Find Bliss on the Edge of Tanzania’s Ruaha River

On August 16, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

There is no rush to do anything at Tanzania’s Amara Simbazi boutique camp—there is only the feeling of pure harmony. Whether you’re watching the sunset behind the thick African bush from the tranquil infinity pool or finding peace on the Ruaha River’s edge, Amara Simbazi somehow defies the constraints of time.

As you enter this blissful retreat, located in the Selous Game Reserve, you’ll immediately recognize a feeling of balance that’s ignited by the soothing interior colors and textures that emulate Tanzania’s energetic, natural surroundings. Each of the camp’s 12 luxurious tented camps is designed to provide you with maximum comfort, while enabling the outdoors to permeate through to the inside.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Perfect for romantic safari honeymoons, family reunions or getaways, and group trips, Amara Simbazi is the ideal accommodations for any traveler looking to explore Tanzania’s exotic wilderness. It is, however, important to note that if you are taking a family vacation, children must be a minimum of 6-years in age.

While visiting this boutique camp enjoy fine dining, opulent spa treatments, and exciting bush-based activities.

Here are just a few things you can expect to partake in while visiting Amara Simbazi:

Explore the Wilderness on Safari: Whether you want to experience a game drive, walking safari, or birding safari, Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s premier safari tour destinations. As a World Heritage Site and Tanzania’s largest and most plentiful game reserve, Selous is comprised of an eclectic variety of bustling eco-systems that each offer a new perspective on wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

With hundreds of species of birds including the African fish eagle, goliath herons, Egyptian geese, waders, vultures, and warblers, Selous Game Reserve’s waterways are teeming with some of Africa’s most celebrated bird species. With the help of your knowledgeable safari guide and a pair of great binoculars, you can get even closer to these species than you ever imagined.

Game drives are also a great way to view birds but are more famous for viewing large game such as lions, leopards and elephants. And before you head out for your refreshing morning game drive, enjoy a delightful bush breakfast amongst the residential wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Walking safaris are another excellent way to view Tanzania’s large game, but they’re also perfect for discovering hidden wildlife such as the little five. You’ll also get to utilize some detective skills as you scan the ground for animal tracks and go in search of animals on the move.

Boating Adventures: Venture across the Ruaha River in search of giant hippos, fierce crocodiles, and aquatic birds. On these safari tours, you’ll find excitement around every bend of the river while enjoying chilled refreshments and refreshing snacks.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/activities.html)

Sensual Spa Treatments: Whether you want to experience a rejuvenating spa treatment in the privacy of your

tented camp or outdoors amongst the sounds and aromas of the wildlife, Amara Simbazi’s signature spa treatments allow you to restore balance, eliminate physical stresses, and revitalize the senses. Perfect for experiencing after exciting safari tours, Simbazi’s spa treatments are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

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Professional Safari Guide Reveals All About Private African Safaris

On August 9, 2010, In African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle

African safari tour

It is our mission and passion to share the beauty and energy of Africa with the entire world, and one of the best ways to illustrate what you might experience on safari is through speaking with a professional safari guide. For this reason, we’ve created a new Live the Magic of Africa blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann.

Professional Safari Guide

Mark Homann

Raised in Zimbabwe’s farming community, Mark earned his Professional Guides license at the young age of twenty-two. His formative years as a safari guide were spent managing camps and leading specialized safaris for companies with a heavy focus toward sustainable, community-based natural resource management.

Mark and his family now live outside of Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he works as a safari consultant to organize safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa. Mark is also available as a personal safari guide by special request.

We are delighted that Mark has decided to join the Hills of Africa as one of our Africa travel specialists.

Below is a Q & A with Mark:

1. How does having your own personal safari guide differ from experiencing safari in a group of individuals?

A private safari gives you the flexibility of having all of your experiences focus primarily on your interests. I can recall many times, while on a group safari, people’s interests differed and a compromise was always the result.

For example, if you witness a lion make a kill for the first time, you may want to spend the whole morning tracking the pack—as it could be your only chance to see them. But, if you’re on a group safari, the other guests may have already seen lots of lions and want to move on quickly to other experiences.

African safari tours

2. What types of individuals would benefit from having a personal safari guide? Who would not benefit from having a personal safari guide?

