So says seasoned hunting tour guide and publisher of The Fishing & Hunting Paper, Daryl Crimp.
He says for centuries Africa has denied travellers the definitive description.
“Part of this lies in its sheer size, its immense landscapes and big skies. But a bigger part is that Africa means different things to different people: no two sets of eyes see it the same. It is the photographer’s paradise, the nature lover’s Eden and the dreamer’s utopia.”
Crimp has taken tour parties to various exotic locations on hunting or fishing trips. This time he and his guests will be armed with cameras, not guns. His latest adventure safari takes in Africa’s culture and history, the cuisine, the breath-taking scenery and “a kaleidoscope of wild animals that will literally be right on your doorstep”.
“I have had the pleasure of hosting many groups to ‘the dark continent’ and the feedback has been unanimous: our adventure safari is the trip of a lifetime.”
This 21-day overland safari will take in three very different countries, each with their own special treasures and each facing its own challenges: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
From the metropolis of Johannesburg the tour party will then head to the world-famous Kruger National Park for several game drives – elephant, lion, hippo, giraffe, zebra, and many more species. A highlight is the night game drive.
Then across the border into Zimbabwe, one of Africa’s more colourful countries, and a step back in time. The tour includes the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, a stay in the Great Zimbabwe Hotel, the famous city of Bulawayo, and sundowners overlooking the Matobo National Park.
“We also go on mini safari in open game vehicles into Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hawange, and stay in the beautifully appointed Hwange Safari Lodge where wild animals come to water right in front of your rooms,” says Crimp.
“And no visit to Zimbabwe would be complete without a walk through the tropical forest to the very edge of ‘the smoke that thunders’ — Victoria Falls.”
The final destination is the jewel in the crown — beautiful and benign Botswana. This country is home of some of nature’s truly great wonders, the Okavango, Chobe National, and the Kasane Forest.
Sparsely populated with two million people, the country has one third of Africa’s elephant population.
This leg of the tour includes camping in safari tents, navigating the Okavango by native canoe, interacting with friendly locals and more game sights on private land.
“I have tailored this safari to the adventurous at heart, with comfort high and difficulty low,” Crimps says. “All you have to worry about is enjoying yourself.”
