Kenya The Land Where Safari Was Born

As a child, Africa fascinated me - a land where the wild and exotic animals of storybooks and zoos roamed free on the plains. And where Kenya was always the quintessential home of the safari.

Many visits later I'm no less enthralled by this region of dramatic contrasts, and remarkable wildlife amid stunningly beautiful and varied landscapes that are still unencumbered by the trappings of man. And little compares to nights filled with the primal sounds of the bush - the hoots and laughs of hyenas, the grumble of distant lions and the snorts of a hippo.

Kenya, the land where safari was born, is also known as the cradle of mankind - evidence of some of the earliest human settlements has been found here, suggesting that it was the birthplace of humanity from which descendents moved out to populate the world. However, it's the boundless wilderness and big game of this region that has long attracted adventure seekers from all over the globe. No other African country can boast such an incredible range of scenery, unique geographical features and species.

A safari in Kenya is an extraordinary holiday for any wildlife lover, no matter your budget or the level of adventure you're looking for. There's no end of things to explore; from the highlands of central Kenya to the great Rift valley; from the elephants of Amboseli wallowing in a small watering hole, to the vast shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world; and from the spectacular views of Africa's highest point, Mount Kilimanjaro, down to a coast of shimmering white sands along the Indian Ocean.

Soak up the wonders of nature while camping under the stars out in the bush, hundreds of miles away from civilization, or relax in luxury at one of the lodges scattered throughout the many game reserves and national parks of this magical country.

Whether you're walking, driving, or even bobbing your way across the plains atop a camel, you'll discover the scents, sounds, and footprints of the bush, as you enjoy the sight of a hyena at full gallop, weaving behind the adrenaline-powered run of a gazelle, or a mighty battle as buffalo bulls fight over territory.

If you venture on a Kenyan safari during July or August, perhaps the best way to check out the wildlife is by hot air balloon. Few places offer a better vantage point from which to witness the amazing phenomenon that is the annual wildebeest migration across the plains of the Maasai Mara, when millions of hooves thunder northwards in search of sweeter grazing during the drier months in the south.

The Maasai Mara Reserve, 200 sq miles of rolling hills, woods and acacia trees watered by the Mara and Talek rivers, opens onto the Serengeti plains of Tanzania. Home to the famously independent and traditional herdsmen, no trip to Kenya would be complete without a visit to Masai Mara. They regard themselves not just as residents of this area but as much a part of the life of the land, as the land is part of their lives.

A visit to Kenya is a veritable life-changing experience filled with an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, zebras, black rhino, lions, leopards and various antelope. One visit alone will be enough to make you understand Earnest Hemmingway's words, "unknowable, unimaginable, unbelievable... and completely unforgettable." Visit: http://www.magicglobe.com/kenya/safaris.asp for more information.

Carlos Cuzme is a travel expert to Africa and specially to the luxury safari business. for more information on safaris to botswana visit: Kenya Luxury Safaris

Kenya Flying Safaris & 4WD Safaris - 3 Most Popular Kenya Safaris

1. Flying safaris Kenya

These safaris essentially cater for the well-off who want to fly between remote airstrips in the various national parks and stay in luxury tented camps. If money is no object, you can get around by a mixture of charter and scheduled flights and stay in some of the finest camps in Kenya, arrangements can be made with any of the Kenyan lodge and tented camp safari operators.

Flying safaris to Lake Turkana and Sibiloi National park are common, and most Kenya safari companies will be able to sort out a country wide itinerary. Safari seekers can arrange reasonably priced Kenyan flying safaris. Quite a few special-interest safari operator companies use light aircraft to save time.

2. Lake Turkana Safaris

There can be few travelers who come to Kenya who do not relish the expedition through the semi-arid wilds of Samburu National Reserve and up to the legendary Lake Turkana (Jade Sea).

These safaris all use open-sided 4WD trucks that take up to 18 people and two or three staff (cook, driver and courier). You will need to set aside a minimum of seven days to complete the journey.

There are Kenya safari companies that have 10-day Lake Turkana safaris on request. Itineraries are tailor ?made ad tend to keep away from the usual routes. Trips often include guided walks, allowing meetings with Rendille and Samburu tribes? people. The Ndoto Mountains, Mathews range, Shaba National Reserve and Chalbi Desert can all be included.

