The Top African Lion Safari Destinations For 2007

The African lion has been in the news during the past few years possibly for the wrong reasons. Considering the lion has been touted as an animal headed for possible extinction in the years to come, this news must horrify safari enthusiasts and animal lovers worldwide.

The African Lion - Will It Survive?

When talking about the king of the jungle and everything the lion represents, it's hard to imagine from an outsiders perspective that this symbol of strength could even be considered as a species on the endangerment list. What could possibly be a threat to this magnificent beast... Well, the answer should have come to you quickly... man!

More to the point, progress, and as Africa continues to implement newer technologies in the areas of farming and infrastructure, more and more of the mighty African lion's habitat is being whittled away. The result of this is both lion and man are brought into direct conflict and as the great animal's habitat is being eroded, so is it's natural food source which means it needs to look for alternatives.

These alternatives are the farming animals which graze the former territories of the lion. They are easy pickings for one of the world's most ferocious and skilled hunters but with it comes the wrath of man, who naturally has to protect his own interests and livelihood; so it's the lion who comes off second best. You can guess the resultant action!

Best African Lion Destinations On Safari

If you are planning an African safari, undoubtedly the highlight from an animal perspective is the African lion. To see this mighty creature in the flesh is one thing but to actually see it in action is another. You see, despite it's hunting capabilities the lion is somewhat of a sleeper. Yes, they can "shut-eye" for up to twenty hours a day which can be a nightmare if you are hoping to capture the king in all his hunting glory!

As a photographer, some patience is obviously required but as a tourist an amateur camera person then given the obvious time constraints associated with group tours on safari then it becomes a little like "pot luck."

There are many excellent destinations within Africa to see the lion. The two best destinations to see the lion in 2007?

- The Serengeti in Tanzania is our first choice. Why? The migration of the wildbeest during the last half of the year. The lions and many other predators lay in wait as their prime food source scampers across the countryside.

- Kenya's Masai Mara is another African lion hotspot. Again the wildbeest migration is a strong reason while the open landscape is an ideal environment.

- South Africa has several options to see the lion including the magnificent Kruger National Park.

- Botswana has plenty to offer for safari enthusiasts but the presence of big cats such as the lion draws visitors here regularly. Check out Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta East... great African landscape and plenty of wildlife to go with it!

An African lion safari is a once in a lifetime experience for most. There are some excellent programs now in place to ensure the king of the beasts makes it to the next century. Now is a great time to head off on safari to see the lion in it's own backyard!

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Check out these top African Lion Safari destination tips for 2007! We give four must see areas! Plus, read the latest african safari related news and reviews at:http://www.african-safaris-site.com/wp

Your African Safari By Design

When you ask anyone you know about their last or most favorite vacation they will probably go into great detail about how wonderful it was. Most people will paint you a mental picture of the scenery and all the things to do. Of course, if it rained at all while they were there you will hear about that too. That kind of information may very well make you want to go there, but it doesn?t help you to plan and design a perfect vacation, like an African Safari.

You might think an African Safari is a vacation for a Teddy Roosevelt type person, but not necessarily. You have choices, lots of them.

The planning process for your trip to Africa is like other vacations only more intense. It is intense, unless you have a plan for how to make your plans. You just have to add a lot of special considerations when planning. For starters, why do you want to go? Is it something you have always wanted to do and are passionate about it? Is it a simple case of seeking adventure? Do you want to experience the animals and other products of nature? Maybe you never saw yourself on a safari until your research told you it is much more than hunting very large animals.

You know about the animals. What else do you expect to get out of your vacation? Probably most people think of lions and tigers when they paint their mental picture of Africa. You do have other options. Would you like your African Safari to focus on tracking? Maybe you would prefer a hiking theme. How about an astrological or a photography theme safari? Still not decided? How about a cycling or marine theme?

How much it will cost you varies. Although ?off-the-shelf? African Safaris are available, most safaris are customized for each person or group. The safaris are designed based on what season you are interested in and how long you will be staying. Of course, it also depends on the number of people in your group and what accommodations you want. Your lodging may range from military style tents and cots to pure luxury. What area of Africa are you interested in? Do you want to go to more than one country while you are there? It is your option.

You will have some decisions to make about what you want after you initially arrive in Africa. You may choose to fly into the actual area of the safari, or pick the more traditional over land and canoe route. If you wish the use of a motorized vehicle, you will have to include that in your planning. They are optional.

