 Asking a traveler where they want to go and what they want to see in Africa is a loaded question that’s often difficult to realistically answer right off the bat. Some travelers might dream about enjoying 3-days of luxurious wine tasting via horseback followed by a mobile safari through the Serengeti—but if these travelers are bringing their young children, these activities might be difficult or even prohibited to take part in.
Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself a variety of questions prior to planning your trip, and be sure that you consult with a trusted travel agent who specializes in trips to Africa. These questions include: “What’s my budget?,” “Who am I going with?,” “What do my travel partners and I want to see and do?,” and “What type of accommodations do we want to stay in?” Each and every answer to these questions has an influence on the answer to the next question. In order to plan the perfect vacation around your specific preferences, here is what you’ll need to know: |
What’s your budget?  This is a big one and is the very first thing you must consider before planning your trip to Africa. Taking a vacation to Africa is quite an investment—one that is well-worth the money and the time it takes to travel. Nonetheless, you must be realistic about your budget and understand that creating a completely customized itinerary pulls in a variety of financial factors such as flights, transportation within Africa, accommodations, activities, reserve and park fees, tours, and more. If you want to experience a highly personalized and luxurious vacation, you must have at the very least $5,000 per person in your budget. After you’ve decided on your budget, it’s time to figure out the fun stuff. |
| Who are you going with?
Are you going to Africa with your spouse? Or are you going with your family? Perhaps you’re visiting with a group of friends. Whomever you’re going with, deciding on activities that are appropriate for everyone in your party is a must.
Or, if you are going to Africa with a group of friends varying in age and physical endurance, you might want to consider the physical requirements for certain activities you want to take part in such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback safaris, or walking safaris. |
| What do you want to see and do?
Do you want to discover ancient architecture, swim with penguins, relax at a luxury spa, or enjoy spectacular game viewing? Deciding what you want to see and do has a huge influence on the countries and regions you will visit while in Africa. For example, there is only one place in Africa where you can swim with the penguins and that’s Boulder’s Beach in South Africa. And, wine tasting can’t be enjoyed just anywhere in Africa—you must go to Cape Winelands to take part in the best of wine tasting. Also, game drives cannot be experienced everywhere in Africa. This is why it’s important that you weigh your activity preferences to determine which ones you are top priority while in Africa. |
| What type of accommodation do you want to stay in?
Africa is full of various types of accommodations ranging everywhere from mobile camps to non-mobile camps, rustic lodges to lavish hotels, and extravagant bandas to romantic bush tents. Because each of these accommodations varies dramatically in terms of adventure and comfort, you must gage your personal preferences and consider your comfort zone and desire for extreme exploration. If you want to sleep in plush beds surrounded by regal interior décor, visit the spa, enjoy fine dining in elegant restaurants, and have luxurious amenities at your disposal, a mobile camp, rustic lodge, or bush camp probably isn’t for you. Rather, you might want to consider extravagant bandas on the water’s edge or a luxurious hotel in Cape Town or the Garden Route, South Africa. But if you are interested in experiencing the wilderness or are an adventurist at heart, you’ll love the mobile safaris and rustic lodges. |
Guest post by Mark Homann, professional safari guide
In the early 1990s I guided out of a National Park known as Chizarira in Northern Zimbabwe. The park is dominated by the Zambezi escarpment that takes up its Northern border. It is by no means a well-known wilderness; not then and certainly not now, but it is very beautiful, unique, and wild. It was with this in mind that I guided a group of clients back here in 2009. I have shared many safaris with this particular group so I knew that they would appreciate this majestic place for what it was.
We had a great safari there. The park was in good shape considering that it has seen less than a handful of tourist in the last decade. The animals were there, but not in the massive numbers as I saw in the early 90s. But we did get to walk up on a large herd of buffalo and two elephant bulls.
Two things make this area so special. One is the people. They are known as the Tonga people. They were moved, after some resistance, from the flood plains of the Zambezi River when Lake Kariba was built, to the foot hills of the escarpment where they live today. We went to visit an old friend and chief of this area who goes by the name of Judas. He showed us great hospitality and showed us around his village and introduced his family (which has grown to 4 wives and a number of kids in the 20 years since I called his valley home). Life is not easy for these people as they live in one of Africa’s harsher environments—the Zambezi valley is very hot and not very fertile (except by the river, which the Tonga people used as their main source of food and income).
