African Lion Safari - Are You Running Out Of Time!

What can you expect on an African lion safari? The African lion once ruled the wilds of Africa. Today, it has been humbled to the extent where it's future is a little shaky, in fact, there is still a possibility this king of the animal kingdom may have to relinquish it's crown because of a little thing called progress.

So what cost progress? In lion terms, it's been heavy. If an African lion safari is something you crave then it might be a good idea to make the trip sooner rather than later.

The Lion's Demise

The african lion's numbers have been a cause for great concern in recent times in fact, there has even been talk of extinction. It's a dirty word in the world of conservation and while the lion presents as a creature of indestructible dimensions, the sad fact is, the one creature on the planet capable of wiping it out, man, has been responsible for it's dwindling numbers.

Take for example just over 100 years ago, the African lion was around in numbers south of the Sahara desert. Today, it's almost got to the stage where the only place you can see the king of the beasts in it's "natural habitat" are large conservation parks. The reason; man's yearning for progress.

African Lion Facts

The lion is unquestionably at the top of the food chain in Africa. The fact remains, if the lion's demise becomes permanent, then the repercussions for some of Africa's ecosystems could be dramatic. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one area where the survival of the lion is imperitive.

Keeping The African Lion On The Planet

In some parts of Africa the sounds of the lion are no longer heard. It has succumbed to the tunes of progress and has vanished from areas where it once ruled.

Free ranging lions are now in the minority but there is a glimmer of hope in the shape of some hardy individuals hell bent on ensuring the lion's survival. Why does it seem like such a lone battle? Amazing as it sounds, while conservation groups realise the predicament at the moment, convincing those in authority with the power and the finance to fund rescue operations has been a little retarded.

In Central and Western Africa, free ranging lion populations are critically low and it's been a tough battle to keep the big cat's future on the up and up.

Where To See The Lion In The Wild?

One of the more popular African lion safari destinations is the vast expanse of the Serengeti in Tanzania. Migration time across the Serengeti is a treasure trove of activity and it's one of the few times you'll get to see the normally placid big cat get off it's backside and chase prey. And there is plenty of prey to chase as wildbeast begin their amazing migration.

Your travel agent is a great source of information on lion safaris and there are excellent opportunities for travel with experienced operators ready and willing to get you up close and personal with the king. Well, not too close but enough to give you a lasting memory.

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Get the latest information on African lion safari.We'll tell you why now is a good time to think about taking one! Plus, read the latest african safari related news and reviews at:http://www.african-safaris-site.com/wp

Elephant Safari: Unforgettable Incident That Illustrates An Elephant's Intelligence

The elephant is a member of the "big 5" list of animals that tourists out on an African safari holiday usually want to see.

Much has been written about elephants but one particular incident that we encountered on our way back from a safari, years ago, stands out on my mind and illustrates the amazing intelligence of this animal.

Before I narrate this tale, let me explain something. Everybody knows that the elephant is famed for its' memory. If you can remember things, folks will tell you that you have the memory of an elephant. This is factual because elephants will remember old routes in the African bush that they last used decades previously to reach a water hole during a very dry spell. There is a direct relation between the ability to remember and intelligence, as most people know. Many people will also know that research has clearly shown that animals with bigger brains are more intelligent. But then that is not my area of expertise and readers should do their own further research at their favorite search engine on this.

Let us move on to my amazing real life elephant tale.

Years back, we were returning from an exciting Safari in the world famous Masai Mara game reserve and were headed back to the hotel in Mombasa when we came across a very strange and bizarre site right in the middle of the busy highway that links the tourist city of Mombasa to Kenya's main capital city of Nairobi.

A baby elephant was lying right in the middle of the road. CONTINUE

Chris Kavila blogs from a house close to the beach in Mombasa, Kenya ? not far from the world famous Masai Mara game reserve (and loves every minute of it). He brings you regular fascinating tales of African Safari Holidays.

Ten Tips for a Top Safari

For many people, an African Safari is an experience they want to cherish forever, and for good reason. A Safari experience is a special, soul-awakening adventure. It will excite. It will inspire. It is the experience of a lifetime.

