The word safari evokes the smell of a camp fire, the image of a rugged backpack and an old canvas on dusty ground.

When Peter Hayward of Hayward's Safari Sanctuary just outside Pretoria describes the company as a five-star, exclusive safari event venue within the magnificent Bobbejaansberg Private Nature Reserve, the phrase 'public relations puff' springs to mind. When he further elaborates that his team can accommodate private VIP events, irrespective of size and duration, and can sleep 120 guests, I become more sceptical, knowing that traditional safaris only have around 16 beds!

"We have a luxury African safari lodge, where would you like it?" he asks. I stop writing, frown in place.

"I ask the question in all seriousness. If a client wants to treat up to 150 very special people to an amazing African experience, they need a place like no other. Whether on the beach, beside a river or in the desert, we can take our lodge right there to amaze and delight them," Peter explains. Bearing in mind that the equipment needed equates to about 300 tons and a convoy of trucks 2.5km long to transport it, this is no easy feat. Especially when it's run with five-star comforts, superb service and gourmet cuisine, with a programme of activities and entertainment that will, quite frankly, blow the shoes off your feet, never mind the socks.

The logistics of this exercise, a glimpse of the presidential safari camp at Hayward’s Pretoria base and the fact that Oprah Winfrey and her entourage recently experienced Africa through Hayward's, put paid to any thoughts of PR puffery.

Hayward's Safaris offers two options, an event at their headquarters at the Bobbejaansberg sanctuary north of Pretoria or a specially tailored safari event at a location of your choice.

"Hayward's allows you to design a safari just the way you want it. Whether it's a new product launch, executive breakaway, team-building exercise or special event, no matter the region or country you wish to explore, we can arrange this once-in-a-lifetime safari," he says. With vast experience and a pioneering history to boot, Peter has already ventured into the heart of the wilderness and Big Five territory of the Pilansberg, Kruger National Park, Namibia, Kalahari, Okavango, Limpopo Valley and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Estuary. Archaeological expeditions include the Cradle of Humankind and the Cape's West Coast National Park. Their unique sustainable safaris programme offers clients opportunities to collaborate with rural villages to create long term legacies.

Forget about camping, we're talking about safaris in the grand African tradition of trade and exploration! "Hayward's provides built-in authentic dining themes from African Desert Traders to East Africa White Mischief. It's always an extravagant affair, whether you conference under canvas or simply entertain your most valued clients," Peter says.

Whether you choose to host your event at Hayward's Safari Sanctuary just outside Pretoria or a more exotic location, you decide what's on the gourmet and entertainment menu, with Hayward's offering options and guidance. "We've even arranged for guests to arrive in a Bentley," adds Peter, showing that no stone is left unturned when it comes to planning the unique and exclusive safari of your dreams.

From fireside stories told by Roger Webster and Gcina Mhlope renowned storytellers each with their own unique style to Astronomy stories of the African night sky; guided horse and walking trails; fishing; long bow archery; an aromatherapy revitalisation centre; African birds of prey; reptile presentations; hot air ballooning; mountain biking; canoe trips and game drives, the sky is the limit. "Usually a safari entails a game drive or two. What makes us so different is the prime positioning we provide; you view the game from inside your camp and while on your way to any of the other adventures you choose on your menu which could be as dynamic as Anthropology and Archaeology interventions and sustainable village programs"