They also began struggling with the complete collapse of their tourism-based wildlife economy thanks to the onslaught of bad press Zimbabwe has had since 2000 (it’s worth mentioning that the last time a foreign tourist was hurt in Zimbabwe from politically motivated violence was back in the early 1980s!). Today the Tonga people make a living growing millet (which is regularly eaten by elephant) and some vegetables grown on the sides of the spring lines coming out of the escarpment. They are as proud and tough as ever and it’s easy to feel that the Tonga people could outlive us all.
The other aspect to this area is the Zambezi escarpment itself. As a young guide I spent many hours walking through this wild terrain. Made up of very old sandstone and lifted by tectonic movement, the area is awash with natural spring lines, rugged cliff faces, and deep river gorges that cut deep down into the sandstone, creating a wilderness of valleys and gorges. Elephants have negotiated paths through these steep hills that are thousands of years old (their feet have worn paths into the rock itself). I more than once saw a whole herd of elephant 900 feet above us feeding on the steep sides of river gorges in places where we would not tread without safety harnesses.
So Chizarira may not be the ideal place for a safari for the average person, but it is one of the finest wilderness areas for dedicated wilderness explorers.
Elephant trail in the sandstone.
What inspires travelers to choose a trip to Africa above any other exotic destination in the entire world? Although it is different for everyone, many individuals would say that one of their lifelong dreams has been to experience an African safari. These adventurers-at-heart might say that from the time they were 10 years-old they’ve imagined blazing through the bush and sprawling plains of Africa with the wind in their hair and the wildlife by their side. But what many travelers don’t realize, prior to their first visit to Africa, is that there is something much greater at work within this glorious continent.
There is something mysterious about Africa that ignites something within. Many would consider the catalyst behind this powerful feeling of bliss to be the pure energy emitted by all living things in Africa.
Everything from the smell of the first rains to the melting sunsets, the bright colors of the sky to the empowering sounds, and the magnetic wildlife to the intricate eco-systems, all have an indescribable energy that lives and thrives. Africa is a place where you leave with a new outlook on life and on yourself. But, what many travelers to Africa consider to be the beating heart within this palpable energy are the people of this fascinating continent.
The People
The people you come in contact with while in Africa will most likely be the most genuine and hospitable individuals you will ever meet. Their smiles, gentleness, sense of welcoming, laughter, kindness, and joy in providing you with happiness on your trip are so powerful that you cannot help but feel transformed by their energy.
Many first time travelers to Africa are blown away by the gentleness and attentiveness expressed by the natives, including staff members and safari guides. In fact, most individuals say that their needs and desires have never been addressed as promptly, thoroughly, and joyously, as they were in Africa.
The Relationships that Form
Every individual you meet in Africa, whether a local, safari guide, staff member, or other traveler, offers another opportunity to build a lasting relationship that lives with you throughout the rest of your life.
As you converse with your private safari guides, who are often with you for days on end, you build a unique relationship with those individuals.
Coming into contact with other travelers is also a highly enriching experience as each individual or group is often from a different part of the world than you. This enhances your cultural experience as you are not only interacting with and learning about African cultures, but you are also speaking with people from Europe, China, Australia, the United States, Canada, and more. Africa’s ability to attract a variety of different people and cultures is what makes it one of the most enriching melting pots of the world.
The Memories
Interacting with the people you meet in Africa will quite possibly be some of the most inspirational memories that remain with you for the rest of your life. Every experience you have in the bush with your guide, family members, and new-found friends is something each and every one of you can connect with 20 years down the road and share with new generations, family members, and friends.
Preparing for a vacation to Africa should be exciting, not stressful. But how can you eliminate the stress of packing if you’re unsure of what to pack for a safari? And with all of the packing regulations on charter flights and luggage weight restrictions, how can you avoid the stress of packing that seems nearly impossible to eliminate?
