Safari

A Safari initially referred to overland exploration expeditions in which participants observed or hunted wild animals, primarily in East and Southern Africa. The term originates from the Swahili word "safari," meaning "long journey," itself derived from the Arabic word "safar," meaning "to journey." Subsequently, the term became associated with big game hunting trips in Africa, focusing on the "Big Five" game animals: the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and African buffalo.

Currently, "safari" commonly describes tourist visits to national parks in East Africa (Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania) or Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa) for wildlife viewing and hunting. The term has also broadened to include a type of zoo, known as a "photo safari," where animals live in semi-captivity and are observed from vehicles.

History[]

The term "safari," originating from the Arabic word "safar" (سافر) meaning journey, initially described all travels within Africa. By the mid-19th century, increased exploration by missionaries, adventurers, and traders expanded European awareness of the continent. This period saw the rise of the "great white hunter" image, popularized by literature and early films.

Early safaris were often hunting expeditions, with wealthy individuals paying for extended trips accompanied by large teams of porters. These expeditions gradually shifted, with conservation efforts emerging in response to concerns about wildlife depletion. Photographic safaris began to gain traction, though hunting remained prevalent.

In South Africa, the Kruger National Park opened to private vehicles in the 1920s, with basic accommodations provided. The concept of the luxury safari developed in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly in private reserves bordering Kruger. These reserves offered high-end accommodations alongside wildlife viewing experiences. This model became the standard for many African safaris.

Early African exploration included Portuguese voyages in the 15th century, with Henry the Navigator initiating explorations along the West African coast. Later, explorers like Paul du Chaillu documented encounters with gorillas and pygmy tribes. Nathaniel Isaacs's accounts of his time with the Zulu people, though embellished, contributed to European understanding of the region.

The 19th century saw significant exploration by figures like David Livingstone, Richard Francis Burton, and John Hanning Speke, who contributed to geographic knowledge of the continent. The discovery of diamonds in South Africa triggered increased European immigration.

In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt's Smithsonian-sponsored expedition collected thousands of specimens for the United States National Museum of Natural History. This expedition exemplified the scale and scope of early 20th-century safaris.

Today, African safaris range from luxury experiences to wilderness-focused travel. Luxury safaris, featuring high-end accommodations and services, are common. However, there is a growing interest in more immersive, wilderness-based experiences. Conservation remains a key aspect, with tourism playing a role in protecting wildlife.^[1]

Visuals[]

Expansive savannas with acacia trees
Golden grasslands extending to the horizon
Dramatic sunsets and skies
Waterholes and riverbanks populated by wildlife
Large mammals (elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses)
Variety of bird species
Close-up textures of animal skin and coats
Open-topped Land Rover vehicles
Tented camps, from basic to luxurious
Clothing in khaki, tan, and olive green
Wide-angle landscape photography
Close-up animal detail photography
Action shots of wildlife
Golden hour lighting

Activities[]

Wildlife viewing drives in open-topped vehicles
Guided walking safaris
Birdwatching
Photography of wildlife and landscapes
Hot air balloon safaris
Nighttime game drives
Visits to local villages and cultural sites
Tracking animals
Luxury tented camping
Horseback safaris
Canoe or boat safaris
Stargazing

Fashion[]

Safari fashion originated from the British military uniform, specifically the Khaki Drill uniform introduced in 1900 for service in South Africa during the Boer War.^[2] This uniform, made of lightweight cotton drill in khaki, featured bellows pockets, revere collars, shoulder epaulettes, and belted waists. These practical elements were adopted into civilian attire, especially for recreational safaris.

In the early 20th century, wealthy Europeans embraced safari fashion, associating it with exploration and adventure. Figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Ernest Hemingway popularized the style, wearing safari jackets made by outfitters like Abercrombie & Fitch. Hollywood also contributed to its prominence, dressing actors such as Clark Gable and Gregory Peck in safari attire.

Yves Saint Laurent helped bring the safari jacket into high fashion.^[3] In 1967, he introduced the jacket in his runway shows, and a 1968 photo essay in Vogue (Paris) solidified its status as a classic. Saint Laurent's designs, inspired by military uniforms and African expedition wear, emphasized both comfort and a sense of freedom.

The safari jacket's design has remained relatively consistent, featuring practical elements like large pockets and a belted waist. Variations exist, with some brands offering more tailored versions. Today, the safari jacket is considered a versatile piece, suitable for both casual and semi-formal wear. Other elements of safari fashion include the pith helmet, popular among European militaries and civilians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and later, the Tilley hat. Firearms, such as English double-barreled rifles, were historically associated with safari attire, while modern safari enthusiasts often carry cameras with long-range lenses.

Safari Chic[]

Safari Chic refers to a fashion style inspired by the traditional Safari aesthetic, but adapted to contemporary fashion. It incorporates elements like the "saharienne" jacket, characterized by multiple pockets and belted waist, in khaki or beige tones. Bermuda shorts, typically in structured fabrics and straight cuts, are another common feature. Footwear includes flat sandals with Velcro straps or multi-strap designs with cords or braids. Earthy tones, such as beige, camel, and khaki, are frequently used in monochrome outfits. Accents of olive green or rust may be incorporated. Animal prints, like leopard, zebra, or snake, are used mainly in accessories.^[4]

Vendors[]

Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company.^[5]^[6]

Literature[]

Safari literature became its own genre and gained popularity in Europe and the United States following Theodore Roosevelt's 1909 expedition to East and Central Africa. This genre encompasses both fiction and non-fiction, focusing on experiences within the African wilderness.

Notable authors include Ernest Hemingway, whose works such as "The Green Hills of Africa," "True at First Light," and "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" depict his time in East Africa and his experiences with big game hunting. Robert Ruark, often compared to Hemingway, wrote "Horn of the Hunter" and "Use Enough Gun," detailing his safari adventures. Peter Hathaway Capstick is known for his vivid descriptions of hunting and wildlife encounters in books like "Death in the Long Grass" and "Safari: The Last Adventure." Theodore Roosevelt's "African Game Trails" provides a first-hand account of his expedition and hunting experiences.^[7]

Other notable works include John Henry Patterson's "The Man-Eaters of Tsavo and Other East African Adventures," which recounts his efforts to stop man-eating lions during the construction of a railway bridge. Jim Corbett's books, such as "The Man-Eaters of Kumaon" and "The Man-eating Leopard of Rudraprayag," focus on his experiences hunting man-eating big cats in India.

Contemporary safari literature also includes non-fiction accounts by game rangers and conservationists. Harry Wolhuter's "Memories of a Game Ranger" and Bruce Bryden's "A Game Ranger Remembers" detail their experiences in the Kruger National Park. "101 Kruger Tales" compiles real-life encounters from park visitors. Lawrence Anthony's "The Elephant Whisperer" and Francois Malherbe Anthony's "An Elephant In My Kitchen" document their relationships with elephants and conservation efforts. Kobie Kruger's series, including "Mahlangeni – Stories of a game ranger’s family," recounts her family's life in Kruger National Park. Peter Allison's "Whatever you do don’t run" provides humor into a typical safari guide. James Hendry's "A Year in the Wild" and "Back to the Bush: Another Year in the Wild" offer fictionalized accounts of life at a safari lodge.^[8]