Safari by voyageurs-du-monde

LIFE IS IN THE DETAIL SAFARI

SAFARI

ORIGINAL TRAVEL OT-Safari-Cover-AW2.indd 3

205 x 205mm Outside Front Cover

31/08/2018 19:26

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 3

31/08/2018 19:18

Welcome to our first dedicated safari brochure. Africa, and safari in particular, has played a central role in Original Travel’s success to date, so we wanted to turn the spotlight fully on to what is one of the most memorable of all travel experiences. There’s another reason for doing so now. Our current Africa team is brimming with more expertise, passion and first-hand knowledge of the key safari destinations than at any time in our 15-year history. Everyone in the team has lived, worked or travelled extensively in East and Southern Africa, and the team includes former safari lodge managers, conservation experts, riding safari specialists and seasoned wilderness camp staff members. We’ve even captured and tamed our very own ex-safari guide. This stellar team are here to help create the perfect safari experience for you, tailored to your exact specifications whether you are looking for a first-time wildlife experience, a 3G (three-generational) family safari or – if you’re a seasoned safari-goer – something way, way off the beaten track. One final thought: safari should be about more than just animals. Wherever you go, and whatever type of safari you choose, we always aim to make the experience as authentic as possible, which means the landscapes and local cultures should play just as much a part of the journey. After all, ‘safari’ means ‘journey’ in Swahili.

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Manager

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 4

31/08/2018 19:18

CONTENTS

Meet the Team

At Your Service

Wildlife

Types of Safari

The Great Migration

Types of Traveller

The Best of the Rest

102

Where to Go When

110

Safari Hacks

114

IN FOCUS

- Kenya

- Namibia

- South Africa

- Botswana

Wild dog chasing a leopard, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

OT-Safari-intro_AW.indd 5

100

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

05/09/2018 17:32

MEET THE TEAM

OUR SPECIALIST SAFARI TEAM Our dedicated team of specialist Africa experts have all developed a deep knowledge of their destinations and worked with the most impressive experts in their fields.

ELEANOR

Africa feels like my second home – I have visited many times with my family, lived in Tanzania for a while and then ran a bush camp in Zambia. I have been helping clients create their own African memories for the last 12 years, as well as nipping back there on a regular basis to add to my own portfolio of experiences. FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Sitting by the campfire watching a zebra being chased by lions straight through the tented camp we were in. ‘Bush TV’ doesn’t get more exciting than that!

ISABEL

In the 11 years I’ve been part of the Original Travel Africa team I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many safaris, including with my children. My favourite safari destination is the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and I adored exploring the delta by mokoro dugout canoe because it’s such a tranquil way to travel, and so silent you can get thrillingly close to big game. FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Watching two lionesses hunting (unsuccessfully) and then seeing their interaction with the male and their eight cubs when they returned. It was spellbinding!

My first safari experience was riding with my family in the Masai Mara guided by the sadly departed but legendary riding safari leader Tristan Voorspuy, so the bar was set pretty high. In safari terms, I am Veruca Salt - spoilt rotten. Since then, I’ve walked with camels in Kenya’s Matthews Mountains, watched lemurs in Madagascar and sat within feet of gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda - each and every adventure has been utterly different and utterly special. FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Watching, from horseback, as a leopard dragged an impala up a tree for lunch in the Okavango Delta…

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 6

31/08/2018 19:18

MEET THE TEAM As well as our six dedicated Africa specialists, several other members of the team are wildlife aficionados who are expert in various regions around the world. Nick - Co-Founder, father of two young boys and family safari expert Tom - Co-Founder, father of four and safari know-it-all Miranda - Over fifteen year’s experience of tiger safaris in India Will - A connoisseur in North American wildlife Oliver - Our resident Latin American wildlife lover Amelia - Expert in cultural and wildlife adventures in Ethiopia We also have a dedicated team of dive experts, made up of marine biologists, dive masters and instructors.

CHARLOTTE

KATIE

I fell in love with Africa many years ago while visiting family in South Africa. The incredible mixture of wildlife, culture and natural beauty left a lasting impression on me. I later spent a year working in Uganda, which allowed me to explore all corners of East Africa. Most recently, I have experienced Zambia’s safari circuit by 4x4, on foot and by boat.

A chance opportunity in 2008 saw me swap London for the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, where my African love affair began. Since then I have had the privilege of visiting some of the continent’s most remote, pristine national parks from the Republic of Congo to Cape Point; learning from leading conservationists and being guided by safari legends along the way.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Seeing wild dog for the first time in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia – they are extraordinary animals.

FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT My first sundowner in Zambia remains special. After dark, a huge clan of cackling hyenas surrounded us on a kill. Two lions tried to muscle in on the action while a leopard watched from a tree nearby.

MATT

I used to be a field guide in Namibia, and I’ve also trained and worked in both South Africa and Botswana. I am incredibly passionate about wildlife conservation, and I believe tourism is one of the chief ways to achieve the twin goals of preserving wildlife and maintaining local communities. FAVOURITE SAFARI MOMENT Encountering – from a safe distance – 300 or more elephants over the course of an afternoon while on a walking safari.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 7

31/08/2018 19:18

AT YOUR SERVICE We’re here to make your holiday as perfect as possible.

Camel riding safari from Lewa House, Laikipia, Kenya

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 8

31/08/2018 19:18

AT YOUR SERVICE

LOCAL CONCIERGES Our global network of Concierges are always on hand to take your holiday experience to the next level. The Concierges live locally, know their destinations inside and out and are a phone call (or WhatsApp etc…) away to arrange additional activities. They can: - Make any last-minute changes to your itinerary - Book a table at the hot restaurants when you’re staying in a city - Tip you off about the local haunts most travellers never know about - Generally anticipate your every need while away Original Travel is the only travel company in the UK to offer this service – we believe our local Concierges add another dimension entirely to your trip.

HOW DAVID HELPED...

18:00

This evening Emily and William arrive in the Namibian capital Windhoek to begin their self-drive adventure. After some unexpected immigration queues at the airport and to avoid them having to wait any longer to pick up their hire car, David arranges for a private transfer to their hotel for the night, with their car to be delivered to the hotel the following morning.

08:30

After breakfast David meets the couple at the hotel along with a representative from the hire car company (with whom he often works) to help make sure all is well with the car.

09:00 DAVID

OUR NAMIBIA CONCIERGE David has lived in Southern Africa for more years than he cares to remember. After initially training and working as a commercial pilot in the Eastern Cape, he moved to Namibia where he met his wife. After a couple of years in Namibia, working in safari management, they headed off to Botswana to build and run their own safari lodges. In 2002, they returned to Namibia where David now heads up the day to day operations with our team on the ground and will be able to handle all of your in-country requirements.

