Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Northern Kenya Safaris - Top Kenya North Safari - Overland Kenya Tours

National Parks Of Northern Kenya


From the celebrated African animals of today, thriving along the Ewaso Ngiro
River?s lush banks in the Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserve, to
the fossilized evidence of early humans and prehistoric animals sitting beneath
the scorching soils of Sibiloi National Park on Lake Turkana?s northern shore, northern
Kenya?s National Parks and reserves cover a breadth of landscapes, wilderness and
history unimaginable elsewhere.


Also intriguing is Marsabit National Park, whose rich forest and shy Big Five
population rest on the cool slopes of a massive volcano rising gently out of the
baking northern plains. Dramatic volcano-landscapes of an entirely different manifestation
burst bleakly from Lake Turkana?s waters and form South Island and Central Island
National Parks, which, together with Sibiloi comprise a Unesco World Heritage Site.


Getting there


Daily Air Kenya and safari link services link Samburu National Reserve and Lewa
Wildlife conservancy with Nanyuki, Meru and Nairobi (Wilson Airport)


Bus & Matatu Countless bus and matatu services enter northern Kenya from the
central and west highlands.


Getting Around 4WD Having your own 4WD gives you flexibility, but comes with
its own challenges thanks to wide-ranging road conditions. For starters you?ll need
a large 4X4 (a Toyota RAV4 or Suzuki won?t do) with high ground clearance and a
skid plate to protect the undercarriage.


You should have a high-rise jack, sand ladders, a shovel, a long, strong rope
or chain (to hitch up to camels or other vehicles) plus enough fuel, water and spare
tires (one is rarely enough). A compass and good map are also invaluable.


Bus & Matatu There?s now regular public transport as far north as Kalokol and
Lokichoggio on Turkana?s west side, but it?s more limited up the lake?s east side,
only reaching Mararal Via Nyahururu or Isiolo. With improved security, buses now
run from Isiolo to Moyale on the Ethiopian border via Marsabit.


Hitching Hopping onto the top of a dusty transport truck with locals has long
been as uncomfortable, dirty and somehow mildly enchanting way to travel around
northern Kenya. However, improved bus services mean that Loyangalani is the only
major destination that still requires hitching.


To enjoy the experience you must throw out your schedule and accept that you?ll
spend days waiting for rides. Its no free ride either, with most drivers charging
between Kshs 2 and Kshs 5 per kilometer. Security is another issue, as bandits are
more interested in cattle trucks than buses, and for this reason hitching can?t
be recommended unreservedly.


Northern Kenya overland Safaris & organised trips


A few kenya organised safaris and kenya overland trucks now go to lake Turkana?s
west, but most still stick to the lakes east side. Average Kenya overland trips
are seven-to-10-days long and they typically follow the same route.


Other options include camel safaris, although treks down into the Suguta valley
should be approached with caution for security reasons.


Generally, if doing a self drive northern Kenya safari, you may need to make
stops in towns between long and lonely stretches to enquire about the road and security
conditions. Where possible, wait for the next departing convoy as these are given
armed escort, since the police won?t have enough personnel to offer you individual
escort.


A rule of the thumb here is to always consider any information gathered before
hand (no matter how extensive) as outdated until updated by locals at these pit
stops. You will be surprised at how friendly and helpful these local souls can be
to travelers in the region.


Robert is a travel expert in Kenya east Africa and tour consultant with Landmark
Safaris. Make a free enquiry on best Northern Kenya overland/self drive safari here.

http://www.landmarksafaris.com/planner/?refferer=ezinearticles

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

An Africa Safari Brochure Is The Start Of A Dream Adventure Holiday

If you have ever considered a trip to the mysterious and beautiful land of Africa, an African safari may be a trip for you to look into. The first step in planning one of these amazing adventures is to collect a few Africa safari brochures that can give you information about the different types of safaris available, including the accommodations, the types of day and nighttime treks and the services that are included.

There are Africa safari brochures that will cover just about any area for travel, as well as most of the different types of tours that are available. The brochures usually come with full-color photos of the types of scenery and wildlife that you can expect to see on your holiday, as well as plenty of information that will help you to select and plan for your journey.

