A Safari Across the Serengeti

You have decided to take a safari; then I would advise a Serengeti Safari in Northern Tanzania. A Safari across the endless plains of the Serengeti is to witness the last great migration on earth; it is an unforgettable experience. The whole safari across the huge Serengeti is a package with an abundance of animals rivalled no where in Africa; it is compounded with majestic landscapes and the fascinating tribes people you meet; here you will realise you are in Africa proper.

The great migration safari in the Serenegeti comprises of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest in a never ending cycle of movement; closely followed by the predators looking for an easy meal. The Wildebeest follow the rains and there migration is therefore as unpredictable as these rains. It is the last remaining great migration on our planet and as such it is a must to take a safari to witness first hand this great event.

Many safari companies try to predict the whereabouts of the animals. The success of this is dependent on 1. the rains being on time and 2. The rains lasting long enough and then 3. the past experience of the company organising migration safaris in the Serengeti. The problem with these predictions are that in recent years the rains have not been on time or they have even failed leaving some safari-makers with clients in the wrong lodges in the wrong area of the Serengeti. Recently many people on safari in Kenya [as the migration crosses the border and for a short time the Animals are in Kenya] experienced the failure of the long rains and with this failure most of the animals remained in the Northern Serengeti leaving many safari-ists not only in the wrong lodges but in in the wrong country!

How to solve this problem involves a little work on your part. To research your subject and book your safari vacation with care; bellow are a few simple steps to act as a basic guideline.

1. Firstly if you must book your safari from late July through to the end of September/October then it is necessary to book well in advance. This time of year is so busy most of the loges will become full. There are far to many people on photographic safaris at this time of year.

Have you heard of overcrowding in the Serenegeti? If you have the chances are the safari took place between these over crowded summer months; and most probably the safari was in the Seronera Valley in the central Serengeti. This area of the Serengeti has a good reliable concentration of animals with a year round water supply. Many safari companies [especially the bargain priced safaris] are lazy and send there clients to this part of the Serengeti only. This ensures lower mileage, bigger profits and happy clients because of the abundance of animals? Ensure your safari includes two areas of the Serengeti one should be the south or the north of this huge park depending on the time of year and where the migration is heading.

3. If you have the luxury of booking when tourists are few in Tanzania then try to leave the actual booking of the safari until a few weeks before your departure. If it is low season, March through to the end of June then the safaris [that is the accommodation and to a less extent transport] are at bargain basement rates. Keep checking on the whereabouts of the migration and then book your accommodation through a quality operator accordingly. Safari operators should be able to get luxury accommodation cheaper than you booking directly - this is how the safari operators make there profit.

4. Unfortunately the easiest way to a successful migration safari in the Serengeti is also the most expensive. Book a luxury safari in a semi permanent luxury tented lodge. They are semi permanent as they move several times per year as the migration moves. This almost guarantees you will be up close and personal with the great migration. [Do not let the tent bit put you off; they are huge tents with double beds and furniture and even en-suite bathrooms. Some boast of private butlers for each tent. They are small camps and have an intimate relationship with the surroundings.]

How, is it possible to keep a check on the whereabouts of the migration is easier said than done. There are many sites that claim to have regular updates but some are two years past the sell by date. I would suggest keeping in touch with two or three of the small ?boutique? tour operators in Tanzania ? they have vehicles with drivers who are returning from the Serengeti every week and so know the movements of the animals. They are also small and do not mind keeping you informed of what is happening in order to [hopefully] get a safari out of you? the more helpful they are the more likely you are to book through them.

Take time and plan your safari carefully as the planning is a part of the adventure. Take time to research a little and make sure your ground operator in Tanzania is willing to make your safari special. Many of the safari operators are [rather sadly] only bothered about making a quick buck and the client?s wishes are of no concern to them. Beware of such companies as they exist at the Luxury end as well as the budget end of the spectrum. Tanzania and the Serengeti are amazing; make sure your safari experience is as amazing.

