Archive for the 'African Wildlife' Category

Dramatic Lion and Zebra Battle

In this dramatic video clip, watch as a lioness attacks a herd of zebra.

In a close call, a young zebra stallion is taken, but is able able to wrestle the lioness under the water, forcing her to release her grip on him.

He is then able to make his escape.

Not all lion hunts are successful.

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See the Big Five on a South Africa Kruger Park Safari

A Kruger Park Safari is one of the most popular safari tours. Kruger National Park is located in South Africa, and is considered one of the best game sanctuaries in all of Africa. The Kruger Safari National Park is the home to 130 different mammals, 114 reptile species, and 468 various types of birds. While staying in some of the most luxurious and stylish accommodations in the country, you stand a very good chance of seeing each of what is considered the “big five”: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. It is a combination of all of these factors that make a South Africa Kruger safari one of the most sought after types of holidays in this region. Keep in mind that these amazing travel packages will also come with a hefty price tag, so save your pennies for what is sure to be the vacation adventure of a lifetime.

Different Types of South Africa Kruger Safaris

Because of the popularity and size of the Kruger National Park, there are a number of different types of vacation packages to this area that you can choose from. One option is to travel through this park by open-air vehicle, with tent camping overnight at various locations. These tours include guides and staff that will ensure that your South Africa Kruger safari is safe, comfortable and memorable. While this may be a more rustic style of trip, the food is generally good, beverages are often included and there are ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Another choice in South Africa Kruger safaris is a self-driven tour with a rental car, and accommodations waiting after your scenic trips throughout the area. This is a good option for family travel, since the rental cars are generally roomy, and the accommodations are not quite as rustic in nature. In fact, some of the lodges even include a swimming pool and other special amenities to make your vacation relaxing even as it is exciting. You can choose to drive yourself to the wildlife viewing areas, or you can park your rental car and take an open-air safari vehicle that will give you the benefit of a professional guide and better viewing opportunities. The choice is yours in the fun-filled and action-packed South Africa Kruger safari.

Finally, you can combine luxury with adventure when you opt for a South Africa Kruger safari that will include accommodations at one of the finest resorts in the area, as well as some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing from the safety and comfort of an air-conditioned safari vehicle. Your guides and staff are there to ensure that you have a completely comfortable and satisfying experience with your South Africa Kruger Park Safari. No matter which course you choose to take to see this part of the world, you are nearly guaranteed a vacation that you won’t forget in a lifetime.

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How to Plan for Your Safari in the African Savannah

You are excited about the idea of a vacation in Africa, a place you have never been before. When you think of Africa, perhaps you have in mind images of vast plains dotted with wild animals, but little else about what exactly to expect. You have decided that the perfect vacation for you would be a safari in the African Savannah, but where to start planning your trip?

Safaris in the African Savannah are an experience like no other. You have often had to watch “The Lion King” with your children, and now this is your chance to be in your own version! The African Savannah is known throughout the world as a place where many diverse species of animals live, and safaris in the African Savannah allow you to see them.

Some people think that while they are on a safari in the African Savannah they will see every exotic animal that they expect to see. However, this is not necessarily true. It all has to do with where the safari guides decide to direct the safari through, as well as the animals themselves. For example, if you take your safari on a particularly hot day, you might not see as many animals, since they will most likely look for the shade. Early morning or late evening may be the best times to look.

If you do get to see lots of exotic animals, there are some safety precautions that you should follow. Some of these safety precautions can include not making loud noises, and staying in the vehicle at all times. Also, if you plan on taking pictures, you will most likely have to turn off your flash, so that the flash does not startle the animals.

Remember, as beautiful as a safari in the African Savannah can be, it can also be expensive. First, you need to consider the cost of the plane tickets, which all has to do with the airline that you choose, as well as where you are flying from. Next, you need to find suitable accommodations, which will take a considerable amount of research.

Be sure that wherever you plan to stay, it is in a safe area, as well as an area that is close to where you will plan on going for your safari. If where you plan on staying is a bit more expensive, be sure that you book far enough in advance that you can start saving some money!

With such a lot to consider, and so many locations and tours to choose from, it pays to take the time to learn more about your options and what to expect. Fodor's hot new African Safari Planner is one of the best resources available. Fodor's The Complete African Safari Planner, 1st Edition: With Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa & Tanzania (Full-Color Gold Guides)

Paperback: 584 pages
Publisher: Fodor's; 1 edition (August 5, 2008)
Language: English

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How to Make an African Safari for Children Enjoyable

You and your spouse love to travel. However, since you had your children, you have been too busy raising them to do as much traveling as you once did. Now that the children are a bit older, you have decided that the next summer vacation should include an African safari. Will that be a bad decision? Well, there are several ways that you can make an African safari for children enjoyable.

