Safari Dictionary

On a safari in Africa there is often use of various terms and names, mostly from English. Below are some translations that may explain a lot.

Safari

A safari is a hunting or photographic filming and expedition into the African wilderness. Nowadays, photographs and video shots are mostly done. The word safari comes from Swahili and is derived from the Arabic word "safara," meaning ‘the travel’ or long trips.

Game Drive

Literally: wild ride. The combination of the word Game (wild, wild animals ) and Drive is used to describe a journey with a vehicle where you are looking for wild animals (game) for recreational purposes.

Fly In

During a Fly In, you fly in a small plane from region to region, whereby during your flight you will see a phenomenal sight of the country, the forests, the fields, and large herds of animals. You will see a variety of the African earth with its intense colours. Furthermore, getting to places by car can be badly or hardly accessible.

Lodge

Lodges are a variety of hotels located in unique locations: often in the middle of the wilderness, close to the animals, usually in the wildlife parks. There are a great variety of lodges: from five star large hotels to detached bandas. Many lodges are built with local materials, amidst by all shades of green you could imagine, one with the environment.

Tented Camp

The tented camps are even closer to nature: with only a canvas tent separating you from the animal sounds and the atmosphere. Yet the word camp is definitely not what it means. It is a lodge under a canvas: you are actually sleeping in beds, there is a bathroom and-suite, in the dining tent you can enjoy delicious food of top chefs. Karen Blixens 'Out of Africa' is in the air.

Mobile Tented Camp

The mobile tented camp is like a luxury tented camp, sleeping in spacious, comfortable tents that are in the bush. It is a tent camp set in a natural area, yet not permanent . The location of the camp varies by season and they are trying as much as possible to attract animals.

Fly Camping

Fly camp combines the real trek on foot with maximum comfort and romance. Walk for one or more days in a park from one destination to another. Your stuff is transported to the next destination. An expert guide leads you through the scenery and takes you to unique places. A tent has been set up for you when you arrive and a cook makes for a great meal. You stay in a dome or slowly fall asleep under a mosquito net.

Boma

A fencing enclosure in the open air at a lodge where meals are typically served. Originally the fence was to protect people and livestock from predators.

According to many, the word Boma is an abbreviation for British Officers Mess Area, which has been incorporated since the colonial era in many African languages.

Sala

Literally: living room. Enclosed in a separate lodge, usually without walls, decorated as a lounge or terrace.

Lapa

Literally: courtyard. A fencing in the open air at a lodge with a central campfire where most meals are served.

Mokoro

Traditional canoe in Botswana, made from a hollowed tree trunk. During an excursion a mokoro can take you very close to view several species of birds, frogs and other water animals. You can also view the other wildlife as they drink from the bank.

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