Africovery

For many of us, everyday life does not encourage making time for simply being, free of striving and acquiring, etc. Like with all pure things in life, there are plenty of opportunities to turn the safari experience into one of vanity, gluttony, and materialism. Ultimately, it's about how you choose to engage with the experience that determines the depth of transformation you leave with.

For us, a luxury safari is much more about safari than luxury. The experience is sacred, dare I say holy. It is a spiritual experience that is both physically and energetically, far from the consumerist culture of the West. We go on safari not to get something (likes, pictures, status, etc) but to be, to be in relationship with Mother Nature herself, the wildlife, the land, eachother, and perhaps most importantly, our souls. Safari is a chance to reconnect with the nature that resides at the core of our being - the Self that is whole just as it is, free of the likes, influence, and money that keep us striving to be and have more.

Safari means 'To Journey', and at Africovery, we believe there is no better opportunity to embark on a journey of renewal and transformation than a voyage to the African wilderness. From the outside, it may be that we are simply planning an international expedition. Still, for every external move we take, there is internal desire present. it is within each of us where we may discover the fruitful gifts that travel bestows upon us. This is one of the reasons we prefer the 'slow safari' model of safari travel, whereby guests can find peace and presence throughout their trip as opposed to packing up and rushing off every second day to different lodges, reserves and activities, also known as a 'checkbox safari'.

Here are some tips to uplift the safari experience, be it a trip with your partner, family, or tour group:

Make time to go inward

Many people reassess their priorities and what's important in their life after the safari experience. The changes that were lying just below your conscious awareness, clouded by routine and responsibilities of everyday life, naturally emerge. Africa serves you with the medicine you might not have even known you needed - a dose of clarity and expanded perspective.

To make the most out of the transformation this journey initiates, Africovery provides guests with a safari travel journal that is full of unique prompts and insights to help you with the inward journey every step of the way. (We recommend starting before you depart for Africa by exploring what your travel intentions are and how you’d like to show up).

Limit phone access and internet

Our goal is to slow down and come back to our centre. It's tough to do that if we are still connected to the noise of the internet, social media, and the pressure to respond to emails and messages. There’s no better time for a digital detox than on Safari. You can opt for airplane mode, pull out your sim card, or go full-rogue and lock it away for the duration of your stay (make sure to make alternative camera plans so as not to be reliant on your phone). We can assure you that doing so will significantly deepen your experience and dissolve the barriers that stand between you and a full immersive safari experience.

Presence before pictures

It's very tempting to grab for the camera at every enthralling wildlife sighting, but it's essential to try and stay present in the experience, savouring the moment without feeling the need to share each one with the world. Of course, you want to capture the memories to share and to revel in when you get home. But, what if for a moment we let go of the need to capture, and instead be fully with the moment itself?

(To support this as a practice, we recommend splitting up the photography responsibilities with your group so you will have the memories to look back on, without feeling like you had a lens in front of your eye the whole time).

Use the opportunity to connect

Safaris are the perfect opportunity to deepen relationships with partners, families and friends. Far away from the responsibilities and distractions that keep intimacy at an arm’s length at home, we have the chance to shed any emotional distance and reconnect. Relationship renewal naturally emerges from the shared experience of awe and wonder that Africa effortlessly grants its visitors. We might find that a feeling of open receptivity begins to emerge and relieve us of some of the resentment and resistance that we held at home.

The Safari camp brings out its guests’ best qualities and creates a space for meaningful connection. Try to leverage the sacred moments you share with your travel companions.. You’ll have plenty of time at airports and between transfers to catch up on emails and social media. Now is the time to step out from behind the screen and spend this undisturbed time connecting on a more intimate level than ever before.

The lodges have board games and activities for guests to use during the down time back at the camp. We urge you to take advantage of what the lodge has to offer - you might find that a sense of playfulness surfaces within you as a result.

Learn about the environment

After all, we are here to reconnect with mother nature. Come as a student and Africa will gladly be your teacher. Your guides want to hear your questions, don’t hesitate. Try to really absorb what you’re learning about the animals, land, and culture and allow it to awaken your curiosity within. Many times, we don’t realise how dormant our curiosity was until we are thrown into a world of novelty. Pay attention to what ignites your curiosity - this could be a message about how to enliven one’s life back at home.

For many, going on safari is an introduction into the life of an ecosystem - the symbiotic relationships, the interdependence, and the delicate balance that is integral to the survival of its inhabitants. Safari is so much more than chasing the Big 5. From ancient Baobab trees to dung beetles to chameleons, every species within the African wilderness has a purpose and, thus, a lesson for us.

The splendour of Africa is available by day and by night. Take advantage of the lack of light pollution and add an activity like a ‘Night Sky Safari’ with celestial experts who take us into the realities of the other planets and galaxies that we share the Universe with, with a particular focus on their cultural mythologies from African and other perspectives.

To really get the most out of the overall experience, consider purchasing a safari-related book or guide before your journey to enhance your knowledge of the local parks, ecosystem, wildlife conservation, and ancient human/wildlife connection.

Give back to the local culture/conservation

There are numerous ways one can give back to the place and the people from whom we 'take'. These can be as simple as 'packing with a purpose', indulging in local cultural and/or conservation activities on offer, and for some it’s a financial commitment upon departure to the preservation of African wildlife.

Simply learning about the efforts that go into sustaining and preserving the ecosystem to support the survival of its species is a form of giving that has the potential to plant seeds of giving back in more formidable ways in the future. Stay open to the power you have to make a difference - however ‘small’ it may be.

Bonus Tip:

Consider doing something out of your comfort zone on the trip. Whether it be a guided bush walk, holding a spider/snake at Hoedspruit Reptile Centre, or even sleeping under the stars (if your lodge offers that). Whether it be facing a fear or simply stretching ourselves, travel is supposed to push us further, and spark growth in our journeys. The luxury safari experience can be so comfortable at times that we can sometimes forgo that priceless benefit of travel.

5 ways to make your safari experience more meaningful