Drumbeat Autumn 2017

www . aardvarksafaris.co.uk l P4 Q1: What’s key to planning the perfect safari? A: Listening to what people really want from their trip. It might be a first safari or someone’s twentieth. One size definitely doesn’t fit all so it’s really a matter of finding out what the perfect trip would be and coming up with ideas to fit. Q2: What’s your most memorable safari moment? A: On honeymoon, while enjoying a gin and tonic on our beautiful deck at Chiawa in the Lower Zambezi, we watched a family of elephants crossing the channel in front of us, using their trunks as snorkels. It was just the perfect moment, and we almost felt they had been sent to entertain us. Q3: What do you love most about your job? A: I love the fact that every trip is different which keeps it fresh, interesting and at times challenging. Africa is such a diverse continent and the opportunities are endless. Q4: What’s the strangest safari request you’ve had? A: Someone once asked if they could swim in the Okavango Delta if they got too hot, I quickly advised this wouldn’t be a good idea and we could look at a plunge pool instead. Q5: What would be your dream itinerary? A: A safari in southern Tanzania combined with chimp trekking in Mahale and topped off by the ultimate luxury of North Island in the Seychelles. Q6: Where are you going to visit next? A: Uganda and Rwanda in the autumn. I’m looking forward to visiting new areas and I can’t wait to see the mountain gorillas. Q7: How did you end up in the safari business? A: I have always loved travelling and was working as an estate agent in London to fund it. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to make a career of something I enjoyed, so when I heard about my first position I jumped at the opportunity and have not looked back. Q8: What’s your sundowner choice? A: Gin & Tonic. Q9: Favourite country? A: Tanzania, Kenya or Zambia, too hard to pick one. Q10: Favourite region? A: The Lower Zambezi. I love being close to water and this area with the vast river, and channels snaking off it, is very special. Q11: What’s your favourite animal? A: Predictable, I know, but elephant. I love how majestic they are. Although it’s exhilarating being up close, I prefer watching them interact with one another from afar, the dynamics of the herd are incredible. I am a big fan of warthogs too. Q12: Favourite safari activity? A: Mokoro – drifting through the winding channels and hippo highways of the Okavango Delta in one of these traditional dugout canoes is a very tranquil experience, and a lovely way of seeing the animals. Q13: Best ever sighting? A: Following a pack of wild dogs hunting in the Linyanti area of Botswana. Watching them take down an impala was pretty unbelievable. Q14: Most precious piece of safari kit? A: Binoculars. Not having the best eyesight makes these all the more important. In the down time between safari activities I love sitting in the sunshine bird watching. Q15: What do you like most about being on safari? A: To still be able to visit such vast wilderness in this ever expanding human world is a privilege. I love lying in bed listening to all of the noises around me. I’ll never forget the first time I heard a lion’s roar, it really did give me goosebumps. We chat to Louisa Dickson, based in the Aardvark Safaris Scottish office, about her life arranging safari holidays. Ask the Expert LOUISA DICKSON