Monday, April 21, 2008

Incredible African Safaris


We get so excited when we see a cheetah in a zoo or a lion in a circus! Have you ever imagined how much fun and exciting it will be to see these animals and others in their natural habitat while on an African safari trip?

To watch the wild animals in their natural habitat during an African safari tour is an experience which one and all cherish throughout their lives. It is just an incredible experience.

Going on an African safari holiday is the best way to spend the holidays for an adventure lover. Going on a holiday tour to a city and watching its sights and monuments have become an old thing to do. People who love adventure and fun have started to go on African safari vacations along with family and friends and spend their holidays in the most exciting manner. Watching the beautiful untouched landscapes and the abundant wildlife is an experience which has no match with others.

Africa is considered to be the home of the best safari destinations. The national parks and game preserves, where the African safaris are conducted, are strictly protected to preserve the natural habitats of the animal's native to the African continent.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Travel Tips for African Safari

African Safari offers an unforgettable experience to the travelers. A trip to Africa helps us to enjoy the wildlife, landscapes, sights, people and cultures. However for relishing hassles free African Safari it is quintessential to abide by certain tips. These tips make you aware of things that you should keep in mind before leaving for a safari.

1. Choose the most appropriate season for African Safari. Dry season is said to be very conducive for spotting the animals of your choice.

2. Go out for a safari during day or dusk to catch glimpse of the wild beasts.

3. If you are a first time traveler to Africa you should keep track of the local news. This would help you to keep yourselves updated with the happenings and check if the same could affect you in anyway.

4. Get in touch with a local perspective who could give you a run down on the unsafe zones of the area, dress codes if any and behavior. It's also a good idea to ask your travel consultant about these things before you go on holiday.

5. Try being accompanied by a local guide for trouble free African Safari.

6. Don’t carry your valuables openly.

7. Always stay alert, buckle up and stay aware of things happening around you.

8. Try going for self drive safaris as this would help you to view the animals in the best way and to plan the rest of the day accordingly at your own pace.

9. Don’t forget to leave behind your binoculars as this may prevent you from beholding at the animals from distance during African Safari tours.

Avail more details on African Safari with Luxury Adventure Safari.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Choose your African Safari

The land of Africa has so much to offer to the adventure buffs. Every corner of the continent surprises the visitors by its diversity. The place offers the tourists several African Safari options from which they can choose the most desired one.

Vehicle Safari:

Sitting on the back of a safari vehicle under the guidance of a trained ranger, is considered to be one of the popular ways of enjoying African Safari. The trained ranger aware of the routes snakes the vehicle through the thick jungles and makes us witness the experience untold. The vehicle safari is widely chosen because animals do not regard vehicles as danger as consider them merely as a part of the landscape.

Self Drive Safaris

Self-drive safaris allow the visitors to spot animals without any hurry. It also helps us to plan our days accordingly at our own pace. This also avoids the meeting of deadlines related to meals and early departures. Self-drives are a priority for all those who love exploring new routes. The less knowledgeable travelers try discovering less travel areas of the parks. Kruger National Park and Etosha National park are renowned for their ideal self drive destinations.

Walking Safaris

In addition to both these African Safari options Walking Safari is also considered to be a great option to enjoy wildlife by being close to the nature. In walking safaris the tourists are accompanied by experienced guides having in depth knowledge of the wilderness.

Enjoy more on African Safari with Luxury Adventure Safari ( www.luxury-adventure-safari.com)

Monday, April 14, 2008

African Safari by land, water and air

Africa is proud of its natural heritage which is showcased in its numerous wildlife national parks & reserves. The land is home to many mammals, reptiles, birds and other ferocious animals. The travelers mostly come to Africa to enjoy the African Safari, which is a highlight of the place. The exclusive African Safari can be enjoyed by various ways:

Elephant-Back Safaris:

Elephant-Back safaris have become one of the most common means of cruising along the jungles of Africa. Earlier elephants were not considered a feasible option for the safari because of the notion that they couldn’t be tamed. But nowadays they have come as the most popular options of African Safari. Elephants that are used in this activity are generally orphans from the wild or elephants that have been born in captivity.

Canoeing Safari

Canoeing Safari is regarded as one of the best and exciting safari experiences in Africa. Powerboats are used across the waterways and gives us the thrilling experience of viewing animals carrying out their routinely activities. The Canoeing Safari helps us having a closer view at the crocodiles and hippos. Canoeing safaris on the Zambezi River in southern Africa offers a classic touch to the tourists and maintains African Safari the undisputed activity of the tourists.

Balloon Safari

Balloon Safari offers an amazing view of the vivid terrain of Africa. During the peak tourist season a traveler finds difficult to find accommodation in the wildlife lodges. In this case tourists by way of choosing Balloon safari try evading the troubles so encountered in African safari by land. Flying over the wilderness is an invigorating experience. There are many flying packages that we offer to our tourists.

With Luxury Adventure Safari avail the tailor made packages and fetch more details on African Safari just a click of mouse away.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Africa Living Wildlife

Africa is one of the most exciting places to spend your vacation. The continent offers the tourists an opportunity to enjoy various African Safari Tours and view the diverse wildlife in close proximity. In order to preserve the natural wildlife treasures several wildlife conservation projects are running in Africa.

