Gift Guide for the Safari Goer.

Need some ideas of what to get yourself or your loved one?
If you are going on a Safari or are a Safari enthusiast, here are some ideas that I can personally vouch for. 

Seeking Information - my personal favorites:

• Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick.
  Dame Daphne Sheldrick is an icon. She has done amazing work for the orphaned elephants in Kenya. We love taking our guests to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya were you can adopt and pet an elephant. You can read about her ‘why’ in this book.

• The Elephant Whisperer - by Lawrence Anthony.
  What a story about how deep one can go because they love an animal. Anthony was one of those people for the elephants in South Africa. You will have a chuckle as well reading about how smart those elephants are as well.

• Beat About The Bush by Trevor Carnaby.
  This field guide tells you a story about the wildlife and birds. Things like 'do elephants have good memories?' to 'why do lions have manes?'. Fun Facts. I reference this book often when I am trying to learn about an animal. I also gave this book as a gift to my daughter’s friend who wants to be a vet and loves to share information about animals.

• The Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson.
  Give birds a chance. Once you start paying attention to birds, you will be hooked. Coo Coo. I don’t take this book on Safari because of the weight of this book. When I am back and reviewing my bird pictures, I use this book to identify.
  
  Tip - I never seem to remember bird names. I write them down on my Notes App [I have an IPhone] or my notebook when the Safari guide tells me the names or shows me their bird book. When I am sorting my pictures at home, it becomes a fun game to try to match the picture and the bird using this guide.

• The Overstory by Richard Powers.
  Nothing to do with Safari but if you love nature, this one is a good book to read. You will not look at trees the same way. Richard Powers is Pulitzer Prized author living in the Smokey Mountain in the US - another gorgeous area in this lovely planet.

• Brush-Tail Games
  Be a penguin scientist! Yes, seriously. This board game will delight nature lovers of every age. Perfect for those who have seen a penguin on their Safari in South Africa or are planning on going to see Penguins.

• Pangolin Guardian
  Support critical pangolin conservation by donating to receive a badge or funding an education pack for schools in Africa. Paying it forward in the best (and cutest) way possible!

Photography:
My favorite hobby.  I have moved on from being a hobbyist to amateur, ahem, and one of my favorite gifts to myself has been my camera.

If you or your partner are looking into buying a camera and are new to the camera game, I would recommend:

• a Canon T8i, a good starter DSLR camera. I had a T3 when I started and I still use pictures from that camera.

• If you know you are going to use your camera often, get my current crop body Canon 80D - not a full frame camera but one that I can use outside of Safari. After many years of borrowing from Photo Rental Source [ummh, could have paid for the lens with all the borrowing I did], I finally bought the Canon 70-300 mm lens. Not too heavy for me and gives me the reach I need. A lot of my photography friends recommended the Canon 100-400 mm lens. This may be a good lens to borrow - see my notes below.

• Want the mother-load camera? Then go all out for the Canon 5DMarkIII. If you are a pro- you know about this camera already.

• I know many of my professional Safari guide friends use Sony. If I was looking at a Sony for my future Safari, this Sony AR111 is what I would be getting. I would borrow a telephoto lens.

• iPhones are also getting better and better and sometimes just easier and quicker to use. I saw a few of my guests getting this wide angle and macro kit to take on Safari and use in their day-to-day.

If you want to do a good point and shoot, my client Natalie got the Canon Powershot. My Safari guide in Congo, Lucy recommends Sony RX 10 IV. She has some great photographs and videos with this compact camera from her Safaris all over Africa.

The other option is renting camera body and lens. Photo Rental Source is my go to place in Houston and they ship nationwide. B&H Photo have used lens that would also work or call them to get camera ideas. They are fantastic and will guide you with the hundreds of options out there.

Binoculars:
After a day or two on a game drive, everyone gets into the searching-mode for wildlife and birds with hawk-eyed Safari guides. A professional guide / guide trainer recommended these Vortex binoculars to me. The key to good binoculars he said, to simplify the complicated science behind the machine, is 10x42 and good prism glass. I have had these for a few years and a few of my Safari guide friends also use these so I know I am in good company.

