THE BIG FIVE SAFARI MYTHS

By: Team of African Travel Inc.

Embarking on an African safari is a dream for many travelers, but there are common misconceptions that can overshadow the true essence of this magnificent continent. African safaris are captivating, memorable, and meaningful. One thing they’re not: predictable. Travelers can witness the Great Migration in Tanzania or trek through Rwanda’s rain forests in search of gorillas. They can meet Kenya’s Maasai warriors or watch artists at work in their Cape Town studios.

“We invite travelers to explore Africa’s rhythms and have more-intimate experiences beyond the expected,” says Sherwin Banda, African Travel President. “Prepare to join captivating drumming sessions, gain profound insights through township excursions, meet incredible anti-poaching or all-women guiding teams, embark on mesmerizing low-impact ocean safaris, or even become a researcher for a day.”

*African Travel, Inc. President, Sherwin Banda on safari with his family.*

Join our safari experts as we debunk “The Big Five Safari Myths” and equip you with the knowledge to make the most of this extraordinary journey.

Myth One: The Only Thing to See in Africa is Wildlife

*The Bo-Kaap is one of Cape Town’s most distinct neighborhoods and there’s so much to see, taste and explore.*

Reality: Africa is often thought of as a single destination, but in reality it is a continent overflowing with captivating experiences that extend well beyond traditional safaris. While the thrill of watching a lion hunt near your game vehicle is hard to beat, great safaris offer enriching experiences that delve deeper into the continent’s treasures.

Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures like the Himba, San, and Maasai. Explore historical landmarks such as Luxor and Abu Simbel in Egypt or follow In the Footsteps of Mandela with a guided tour of Robben Island. Unwind on pristine beaches in Zanzibar or the Seychelles, where turquoise waters beckon for snorkeling and relaxation. Africa’s cosmopolitan cities like Cape Town, Nairobi, Cairo, and Kigali serve as gateways to a world of enchantment. Indulge in innovative gastronomy at restaurants like SIBA, or venture into South Africa’s Cape Winelands on our South Africa Tapestry for a culinary journey. And when night falls, let Africa’s unobstructed skies reveal breathtaking stargazing experiences in Namibia’s deserts or the Serengeti’s plains.

Africa is a continent of endless wonders, offering a tapestry of experiences that extend beyond wildlife safaris.

Myth Two: You Need to Have the Right/ Enough Time to Visit

*Experience the majesty of Victoria Falls on our Southern Explorer safari.*

Reality: When most people think of safari, they think of the Great Migration, the dry season between June and October when millions of wildebeests and zebras cross Tanzania’s Serengeti plains and move north to Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Few travelers realize that they can also witness the Great Migration when wildlife return to the Serengeti between November and May – spy the cyclical phenomenon on our World’s Greatest Show & Safari.

Africa is a year-round destination with lots of options to suit different schedules and travel styles. Spanning two hemispheres, Africa unveils unique opportunities throughout the year. Unlike the traditional four seasons, East Africa and Southern Africa boast wet and dry seasons, offering a captivating alternative. Enter the ‘Green Season‘, the cherished secret of safari enthusiasts, where dusty landscapes transform into scenic paradises. Witness flourishing flora, fresh air, and breathtaking landscapes that captivate the senses. Delight in great value, fewer crowds, and the adorable presence of baby animals.

Whether you have limited time or seek an extended adventure, our expert safari specialists will craft unforgettable itineraries tailored to your needs. For those with limited time or embarking on their first African adventure, our Southern Explorer itinerary is meticulously designed to deliver extraordinary bucket-list experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime. For those dreaming of a longer expedition and have more time look to do a few destinations together, we invite you to delve into the richness of multiple destinations with our awe-inspiring Cape to Cairo journey. Immerse yourself in diverse landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.

Time should never be an obstacle to your African safari dream. Whether you have a handful of days or an open-ended itinerary, let us weave together an exceptional experience that perfectly suits your desires.

Myth Three: There’s a Perception That Where You Stay Isn’t Luxurious or is Too Adventurous

*For a truly immersive discovery of the Okavango Delta, discover our remarkable Baobab Treehouse at Xigera.*

Reality: At African Travel, we understand that luxury and adventure are subjective concepts, and we celebrate the uniqueness of each guest’s preferences and budget. With our diverse range of accommodation options, you’ll find the perfect fit to match your desired level of comfort and style.