There are so many wildlife species in Africa that a tourist can enjoy during African Safari. Some of the famed wilds of African jungles are:

Cheetah

Cheetah is said to be the fastest mammal in the world. They are light golden in color and have black spots all over its body. They don’t roar like lions rather they chirp like birds to communicate with their family. They are mostly solitary creatures and move out for their prey alone.

African Elephants

African Elephants are huge creatures with large tusks. The tusks are available in both the sexes which are used for peeling bark off trees, digging for roots and other activities. The trunk is one of the most notable features of the African Elephants which tourists can enjoy during African Safari. Elephant back safaris are also very common forms of enjoying African Safari.

African Lion

African Lions are the largest of all carnivores. They are silver yellow or reddish brown in color. Lions are also nocturnal and are one of the eagerly awaited animals during an African Safari tour.

In addition to these there are other wildlife creatures that are found in large numbers in the African wildlife parks & reserves which can be relished while enjoying African Safari Tour. For more details check with www.luxury-adventure-safari.com

Thursday, April 10, 2008

The check list for first timers planning a safari

African safari planning for first timers is not that easy.

All the tour operators do not provide the safari trips with equal benefits. If you are planning to go on an African safari tour for the very first time, here is a check list which will help you to book the best safari tour for you.

• Ask for a detailed catalog and information about the various safari options that the tour operator is offering. From the information choose the one which suits your interest and budget.
• While making payment, get it cleared, what all are included in the cost and what all are not.
• Make sure the safari you have chosen gives you enough time to enjoy your safari thoroughly.
• Get complete information about the place and the facilities provided by the lodge or guest house where your accommodation is booked.
• Collect information on what type of safari vehicle is provided in the package which you have chosen.
• Enquire whether group safaris will be cheaper for you or traveling alone.
• Enquire whether the tour operators are providing experienced guides or not and if yes whether the guide fees are included in the package.

If you plan your African safari according to this check list, you will be able to enjoy your African safari holiday in a better way.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Enjoy a self-drive Safari in Kenya

During an African safari tour to Kenya you can enjoy a self drive safari.

Self drive safaris in Kenya are a great way to enjoy the African safari holiday in the wild woods. The self drive safaris are better than the traditional safaris because the self drive safaris offer more freedom, where you can plan and decide the safari tour as per your own choice and convenience.

A self drive safari in Kenya is a great way to enjoy an African safari trip if you have all the necessary camp setting equipments with you and are accompanied by a group of interesting members. It is always better to go in a group rather than going alone. It is necessary that all the members of the African safari group get along well with each other and are equally responsible so that a single person doesn’t have all the burdens on sole shoulders.

However, there are many benefits and shortfalls of going on a self drive African safari holiday.

The benefits include:

• You get the freedom of planning the tour according to your choice and convenience.
• You have the flexibility to choose your African safari companions in the group.
The shortfalls are:
• The self drives can cost you more.
• You may miss out certain things during the African safari vacation due to lack of knowledge about the area and the animals found there.

However, if you want to go on a self drive African safari make sure you pack your bags with sufficient food, water and medicines. Also have a proper test drive of your vehicle before starting your trip. Don’t forget to carry all the necessary car equipments with you.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Take your children on an African safari tour

It will be a great idea to take your children on an African safari trip during their next summer vacations. Your children will surely enjoy the trip and spend their holidays in a very exciting and adventurous manner. There are many ways through which you can make the African safari tour enjoyable for your children.

• Before leaving for the African safari, it is very necessary that you get your children as well as yourself well vaccinated to prevent malaria and other diseases which can be caught due to bug bites during your African safari vacation.
• Tell your children about the different animals and birds which they might see during the safari. Tell them about the exciting things one can do during a safari, so that, they remain excited about the tour.
• Children love to read about and watch animals like lions, cheetahs and rhinoceros on the television or in the zoo. Tell them that they can see these animals in their natural habitat during an African safari holiday.
• Ask your children to make a list of the animals they want to see during the African safari. Tell them to collect the pictures of those animals and identify them during the safari.

While choosing the African safari destination make sure it is safe for your children. Book your African safari well in advance so that you don’t have to face problems, like of accommodation, later on. Fix up everything only after collecting detailed information about the African safari tour and the destination which you have chosen.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Things to know before going on an African safari

The term safari, in Swahili, means a journey which is filled with adventure and discovery of wildlife in their natural habitat. The safari lovers world wide consider an African safari tour to be the most exciting and remarkable safari experience.

You can explore an African safari destination either by driving throughout the African wild lands or through fly-in safaris in a hot air balloon.

Africa offers four basic types of African safari options which are permanent tented safaris, mobile safaris, lodge safaris and theme-based safaris which include canoeing, elephant-back safaris, horseback safaris or honeymoon safaris.

If you are planning to go on an African safari trip through Southern and Eastern Africa, you should have a minimum of ten to twenty days time in your hand.

You need to take care of certain things to ensure that your African safari holiday is both exciting and safe. While booking an African safari package with a tour operator, make sure you are accompanied by a well-trained and experienced safari guide. Also make sure that the essential things like meals, accommodations, transportation, driver services etc are all included in the package you are booking.

Okavango Delta, Cape Town and Winelands, Kruger Park and Sabi-Sands, Chobe Park, Namib Desert, Victoria Falls, Etosha Park, Mount Kenya, Bazaruto Archipelago, Ngorongoro Crate, Forest Gorilla Treks and Kilimanjaro Mountains are some of the most popular African safari destinations which the safari lovers love to visit a multiple number of times.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Explore the National Parks of South Africa

People usually used to plan to go to a hill station or a beach to spend their holidays. But time has changed and so has the choice of the people.

