The African Safari

October 25, 2023

 

By: LOWA ambassador Andrew Hettinger

 

Africa remains one of the few immersive experiences that combines adventure, education, and a profound connection with nature that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Africa is home to one of the most diverse wildlife populations of mammals, birds, and reptiles anywhere on the planet.  The landscapes are stunning, the cultural interactions are enlightening, and tourism helps contribute to conservation aimed at preserving the region for generations to come.  

In July I led my first Safari to Tanzania to witness the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.  This was my fourth African Safari having been to Kenya, South Africa, and Botswana.  Each ecosystem is unique and amazing but on this trip to Tanzania I was lucky enough to witness the Wildebeest crossing the Mara River for the first time.

While an African Safari is on many wish lists, it can seem like a daunting task to arrange it. The type of trip depends on what you want out of it.  Relaxed? Luxury? Photography? Rugged? And of course, budget.   Assuming this is your first trip and you want to see the Big Five (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard, Rhino), I’ll briefly answer some of the biggest questions;

  • Which country do I choose?  
    • You are best served in Tanzania, Kenya, or South Africa
  • Which game parks? 
    • The Serengetti in Tanzania, Masi Mara in Kenya, Krugar in South Africa
  • What time of the year? 
    • June through September 
  • Where do I stay? 
    • This requires some research.  You can stay in a migratory campsite, mid to luxury glamping, high-end rooms, or even private housing.  
  • When do I book?
    • Some of the best accommodations only have 6-12 rooms.  I’d recommend booking 12-18 months in advance.
  • How do you choose a trusted operator? 

    • Each country is different.  For this you may need some guidance or simply research online.  I recently used Nomad in Tanzania and would recommend them highly.  

       

 

If you are making plans for your own trip or even through an operator, here are a few tips.

  • Get your own vehicle for your group, even if it is only two of you.  
  • Get up and out early for morning game drives.  The animals are most active from sunrise to 11am. And stay out until sunset on the afternoon drive.   The light is best for both wildlife and landscape photography during Golden Hour, the hour after sunrise and before sunset.
  • Pack light. Washing clothes is free wherever you stay.
  • Wear LOWA boots.  On my first two trips I wore Renegades and Zephyrs.  This year I wore the Innox Mid. LOWAs are comfortable, durable and perform very well..  I like to cover my ankles and I like the extra support so I use a mid boot design.  Others may want something lower.  I also choose gortex in case of rain and mud even though they are slightly warmer.  Last, due to weight, I chose to go with synthetic over leather.  This wasn’t an option when I first started going on safari, but now it’s the perfect choice….for me!  Last, it also depends on the type of safari you choose.  A walking safari would be completely different and a stronger, leather hiking boot might be more appropriate.  

My Safari to Tanzania in July was one of the best I have experienced.  We started in Tangire where we spent three days.  We stayed in a rustic tent camp in the middle of the game park with wildlife all around.  The food was fantastic and each evening we sat around a fire with the staff and got to know each other.  The game park was teaming with wildlife and we saw the big five on the first day!  

We then moved on to the Ngorongoro Crater.  We stayed up on the north rim of the crater in a beautiful room more like a hotel.  At dawn we drove down into the crater and experienced a unique ecosystem that includes black rhino, hippos, flamingos, lions, and our first honey badger.  

From the crater, we drove further north to the Serengetti to try to catch the Wildebeest crossing of the Mara River.  This requires a great deal of luck.  Being in the right place at the right time is very difficult but we managed to see the first crossing of the year!  It is quite an experience to share the road with millions of wildebeest.  It is something that has to be experienced and pictures just don’t do it justice.  Here we stayed at the most glamorous accommodation of our trip with our balcony overlooking the Serengetti plain and animals all around us at night.

 

The group sitting on a tree trunk with a sunset in the back

 

Going to Africa will change your view of the world.  The experience makes you re-evaluate your views and your place in the world.  The people are kind, warm, and friendly.  And for anyone that loves animals and birds, there is nowhere like it in the world.   Finally, if you enjoy photography, it doesn’t get any better!

In 2025 I will be leading two safaris to Africa and I expect to lead more in the future.  Having photographed in the Amazon, Galapagos, Costa Rica…. bears in Alaska, and tigers in India, I plan to expand these tours in the future.  This is a labor of love and I’m excited to share my passion with others.  I’m currently working on a new website but in the interim, please feel free to email me at ahettingerphoto@gmail.com if you have any questions.  

Last, a big shout out and thank you to the LOWA Team in the US.  They have supported my adventures for 20 years and I have been their ambassador wherever I go. The LOWA team and I  have a great relationship and I look forward to wearing my LOWA as for years to come.  

 

Content courtesy of: Andrew Hettinger