THE BEST AFRICAN SAFARI

When people contact me about going on safari, I find many are geographically challenged. We know Africa is somewhere “over there.” But we have no idea how big it is, how vast the distances are between point A and B. Sometimes we forget Africa is a continent made up of many countries with many different things to offer.

To put Africa in perspective here are some fun facts. Africa is the second largest and second most populous continent (number one is Asia). It covers 6% of the Earth’s total surface. The continent of Africa is so big that the entire United States can fit in it 3 times! It is comprised of 55 countries; over 2000 languages are spoken and it boasts a population of over a billion people.

Safari travelers who believe they will only go to Africa once in their lives, want it all (but be careful saying that. It is hard to not want to go back. I am living proof). They want to see Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, Witness the Great Migration in Tanzania, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and then Go Wine Tasting in South Africa — all during their annual two-week vacation. I have to temper that exuberance by explaining that is like saying you want to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Statute of Liberty, visit the Alamo, the Grand Canyon and Disneyland in 14 days— and cover 3 times the distance.

You can’t see all of Africa in one trip. Don’t even try. You have to decide what you want to do and see during your first trip. While most people say they will only go to Africa once in their lives I find that after that first trip, like me, Africa is in your blood, and you will want to return and explore more.

So don’t stress out about where you want to go in Africa — just decide where you want to go first. It is better to truly experience where you go than just trying to tick off places that you have been. That is easily done once you establish a list of priorities.

We can divide the African continent into North, South, East and West sections. And even in this broad division there are many subsets and options. You can dig deep in each of these areas or just skim over and see more but in not much depth. Personally, I believe spending more time in fewer places is the way to go. Of course, all of these options depend on 2 important factors – Time and Budget. Seeing anything and everything is possible if you have enough time and enough money.

Northern Africa is where you want to go if you are interested in the Pyramids, their related history and more Arabian cultures of that area. It can include Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

For a view of a very different cultural experience, you can go to West Africa. Typically, this means visiting such countries Ghana, Senegal, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Togo, Benin and Burkina Faso. Many African-Americans go to this part of Africa to trace their roots as most of the slave trading to the Americas came from this part of the world. It is also a fascinating place to learn and observe traditional Voodoo Ceremonies. I have spent time in Togo, Benin & Burkina Faso observing voodoo ceremonies and culture. Also, some of the great music of Africa comes from this area. If your first priority is seeing animals, do not choose West Africa as much of the wildlife has been killed as part of ritual voodoo sacrifice.

Southern Africa which includes Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa is a place to see wildlife, as well as places like Victoria Falls, the dunes of the Namib Desert, and the modern and dynamic cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg where you can visit Soweto and the Apartheid Museum.

Finally, there is Eastern Africa. This part of Africa is the place I recommend most for first timers to Africa because it offers so much of what people want to see on their first safari to Africa. It is where I went for my first safari. On my first trip, my wife and I wanted to see the majestic animals of Africa, and East Africa offers a wide variety of wildlife viewing options in a concentrated geographic area. This part of Africa includes the options of seeing gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, Chimpanzees in those countries as well as the Mahale Mountains above Lake Tanganyika, witnessing the Great wildebeest Migration between Kenya and Tanzania and visiting the exotic island of Zanzibar. And it also offers Mt. Kilimanjaro and is where the Maasai and other wonderful people and cultures are located.

All parts of Africa have something to offer. The first step for you is to decide what is most important. Don’t try to see it all. But to give you some guidance, since for most people the word “safari” means wildlife, this book will focus on East and Southern Africa. And don’t forget your adventure does not begin with your arrival but begins with planning your safari. Planning can be half the fun. So, enjoy the process and happy planning!

When I ask clients what is your number one priority most will say, “I want to see wildlife.” You won’t see tigers (go to Asia), bears (our National Parks are good places) but on almost every safari you are going to see a myriad of animals – Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeests, Hippos, Leopards, Cheetahs, Baboons, Gazelles, Impalas, Vervet Monkeys, Warthogs, Hyenas, not to mention many others that fill a 900 page guide book. You will also see a huge variety of bird life including Ostriches, Flamingos, Hawks, Eagles, Weaver Birds, Kites, Kingfishers, Rollers and Bee Eaters.

