safety

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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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How I Filter Water from African Rivers Without Getting Parasites — My Tried and Tested Method

How I Filter Water from African Rivers Without Getting Parasites — My Tried and Tested Method

Finding clean water in Africa’s wild is one of the biggest challenges a traveler can face. The rivers look inviting, but hiding in those clear waters are tiny threats that can ruin your trip, or worse. After many adventures and a few mistakes, I discovered a method to filter river …

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Dealing with Corrupt Officials: How I Navigate Border Crossings in Africa Without Paying Bribes

how to cross african borders without bribes

Crossing borders in Africa can be one of the most unpredictable parts of a trip. Sometimes it’s smooth sailing, and other times, you find yourself staring down officials expecting a little “extra” just to let you pass. Over years of travel, I’ve picked up ways to navigate these tricky moments …

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How to Decode Animal Tracks: The Time I Found a Leopard’s Kill by Reading the Ground

How to Decode Animal Tracks: The Time I Found a Leopard's Kill by Reading the Ground

Tracking animals in the wild is like reading a secret story written on the earth. One day, while wandering through a remote part of Africa, I discovered a leopard’s kill — not by spotting the animal itself, but by carefully reading the footprints and signs left behind. That moment opened …

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Setting Up Camp in Lion Territory: My Night-Time Routine That Kept Me Safe

Setting Up Camp in Lion Territory: My Night-Time Routine That Kept Me Safe

You’ve set up camp under the African sky, surrounded by the sounds of the wild. But there’s one problem — you’re in lion territory. As the sun sets, the atmosphere shifts. Every rustle in the bushes, every distant roar, seems magnified. How do you stay safe when you’re in the …

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