Safari means “journey” in Swahili. However, he is often locked into the collective imagination in his quest to encounter the wild. But this wild Africa is undeniably in touch with another world rich in history and culture. Here are some reasons to go on safari… But not only.
VIEW FILE – Safari. travel guide, information and advice from Le Figaro
For sports lovers
The African continent is developing some sporting excellence. If the big names in Europe became famous during the Olympic Games and other world events, the continent is full of incredible places, nurseries of great athletes. So you can combine your safari with discovering this face of the continent.
- Eldoret time Kenya is the heart of running practice. Grand champion Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon world record holder, developed his practice there, as did all the great Kenyan distance runners. Between the two stages, take a few days off and train with the best athletes in the world… if you dare.
- Rugby is a religion in the southSouth Africa and particularly at the University of Stellenbosch. Explore the facilities and attend a University Championship match a few dozen kilometers from Cape Town after a wider country exposure… Or take advantage of your visit to Johannesburg to enjoy a great match at Ellis Park, a legendary venue in the country. stadium (seen in the film Invictus:)
- Cycling is not a mainstream subject on the continent. But Rwandais an exception with his tour of Rwanda and some famous cyclists. If you are into cycling seriously “You can train on the magnificent roads of the country… Be careful, this country is called 1000 hills.
For history buffs
Every country on the continent has a rich past, and it’s easy to integrate stops and historical visits.
- L:South Africa and especially the city of Johannesburg is a must; visit the legendary and modern Apartheid Museum, sleep in Gandhi’s house or walk the alleys of Soweto in the footsteps of Mandela or Desmond Tutu. A strong step before going on a safari in the east of the country.
- that Zimbabwe carries in its name the interest it is supposed to generate. Meaning “house of stone”, it is not only the land of Victoria Falls and the surrounding great reserves. There are monumental archaeological remains in the Masvingo region, not far from Bulawayo in the south of the country. Traveling through this region gives it a whole new dimension. Visit with a guide.
- Unexpected and yet. Zanzibar, before being a mythical island that could not be missed after a safari in Tanzania, was one of the East African equivalents of Gore. This former sultanate, dependent on Oman, was the starting point for the slave trade in the Arabian Peninsula and Asia. Of this heritage, several palaces remain in the old city and places, a visit to which offers another glimpse into the history of this region… so little known.
For food lovers
African cuisine is little known and, admittedly, a bit underrated. Due to the isolation of the regions visited, safari does not necessarily rhyme with gastronomy. However, two places are worth a detour.
- The park route is located c South Africa Around the city of Knysna. This region is rarely visited, but it has some of the richest soil in the country. On the menu: fruits, vegetables, lamb (the best from the neighboring Karoo) and, of course, seafood and oysters. In short, heaven for gourmets.
The address:Seafood at Plettenberg, a Relais & Châteaux on Plettenberg Bay, in the heart of the park route. Everything is there. - south coast of Kenya departs from Mombasa for the Tanzanian border via the coastal town of Diani, home to many hotels. Here seafood (fish, giant prawn and lobster) is cooked with Arab-Indian influences. Mandatory. enjoy a fine dinner on a dhow (traditional boat) nestled in the shade of a reef.
The address:Cave of Ali Barbour. Not far from Diani, this restaurant is located in the rocky hollows created by sea erosion. Under a starry sky, surrounded by mighty cliffs, an atypical dinner ideal for savoring the flavors of the region.
For climbers
Safari is often associated with a combination of physical activity. It is not so. More often than not, you won’t get your daily 10,000 steps in the car. To push yourself or push yourself, there are hikes and treks in the most beautiful landscapes; walk along the edges of the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania, on the giant sand dunes of the Namib Desert or dive in the legendary Blyde River Gorge in South Africa. .. The possibilities are many.
- Lesser known, wilder and smaller, Empaka Crater is a “small” crater in Ngorongoro. Tanzania which can only be visited on foot. Guaranteed sensations… always accompanied of course.
- There are several popular peaks for climbers Kenya Mount Kenya or its prestigious neighbor Kilimanjaro. It takes five to seven days to complete these climbs, which will take you above 5,000 meters. A timeless experience to appreciate before relaxing on safari.
- Secrets, the mountains of Rwenzor, located c Uganda On the border of the Congo, offer an extreme mountain experience, but perfect for an original and physical experience. Afterwards we will go on a game drive before embarking on the famous gorilla trek in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Source: Le Figaro