Enter the enchanting realm of Botswana, where a spectrum of choices awaits. Picture yourself immersed in rustic yet luxurious accomodations on our Delta, Rivers, and Falls, where you can witness nature’s wonders unfold directly from your lodge. Or indulge in the epitome of safari opulence on the a safari connoisseurs dream Platinum Botswana, where every aspect of your stay surpasses expectations. The camps and lodges not only boast exquisite design and sustainability but with our Make Travel Matter experiences – you get more, and your travels benefit local wildlife and communities.

For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, consider the option to take over entire camps, lodges, or indulge in a villa experience. Our Extraordinary South Africa safari is a prime example, where you can reside at Ellerman House, surrounded by South Africa’s largest private art collection. Enjoy private tours at the new Groobos Forest Lodge Villa, and explore the wonders of Sabi Sabi with a dedicated host, chef, spa therapist, field guide, and tracker.

Myth Four: Africa Isn’t Safe and Inclusive for Everyone

*Marsha, one of our safari specialists, explores Kimirongo Market in Kigali*

Reality: Traveling to Africa, where homosexuality is banned in some countries, may give some LGBTQ+ travelers pause. However, progress has been made to protect gender identity and preferences in many countries, including legalized same-sex marriage in South Africa, Botswana and the Seychelles.

With African Travel, knowledgeable guides prioritize your safety during wildlife encounters, allowing you to immerse yourself in Africa’s landscapes and wildlife. We collaborate with lodges and experiences to create safe spaces that embrace travelers of all ages, family compositions, sexual orientations, and identities. Our goal is to provide unforgettable experiences tailored to your needs.

Rwanda stands out as a safe destination known for warm hospitality and inclusivity. Named one of the world’s safest countries and a top destination for solo female travelers, Rwanda offers peace and security.

Discover specialized safaris like LGBTQ+ Pride Safaris and Family Safaris, tailored to ensure your safety and provide an environment where you can be your authentic self, creating cherished memories with your loved ones.

“Lodges, camps, and hotels throughout Africa have been leading the way in hiring diversity and investing in communities,” Sherwin says. “Our goal is to take travelers into the heart of Africa, including those places that focus on inclusion and sensitivity.”

Myth Five: Planning a Trip to Africa is Hard

*With 45 years of experience in crafting unforgettable safaris African Travel is your trusted one-stop shop*

Reality: Planning a safari to Africa can be daunting and overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to start. However, African Travel is an exclusive expert in African travel, with over 45 years of experience in crafting unforgettable journeys. We are your trusted one-stop shop, offering comprehensive services that cover every aspect of your trip. From flights to accommodations, transfers to special experiences, and even private guides, we have you covered.

Whether you prefer to join one of our Classic Collection small group departures or wish to customize every detail of your adventure, African Travel provides seamless planning and expert guidance. We take the time to understand your unique preferences and desires, ensuring that your trip exceeds expectations.

Worried about mobility or have health concerns? Rest assured that we have options available, especially in South Africa, to cater to your specific needs. Our team is well-versed in handling visa requirements and providing guidance on necessary inoculations, taking the stress out of travel logistics.

With African Travel by your side, you can navigate the vast landscape of Africa with ease. Let us handle the intricate details, while you focus on immersing yourself in the beauty and wonder of this extraordinary continent.

ABOUT AFRICAN TRAVEL, INC. – “WE KNOW AFRICA”
African Travel, Inc. is the longest established luxury safari operator based in the US focused exclusively on the African continent. With staff across North America and in Africa, we create tailor-made safaris. Through our #MakeTravelMatter program and partnership with The TreadRight Foundation, and are committed to help the people, wildlife and planet. Each safari supports a child’s education or wildlife conservation project. African Travel is an awarded safari company and a proud member of The Travel Corporation (TTC), a family-owned company with 103 years of expertise in luxury travel.

10 Surprises from African Safaris

By Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.)

An African safari is a lifetime dream for many travelers drawn to the wildlife, game drives, and endless vistas.

Overseas Adventure Travel presents the safari experience through the eyes and lenses of two Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) travelers, Barbara Robert and Petra Graves. Their photos bring would-be adventurers up close and personal to the unforgettable and surprising sights of safari life.