Other Kenya travel company (ies) offer 10-and eight day safari takes in Mt. Kenya, Samburu National Reserve, Marsabit, Chalbi Desert, Lake Turkana, Mararal and Lake Baringo, and costs US$550 (plus a local payment of US$110 per person in Turkana).

The eight-day option visits lake Baringo, Mararal, Lake Turkana and the Samburu National Reserve, and costs us$440 (plus local payment of $75). Both safaris use a powerboat for a short excursion on the lake and traditional Turkana huts make up accommodation beside the lake 10km south of Loyangalani. Other Kenya off-the-beaten-track companies offer a 10-day combined Lake Turkana and camel safari.

3. Motor cycle Safaris

Operating out of Diani some Kenya vacation companies run motorcycle safaris to the Taita hills and the Kilimanjaro foothills, supported by a Land rover. Large 350cc trail bikes are used and the full six day trips include a wildlife drive in Tsavo West National Park and two nights lodge accommodation.

The cost is Ksh 57,800 per rider, including meals, camping, guides, and fuel and support vehicle. The companies also rent out motor cycles and scooters and can arrange custom guided motor cycle tours for around Kshs 6,700 per day.

Other safaris offered in off-the-beaten-track Kenya include wildlife/game walking safaris, Biking safaris and truck/overland safaris. These are customized to include visits to tribal areas and wildlife walks. Some of the itineraries include sections of 10km walks. These walks go through tribal areas of the Rendille and the Samburu and end at noon. Camps are pitched at 12.30pm and no walking is done in the afternoon. Travelers spend the time relaxing and readying themselves for the next day walk or camel ride.

Request more information from a Kenyan tour or travel/safari company.

Robert is a travel expert in East Africa. He has authored many articles on travel to East Africa and Kenya:

http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

Kenya Safari- Lake Nakuru Safari Park of Kenya Rift Valley Lake Vacation

The wonders of Lake Nakuru safari park

Lake Nakuru National Park is most famous for its stunning flocks of lesser flamingo, which led to its protection as a park. The flamingos populations are so massive they turn the edges of the lake pink. The park, thanks to the lake also has a very rich birdlife and is a stating point for upcoming ornithologists, scientists and wildlife-film makers.

The Nakuru lake vacation park includes a range of wooded and bush grassland surrounding the lake and offering a wide ecological variety, from lake water, woodland to rocky escarpments and ridges.

Facts on Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is located at an altitude of 4,000-5,767 ft and covers an area of 188sqkm. Lake Nakuru is a distance of 157 km from Nairobi Kenya. It has a Naishi airstrip. The Kenyan Lake Park opened its doors in June 1968 to protect the lake and its beneficiary bird and animal life. The Saline lake Nakuru national park hosts over 400 bird species including both aquatic and terrestrial birds.

The lake with a pink Ribbon

Flamingos alone number over 1 million birds in any given time of the year. Game viewing in Nakuru lake Vacation Park is plentiful and easy. Animals to be found in the park include ;leopard, White Rhino, Black Rhino, African savannah lion, Buffaloes, gazelles, hyenas, antelopes, giraffes among other Kenya plains game.

Lake Nakuru National Park has a very picturesque landscape consisting of Yellow fever trees (Acacia) and the endemic Euphorbia Candelabrum.

Wildlife of Lake Nakuru National Park

Other notable game in the lake park includes the hippo and clawless otters. There are plentiful of waterbucks and Bohor?s reedbuck and zebra roaming on the shores of Lake Nakuru. The woodlands have been restocked and successfully bred both white and black rhino populations. The black rhino populations had been decimated by poaching and only 2 animals remained in 1987.

A rhino sanctuary was introduced in the park and a breeding herd introduced from Laikipia. This has led to the lake Nakuru national park to be among the top breeding Kenya animal park for the black and white rhinos.

Wildlife viewing in Nakuru national park is relatively easy and one is able to see buffalo, leopard, lion, Rothschild?s giraffe, white and black colobus monkey. The woodlands offer eland, steinbok, impala, Chandler's Reedbuck and dik dik, whilst rock hyrax and klipspringer occupy the cliffs and escarpment.

