All around the world, countdowns have been shouted, loved ones kissed and champagne bottles popped, signaling the start of a new year and a new decade. For some, this is also the time to revisit last year’s resolutions and write new goals for the year ahead. If travel has made your list in 2020 and you are looking for an extraordinary holiday, there is much to be said for going on an African safari.
In fact, we have gathered 12 reasons why choosing an African safari should be one of your travel goals for the new decade.
Travel off-grid
If you are looking to get away from it all, an authentic safari experience in Africa will take you well off the beaten track.
The right destination will have you hidden away from crowds of fellow travelers in a remote part of the world and in a particular kind of seclusion that only the wilderness can provide. Going off-grid on safari is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature and through this experience, reconnect with yourself without the disruptions of daily life.
Go solo
Travelers that thrive on journeying into new worlds independently will appreciate that going on safari is safe and can be customized to completely match your unique interests.
Solo travel is a growing trend and seems only to be strengthening as we move into a new year. This style of seeing Africa means following your own lead, without compromising on a personal safari experience. Going solo on safari in an off-grid location further inspires mindfulness, relaxation and self-learning.
Detox digitally
In keeping with the above reasons, what better way to be motivated to turn off all technology than immersing yourself in the wild.
There is no time (and likely no signal) to check your social media channels on a game drive as a lion stalks an impala through the long grass in front of you. You become completely present in the moment. Whether being led on foot by an expert guide, ballooning high above the savanna plains or enjoying breakfast in the bush, all your senses will be engaged while on safari.
Re-unite with family
If your family members are scattered across the globe, gathering for a family holiday can strengthen ties that might be weakened due to distance.
Multi-generational travel is another trend that continues into 2020 and there are safari destinations in Africa that make this type of travel possible. Some safari activities, like game drives, have age limits, while others can be experienced together so you can bond over the shared learning and excitement of is new world.
Celebrate love
Dreamy candlelit dinners under an African sky bedazzled by stars, plunge pools surrounded by plains bristling with game, and bird calls announcing the start of the day as the sun lights up the African bush.
If this sounds like the kind of honeymoon or romantic getaway that will make you and your loved one swoon, then a consider a safari in 2020. The beauty of the bush combined with a luxury camp is an unforgettable way to celebrate your love.
Contribute to conservation
Many safari properties in Africa’s tourism sector have entered the new decade as leaders in sustainable travel.
As a continent that retains some of the world’s most pristine natural areas, diverse wildlife and complex ecosystems, environmentally-friendly safaris in Africa help to safe-guard these. For conscious travelers, its best to choose a camp with green initiatives that will then offset your travel carbon footprint as well as know that park fees are directed towards wildlife conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
Support community transformation
As with eco-friendly travel, altruism is becoming a strong guiding principle in how people choose where they go on holiday in the new decade.
Socially conscious people want to know that along with having a good time, they are also making a difference to local communities. Volunteering at and donating to community empowerment projects established by the camp you stay is a great way to give back, as is buying at local markets rather than large multi-national chain stores. What’s more, helping others can help make a positive shift in you.
Encounter diverse wildlife
Even if you have a zoo in your hometown, you haven’t really seen an animal until you have seen it in its natural habitat.
With the threat of extinction looming over many wildlife species in Africa due to poaching and habitat loss (among other factors), observing endangered species like black rhino, elephant and cheetah in the wild is always very special and a privilege rather than a given now. A safari offers a great opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, birds and other creatures, which you can tick off your wildlife bucket-list.
Learn from the bush experts
In general, field guides and trackers have grown up in the area where they now work.
For many, their expertise stems from a life-long passion for and dream of working in the bush, protecting animals and teaching people about their importance. By the time you leave, you will have fallen in love with the bush just like they have, be able to understand parts of the ‘language’ of the bush and be amazed at the incredible interconnectedness of nature.
Make new friends
African safaris attract different people, so you are likely to meet and perhaps befriend people from around the globe at your chosen camp.
However, while each one might come from different countries, you are probably going to have one thing in common – an interest in wildlife and the environment. Most camps are set up in a way that your private time is well-balanced with opportunities to gather, perhaps for sundowners around the campfire or chatting in the lounge of the main camp area.
Capture the experience
Whether you’re a social media fanatic or a photography hobbyist, every day on safari offers up new opportunities to use your camera for a wide range of shots.
Wildlife, landscapes and plants are all great subjects. You may meet other photographers whom you can learn from and share tips with about your craft. Who knows, this might be the year when you take your best shot yet on safari in Africa. perfect shot might just be waiting for you on a safari in Africa this year.
Lodge in luxury
There are rustic safari camps with few amenities and then are those that cater to the modern creature comforts that we are all used to.
Think en-suite tents with open-air showers and baths, well-appointed furnishings and private deck from which to enjoy stunning views. After the morning and afternoon game drive, you will head back to camp for a dip in the plunge pool or put your feet up with a good book in your tent’s lounge.
Calvin Cottar is Director and Owner at Cottar’s 1920s Safaris. Cottar’s 1920s Safaris is an award-winning luxury 1920s safari camp and private bush villa located in the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa.
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