Travel and Vacation Digest » Safari

Explore East Africa!

Ed — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:58:01 +0000

The Explore East Africa, 14-night, 15-day tour provides the optimum time and opportunity to see and experience the very best! Beginning in Tanzania, you will soon arrive in Arusha, where your hotel presents a view of Mount Meru.

Your third day will be at the Lake Manyara National Park, located along the Rift Valley escarpment. Lake Manyara National Park, an amazing jungle-like atmosphere within the forest, contains huge herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. In perpetual migration, the Park has an abundance of pink flamingoes.

On your fourth and fifth day, you will stay at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge, where you can view the crater floor from your terrace. There is a day-long crater tour, including a picnic lunch. There, you will start by visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the largest in the world– 3188 meters above sea level, 610 meters deep, covering an area of 325 square kilometers. The area surrounding the crater contains the most dense wildlife population in the world.

Your sixth, seventh and eighth days will be at the world-famous Serengeti Game Reserve. After a stop at the prehistoric Olduvai Gorge, you can take part in the twice-daily game drives, accompanied by experienced guides, giving you the opportunity to have up-close viewing of the wildlife.

The ninth day is a day for your own personal leisure, to catch up on relaxation; and you will stay the night at the fabulous Norfolk Hotel.

You will then have two days at the Samburu Game Reserve. While here, you will stay at the Samburu Serena Lodge, overlooking the crocodile-and-hippo filled Uaso Nyiro River. The twice-daily game drives at the Reserve are a bit different– you will experience being in the presence of wildlife that are quite familiar with tourists and seem to have no objection to being photographed!

Your next stop will be for three days at the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which is Kenya's most outstanding wildlife sanctuary. In addition to more than a million wildebeest and approximately 250,000 zebra, the Masai Mara Game Reserve contains a wide variety of birdlife, mongoose, giraffe, leopard, black rhino, hippo, hyena, gazelle, buffalo, and lion. You will also visit the Maasai Village and be instructed in the culture and lifestyle of the Maasai people.

On your final day of this tour you will lunch at the Carnivore, a game restaurant, and have the remainder of the day for leisure at the Norfolk Hotel before boarding your flight to return home.

For A Delightful Twist, Try An Eco Safari!

Ed — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:11:01 +0000

If you're concerned about the environment and conservation, and would like to be an active participant, an eco-safari could be the right trip for you! There are a variety of tour packages available, so you can choose which one interests you the most.

One exciting eco-safari, Rhino Darting, takes place in the Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa. As the white rhino is one of Africa's endangered species, the purpose is to implant microchips to facilitate tracking these magnificent animals. Guests are taught about how this assists in conservation management, and given the opportunity to take part in the process. Children who are six years of age and older are allowed to participate. The cost of lodging at the Phinda Mountain Lodge for each person per night, sharing, is in the range of ZAR 4470 (the South African Ran monetary unit).

If you're seeking excitement, another eco-safari to consider is that of game capture and relocation. As this has been one of the main parts of species preservation, you might be interested to learn that you can become a part of it by joining the capture teams any time between March and October. The capture and relocation of this game project is one of the best ways of ensuring that endangered species will be sustained; and you can have a hands-on role with rhino, lion, zebra, nyala, impala, and warthog.

The Black Eagle Project Roodekrans was developed for monitoring the black eagles located at the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden. The purpose of this project is to educate the public and to keep track of the breeding cycle of the black eagles. A portion of the fees for this guided tour are returned to the project.

You may also be interested in taking part in an eco-safari game count; although it is essentially self-explanatory, a game count also consists of a short training course to prepare you for what is expected.

While African Safari Travel offers all of the above tour packages, some others you might wish to consider come from EcoVitality. Having a smaller tourist crowd than most other African game parks, Namibia has a large number of cheetah and black rhinos, as well as elephants, leopards, lions, and 450 species of birds. These eco-safaris have been designed for those who have a special concern for conservation, including the need to educate hunters against killing lions. Due to the decline in value of the American monetary rate, the costs for these safari packages are frequently changing. In addition to the safaris focused on preserving African wildlife, appreciating the scenic beauty is also a tourist favorite.

