African Lion Country Safari - Safari Lion Animal Facts - African Wild Lion Hunting Safari in Kenya

The king of the forest or so the African lion has been re-baptized. The lion may be the king of the savannah but certainly not of the forest; it is not its habitat. Its scientific name is panthera Leo, a carnivore; class- mammals; family- felines. Its length may reach 2 ? meters, its height one metre. The female is slightly smaller. Weight; 200 to 250kg. Gestation period; 105 to 110 days. Length of life; up to 20years.

The lioness not only takes care of the cubs (three or four at a time) but it is also the more expert and agile hunter. Zebra and antelopes of various types like impala, Kongoni, make up the regular diet of an African lion. In need, it does not scorn rats, rock rabbits, and even carrions of elephants, buffaloes and giraffes.

The worst enemy of the lion is a rather innocuous animal, the size of a small dog; the porcupine who very cleverly waits for the lion to run after him then suddenly stops letting the hunter stick its nose in a forest of sharp quills in its jaws as this may remain stuck there for life, a painful reminder every time it has to chew.

The lion is a proverbial glutton; it may eat up to one fifth of its weight at one meal. However, it may also fast for three or four days. Humans may become its prey as well. The man eaters of Tsavo became famous during the building of the Mombasa-Kisumu railway. One station carries their name; Simba (Kiswahili for Lion)

Only the male lion wears a mane; it begins to grow at about three years of age. Famous is its roar, it may be heard for 5miles around in the savannah. In African fables and proverbs the lion is often humiliated, tricked or defeated by other small defenseless animals.

Kenya rhino animals

The rhino is the second largest in size after the elephant. There are in Africa, two species of Rhino, the black and the white one. Where black only means a shade darker, white means dirty grew; a bit of a confusion which could be cleared by calling each with its scientific name of ceratotherium simum (the white one) and Diceros Bicornis (the black one).

The first attains a length of 4 ? meters and a weight of 4 tons while the second does not reach 4 meters and just manages 2 tons. The gestation period of the first is a hundred days longer than that of the second, estimated at 450-480 days.

The looks of the rhino are far from friendly; perhaps is nature?s gift to a timid (so experts believe) and even easily frightened animal. There is no doubt that its sight is very poor, so when feeling in danger it plays the bully and charges anyhow to scare off the supposed enemy be it an animal or a vehicle. The two horns on its snout are truly a formidable weapon; but their scope is rather to enable the animal to tear or uproot its food (besides grass and tree bark, roots form its favorite diet)

Rhinos prefer small company; every family chooses its territory and rarely goes beyond the boundaries. The rhino has a queer characteristic; a very conjugal act. This may be the source of the legend widely believed in Asia that Rhino horn powder is a powerful aphrodisiac. That is why it has been exterminated in some places and reduced to very few in others. The legend is not dead yet

Robert is a travel expert with Landmarksafaris. He has authored more than 1000 articles on Africa Kenya animal holiday trip. Learn more of your experience in the best of all Kenya animal Holiday safaris here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/wildlife.php/?refferer=ezinearticles

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

A Honeymoon Safari Challenge

Four countries and six locations (including river, beach, Delta, desert and coast) in eighteen days sounds more like a challenge for charity than an enjoyable and inspiring holiday. But that?s the sum of a fabulous trip we recently arranged for Stephen and Bryony Wolf on their honeymoon. Always of the opinion that a well paced trip does not include too many countries, too many locations and too few nights in one place, we felt challenged by the request to include Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa in one itinerary.

After three days relaxing at the River Club on the banks of the Zambezi close to Victoria Falls, a short flight took them to Chief?s Camp in the heart of the Okavango Delta. Located in the Mombo concession, game viewing here is incredible with very dense animal concentrations particularly predators. A short hop by light aircraft to Maun was followed by a direct flight to the Namibian capital Windhoek. Here they had a one night stop at Hilltop House a simple but comfortable bed and breakfast. And then onto the three night Schoeman?s fly-in safari, a legend in itself providing some of the most extraordinary visions of the Skeleton Coast, Damaraland and Kaokoland accompanied by guides who have lived and breathed this part of Namibia since birth.