What about the time of year? You will want to consider the season and climate when planning your life-changing trip to Africa. Most likely, the climate during any given time of the year is not the same as your hometown.

So surf the Internet. Get some kind of a feel for all of things there are to do on an African Safari. Make a list of what is most interesting to you. Find out what time of year you will be going. What is the weather usually like there at that time? Of course, what do you take for clothing? How many people are going? What is the theme of your safari? Make a budget. Decide what kind of accommodations you want or need. What means of transportation will work for you when you arrive in Africa? What or how many countries do you want to visit as a part of your vacation? If you build your African Safari using a design based on good planning, it may very well change your life.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to African Safaris

Malaria Free Safari in South Africa

The Eastern Cape is South Africa's second largest and most diverse province

It's a great sun, sand a sea destination with a coastline that runs from temperate rocky shores in the south to sub-tropical beaches in the north. There is a beach for every reason - from highly developed urban playgrounds to wild and untamed stretches of wae-washed sand. It has some of the best surf in the country - make that some of the best surf in the world. The small towns of Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay are renowned and very popular surf destinations and the Wild Coast has some legendary (and mostly secret) breaks.

The Eastern Cape is not classic lowveld, which is the vegetation type found around the Kruger National Park and is most usually associated with big game. However, this province has some awesome safari destinations. The Greater Addo Elephant National Park, near the town of Addo, conserves a staggering diverstiy of plant and animal life. There are a number of private game lodges, both in the national park and in surrounding private reserves. Best of all - it's totally malaria free. South Africa's first and - to date - only serious commercial ski resort is in the high-lying northern part of the Eastern Cape. OK, it's not exactly Chamonix or Aspen - but its is skiing in Africa. Snowboarding's big, too.

The Eastern Cape's cultural heritage is particularly varied and interesting, and thre are so many interpretive tours, museums and monuments, you'll never be bored. Towns that will particularly appeal to more culturally minded visitors include Graaff-Reinet and Grahamstown.

Nieu Bethesda, which is close to Graaff-Reinet, is a funky little village that owes its poularity to the existence of the Owl House, which is South Africa's most well known example of outsider art. Port Elizabeth is renowned for its excellent township and cultural tours. The Nelson Mandela Museum in Umtata is a loving tribute to South Africa's first president. Thre are great tours along the Wild Coast, on which you get to spend time with the local people and see how they live. The Grahamstown Festival or, more accurately, the National Festival of the Arts, which showcases a huge variety of South Africa's visual and performance arts, is held in Grahamstown at the beginning of July.

There are some excellent golf courses, but they're not all as conveniently close together as they are, for example, on the Garden Route. Some of the better courses are to be found in or near Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, East London and Port Edward. A brand new golf course has been built at the rather interesting town of Alicedale, which is experiencing a huge economic revival after spending years as a virtual ghost town.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za/

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

The Top African Safari Books Recommended For Your Trip

Africa books will enrich your African safari experience enormously because of all the topical content they contain and it will make your preparation for an African safari that much easier and more complete.

Safari travel books really help you squeeze the most benefit out of your trip because if you know something about the animals and people you will encounter, you will probably enjoy it a lot more.

If your safari operator is up to scratch they will provide you with a lot of information too, but an African safari book will have more comprehensive content that you can access at your leisure.

And safari books can be an invaluable aid in helping you prepare for your trip. It's almost as good as having a travel agent at your beck and call 24 hours a day.

There are three major categories of safari book that you can choose from and the titles listed in each category are the top ones in that field...

1. Topical Guidebooks

The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals

Written by Richard D Estes this is a definitive book about the habits of African wildlife which will stand you in good stead when you come across animals on your trip.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to African Wildlife

Apart from the wildlife information and fantastic photographs, this guide also contains geographic and climate information about your destination. Written by Peter Alden, Richard D. Estes, Duane Schlitter, Bunny McBride.

2. Country Guidebooks

There are quite a few players bidding to be Nr 1 in this category but the guidebooks that comes out tops from an African point of view are the Bradt Travel Guides.

They have amazingly detailed coverage of most things Africa and the people who write the guides are really passionate and knowledgeable about their subject. Here are a few of their titles they publish but they cover the whole of Africa with their full stable of guides...