Gorilla trekking may also be to your liking! As there are only approximately 650 mountain gorilla left, this could well be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The nine-day gorilla trekking takes place in four of Uganda's National Parks– Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park; and in addition to the mountain gorilla, you will have sightings of numerous other animals, primates and birds. The current cost of complete tour packages through Eco-Safari's Uganda is not immediately available.

For your own personal participation in wildlife conservation activities, an eco-safari is your best vacation destination!

An Alaska Bush Safari!

Ed — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:46:01 +0000

Although the word "safari" does not usually come to mind when one thinks of Alaska, there are a number of Alaska Bush Safaris which can be an interesting and rewarding experience!

The three-day expedition, which is currently priced at $3750 per person, is a great beginning, and can be extended into the longer tours if you so desire. Beginning and ending in Anchorage, you will see the Harding Ice Field, tide water glaciers, the Cordova fishing village, and the volcanoes of Katmai National Park. The brown bears are plentiful in this area, so be sure to bring your camera!

If you choose the five-day expedition, your trip will also include visits to Lake Clark National Park, Wrangell- St. Elias National Park, the Kodiak Island's rainforests, and museums. You will also have the chance to see the area's active volcanoes. The $5789 per person cost of this expedition includes accomodations at some of Alaska's best inns and wilderness lodges.

If you wish to extend your trip to the seven-day tour, you will also have two days of personal free time as well as being able to visit the "ghost town" of the Kennecott copper mine and abandoned mines.

If National Parks is your preference, you can have up to five days to explore the area's national parks, which include the Katmai,which is most well-known for its fish and brown bears; Denali, which extends six million acres; Kenai Fjord, which was established to conserve the natural state of the glaciers, coastal fjords and islands; Wrangell St. Elias, which provides for climbing of its vast mountains and terrain; and Lake Clark, formed primarily to protect the habitats of its wildlife. The National Parks Tour includes viewing of bear and other wildlife, picnic lunches, and lodge accomodations with meals.

Or, if you prefer, you can choose a three-to-five-day fishing trip, custom-designed to your own personal choice. Accompanied by your guide, you can fish for halibut, rainbow trout, arctic char, grayling, and up to five different species of salmon. The fishing trip also includes picnic lunches and nightly lodge accomodations with meals.

All of these exciting adventures are offered by the Alaska Bush Safari Company, who wish to customize each trip to the individual guest's personal tastes for itineraries and a wealth of activities and adventures, so that you will have the best opportunity to experience all that Alaska has to offer!

Buffalo Safari Camp

Ed — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:32:01 +0000

For a unique safari experience, consider the Buffalo Safari Camp, located on the Kapama Private Game Reserve in South Africa. Located near both the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and the Kruger National Park, guests stay in canvas tents, with access to private restroom facilities. The current rate for these accomodations is ZAR 1980 per person. Children under twelve years of age are not permitted.

One of the main highlights of this destination is the elephant back safari. Each guest safely rides with an experienced, trained guide, offering a grand opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of interacting with these animals as well as providing an excellent means by which to view the wildlife of the area. This elephant back safari is exclusive to the Kapama Game Reserve, consisting of twelve trained African elephants which had been rescued from Zimbabwe where they had been in danger.

Game drives take place in open safari vehicles. Game rangers will accompany you with information and assistance to view "the Big Five" game and smaller wildlife. In addition to the big five, you will also be able to view numerous other African mammals– the wild dog, hyena, mongoose, jackal, monkey, baboon, bush pig, and striped polecat, to name just a few.

While at the Buffalo Safari Camp you can also participate in other enjoyable activities, such as clay pigeon shooting, barbecues and picnics, boat trips and bird watching.

The nearby Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre will also provide an unforgettable experience. Well-known as one of the leading centers for the research and preservation of endangered animals, its primary focus is on the cheetah, wild dogs and Barbary lion. The center has met success in breeding the rare King Cheetah, as well as the wild dog which is Africa's second most endangered carnivore. The Barbary lion is currently limited to the two pair protected at the Hoedspruit Centre. While at the center you can participate in game walks and game drives, and watch the feeding of these animals.

At the Kapama Private Game Reserve you will also have your choice of more modern accomodations. The Kapama Lodge offers large air-conditioned suites in thatched chalets, and includes state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment for either personal or business use. It is the goal of the staff to provide the very best service combining personal comfort and the bush experience; and you will also enjoy the unique, world-class cuisine. The per-person rate is ZAR 2500, which also includes meals. Or, you can choose Camp Jabulani, Kapama Game Reserve's newest and most luxurious accomodations, which include suites with private pools and viewing decks. Camp Jabulani, founded by Prince Michael of Kent, also includes a masseuse service and a gym. The rate is ZAR 6000 per person.

Is A 20 Day Camping Safari In South Africa For You

Ed — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:25:01 +0000

This package, from go2africa, currently priced at ZAR 6730 per person, includes twenty days of all of the best South Africa has to offer– from local attractions to wildlife. It includes three nights of hotel accomodations, and sixteen nights of camping; and you will visit four of South Africa's most popular national parks. In order to make this trip the most enjoyable, you should be prepared to help with the camping duties when asked! This tour begins in Cape Town, at the southernmost tip of South Africa, where you can experience firsthand the culture of this famous city.

After leaving Cape Town, your first night of camping will be at Lambert's Bay. For those who are inexperienced at camping, your guide will instruct you in the proper way to set up your tent! During this evening you can go for walks along the river, go canoeing or on a cruise, or simply relax and absorb the tranquil atmosphere.

The first national part you will visit is the Namib Naukluft National Park. Here you will see one of the world's oldest deserts, having existed for more than 130 million years, and also the world's highest sand dunes. This presents wonderful opportunities for photography and sight-seeing. You can also climb the dune to witness a spectacular sunrise.

Next, you will have free time to explore the town of Swakomund, tucked between the sea and the desert, where you can enjoy a variety of local restaurants, deep-sea fishing, biking, and the beaches.

At the Etosha National Park you can participate in three game drives; this park contains lion, rhino, elephant and leopard. Each drive, done in a 4×4, lasts for approximately three hours.

Next, you will visit is the Waterberg Plateau National Park, which is known for its rock formations and is home to a number of endangered species. Game drives are also available at this location; or you may prefer to spend your time there maneuvering around the park on your own.

After spending a night on a private game farm at Gobabis, you will venture to the Okavango Delta. While in the Delta, you will have a dug-out canoe for transportation and your own guide to assist you. During your three-day stay in the Delta, you will experience the most basic of camping, canoe through lagoons and waterways, and view birds and wildlife on walks with your guide.

Your next stop will be Chobe National Park. While at this park you will camp on the Chobe River. The Chobe National Park is home to large herds of elephant, as well as hippo, crocodile, and local game, which you can view in plenty during your guided river cruise.

Your final two days will be spent at Victoria Falls, enjoying the local scene as well as many choices of activities. Victoria Falls, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, must be seen to be fully appreciated!

For A Different Kind Of Safari Experience Explore The Amazon!

Ed — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:32:01 +0000

Originally home to the Huaorani people, the Amazon presents a wonderful opportunity for an exciting adventure. Continuing to be protected from hunters, the area's birdlife includes nearly 350 species– eagles, kingfishers, herons, parrots, toucans, and condors, to name a few. Turtles and monkeys also make their home in this tropical region. Led by a skilled interpreter, your expedition into this jungleland paradise will give you the opportunity to interact with its people and learn about their unique culture and background. Camping in tents provides the best way to enjoy the atmosphere while contributing to its conservation. If you have an interest in Shamanism, this is your idea opportunity to learn and take part in the experience– both the tradition itself, as well as how much of modern-day medicine has been directly based on the Shamans' traditional herbal cures.

You can choose a three-day Tiputini Adventure, which will take you into the rainforests of the Amazon basin. Your transportation will be by dugout-canoe, traveling to your campsite by way of the Tiputini River. In the pure jungle there are nearly 300 species of birdlife; and it is also home to several species of monkeys.

You will arrive at the Yasuni National Park. A four-to-six-hour walk into the rainforest begins your exploration to sight deer, monkeys, snakes, and other animals which inhabit the rainforest. The jungle plants which are used in medicinal practice will be pointed out and explained by your guide. After a mid-afternoon break for free time and snacks, it is then birding hour where you can view eagles, heron, kingfishers, and others. Later at night there will be a hike to the lagoon to view calmans.

The next day, after hiking through forest and swamps, you will have the chance to sample the interesting local cuisine while learning about the lifestyle of the indigenous peoples.

The current price of this expedition is only $20 per person, and includes all necessary camping gear in addition to the service of your guides and all meals.

If you are extremely adventure-minded, you can also take part in the additional one-day whitewater rafting and kayaking expedition. The warmest of temperatures and the most exciting rapids will make this a real treat for all. There is a choice of grades of river, to cater to all levels of whitewater rafting experience– Jatun Yacu, which is a Class III grade, is recommended for beginners; the Rio Misahualli is idea for guests who have a good degree of rafting experience. Whichever is more appropriate to your needs, whitewater rafting is something which should definitely be experienced!

If you wish for a trip that will be an unforgettable experience, combined with a locale that has been largely unaffected by modern-day life, consider the amazing Amazon– where you have your choice of hotel accomodations, basic camping, and families and communities that will welcome you!

If You Like Islands, Try Seychelles

Ed — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:55:01 +0000

You may prefer an off-the-beaten-path vacation without the crowds– something special and more private. If so, you should consider a trip to North Island Seychelles. This beautiful location boasts four beaches and three mountains– a true tropical paradise!

Originally farmed by a descendant of French settlers, Marie Josephine Celerine Beaufond in 1825, and continued as a family plantation for more than a hundred years, North Island Seychelles is different from the many other destinations you may have in mind, for the absence of heavy population has allowed it to remain peaceful and secluded. The eleven modern-equipped villas provide a comfortable refuge for the island's guests, including luxury accomodations and meals custom-prepared to your own individual tastes. You will have the opportunity to sample the flavor of the Creole cuisine– a mixed-cultural treat which must be tried in order to be fully appreciated.

Known as a reef explorer's paradise, there are many activities available which may interest you– you will enjoy cruises, snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, wind sailing, and mountain biking.

A part of your Seychelles trip will include a Singita safari on a private game reserve in South Africa's Sabi Sands. This is ideal for those who are new to the safari experience, as you will be moving about in Land Rovers and taking walking trips with your own personal guide, sighting Africa's "big five" game. The Singita Game Reserve contains large herds of leopard, antelope, lion, elephant and buffalo, all for your viewing pleasure. "Big Cat" fans will enjoy the special leopard study– you will learn how leopards are identified by the patterns of spots on their faces. Newcomers to the safari experience will appreciate the guides' expertise and willingness to assist you in learning all about the area's game life. It is considered to be one of the finest private game reserves in the world.

For the finest vacation which combines this safari experience and relaxation on an island paradise, the Singita Safari and North Island holiday is an excellent choice. The eleven-day package, offered by IntoSeychelles, includes four days at the Sabi Sands game reserve, an overnight stay in Mahe, and five days on North Island Seychelles before departure.

While at the Singita Boulders Lodge, you will enjoy the very best accomodations that South Africa has to offer. In addition to the fine cuisine itself, the Lodge contains its own wine cellar of spirits which have been aged for up to half a decade. You will also have your own private deck for game-viewing, and your own private pool.

As the goal of IntoSeychelles is for individuals to have a very personal experience, they do not book trips for groups or package-tours. The Singita Safari and North Island Seychelles combination trip package is currently priced at $35,010 per couple, making this an excellent choice for a honeymoon destination.

On A 7 Day Namibia Safari, There Is Much To See!

Ed — Fri, 08 May 2009 10:19:01 +0000

Sightseeing, wildlife, and activities abound in the many parts of Namibia you will visit on this safari. Beginning at the Soussusvlei Wilderness Camp, you first two days will be spent enjoying treks along the Tsauchab River in 4×4's, and you can also try some hot-air ballooning. The wildlife in this area include foxes and hyena, which can be viewed at their maximum from these balloons. The accomodations at this location is a thatched camp with a swimming pool! In the evening, if you wish, you can relax beside the night's campfire.

The third and fourth day of the excursion is focused on the breathtaking beauty of the desert. You will fly over the Namib and Sousseslvei dunes, Meob Bay, and the Skelton Coast. Upon flying over the ocean you will see the shipwreck sites of the Shaunee and the Eduard Bolen, the most famous shipwreck in African history; and the flamingo in Sandwich Harbour. On a boat trip to Walvis Bay you will see seals, dolphins, whales, and, if you're lucky, penguins! You will stay at the Damaraland Camp, which offers game drives into the area's best wilderness, brimming with local wildlife and rare desert plants.

Next you will have a two-day stay in Ongava, taking part in the private reserve's game drives. Etosha National Park contains a variety of birdlife, deer, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, cheetah, leopard, lion, and the very rare black and white rhino. While on the reserve you can enjoy walks and drives, and will stay at the Ongava Lodge which provides wonderful accomodations as well as being able to view for miles.

This tour package, the Namibia Wing Safari, which is currently offered by go2africa, requires that all guests have full, valid travel insurance. Due to it being a flight safari, the luggage restriction is one 12-kg bag per person. The latest cost of this package is $4362 per person, which includes all expenses except personal and tips.

For A Great Adventure, Try Victoria Falls!

Ed — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:11:01 +0000

The famous Dr. Livingstone may have been the first to discover the amazing beauty of Victoria Falls, but it is something which you too can enjoy! The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company has a number of tour packages to offer you an unforgettable safari vacation!

Designed to accommodate all personal tastes and budgets, there are ready-made four-day and seven-day packages; or a special personalized package can be arranged for you at your request. Currently the four-day packages range from $595- $695 per person sharing hotel accomodations, and $1695 for the seven-day package.

If you like camping, you might enjoy a canoe safari, located on the Zambezi River. This is a great way to get in touch with the outdoors, as you will sleep in tents and your meals will be prepared by your tour guide! On this trip you will be an active participant, assisting in preparing the campsites and the clean-up details. The canoe safaris range from the most basic to the deluxe ten-day tours. In addition to camping and canoeing, the canoe safari is excellent for fishing and photography.

The ultimate adventure can be found in Zambezi whitewater rafting. Safari Par Excellence offers a number of trip packages from $110 per person, one day, to $515 for a five-day expedition; other packages can be specially arranged. Considered to be the best whitewater rafting in the world, it is also the most dangerous; therefore it is important for those who choose this activity to be in relatively good health.

If you wish adventure of a less-dangerous nature, Victoria Falls has many other options to consider. These activities may be combined for a custom-designed tour. One delightful excursion is the African Lion Encounter. At only $100 per person for a morning or an afternoon encounter, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of personally interacting with lion cubs on the Masuwe Estate. Although this is carefully supervised by trained personnel for the safety of both the lions and guests, only guests who are over sixteen years of age are allowed to participate in the lion encounter.

You may also be interested in the Elephant Back Safari, where you will have the opportunity to interact with these animals as well as ride them through areas where you can view other wildlife, such as zebra, buffalo, crocodile, and a wide range of bird species. With this type of hands-on approach to the elephants, you will learn much about their intelligence and means of interacting.

The Victoria Falls Game Drives take place at the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, which is home to white rhino, wildebeest, zebra, antelope, buffalo and giraffe. Each 2 1/2-hour game drive is supervised by experienced guides; and is available year-round for only $45 per person.

Victoria Falls has much more to offer than its wildlife. If you truly seek adventure, other activities you can take part in include bungee jumps, river boarding, abseiling, micro-light flights, helicopter flips, and kayaking, and tours of the area's museums, markets, and cultural village.

When considering your trip to Victoria Falls, it would be best to keep the timing in mind– while the presence and activities of its wildlife are essentially consistent, April presents the optimum time for viewing the Falls themselves. April is also the best time for bird-viewing, prior to the birds' northbound migration.

From viewing and interacting with endangered and protected wildlife, to participating in a wide assortment of challenging activities, to having the opportunity to photograph one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls offers you a most memorable trip!

Is A Cheetah Safari For You

Ed — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:48:01 +0000

"Lions and tigers and bears– oh my!" If a safari is in your travel plans, you might like to consider a seven-day Cheetah Safari in beautiful Kenya. One such safari, offered by Shoor Safaris, provides a package that will make your safari vacation a memorable experience.

Located in southwestern Kenya, the Masai Mara game park reserve is home to the black rhinoceros, African buffalo, African elephant, leopard and lion. Known as "the big five," these large, dangerous animals have been the prey of wildlife hunters, but Masai Mara provides safety both for these animals and wildlife fans who wish to see them in their natural environment. The cheetah of Masai Mara must be seen to be appreciated– and the number of them are diminishing. If you choose to go on your safari in September or October, you can also witness the great annual migration of the wildebeest. The Masai Mara is the most famous wild game reserve in Kenya.

The Masai people have been largely unaffected by the outside world, continuing their culture in traditional villages in this area. Preferring their colorful clothing and beads, the modern world is slowly influencing them to stray from their long-traditional ways and lifestyle.

With this safari package you will also experience Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru, which began as a bird sanctuary in 1960, was granted National Park status in 1968. While the main attraction of this park is the flamingo and approximately 450 species of water birds, there are also 56 species of mammals. The great scenery is also an attraction of Lake Nakuru– including the Makalia Waterfalls; Lion Hill Ridge; and the views from Out of Africa and Baboon Cliff. Lake Nakuku National Park also contains approximately 550 different species of plants.

Mountain Lodge, which is located at the edge of Mount Kenya National Park, is set up specifically for animal-watching. At an elevation of 7200 feet, it is the perfect place to view all of the animals which make their way to the artificial watering hole and saltlick. Elephants, bushback and mongoose cluster in this area, as do numerous mountain forest birds such as the Abyssinian crimson wing, red-fronted parrot, silver-cheeked hornbill, and mountain oriole. When you are in this location, you will also have a breathtaking view of Mount Kenya.

In addition to the spectacular natural beauty of Kenya and the chance to view wildlife that would be difficult to find in such abundance anywhere else, this Cheetah Safari tour package also includes a wealth of other tourist attractions. The Mount Kenya Safari Club is one such attraction on the itinerary– founded in 1959 by the late actor William Holden, Ray Ryan and Carl Hirschmann, it is a haven for aristocracy, royalty, and the international "jet-set." At the Mount Kenya Safari Club you can enjoy the finest dining, and many relaxing activities.

The Cheetah Safari is one of both excitement and leisure– and you can experience a wide variety of both in this safari package. Your tour guides will assist you at every turn; and you will have fine hotel accomodations while ensuring that you will not miss anything that the area has to offer. Depending on your preference of travel dates, the rates for this safari package range from $1330 to $1515 per person with two people sharing. This package price includes your accomodations, tour bus transportation, tour guides, and the entry fees for the parks.