Like many avid travelers, I maintain a bucket list of must-do experiences. High on mine is an authentic African safari to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat. I've dreamed of this for years, and recent sparks—like our family visit to Beekse Bergen Safari Resort and my sister's unforgettable African adventure—have reignited the passion.
Yet, several hurdles have kept me from booking. I'm optimistic these will resolve soon, allowing me to turn this lifelong dream into reality.
This desire dates back to my childhood. Despite the fascination, I've yet to take the plunge. Life's timing has always intervened—too regrettable to miss out indefinitely!
As a lifelong animal enthusiast, wildlife has always captivated me. No surprise a safari tops my list. (Though as a kid on Texel vacations, my tent-roof elephant nightmares suggest my early dreams were more whimsical.)
My parents weren't big travelers; holidays stayed mostly in the Netherlands or France. Dad, a fighter pilot, had seen enough of the world from the cockpit—he preferred not to fly commercially on vacation.
Travel isn't deeply ingrained in me either. My trips skew European, with exceptions like Morocco (my first African foothold) and Curaçao with our young child.
Raising kids has dominated recent years: births, schooling, and beyond. Long-haul trips with toddlers feel impractical—they're too young to cherish memories. Just as they grow, new priorities arise, like our dream countryside home purchase two years ago, complete with renovations and mortgage commitments.
Convincing my partner Frank is another challenge; he worries about safety, though I believe guided tours mitigate risks effectively.
Finally, my aversion to spiders and insects looms large—Afr Africa's reputed bugs are a personal hurdle. But with preparation, even that's conquerable.
Self-guided? Not for me. Experts craft seamless itineraries incorporating safaris, safe lodgings, Big Five hotspots, and risk avoidance. I've researched reputable operators who customize based on wishes.
Beyond wildlife and culture, sandboarding calls to me—my niece's video sealed it as a must-try!
What about you? Have you safaried in Africa? Share your highlights below.
