Lost in Translation

On Safari, you are going to be spending a lot of time with your guide, your new friend as well as lodge crew, managers, maybe trackers, local indeginous groups, etc. . They all come from a different cultures, different backgrounds, and will work with the information we provide to work hard to show you a great time. That is everyone’s goal and our repeat clients are a testament to how hard everyone works to make it happen.

Be open and patient with things that can get ‘lost in translation’.

My guide Makubi from Dunia Camp in Central Serengeti , Tanzania was telling me his Wakuria tribe culture was not to look in the eye when talking. That is a sign of aggression. He would never do that in his village with his elders or peers. In our western culture, if you don’t look in the eye when talking, you are rude. The dilemma. He adapted.

David is a Maasai in Tanzania. A proud warrior whose Maasai blanket [his tribal clothing] would peek from his sleeve. He said wearing the clothing reminded him of his heritage. He would sit with us for dinner and share some good stories of his people, wildlife, Tanzania, etc. When we were served polenta with our lamp chop, he would be polite and have small bites but I have a feeling after our meal, he would head to the kitchen and prepare his own local food.

Keagan is a white South African guide working with a Donald, the local Shangan tracker at Sabi Sabi Selati Lodge, Sabi Sands, South Africa. Together, they team up to show the guests the best time. Max has learnt tracking from his forefathers while Keagan went to guide school. Putting the different experiences together, you have an outstanding understanding of the wildlife, the place, the land, the different cultures everyone brings, and more.

Most people you will encounter go through lots of training so they can understand our sensibility and adapt for our comfort. To be fair, be open to a different culture. Don’t get offended with what may not translate to our culture.  Talk. You will learn from your new friend when on Safari.

Isn’t that part of the adventure of traveling to another place?

Planning your dream Safari for every stage of life.

Jambo, adventurous souls!

My guest Jill K. will be heading on another Safari with us again after 11 years. Her first Safari was as a couple and now, she is taking her family with her [love multigenerational Safaris].

I believe Safaris should be life-changing experiences, tailored uniquely to every traveler. No matter what stage of life you’re in, whether you’re a free-spirited gap year adventurer or a grandparent making memories with your grandkids, there’s a Safari of a lifetime waiting for you – and I can’t wait to help you plan it!

Here's a look at a few important considerations for a Safari based on your current life stage, along with some insights into how I’ll go above and beyond to ensure it’s full of the African magic you’ve been dreaming of.

Alisa has been on five Journey to Africa Safaris and two of them solo. With Gorillas in Rwanda.

1. Solo Safaris
Embarking on a solo Safari is a profound journey within – you’re discovering new places and yourself. Here’s how I make your solo adventure both exhilarating and soulful:

• Safety First: All my guests’ safety is paramount. I ensure experienced guides lead all the solo safaris I plan – and trust me when I tell you these guides know the lands like the back of their hands.

• Connect with People: Whether it is a private Safari or a shared Safari, when traveling solo, having the interesting connections is what we hope you will come back with … from your guide and fellow travelers.

• Flexible Itineraries: The itineraries I design will give you freedom while ensuring you experience the best of Africa. Want to spend an extra day tracking wildlife on foot or exploring a local market? Let’s make it happen.

Patricia and Arnaud celebrating their honeymoon in Tanzania.

2. Romantic and Honeymoon Safaris
A honeymoon, anniversary, or a ‘just because’ romantic Safari means you’ll
celebrate your love in one of the most magnificent places on earth. Here’s how I
ensure a dreamy experience for my lovebirds:

• Exclusive Lodges and Camps: Privacy and comfort are key for a
  romantic getaway. I handpick secluded places-to-stay known for
  their gorgeous views, exceptional service, and romantic ambiance. How
  does waking up to the sight of elephants at the waterhole right from your
  private deck sound?

• Unique Experiences: Africa is a land of extraordinary experiences that
  extend far beyond the Jeep. I arrange once-in-a-lifetime activities, such as
  private hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti, candlelit dinners under the
  stars, or picnics and sundowners in the middle of no-where.

• Bespoke Itineraries: Every couple is unique, and your Safari should be,
  too. Whether you’re thrill-seekers keen on tracking the Big Five or prefer a leisurely pace with plenty of spa treatments and cozy evenings by the bonfire, I’ll tailor your itinerary to match.

• Celebrate in Style: If you’re honeymooning or celebrating another
  special relationship milestone, let me know, and I’ll add some surprise
  touches – be it a champagne breakfast in the bush or a serenade by local
  musicians.

Two Journey to Africa Safaris for this beautiful family. This Safari was in South Africa with Singita Lodges.