David shares some of his invaluable local insights and makes sure Emily and William know all of the necessary self-drive tips; including how to change the tyre - just in case!

09:30

David provides them with a mobile phone on a local network in case they need to get in touch with him during their self-drive, as well as a cool box full of ice cold water. After the Original Travel team mentioned Emily’s dietary requirements to David, he has also added some delicious gluten-free snacks in case the couple get peckish while driving.

15:00

Emily texts David to let him know that they’ll arrive at their first lodge later than planned due to a more leisurely lunch stop than expected.

15:30

David gets back in touch with Emily. He has let the lodge know and told the couple not to rush as he’s arranged for the kitchen to stay open for their arrival. Having subtly asked what type of wine they like, David has also made sure the lodge sommelier has a fine bottle of South African wine waiting on arrival. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 9

31/08/2018 19:18

BOOK WITH US AND THESE SERVICES COME AS STANDARD...

UK DEPARTURE ASSISTANCE Our team will meet you at the airport and fast track you through

FAST TRACK FAST TRACK UK CHECK-IN UK SECURITY UK AIRPORT LOUNGE We’ll speed you through check-in

We’ll whisk you through the security queues

Enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge with free drinks and snacks

PRE-BOOKED SEATS Avoid airlines’ random seat allocation

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 10

31/08/2018 19:18

AND THESE...

ONE POINT OF CONTACT Our destination expert creates a perfectly tailor-made itinerary for you

EXPERT GUIDES

Our expert guides help you really get under the skin of your destination

PERFECT PICKS

We provide you with a destination specific reading list and music playlist

BORROW A GOPRO Borrow one of our GoPros on selected trips

OUR APP

HOLD SEATS

While fine tuning your trip we’ll be holding airline seats

FUN, FUN, FUN PACKS

Access your itinerary, destination dossier and live updates on the Original Travel app

Tailored destination info, challenges and games for every child (aged 3 - 10)

24 HOUR HELPLINE

FULLY PROTECTED

Things can go wrong; we’re on call 24/7 to offer assistance if required

Your holiday is fully protected

To view more about The Detail and relevant Terms and Conditions, visit originaltravel.co.uk/why-choose-us +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 11

31/08/2018 19:18

CONSERVATION

THE CONSERVATION CONVERSATION

LOCAL HEROES Conservation is not just limited to animals: it extends to plants, water sources, geology, micro-organisms and – particularly importantly in Africa – to the conservation of local communities. The locals are the ones who have the greatest affinity with, and knowledge of, the habitat; they are the logical guardians of these precious areas and they are the ones who should be preserving the natural resources around them. Through education, this should be achievable, BUT the pull of ‘city life’ is strong, so conservation for conservation’s sake in local communities is swiftly dying out. Conservation now needs to make financial sense, which is where tourism comes in…

At Original Travel we spend a lot of time discussing our part in the great sustainability and tourism debate. Here’s a quick summary of our current thinking…

THE BIG IDEA Conservation should, wherever possible, seek to align the interests of the human race and those of the natural world. While these interests are often at odds, we – travel companies, our clients, lodges, reserves, guides and others – must strive to square this circle.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 12

31/08/2018 19:18

CONSERVATION

ORIGINAL TRAVEL AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM We support many different conservation projects in Africa and across the globe. We believe that tourism should be for the good of the area it is centred in, and that area’s inhabitants, both human and animal. In terms of conservation, we help promote tourism that benefits the regional economies best placed to preserve the world’s precious fauna and flora, and which try to be as sustainable as possible.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

THE BOTTOM LINE

Tourism and the consequent job opportunities provide economic reasons for locals to stay and help preserve wilderness areas for the benefit of tourists, so allowing the people with the greatest depth of knowledge and sense of place a viable way to make a living and support their families, all the while preserving the areas that they love. Ecotourism also provides levies and funds for specific conservation projects and the conservation management of different areas, i.e. a visitor’s money goes directly into the national park’s coffers to pay for staff salaries, anti-poaching teams, aircraft to help with animal censuses, the repair of fences and so on.

Tourism and conservation are inextricably linked; one cannot survive without the other. If there is no tourism, human economic and geopolitical needs become too great and will overwhelm dedicated conservationists, meaning the natural world will fall further into decline. If there is no conservation (led by pressure groups, governments and even individuals), then there will be no reason for tourists to come. So, tourism has to have a positive effect on conservation efforts by aiming for ever more sustainable tourism, sponsoring the right projects and sending clients to eco-friendly accommodation. Also, we must explain that one of the biggest benefits of our clients travelling to these key areas is not just their own trip (hugely important though that obviously is), but that their presence is helping to conserve the natural world. This is what Original Travel strives to achieve - sustainable tourism that affects conservation in a positive way. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 13

31/08/2018 19:18

100% CARBON OFF-SETTING We are proud to off-set 100% of our clients’ flight carbon footprint. For further information see: originaltravel.co.uk/carbon

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 14

31/08/2018 19:18

CONSERVATION

THE ORIGINAL TRAVEL FOUNDATION We believe travel and tourism should positively affect the people in the destinations our clients visit. Our Foundation, created in 2009, supports a number of humanitarian projects in developing countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Since 2009, nearly £800,000 has been invested in the support of nearly 100 humanitarian projects in 30 countries. Our Foundation Committee meets annually to select the programmes we will support, focussing on five key areas: Child protection Vocational training Economic development assistance Preservation of cultural and natural heritage Safeguarding the lifestyles of indigenous peoples We also support emergency relief efforts in large natural and humanitarian disasters. We spend almost 14% of our budget each year on emergency humanitarian aid.

CASE STUDY:

Masai Mara, Kenya Since 2015, our Foundation has been helping to improve the living conditions and educational opportunities for the Maasai population in Kenya. We have helped local communities by providing support to the following areas of development: elping to set up child sponsorships for schooling H and the collection of school materials Providing literacy classes to all ages onducting awareness campaigns against FGM C (female genital mutilation) elping those living with HIV and improving H education levels around the virus uilding a safe drinking water dispensary and B a wood oven for a village of 80 Maasai people.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 15

31/08/2018 19:18

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 16

31/08/2018 19:18

CHAPTER 1

WILDLIFE

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 17

31/08/2018 19:18

SPECIES SNAPSHOT

ELEPHANTS

African Elephants are about the most recognisable animals on the planet, and as the biggest of the so-called ‘Big Five’ (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) it’s arguable that no safari would be truly complete without witnessing these iconic creatures. When you do see them, it will be as solitary mature bulls, or in herds of females and youngsters led by a matriarch. Watching them interacting up close is something you are unlikely ever to forget.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 18

31/08/2018 19:18

ELEPHANTS NEVER FORGET And on the subject of forgetting, elephants are emotional creatures with excellent memories and a strongly defined capacity for empathy. It’s not uncommon to see an elephant affectionately picking up the bones of their deceased relatives with their trunks in an apparent act of remembrance.