In my opinion, everyone on safari would benefit from having a private guide. Private guides typically have a lot more experience and are at the top of the industry, which makes your safari experience highly adventurous and exciting. They work hand in hand with resident or lodge guides so you experience not one, but two personal safari guides. A pure luxury while on safari.

3. What traits make for a great safari guide?

There has always been a debate about what makes a good guide. Some people love wildlife and know so much about all the various wildlife of Africa, but don’t have the socializing skills to effectively communicate their knowledge and excitement, while others are great with people but not as informed about the wildlife. With that said, the best guides are those who love talking about wildlife and interacting with people, and have a lot of enthusiasm.

African safari tours

4. What characteristics would describe your ideal safari-goer / client / participant?

The best clients on a safari are people that are interested, excited, and enthusiastic, and ask a lot of questions.

Be the first to let us know what you think of our new blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann in our comments section.

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What Really Happens on an African Family Safari?

On July 12, 2010, In Family Safaris, By Sandy Salle

If you’ve been thinking about planning an African family safari, but are still on the fence, maybe hearing from a family who recently visited Africa might provide with you a better idea for if a trip to Africa is right for your family.

Below, our recent clients from New Orleans, the Todd family, share their amazing experiences in Africa:

The Todd Family: Trey, Beth, Amie, and Alex

“Any chance to re-live some of the life altering experiences that my family and I had on our Hills of Africa safari is most welcomed. Nothing can beat watching the African sunrise over the Okavango Delta with loved ones or feeling the exhilaration of a charging elephant testing the abilities of our dedicated guide as we back up quickly down the road! Nothing compares to the playful antics of leopard cubs wrestling in the tall savanna grass! When will we ever get another chance to view the majesty of a pride of lions against a backdrop of acacia and baobab trees or a family of cheetahs lounging on a termite mound before an evening of hunting impala.

African family safari

Image taken by the Todd Family

The magic of Africa now runs through me as surely as if I were a child of the Kalahari leaving my footprints next to the spoor of the hyaena. This same magic that rekindled the passions of my daughters and wife for nature and the great outdoors. Everyone needs to share the experiences of a trip like this with their loved ones. It was unforgettable, spiritually uplifting, and truly just fodder for the soul. Throw in a couple of World Cup soccer games and I believe one has found the formula for the perfect holiday!

Many thanks to the Hills of Africa people who made this trip a reality for my family. Thanks to the staff of the Chitabe, Tubi Tree and Duma Tau camps for the meals, the dancing and entertainment, and the camaraderie. Thanks to the extremely knowledgeable guides for teaching us the species and the environmental impact of everything we do.  Lastly, thank you Sandy for helping us get through a very trying time when we thought all the preparation would be for naught after we missed our flight. I can’t wait to schedule our next trip to Cape Town or Kruger or to recommend your company to friends.”

–The Todd Family

Image taken by the Todd Family

African family safari

Image taken by the Todd Family

African family safari

Image taken by the Todd Family

African family safari

Image taken by the Todd Family

African family safari

Image taken by the Todd Family

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Safari Photography: Capture the Soul of Africa

On March 22, 2010, In African Safari Tours, South Africa, Zimbabwe, By Sandy Salle

Peter Hurley

Imagine the photographic opportunity of a lifetime; where sprawling landscapes, stunning people and wildlife, and classic countryside estates a-line perfectly with your viewfinder.

This one-of-a-kind opportunity awaits you on Hills of Africa Travel’s Africa in Focus 2010 safari, led by famous photographers Peter Hurley and David J. West.

Peter Hurley

Peter Hurley

During the Africa in Focus 2010 safari, you’ll learn everything you need to know to take professional and moving photographs, while touring some of South Africa and Zimbabwe’s most fascinating and historically- and culturally-rich townships and regions. From the world’s oldest wine estates to bustling Cape Town life, local community projects to Victoria Falls (one of the seven natural wonders of the world), and African safari tours to historical sites, you’ll experience and capture an enchanted world of beauty and cultural diversity through the lens of a camera.

In order to help you better understand the components of Africa in Focus 2010, and become acquainted with Peter Hurley and David J. West, Hills of Africa Travel is hosting a live webinar this Wednesday, March 24 at 9pm – 10pm EDT.

David J. West

David J. West

On this call, you’ll learn about the itinerary for this 12 day journey to Africa, ask any questions you may have, and meet Peter Hurley and David J. West.