O.A.T.’s Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari is one of its popular safaris. The trip is 17 days, with 12 nights in tented camps and lodges, and up to 19 game-viewing drives. Travelers visit Kafue National Park in Zambia, Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

1.Views from above — “Floating over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, we witnessed a large pod of hippos gathered in the ever-shrinking pools during the Dry Season,” said Barbara Robert, who traveled with O.A.T. on its Safari Serengeti: Tanzania Lodge & Tented Safari in October 2016. Safari Serengeti is a 13-day safari, including four nights in a private O.A.T. camp and up to eight game-viewing drives. Highlights include Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, the largest unflooded caldera in the world.

2. Cooling off — “Late October is the peak of the Dry Season,” said Robert. “These zebras weren’t drinking — they were just having a spa moment! This scene was somewhere in the Serengeti of Tanzania.”

3. It’s the little things — The “Wet Season” brings out the frogs in the Okavanga Delta of Botswana. “This fellow, balanced on a reed, was photographed while on a mokoro (type of canoe) ride through the narrow channels of the Delta,” said Robert, who traveled with O.A.T. on its Ultimate Africa in 2017.

4. Girls and goats — Driving in Tanzania from Tarangire National Park to the Serengeti, Robert met this young Maasai herder with her goats. “The young boys tend the cattle, the girls get the goats,” she recalled.

5. Oh, the birds! Travelers expect to be excited to see game on safari. Discovering myriad beautiful birds with their incredible colors may come as a surprise. This photo by O.A.T. traveler Petra Graves illustrates the wonder of our winged friends.

6. Always keeping watch — Petra Graves’ lens captured this lion on alert, well-positioned to spot potential prey and dangers in the vast landscape. Graves has traveled on O.A.T.’s Ultimate Africa.

7. Close encounters — “Out of the lush green bush appeared this large pachyderm. We paused in hushed wonder,” said Robert. She captured this scene in Botswana during the “Green Season,” which refers to the warm rainy months in Africa, a period that varies depending on the region.

8. Luck of Mother Nature – Barbara Robert shot this photo on the Chobe River in Botswana during the rainy season. “If it hasn’t rained for four days, the elephants will come to the river to drink. There is plenty of water in the puddles in the forest, but after four days it has gone foul and not fit to drink. Smart elephants! Had we been there a day earlier, there would have been no elephants at the river.”

9. Migration – “The wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is something to behold,” marveled Robert. “Our guide at the end of the day asked, ‘How many animals do you think you saw today?’ The answer: Not a few thousand but, tens of thousands!”

10. African sunsets – This stunning image by Petra Graves illustrate the striking colors of the sunset along with the serendipity of birds in flight at just the right moment.

Plan your dream vacation to Africa at https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/africa

About Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T)

Overseas Adventure Travel is the leader in personalized small group adventures on the road less traveled. Serving all travelers over 50, the company is known for its expertise in solo travel. Each group is 8-16 travelers, with an average of 13, on land adventures and 20-25 travelers, with an average of 22, on small ship adventures. O.A.T. is committed to changing people’s lives through travel by providing immersive cultural experiences that take travelers off the tourist track to witness and participate in the real side of a destination. O.A.T.’s focus on Learning & Discovery engages travelers with new, rich experiences, such as meeting local people and learning about their lives and cultures in 80 countries. Visit oattravel.com to learn more.

Meaningful Family Safari

By: African Travel Inc.

An African safari is a unique bonding opportunity with loved ones. Children will be awestruck as the giraffe, zebras and elephants of their textbooks are brought to life. Parents or grandparents will love seeing the kids gain new insights, while experiencing diverse cultures. What better way to inspire our future global citizens?

Whether traveling with young children, teenagers or several generations, African Travel’s safari specialists can guide you to select the right destination, and personalize a family safari based on ages and interest while making your travels matter.

Here are some tips to plan the perfect safari while making travel matter.

Where to Start?

Choose a destination, then decide on pace, and experiences. Some families are very active and prefer constant engagement, while other families, prefer longer stays with less packing and unpacking.

*Kids on a Safari in* *Sha*mwari – *Photo Courtesy of African Travel Inc.*

Mixed Ages & Young Families

Activities are fun and engaging, while being educational. Little ones will be amazed to learn that dung beetles roll dung 250 times their own weight. They will squeal with laughter at the donkey like braying sounds of the African Penguin.

Something we often hear is kids need to be kept busy so that they don’t get bored. Southern Africa Through a Child’s Eyes is tailored to meet the special needs of families especially those with kids that would enjoy a kid’s club. Sabi Sabi’s Elefun Center supervised ranger led activities teach kids about bush survival, and bugs CSI, while parents can relax and enjoy the incredible safaris, or have a pamper session in the spa.

