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

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

What You Should Know About Safari Jackets

A typical safari look: a lightweight shirt coupled with a comfy pants, with an accent of a nice safari hat and a bag full of safari gears. What's left? Yes, the safari jacket.

Safari jackets were primarily designed for use during on a safari trip. This tradition as started since late 1800's when Europeans begun to search for the wild found in the realms of Africa.

Safari, a Swahili term which means "journey" were then adapted into the English language since the popularity of the activity itself (safariing) has lurked into the highest people in the society. Thus, creating a snob appeal.

Nowadays, safariing along with safari jackets have been receiving extensive fame and acceptance especially because the activity is rewarding and relatively educational. In fact, African safaris seem to have the appeal of being a naturalist's, environmentalist's, ornithologist's, ecologist's, hobbyist's haven.

The fame of safari jackets was attributed to the adventure-look popularized in the turn of the century. These, since then, were designed for function and comfort in the African safari terrain.

Since safari jackets appeal to both fashion and functionality, they were made by combining art that maximizes the use of each component.

Though we may see safari jackets with over-emphasized pockets these days, no one can still contend that pockets are perfect when in the field. They allow you to have more things at any given time without the hassle of reaching up your backpack and get whatever you need. With more pockets comes more practicality.

Local tour operators don't normally allow their guests to bring as much equipment as they may want. In fact, everything is limited into a few pairs. Shirts are limited only into three with corresponding garments such as underwear, undershirts and the likes. Thus, with more pockets you have, you can bring in smaller gadgets with you whenever and whatever you think you might need them.

Aside from its functionality, safari jackets are also efficient in making you feel secured from the harmful environmental factors such as the heat of the sun.

The typical color of most safari jackets is khaki or beige. Though they can also appear in patterned forms and other shades of color. Nonetheless, the two neutral colors we have earlier mentioned are more ideal since they both complement the over-all functionality of the jacket.

Neutral colors, unlike brighter shades, have no properties that might attract or repel wild animals. These colors don't also absorb heat so that would give you the best of both worlds- comfort and functionalityFor more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

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

African Safari Preparation

If you are planning on going on an African safari, the last thing you would want to do is spoil the trip right out of the chute by forgetting some essential things. Make yourself a list of things to do and check everything off as you go along. There are some important things to consider before you head to Africa.

You will want to wear comfortable, but protective clothing on your safari. Long sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the sun, and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes. Wearing neutral colored clothing will help you blend in with the surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife, and will help to reflect the sun, keeping you cooler.

Remember, your transportation may not allow you to carry a lot of luggage, so be conservative. You may have to travel by a small plane or boat and not be able to carry more than a few pounds worth (maybe 20 or 25). Be sure your gear and clothing is packed in something waterproofed like a duffel bag. Most safari guide services recommend only 2 or 3 days worth of clothing be taken as there will be facilities to do laundry in most camps and lodges. If you are planning on being in any of the larger African cities with restaurants, they may require more 'dressy' attire, so take something appropriate.

Here are a few items you might want to take along on your African safari:

Clothing - sweater and jacket, raincoat, jeans, dress pants or skirts (if you plan on going into the city; you might even want to take a tie and some dress shoes), t-shirts, underwear, sports bra, sun protecting hats, socks, hiking shoes

Miscellaneous - large handkerchief or headband, oral hygiene supplies, hair care supplies, shaving gear, sun glasses, wash rag, plastic storage bags, sunscreen and insect repellent, medications for allergies, colds and headaches, flashlight, pocket knife, camera and film (this is important - don't count on getting it there), batteries, small first aid kit, eye drops, lip balm

You should plan on visiting your doctor several weeks before your trip to make sure you have the vaccinations and medications you may need. There are some things you may be susceptible to in Africa that you want to guard against.

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Malaria prophylactics are advisable before entering into a malaria area (particularly Kruger). Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so take other precautions, too. Avoid Bilharzia (caused by tiny parasites) by not swimming in stagnant rivers or streams.

If you are a non-resident of Africa, you will need a passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return home. Visas which are acquired before you travel are required in Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Also, plan on getting at least the minimum amount of travel insurance.

Many places outside of the African cities accept American currency as well as local currency. Also, take travellers cheques in small denominations for incidental expenses. Many establishments in the cities also accept international credit cards. Some banks have ATM machines where you can use an international credit card to obtain local currency. You will need to ensure you have some American cash for visas, airport departures, taxes, tipping, etc. Carry small denominations like $10 - $20 USD and plenty of $1 USD for tipping.

So, getting ready for your African Safari is a job in itself, but if you arrive prepared you will certainly have a much more enjoyable and hassle free trip.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to African Safaris

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