My 'Why': The African Bug

There is something undeniably unique about a safari holiday in Africa. It is a destination that will surprise you, as it will leave you with hundreds of indelible memories, no matter how many times you go. Just ask anyone you know who has been on an African safari - they’ll tell you that it was amaaaaazing and they’ll never forget it!

I went on my first safari in 2003, in Kenya. It was planned at the last minute as an add-on activity to my relaxing beach holiday in Mombassa. Nowadays it has become my obsession, and there is no better place I’d rather be than in the African bush.

My first experience of African wildlife was in Tsavo West National Park, and I still vividly remember the red dust on the road, the magnificent open skies, the postcard perfect sunsets and, of course, every wildlife encounter! Especially the cheetahs roaming around in the evening near the camp I stayed at, or the baboons constantly eyeing my breakfast while a cheeky yellow billed hornbill stole my toast. Or swimming in an infinity pool overlooking a waterhole in a distance dotted with elephants and impalas, and many more encounters…

When I returned to London, I felt very low. It is really hard to describe the post-safari blues in words. The images you capture on camera or in your memory are only a reminder of what you felt when you were there - because a safari is all about ‘wow’ moments that increase your heartbeat. I have been travelling to Africa for 15 years now and I have not once left without tears, a heavy heart, a sense of complete loss and no interest in the world around me. The violence of being taken away from the best place on Earth often leading to weeks or months of depression. Until of course I book my next trip. Then the countdown starts, the excitement and anticipation lifts me up in a spiral of overwhelming joy!

Then finally, the day to fly to Africa comes round again. A day later, calm and serenity enters my mind and body, all my senses come to life. I breathe, I close my eyes in contentment, I smile, I smell, I look everywhere, I talk and dance, I laugh and hug, I listen to stories around a fire and tell my own. I cherish every second knowing that it will be over too soon. Then when it is, the same cycle starts again…

This always happened, whether I travelled with friends, as a couple, alone with my children, or on my own. The connections I made with nature and people were so deep and meaningful, and the experiences I’ve had have changed my life: I became increasingly passionate about wildlife photography, I started a wildlife conservation charity, I have friends in various African countries and I even changed career: from a corporate job in the Telecom industry to a personal travel agent specialising in African safaris. I still go to Africa two or three times a year, and at least now when I am back in London where I am based, discussing and organising my clients' safaris give me great pleasure and a connection to those emotions. I appreciate that it may be an unknown territory for most and perhaps a little worrying, but I will always be there to reassure and guide you before and during your trip, if you need it. I genuinely get excited with each safari I put together, as if it were my own. I have goose bumps hearing my clients’ stories and seeing their photos. I want everyone to have a memorable time, and I know they will. It is a wonderful feeling to be part of an experience that will certainly enrich your lives too, perhaps just the way it did to me.

So, if the African bug bites you, be aware that it could affect you in a very profound way too!