3. Family Safaris
There’s nothing I love more than family Safaris – seeing children’s eyes light up when they spot their first lion or when learning the art of animal tracking alongside a helpful guide is always so heartwarming. Here’s how I put a smile on the kids’ faces while ensuring a balance between family bonding and downtime for parents and grandparents:

• Child-Friendly Activities: My family Safaris place the kids at the core. I choose places-we-stay with engaging kids’ programs and activities and ensure spacious, ultra-comfy family-friendly accommodation. I also take your children’s ages into consideration – after all, what might keep a nine- year-old busy probably won’t be quite as inspiring for an adventurous teen.

• Flexible Itineraries: As a mom myself, I know families rely on a delicate balance of adventure and relaxation. I craft my itineraries to be flexible, whether it’s a lazy afternoon by the pool or an exciting nature walk. There’s something for everyone – and I make sure it’s easy to make adjustments as needed (nobody’s going to enjoy an early morning game drive if your toddler had a bad night... breakfast in bed will probably sound much more inviting in that instance!).

• Educational Opportunities: A family Safari is a living classroom where children learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation firsthand. Africa’s guides are skilled at sharing knowledge in a fun way, sparking a lifelong love and respect for nature in young hearts.

• Accommodation: Comfort is crucial, especially when traveling with kids. Which is why I select family-friendly places-to-stay offering safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging options. Think family suites or interconnected rooms, equipped with amenities catering to everyone’s needs.

A sweet family on Safari in Serengeti, Tanzania. Can’t wait to take them back on Safari.

4. Multigenerational Safaris
Why not bring the whole family on Safari? Here’s how I accommodate the interests of every age group:

• Accessibility and Comfort: I choose accessible and comfortable destinations and lodges, including those with easy access for grandma and grandpa, as well as those offering engaging activities for the littles.

• Private Accommodation and Transport: Private accommodation and transport means more space and time for family bonding. Whether it’s a private safari vehicle for game drives or exclusive-use lodges, these arrangements ensure a personalized and intimate experience for your family.

• Flexible Pacing: Understanding the varying energy levels and interests within a multigenerational group, I pace the Safari accordingly. There’s lot of time for rest, leisure activities, and private family moments amidst the organized tours and activities.

• Safety and Health Considerations: Your family’s health and safety are my priority. This includes providing options for dietary requirements and ensuring immediate access to medical care if needed.

No matter where you are in life’s journey, Africa’s calling with an adventure that’s the perfect fit for you. Let’s chat about designing the Safari of your dreams!

Badass Guide!

“Lots of wildlife sightings - elephants, zebras, leopard and a cheetah (has not been seen
for a year according to our guide). On our last am game drive, we spotted two male lions eating a dead elephant followed by separate sighting of three females. Our guide Moss was a badass. He knew where to go for optimal viewing to make the experience so memorable.”
- Niharika M. Botswana and Zimbabwe Safari

One of the musts for a memorable Safari is a great guide, or as our guest Niharika stated …badass guide. We love this!

Here are 5 ways the right guide will turn your trip into a truly unforgettable adventure:

1. Storytellers that bring the wilderness to life.
Great guides entertain you around the campfire with fascinating tales of the bush. Their passion and knowledge make the landscape and animals come alive with unique stories you’ll never forget. They have endless information to share that transforms your Safari into an immersive adventure.

2. Experts who lead you right to the action.
Guides have a sixth sense for spotting elusive wildlife and navigating right to the best sightings. Their skill and intuition will take you up close to lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and more. You’ll get to witness exhilarating hunts, cute cubs playing, and the rarest creatures hidden in the bush.

3. Your host, protector and Safari companion.
Your guide sticks by your side for hours a day as your personal host, protector, and companion. You'll treasure quiet conversations around the fire under starry night skies. And they’ll lead you on exciting off-road adventures tailored to your interests. Their passion is contagious.

4. Perfect matches for solo travelers.
Opting for a private guide all to yourself is an amazing way to Safari if you’re traveling solo. You’ll form a special bond with your own personal expert. And you can fully customize your days around your interests, with no compromises. And even if you are part of a group, and the rest of the party wants to stay back in the lodge and relax, go out on a solo drive with your guide.

5. Tailored for different types of groups
Great guides adapt their approach for different types of travelers. Honeymooners are focused on romance, so guides pick romantic sundowner spots. Families with small kids get guides who love engaging little ones with stories and games. Teen groups find guides who make Safaris exciting with off-the-beaten-track adventures. We match guides to you!

The right guide crafts unforgettable moments and connections on your Safari.
Let’s get you on Safari so you can meet your badass guides!

