Travel Topics
Welcome to Tanzania, a land of natural wonders, rich culture and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this East African gem has something for…
Mark Bibby goes on a Sri Lanka safari, watches the most amazing festival and travels to the most beautiful city of Galle, before concluding his trip in Colombo. Serendipity. The…
In the first of a series of articles covering his trip to Sri Lanka, Mark Bibby Jackson goes on an elephant safari, sees the wonderful cave paintings at Dambulla and…
South Africa is a country full of diverse landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling cities to the scenic countryside, there is always something new and exciting…
Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise continue their safari in Botswana, visiting the Okavango Delta. The second half of our trip to Botswana took us to one of the Seven Natural…
in the first of two articles, Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise take an amazing Botswana safari, staying at three camps run by Great Plains Conservation, commencing at Selinda Camp. It…
There is no denying the incredible beauty and awe-inspiring power of Victoria Falls and a trip to this majestic waterfall offers endless opportunities for the most magical of experiences. Located…
Gill Haynes goes on an Okavango Delta safari in Botswana where the local wildlife steals the show. It was the first time we’d flown between safari camps in a small…
Mark Bibby Jackson talks with Michael Dyer, Managing Director of Borana Conservancy, member of the Climate Friendly Travel Registry, about its conservation work in Kenya, and plans for a sustainable…
Mark Bibby Jackson looks into several initiatives aimed to confront the worrying increase in poaching African wildlife, a by-product of Covid. With the global death toll from Covid breaking the…
Travel Begins at 40 talks with Paul Gardiner, the CEO of conservation-focused hotel chain the Mantis Group founded by his father conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000. What is sustainable tourism…
Travel Begins at 40 chats with Belise Kariza, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board about Covid, Sustainable Tourism and the future of Rwanda travel. How badly has Rwanda been affected…
African safari holidays are incredible experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Thousands of travellers set off each year in the hope of spotting as many different species…
Phil Ellis went on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Uganda to see the country’s mountain gorilla in its natural environment, and find it a life-changing experience…
In the second of his series of QAs, Travel Begins at 40 Founder, Mark Bibby Jackson, relates his favourite – or at least most memorable – African safari experience. My…
On a South Africa Travel trip to the Western Cape, with a brief excursion into the Eastern Cape, Eileen Wise and Roger Hermiston dip their toes into this remarkably vast…
Luke Bailes, the charismatic founder of Singita, is one of the most influential individuals in African wildlife conservation tourism, preserving swathes of African wilderness by promoting environmentally conscious and socially…
Safari holidays are increasingly a very popular way of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. They provide a very important source of revenue to many African countries.
Safaris can range from small seasonal camps where the tents are taken down out of season, to permanent structures with viewing platforms, luxuriously fitted large tents and excellent cuisine. Early morning is the best time to venture out to see the wildlife and this is always accompanied by an experienced guide. Probably the best transport for viewing the animals is in a 4×4 with an open canvas top. Some trips offer balloon trips or flying safaris, providing participants with an airborne view over the wilderness.
The title of the “Big Five” originally came from hunters, as these five animals were the most difficult to hunt by foot. The elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, lion and the rhino constitute the big five and sadly some of them are now critically endangered, because of hunting and environmental changes to their habitats.
Although many interesting safaris can be taken in a range of African countries, the Maasai Mara in south-western Kenya is one of the largest. It covers an area of 1,510 square kilometres and is famous for its Maasai lions. Zebras, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, impala and gazelles also frequent the park. Sadly, losses are high amongst these animals, partially due to poaching, although an effective guardian scheme has been set up which affords some protection. To see the Maasai people wandering through the rolling savannah with their extraordinary height and flowing white robes is a sight never forgotten.