This information is taken from the Juma Page web site and this site is dedicated to providing fee information on Tanzania and safaris http://www.thejumapage.co.uk More info can be seen at form do it your self - to work experience and volunteering - to no expense spared this site is a must before you plan and pay for your trip to Tanzania

Kenya Walking & Cycling Safaris: Mt. Longonot & Hells Gate Kenya

Mt. Longonot National Park

Mount Longonot is a relatively young volcano which peaks at 2,776m above sea level. Mt. Longonot is a captivating sight for tourists to the Great Rift Valley basin of Naivasha. Mt. Longonot was formed during the great Pleistocene era when earth forces were tearing apart the continents and eruptions rife. The mountain sides now have beautifully carved V-shaped ridges and valleys with deep forests inside the crater giving it a lush green outlook. The Mt. Longonot walking park surrounds the volcano.

Mt. Longonot Facts & figures

Rising at an altitude of 6,000-7,000ft, mt. Longonot trekking park covers an area of 52sqkm. The Kenya walking park is located 90kms from Nairobi and opened its doors in 1983. It has heavy volcano and crater forests and offers excellent walking and climbing opportunities to the summit and crater.

Mt. Longonot Close Proximity to Nairobi offers a chance for day trips where groups engage in active sport like game walking, cycling, riding and picnicking. The summit offers panoramic views of the Lake Naivasha and the expansive Great Rift Valley floor including several other bluffs and smaller mountains like mt. Suswa.

Activities in Mt. Longonot National Park

Like Hell's Gate, Mount Longonot offers a wide range of attractions for visitors keen on activity holidays, including hiking, rock climbing, biking as well as bird and wildlife viewing. K.W.S. rangers are available as guides.

Accommodation in Longonot Mountain Park

Accommodation within these parks is limited. Hell's Gate has three campsites; Longonot has no accommodation within the park. However a fabulous range of nearby hotels, lodges, luxury ranch and home stays around Lake Naivasha provide ample accommodation for all budgets.

Hell?s Gate National Park

Hell?s gate is an ideal family gateway for a day trip from Nairobi or stopover en-route to Lake Nakuru or the Maasai Mara, located just beyond Lake Naivasha. Hell?s gate national park is famous for its natural hot geyser, eagle and vulture breeding grounds, visitors have the choice of driving, walking, camping, cycling and rock climbing within the park. Kenya Horseback safaris are also arranged.

Special features

There are special locations for that spectacular view including Fisher's Tower, formerly a volcano's plug, the Central Tower and Njorowa Gorges. There are also two extinct volcanoes: Olkaria and Honley's are worth a trip. There are natural steam vents rise from cracks in the volcanic rock. Obsidian, a striking black glassy rock formed from cooled molten lava is a feature of this landscape.

Wildlife and animals of Hell?s gate national park

There is a lot of plains game but the cats family is not well represented here. Wild life in the park include: Coke's Hartebeest, buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, eland, lion, leopard and some cheetah. The park is a haven for birders and rock climbers, the cliffs of Hell's Gate are breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux's Eagles, aigur buzzard and thousands of swifts; 103 species of bird have been recorded in the park.

Hell?s gate National Park facts and figures

The Hell?s gate stands at 5,000-7,000ft above sea level and covers an area of 68sq. kms. Hell?s gate is located 90kms from Nairobi and was opened in 1984. Game viewing includes Lions, buffalo and giraffe. The park is a traditional Eagle nesting ground with spectacular gorge walk. Other special features include hot springs in the natural open and air saunas.

Activities in Hell?s gate safari park

Activities undertaken in the park include game walking, camping, rock climbing, cycling and horse riding. There is also a Masai cultural center that show cases the traditions of the Masai and sells their bead work and curios for the valuable souvenir.