IN NUMBERS

5 YEARS

HARD TUSK MASTER

The number of years it takes an African elephant to develop full dexterity in its trunk

Like humans, elephants have a dominant side of the body. Researchers noticed this after realising that elephants often have a defined groove in the tusk on their dominant side, created over years of using the so-called ‘master tusk’ as a lever when lifting and snapping branches with their trunks.

22 MONTHS An African elephant’s gestation period

“Tarangire National Park is my favourite place for elephants as you can see huge herds of up to 600 during the elephant migration. I love the way they use their trunks to hug and reassure each other.” Charlotte Cox, Africa Specialist

TRUNK CALL Aside from the human brain, an elephant’s trunk is probably the most ingenious and adaptable organ in the animal world. Part nose, part lips, the trunk is used to smell, pinch, suck and squirt water, touch, comfort young, pull, push, lift, snorkel and more.

CONSERVATION It’s no secret that elephants are one of the most sought after animals for poachers. The going rate for a pound of ivory is around $1,500, and an estimated 104 African elephants are poached every single day. That said, some great work is being done by conservationists to ensure that number drops dramatically, and we work with many private reserves who fund their own expert anti-poaching units.

60 YEARS

The average lifespan of an African elephant

6 TONNES

The average weight of a male African elephant

6SETS

Elephants are polyphyodont animals, meaning their teeth are continually replaced. They have six sets of teeth which come through to replace worn ones every ten years or so o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 19

31/08/2018 19:19

SPECIES SNAPSHOT

GORILLAS

Traversing thickly forested hillsides on foot for hours may be hard work, but when you then come face to face with a family of mountain gorillas in the wild it is, quite simply, one of the most profound experiences in travel, and one which very few are lucky enough to experience. Tragically, even fewer may have the opportunity to do so in future as numbers of these beautiful creatures – who share 98% of our DNA – are sadly dwindling.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 20

31/08/2018 19:19

GOOD MOVEMENTS Mountain gorillas move around the forest every few days, as and when their food sources run out in a particular area. As the gorillas move they play a hugely important ecological role in seed dispersal, excreting seeds from numerous species of plants found at foraging sites into new areas of the forest and so helping numerous species of plants to thrive.

SIGNS OF INTELLIGENCE Gorillas are highly intelligent animals and communicate using a range of around 25 different sounds. With amazingly human-like hands they can also be taught to use basic sign language. Their acute emotional intelligence means they have also been observed grieving, ’laughing’ and developing very strong family bonds.

“Seeing gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda was well worth the four-hour trek through the rainforest. In fact, I would do double that trek and more to experience those incredible moments again.” Ra D’Arcy Clark, Africa Specialist

GOING GREY Good leadership is essential to the success of a gorilla troop and each will be led by a dominant male silverback. To have earned his place at the top of the metaphorical tree a male will generally be over 12 years old, at which point the signature silver hair on his rump will have developed.

SPECIES Contrary to popular belief there are actually multiple species of gorillas: two main species and four sub-species. The two main species are predominantly separated by the Congo River and consist of western lowland gorillas and western cross river gorillas on one side, and eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas on the other. We send clients to Rwanda and Uganda, where they can see mountain gorillas.

IN NUMBERS

38 YEARS The average lifespan of a mountain gorilla

360LBS

The average weight of an adult male mountain gorilla

5.5 FT

The average height of an adult male mountain gorilla

60LBS

The amount of food an adult mountain gorilla can eat in a day

880

The alarmingly small number of critically endangered mountain gorillas left in the wild o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 21

31/08/2018 19:19

SPECIES SNAPSHOT

LEOPARDS

These agile predators are most commonly found on the chase or reclining in a tree having just enjoyed a hearty dinner, making them a photographer’s favourite. The thrill of spotting an African leopard in the wild – always difficult due to their remarkably effective camouflage markings – is a sure-fire safari highlight. Leopards are found in virtually all of our favourite safari destinations, but two of our favourite sighting spots are Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 22

31/08/2018 19:19

MADE UP As nocturnal hunters, African leopards need to have good eyesight and have consequently evolved with a thick line of white ‘eye liner’ (actually a line of fur) underneath each eye to help reflect more light into the eyes at night.

IN NUMBERS

36 MPH

SHARING IS CARING Leopards are solitary animals and once a cub reaches the age of two they will leave their mother to fend for themselves. For female cubs it’s not all out on their ear, though, as a mother will often cede a portion of her territory for her daughter to live and hunt in.

The average speed at which an African leopard can run at full pace

15 YEARS

The average lifespan of an African leopard

“Leopards are so well camouflaged that I guarantee everyone who has been on a safari will have driven straight past at least one leopard without having the slightest clue they were there.” Eleanor Orr, Africa Specialist

DRESSED TO IMPRESS Leopard print might not be considered much of a fashion statement in the UK, but in Zulu tradition wearing a leopard pelt signifies royalty. Several conservation projects are encouraging the use of synthetic furs which they hope will eliminate the need for poaching.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Much like a human fingerprint, every leopard’s coat is completely unique; there are no family similarities and no set number of rosette markings. Consequently, this is one of the key ways researchers track and identify individuals.

19FT

The horizontal distance an African leopard can leap

2X BODY WEIGHT An African leopard can drag dead prey that weighs twice its own body weight up a tree

The rough number of kills an African leopard might make in a year o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 23

31/08/2018 19:19

SPECIES SNAPSHOT

PANGOLINS

By following our recommendations there’s a strong chance you’ll spot the other animals in this chapter on your safari but you’ll need a lot of luck to spot the extraordinary pangolin. That’s due in no small part to their reclusive nature, but also because pangolins are estimated to be the single most poached and trafficked species on the planet. Emphasis on ‘estimated’, because we still know so little about them, which makes it all the more special if you do come across one, walking on its back feet and using its tail as a balancing pole.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 24

31/08/2018 19:19

ROLL WITH IT The word pangolin comes from the Malay word ‘pengguling’ which means ‘one who rolls up’. Pangolins roll up into a tight ball so their overlapping armoured scales protect them from predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas and jackals.

GROUNDED The formal (technically: binomial) name for the ground pangolin, the only one of the eight pangolin species found in southern and eastern Africa, is Manis temminckii.

