When A2A Safaris launched 23 years ago, people wanted to photograph elephants, rhinos, or the Great Migration, where two million beasts travel 1,600km across Africa in search of greener pastures.
Travellers today prefer raw, visceral experiences, according to Jose Cortes, a co-founder at the upscale company. Its safari holiday packages now include cultural trips to Ethiopian tribes, where you can learn more about the Rwandan genocide, or walk with the Bushmen of the Kalahari.
According to Cortes, bookings from Asian travellers jumped 26 percent last year at A2A Safaris, which is based in Singapore. “South Africa produces excellent wines, and what better way to enjoy them than with a magnificent sunset and wild dogs at a distance?”
As Asia—a small market for African safaris compared to North America and Europe—gains importance, Cortes expects to do even better this year. The company recently added itineraries to its Wild Asia portfolio in India and Bhutan. Cortes’ co-founder Victor Dizon explains they chose India because of its vast network of wildlife reserves and tiger safaris.
“A tiger safari in India is an altogether unique experience,” he explains. “Depending on where you go, you might also see wild elephants, leopards, Asiatic lions, gaurs, and langurs. The forests are also stunning—some of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen.”
About 20 years ago, Dizon’s first safari experience in India was chaotic yet exciting, with no limit on vehicles or their speeds, and lots of noisy tourists. Today, only 20 percent of India’s national parks are open to tourism, while the rest are reserved for conservation.
Large buffer zones surround each park. Wildlife viewing has become much more respectful, and the calibre of guides has greatly improved. Besides owner-run lodges, many of which started as passion projects by Indian naturalists and guides, you can also stay at luxurious safari camps. Dizon himself has returned countless times because he admires the natural heritage.
Travelling on safari offers an escape from the big city’s frenetic pace and artificial environment, which appeals to Asians. As someone with over 30 years of experience and who has guided A2A Safaris staff and clients, Super Sande, originally from Senyawe in Botswana, agrees: “Far from screens and distractions, you tune in to the natural sounds of animals, birds, and the wind blowing through the trees.
“What a sensorial detox!”