Adventure lovers have now started to go on African safari tours to spend their holidays. The experience that you will gather during an African safari holiday is something that you will treasure life long. The experience of watching wild animals in huge herds in their natural habitat is simply mind blowing.

South Africa’s national parks are the best African safari destinations. The national parks of South Africa are the home to a large number of wild species of animals like elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, antelopes and many others. Not only animals but it is also a home to a number of rare species of birds.

You can best enjoy your African safari trip if you take care of the following things:
• Plan your African safari as per your field of interest and choose the right national park for your visit.
• Check out the right time and season to visit the African safari destination of your choice.
• Make a check list and carefully pack your bags for going on the African safari.
• Get yourself vaccinated before leaving for the African safari vacation.
• Make sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide on your African safari tour so that you can make the most out of your African safari.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

An African safari tour to the Etosha National Park

If you are planning to go on a luxury African safari to Namibia, then you shouldn’t just miss visiting the Etosha National Park.

The Etosha National Park is one of the major highlights of the African safari tour to Namibia. This park was declared as a game reserve long back in 1907 by the German colonial administration.

This African safari destination covers a total area of more than 22000 square kilometers and has mixed vegetation. The centre of the park has a vast saltpan which is surrounded by grass and thorn savannah. To the west there is bush land and to the north-east there is a dry forest area.

During your African safari trip to The Etosha National Park you will find that, this is one of those national parks of Africa, which have a good infrastructure with well-maintained roads connected to the waterholes, where you can have the best African safari game viewing experience.

During your luxury adventure African safari to this park you will have close encounters with different animals like the elephant, giraffe, zebra and even the predators like lion, to name a very few. In this park you will get to see almost every African animal species in their natural habitat.

According to an estimation there are over 250 lions, 300 rhinos, 2 500 giraffes, 6 000 zebras and more than 2 000 elephants in the park. The dainty springbok are also abundantly present. These are many other animal species that you will see in the national park during your African safari holiday.
You will treasure the memories of your African safari tour to the Etosha National Park of Namibia life long.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Best time to plan your African safari

Different people have different ideas regarding the best time to go on an African safari trip to the different game parks in Africa.

People go on African safari tours round the year. However, each season has its own advantages like the dry weather offers good road conditions, the winter months offer milder daytime temperatures. Therefore, you should plan your holiday as per your area of interest and the season most suitable to fulfill your interests.

While planning your African safari holiday it is very important for you to understand the seasonal trends and how they can affect your trip. For game viewing the drier seasons are generally considered to be preferable. Being the best season for game viewing, the parks are generally crowded during the dry season, so if you plan to visit the parks during the peak season, make sure you book your accommodations quite in advance. It is a must especially if you are traveling between the months of June to October.

In the Eastern and central parts of Africa the rainy seasons are between April and early June, and short rains occur between the months of late November to December. The expense of a safari during the rainy seasons is also comparatively cheaper. July and August are the months when the parks are most crowded in East Africa. Due to the comfortable weather and chances of seeing more wildlife, this time is considered to be the best time for going on a safari to the parks in this part of Africa. December is the time when the local tourism is at its peak, so there are holiday surcharges and limited availability.

The Masai Mara and Serengeti are specially crowded during this season because at this time the migration of the wild beasts takes place in large numbers, attracting more and more number of tourists.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

An African safari tour to the national parks of East Africa

East Africa is that part of Africa which is the best option for those who are planning to go on an African safari trip for the very first time. It is so because it has to offer to the safari lovers a bit of everything that makes a safari interesting.

Which ever park you visit in East Africa during your African safari tour, you are most likely to see a wide range of different species of animals in large number, which you can’t see anywhere else. In the parks located in Kenya and Tanzania, migration of many wild beasts, in large numbers, take place almost throughout the year.

The migration is seen in Kenya’s Masai Mara during the months of late July through September and then in the Serengeti plains of Tanzania during the months of January and February.

Not only are the parks rich with wildlife, but also, has beautiful, diverse landscapes. Here you can see the magnificent snow-capped mountains of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, the incredible Ngorongoro Crater and also the savannah plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti National parks. This is a place where you can witness and get lost in the pristine beauty of Mother Nature. Therefore this is that part of Africa where you can best enjoy your first time African safari vacation.

Most of East Africa's National Parks are well connected both by road and air. Therefore it is easily accessible. However, the roads of this region are a little rough, so it is advisable for travelers with back problems to fly.

Friday, March 14, 2008

The South Luangwa National Park

African safari lovers rate South Luangwa National Park as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of animals near the Luangwa River along with its ox bow lagoons is one of the most concentrated areas in Africa. The Luangwa River is one of the major river systems in Africa and supports the park’s wildlife spread over 9050 square kilometers.

During your African safari tour to this park you will find that, the Park is a mixture of a large variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The ‘walking safari’ was originated in this park and continues to be one of the best ways to experience the pristine beauty of Mother Nature during a luxury African safari.

The park has a thick concentration of hippos, crowned cranes, grazing antelope, scurrying baboons, large elephant herds and buffaloes which are spread all over the valley. You can also spot zebras running from one place to another in small herds. Thorneycroft’s Giraffe, which are unique to Luangwa Valley, are also spotted easily. Besides these animals the park is also a home to many species of antelopes and many other animals like kudu, reedbuck, roan, sable, hartebeest, grysbok, klipspringer, oribi, hyenas, leopards, lions and many more. Therefore you will thoroughly enjoy an African safari trip to this national park.

