How To Turn Your Own African Dream Safaris Into Reality

You are soon to be married, and this is one of the most exciting times in your life. However, you and your fianc? have yet to decide where you would like to go on your honeymoon. You two have already taken the standard vacations to tropical places, and would like to make your honeymoon different. Thus, one idea that you could try is an African dream safari.

About African Dream Safaris

African dream safaris are different for each person, because everyone has their own definition of what an African dream safari is. For some people, an African dream safari is a safari that involves a lot of adventure, and lots of action in terms of travel and seeing animals that they have never seen before.

Other people think of an African dream safari as being more of a luxurious vacation, with air conditioned vehicles that leisurely drive through safe roads. After which, the passengers get to go back to their hotels for a massage.

Since this is your honeymoon, it is a better idea to go the luxurious route. After all, African safaris in general would be very tiring, and no couple wants to be exhausted throughout much of their honeymoon!

Thus, for your African dream safari, begin by picking a safari that includes comfortable transportation, and only lasts for part of the say. The more serious safaris begin early in the morning, and last the better part of a day.

There are some hotels in African that offer special excursions that allow you to see some of the exotic animals of Africa, while at the same time being completely safe. Thus, the next step is for you to fins a romantic hotel to stay in.

When it comes to finding the right hotel, it is important to note that upper-lass hotels mean paying upper-class prices. However, many of these hotels have the most unique views of Africa that you ever hope to find.

So if you want to stay in a luxurious African hotel, be sure that you book the honeymoon suite a considerable amount of time in advance. This way, not only are you guaranteed the suite, but you also have time to save the money!

If you would like more information on an African dream safari, consult your local travel agent. You can also search various travel sites on the internet. You are sure to find the right African dream safari for your honeymoon with the proper research.
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

Bush Business: An African Safari Conference

Conventional wisdom often says you should never mix business with pleasure. What utter nonsense!
There's absolutely no reason why we should be keeping business separate from enjoyment. In fact, I'd bet that in the long run, productivity is improved when everyone's having a good time. Why else would team-building outings be so important? And why else have we seen such remarkable growth in the number of holiday destinations providing conference facilities?

But what then if you're looking for something different? What if you're tired of the 'same old same old'? In South Africa, a business conference is often called a "Bosberaad" - Afrikaans for 'bush gathering", or 'Indaba'. Appropriate then that in South Africa, we're seeing a new take on the bosberaad, with it moving, well and truly, into the bush.

South African Conference Venues
Southern African conference venues are renowned for their state-of-the-art facilities, excellent quality accommodation and various leisure options. The choices range form your run-of-the-mill hotel conference rooms, purpose built conference centres in some of the major cities, to more unique options including leisure resorts and African Safari lodges.

A safari conference in South Africa is great for corporate groups, and is an excellent choice as an incentive-group venue. Safari conference venues in South Africa offer a distinctive combination of African mystique, tradition and that magical African atmosphere with first-world sophistication in terms of communication infrastructure and accommodation quality.

Business Safari
It's called the Business Safari and it takes the best of an African Safari and combines it with everything you'd expect from a top-rated conference facility.
Depending on the size of the group, and of course the available budget, a business safari can be as luxurious or rustic as your needs require. For smaller groups, an intimate African village atmosphere might be the mood you're after. For larger groups, perhaps you'd prefer something more like a big-city hotel - set in a bushveld location of course. For some only 5-star luxury will do. For others, "roughing it" is the name of the game.

Neighbouring Southern African countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia also offer a range of conference facilities.

Favourite Safari Conference Venues in Southern Africa
Chobe Savanna Lodge - Namibia
The Chobe Savanna Lodge is situated on the Namibian side of the Chobe River, north of the Chobe National Park. A relatively small venue, the lodge can provide accommodation for 24 guests. Its stylish thatched chalets offer something a little different and the venue is ideal for seminars and group incentive programs.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge - Zimbabwe
Situated near to Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, the lodge comprises a hotel complex overlooking the Zambezi River. It can accommodate up to 100 delegates, with a boardroom and conference room boasting all expected conference facilities.

