Traditionally a successful safari was about adventure - days
spent on "Africa Time" where the only clock was the rising and
setting of the sun and staccato grunt of a lion, where you slip into
the experience of intimately exploring a beautiful environment and
viewing the animals that lived there, looking forward to a drink at
sundown overlooking a beautiful scene, the return to a comfortable
camp, a good meal, and an evening of tales and engaging conversation
around a campfire, before heading off to a sound sleep that ends at
first light.
The last decade, however,
has seen the rise of safari camps owned and operated by large hotel
chains, with emphasis on building architecture, luxury hotel service
and spas. While these are fabulous operations, where you will be
very comfortable and well guided, you can miss the experience of Africa
while being in the midst of it.
Fortunately a few independent operators remain who maintain or
have chosen to return to the old style of African safari - comfortable,
for sure, but with an emphasis on the connection with nature, where what
matters is not how much you experience but how well you lose yourself in
the experience.
These include:
Uncharted Africa in the Makgadikgadi Pans
and mobile safaris in the Kalahari and Moremi National Parks
Mwagusi Camp - the original private safari camp in Ruaha
National Park and operated by operated by Chris Fox who was
born and raised in the region.
Privately guided overland safaris in Botswana, Zimbabwe and
South Africa by Steve Bolnick one of the old Zimbabwe guides
legendary for training, experience and rigorous qualifications.
Selinda Camp and
Zarafa Camp in the Selinda Reserve
Ride Africa - Horseback safaris at Richard Bonham's Ol Donyo
Wuas