These and other questions will be answered on a special, one-hour teleseminar, What to Pack for an African Safari Vacation. But to give you a little taste of what you can expect on this call, we’ve invited the co-host of this call, Lee Heyward, to guest blog on 5 Packing Tips for an African Safari Vacation.
Below is Lee’s guest post:
Your trip to Africa might require a more minimal and casual wardrobe than you are used to, but it can give you a great opportunity to portray your sense of style in a new and different way.
No matter where you travel you don’t have to loose your sense of style, you just have to be sure your style is practical, appropriate, and comfortable for the activities of your trip.
How to Look and Feel Great in Africa:
Athleta Top
Athleta Top
1. Fuse stylish details into your casual clothing.
Your trip to Africa will mostly require casual clothing. Choose casual pieces with stylish details to keep you feeling stylish and chic.
This moisture wicking top from Athleta offers interesting seaming and ruching, a great way to take on a safari in style.
2. Wear natural or wicking fabrics.
Natural fabrics like linen, cotton, or silk are very breathable which will help you stay cool and comfortable on your trip. Wicking fabrics are engineered to wick moisture away from your skin.
3. Make your clothes work double duty.
With strict luggage weight limits you need stylish clothing that works double duty. As you pack consider how many ways you can wear something. Remember, you can always do laundry so your item stays fresh
Athleta Top
and comfortable. This structured shirt offers maximum versatility in both function and technology. It is made of a wicking fabric that also contains SPF protection. Use it as a bathing suit cover up, sun protection on a safari, or a chic travel piece on the plane.
4. Choose color wisely.
We are all drawn to certain colors, but your favorite red shirt is not going to work in Africa. The last thing you want is to miss out on a photograph of the one animal you came to see because the color of your shirt distracted it. Choose the colors that you wear wisely. The best color choices for your Africa trip are ones that are found in nature. Think greens, browns, and khaki. If these colors don’t excite you, remember that every color comes in different shades. Hold up different shades of each color to find the one that makes you feel your best.
This wrap is not only the perfect color but offers versatility. Wear it day or night, and pair it with a camisole for a chic safari look.
Athleta Top
5. Leave your animal print at home.
As tempting as it may be to bring along your best safari chic pieces, leave the animal print at home. In Africa your animal print wardrobe looses the chic and just becomes cliché.
About Lee
Lee Heyward is a style coach and owner of Charleston Style Concierge, LLC, a company which specializes in teaching women how to achieve easy and effortless style. Lee works with clients one-on-one, virtually, and hosts monthly seminars. Lee believes anyone can have great style with a little knowledge and an open mind. Charleston Style Concierge is located in Charleston, South Carolina.
Register here for this free, upcoming teleseminar What to Pack for an African Safari Vacation, happening Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 1pm EST.
A common fear and misconception that many travelers have about Africa is that it will be completely non-westernized, anti-west, and / or uncivilized—quite the contrary. Many times, as soon as once-skeptical travelers return from their first trip to Africa, many boast about their feelings of belonging, trust, and sheer joy while visiting and interacting with the locals. Highlights from these trips almost always include the hospitable and friendly people, the delectable cuisine, and the wonderfully organized tours and activities.
But to give you a better idea for how Africa really is, we’ve highlighted some aspects of Africa that have been main traveler concerns for decades:
The Misconception: The people will be anti-west or uncivilized.
The Reality: The interaction visitors to Africa have with the locals is considered by many to be a life changing experience. As a travel company that has sent thousands of people to Africa, we’ve heard dozens upon dozens of wonderful stories and joyful moments our clients have had in Africa. But an element that has had one of the greatest impacts on our clients has been the people of Africa.
Many travelers compare their accommodation settings to being in the comfort of their own home with friends and family. The staff, often comprised of locals, is not only attentive to your every individual need and desire, but they are also extremely friendly and hospitable. Not to mention, they are delighted to learn just as much about you as you are to learn more about them and their culture.
The Misconception: I won’t be able to converse with anyone and that makes me very nervous.
The Reality: Visiting a country where everyone speaks a language that is foreign to you can be very unnerving. You worry about not being able to find transportation, interacting with locals, and purchasing items. These fears are completely understandable. However, you’ll quickly realize that everyone you interact with in Africa speaks English. From your safari guides to street merchants, restaurant staff to accommodation staff, transportation professionals to tour guides, you’ll never have a problem with communication when you travel smart.