Next came another flight, this time to Johannesburg and an overnight at our favourite boutique style hotel, Ten Bompas, only a short drive from the airport.

The finale to their spectacular holiday was a four night stay at Rocktail Bay Lodge on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. A great beach location, wild and safari-like, with wide open beaches and superb diving and snorkelling.

A great challenge and a great trip.

http://www.aardvarksafaris.com/articles-honeymoons-challenge.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.

A Luxury Safari Story

It's hard to believe, as the small plane touches down at Sabi Sabi's airstrip, that we are just an easy hour's flight from Johannesburg. It's another world here - quiet, undisturbed, unhurried.

Elliot, who will be our guide for the duration of our trip, meets us off the plane. His ready smile, incredible bush knowledge and quiet confidence will be a hallmark of our visit; one of the things that make us long to go back. After a quick refreshment and cooling lemon towels we are ready to leave for our lodge.

A brief orientation brings us back down to earth. We are in the heart of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin, home to Africa's big game, Elliot explains, and there are no fences between our reserve, the Kruger National Park and Mozambique. Big game? No fences? Open vehicles? The bush is deceptively quiet for a city dweller, concealing hundreds of creatures big and small. One of the other guides tells us that just the day before a pride of lions had brought down a zebra right next to the landing strip. Our safari has begun.

A luxurious African Safari Experience
Our visit to Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve came with the choice of four lodges: Bush Lodge, Little Bush Camp, Selati Camp and Earth Lodge. We opted to spend two nights at the redesigned Bush Lodge and then two at Earth Lodge, which is a popular option available to visitors. Having been told that Bush Lodge had recently undergone a total redesign and remodelling project, I was expecting to see a new-looking lodge. However, on arrival, it was difficult to imagine that Bush Lodge hadn't been there for years, so warm and inviting is the whole atmosphere - not to mention the staff. The lodge entrance manages to be incredibly luxurious while conveying the feeling that you are visiting a close friend's home. Sabi Sabi operations director, Rod Wyndham, who together with wife Lauren run Bush Lodge, explained that the philosophy behind Bush Lodge's redesign centred around a providing a haven in the bush while reflecting the many African influences behind the design. Everywhere there are artefacts from all over the continent - a mix of colonial and ethnic - brought together by rich fabrics and textures and a design that looks out across the bush over a waterhole. After a brief introduction from Rod we were shown to our beautiful suite and invited to return for late afternoon tea followed by an evening safari. For those who have never experienced an African game lodge, it difficult to convey the luxury that exists in such close proximity to totally unspoilt wildlife. We were so taken with our suite we considered missing the evening drive, but eventually decided to give it a go - a very good decision in the end.

Afternoon tea is taken on one of two huge decks overlooking a waterhole and furnished with huge, comfortable chairs ideal for relaxing and surveying the bushveld. Soon we were heading out again - this time on evening safari with Elliot and Phios. We hadn't driven very far when we spotted two giraffes feeding in a thicket. Given their proximity to our lodge I was very grateful they weren't lions, but didn't admit this to the party we were with - all seasoned bush goers. As our drive progressed, the heat abated, the light softened and the shadows lengthened. We saw a herd of elephants, breathtakingly close; kudu, zebra, hippo and the shy nyala before Elliot's radio announced a sighting close by of 'dogs', which caused instant excitement on our Land Rover. Suddenly it dawned on me - we were about to experience what very few people ever do - African wild dogs, one of the continent's endangered and seldom seen species. En route to the sighting, Elliot explained that while wild dogs are often on Sabi Sabi property, there hadn't been a sighting for a couple of months. He reminded us to remain seated and quiet and we set off. About five minutes away we slowed down and approached the area where Sven, another guide had spotted the dog family - five adults comprising three female and two males. I was struck by how small they are, especially when Elliot explained that they are one of the most successful hunting animals in Africa with 90% success rate. They hunt in packs, efficiently and without fuss. The family seemed to be on the move and soon we were following them. They were on a trail, every so often stopping to survey their surroundings through sight, hearing and smell.

