Drumbeat Autumn 19

We take great delight in assisting you with your holiday plans here at Aardvark Safaris. It is so rewarding to hear that the most intricate of safaris have run to perfection. So tell us your requirements – from travelling malaria-free to chartering private planes into the wilderness – and we will make sure every element is organised for a wonderful, hassle-free, holiday. Summer travels for the team here include Botswana for Jess, Rosanna and Charlotte, while Namibia has also had a double hander with my ‘big birthday’ family trip and Becky visiting for the first time. Roxy (temporarily retired to look after her two small boys) discovered what it was like to safari in Kenya with children under six; not as mad as it seems. We report on our findings inside as well as looking at a resurgent Malawi and an entertaining interview with one of Botswana’s finest riding safari guides. Our travel doctors are back in action with suggestions for a variety of holidays, Rosanna takes a turn in the ‘Ask the Expert seat’ and Alice explains why Africa is the perfect destination for a sabbatical. Thank you to everyone who dropped by our show stand this year, it’s always lovely to put a face to a name. Do get in touch if we’ve inspired you to travel to our favourite continent – we’re always delighted to talk safari. Welcome to Aardvark Safaris’ Autumn 2019 Newsletter www . aardvarksafaris.com l P1 Richard Smith Straight from the horse’s mouth P13-14 Botswana’s best P5-6 Highlights: How young is too young for safari? P9-10 Read our blog bit.ly/SensationalSabbaticals for more specific itinerary ideas We’ve put together several, bucket-list amazing, sabbatical holidays and thought we should share how brilliantly a jaunt to Africa can activate the re-set button. Running from two weeks to two months (or more), these trips can be planned as part of a worldwide holiday or stand alone, and for couples, families or single travellers. Here are just some reasons why you should choose Africa (and Aardvark Safaris) for this once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza. l 18 countries to choose from, each offering something a little different l We can include some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife experiences from the wildebeest migration to gorilla tracking l The variety of activities is extraordinary. It’s not just game drives; among others on offer are: walking in the South Luangwa, boating in the Okavango Delta, canoeing in Mana Pools and horse riding in the Masai Mara l Get off the beaten track; an off grid safari is a fabulous family bonding opportunity l Mix luxurious accommodation with the rustic simplicity of a mobile safari for an all-round experience l Combine adrenaline packed safaris with relaxation on the beach l If you want a challenge we can arrange trips up Mount Kilimanjaro, Mouth Kenya or the Rwenzoris l Take a conservation-focussed sabbatical with unique behind-the- scenes access at Elephant Watch Camp or Borana – brilliant for all, particularly if you are travelling as a family l Learn a new skill. Whether photography with professionals in Botswana or scuba diving in Madagascar, there’s plenty on offer l Travel with a purpose. Give back on a project based safari where you can make a meaningful difference l Culturally fascinating with the opportunity to glimpse into the lives of the Masai, Samburu, San, Himba and more. Sensational sabbaticals REPORT BY ALICE