Out & About Autumn 2018

TRAVEL

African adventures INTREPID EXPLORING

Ben from Bailey Robinson has been exploring the African continent for more than 20 years and has not lost the appetitie for safari adventures. The more he sees, the more there is for him to explore

F rom helicopters down the Rift Valley in East Africa, to tracking wild dog in Zimbabwe, I am at my happiest off the beaten track searching for combinations of exceptional experiences. Whether you are looking for a simple bush camp deep in the untamed savannah or prefer the idea of a wildly luxurious lodge, I know each has its place and I look forward to matching you with the right fit for the most incredible holiday. Ben’s highlights of Africa Stalking cheetah across Nxai Pan, Botswana

Having watched a trio of cheetah in Nxai Pan National Park seeking shade from the fierce sun the previous afternoon, we hoped they would still be in the area the following morning. Sure enough their twitching tails betrayed their position under an acacia. We watched on as their gaze focused on the steenbok at the far side of the plain. Leisurely, they filed out and started moving in slow motion towards the antelope – each time the steenbok lifted her head the cheetah froze. With no cover to conceal their ambush it was going to be a flat-out foot race. Slowly, the cheetah started to go through the gears, into an easy, lolloping gait. The steenbok started to run and then the cheetah went into overdrive, kicking up rooster tails of dust. What played out next was a full-pace cheetah hunt across the plain, right in front of us. We were the only people for miles. Untouched Eden – Rhinos in Chad One of the most beautiful aspects of Africa is the constant re-invention of previously uncharted countries. Chad, not historically best-known for safari, has recently taken delivery of rhino from South Africa to safeguard them from the poaching crisis. When combined with excellent elephant viewing and all the classic plains game in Zakouma National Park, this undiscovered gem rivals many of the better-known countries to visit in East Africa. For keen birdwatchers, Zakouma is home to a huge range of habitats and therefore myriad species, both migratory and endemic.

Travelling outside of peak season in Botswana has some enormous benefits. The intense heat of October means uninterrupted views across the plains and wildlife sightings are extraordinarily rewarding.

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