My 20 Years of African Travel

How do I start to tell a short tale of 20 years of travel? Well, slowly, as all good things take time. It began humbly at a young age when my parents exposed us to tent camping on beaches. Foraging for mussels from the rocks, playing in shallow pools, and sitting around a beach fire cooking fresh crayfish – this is where nature first stole my heart. This early exposure awakened my love for the outdoors, specifically fishing. However, the true beauty of Africa’s landscapes and wildlife was inspired by my amazing friend and Founder of Rhino Africa, David Ryan. Take a step back into my journey with me…

My Muse, David

David Ryan is a much more adventurous soul than I am and certainly one of the most well-travelled individuals I’ve ever come across. He exposed me to the opulence of African travel, revealing the wonders of our wildlife, the allure of the untamed bush, and the thrill of witnessing the Big 5 in their natural habitat. For opening my eyes to this extraordinary world, I’ll always be truly grateful to David.

Inspired by Victoria Falls 

It all started at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, where the small tails of odd-looking creatures called hedgehogs were my first real encounter with a wild animal, seen from my room balcony overlooking the Zambezi National Park. The lodge had uninterrupted views of the pristine bushveld and spectacular African sunsets.

And oh, how mesmerised I was by the roar of Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders. Wearing bright yellow raincoats for the light spray of the water – magical, we crossed into Zambia to the Royal Livingstone, a luxurious retreat where zebras roam freely on the grasslands by the mighty Zambezi River. The magic of Victoria Falls, with its thunderous roar and misty spray, left an indelible mark on my soul. 

We also embarked on a houseboat cruise on Lake Kariba, drifting lazily on the water, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. We caught small fish and attempted to lure tiger fish, leaving us in disbelief of its existence. But, I only had to be patient, as I did not yet know what would come later…

East Africa Brings Even More

Kenya ‘s Maasai Mara National Reserve was another unforgettable destination with glorious landscapes and incredible wildlife. The view and sensation of watching the Great Wildebeest Migration from a small aircraft will forever be engraved in my memory. Seeing thousands of these majestic wildlife cross the Mara River from the tour guide’s game drive vehicle, and later from a hot air balloon, was a sight to behold.

Oh, and the clever zebras, as they entered the water carefully, unlike the wildebeest rushing across, stumbling over each other. They caused havoc for themselves as the crocs awaited their meaty catch in the midst of this. 

Another favourite sighting of mine was seeing the topi antelope, with its almost navy-blue colouring.

At night, the Maasai warriors jumping so high during their traditional dances added a cultural richness to the experience. And playing chess with the sound of elephants nearby added a thrilling backdrop to the game, which ended our days.

Sensational Safaris

My travels also took me to the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. I visited Singita, Lion Sands, Jock Safari Lodge, Ulusaba, Londolozi, Mala Mala, Chitwa Chitwa and Thornybush. I experienced the thrill of seeing hippos in the river just 15 metres from a plunge pool deck, their massive bodies partially submerged, eyes and ears flicking above the water’s surface. 

On game drives, I saw herds of elephants so close that I could touch them. The sheer power and grace of these gentle giants were awe-inspiring. I watched a leopard eat its catch in a tree, its powerful jaws and claws effortlessly handling its prey. Witnessing a pride of lions strategise against and circle a zebra was another dramatic spectacle, culminating in the actual kill – a raw and powerful display of nature’s harsh realities.

From the Bush to the Beach 

The Indian Ocean Islands were not quite part of my African travel adventures, but combining an African safari with fishing in Mauritius was another super special experience. Discovering many different wonderful and odd-looking fish species was both exciting and educational. 

The thin, long, white trumpetfish stood out for me, probably because of its name, with me being a music lover coupled with my fascination for musical instruments. The vibrant coral reefs and clear blue waters of Mauritius was just the ideal backdrop for this unforgettable time, deepening my bond and appreciation for the ocean’s mysteries.

Going out at sea on a glass-bottom boat allowed me to admire the marine life below without getting wet, adding another layer of wonder to my journey. And then there was swimming with dolphins and snorkelling in warm, clear blue waters… It was simply amazing. 