The Misconception: I can’t eat the food or drink the water for fear of disease. And I also don’t want to eat bland British-based food or strange, exotic meals that I have no idea what they’re made of or where they came from.
The Reality: There are most definitely areas in Africa where you should not eat the food or drink the water; however, you will not be visiting any of those places on a luxury family vacation or honeymoon.
The accommodations you will be visiting have access to filtered water and sensational fresh food. In addition to the cuisine at your accommodations, you can also visit a variety of fine-dining establishments, quaint bistros, and casual seaside cafes for delectable local fare.
In terms of the types of food to enjoy in Africa, there is a wide variety. Often, first-time travelers to Africa are either under the impression that the food will be completely British-based or bizarre meats and delicacies. Both of those assumptions are completely false. In fact, visitors to Africa often have the choice between more traditional African dishes or westernized dishes for the more conservative eater.
For many travelers to Africa, who are unfamiliar with traditional southern African cuisine, there is a concern about whether or not they will be able to enjoy the food on their trip. But, if you enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, spicy stews, sensational wines, meats—such as lamb, chicken, beef, ostrich, pork—and freshly caught seafood, you’re going to be in heaven with the food in Africa. And, if you want to try something a little more adventurous, there are delicious meats primarily served only in Africa, which include springbok, kudu, and crocodile.
With a variety of westernized dishes and traditional African dishes, visitors to Africa are guaranteed to find meals that fit their liking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As a travel company specializing in family and honeymoon trips to Africa, one of the greatest concerns clients have when it comes to international family travel is safety. We often hear from families who would love to travel to Africa but who also have some safety concerns: “Is a safari safe for our family?” “Are health conditions in Africa safe for my family?” “Is traveling to and through Africa safe for my family?”
The answer to all of those questions is yes, Africa is a safe and wonderful place to bring your family. But, as with all destinations outside of your own country, there are obvious safety precautions that should be addressed and looked into prior to departure.
Some of these universal travel concerns include health precautions, language barriers, differing cultures, and unfamiliar governments. With these concerns lingering, it’s important to be educated, and have the right tools to prevent any unexpected emergencies when traveling outside your native country. The enriching and rewarding family experiences far outweigh any of these concerning factors, as all safety precautions are addressed prior to departure.
But two of the most popular safety concerns we receive from clients are in regards to family safari tours and children on safari. Both of these safety concerns are addressed below:
Family Safari Tours:
When embarking on a family safari—or any type of safari for that matter—with a qualified and professional safari provider, you can rest assure knowing you and your loved ones are in excellent hands and completely safe.
Always taking rigorous safety precautions, each guide is armed, and equipped with handheld communication devices and extensive training in proper safety procedures and animal behavior. In fact, professional guides require a minimum of four years of training in the field before they can accompany safari goers on an outing.
Whether taking part in a canoe safari, walking safari, or game drive, professional guides know exactly where to go, what to do in case of any emergency, how far of a distance to keep from animals, and how to protect safari goers if an unexpected situation should arise. Each and every action a professional guide takes is always in the best interest of his or her safari participants.
When choosing a safari provider for your family, it’s important to ensure that the provider only employs guides who have the experience and training to handle any rare and unpredictable situations that could develop. A guide with experience can read a situation and avoid it before it even happens. A good guide develops a feel and instinct for the world around him or her, as they spend thousands of hours in the field.
Children on Safari:
Although some accommodations do require children to be a minimum of 12 years old, others do not have this requirement, and offer activities for nearly every age. Whether you have younger children or late teens, the entire family can enjoy exciting experiences that range from adventurous safaris to Cape Town city tours, horse riding tours on the beach to cultural expeditions with the native Bushmen, and a trip to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary to elephant back rides. Not to mention, visiting Africa as a family is one of the most rewarding and unforgettable ways to share the experiences of new cultures, fascinating history, and exciting adventures, as an entire family.