Tech Tool to consider:

• The Anker Battery for my IPhone - I always take this with me. Times when I have been grateful I have had it is when I am on planes. You need to have your phone for boarding pass, etc and a low battery for me is stressful. When the room does not have a charging station close to the bed. My IPhone is always charged this way for photos, music listening for the room, etc.

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Organizations we Trust:
These are my personal favorites because I can vouch that your gift will be put to good use. If you are going on Safari, we can arrange a visit or meeting. If you have been to these places or met our contacts on your Safari, hope you agree. 

• David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - they are amazing. From anti-poaching to caring for young elephants; you can donate or foster one or more elephants. My elephant is Ndoto. 

• Carbon Tanzania - if you go on a Safari with us, you are already contributing to this great organization because all of our partners on the ground [a requirement for us to use them] offset carbon footprint with them. We can always do more. 

• Rift Valley Children's Home - we stop every time we go to Ngorongoro and continue to be impressed with how happy, loved and smart the kids are here. Kudos to a great team lead by Mama India and Baba Peter. 

• Honeyguide Foundation - we know Damian Bell and have seen him in action with ranger training. They protect the precious wildlife from human-wildlife conflict - a big issue - to poaching related matter. Wildlife is threatened from all sides - we must do all we can to help save so many species from extinction. 

• Big Life Foundation - goodness they have a task. They take care of a large areas in Kenya but also partner with other areas in Tanzania. From anti-poaching to providing water during drought to veterinarian work, etc. They work with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust when dealing with elephants they find orphaned around Kenya.

Ethical Shopping:
If you are into sustainable fashion, you will love that when you purchase items from these selected sellers. You are supporting females, like the Maasai ladies in the villages in Northern Tanzania or local artisans who can continue to support their families through your purchase.

• Sidai Designs is a company helping the Maasai ladies. Their jewelry is sustainable and modern enough to wear on a daily bases. I love my few pieces that I have from them. If you are in Arusha, Tanzania, we can arrange for you to spend time with the Maasai mamas.

• Adele Dejak. I first saw my colleague Brook wear her rings many moons ago and fell in love with them. I spotted them in South Africa at Sabi Sabi Lodge but wanted to wait until I got to Nairobi, Kenya to buy my beloved pieces from their original store and I did! These three rings are [I can use them as self-defence if needed I think] my most worn items but they have so many other cool pieces. Oh, and in Dec 2022, she was in Senegal dressing the models from Chanel for their runway walk. Pretty cool Adele!

Clothing:
When on Safari, you want to be comfortable. There is really no dress code, but, if you want to ‘blend -in’ a bit, we recommend wear clothing that has SPF, dry fast should there by a light shower or so, and colors that mix in with nature.

• When I was in The Republic of Congo, I took this Amazon Shirt [similar if sold out] with me and surprising, it was my most worn shirt. Now for my Safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa, I have not always taken my own advice [our packing list guide] and worn black and blue. But in The Republic of Congo - that was a no-go. The tse-tse flies there are extra nasty especially on the river so this shirt was my most worn shirt on the Safari, on repeat too, after many sweaty walks and you know, the people around me were not complaining of foul odor. :)

• Comfortable pants are a must. From game driving all day, walking in them - from knee deep to chimp trekking to light stroll, having the stretch to get in the Safari vehicle, quick drying from the sprinkle, etc. I am sure you have those pants in the closet. However, if you are looking for my recommendation, I have had Kuhl brand pants that I have been wearing for the past six’ish years and they have been with me on multiple Safaris. [Similar Kuhl Pants or these one from Baleaf are also good as per a few guests of mine and my daughter]. For men, my husband and son wear these one.
  
  Get good ones because the Safari bug is real - as in - you will go on multiple Safaris I promise. Purchase ones you like so you can re-wear.

We hope you found something useful for you or your Safari partner, loved one. Need more ideas? Reach out to us and we can brain storm a bit more.