Lake Nakuru Accommodation, lodges, campsites, guest houses and bandas

Accommodation in Nakuru national park include two lodges namely the Lake Nakuru lodge and the Sarova Lion Hill lodge with a total bed capacity of 244. There is a KWS guest house, five campsites, self?help bandas and two picnic sites; the Makalia Falls and Njoro River Mouth (Near the main gate).

Getting there There is an airstrip at the Lake Nakuru Park which gets scheduled and chartered flights from Wilson airport in Nairobi.

The park is however well served with a good Nairobi-Nakuru highway and is only 2 hours by road. In addition, one is able to make stops at the various view points with awesome panoramic views into the floor of the Great Rift Valley. By all means using the road is more rewarding when visiting Nakuru National Park.

Robert is an Kenya East Africa travel expert and director of Landmarksafaris.com. For more information on other most sought after Kenyan parks, see here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/wildlife.php/?refferer=ezinearticles

Kenya Walking & Cycling Safaris: Mt. Longonot & Hells Gate Kenya

Mt. Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot is a relatively young volcano which peaks at 2,776m above sea level. Mt. Longonot is a captivating sight for tourists to the Great Rift Valley basin of Naivasha. Mt. Longonot was formed during the great Pleistocene era when earth forces were tearing apart the continents and eruptions rife. The mountain sides now have beautifully carved V-shaped ridges and valleys with deep forests inside the crater giving it a lush green outlook. The Mt. Longonot walking park surrounds the volcano.

Mt. Longonot Facts & figures

Rising at an altitude of 6,000-7,000ft, mt. Longonot trekking park covers an area of 52sqkm. The Kenya walking park is located 90kms from Nairobi and opened its doors in 1983. It has heavy volcano and crater forests and offers excellent walking and climbing opportunities to the summit and crater.

Mt. Longonot Close Proximity to Nairobi offers a chance for day trips where groups engage in active sport like game walking, cycling, riding and picnicking. The summit offers panoramic views of the Lake Naivasha and the expansive Great Rift Valley floor including several other bluffs and smaller mountains like mt. Suswa.

Activities in Mt. Longonot National Park

Like Hell's Gate, Mount Longonot offers a wide range of attractions for visitors keen on activity holidays, including hiking, rock climbing, biking as well as bird and wildlife viewing. K.W.S. rangers are available as guides.

Accommodation in Longonot Mountain Park

Accommodation within these parks is limited. Hell's Gate has three campsites; Longonot has no accommodation within the park. However a fabulous range of nearby hotels, lodges, luxury ranch and home stays around Lake Naivasha provide ample accommodation for all budgets.

Hell?s Gate National Park

Hell?s gate is an ideal family gateway for a day trip from Nairobi or stopover en-route to Lake Nakuru or the Maasai Mara, located just beyond Lake Naivasha. Hell?s gate national park is famous for its natural hot geyser, eagle and vulture breeding grounds, visitors have the choice of driving, walking, camping, cycling and rock climbing within the park. Kenya Horseback safaris are also arranged.

Special features

There are special locations for that spectacular view including Fisher's Tower, formerly a volcano's plug, the Central Tower and Njorowa Gorges. There are also two extinct volcanoes: Olkaria and Honley's are worth a trip. There are natural steam vents rise from cracks in the volcanic rock. Obsidian, a striking black glassy rock formed from cooled molten lava is a feature of this landscape.

Wildlife and animals of Hell?s gate national park

There is a lot of plains game but the cats family is not well represented here. Wild life in the park include: Coke's Hartebeest, buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, eland, lion, leopard and some cheetah. The park is a haven for birders and rock climbers, the cliffs of Hell's Gate are breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux's Eagles, aigur buzzard and thousands of swifts; 103 species of bird have been recorded in the park.

Hell?s gate National Park facts and figures

The Hell?s gate stands at 5,000-7,000ft above sea level and covers an area of 68sq. kms. Hell?s gate is located 90kms from Nairobi and was opened in 1984. Game viewing includes Lions, buffalo and giraffe. The park is a traditional Eagle nesting ground with spectacular gorge walk. Other special features include hot springs in the natural open and air saunas.

Activities in Hell?s gate safari park

Activities undertaken in the park include game walking, camping, rock climbing, cycling and horse riding. There is also a Masai cultural center that show cases the traditions of the Masai and sells their bead work and curios for the valuable souvenir.