Bird watching is another great thing to do in this park during your African safari vacation. Here you can see a vast variety of birds like the red faced yellow billed storks, the pelicans, the saddle bill stork, the marabou stork, great white egrets, black headed herons, open billed storks, the stately goliath heron, the elegant crowned cranes, the red chest cuckoo, white storks, European swallows, Swifts, hobbies and bee-eaters, the Steppe eagles and Steppe buzzards, carmine bee-eaters, the ground hornbill, the Heuglin’s robin, the doves and larks and many many more.

If you want to see the concentration of wildlife in its peak, then plan your African safari holiday to this park during the summers and if you want to see the migratory birds, you need to visit this park during the rainy season which lasts till the end of March.

Accommodation is not a problem at this park. You can book an accommodation for yourself in any of the lodges present in the park and collect lifetime African safari memories and experiences.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Southern Africa – a land of diverse game viewing options

South Africa is the land of diversity where you will find the wildest and most remote safari regions to visit during an African safari trip as well as the cosmopolitan culture and beauty of Africa. Southern Africa is a place which offers astonishing hospitality and diversity, where you can enjoy your African safari vacation.

In Southern Africa you can experience an outstanding and rewarding African safari holiday. The safaris in this part of Africa are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles, which allow the safari lovers to have a unique experience and better view of the wild beasts in their natural habitats. Also, the professional African safari guides in southern Africa are the one’s who are the most highly-trained and respected professionals in their field of work. They have the complete knowledge about the area in which they are working, for which, the safaris to this part of Africa becomes an educational experience for those visiting these areas on their luxury African safari.

Southern Africa offers various creative ways of experiencing a African safari tour to its visitors. Besides the normal game drives, many camps offering night game drives as well as wilderness walks are organized. Wildlife can also be viewed by canoe and mokoro and on mountain bikes. You can also enjoy horseback safaris and elephant back safaris in the game parks of South Africa. Other attractions include micro lighting, whitewater rafting and bungee -jumping etc.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Loango National Park

Loango National Park is a true jewel in the crown of Africa's western coast. It is located between the Nkomi and Ndogo Lagoons. It is a perfect African Safari destination.

The Loango Natural Park is called by the name 'Land of surfing hippos'. The park has a 1,550 km of savannah, pristine beach, forest and mangroves which are a must-see. This Park presents magnificent landscapes with the unique opportunity to watch the animals like elephants, buffalos, hippos, gorillas and leopards in the white sand beaches, making it a place where all African safari lovers want to be.

The Loango coast is the home of the largest numbers and varieties of whales and dolphins, after South Africa. You can easily spot the killer whales here in the area spread over 100 kilometers of unoccupied coastline. Therefore while on an African safari tour to this park, you will have a unique safari experience of spotting both land and water animals.

This place is the most stunning spot present on Africa's western coast. Loango is well known all over the world as a site for tarpon of record size and also large saltwater fishes.

Loango National Park is put under the category of ‘faunal reserve and protected area for conservation’ by The World Conservation Union, an international organization aiming at natural resource conservation.

An African safari holiday to the Loango National Park is something not to be missed by the natural beauty and wildlife lovers.

Tips for African safari wildlife spotting

You can measure the success of your African safari by the number of animals you are able to spot along the way.

Spotting animals does not mean spotting antelopes and other small animals, but spotting Africa’s big five - the Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros. The memories and experiences of spotting these animals in their natural habitat will last you for a lifetime. But to gain this experience and to make your wildlife spotting successful, you need to follow certain tips:
Choose the right season. The dry season is the most favorable season to see animals. In East Africa the dry seasons are from January to March and July to October. In Southern Africa the dry season starts from May to October.
Choose the right time of day. Dawn and dusk are the most favorable time of the day to spot the wild beasts.
Go with a guide. It is always better to be accompanied by a guide as they know where and how to spot the different animals in the thick woods
Be alert. Be alert and look around your surroundings. You may spot a leopard up in the tree near you or huge crocodiles in the nearby rivers. Steaming dung heaps are a good indication about how close you are to an elephant. A wildlife distribution map can be of great help to you.
Carry binoculars. Binoculars prove to be of great help in spotting animals at a distance during your African safari trip.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Central Kalahari game reserve, Botswana

The Kalahari is world’s biggest sand basin stretching 2,500 kilometers in South Africa. Although it doesn’t have a permanent water surface, it is well vegetated and has an ample variety of habitats.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) is world’s biggest game reserve but until recently has been closed for African safari to the public. This game reserve is a home to the best of untamed Africa. This reserve has a pristine beauty although it is remote, has harsh terrains and a rough climate. Only a completely self-sufficient traveler would succeed in going on an African safari tour into the reserve alone.

The CKGR was originally inhabited by the San Bushmen for 30,000 years. Their lifestyle was nomadic and simple. Most of them have now intermixed with other tribes and reside in villages at the reserve’s southern end. Their traditional lifestyle is changed. Most of the Bushmen now do the job of a guide.

The CKGR is one of the major game viewing areas in Botswana. The skies are clear blue filled with clouds. The cloud formations during the summer rains are magnificent. It is inhabited by a number of wild beasts like the lions, cheetahs, jackals and many others. In the CKGR you will also find a number of grazing animals on the grass plains and also thousands of reptiles, insects and scorpions.

