Every visitor should be able to soak in the surroundings and be inquisitive and this is our goal: to ensure innovative experiences that let travelers explore.

In just over a week, I will be headed on a four-week, four-country trip through Southern Africa, where I will be escorting “explorers” through Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.

And yes, I pinch myself sometimes to make sure this is even possible. I guess I am fortunate to be in a business that takes me into the bush and not always behind a desk.

We plan to visit South Luangwa National Park, the Lower Zambezi, Victoria Falls and the pristine Okavango Delta in Botswana. In addition to the usual game viewing, Africa’s colorful history and culture will be integral parts of the experience. The continent’s travel sector is often looked at through a single lens. Wild life is beautiful and important, but the continent has so much more to offer in terms of the people and culture.

It is possible to visit the spectacular game parks on any given day and come across young herdsmen who are permanent inhabitants there. In even casual interactions, a visitor can observe the herdsmen’s customs and learn about how they live. In almost the same ways their forefathers did, the herdsmen respect the wildlife and understand their environment. Their sustainable use of resources is often an eye-opening, teaching moment for most western based urban dwellers.

As I’ve walked through village markets and tried to understand the local residents’ thoughts and perceptions of the world, I’ve come to see how linked we all are. For many Africans, one of their proudest moments was the 2008 election of American President Barack Obama!

You can follow my trip on Africa.com as well as on the Immersion Journeys Facebook page as I report from the field.

Immersion Journeys’ trips show you not only the best that the African continent offers but also a practical and well balanced view of vibrant and thriving cities, village market places and incredibly well-educated people. These types of immersion programs help to change negative perceptions about Africa. Furthermore, one can stay at a luxury hotel or lodge in a totally safe area surrounded by all the necessary amenities and the internet, where you can get daily briefs from Africa.com on your computer!

About the author: Rumit Mehta is the founder of Immersion Journeys, an award winning specialty boutique tour company, focusing on customized leisure, adventure and academic tours to Africa and South Asia. The Tanzania Tourism Board recently recognized Immersion Journeys with the 2010 Tour Operator of the Year award.

Mehta was born in Kenya, raised in Tanzania and currently resides in New York City. After working in the design and construction field for 13 years, his lingering desire to do work related to Africa took over. Mehta decided to invest in the hospitality and tourism industry and founded Immersion Journeys. Mehta also teaches Tourism Entrepreneurship at Kingsborough Community College CUNY and is a frequent guest speaker and panelist at conferences.