Safaris

There are few things that could be more exotic and exciting than a safari, especially for animal lovers and people who take an interest in the place where the safari is being held. In Kenya for example, the type of safari there would include different types of animals and topography than a safari in South Africa, though both would arguably be equally breathtaking and spectacular.

The term ‘safari’ used to mean specifically overland travel to Africa, traditionally for a big-game hunt like elephant or tiger. As laws and cultures have changed, however, this is generally not the case in modern times. It instead tends now to refer to observation and photography of wildlife, and has a feel of conservation about it nowadays, as opposed to hunting.

The etymology of the word safari is also interesting. It entered the English language in the 19th century, when big game hunting in African countries became popular among the Victorians. ‘Safari’ means ‘long journey’ in Swahili, originally from the Arabic ‘safar’, meaning ‘a journey’. These words are most often used to denote any type of journey, but have taken on a different meaning in our language. Sir Richard Francis Bacon is the person who is generally accredited and attributed for having used the word first in the English Language.

A safari is a great chance for animal lovers to see their favourite animals out in the wild, as opposed to the occasionally depressing experience of zoos. The animals would act more naturally, and it would be a fantastic opportunity to be up close and personal with your favourite animals.