Robert is a east Africa Kenya safari expert and director of landmarksafaris.com. To select some of the best walking safaris in Kenya see here: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/tours/wildlife.php/?refferer=ezinearticles

African Safari Photos Will Capture Your Dream

You have always had an interest in photography, and would like to add more exotic landscapes to your portfolio. As a result, you have made a list of places that you would like to photograph, and Africa is at the top of the list. You have decided that you would like to take a safari, so what you need are some tips as to how to take the best African Safari photos.

About African Safari Photos

If you have seen African safari photos, you know that you will need a special kind of camera to be able to capture those exotic animals up close. It is important to note that the camera you choose will need a particularly strong zoom lens. This is because the animals will not come close to the vehicle you are in, and because they might be easily startled by a flash.

Thus, with the flash preferably turned off, you are now ready to take your African safari photos. Begin by considering the time of day. The most impressive pictures are usually taken either at sunrise, sunset, or in direct sunlight.

Thus, if you are beginning your safari during sunrise, you can begin by taking a picture of the sunrise against a specific kind of backdrop. If you take an African safari photo of just the sunrise, that really could be a sunrise from anywhere. Thus, you need something in the picture that definitely reminds those who are looking at the picture that it was taken in Africa.

For example, if you are preparing to take an African safari photo of the sunrise and you happen to see a herd of giraffes walking by, be sure to take a picture. Or, you can ask your safari guides to pose for a picture against the backdrop of the sunrise. One more idea is to take a picture of particular buildings or signs that clearly indicate where you are.

When it comes to taking pictures of animals, your safari guides will most likely be sure to tell you about the necessary safety precautions to take. First of all, stay in the vehicle at all times, even if it is stopped. You might be able to ask the driver if you can take certain pictures at certain points outside of the vehicle.

Next, you should make sure that you are properly insured against any hazards. This includes your camera equipment. If you would like more information on the proper ways to take African safari photos, be sure to do some research on photography sites that have to do with that topic on the internet. You are sure to take beautiful pictures of your safari 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

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

African Safari Kenya: Top 14 African Safari Parks in Kenya

1. Nairobi - Tsavo East African safari

Your first African safari day targets the huge and expansive Kenya wildlife safari park called Tsavo. The Kenya safari party departs Nairobi in the morning and proceeds to Tsavo East Wildlife Park. This is Kenya?s largest game sanctuary famed for its huge herds of elephants.

Tsavo East is also famous from the ?man eaters of Tsavo? , a group of Lions that killed by the hundreds the rail line workers in 1890?s. The park is so huge that game drives could easily go on for hours while seeing all the ?big five? wildlife and astounding land formations and rivers.

Your Tsavo East African safari snippet is full of the big five and spectacular geographical features in a semi arid area.

2. Tsavo East - Tsavo West African safari

On your second African safari day, you will cross over the Mombasa highway that divides Tsavo East and West. Tsavo West is a miracle waiting to be discovered in an African safari. It is full of exquisite volcanic lava flows, crystal clear springs fed and filtered by underground labyrinth of volcanic porous rocks.

There are numerous caves with dripping water and moss made from the Pleistocene volcanic era. Enchanted Forests that stand on volcanic rocks offer a cool and welcome relief from the sun.

You will have early morning game drives before breakfast and later proceed to Tsavo West Wildlife safari park arriving in time for lunch. Afternoon is spent in your lodge at leisure followed by a game viewing drive. Dinner and overnight at your lodge and entertainment from Kamba people African safari dancers.

3. Tsavo West ? Amboseli Wildlife African safari

On the 3rd day African safari, you will depart Tsavo West after breakfast and game drive for Amboseli Wildlife safari park a place of stark contrast. Amboseli National Park is in the shadows of Africa?s highest snow-capped mountain-Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Towering way above the park, the mountain is imposing and offers a picture perfect opportunity of photographing the big five with a background of the bald headed, snow-capped Kilimanjaro. The greatest attraction here is the vast herds of Elephant within the park and the bull Elephant that have the biggest tusks in Kenya.

