START PLANNING YOUR SABBATICAL >>
Step out of your normal routine and see the world through a lens of possibility.
“Being immersed in new experiences and natural settings replenishes the whole person. It’s the best remedy to re-inspire minds, rejuvenate bodies, and re-ignite spirits. When my kids were young, I took them on a sabbatical for a month to Mauritius. It is an experience we often talk about and dream of repeating.” Marco van Embden, CEO, Timeless Africa Safaris
A sabbatical is a personal gift to reconnect to self, to loved ones, and to the world around you.
Timeless Africa Safaris brings a curious and creative approach to understanding individual needs, interests and desires to create once-in-a-lifetime sabbatical experiences. We match Africa to people’s palate and wallet; ensuring sabbatical-travellers can take full advantage of the gift they give themselves by taking an extended break from their normal lives.
We help you streamline and save on your sabbatical so you can really go wild.
Sabbaticals are on the rise as more and more people recognise how rewarding and beneficial time out can be. Couples, families and solo travellers are typically spending 1-3 months exploring Africa, and doing it in style. “Your sabbatical should be as unique as you are,” says Marco, CEO and lifelong traveller. “It can be intimidating trying to filter through the options and match them to your budget.” He and his team have over 20 years of on-the-ground expertise in sabbatical planning.
Understanding the what/where/when/why of sabbaticals.
Many modern-day people struggle to know where work ends and life begins, as they spend the bulk of their time in their working environment. Sabbaticals are essentially an extended break away from work that creates the space to reset, put health and family first, and reignite passions.
TAS tips to make your sabbatical even more meaningful and memorable:
- Choose a unique destination
- Invite friends to join you along the way
- Learn new things
- Pursue authenticity
- Stay in as few hotels as possible
- Employ a photographer to capture the most precious moments
- Make time to write
- Share your journey on a personal sabbatical website that links to social media
- Slow down the pace
- Stay flexible
The reasons for taking a sabbatical
You could be at a career crossroad, suffering burnout, want to explore self-development, live with less, reconnect with people, or come to terms with big life changes.There are numerous proven benefits, including preventing stress and improving health and productivity.
You may find yourself wavering over work, family, home, finances and health; but remember fear is normal and almost all challenges can be overcome. Time out from your regular routine allows you to gain perspective, gather strength, contemplate, recharge, and return with new energy. Career, kids schooling and all the other complications have a way of working out, with a bit of time and distance.
The freedom to pursue unique experiences
For many people, a sabbatical is the one time that they can do the things they have always dreamed of, unhindered by the constraints or circumstances of everyday life. It differs from person to person. Some want sleep, downtime, self-nurturing. Others are looking to reawaken curiosity, gain new skills, and get fresh insights into what they offer the world. If you have young kids or teenagers, we can work them into your plans and their lives will be infinitely richer for it.
Do you dream of adventure such as tracking big game, scuba diving in a fresh water lake, climbing a mountain? Or do you just want to relax on the beach for days, read all the books you never had the time for, loll in a hammock, and do very little? Some of the awesome sabbaticals goals we’ve seen include:
- Be immersed in a different culture such as the San first nation’s people in the Kalahari, Botswana
- Run with a tribesman through the wild Maasai Mara
- Learn a new skill, like sailing traditional dugout boats in Kenya
- Get back to nature through walking safaris, kayaking with hippos or diving in Mozambique
- Seek out wellness and mindfulness in a remote retreat
- Give back by getting involved in conservation and community initiatives such as building a school or rhino tagging
- Spend time with family taking part in activities that show kids a broader perspective and keep them grounded
Best of all, as sabbaticals give you the luxury of time, you don’t need to choose and can combine them all.