Updated on Dec 2024.

Let's get going already! What to pack on your African Safari?

They say that the anticipation phase of a trip is just as exciting as the actual adventure.
I agree! Even with new rules and regulations, and butterflies that go with traveling, going on a Safari is just thrilling. The wildlife, oh the amazing range of wildlife, the people - my friends, the landscape, and the life-altering conversations that you are about to experience. Goosebumps.

Okay, here's something about Africa - it is large. Africa has 54 countries, 11.5 million miles with a range of temperature. Yes, it does get cool/cold. We're talking 40s during the evenings if you are in areas like Ngorongoro. [Weather guideline]. This is true even if the day is warm/hot especially if you are going during the cooler month. Open vehicles and wind also make it cooler. You knew? Awesome. A fleece or sweater is a good idea. Scarfs may be necessary as well for those like me who get cold faster.

Luggage:
My advise is to stick to a soft, carry-on bags [they need to squeeze bags sometimes in the luggage compartment in the small bush planes] during your travel. If you can only use one carry-on bag while keeping with your airline’s check-in policy [please check as each airline has different weight limits], more power to you. Otherwise, one carry-on bag/back-pack to keep essentials, clothing for a day or two [should your bags not arrive on time], and the other carry-on bag to check-in.

The thing to keep in mind is the approx 35-44 lbs weight limit for the bush planes on Safari.
Do not pack more than that if you can. If you can’t keep with the weight limit, tafadhali [please] let us know in advance. We can buy you freight weight which costs a little extra but at least you have more weight to work with. Photographers, we hear you! We do this often.

What to pack on Safari :
– A warm sweater and/or fleece for the evening. If going in cooler months, June to September/October, both would be a good idea. Always check weather.com before you leave. They have temperatures for many of the Eastern and Southern African parks.
– 2-3 pants. If they that zip off to become shorts may work especially during the hot season.
Ones I wear on Safari are Kuhl, Athleta and Baleaf. My husband and son wear these pants.
- 3-4 short sleeve tee for the day time which you can rotate. Layering is key as it will be cold in the morning and evening but warm up during the day.
– 3 long sleeve shirts to layer for the mornings and evenings time. Mix and match is the way to go.

Ladies, sneak in a light jewelry for instant glam or get one at your Safari Lodge.

Colors - neutrals are recommended because you are blending in the environment but if you do wear black or blue, like me, it’s all good. Comfort is more important as you will be sitting for a long time.

* Evening dressing:
Sometimes in the evening, you end up wearing what you wore on the game drive - no worries. No one is looking. Enjoy the sunset if it mean staying as long as it is allowed by park authorities and rushing back for campfire drinks instead of going for your shower and missing the light.

– Scarf or bandana. The scarf/bandana can be used as a mask again dust, protecting your neck from the sun, keep you warm during the windy drives, and those times you need a wipe. If small, sneak in another one so it can stay clean. 
– Closed-toe shoes. There will be some sort of walking on every Safari - even from your room to the dining tent. Closed toe shoes also to keep anything from biting you.
- Socks. Add a pair [or two] of warm socks especially during the cooler months. Remember - reduce. reuse. recycle - unless you think you need more than two pairs because only you know your body well enough. 
–  Sandals. I have my Birkenstock which I like as sometimes I can wear these during game drives. A good idea to pack for the comfort in your tent.
– Wind-jacket. Highly recommend this especially since a lot of the vehicles on Safari are open. The morning and evening wind does get chilly. If it is also rain-proof, even better. Kuhl, Patagonia, Athleta, etc. have choices.
– Sun hat and sun glasses of course. We do give you a Journey To Africa baseball cap either in the US or on arrival.
– 4-5 undergarments preferable quick dry ones so you can wash overnight. In most of the lodges, they will provide soap to wash. Ladies, undergarmets will not be washed by the lodge crew.
- Ladies, sports bras are good option here as the roads can be bumpy. I have had a few guests appreciate this advise.  