The evening game drive will complete this full African safari day. Photograph over 200 elephant herd crossing the road right in front and at the rear of your car-sandwiched. You are accommodated in the Amboseli Serena or Ol Tukai 5 star African safari lodges or a mobile tented camp at the community campsite.

4. Amboseli Wildlife Park African safari

You spend your 4th day of African safari at the park lounging. Get to swim in the lodges? swimming pool with a spectacular view of elephants drinking from a spring 50 yards away. Your room is also fronted by a spring that elephants love to drink from. You will spend the whole of your day observing elephant behaviour from a distance of less than 50 yards from your bed and verandah.

Early morning and late evening game drives are standard where you get to see the Lions, cheetahs and the occasional leopard-the ultimate prize. Dinner and overnight at the lodge or budget campsite.

5. Amboseli ?Naivasha Wildlife African safari

Day five of this best of African safari package sees you crossing from the Southwestern of Maasai country to the mid-western area and on the floor of the great rift valley of Kenya. You depart after breakfast and proceed to Lake Naivasha.

This is the second biggest fresh water lake in Kenya. On a boat ride you will be able to see the numerous hippos wallowing and yawning while making loud bleating sounds.

You depart in the afternoon for an optional tour to Crescent Island. The Lake is a bird? paradise and has a larger number of hippos. Dinner and overnight at your lodge or budget tent.

6. Naivasha -Maasai Mara

You are driven from Naivasha on the sixth day crossing the Great Rift Valley floor and up the Maasai highlands into the world famous Maasai Mara game reserve. The Maasai Mara is the epitome of a African safari.

Arriving at your lodge, have a leisurely afternoon followed by an optional evening game drive (in most cases nobody opts out of this one). Your game drive is so spectacular with so much wildlife that your head will spin.

Elephants graze 2 yards away from your car, a herd of 500 buffalos stare in unison with a thousand eyeballs mean as brick face, lions sprawl underneath your car for shade and cheetahs mount on the hood of your car for that vantage view point for prey-SUBLIME.

You spend the evening being entertained by the Maasai morans in a bon- fire setting.

7. Maasai Mara Game Reserve Wildlife African safari

Day seven is spent at the Maasai Mara game reserve lounging and breathing the fresh air of the Maasai plains. A full day game drive is usually offered and this will literally drop your jaw with awe.

The captivating African wildlife as found in the Maasai Mara will leave you yearning for more and yet satiated to the brim with safari photos. (You will run out of camera memory and battery power before you ran out of wildlife.)

Lunch is served at the bank of Mara River where Hippos can be viewed as you munch away the freshly prepared cuisine and a sea of fresh fruits flown daily from Nairobi. Such are the comforts you get in your African-African safari.

Dinner will be served at the lodge and entertainment by the Maasai group.

8. Maasai Mara - L. Victoria Tour

On your eighth day, next destination is Africa?s and world?s second largest fresh water lake. This is Lake Victoria, the source of the second longest river in the world called the Nile that feeds the whole of Egypt and was revered even in pharaoh?s time.

Lunch is taken at your lake side hotel and in the afternoon you will have an optional boat ride in the lake. This lake covers the whole of the three east African countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. You will proceed to Kakamega for dinner and overnight at the golf hotel or campsite.

9. L. Victoria - Mt. Elgon Tour

Your day nine in Kakamega enchanted tropical rain forest will see you having bird walks. Some rare and endemic birds are found in this forest.

You will return to the lodge for early lunch before you proceed to Mount Elgon Wildlife safari park for a game drive including a hike to the Kitum Caves (Elephant Caves). The kitum caves are so large that they can fit 100 elephants at a go. This is where elephants come to lick the salty cave wall rocks. The caves are so beautiful with cascading waterfalls at their entrance and trickling springs inside their bowels.