But within that desire to see animals there are options as well and that may help you narrow down where you want to go. Do you want to see Gorillas? Then consider Rwanda or Uganda. Want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration? The Serengeti in Tanzania or the Maasai Mara in Kenya is the place for you. Do you love elephants? Tarangire National Park has the second densest population of elephants in Africa. Chobe Park in Botswana, Southern Africa has the most. Rhinos? South Africa is ideal for that.

And don’t forget that travel abroad also should mean meeting people from different backgrounds and cultures. The Maasai tribes in Kenya and Tanzania are wonderful, beautiful, friendly, fun spirited people and there are many opportunities to visit their villages and many of them serve as safari guides. I have Maasai that I now call friends and family and have learned many life lessons from them. You can also spend time with the Hadze and waDatoga people in Tanzania. They will show you how they hunt with bows and arrows and make medicines from the plants in the area. The Himba people of Namibia are a fascinating nomadic group with the women having skin of a beautiful reddish brown from the ochre paste they use on their skin and in their incredible hair styles. And don’t forget the San bushmen of the Kalahari in Botswana as well many other tribes throughout Africa. You can learn about spice and slave trading by visiting the exotic island of Zanzibar.

While certain places allow for walking and Zambia is the home of the walking safari (yet another options for you), most of your wildlife viewing will take place in vehicles. But there are many opportunities to be active in Africa. Many people love the challenge of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – the highest point in Africa. Remember that you should prepare for this climb months ahead of your trip. I hiked and walked on a treadmill with a backpack full of weight for 6 months. It will take training, planning and remembering the Swahili phrase “pole pole” (go slowly) to acclimate as you reach over 19,000 feet. You can scuba dive in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean on Zanzibar or Mafia Island. There are kayaking options in sheltered bays off the coast of Tanzania and in Lake Malawi. Swim in shark cage in South Africa? Raft the Zambezi River? Are you a horse person? There are horseback safaris in Kenya. Like Mountain Biking? E-Bikes? Those are now options. Wind surfing? Surfing? Yes, they are available. You can ATV in Namibia and go hot air ballooning in Kenya and Tanzania. As I write this, I am sure there are more activities being created. Just about anything you want to do (even play golf in South Africa) is available to you. So, if you want to combine a wildlife safari with other activities that you enjoy chances are good you can do it in Africa.

There is a lot do in this part of Africa. And if you work with a safari company that is flexible and listens to you then you can put together the perfect combination of things to give you the safari that you want.

Believe me when I say this is the most important step in your planning. Unlike a trip to Europe where you can rent a car, take a train and toddle around on your own, this is Africa — you need knowledgeable guides, reliable transportation and to know that everything is well coordinated so that when you reach camp each night you will be well-fed, comfortable and safe. And if there is a glitch in your plans there is someone you can reach and have the problem addressed.

Search “Safari Company” on the Internet and you will be amazed at the number of hits you get. There are all sorts of safari companies out there. There are large ones, ones that are single individuals that do maybe one safari a year solely for the purpose of paying their own way over, there are safari companies that specialize in only one type of safari, others offer set departure dates and packaged tours and others are boutiques offering custom itineraries designed for you.

It is easy for most safari companies, (at least the ones that are honest) to do a good job when things go well but this is Africa after all and how a safari company reacts to things like lost luggage, missed connections, management changes in lodges and broken down vehicles (which should not happen if they are good vehicles and well maintained) is when a safari company really proves its value. You are traveling a long distance and for some this will be the most expensive trip they ever take. You do not want to waste your time taking care of problems.

First decide the type of safari you want to take. Do you want a package tour with a set departure date and itinerary that cannot be changed? Do you want a custom trip that is designed for you? Do you want your own guide and vehicle? There are some simple signs and questions you can ask to help you decide if a safari company is right for you.

One should never choose a safari company on price alone. Safaris can be found at all levels of price and luxury, but make sure the essentials are covered. Like hiring a contractor to remodel your house the cheapest is not usually the best. Low prices are tempting but can mean that the company is using older vehicles or things like minivans, does not pay or treat their people well and uses lodges and camps that are less than ideal. There is a reason they are the cheapest, so buyer beware. So, what are the clues to look for? OK, here comes one of my famous lists:

• How responsive are they? Is your safari company easy to reach? Can you reach them by both email and phone? Do they get back to you the same day? How thorough are their responses to your questions? Does it feel like they truly care, or does it feel like they just want to sell you a trip? As a client during my first safari, I had a million questions. I expected that if I sent an email with a question, I should hear back that same day. Or if I called, they would take the time to speak with me and not make me feel like I was taking up their valuable time.