IN NUMBERS

20%

The proportion of a ground pangolin’s body weight made up by scales

70MILLION

The estimated number of ants and termites consumed by a ground pangolin each year

“This rare species is at the top of my safari bucket list. Next time I’m in the Kalahari in winter I’m going to spend all week looking for one! ” Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide

GEOPHAGY FIELD TRIP Pangolins practice geophagy – the swallowing of small stones and gravel - while foraging, in order to aid their digestion.

NIGHT OWLS One of the reasons they are so difficult to spot is that pangolins are nocturnal or crepuscular (mostly active at dawn and dusk), though in cooler and drier periods they will sometimes be active during the day.

15 INCHES

The average length of a ground pangolin’s tongue, which is covered in adhesive saliva which ants and termites stick to

26 LBS

The average weight of a fully grown adult ground pangolin

£330

The going rate, per pound, for trafficked pangolin scales o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 25

31/08/2018 19:19

SPECIES SNAPSHOT

RHINOS

The numbers are stark. At the beginning of the 20th century there were an estimated 500,000 rhinos, across the five remaining species, in the world. That number is now more like 30,000. In Africa, that equates to around 20,000 white rhinos and a critically endangered 5,000 black rhinos at time of going to print. The silver lining to this very dark cloud? White rhinos were on the brink of extinction in 1900, so things can improve, and Original Travel are committed to working closely with organisations dedicated to rhino conservation.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 26

31/08/2018 19:19

GRAZERS White rhinos (see image, left) are known as grazers because of their solely grass based diet. Dragging their square lips along the ground as they move slowly across the bush they will often chow down on patches of grass in a linear fashion, hence their nickname, ‘the lawnmowers of Africa’.

IN NUMBERS

16 MONTHS

BROWSERS Black rhinos (see image, right) prefer to eat the lower branches of trees and bushes, using their prehensile hook lips. In fact, you can tell when a black rhino has been feeding on a bush as they leave a clean 45 degree angled bite on the twig, which is incredibly neat compared to other animals.

A rhino’s gestation period

40 YEARS

The average lifespan of a rhino

2TONNES “I’ve had some excellent encounters with rhinos on foot. Because of their poor eyesight, they often come closer to investigate and you can then make rhino chewing noises to get them to relax as they can’t see what you are.”

The average weight of a male white rhino

Matt Shock, Africa Specialist and Former Safari Guide

The average speed at which a black rhino can run at full tilt

WHITE RHINO vs BLACK RHINO There are a number of other differences between black and white rhinos. White rhinos have more pronounced humps and are much larger, while black rhinos are more aggressive. Another key difference is their habitats, with white rhinos living in open grassy areas and black rhinos preferring the thicker bush.

MATERNAL INSTINCT

28 MPH

And counting. The number of rhinos moved from South Africa to anti-poaching havens in Botswana by the Rhinos Without Borders team o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

Protecting our offspring when in danger is a parental instinct we can all relate to, and rhinos are no different. However, because of their different habitats, black and white rhinos do things a little differently; in wide open space white rhinos will run behind their calf to shield it from a charging predator, while black rhinos will run in front to carve an escape route through dense vegetation. +44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 27

31/08/2018 19:19

SPECIES SNAPSHOT

WILD DOGS

Until the 1990s wild dogs were actively hunted and culled because they were considered a type of feral dog rather than an independent species. Today there are only an estimated 6,000 to 7,000 individuals left in the wild, but fortunately awareness has risen over the last few years, thanks in no small part to that stunning bird’s eye view sequence of them hunting in the BBC’s original Planet Earth series. Wild dogs remain susceptible to disease, but conservation efforts are having a positive impact, with many different meta-populations becoming established in new reserves across east and southern Africa.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 28

31/08/2018 19:19

PAW PATROL Wild dogs are extremely sociable, tactile pack animals and when it comes to hunting prey, their cohesion and cooperation is probably the finest example of teamwork in the bush. This in turn explains why they have the highest hunt to kill ratio - around 80% - of any larger carnivores anywhere in the world.

TOP DOGS Each pack is run by an alpha pair who are the only ones to breed and who are almost always to be found together. The rest of the pack help to rear their pups, in part by devouring a portion of any kill, going back to the den and regurgitating it for the pups before they then eat themselves.

IN NUMBERS

11 YEARS

The average lifespan of a wild dog

2–50

The varying sizes of wild dog packs

35 MPH “If impalas notice predators such as lion or leopard whom they know they can outrun, they will stand and make an alarm call, notifying the other animals in the herd. If they see wild dogs, they just bolt.” Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specialist

PACK ANIMALS Because wild dogs are such efficient hunters they need a very large territory, and hunt their prey by running them down until they die of exhaustion or a heart attack. They often kill multiple times a day, especially if the pack is large and they have pups.

DEN MAKERS Wild dogs make for amazing game viewing because of their highly active lifestyle, and when they have pups they den for a few months a year so are more sedentary and easier to find.

The average speed at which a wild dog can run at full tilt

30MILES

The average distance wild dogs can traverse in one day, which explains the need for territories as large as 550 square miles

6,600

The population of endangered wild dogs left in the world o discover more visit: T originaltravel.co.uk/wildlife

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 29

31/08/2018 19:19

SELECTED WILDLIFE

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL...

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 30

31/08/2018 19:19

SELECTED WILDLIFE

Here are some more of our favourite species - some rare, all crowd-pleasingly popular - to spot on safari.

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10

Hyena in Amboseli National Park, Kenya Chimpanzee family in Tanzania’s Mahale Mountain National Park Crocodile in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve Giraffe and red billed oxpeckers in Linyanti Bush Camp, Botswana Lioness hunting a warthog in the Serengeti, Tanzania Fighting hippos in Kenya’s Masai Mara Malachite kingfisher in Botswana’s Okavango Delta Female kudu (and a group of oxpeckers) in Namibia’s Etosha National Park Aardvark in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert Zebras in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 31

31/08/2018 19:19

GUIDING LIGHTS

Introducing your eyes and ears in the bush.

Out on a game drive with a guide from Linyanti Bush Camp, Botswana

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 32

31/08/2018 19:19

GUIDING LIGHTS

WHY GUIDES MATTER

FIRST-TIMER VS SEASONED SAFARI-GOER Whether it’s your first or tenth time on safari, a good guide should be able to adapt their style to suit your personal preferences and requirements. An excellent guide will also organise your time to cater for exactly what you want to see, learn about and do.

Your best friend on safari, a good guide can make a massive difference, ensuring you see as much wildlife as possible while making sure you learn about the wider context of the ecosystem, too.