Adventures beyond the Safari vehicle.

I know, the main purpose of going on a Safari is to enjoy wildlife from your safety and comfort of your Safari Vehicle. Done! We got you! But, there are other adventures we can add that will give you a different perspective … and these can be so much fun.

1. Walking Safaris
Walking safaris offer an immersive and exhilarating way to experience the African wilderness up close. Unlike being in a Safari vehicle, a walking Safari brings you into direct contact with the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush. Guided by experienced trackers, you’ll learn about tracking techniques, the behavior of various wildlife, and the intricate ecosystems. It’s a chance to see the smaller wonders of the bush, from insects to plants, that are often overlooked in traditional Safaris.

Ideal for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a deeper connection with nature. We can add this in almost every country.

On the Ngorongoro Highlands, Tanzania via Entamanu Ngorongoro.

2. Gorilla and Chimp Trekking Experience
Yes, coming face-to-face with endangered gorillas in either Rwanda, Uganda, or Congo’s rainforest is possible – an experience many aptly describe as ‘life-changing’. The same goest with chimps in those areas as well as Mahale Mountains in Tanzania. Watching these human like animals in the wild and observing their movements, relationships, and daily routines is an intimate and profound experience. You’ll learn about their behaviors, their importance in the ecosystem, and the efforts currently underway to protect them. Be ready for long hikes, sometimes through difficult terrains but if you can do this, the rewards are tremendous.

Ideal for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone passionate about conservation.

Mahale Mountains, Tanzania for the chimps from Greystoke Mahale.

3. Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Ready for a new perspective on Africa? Take to the skies on a hot air balloon Safari! Watching the world awaken from up high is pretty special – you can see animals beginning their day and the vast wilderness stretching out as far as the eye can see. Plus, as exhilarating as this experience is, it’s also super peaceful up there. The cherry on top? Landing for a laid-back breakfast in the bush, maybe even with a bit of bubbly or a mimosa to toast your adventure (why not? You’re on vacation!).

Ideal for: Anyone looking for a Safari with a twist and photography fanatics. Really, anyone.

Our entertaining Serengeti Balloon Safari Captain Mohammed. Serengeti, Tanzania.

4. Star Gazing in the Wilderness
Ever gazed up at a sky so clear you feel like you could touch the stars? That’s what stargazing and star bathing in the African wilderness is all about. You’ll learn cool stuff about constellations, maybe hear some local myths about the night sky, and, if you’re lucky, spot a shooting star or two. So many of my places-to-stay partners know how to make this experience extra special – think sleeping on the deck of a treehouse, removable roofing in your tented suite, or even spending the evening in a stargazing dome.

Ideal for: Night owls, space enthusiasts, and the romantics.

Olmara Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania

5. Dhow & Mokoro Safaris
Think of a mokoro Safari as the ultimate way to explore the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways and Dhow Safaris as a fantastic way to explore the beautiful islands of Zanzibar. You might spot elephants taking a dip, hippos lounging in the shallows, or birds flitting through the reeds. It’s like watching a nature documentary unfold, but way cooler because you’re actually there. And the best part? The tranquillity. It’s just you and your guide, the dhow, and nature. No engines, no crowds, and no distractions.

Ideal for: Nature buffs and anyone looking for a relaxing adventure.

Okavango Delta, Botswana.

So, there you have it – a sneak peek into some of Africa’s most unique adventures. I can’t wait to help you discover these hidden gems!

Feeling the call of the wild? Ready to swap the everyday for the extraordinary?
Let’s chat! I’m super excited to design your Safari beyond the Safari vehicle, tailored just for you. Whether you’re exploring solo, a family on an epic adventure, or a group of friends seeking new horizons, I’m here to make it happen.

Still going strong!

Trick-or-treating was different this year. My 14 year old son and 12 year old daughter wanted to hang out and walk with friends. It was lovely to see them creating their own memories. I did however go down a rabbit hole of their younger year photos - how I made their costumes and walked around the neighborhood together. 

I went down my email rabbit hole as well and found this gem of an email.

"Hello Mefi, I took a safari arranged by you personally WAY BACK in May of 2001, with your parents picking me up at the airport in Dar es Salaam, and Issa as a guide.  It was all spectacular, except for all the rolls of film I remember having to haul around :) 

I would like to plan a return trip in early 2020, finally, this time with my girlfriend and another couple.  I just checked the web to see if you were still in this business and I guess you are."
- Greg S. Email sent in Feb 2019. 