To help ensure that your African Safari is all these things, we've put together:

Ten Tips for a fantastic Safari experience

Plan

Vital to any successful travel experience is proper planning. This is as important for an African Safari as it is for an intercontinental overland adventure trip. I will of course concede that the latter may take a fair bit more work...

Clothing

This is Africa and casual clothes are the order of the day. Neutral-colours are recommended such as beiges, browns and khakis to avoid alarming the game. Comfort is key to a pleasurable experience, so take along lightweight comfortable clothing.

Footwear Comfortable enclosed walking shoes are advisable. This especially important if you intend to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of a bush walk.

Sun Protection

Take along a hat, sunglasses and sun protection cream.

Photography

Whether you're planning on getting that once-in-a-lifetime Safari snap or merely looking to have some kind of photographic record to share your safari experience with friends back home, remember to pack plenty of extra film or digital storage media and batteries.

Passports, Visas and customs concessions

Ensure that you have your valid passport. In some instances a Visa may be required as well. Confirm the specifics with your travel agent to ensure a trouble-free experience.

You will also need to acquaint yourself with the customs restrictions of the country you are visiting as well as your own country so that you don't experience any problems when entering either country.

It's also usually a good idea to make copies of all your important documentation and note down your traveler's cheque numbers. Store this information separately from the originals as a backup.

Time differences

Southern Africa is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. If you are traveling across time zones, your body will need to adjust during the first few days of your trip. Bear this in mind when planning your trip.

Malaria precautions

Umlani is situated in a medium-risk malaria area. Proper precautions are therefore recommended.

Most brands of malaria medication need to be taken at least a few days before you are to be exposed to a malaria risk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for detailed advice about the type of protection best suited for your situation.

Visitors are also advised to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants to limit the risk of mosquito bites. This is especially true during the dusk to dawn period, when mosquitoes are most active.

Game Viewing

Wild animals are by their very nature potentially dangerous. The animals you are likely to see while out on safari are not pets. Of course, your guide will know all about this and will advise accordingly to ensure maximum safety and maximum enjoyment for all concerned. Listen to your guide at all times.

When is the best time for game viewing?

At Umlani game reserve, wildlife viewing is highly enjoyable throughout the year.

In the main wildlife areas, most rain falls during the South African summer encouraging lush vegetation but making game harder to spot.

From May to Nov, the grass is short and game is easily spotted. From August through to mid October, the last months of the dry season, game tends to concentrate near waterholes, making these ideal game viewing areas.

The Umlani Bushcamp was founded in 1989 in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, now part of the Kruger National Park. This luxury game lodge represents the ultimate in combining five-star comfort with the adventure of an African safari.

African Safari

safari means ?journey? in Swahili and is mainly undertaken for exploring or hunting. However, in today?s world the word safari is being associated with adventure and discovery of the wildlife and habitats of the African continent. One can undertake an African safari in many ways, either by driving through the wilderness or through fly-in African safaris. There are three basic categories of safaris one can undertake: lodge safaris, permanent tented safaris and mobile safaris, as well as journeys based on themes like honeymoon, canoeing, elephant-back and horseback safaris. A safari through the regions of Southern Africa and East Africa takes around 10-21 days.

While planning for an African safari, it is advisable to choose an experienced safari specialist or a local African tour operator who is familiar with local etiquette and conditions. One must also ensure that essential things associated with the tour are also included in the package, like ground transportation, accommodation, meals, excursions, guide/driver service and transfers.

Some of the top destinations in Africa are Kruger Park and Sabi-Sands, Cape Town and Winelands, Okavango Delta, Chobe Park, Victoria Falls, Namib Desert, Etosha Park,

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mount Kenya, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro and Forest Gorilla Treks. Although the weather is good throughout the year on the continent, autumn and winter months are the best for safaris.

An African safari can be undertaken in various ways, ranging from elephant and horse-back safaris to ballooning, walking, flying, or driving through the African terrain. All make for a truly unforgettable experience. However, it is imperative to select a tour operator who has experience, thorough knowledge of the local language and excellent contacts in Africa.