However, as much as I love the beaches, the African bush remains my first love…

Why Safari Wins

The many game drives I enjoyed throughout my years of African travel so far have offered many fascinating wildlife encounters. I saw impalas gracefully bounding through the bush and the perfect white circle on the backside of the waterbuck, the imposing presence of rhinos grazing in the distance, and the elegant silhouettes of giraffes stretching towards the treetops. Each sighting was a reminder of the diverse life in Africa. 

But it wasn’t just the big game that captivated me. The smaller creatures held a unique charm, too. Chameleons blending into the foliage, meerkats standing sentinel, and my personal favourite, the dung beetle, tirelessly rolling its precious cargo across the ground.

And, of course, the myriad of beautiful birds added layers of wonder to each safari. The calling of an African fish eagle and the vibrant plumage and melodious sounds of Africa’s other avian residents were a constant source of delight. With vultures, the beauty lies in their design, being able to put their heads into the edges of a carcass to find the last bits of survival.

My True Love, The Elephant

Now, my absolute favourite large animal is the elephant. This animal’s remarkable intelligence, deep familial bonds, and sheer majesty make it stand out. For example, did you know elephants can recognise themselves in a mirror, showcasing a level of self-awareness that few animals possess?

Heart-Warming Highlights 

One of my African travel highlights was at Royal Chundu in Zambia, where I (finally!) caught and released my first tiger fish. This exhilarating experience was followed by the awe-inspiring moments spent observing lion cubs at play, highlighting the beauty and wonder of seeing wildlife free and untamed.

Furthermore, canoeing on the Zambezi River provided a serene yet exhilarating way to observe the wildlife up close. One particularly memorable day included a lunch on the riverbank that I’d easily give a ten-star review, surrounded by the unfiltered African wilderness. 

Picture this: a magnificent Persian carpet sprawled out on the riverbank, its intricate designs contrasting beautifully with the golden sands. A table fit for royalty is laden with sumptuous delicacies, inviting you to indulge in a feast under the open sky. 

Afterwards, hammocks strung between trees swaying gently, offering the perfect spot to rest and digest, lulled by the soothing sounds of the flowing river. To top it all off, I took a helicopter flip between the gorges of Victoria Falls, an aerial perspective showcasing this natural wonder’s sheer power and splendour.

Safari Favourites

Another adventure took me to Tanzania‘s Ngorongoro Crater. This vast, white, open landscape was like stepping into a primaeval world. Among the wonders of this unique ecosystem, I witnessed ostriches strutting across the plains, zebras grazing in large herds, and hyenas prowling the terrain in search of their next meal. 

The sheer scale and beauty of the crater, coupled with the rich diversity of wildlife, made this journey one of the most memorable of my African travels. The journey to the crater was equally thrilling, with a flight that passed by the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, its snow-capped peak piercing the sky, offering a breathtaking view I’ll never forget.

My most recent trip to the bush was at Silvan Safari Lodge in Sabi Sand, a place where nature fills my spirit and restores positive energy. There’s no other place like it on Earth. The serene atmosphere and the luxurious surroundings created a perfect haven for relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal conclusion to an African journey.

Ready to Experience Your Own African Travels?

These experiences are just a few highlights from my 20 years of African travel. Each journey, each moment, has deepened my appreciation for this diverse and magnificent continent of ours. Africa’s landscapes and wildlife can captivate the heart, leaving every guest with memories that last a lifetime.

I’ve seen Dolly Parton perform live in London, visited Juliet’s Balcony in Italy, ridden camels by the Great Pyramids in Egypt, and sipped champagne in Paris. Each of these experiences was incredible in its own right, but nothing compares to the magic of the Southern and East African bush. The landscapes, the wildlife, and the sense of raw, untamed beauty make Africa truly unique. Our continent has an insatiable effect on your soul, leaving you with always wanting more…

Let our Travel Experts bring you to Africa. They’ll take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying every moment. And trust me, you will.