Category: African Safari

Africa Ultimate – The Safari Guide

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For nature lovers there can be no greater bucket list ingredient than a trip to Africa to view nature in its full glory. Not confined behind bars or in a sanitized ‘Safari Park’, but rather as Mother Nature has intended – Red in Tooth and Claw as Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote in his masterpiece ‘In Memoriam’ in 1850.

Although Tennyson was actually speaking about human beings the same could be applied to Africa and the animals that dwell in massive number on its Savannah.

The fact of the matter is that although many other continents can claim off ‘safaris’ the only one can lay claim to the real thing – and that is Africa.

So for those who want to experience the unbridled ferocity and grandeur that is nature in Africa what are the best – or ultimate safari destinations?

There can be no doubt that for the visitor to Africa who wants to experience nature at its rawest the best place to be is the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya.

Here one can experience masses and concentrations of animals unlike that anywhere on the African continent. Here one finds plains teeming with herbivores and the animals that prey on them – and during the migration season more than 2.5 million animals start to make their way to literally greener pastures and that’s when the greatest show on Earth starts.

During this migration, these vast herds start to move and only the very lucky or fittest will reach the new fields of fresh fodder that will sustain them for their trip back.

Waiting in ambush are all the predators that call this stretch of Africa their home – including the dreaded Nile Crocodile at river crossing which interrupt the migration path. The crossing of the migrating animals is a spectacle that is both bloody and not easily forgotten.

For those who are looking for another truly unique adventure and a safari that will live in memory for the rest of the visitor’s life, there is, of course, the unforgettable experience of the Okavango Delta.

The Delta in Botswana is fed by seasonal rains which bring masses of the game to its rich and shallow waters. this is an area that is roughly the same size as the state of Israel – it is by no means inconsequential.

But perhaps the greatest draw of the Delta is the fact that normally land-bound animals are forced to experience a semi-aquatic lifestyle during the flooding.

One can experience elephant, of course, hippo and various antelope species, as well as baboons that make their way through the myriad of channels that characterize the Delta during the wet season.

A safari to the Delta is unforgettable as one is guided through those channels to encounter wildlife in the raw. However, for many, the most wonderful experience is the fishing in the Delta. The aptly named Tigerfish haunts fish waters in pursuit of prey species and that beast whether taken on a traditional tackle or on the fly provides the fisherman with an experience which he or she will not soon forget.

Of course, the presence of some of the largest crocodiles in the world lends an extra spice to any adventure. Be it sightseeing in a mokoro (an open log boat) or casting a line for one of the many species of fish that inhabit the Delta the presence of that apex predator gives an extra air of excitement to any expedition.

Of course, an honorable mention must go to the Kruger National Park in South Africa – this enormous reserve is renowned as being one of the greatest in Africa and for a very good reason.

The park is easily accessible and is enormous in extent. The visitor can expect to encounter all of the ‘Big Five’. as well as experience some unique ecosystems. This truly is one of the most magnificent venues for those who enjoy wildlife. Self-drive, accommodation at a campsite or putting ones feet up at a luxury lodge the Kruger National Park really does have it all.

For those who want to get under the skin of what really makes Africa tick then there can be no better way to do that than a safari – get your boots on and get there today.

Africa Unleashed – The 4 Greatest Safari Destinations

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There can be no doubt that Africa is the premier destination for safaris in the world. There may be other pretenders to the throne such as Dubai which offers desert safaris or Asia which offers elephant back rides to see tigers in the wild. However, the truth of the matter is that there can be no challenge to Africa as the premier safari destination in the world.

This the continent where people travel if they want to see wildlife in its true natural habitat. This is where wildlife and especially the so-called ‘Big Five‘ can be found in surroundings just like those which were experienced by the first white explorers and hunters who visited what was then called the ‘Dark Continent’.

However, there are safari destinations in Africa which stand head and shoulders above the rest. So if you are planning a trip to the wild and magnificent African continent and want to be immersed in the flora and fauna of this magnificent continent what are the four greatest safari destinations for the true nature lover?

The answer is that there are numerous regions that offer an incredible wildlife experience – however, there can be only a few that will create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve – Kenya.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a microcosm of what Africa was when it was still untamed wilderness. The game ranges freely across what is now a massive plain of grasslands. But what makes it that special place is the annual migration of millions of animals in search of new pastures and grasslands as they move between Kenya and Tanzania. Safari lovers flock to see this mass migration and the chilling spectacle of when herds of herbivores try to cross rivers populated by Nile Crocodile.

2. Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Botswana.

This is where Africa can be experienced at its rawest and most ferocious. This is a place where the San – who used to be known as Bushmen still roam some of the most unforgiving spaces on the planet. It is also a place where the seeker after an Africa which has been long forgotten will find their dreams. Here the visitor will find select game lodges which do not rely on ultra-luxury four by four vehicles to provide guests with an African experience. Here it is man vs nature. For those in search of Africa in the raw, this is the place to visit. This is a place that when the low grumble of a night hunting pack of lions is heard one can be assured that help is far, far away. It teaches a new respect for Africa.

3. Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area – Tanzania

Spooned into this massive area is a concentration of wildlife that it would be impossible to find in any other place on the face of the planet. The crater of this extinct volcano forces vast herds of Wildebeest and other herbivores, as well as the animals that make their meals from them into close proximity. there can be no other place on Earth where the interactions between predator and prey can be so closely observed. This is a place where the ‘Big Five’ – Lion, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Rhino, and Leopard can all be spotted in a single day.

4. Etosha National Park – Namibia.

The stark beauty of Namibia is offset by the tremendous variety of wildlife that can be found in the country – and nowhere is this more apparent than in the Etosha National Park.

Star of the show, aside from the numerous watering holes which draw enormous numbers of species is the Etosha Pan after which the park is named. This dried salt lake bed cover around 25% of the park. In the park, every one of the ‘Big Five’ can be spotted and the waterholes make the experience both fascinating and educational.

Of course, these four countries and parks are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to enjoying what Africa has to offer as far as a safari destination is concerned. there are many more attractions for the nature lover – but as far a great start is concerned one could do no better.

 

Out Of Africa – The Top 3 African Safari Experiences

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For nature lovers there can be no greater delight than seeing animals in their natural environment and for those who want the thrill of a lifetime the best destination to do this is without doubt Africa.

The African safari experience has been enjoyed by thousands of people who have marveled at sights and sounds of some of the most impressive animals and natural vistas on the face of the planet.

However for those who want to enjoy that once in a lifetimes safari experience there really is only one question that needs an answered which is the best safari experience that money can buy?

Here are three of the top safari experiences that can be enjoyed on the African continent.

1. Group Travel.

With more and more families and groups of friends choosing to spend time together on safari the choice of which destination to choose becomes extremely important. For these types of groups, the option of group travel to either Botswana or Zimbabwe are highly recommended.

A sample itinerary for a trip to these two countries would include stops in the magnificent Okavango Delta and Chobe in Botswana, Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

Accommodation choices vary but can include luxury family tents which hearken back to the days of the first explorers to venture into these parts of Africa – a treat for young and old alike.

However, Botswana has become extremely pricey so many travelers are also investigating safari options in Namibia which is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Sometimes the best way to travel as a large group is by bus. There are lots of options for African online bus tickets available on the web.

2. For Honeymooners.

The romance of Africa is well known to provide some of the most long-lasting memories for newlyweds and the sheer variety of the experiences available means that a honeymoon in Africa will provide an experience that will simply never be forgotten.

The beauty of the honeymoon experience is that it can start in one of the most beautiful cities in the world – Cape Town in South Africa. The honeymoon couple can explore the city and its astounding nightlife and great natural beauty before setting off to enjoy the flora and fauna to be found at safari destinations further to the North.

Once leaving Cape Town the honeymooners would be well advised to visit the Kruger National Park – one of the worlds top wildlife destinations. The ledges here are world class and for added excitement, there is also the option of staying in a luxury tree house. From there a trip to Mozambique is highly recommended for who want to relax next to azure waters and enjoy pristine beaches and some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the world.

3. The Freedom of Driving.

For those who want to immerse themselves in Africa but still have the freedom to explore at their own pace, there can be few better options than a self-drive safari adventure. One of the best places to enjoy this is Namibia where the haunting deserts and abundant wildlife are the perfect recipes for adventure.

Some of the highest dunes in the world and endless expanses of the unspoiled beach, as well as wildlife that can be found in its natural habitat, make Namibia a premier Safari destination. There’s also no need to rough it the safari infrastructure in the country has developed rapidly and there are some excellent luxury lodges in the country.

As a bonus, a safari in Namibia offers exceptional value for money. The Namibian dollar shares the same value of the South African and so American dollars or Euros make really treating oneself absurdly cheap.