Adding a few days in Victoria Falls offers an exciting land and water safari option for families and kids of all ages.

Something for Everyone

South Africa offers a well-rounded experience, with cosmopolitan cities, a rainbow nation of richly diverse cultures and spectacular scenery. Combined with high quality malaria free safari options, this is the perfect destination for families with both young and older kids.

Families will have the experience of a lifetime on our Family Safari in South Africa. This safari satisfies adventurous city and bush interests while relaxing at beautiful places and beaches, learning the importance of conservation at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. For younger kids, a dedicated Kids Adventure Centre will keep children entertained with zipline, cookie decorating, rock climbing walls and climbing towers. Older kids can enjoy walking safaris and exploring the Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary and everyone can go behind the scenes to meet the passionate wildlife caretakers at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

*Camp Moremi – Photo Courtesy of African Travel Inc.*

Tweens and Teens

Boring textbook biology is brought to life on nature walks and game drives with experienced guides. Surrounded by the sounds and smells of nature, learn about medicinal herbs, animal tracks, and micro ecosystems, and how everything is inter-connected.

Botswana is the benchmark when it comes to sustainable ecotourism practices in Africa. Access to these pristine settings and stunning landscapes are generally by light aircraft. Accommodations for the most part are tented, best suited for families with tweens and older children. Made for soft adventure, Best of Botswana explores the Okavango Delta’s secret channels on boat rides and traditional dugout canoes and the seasonal floodplains in 4×4 safari drives.

Multi-Generational Families

Enjoy the simple pleasures, like the serenity of a sunrise over the savanna, fiery sunsets and starry nights around a campfire, sharing the day’s adventures.

Kenya, the birthplace of the safari is also a magical place for all family members. The Family Safari in Kenya tour is perfect for all ages and is all about extraordinary wildlife and true adventure in style and safety. While staying at family owned lodges, rewild the kids, meet the local Maasai, and participate in wildlife conservation projects. Bring your kids to Kenya’s first Bush School for children and for older family members accompany the antipoaching ranger unit to learn about game counts, de-snaring and tracking.

A Family Safari in Tanzania is a wonderful engaging experience for both young and the young at heart. Learn new skills, like shooting with a bow and arrow, or how to start a fire with a stone and twig from a Maasai. At Gibbs Farm, guests can tinker around with the carpenters, the desks can be engraved with a personalized message and families can personally deliver the desks to a school.

At African Travel, we create transformative experiences filled with life changing moments. All trips mentioned include a dedicated team of experts to plan a trip and local Guest Services team available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist while traveling. For every safari, a a contribution is also made to support local communities or wildlife.

For more information or to customize a trip, contact a safari specialist at 800-421-8907 or request a quote.

How to Make the Most of Your Safari Experience

By Megan Murphy, AFAR Ambassador

Africa changes you forever, like nowhere else on Earth. I heard that time and time again from friends, colleagues, and fellow journalists who were touched by the magic of safari. But only now that I’ve been on a Kenya Private Safari with Monograms do I whole-heartedly understand how true that sentiment is.

The extraordinary continent can invigorate your soul, pull at your heartstrings, and change you in many ways—but time spent there can have the most positive impact if you fully embrace the experience. Here are a few ways you can make the most of your African adventure to help ensure that you are forever changed, in the best way imaginable.

Be Present. Be Grateful.

Going on safari may be a once in-a-lifetime experience, so make it a point to soak up every wondrous moment. We live in a technology-driven world, and I encourage any traveler to go on a “digital detox” while on their trip. Sure, you’ll want to snap photos of the fascinating animals and magnificent landscapes, but powering down the phone and turning off the Blackberry (you won’t get WiFi during most game drives anyway, which is a good thing!) is invigorating. You’ll want your eyes wide open to all the amazingness.

Greet your days with gratitude and wonder. Appreciate the beauty of untouched nature. Breathe in the clean, crisp air deeply and consciously. Be fearless and awe-inspired. Cherish every sunrise and sunset and Kenya’s dramatic, ever-changing skies. Slow down and get on “Africa time.” Soak. It. All. In.