SPECIALIST GUIDING For those wanting to focus their safari experience on a particular niche interest, such as birding, photography or astronomy, having a dedicated specialist guide is invaluable. The right person on hand to provide a literal guiding hand and reams of expert advice can take the experience to another level.

ETHICAL GUIDING The welfare of wildlife and the habitat in which it lives should always be to the fore during a good guide’s game drive. Too many vehicles crowding the animals, littering and disruptive driving routes should all be actively avoided. Leading by example, the best guides ideally aid the conservation process by educating – without being preachy - their guests.

FAMILY GUIDING Safety comes first with children (and, in fact, anyone) on safari and a great guide will ensure parents never have to worry. They will also pack days full of family-friendly and educational activities like dung identification (yes, really), paw/hoof print tracking and learning about the medicinal properties of the local flora. As well as helping tick off those Lion King species checklists too, of course.

MAKING A MOUNTAIN OUT OF AN ANT HILL Sometimes big game sightings can be few and far between, but rather than letting guests get frustrated, a good guide can bring the bush to life by focusing on the smaller details – something we salute, naturally. Making a colony of ants sound interesting to those looking for lions and elephants is no mean feat, but passion and knowledge will always shine through.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 33

31/08/2018 19:19

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 34

31/08/2018 19:19

CHAPTER 2

TYPES OF SAFARI

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 35

31/08/2018 19:19

WALKING SAFARIS

A safari sage once said that if a game drive is like watching a film, a walking safari is like reading the book. You’ll never feel more immersed in the life of a landscape and its resident wildlife than when out on foot in the bush, and it’s an activity we think everyone should experience once in their lives. If the fear of being up close and personal with predators is putting you off, rest assured we only work with very experienced and armed guides on Big Five walks. For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/walking-safaris

Walking safari from Sand River Selous, Tanzania

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 36

31/08/2018 19:19

TYPES OF SAFARI

BEST FOR:

BIG FIVE SIGHTINGS Getting up close to Big Five game on a walking safari is one of the most exciting wildlife encounters in the world. Join one of the armed and very experienced guides from your lodge in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and head out into the bush to track prints until you find yourselves quietly crouching as a herd of elephants pass just feet from you. If you’re lucky, one might even lean back on its hind legs and reach into a tree (see p.77 for more info).

BEST FOR:

ALTERNATIVE WILDLIFE Seasoned safari-goers who have experienced the thrill of seeing the Big Five and other big game and are now looking for something different should head to South Africa’s Greater Karoo, where the vast and versatile landscapes are perfect terrain for Africa’s more unusual species. The guides at Samara Game Reserve specialise in walking safaris where guests get to grips with the sounds and smells of the bush while looking for the so-called ‘Funny Five’: giraffes, warthogs, wildebeests, monkeys and aardvarks.

BEST FOR:

THE WHOLE PACKAGE No walking safari section would be complete without mentioning Zambia, generally regarded as the home of the walking safari and your go-to destination for the full, immersive experience. In South Luangwa National Park join an expert guide to spend several days walking between mobile camps and tracking wildlife en route. Spending so much time out in the bush with your guide means you’ll learn to really understand the flora and fauna and appreciate safari on a whole new level.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 37

31/08/2018 19:20

RIDING SAFARIS

Galloping through the bush on horseback is one of the most exhilarating and adventurous safari experiences. Riding means you’ll be able to venture deeper into the bush, searching for game in areas that a 4x4 can’t reach, and game tends to see people on horses as another species of animal, so they are relaxed as you ride by. Best of all, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t even have to be a super-experienced rider to give it a go. For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/riding-safaris

Surveying the Masai Mara in Kenya on horseback

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 38

31/08/2018 19:20

TYPES OF SAFARI

BEST FOR:

FAMILIES Ants Reserve in South Africa’s Waterberg Region offers great family friendly riding excursions where children meet their pony (the picture shows co-founder Tom’s daughter Athena with Chutney), and then walk, trot or even canter - according to their ability - into the bush with two experienced guides to look for animals. The reserve has giraffes, zebras, antelopes and an admirable rhino conservation programme, but none of the predators, so this is the perfect place to introduce youngsters to the thrill of a riding safari.

BEST FOR:

MIXING IT UP While the idea of trying a riding safari might appeal, we understand that most people won’t want to forgo game drives and bush walks entirely. In Kenya’s Masai Mara, competent riders can join expert riding guides for a morning or afternoon ride tailored to your group’s preferences and abilities. While hopefully spotting big game during the ride you’ll also then have the rest of your trip to fit in the more traditional safari styles.

BEST FOR:

EXPERT RIDERS For experienced and passionate riders there isn’t a cooler experience than spending several days riding in the African bush, staying in mobile camps and discovering new landscapes and wildlife as you ride. The wetlands of the Okavango Delta are some of the most scenic and adventurous places to ride across, and over the course of a dedicated seven-day riding safari here you - and your horse - will get a real wilderness experience.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 39

31/08/2018 19:20

4X4 SAFARIS The guided 4x4 game drive is the bread and butter game viewing experience on most safaris, allowing you to cover a lot of ground in relative comfort and in the process see as much wildlife as possible. The specially adapted safari vehicles tend to have well-padded seats (the savannah being a tarmac-free environment), blankets for those cold mornings, tiered seating so that the people at the back can see what’s going on ahead and, most importantly of all, plenty of space for a cool box full of sundowner cocktails.

Spotting lions from a 4x4, Serengeti, Tanzania

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 40

31/08/2018 19:20

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 41

31/08/2018 19:20

BOATING SAFARIS

Taking to the water on safari offers a deliciously different perspective, and since water is a key commodity for life in these often arid environments, being on a boat is often the best place to see thirsty animals congregating on the water’s edge. Bird enthusiasts should also note that many of the most beautiful species live on the margins of lakes, rivers and waterholes. Whether you prefer luxurious cruising, dugout canoes or authentic fishing vessels, we can recommend the best boats.

Mokoro canoe trip from Chief’s Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 42

31/08/2018 19:20

TYPES OF SAFARI

BEST FOR:

SUNSET CRUISES Sipping on an ice cold beer as you cruise gently downstream watching the sun slowly set and the sky turn a beautiful mixture of orange and pink is one of the most purely blissful experiences possible. Our favourite setting for such indulgence is along the mighty Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, where sunset cruises are offered by virtually every lodge on both sides of the river. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll almost certainly see elephants and other riverbank dwellers enjoying the views too.