But before the call, we would like to share with you our reasoning behind why we chose Africa in Focus to take place in South Africa and Zimbabwe:

  • Both countries are rich in natural tourism resources including the people and wildlife of the region, as well as lush and protected landscapes. Our number one priority at Hills of Africa Travel is to ensure that all of these resources remain sustainable and continue to thrive. We only support tourism establishments with the same standards as we have and direct all travel dollars into the best hands.
  • Both countries provide the perfect setting for photographic journalists in the field to document the incredible benefits of eco-tourism efforts and natural resources to the land, people, and wildlife of Africa. During your Africa safari tours, you will have the highly-rewarding opportunity to snap photographs of some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife, and, once we return, you can submit up to three of your photographs to be included in a collection that will become a coffee table book, the proceeds of which will go to the Hills of Africa Foundation.

Discover Africa through the lens of a camera. Sign up for Hills of Africa Travel’s Africa in Focus 2010 photography safari tour.

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Create the Life You Want: Soul Safari Transformation 2010

On March 15, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, By Sandy Salle

Soul Safari TransformationImagine your life without fear or uncertainty and with the ability to control your own destiny. A life where you have the control to eradicate both subliminal and obvious fears, and as a result, you receive clarity on your life’s purpose.

We all have past life fears that block and stall us in our lives, and many times, we are unaware of these fears.

This clarity of life is waiting for you on Hills of Africa Travel’s Soul Safari Transformation with Ainslie MacLeod, a psychic and featured author on Oprah’s Soul Series. During the Soul Safari Transformation, you’ll discover the simple, step-by-step system for understanding your soul’s purpose, while you uncover a sense of fulfillment and joy you have never known—all in just 9 days while you enjoy a Zimbabwe safari tour, a Victoria Falls tour, a Hwange National Park safari, and a Zambezi River cruise.

In order to help you better understand the components of the Soul Safari Transformation and become acquainted with Ainslie MacLeod, here are just a few highlights from the Soul Safari Transformation trip:

  • 9 days of immersing yourself in the lessons of The Transformation with constant guidance by Ainslie MacLeod.
  • All activities of a leisure trip to Zimbabwe, such as a steam train ride, canoeing, a sunset cruise, and game drives.
  • External energetic boost of nature.
  • Internal energetic boost of game viewing and making a lasting, meaningful impact on locals and wildlife.
  • All tips for guides.

Each day on safari, after an invigorating 3-hour game drive and delicious and satisfying breakfast, you will sit down with Ainslie for a 3-hour workshop.

In these talks, you’ll learn . . .

  • How to identify past life fears and find a motivation that will result in totally eradicating them. You’ll receive power in absolute clarity, you’ll have the ability to embrace your authentic self and finally love who you are, you’ll discover a freedom you’ve never had before, and you’ll discover what you were put here to do.
  • How to decode your soul and discover the life your soul intends for you.
  • Why uncovering your soul’s purpose will help you create a happier life.
  • How to gain Direction, Empowerment, and Fulfillment: Using the Transformation to live the life your soul intended.
  • How to explore the planes of existence that make up the Soul World.
  • What happened 55,000 years ago when humans got souls, and how your soul chose a complete individual personality before birth.
  • How past lives influence your present lifetime.
  • How the process of evolution allows your soul to grow.
  • How other people’s expectations can derail your life plan.
  • Why life’s obstacles are challenges to be overcome.
  • How manifesting your true self leads to profound fulfillment.

Soul Safari Transformation

Ainslie MacLeod

So if you really want to decode your soul and discover the life your soul intends for you, join us for our Soul Safari Transformation 2010. Learn more here and begin your journey to self discovery.

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Upcoming Uthando Projects: Why One Group of Women Are Taking Their Clothes Off

On January 25, 2010, In South Africa, By Sandy Salle
The Underberg Calendar Girls Facebook Page

The Underberg Calendar Girls Facebook Page

As one of the leading community project facilitators and supporters in South Africa, the Uthando Foundation strives to “raise moral and financial support for children who are infected or affected by the HIV / AIDS crisis in South Africa.”

Through their relentless efforts to bring happiness and health care to local South African communities, the Uthando Foundation is working hard to provide children with basic necessities, such as food, medication, moral support, education, shelter, and more. As of the beginning of January, 2010, Uthando has delivered to all of its projects for its second, full year in business. With a handful of new projects lined up for the year, Uthando is seeing great strides in their efforts and has a positive outlook for the future.

