Top 10 Reasons to Go on Safari

Why Bother? You fly all the way to Africa to spend a few weeks zipping around wildlife parks…Alan lists the reasons to go on Safari and buy that plane ticket.

There are plenty of reasons to go on safari – and why you should not hesitate for a moment! Start planning that next safari….here are some of my reasons for heading to the dark continent.

1. Watching Wildlife

I am completely besotted by watching wildlife and you may just find that you will be too. For me it’s the Big 5 sure, but I love the birds too, especially bee-eaters, kingfishers, rollers…hippos though are my favourite, extraordinary creatures…

2. Landscapes

From the swirling sands and granite rocks of Namibia, to the great African plains of Tanzania, the landscapes of the continent will sear themselves in your mind. Savannahs, woodlands, mighty mountains and crystal clear waters…the landscapes are phenomenal.

3. Guides and Rangers

I have found the guides and rangers to be amongst the most interesting and admirable people I have met anywhere. Sitting under a mopani tree and chewing the fat with one of these folk is a memorable experience.

4. The Great Spectacles of Africa

No room to list all of Africa’s wonders here – but a few favourites…. The Great Migration of East Africa; Victoria Falls; the Drakensberg Mountains; Carmine Bee Eater colonies of 10,000 plus; the Rift Valley; Fish River Canyon; Table Mountain…

5. Bush Experience

Under the stars in the African bush with the sounds of the night all around you is something you won’t forget. It’s just such an antidote to urban grit. For me it was bouncing around the back of an ox cart after a local festival in Zambia.

6. Luxury Accommodation

Some of the accommodation options available to people are incredibly opulent. But really, luxury on safari doesn’t have to be that expensive. A wooden decking, a cold drink, a view of a waterhole, candlelight…the formula is pretty simple.

7. Cultural Experience

The opportunity to interact with local culture – through local people, food, crafts, dancing and singing (if you’re lucky enough to see it), festivals and local celebrations – is a real highlight.

8. Broadening Your Mind

Everyone needs to broaden their perspective on life, it’s just plain good for you. And the opportunity to see how people live and survive in places like Africa can be a life-changing experience.

9. Seeing the Best of Eco Tourism

Responsible tourism comes into its own on safari. Africa shows off the best of eco or green tourism spearheaded by responsible safari tour operators.

10. The Wow Factor When You Return Home

Come on you know this is the best bit! The wows, the ooohhhs, the aaaahhhs when you show your photos to friends and family back home. Oh, the elephant wasn’t that big…Was I scared? Naah, I was at one with the big fella…

Start Planning Your Safari

There are so many reasons to go on safari, not the least of which is that it will be an adventure of a lifetime.  So let us help you plan and book your African safari. You can contact us here. Our safari experts will be happy to assist you.

African Safari Tours

By Alan Murphy

AU

Alan is a travel writer and author of over 20 Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guides to Southern Africa and Zambia & Malawi.

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