Robert is a east Africa Kenya safari expert and director of landmarksafaris.com. To select some of the best walking safaris in Kenya see here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/wildlife.php/?refferer=ezinearticles

An African Lion Safari Is A Once In A Lifetime Adventure

You may be quite appalled to know that the African lion is heading towards extinction. This king of the jungle and a symbol of strength are on the endangered list and a reason for this bad news is that many African nations are in a hurry to implement new technologies which is whittling away the habitat of the African lion which has brought both man and beast into conflict with one another.

Seeing The Mighty Beast In Action Will Be Awesome

Still, the African lion safari is something that attracts great number of tourists to Africa and so you may be interested in knowing the best destinations for your African lion safari. Seeing this mighty beast in flesh is certainly exciting, but viewing it in action is also worth your while. Being an animal given to snoozing all day this may cause you some amount of concern when you go on an African lion safari and there is no sign of the beast for a whole day.

The two topmost African lion safari destinations are no doubt the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. You can also find great viewing in South Africa?s Kruger National Park, Botswana?s many lion draws including Moremi Game Reserve that has great wildlife as well as spectacular landscape. Wherever you go, the African lion safari is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience.

When you do embark on an African lion safari make sure that you engage the services of a professional guide who will ensure that you are safe during your trip. The lion is certainly a most deadly as well as revered creature and is cunning and ferocious that stands at the top of the food chain. You would be well advised to visit Botswana or Okavango Delta for your African lion safari where there are sure to be wild lions about.

Since the African lion safari has its associated dangers (in spite of the guide) you would be well advised to follow instructions to the T, and don?t be one of those who insist on taking photographs when it is unsafe to do so. The guide is well acquainted with the habits of these beasts and you must wait for the green signal before proceeding any further.

The lion no doubt rules the roost wherever it may be and they will let you know of that immediately. It is thus in your best interests to take a guided African lion safari which will not only ensure your safety, but will also give you the most exciting adventure of your life.
Ann Marier has written articles about African safari trips providing helpful tips and advice. Another favorite topic of hers is camping where she writes about camping gear and equipment

Five Great Sights To See Safaris Of Africa Live!

There are literally hundreds of national parks and preserved wildlife areas in African safaris that you are sure to find yourself cramping all them into limited schedules. That way, you may see all. but would you rather experience safaris in excessively fast pace and never get the marvel from them or take one place at a time and leave the rest for another vacation and indulge yourself in true beauty. Well, that is practically a personal preference.

To trim down the possibility that you would not take pleasure from the safaris of Africa, we have listed five hottest destinations in this article. Please read on?

Serengeti in Tanzania

This is the famous sight that we normally see in videos documenting the annual migration of animals to find fresher grounds. In fact, the event is duly ranked as one of the most wonderful occurrences in the world. Endless safaris are filled with animals, evoking the spirit of survival and wildlife, all longing to find some place to stay during the worst times of the year.

Masai Mara in Kenya

Wanting to see cats dominating the wildlife, go to Masai Mara, the haven for cheetahs, lions and leopards.

See them in action and see them near?this sight is most perfect for cat enthusiasts as they offer endless miles of vegetation which is conducive for survival. Not too mention, conducive for game viewing.

However, this is strictly not the perfect place if you want to be alone. Since it is popular, it had become the hottest sight for the outpour of tourists.

Kruger National Park in South Africa

For superb accommodation and sheer delight of seeing myriad of animals, plants and bird species, this park seems to be one of the perfect place to offer thrills that safaris in Africa may present. This is due to the reason that the park shelters diverse ecosystems that allow different species to coexist within a single location.

Selinda Reserve in Botswana

Though this haven is less popular among novice safari travelers, it is still the top choice of seasoned travelers who seem to return to the place over and over and over again. The high standard of accommodation and high concentration of species draws them towards this sanctuary.

South Luangwa National Park in Zambia

This is one of Africa's best kept secrets, which only waits for its own time to be. It is like a diamond that is about to be discovered amidst the roughness of the stones. Someday, as experts say, South Luangwa National Park will claim it proper place among the top vacation spots in Africa.
For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

African Lion Safari Country; Kenya - The African Lion Safari Land

African lion safari in Kenya is offered in several of the country?s wildlife parks. Most famous is the Maasai Mara game reserve where sightings of the African lion are guaranteed-the same way the sun will rise in the morning and set in the evening. Other African lion safari parks in Kenya famous for their African lion populations include the Tsavo, Amboseli, Nairobi, Nakuru and Meru safari Parks. With a little effort and your diver guide?s acumen, you will be able to spot a pride in each of these African lion safari land parks.

