Slow Down

Modern technology has created a world in which we all feel as though we have to do everything at full speed. As our Africa specialist, Peter, recommends, it is highly worth taking a step back and giving yourself the time to enjoy your surroundings and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life on a ‘slow-safari’.

We’re always trying to do so much. Trying to squeeze something else into an already hectic day. Information is always at our finger tips; life is a sensory overload! The fear of missing out..!

The advice of the team at True Travel: don’t take this approach to planning your holiday. It’s always so tempting when looking at a destination to immediately identify the ‘hot spots and highlights’, a holiday incomplete without ticking those all important boxes…

Obviously, we understand a visit, especially a first-time trip to some countries, requires a stop at certain sites – Ethiopia without Lalibela or Cambodia without Angkor would raise eyebrows. However, pause for a second and take the time to consider the balance between getting that photo op. and the quality of the experience you will enjoy.

Nowhere is this more relevant than on safari. Not too long ago, most safaris spanned at least a month, often much longer. Ok, times have changed and it may not be a relevant comparison to make. But, consider this – remove yourself from the traps of our everyday, hectic lives and slow down a second. It will take a few days to stop automatically checking your phone, to adjust to the pace of life, to start reacting to all that is going on around you and start really adjust to the pace of the bush.

The ‘slow-safari’ is really hot at the moment. It’s seriously worth considering the concept for a number of reasons. From an experience stand-point, giving yourself longer in one place enables you to get under the skin of an area. You’ll begin to notice small changes in an environment, pick up alarm calls in the mopane, recognize the tracks of a leopardess and her cub you saw the evening before. Time also allows you to develop a relationship with the staff in camp and all importantly your safari guide, after all, these people spend their lives in this environment so tap into their wealth of knowledge and boundless enthusiasm.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that a longer stay in one location will often be rewarded with improved rates and long-stay specials. Always nice to take advantage of opportunities like this so just ask us where this would be particularly relevant.

We are all so aware that time is a precious resource, it’s a concept clear to is clear to everyone, but just consider the way to best use it when planning your next trip. We are here to help guide you and use the wealth of experience we have to ensure that perfect balance.