BEST FOR:

PEACE AND QUIET An authentic mokoro dugout canoe safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is one of the most memorable of all safari experiences, and since punting is almost entirely silent, it’s also one of the most peaceful. Sit back and let your guide do the hard work as you take in the views of the flooded plains and tall reeds while you meander down narrow waterways to spot frogs bubbling below the surface, buffaloes on the shoreline and fish eagles circling overhead.

BEST FOR:

WILDLIFE The Chobe River flows from Namibia’s Caprivi Strip into northern Botswana and is well known for the density of wildlife that crowds its banks. With the Chobe National Park hosting the highest concentration of elephants in Africa there’s little wonder that elephants are among the most frequently spotted on an afternoon small boat safari, or on a longer multi-day luxury cruise, but you can also expect to see hippos, buffaloes, crocodiles, lions and more.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 43

31/08/2018 19:20

HELICOPTER SAFARIS There’s something supremely thrilling about travelling by helicopter, and the dramatic landscapes of Africa lend themselves particularly well to this expensive but utterly memorable mode of transport. Whether the flight is your transfer to a remote lodge or transporting you to an otherwise inaccessible hilltop for a private picnic, you’ll never get a better sense of context across the whole ecosystem. The waterways in the Okavango Delta, the mighty Victoria Falls and the rugged escarpments in Kenya’s Laikipia are some of our favourite heli-safari destinations.

Heli-safari in Laikipia, Kenya

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 44

31/08/2018 19:20

CAMEL SAFARIS

Here at Original Travel we love something a bit different and there’s little more ‘original’ than a camel safari. Slowly travelling across the rugged, rocky escarpments in Kenya’s Laikipia region on the back of a camel, you’ll enjoy a completely different vantage point. Best of all, the friendly local Samburu guides leading the way will give you a fascinating insight into Kenya’s rich tribal culture.

A camel safari from Ol Malo Lodge, Laikipia, Kenya

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 45

31/08/2018 19:20

TOP TIPS

PACK WARM: If you are travelling in a country’s cooler months (we’ll let you know), make sure you pack a jumper to fend off the chill at night.

DIGITAL DETOX: There’s no need for a mobile phone during a sleepout because should you need anything you’ll have a radio, or a guide sleeping relatively nearby, making this the perfect time for a digital detox.

SLEEPOUTS With so little light pollution, stargazing in Africa is about as good as it gets. Whether you’re a budding astronomer or simply spellbound by the idea of spending a night under the stars, we can arrange the perfect experience for you. The Milky Way will never look so beautiful, and the sounds of the bush at night will never sound so thrilling.

SUPER STARS: ... but if you do have your phone, download a stargazing app so you can identify and follow the constellations as they move across the sky.

TORCH/BINOS: Take a good torch with you to help spot nocturnal animals wandering around the bush below, and binoculars for epic dawn game sightings.

WANTING MORE: If you’re a keen camper, why not make this part of a larger itinerary and do a multi-day walking safari? Lion Sands Chalkley Treehouse, Sabi Sands

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 46

31/08/2018 19:20

TYPES OF SAFARI

Fly camping from Jongomero Camp, Ruaha, Tanzania

Kingsley Treehouse at Lion Sands, Sabi Sands, South Africa

Loisaba Star Beds, Laikipia, Kenya

BEST FOR:

ADVENTURERS

ROMANCE

PLAYING IT SAFE

Fly camping earned its name from the original walking safari pioneers who carried the lightweight flysheet from a tent to string up between trees each night. Nowadays, sleeping out in the African bush still isn’t something we’d recommend for the fainthearted, but with the right guides to help set up and ensure your safety, it can also be one of the most thrilling and memorable safari experiences .

It doesn’t get much more romantic than snuggling up with your other half in a four-poster bed, raised up on a treehouse platform in the middle of the African bush.

For some, the fear of bugs and things that go bump in the night is enough to put them off a night under the stars altogether. But if you’re minded to give it a try, why not compromise by choosing a lodge that offers a star bed adjacent to your perfectly safe, hermetically sealed(ish) bedroom?

A latter day fly camping experience involves walking to a completely remote area, spotting wildlife en route. Come evening, while you sip on sundowner cocktails around a quickly conjured up campfire, your guides will prepare the modern camping equipment. Settle in for the night and listen to animal calls in the distance before waking to a memorable African dawn.

Many of our favourite lodges have now added luxury treehouses (complete with fully functioning bathrooms) to their portfolio and can offer one or more night sleepout experiences. Following on from the afternoon game drive you will arrive at your secluded treehouse as dusk falls to find a gourmet dinner and a chilled drink waiting for you. Your guide will then make themselves scarce and leave you to enjoy the night together, with lanterns, blankets and bubbly aplenty.

Several lodges offer different variations on the same theme here and you can opt for either an additional rooftop bed setup, a four-poster bed on wheels or even just a comfortable daybed next to your private plunge pool. Whichever you choose, you’ll still get the full stargazing experience, but also the option to retreat inside whenever you like.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 47

31/08/2018 19:20

TOP TIPS

DOUBLE VISION: This may sound blindingly obvious, but a good pair of binoculars should be the first thing you pack for a birding safari. If you don’t already own a pair, ask our specialists for recommendations on good brands in every price and size bracket.

BUY THE BOOK: Invest in a good bird book before you go, and ideally one specific to the region you’re visiting.

BIRDING

The African savannah’s big beasts have obvious appeal, but the continent is also a birder’s paradise, home to avian species – resident, endemic and migratory ranging from the rangy (the ostrich) to the downright bizarre (the shoebill stork) and every shape, size and colour in between. If you have a species in mind, or just want to marvel at the sheer diversity of birdlife on offer, our Africa team can point you in the right direction.

DAWN CHORUS: Make sure you are up with the sun at least once, because that’s when the air is cooler and sound travels further, and birds call to re-establish territory or attract mates.

ZOOM IN: Your binos will also come in handy for close up birding snaps, as you can put one eye piece to your iPhone camera lens like a zoom. Keep steady, and the results are remarkably good.

Lilac-breasted roller, Okavango Delta, Botswana

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 48

31/08/2018 19:20

TYPES OF SAFARI

Pel’s fishing owl, Chobe, Botswana

Carmine bee-eaters, Caprivi Strip, Namibia

Shoebill stork, Lake Albert, Uganda

BEST FOR:

CLOSE UPS

DIVERSITY OF HABITATS

VARIETY OF SPECIES

Quite simply one of the most amazing birding destinations in the world, Botswana is home to roughly 600 bird species across habitats as diverse as the wetlands of the Okavango Delta and the vast arid Makgadikgadi salt pans.

Namibia is home to a lucky-for-some 13 endemic bird species, including the gloriously named rosy faced love bird and the Herero chat. Eight of the 13 call the Etosha region home, where they share the massive salt pan (Etosha means ‘great white space’) ecosystem with around 410 other bird species including several raptors and beautiful blue cranes.