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What you need to know about south africa safari

The land of Cape of Good Hope, wonderful flora and fauna, multiple languages and mother of eminent leader like Nelson Mandela, South Africa awaits no introduction.
There are more than a few reasons that make this country an apple of everyones eye.

The Matchless Wildlife Adventure

One of its distinguished features is the Kruger National Park that invites visitors from all round the world. The ferocious as well as the gentle wildlife is at parade in this park. The park that is the home for the Big Five Animals i.e. lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos and Cape buffalo, is supposed to be the largest wildlife park in the world today. Young as well as adult come to South Africa with a dream to encounter exclusive 142 species of animals and 507 types of birds found here. This park is the most breathtaking adventure trip for all its visitors. The wonderful fantasy of Jungle Book comes to life for the children when they gaze at huge tigers, rhinoceros, giraffes etc. walking close to them. The park has specific timings when it is thrown open for safari. The place is always thronged with researchers and those making animal documentaries.

Wildlife can also be discovered at the Tsittsikamma National Park. Apart from numerous birds and animals species, the site is blessed with beautiful coastal cliffs, waterfalls and deep narrow valleys. When it comes to whale watching, the experience at the Walker Bay (at the coast of Cape Town) is unprecedented. It is an awesome experience when huge mammals like whales and sharks seem to be at hand. The Karoo desert is famous for its Mountain Zebra National Park that has inhabited some of the most unique zebra species. There is also the Karoo Nature Reserve that has nestled bizarre desert plants like kudus, buffaloes, hartebeests, springboks etc. The lovely and queer ecosystems that include coral reef, shore, lake, swamp and grasslands can be perceived at the renowned site called Greater Lucia Wetland Park. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in the Zululand region is a destination worth visiting for all the wildlife devotees.


The Cities that Count

The city of Cape Town is one of the oldest cities of South Africa. The city receives vacationers attention due to many reasons. The significant causes include the stunning Table Mountain, The District Six Museum which is quite informative about the place and the displaced people, The South African Museum, The Castle of Good Hope that has been functioning as a guard to this area since ages.

The city of Durban is popularly known for its 230 days of sunshine and its being the third largest of the South African cities. The city owns a refreshing beach known as The Golden Mile Beach, the Seaworld that holds attractive dolphin shows, the Waterworld with lots of slides etc. Also to be seen is the Time Warp surfing Museum that has a rare collection of the surfing mementoes.


The South African city of Johannesburg has its own charisma. This wealthiest metropolis was once widely known for mining of gold from various sites here. The other pulls of the city are the South African National Museum of Military History, the Dynamite Museum, the Madiba Freedom Museum (well known for the exhibiting the life of Nelson Mandela) and the Johannesburg Zoo. The Newtown region of the city is dedicated to industrial work. But it has the admired Museum of Africa, the Soweto Art Gallery that parades the magnum opus of black artists, the SAB World of Beer and much more.

The Western Cape Province is the area at the edges of Cape Town. This region is swarming with visitors due to the multiple attractions. The wine lovers never miss a chance to visit The Winelands area around Stellenbosch that has ample of wineries. The high mountain ranges like Franschoek, Slanghoeck etc add to the splendor of the place. If you encounter atypical sandstones and paintings on rocks and caves, this mystifying place is the West Coast and Swartland.


The Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of the country and the provincial capital of the Free State Province is stuuded with museums and so visitors throughout the year.

The Western Gauteng region of Gauteng Province receives special attention due to the wonderful caves in this area.


The Northern Province lures the tourists with its exquisite nature reserves. The highly acclaimed is the Ndzalama Wildlife Reserve.

The National Botanical Gardens on the Crocodile River in the Mpumalanga Province are quite informative about the geography of South Africa. The Little Dragon Mountains and impressive rock formations in this quarter are evergreen tourist spots.


About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about south africa safari topics. Learn more at http://www.vacationtosouthafrica.com.