Normally, I write about things that are more directly related to health, but my intention with this column has always been to highlight things that speak to improving our quality of life in some way. Recently, I ran into an acquaintance, Linell Stabler, and learned of the amazing adventures she was having taking people on trips to Africa. I thought, if that doesn’t relate to living life to the fullest, I don’t know what does.
Linell, formerly a leader of the nonprofit, Advancing Communities by Educating and Serving, decided to expand her global travel experiences to southern Africa. Though traveling primarily to Zambia, she also organizes trips to Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Stabler partnered with the Zambian tour company, African Safari Experience (ASE), to escort groups of travel adventurers on safaris and many other African activities such as boat safaris, sunset cruises, and swimming at the top of Victoria Falls. Additionally, the tour company creates immersive experiences with local culture, food, dancing, and specific experiences such as camping in a nature preserve park, feeding elephants, and much more.
“In 2019, I was invited to a dear friend’s African wedding by her family in Cogan Station,” said Stabler. “I jumped at the chance. It was to be held in an African church near a mission in a little village called Zimba, in Zambia, Africa. I’ve traveled internationally before, but never as far away as Zambia.” She went on to say that her friend, Ashley, had arranged with a local safari tour company to entertain the group for a week before the wedding, so they did safaris in vehicles, on foot, in boats, and by helicopter.
The African bush wasn’t anything like she imagined. The terrain was barren, save for the occasional damaged tree and a few large bushes. “I was told that the larger animals-elephants, hippos, giraffes, and rhinos-tend to decimate vegetation pretty quickly,” said Stabler. “So, bouncing along in the open safari vehicle, it was easy to spot herds of elephants off the dirt road, and even crossing the river with only the ends of trunks visible above the water.”
She found it fascinating and even surreal to see all those beautiful animals in their natural habitat and not caged in a zoo. Their small wedding party/family group even traveled to Botswana to tour a huge national park with lots of those same animals, as well as water buffalo and lions. They camped in tents one night in that park and could hear animal sounds off in the distance all night. At the crack of dawn, they had a perfect viewing spot for the animals’ morning drink at the river. Meanwhile, back at the camp, their tour guides had created an amazing breakfast over the open fire. “I felt so pampered – and privileged,” said Stabler.
For several weeks before the trip, Stabler thought specifically about the bungee jump from the Victoria Falls bridge. “Even after I checked in at the registration table and was fitted with the jump harness, I really hadn’t made up my mind. But Eric, one of the other travelers, dared me to jump with him. So, I did, and I was hooked! I’ve done it once since then and plan to do it again this August.” Another adrenaline activity that has captured Stabler’s attention is swimming at the edge of Victoria Falls. “The boat ride, the breakfast at the edge, the ‘Loo With A View’ all make an unforgettable impact,” said Stabler. “I was in touch with a PA friend during that trip, fussing about all the work that I wasn’t getting done, being away for almost two weeks. He said, ” Think about the magnitude of where you are and what you’re doing. That’s been my approach ever since.”
After her first trip, the tour guide, Steve, asked Stabler to consider becoming the company representative in the US to organize trips to Zambia. It didn’t take long for her to say yes. Since that first trip, she has returned to Livingstone, Zambia, five times, with the sixth one coming up in August. “It’s extremely rewarding to watch my newcomer travelers’ own reactions to all the incredible experiences that I’ve had,” said Stabler.
Stabler has also become involved with a small non-governmental preschool operated by Canadian Tammy Raymond in Livingstone. “I always encourage our travelers to take along some kind of school donation for the Baobuyu Learning Center that would likely not be obtainable there in Livingstone,” said Stabler. “Those donations are always much appreciated. Many of the Learning Center students are from single-parent or no-parent families and are supported by many kind-hearted, international donors.” The Baobuyu Learning Center is also a community center that offers different kinds of training and support groups to the neighborhood. “My travelers are always amazed by what Tammy and her staff are able to accomplish with limited resources.”
According to company literature, African Safari Experience (ASE) is a safari tour company based in Livingstone, Zambia, Africa. Covering Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, ASE offers personalized safari tours and itineraries, including tours around Victoria Falls. ASE creates and offers customized packages for each traveler to maximize the best African Safari experience possible. ASE has informed and experienced staff on the ground to assist each traveler from the moment of arrival in the country.
Though the thought of the long trip, nearly 18 hours in the air, can be daunting, Stabler maintains that the rewards and experiences are well worth it. “Not once in my life did I ever imagine that I would even want to go to Africa. Now, it’s the highlight of my year!”
This year’s opportunity to participate in this adventure will be August 14-26, 2026. After that, the next group will be April 5-17, 2027. For more information, call Linell Stabler at 570-419-1218 or set up an appointment to meet in person.
