ABROAD & BEYOND
Insider Intel Eugene Fuhri, operations manager at Micato Safaris, South Africa, and former head ranger at Sabi Sabi Game Reserve, shares why Zimbabwe and Namibia are the next darlings of the safari space. WHAT UNIQUE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES CAN GUESTS EXPECT IN THESE DESTINATIONS? Zimbabwe is a birdwatching paradise, home to more than 400 species. You’ll also encounter the Big Five here; the elephant population is delightfully large. In Namibia, you’ll find species that have adapted to the arid climate, like the desert elephant, as well as the endangered black rhino. WHAT ARE CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF EACH COUNTRY? In Namibia, travelers have a special opportunity to visit the tribes. In the north, they might meet with a chief of the Himba, a semi-nomadic people in Damaraland. In the west, in the coastal town of Swakopmund, they’ll encounter the Herero, a tribe known for its distinctive, colonial-style clothing. In the south, discover land formations that were formerly a canvas for early bushman rock paintings. The surrounding area is sacred to the local community as it’s also an ancient burial ground for the once ruling tribal kings. WHAT COUNTRIES MAKE GOOD COMPLEMENTS TO EACH DESTINATION? You could add Victoria Falls to your journey to experience the mighty Zambezi River. Any trip to Zimbabwe should include a stay at Victoria Falls, but a Zimbabwe journey is also compatible with water game runs in Botswana. Alternatively, hop over to Namibia to explore the sand dunes of Sossusvlei. U LT I M AT E E X P E R I E N C E S
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