Running wild: itineraries

Going toe-to-toe for the affections of safari buffs the world over, both South Africa and India have aces up their sleeves. One has meerkats, the other has river dolphins, one has vast open plains while the other has urban jungles, and each has their own version of a land-based Big Five. After a glimpse of the following wildlife-rich journeys, though, the decision proves not to be which one to pick, but simply which one to pick first.

Widespread across South Africa, a quest for members of the Big Five is easily accomplished in both Kwandwe and Tswalu’s game reserves – the conservation of both black and white rhinos being a particular core experience. But alternative game viewing approaches, like horseback rides and nocturnal walks, reveal more to love including some elusive species. In contrast, India’s wildlife is more contained. Taking in eight different locations, flying between a selection of the country’s best national parks (some lesser-trodden) ticks off a whole host of unfamiliar animals between sightings of its most famous residents.  

In our ever-changing world, our relationship with safari is increasingly symbiotic. We know all too well that seeing eye-to-eye with animals in their natural habitat remains under threat. And yet, the work of on-the-ground conservationists continues to see flora and fauna thrive. It’s these efforts to protect and preserve Mother Nature's design that flow throughout this chapter; sharing the ways, whys, and whos creating a positive impact you’ll want to be a part of.

As the following pages journey first through Sri Lanka and later Rwanda, the overwhelming story is one of success. Engaging in solutions, experiences in Sri Lanka centre around the Asian elephant and elusive leopard, understanding how communities cater to wildlife to avoid conflict. Education is a priority across continents, with animal protection programmes in Sri Lanka drawing similarities to central Africa, where Rwandan poachers are now employed as gorilla guardians — their expertise used to track such gentle giants. With a contribution to conservation from every excursion, all that’s left to be said is, watch this space. 

Drifting seamlessly from close-up encounters on early morning game drives to late evening cocktails and private dinners on porcelain beaches; this timeless formula is beloved by both tenderfoot travellers and those who simply like to mix things up. Even the best can be improved though. Take the itineraries in this chapter for instance, where ventures out to local towns and ancient ruins appease the heritage seekers in the midst. There’s no need to compromise on a trip like this.

Arrive on the shores of Sri Lanka and oftentimes venturing inland is the course of action, taking in the lusciously verdant tea plantations of Hill Country and the national parks teeming with flora and fauna. Take the time to end by the sea, though, and not only does the coastal calm encourage some respite, but it also surprises with crumbling forts. Meanwhile, a slice of island life and nature of the aquatic kind is on the cards while being hosted by Mozambique’s Benguerra Island post-safari in South Africa. 

As conscious globetrotters, Mother Nature must be at the forefront of our minds every time we travel. And with such wondrous wildlife as our focus, this feels especially important. While we are so lucky to witness exclusive animal sightings guided by experts that welcome us with open arms, the endangered species on our radar simply can’t be ignored. Picking out the places we stay so carefully, those featured across this chapter have been highlighted for their incredible conservation efforts.

Importantly, this chapter explores perhaps the most popular of safari spots across our two continents of choice, getting to grips with the ongoing work in both India and Kenya. Pairing a foray for first-timers with a slower route for safari connoisseurs, these destinations are favoured by many, meaning our choice of elevated experiences must be all the more considered. 

With safaris taking the crown on most travel bucket lists, making them better can almost seem like gilding the lily. Taking lesser-trodden destinations as a base, the adventures in this chapter have been elevated with a healthy dose of substance and a dash more style, centring around introductions to some of the most renowned people in the conservation and safari-sphere and extraordinary experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.

A stronghold for animals we know and love (and some that may surprise), it doesn’t get more one-on-one than in the remote plains of Botswana; its landlocked status and low tourism ethos only adding to the sense of exclusive isolation. Likewise, the shores of Sri Lanka hold all the best bits of India on a quieter and more intimate level, making safaris in both countries a cut above the rest by allowing guests to get closer to nature without battling other vehicles. In these itineraries, however, the additions of community visits, meet-ups with experts, helicopter rides and safaris from both the water and air make for an invite hard to refuse.  

Prowling across the African plains or stalking through the jungles of Asia, big cats sit at the top of the food chain every time. The ability to see them in their natural habitats with our own eyes should be something to fear, and yet, the beauty of these formidable creatures always strikes us as something spectacular to behold. Crouching in wait at the turn of a page are the distinctive prints of our itineraries, nimbly designed to transport you to where these majestic creatures roam wild and free.

A success story continuing to this day, searching for the Tiger should be synonymous with any Indian safari. Sauntering stripes of orange and black may be highest on your radar, though for some, the call of the wild echoes a lion’s roar from the Zambian bush. The lesser-known of wildlife destinations, the land of peace, joy and unity takes the number one spot for water safaris for the more daring among us. Though no matter the choice, the pounce of a leopard or cackle of hyena are something to behold.