* One thing to note is that most lodges we recommend have laundry included or if not, there is a nominal fee for laundry. Take advantage of this service.

Personal notes:
- I have loved having a fanny pack on my Safaris recently. I always carry my documents and money with me and this has been the best hands-free option for me. My back-pack with my camera, etc. can be left behind, but my valubables go with me at all times.
- I love the efficiency of my IPhone. I purchased a lanyard from Amazon and I must say, this has been a game-changer for me. The phone does not accidently drop on the hard surfaces when I am shooting with my camera. I used to rely on pockets but with the new ‘large’ phones, they fall off so this is an un-safe option. I met a lady on Safari who lost her phone on Safari and I was so thankful for my lanyard as my phone was on my for the whole time.

Guys, there are a few modification you would need to make but you get the idea of what is necessary.

Personal items:
– Hand wipes. For those times when you have to eat lunch after your game drive and you need to wipe off the dust. Dispose of them properly in the camp.
– Shampoo + conditioner travel size. Though I have to say, I used the lodge-provided shampoo + conditioner the past couple of Safaris, and my hair and I survived. 
– SPF 30+ [one I use] is a must on Safari.
- Lotion as it can be dry air on Safari. Our preferred lodges usually offer this but a compact one in your hand luggage may be a good idea. I speak from cracked hands experience. Vaseline too for around the nose if you are really sensitive.
- Nail cutter. If you are like me and want short nails so they look clean. Plus, if you are going to be on Safari for longer than 2 weeks, this may be an overlooked item. 
– Flashlight - for walking from your room to the mess tent or should you need to go to your enclosed restroom at night, this may come in handy. Most lodges turn off their lights after a certain time. Most of the camps we suggest will have this but not a bad item to have. OR, use your IPhone flashlight option if you have an IPhone.
– Mosquito repellant wipes or band.
– Medical first-aid kit. Take your prescriptions as a carry-on. A must!!
Then you have band-aid, Neosporin, cortisone cream, Immodium [you never know], Pepto-Bismol [read this article and decide if you want to do this on your Safari], Advil or Tylenol, muscle relaxing balm +. This is just a sample.
– Contact wearers, there is dust on Safari. I always have my glasses as backup. I take extra contacts in case I need to put on a fresh pair mid-day. Remember to clean your hands first.
– For those who need a little make-up to feel put together, go ahead, take a small pouch. If you feel good, you enjoy yourself more. Keep strong perfumes/colognes at home. An insect magnet.

Extras:
- Consider a white noise app in your phone for the light sleepers or those who would like to sleep in a bit - birds especially don't know you are on holiday.

And then if you forget anything, you can always on arrival in the towns before you head on Safari [except prescriptions please], re-wear as no one is really looking or ask the lodges if they can help.

The most important packing tip – your sense of adventure! 

Updated: Dec 2024

Which African Safari Animal Are You at the Table?

Happy Thanksgiving, Safari family!

In honor of the holiday, I thought we’d have a little fun and imagine what our Thanksgiving dinners might look like if we all took on the personalities of African Safari animals. Trust me, I’ve been at enough family and friends gatherings to recognize a few of these characters! 😉

So... which one are you?

The Hyena: The One Doing All the Talking (And Giggling)

This relative never stays quiet for long!

Whether they’re sharing stories or cracking dad jokes, they’re always the life of the get-together, keeping conversations going whether you asked for updates or not! 😂

The Warthog: The Messy-Eating Toddler

Ahhh, the littlest one at the table.

Food all over the place, hands in everything... and leaving a trail of mashed potatoes and gravy from their highchair to the floor.

🙃 But hey, they’re cute, so we let it slide!

The Lion: The Head of the Table

The lion – king (or queen) of the family gathering.

👑 They’re the one who carves the turkey, makes the “rules,” and keeps everyone in line. Don’t try to challenge them – it’s their den, and we’re just here to dig in! 😉

The Elephant: The Matriarch Who’s Convinced
No-one’s Had Enough to Eat

The elephant is the family matriarch, keeping an eye on all the plates and generously doling out second and third helpings.

