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

An African Safari Jao Can Be Described As The Ultimate African Adventure

For a true African adventure, the African Safari of Jao in Botswana is the vacation to book. Jao is known for its high concentration of Lion. It can offer both land and water activities on the river Okavango. This area is known for its predators and, Jao Camp itself, is located on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve.

The camp is on a densely wooded oval shaped island that overlooks the vast flood plains of Botswana. It has incredible habitats and permanent waterways and lagoons. An African safari in Jao is a very memorable safari. The skilled staff at Jao Camp will see to it that all of your needs are met, African style.

The Jao African safari wildlife experience is pure African wildlife at its finest. Chances are good that every wild animal that you want to experience will appear. A Jao African safari experience is the safari of a lifetime.

The Accommodations

Your Jao African safari accommodations will consist of African style luxury rooms. The bedrooms are raised wooden decks above palm carpets, constructed of split bamboo and thatch with canvas walls. Each room also has a ?sala? for midday siestas with a superb view. Each camp can sleep a maximum of 16 people. Each suite includes a flush toilet and basin, shower and an outdoor shower. Underneath a tree canopy of cool thatch you will find the main dining room and pub area. There is a pool and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars. A raised walkway connects the rooms to the dining rooms and lounge areas.

Game Viewing

Your Jao African safari experience offers excellent game drives, mokoro excursions, short guided walks and boating trips. Since Jao Camp is next to the Moremi Game Reserve, night drives are permitted. This allows your African safari Jao trip to include an exclusive view of the nocturnally active animals in the area.

Your Jao African safari will most probably include views of Lion and Leopard in their natural habitats. Tsessebe, Lechwe and Wildebeest roam all over the flood plains. The wildlife appearances in Jao depend mainly on the water levels in the area. But, generally, a diverse group of wild animals will be plentiful on your safari.

The lagoons are the home to the Hippo and Crocodile. The permanent water areas attract large numbers of these two animals. But the King of the Jungle, the Lion, will be a sure thing. The Jao African safari is known for its abundance of Lion sightings. Have your camera in hand and don?t miss this one of a kind jungle experience.
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

The Pleasures Of Taking Safari Parks

It is impossible to enumerate all safari parks, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation areas and the likes in a single article. So we have decided to focus our discussion on the top five African Safari parks destination. Let's begin?

South Luangwa National Park of Zambia
Fairly unexplored, South Luangwa is a treasure that only needs to be discovered at its own time. The birthplace of walking safari and the haven of elusive leopards, this is the best place to seek isolation, away from the crowd that characterize other national parks.

Selinda Reserve of Botswana
A very highly rated safari park in all Africa, most seasoned travelers recommend a visit or two to this park to experience what truly is an African safari. Packed with dense population of wildlife, birds and plant species, this truly is a haven that is enjoyed both by the wild and the tamed. Naturalists' most enjoy it here due to the diversity of species found in single locations.

Kruger National Park of South Africa
For the sheer enjoyment of seeing endless arrays of animal species, plants and birds, Kruger would be the best bet if you would like to see diversity. Since it scales more than the size of Wales, it is not unlikely that it harbors the largest concentration of species that is unequalled anywhere else. The rich tapestry of ecosystems is such that it would be hard to imagine how all things coexist in competition to live in a space so large.

This safari park was the pioneer of its kind since it has already existed since 1889, the year when the first realization of endangerment of animals is conceived. Primarily intended to protect wildlife in advance, Kruger now stands as the largest single place harboring excellent game reserves.

Masai Mara of Kenya
Being the most excellent wildlife safari park in the whole region, Masai Mara is duly recognized for supporting large herds of cat species. It is home to endless plains that are populated with grassland, thus ideal for game-viewing. See leopards, cheetahs and lions in action as they mercilessly follow after their kill during the exchange of life and death in the plains of Masai Mara.

Serengeti National Park of Tanzania
Oh the sound of the name alone brings memories of might and migration. This is one of the most famous national safari parks in all Africa as it is the site for the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and antelopes. The birth and death place of most calves, this truly is a place to behold if you want to experience authentic deal.