African lion safari of Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara game reserve is said to host over 10 prides of lions if not more. The African lion in Maasai Mara is famous for its black mane. The mane will usually be golden in the African lion?s youth turning to black as it advances in age. The lions of the Mara will be heard roaring next to your camp where they have marked territories and location.

The prides usually occupy one territory (which might be next to your lodge) and it?s guaranteed that they will always be in those environs every day. The Maasai Mara African lion safari land park is rife with succession battles between male lions. The dominant male is constantly fending off other challenging males. The male will in most cases be heavily scarred on the face as a result of battles fought and won before.

The African lion safari in the Mara will find you in the middle of a pride that wants to use your car for shade. They will sprawl underneath and besides your vehicle for hours ignoring your presence. By and large, the Maasai Mara African lion is to an extent used to humans, but that?s not to mean they are any less dangerous. So take no chances.

The African lion safari of Tsavo safari park

The lions of Tsavo East especially, are the most dreaded, and were upon which the movie ?the ghost and the darkness? was based. The lions of Tsavo killed hundreds of railway workers and at one point halted the construction of the East African railway line in 1890?s. They came to be known as the ?man eaters of Tsavo?

The lions here are the most feared and un-habituated due to their limited contact with humans. They are equally harder to locate but more due to the expansive nature of the park. Your tour driver guide in most cases will most certainly know how to locate a pride since they are familiar with their territories.

African Lion safari in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National park is the only wildlife park in the world within capital city boundaries. It is therefore easily accessible and a show case of what other country based lion safari parks have to offer. The African lion prides of Nairobi national park are fewer due to the relative size of the park. They can however be heard at early mornings and late evenings roaring away. It is always an exciting experience in your African lion safari to see the elusive lions in this park before proceeding to the major national parks in Kenya.

Lions of Meru National Park

The Meru National park easily holds the number one position of the most remote wilderness areas in the country. The wildlife here, unlike other parks is very aggressive and un-habituated. The African lions of Meru National park compare to those of Tsavo and are as such the most feared. Meru national park however is a darling for tourists in search of virgin natural places in their African lion safari photo hunt.

Lions of L. Nakuru National park

Lake Nakuru national park is the most visited park in Kenya. The park is also located 2? from Nairobi and within the Nakuru town and is host to Lake Nakuru, an important Ramsar site. (An Important water-body equivalent to a UNESCO?s heritage site). The park is famous for the millions of the pink coloured flamingo that ring the sides of the lake like one large pink bracelet.

The African lion park prides are easily found and are located in a particular area called the lion hill. L. Nakuru is a very famous park since it also hosts the Black and White African Rhino. The white Rhino populations in the park have improved tremendously and are touted as a resounding success of the rhino breeding programme by the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Let your operator advice you on your itinerary to maximize your African lion safari experience in Kenya. For sure you will see enough African lions and more of the big five game here. That?s not a fact it?s a promise. Enjoy!

Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant with Landmark Safaris. He is degreed in tourism and hospitality management and author to many Kenya tour articles. For free African lion safari info visit them @ www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/wildlife.php

Kenya Safari: The Fate of the Rhinos

In Africa today, the fight for growth of the rhino population is an everyday activity. After being declared an endangered species, Kenya has put up big efforts financially to see to it that their habitats have been safe guarded.

The history of the rhino can be traced back to 45 million years ago. The Baluchitherium, an ancestor of the Indian rhino, was the largest land mammal that ever lived. It was 18 feet high and 36 feet long. It lived over 20 million years ago. Fortunately, the rhino is on its way back, thanks to the efforts of well wishers and volunteers.

THE PROBLEM

The problem of the rhino has been its beauty, the horn. It is made of keratin, a substance found in human hair and nails. Powdered Rhino horn has been used extensively in traditional medicine in Asia and to make ornamental dagger handles in the Yemen. The demand is so great that traders are prepared to pay poachers vast sums to kill rhinos for their horns. Because of these, Rhinos have faced wholesale slaughter. To stop these abuse governments and bodies such as Save the Rhino teamed up together to halt the abusive. Thanks to them, the overall decline of the rhino has been halted, and populations in Africa are beginning to stabilize.

