ON SAFARI 'Safari' is an old Swahili word from East Africa translating to a journey. When putting together safaris, incorporating as many different ways as possible of viewing, experiencing, enjoying your interactions with the wildlife that will be encountered is key. This does not necessarily mean moving as much from area to area but rather using up the resource that an area has. After a few days guests are aware of their preference and that is pursued as fr as possible. The accommodation in African safari camps and lodges ranges from the rustic, explorer experience in a dome tent to the more luxurious safari camps that may even have a private sala and pool. Smaller, exclusive camps usually provide for an intimate experience but this sometimes this comes at a premium. Concentrations of wildlife that are not bombarded by the same concentrations of vehicles or boats are where I try and focus journeys. For this reason the use of private concessions has become very popular in the last few years but in some parks and mobile camping safaris the wildlife sightings are similar to those in the private concessions with relatively less competition. When coming on safari guests are often limited on the amount of time they can spend away from home. For this reason flying in light aircraft is the fastest and most practical way to travel from area to area. However some remote areas do not have airstrip facilities and a helicopter flight is an option for a unique experience opposed to a long drive through some relatively unproductive tracts of land. In areas that a road transfer will enhance the journey that is the mode of transport will be suggested. This allows guests to absorb the scenery, landscape and wildlife seen along the way at the same time getting an in-depth understanding of the ecology, culture and history of the area. On game activities the mode of travel is varied to allow for different experiences. Fibreglass canoes, mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), pontoon boats, horseback, elephant back, safari 4x4`s, micro light are all on the list of possibilities depending on where your journey leads you or where you lead your journey.             Un bout de vie qui fut un grande moment de vie. Merci a Humphrey et toute l'equipe. Henri et Monique - France     humphreygumpo.com - 2008