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

Spend Your Holiday on an Exotic African Safari

If you're looking for an exciting way to spend your holiday, an exotic African safari might be the answer. There's plenty to see and do for all ages, and it's now easier than ever to book a trip.

Believe it or not, there's more to an African safari tour than what you see in pictures or on the television. For instance, on a Kenya safari you'll enjoy breathtaking scenery highlighted with mountainous backdrops, glistening lakes, savanna grasslands, mist highlands, beautiful rivers, and abundant wildlife. If you take a Kenya holiday during July or August, you might even get to witness an amazing phenomenon - the annual wildebeest caravan. This is a time when millions of wildebeests make their way north to search for lush grass.

Amazing Animals and More

Also on a Kenya tour, activities will often include trips to medicinal springs and the inside of a crater where the black-manned lion, rhino and buffalo roam. You might travel to a nearby lake to see a variety of game and scenery. Many Kenyan safari tours also include nighttime entertainment with music and dance. It's not all wilderness and forests!

Combine Your Kenya Holiday and Tanzania Safari in One

You can now book a "two-in-one" Tanzania and Kenya holiday to make your African safari vacation even more interesting. These two places are filled with wonder and have much to offer visitors. There are lodge safaris, game viewing safaris, and even mountain-climbing safaris - whatever you prefer!

How to Book Your Africa Safari

You can contact a travel agency to book an African safari or you can find a tour company on the Web that specializes in African travel and tours to get the assistance you need. There are many services that you'll need to consider before securing your Africa vacation such as a rental car (or car hire), reserving hotels, obtaining a Visa, getting the necessary vaccines for disease prevention, and booking a flight.

Find a dependable company on the Web that is actually based in Africa for the best possible service. It's great if you can travel to Kenya where the company is located and acquire assistance from them when you need it. Try to find an all-in-one African safari tour package to be sure all your needs will be covered. They can help you get a car rental, hotel room and everything you need. The last thing you want is to arrive in Kenya and realize you missed some important steps!

Quick African Safari Travel Tips

As with traveling to any foreign land, there are a few things you should take along for safety, pleasure, and comfort. A safari can be fun if you take time to prepare.

1. Take a good, dependable digital camera with plenty of photo memory. There will be many, many "photo moments."

2. Keep plenty of mosquito repellent with you at all times. Also, wear long sleeves and long pants to keep mosquitoes from biting and to protect from severe sunburn.

3. Pack several bottles of sunscreen for exposed areas of your skin.

4. Take your own pair of binoculars even if the Africa tour company provides them. You might be required to share theirs with others on the tour, but you can use your own whenever you want.

5. Take along some medicines to prevent headaches or fever, pain, and diarrhea.

6. Secure health insurance coverage, just in case of an emergency. The tour company may provide options for you.

Ask your travel booking agents about other items you might need. They may provide a list for you.

You can enjoy days of excitement on your African safari tour once you've taken these important steps. With online resources, you can now learn all about it before you go!

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Take a Holiday - African Safari or Majon's Travel directory.

One day Kenya tour & safaris in Nairobi Kenya day tour package

One day Kenya tour & safari. Have you ever found your self with a full 1 day to literally 'kill' while transiting Nairobi to Europe? Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) hosts so many transit travelers like you that have a one day wait till their connecting flight, usually in the evenings. There are many 1 day tours and safaris into Kenya that will make you wish you had more time on your hands.

Kenya one day Kenya tours

Nairobi airport is centrally located in Kenya and as such offers diverse options for one day Nairobi Kenya tours. These one day Kenya tours will range from having a wildlife park tour to simply whiling away in a comfortable hotel in town. Whichever your option, its best that you spend your hard earned dollar in a way that you make most out of it and the day at hand. Here I try to highlight some of the most interesting one day Kenya tours that will make your day worth spending in Nairobi.