Mt. Elgon has an elephant platform and overlooks both Uganda and Kenya at its highest point. The trees are lined with liana, climbers and moss laden with morning dew that creates a feeling of ?out of Africa?

Dinner and overnight at the Mt. Elgon Lodge, the Kenya Wildlife Service Bandas, or campsite.

10. Mt. Elgon -Lake Bogoria -L. Baringo Tour

You will Depart Mt. Elgon on the tenth day after breakfast for Lake Bogoria with lunch en-route. This is a salty water lake on the rift valley floor. The lake is famous for its teaming flamingo populations and the ever hissing hot water springs. A lot of teams have boiled eggs on these natural cookers.

On Arrival and you will have a game drive, which will take you to the hot water springs. In the afternoon you will depart Lake Bogoria for Lake Baringo for dinner and overnight at the lodge or campsite.

11. L. Baringo - L. Nakuru Tour

On your eleventh day, you will depart for Lake Nakuru Wildlife safari park after break fast arriving in time for lunch. Lake Nakuru is a RAMSAR site, a world wetland heritage site. The Lake is famous for its rhinos and the flamingo populations. It also has some lions, leopard, giraffe, waterbuck, baboons, gazelles, impala and buffalo. Diner and overnight at the hotel or campsite.

12. L. Nakuru ? Samburu African safari

After breakfast in Lake Nakuru on the twelfth day, depart passing through the equator where you will have an 'Equator ceremony' as you continue to Kenya's semi-arid area, the Samburu National Reserve.

Samburu national reserve is world famous for it is here that the survivor series 4 was shot. Samburu is a replica of the Maasai Mara with a lot of wildlife and crocodiles.

Lunch and game drive are taken en-route. Dinner and overnight at the lodge or campsite.

13. Samburu Game Reserve Tour

Day thirteen is a full day lounging in a wildlife park. Morning and afternoon game drives are usually provided. See the endemic ?giraffe antelope? aka the gerenuk as it stands on two rear feet to browse the leaves of the areas short acacia trees. Observe the rare, endangered and endemic grevy Zebra.

Full day in the Reserve with morning and afternoon game drives. All meals and overnight at the lodge or campsite.

14. Samburu / Nairobi

On the fourteenth day of your African safari, have an early morning game drive before breakfast and thereafter depart for Nairobi.

This will complete your full best of African safari within 14 days. This African safari is priced differently depending on whether you want to be accommodated in lodges or campsites. Lodge accommodation is naturally more expensive but also more luxurious with all the comforts of a hotel.

Cost of your African safari in Kenya

Camping on the other hand enables you to sample the real Kenyan tour wilderness and freshness of nature. Lodge based African safari s average between USD 250 to USD 400 depending on the luxury sought.

Camping on the other hand enables you to sample the real Kenyan tour wilderness and freshness of nature. Camping incentive safaris depend on the group number and the larger the number, the lower the cost. An average of 4 travelers pays USD 100 per day per person for this 14 or less day?s package.

Robert Muhoho is a tour consultant with landmark safaris. To tailor your own shorter or longer best of African safari visit them http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner

Tanzania Safari: The Seat Of Marvel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Truly, the Tanzanian safaris will let you witness how nature works, how the dance of life interplay with the death and survival of animals that it constitutes and how the balance of nature is maintained.
This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on safari & other useful information, please visit http://safari.articlekeep.com

Tanzania Wilderness Safari

Do you want to experience a unique Tanzania safari in the African wilderness; where there are no or very few fellow travelers? It is possible in Tanzania with many National Parks scattered in remote wilderness areas. Although, these can be difficult to access; meaning expensive charted flights or days of hard driving to access these remote parks. However, it is possible to experience the remote wilderness on the increasing popular Northern Circuit of Tanzania.

