Did you know that experiencing awe is good for you? It goes beyond just feeling good: it actually provides health benefits, as noted by researchers. We recently learned of a 2023 Harvard study that found that spending just 15 minutes in nature can improve mental health.
Other studies have found that experiencing moments of awe can provide surprising health benefits, like lowering cortisol (and levels of stress), reducing inflammation, and having soothing effects on the nervous system. It can even expand your perception of time, making moments feel longer. The result? Feeling fully present and more grounded, and an overall boost in well-being.
Does that mean going on safari is good for you?
On safari, you’re immersed in the outdoors at every moment. During the day, you roam the Serengeti’s wide-open plains spotting wildlife and experiencing the natural beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes. When your accommodations are Thomson’s custom-designed tents, you take in the sounds and sensations of the Serengeti even when you’re resting. If researchers say even 15 minutes in nature can give you positive benefits, imagine what more than a week on safari could do.
And there’s no shortage of awe when you’re on safari. Here are some of our favorite awe-inspiring moments we hear about all the time from our guests:
That first deep breath of fresh Tanzanian air the moment you step off the plane—it’s unforgettable.
Sitting on your veranda with a cup of coffee while giraffes wander across the horizon.
Listening to zebras and wildebeest munching grass just outside your tent—so close you can almost reach out and touch them.
Floating over the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon at sunrise, feeling completely at peace.
Spotting a rare nocturnal animal darting across the path on a nighttime wildlife drive.
Taking a long, blissful outdoor shower at Gibb’s Farm.
Gazing at a night sky bursting with stars, more brilliant than anything you’ve ever seen.
Watching Maasai warriors dance, feeling their energy, pride, and tradition in every step.
Seeing a newborn animal wobble on its first steps—so fragile, yet so full of life.
Laughing around a campfire with your guides and fellow travelers, sundowners in hand, feeling like you’ve known them forever.
The Lasting Awe of a Tanzanian Safari
Research aside, we already knew that safari creates lasting change in travelers. There is nothing quite like spending time in Tanzania to make you feel deeply connected to the world around you: the landscape, the wildlife, and the people we share the planet with. Experiencing that special connection is transformative for the soul: we’ve heard it countless times from guests, and we’ve experienced it ourselves.
If you’re looking for new ways to take good care of your body and mind in the New Year, we recommend putting a safari on your resolution list. Science says you might get some mind and body health benefits in the process, and we promise there’s a whole lot of awe-inspiring moments in store for you waiting in Tanzania.