The Life-Changing Power of your First Trip to Africa!
Warning: You may become addicted
I’ll admit, I’m pretty obsessed with Latin America.
Don’t get me wrong; I really do love the entire world, and I’d like to visit every single country without a doubt.
For the last 10 years or so, however, my love affair with Latin America just seemed to keep pulling me back somehow.
But now I have a new travel obsession. An obsession that was born after an immensely touching, inspiring, and unforgettable trip to a new continent: Africa.
A continent that I had dreamed about for many years but had not yet had the opportunity to discover. A continent so rich in history, beauty, nature, and stories that I could hardly believe that I would finally have the chance to experience the magic that I’d heard so much about.
Now, six months later, and having visited three of its beautiful countries, I can passionately vouch for the powerful emotions and memories that this continent will leave with you. Feelings that are so consistent across each of my trips that I’m half tempted to pack up my life on my soul island of Ibiza and spend some valuable time there, slowly getting to know the story of Africa on an even deeper level.
So what exactly is this African magic?
It’s in everything and everywhere.
- The kindness and vibrancy of the people.
- The diversity and beauty of the land
- The rawness of the stories, realities, and energy
- The equally inspiring tales of tribulation and triumph
- The innovation of art and design
- The fusion of flavours and exceptional food
- The disconnected paradise of the bush
- The level of connectedness that you also feel there
- And of course, the wildlife that you always dreamed to see, right in front of your very eyes!
And the list could go on…
And what exactly makes this a life-changing travel destination?
There are so many factors. We’ll start here:
The bucket list realised
For many, an African safari is a bucket list experience.
This means that there are often years of built up emotions, expectations, desires, and dreams to realise. So what if it doesn’t meet your expectations, you may wonder? Almost impossible, I’d say. Judging by my own adventures and those of my clients, your experience in Africa will likely be all that you expected and a whole lot more.
And how will you feel once you have realised this dream on your bucket list? Incredibly inspired and oh so alive, I would imagine. And I have a sneaking suspicion that it won’t be the only trip that you’ll make to Africa.
Simplicity creates contentment
In our modern lives, it seems to take more and more to keep people happy. From the latest gadgets to the fastest internet speeds, the biggest social media following to the largest homes.
But what about the simplicity of Africa? Sleeping under the stars. Eating breakfast in the bush. Learning about nature. And spending unlimited time in the great outdoors.
In Africa, you will experience true gratitude and a sense of fulfillment for even the smallest of moments. A skill so valuable that if you manage to bring it home with you, you can expect a level of contentment that’s often compromised in the western way of life.
The spirit of the people
I won’t forget the cheeky smile of our Zimbabwean guide telling us stories whilst cruising down the Zambezi River. Nor the sincerity of the guide who drove me around town on my last day, sharing insights not only about the animals but about people, Africa, and even his life’s learnings and struggles.
I’ll always remember the warmest welcome that I’ve ever received, with camp staff bursting into a beautiful song on our well-awaited arrival. And the level of attention and care that goes into the exceptional hospitality offered at every camp, lodge, and hotel that I have visited.
For people who often have so little, their generosity and kindness are especially heartwarming. And maybe even a little infectious.
Connection and understanding
Feeling disconnected in some way? Whether it’s from people, yourself, or even life, Africa stands a good chance of finding a way to reconnect you.
Firstly, it’s a feast for the senses. With the sounds of the birds singing their morning song, the sight of majestic animals going about their daily lives, and the taste of the delectable cuisine crafted by innovative local chefs, Africa travel blesses you with a toolkit. A toolkit that can both swiftly and softly bring you back beautifully to the present moment.
Then there are the teachings of the ecosystems and the understanding of how everything operates in perfect harmony. And the evenings spent chatting around a communal dinner table or campfire with friends both old and new.
The stories hit harder
Stories of relocating rhinos to save them from brutal poaching. Stories of personal transformation, from struggling to thriving.
And stories of continued struggle vs. stories of development, innovation, and victory.
When you’re faced with the reality of the circumstances under which people live in Africa and how they have either triumphed and revolutionised or continued to battle alone: each and every personal account that you witness has the power to touch and imprint on your soul in a way that will stick with you long past your arrival flight back home. And you may even start thinking about what you can do to help.
Acceptance practice
You can’t get what you need in that small African town. Or you’ve just woken up with a blister beetle in your bed (speaking from experience here, maybe a story for another time!), Another valuable life skill, acceptance, is taught naturally on a daily basis in Africa.
After many years of travelling, I have plenty of experience in this area. And I can tell you that Africa has its own beautifully subtle way of teaching you acceptance from a whole new perspective (like my new level of comfort with blister beetles!).
Can you accept things how they are? And choose to be at peace regardless? Maybe Africa can help.
The Essence of Africa
A continent so continuous but so varied, so troubled but so comforting, so enlivening but so grounding.
With countries that offer the most incredible, vast landscapes.
People who grace you with such humility.
And music that gifts you with energy and love.
The essence of Africa can be felt like a heartbeat.
A land that calls you, not just the first time, but every time after that too.
A calling that, every time, feels just like going home.
Simple: A trip to Africa is powerful in so many ways.
There’s just nothing that can compare to this experience!
Are you ready to travel to Africa?
Get in touch for precision planning and excellent hookups!