Her job is to ensure everyone leaves the table in a food coma. 🦃🍗🍂

The Meerkat: The Gossip Monger

You know the one... they didn’t come for the food; they came for the tea. The meerkat’s head is always popping up whenever there’s a hint of juicy family drama – no side conversation escapes their keen ears!

The Zebra: The Fashionable Guest

Always dressed to impress, the Zebra is that cousin who shows up in the trendiest Thanksgiving outfit. Stripes may be their signature look, but at the dinner table, they’re rocking the fanciest ensemble and making everyone else look like they rolled straight off the couch (which is likely true.) 😂

The Baboon: The Mischief-Maker

We’ve all got one… the family member who just cannot sit still. The Baboon is the mischievous uncle or cheeky sibling stealing extra rolls from the breadbasket and plotting who they’re going to prank next. 🙉 If there’s chaos at the table, you know the Baboon’s behind it!

The Honey Badger: Only Here for Dessert

The Honey Badger doesn’t care about the turkey or the stuffing. They’ve got one thing on their mind: pumpkin pie… and they’re not keen to share!

The Hippo:
The One Who Drank Too Much Red Wine

They started out with good intentions, but soon the hippo’s making waves! With a few too many glasses of red in their system, they’re getting louder by the minute and may have already knocked over a glass or two. 🍷😅

I hope you had a good laugh at these descriptions and recognize one, or more, in you or someone you are going to share a meal with.

Here’s to good food and wild family and friend memories.
Happy Thanksgiving!

"Next level Mefi!!!!"

Seeing joy on my guests faces when they are on Safari is next level.

When Soraiya and I were planning her multi-generational family Safari to Tanzania, her asks were family friendly, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and scuba diving. They were going in June so I knew I had to take them to two locations in Serengeti to make sure they got to see the wildebeest and zebra migration. I chose Central Serengeti and Lahia House, and ending with Mkombe’s House, a private home in Northern Serengeti so the kids can run around freely. And for scuba diving, Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island can’t be beat.

Thanks to Soriaya for these behind-the-scenes, blow-by-blow short and sweet texts of her multi-generational family Safari unfolding in Tanzania. Texts like these are gold and what keeps us going.

Let’s start at the very beginning!

“Arrive in Kilimanjaro, with Sia in the car, super smoooth!”

Thank you to my Safari partners Nomad Tanzania.

In Ngorongoro Crater

“Ali and Gabu are phenomenal!”

”Hey hey! Excellent day in Serengeti! We have seen SO many animals and an amazing migration already!!!”

”Rooms are amazing [at Lahia] and the place is a small slice of heaven on Earth!!”

Lahia Tented Lodge, Central Serengeti. 

Mefi’s Note:
They flew to Northern Serengeti from Central and met up guides from Mkombe House.

”We were sad to say bye to Gabu and Ali.”

Ali hugging.

Deep conversation.

Enjoying the space. 

“Mkombe House in PHENOMENAL!!! Wowowow!”

Mefi’s Note:
Mkombe House is a great for families. A private house in Northern Serengeti with enough rooms for 10-11 people . Laurence and James, managers from Lamai Serengeti and Babu, manager at Mkombe’s House take care great care of my guests.

Mkombe’s House crew under the helm of Babu. 

“Next level Mefi!!!! This was the WOW moment of the trip. My MIL, “ I have seen a lot of things in my 80 years - this I have never seen.” “

Breakfast in the savannah.

Dickson showing his skills. 

Mefi’s Note:
Our friends on Safari love little kids. They can’t help carry them. My daughter, on her Safari when she was 11 years, noticed that she was ‘carried’ around by mostly everyone we met. Be prepared.

“Shut the front door Mefi! What is this insanity?!?! Happy hour in the Savannah!”

Mefi’s Note:
Keeping the images a secret ;) as you too may get this surprise on your Tanzanian Safari from Lamai Serengeti or Mkombe’s House, one of our favorite places to stay in Northern Serengeti.

