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

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.

Tanzania Safari: The Seat Of Marvel

The best things in nature are those that were preserved since God created Earth. Tanzania, being one of the places, which for many years have been attempting to preserve its natural beauty, asserts the wonders that may seem to have come directly from the Creator's hands.

Its beauty is unrivalled, its resources vast. Tanzania is simply a place of great marvel. Its wildlife sanctuaries are fresh and unspoilt. Wildlife roam in its area as it was intended after the creation. They are free; they flourish at their own rate at their own fashion.

It is no wonder why Tanzania safari is placed among the world's finest in game viewing.

Aside from the games, Tanzania safari is also well known for its enormous gatherings of wildlife habitats and ecosystems. The Northern Circuit is the most popular entry route towards Tanzania safari which covers the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, places that appeal most to nature and wildlife lovers. Nonetheless, sanctuaries like Tarangire, Arusha and the Lake Manyara are no less dazzling than the two. All these combined makes Tanzania Safari an unimaginable haven for the congregation of animals.

On top of the wonders are the world-known big five, which covers buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard. Complemented by endless array of plain animals such as the zebra, Thompson gazelle, eland, wildebeest, oryx and others that are included in the same genre. Add to the count the merciless predators that help balance nature like the cheetah, vultures, jackal, wild dog and hyena. Not only does Northern Circuit collects its fame from these animals, it is also recognized for its over 500 bird species which turns it into an ornithologist's paradise.

As we have earlier noted, the Arusha town is the starting point for northern adventure. It sits nearest to Mount Meru and only distant enough so travelers will get to see the mighty and awesome Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain found in all Africa.

Arusha, aside from the wild animals that it nurses, is also a refuge for rich tapestry of ecosystems that thrive on grassland, heath, montane forest, alpine desert and soda and fresh water lakes.

All these aside, Tanzania is made more distinguished by the largest caldera there is in the world- the Ngorongoro Crater. A natural world wonder itself, Ngorongoro Crater gives refuge to some 30,000 wild animals.

Truly, the Tanzanian safaris will let you witness how nature works, how the dance of life interplay with the death and survival of animals that it constitutes and how the balance of nature is maintained.
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

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.