Sabi Sabi Luxury Private Game Lodge - South Africa
Situated within the renowned Sabi Sands Wildtuin, one of the oldest private reserves in South Africa, Sabi Sabi enjoys a unique bush environment. A premium South African safari conference venue, Sabi Sabi offer conference delegates access to the finest facilities and magnificent vistas, not to mention some amazing wildlife opportunities. Its four lodges offer a combined 52 suites, but it is only the Bush Lodge, with 25 suites and the Earth Lodge, with 13 suites, which offer conference facilities.

So the next time you're planning a conference, why not opt for something a little different. Stimulate productivity with a change of scenery and atmosphere and spoil your delegates with an unforgettable experience; the Business Safari.
In addition to a fabulous conference, delegates will experience the safari of a lifetime in one of Africa's most renowned Big Five private game reserves. Game viewing, spa treatments, 5-Star accommodation and cuisine will all enhance the all-important conference agenda.

With a choice of two facilities, both offering fantastic levels of luxury, Sabi Sabi will treat your delegates to a business safari experience unlike any other. With the perfect combination of wildest Africa, opulent luxury and African safari activities, guests should expect to be spoiled. Who said business doesn't mix with pleasure?

Sabi Sabi, set in the Sabi Sands game reserve, is an exquisite South African Safari Conference Venue. With a choice of two facilities, both offering fantastic levels of luxury, Sabi Sabi will treat your delegates to a business safari experience unlike any other. With the perfect combination of wildest Africa, opulent luxury and African safari activitie

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

3 Unforgettable African Safaris

Africa is a continent of contrasts. From the sandy Sahara desert to tropical rainforests and vast open plains, Africa something to suit everyone any time of the year.

A safari in Africa is perhaps one of the most alluring holiday options available for tourists around the world. A safari gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience all the magic that this beautiful continent has to offer.

Of course, with options come choices. If you're looking for an African safari, where do you start? How do you know what's best for you? What are the must see sights of Africa?

3 Unforgettable African Safari experiences

1). Kenya - Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest Migration is one of Africa's most eagerly anticipated events. This dramatic show takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is definitely one of the greatest wildlife stories on the planet.

Across the vast open plains of the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, an astonishing number of wildebeest and zebra voyage in search of new pastures. This migration with the change of season is an important part of the living cycle, which has a massive effect on their entire bionetwork as it sets off a chain reaction across multiple tiers of the ecosystem. It is a rather unpredictable event, and there is considerable variation in timing from year to year. Between June and August is often the best time to see this somewhat spontaneous natural wonder... the huge herds of wildebeest massing near the banks of the Grumeti River, in preparation of the momentous crossing.

Where to witness the spectacle

Sarova Mara Camp
Located outside Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve, the Sarova Mara camp is set on an elevation surrounded by two streams. Facilities include a dining area, a swimming pool and curio shop. The camp, consisting of 75 tents, has 24-hour electricity and a shower with hot and cold running water.

Governors' Camp
Governors Camp is situated in the northern Masai Mara and offers a perfect setting in which to witness the epic migration. The entire safari camp is under canvas and the 38 tents are in the classic safari style.

2). A Big Five Safari in Africa

The big five safari is perhaps the quintessential safari experience. The ?Big Five? are the elephant, rhino, leopard, lion and buffalo and these magnificent beasts exude a grand presence that very quickly makes you realise just why they are so special. It is a rare experience to see all of these animals in one place, but in a select few places in Africa, the amazing diversity of the bushveld makes it a real possibility. To see all of the big five on safari, with the animals in their natural habitat, is an inspirational experience that will stay with you forever.

Where to see the big five:

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve South Africa
Sabi Sabi Game Lodges are situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It represents the ultimate in luxury safaris, offering an experience to remember with its amazing combination of five star luxury and wildest Africa.

The reserve is blessed with phenomenal biodiversity and provides and excellent chance of close encounters with the 'Big 5' as well as other interesting creatures like the wild dog and cheetah.

3). Fishing Safari - Hooking the biggest fish of your life

Fishing in Africa is remarkable. Whether you're a fresh water enthusiast or after that elusive trophy gamefish; whether you're a fly-fishing fanatic or a spinning specialist, Africa is home to the type of fish you love to catch.