Where to Find an Africa Safari Brochure

You can find this information at a travel agent who specializes in these types of vacations, or you can click onto the Internet to explore the various websites that are available. One sight that offers a lot of valuable information is called all-holiday-brochures(.)com. This site offers information on a number of different types of tours in many areas of Africa, and even allows you to view the brochures online before ordering.

Many of the brochures listed are available free of charge. There are also links that allow you to purchase books that will give you additional information about the areas that you are interested in. This is a great sight to browse if you are in the beginning stages of planning your excursion, and want to check out some Africa safari brochures.

Additional information can also be found on a variety of websites for the many travel agencies and tour companies that work directly with the African regions. These sites can give you the same type of information that a printed Africa safari brochure can, including lodging facts, preparation tips and many colored photos that will help you to visualize your adventure.

Depending on the tour company that you select, you can find information about the area itself that you are headed towards, the culture and wildlife or the region, and choices in tours and types of lodging that are offered. This information will help you to plan your safari holiday with location, comfort and budget in mind.

An African safari is often considered to be the vacation of a lifetime. Why not collect a few Africa safari brochures and other types of information so that you can plan the most satisfactory holiday for you and your family?
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

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Friday, January 11, 2008

Elephant Safari: Unforgettable Incident That Illustrates An Elephant's Intelligence

The elephant is a member of the "big 5" list of animals that tourists out on an African safari holiday usually want to see.

Much has been written about elephants but one particular incident that we encountered on our way back from a safari, years ago, stands out on my mind and illustrates the amazing intelligence of this animal.

Before I narrate this tale, let me explain something. Everybody knows that the elephant is famed for its' memory. If you can remember things, folks will tell you that you have the memory of an elephant. This is factual because elephants will remember old routes in the African bush that they last used decades previously to reach a water hole during a very dry spell. There is a direct relation between the ability to remember and intelligence, as most people know. Many people will also know that research has clearly shown that animals with bigger brains are more intelligent. But then that is not my area of expertise and readers should do their own further research at their favorite search engine on this.

Let us move on to my amazing real life elephant tale.

Years back, we were returning from an exciting Safari in the world famous Masai Mara game reserve and were headed back to the hotel in Mombasa when we came across a very strange and bizarre site right in the middle of the busy highway that links the tourist city of Mombasa to Kenya's main capital city of Nairobi.

A baby elephant was lying right in the middle of the road. CONTINUE

Chris Kavila blogs from a house close to the beach in Mombasa, Kenya ? not far from the world famous Masai Mara game reserve (and loves every minute of it). He brings you regular fascinating tales of African Safari Holidays.

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Monday, November 5, 2007

HI-BIRD SAFARI GROUP BAGS NATIONAL AWARD FOR QUALITY


New Delhi, Delhi, India, Thursday, October 12, 2006 :: Safari Bikes Ltd., a unit of Hi-Bird Safari Group of Industries, manufacturer and exporter of "Hi-Bird" and "SAFARI" brands bicycles has bagged the prestigious 'National Award' for quality instituted by Ministry of SSI, Government of India.

Union Defense Minister Pranav Mukherjee presented the award to Mr. Suresh Sharma, Executive Director Safari Group, at a function held recently in New Delhi.

Company has been already honored at international level consecutively for two years i.e. with "International Europe Award for Quality (Paris), France" in the year 2000 and immediately next year from Geneva, Switzerland with "Platinum Star Award for Quality" in the year 2001. Hi-Bird Group happens to be India's First and Only manufacturer in bicycle trade having been honoured in the advanced part of the world Europe with Quality Awards.

After establishing network in more than 50 countries around the globe, company entered in domestic market in the year 2000 with its premium brand Hi-Bird and brought a revolution in bicycle trade launching 40 attractive and stylish bicycle models at one stretch. At present company is making more than 100 varied designs and models of bicycles covering all age groups and segments of society and has largest choice in the country for bicycle consumers.

Having in-house R & D, Design and Development facilities, Hi-Bird Group is having manufacturing capacity of 6000 bicycles per day. Apart from regular sale through more than 2000 well-established dealer channels, company has supplied nearly 3 lacs bicycles to various State Governments under Girl Child Welfare Scheme. Company has similar experience at international level also supplying 40,000 bicycles to Nigeria and 32,000 bicycles to Govt. of Rwanda in the past.

