A safari is an overland journey. It usually refers to a trip by tourists to Africa, traditionally for a big-game hunt and in more modern times to watch and photograph big game and other wildlife as a safari holiday. There is a certain theme or style associated with the word, which includes khaki clothing, belted bush jackets, pith helmets or slouch hats, and animal skins — like leopard's skin.
Entering the English language in the late 19th century, the word safari means 'journey' in Swahili language. Originally from the Farsi ΣέΡ (safara) meaning "travel". The verb for "to travel" in Swahili is "safiri", the noun for the journey is "safari". These words are used for any type of journey e.g. by bus from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Although the word safari came to popular usage in reference to hunting and touring expeditions in East Africa, it is now used generally to mean any long or adventurous journey or expedition, eg. whale watching safaris, photography safaris, eco-safari etc.
African Safari "must see" destinations are inter alia:
- Chobe National Park - Botswana
- Etosha Pan - Namibia
- Kruger National Park - South Africa
- Okavango Delta - Botswana
- The Serengeti - Tanzania and Kenya
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