The Underberg Calendar Girls Facebook Page

The Underberg Calendar Girls Facebook Page

One of the newest—and allegedly controversial—projects this year is The Underberg Calendar Girls. The discreet and humorous calendar is comprised of nude photos of a group of mothers in the small South African town, Underberg, who are taking their clothes off to help raise money to heat the local school pool. Because the pool is usually cold throughout the year, children usually don’t use it for athletic purposes or even for play.

Looking to brush the dust off the pool, the mothers of Underberg are hoping to raise money for their non-profit calendar, but not without some scolding from local conservatives who are accusing them of “promoting sex and immoral acts.”

We wish them luck and hope that their brave efforts and hard work pays off!

Visit their Facebook group, The Underberg Calendar Girls, to view some of their photos and join the conversation.

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How Can It Be So Difficult To Talk About A Trip To South Africa?

On December 16, 2009, In African Safari Tours, Family Safaris, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

soul-safari-home-page3Amy MacLeod shares her experience on Hills of Africa Travel’s exclusive Soul Safari trip:

“‘How can it be so difficult to talk about a trip to South Africa?’ my friends ask me.  Profound experiences flooded every day of my Soul Safari.  Yet I’m challenged to paint a verbal portrait of the impact this trip has had on my life.  There is a soulful depth and breadth to those experiences.  There is a quality to the impact of what I saw, felt, tasted, smelled, heard and intuited.  The Soul Safari adds up to a life altering experience for me.

I signed up for the Soul Safari because Hills of Africa put together and offered a Safari that included not only a variety of safari events, but also sessions with Ainslie MacLeod, author of The Instruction – Living the Life Your Soul Intended.  A Soul Safari!  I was thrilled at the prospect of combining wildlife and soul in an organic, eco-conscious environment in both the bush and in the city.

African safari tours

African safari tours

My life, on one of the Canadian Gulf Islands, is peaceful, simple and organic – to the extent that I still chop my own wood, eat food out of local gardens and find a trip to any city exhausting.  Obviously, a safari was going to be a bit overwhelming for me, I realized, but I saw that Meredith and Sandy had organized the trip with quality precision and professionalism.  Every detail was looked after – I simply had to follow the itinerary.

Being overwhelmed is an understatement.  It is breathtaking to experience the energy of lions walking beside the jeep and elephants playing in a mud hole in front of us on the road.  My heart nearly burst over the acceptance that these incredible creatures displayed.  Something happened to me when I saw wild animals display more dignified acceptance of us than many humans show each other in our world today.

In Cape Town, something happened to me when I felt the energy of Table Mountain.  And when I was accepted into a Muslim home where I was invited to help prepare the meal that we shared.  And when I saw people living in abject poverty maintain a dignified, welcoming demeanor while sharing who they are so openly.  And to see all that they are doing to help their own, and each others’, growth in a variety of healthy ways.

In summary, this was a spiritual experience.

African safari tours

African safari tours

Being back home, if I can be tenacious enough to pick through the profound influences I have been given, I will find threads of new direction.  Some threads have revealed themselves sufficiently to be suspect now.  These revelatory threads appear slowly, not profoundly.  They simply show up when reality hits the road of routine.  I hear myself thinking or speaking with a ‘difference’.   I don’t want to miss those threads.  I ask my soul for the gift of insight and willingness.

Yes, traveling to Africa has been a life altering experience.   It’s simply not easy to absorb it all and I am still working on that.  I am cocooned in the experiences that bombarded my senses.  I am just starting to receive glimpses of inner changes.  These changes are still very much under construction!”

From the Pride of Soul Safari 2009,
Amy MacLeod

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Immerse Yourself in Gorongosa’s Natural Wonders on an Intimate Walking Safari

On November 18, 2009, In Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, Mozambique, By Sandy Salle

Comprised of diverse eco-systems, and a unique cultural and historical heritage, Gorongosa National Park has positioned itself as Mozambique’s ultimate walking safari destination. Situated among the Lower Zambezi and delta systems, Gorongosa is saturated with exotic wildlife that thrives thanks to these powerful, neighboring water sources.