And for those families with younger children, children-friendly camps offer a variety of activities for the young ones who aren’t yet of age to participate on a game drive or safari tour. While the children are enjoying bush treasure hunts, bead-making classes, and bedtime stories from traditional African storytellers, parents can relax or partake in an adventurous safari tour.
One of our favorite children’s programs is at Olarro Lodge in Kenya, which offers children ages 6 and up the opportunity to take part in The Olarro Juniors Adventurers Club (OJAC). The club is ran by certified and highly qualified Maasai guides who introduce the kids to animal tracking techniques, survival techniques used in traditional Maasai culture, plant species used for medicinal purposes, and environmentally conscious practices. It’s truly a rewarding experience for all children who take part, and, parents can rest assured knowing that their little ones are in good hands, having fun, and discovering new and exciting things about the environment.
Image taken by the Traigers
Recently returned from a trip to Africa, Dr. Dean Traiger and Tami Traiger share their photographs and experiences below:
What was your greatest interest/challenge/obstacle that brought you to Africa?
Our passion is to travel and to visit exotic places. Our biggest obstacle was figuring out the logistics (What? Where? When? How?), and that is where Hills of Africa’s expertise really shined!
Image taken by the Traigers
What was the experience while traveling and working with Hills of Africa Travel?
Working with Hills of Africa was very easy. Mark and Sandy were quickly available by email or phone whenever we had an issue or question. While in Africa we had contact numbers to call for help but thankfully we didn’t need it. That was a great anxiety reducer to know that if we had trouble we were not completely on our own.
Image taken by the Traigers
What has changed for you since your travels?
Learned more about African culture and the jewel that this continent represents and the importance of preserving it for others to experience. I want to take my children there when they are a few years older.
Image taken by the Traigers
Image taken by the Traigers
Image taken by the Traigers
Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)
Imagine experiencing a trip to Africa that is built around exclusivity, pure wilderness, and complete luxury. Manyara Ranch Conservancy has the exact formula for the ultimate African safari vacation you’ve been looking for. With 35,000 acres of pristine wilderness and cultural enlightenment, it’s no wonder Manyara Ranch Conservancy has been referred to as the most exciting tourism project to come out of Tanzania.
Below is a 4-day sample itinerary of just a few things you can experience at Manyara Ranch Conservancy:
Day 1
After arriving at the Manyara Ranch Conservancy, enjoy an energizing lunch and experience an exceptional game drive where you’ll witness the Big Five as well as other mesmerizing animals such as the African wild dog, the zebra, and exotic bird species. After a day of excitement, relax with refreshing sundowners and a scrumptious bush dinner before a good night’s rest at the Manyara Ranch Tented Camp.
Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)
Day 2
Awake to the refreshing aromas of a bush breakfast and prepare yourself for an early morning game walk where you’ll venture though the bush to discover new and exciting creatures.
When you return from your adventurous walk, visit the local primary school and enjoy a Maasai cultural visit where you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about the Maasai culture and lifestyle, directly from the locals. Because the neighboring Maasai communities own the Manyara Ranch, everyone who visits the Conservancy has a direct contribution to helping the Maasai sustain their ancient cultural heritage.
The day ends with a night game drive through the lively bush, followed by a traditional bush dinner.
Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)
Day 3
Delight in breakfast at the camp before you embark on a horseback safari through the sprawling plains of Tanzania and the local villages. With a plethora of wilderness beauty and wild game, the Manyara Conservancy is one of the best places in Tanzania to experience a horseback safari. These breathtaking safaris are led by professional equestrian guides and are offered in one-day tours and multiday safaris.
After your adventurous horseback safari, enjoy a private dinner beneath Tanzania’s velvety and star-sprinkled sky.
Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)
Day 4
After breakfast, embark on a drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive where you’ll witness some of the most fascinating wildlife Tanzania has to offer.
You’ll then be transported to the luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge where you will take pleasure in traditional Tanzanian cuisine before you retire to your lavish suite in the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
Day 5
Embark on one of the most unique tours of your trip, a thrilling full-day crater tour. On this tour, you’ll be able to walk through the Ngorongoro Crater and discover thousands of residential wild game within this spectacular World Heritage Site. From sightings of lions, elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, rhinos, and zebras, this once-volcanic site is the perfect way to end your adventurous stay with the Conservancy.