A CLOSER LOOK

The rhino belongs to the family Rhinoceroteridae. They are 5 species placed in 4 genera. Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa south of the Sahara. Rhinos inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests. The African species live in more open areas than do the Asian species. Their habitat has to generally have access to water. They usually drink everyday. Their horns are dermal growths originally composed of compressed keratin. Usually they have 1-2 horns. Both hind and forefeet have 3 digits with a small hoof. They are known to have poor eye sight but strong hearing and smell. The tough and wrinkled skin has very few scattered hairs. The tail ends with stiff bristles. Breeding..

Female rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth. The calf remains with the mother until the next offspring is born. Gestation is 420-570 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows.They a life span of up to 50 years.

Note that the African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species. They use their horns to attack and toss their enemies. This can be especially dangerous and can kill attackers instantly. African white rhinos have a preference of feeding low to the open grounds whereas the black rhino usually browse on leaves and have a tendency to stay hidden. They have been noted to be more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover. Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and love to wallow in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind a trail that other animals later use. Rhinos run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter. They can, however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances.Basically the black rhino is more solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit.

Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months. Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. They often furrow the areas around these piles with their horns and make the piles even more conspicuous. The black rhino has a wide vocal range and can possibly communicate like an elephant, through frequencies below the range of human hearing. Breathing is an important part of communication. Unlike the white rhino-calf, the black rhino calf normally runs behind its mother.

CURRENT STATUS

There were an estimated 20,000 black rhino in Kenya in the 1970s. By 1982 the population was reduced to fewer than 400. Since then, their number has increased and now stands at over 450. The number in fenced areas has risen at an average rate of four percent each year when the conditions are good. Since 1984 the Kenyan government has pursued an active program devoted to the recovery of Kenya?s black rhino, with efforts centering on the development of specially protected or fenced sanctuaries on government and private land, such as Lewa.

Rhino populations under custodianship both on private land (Solio Ranch) and in some State-run areas (such as Nairobi National Park) have provided set up for new populations (including reintroducing animals into an electrified-fence sanctuary inside the KWS-run Tsavo West and Meru National Parks). The private sector thus plays an important part in the conservation of rhino in Kenya and currently supplies many of the animals being used to restock state parks.

Kenya is currently the stronghold of the Eastern African subspecies Diceros bicornis michaeli, a home to about 88 % of the population in 1995. Like South Africa and Namibia, Kenya is doing translocation to set up new populations while aiming to ensure that donor populations remain productive. The public plight of the black rhino has attracted support from many different areas. Today, scientists are formulating a method of ?fingerprinting? rhino horn based on the nutrient content of each specific rhino conservation area. This will enable them to pinpoint the area a rhino came from, its family group, and even its preferred diet. It is also an important step toward eradicating poaching, as scientists will be able to determine where a rhino was when it was killed.

For more facts about Kenya wildlife visit http://www.natural-track.com

Peter Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature safari company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit http://www.natural-track.com

Botswana Mobile Safari

Camping?s not my thing. Experiences to date have been limited to the odd night supervising the children in the garden. So it was with some anxiety that I set off for Northern Botswana to spend five nights in a tent. I needn?t have worried. All my fears (and there were many) were swept away within ten minutes of arriving at our first camp site. Set among trees and looking out over a dry floodplain in the Moremi Game Reserve, our six tents were well equipped with proper beds and bathrooms and were very comfortable.

The camp staff were great fun, extremely knowledgeable and perfect hosts. The early mornings and late afternoons were spent on game drives in the park, where we were treated to a wonderful variety of birds and animals. Our guide too was excellent. There was a constant stream of interesting facts and figures, and not once did I feel we compromised safety in order to get close to any animal.

After two nights, we moved to a simple ?fly camp? on an island in the Okavango Delta. After drifting up and down river channels during the day, we arrived at a tiny wooded island, where just our bed rolls and mosquito nets were to be our accommodation for the night. A sundowner on a nearby lagoon, supper and then sleeping under the stars, listening to strange noises, is something I shall not forget in a hurry. I had expected to feel very vulnerable with just a thin piece of netting between me and a lot of things with big teeth. But I was amazed how safe I felt once zipped into my ?home for the night?, well hidden under the duvet.