In the tough global competition and ever increasing steel prices company has been able to keep a check on bicycle prices by cutting down the cost of production with efficient management and newer production techniques but at the same time maintaining its quality image. Hi-Bird Group is known for keeping a pace with changing market trends and consumer tastes by frequently launching new models.

As per Mr. Suresh Sharma, Executive Director of the company "Quality is not a matter of chance but it is achieved through sheer dedication and hard work". Today Hi-Bird is selling its product at premium only because of its world-class quality, attractive designs and global image.

Last year Group opened its branches in Tianjin (China) and Holland (Europe) and are in the final stage of signing a technological tie-up with a major bicycle manufacturing company in Europe for manufacture of high-end bikes.

For further information, please contact: Mr. Suresh Sharma Safari Bikes Limited E-650, Phase V, Focal Point, Ludhiana- 141010 Ph: +91-161-672975-76 Fax: +91-161-673783 E-mail: exports@safaribikes.com Website: www.safaribikes.com

Editorial Contact: Mr. V.K. Arora Management & Communications Group 54, Kiran Vihar, I.P. Estate Extn., Delhi-110092 E-mail: mancomm@del3.vsnl.net.in Mobile: +919811153833

Submit your press release at http://www.InfoMailers.com

InfoMailers.com is the only online newswire that disseminates corporate news items in 3 languages, ie, English, Hindi & Punjabi to more than 6000 journalists through out India, across Print, Electronic & Internet media. InfoMailers.com also mails all news items to more than 3,00,000 Indian Net Users including more than 4500 Industry leaders

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Friday, September 21, 2007

How to Book a Serenegeti Migration Safari

A Safari across the endless plains of the Serengeti in an unforgettable experience; it touches something deep within us; creating experiences that will be never be forgotten. A trip through the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania is both intriguing and exciting, shaped by the fascinating balance between the wildlife, the landscapes and its people. The great migration is a year round migration sometimes the migration is scattered over a large area other times the animals are concentrated into a huge mass of over a million animals. It is the last remaining big migration left on our planet and as such many people want to witness this great event.

The rains are the key to this never ending migratory cycle; and as the weather is unpredictable so is the migration. Many people try to predict the whereabouts of the animals; if the rains are on time and long enough then on past experience the predictions are accurate. However, in recent years the rains have not been on time or they have even failed leaving some safari-makers with clients in the wrong area of the Serengeti.

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

If you book your safari from late July through to the end of September then it is necessary to book well in advance. This time of year is madness. If ever you hear stories of overcrowding in the Serenegeti the chances are the safari took place between these 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 year round. Many safari companies are lazy and send there clients to this part of the Serengeti only. 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.

Any other time of year I would leave the actual booking of the safari until a few weeks before your departure. If it is low season, March to end of June then the safaris [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 accordingly.

How, is it possible to keep a check on the whereabouts of the migration may be easier said than done. There are many sites that claim to have regular updates but they can be two years since the last update. CC Africa has the best site for updates on the migration but at the time of writing this page was three months out of date. I would suggest keeping in touch with two or three '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. Most safari companies will keep you informed as it is their job to do so; the more helpful they are the more likely you are to book through them.

To make life easier there are now several semi-permanent tented camps in the Serengeti. 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 feel about them. They are semi permanent because they move several times per year so as to be close to the migration. To book with one of these camps ensures your safari will be both special and close to the migration.

Take care and put some thought into your safari - the planning is a part of the expedition. Research a little and make sure your ground operator in Tanzania is willing to make your safari special. Some are rather sadly only bothered about money and each client is a number only and they are not willing to make changes to itineraries. Beware of such companies as Tanzania and the Serengeti are amazing; make sure your safari experience is as amazing.

For more information on Tanzania, the Serengeti and the Migration contact either http://www.betheladventre.co.uk or http://www.parksadventure.com - and regularly updated news on Tanzania related subjects

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Sunday, September 16, 2007

Safari in Africa

It is thought that safaris as we know them now, i.e. hunting wild animals, started as long ago as the nineteenth century, the term being coined by Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton, the English explorer, when gentlemen of a certain class took pleasure in killing beasts in their natural habitat, in order to prove their manhood and bag a trophy for the library wall.