 Yes, I am still going strong after 23 years with slowdowns here and there for two kiddos and a global pandemic. I know some of you have chatted with me while I was rocking my then babies. I started off planning Safaris only to my home country of Tanzania and now plan all over Eastern and Southern Africa as well as the Congo Basin. It truly has been a wild ride of traveling to the many locations, learning, growing, evolving, and Safari planning with all of you. 

Here's to many more years and emails like Greg's. By the way, Greg took Lori, Deb and Tom on Safari in 2022 and they had a marvelous time on Safari in Tanzania!

Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo!

What, Republic of the Congo!! The reaction to why there was met with a little alarm. I had to assure people it was Republic of the Congo and not the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is usually in the news with strife.

I was taking this Safari with my friend and fifth time Journey To Africa Safari-goer Alisa. I have been planning Safaris for her since 2005 - she has been to Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia. We had been talking about taking a Safari together and when I heard about Congo Conservation Company in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, I was really curious and when I suggested this to her, she was game.

Republic of the Congo
To my guests who have been on Safari before to Eastern and Southern Africa, the Odzala-Kokoua National Park [Congo Basin] is nothing like what we are used to. Honestly, it took a while for me to adjust to the fact that I will not be seeing an abundance of wildlife because the terrain is so different. But once I wrapped that around my head, the experience will forever be unique.

How was the Odzala-Kokoua National Park different:

Lots of walking.
We sat in the vehicle for short amounts of time - just to head to the river dock or once for 2 hours to transfer from camp to camp. The rest of the time, we walked. Trekking through the dense forests using the animals path [harden by their walk otherwise the ground was soft], the elephant corridor in Lango Camp which was beautiful with lilies and was waist deep [had me pause for a bit], speed walking early morning under the guidance of master trekker Zephran to see the lowland gorillas from Ngaga Camp [located right outside Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Ndzehi Forest], walked to get from Mboko Camp to Lango Camp after kayaking. You get the idea - it was definitely an active Safari.

The lovely elephant corridor from Lango Camp

With Zephran - master trekker

Lowland gorillas.
I must admit, I was looking forward to seeing Neptuno, the alpha male gorilla. We passed this opportunity to the local mayor of Mbomo who took that trek which in itself is great because now we have a local Congolese invested in protecting these amazing species. We did see lots of wee ones who were eager to show off and entertained us for a solid hour we were with them.

Forest elephants.
In Eastern and Southern Africa, you are used to see the elephants in large herds in all areas. Here, because of the terrain, you may only see them in the bai’s [open areas] but when you are walking in the forest or boating on the Lekoli River, you may see only a few. And when you do see them, it feels special.

Forest elephant

Other animals.
You hear them, but you may not see them easily. Of course this depends on the time of the year, luck, etc. but for example, we heard a hippo, saw the treks, but did not see the hippo. We were also there in Sept/Oct and the rains were coming so animals are away from the open bai area.

Our guide Lucy saw a leopard when she was coming to pick us up from the airstrip, so they are there, but sooo elusive. Lucy has been in that area of a year and that was her first encounter.

The smaller things.
We were definitely in-tuned to foot prints on this Safari as you are now looking at the small things. The smaller animals like the ants and the adulterer tree - you have to go there to hear this wild story :). The stunning fungi! So many different varieties to observe - eye opening.

The most common walking path

Stunning mushrooms of different variety

Boating and kayaking.
This was fun. We got to get on the boat and cruise down Lekoli River. This is when we saw the a few forest elephants on the banks and one crossing the river. They are pretty skittish - as soon as they smell you, they walk away. We also got to enjoy kayaking from camp to camp. You don’t have to do this but if you like, you kayak down from Mboko Camp to Lango Camp. We got to see the flock of green pigeons as soon as we parked our kayaks. Some of the best landscape views when boating and kayaking of the Congo Basin.

Kayaking from one camp to the other

French speaking.
This place reminded me of Tanzania about 20 odd years ago. We were starting off and our lodge crew spoke mostly Swahili and only a few could speak English. That has changed and majority of the people you will encounter will speak English.

At the camps, the crew spoke very little English besides the Camp managers. We could not ask them their stories without getting help from the managers. In Brazzaville, the capital of Republic of Congo, we enjoyed chatting with Dan, our local guide in English who gave us a good insight about the country.

Who is this Safari for?

I would say, this is for someone like Alisa and I who have been to Eastern and Southern Africa and want to experience the ‘something else’. This was the ‘something else’ for sure.

Having said that, we met a couple from New York who were there and they had not been on Safari before but loved their time here. They were truly disconnected [not much wi-fi here], enjoyed every encounter thoroughly, enjoyed the small things, great food, hardly took pictures, and brought a film camera - so there, if you are like them, you will love this place.