“Wow! What a surprise arrival into Fundu!! We had no idea we boated in! Everyone felt like they were in a James Bond Movie!!”

These were the little texts I got throughout the Safari and they gave me goosebumps.

After their Safari, we chatted on the phone and I got more amazing stories from her. From how they saw a cheetah on their last game drive in Serengeti with Dickson to catching a barracuda fish at Fundu Lagoon. How they got so attached to the guides and were screaming with joy when they bumped into Ali, their first guide on their game drives with Dickson in Northern Serengeti. The food on Safari. All the special surprises we had planned for them.

A comment Soraiya made after their Safari was confirmed was, “That was easy!”.
That is my goal! To make your Safari planning as easy for you as possible. We know the right places to take you, for the right times. We can’t wait to show you our Tanzania.

Why should you take a Safari to Zambia?

Been on Safari and thinking of where to for your next Safari?
It’s a no-brainer: Zambia! After my recent trip, I’m absolutely in love with this place, and I’m betting you will be too. Here are a few reasons why I’ve fallen head over heels:

1. The Wildlife.

Grab your front-row seat - Zambian wildlife is next level. So many stories I can share.
- The rare wild dog moments in South Luangwa, chilling after a meal and not budging to the epic impala chase in Lower Zambezi National Park. While the pack did get the impala and devoured it in minutes, I am glad in some way I did not see the kill itself as I am sure it was brutal.
- The beautiful leopard sightings with the best morning light. I skipped my walk for this moment with my Safari guide Sandy from Sungani Lodge. Well worth the gaze.
- Every game drive highlighted elephants with wee ones and lots of them. Just being in the quiet with them, I got to see so many cool interactions. Elephants all day, any day.
- Lions galore. Every drive, we had lion sightings. From a sibling pair playing with sticks and the older sibling not being in the mood for play, to a cheeky lion cub trying to sneak a bite of his dad’s kill. He patiently tried hard for minutes and Dad was NOT feeling generous – cue some serious family drama with the mama lion running to check in on the young one.
- Lots of giraffes on Safari - got to see them necking and mating. Pretty neat.
- From the river banks in Luangwa and Zambezi, I got to see the beginning of the carmine bee-eaters migration - they were making their way to nest. I had heard of this so was excited to get a glimpse of them arriving.
- My Safari guide and I were transferring through Mosi-O-Tunya and at a distance, we see something large. I say “hippo“ and he say’s “elephants“, and when we got closer, we both got goosebumps as there were two white rhinos. We could not stop talking about them until we got to Matetsi River Lodge in Zimbabwe.

Moments like this, with a lion pride, a pack of wild dogs, elephants, and more, make Zambia one of the best countries for wildlife viewing.

2. The People.

Welcoming and warm! You’ll get all the feels from the moment you step onto Zambian soil. The Safari guides shared with me more than wildlife stories. I heard how school works in villages to getting through college and how some guides move to towns like Livingstone and Lusaka for better education for their kids. They shared how they decided to become guides and the process. I heard of the challenges of health care in Zambia especially if you are in remote areas. So much to learn.

The kind and caring lodge crew made sure I ate well and had my morning tea or decaf coffee for me. I always try to chat with them and I can’t wait for some of them to become Safari guides.

To the local artisans in Mfuwe in South Luangwa to the craft market near Victoria Falls, you’ll have a blast bargaining if you are into that but just remember, every extra dollar you spend makes a big difference to the local families!

My tip, I bargain to get the thrill, and then end up paying the original price quoted.

3. The Places.

Amazing hospitality. After hours of bouncing around in a 4x4 Safari vehicle, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to put your feet up. One family run lodge that won the couch test was Sungani Lodge. The couches are so comfortable here – just one example of the Safari essentials you never knew you needed.

Each place [more details here] offered gorgeous views, great food, and all sorts of wildlife rolling in for a visit – I was spoilt on every couch.

