Every holiday you take is made by the people you meet. So welcome to Africa, a continent of warm-hearted people and even warmer welcomes. Life is celebrated here and you can be swept away by the energy and enthusiasm.
Just remember, Africa is a continent not a country. It’s home to more than 1000 languages and over 3000 tribes.
The culture is different everywhere you go and that’s part of the fun, this chance to connect with people with widely diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
And what about the animals? You really do meet them. Africa is the only place in the world you can come eye to eye with such incredible creatures.
So animals are a big part of the who on your safari. Which animals? Find out about all the safari wildlife on this page.
We love Africa’s culture and communities. And we think you will love them as well. Read on to find out more. Or you can jump to the who’s who of your safari experience.
Culture and Communities in Africa
Ancestral knowledge is being preserved all across Africa. In many places it’s this knowledge that has kept the wild truly wild.
Communities have lived alongside wild mammals since the dawn of time, when archaic humans found a way to survive alongside leopards and elephants on the East African plains.
Even today there are many communities living in areas populated by lions and other potentially dangerous animals. Just like you know how to navigate a busy city, certain communities can navigate the wild bush so they stay clear of danger.
Masai males only become warriors after spending two wild years in the bush. Hadzabe are nomadic hunter gatherers that still use traditional methods to catch abundant antelope. But these are just the famous tribes.
Many other tribes are based in wildlife-rich areas. Rather than change the habitat (like colonialists did) these communities have found a balance, using ancient knowledge to keep their families safe. It’s this knowledge that also keeps you safe on a safari.
For example, it sounds dangerous to walk across a grassland occupied by elephants. But the locals know how to follow spoor and stay downwind of the elephants, so as not to disturb them.
Everyone can spot dung on the trail. A local tracker can tell you the size and sex of the animal that left it, as well as how long ago it was left.
They will spot indentations in foliage and other tiny clues, creating a detailed map of the area before even seeing any wildlife. Impressive? You bet!
There’s an obnoxious and racist preconception that Africa’s people aren’t as smart as those in the West. People would never think that way if they got to experience local skills first hand.
All across Africa you’ll meet people with incredible knowledge and shrewd intelligence, people who will inspire you and help you connect with your own wild side.
They will encourage you to share stories, so everyone can learn from each other. And when you leave Africa there’s no doubting you will remember the smiles and hospitality that the people provided, whether in a local village or in an upmarket safari lodge.