Africa Overland
Southern African Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide
Tanzania with Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia
Botswana: Okavango Delta, Chobe, Northern Kalahari
Madagascar Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide
The Gambia

Another guidebook publisher with a very extensive African range and excellent content is Lonely Planet. Some of their popular guides are...

Africa on a shoestring
South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland
Healthy Travel Africa

Rough Guides has a more limited range of Africa books but what they do have is of a high quality...

Cape Town & the Garden Route
Swahili Phrasebook

3. Other Africa Books - Fiction

There are some Africa fiction books that manage to capture and communicate a measure of the magic, romance, wildness and unique character of the dark continent.

Reading these books will give you a foretaste of what it is about Africa that seems to get into peoples blood and engender a love of the place that draws them back again and again.

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town written by Paul Theroux is a magnificent takes readers the length of Africa by rattletrap bus, dugout canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train. In the course of his epic and enlightening journey, he endures danger, delay, and dismaying circumstances. Gauging the state of affairs, he talks to Africans, aid workers, missionaries, and tourists. What results is an insightful meditation on the history, politics, and beauty of Africa and its people.

I Dreamed of Africa is Kuki Gallmans classic inspirational and moving book about her experiences in Kenya after she moved there permanently from Italy. This book was also turned into a movie starring Kim Basinger.

More top Africa books that will enormously enrich and aid your African safari tour.

A complete Safari packing list of what to take with you on your African safari.

Respecting the Wildlife and the Environment on Safari

There are certain rules and regulations that one should be aware of while on safari. One of the highlights of most safari's is going on game drives and bush walks, where you get the opportunity to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. However it is vitally important that you remember to respect the natural surroundings and wildlife.

The following are some guidelines you should follow:

Bush vegetation is extremely sensitive. Off-road driving causes erosion and encourages the encroachment of unwanted plant species. Observe the animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.

Night drives with excessive use of spotlights disrupt the activities of nocturnal animals causing temporary blindness and disorientation. Never tease or corner wild animals, this may cause an unpredictable response and a potentially dangerous reaction.

Do not remove any natural material from wildlife reserves. This disrupts the ecology of the area and promotes the spreading of diseases amongst domestic animals and crops. Never attempt to attract an animal's attention. Don't imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.

Please respect your driver / guide's judgment about your proximity to certain wild animals. Don't insist that he take the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt, or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.

Remember that your guide is an expert, so always follow his advice and ask him questions if you are unsure of anything. Never sleep outside. Take only photographs and memories with you.

Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly. Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill many animals.

Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.

If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on gerald@12234455.co.za or call me on +27-0720390184.

Gerald Crawford: born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa and the United Kingdom. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: gerald@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

Summer And Winter Safaris In South Africa

South African Game Reserves

South Africa is a country synonymous with the concept of ?safari?. Safari is the Swahili word meaning long journey, it is most often used to describe overland adventures through African national parks and reserves to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. South African reserves encompass every possible landscape; from deserts, bushveld and forests to mountains and coastal regions. Home to over 100 game and nature reserves South Africa is Africa?s premier safari destination. Out of all these reserves the internationally renowned Kruger Park and its surrounding reserves is the most popular amongst safari goers.

The Kruger National Park

Each year approximately half a million domestic and international tourists visit this premier game reserve. The Kruger National Park is a 2 million hectare park that was established in 1898 to protect South African wildlife and is today an unrivalled leader in environmental management. Surrounding the Kruger National Park are several smaller game reserves, there are no fences between any of these reserves allowing the animals to roam free. The area is most celebrated due to the fact that it is Big Five country, during your stay you will have the opportunity to observe every one of the members of the Big Five: the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo.

Luxury Safari Options

Safari tends to be associated with ?roughing it? and while a few years ago that was what safaris were about, fortunately you no longer have to concern yourselves with the thought of outdoor ablutions or a lack of electricity. Today all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the power of nature envelop you. Luxury safari?s are extremely popular amongst visitors to South Africa, the thrill of the wild is effortlessly combined with 5 star guest lodges and amazing entertainment. You really do get the best of both worlds with a holiday option such as this. One of the most luxurious accommodation offerings is Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, which is owned by Sir Richard Branson.

Situated in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve which is one of the Kruger?s fenceless neighbours this 5 star reserve offers safari travellers everything they would expect from a South African safari and more. From morning and evening game drives with experienced game rangers and the luxurious massages you?ll receive at the aromatherapy spa to the amazing African and international cuisines ? a safari holiday at Ulusaba will not disappoint.