4. Victoria Falls.

Nature’s biggest showstopper. Victoria Falls is an absolute must-see when you’re in Zambia, or Zimbabwe. Known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – The Smoke That Thunders – the sheer power and beauty of the Falls will leave you with your mouth hanging open for minutes at a time. Even in September when the falls is not thundering, I was in awe of this geological wonder. Andddd, I got to experience the Devil’s Pool. Mind blowing experience.

If thunderous stream is what you are after, the Zambian side during the drier months does slow down hence going to the Zimbabwe side may be the answer. You have to be patient because you have to cross the border and would recommend getting the KAZA visa on arrival. But the beauty doesn’t fade with the water levels – this natural wonder is awesome all year round!

5. Fewer Vehicles at this time.

What a treat this is for those of us who are used to areas with lots of vehicles. To have a leopard, lion or wild dog sighting limited to one to two vehicles - wow. When we were trying to capture the wild dogs hunting in Lower Zambezi, my guide Taps was all flustered because there were about ten or so vehicles all trying to get a closer look. I hope they always keep the numbers low, which means we need to make sure we support the right lodges who are protecting the areas.

Would love to chat more with you about the beauty that is Zambia.

Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool.

Perched on the edge!

One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the iconic Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls. Now, I am afraid of heights, and my intention was to just observe the process for you all, but the guides somehow convinced me to take the plunge in the cold water. Literally!

Imagine being perched on the edge of the largest waterfall in the world, with nothing but a slippery rock between you and a sheer drop. Don’t worry, someone is holding your legs. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. The guides were amazing and wouldn’t take my hesitation for an answer, telling me, “Go, go, get in!” Before I knew it, I was in the water, swimming to the edge, taking this photo!

The guides even take your phone in a waterproof bag and film you from the edge. Pretty scary seeing them walk on the edge confidently, without a harness. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Glad I can say I am one of those who has ‘jumped in the deep end’.

The sequence of your day will depend on how you are booked. I had the noon time frame, which meant I got to enjoy lunch after my adventure. There are many time slots and all of that will be booked last minute, when you are there by your lodge in Livingstone, Victoria Falls.

A plunge here is dependent on the time of the year you are going. If June or July, and the water levels are high and rough, you may get to do the Angel’s Pool instead of the Devil’s Pool. When drier or less rough, the Devil’s Pool will be possible. Your guides will assist on the day you are there .. you have to be flexible as it is nature dependent.

Zambia, you blew me away!

Zambia, you are amazing!

You know how much I adore Tanzania. It’s my home country. But a recent trip to Zambia absolutely blew me away. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to fall head over heels for this country but, Zambia, you surprised me!

A Zambian hospitality recap.

My arrival at Latitude 15.

From the moment I landed in Lusaka and was greeted with friendly smiles and efficient service, I knew this trip was going to be special. I enjoyed a quick stay at Latitude 15, a beautifully decorated boutique hotel in Lusaka. It’s a fantastic first stop that allows you to chill in style following your long trek to Zambia and sets the tone for the rest of the trip.

Off to South Luangwa National Park.

Puku Ridge Camp

Puku Ridge Camp was my first introduction to Zambia’s places-to-stay. This place was a dream, with its mix of mopane forest and open plains. Perfect for photographing wildlife without obstruction. From here, I saw large elephant herds, wild dogs, giraffes, and even a pride of lions that had just taken down a hippo. Oh, the smell will linger in my nostrils for a while.

The rooms had all the creature comforts and more. My travel was in September and, boy, does it get hot during the day. When you are taking a break from the early game drive, you do need a little help from your friend the AC.

The crew - very charming. From the many managers to my host, Limbi. I really had some good laughs and was well taken care off.

Now, here’s a tip: Zambia starts its game drives early. Like, 5:30 - 6:00 am early! So, by 10am, you’re done. That means lots of downtime, so make sure you’re prepared with a great read, light packable card or board games, movies or shows on your device, or to catch up on beauty sleep!

Sungani Camp

Next up was Sungani Camp, a family-run lodge that stole my heart. Beautiful location overlooking a large water-hole, delicious food. Photographers, they had the most amazing camera equipment room. They had everything from Nikon to Canon, and even GoPros and gimbals. And two hides, for wildlife and the carmine bee eaters - amazing, I know!