Years of habituation have made the animals at Sabi Sabi almost oblivious of the safari vehicles and the family carried on as if we were not just a few metres away. It was awesome to see these animals behaving normally in their natural habitat. Moving off road to keep with the sighting, the dogs picked up their pace on the trail of some prey until we lost them in a thicket of thorn trees. After trying unsuccessfully to locate them further on - they had disappeared as quickly and quietly as they had appeared - Elliot suggested we stop for sundowners. While we encountered the most incredible wildlife during our stay, including lions hunting, two different leopards, hippo, buffalo and even a snake, the wild dog sighting was the highlight of our game viewing. Sundowners are served in the open bush, a refreshing break before resuming the safari in darkness. Returning to Bush Lodge we forewent the chance to freshen up for dinner in favour of adjourning to the welcoming bar to swap stories with other guests and compare notes on our experiences.

A four-course boma dinner, complete with fresh venison and an array of other dishes, was accompanied by a fine wine from an impressive collection. An early night was called for as morning wake up call was just a few hours away.

Our days at Bush Lodge followed in the same gentle rhythm, two daily safaris, delicious food and wonderful staff, mainly from the local Shangaan communities of Huntingdon, Justicia and Lilydale.

On our third day we transferred to Earth Lodge. The arrival is totally unexpected as the lodge is all but invisible from a distance, being sculpted into the earth and having been recreated to blend seamlessly with the surrounding bush. It was the first lodge of its genre to break with the colonial tradition and the effect is breathtaking. It has clean lines that look out over unspoiled bush, an unadorned cement and pigment finish and uses influences from nature in its every aspect: buck horns as legs for chairs, uprooted trees carved into elaborate furniture pieces, natural skylights, anthill roofs for the suites. Our suite is the most luxurious we have ever stayed in. Dominated by a huge carved wooden bed, it opens up to a private splash pool and the bush. An enormous bathroom with a stone bath has uninterrupted views of the bushveld, and there are indoor and outdoor showers. I indulged in an outdoor shower for the first time although they are also a feature at Bush Lodge. The main lodge has an indoor / outdoor dining area, reading lounge, Zen garden, Camelot spa and a 6000-bottle subterranean wine cellar where we enjoyed unique Earth Lodge cuisine for our last dinner at the reserve.

All too soon the visit was over and we were driving to the airstrip where we had arrived. En route, we saw and heard an African fish eagle, surely one of the most evocative sounds in the wild - and a fitting end to a wonderful experience.

This travel article was written by a guest at "Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

The Top African Safari Books Recommended For Your Trip

Africa books will enrich your African safari experience enormously because of all the topical content they contain and it will make your preparation for an African safari that much easier and more complete.

Safari travel books really help you squeeze the most benefit out of your trip because if you know something about the animals and people you will encounter, you will probably enjoy it a lot more.

If your safari operator is up to scratch they will provide you with a lot of information too, but an African safari book will have more comprehensive content that you can access at your leisure.

And safari books can be an invaluable aid in helping you prepare for your trip. It's almost as good as having a travel agent at your beck and call 24 hours a day.

There are three major categories of safari book that you can choose from and the titles listed in each category are the top ones in that field...

1. Topical Guidebooks

The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals

Written by Richard D Estes this is a definitive book about the habits of African wildlife which will stand you in good stead when you come across animals on your trip.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife

Apart from the wildlife information and fantastic photographs, this guide also contains geographic and climate information about your destination. Written by Peter Alden, Richard D. Estes, Duane Schlitter, Bunny McBride.

2. Country Guidebooks

There are quite a few players bidding to be Nr 1 in this category but the guidebooks that comes out tops from an African point of view are the Bradt Travel Guides.

