Long live the Safari!

This exotic overland adventure is that enduring magic of the African continent, with package tours and private trips spanning the East Coast, from Kenya through Uganda and Tanzania to the South- Zambia, Malawi, Namibia and South Africa. Across wild patches of the sprawling savannah to thick rain forests, the modern safari is a fun filled encounter with the African wilds.

Countries like Nigeria and others on the West Coast have also tried to develop their wild life resources with varying results. The vast array of animals-cape buffalo, elephants, antelopes, giraffes, crocodiles, and the big cats-lions, leopards, cheetahs, not forgetting the wild boar, hippos, rhinos, foxes and game birds of every kind provide visual evidence of a multi splendored world and the great diversity of nature.

          The African Safari used to be synonymous with big game hunting. Rich tourists from around the world converged in their hundreds to track down and kill the animals merely for sport. Arguably, the world is wiser now about the harmful effects of this unconscionable activity. Unregulated hunting of wild life turned the unfortunate animals to endangered species. The modern safari- the word comes from the Arab/Kiswahili word for journey- is a leisurely encounter with the animal kingdom. In place of the hunting rifles, the tourists are now armed with cameras for the harmless and more exciting shots of lions feasting or mating and gorillas at play.

This is that ennobling aspect of the safari that has made of it a fashion item- safari jackets; belted shirts with four large pockets- which become suits when with matching pants, shorts and skirts.  No wonder then that even the Vatican thought it quite cool to label the eighties African tour of the late Pope John Paul II a “spiritual safari”.  A 1988 book, Safari Style, by Natasha Burns and Tim Beddows explores the decorative art of safari lodges around Africa. Taken all together, these developments have given to our world that freshening perspective on eco tourism, in which man and animals are co-heirs of a shared commonwealth.

The African Safari comes in various packages to suit individual pockets and preferences. Package tours are affordable and convenient. One enjoys the company of a multicast of people from different parts of the world, a kind of “safari” within a safari. Yet, it’s more fun to go independently, but always in the safe company of tour guides and game wardens whose knowledge of the various reserves and the peculiar habits of their wild life can be most invaluable.

Dollar for dollar, therefore, the safari is that incomparably exciting and enlightening parley with the wilds for which there is yet no substitute. That might have provided the creative sparks for Apple Inc. to name its 2003 web browser, Safari. Reputed to be the fastest browser to date, its net share of the market has been climbing ever since; in imitation it would seem, of the alluring drama of the African Safari. 

Long live the African wilds.