African safari Precautions

It is always better to go on a guided African safari tour. While on a guided African safari tour, tour operators take care that your tour is stress free and you do not face any problem. The tour operators have complete knowledge about the area, and thus, reduce the risk to travelers. However, it is essential on the traveler’s part to take certain precautions.

• You have to be very careful while traveling through the jungles. Follow the rules and regulations of the park you are visiting, as well as, the safety instructions of the guide. They are for your own safety.

• During your African safari holiday, carry copies of important documents like the passport, visas and also a list containing the traveler’s cheque numbers. Pack these documents separately from the originals.

• Don’t leave valuables like the cameras, wallet, ornaments etc, in the hotel lobby or vehicle. Also don’t pack valuables and medicines in the luggage to be checked-in. If you are carrying valuables in the safari, its better, you don’t show them off. Carry important documents and money in a hidden pocket.

• If you are not traveling in a guided tour on your luxury African safari, collect all necessary information about the place you are visiting before hand. Stay updated about all the local news. Collect information about the areas which you should avoid and also the dress code that you should follow.

• Wild animals are dangerous far behind your imagination. Therefore, whether you are game viewing on foot or vehicle, never dare to tease them or play with them. Do not feed the wild animals during your African safari.

• While packing your bags for the safari, carry clothes as per the weather and other condition. Carry pairs of comfortable shoes. Also carry all the necessary medicines. Take necessary vaccinations before leaving for the safari.

Taking these precautions can help you to have a safe and adventurous African safari trip.

Friday, February 8, 2008

The Serengeti National Park

A luxury African safari to the Serengeti National Park in Africa is a great idea. The Serengeti national park is famous for the unique migration that occurs in it each year. Large mammals counting more than two millions cut across the plains in a spherical march. Their movement is according to the land, availability of grass and occurrence of rain. The Massai people, who have been grazing their cattle on the vast plains of Serengeti for centuries, call this national park ‘Siringitu’ which means ‘the place where the land moves on forever’.

On the African safari trip to this national park of Africa, you will see incredible sights of the predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs, which is a common sight seen in Serengeti. The huge plains of Serengeti are treeless. It is an endless expansion of wilderness stretched up till the horizon in all the directions. The area is so large that it accommodates the world’s largest concentration of wild animals and plants all round the year. However, the best time to organize an African safari tour to this African safari destination is during the time of migration.

The better you plan your African safari holiday, the more fun you can have while on the African safari. A cheap African safari to the Serengeti National Park can be easily arranged. There are various accommodation options available. Choose the right one to have an affordable African safari.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Horseback African safari

Exploring the nature and the wildlife on a horse back can be rewarding and relaxing while on an African safari tour. Your horseback African safari, in some remote and geographically diverse areas of South Africa, will be a unique holiday experience for you.

Riders, who explore the African landscape and wildlife on horsebacks, while on an African safari trip, fall in love with the sights which they get to see. These sights might not be as exciting, if traveled by a jeep. By riding on the expertly trained horses and guided by experienced guides, you will earn an African safari experience, which will last you for a lifetime.

Africa is a land filled with adventure opportunities. It welcomes safari lovers from all over the world with wide open arms and it has been doing so from past many years. Safari lovers call it the best safari destination of the world. Everyone going to Africa, to experience an African safari, returns back with pleasant memories and a temptation to come back again in the next holiday.

The thrill and fun of watching wild and dangerous animals in their natural habitat is not something that can be explained in words but can only be experienced while on an African safari vacation to the wild woods of South Africa.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Luxurious and adventurous African safaris

In earlier days safari holidays meant adventure without any comfort. Safari lovers went on African safaris to spot some of the most beautiful and dangerous animals in their natural habitat and if they spotted any animal which they wished to see, they would return back satisfied and happy. They never expected their African safari tour to be luxurious as they knew it was not possible if they really wanted the safari to be fruitful. But those days are gone. Now you can go on African safari trips which are both adventurous as well as luxurious. Therefore you can now completely enjoy your luxury African safari without having to compromise on the luxury.

Botswana in Africa is a perfect place for an African safari vacation. This place has some of the most breathtaking landscapes in whole of Africa. It has a variety of landscapes right from the wonder of the Okavango Delta to the barren desert of the Kalahari.

You can depart from Maun for the Okavango Delta, exploring the waterways by canoe. When you visit the Okavango Delta, you can enjoy mokoro rides and Delta nature walks where you will get a chance to see the huge elephant herds which is the basic attraction of the area.

During your African safari holiday in Botswana, you can arrange your accommodation in luxury safari lodges or hotels. So now you no more have to worry about setting up a camp in muddy fields or trek up hills which are soaked with rain. Now you can explore nature and its beauty in luxurious style.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Bwindi Impenetrable forest

Bwindi Impenetrable forest is a home to half the total population of Mountain Gorillas who are highly endangered. You can have close encounters with them during your African safari to the Bwindi Impenetrable forest in Uganda. During your African safari trip to this forest, you will have the first hand unique experience of one of the most emotional wildlife encounters.

The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a huge pocket of ancient forest belt in the Virunga Mountain range. It is also one of the most biologically diverse areas on the earth’s surface. Its eco-system is one that describes the complete spirit of the entire continent. For this reason, this forest has been given the designation of World Heritage Site.

