I first visited Africa aged 17 during a cultural exchange between my school and a school on a remote island on Lake Victoria. I taught English and Maths, sang and danced in performances, and helped to stock the school with water from the local well. I also had the chance to experience my first safari and was immediately hooked.
I’ve now been fortunate to travel across much of South Africa. I was drawn by not only the abundant wildlife of the many game reserves, but the diverse culture, the incredible food and drink, and the breathtaking scenery from rugged coastline to imposing mountain ranges.
It's the diversity of experiences that make South Africa such a fantastic destination not just for a one-off trip but for multiple return visits. The people and wildlife will always offer new, exciting, and varied experiences that keep bringing me back.
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Q&A with Chris
Where would you love to travel to next?
The Kalahari has always been a place of great interest to me, but as of yet, I’ve not been. The vastness of this unique landscape offers something distinct from the rest of the country. As a lover of big cats, I’d love to see the black-maned Kalahari lion, and at the very top of my wildlife wish list is the critically endangered pangolin, which can also be found in the region.
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
South Africans love their meat, and you can tell why as soon as you try any of the local produce. Their steaks are well documented as both high quality and incredible value for money — but as someone who always enjoys trying something new, I’m often drawn toward eating ostrich, springbok or perhaps warthog. I recently had warthog shank, which was delicately soft but with a deep pork taste.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
On a recent safari trip, after my group stopped for sundowners on an evening game drive, we tracked down the two dominant male lions in the area. A coalition of four younger males had recently moved into the area, looking to assert their own dominance. In the pitch-black, feeling completely isolated out in the bush, we witnessed one male roar a warning to the younger males. The power of the sound rang through my chest as his hot breath was illuminated by our guide’s spotlight.