The Northern Circuit is usually thought of as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. Over the past few seasons this area of Tanzania has become very popular. So much so that many people are wondering if now these once seldom visited parks are in danger of becoming over commercialized. However, this assertion is not true; the truth of the matter is the tour operator and the tourist are returning to visit the same hot spots over and over again. This is due, in part, to laziness of the tour operator and the vast amount of misinformation to the budding tourist.

One such hot spot is the northern tip of the Tarangire ? the secret is this park is a hidden jewel. Once you get away from the touristy northern tip the rest of this park is remote and one of the best places to see wildlife during the dry season; with the added bonus that wilderness parts of the park allow game walks.

There are private game concessions such as the Western Kilimanjaro where there are few camps, and game viewing is against the back drop of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. The small camps found in these remote areas are best visited for a few days, to appreciate and experience the safari to the full.

The camps are very comfortable. They blend into their natural surroundings offering privacy, intimacy with nature and isolation from the madding crowd. These camps usually work together with local communities to help improve the living conditions of the local people. There very survival depends on offering a unique experience of Tanzania for the first time visitor as well as the veteran safari-est

These areas offer experiences that are so memorable they will keep you coming back to Tanzania to experience more and more of this fascinating country.

A mistake made by many is to see as much as possible in a short a time as possible. The paradox is by doing this you are likely to see, to experience less. Slowness is the art to Africa. Leave your watch behind, seriously this should be on a list of most essential items to leave at home in order that you safari is a success. Plan your safari and then lay back and enjoy the laziness of the African safari.

For further information on Wilderness Safaris see http://www.parksadventure.com using tourism to change lives. Ensure your safari is using profits to help the community.

African Safaris - Where To Go?

If you have never been on an African safari before, you may be at a loss as to where to go. If you have been on one, you might want to plan on going somewhere different. Not because you didn't enjoy where you went, but because there are so many beautiful things to see in Africa.

From snow covered mountains and beautiful waterfalls, to sandy deserts and aquatic reefs, Africa has got it all. Not to mention all the wildlife. Gorilla trekkers, bird watchers and fly-fishermen will all be equally delighted. If you love beautiful landscapes and communities rich in culture, you'll find that, too.

East and Central Africa

The eastern Africa and central African regions are loaded with many game parks which include a large variety and population of animals, from the wildebeest of Kenya (middle of the year) and Tanzania (early in the year) to the gorillas of Uganda.

East Africa's landscape includes the spectacular and majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, the largest of its type in the world, which is home to thousands of animals such as Zebra, wildebeest, black rhino, prides of lion including the black-maned males, leopard, cheetah, hyena, elephants, warthog, impala, buffalo, hartebeest, eland and other members of the antelope family.

South Africa

Southern Africa also offers a magnificent scenario for a great safari. South Africa offers an outstanding and rewarding game-viewing experience. Tours here are normally conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles, giving you greater visibility than a mini-van (commonly used in eastern and central African safaris).

South African guides are highly trained and professional. Many camps offer night tours and walks, as well as safaris by canoe and even elephant back!

Some of the cities are beautiful, and the coastline of South Africa and the striking landscapes are sure to please.

Namibia is a good place if you are looking for elephant, rhino, lion and giraffe.

All the large mammals can be found in Botswana; elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, lion and cheetah are plentiful.

Many consider Zimbabwe to be the best of Africa. This beautiful country offers Victoria Falls, rolling hills, rock art, and game parks that are home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, sable and roan antelope.

Zambia is a definite favorite for those who love to go on an African safari. Zambia has many well managed camps in wilderness areas known for concentration and diversity of game, bird life and game fishing. These can be found in the national parks of South Luangwa and Kafue National Park.

A great way to wrap up your African safari is to visit the Indian Ocean islands, which include Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles Islands. These waters hold hundreds of species of fish, making them a haven for anglers. You can also enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving among the colorful fish, gorgeous flora and fauna, countless coral reefs and marine life.