We left the island to spend another two nights back in Moremi. This time the camp site was next to a large lagoon, and as we arrived in the late afternoon we had to wait for a huge herd of elephant to cross our path on their way to drink and play in the water.

I couldn?t have been more wrong in my initial ideas about a mobile safari. I had imagined danger at every turn, uncomfortable nights and ordinary food. In fact, I had a wonderful experience. I never once felt in any danger, but there was plenty of excitement. The food was fantastic - how our cook managed to produce what he did over an open fire is a mystery. And as for uncomfortable ... showering in the open air and sleeping under canvas, trying to work out what?s making that noise outside the tent, beats any five star hotel. I can?t wait to go again.

http://www.aardvarksafaris.com/articles-botswana-mobilesafari.htm

Charlotte Opperman first visited Africa on honeymoon in Kenya, when a love of Africa (and hopefully her husband) was born. She has since visited Botswana, Namibia and the Seychelles. Charlotte has also tested a number of our trips with her husband and two sons. So far they have visited Mauritius, South Africa (twice) and Kenya, so she is a great person to talk to if wanting to travel to Africa with children. A keen horsewoman Charlotte rides and competes regularly, and has ridden in both Southern and East Africa. Her desire for comfort in unspoilt surroundings makes her a good yardstick when planning a safari for many of our clients. Her close attention to detail ensures our clients never leave home unprepared.

HI-BIRD SAFARI GROUP BAGS NATIONAL AWARD FOR QUALITY

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, October 12, 2006 :: Safari Bikes Ltd., a unit of Hi-Bird Safari Group of Industries, manufacturer and exporter of "Hi-Bird" and "SAFARI" brands bicycles has bagged the prestigious 'National Award' for quality instituted by Ministry of SSI, Government of India.

Union Defense Minister Pranav Mukherjee presented the award to Mr. Suresh Sharma, Executive Director Safari Group, at a function held recently in New Delhi.

Company has been already honored at international level consecutively for two years i.e. with "International Europe Award for Quality (Paris), France" in the year 2000 and immediately next year from Geneva, Switzerland with "Platinum Star Award for Quality" in the year 2001. Hi-Bird Group happens to be India's First and Only manufacturer in bicycle trade having been honoured in the advanced part of the world Europe with Quality Awards.

After establishing network in more than 50 countries around the globe, company entered in domestic market in the year 2000 with its premium brand Hi-Bird and brought a revolution in bicycle trade launching 40 attractive and stylish bicycle models at one stretch. At present company is making more than 100 varied designs and models of bicycles covering all age groups and segments of society and has largest choice in the country for bicycle consumers.

Having in-house R & D, Design and Development facilities, Hi-Bird Group is having manufacturing capacity of 6000 bicycles per day. Apart from regular sale through more than 2000 well-established dealer channels, company has supplied nearly 3 lacs bicycles to various State Governments under Girl Child Welfare Scheme. Company has similar experience at international level also supplying 40,000 bicycles to Nigeria and 32,000 bicycles to Govt. of Rwanda in the past.

In the tough global competition and ever increasing steel prices company has been able to keep a check on bicycle prices by cutting down the cost of production with efficient management and newer production techniques but at the same time maintaining its quality image. Hi-Bird Group is known for keeping a pace with changing market trends and consumer tastes by frequently launching new models.

As per Mr. Suresh Sharma, Executive Director of the company "Quality is not a matter of chance but it is achieved through sheer dedication and hard work". Today Hi-Bird is selling its product at premium only because of its world-class quality, attractive designs and global image.

Last year Group opened its branches in Tianjin (China) and Holland (Europe) and are in the final stage of signing a technological tie-up with a major bicycle manufacturing company in Europe for manufacture of high-end bikes.

For further information, please contact: Mr. Suresh Sharma Safari Bikes Limited E-650, Phase V, Focal Point, Ludhiana- 141010 Ph: +91-161-672975-76 Fax: +91-161-673783 E-mail: exports@safaribikes.com Website: www.safaribikes.com

Editorial Contact: Mr. V.K. Arora Management & Communications Group 54, Kiran Vihar, I.P. Estate Extn., Delhi-110092 E-mail: mancomm@del3.vsnl.net.in Mobile: +919811153833

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Know What To Expect From An African Hunting Safari

Africa, a place that is naturally endowed with species that it exclusively owns.

