10 life-enhancing reasons to book that bucket list African Safari in 2024
Are you ready?
What earnt Africa a place on your bucket list?
I’m guessing it could have something to do with the incomparable feeling of seeing majestic animals roaming free in their natural habitat?
Maybe you’re dreaming of those endless plains themselves, and possibly admiring them with a champagne sundowner and some excellent company to share it with?
You may have even thought about the people that truly make the experience? The local guides, trackers and camp staff that share their knowledge, track down those must see’s, and welcome you with a warm smile (and maybe even a song).
There are many reasons that people dream of an African safari, but for many, until now, that dream has remained a distant goal. Something that, for some reason, seemed out of reach or reserved for a later day.
But post-pandemic, many people are also realising that the time for bucket list travel is now. Our recent experience has brought our lives into perspective and made us realise the importance of the element of design in our reality. And recent booking patterns certainly confirm this increased and immediate desire for bucket list travel.
So why exactly should you enhance your life with an African Safari in 2024?
Having taken two soul-stirring trips now to Africa, I’m very happy to share with you.
1. Its uplifting
Let’s be honest, we’re all looking for a little escapism from the stresses and struggles of modern life and current times, aren’t we? And what better place to escape to than Africa? A continent full of character, colour and collective spirit.
If you’re looking to feel uplifted, I can assure you that Africa has the power to bring a smile to your face, dissolve your worries, and leave you with a greater sense of both faith, and belonging in this wonderful world.
2. It’s Epic
Discovering a leopard gazing down at you from the branches of a tree. Sleeping with the sounds of nature in an extremely luxurious version of camping. Arriving at a new camp to find a sea of friendly faces singing a welcoming song… The safari experience is epic in every way.
From the magic of seeing feared predators from just a few metres away, to hearing the sounds of nature from the comfort of your bed, to feeling the warmth of the people that touches your heart, Africa is both a feast for the senses and food for the soul.
3. Daring Adventures
Like to get wild? There’s plenty of crazy things that you can do in Africa!
Always wanted to try a bungee jump? Why not do it over Victoria Falls? It’s also the perfect place if you have a taste for white water rafting.
If this sounds a little too daring, maybe you’d prefer a doors-off (or doors-on) helicopter ride over the Okavango Delta? Prefer horse riding? You could also discover the Delta on horseback. And let’s not forget the thrill of sleeping out under the stars with the potential sounds of lions roaring in the distance.
Though a trip to Africa can be a daring enough adventure for some, if you’re looking to turn things up a notch there’s certainly plenty of opportunities.
4. It’s Exclusive
Though the post-pandemic trend of segregated stays is certainly dying down, who doesn’t love the feeling of exclusivity? The idea of staying in an intimate bush camp with only a select number of likeminded travellers? Or maybe a private hire solely for you, your friends or family?
Safari has always had an air of exclusivity, but pick the right camp and you may find that your expectations are blown right out of the water.
Looking for quality time with your nearest and dearest? Or maybe quality conversations with strangers? There’s no better place than deep in the bush.
5. Connection
Another post-pandemic trend, but something that, in reality, is far more than a fad.
A realisation of a greater need for connection.
Connection to nature and outdoor adventures, connection to the people around us, and even, a greater connection to ourselves.
We’re craving more wilderness experiences, more fulfilling relationships and even wondering more about our place in this world, and trust me, having just returned from the bush myself, there’s no place greater to discover a connection than in Africa.
6. Wildlife appreciation
The reason that draws many of us to the continent in the first place: To witness wildlife wandering those vast, endless plains.
And now I’ll say, speaking from experience, there are few things in life as powerful as this encounter.
Seeing lion cubs playing in the grass just in-front of you, watching hippos walking to the water with the backdrop of sunrise, discovering the elusive cheetah on your last safari drive casually hanging by a tree…
No two safari trips are ever the same, and if I were to describe to you all of my highlights, we’d probably be here for the rest of the day!
7. Wildlife protection
Though, sadly, in some destinations tourism contributes to animal exploitation and mismanagement, in Africa, the reality is actually quite different. In fact, tourism is key in wildlife protection.
Without the funds to pay for the rangers who in turn look after the animals, they could fall victim to poachers, which means that tourism is actually directly supporting the protection of these endangered species.
Check out this wonderful initiative, Project Ranger, from safari organisation Great Plains for more insights, because quite frankly no-one could explain this reality better than them. https://projectranger.org/
8. Supporting the people
The lives of people and wildlife are intricately intwined throughout life in Africa.
While we must support the rangers to in turn look after the wildlife, we must also support the people who can also suffer both at the mercy of the animals, for example, through the destruction of crops, and through their already difficult economic position, which has also been exasperated by the pandemic.
These people need our support. We often feel powerless at such a great feat, but responsible tourism is one of the best ways that we can do this. Get in touch if you’d like to hear more about how we can help.
9. Its educational
If you like to learn, let Africa become your classroom. From learning about animal behaviours, to understanding the struggle of the people and also witnessing first hand the effects of climate change on the environment, there is always a lesson waiting for you on safari.
I love to learn everything I can about the country I am in while travelling and I have to say, never do I feel like I’ve walked away with a greater understanding of a place than my recent experiences in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
10. It’s the ultimate!
Looking for a bucket list travel experience? What could be more bucket list than a trip to Africa?
In fact Larry Olmsted, award winning journalist and NY Times bestselling author says: ‘Wildlife safaris may just be the Mother of all Bucket List vacations!’ He even features them as number one in his series of ’30 Best Bucket List Trips For Your Lifetime’.
Why are they the ultimate? An experience so moving, so fulfilling, so varied, so engaging, so beautiful, so fun, so connecting, so uplifting, so luxurious, and so downright epic: isn’t that the recipe for a true bucket list experience?
Want to experience this magic for yourself?
Let me use my expertise and local contacts to navigate the complications of a Safari trip and make the experience truly yours!