The word «safari» comes from Swahili, taken in turn from an Arabic language term that simply means travel.
This concept began to be used in sub-Saharan Africa from the 18th century to indicate the trips made by merchants who transported all kinds of goods.
After several decades emptying the continent of its most spectacular species, the owners of the land where these types of excursions were carried out realized the mistake they were making and sought a solution to continue making their land profitable.
Currently the term safari still implies the idea of a trip to distant lands, but not for the purpose of trading or hunting, but simply to warn wild animals in a protected area, which are usually nature reserves and national parks.
Most safaris have become profitable expeditions for African wildlife, as travelers, in addition to seeing the fauna of the savannah, also have the opportunity to contribute to its protection, directly or indirectly.
In short, safaris are building a new meaning around sustainable tourism under the motto “take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