Summer vs. Winter

There?s nothing better than an African summer; the days and nights are warm, the vegetation is lush and the heat of the day is broken by the sporadic bouts of thundershowers in the late afternoon. The summer months last from October to March and in the main game viewing areas (Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal) summer temperatures range from 16?C to 32?C and in isolated cases can exceed 40?C. The summer months at these reserves are renowned for the host of beautiful migrant birds and the newborn additions to the animal families within the park (November and December).

With the exception of the Western Cape, South Africa experiences summer rainfall so its winters are generally quite dry. Due to the dry weather the bush at the game reserves tends to be dry and thin which enhances visibility. Water is quite scarce at this time of year so it is more likely that you will see large herds of elephant or antelope gathering around the waterholes. During the winter months (May ? July) the temperatures range from 5?C to 24?C, the mornings and evenings tend to be quite cold but the days are rather pleasant so be sure to pack some warm items for your winter safari. Game concentrations are high during the winter months you will see a variety of species which are sometimes harder to spot in summer ? Experience the majesty of the African Big Five during a winter safari in South Africa ? we can guarantee you won?t be disappointed.

A South African safari is an amazing experience regardless of what time of year you decide to visit. Each time of year has its own unique appeal to safari travellers - from the lush vegetation, hot weather and afternoon thundershowers of summer to the colder, dryer, peak game viewing months of winter the South African Game Reserves will not disappoint.

Privately owned by Sir Richard Branson Ulusaba Private Game Reserve (http://www.ulusaba.com) is the epitome of luxury safari travel. The exclusivity of Ulusaba affords us the luxury of personally looking after each guest and you can be sure that staff will be on hand to share in your adventures as well as to look after your every need.

Think about taking a tour to African safari - Serengeti National Park

If you're planning your next vacation, and want something on the fun and wild side, you may want to think about taking an African safari to the Serengeti. Serengeti National Park is one of the most amazing wildlife parks in the world. Not only is this area of Africa beautiful it's also full of scientific information and data that will keep you busy for many days. There are many animals that you'll find living in this part of Africa, which include zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, and lions. The wild plains of the Serengeti will keep you mesmerized for the entirety of your safari.

Any African safari that you plan will be well worth your trip to Africa, however it's the Serengeti that should be at the top of your list. The Serengeti National Park is over 12,950 square kilometers in size, which makes it as large as the country of Northern Ireland. The name "Serengeti" is from the Maasai language and translates to mean "the extended place". You'll find the Serengeti near Lake Victoria (west area) and the Great Rift Valley. This large ecosystem breathes with a life of its own and is the source of many scientific documentaries,

There are many other locations which are great for your African safari. If you travel to Southern Africa you'll need to remember that the rainy season occurs from November until sometime in the middle of April. Since the popular time to go on an African safari is from the months of June to September you'll have to book your trip well ahead in advance so that you are ensured of a space during that time. No matter what time of year that you travel to Africa the weather can always change in just a few minutes. You may experience a lot of rain even when you're traveling outside of the rainy season. This is why when you travel you need to be as prepared as possible for anything that can happen.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.african-safari-guide.com

Tanzania Safaris; Away From The Madding Crowd

Safaris in Tanzania are usually centered around the northern safari circuit and the southern safari circuit. However, the Tanzania Safari is not limited to these areas. Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in the north of Tanzania and the Selous in the south are breathtaking safari destinations and a magnet for the tourist in ever increasing numbers. In response to this increasing pressure on the environment Tanzania has doubled the park fees for the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro; in order to reduce the ever increasing number of safari tours and thereby save these special places for future generations.

The Selous in the south of Tanzania is huge and has high concentrations of animals, in fact higher concentrations than the Serengeti. The park is huge, lodges are few and the tourist density is as low as the animal density is high; making for an ideal Tanzania safari.

The Udzungwa Mountain National park is a park without roads. A safari destination where the walking is the only way to travel; yes you must leave the comfort of your vehicle and walk; mainly in mountain rain forest. This park was created for the protection of plants rather than animals and is unique in the Tanzania safari circuit. It is better to visit this park in the dry season as paths are slippery and rivers impassable in the wet season.