After your tour, enjoy relaxing sundowners before your dinner at the lodge, where you will stay until it’s time for your next adventure!
Discover more of what Manyara Ranch Conservancy has to offer by visiting their website.
- Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Knowing what to expect on your first trip to Africa can sometimes be a challenge. No matter how well pictures and stories can paint a picture of Africa, it’s hard to understand its potent energy and sheer beauty until you touch soil for the first time.
Therefore, to help illustrate what to expect for your first time in Africa, we asked one of our clients, Gary Harwyn, who recently returned from his very first trip to Africa, what to expect when traveling to Africa for the first time.
It is our pleasure to share our interview with Gary:
1. What false perceptions did you have about Africa prior to visiting?
Before visiting Africa I thought that the people would be uncivilized and anti-west. But what I discovered was that it was quite the opposite.
The only area of concern for us was the Zimbabwe government, which we heard about, but didn’t really witness anything—except some police road checks.
I was also concerned about diseases and bugs, which were not bad at all, except in Mana Pools in the evening.
- Image taken by Gary Harwyn
2. When did you realize that these perceptions were in fact false?
One of the largest indicators that these were false perceptions was probably the giant airport in Johannesburg—which was equipped with a shopping mall!
In terms of the people in Africa, the Victoria Falls Hotel and Little Makalolo Camp had extremely friendly staff who made me feel like family. They are truly the nicest people / staff on the entire planet and catered to any and all of our individual needs.
Also, having access to filtered water and amazing fresh food at the camps helped put to bed some if misconceptions I had about food / water ingestions. I trusted Wilderness Safaris’ camps 100% with everything, and never felt unsafe. We did, however, watch our food and water intake in Harare. But, I stuffed my face everywhere else!
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
3. Now that you’re back in the U.S., do you perceive Africa the same way you did prior to ever visiting?
No. Africa is a BEAUTIFUL continent with FRIENDLY people (who speak English) and, as a whole, Africa should not be perceived as a 3rd world continent overall. They need some help and support and assistance without “re-colonizing” everyone to American culture, as their culture can be progressive yet traditional.
I’m empowered to spread the word about Zimbabwe and want to help Zimbabweans to achieve the political freedom they deserve. The local people are very different than the government policy.
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
4. What’s the one thing you want people who have never traveled to Africa to know about Africa?
That it offers some of the most beautiful land, scenery, food, and people the world has to offer and that it’s safe and friendly.
5. List the top three best parts of your trip to Africa. What made these experiences so special and unique to you?
- Pamushana was just larger than life with its stunning layout and exceptional staff—it is a real jewel.
- The staff at ALL the camps catered to our every need—we felt like royalty for our entire trip.
- I was extremely impressed with the knowledgeable guides and their eagerness to educate us on all the wildlife.
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
6. Is there another trip to Africa in the future for you? If so, would you travel to the same countries or different ones?
Yes. We are ready to visit any (and hopefully all) Wilderness Safari and Singita Camps. We simply cannot wait to return!
7. After returning, what’s the one thing you wish you knew before traveling to Africa?
Actually, there are a few things I wish I knew before traveling to Africa:
- That we were not simply going on an “elephant ride” or visiting a random independent safari lodge.
- That the facilities we visited in Africa support local communities / kids, educate people, and are involved in a much larger and interconnected network. There is a much bigger picture that should be told about the impact and importance of these facilities. Choosing between an elephant ride or a bungee jump was simply that: on the surface. Digging deeper, you recognize the elephant ride is actually supporting an elephant orphanage, anti-poaching units, and education sponsors. There are more to the facilities than is advertised on the surface.
- I also wish we had purchased a small picture book / checklist about all the variety of animals so we knew some basic things about the animals, prior to the game drives.
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
Image taken by Gary Harwyn
8. How would this information have changed your preparation for your journey to Africa?
I knew our trip to Africa involved a lot of eco-friendly tours and accommodations, but I didn’t have all the details and didn’t know what all that meant. Also, knowing some more details about the animals prior to leaving for Africa could have allowed me to have more respect for the fragility and status with certain species / populations.
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