• What do their prior clients say? While sites like Trip Advisor can be a helpful weeding out process ask your potential safari company to put you in contact with some of their past clients. Are they willing to do that? Do the discussions you have with those past clients convey that they had a great once in a lifetime experience or was it just a “nice” trip?

• Do they sound passionate about Africa and where they are suggesting? Have they been there themselves? Have they stayed at the places they are suggesting for you? Have they actually done the activities they are recommending for you? This is different than just trying to find the right hotel in Paris and maybe a guided tour of the Louvre. You want a company who is not just selling you a trip that some third party will handle but someone who has seen and done what they are suggesting you do and knows first-hand the people you will be interacting with.

• Do they give back? I think this is one of the most important tests in choosing the right safari company. It goes along with the passion mentioned above. There are many people that can sell you a trip, but do they love Africa and their people? Are they involved in conservation to maintain that wildlife and natural beauty that is there so that it lasts for generations to come? Tourism is an important contributor to the economy of African nations and in fact for some it is in the top 3 contributors, But it does not always filter down to the local communities. Is your safari operator involved with local villages? Do they help the people that contribute so much to the experience you have?

• Is the itinerary efficient and is what is best for you and not what is easiest for them? Are you wasting days to get from point A to point B? Ask them why the itinerary is set up the way it is. Does it look or feel that there are “filler” days – days that are cheap to do but do not offer much or are you maximizing your time on your safari doing what you want to do? Important questions to ask are what are the distances between each stop? What are the roads like? Are you spending at least 2 nights in most places, so you are not rushed from place to place? Is there plenty of time for game viewing?

• What does the itinerary include and not include? I have seen some safaris advertised that seem ridiculously cheap until you read that you are responsible for all park and entrance fees which can total $1- 2000 dollars or that you are responsible for the flight to transfer you back to your point of departure. Make sure when you are comparing that you know specifically what is included and what is not.

• Finally what kind of safari are you on and what do you want to go on? Some safaris are completely self-contained. The means that you are traveling with everything and setting up luxury camps with your own staff, chefs, food and supplies. This harkens back to the way Hemingway traveled when he went on safari. These types of safaris are very expensive and are rare these days.

• At the other end of the spectrum are safaris with set itineraries and set departure dates. These safaris tend to be quite economical. But they have no flexibility. Their disadvantage is you can’t amend or adapt your trip as you go along. You have no choice as to where you go and where you stay (which are not always the best) and, in my opinion, have one other strong disadvantage. While it is fun to meet and travel with new people unlike other tours where you have a chance to escape, there is no escaping when you are spending the entire day in a vehicle with someone who drives you crazy. It can ruin the whole trip for you. When I was a client one of my safaris had a young single woman who joined our safari at the last moment. She simply did not fit in and complained about EVERYTHING. If we could have fed her to the lions we would have. I still loved going on safari, but it certainly diminished the experience. Like to meet new people? You can do it after a game drive at camp while you are having sundowners around the fire before dinner. It is the best of both worlds. If you have a group of friends traveling together there is really no need for a set itinerary and departure because you can basically create your own group trip.

Thus, the best balance between these two extremes is a custom itinerary designed for you. It gives you the schedule you want. You have your own guide and vehicle (this is in East Africa. In places like Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa you will arrive at a camp and use their guides and vehicles). This means if you want to spend an hour looking at a pride of lions you can. You can work with your safari company to choose your accommodations based on such things as budget and what you want to do and where you want to go. There is no specific departure date so you can choose a schedule that best fits your timetable and personal commitments and airline prices. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to have the best experience possible.

Africans love to tell stories, so here’s one of my favorites. After college, a friend of my daughter’s spent a couple of years in the Peace Corps. During her orientation in Africa, she was being briefed by her supervisor, a native tribesman. When she asked if it was OK to do something he usually cheerfully answered: “If you do that you will surely die.” Unless you decide to get out of your vehicle and try and pet a lion or go swimming with hippos, you will surely not die. When you see a news story about a traveler having problems in Africa, be sure to read past the headline —it’s usually because that traveler has done something incredibly stupid. And while we live in “interesting times” traveling in Africa is very safe and I would argue safer than many other places in the world we might feel more comfortable traveling.