Another thing about Sungani that stands out? They had the most comfortable couches in their rooms – now there’s a Safari essential you didn’t know you needed. After a long day of game drives, a comfy couch is a lifesaver. You can nap, read, or just enjoy the view with a drink in hand.

On to glorious Lower Zambezi National Park.

Anabezi Camp

I had to travel through Winterthorn forest to get here – and, once again, I fell in love. The best part about staying at Anabezi is the access to this magical forest and the wildlife that resides here.

From the wild dog and lion den that are about 15 min away from the camp, to the leopards and elephants that are also minutes away. One morning, in 2 hours, I had packed a punch with my wildlife sighting, I could have happily called it a day, but I didn’t because the sunset boat ride awaited on the mighty Zambezi River.

With a range of activities here, as with most camps in Lower Zambezi, there is always something new to do - from canoeing depending on the water level and an evening cruise on the Zambezi River to fishing, lunch cruises, walking Safaris … always a different perspective to enjoy the area and it’s glorious wildlife.

The camp crew was one of the youngest I have seen - and always ready to help with a smile. The food, the comfortable room, the outdoor shower [indoor showers coming as per the manager]… a good spot for the adventurer.

Chiawa Camp

This place was a revelation! Owner-run, with incredible attention to detail. They even had pop-up mirrors in the bathrooms so you could watch wildlife while brushing your teeth! And the toilet situation? Blissfully private! I love my husband, but when nature calls, you don’t need anyone around to hear you answer it 🤣

Oh, and I tested the couch at Chiawa (of course!), and it was perfect. Plus, they had a unique take on the plunge pool. It’s a tub that you fill with water as needed, and then it drains out to water the surrounding area. No wasted water – a massive value-add in my book.

Shout out to my Safari guides:
As with all the camps mentioned here, amazing Safari guides are a given. From Taps in Anabezi Camp to gentleman Sandy at Sungani Lodge, you are in great hands with experienced guides.

Let’s take you to wild Zambia on your next Journey to Africa Safari.

Where to next for your Safari?

Every corner of this magnificent continent offers something unique, and the perfect destination for YOU depends on the kind of adventure you crave.

What’s most important?

• Luxury of space and places-to-stay? Botswana is your go-to. Think private plunge pools, Michelin-star meals under the stars, and the most exclusive camps imaginable. Alternatives are available as well if seeing the Okavango Delta is your goal.

• Authenticity above all else? Tanzania and Kenya are both fantastic options. These countries offer a classic Safari vibe, with incredible wildlife viewing, culture, and a sense of timeless adventure.

• Ultra-unique encounters? Rwanda and Uganda tick this box. These lush, mountainous countries are home to magnificent mountain gorillas. Prepare to be humbled by these gentle giants as you trek your way through forests to get to know them up close.

How do you Safari?

• ‘See-it-all’ adventurer? South Africa’s your match! Combine the Big Five with bustling cities, stunning coastlines, wine country, and a Rainbow Nation of interesting cultures.

• ‘Slow and steady’ explorer? Zambia offers remote wilderness areas, walking safaris, and canoeing along peaceful rivers where you’ll want to linger longer so you can take your time and soak it all in.

What’s on your bucket list?

• Hot air ballooning? Tanzania and Kenya are your place.

• Walking with elephants in the wild or seeing Victoria Falls? Zambia’s your calling.

• Witnessing the Great Migration? Tanzania or Kenya are where it’s at.

• Combining bush, beach, and winery visits? South Africa awaits.

• Gorilla trekking? Rwanda or Uganda are the places to be.

• Staying away from crowds to see gorillas and chimps? Republic of the Congo or Western Tanzania will give you silence.

• Relaxing mokoro rides through winding waterways in the Okavango Delta? Botswana’s best.

Need some help finding your perfect match? Answer these questions and I’ll get back to you with my suggestions for a lovely Journey to Africa Safari.