Famous for its rainforest, roaring waterfalls, mysterious caverns, rivers, grassy floodplains, woodlands, Albida forests, and sprawling pans, the Gorongosa is the premier destination for those looking to gain a broad insight into some of the world’s most fascinating eco-systems. Since Gorongosa’s natural world is defined by its complex eco-systems, having the best guides on your walking safari through the National Park is an absolute must.

One such safari provider, Explore Gorongosa, is an eco-tourism company that prides itself on its expert guides and their ability to combine all the social, historical, cultural, and ecological elements of the region into their guided tours.  Because of the area’s deeply rooted history and its affect on Mozambique’s natural world, no other destination in Africa provides a more well-rounded insight into a specific region quite like Gorongosa National Park. This historical heritage is arguably the strongest element that sets Gorongosa apart from other popular walking safari destinations.

Incorporating the history of the land and its affects on the region’s fragile bio-diversity, the exceptional walking safaris offered by Explore Gorongosa provide an all-encompassing and highly educational experience for all visitors. On these walking safaris, you’ll learn how the region’s history of ancient civilizations, Arabs, and gold, ivory, and slave traders, tribal conflicts, and restoration projects, has shaped Gorongosa into the exciting place it is today. In addition, you’ll be able to see the direct affects this history had on the wildlife population and how conservation efforts over the past several years have transformed the area into one of Africa’s most stunning destinations.

In addition to employing the most knowledgeable locals in the area as certified guides, Explore Gorongosa accommodates guests in semi-mobile, luxury tents. Housing up to eight guests, Explore Gorongosa’s accommodations offers an intimate atmosphere and safari experience for all its visitors. Since each walking safari incorporates the minute details of nature, as well as larger details, Explore Gorongosa only provides private safari tours to ensure you experience the entire detective aspect of a walking safari.  

Since there are no set safari itineraries, you can choose to enjoy whichever aspect of Gorongosa National Park you wish. Whether you’re looking to experience a theme-based walking safari—such as a birding safari, or an all-encompassing walking safari, Explore Gorongosa will cater to your every individual preference. 

Exclusive walking safari excursions:

If you’re interested in a more niche-oriented safari excursion that combines your favorite interests, some detective work, surprise, excitement, and inspiration, Explore Gorongosa provides a series of special interest safari excursions throughout the year. In the coming year, choose from individual expeditions such as birding, species re-introduction, photography, artistic, anthropological, Gorongosa Mountain, and lion studying.

All encompassing walking safaris:

As you journey through the varying terrain of the Gorongosa on an Explore Gorongosa walking safari, you’ll learn to listen for the distinct callings of Mozambique’s wildlife, search for animal markings, and track paths of residential lions and elephants with the invaluable expertise of Gorongosa’s certified local guides. These highly knowledgeable guides introduce you to the hidden elements of Gorongosa’s indigenous wildlife that ranges from larger game to intricate wildlife hidden beneath rocks and inside crevasses.

Fascinating birdlife including the green-headed oriole, African fish eagle, Egyptian geese, a wide variety of crane species, and much more can be seen during your comprehensive tour through the Mozambique bush. Many of the larger species of animal spotted are Nile crocodiles, lions, hippos, antelopes, and elephants.

In contrast to ecological tours, community tours allow you to discover inspirational elements of the local culture and take a deeper look into how culture has been shaped by Mozambique’s history. You’ll also be able to tour the newly built school and hospital in the Vinho community and observe the positive effects it has had on the locals.

As you observe Mozambique’s bio-diversity, you’ll learn about the direct correlation between the region’s empowering history and its wildlife population, as well as the numerous conservation efforts that helped save this region’s species.

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Who Knew Merlot Cared So Much About Labels?

On November 6, 2009, In African Safari Tours, Cape Winelands, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
avondale

Photo from Avondale website

The wine country of South Africa is full of old-world Dutch estates, family-owned vineyards, and charming countryside, but there is one vineyard, in particular, that is appraised for not only its eco-friendly practices, but also for its delectable wines.

Each year, Avondale picks their best wine from the barrel and awards it the Les Perleus label. This label of excellence was given to their Merlot 2006 this year because of its “deep velvety texture,” hints of fruit flavors, and long, subtle tannin finish.

merlot

Photo from Avondale website

Below you will find more information about the Les Perleus Merlot 2006:

• Some of the grapes were fermented in open tanks and the other part in closed tanks.