Last but by no means least, Uganda can claim the honour of being home to nearly half (1,000 plus) of all the bird species in Africa. These species are found dotted across drastically differing landscapes from crater lakes to the banks of the White Nile and thick jungle. Legend has it that one three-week trip around the country resulted in one eagle-eyed (excuse the pun) spotter ticking off an astonishing 665 species during their stay!

We’ll start with the delta, where in the winter months from April to September, and with a good guide, you can probably tick off 80 to 100 species in a single birding dedicated day’s safari. That figure would be more like 150 species in summer. The delta and Linyanti swamp region of Chobe National Park are also two of the best places in the world to see Pel’s fishing owls (a birders’ bucket list species if there ever was one). Our Africa specialists know the exact tree where a breeding pair roost at one of our favourite camps.

Elsewhere, Erongo and the central highlands are great for migrant species. In summer you can see literally thousands of yellow-billed kites and black kites feasting on the alates (flying termites) that leave their colonies during the rains. Meanwhile, Namibia’s coastline has year-round populations of flamingos, pelicans and wetland species such as African black oystercatchers and Damara terns. Different again, the Caprivi Strip region hosts water birds, herons and summer migrants such as the glorious carmine bee-eaters.

If it’s quality you’re after rather than quantity, then try to track down the rare green-breasted pitta, found at altitude in Uganda’s tropical jungle, or the extraordinary shoebill stork, best spotted from a boat on the fringes of Lake Albert.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 49

31/08/2018 19:20

TOP TIPS

BUY BETTER: The best memory cards (such as SanDisk Extreme Pro) are more expensive, but process images quicker, which means more photos per second of that cheetah in hot pursuit of prey.

LENS RENTAL: Our Africa specialists can recommend some great lens rental companies if you don’t want to shell out for a brand new piece of kit.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS Africa’s safari destinations (and the beasties therein) are spectacularly photogenic, but if you’ve ever been subjected to a friend or relatives’ photos of barely discernible animals in the far-off distance you’ll know that capturing the scene is far from simple. Rule one: you’ll need a proper telephoto lens. Rule two: ask the Original Travel team to reveal which safari destinations look best from behind a lens.

PHOTOGRAPHIC VEHICLES: If you are a keen photographer it is always worth heading to lodges and camps with dedicated photographic guides and vehicles.

IN THE RAW: Shoot in RAW format to record all the data from your camera’s sensor, allowing for higher quality images and complete control over editing.

SEEK AND HIDE: We can recommend lodges with dedicated photography hides at waterholes where you can sit at water level with elephant trunks sucking up water a few feet away. The perfect elephant shot, Ruaha

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 50

31/08/2018 19:20

TYPES OF SAFARI

Photography tour, Cape Town, South Africa

Landscape portrait, Sossusvlei, Namibia

Practice makes perfect, South Luangwa, Zambia

BEST FOR:

BEGINNERS

PROS

ALL THE GEAR, NO IDEA?

Getting to grips with your camera before your safari is essential, so if you’re heading to South Africa and spending time in Cape Town (highly advisable) beforehand, make the most of the stunning landscapes and get some practice on one of our specialist photography tours.

When you know your stuff you want to be sure you’ve got the best equipment to hand. Sadly sometimes there’s only so much you can pack, so having specialist safari vehicles with camera mounts is a real winner. A lodge with a dedicated photography hide is also essential for capturing close up ‘candids’ and for spending as much time as you like shooting without the animals ever spotting you. For a lodge that offers both, Mashatu in Botswana is fantastic.

If you’ve invested in the kit but suspect you’re going to need a bit of encouragement to make the most of it, a fun and immersive group photography safari might be for you. On a multi-day trip in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park you’ll benefit from both expert guidance and the reassuring encouragement of your fellow photographers.

When it comes to the safari proper, you might not want to spend all day fiddling with your camera or paying for expert sessions but a guide who knows their photographic stuff will really help, and we know which lodges have them. You’ll also want to make sure you’re visiting a more game heavy destination so there is as much opportunity to snap that Instaclassic as possible. Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Botswana’s Okavango Delta are three of our favourites.

If it’s alternative wildlife shots you’re looking for then Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools is a great option because you’ll find elephants who’ve learnt to reach up into trees standing on their hind legs; or for unusual landscapes Namibia is a no-brainer, with rusty red dunes and great self-driving opportunities that let you stop and snap whenever and wherever you like.

Another motivation to keep practising is seeing your own photographs in print, something that’s easily achieved at the Wild Studios in some of our favourite Great Plains camps across Botswana and Kenya. As well as offering specialist training, adapted vehicles and guaranteed great wildlife sightings, the studio staff will help you design and create a professional portfolio of your printed work over the course of your stay.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 51

31/08/2018 19:20

TOP TIPS

LUGGAGE: We can arrange to have your beach gear looked after and sent to the coast so you don’t have to lug it around the bush on your safari - ideal if travelling by small aircraft as they often have strict weight limits on luggage.

PHOTOS: Why not pack your laptop and make a head start on editing and deleting your safari snaps while relaxing on the beach?

BUSH & BEACH Holiday combos don’t come much better than the iconic blend of ‘bush and beach’. Don’t get us wrong – safari is a sensational experience, but after spending several days getting up at 5am and bouncing around in a 4x4 for hours on end, you’ll be even more appreciative of the beachfront wind-down time.

READING LIST: With time to spare on the beach, check out our Africaspecific reading list and pick a great book to enhance your safari knowledge for your next trip.

BEACH SAFARI: Going to the beach doesn’t mean ending your wildlife watching - we can arrange whale watching, turtle spotting, diving and even – depending on your destination/time of year - snorkelling with whale sharks.

A lone dhow, Mnemba Island, Tanzania

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 52

31/08/2018 19:20

TYPES OF SAFARI

Splashing around, Kenyan coast

Whale shark, Mafia Island, Tanzania

Dhow cruise, Anantara Bazaruto, Mozambique

BEST FOR:

FAMILY FUN

ISLAND IDYLLS

COUNTRY COMBOS

Kenya is an old school safari destination and remains one of our all-time favourite places. The legendary Masai Mara is a must, but we would suggest straying from the well-worn Mara path by staying in one of the neighbouring private conservancies for a more exclusive take on the same wildlife-rich savannah safari.

