During the depth of a British winter, when it’s dark and cold outside much of the time, it’s hard to remember the sights, smells and sensations of Africa. 

Although I did have the most fantastic sunrise over Dartmoor yesterday morning, the light reminding me of an early morning game drive in the bush.

This year I’ve been really fortunate to take two trips to Africa. 

In March I dropped everything at short notice to take up the offer of a last minute trip to Tanzania.  Having loved Kenya when I visited for the first time, I had high hopes for its neighbour and expected a fairly similar experience. 

I couldn’t have been further out in my estimation. 

Tanzania is a steamy, dusty, sprawling epic of a country that absolutely blew any expectations out of the water.  I spent a week exploring the Serengeti and northern circuit, a few days in the Selous and two nights on Zanzibar. 

In the Serengeti I was caught up in migration fever – sadly the ‘beasties’ had beaten the same path as myself, but two weeks earlier.  It was a good reminder that you can’t guarantee the migration.  But then there’s so much else to the ‘greater Serengeti’, and an afternoon spent spotting one lion straight after another wasn’t a bad second prize.

The real gem for me was the Selous.  The magical Rufiji River was surging and churning in full spate, an absolutely spellbinding backdrop to a national park the size of Belgium.  A mere 45 minute flight from Dar es Salaam, I felt as far away from everything as I could possibly get.

Then in June I was despatched to our heartland – the Zambezi.  I fell in love. 

Zambia has all the right ingredients for a perfect safari: some of the best guides on the planet, fantastic gameviewing and no nonsense, simple, comfortable accommodation. 

Highlights included the walking safaris, camp fires and dining under the stars each night, and canoeing on the Zambezi.  I came home and got the family (Will and Boogie) straight out on the Tamar for their first canoe experience. 

A Kirton canoe (what will it be called?  The Zambezi of course) is now top of the list for Santa.

We headed to Scotland in October for some brilliant walks and amazing views and I was in London in November to catch up with old friends and colleagues at the annual World Travel Market.

So what’s next?  A few days of turkey and mince pie devouring and then I’m off to the snow for the new year to try and improve on my new skiing skills…ouch.

There’s plenty on the to do list for next year but in the meantime I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a fabulous festive season.

All the very best

Sam

Samantha Kirton  ::  sam@zambezi.com   :: Tel: +44 1548 830059

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