Why Go On Safari?
Viewing Africa’s wildlife may have been piqued by a National Geographic documentary, magazine article, a visit to a zoo, or watching “The Lion King”. Due diligence by the novice explorer turns endless choices into a successful safari. One option is contacting a ‘safari expert’ tour operator to arrange the itinerary OR one can become an informed traveler, and research what is important to see and experience on a wildlife safari.
An African safari involves several wildlife game drives, staying in remote locations, and observing the behavior and survival skills of Nature’s inhabitants. For 2 weeks, the novice explorer chooses to be electronically unplugged from the modern world (internet is available, but ignored; turned off the cell phone; no newspapers, radio or television), no fast food chain restaurants, no vehicular traffic, no crowds of people, no manmade noises – an alien world in today’s fast-paced, modern hurly burly. Each day on safari is a series of spontaneous, unexpected, natural events.
One never knows which game animals or wondrous sights one will witness. The encounters are: a bull elephant charging the 4 wheel drive (4WD) safari vehicle; thousands of wildebeests thundering away from predators; lions mating; a leopard family at play; baby elephants helping each other, unsuccessfully, climb out of a muddy watering hole; vervet monkeys stealing food and drink; hippos turning a pink hue in the noonday sun; and innumerable families of giraffes, baboons, lions, hyenas, leopards, monkeys, warthogs, zebras, wildebeests, elephants, cape buffaloes, hippos, mongooses, gazelles, vultures, and ostriches. Every wild animal plays a specific role in the ecosystem of Africa. Some animals are predators, others are prey, and still others are scavengers. Most predators attack the vital organs and soft tissues, while others consume calcium rich bone or tough outer hides, leaving few animal remains to blemish the landscape. Every safari is unique and exciting.
The opportunity to view Africa’s wildlife and meet the indigenous people enriches one’s world. Knowledge acquired for an African adventure ensures a rich appreciation of the safari experience.