They have amazingly detailed coverage of most things Africa and the people who write the guides are really passionate and knowledgeable about their subject. Here are a few of their titles they publish but they cover the whole of Africa with their full stable of guides...

Africa Overland
Southern African Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide
Tanzania with Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia
Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari
Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide
The Gambia

Another guidebook publisher with a very extensive African range and excellent content is Lonely Planet. Some of their popular guides are...

Africa on a shoestring
South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland
Healthy Travel Africa

Rough Guides has a more limited range of Africa books but what they do have is of a high quality...

Cape Town & the Garden Route
Swahili Phrasebook

3. Other Africa Books - Fiction

There are some Africa fiction books that manage to capture and communicate a measure of the magic, romance, wildness and unique character of the dark continent.

Reading these books will give you a foretaste of what it is about Africa that seems to get into peoples blood and engender a love of the place that draws them back again and again.

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town written by Paul Theroux is a magnificent takes readers the length of Africa by rattletrap bus, dugout canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train. In the course of his epic and enlightening journey, he endures danger, delay, and dismaying circumstances. Gauging the state of affairs, he talks to Africans, aid workers, missionaries, and tourists. What results is an insightful meditation on the history, politics, and beauty of Africa and its people.

I Dreamed of Africa is Kuki Gallmans classic inspirational and moving book about her experiences in Kenya after she moved there permanently from Italy. This book was also turned into a movie starring Kim Basinger.

More top Africa books that will enormously enrich and aid your African safari tour.

A complete Safari packing list of what to take with you on your African safari.

Preparing for Your African Safari

There are numerous preparations you should make before you leave for your African safari vacation. It is especially important to be aware of the physical conditions and safety considerations if you are considering a visit to Africa. Research the political situation in the country you are planning to visit before you book and confirm your travel. Official web sites on the Internet will provide you with complete and up-to-date information.

Before You Leave Home A crucial consideration is to pack wisely and don't over-pack. But how do you determine what's essential and what's not? Although having the proper clothing is very important, the key is to travel light but travel smart. It is recommended that you check out the local climate and weather conditions before you embark on a safari. If you have booked through an African travel specialist for your trip, contact that company for clothing suggestions during the specified period of your travel.

Be sure to include good walking shoes that are comfortable and already broken in; don't make the mistake of bringing brand new shoes. Include comfortable, but protective clothing for your safari. Long-sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the sun and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes, especially in the evenings. Wearing neutral-colored clothing will help you blend in with the surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife and will also reflect the sun, keeping you cooler. You may also want to bring along a warm jacket for cool nights. In addition, you'll want to take some "dressier clothes" for when you're planning to be in one of the larger African cities where more formal attire is appropriate.

Sun Protection Regardless of the time of year you visit Africa, the sun's heat will be significant during the day. High SPF sunscreen and lip balm are a must, as well as a hat, bandana, sunglasses and so forth. Covering up when in the sun is the best approach to ultraviolet ray protection. Generally, fabrics with a tighter, denser weave give the best protection. Knit constructions, such as cotton t-shirts, give relatively poor protection (SPF rating of 4.8) since UV rays pass through loops on the knit structure.

What about Health Care and Medicine? You should definitely schedule a doctor's visit for a complete medical check up well in advance of your departure. First and foremost, you should remember to have prescriptions filled with an adequate supply of the medications you are currently taking. If you are visiting an area known to have malaria, you should consider taking prophylactic malaria medication. Your family physician and safari travel company can offer advice regarding this medication based on the region you are planning to visit. It is also a good idea to have a dental check-up before your travel.

Be sure to enquire about the quality of the drinking water and, if in doubt, drink only bottled. Many people become dehydrated when on safari because they forget to drink enough water - be sure to drink plenty of water every day. Re-hydration tablets are also a good item to bring along, just in case.

Pack a medical kit with painkillers, bug repellants, anti-diarrhea pills, bandages and antiseptics for yourself and anyone traveling with you. Finally, ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate in case you become sick or injured abroad. There are insurance companies that specialize in overseas travel insurance and offer short-term coverage's to suit all needs - your travel agent can help with recommendations.

