A luxury African safari is an overwhelming experience, especially for the neophyte.
The very word “Africa” evokes a host of varying expectations according to one’s previous reading or influences but few anticipatory images can come close to the actual reality. This is because Africa is generally so complex; an all-round sensory experience where the wildlife is only a part of the whole and the whole is a holistic, balanced, potpourri of the senses. Sight can be as important as touch and a sound may overwhelm a smell but Africa re-expands and gratifies the reduced western psyche. Africa needn’t (and shouldn’t) be an assault course of days crammed into ghastly minibuses and nights spent in mosquito-filled pup tents, this myth should be thrown aside! Such expereinces are a world away from the Africa we refer to: first rate accoutrements so that all is soft, luxurious, private and gorgeous: very comfortable beds, plenty of space in tasteful, well-appointed, ensuite, room-sized luxury tents, first rate food, superb hosting and the whole brought together by good company.
Excellent guiding comes as standard, of course, without which no luxury African safari can succeed. Wildlife is often top of the first-time safari-goer’s “wish list” on a safari and is likely to be the centrepoint of any trip. Based at superb, small, private tented camps or lodge-type properties that are usually owner-run and situated near the best of the animals (yet away from any mass-market influences), the photo-opportunities will be wonderful, whether it be “big” game, the birds or the myriad of plains dwellers that roam the endless savannah. The animals do not live alone and it will soon become appartent that the landscape is also home to indigenous people who are equally as fascinating as the wildlife and, these days, whose input is crucial to the continuing existence of many National Parks and reserves. botswana luxury Equal opportunity should therefore be given to wildlife and cultural input on any well-thought-out, professionally created, luxury African safari. All of this, which is apparent in so many parts of Africa, is set in scenic splendour unrivalled almost anywhere on the planet. From the majestic, rugged, Rift Valley with it’s soaring cliffs, fabulous views and deep freshwater lakes to horizon-stretching savannah plains; from the lofty snowcapped pinnacles of the world’s highest freestanding mountain to the hippo-filled reaches of some of the planet’s great rivers, the backdrop to the wildlife and people of Africa is a stunning, evocative, emotional magnificence that cannot fail to impress. There are many ways to experience Africa: animals are often viewed from a private 4×4 vehicle but the senses are awakened and the experience much more immediate if one is afoot. An unbeatable activity can be to ride a horse or camel, the human melding with the animal so that the wildlife is unconcerned. bespoke safaris A gentle, relaxing, unusual way to connect with the bush is also to be in a boat, mekoro or canoe. It is not just the animals and people – everything in Africa is interesting! The medicine-chest and toolboxes of local tribesmen are the plants and trees; then, fed by routes that have for millennia linked India, the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean with much of eastern and southern Africa, the ancient African coastal dhow-borne trading culture is still visible today. luxury safari South Africa Equally fasacinating is the geology. Tribal politics interweave with oral tradition and the convoluted history of Africa merits a lifetime’s study. A luxury African safari is, simply, unique in its breadth.
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