About African Safaris for Children

The first thing that you need to consider before you plan the African safari for your children is the inoculations that each of you will need before you get to Africa. Your doctor will advise on other medications you may need against such things as malaria, which can be caught from mosquito bites.

Surprisingly, you might find your children are less excited about the safari trip than you are, because they don't know what to expect. You need to teach them what it is all about, and why it will be a great experience. You should begin by discussing all of the African wildlife animals you might see.

Children often love books that include exotic animals such as cheetahs and the rhinoceros. They will most likely become much more excited if they realize that they can often see these animals on an African safari.

Children love to play games, and so this is a great opportunity for you to get them excited. Have the children make a list of all the animals they would like to see. Next, have them find picture of each animal. You can make their lists into little booklets, so that while they are on the safari they can identify their favorite animals. You can save their booklets to include in a scrapbook.

The most important thing on this trip, as well as any trip, is safety. You should be sure that the safari you have chosen is not as adventurous as an adult safari would be. Thus, it is important to consult with a travel agent to make sure that this African safari only includes a very minimal element of risk.

Be sure that you book your African safari well in advance of when you plan to go, because they can be very popular and you might not be able to find suitable accommodations for children at the last minute. Also, when it comes to the price, depending on the package that you choose, it should be noted that African safaris can be expensive, especially for a larger family.

For more information on African safaris for children, consult various travel magazines or search the internet. With the proper research, you are sure to find an African safari that is both enjoyable and safe for children.

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Savannah Safari And Africa Wonders

When you think of an African safari the images of the savannah with its rich mix of animal wildlife, may come to mind - much as you will often see on the Discovery channel. In some ways Africa will look familiar to television viewers, but there is so much more to see in real life that will change your outlook on nature forever. When booking a savannah safari, and a visit to Africa in general, expect to see many of the savanna plains animals. Included in this group are elephants, giraffe, antelope, water buffalo, and many unique birds.

Other savannah safari and African wonders will include seeing the big cats including the lions and cheetahs. If the timing is right, you might catch the glimpse of a leopard. Other animals to see will include the hyenas and the cute little meerkats that have become popular on the TV. You can also look out for reptiles like the snakes and crocodiles that exist on the savannah. One of the most dangerous animals in all of Africa can be found on a savannah safari and Africa. The Cape buffalo is very large and can be quite aggressive towards people. Because some of the animals to be seen on the savannah are dangerous, it is always best to listen to the safari guide. They live in and around the animals and understand all of the warning signs that the animals make.

Savannah Safari And Africa Vacation

When planning a savannah safari and Africa vacation, you should recognize out how physically demanding a safari is. Take some exercise first to get fit, and make sure to see a doctor before booking the trip in order to make sure you can handle it. Even if the savannah safari and Africa vacation will mainly consist of sitting in a seat on a safari vehicle, the heat and dust and flies might make some people think twice. Remember that watching a trip on the discovery channel is comfortable because of air conditioning and a bed or comfortable lounge chair and the lack of spitting dust and biting flies. If you do have physical limitations you may want to look for a safari company which special facilities for you.

Even if you have never been to Africa, just seeing it on TV makes people want to visit. Africa has so much to offer and everyone should try to see it first hand if they can. The people, the wildlife, and the natural environment will fill the soul and bring a new respect for nature in our very busy world. There is nothing like the thrill that you will experience while on a savannah safari and Africa vacation. It will be something that will fill your thoughts for years to come.

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An African Wildlife Safari Is A Remarkable Excursion

A hippo in a zoo is a fascinating sight, and a lion in a circus is an interesting creature. On an African wildlife safari, you can see these creatures in their natural habitats so the experience is more incredible. An African wildlife safari is probably one of the most interesting excursions that anyone can have in this modern world. Although there are the modern amenities in the cities, an African wildlife safari takes the guests to landscapes filled with animals untouched by the progress of the rest of the world. Many of the game reserves that will be viewed on an African wildlife safari are strictly protected to preserve the natural habitats of the animal's native to the African continent.

An African wildlife safari can take place in several countries, and Kenya is the most popular place to start. Kenya has some of the most fascinating places to view the animals of this mysterious continent. The accommodations in Kenya range from five star hotels to camps closer to the animals. An African wildlife safari will take the travelers to the preserves located throughout the country to view lions in their prides, hippos in the water and zebras eating on the plains.

An African Wildlife Safari Views Life In The Wild

The largest continent of Africa has the preserves that are familiar to those that have watched movies or documentaries filmed in Africa. There are also many isolated places that have remarkable scenery and animals roaming freely through nature. South Africa has some exciting preserves, wonderful hotels and excellent transportation. Tanzania borders Kenya, but the preserves in Tanzania are more remote and less crowded. There are African wildlife safaris throughout Tanzania that provide guests with fancy hotels rooms or camping sites in the wild closer to the animals.

