Many of us divide our travel bucket lists into places to go while we’re young, and those to save ‘til we’re older. Which is totally understandable, because ya know, the world is a big place.
But for some reason, ‘Becoming the next David Attenborough’ (or for those with humbler life goals, ‘Going on an African safari’) often gets pushed way down the list towards our salt n’ pepper years.
Maybe it’s concerns over cost, or the thought of all that khaki. But the thing is, it actually makes total sense to do it now. Why?
Here are six good reasons to go on a safari when you are young:
1. You’ve got young bones
Bumpy roads, early mornings, questionable bush toilets…an African safari is no walk in the park (it’s more of a drive, because lions). Safari may mean ‘journey’ in Swahili, but it should really translate to ‘the dustiest, wildest, most epic adventure ever’.
We’re talking gorge swinging at Victoria Falls, jumping with Maasai warriors and camping in the middle of the wilderness with nothing around you but zebras and stars. Wait til you’re older and you might be tempted to tame things down (and glamp it up) a bit.
You don’t have to be Bear Grills or anything, but do it now and those young, strong bones will make roughing it –Africa overland style – just that little bit easier.
2. It’s not an endless pub crawl, but it’s still mad fun
While you can definitely party in Africa (hellooooo Cape Town), an African safari is no South East Asia tour-de-bucket-bar.
TBH, there’s not a lot do in the middle of the Serengeti once the sun goes down, save for enjoying a few Tuskers (or bottle of South African red) by the campfire with your new mates. So yeah, you might have a few boozy nights gazing at the stars, but the really good stuff happens during daylight hours.
You can go to a bar any old time. But seeing a family of elephants drink from an actual watering hole? That’s an Africa-only special. Safaris can be done on a single trip, or you could incorporate as part of a wider style gap year in Africa.
3. It’ll broaden your mind
“The problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story,” said Chimananda Ngozi Adiche –Nigerian writer, feminist and speaker of wise, kickass things.
Of all the continents, Africa is the one most people know the least about. We tend to lump its 54 countries together under a few – often negative – clichés, when in fact Africa is home to a mind-boggling diversity of cultures, histories and landscapes, not to mention some of the world’s fastest growing economies and some pretty innovative thinkers.
So what’s the best way to challenge what you know about Africa, and to do it while you’re young? Go there, of course! There are so many unique trips too, from volunteering in Africa to travelling overland throughout the whole continent!
4. There’s not a whole lot of internet
While on safari, you’ll be cut off from the rest of the world a lot of the time. Sure there’s reception in cities and some rural towns, but in most national parks there’s wobbly internet and patchy 4G at best.
And you know what? It’s flippin’ DELICIOUS. And if there’s ever a time to drop off the grid and practice that whole ‘losing yourself in the moment’ thing, it’s on an African safari.
Plus, you can always Gram up a storm later. Time to take a well-earned break from social media and get absorbed into the screen of LIFE. *Brb, ttyl.
This digital detox does not extend to taking photos, however. Because you WILL take ONE MILLION of them.
5. See the animals, while you can
Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is something special. Wait 30 years, however, and you might never get the chance encounter all the creatures you see today. Due to poaching and habitat loss, there are around only 5,000 black rhinos left in the world, and less than 900 mountain gorillas. It’s devastating to imagine that these beautiful, critically endangered beasties may not be with us for much longer. If you have a flexible schedule you can also apply to volunteer helping animals or learn more about inspiring conservation organisations helping.
6. Put your money where it matters
Africa may not be known as a cheap destination, but if you do it right, it’s actually pretty affordable (not to mention totally, completely worth it).
While you’ll spend more in many African countries than you would in say, India or Thailand, they’re still cheaper than North America and a lot of Europe. In fact, because of the nature of an overland trip, you’ll get more bang for your back on a group tour in Africa (loads of included meals, game drives, two extra crew members) than in any other region.
Plus, because Africa is a continent of mostly developing nations, your tourist dollar will be going into communities and local economies that need it more than anywhere else, as well as towards national parks and animal conservation projects like the rhino sanctuary (that is, if you do the right kind of tour). Winner, right?
Search tours of Africa and book your trip today.