The reality of safari

Safari has always had a mythical hold on me since I started traveling.  I remember reading glorious stories recounting adventure and danger but the reality now is somewhat different. Going on safari today means little more than boarding an open pickup truck with stadium seating and driving on semi-paved roads for hours on end until you spot red eyes glowing in the light of the moon (or more probably, the spotlight affixed to the side of the truck).

The only rifles to be found are mostly for show. And while it’s still possible that that rhino crossing the road has decided you’ve gotten too close to her young, a single rifle will not dissuade her from ramming you with her equal mass. And hunting is defined more by stalking other vehicles (ooh, there are five trucks converging on that wooded area, what have they happened upon?) than stealthily stalking a black-as-night leopard by her tracks alone.

Was I disappointed? Actually a little less than the this may imply. These are still wild animals, and you are definitely restricted from exiting the vehicle though I suppose these days, that may be as much for insurance reasons as for personal safety.

It’s unfortunate that Disney’s Animal Kingdom has approximated 75% of the safari experience, but no, I respect the fact that, at least in the areas I went, man and nature have found equilibrium.