Besides the Gorillas you can also spot other animals like the chimpanzees, red colobus and blue monkeys, black and white colobus, grey-cheeked mangabey and L'Hoest's monkey to name a few. You will also encounter elephants, small antelopes and also huge forest hogs. In this forest you will also find a wide range of floras.
The best time for gorilla trekking is during the dry season, i.e, during the months of January, February and also the months from June to September. Even during the dry months, occasional afternoon thunderstorms occur.

As you trek up and down the slopes in search of the gorillas, be careful, as the damp forest floor laden with leaves, tangled vegetation and fallen vines remain ready to trip you.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

The Sun City of South Africa

In the North West Province of South Africa, is situated the Sun City, a luxury casino resort. It shares boundaries with the Pilanesberg National Park. From Johannesburg it takes about 2 hours drive to reach this beautiful resort.

As a part of the Sun International group of properties, this resort was developed by the famous hotel tycoon Sol Kerzner. It was originally opened in the Bantustan of Bophuthatswana on 7th December 1979. Bophuthatswana was declared as an independent state by South Africa’s government. Therefore gambling was allowed here which was banned in South Africa. Due to various supporting factors Sun City became one of the most popular weekend and holiday destinations. ‘Sun City Super Bowl’ is the resort’s large auditorium which has a capacity of sitting 6230 people. Many famous musicians have performed at this place. Sun City was also surrounded by controversies in 1985. But Sun City regained its popularity and continued to flourish in 1994 when Bophuthatswana was re-incorporated in the new South Africa.

The resort has four hotels. Also there are popular time-sharing facilities known as "The Sun City Vacation Club". Other than these, Sun City has two 18 holes golf course of international standard.

Sun City is a good place to visit during your luxury African safari.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

African safari – a leisure tour in the wild wood

The term safari interprets different meanings. It is usually used to define a journey in search of a habitat. Now, the term is used to describe a leisure travel in the areas inhabited by wild animals. It is a way of exploring nature’s beauty, that is, both flora and fauna.

While on an African safari you can see a huge collection of different animal species in their natural habitat either hunting their prey or playing in groups. Not only animals but you can also find a large variety of bird species.

Many of us might bear the misconception that a luxury African safari focuses only on wild animals. But the fact is that it also includes interactions with the original safari settlers and their cultures.

An African safari is an expedition full of surprises and adventures. You can enjoy traveling through the jungles on elephant back or go for a hot air balloon ride. It is always advisable to include a guide in your safari group so that while on your African safari tour you can gain knowledge about new things and animal behaviours, which can be best explained only by an experienced guide. Also only a guide can help you get a glance of the shy animals like the Leopard.

Cheap African safar is are arranged by many travel agencies and tour companies. So quickly book the African safari trip, according to your choice, for your next holidays. If you want to thoroughly enjoy your safari don’t plan a safari that’s too short.

Monday, January 28, 2008

African safari tour – lifetime pleasant memories

Have you ever got a chance to go on a luxury African safari? If you haven’t experienced it yet and are willing to go on one, then approach a reputed African safari organizer so that they arrange a safari for you whose memories will last you for a lifetime. While on an African safari tour you will witness pristine beauty of Mother Nature, meet some cultural African people and most importantly explore amazing wildlife in their natural habitat.

The duration of an African safari trip can be from 2 days to 6 months. It is always better to go on an African safari with enough time in your hand as Africa is a large land and can’t be explored completely in a hurry. Also you might not be able to see all the wild animals, which you really want to see, within a day or two. An African safari has a lot to offer. But all the safaris are different from one another. Therefore choose the safari option according to your field of interest. Always book your safari with the company which has thorough knowledge about the place you are visiting. Make sure you are accompanied by an experienced guide because without a guide you might not be able to make the most out of your African safari tour.

Going on an African safari is a must for adventurous people and nature lovers. Do not forget to enjoy the hot air balloon rides and also elephant back rides. Accompanied by an experienced guide and obeying the safari rules and regulations can get you pleasant memories which will last you for a lifetime.

Friday, January 25, 2008

African safari history

Safari is originally an East African tradition. But now not only the Africans but also people from other countries frequently visit Africa to have the experience of a luxury African safari. Africa is the most popular destination of safari lovers due to its huge variety of wildlife and beautiful landscapes.

The trend of safari was started centuries ago by the Arabs and Swahilis when they used to go on long voyages through the African mainland to spread their business. The term safari was used to describe experiences that were similar to hunting and adventure.

Gradually Africa’s wild life started to attract people looking for a safari adventure. People who came on the cheap African safari either wanted to study the different species of wild animals or wanted to do some hunting. But at present there is a strict regulation on hunting to protect the animals in their natural habitat.

If you are interested to go on a luxury African safari, you can easily book one with the travel agents. If you are accompanied by an experienced guide your tour can be more fun. It is essential to obey the park’s rules and regulations while on the safari and also follow the guide’s instructions so that you can return with fond memories which will last you for a lifetime.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Luxury African safari in South Africa

Most of the people going for a luxury African safari choose South Africa as their ultimate safari destination. While deciding on the safari destination, wildlife and flora is the first thing you think about. South Africa is a place which has a lot to offer to its safari lovers. Besides its main parks, it also has beautiful beaches and resorts. South Africa is a place where you can enjoy moving around. But be sure you don’t go into areas about which you don’t know anything.