When it comes to fishing, any serious fisherman knows that the fight factor is a huge one, and the world's most powerful freshwater fighter, the tigerfish, is only one of the numerous African fish which will test your skill and equipment. The only thing as important as the fight, is the size.

Does size matter? To a fisherman you better believe it does! The Nile Perch is one of the world's largest freshwater fish. Native to the Lake Chad, Congo, Nile, Senegal, Volta, Lake Turkana and other river basins, it reaches a maximum length of nearly two metres and can weigh as much as 200 kg - this is one seriously big fish!

A fishing safari in Africa is a fisherman's dream come true and the kind of African safari experience that you'll remember forever.

Where to fish

Lake Nasser
This is a place where many the first time visitor catches the biggest fish they've ever caught. It promises an angling adventure they will never forget. Lake Nasser is the greatest venue in the world for wild Nile perch, while your line is in the water you never know if the next fish is going to be an average sized fish or a 200lb monster.

Lake Victoria Uganda
This is another hotspot for Nile Perch fishing. The nearby Ssese Islands, a small cluster of over 80 islands off Entebbe, Uganda, are a largely uninhabited paradise. They are covered in thick, tropical forests and fish of over 80 kg have been caught. The main methods of fishing in the lake are; trolling with lures, fly fishing, and live bait. Apart from the Nile perch, local tilapia and large catfish are often caught.

These three magical experiences, while certainly not the only magic that Africa has to offer, are without doubt some of the most memorable you're likely to find anywhere in the world. Witnessing the age-old migratory trek of huge herds of Wildebeest, seeing the majesty of the Big Five up close or hooking the 200lb Nile Perch you've always dreamed of - these are the memories that stay with you for a lifetime.
Sabi Sabi, set in the Sabi Sands game reserve, is a luxury safari lodge with a focus on ultimate comfort. Sabi Sabi will treat you to the most luxurious and adventurous experience imaginable and provide a safari experience second to none. The magnificent diversity of wildlife and habitat makes it one of the world's best venues for Big Five safari.

Africas Top Safari Vacation Destinations

Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? Why not spend your days and nights among the lions, elephants, cheetahs, impala, hyena and warthogs in a land abundant with wildlife. You can sit beside a campfire, under a moonlit sky lit brightly with millions of stars. Some of the most exotic, historic and beautiful places in world. The biggest attraction, of course, is the thrill of the hunt, to catch a glimpse of some of our worlds wild and endangered animals. This guide covers the top rated destinations for your next expidition.

1. Tanzania

Along the plains of the Serengeti you can visit this remote location. Herds of animals run free in an untamed wilderness. Serengeti comes from the Masai word Siringit meaning the place where the land runs on forever. The flat grassy plains that make up about a third of the park land. The Serengeti is well known for its wildebeests. Every year two million animals migrate and they are followed closely by predators.

2. Kenya

Kenya is the origional lion-hunters delight. As an observer, you will be able to explore the natural wonders of this regions most recognisable animal. Explore celebrated archaeological sites and important antiquities. There is plenty of shopping for you as well. Special holidays of all kinds are also catered for - Camel Safaris, mountaineering, fishing, and golfing.

3. East Africa

This is one of the very best destinations in Africa no matter what time of year it is. Each season has its advantages and each area has its best moments. If you have already decided to go on a safari, visit a travel agent specializing in safari vacations to plan an itinerary that will allow you to get the most out of your trip. You can benefit by having a travel agent custom design you vacation and find you the best deals on airfare, hotel accommodations and transportation. If you want to experience all that Africa has to offer, however, you should get yourself a tour guide to take you right into the heart of the countryside!

For more great safari related articles and resources check out http://honeymoonplace.info

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.

African Lion Safari provides detailed information on African Safari, African Lion Safari, African Safari Vacations, Best African Safaris and more. African Lion Safari is affiliated with Botswana Culture.

A Lazy Adventure on a Tanzania Safari

Tanzania has so much to offer and to make a trip here worth wild it is better to expand the safari to include the other wonders Tanzania has to offer outside the National Parks. Yes we are talking in part of an adventure and the cultural safari. This need not be as dreadful or as energetic as you imagine. Simply be visiting out of the way areas and staying in comfortable small hotels will add depth, adventure and culture to the safari experience.