In most African countries tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the economy. Not only do they want you to have a good time they need you to have a good time. We hear stories about unrest and if we read the State Department web site about places around the world we would never step out of our home. One of the wonderful things about traveling is meeting new people. Yes, there are problems around the world but just because you hear of an isolated incident does not mean that it is so unsafe “you will surely die.” We all live in places where there is crime and problems, but we still enjoy doing things where we live. While big cities anywhere in the world have the same issues (don’t leave your valuables around or wander the streets alone at 3 a.m.) once you are out in the bush you have nothing to worry about. I leave cameras out and about and no one would think of taking anything. I once had client who decided to hide his money by shoving it under his mattress. It was $2000 – a fortune in Tanzania. He then got so drunk that night that he forgot he left it there and called to tell me that he thought he lost his wallet or that it was stolen. 5 days later it was found under the mattress and returned with every penny returned. That is how safe it is and how wonderful the people are.

The first answer to that question is where in Africa are you going? If you are going to East Africa, then the simplest way to answer that question is to first by stating when not to go.

There are 2 rainy seasons in East Africa. The first are the long rains that usually take place (you can never be 100% accurate with the weather) in March-April and the short rains are in November.

As for the rest of the time of year in East Africa it depends on your answer to chapter 2 above. Want to see the Great Migration in Tanzania? The best time to have a chance to witness that is either January-February when they are in the Southern Serengeti with wildebeest mating and calving with up to 8000 wildebeest born a day! Want to see the Wildebeest make that dramatic Mara river crossing? Then the August-October period is the best when the wildebeest are in the Northern Serengeti. Can’t go then? Try the Maasai Mara in July? May-July is the dry season and also a great time to go but tends to be more crowded. And there is nothing wrong with spending the holidays in Africa in December. Want to see a music festival in Zanzibar? Then you want to go to the Sauti za Busara in February. And there is a film festival in July. Cape Town is an amazing city and has things going on all the time. Remember in East Africa you are about 4 degrees off the equator, so the weather is pretty stable all year round.

Have to go in November but don’t want to be in the rains? Go to Southern Africa, March-April is a great time to visit Botswana and Zambia. Want to swim in the Devil’s pool at Victoria Falls – a pool that will take you right to the lip of the falls? Then you need to go when the water level is low. That means the months of October and November. If your holiday schedule is not flexible, then this may dictate where in Africa you go. Or if you have flexibility then the first step is to decide what you want to do and see and that will help you decide when to go.

There are several types of accommodations available and a wide range of luxury with each type. There are lodges, which are permanent structures (common in South Africa). There are seasonal camps where tents (wait let me explain) are set up for the season and then removed. This is particularly true during the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti and there are also permanent camps with tents as well. In South Africa most are hotel like rooms with A/C.

And while camp and tent are four letter words you should not fear. When I say tents, I don’t mean the kind where you crawl in and sleep on the ground. These are large safari tents with beds, hot showers and flush toilets. They have all the creature comforts but are made of heavy canvas with beautiful decks, nice furniture and views of the bush. They are my favorite places to stay. Inexperienced safari travelers sometimes tell me they don’t care where they sleep — but this is not some Western city where you can go out dining and clubbing at night and then crawl into bed at midnight. The camp experience is an integral part of the safari experience, so you need to choose wisely. There are a wide range of options and prices. And while you don’t need to (but can if you want to) stay at a 5-star camp you don’t want to stay in a large impersonal cinderblock place that is completely out of place in the bush.

Think Hemingway. When he went on safari, he brought everything with him, bar, bath, etc. It all just happens to be there for you. And being in these tents, at night with just netting for windows you can fall asleep to the sounds of animals off in the distance. And no worries, the animals will not bother you. Though I have seen an elephant wander through camp from time to time.

It is quite a sight to be sitting eating your breakfast and watch a several ton elephant wander by. Some camps even have water holes by their dining areas so that you can enjoy a delicious meal while watching animals come to drink. It is these kinds of experiences that had me wanting to return to Africa again and again.

