Listening is the Secret to a Deeper Safari Experience

He dropped to his knees to nurse — a wildebeest calf, all legs and fuzz, not-so-gently nudging at his mother for a meal. It struck me as both comical and touching. And while I’ve spent more than two decades traveling through Africa and have seen wildebeest calves of various ages, this was the first time I’d noticed this sweet detail: how young wildebeests, with their long, lanky legs, often must drop to their knees to nurse.

It was a moment of tenderness — but also a little lightbulb moment. Gosh, I love how, no matter how many safaris I’ve been on, there’s always something new to learn or observe. All I must do is be present, open, curious — and quiet enough to let the wisdom of our guides reach me.

And that’s something I often encourage my guests to do, too: our guides are a priceless gift.

Try setting aside the impulse to demonstrate how much you already know about Africa’s magnificent wildlife. Many of our guests come well-prepared, having spent years reading books, watching documentaries, and dreaming of their safari. That is FANTASTIC! I was that type as well. I devoured every bit of information I could find at the library from childhood into my twenties. I never thought I’d actually be able to travel to Africa. I deeply appreciate our safari mates who share that passion with me and “know their stuff”!

But early on, I discovered it’s far more rewarding not to show off what you know — instead, let the guide “show off for you” and share his vast, firsthand knowledge of the bush and its inhabitants.

They always have something interesting or surprising to say. A story. A bit of folklore. A quiet observation you never would have noticed.

Even if they’re repeating facts you already know, there’s such charm and heart in their delivery. And often, they’ll add a layer of context you hadn’t considered — a local insight that deepens your understanding far beyond what any book or documentary could offer.

So my mantra is: even if you already know the answer, ask the question anyway. Let your guide share. Let them shine.

And just as importantly: let them finish.

Guides often speak more slowly, pausing as they choose their words. That’s part of their rhythm. Africa in general moves at a more gentle, easy pace than our lives at home. Slow your brain down… embrace and relish this “step back in time” to a less harried way of life. Let them tell the story at their own pace. We have the time — there is no rush. Don’t interrupt. Don’t talk over them.

If a guide is constantly cut off, talked over, or not asked questions at all, they’ll often go quiet. Not because they don’t have more to say — but because they want to please their guests. If they sense their guests aren’t interested, they’ll step back and go silent.

And that, to me, is a tragedy.

These guides add so much to your safari experience — if you let them.

When guests ask me a question about an animal, plant, the topography, or the local culture while we’re with a guide, I almost always refer the question to the guide instead of answering it myself.

That’s because those are their areas of expertise — and sharing that knowledge is one of the most rewarding parts of their job.

(My role, on the other hand, is to handle the less exciting questions — like what time breakfast is, what tomorrow’s plan looks like, when will the laundry be returned, or helping with little issues like a light not working in your room or a bit of a tummy complaint.)

By sending safari-related questions to the guides, it gives them the opportunity to do what they do best — and I genuinely love hearing their responses, even when it’s a story I’ve heard a hundred times before.

The guides we work with aren’t just seasoned, highly trained, skilled drivers and sharp-eyed spotters — they’re some of the finest naturalists and most delightful storytellers I’ve ever known. They’ve grown up in and around these parks. They’ve studied animal behavior. They’ve witnessed extraordinary moments. And they carry a kind of knowledge that can’t be Googled.

Some of the most magical moments on safari happen not when you’re rushing from sighting to sighting, but when you’re still — when you’re asking, listening, absorbing.

That’s where the magic is.
That’s how the bush begins to whisper back.

P.S. If this speaks to your heart — if you're someone who dreams of Africa, who’s curious and reverent and ready to listen — I’d love to travel with you or help you plan your own magical safari. Helping others experience the wonder of safari in a meaningful way is one of the great joys of my life. Feel free to reach out, ask questions, or simply follow along — I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned (and am still learning!) from the bush.