Safari Series: Why An African Safari Should Be On Your Bucket List
“There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne – bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive.”
Karen Blixen could not have captured the essence of an African safari more accurately. The up-close wildlife encounters, unfamiliar landscapes, and emotional cultural experiences have a true impact on your soul. While traversing the reserves during dawn and dusk, you can’t help but burst with gratitude for the experience. The light in Africa is magical; sunrises and sunsets are otherworldly. The natural setting alone is a reason to book your flight and go!
Being with just your guide and wild animals is a humbling sensation that helps you lose all sense of time. Africa provides you with the space to reflect on the things that really matter - the hundreds of emails lurking in your work Inbox don’t cross your mind and seem insignificant compared to the raw beauty around you.
One of my favorite parts about being on safari is that you have the opportunity to connect with locals from a vastly different culture. The intense animal encounters forge an authentic trust and true bond with your guide.... at the end of the day, your safety is in their hands. On your long game drives, your guide not only explains interesting facts about the environment, but also tells personal stories. After a few days, you feel like you’ve made a new best friend. Hi Frank, Shaun, Coleman, and Jason! (aka some of my favorite guides).
Also, during your early morning breakfasts, late night boma dinners, and your escorts to/from these meals, you have one on one chats with the staff. Most people love to open up and you get a glimpse of what it’s like to live in their world. It’s fascinating to hear about their upbringing, their families, friends, and future goals. I have learned delicious recipes, like how to make a healing ginger root tea, a spicy piri piri sauce & savory mixed beans. Ladies have spilled their skincare secrets - marula oil and coconut oil are the best for their hydrating benefits. Maasai men have shared their brave cultural traditions. Ultimately, meaningful relationships build over a short amount of time.
Going on safari is a bucket list travel experience, thus, comes with a high cost. Though, it helps as you actually see where your money goes. It’s personally enriching to know that you are supporting the surrounding ecosystem and community just by visiting.
Your on-ground experience demonstrates how safari tourism plays a direct role in conservation. The most obvious example of the impact of conservation is seeing the majestic animals face to face in the wild. How lucky are we to still be able to have these encounters? Safaris turn even the biggest skeptics into animal lovers… myself included. And isn’t that what it’s all about? Inspiring others to share the important message of conservation?
Further, safari outfitters want the surrounding communities to not only survive off of tourism, but thrive. Beneficial programs providing education, community development, and employment opportunities are vital for sustainable growth and continued success. I have seen the impact firsthand and it is profound. It’s exciting to see plans come to fruition and change lives for the better.
Some of the most notable leaders in ecotourism, conservation, and sustainable luxury include -
Singita - properties in Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Read about my stay at Signita here
Sabi Sabi - South Africa
Lemala - properties in Tanzania and Uganda
Wilderness Safaris - properties in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
&Beyond - properties in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Tanzania
MORE Lodges & Hotels - properties in South Africa and Zimbabwe
Great Plains Conservation - properties in Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe
Natural Selection - properties in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
Elewana - properties in Kenya and Tanzania
Belmond Safaris - properties in Botswana
These companies are dedicated to preserving African wilderness and all aspects of the environment - the animals, the plants, and the people. And at the same time, they will spoil you too. Think sumptuous breakfasts, pit stops mid safari for gin and tonics, and relaxing spa treatments.
I am going to be honest. Just a few years ago, an African safari was not high up on my bucket list. My perspective absolutely changed after my first adventure to Africa, a solo trip organized through my work. Though it’s cliché, it’s true…. those 2 weeks were lifechanging. Now I jump on every chance to get back to the continent of Africa. I’ve visited Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and I am heading back to South Africa in October 2021 to celebrate my wedding anniversary.
Once you go on safari, you will never forget the colors, the sights, and the sounds of your thrilling experience. It is a grounding journey and is one that I recommend to everyone. I’ve learned a ton about Africa over the years, so please feel free to reach out with any questions!
I hope I inspire you to put an African safari at the top of your bucket list.
Adventure awaits.
xx Kathryn
