What You Should Know About Safari Jackets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Know What To Expect From An African Hunting Safari

Africa, a place that is naturally endowed with species that it exclusively owns.

The mere sound of the name rings bells of adventure, exploration, realization and hunting. Because of the diversity of hunting safari, it offers as much opportunities for hunting fanatics to explore a range of ecological areas that have their own specialties.

Well, it's hard to imagine how we can exactly describe the purity of Africa. It is safe though to tell you that it is filled with rich resources of plain animals suited for game, predators that follow after their kill, animals grazing on fertile and unspoiled lands and others.

The game aside, Africa gathers the largest, most dense and extreme concentration of plant species and strange animals that seem to have come directly from the sixth day of the creation.

Now going to the bird, at any given time of the year, a single national park can contain an average of 300 to 500 bird species, which make Africa not only a haven of species but also a paradise for naturalists and ornithologists.

The plant and tree species are also diverse that it is impossible to record them all. Some species are as old as several thousand years ago, which again seemed to be the direct link to the Creator.

Al these combined (and the mixture of other components), Africa is one big paradise for man and the creations to enjoy. To flourish and to experience the circle of life. The dance that plays with each organism and specie. And the life that sets the balance between the created and the wardens.

As for the hunting safari, Africa boasts the most excellent sites and species that fuel man's passion for hunting animals in their natural habitats. Though hunting is restricted in some national parks, local governments still assigned African hunting safaris where varieties of games are enjoyed but in accordance with ethical restrictions.

Some common hunting safari animals in Africa are: black wildebeest, gemsbuck, red hartebeest, springbuck, waterbuck, bushbuck, zebras, antelopes, eland, steenbuck, rhebuck, impala, blue wildebeest, warthog, kudu and many other species.

In African hunting safaris, the most common method used is the rifle hunting. However, although it is popular enough there are still unsettled issues concerning the caliber of the rifle. Please check on the guidelines as suggested by you tour operator.

Next to the rifle hunting is the bow hunting, which for the present is not as customarily used as the rifle hunting. Experts see the future of bow hunting though as the standard to restrict any other issues that must be dealt with the more common form of hunting.

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

 

Walking Safari in the Selous Game Reserve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health Issues On A Tanzanian Safari

When on a walking safari, mountain climbing or walking round the camp, it is advisable to be aware of the following guidelines on health and safety in the African Bush.

Altitude related Illness: These illnesses 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 for hikes or climbs 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.

Hypothermia or exposure: this is life threatening condition with a lowering of body temperature and can occur with a temperature as high as 10 c [50 f]. Usually caused by cold wet clothing or simply poorly clothed for the conditions. The signs/symptoms include clumsiness, stumbling, apathy, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and eventually unconsciousness. Treatment for this is to immediate warm the patient in a warm dry environment - a sleeping bag is ideal with one or even two people inside the sleeping bag with the patient. Warm energy rich drinks help as does rest with a return to camp as quickly as possible.

Acute Mountain sickness: This affects many people above 2,050 meters [or 10,000 ft] signs/symptoms include headache nausea fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, restless or no sleep. The treatment is to slow down, remain in camp, drink water, and rest your body. It is important to adjust to altitude slowly. In case of severe headaches, loss of coordination, breathing difficulties evacuate immediately for medical attention. This condition kills tourists every year in Tanzania!

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.

Wildlife; try to avoid interaction; normally the wildlife will try to avoid you. Buffalo or elephant may attack if surprised or provoked. When hike in forest or dense bush clap often or call out if met by an aggressive animal; at all times follow the instructions of your armed guide. Never feed wild animals with baboons and monkeys being highly dangerous and they can steel by force as they have learnt to get food from the tourists.

Weather in Tanzania has a rainy season November through to May with sometimes a dryer season January to March dividing the season into short and long rains. It never rains all the time. The dry season June to October, the coldest month being July with high altitudes reaching temperatures bellow freezing.

If you get lost remain where you are; your guide will look for you and find you quicker if are on the trail ? this sometimes happens in fog or dense forest. A day pack should include instant body shelter, warm clothing and a water proof jacket, matches or lighter, a mirror or whistle for signaling, food and drink [esp. water] basic first aid, torch and a compass.

Some areas have stinging nettles, no shorts in these areas with stings causing temporary but painful irritations

Safari ants are small shiny brown ants move rapid in columns across trails ? they are common and carnivorous, they crawl up your trouser legs and start to chew. Tuck trouser into socks and watch where you step and especially where you stand.

Acacia thorns ?cat claws? of the wait-a-bit thorn tree rip skin and clothing ? the thorn is long and straight and can pierce soft soled shoes and even car tires so take care and try not to wear sandals.

Ticks may be found long grass, to remove a tick grasp head and jerk out of skin.

