Monthly Archive for May, 2008

An African Wildlife Safari Is A Remarkable Excursion

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on May 29, 2008
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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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How to Take the Best African Safari Photos

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on May 26, 2008
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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 telephoto or 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.

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.

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Ernest Hemingway and African Safaris

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on May 23, 2008
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In one way or another, we have all had contact with the work or read about the life of the famous American writer Ernest Hemingway. We don't usually associate Hemingway with hunting expeditions or wilderness. Those who know a bit about the man have read of swashbuckling tales of drinking, bull fighting and hard living. We knew him as an avid sportsman who even penned one of his great books, The Sun Also Rises, around the annual running of the bulls in Spain. However, what the average person might not know is that Hemingway travelled to Africa to hunt twice in his lifetime and wrote several short stories and novels about the experience. Hemingway is even credited by some with bringing the Swahili word "safari" into common usage in the English language. Although he was not considered one of the greatest hunters, his love of the experience led him to a close understanding of the Kenyan people, which was uncommon in his time.

His first visit to the African continent was in 1933 with his second wife, Pauline. Together they visited both Kenya and Tanzania. During this time, and even before he went on his first African hunt, Hemingway became sick with dysentery. For several weeks, he was laid up in a hospital in Nairobi, where he met other adventure-seeking men from America and Europe. After mending and continuing with the safari, Hemingway returned home to write The Green Hills of Africa. The book's poor sales depressed him, but the two shorter works he penned on the trip, The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber and The Snows of Kilimanjaro, are considered classics about African hunters.

In 1954, the great writer set out on another African safari with his fourth wife, Mary. By this time, Hemingway was drinking far too much, but his love of the safari called him to travel once again. It was a dangerous time, as Kenya's Mau Mau was rebelling against British colonists. Still, it was not the violent rebellion that almost cost the Hemingways their lives. The Hemingways were involved in two serious plane crashes that almost killed them and the injuries Hemingway suffered plagued him for the rest of his life. He wrote about this second safari and his relationship with a young African girl in True at First Light, a book that is written as fiction but generally considered autobiographical.

Many modern companies have sought to emulate the Hemingway safaris. Various packages are available for African and especially Kenyan tours, mostly for the enjoyment of taking pictures or observing the wildlife. Many of these modern tours involve high quality lodges rather than the camping experience of Pappa's day. While expensive, many of these modern safaris boast fine lodges and private guides to take tourists through the African jungles and plains. Most of these new wildlife safaris have private itineraries that can be changed at a moment's notice and private trail cars and guides. While they're still connected to the beauty of the African landscape, they offer controlled environments that often tour through preserves and national parks. Some of the more famous of these tours bring back memories of Hemingway's more famous works, but most are not cheap. One company offers a 14-day experience called the Kilimanjaro tour that costs over three thousand dollars. Others offer excursions to places like Uganda to view gorillas.

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Private African Safari Adventure

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on May 20, 2008
in Africa, African Safari and African Wildlife
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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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Lions Of Jao African Safari

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on May 17, 2008
in African Lions and African Safari
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For a true African adventure, the African Safari of Jao in Botswana is the vacation to book. Jao is known for its high concentration of Lion. It can offer both land and water activities on the river Okavango. This area is known for its predators and, Jao Camp itself, is located on the border of the Moremi Game Reserve. The camp is on a densely wooded oval shaped island that overlooks the vast flood plains of Botswana. It has incredible habitats and permanent waterways and lagoons. An African safari in Jao is a very memorable safari. The skilled staff at Jao Camp will see to it that all of your needs are met, African style. The Jao African safari wildlife experience is pure African wildlife at its finest. Chances are good that every wild animal that you want to experience will appear. A Jao African safari experience is the safari of a lifetime.

The Accommodations

Your Jao African safari accommodations will consist of African style luxury rooms. The bedrooms are raised wooden decks above palm carpets, constructed of split bamboo and thatch with canvas walls. Each room also has a “sala” for midday siestas with a superb view. Each camp can sleep a maximum of 16 people. Each suite includes a flush toilet and basin, shower and an outdoor shower. Underneath a tree canopy of cool thatch you will find the main dining room and pub area. There is a pool and an outdoor boma for dining under the stars. A raised walkway connects the rooms to the dining rooms and lounge areas.

Game Viewing

Your Jao African safari experience offers excellent game drives, mokoro excursions, short guided walks and boating trips. Since Jao Camp is next to the Moremi Game Reserve, night drives are permitted. This allows your African safari Jao trip to include an exclusive view of the nocturnally active animals in the area.

Your Jao African safari will most probably include views of Lion and Leopard in their natural habitats. Tsessebe, Lechwe and Wildebeest roam all over the flood plains. The wildlife appearances in Jao depend mainly on the water levels in the area. But, generally, a diverse group of wild animals will be plentiful on your safari. The lagoons are the home to the Hippo and Crocodile. The permanent water areas attract large numbers of these two animals. But the King of the Jungle, the Lion, will be a sure thing. The Jao African safari is known for its abundance of Lion sightings. Have your camera in hand and don’t miss this one of a kind jungle experience.

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The Animals On Safaris In South Africa

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on May 14, 2008
in African Lions, African Safari and African Wildlife
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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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Taking An African Safari Vacation

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on May 7, 2008
in Africa and African Safari
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An African safari vacation is a full on experience, much more than just another trip.

In America, there is a lot to see that makes a family vacation fun and enjoyable. The kids will remember the trips long after they have their own kids. It’s almost like a tradition in America to take family trips. After all of the kids have grown up and moved away and have families of their own, what is there to do? Just trying to see the grandkids can be like a full time job especially if they live in different parts of the country. The house gets quiet and there doesn’t seem to be anything to do. Why not plan some trips outside of the USA to see the rest of the world. One great idea is to consider an African safari vacation.

When people go on a top tier safari vacation you are often treated as royalty. From the meals that are presented to the five star lodges that people stay in, nothing is overlooked. You can of course choose to take a more basic safari, and experience living without the comforts of home for a more real life experience of safari life. Just being on the less developed African continent will make you excited, and the adventure of going on your African safari vacation will fill you with anticipation. Step back in time and live close to nature, like explorers and hunters of the past, when worries were fewer, and the possibilities were endless.

African Safari Vacation Tips

Before people even get to Africa, there are a few tips that one should consider. Depending on the time of year, the weather will be warm or cold, and dry or wet. Take the time to find out what the weather is like for the time of year that the trip is planned for. Being uncomfortable takes away from the safari when you should be enjoying yourself instead of feeling miserable. Also remember to bring some lip balm because being outside for long periods of time can dry and chap your lips. Another important thing to bring is skin lotion and sunburn ointment. These all can fit easily in your luggage. They will be used often during your time outdoors on safari under the African sun. You may not find many shops on the veldt, so you will want to be sure to bring the necessities along with you.

Another tip before going on an African safari vacation is to check with a doctor to make sure that you are up to taking the trip, and that you have the right immunizations. There will be no fun if after spending all of the money to take the trip, you cannot complete it. Falling ill also puts a burden on everyone on the same African safari vacation because the safari has to stop long enough to get a sick person to a hospital. Also, if you take daily medication you will want to be sure and bring enough medication along and avoid the risk of running out. There may not be any way for you to get more medications while on your African safari vacation.

Enjoy the trip and take a lot of pictures. The natural wonders of Africa are waiting to be explored!

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