Does this sound like up your ‘corridor’? Let’s chat and see how we can get you here.

" Our time in Africa left such an indelible impression "

Ken and Nan with Julie and Clyde went on a Safari with pro-photographer Randy Hanna to Kenya in September 2021. Kenya is Randy’s second home and we had them going to elephant-rich Amboseli National Park and Masai Mara’s Mara North Conservancy.

After their Safari with Randy in Kenya, they wanted to add a some extra days so we added some time in Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya and then they hoped over to my Tanzania and explored World Heritage site Ngorongoro Crater, the wonderful chimp-filled Mahale Mountains in remote Western Tanzania, and finished on the beaches of Zanzibar Island.

It is safe to say that Ken and Nan had a fabulous time on their Kenya and Tanzania Safari.
- Mefi

From Ken and Nan:

““Recover” is defined as “the return to a normal state of health, mind or strength”. We are home and have recovered our normal life routine. But, our time in Africa left such an indelible impression on us both that we will never fully recover mentally. Every day I think about our trip. For this I am so thankful to you, Randy, Julie/Clyde and every person, place and event we experienced.

Where to start with safari stories? Each and every day was action packed with new experiences and adventure, especially for us first timers. Starting our trip with Randy (the Professor), Julie and Clyde…learning safari travel and chronicling it with a camera…was the perfect intro. We all got along fabulously, sharing many meals, chores, and laughs. Randy was the perfect host. All of our guides were personable, knowledgeable and professional. We enjoyed them all immensely and would not hesitate to recommend any of them.

Some of our favorite memories:

-Mid morning bush breakfasts after three hours of tracking and photographing animals.

-“Bush sundowners” (gin ‘n tonics) each evening at dusk after tracking and photographing animals.

-Our elephant encounter at Elephant Pepper camp. One night we woke to an elephant eating tree leaves 5 feet from our heads, We felt his movement thru the tent canvas.

-Getting close and personal with elephants as they marched across the Amboseli dirt flats toward water. [Tortillis Camp]

-Listening to Randy’s past experiences and recapping our own during the many wonderful meals.

-Learning about Masai life from our guides and the camp staff, and then experiencing it via visits to Masai compounds. [ Entamanu Ngorongoro]

-Take offs and landings on rural dirt airstrips in seven passenger bush planes.

-Viewing the changing African landscape from 10,000 feet.

-An afternoon swim in the warm, crystal clear water of Lake Tanganyika from the Dhow, one mile offshore.

-Listening to Bush Pigs outside our tent at night in Mahale [ Greystoke Mahale].

-Trekking thru the Mahale forest looking for chimps, drenching our clothes in sweat.

-Two hours of close interaction with chimps as they wandered thru our Mahale camp (a magical experience). Mahale was our favorite lodge by far. It was the boat ride , the lake shore location, the smaller size, the rustic remoteness, and Butati that elevated Mahale above the others. We felt more immersed in nature, with very little separating us from jungle life.

-Our connection with KaKae and Butati, with hopes of maintaining some sort of connection into the future.

I could go on but must end this for now. I hope my musings are helpful and adequately indicate how much we truly enjoyed our entire adventure.”

Asante sana Ken and Nan for trusting Randy and I on your Epic Safari through Kenya and Tanzania. Can’t wait to share more of Africa with you in the future.

Let’s chat about your Epic Safari to Kenya and Tanzania.

Travel Tip - Lanyard

On my Safari in Feb 2021, I decided to take a lanyard because I had got the new larger iPhone and realized it would not fit my pockets. Little did I know, the little purchase was such a handy buy.

So many reasons I was so glad I had my lanyard.

• Kept me from dropping my phone - nothing worse then a cracked phone on holiday.

• Did not have to ‘find’ my phone. On my past Safaris, when I am juggling my camera, my backpack, etc I am quickly stashing my phone somewhere only to have to search around where put it away. That panic was cut out with my handy dandy lanyard.
  
  Speaking of finding my phone’, I was at my lodge in Southern Serengeti, enjoying my bush fire in the evening, when some guests asked me if they know how to find a phone. One of the guests, on a game drive, lost her phone while taking photos - it was in her pocket - and they were trying to find where she dropped the phone. It was pitch dark when they were trying to trace her steps, and when I asked in the morning, they were not successful in finding the phone. I was thankful my phone was on my lanyard, right beside me.

• And of course, a quick photo opportunity, and my handy phone was easy to grab because it was right in front of me.

Now let’s get your on Safari so you too can use that lanyard. Or not, if unlike me, you are responsible with your phone.