Why Africa?

"I have had a passion for Africa for a long time. Probably ever since I was a young child playing with my plush elephant and my Dinky Toy Land Rover. As a child, I wanted to become a ranger in a safari park and I used to watch Daktari on TV. I became a junior ranger with the World Nature Fund. I used to collect books about wildlife and Dinky Toy Land Rovers.

In 1991 I bought my first Land Rover which I had to maintain myself due to a lack of money. I read stories in magazines about safaris in Africa that I wanted to experience myself. In the early nineties I went to Africa for the first time. I have been guiding safaris in that time. I have spent three years living in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. Those years have allowed me to experience the African lifestyle. The adventure while travelling, the interaction with its people, the unspoiled and vast landscape and the atmosphere of the continent have made a lasting impression. I feel that Africa has become a part of me. I enjoy being able to make a living out of what started as a hobby."

What does Tongasabi do?

"Tongasabi organizes trips to Southern Africa relying on our extensive experience travelling in the region and a passion for Africa. We organize camping safaris, accommodated tours and custom made trips for e.g. families. We also do trips for physically challenged individuals."

What does Tongasabi mean?

"What does Tongasabi mean? The name consists of two words Tonga and Sabi, with several meanings. Tonga is the language of the Tonga tribe, living near the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Tonga Stool is a utensil commonly used in Zimbabwe, which is a small chair.

Sabi stands for the Sabi River, also named ‘Save River’, a river that runs through Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Actually Tongasabi is a fantasy name, however the meaning of the separate words relate to the trips we offer in Southern Africa."

Tongasabi also organizes camping safaris in wildlife parks in Botswana and Namibia. Is it dangerous to do that?

"It is true that travelling in this region can be dangerous, particularly when camping in the wild in Botswana, for example in the Moremi Game Reserve or the Chobe National Park. Camping in these parks means camping in unfenced areas, allowing wildlife to enter freely.

Elephants are common visitors in the campsite. It is advisable not to approach the animal so to let the animal determine the distance towards humans. Big predators like lion and hyena are also frequent visitors to campsites. They tend to ignore tents, but if you encounter a lion on foot it is a potential danger. It is important to be cautious especially when it is dark.

I have had an encounter with a lion in the dark at a distance of 2 meters. It was quite a shock and I experienced an enormous adrenaline rush. But all went well and afterwards it is a good story to tell around the campfire. Luckily accidents while encountering wildlife are very rare in campsites and during safaris. Most accidents take place in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. A hippopotamus might attack a mekoro (a type of canoe), while defending its territory. Mostly accidents like these tend to have a positive outcome. However everyone going on safari should realize that humans are visitors entering the territory of wild animals. It is important to take that into account and to respect nature and its wild creatures. Professional guides are aware of the risks during a safari and therefore they will make sure that tourists are safe during their trip."

What is the best destination in Southern Africa?

"That’s a difficult question. Southern Africa offers many opportunities to experience and I have been to most destinations worthy of a visit. It mainly depends on what you prefer. If you want to see lots of wildlife then Botswana is the best destination, in my opinion. It is such an authentic experience to be amongst nature and wildlife. If you are interested in nature and landscapes a good option would be to go to Namibia. In Namibia you can enjoy vast stretches of nearly uninhabited land, beautiful sunsets and colors and panoramic views. Some places in Namibia are so remote that you find yourself alone and you have an unspoiled view of the horizon all around you. The silence and quietness make it a unique experience. Add some sunshine and a glass of wine to make things complete!

There are many more destinations I could recommend. If you want to encounter local people you could go to either Zimbabwe, Malawi or Mozambique.

For me the best destination is equal to the best personal experience which is a combination of the setting and the impression that it leaves. For me that would be the Central Kalahari Desert in Botswana ideally with my own Land Rover camping in the wild amongst nature and wildlife. That is definitely my ultimate experience."

See the parterpage of Tongasabi Safaris.