1. Nairobi National Park 1 day tour The Nairobi National Park is the only park within a capital centre in the world. Located 10 min from the central business district, the park is an attraction to many business and 1 day transit travelers in Nairobi. The Nairobi National Park has a diversity of wildlife including the Zebra, lion, leopards, Hippopotamus, crocodile, gazelles, giraffe and buffalo. In addition, there are two very exotic restaurants that offer continental, Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Also within the confines of the park is the Nairobi animal orphanage which houses orphaned animals including cheetah, baboons, vervet and sykes monkeys, leopard, rhino, buffalo, Eland, oryx, ostriches, chimpanzees among many others. The one day Kenya tours returns to the city centre by sundown. Private one day Kenya tours and safaris can be organised in the morning within minutes. 2. National Museum one day Kenya tours

Located within the Nairobi town, the National Museum is a beehive of activity for tourists and transit travelers through Nairobi. At the National Museum there are spellbinding displays of early man, tribal regalia and the flora and fauna of Kenya. A visit to the adjacent snake park is also included. The one day Kenya tours turns to the city centre for more monumental and Nairobi landmark safari.

3. Daphne Sheldrick Sanctuary one day Kenya tours

Named and managed by the family of a legendary Kenyan Warden, the sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to be up, close and hugging with otherwise dangerous of the big five. The Daphne Sheldrick animal sanctuary is home to many orphaned elephants collected from Kenya's many National game reserves. Located within the Nairobi National Park the sanctuary also houses the only tame black and white rhino calves and adults. This Kenya one day Kenya tours can be combined with other city based sight seeing excursions.

4. Karen Blixen Museum one day Kenya tours

This 1 day tour starts in the morning or afternoon. You will be driven towards Ngong Hills and pass Ngong Village to the Karen Blixen Museum, for many years her home. Immortalized by the famous African Movie 'out of Africa' the Karen Blixen is a famous Kenyan coffee house and also offers delicious cuisines. Later proceed to the Giraffe Centre to see and feed the famous Rothschild Giraffe and her family.

5. Amboseli National Reserve 1 day tour

This one day Kenya tours sees you driving south through open grassland country deep into Maasai land. Visit to the Amboseli Park on the Shadows of the Mt. Kilimanjaro. Located 2? hours from Nairobi and at the foot of snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is one of the best places in Africa for viewing elephants as well as cheetah, gazelle, giraffe, leopard and lion. Birdlife is too prolific here.

Mount Kilimanjaro, with its snow-capped peaks, 6,000 meters high, presides over a landscape containing more big game than almost anywhere in Africa. The Amboseli National Park is famous for the longest studied and habituated elephant herds. This one day Kenya tours is by far the best value for your money and you get to see more in a day than your eyes can take.

Only nature in all her majesty could create such a backdrop of a wildlife pageant found at Amboseli. Game is seen on much of the route to the park, which crosses ochre plains where Masai tend their cattle in an age-old tradition. Lunch is taken at the lodge in the park and is followed by another game drive where lion, elephant and the splendid cheetah are likely to be seen. After your one day Kenya tours, return to Nairobi in good time for dinner and flight back.

6. Nakuru National Park one day Kenya tours

The Nakuru National Park is Kenya's most visited National Park. Located 160km and 2? hours from Nairobi, the park is an important Ramsar site and home to thousands of different bird species.

The 188sq km Lake Nakuru is the only KWS-administered reserve that is fully enclosed. Once just a bird sanctuary, Lake Nakuru is now the best place in Kenya to see the highly protected black and white rhino. Among other animals found in the park include rhino, lion, leopard, flamingos, Egyptian geese, waterbuck, giraffe, hyena, buffalo, baboons, vervet monkeys, gazelles etc.

The park is also located within meters of Kenya's fourth largest township of Nakuru. This is a worthwhile 1 day tour and getting in time for your flight at Jomo Kenyatta international airport.

7. Mt. Longonot 1 day Tour

You will drive into the Rift Valley Escarpment and catch a glimpse of the beautiful escarpment. Arrival at Mt. Longonot National Park is within 1? hours to start hiking to the top and round the crater if time and your energy permits. (The hike up and round takes around two-three hours)

Picnic lunch is taken at the several rest points o at the top of the crater. Depart for Lake Naivasha and its environs. Enjoy a boat ride and view hippos, buffaloes etc. other optional activities include biking. Finish your one day Kenya tours and drive back to Nairobi in time for dinner and departure from JKI airport.

