![\"context](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2018\/01\/1-context-the-highlands-camp-ngorongoro-tanzania-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>Highlands Camp, Tanzania<\/p><\/div>\n
But for me, travel is about context.<\/h2>\n
I am fortunate enough to travel a lot in Africa. When I go to a new destination, whether it be Zambia<\/a> or Namibia,<\/a> Kenya<\/a> or Botswana<\/a>, I am exposed to many new things. In fact, I learn so much about each country and its inhabitants, that when I return, my context has changed, and my world view is never the same again.<\/p>\n As much as documentaries will teach you about these places, there is nothing like experiencing a new world to help you put your own life in perspective.<\/p>\n When I visited a Himba<\/a> tribal group in the middle of the Namib Desert in Namibia, and sat inside one of their dry and smoky huts, I watched one of the oldest mothers in the group smoke her clothes as a form of cleaning. When I left I was incredibly moved. Being so reliant on the conveniences at home, it was life-changing to see a woman of her age, living so far out in the desert, having to smoke her clothes due to lack of water.<\/p>\n What was more interesting however, was how happy she was to do it. This is how she lived, from day to day, in one of the wildest landscapes in the world. I felt awfully small in that moment, and I went home promising to be more thoughtful about how I lived, more thankful, and happier to be alive, just as she was.<\/p>\n This is the context of travel. It shifts your perspective. One trip can change your life. And there are thousands of those moments that provide a similar kind of context and understanding in your\u00a0own life.<\/p>\n Busanga Plains Camp, Zambia<\/p><\/div>\n I have been on a number of trips to Africa on which I haven\u2019t known a single person at the beginning of the trip. And by the end of the journey, I\u2019ve made a whole group of new friends.<\/p>\n There is something about sitting around a campfire, in the middle of the bush, chatting about all the unique animals you\u2019ve seen, and the interactions of the day. There\u2019s no room for small talk on safari; on these trips, you really dive in and get to know each other, and by doing so, you better understand how others experience the world.<\/p>\n The Sanctuary at Ol Lentil, Kenya<\/p><\/div>\n Travelling with a loved one is one of the best ways to re-kindle and grow your love for another. In the rush of travel and new experiences, there is a bond that forms and strengthens. Sometimes things go wrong, and you need to come together to find a solution; and sometimes things go so right, and you might find yourself sitting on a kopje at sunset, G&T in hand, and be so glad that the other person is there to share the moment.<\/p>\n Sanctuary Chiefs Camp, Botswana<\/p><\/div>\n Travelling alone can be one of the most fascinating ways to learn about your destination, but also to learn about yourself. Without distractions of conversation, you can truly study the places and people you encounter, and focus on what interests you as a person.<\/p>\n At first, heading off into the unknown on your own might seem crazy; but spend a little time drifting through beautiful places, and meeting new and interesting people and at some point, you\u2019ll realise that your own company is far more wonderful than you thought.<\/p>\n Goliath Safari Camp, Zimbabwe<\/p><\/div>\n There is something amazing about venturing so far out of your comfort zone that you don\u2019t even recognise yourself.<\/p>\n For me, several days in to a magnificent walking safari in Zambia<\/a> and walking my feet raw whilst tracking wild animals, sleeping in a tent, waking up with the sunrise, listening to the sounds of leopard barking at night and hardly having a warm shower in days, I barely recognise myself. Sometimes it\u2019s uncomfortable, but it\u2019s this discomfort that allows me to feel a certain sense of peace.<\/p>\n Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge, Botswana<\/p><\/div>\n If you\u2019re someone who is fascinated by everything new, then travelling is one of the greatest things you can do.<\/p>\n Whether it be walking along an ancient cobbled street in Stone Town, Zanzibar,<\/a> or learning the difference between a cheetah and a leopard track during a wild bush walk in Tanzania<\/a>, or understanding the breeding habits of green turtles on a Mozambican<\/a> beach, you cannot go an hour in Africa without learning something.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not something you can find on the internet, or in a classroom, or in a book; it\u2019s about learning through experience.<\/p>\n So, whatever your reason for embarking on a trip to Africa, take a moment to consider why you are going. Why are you packing up your life for a short time – a life that you will no doubt return to – to head into the unknown? What are you looking for on your travels? The next time you plan a trip, have a think \u2013 travel with a purpose, and some understanding about what you want to achieve. Travel with passion.<\/p>\n Happy wandering!<\/p>\n![\"friends](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2018\/01\/2-friends-busanga-plains-camp-kafue-national-park-zambia-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>Some people travel to make friends<\/h2>\n
![\"love](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2018\/01\/3-love-the-sanctuary-at-ol-lentil-laikipia-kenya-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>Some people travel to get close to their loved ones.<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>![\"Alone](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2018\/01\/4-alone-sanctuary-chiefs-camp-ikavango-delta-botswana-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>Some people love to travel alone.<\/h2>\n
![\"adventure](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2018\/01\/5-adventure-adventure-goliath-safari-camp-mana-pools-zimbabwe-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>Some people love to travel for adventure.<\/h2>\n
![\"Sandibe](\"https:\/\/www.timbuktutravel.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/width=1440,height=960,fit=crop,quality=50,format=auto\/https:\/\/assets.timbuktutravel.com\/2018\/01\/6-learn-sandibe-okavango-safari-lodge-guide-learn-timbuktu-travel.jpg\")
<\/a>Some people travel to learn<\/h2>\n
Learning through travel<\/h2>\n
<\/figure>