When You Arrive After you arrive at your destination, there are some additional points worth noting to preclude illness, accident, or injury so you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest. First, to relieve symptoms of jet lag and fatigue, eat lightly, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and caffeine for a few days after your arrival. Also, try to adjust your activity levels to the local time zone as soon as possible to get you physically in sync with the local time.

One of the most common reasons for injury abroad is automobile accidents. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local driving culture, road signs, speed limits and local police vehicles before attempting to drive.

When walking in cities and urban areas in Africa, you may want to consider using two wallets. Hide one of them with the bulk of your cash, traveler's checks, credit cards and other essential items in a safe place on your person. Fill the second wallet with a small amount of money, and use that for routine spending. In addition, you should avoid counting your money in public, as this will cause the unwanted attention of potential thieves. Finally, if you must take an expensive laptop or camera when walking around in populated areas, try to conceal them as much as possible, preferably in an older or beat up bag.

Eyes on Africa, an African safari company, boasts an extremely knowledgeable team of staff members, who are passionate about every aspect of travel to Southern Africa, including its wildlife and safari destinations. When you're ready to plan your African safari, a holiday in Africa, or if you just have questions, please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-457-9575 or visit our web site at www.eyesonafrica.net/contactus.htm and complete an information request form.

Tips for a Safari to Tanzania

It is confusing I think, for the first time traveller to plan a safari to Tanzania. Many subjects are covered about travel to Tanzania on the web and in an amazing selection of specialist travel books. Emphatic statements and sage advice is churned out ad nauseam in order to help plan a safari. The problem is that so much misinformation is given and how do we sift the bad from the good?

I will try to cover some basic concerns here and maybe put right some of the misinformation. A little learning is a dangerous thing and with the internet so accessible decrement has to employed. If you look at many sites for Tanzania you see how many of them seem to copy each others content. This morning I visited three sites of three independent safari companies based in Arusha, Tanzania and word for word they have the same script about camping safaris; so reading something more than once does not always make it more reliable.

Statement: The best time to come to Tanzania is in the dry season from July to October. This is a little misleading. It is the most popular time to come to Tanzania and if you come to visit the Serenegeti and Ngorongoro crater I would advise you do not come at this time as it is truly madness. There are so many tourists coming to Tanzania during these months that I would advise against travel to the northern Tanzania National Parks during these months - if it can be avoided.

November is a time of short rains and it is usually dry again from Mid December through to March. However, the rains of late are unpredictable and East Africa tends to suffer from droughts. As with anywhere the off season or low season offers a magic of its own with the bonus that safaris are offered at bargain basement prices.

Statement: June and September to plan to visit the Serengeti during this time frame would not be a good idea as this is when the wildlife has migrated to the neighbouring country Kenya. Again this statement is a little misleading. The migration follows or is dictated to by the rains. The migration follows a certain pattern however this can be disrupted if [as is often the case] the rain pattern changes. Also this sounds as if all the animals leave Tanzania to move into Kenya. Whilst it is true the migration of Wildebeest usually migrated to Kenya there is a constant crossing back and forth at this time. Some nomadic lions and predators follow the migration but other prides remain in Tanzania year round. The Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti has a high concentration of game year round.

Park Fees have changed and some web pages have not updated there pages. I will not list them here but advise you to check for your self on the official site http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/regulation.htm - any other information you might want can be found from the tourist board http://tanzaniatouristboard.com/

Statement: Roads are in bad condition and there are very few paved roads. Again this is a general statement covering a huge country which has large cities as well as wilderness areas. The road to Ngorongoro crater has been improved and can now be reached in a few hours from Arusha town. Major towns have decent roads and the roads between Arusha and Dar es Salaam and then from Dar to Iringa - Mbeya and on to Malawi and Zambis are fine. A much needed road from Arusha to Dodoma is planned and we hope work will begin soon on this project.

