As a child of nine, I was very lucky to have been evacuated to Cape Town in South Africa during the Second World War. I vividly remember seeing my first lions in the wild and being overwhelmed by their beauty. Five decades later I had the opportunity to go to the Eastern Cape. Again it is lions that fill my memory.

Roaming free

The Shamwari Wildlife Reserve near Port Elizabeth is unique in many ways. Old, unproductive farmland was returned to bush by its owner, Adrian Gardiner, and the Reserve is now home to a host of indigenous species that used to roam free in this beautiful part of the country, including lions.

It is in this fascinating land that the Born Free Foundation has two big cat rescue and education centres. The lions and leopards have been re-homed from captive situations and given a second chance of life in huge bush enclosures, where they can almost live a wild life again. They provide a brilliant opportunity to encourage all the visitors, old and young alike, to develop feelings of compassion and responsibility towards the other species we share the earth with.

As nature intended

My memories of Africa are so diverse and special – the space, the freedom. Elephants drinking at the river, giraffes stretching to reach to tall acacia trees, gazelles basking in the glow of the sunset, and lions setting off for the hunt.

Watching wild animals, untroubled by human persecution, living their lives as nature intended, is an experience that touches my soul. This is something worth fighting for. A world without wild animals and wild places would be immeasurably poorer, which is why the spirit of Elsa must forever continue to burn brightly.

I love to stand in the stillness of the evening, as Africa washes over me. And I know that my visit helps to ensure a secure future for the wildlife, as well as for the people. I long to return.

Itinerary

Shamwari Game Reserve

• This former settlers land, just an hour from Port Elizabeth , has been returned to the wildlife that once roamed feely in the Eastern Cape. Home to elephants, rhinos, lions and leopards, the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve offers the ultimate luxury safari adventure and conservation efforts coupled with responsible tourism, which conserves a vanishing way of life. Covering 49,400 acres, it boasts five eco-systems, enabling the support of many forms of plant, animal and bird life.

• Featuring the Born Free education centre, twice daily game drives, walks and spa treatments, there is a wide variety of accommodation available. Choose from the Edwardian-style Long Lee Manor, an original settlers mansion, the family-friendly and elegant Riverdene Lodge, the luxurious Eagles Crag, or the tents of Bayethe tented lodge. Lobengula Lodge is set deep in the valleywith a pool, spa and gym, and the beautifully-restored Victorian homestead of the Bushmans River Lodge offers sweeping views of the river valley.

• The Riverdene Lodge is ideal for families, with its spacious green lawns, and there are many activities to keep the children occupied. They could visit the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre, Shamwari Wildlife Hospital and take part in many social, sporting and arts activities, all supervised by a children's co-ordinator.

Prices from £1999 per person

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My Africa

Read other inspirational Africa features in our 'My Africa series': Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania