TOP SAFARIS IN AFRICA

Africa's top safari destinations include wildlife parks in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Gabon. If you're looking for the best safari where you're almost guaranteed to see the "Big Five" you can't go wrong with these choices.

  Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya)

Kenya is Africa's most popular safari destination and the Masai Mara Reserve is the most popular wildlife park in Kenya. From July - October you can witness the incredible migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra. The Maasai tribesman also offer cultural tours which will enhance your 

  

Chobe National Park (Botswana)

Chobe National park lies in Botswana's Okavango Delta and covers four distinct Eco-systems. The Savuti marsh in particular offers some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa year round. Chobe boasts around 120,000 elephants, you're unlikely to miss them when you enjoy a safari here.

The best time to visit Chobe is between May and September, the dry, cooler winter months. Herds of zebra, eland, buffalo, giraffe and wildebeest congregate around the Savuti marsh this time of year. Chobe is accessible by car which makes it a little less expensive than some other Botswana Parks. There's a wide variety of accommodation available to suit all budgets, you can even rent a houseboat.

Kruger National Park (South Africa)

Kruger National Park in South Africa boasts the highest variety of wildlife in Africa which includes the Big Five, hippos, crocodiles, cheetah and more. Kruger is one of the best maintained parks in Africa which means it's ideal for a self-drive safari.

South Luangwa National Park (Zambia)

 Home of the "walking safari" South Luangwa National Park in Zambia offers a true African experience. There's plenty of wildlife and over 400 species of birds. The Luangwa river is filled to the brim with hippos and if you're lucky you'll spot prides of over 30 lions at a time. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species living in the National Park.

South Luangwa offers both budget and luxury safari lodging. The best time to visit is during the dry season from April to October. Near the end of the dry season, the animals really concentrate around the remaining waterholes, which makes for a great safari.

  Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania offers the absolute classic African safari setting. The grasslands make the Serengeti fantastic for spotting lion kills because you can see the whole spectacle clearly. The migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra starts here and because it's much larger than the Mara (see above), it is also less touristy.

Loango National Park (Gabon)

  Loango National Park in Gabon is probably the least well known park on this list but it's only a matter of time before it's discovered. Loango is the only place in Africa where you can see whales, chimps, gorillas and elephants in one park. In Loango you get to enjoy watching wildlife on the beach, savannah, swamp and forest in a single day. Unfortunately in September 2010,Africa's Eden ceased their operations and lodging is very limited. Check their web site for further info.

  Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)

Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe is preffered by many  because of its abundance of giraffes, elephants, and lions as well as 105 other mammal species. Hwange also has one of the largest populations of wild dogs left in Africa. There are several comfortable lodges to stay at for reasonable prices. The park is close to one of the world's greatest natural wonders -- the Victoria Falls.

GET PREPARED FOR A TRIP TO AFRICA

GET  VACCINATION

Get all of your vaccinations at least a month before you plan on arriving in Africa. You may need to carry a certificate of your yellow fever vaccination before you are allowed entry into some African nations. In addition, you will need to ask your doctor for plenty of malaria tablets to last through your entire trip.

OBTAIN A VISA,UPDATE PASSPORT

Obtain a passport before you plan a trip to Africa. Bring your original birth certificate, one other form of identification and two small passport-sized photographs of yourself to the post office. Give yourself 4 to 6 weeks for the passport to be mailed to your home, unless you opt for the rush service, which may double the price of your passport.

 ARRANGE PROPER  FINANCE

Arrange for proper financing before you plan a trip to Africa, since modern banking methods and access to cash may be limited. Up until recently, Western visitors had to enter Africa with large amounts of cash, which made tourists attractive targets for violent crime. In recent years, modern banking advances have made it easier to acquire cash in Africa, but you may still encounter obstacles in rural areas or the less developed countries.

  

GET RETURN  TICKET

 Keep a return plane ticket with you whenever you enter an African country. In many places, such as Nigeria, you will be refused entry into the country without one. Anyone without a return ticket back home will be viewed with extreme suspicion, and you may wind up in jail until you can produce one.

Tips & Warnings

•             Never give your passport to anyone other than a uniformed official, such as a policeman, border guard or airport security guard while you travel through countries in Africa. Remember that stolen U.S. passports can fetch a lot of money on the African black market.

BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" -- the smoke that thunders and the Falls are remarkable.

There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.

The Victoria falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute.

Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialisation.

The river's annual flood season is February to May with a peak in April. . The spray from the falls typically rises to a height of over 400 metres (1,300 ft), and sometimes even twice as high, and is visible from up to 50 km (30 miles) away.

 
The Masai Mara, Kenya 
If you want to see the 'big five' in one morning, Masai Mara in Kenya is the place to be. During the dry season from July to October the wildlife spectacle is unparalleled. Here you will also witness one of latest wonders of the world the Wildebeest migration. Nowhere else can you watch the annual migration of over a million wildebeest from a hot-air balloon. The 'Mara' is as close to "Out of Africa" as you can get.

 Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

 The Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo in Egypt, represent one of the greatest architectural feats by man. The last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the world's oldest tourist attractions, built more than 5000 years ago.

There are in fact three main pyramids in Giza; the Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops), The Pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaura. Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different King of Egypt.

In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx, or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, "Father of Terror".

To get more information about the pyramids you can visit Cairo  Egypt and witness one the Seven wonders of the World.

 

Cape Town, South Africa

 Cape Town is a highlight of any trip to Southern Africa. The natural beauty of Cape Town makes it one of the most attractive cities in the world. Cape Town boasts beautiful beaches as well as the impressive Table Mountain right in the heart of the city. The restaurants are world class, and so are the wines. Cape Town is also one of the most culturally diverse cities in Africa and has reputation for social tolerance

  

 Omo River Region, Ethiopia

 The Omo River is located in East Africa, in the southernmost region of Ethiopia. It flows south into Lake Turkana in Kenya.

Combining white-water rafting with an unparalleled cultural adventure is my idea of a perfect holiday.  It  is a fascinating destination, The remote location, which is barely accessible by 4 wheel-drive, has meant that traditional customs and beliefs are very much intact for the more than 50 tribes who live there. It's advisable to join a tour since it's difficult to get around on your own and it'll enhance your understanding of the different cultures you're seeing.

  

 Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

 Africa is known as one of the best destinations for adventure travel and what can be more adventurous than hiking up the world's tallest free standing mountain. Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands at 19,340 feet (5896m) and will take you 6 days to conquer. The exciting thing about this mountain is that anyone who is fit and determined can make it up. No special climbing equipment or expertise is needed. That said, almost 75 of attempts fail because people figure it's doable in shorts, t-shirt and a couple of beers for hydration .

 Zanzibar, Tanzania

 Zanzibar is one of Africa's top destinations because of its fascinating history and its incredible beaches. Zanzibar's location in the Indian Ocean (off the coast of Tanzania) has made it a natural trading center throughout its history. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar also became an important slave trading post under its Arab rulers. The Arab influences are obvious throughout Zanzibar but especially in Stone Town one of the island's biggest attractions. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town boasts beautiful traditional houses, narrow alleyways, a Sultan's palace and many mosques.

KENYAN TOURS AND SAFARIS

Kenya is where the original safari began and today it still remains the world’s  most popular  destination for safaris. So have an unforgettable safari  in Kenya with an excellent game viewing , superb food, accommodation with luxury , high quality air conditioning  in hotels and safari lodges and a tour guide of your choice to get an exceptional  and quality experience in Kenya. There are different safaris including the Big five safari in safari parks, wildebeest migration in the  Masai  Mara park, mountain  trekking tours, beach holidays as well as camping safaris  and visiting special places like museums and national monuments.

                                                              

                          

                                          CAMPING  SAFARIS

For a four day visit to Kenya  you can visit the various places and and have a  moment of your lifetime.

DAY 1: Nairobi - Masai Mara National Park
This drive will take you to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, the northern part of the Serengeti, one of Kenya's most favored game-viewing areas. The reserve covers 700 square miles of magnificent wilderness. It is the Africa of the imagination; endless reaches of acacia-dotted grasslands studded with hazy hills. Afternoon game drive to see the sundowner as hoping to see Lions  in large prides, Elephants, buffalos, zebras and  numerous plain animals. Have dinner and sleep at the camp.

DAY 2: MASAI MARA

Full day game viewing including exploring this spectacular Park. The Mara is the land of African legend: Lion are abundant throughout the park, as are the elephants, giraffes, and a variety of gazelle species and zebra. Cheetah and leopard are also regularly seen and, less commonly, rhino. The annual wildebeest migration, one of nature's few remaining wildlife spectacles, occurs in the Mara from July to September where the big animals and their predators are to be present in abundance during the time frame of this trip. Several species of Bee-Eater, the flying rainbow that heads the list of the Mara's birds, occur in the reserve

maasai warrior

. As well as wildlife, the Maasai Mara is also home to many members of the colorful Maasai tribe who may be seen around the borders of the park - Morans (warriors) loping across the plains, young boys herding goats, or elders grouped under a tree discussing matters of the day .A visit to a Maasai Boma (homestead) reveals this outstanding culture and customs .Rest  at the camp for that day and  prepare for the following day’s activities.

flamingoes

DAY 3: MASAI MARA -NAKURU
A last game run in the picturesque Maasai Mara in the morning through the Rift Valley drive to Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake in the Rift Valley, renowned for its spectacular flamingo population as one of the world's greatest ornithological spectacles. Although Lake Nakuru is primarily a bird sanctuary, there are a considerable number of animals to be encountered, such as many large game animals such as zebras, elephants and gazelles, this is one of our best chances of seeing rhinos.  Lake Nakuru National Park was the first place in Kenya selected as a rhino reserve. Here is one of the few places where we can see Rothschild's giraffes. Rest and sleep at the camping site as you prepare for the final day.

DAY 4: NAKURU -NAIROBI
In the morning spent game viewing, watching and photographing birds at Nakuru National Park. Leave for Nairobi with packed lunch and a stop for panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley. You will arrive Nairobi in the afternoon  and you can visit the Nairobi national  park where you will be able to watch caged game which are either injured or abandoned by their mothers.

I hope that you will enjoy your visit in Kenya  and be able to explore the place because it is great and full of adventure.

STRANGE AND INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE

1. Ants stretch when they wake up in the morning!

2. Dolphins sleep with one eye open!

3. Owls are the only birds who can see the colour blue!

4. A jellyfish is 95 percent water!

5. The elephant is the only mammal that can't jump!

6. The penguin is the only bird that can swim, but not fly!

7. A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!

8. Bats always turn left when exiting a cave!

9. A hummingbird weighs less than a penny!

10. A cockroach can live several weeks with it's head cut off!

11. Dogs and cats, like humans, are either right of left-handed?!

12. Bulls are colour blind, therefore they will usually charge at a matador's waving cape no matter what colour it is - be it red or neon yellow!

13. After eating, a housefly regurgitates its food and then eats it again!

14. The Cuttlefish, one of nature's most amazing marine creatures, is the source of sepia ink, hence its Latin name Sepia Officinalis. The ink is discharged as a smoke-screen to confuse its enemies.
Cuttlefish move by forcing a jet of sea-water from a muscular funnel situated between the head and the mantle. This drives them backward - a form of jet-propulsion. The funnel is also used to eject the inky smoke-screen.

14. Animal Mom's Love Baby!

i. Porpoises are mammals and use lungs to breathe but, baby porpoises are born underwater! The mother porpoise carefully pushes her newborn to the surface for its first breath of air.

ii. A newborn hippopotamus does not move, so it's mother pokes and pushes at it until it moves.

iii. A newborn buffalo's mother rubs it with her tongue to make its blood flow properly, which is what she painstakingly dows till it stands on its own!

iv. A female grey whale travels many miles of warm waters, for her baby is born without it's coat of blubber and so, needs the warmth of the seas till it grows one for itself!

15. So Common!

Q. What do bats' wings, elephants' ears, flamingos' legs, rabbits' ears, goats' horns, and human skin all have in common?

A. They all radiate heat to provide cooling for the animal.

15. Rattlesnake
A 'Dead' Rattlesnake can reflexively bite for upto an hour or more after being 'Killed'!

AFRICAN TOURISM-TANZANIA CULTURE

 

 THE AFRICAN CULTURE  is full of diversity and  in Tanzania can be found in places of worship, architecture and the scenery, to mention just a few. But despite the cultural differences between the 120 plus tribes, there is no such uniformity as celebrating cultural diversity. Naturally, you only find something truly 'local and authentic' by falling over it.When I visited the sprawling villages of Marangu recently, I found the people warm and ever smiling. On the way, I was delighted to swap the flat, almost barren landscape of the junction at Himo for the lush, green and mountainous scenery of Marangu. Himo town is hot and has the most unpredictable weather, as it gets chilly and windy at night.

Everywhere you look is intensely green. Even in the dry season when the locals claim 'it is so dry' the countryside remains green. Neatly cultivated plots stretch up and down on both sides of the road. It is worth pointing out that the surrounding countryside holds a unique beauty, which rewards the visitor and explorer.

Entirely different

Life in Marangu is entirely different from other parts of Tanzania. To some, life seems more civilized as there is a 'noticeable' sign of wealth. Walking through the villages is always fascinating - you would think that the more you see the easier it would be to learn. Actually, the opposite is true!To be fair, Marangu has redeeming features. There is the historic Chagga museum, found in the area and containing traditional huts to show how people in the area lived in the 18th and 19th century; and there are also collections of tools and equipment used during the past colonial wars. These include tools used for farming, feeding and milking cows, cooking utensils and drinking the famous banana beer best known as 'Mbege'.

Famous for some of the sprawling collection of waterfalls along the main river, Marangu Mtoni, the place offers Kilasiya, Ndoro and Kinukamori waterfalls, among others, which offer home to plenty of water life as well as high-rise cliffs.Nature enthusiasts are in their element when touring the Ngangu hill that provides great opportunities to witness the northern side of the rooftop of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro.

 Whiling away the hours in Marangu is easy as the must-go place is, naturally, Marangu Mtoni where there is a laid-back attitude to life, which is catchy. It does not take long for one to fall in with local ways and enjoy a drink while gazing at the Mt Kilimanjaro on a cloudless horizon, a daily ritual observed by many. And once the sun has set and all the possible colours have been squeezed from its ball, it is time to eat bananas!The strategic Marangu Mtoni is just perfect as it offers on eclectic day and night scene with global trekkers meeting and getting to know one another. The food is just downright grand and interesting.

maasai in the market

With the pale blue-sky horizon with few clouds over Marangu, someone once said it's what Kilimanjaro must look like. But I think it is what Marangu must look like. Certainly, it is this comment from the casual visitor - safe from tsetse flies, wild animals with plenty of bananas. And winter clothes during the chilly June to July.The memorable highlight of my short but eventful visit was meeting the locals during the market days.