8. Bomas of Kenya one day Kenya tours

A boma is a homestead and just a few kilometres from the city, numerous homesteads reflecting Kenya's cocktail of cultures have been faithfully re-created for visitors to see traditional village life. But the greatest excitement during the afternoon is the display of traditional dancing, music and song performed in a splendid arena. This 1 day tour is ideal for the culturally oriented traveler who wants to sample Kenya's 42 tribes and cultures.

9. Nairobi Carnivore Restaurant

Nairobi has many restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. We recommend dinner or lunch at the carnivore, which is famous for its succulent stew and barbecue dishes as an excellent complement to a holiday in Kenya, especially as a welcome or a farewell dinner. The evening one day Kenya tours includes transfers to and from the airport.

10. Hell's Gate National Park one day Kenya tours

The Hells gate National Park is located in Naivasha, 1? hours from Nairobi airport. The park is famous for its sheer vertical cliffs that are popular with rock climbers and trekking enthusiasts. The rocky cliffs create a fa?ade so beautiful and multi-coloured that it rivals the Grand Canyon especially when stricken by the afternoon sun. Walks and biking are offered at the park. Animals to be found in the park include zebra, buffalo, gazelles, and other small game. This one day Kenya tours is ideal for adventure seekers who want to knock themselves out with a trekking, biking, and sightseeing safari.

Robert is a tour consultant and co-owner of Landmark Safaris Ltd in Kenya. Visit them @ http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/daytours.php to tailor your Nairobi-Kenya 1 day tour and grab your free http://www.eastafricasafari.blogspot.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.

Safariland Holster Retentions Levels Explained

Safariland has defined retention levels in three categories. Each level of retention provides the user a specific amount of security in order to avoid having the weapon removed by an unwarranted person.

Although many holster manufacturers claim to have some form of retention, at the time of this article Safariland is the only company that has defined their levels of retention and also integrated it with their current lines of holsters.

Safariland defines retention levels based on the amount of security or retention devices that are available in order to release the gun from the holstered position.

A good example of this type of retention is the Safariland 070 holsters.

Safariland Retention Level I

All current holster manufacturers including Safariland sells a form of this retention which provides a basic thumb break mechanism which must be unbuttoned or unclipped in order for the weapon to be removed. This is considered the simplest form of retention and should be considered as a minimal security device for the weapon carrier. This form of retention during a confrontation can easily be compromised causing the weapon owner to lose control of their gun.

Safariland Retention Level II

A level two holster is where the user must remove the thumb break and also rock the weapon forward or backwards to unlock the internal mechanism. This type of rocking action provides the user with the ability to remove the weapon easily however thwarts anyone not wearing the holster to remove the weapon.

A Safariland level II retention system is the retention most preferred by law enforcement throughout the world. Allowing a quick draw and also a secure form of holstering. Keep in mind the greater the retention level the more training is required in order to make sure optimal weapon draw is achieved. In most user opinions the Level II retention is considered the best medium of retention and also the most optimal draw.

A popular example of the Safariland Level II retention holster is the Safariland 6280 Mid Ride

Safariland Retention Level III

Take for example the Safariland Raptor 6070 Level III. This Level 3 retention holster allows a rapid draw and an excellent retention, as long as the draw is frequently practiced. This requires the officer to be dedicated to the holster and make sure he is fully comfortable with the weapon and the way it is holstered. However, since a majority of departments only require annual or bi-annual qualifications of the handgun and holster, there is a good chance Level III retention will result in miscued draws.

Safariland has recommended the user of a Level III holster should practice drawing and holstering the weapon approximately 200 times before actually using the holster on duty. However it has been duly noted most police officers and users are unwilling to invest that amount of time to make sure they are fully comfortable with retention methods of a Level III holster. Safariland has also mentioned the learning curve from Level II retention to Level III retention climbs a dramatic curve and requires an enormous amount of time to be fully proficient.

