How Has Safari Become a Popular Pastime?
The Oxford Dictionary defines “safari” as “a trip to see or hunt wild animals, especially in East or Southern Africa.” In the West, the word was popularized by British explorer Richard Francis Burton, who traveled through East Africa in the 19th century alongside John Hanning Speke. Burton had a deep interest in the cultures and languages of the people he encountered.
Over time, the word safari spread into many other languages and came to refer broadly to travel and exploration in the wild landscapes of East Africa.
Richard Burton earned fame as an explorer and linguist and became the first English translator of the ancient Indian Kamasutra and the Arabic and Persian tales of One Thousand and One Nights.
Remarkably, he was also one of the few non-Muslims of his time to complete a secret pilgrimage to Mecca, disguising himself as a sheikh or dervish to avoid detection. Burton was the first European to reach Lake Tanganyika, a discovery that left him stunned by the lake’s vast beauty.
How Has Safari Become a Popular Pastime
Another major moment in safari history came with the African expedition of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1909, shortly after his presidency, Roosevelt embarked on a nearly year-long safari with his son and a large team.
Sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution, the expedition focused on science but also included extensive big-game hunting. Newspapers widely published images of Roosevelt hunting, and a documentary film of the trip aired upon his return. He documented the journey in his book, African Game Trails.
Early safaris often centered on hunting, but people have since shifted their focus. Today, safaris emphasize wildlife viewing, photography, conservation, and cultural experiences.
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