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7 MIN READ TIME

SHAMBOLIC

Ben Forbes escaped the UK to seek adventure in Botswana, helping to build a safari camp, then becoming a guide. This was in the analogue ‘90s, when tourism was much less managed and improvisation was key. Forbes wrote a series of short accounts of some of his experiences, which he has now published in a humorous, personable book that offers a peek behind the scenes and will be enjoyed by all safari-lovers. He has allowed us to share one of these tales here

The Guide’s Guide to Guide’s Exams

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Travel Africa
February-April 2024
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Other Articles in this Issue


Editorial
Karibu
At this year’s Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show in London,
Karibu
GETTING A HEAD START
This is Africa
Indaba
Colour of the Year
The ‘Pre-Sunrise Glow’, captured at The Hide, Hwange
HOW MANY BIRDS?
KEY
YOUR AFRICA
Readers share their memorable experiences
AN IDEAL SAFARI CAR?
Can the INEOS Grenadier really take the place of the old Land Rover Defender? Mike Breslin put one to the test
KNOW YOUR WILDLIFE?
Test your general wildlife knowledge with these questions from guide-training company EcoTraining.
Features
MAKING YOU THE STAR OF THE SHOW
Aspiration station
SANDS OF TIME
While Morocco isn’t usually on people’s self-drive list, it should be, says Phil Clisby, who heads to the Sahara via a trip down memory lane and a gladiatorial encounter in Ait Benhaddou
An island-hopper’s guide to NOSY BE
Looking for an unusual beach destination with a twist? Laurianne Claase has been smitten by this Madagascan archipelago which will appeal to sun-seeking wildlife lovers
SHELL WE?
With one of the most enviable coastlines in the world, Mozambique is an idyllic beach destination. And at its heart is an oceanfront town with plenty more to offer than lazy days sunbathing, reveals Phillip Briggs
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Visitors to South Luangwa will be familiar with the drive through Mfuwe. It’s a village typical of many that serve parks across Africa, and gives great insight to everyday life in Zambia. It’s worth lingering in. We asked photographer Mjose Mtalika to meet some of the locals
ROCK OF AGES
In southwest Zimbabwe, an ancient and mysterious landscape of timesculpted granite guards a rich, multi-layered past. When Mike Unwin set out to discover its secrets, he found special wildlife and a fascinating cultural heritage, and learned why every visitor is seduced by its unique allure
FLAT OUT
The Okavango Delta a lways delights, but the ethereal Makgadikgadi Pans offer an underrated alternative experience that is worth its salt, says Doug Loynes
LIGHT ON THE LAND
Such is its dramatic appeal, you’ll really want your photos of Namibia to do the destination justice. To help you maximise the opportunity, professional landscape and wildlife photographer William Gray picks five essential locations on his ultimate Namibia photography trail…
THE RETURN OF THE WILD FRONTIER
In the eastern Karoo, an ambitious, long-term rewilding project is breathing new life into this rugged wilderness. Is this now the most intriguing safari destination in South Africa?
Travel Africa
NURTURE YOURSELF
Aspiration
Aspiration
KEEP MOVING
You holiday needn’t break the momentum on your health regime. In fact, a safari offers an opportunity to keep active in fun ways which will enhance your whole wilderness experience. Your step count may benefit too!
PURSUE YOUR INTERESTS
Turn your hobby or personal passions to your advantage. Or indulge yourself and you may discover a hidden talent that enriches your African experience
SPORTY SPICE
If you’re a game-viewing nut, then combining a sporting activity with a safari is the perfect box ticker. Why not make it the focal point of your trip, either by taking part or planning your itinerary around attending an event?
A GOOD SPORT
There are few better ways to get a feel for local life than by attending a sports event. So why not plan your trip around one of the major competitions taking place in Africa in 2024/25
GO WELL !
There are many ways to break convention to give your travels some extra energy and make for a more insightful and rewarding experience. Perhaps one or two of these ideas will hit the mark for you?
Beach basking
Barefoot luxury Guests at Azura Benguerra
Travel Africa
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbulia Conservancy nestles alongside Tsavo East National Park at the heart of the wider Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem. Paul Udoto takes a closer look
Features
FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD
“Go south of the Serengeti.” Wanting to enjoy excellent wildlife sightings without (as many) tourists on her fourth visit to Tanzania, Iga Motylska followed this advice for a two-week beach-and-bush trip that traversed the country, including the wilds of Ruaha and Katavi
RUGGED SECLUSION
At the heart of the Tsavo-Mkomazi ecosystem lie the vast Tsavo national parks which surprisingly — given their size and abundant wildlife — are overlooked by many tourists.This is tough, rewarding safari country, where the impact of conservancies on neighbouring ranchlands is starting to have significant impact, discovers Bella Falk
Conservation
BECOME A PANGOLIN GUARDIAN
With the world’s most-trafficked mammal in real danger
CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE
With International Women’s Day on 8 March, Sue Watt celebrates the increasing and inspiring contributions that women bring to the conservation effort.
Guardians of BIODIVERSITY
Tusk Award winners recognise inspirational conservationists
WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS
Protecting the wildlife, people and landscapes of Africa could not happen without the committed work of a multitude of NGOs, conservation organisations, tour operators, lodges or camps. Tourism plays an integral part, providing the impetus (and funds) for this effort. Here’s a (very) small sample of all the good work people are doing across the continent…
Safari
ZERO IMPACT, BIG IMPACT
If only all schools were this beautiful.
WINTER WARMER
Senegal is making a push to attract travellers looking to take a break from the northern cold. To find out if there is more on offer than a beach holiday, Richard Collett went to have a look
DREAM SPOTS
Some impressive new safari camps will open this year. Among them…
TRADE WINS
What are African travel specialists working on in 2024? Jon Danks explains
FLASH NEWS
A villa at the planned Bisate Reserve, Rwanda
WHAT MAKES A FAIR TRADE LODGE?
With the South Africa-based organisation Fair Trade Tourism accrediting its first Zambian lodge — Flatdogs Camp, in South Luangwa — we thought we’d find out what this endorsement actually represents
THE SAFETY ISSUE
Should we be anxious about visiting Africa? Sarah Marshall offers her insight
SAFARI PLANNER
We are so grateful for the support so many companies have given us over the last 26 years. They are here to help you plan your trip, and to host you on safari. We hope you will prioritise them when researching your next trip. Please tell them you saw them in Travel Africa.
KNOW YOUR WILDLIFE?
The answers How did you get on with our quiz, on page 22?
PARTING SHOT
Matters of the art
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