We realize the decision you make on a Safariland holster is one that may save your life one day and we are always willing to make a recommendation. If you are uncomfortable with choosing the correct holster for your needs or wish to speak to someone with knowledge about Safariland please feel free to give us a call we will be happy to help you.

Steve Arya has been involved with the sales of Safariland Holster for over six years and has a well rounded knowledge in holster technology and retention methods. For further information on Safariland Holster please click here.

Unique iPod Holders From SafariPod Are Hand Carved

Do you look at your Apple iPod as if it were something holy, very important, and totally revered? Well, if you do, then join the club. Many other iPod owners also do look at their audio devices like such.

And what could be more satisfying than seeing it standing safe and sound on a unique holder. SafariPod is now offering the market stands just right for your iPod. It is totally unique. And you will know why once you do take a look at those holders. Each one is unique and really one of a kind because each and every one has been created and labored over by hand. People are not machines so each creation is unique.

These iPod stands from SafariPod have been created in Kenya. They look like African animals and the list contains lions, rhinoceros, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and hippopotamuses. They have been molded and carved out of native hardwood. An adz, which is a cutting tool that has a very sharp edge, assisted the craftsman make animals out of a piece of wood. They can be used to mount and protect all full sized Apple iPods, except though for the original 60GB version.

But take note. These iPod accessories also do come with a huge price -- $99.99, that is. But for something as unique as this and you do rever your iPod that much, maybe the price would be worth it. You can contact SafariPod now for they are already accepting advanced orders for these.

SafariPod announces that come the 8th of September this year, these iPod stands would already be shipped out. However, they would be available in the US only.

http://www.podzone.co.uk

Walking Safari in the Selous Game Reserve

The walking safaris are usually based around a campsite which will be positioned under tall shady trees close to one of the many lagoons close to the Rufiji River. The Selous is a magical place and simply sitting in front of your tent you are able to watch the endless procession of birds and animals throughout the day. The camps are small with up to about six tents. Some are made from mosquito netting and your are truly sleeping under African skies.

The tents are large enough to stand in and have proper beds with mattresses. It is comfortable by camping standards but remember you are in the wilds of Africa and to be prepared to rough it just a little is a requirement. Showers are usually bucket showers but the water will be hot. Relaxed meals with excellent food are prepared over open fire and the camp cooks are trained chefs.

Another great draw of the Selous is this huge reserve has high concentration of animals and a low concentration of tourists and is probably one of the best places to see animals in Tanzania.

Tanzania does not allow walking safaris in its National Parks with just one or two exceptions, however, the Selous is classified as a Game Reserve and so walking safaris are allowed. The walks are usually three to four hours long and the game around the river and lake systems act as a magnet for a vast mixture of animals including lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile. The area is also home to one of the few remaining wild dog populations in the world. There are more than 300 species of bird here and this is a paradise for any animal enthusiast.

The buffalo population stands in excess of 110,000. Waking in a morning, around the camping area you may be able to witness hundreds of buffalo coming to drink water from the Rufiji River. This alone is one reason [among many] to make the Selous your safari destination. The buffalo have a reputation to be bad tempered and dangerous to humans. This ferocious reputation is a little unfair as like most animals they tend to avoid humans, unless harassed or wounded.

The best time to book a walking safari in the Selous is from June until September when the weather is dry and warm - with animals being draw to the plentiful water around the Rufiji River. Grazing is also spare on the ground making this time of year easy for spotting the large concentrations of game.

If birds are your main passion then the hotter and greener season of October to March is a good time to come with many young hatching at this time. Be aware that from November through to January there is a good chance of rain.

The Selous is not far from Dar es Salaam and there are air strips to the Selous making access easily. The cost of the regular scheduled flights in light aircraft is not expensive from Dar es Salaam, with most camps will include transfers from the airstrips to the camp as part of their service.

For more information on Tanzania and the Selous look at http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk and for safaris look at http://www.betheladventure.co.uk - Support responsible tourism and change lives.