A wonderfully diverse destination, Tanzania is the ideal bush and beach destination for almost anyone. Start by catching the wildebeest migration in the world-famous Serengeti National Park, enjoying panoramic views from the caldera edge in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater or discovering the largest game reserve in Africa (the Selous, pronounced ‘sell-oo’). Then, venture east and hit the islands off the coast for some of the most beautiful beaches and best diving and snorkelling in Africa.

Two countries, two completely different experiences, one fantastic holiday. The exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve is one of our favourite South African safari destinations, thanks to unbeatable game viewing and some of the most luxurious lodges in Africa. The fact that it’s situated near the north eastern border with Mozambique and has direct flight connections to Vilanculos on the Mozambican coast is an added bonus.

Next up, Laikipia, a vast expanse of rugged territory where adventure is king and the looming presence of Mount Kenya is almost always on the horizon. Spend days quad biking, riding, learning about Samburu tribal culture and helicoptering across rocky escarpments. Then head to Kenya’s coastline for beautiful beaches, watersports opportunities aplenty and also a markedly different cultural experience, with coastal towns such as Lamu-Islamic in character after centuries as an Omani protectorate.

For culture vultures who also want to stay busy with watersports and local excursions, our selection of luxury properties on Zanzibar Island are your go to. For those seeking a more off the beaten track option, Pemba Island boasts idyllic, unspoilt beaches and thriving coral reefs. And for those who still haven’t had their wildlife fill, head to Mafia Island between October and March to swim with whale sharks.

Sitting pretty off that coastline is the Bazaruto Archipelago - a rustic and totally remote beach destination. With a handful of luxurious ecoresorts dotted along the islands’ palm-fringed beaches you won’t have to compromise on comfort either and can expect barefoot candlelit dinners on fine white sand, fantastic snorkelling and diving in the Marine National Park and sunset sailing on traditional dhow boats.

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 53

31/08/2018 19:20

THE GREAT MIGRATION The Great Migration sees millions of wildebeests, zebras and other plains game move in a continuous cycle around the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem, following the rains in search of fresh grazing and running the gauntlet of carnivores such as lions and crocodiles along the way. If you witness one safari experience, make it this one. For more information see: originaltravel.co.uk/great-wildebeest-migration

Wildebeest crossing the Mara River at Kogatende in the Serengeti, Tanzania

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 54

31/08/2018 19:20

IN NUMBERS

1,500,000 WILDEBEESTS

500,000 THOMPSON’S GAZELLES

200,000 ZEBRAS

18,000

ELANDS

CONFUSED HIPPO (SEE LEFT!)

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 55

31/08/2018 19:20

THE GREAT MIGRATION

DECEMBER – MARCH h

JULY – SEPTEMBER h

SOUTHERN SERENGETI

NORTHERN SERENGETI AND MASAI MARA

With around 8,000 wildebeest born every day in February, calving season is in full swing in Tanzania’s southern Serengeti. If the draw of baby animals wasn’t enough, the vivid landscapes are at their most photogenic at this time of year.

Expect iconic river crossings and dry savannah scenery as the wildebeest move from the northern Serengeti across the Mara River into Kenya’s Masai Mara. Our guides in the private conservancies know all the uncrowded river spots and alternative escarpment vantage points.

APRIL – JUNE g

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER g

CENTRAL AND WESTERN SERENGETI

MASAI MARA AND CENTRAL SERENGETI

As the long rains fall the grass remains lush and you’ll avoid the summer holiday crowds. Watch an alternative river crossing as the wildebeest charge across the Grumeti River into its namesake reserve, where we can recommend several exclusive camps.

It’s hot, it’s dry and, after travelling nearly 2,000 miles, the wildebeest are on their last legs. As the herds start to disperse you’ll be right in the midst of the action when predators move in for dramatic kills.

UGANDA LAKE VICTORIA

KENYA

RWANDA

BURUNDI

INDIAN OCEAN TANZANIA

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 56

31/08/2018 19:20

Mara River

KENYA

LAKE VICTORIA Talek River

R BE EM

O SEP LY T T JU Mara River

MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK

GRUMETI GAME RESERVE

TA N

Grumeti River

NIA

YA B

Isabel de Galleani, Africa Specialist

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

MASWA GAME RESERVE

DECE M B

TANZANIA

O ER T

ER EMB O C T O B E R & NOV

E UN OJ LT RI AP

“The vagaries of the annual rains mean that the wildebeest are never guaranteed to be in any given place, but that’s where we come in. Our expert team can predict their movements so we can plan your trip accordingly.”

NGORONGORO CONSERVATION AREA

4mi

8mi

12mi

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 57

31/08/2018 19:20

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 58

31/08/2018 19:21

CHAPTER 3

TYPES OF TRAVELLER

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 59

31/08/2018 19:21

FIRST-TIMERS Whether you’re stepping off a light aircraft in the heart of the savannah or driving through the gates of a game reserve in a 4x4, the sense of anticipation on your first safari is unrivalled. And then when you actually see your first animals; well, that’s a whole other level of excitement. The saying goes that elephants never forget, and you will never, ever forget seeing your first elephant in the wild. Welcome to the wonderful world of safari.

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 60

31/08/2018 19:21

A lion hunting in the Serengeti, Tanzania

+44 (0) 20 3974 6710

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 61

31/08/2018 19:21

FIRST-TIMERS

WHAT TO EXPECT UNSCRIPTED DRAMA One of the main safari thrills comes from knowing that at any moment you could come across an elephant or a lion, and that almost all the animals you will see are – in some sense or other – completely extraordinary. That said, though, this isn’t a zoo; you never know what’s going to happen next. One safari saying to live by is to expect the unexpected, even if the unexpected might be not be seeing anything for a while. That’s where your guide comes in… EXPERT EYES Your guide is on hand to help you interpret the natural world around you, so ask questions galore. They will be imparting knowledge all the time, and while at first you might miss what a guide sees, soon you’ll start to learn the key safari ‘tells’. For example, the fact that impalas from three different groups are all staring intently at the same spot almost certainly means there’s a predator lurking there. YOUR OWN EYES While it’s possible to have seriously close encounters (always carefully managed by your guide) with wildlife, the action is sometimes going on further removed, so do make sure you have good binoculars and/or a proper zoom lens camera to hand. CONTEXT IS KEY Everyone wants to see the Big Five (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard) and other magnificent beasts on their first trip, but safari is about more than just animals - amazing though they are. Your guide should be talking around the subject – explaining which bush plants can be used for their medicinal properties and what the local communities feel about the different species. It all helps to heighten the experience even further.

African traffic jam in the Selous, Tanzania

ORIGINALTRAVEL.CO.UK

OT-Safari18_AW.indb 62

31/08/2018 19:21

FIRST-TIMERS

A TYPICAL DAY ON SAFARI