Be sure to send a postcard.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to African Safaris

What you need to know about south africa safari

The land of Cape of Good Hope, wonderful flora and fauna, multiple languages and mother of eminent leader like Nelson Mandela, South Africa awaits no introduction.
There are more than a few reasons that make this country an apple of everyones eye.

The Matchless Wildlife Adventure

One of its distinguished features is the Kruger National Park that invites visitors from all round the world. The ferocious as well as the gentle wildlife is at parade in this park. The park that is the home for the Big Five Animals i.e. lions, elephants, leopards, black rhinos and Cape buffalo, is supposed to be the largest wildlife park in the world today. Young as well as adult come to South Africa with a dream to encounter exclusive 142 species of animals and 507 types of birds found here. This park is the most breathtaking adventure trip for all its visitors. The wonderful fantasy of Jungle Book comes to life for the children when they gaze at huge tigers, rhinoceros, giraffes etc. walking close to them. The park has specific timings when it is thrown open for safari. The place is always thronged with researchers and those making animal documentaries.

Wildlife can also be discovered at the Tsittsikamma National Park. Apart from numerous birds and animals species, the site is blessed with beautiful coastal cliffs, waterfalls and deep narrow valleys. When it comes to whale watching, the experience at the Walker Bay (at the coast of Cape Town) is unprecedented. It is an awesome experience when huge mammals like whales and sharks seem to be at hand. The Karoo desert is famous for its Mountain Zebra National Park that has inhabited some of the most unique zebra species. There is also the Karoo Nature Reserve that has nestled bizarre desert plants like kudus, buffaloes, hartebeests, springboks etc. The lovely and queer ecosystems that include coral reef, shore, lake, swamp and grasslands can be perceived at the renowned site called Greater Lucia Wetland Park. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in the Zululand region is a destination worth visiting for all the wildlife devotees.


The Cities that Count

The city of Cape Town is one of the oldest cities of South Africa. The city receives vacationers attention due to many reasons. The significant causes include the stunning Table Mountain, The District Six Museum which is quite informative about the place and the displaced people, The South African Museum, The Castle of Good Hope that has been functioning as a guard to this area since ages.

The city of Durban is popularly known for its 230 days of sunshine and its being the third largest of the South African cities. The city owns a refreshing beach known as The Golden Mile Beach, the Seaworld that holds attractive dolphin shows, the Waterworld with lots of slides etc. Also to be seen is the Time Warp surfing Museum that has a rare collection of the surfing mementoes.


The South African city of Johannesburg has its own charisma. This wealthiest metropolis was once widely known for mining of gold from various sites here. The other pulls of the city are the South African National Museum of Military History, the Dynamite Museum, the Madiba Freedom Museum (well known for the exhibiting the life of Nelson Mandela) and the Johannesburg Zoo. The Newtown region of the city is dedicated to industrial work. But it has the admired Museum of Africa, the Soweto Art Gallery that parades the magnum opus of black artists, the SAB World of Beer and much more.

The Western Cape Province is the area at the edges of Cape Town. This region is swarming with visitors due to the multiple attractions. The wine lovers never miss a chance to visit The Winelands area around Stellenbosch that has ample of wineries. The high mountain ranges like Franschoek, Slanghoeck etc add to the splendor of the place. If you encounter atypical sandstones and paintings on rocks and caves, this mystifying place is the West Coast and Swartland.


The Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of the country and the provincial capital of the Free State Province is stuuded with museums and so visitors throughout the year.

The Western Gauteng region of Gauteng Province receives special attention due to the wonderful caves in this area.


The Northern Province lures the tourists with its exquisite nature reserves. The highly acclaimed is the Ndzalama Wildlife Reserve.

The National Botanical Gardens on the Crocodile River in the Mpumalanga Province are quite informative about the geography of South Africa. The Little Dragon Mountains and impressive rock formations in this quarter are evergreen tourist spots.


About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about south africa safari topics. Learn more at http://www.vacationtosouthafrica.com.