If you love wildlife and during your African safari you want to see a lot of them in their natural habitats, then for you, Kruger National Park will be the perfect park to visit. It tops the list of the national parks in Africa and also it is the most visited area in Africa. Even though this park is frequently visited by visitors, it is never crowded. It has got one of the most unspoilt wilderness areas of the world. Kruger also has very good accommodation facilities.

During your African safari stay at Kruger National Park you can avail most of the popular safari options like driving through the park and wildlife, setting up your safari camp, walking through the forests and also enjoy watching live hunts by lions and the wild cats. African forest is a home to a number of wild species of animals. To spot most of them, and specially animals like lions and leopards, you should be accompanied by an experienced guide, as they can get you a glimpse of these animals.

If you are going on an African safari for the first time, then South Africa is the place which will give you the perfect safari experience.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Prepare for your luxury African safari

A luxury African safari involves a tour through the African jungles as well as the deserts. A cheap African safari will give you a complete experience of the wild African grounds. If you are going on an African safari tour for the first time, you should be well prepared to face any kind of disturbances which can make your trip rough.

If you are going on an African safari trip and that too for the first time, make sure you collect all the important information about the place you are traveling to and accordingly plan the security measures that you will require during your African safari trip. Contact travel agents and guides for their expert advice.

A lot of things should be taken care of while preparing for your African safari, especially if it is for the first time. Most important thing while preparing for a safari is that you arrange for enough food and clean drinking water. You have to drink a lot of water while on your safari to avoid dehydration. Also carry invertors that run on car batteries so that electricity can be provided in your camp.

While packing your bags for the African safari, carry clothes as per the weather conditions. Remember to carry full sleeves clothes so that you can avoid mosquito bites. Also carry comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen lotion and your first aid box. You should also get yourself vaccinated against diseases before leaving for the safari.

Among the various safari options, choose the one which best suits your interest and plan it in the right way so that you can have a perfect African safari experience.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Luxury African safari for first timers

You will surely be satisfied by an African safari if you love adventure. Whether you book your luxury African safari with a travel company or organize a private African safari tour, you need to know some of the basics if you are traveling for the first time.

First of all decide your destination in Africa where you are traveling to. You can take the guidance from your friends who have been there already. During your African safari trip make sure you hire an experienced guide who has got the complete knowledge about the area which you have chosen to visit. If your guide is inexperienced you might return back with a bad experience. Let your guide know in advance what you want your African safari to be like so that he can plan out your safari accordingly.

It is very important for you to plan your African safari wisely so that you can enjoy it to the peak. Gather as much information as possible on what makes an African safari complete. You can find a lot of information on the internet. There are many travel companies organizing safari trips. Collect information on the different travel companies and their tours. Then choose the one which suits your requirements.

Do make your budget and choose an affordable African safari. Cheap African safaris are organized by some travel companies. When you approach a company to book your safari, let them know your budget so that they can organize the best safari for you which is well within your budget.

Always plan your African safari keeping in mind your experience and age. This becomes more important when you are traveling in a group. Make all the things clear to the travel company at the time of booking your safari itself so that you don’t have to face any problem later on.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Africa – an exotic location!

Africa is the second largest continent in size and also the second most populous continent on the surface of the earth. Over 20% of the total land surface on the earth is occupied by Africa. It is an exotic location with large areas of land which is unpopulated. Romans termed the continent “Africa Terra”, which later on evolved into Africa.

Africa is a continent of extremes, right from Sahara Desert to Mount Kilimanjaro. Africa has areas which are full of natural resources and also areas which are barren.

It is the home of 12% of the total human population on earth which has made it the second most populous continent. The largest city in Africa is Cairo and it has over nine million inhabitants. Sudan is the largest country in this continent. Africa has an 18,950 miles long coastline. Nile is the longest river with its length over 4,150 miles. It is also the longest river in the world. Nile is fed by Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. Mount Kilimanjaro is the largest mountain standing tall over 19,317 thousand feet. The Sahara desert of Africa is the largest desert of the world.

Africa is a land filled with natural resources. It has 8% of the world’s oil reserve and also produces 50% of the gold and diamonds in the world.

Although Africa is the second largest continent and is gifted with the natural resources, it is currently considered to be the poorest continent on Earth.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Luxury African safari - a wilderness safari

If you are adventurous, then you should definitely consider a wilderness safari for your next vacation! A luxury African safari will be the best thing for you to do in your next vacation.

Africa is a land filled with rare adventure right from the magnificence of the game reserves in Kenya to the spotless beauty of the wild romantic brilliance of Tanzania. The ancient land of Africa and its communities offer a wilderness safari experience unlike any other.

People generally go on an African safari to see and experience a large variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. A cheap African safari offers the opportunity to view a plenty of animal, bird and plant species, which is not found anywhere else on earth. Besides the wildlife, the African landscape, floral and fauna will be a feast for your eyes. You can see colourful rainbows during the day and starry skies at night.

While on your African safari make sure you have a well knowledged guide accompanying you. It is very necessary for your safety, comfort and enjoyment during your African safari tour.

An African safari trip will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Information on Luxury African safari destinations

If you are planning to go on a luxury African safari, here is some information that will help you to plan your African safari location:

If you are a wildlife lover and want to go to some game park, the option for you is East and Central Africa. Here you will find game parks filled with large variety and population of animal species. You will also find beautiful landscapes like the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro and the famous volcanic Ngorongoro Crater in east Africa.

