How can you beat a drive through a landscape like this? This is a typical road in the Samburu Reserve in Kenya, one of the most unspoiled places in Africa.

Africa is in the news a lot lately. Unfortunately we usually only hear the bad news, and as a consequence travellers will once again be fearful of landing anywhere on its shores.

We tend to view Africa as a volatile place, but we tend to forget that Africa is a vast continent composed of many countries and many influences. In North America we have a short timeline and history, but countries in Africa have to contend with centuries of culture clashes, both internal and from external sources.

However, quite a few countries remain fairly stable, and we can continue to hope that the organizations working so hard for stability in other countries are able to create the change necessary to achieve it.

Having visited Africa four times and having enjoyed its beauty and warmth firsthand in many different countries, I believe all efforts to effect change are well worth the effort, no matter how many setbacks.

One planet-wide organization that is surely on the right path is the Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions. You can read their recent blog called The Parliament and URI Call for Peace and Prayers in Africa.

Don’t be afraid to visit Africa! You’ll come back a different person. Travelzoo has just posted a great trip to South Africa with an add-on to Victoria Falls, truly one of the wonders of the world and one of my favourite places in Africa. See our article on what safaris are like and how to prepare for one.

This trip includes airfare from Toronto, which a significant cost, so it’s a very good deal, and although the itinerary only includes 3 game drives, it’s a nice overall mix. As you have a couple of free afternoons in Vic Falls, you may want to consider some of the many adventure activities in the area – see a great selection at Safari Par Excellence, in particular the Lion Encounter, where you can actually do a bush walk with young lions as part of a conservation program. It’s like nothing else you’ll ever experience!