The mere sound of the name rings bells of adventure, exploration, realization and hunting. Because of the diversity of hunting safari, it offers as much opportunities for hunting fanatics to explore a range of ecological areas that have their own specialties.

Well, it's hard to imagine how we can exactly describe the purity of Africa. It is safe though to tell you that it is filled with rich resources of plain animals suited for game, predators that follow after their kill, animals grazing on fertile and unspoiled lands and others.

The game aside, Africa gathers the largest, most dense and extreme concentration of plant species and strange animals that seem to have come directly from the sixth day of the creation.

Now going to the bird, at any given time of the year, a single national park can contain an average of 300 to 500 bird species, which make Africa not only a haven of species but also a paradise for naturalists and ornithologists.

The plant and tree species are also diverse that it is impossible to record them all. Some species are as old as several thousand years ago, which again seemed to be the direct link to the Creator.

Al these combined (and the mixture of other components), Africa is one big paradise for man and the creations to enjoy. To flourish and to experience the circle of life. The dance that plays with each organism and specie. And the life that sets the balance between the created and the wardens.

As for the hunting safari, Africa boasts the most excellent sites and species that fuel man's passion for hunting animals in their natural habitats. Though hunting is restricted in some national parks, local governments still assigned African hunting safaris where varieties of games are enjoyed but in accordance with ethical restrictions.

Some common hunting safari animals in Africa are: black wildebeest, gemsbuck, red hartebeest, springbuck, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebras, antelopes, eland, steenbuck, rhebuck, impala, blue wildebeest, warthog, kudu and many other species.

In African hunting safaris, the most common method used is the rifle hunting. However, although it is popular enough there are still unsettled issues concerning the caliber of the rifle. Please check on the guidelines as suggested by you tour operator.

Next to the rifle hunting is the bow hunting, which for the present is not as customarily used as the rifle hunting. Experts see the future of bow hunting though as the standard to restrict any other issues that must be dealt with the more common form of hunting.

This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

 

Top Five African Safari Destinations

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.

But there are literally hundreds of national parks and wildlife areas in Africa that you can travel to.

And some are definitely better than others when it comes to providing the potential for a great safari holiday.

In my experience, and in the general consensus of the wildlife tour industry and other sources such as the first hand accounts of safari trips in the travel diaries at African Safari Journals, here are the top five safari vacations in Africa:

1. Tanzania - Serengeti

During the annual migration, when the wildebeest and zebra pack up and leave their grazing areas to find fresher ones, the Serengeti is an astonishing place to be.

It's a very good safari vacations in africa destination at other times of the year too but the migration has been ranked by many as one of the wonders of the natural world. Hard to beat in the safari stakes.

2. Kenya - Masai Mara National Park

If you want to see the big cats, this wildlife park is top of the pops. Lion, leopard and cheetah abound and they are relatively easy to spot because of the grassland vegetation which means you get unrestricted views for miles around.

Another big plus is the fact that going off-road is allowed as long as you are not making new trails of your own.

This is one of the few vacations in Africa parks that still allows this and it is a big advantage because the animals will rarely oblige you and stay next to the major roads.

The only downside here is that because of it's popularity there are a lot of people around so if you want to spend time in isolation with nature this is not the place to go.

3. South Africa - Kruger National Park

For sheer variety of species no other place in Africa can come close to the Kruger Park. And because it is so large (larger than Wales) it has a number of different ecosystems that you can pass through in your search for animals and birds.

It is one of the best managed parks in Africa and the accommodation and infrastructure is superb.

4. Botswana - Selinda Reserve

Seasoned safari travellers rate this reserve in north Botswana extremely highly and they return to it again and again, drawn by the very high concentration of wildlife, high standard of accommodation and service and exclusivity.

5. Zambia - South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is a diamond in the rough, just waiting for enough exposure to bring it to its rightful place in the crown of vacations in African wildlife destinations. But for the moment it's relative isolation as one of Africa's best kept secrets is part of it's charm.

It has a reputation as one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive leopard and it is the birthplace of the walking safari.

Bruce Whittaker is the founder and CEO of African Safari Journals which contains many safari travel journals and pictures from previous trips to aid in choosing possible African safari holidays and has been on numerous safaris throughout Africa.