Have you ever heard someone say that they are going on a safari? Have you ever wondered what they mean when they use the word safari? This blog post gives you the answer.
Well, first off, it is pronounced just the way it sounds:
Suh – Fahr – EE.
The word is derived from an Arabic word – Safar, believed to have developed between 1885-1890. The meaning of Safar is used very much today the same as it was, back in the day. Safar means to take a journey. Typically, when someone is taking a trip to an exotic land somewhere in Africa, they say they are going on a safari.
Three definitions of safari
Dictonary.com defines safari as a journey or expedition, for hunting, exploration, or investigation especially in Eastern Africa. It includes: the hunters, guides, vehicles, equipment, etc. (all the stuff you need) when forming an expedition or going on a long or adventurous journey or expedition.
Cambridge Dictionary defines safari as: An organized journey to look at or sometimes hunt wild animals especially in Africa.
American Dictionary defines safari as: A trip to watch, photograph or hunt wild animals in their natural environment. The example given is: For his vacation he plans to go on safari in Kenya.
Thesaurus – Synonyms of safari
The thesaurus gives words synonymous to the word safari. These words include:
- Activity holiday
- Booking into somewhere
- Guidebook destination
- Holiday
- Timesharing
- Trailer camping
- Youth hosteling
Safari today
It is amazing that the meaning of safari has expanded to mean so many different things. Today, taking a safari means doing more than just taking a journey. It relates to going somewhere and doing something. So, while the meaning of safari seems to relate to old world caravans of yesteryear and arduous long journeys to the deep unknown, it also relates to holidays and vacations on sandy beaches, timeshares in faraway countries and camping lodges at a nearby river front.
Safari has morphed into what we know as tourism today. So, whatever you choose to do on your travels, remember to make it more than just taking a journey. It is not the destination that matters, but the experiences you gain as you explore, discover and experience new things, new places and new people. No matter if the journey is in your home town, a town away or a country away, you will be going on a safari.
Inspired?
Hope you are inspired. Join us as we explore the world of safaris. The world is open to you to discover. We’ll see you on the next safari.