An American lady I know of mature years was so impressed after her journey through Tanzania she sold up her home in the Mid-West and headed into the wilds of Northern Tanzania. It took her three years to realise her dream and to make a permanent home in Tanzania; she has not regretted it.

We met one evening; I working for a Safari Company and had been sent to pick her up from Dar es Salaam Airport. She got as far a reclaiming her bags and then sat down refusing to move any further. Despite my frantic waving at her through the glass window beckoning her to venture through passport control, she stubbornly stayed put; she would not budge. We sent airport officials in to explain we were waiting for her but she chose not to understand. Eventually the officials allowed me to go through to claim her. Welcome to Tanzania I said; a silent steely glare was returned.

We promptly dumped our client in a city hotel for the night. The following morning we drove the six hours north to Pangani. The driver and I had not been to this area of Tanzania and as we reached the hot humid Swahili cost town named Tanga we had to stop and ask for directions. This did not impress our client and we drove to the 45km to the lodge along a very rough and dusty road in silence.

The hotel was called Argovia Lodge; as we arrived at the lodge the tropical heat a sea breeze seemed to melt our guest; it was all so tropical so beautiful. Our rooms were tents with double beds and wardrobes and even a bathroom en-suite with hot water; erected on raised wooden platforms with a viewing deck at the front of each tent. The views looked through the lush tropical gardens out onto the blue waters and white deserted sands around the bay. This was paradise - the last evening here we took a lazy cruise in a rather small motorboat down the wide lazy coconut palm lined Pangani River. We returned to the hotel by leaving the mouth of the river and crossing the bay; a storm was brewing; our small craft battled to cross the bay. Eventually we landed on the beach the hotel staff were there to greet us with towels and cocktails and the trauma of the crossing began to fade and soon became a tale of adventure in the hotel bar.

After three days of luxury on the coast we headed to the top of the Usambara Mountains. These African mountains are so different. Often they are likened to the Swiss Mountains with a generous pinch of African thrown into the mix. Grants Lodge was a small four bed-roomed farm and was charming. The food was out of this world cooked on a wood burning stove; the local people washing clothes in the river, cattle wandering, children chattering in this clean, quiet retreat. We felt close to the African culture without being intrusive, without having to rough it either.

The first day in the late afternoon we approached a table in the hotel garden, where drinks were waiting for us, a branch snapped in the tree above and wham onto the table it laded with a chameleon attached to the branch and a rather large snake attached to the chameleon. The waiter who was waiting beside the table screamed and ran away leaving one of the ladies from the kitchen to run out and beat the snake to death with a broom. It added to the adventure; a safe comfortable and very lazy adventure.

The following day we figuratively returned to five million B. C. on the primordial Bird Walk. This enchanting walk took us through the forest and eventually to wetlands where we spent an afternoon relaxing and watch birds along the grassy meadows of a small stream. We felt we had been transported back in time and was sure we noticed a pterodactyl streak overhead.

After two days here we headed toward the game parks. On leaving the Usambara if it is a Thursday or Sunday, the colourful and vibrant Lushoto market is a must stop. The market is chockablock with fruits and vegetables. There are 160 fruits, vegetables, and herbs, at this market; the mountains are famous for juicy plums, crunchy pears and purple avocados.

After a night in Arusha Town it was off to the Elephants and the Leopards in the Tarangire and the Lions of the Serenegeti. The whole experience took 12 days, it was not rushed and Tanzania, just a little, was reviled and experience to be cherished for the rest of our days.

For information on Tanzania adventures see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk and for all information on Tanzania see http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk responsible tourism can change lives, support the communities you visit.

Walking Safari Across The Ngorongoro Conservation Area

There are a number of walking safaris across the Ngorongoro Conservation Area of Northern Tanzania they vary in length from eight to twelve days. Generally your safari will begin with a day or two of game drives. The Tarangire is a nice place to have your pre-walking safari game drives. These first few days can also include morning walking safari along the border of the park it is essential you take a guide and an armed ranger with you. Bellow is an eight day itinerary

On day three the walking safari proper begins. Starting in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and walking to the Olmoti crater takes about four hours and is a pretty walk as you advance up through the rainforest slopes to the crater rim and viewpoint.