So, the tent is nice. The camp is lovely. But what is the food like? Remember, tourism is essential to the economy, so your hosts want you to have a great time. They also want you to enjoy the food since it is an important part of any trip. And they certainly do not want you to get sick.

On safari all food is fresh (there is little refrigeration available in the bush) and prepared in a very healthy manner. And in this day and age of vegetarians, vegans, ova-lacto diets and the need to be gluten free, a good camp or lodge (and more importantly a good safari operator who is prepared and briefs the camps and lodges ahead of your arrival) can cater to your needs and tastes. Breakfasts usually consist of several options including eggs, cereals, fruits, bacon and fresh baked bread.

Lunch is usually a picnic out in the bush while on a game drive. In Southern Africa you usually arise very early and then return in the late morning for breakfast and lunch and then go out again in the afternoon. However, lunch in the bush usually consists of a sandwich or cold chicken, fruit, baked goods and chocolate bars. I have also had stews, salads and even champagne served out in the bush.

Dinners, served after sitting around the campfire and having a sundowner, give you the chance to relive and compare your day’s experiences with your fellow guests. Chefs usually prepare a dish that includes of beef, chicken or maybe fish if you are in a coastal region. There are great soups, salads (yes you can eat it) and wonderful vegetables. On a well-run safari you will love the meals you have and not go hungry.

Water is either bottled water or water that has been boiled and treated so it is safe to drink. And don’t forget the wonderful local beers and delicious wines from the South African wine region served throughout the continent.

As to shots it will depend on (a) what countries you are visiting and your own personal health issues. Very few countries require that you have a yellow fever vaccination. One of the things to be aware of is that if you ask your doctor or visit the U.S. Center for Disease Control, they will tell you that you need a whole battery of shots and you will end up as a human pin cushion and spending hundreds of dollars on shots. Remember unless you are volunteering to work in a refugee camp you are not going to be exposed to everything as you would if you were a Peace Corp volunteer. You really do not need that much. But everyone’s health is different and this is a conversation you should have with your doctor.

Are there mosquitos in Africa? Yes. Do some of them (not all) carry malaria? Yes. Do you need to panic about Malaria? No. First, one of the things you should take is a malaria prophylactic, which is in the form of a pill that you take a few days before your safari, during your safari and a few days after. Another reason not to worry is that most of us have strong immune systems. Finally, by wearing mosquito repellent, impregnating your clothes with bug repellant and wearing long sleeve shirts and pants in the late afternoon and evening you should have nothing to worry about. And you will sleep under a mosquito net. I have been going to Africa since 2000 and have never had an issue.

Now for the big unasked question – bathrooms in the bush. As I mentioned all of the places you will be staying on safari have private bathrooms with flush toilets. So, the first rule is to remember what your parents always told you – go before you leave. If you need to use a restroom while out in the bush then your guide will find you a convenient place to stop where he is confident there are no lions, leopards or other animals nearby. Your guide will “beat the bushes” to make sure there is nothing that will bother you and then provide you with the privacy you need. Women should bring a “facilities kit” that my wife and female clients have developed. It contains toilet paper, wipes and plastic bags to bring any paper items back to your camp with you. The Africa bush is unspoiled, and the goal is to leave no trace.

The “Big 5” is an old term that referred to the 5 most dangerous animals to hunt. They were elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo.

Today it can mean any large game including giraffes, zebra, impala, gazelle and wildebeest. If you are out with a good guide who knows how to spot wildlife, then you will see a lot more than 5 species of animals – big and small. Leopards and cheetahs can be elusive, and rhino are mostly found in Namibia and South Africa (some in Kenya and Tanzania) put the horrible crime of poaching them for their horn (which have absolutely no medicinal or aphrodisiacal properties) has made them a rare sighting in many parts of Africa.

You will also get quite close to animals. There have been whole books written about photography on safari. I have clients who have shot pictures with their smartphones to clients with the latest and greatest high end photographic equipment. It depends on what you want and what you want to spend. Any camera with a good zoom lens should be fine. There are many different opinions as to the type of equipment you should bring but there is one thing everyone agrees on. Know your camera before you leave! Many people buy a new camera before they leave for safari and decide to read the manual while there or on the plane flight over. That is not the time. Practice with your camera. Learn all of its features. That way you will spend less time looking at it and fiddling with it then watching a herd of impala leaping across the road in front of you.