I would say why go only to the National Parks when on safari in Tanzania? This is not necessary; if you enjoy birds, culture and stunning scenery visit the East and West Usambara Mountains. No park fees, lodges are very reasonably priced and such stunning African mountains to explore. Or the lesser known Southern Pare Mountains, I have visited these lovely mountains twice and not seen another tourist during my entire visit.

Why go to Zanzibar; the flights are expensive and the main island can be stuffed to overflowing with tourists in high season. Pangani town and old Arab town set on the Pangani River is a wonderful alternative. Here the lodges sit on deserted beaches and one visitor said I have arrived in paradise. Snorkeling and now diving are available at Pangani. The lazy Pangani River is great for a sunset cruse, it is a wide river that flows through a old coconut plantation into the Pangani Bay. There is also plans to provide day trips along the coast to Saadani National Park this is a game reserve where the bush meets the sea; where lions have been seen walking along the beach and Elephants frolicking in the serf.

If animals is a high priority then there are seldom visited game parks in the West of Tanzania. They are remote and it may take a little planning with an operator who is willing to try an itinerary that is a little different. To travel to places such at Katavi National Park with herds of buffalo 4,000 strong; and where there are buffalo the lion is not far behind. Also hippopotami in the pools that are to numerous to count. There is only one lodge in this park, just one. This park allows you to experience a little of what the first explorers must have felt; the vastness of Africa.

Rubondo Island National Park is a small island set in the huge Lake Victoria. The eastern shore of Lake Victoria is only a few kilometers from the Serengeti. The best way to get to this island is by charter plane. This island is a real paradise with the Tanzania safari adventure starting as the light aircraft lands on the grass airstrip, sometimes animals will have to be cleared off the runway. The island is striking in its greenness and the whistles of the African Grey parrot echoing in the forest, truly you have landed in an African paradise. There are only two vehicles on the island and one tented camp.

Again for something just a little different on a remote plateau in Southern Tanzania is a huge carpet of ground orchid?s; that bloom quite unnoticed, every year, in a forgotten corner of Tanzania. This area is the beautiful Southern Highlands of Tanzania, where the country borders with Zambia and Malawi. It is forgotten as possibly it is as far away from the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro as you can get and still be in Tanzania. Although it is a pity it goes so unnoticed but maybe the lack of people helps protect this delicate ecosystem. This high place in the clouds is called the Kitulo Plateau National Park.

For more information on Tanzania safaris see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk and http://www.aardvark-expeditions.com your safari can improve the lives of the poorest communities in Tanzania. Using tourism to improve lives.

Preparing An African Safari, Safety Tips And Guide

If you feel you are ready for an African safari, think again. Even if you are travelling to a country you are familiar with, it is still very important to be aware of the physical conditions and safety. This is very important if you are considering a visit to most of the African countries. Here are tips on what to do before leaving home and while you are abroad.

Before leaving home

Make sure you have enough Information about the country you are visiting, including that on traditions and security concerns. This can be got from the travel guides and Directory. Ensure that you are updated on the current issues and changes in the politics.

Remember to make a computer scan of your passport, write your passport number down and potentially learn it in case you lose it. Its important that you note down the diplomatic mission offices to the country you are going to. This ensures easier processing of your documents in case you lose or misplace them.

Photocopy any official documents you might have with you, scan them and email them to your self so that you can access them wherever you are. The internet cafes are almost in every Major and small centre districts of Africa so you would have no trouble over this.

It is very important to have a medical check up to prepare for a healthy holiday. Remember you are looking forward to having the best time, so you would not like a simple illness to distort every thing you planned. if you have a chronic illness( like diabetes, high blood pressure, sinus problems or even nervous disorder), check with your doctor, who can at the same time give you a letter explaining the same problem in English and the details .

Its important to read the health tips for the traveler. Diseases like Malaria have to be avoided. Some of the things you will eat won?t go down well. Be armed!

Make sure you have seen your dentist recently. And it is also advisable to pack a medical kit with pain killers , repellants , bandages , and an antiseptic cleaners, for your self and children travelling with you If you are on regular medication , take care to pack enough to last the travel time.

Ensure that you?re insurance coverage is valid in case you become sick or injured abroad. Some insurance campanies specialize in overseas travel insurance and may allow you to buy short-term coverage.

It is recommended that you attend practical training courses to equip your self with the skills and state of mind for a safe and productive mind for a safe and productive trip.

Check out the political situation in the country you are to visit and get psychologically prepared. Official web sites on the Internet will provide you with the ideal information. Inform your self on the quality of public transport at your destination.