All statements on tipping are wrong - this statement will upset many people but I stick by this one - let me give my advise here. Remember, many people in Tanzania are poor. Many have an extended family. If you happen to over tip it is not a sin and maybe you have helped change someone's life. I have seen children die for the want of a few dollars. I don't believe in pooled tips. Whatever anyone says, ignore them, tip the person you wish to reward for good service. It is the only way to ensure the person deserving the tip gets the tip.

Remembering every time you make an extra stop on your safari and buy a curio, or a coffee [recommended by your driver perhaps] the driver will get commission. Cultural Heritage a huge curio hypermarket in Arusha will pay drives a commission for bringing tourists through the door.

I would encourage you to buy your curios from the people who make them, where possible. And although bargaining is part of the fun and is expected - always keep it good natured and don't be too hard.

Tanzania is a wonderful country; the people of Tanzania are friendliness personified. Most of all enjoy the wildlife and make new friends. It is a place that will steal your heart.

For more information on Tanzania see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk or for more comprehensive advice and comments go to http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk - responsible tourism can change lives.

How to Book a Serenegeti Migration Safari

A Safari across the endless plains of the Serengeti in an unforgettable experience; it touches something deep within us; creating experiences that will be never be forgotten. A trip through the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania is both intriguing and exciting, shaped by the fascinating balance between the wildlife, the landscapes and its people. The great migration is a year round migration sometimes the migration is scattered over a large area other times the animals are concentrated into a huge mass of over a million animals. It is the last remaining big migration left on our planet and as such many people want to witness this great event.

The rains are the key to this never ending migratory cycle; and as the weather is unpredictable so is the migration. Many people try to predict the whereabouts of the animals; if the rains are on time and long enough then on past experience the predictions are accurate. However, in recent years the rains have not been on time or they have even failed leaving some safari-makers with clients in the wrong area of the Serengeti.

How to solve this problem involves a little work on your part. To research your subject and book with care; bellow are a few simple steps to act as a basic guideline.

If you book your safari from late July through to the end of September then it is necessary to book well in advance. This time of year is madness. If ever you hear stories of overcrowding in the Serenegeti the chances are the safari took place between these months; and most probably the safari was in the Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti. This area of the Serengeti has a good reliable concentration of animals year round. Many safari companies are lazy and send there clients to this part of the Serengeti only. Ensure your safari includes two areas of the Serengeti one should be the south or the north of this huge park depending on the time of year.

Any other time of year I would leave the actual booking of the safari until a few weeks before your departure. If it is low season, March to end of June then the safaris [accommodation and to a less extent transport] are at bargain basement rates. Keep checking on the whereabouts of the migration and then book your accommodation accordingly.

How, is it possible to keep a check on the whereabouts of the migration may be easier said than done. There are many sites that claim to have regular updates but they can be two years since the last update. CC Africa has the best site for updates on the migration but at the time of writing this page was three months out of date. I would suggest keeping in touch with two or three 'boutique' tour operators in Tanzania - they have vehicles with drivers who are returning from the Serengeti every week and so know the movements of the animals. Most safari companies will keep you informed as it is their job to do so; the more helpful they are the more likely you are to book through them.

To make life easier there are now several semi-permanent tented camps in the Serengeti. Do not let the tent bit put you off; they are huge tents with double beds and furniture and even en-suite bathrooms. Some boast of private butlers for each tent. They are small camps and have an intimate feel about them. They are semi permanent because they move several times per year so as to be close to the migration. To book with one of these camps ensures your safari will be both special and close to the migration.

Take care and put some thought into your safari - the planning is a part of the expedition. Research a little and make sure your ground operator in Tanzania is willing to make your safari special. Some are rather sadly only bothered about money and each client is a number only and they are not willing to make changes to itineraries. Beware of such companies as Tanzania and the Serengeti are amazing; make sure your safari experience is as amazing.

For more information on Tanzania, the Serengeti and the Migration contact either http://www.betheladventre.co.uk or http://www.parksadventure.com - and regularly updated news on Tanzania related subjects

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.