African wildlife safaris are possible in Botswana and Namibia. These countries are off the beaten track so the experiences are more unique. There are excellent accommodations for visitors in these countries so they can view the wildlife roaming free. In Botswana, travelers can view the magnificent Victoria Falls and the wildlife in the Kalahari Game Reserve. There are cheetahs, gazelles and exotic birds in the wild. There are no enclosures or cages like those in the local zoo. In Namibia, guests can drive or fly over the natural habitats with cheetahs, springbok and impala. Those looking for an adventure should plan an African wildlife safari for a memorable time. An African safari takes place in magnificent surroundings, and an African safari is full of incredible images.

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Private African Safari Adventure

In order to experience one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime you must first travel to Kenya in Africa. A private safari in Africa is probably the greatest pleasure and excitement that you can ever imagine. The Governors Private Camp in Masai Mara, Kenya is a world class wonder. This mobile private Africa safari will be tailored to suit your individual pleasures. The world famous staff is experienced and skilled to please each and every guest in the true private African safari style. The wildlife in Masai Mara is absolutely incomparable to any other wildlife in the world.

The animals in this area flow throughout the entire year. If you are lucky enough to take your private African safari sometime between July and October, the Mara becomes the backdrop for one the world’s greatest spectacles. There are approximately 1.4 million wildebeest and zebra that surge up from the Tanzania’s Serengeti plains for their annual search of their life sustaining seasonal grasses. These animals sweep through the tall golden grasses and rivers in gigantic swarms. Their encounters with predators are a jaw dropping event on your African private safari. Your guides from the Governors Private Camp know exactly where to place you for that perfect view of one of the world’s greatest wonders.

The Accommodations

The accommodations for this private Africa safari rival no other. With the backdrop of a colorful jungle and thousands of birds and butterflies, your luxurious accommodations are astounding. Elephants wander through camp at night and leopards call nearby. Your suites are luxurious African tents under canvas with a private veranda. You have your own bucket shower, a flush toilet and water basin. There is electricity and, believe it or not, room service.

The executive chef at the Governors Private Camp will see to it that every meal is of the highest quality. Many meals are the wild game that you catch that day. The dining room is open with a view of the Mara River. You will experience three game drives daily and game walks on your African private safari.

The stories that you bring home with you about your African adventure will be priceless. Your memories from a private Africa safari will last a lifetime. And if your family is lucky enough to accompany you, the educational aspect is far superior to anything you could receive in a classroom. Kenya is the country to visit to experience the best of an African private safari.

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The Animals On Safaris In South Africa

A safari in South Africa can be one of the most interesting travel destinations, providing a glimpse at carefully preserved lands, diverse wild animals, and a sense of adventure that is perhaps unmatched. There are some great places for safaris in South Africa, since there are multiple game reserves that provide a place to preserve the diversity of Africa’s animal species. If you aren’t convinced that you can see some truly interesting species while on safari in South Africa, here are a few of the rare and exotic species you’ll see.

Lions

One of the big cat species and on that is in decline, on safari in South Africa is a great place to see these felines. In prehistoric times, these predators ranged as far as Europe, but that is no longer the case. However, areas such as Kruger National Park in South Africa boasts a population of about 2,000 lions, which is a sizable chunk of the remaining world population.

Elephants

Elephants are another popular species that makes its home on the grasslands of South Africa. Here, they tend to thrive more than in other areas, with some areas actually experiencing overpopulation problems, resulting in attempts to control the species through birth control, though success has been limited. However, for those going on safari in South Africa, this means you’re likely to get a good look at these giant land mammals.

Black Rhinos

The black rhino shares distinction with the lions and elephants as one of the Big Five game animals, which were originally referred to five large species that were considered particularly desirable to hunt for. This species is nearly extinct due to hunting, though, as they are often targeted by poachers for their horns. The total world population of black rhinos is less than 4,000, and in some parts of Africa, these large creatures have disappeared completely. With as many as 250 black rhinos on some game reserves in South Africa, a safari in this country might be one of your only chances to see these outside of a zoo.

Antelope

One species that you’ll see plenty of while on safari in South Africa is antelope. Home to several distinct species, these herd animals are still thriving and exist in great herds. From the common eland with their thin, straight horns to the impala with their lyre-shaped set of horns, these creatures are agile, numerous, and provide a source of food for the predators of the grasslands. While these animals may be more common than some of the larger species, their exotic looks add to the feel of being in someplace different while on a safari in South Africa. So, from common and exotic to rare species, head to South Africa so you can enjoy the sights of these wild animals in their natural environment.

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