Nowadays, thankfully, there are few amongst us who would consider slaughtering the wonderful creatures of Africa as a sport, but we still like to experience the adventure of hunting them down in order to watch them in the wild.

Most people are keen to see the "Big Five" - elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard. Why the graceful giraffes and antelopes and cheetahs, the fastest creatures on earth, are left out of this revered group is a mystery, but that's the way it goes. In addition to the mammals, there is also a fantastic array of colourful bird life as well as butterflies and insects, so never a dull moment on safari.

Uganda is much improved, having recovered from the depredations of Idi Amin and you can risk Zimbabwe if you want but the best safariing is to be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa. Within these countries, there are many different game parks or reserves, each with a special character or attraction and often a different group of resident animals. For example, the Serengeti National Park/Ngorongoro Conservation Area is famous for the enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope where the calves are born before the grazing runs out and the herds move on. In Kenya, Tsavo East National Park is renowned for the largest herds of elephant in the country, whereas the Masai Mara is home to all of the Big Five as well as most other species as well as being the best place to see the migration south of the wildebeest, zebra and antelope back to the plains of the Serengeti.

There are also many types of safari to choose from. You can travel by small purpose-built mini-bus which holds about eight people, by jeep, by elephant or horse or even, for the adventurous, on foot (accompanied by an armed guide, of course).

You can stay overnight in luxurious lodges (very welcome after a hot dusty game drive) or permanent camps (nearly as luxurious), in tree-top eco-friendly hotels or join in setting up camp on the more rugged safaris. You can also book a beach holiday and just take a half-day or a night or two away, booked locally.

The most important part though, is not your mode of transport or your accommodation, but the animals. The thrill of the chase, the news from your driver that one of his colleagues has just seen a lioness with her cubs, right by the trees over there, the excitement of actually seeing in the wild, a beast which you many only have seen previously in photographs or at best, behind bars in a zoo.

You may see sociable elephants, usually to be found in large family groups, if you're lucky, with babies in tow. You may see black rhino, but he probably won't see you - they have extremely poor eyesight but a great sense of smell. Then there are tall, elegant giraffes, munching from trees far out of reach of the other beasts, dainty antelopes, big cats, ferocious or playful and so much more.

Put these fabulous creatures together with the vast beauty that is Africa and the sense of the dangerous and the exotic and you have the experience of a lifetime so go and shoot a few animals (with your camera, of course).

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to African Safaris

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Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Safari Travel Tips

Before stepping on that plane for a marvelous safari adventure, plan like there's no tomorrow. You will thank your self for being precautious when faced with untoward incidents.

Here are the important things you should consider when going on a safari travel:

1. Remember that it is one challenging endeavor.

Planning a safari can be one of the most exciting feats one can ever manage to make happen. It is not one of the generic travels, usual jetsetters indulge in. Though you are provided with a tour brochure and a tourist guide, it still is better to research on your own regarding the various itineraries.

2. Best spots for safari should be spotted.

The most suggested parts of Africa to enjoy safari include East and Central Africa, Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Islands.

3. Prepare for the climate.

It is a must to know the seasonal trends and how they will affect your travel. But also remember that the weather is fickle-minded so you can never really accurately predict the outcome of your travel if you will base it one the weather alone.

If you are going to visit East and Central Africa, long rains start early in April to early June. Short rains abound during late November to December.

Southern Africa has its rainy season from late November through mid-April for the safari areas. However, during that time, it will be summer in Southern Cape.

When one prefers Indian and Ocean Islands he or she can expect the seasonal trend to be more like of that of Southern Africa. In these islands, summer rains last from November through April. Cyclones can also be experienced during those seasons. From May to October, the dry season occurs.

4. Choose your activities.

Among others, safari traveling offers these fun-filled activities:

a. gorilla trekking
b. sailing
c. birdwatching
d. participatory camping
e. self driving

5. Know what you can afford.

When choosing a trip, budget constraints should never be overlooked. Decide on a price range that you can work on. To make your budgeting more effective consider the level of luxury of your safari travel, length of your trip, activities, accommodations preferences, meals and season.