Planning your Own Gorilla Safari Will Save You Money - Here's How

Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of the best wildlife experiences left in the natural world. Many people describe it as an overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience and worth every penny they spent on making it happen. But it doesn't necessarily have to cost the earth.

You can organise and plan your own trek far cheaper than it would cost if you used a safari company as they need to work through the applicable wildlife authorities in each country to obtain gorilla permits anyway and you can do the same if you know how.

The trade-off is that it will be more inconvenient for you because you will need to organise all the logistics yourself whereas with a gorilla safari company you just turn up and go along for the ride.

If you are a do-it-yourself traveller, here is what you need to know to make it possible and save yourself some money...

Where to Find the Gorillas

Mountain gorillas are highly endangered and there are isolated pockets of them left in Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. It's estimated that there are less than 650 mountain gorilla left in the world.

Travel to the Congo is considered risky because of the political and military instabilities that exist there but Uganda and Rwanda are perfect for a gorilla safari.

Your chances of seeing the gorillas are excellent in both Uganda and Rwanda because they are tracked each day by experienced trackers so their locations are known down to the last 24 hours. It's possible but quite rare for visitors not to see the gorillas.

In Uganda the big apes live in the Bwindi National Park and in Rwanda they can be found at the Volcanoes National Park.

There are three habituated gorilla groups in the Bwindi forest and a total of eighteen permits are issued every day at six per group.

In Rwanda there are four habituated gorilla groups and eight permits are issued per group bringing the total per day to thirty two.

There are some simple rules that apply when visiting these great apes: Don't go if you are sick because you might infect them and they are very susceptible to human diseases, no flash photography, maintain a seven metre distance, don't eat or drink around them and each group can stay for a maximum of one hour.

Best Time to Go on a Gorilla Safari

Bwindi is a rainforest so you can expect precipitation most of the year with the heaviest rains occurring in March - April and September - November while other months are reasonably dry. Annual precipitation is between 1130 mm and 2390 mm.

The annual temperature ranges between 7-20 degrees c with the coldest period between June- July.

The climate in the Volcanoes National Park is changeable and you can generally expect both sun and rainfall during the day. At 1,700m above sea level it is generally quite cold particularly in the evening so warm clothing is advised.

The park receives a high amount of rainfall, over 70 inches (1,800 mm) per year and daytime temperatures average about 70F (21C). The dry season occurs mid-June-September and December-March.

Rain is an inconvenience on a gorilla safari but it's not an insurmountable obstacle. Just make sure that you take a good pair of hiking boots with you because it can become very muddy and some parts are pretty steep which can cause you to slip.

Travel and Accommodation

Bwindi in Uganda can be reached from QENP in the north (2-3 hours), from Kabale to the south (1-2 hours), or from Kampala via Mbarara (6-8 hours). The roads meet at Butogota, 17km from the Buhoma entrance gate.

Two up-market tented camps, a lodge, community-run budget rooms and camping are available near the Buhoma entrance gate for accommodation the night before the gorilla safari.

In Rwanda the day before the gorilla trek you can take a 2 USD minibus to Ruhengeri (2 hours) or a 2 USD Virunga or Okapi bus from Kigale. Buses leave every hour (on the hour) from near the gare routire/bus station. If you want to leave early in the morning from Kigale it might be a good idea to buy a ticket the day before, but if you leave in the afternoon, you might buy a ticket in the morning.

In Ruhengeri you can stay at any of the decent guesthouses ranging from Home d'Accueil at 5USD, to Muhabura which is clean with private bathroom at 20USD. The expensive Gorillas nest is at Kinigi, a taxi car drive out of town.

About The Author

Bruce Whittaker

Where and how to get the gorilla permit and transportation plus accommodation tips, advice and costs for both Uganda and Rwanda so that you can decide between them..http://www.african-safari-journals.com/gorilla.html

The Top Three gorilla safari companies if you decide to use a guide rather than plan your own trek..http://www.african-safari-journals.com/gorilla-trekking.html