TV star Fred Sirieix has opened up on a near-death experience during filming for his new Channel 4 show. The First Dates star revealed the terrifying moment a tour guide saved his life after he found himself caught between an elephant and two rhinos during a bushwalk in South Africa.
He opened up about the frightening encounter while explaining why he chose Ernie for his Hospitality Hero Award in his brand new travel documentary series Fred's Ultimate Hotels, which airs on Monday (August 31) at 8pm on Channel 4.
The moment the guide saved his life
Fred had been staying at The Royal Madikwe Lodge, a luxury safari retreat on the border between South Africa and Botswana, where he experienced a host of activities including game drives, a walking safari and rhino conservation. But it was during the walking safari that the trip took a potentially deadly turn.
Recalling the moment, Fred explained the moment Ernie received his award: “Ernie in South Africa - the guy who saved my life in the bushwalk, where we had the near miss.
“He was crying like a baby. He’s a mountain of a man, strong like an elephant, the heart of an elephant, he was crying, big tears, it was beautiful.”
Fred then explained how the group became caught in an extremely dangerous position in the bush.
“Well, we went on a bush walk, and basically what happened is we got sandwiched between one elephant and two rhinos, it’s not a good place to be, let me tell you that,” he said.
How Ernie handled the encounter
The television star praised Ernie for remaining calm and relying on his extensive knowledge of wildlife to protect the group.
“Anyway, Ernie came into his own, the guide because it's all about their training and knowing how to read an animal,” Fred explained. “They don't want you there, the animals, they don't think that you should be there and they are very territorial. So if you're in front of the water or there or whatever, they just charge.”
According to Fred, Ernie managed to drive the animals away without resorting to a firearm. “So he managed to scare them. Without using a gun or anything, just his arms and whatever he was doing, and they left,” he said.
The luxury safari experience
During his stay, Fred was based in the Naledi Suite at The Royal Madikwe Lodge, which offers three luxury suites and two luxury villas, all with private pools. Its top accommodation, The Sovereign House, costs around £6,000 per night.
The retreat also boasts an infinity pool beside its main clubhouse and offers gastronomic dining experiences led by head chef Zuki, who trained at the Mount Nelson Hotel.
Fred's trip began with an arrival in the middle of the bush on a small plane from Johannesburg before he embarked on a packed itinerary of safari experiences.
As well as morning and sunset game drives and the walking safari, he took part in rhino conservation, with the experience costing £3,500 and funds going towards the Madikwe Wildlife Foundation.
He also enjoyed a South African wine tasting featuring Chenin Blanc with sommelier Ingrid, who was flown in from Cape Town for guests, as well as yoga with instructor Jess, flown in from Johannesburg. The trip also featured a Marimba band and a bush dinner.
Fred's Ultimate Hotels airs on Monday, August 31 at 8pm on Channel 4.