Snakes will usually avoid humans; one exception is the puff adder. This snake is sluggish and slow to move. When moving around in the dark use a torch to avoid a most unwelcome encounter with the puff adder.

Scorpions lurk in the dry country under rocks, behind bark and sometimes climb into boots, clothing or equipment left out at night. The sting from a scorpion can cause severe pain for several hours.

In conclusion to protect yourself ? dress right and drink right. Climbing in mountains or highland prepare for extremes. Watch your self day time temperatures can reach 35 c with little shade and may well be freezing at night at higher altitudes. Fine weather can turn into fog or rain quickly. Always carry a waterproof and dry clothing in a plastic bag to keep warm wool and synthetics are better than cotton or down ? to keep cool cotton is the better option. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, skin protection also drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in carbohydrates for energy. Avoid alcohol at high altitudes.

For more information on health issues and climbing or hiking see http://www.parksadventure.com - Bethel Adventure supports community Initiatives and thereby uses tourism to change lives.

African Safari Tips

African Safari Tips A well-planned safari is often the vacation of a lifetime. Africa's national parks and game reserves boast some of the best wildlife viewing, if not the best in the world. Here are a few tips to make sure your african safari is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible.

Passports and Visas

Getting visa approval may take a while, so it's best to tackle this aspect of your safari in good time--say at least 2 months in advance.

Passport must be valid for at least six months upon your return home. Also make sure you have extra passport photos (just in case). Make sure your passport has enough blank pages to accommadate any visa requirements (entry/departure stamps) that may arise during the course of your safari.

Ensure you have up-to-date information on the specific documentation requirement for your trip--find out from your travel agent, relevant diplomatic mission, airline or tourist board.

Leave a copy of your passport and travel itinerary with someone responsible at home. It is also advisable to carry an extra copy with you when you travel to Africa.

Travel Insurance--minimum travel insurance is essential. In general your insurance should cover:

twenty-four hour medical assistance

emergency cash transfer

accident coverage

lost baggage accidental death

Gorilla Tracking and Permits

Each safari park gets allotted a limited number of gorilla permits each season. It is therefore essential to obtain your gorilla permit when you initially book your safari.

For the gorillas' protection (and visitors') nobody under the age of 15 yrs or persons with illness may view the gorillas on safari treks.

Viewing the gorillas is limited to one hour at a minimum distance of 5 metres.

You are not allowed to use a flash when taking photos.

Video cameras are (generally) allowed.

Every viewing group will be escorted with park rangers, trackers and guides. Follow the guide's instructions and please abide by the park's rules.

Avoid the temptation to break the minimal distance for viewing the gorillas. Also absolutely avoid physical contact with the gorillas. Physical contact with gorillas exposes them to human diseases (a major cause of death to wild gorillas). Remember there're few enough of these magnificent creatures without you abetting in their extinction (albeit unintentionally).

Gorilla viewing may be denied at short notice at the discretion of the national park authorities. This may occur because of:

Park or border closure due to security reasons;

Gorillas out of range (usually close tabs are kept on the where abouts of the gorillas by rangers who track them on a daily basis).

So please be aware that obtaining a gorilla permit is not an absolute guarantee that you'll see the gorillas. If for any reason you're unable to view the gorillas (though you paid for a permit), refunds are at the discretion of the park or the respective wildlife authority of that particular country...not your tour company.

Customs Issues

Don't forget to factor in airport taxes, which may sometimes be extra and due before you depart.

Check duty-free allowances (alcohol and cigarettes) for the various countries you are visiting if you intend to take stock with you.

Generally, personal effects such as cameras, video cameras, digital recorders (tape as well) may be imported without a permit (so long as you don't have unreasonable numbers).

Occasionally a customs bond may be required--to ensure that any such imported merchandise is exported at departure.

Firearms require a special permit.

Health Issues

Discuss pertinent health issues with your doctor (in good time) prior to embarking on your African safari.

Make sure your childhood vaccinations are up to date. Different countries have different vaccine requirements.

Yellow Fever--No vaccine is usually required unless you're arriving within six days of leaving an infected region.

Malaria--A malarial prophylactic course is highly recommended for all non-Africans. As usual confer with your physician/and or the nearest vaccination center for the most up-to-date requirements. AIDS--For many African countries AIDS / HIV are serious health issues. However for most travellers this should not be a major concern. The HIV virus is transmitted by the exchange of bodily fluids, therefore, as long as you practice the same sensible (cautionary) measures as you do back home you should be okay.

Bilharzia--(schistomiasis). This disease is caused by tiny waterborne parasites found in certain snail species. Prophylaxis (preventitive measures) is not available and the only option is treatment by drugs and injection. The condition is quite unpleasant so it is best not to swim or or wade in rivers or streams.