Southern Africa also offers a magnificent scenario for a great African safari trip.
Many camps organize night tours and walks, as well as safaris by canoe and elephant back. In Namibia you will find elephant, rhino, lion and giraffe. In Botswana you will find large mammals like elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, lion and cheetah in plenty.

For nature lovers Zimbabwe will be the best place for its Victoria Falls, rolling hills, rock art, and game parks that are home to large herds of elephant and buffalo, sable and roan antelope. For bird life and game fishing, Zambia is the place you need to go.

Wrapping up your African safari, by visiting the Indian Ocean islands, will be a good idea. It includes Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles Islands. These waters hold hundreds of species of fish, making them a haven for anglers.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Know Africa’s BIG FIVE

Africa’s national parks and reserves are full of thousands of species of wild beasts. For this reason Africa has become the hot-spot favorite of wildlife safari lovers. If you too are planning to go on an African safari, you should know about Africa’s big five - Leopard, Lion, Buffalo, Elephant and Rhinoceros.

The leopard resides in bush and riverine forests. They are generally found in or near woods on mountain sides or along streams and rivers. Leopards are normally seen during the night but are also seen in the early mornings and late afternoons. They are shy, cunning and dangerous.

While on your African safari tour you can find lions in savannahs, dense bush, grasslands and woodlands. A lion stands about 48 inches high at the shoulder. An adult male lion weigh about 416 pounds and a female lion weigh about 277 pounds.

Buffaloes reside in dense forest or even open plains. Plentiful supply of grass, shade and water are the basic requirements for the savannah buffalo. They avoid wide open areas and flood plains where there is no shade. Buffaloes are generally seen in herds. At times they are unpredictable and can be dangerous.

The African Elephant is the largest living land mammal. The only requirements for an elephant’s habitat are clean drinking water and a plentiful supply of food. Elephants can be extremely destructive at times.

The white or square-lipped rhino is one of the two species of rhino found in Africa. The rhinoceros stands about 60 inches at the shoulder. The Black Rhino weigh 1 to 1½ tons and the White Rhino weigh over 2 tons. They reside in grasslands and open savannahs. They are very shy and therefore are not spotted very easily.

On your African safari trip stay away from all the wild beast that you spot as they all are very unpredictable and can be very dangerous at times.You are always advised to take safety precautions and obey the guide’s directions for your own safety.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Popular Masai Mara national reserve of Kenya

If you are planning to go on an African safari then you just can’t miss out the Masai Mara national reserve of Kenya. It is one of the most popular reserves among all the reserves of Africa and is always filled with adventurous tourist. In your African safari tour to the Masai Mara national reserve you will find thousands of animal and bird species under the big skies due to the annual wild beast migration. Besides all these you will have a chance to experience the hot air balloon ride which is one of the most attractive things while on the African safari trip.

The Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley. The animals are at liberty to move outside the park into huge areas known as 'dispersal areas'. You might find as many number of wildlife roaming outside the park as many as inside. The Masai villagers have developed a synergetic relationship with the wildlife. You will find four main types of topography in this region for which there are large number of migrated wild beast out here.

In the African safari holiday to the Masai Mara national reserve you will trace animals like zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, Thomson's gazelle, leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetah, jackal and bat-eared foxes and of course the black rhino to name a few. Black rhino are a little shy and hard to spot but are often seen at a distance. Hippos and very large Nile crocodiles are found in abundance in the Mara River. If you are a bird lover, you will find birds in every size and colour with common but beautiful ones like the lilac breasted roller and plenty of large species like eagles, vultures and storks. There are 53 different birds of prey spotted in the Masai Mara national reserve.

The African safari to the Masai Mara national reserve is cheap and affordable.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

The Pilanesberg National Park

In the long list of African safari, one of the parks which is waiting to be explored, is the Pilanesberg National Park.

The Pilanesberg National Park located in the North West Province of South Africa, borders with the entertainment complex of Sun City. It is one of the most treasure stored African national parks. This park was opened long back in 1979 as a part of the South African Governments Operation Genesis. The Pilanesberg National Park was originally owned by three local tribes, but now it is under the ownership of the North West parks board.

The area covering the Pilanesberg National park is fringed by three rings of hills. This is the park’s primary geological feature and is given the name ‘The Pilanesberg National Park Alkaline Ring Complex’. This vast circular geological feature is actually the crater of a long extinct volcano which erupted some 1,200 million years ago. It is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its type in the world. Added to this is the presence of rare rock types and formations which make it a unique geological feature. A number of rare minerals also occur in the park. Pilanesberg National Park is rated high amongst the world's outstanding geological phenomena.

Besides the geological phenomena, throughout the park are scattered various sites that originated from the Iron age and Stone age and show the presence of man from those periods in these areas.

In the African safari of The Pilanesberg National park, you will find both the types of vegetation. The park is on a transition zone due to which there are overlaps in mammals, birds and vegetation. In the African safari to the Pilanesberg National Park you will find the accommodation of almost every mammal of southern Africa. As per a survey held in December 2006, the total count of animals was approximately 6,000 which included animals like Lions, Cheetah, Elephant, Black Rhinoceros, White Rhino, Sable Antelope, Buffalo etc. Besides these you can also spot other cats such as Caracal and Leopard. Besides the animals, you can find over 360 species of birds in your African safari to the Pilanesberg National Park.