As you walk across the Ngorongoro Conservation area the altitudes will vary considerably. So be prepared and have many layers of clothing available as the temperature may vary as dramatically as the altitude. A water proof jacket is essential.

Altitude related Illness can kill you and every year tourists die from altitude related illnesses. Higher altitudes are colder even in Africa; there is less oxygen and to walk slowly is essential especially if you climb above 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level. You should be breathing easily with no panting and no extreme physical excursion. Drink water regularly and eat a light diet with lots of carbohydrates. It is essential to keep warm.

The fourth day will continue across to the distant Empakai Crater. This walk covers open grassland through a dramatic natural amphitheatre created by encircling volcanoes. As you pass the local villages the Maasai will rush out of their traditional homes to greet you. A few moths ago as we passed a village the elders of the village asked for help with a woman who had just been bitten by a snake; we still had the vehicles with us were able to take this woman to a hospital. Ordinarily this woman may have died as there are no clinics or hospitals in the area.

Day four: The walk up to Empakai is steep and slow going but affords awe-inspiring views, especially from the top where the sheer sided sunken crater can be seen. This is a special day as you will camp on the Crater Rim, with Empakai on one side and Ol Donyo Lengai, the holy Masai volcano, on the other. Be warned this day has about eleven hours of walking and is a very tiring trek.

Hiking in hot or sunny weather often causes heat exhaustion the signs/symptoms are weakness/fatigue, headache, vertigo, thirst nausea/vomiting faintness high body temperature. The treatment is to lay flat in shade, remove clothing to cool the patient, soak the body with cold water, re-hydrate patient and monitor body temperature.

Heat stroke is more serious with the signs/symptoms being delirium, coma, rapid pulse, rapid breathing; skin hot and dry, body temperature above 40c [104 f]. Treat as for heat exhaustion but this condition can be fatal so seek medical assistance quickly ? evacuate if possible.

Day five will have you scramble down the sheer-sided slopes of Empakai onto the crater floor for a foot safari. Empakai Crater is a sunken volcano with a soda lake covering most of the crater floor. Flamingos nest here during the day to escape the blazing heat of the Rift Valley. A large forest on the western shore is home to antelope, buffalo, leopard and lion, with large seasonal zebra and wildebeest populations when they pass through on their migratory circuits. Today makes the hard slog of the previous day well worth the effort. This is Africa as few tourists will ever experience.

Day six and the Maasai Mountain of God, Oldonyo Lengai looms out of the sunrise as we head out early to avoid the African heat. We arrive at the escarpment, the sheer wall that looms out of the Rift Valley floor, to admire one of the finest views in Africa. Bellow lays the sweeping vistas of the great Rift Valley; a drop of 1500ft. The scattered active volcanoes, primitive rock formations, glimmering soda lakes and clustered Maasai bomas make for a dramatic and moving experience. The final six kilometers are across the tough uncompromising terrain of the valley floor is in extreme heat; it is a long six kilometers. The reward to your walk is a shaded camp that is perched above a refreshing stream, only a half-hours walk from a heavenly waterfall.

Day seven has a very early morning an optional climb of Ol Donyo Lengai (2878m), an active carbonated volcano with spiritual significance to the Maasai. It is best not to book this climb in advance as many people are just too tired to climb this mountain. The climb starts at midnight so as to see the dawn from the top ? it is also because the climb is very steep and on loose scree and there is no shade from the sun. The cost will be about US$50 per group of six people.

The end to this walking safari is a visit to Lake Natron one of the soda alkaline lakes that jewel the East African Rift, here is a display of water birds including a multitude of resident pink flamingos. There is also the opportunity, body willing after the past few days hiking, to walk up a gorge carved into the Rift Escarpment to a waterfall to wash off five days of dust.

Day eight is a return to Arusha town where most safaris in Northern Tanzania begin and end.

For a more comprehensive guide to Walking Safaris and Ngorongoro Conservation Area contact Ian through http://www.betheladventure.co.uk or Philemon http://www.aardvark-expeditions.com Using responsible tourism to change lives.