As the picture above illustrates sometimes you don’t even need a zoom lens as you can get quite close (hands inside the vehicles please). And the animals are used to seeing you around and will not run off when you approach in your vehicle. Thus, as long as you are not a threat to their food or their young, they have no reason to bother you.

Unlike safaris of long ago you do not need black tie for dinner and women do not need the perfect little black dress. In East Africa Located just south of the equator, this part of the world has a sunny, tropical climate modified by changes in altitude and time of year. Between December and March, temperatures average in the 80s and 90s during the day and 60s and 70s after sundown. In Southern Africa in can be quite hot in October-December. The humidity is usually low but can be higher on the coast. Riding in a safari vehicle can be chilly in the morning, although by 10am it has usually warmed up. It is important to travel light. All dress is casual, so you do not need anything to dress up in. Also, you will be traveling a lot by car or light aircraft, so it is important to use soft-sided luggage (i.e. duffle bag) as it makes it easier to pack the vehicle. You will also want a personal bag to hold things like your camera and other personal items. A small backpack or camera bag is perfect.

I also recommend a change of clothes in your hand luggage in case your bags get delayed/lost during air travel. Lightweight clothing is best, and layering is the way to go with a warmer fleece for the evenings.

Comfortable, casual, cotton or nylon clothing is recommended for your travels in tropical Africa as the organic material allows your skin to breathe. Trousers or long skirts are recommended after dark to help protect against mosquitoes. Try to avoid bright colors. While it is not a hard and fast rule, avoid blues and reds. Brown, beige, tan, etc. are best. White gets too dusty so avoid it. Bandanas are good to carry too along with a sun hat. While in East Africa always remember you are a guest in another country so, please respect the culture and religion by wearing appropriate clothing. At the end of this book is a sample packing list for you to use.

In this modern age we all worry about being disconnected. There is pretty much cell service and Wi-Fi everywhere now. The quality will vary from city to city and accommodation to accommodation. Having Wi-Fi in bush is both a good and bad thing.

Cell phones? Everyone has one. In fact, I have Maasai friends who live in a tiny village in Kenya with no electricity or running water. Yet, I can take out my phone right now and text him. You should check with your cell phone carrier to see what plans they have and not every carrier has an arrangement with African cell phone carriers so that can make it even more expensive and spotty with respect to service.

So how do you charge all this gear? Most camps and lodges have either plugs in the room or charging stations in the main area. Thankfully more and more properties are going solar. It is not an issue to charge your camera batteries, cell phones, iPad, kindles, nooks, C-Pap machines and any other device that lights up and has a battery. Another option with some of the new vehicles are inverters that allow you to charge in the vehicles.

With all that said I believe that unless you really need to check that email, send that Facebook post or tweet, turn your devices off and leave them off. This is one time you’ll probably be happier with a paperback book than a tablet. Even put your camera down once in a while (whether you have 500 or 600 Zebra photographs will not make that much of a difference). You are out in the wild, in some of the most beautiful stunning places in the world. Seeing things, you can’t see anywhere else in the world. Enjoy it. Appreciate it. It is a great way to get back into the rhythm of life that is so predominate in Africa. The world will probably not end if you leave your device in the off position.

There are many places to visit in the world and many wonders to see. I have been to all 7 continents and have loved them all. You can see famous churches and great artwork in almost any major city in the world. You can see incredible architecture that has been around for hundreds of years in most places in the world. And in our high tech, well-connected world many places are beginning to look the same with the same restaurants, coffee shops, clothing stores, movies and television shows that you can find at home.

But Africa is truly unique. There is no other place in the world to see these particular creatures in their natural habitat. Unless you go to a zoo, you will not see these breathtaking animals anywhere else. Where else can you see a lioness cleaning her young with her tongue? A mother elephant laying down with her babies playing all over her? Impalas leaping across the road? A leopard lounging in a tree? Cheetahs in the grass? A curious baby gorilla looking right at you? A rare rhino at a watering hole? Hundreds of thousands of wildebeests crossing a river? A magnificent sun setting behind an acacia tree – a sight that tells you that you can be no place else but Africa. Only Africa offers all of this and more.

Yes, the safari bug is the most potent of all. Many have come. Few have left unchanged.