Set a limit on your credit card, so if it is stolen, thieves will be unable to takeout a large amount of money on it.

Clothing is very important. Please get to know the climate and weather conditions before you take on a safari. If you have hired a safari operator, contact the company for recommendation on clothing during the specified period of your travel. Remember that decency is preferred by all the African countries.

At the destination

After you get to your destination, there are more important points worth considering to avoid illness so as to enjoy your holiday .

To relive symptoms of jetlag, eat lightly, drink a lot of fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine a few days after your trip.

Try to relax and sleep on your flight so you can be energetic nonce you reach your destination .Try to sleep when locals do in order to get used to the local time.

Watch out for road signs: the most common reasons for death abroad is car accidents. Visitors are not always aware of the driving culture at the place they visit.

Use two wallets. Hide one of them with essential belongings in your jacket pockets. Fill the other with a small amount of money. In case of an assault you can hand this one over.

Do not count your money in public, as you might become a target for thieves

Know what notes you have in your pocket and wallet. Keep larger denominations away from prying eyes.

It is better to book an earlier flight than a later one. It is easier and safer to find your hotel and the people you may need to meet during the day than the night.

Try not to stand out in the crowd and if you have an expensive laptop, cover it so it is not apparent.Do not use or take an expensive mobile phone; an older one, reliable model will do.

Learn to identify what the uniforms of the local police look like.

Do not take any taxi you find ? check to see if it belongs to an official company . Ask the hotel reception about rates you can expect to pay when you use a taxi.

Always set a price before getting in the taxi or ask for a meter to be used . Pick up the hotel?s business card. You can always present this to a taxi driver if you cannot find way back especially in the local language.

This presents a just a few tips on Travelling to Africa. If you are planning a Safari, some countries not to miss out include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda.

Richard Dickson is a free lance journalist in Africa. More of his articles can be found at the website, http://www.aboutuganda.com

Top Five African Safari Destinations

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.

Any vacations in Africa will not be complete without going on a safari to experience the wild animals and the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld.

But there are literally hundreds of national parks and wildlife areas in Africa that you can travel to.

And some are definitely better than others when it comes to providing the potential for a great safari holiday.

In my experience, and in the general consensus of the wildlife tour industry and other sources such as the first hand accounts of safari trips in the travel diaries at African Safari Journals, here are the top five safari vacations in Africa:

1. Tanzania - Serengeti

During the annual migration, when the wildebeest and zebra pack up and leave their grazing areas to find fresher ones, the Serengeti is an astonishing place to be.

It's a very good safari vacations in africa destination at other times of the year too but the migration has been ranked by many as one of the wonders of the natural world. Hard to beat in the safari stakes.

2. Kenya - Masai Mara National Park

If you want to see the big cats, this wildlife park is top of the pops. Lion, leopard and cheetah abound and they are relatively easy to spot because of the grassland vegetation which means you get unrestricted views for miles around.

Another big plus is the fact that going off-road is allowed as long as you are not making new trails of your own.

This is one of the few vacations in Africa parks that still allows this and it is a big advantage because the animals will rarely oblige you and stay next to the major roads.

The only downside here is that because of it's popularity there are a lot of people around so if you want to spend time in isolation with nature this is not the place to go.

3. South Africa - Kruger National Park

For sheer variety of species no other place in Africa can come close to the Kruger Park. And because it is so large (larger than Wales) it has a number of different ecosystems that you can pass through in your search for animals and birds.

It is one of the best managed parks in Africa and the accommodation and infrastructure is superb.

4. Botswana - Selinda Reserve

Seasoned safari travellers rate this reserve in north Botswana extremely highly and they return to it again and again, drawn by the very high concentration of wildlife, high standard of accommodation and service and exclusivity.

5. Zambia - South Luangwa National Park

South Luangwa is a diamond in the rough, just waiting for enough exposure to bring it to its rightful place in the crown of vacations in African wildlife destinations. But for the moment it's relative isolation as one of Africa's best kept secrets is part of it's charm.

It has a reputation as one of the best places in Africa to see the elusive leopard and it is the birthplace of the walking safari.

Bruce Whittaker is the founder and CEO of African Safari Journals which contains many safari travel journals and pictures from previous trips to aid in choosing possible African safari holidays and has been on numerous safaris throughout Africa.