Written on
Apr 2, 2024
Africa should be on everyone's top five travel destination list, at the very least their top ten. Whether they’ve caught the travel bug or not, Africa has everything, literally, everything. Did you hear that Africans? We have everything. Our continent is not only rich and diverse in culture, but in its landscapes, crystal blue oceans, rolling mountains, and exotic wildlife. Our people are hospitable, compassionate and friendly; our weather is almost perfect, our foods diverse and delicious, all of these factors and more combine to position Africa at the very forefront as the travel industry.However, when it comes to booking a holiday the last place we think about are the places in our very own backyard? Instead, we book flights, wait for visas and travel absurdly far distances for extravagant fees all to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, unaware or unassuming that everything we ever wanted from a holiday was right here at ‘home.'And what better way to make a holiday a memorable and rejuvenating one by going out on into the wilderness. There is nothing that feeds the mind, body, and soul more than a safari. It's something felt. Reconnecting with Mother Nature in all her splendour and her realness is often a deeply spiritual experience. The fresh air in your lungs, the intimate lifestyle you share with the wild both big and small, and the historic cultural diversity that Africa has to offer, are all priceless. It's rediscovering your roots and your past. It's a still, quiet, peaceful time. For you to reconnect, to reflect, to relax, on and in the land you call home. It’s magic, and it’s ours. It should be experienced, not just by those who live abroad.
Africans are so caught up in the idea of a holiday abroad, so easily swayed by tropical Thailand and peaceful Nepal, that they tend to forget that we have a culturally rich, out the box holiday destination of our own, and in our very backyard, well in some of our backyards. Why is it that we are so opposed to a holiday at home?Travelling shouldn't be about distance; it should be about experience and the opportunity for self-growth. It should be about rejuvenation and reflection. Safaris can be notoriously expensive holidays, but that doesn't mean it's not possible, Safari’ and ‘budget’ are not often found in the same sentence. There is a reason why people abroad are spending thousand of rands and many hours trying to get to a safari. It's a truly significant and deeply impressional holiday, a once in a lifetime experience. But it's not just for the rich and famous or people with Euro. There are a variety of ways to see the ‘bush,' whether you're a camper or a glamper, there is an affordable option for you.Not a hundred percent convinced on having your next holiday at home, take a look at our pro's for having a 'Staycation.'
Cost
Cost is the most obvious one, ‘staycationing’ at home is a huge cost saver. Traveling cost alone is a huge expense and planning your holiday at home will ensure an equally huge saving. No more pricey plane tickets, bus rides, Uber's, visas, travel insurance, currency exchange or other hidden expenses. Vacationing at home is the latest and greatest way to get more bang for your buck.
Time
Time is the next big saving you'll make on your ‘staycation.' No more hours of scheduling and planning, no more ridiculous visa waits, layovers, delays or long flights, this allows you to optimize all your holiday time.
Stress less
All this money spending and time wasting can increase the anxiety levels, leaving you spending your holiday worrying about making your flights and the endless stream of money that you keep sending on travelling.
So next time that travels bug bites and your feet begin itching for some adventure, for some things new. Don't be so quick to travel abroad, now that’s not to say that the world isn't your oyster and you shouldn't explore its wonders but take a look around you first. You might be surprised just how much there is to see and do right here at home. There are so many wonders that we miss out on, that we don't ever get the opportunity to appreciate or to explore. Africa is guaranteed to surpass all five sense because it isn't just something you can see or hear, but it's something you have to feel. It has too much to offer, and you have nothing to lose. Come nurture and indulge yourself and your loved ones, make your next holiday destination at home.