Embrace the Local Cuisine

There’s no better way to experience the true culture of a place than through its food. I was pleasantly surprised by the culinary offerings, which were always fresh and flavorful and abundant. Meals included a bounty of tropical fruits, well-prepared vegetables, freshly-baked breads, fragrant Indian-influenced dishes, and decadent desserts, along with local dishes like chapati (doughy flatbread), ugali (cornmeal cake), sukuma wiki (flavored collard greens-kale mixture), nyama choma (assorted roasted meats), and Kenyan goat stew. Being on safari is the perfect time to try something new. Be open minded. And, who knows, you may just come home and miss having curry-spiced chickpeas and roasted tomatoes for breakfast. I certainly do.

On the drinks front, vibrant, freshly-squeezed paw paw (papaya) juice brightened up my mornings. And savoring a daily cup or two of Kenyan coffee (often ranked amongst the world’s best for a reason), which was served with cinnamon-spiced cakes and butter cookies, was such a delight. I fell in love with the coffee’s rich, intense aroma and distinct fruity flavor; of course, I picked up a few souvenir bags to brew at home.

At dinner, why not choose a South African wine? Or try a Tusker beer—I became a big fan of this refreshing pale lager made in Kenya. And my favorite way to cap off the night? Slowly sipping Amarula. Enjoy this sweet cream liqueur made from the African Marula fruit straight over ice, poured in your coffee, or within a dessert-like cocktail. Maisha marefu! (“Cheers!” in Swahili)

Take a Stab at Swahili

Speaking of Swahili… get down with some basics. Kenya is an English-speaking country, since it was colonized by the British, but Swahili is the national language of Kenya, and is spoken by many African populations. Learning new languages—even a few simple words and greetings—is part of the fun of traveling and a great sign of respect to the locals. A warm jambo (hello) goes a long way. As does tafadhali (please) and asante sana (thank you very much).

My favorite commonly-used phrase is hakuna matata (no worries)—any fans of “The Lion King” will get a good chuckle out of that one. I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear every time I heard, or uttered, that problem-free philosophy.

Fun fact: Don Hahn, the producer of “The Lion King,” arrived in Kenya the same day as I did. He originally came to Africa in the early 90s with a team of sketch artists to observe the animals in their natural habitat and get inspiration for his Disney blockbuster. Many of the characters’ names in the film are real Swahili words including simba (lion), rafiki (friend), and pumbaa (foolish).

Get to Know the Locals

Meeting people with a different cultural perspective is always an enlightening experience. Engaging with local residents, and getting to know their customs, traditions, and values, is a fascinating way to expand your level of understanding of the world. I went into my solo safari thinking I’d want to hang with fellow travelers, but found myself drawn to the Kenyan people—they were absolutely lovely, warm, and genuine. Ask questions. Extend compliments. Be open.

Chatting up the bartender at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge in Lake Nakuru led to an introduction to Kenyan Cane rum and the best mojito I’ve ever had in my life. And I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my wonderful, knowledgable, and funny Monogram’s driver-guide, Julius—I learned so much during our time together, which I will always cherish. Connecting with locals was one of the best parts of my journey, and I even made some Kenyan rafiki along the way.

Utilize a Reputable Tour Operator

Without help from the experts (like Monograms), planning a great safari itinerary is nearly impossible—especially if it’s your first time in Africa or you’re going solo. There’s an overwhelming amount of destinations to choose from, and many different types of accommodations and modes of transportation to fit your needs and budget. A trusted tour operator who specializes in African safaris will be able to handle all the details so you can have the best adventure.

I never thought I’d travel to Kenya alone. But I am so glad I did. Monograms took care of everything—from the entire trip itinerary and location transfers to meals and accommodations—to really make it a hakuna matata experience. All I had to do was enjoy every single second and let the African magic happen.

Interested in learning more about Megan’s journey? Read more about it on AFAR.com and check out Monogram’s Kenya Private Safari.

An adventure lover at heart, Megan is a food/bev and travel writer based in New York City. She has contributed to AFAR, Bon Appétit, Clean Plates, Eater, Eat This, Not That!, Fodor’s, Food & Wine, PopSugar, Thrillist and more, and runs her own website. Megan is happiest when embarking on new travel and dining experiences with her beloved family and friends, but also really enjoyed her solo safari.