6. Determine your travel style.

Do you prefer your safari to be more luxurious, moderate or rustic? Will you let kids tag along? Are you traveling with a group or will you be one bold, independent traveler? Will you travel by air or road? What about your guide and your vehicle?

Answering those questions will more or less improve your overview of your dream safari travel.

Have fun!

Destination Found! Visit the Travel Resources Blog http://www.push-button-online-income.com/travel-guide

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Monday, September 10, 2007

The Hunting Safari: A Means Of Conservation In The Selous Game

The Selous Game reserve is internationally recognized as one of best managed areas in Africa. Poaching in this reserve is minimal and animal populations including Elephants are thriving. What is the storey behind this success? This was not always the storey for this area ? once the Selous Game Reserve was under threat from the blight of the poachers.

The Selous Game Reserve is huge with only a small section of the park used for photography safaris and another section used for hunting safaris. Many people, including myself, have a hard time understanding that the hunting safari is a good thing for conservation. However, if it were not for the hunting safari the Selous would be a waste land devoid of animals.

Hunting is the success storey behind the Selous which is fast becoming an area that is the place to see game whilst on safari in Africa. The reserve suffered greatly from poaching in the late 1970?s and most of the 1980?s.

Disaster struck in 1973 when the Tanzania Government gave way ? under considerable international pressure ? to ban hunting from the Selous. Once this ban took hold the rot set in, the decline of this park was as rapid as it was dramatic. Poaching gangs of up to sixty people descended into the reserve. The many rhino?s in Stiegler?s Gorge were poached out and elephants slaughtered in colossal numbers.

Despite the reserve being declared a World Heritage Site in 1982, the massive slaughter of elephants had begun. Numbers of 100,000 elephants were reduced to less than 30,000 by 1991. It was reported that every day twenty elephants died at the hands of these poaching gangs.

With the help several conservation organizations from outside and within Africa and the determination of the Tanzanian Government this downward spiral was halted. Determined and brave young wardens were put into the parks and the fight against illegal poaching began, at last, to be won. Hunting was reintroduced into the reserve; with the hunters kept well away from the photographic tourists. The revenue generated from the hunting helps greatly to fund the effective management of the Selous.

Animals are carefully monitored and this enables quotes of specific animals to be allocated to the short hunting season. Hunting is therefore returning the Selous Game Reserve to its former glory. As mentioned at the beginning of this article this area of Tanzania is now thriving thanks to a careful managed policies including hunting; which is used as a means of conservation.

For more in formation on Tanzania Safaris, Volunteering and Travel in Tanzania see http://www.betheladventure.co.uk Using tourism to change lives

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Thursday, September 6, 2007

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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Thursday, August 30, 2007

African Safari Adventure

In the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The reserve name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which are prevalent throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home to no less than seven of Africas giants: the African elephant, the lion, the giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard. It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres/30,000 hectares of pristine game land be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent.

In the remote eastern corner of Botswana, at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers, lies an area known historically as the Tuli enclave - a diverse wilderness of savannah, riverine forests, marshland, open plains and sandstone outcrops. The reserve name is derived from the magnificent Mashatu trees, which are prevalent throughout this immense tract of privately owned land. Mashatu is also the home to no less than seven of Africas giants: the African elephant, the lion, the giraffe, the baobab tree, the eland, the ostrich, and the kori bustard. It is fitting therefore, that some 75,000 acres/30,000 hectares of pristine game land be set aside for these unique, prodigious features of this exhilarating continent.

Its here that you will experience a unique and spectacular safari experience and many would argue that you have not lived until you have cycled in the Land of the Giants!

Head out early morning and late afternoon - push yourself to your physical limits on ancient elephant-trodden pathways, over rough gravel, and through cool streams of water. In a land as diverse as Mashatu, you are guaranteed new mediums and trails around every corner. The panoramic vistas are enhanced ten-fold as your adrenalin courses through your veins.

Your safety is secured in the hands of the armed rangers who head-and-tail the team of cyclists and who remain in radio contact with a support vehicle which travels a close distance behind (and out of earshot of) the cyclists at all times.