Currency

It is inadvisable to enter or depart an African country with large sums of local currency.

Travel with a sufficient number of small-denomination traveller checks to cover any incidental expenses you may have.

In cities and larger towns many establishments accept international credit cards.

Usually there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can import.

Currency exchange is legal only through authorized dealers. Most city hotels are equipped to exchange money and more often than not the official exchange rate will usually be quite favorable. It is ill-advised to try to exchange your money on the black market (for a better rate). Doing so is an unnecessary security risk, and there's a good chance you may get ripped off.

ATMs are usually available in most cities and towns but remember this is not America or Europe so plan accordingly You may tip in local currency or U.S. dollars (more likely than not most locals would prefer being tipped in dollars).

You can change your travellers checks and dollars into local currency at airports and banks. Small denominations are preferable. Always keep your receipt so that you can exchange any excess local currency back to dollars on your departure.

Keep at least $150 (usually in denominations no larger than $20) in cash, for visas and airport departure fees (per individual).

Be aware that only high-denomination US bills printed after year 2000 are generally accepted (something to do with counterfeit preventative measures).

What To Pack On An African Safari

Find out the luggage restrictions (limitations) from your tour operator if your safari is through such an organization.

Avoid clothing that resembles military attire--African countries tend to be jittery of such (coup plot phobia).

It's preferable to travel with soft compact baggage.

Laundry is performed on a daily basis in most camps and lodges (this may not extend to your underwear), so it isn't necessary to cart along tons of luggage.

Africa is sun rich so sunglasses are recommended as well as head protective gear(safari hats).

Malaria is a fact of life in Africa--mosquitoes usually hunt from dusk till dawn--so long-sleeved shirts and trousers (pants) are advisable for the evening.

Formal dress attire may come in handy if you intend to visit any clubs, casinos or restaurants that implement such requirements. The following items are strongly recommended:

Insect repellent

Sun block

Comfortable trekking shoes

Raincoat / Jacket

Best of luck and have a great African Safari!

Ba Kiwanuka http://www.gorillahub.com

Budget Safaris: Is This the Better Option?

Tanzania is fast becoming, if not already, the most sought after destination for an African Safari. This reputation and desire for this special place is not unfounded. However is the budget option the better option, as Tanzania is fast becoming an expensive destination. Expensive that is if you want to go to Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro. Budget safaris has become, for many, the only option.

Why is Tanzania so expensive? Is this a matter of cashing in on a new found popularity? The short answer to this question is no, it is not; the reason is the sheer volume of tourists. Tanzania wants to keep numbers to sustainable levels. The sheer numbers wanting to tour the popular parks is damaging the fragile eco-system.

Tanzania has many fascinating parks with much to offer. All the game parks have high densities of animals. It is cheaper now to choose parks in the south or the west.

A friend of mine recently came to visit and decided he should go on a short safari. He was on a tight budget and went with a tour operator that offered a good deal. It was a short two day safari to see Lake Manyara and then Ngorongoro crater. This first morning he was due to leave at 9h00; however departure was actually 10h30. The car broke down on the first day and everyone had to push the car to start it again. Repairs to the car were carried out at the camp site after the game drive.

There was a guaranteed four people in the car ensuring good game viewing and a window seat for everyone. However, six people were in the car and things were cramped. The second day in the crater the game viewing was only for five hours and not the full day promised. My visitor was pleased to return home and has been put off safaris for life.

A safari is hard work; the euphoria overcomes the hardship endured in getting to see the animals. To fully appreciate the safari it is better to spend a little more money on comfort. To have a reliable comfortable car with only a few fellow safari-ests is essential. The roads can be rough and to have room to bounce around and absorb the bumps and bangs of the roads is essential. Following the great migration in the Serengeti might involve fighting off swarms of hard biting tsetse flies - this is not easy when six people, the driver cook and camping equipment are squeezed into one slow-moving safari land cruiser.

I would also recommend a good lodge or tented camp. Yes they expensive; however they are luxurious, in good positions within the parks, close to the animals and truly you experience Africa in these camps. You feel less of a tourist and more of an explorer.

To go budget is a mistake. To try to afford the best safari is a must in-order to really enjoy the safari experience. There are many parks in Tanzania which have low park fees; as few visitors are heading to these remote parks; yet. There are mountains and areas that are not national parks and therefore no park fee's to pay and they are fantastic places to visit. To spend time researching and then to find an operator who is willing to help and advise you is the key. It need not cost a fortune. Try to avoid the budget safari and take time to find the better alternative.

You can find more informations here: http://www.tradingideas4you.com/society-culture/travel/travel.html

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Find the Gorillas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Go on a Gorilla Safari

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

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

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

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

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

Travel and Accommodation

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

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

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

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

About The Author

Bruce Whittaker

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

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