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9 questions to ask yourself before planning a safari

  Thinking of going on an African safari? Here are 9 questions that you can ask yourself and will help to design your perfect itinerary.   I could come up with more questions, but let’s say that this is a very good start. What destinations can I go to based on Covid-19 vaccination requirements? Some countries like Kenya require a proof of full cover course of vaccination, others currently don’t. When do I want to travel and how long? Dry seasons, rainy seasons, shoulder seasons, annual wildlife events, all come into the balance of where you should go on safari. Do I want to go on Safari only or Safari and beach? An African safari can be tiring especially when it goes over 4 days and it is sometimes a good idea to unwind on white sand beaches afterwards before heading back home. What level of luxury do I want for my lodges? The classic answer to this questions is ‘authentic’, ‘cosy’, ‘no big structure’, ‘small camps’, ‘tented room’, thinking that this will be kinder on the wallet. It is
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Have people travelled to Africa this year?

Dear fellow travellers and adventurers, I haven’t exactly bombarded you with blog posts in 2021 and I apologise for this, especially as it has not been a quiet year at all. But it's already this time of the year when I first wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2022! It may come as a surprise to some, but to answer this blog post title:  YES PEOPLE HAVE TRAVELLED!  African safari and other holiday bookings have followed the wave of travel restrictions: ups, downs and everything inside this trouble water. But those who had enough of being stranded took a leap a faith, albeit in safe hands, and made it. Keeping up to date with country rules all over the world isn’t easy even for a travel agent. But it is my duty and joy to help you through the tumult that has evolved since the start of the pandemic. Nearly 2 years of it! I am not immune to these ever changing rules: my attempts to travel to Africa failed when I lived in the UK due to lockdown followed by red listed
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This was their first time, they will never forget

I recently came across a post on Instagram from a wildlife photographer who lives in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, about a lion she recently captured. She wrote that he was the most beautiful lion she had ever seen.   This made me think and indeed realised how many times I have told myself ‘this is the first time…’ while on safari and despite the hundredth game drives I have done.  I thought that it would be wonderful to hear more stories from people's first times on safaris, no matter how often they have been. Because the truth is, we never forget.  Reading the stories of the 5 people below, including two young children, all of whom are clients of mine, gave me goose bumps, tears in my eyes and a huge wave of emotions mixed with terrible melancholy as I miss Africa.  I hope you enjoy those accounts and if you too would like to tell your story, let me know as I would be delighted to write more blog about 'First times on safari'. Happy reading! ~ First Gorilla enc
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African wildlife photography: Interview with Karina Robin

I met Karina through a mutual Instagram friend a few years ago and our common passion for Africa and its wildlife, in addition to her kindness and humour, made it bloomed into a very special friendship. In addition to her love for Africa, Karina is a very talented wildlife photographer who also gets involved in many wildlife conservation projects.   Where and when was your first African safari?  I went on my first safari in 2007 for our honeymoon. We went to Kenya, visiting Samburu National Reserve and the Masai Mara. We opted to just see a limited number of parks, but rather stay several days in each so that we could fully appreciate the nature and special points of interest of each park. Wild animals are roaming free in many other countries, what makes African wildlife so special for you and makes you come back?   That's difficult to explain as it is rather emotive. I have been to safaris in India and it was just not the same. Africa has a special vibe that makes you come back t
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Will we ever travel again?

I won’t lie, I miss discussing safaris with my clients every day, working on itineraries, finding the right lodge or camp and the experiences that will leave them in awe. I used some of my down time to create an Africa & Wildlife activity pack for children, to help busy parents finding various form of entertainment for them while being educational. I was overwhelmed by the response as I receive no less than 100 requests from parents and made over 120 personalised certificates for each child! Requests are still coming through, so if you are interested, please email me   with the name of your child(ren) and I will send you a free activity pack too. Like all travel agents, I am spending most of my time helping clients to rebook or obtain a refund for their recent and upcoming holidays. I am very much hoping that all departures to safari destinations this summer will be possible, and when it comes to new bookings, I would suggest to look at departures from September onwar
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