• Part of the fermentation process occurred in French oak barrels to draw out deep flavors of wood.

• The wine is ready to drink now. However, if you would like to wait until the wine has aged the recommended time is 15 years.

Avondale, an exceptional vineyard that began in Paarl, South Africa, features some of the most exquisite wines in the world and since its opening has expanded satellite vineyards to fifteen countries across the globe. But Avondale is famous for more than its splendid wines—they are Bio-LOGIC certified for their entire farm. In a nutshell, Bio-LOGIC certification requires that a farm does not use pesticides (even if they’re organic) or herbicides in their grape growing process. Avondale has taken great pride in this certification and strives to do their part in sustaining the environment.

Learn more about this exceptional vineyard here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPVV9YbsY-s&hl=en&fs=1&]

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3 Tips for Surviving In the African Savannah—Alone

On October 28, 2009, In African Wildlife, Botswana, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

BearInspired by Bear Grylls, adventurist and host of Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild, I’m going to share with you some tips on surviving in Africa’s wilderness, without becoming dinner. Rest assured, all certified safari excursions are completely safe and you won’t ever need to use these tactics—but just for curiosity’s sake, don’t you want to know how you would go about avoiding the dangers of Africa’s savannah on your own?

Here’s a scenario for you: You’re driving by yourself and your vehicle breaks down. You have no food, no protection from fierce predators and the scorching sun, no water, and no direction on where to go. What do you do?

Here are 3 ways to survive in the African savannah in the most vulnerable state—as prey:

1. Find water: Many times, it won’t rain for weeks or months in the savannah, which is why finding water is such a difficult task. There are several ways to find water sources throughout the savannah. One way to find water is to search for animal tracks and follow their footsteps to see if they lead to water. If you come across a fast moving river, you’re in luck. Streams and rivers that sit without a current can harbor parasites and bacteria, which is why it’s important to find a fast moving river. You should boil the water though, no matter what, to prevent bacteria and organisms from entering your body.

If you don’t find a river, it’s time to dig. Many times, water will be beneath the surface of a dried up river bed. Before committing to digging a hole that could take up to 10 minutes to dig, it’s important to find the lowest part of the river bed (water will collect here). If you do happen to strike water, use a piece of clothing to act as a sponge and trickle the water into your mouth.

fruit2. Find Food: Finding food can be just as difficult as finding water, but if you do find water, chances are there will be food in the area as well. Throughout the vicinity you may find some berries and fruit, but before eating them, it’s crucial that you check to see if they’re poisonous. Here are a few tips to test a fruit or berry:

• The smell of the fruit plays a large role in detecting whether it is poisonous or not. First, cut the fruit open. If it smells like peaches or almonds, it’s poisonous.

• If the fruit passes the scent test, it’s time to place the fleshy part of the fruit on your skin. Rub this part of the fruit up and down your forearm and wait a minute to see if it produces a rash on your skin. If so, it’s poisonous.

• If the fruit passes the above tests, it’s time to bring the fruit to your lips. If you feel a burning sensation on your lips, the fruit is not safe to eat. If not, move the fruit to your tongue, but don’t swallow. If the fruit doesn’t agitate your tongue, take a bite of the fruit and wait several hours to see if you become sick. If not, the fruit is edible.

3. Protect yourself against predators: When walking through the African bush, it’s crucial to keep your attention on every element around you. Being observant will help you to avoid unwanted “surprises.” Depending on which animal you see in the bush, you want to know different tactics and movements to avoid becoming their dinner.

If you see a lion, keep your distance, remain calm, don’t turn your back, and don’t run. Move your arms, head, and feet around, and clap your hands together to avoid them coming closer. Slowly back away from the lions while continuing to face them.

BuffaloAlthough lions can be extremely intimidating to see in the wild, especially if you’re by yourself and lost, there are a variety of other animals to be careful of including buffalos and black rhinos. Both species need their space, which is why it’s important to always keep your eyes open and stay clear of these animals. Rhinos have a fantastic sense of smell and hearing, which makes up for their lack of good eyesight. Because of their keen sense of smell and hearing, it’s important to be extremely quiet and know the direction of the wind to prevent your scent from lingering in their direction.

Do you have any other tips for surviving in the African savannah? If so, we’d love to hear them in our comments section.

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