Mashatu Game Reserve, an area of history and legend, offers some of the most exciting game viewing in Africa. It is a place of exceptional beauty where one can explore the rugged, unspoiled African landscapes guided by experienced rangers and trackers. In addition to the game experience, Mashatu offers a view of Africa, unchanged since the days of early visitors such as Kipling, Selous and artist/explorer Sir Thomas Baines. Historic and archeological sites abound; notable are the Motloutse Ruins and the Pitsani Koppie sites.

The excitement of Mashatu has not changed over time. It is still home to large herds of elephant, prides of lion and cheetah. Along the river courses, huge Mashatu trees provide shade for eland, impala, wildebeest, giraffe and zebra, whilst at night, the bat eared fox, African wild cat and the magnificent leopard search for prey. Some 350 species of birds may be seen. Mashatu Game Reserve proudly provides a refuge for the largest single population of elephant on privately-owned land in Africa. Known as the relic herds of Shashe, these elephants are the last living testament to the great herds that once populated the meandering Limpopo valley. Today the population on Mashatu Game Reserve alone, is estimated to number in excess of 700.

The wildlife experience at Mashatu is personalized. Dedicated and experienced Tswana rangers and trackers are keen to show you their world. The Cycle Teams set out at dawn and again at dusk in search of the diverse variety of fauna and flora which abound throughout the reserve.

The richness of the Mashatu experience has been considerably enhanced with the continuous development of new adventure activities, like the unique Cycle Safari. The bush may now be enjoyed from the added vantage points of mountain bike and on foot.

Whether you visit Mashatu for the excitement of the big game viewing, the relaxation of unspoilt Africa, the adrenalin of adventure in the wild or to simply experience a pace of life that beats to the rhythm of a different drum your Safari Expedition will change your life!

Contact TerraSea Travel & Tours for your next adventure: 1-800-403-8488
www.terrasea.net; E-mail: info@terrasea.net

Home Travel Agent: Will I Be Able To Live On My Home-Based Travel Agent Salary?Tim Bruxvoort

Does travel to places like Fiji, Rome, Italy, Hong Kong, Bora Bora, Paris, London, and Australia sound like something you want to do? Would you like to stroll on secluded beaches, dine in quaint little restaurants, or wander around in ancient castles? If so, becoming a travel agent may be a good choice for you.

But can you really make decent money being a travel agent? Is there a future in it?

According to the United States Department of Labor, "Industry consolidation and increasing use of the Internet to book travel will result in a decline in the employment of travel agents. The Internet increasingly allows people to access travel information from their personal computers, enabling them to research and plan their own trips, make their own reservations and travel arrangements, and purchase their own tickets."

So as the need for travel agents declines, so too will their salaries. And salaries of travel agents are already low. The United States Department of Labor, says that the "Median annual earnings of travel agents were $26,630 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $20,800 and $33,580. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,530, while the top 10 percent earned more than $41,660."

So if you had years worth of experience the best you would do is around $40,000 U.S. a year, which is very well likely to decline. And more likely you would only be earning $25K or less as a travel agent. That's not a very attractive salary for most people.

So if you become a travel agent you'll have the benefits of huge discounts on travel, but you won't likely be making money enough to afford to travel. In fact, you'll barely have enough to cover living expenses.

So does that mean you should look for another more profitable occupation?

There is a solution so you can still become a travel agent. The best way is to become a travel agent is with one of the new travel-based network marketing organizations. You become a travel agent of one of these travel companies and you get all the benefits of being a travel agent.

You still make money on travel commissions, but you also make money by helping other people become their own travel agents. This enables you to make way more than you could as an ordinary travel agent. In fact, if you do it right, you can make as much in a month as many travel agents make in a year.

With the trend moving towards people making their own travel plans, you're just helping them do what they are going to do anyway. Everyone wins! And you get to see the world in style!


Tim Bruxvoort is the Internets Foremost Home-Based Business and Success Coach who helps people create successful and profitable lives in their own home-based businesses. You can visit his website at www.homebasedriches.com . If you are interested in becoming a travel agent, go to www.times10travel.com for a free report.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

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.

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