Life is a Safari

Life is a safari,

Jump on and take a ride.

We can choose to be miserable Or take it in our stride.  

Get maps, clothes and currency, Research it on the net.

Book flights, pick the seat Well prepared, all set.  

Excitement builds, We’ve made the plans, Was a great flight The plane lands.  

Feel the sun, smell the air Immigration, get a stamp, Grab the bags Let's get to camp.  

We are finally here, Meet our guide, Warm welcomes to all Charlie's his pride.  

Set off on the road to Hwange, Sitting next to Anna, Chatting with excitement, Can't wait to be in the savannah.  

We have a great timekeeper, By the name of Rose Africa overwhelms her, And she keeps us on our toes.  

One smart traveler, Gilly She's been learning Shona Practices a few words on Mufaro Taking on a local persona.    

My childhood friend Sal, Looking for a zebra I see the guide smiling, This is easier than a cheetah.  

Our brave Aussie male, We simply call him Mac, All these women to protect, From a scary mouse attack.  

Then there is Joyce, She loves this safari life "Just one little pangolin, please" Our guide knows he's in strife!  

So a BIG thank you to Mufaro, Of Takavada African Safaris fame.

We had an AWESOME time, Son of the Chief, we do proclaim.    

By Joyce Vernon 2020 ©

Travel with Purpose

 Travel for pleasure

Travel for fun

For me the purpose

Is number one

 Just passing through?

Forgotten the towns?

Join in the community

And slow it right down.

Mufaro is a great guide. As soon as we met him, he made us feel part of the family.  His aim is to give everyone a “grass roots” view of his Africa.

Some Highlight:

• Good accommodation  in great locations – e.g. safari lodges on the border of Hwange National Park – elephants stomping around in hotel grounds, the roar of lions at night.

• Interesting info – pulp of fruit from Baobab trees, snot apples used for medicinal purposes.

• Drinking and dancing with the locals in a shabeen in a small town.

• Acts of kindness - taking mealie, soap, basic medicines to older people living outside the townships.

• Organized African finger-painting class in a small self-contained family compound where the Chief also showed us traditional lifestyle and modern technology– e.g. solar panels for lighting.

• Showed us how to shake hands the Zimbabwe way!

This is definitely the way to truly get to know Africa in a small group adventure where you mingle with the local people and see animals in their natural surroundings.   The silhouettes of elephants in stunning sunsets was unforgettable.  This was a trip of a lifetime.  Thanks Mufaro!

By Gillian Barton, Anna Lovitt &

Rose O’Hara 2019 ©