allow us to get out and use binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife.

Watching hawks circle overhead while they look for prey in the fields below is pretty exciting – and much easier when you have someone like Sandy showing you where to look.

The stops also let us enjoy some breathtaking vistas, of which there are many in this largely unspoiled wilderness, while tucking into home-made shortbread and hot coffee provided by Sandy.

The safari was a wonderful way to spend a morning, and reaching the hill tops in such a leisurely manner was a real pleasure compared to when you have to reach them under your own steam.

Currently, Highland Safaris offer a festive de-stressing experience to be savoured either before or after the big day. A Day Out of the City offers a choice of safari, including an alpine adventure, a photo safari with renowned field naturalist, photographer and safari ranger Polly Pullar, a fine-dining safari on which you enjoy gourmet food in a mountain bothy, and a spa safari with time out on the hills, fabulous food and then treatments at Atholl Palace.

For further information call 01887 820071 or visit www.highlandsafaris.net.