Safari

Safari: An Adventure in the Wild

Safari is an exciting overland journey, typically a thrilling trip by tourists to Africa. Historically, these expeditions often involved big-game hunting. However, in today’s context, safaris are more about observing and photographing wildlife, hiking, and sightseeing.

The term “safari” originates from the Swahili language, meaning “journey,” which itself is derived from the Arabic word for a journey. The Swahili verb “kusafiri” translates to “to travel,” and these terms can be applied to any type of journey, such as a bus ride from Nairobi to Mombasa or a ferry trip from Dar es Salaam to Unguja. Safari became part of the English lexicon in the late 1850s, thanks to the renowned explorer Richard Francis Burton.

The King’s African Rifles had a regimental march called ‘Funga Safari,’ which literally means “tie up the March” or, in essence, to pack up equipment for the next leg of the journey.

In 1836, William Cornwallis Harris led an expedition with the sole purpose of observing and recording wildlife and landscapes. Harris pioneered the safari style of journey, which typically began with a leisurely wake-up at dawn, followed by a day filled with energetic walking and exploration. Afternoons were reserved for rest, and evenings were dedicated to formal dinners, storytelling, and socializing over drinks and tobacco.