| A recession, by its very nature, is a prolonged | | | | at all. In other words, travellers are urged to |
| period of intense stress for most of us. Bank | | | | enjoy the opulence of the bush at their own pace |
| balances are dwindling, opportunities are all but | | | | - a snail’s pace, if necessary. |
| disappearing and debt levels are rising to untenable | | | | The beauty of visiting game parks anywhere in |
| levels. Instead of creeping into our proverbial shells | | | | Southern Africa is the relatively low cost of |
| and licking our fiscal wounds, however, the healthy | | | | accommodation and entrance fees. Sure, five-star |
| alternative is simply to take a break. | | | | lodges abound for the affluent but there are |
| It is arguably at these difficult times that we need | | | | cheaper alternatives - self catering rondavels, |
| to re-charge our batteries and take a look at life, | | | | bungalows or even camp sites. The much-vaunted |
| not through the jaundiced eye, but with | | | | big 5 safari may sound like an expensive and |
| untrammelled hope and positive intent. How many | | | | exotic option but in reality it is as cheap or as |
| times do we return from holiday with a totally | | | | expensive as you want to make it. |
| different and positive view of life? | | | | Lower rates are a reality in a recession |
| Soothing, green environments are the answer | | | | Bear in mind the recession is not a beast that has |
| Research has shown how green, natural | | | | attacked you and you alone. Everybody from |
| environments are the soothing answer to many | | | | Richard Branson to Warren Buffett is affected. |
| of our woes. Somehow, by communing with | | | | Granted, their battles may well be puny compared |
| nature, an environment not governed by time, we | | | | to what you and I have to square off against, but |
| allow ourselves to prioritise our needs and wants. | | | | the reality is that all businesses are under the |
| In the middle of the African bush, for instance, | | | | proverbial cosh and are lowering rates and |
| the fact that our luxury 4x4 has been | | | | offering all sorts of incentives in an effort to |
| repossessed seems to lose importance and | | | | entice the ever-diminishing client base. |
| instead we marvel at the sheer simplicity of | | | | Simply go online and shop around for the best |
| nature, where only food and shelter are priorities. | | | | African safari specialist that can organise you |
| Safari holidays are run on ‘African Time’ | | | | budget flights, scheduled tours, accommodation |
| Southern Africa is, arguably, the perfect | | | | and even transport. Put all the recession worries |
| destination for those of us suffering from | | | | on hold and make for an African safari; it could |
| burn-out and financial fear. Safari holidays are run | | | | very well be the best investment you ever make |
| on ‘African Time’ i.e. effectively no time | | | | for you and your family! |