I just love that song, just like I loved the animated movie 'The Lion King' and where Disney set the scene, a place where you feel the WOW factor; the African continent and where I spent three weeks with fourteen amazing people, in four of the most amazing countries.
It was my second visit to Botswana and Zambia and as I reflect, I realise why you just become addicted to some places and you want to go back again and again!
My soul can still feel the beat of the drums, the warmth and friendship from the Masai people as they sing and dance in front of me, the open plains of Kenya, the water deltas in Botswana, the rift valley and open craters of Tanzania, the picturesque Victoria falls in Zambia and all of them boasting to have some of the most incredible species of wild animals you could ever imagine, no photo or camera can capture the true spirit of these amazing places, until you become a part of it.
Five star camping is definitely my style and even though I love the outdoors, I have never, ever been a camper and the thought of taking a holiday in a tent is definitely not on my "to do" list, unless however it is done African style and I can guarantee I would be there every weekend!
Each country and area we visited were different and the landscape gave us an indication on just how diverse and unique each country is. So many highlights; crocodile eating a very large catfish, Lioness preparing for a kill, a cheetah in the Delta; it was our last day and no cats had been seen for over 6 months due to the flooding, the Leopard stalking the Zebras, the hippos outside our room while in the Delta, two male Lions standing and stretching and heading directly to our vehicle, an elephant in the Delta glaring and stamping his feet at our vehicle for separating him from his family, oh and not forgetting an elephant taking a shower in the Zambesi river as I am looking out from my massage table as the sun sets, it just cant get any better than that!.
I won't mention other highlights, otherwise this blog will go on and on, however I will share with you what a typical day on Safari generally consists of.
Each country allowed us to travel in different vehicles, which I enjoyed and each vehicle was best suited for the conditions of that particular area, I must admit I was pretty impressed that we only had one flat tyre and it wasn't while we were on safari!
We always went on 2 x 2 hour game drives every day whilst staying on camp; one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, as these are the best times for game viewing.
Each drive is different and at each one you will experience moments that will stay embedded in your memory forever and that I can guarantee!.
After watching so many documentaries on the National Geographic channel that generally take years to capture on film, rest assured you will experience some of these even if on safari for a short span of time.
I learnt so much more about the individual big 5 and the thousand of different species of birds and so many other animals, some that I had never even heard of, yes it was truly amazing!
I often get asked so what is your favourite animal ? of course I love "Pumba" who plays the warthog in the Lion King, the cats - Lions, Leopards, cheetahs, oh and the Zebra's, Elephants, Rhinos and not forgetting the sleek and sexy Giraffe's, you just have to see the Waterbuck, oh and the Impalas! Okay I guess my answer is: "love them all" even the crocodiles look good in Africa!
If you are considering traveling to Africa it is so important to pick the right time to visit the country you are most interested in, if you are taking in more than one I suggest you go shoulder season, also costs are better than in the high season, which is Winter!
I had a truly incredible journey with 14 amazing people and I thank them for being a part of it. What I love the most about taking groups away is you go away with friends and/or strangers and you come back as family and it is that bonding of a group that makes you appreciate the destination even more.
When am I heading back you ask? September 2012, so if you are interested in coming just send me a quick email, if you just cant wait check out our Delta Dunes safari that leaves in September 2011.
I am now planning my next trip for 2011, I am returning to Israel and Jordan with the option for you to extend and go to Egypt. I have created an exceptional tour with a company that comes with my highest recommendation. I look forward to hearing from you.
I have attached some of my favourite shots which I hope will make you feel and appreciate my recent journey to the African Continent! Love you all.....................cheers Ida
