Lizzy

Why Warthogs Always Enter Their Burrows Backward — The Clever Strategy I Learned on A Safari

Why Warthogs Always Enter Their Burrows Backward — The Clever Strategy I Learned While Tracking Them

Last month in South Africa, I had a close call with a warthog — one that could’ve ended badly if I hadn’t learned their unexpected escape tactic just in time. Warthogs may look harmless, but their survival strategy is anything but. Ever wonder why they always enter their burrows backwards? …

Read more

The Strange Mating Ritual of the Dung Beetle — Things You’d Never Believe Unless You Saw Them

The Strange Mating Ritual of the Dung Beetle — Things You'd Never Believe Unless You Saw Them

Love in the animal kingdom takes many strange and wonderful forms, but the dung beetle’s mating ritual stands out as one of the most bizarre and fascinating. Their behaviour is so unexpected that it’s almost unbelievable until you see it for yourself. This is one incredible story from nature that …

Read more

How Hyenas Outsmart Lions: The Surprising Intelligence I Witnessed on a Moonlit Night

How Hyenas Outsmart Lions: The Surprising Intelligence I Witnessed on a Moonlit Night

The first time I saw hyenas outwit lions, it completely changed how I view these misunderstood creatures. On a moonlit night in the African savanna, I watched a clever game unfold — one that proved hyenas aren’t just scavengers; they’re sharp, strategic survivors. The Night That Changed Everything About Hyenas …

Read more

The Secret Reason Giraffes Sleep So Little — What I Discovered During My Observations

The Secret Reason Giraffes Sleep So Little — What I Discovered During My All-Night Observation

Giraffes are known for their long necks and towering presence, but did you know these graceful giants sleep a lot less than most animals? It’s not just because they’re built for grazing all day. After observing them in the wild, and listening to safari guides, I uncovered the surprising reason …

Read more

How I Navigate Language Barriers in Remote African Villages – Communication Tricks That Work

How I Navigate Language Barriers in Remote African Villages — Communication Tricks That WorkRegional languages vary dramatically, even within countries. What works in northern Ghana might not work in the south. Stay flexible and keep learning. Also, written communication often works better than spoken – many people read English or French even if they don't speak it confidently. Emergency Communication Strategies For serious situations, I always carry emergency phrases written in multiple languages: "I need help," "I need a doctor," "Where is the police?" Physical demonstrations work for medical issues, like pointing to where it hurts, mimicking symptoms. I also keep important documents photographed on my phone with translations: passport info, medical conditions, emergency contacts. This has proven invaluable during a medical emergency in rural Mozambique. Your Journey Awaits Navigating language barriers isn’t just about exchanging words — it’s about connecting hearts and minds. These tricks open doors to authentic experiences, showing that communication is as much about listening, observing, and feeling as it is about speaking. Language may separate us, but curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to try can bridge the widest gaps. In Africa’s remote villages, I’ve learned that the best conversations happen when words give way to understanding. If you have any questions about communicating in remote African villages or want to share your own language barrier stories, please leave them in the comments below! I'd love to hear about your creative communication solutions.

Traveling through remote African villages, where dozens of languages and dialects swirl around, can feel like stepping into a whirlwind of sound and mystery. Without a shared language, how do you connect, understand, and truly experience life there? The answer lies in a few simple but powerful communication tricks that …

Read more

Setting Up a Bush Shower That Won’t Attract Predators — My Simple System

how to set up a bush shower

Taking a shower in the African bush sounds like a dream, until you remember you’re sharing the wilderness with lions, hyenas, and other curious creatures. How do you stay clean and safe? After 30+ years camping across the continent, I’ve perfected a bush shower system that lets me stay clean …

Read more

Camping Through Africa’s Rainy Season: How I Stayed Dry

africas rainy season

Water gushed through our campsite as I watched my sleeping bag float away. That was my first — and nearly last — rainy season camping experience in Africa. Twenty years later, I now specifically choose to camp during what most tourists avoid: the wet months. The secret? It’s Africa’s best-kept …

Read more

My Morning Routine When Camping in Big Cat Country — Safety Steps That Could Save Your Life

how to stay safe between big cats

Waking up in the heart of a big cat country isn’t your typical morning — every sound, every shadow feels alive. One wrong move during those vulnerable dawn hours can put you in danger. Knowing how to start the day safely can make all the difference between an unforgettable adventure …

Read more

How to Plan an Overlanding Route That Hits Africa’s Hidden Gems But Avoids the Tourist Traps

How to Plan an Overlanding Route That Hits Africa's Hidden Gems But Avoids the Tourist Traps

Planning an overlanding trip across Africa can feel like juggling a thousand details at once, especially when you want to discover the continent’s hidden gems without getting stuck in the usual tourist traps. Trust me, after years of traveling Africa’s backroads, I’ve learned how to craft routes that lead to …

Read more