The mokoro ride
There were no thundering hooves of fleeing buffalo or barking of zebra this afternoon. Even the coos of the turtle and wood doves were…
Justin Bell
Articles written by Justin Bell
A long, long time ago
As I stand on the western slopes of Ngorongoro Crater looking out over the vast Serengeti Plain, heads of giraffes appear and disappear between…
On safari in the Coronavirus era
Updated on 12 April, 2021 The Serengeti Plains and Ngorongoro Crater, normally almost overrun with visitors at this time of year, are now quiet. …
Traveling in a downturn
I described the wilderness experience as being one of the most essential ingredients to a great safari in an earlier blog post. Over the…
The Wilderness Experience
A safari in the African bush is likely to be one of your most memorable life experiences. It is like no other. Many of…
Nine special areas in Africa
Dave and I have decided to write a series on our favourite areas in Africa. Normally in May we are preparing for upcoming dry…
The Great Migration
It is not easy to describe to someone who has not been what it is like to be in the midst of one of…
Qualities of a Guide
Why does A Step Ahead place such importance on your guide when you travel with us? Recently the travel industry, and especially the luxury…
Family time with chimpanzees
December 2018 I looked out of the window of the Cessna Caravan 12-seater aircraft as it banked and descended. The aquamarine waters of Lake…
Desert Lioness Update (2019)
When I was last in Namibia in January 2018 I was concerned about the chances of survival for the 3 one year old cubs,…
Gorillas, hardship and luxury in Rwanda
Africa is still the Dark Continent. It is replete with mysteries, wonders and misconceptions, among other treasures. Consider Rwanda, for example. This is a…
Silence in the reeds
I sit in a mokoro, or African dug-out canoe, my eyes only a metre above the waterline. My feet are stretched out before me,…