A Safari North of the Arctic Circle

By John Newton, AFAR Ambassador

Travelers with Quark Expeditions photographing belugas in Cunningham Inlet on Somerset Island

Every year, thousands of travelers head to Africa in the hope of seeing the famous “Big Five” animals—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo—during a stay at one of the continent’s safari camps. Far fewer, only a couple of hundred each summer, travel to Somerset Island, with the goal of spotting the wildlife there. Few places in the world are more remote than Somerset Island, located in Canada’s newest province, Nunavut, carved out from the Northwest Territories in 1999. When I was offered the opportunity to travel there and stay at the Artic Watch Wilderness Lodge on a trip with Quark Expeditions, I knew it was one I couldn’t pass up.

My last trip to the far north of Canada was in 2016, to northern Manitoba, and while I was there I picked up a copy of Barry Lopez’s Arctic Dreams, which I’d recommend to anyone interested in the flora, fauna, and people who live at the edge of the world. Ever since finishing it, I was determined to see the Arctic—and with Lopez’s appreciation for how even the most apparently desolate landscapes are teeming with life, if you learn how to look with a different perspective. Now I would have a chance to travel 500 miles beyond the Arctic Circle, far past the end of the tree line and where the midnight sun doesn’t set from the end of May until the middle of August.

Coming up with a Big Five for Somerset Island is a challenge—there are only three animals that are truly big: beluga whales, polar bears, and musk oxen. My safari check list would be rounded out by some smaller species too: arctic foxes, hares, and lemmings.

My journey to the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge required a stop in Yellowknife, where I saw the animals of the Arctic in taxidermy states at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. The following day, our group of 23 travelers flew just over three hours north of Yellowknife, to a landing strip on uninhabited though immense (it measures some 9,500 square miles) Somerset Island.

Our Arctic safari camp consisted of two rows of guest tents, a main tent where we gathered each morning and evening, and another tent for dining. Every morning we chose from different expeditions, and my focus was on the wildlife. On the first day, I headed out with a group of ten to Polar Bear Point, where our guides were able to spot a tiny white dot on the horizon—a polar bear. Despite the name of the point, it’s not teeming with polar bears. We got within 100 meters or so of the young male polar bear thanks to a quick lesson from our Quebecois guide on how to keep low and approach it as a compact group. Once the bear heard us, he stood up on two legs, sniffed in our direction, rolled on his back, and then wandered away. One down.

Muskoxen on Somerset Island

If Polar Bear Point is an obvious place to look for polar bears, then Muskox Ridge seems like a logical place to search for muskoxen, one of the iconic animals of the Arctic. Though the beasts are skittish, our group that day was led by Tessum Weber, the son of Richard Weber and Josée Auclair, the owners of the lodge. Having spent his childhood summers on Somerset Island, he brings decades of experience to the challenge of approaching muskoxen, and we got close enough to see one stand up on a small hill, in a Lion King like moment, before it continued on its way.

The belugas were both the easiest animals to spot and the most impressive. Each year some 2,000 gather in Cunningham Inlet once the ice breaks. On our third day at the camp, the sun was shining and temperatures in the low 60s, and the belugas seemed to be enjoying the pleasant weather as much as we were. Hundreds of white dots filled much of Cunningham Inlet, and whether sitting on the shore hearing their chirps or kayaking alongside, the sight was breathtaking.

Even when they centuries old, arctic willows grow low to the ground.

While much of my focus was on the animals of the island, the flora is fascinating as well. Exploring Somerset Island was like walking through the early chapters of my botany textbook. It is a landscape of mosses and lichens, the most primitive plants, while other species reflect unique adaptations to the Arctic conditions. Arctic willows that were a hundred years old were still only an inch tall, with no need to grow above other plants competing for sunlight.

Back on my pursuit of the animals on my Arctic checklist, Tessum also took us to two fox dens, where young pups were playing. With the foxes we had to maintain a significant distance and could only watch them through binoculars—a reminder that not every moment needs to be recorded on Instagram. On my last full day on the island, a hare hopped up just a few meters from me before darting off up a hillside. All that remained was the elusive lemming, and despite the guides looking in every lemming hole, I had to leave without seeing one. My exploration of the Arctic isn’t over yet.

Interested in learning more about John’s journey? Read more about it on AFAR.com, the USTOA blog, check out Quark Expeditions Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge itinerary.

John has almost 20 years’ experience in travel, both on staff at Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure and writing for other magazines, newspapers, and websites. He is AFAR’s Branded Content Advisor and the founder of Signal Custom Content, a travel branded content consulting company. In addition to his trip to Nunavut, his 2018 travel plans include Austria, El Salvador, Guanajuato in Mexico, Hungary, Vancouver, and Vietnam.