Story and photos by Roxie LaFever
Going on an African Safari was always my dream and is likely high on your bucket list as well. But I must forewarn you; they say, “Africa gets in your blood!” And it is true. I now find myself going on safari at least every other year…. just in different countries or venues.
When on safari, expect to wake up before the sunrise, bundle up and climb into an open-air jeep to head out to the bush. While basking in the sunrise across an open wilderness, your eyes will begin to focus on the subtleties of shadows moving; breathlessly awaiting the appearance of each animal. Will it be a lion, leopard, or cheetah? No wait, the brush is shaking and out jumps a gazelle. Then turning you see a giraffe pop its head over the trees. And when the ground rumbles softly, anticipation builds awaiting your first sight of an elephant, rhino, water buffalo, or a herd of wildebeest.
Always have your camera or binoculars ready, surprises await you! But maybe they are not all out during the morning drive and that is okay. After breakfast, a 2-hour catnap, a peaceful lunch, and maybe a dip in the pool; it is time for the afternoon game drive or bush walk. The 2nd drive of the day is shortly before dusk; when the animals gather at watering holes or prepare to snuggle in their dens or hide in matted grass beds selected to keep them safe from any nocturnal predators.
Game drivers and scouts will make each game drive memorable. The jeeps spread out exploring until a major sighting; then the word is shared via radio and other jeeps rush in. The guides will also be aware of any newborns and will ask if you would like to see a “fresh kill” since the “circle of life” is all part of the bush.
If given the opportunity, please set aside time to visit with local tribesmen in their villages. Or even better, go on a walk through the bush with them. The San People – an indigenous tribe of Africa also known as the Bushmen – showed me how to play with a scorpion by giving it a bath (see photo), roast and eat large beetles over a fire made by rubbing two sticks together, drink water stored underground in “repurposed ostrich eggs,” and to nibble on moth larvae. A stop at the Himba Village led to purchasing “red ochre” to rub on my skin as sun protection. And the Herrera women sold me handmade dolls in their own likeness.
The photos attached are some of my favorites from numerous drives across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia. It is so difficult to select just 20 to share with you…. but hopefully, I have whetted your appetite to venture out “into the bush!”
