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SAFARIS AND THE SUN

African safaris represent a great adventure for many people. They envision staring into the eyes of a lion, or tracking a leopard across the savannah. Perhaps, they will dive out of they way, narrowly escaping an oncoming stampede of elephants.

Many of these images stem from movies, stories, or other forms of pop culture. However, many of them arise from the fact that Africa is truly an unknown territory for most. The majority of people have no real knowledge of the culture or even the geography of Africa. They see it as the untamed land where Hemingway stalked big game, or the home to elusive tribes that have existed for thousands of years. In some ways, these ideas do hold true. The continent is home to animals that simply do not naturally live anywhere else, and it is the only place where one can truly witness the King of the Jungle in all his majesty. Seeing that up close is, in a way, an incredible adventure for those who spend the majority of their time in an office, or in front of a television set.

Wildlife Viewing on African Safaris

There is a group of animals in Africa known as the Big Five. More people who go on African safaris go to see these animals than any others. The lion, the buffalo, the leopard, the rhino, and the elephant make up the list. Many reserves in different countries feature some if not all of these animals.

There are, however, many other mammals, birds, and reptiles that can be viewed by those who embark on African safaris. Antelope, wildebeests, meerkats, crocodiles, and gorillas are just a few of the other species that live in the southern portion of Africa. Different countries have different wildlife, a fact that often heavily influences which of the many African safaris a person will choose to go on.

Lodging on African Safaris

Many people fear that they will go on their African safaris and be forced to live without any modern conveniences for the duration. This is actually not true at all. There are many different choices when it comes to safari lodging.

Most reserves and national parks offer tented camps. Many of these camps are very basic, but some feature tents that are fully furnished. There are also game lodges that vary in degrees of comfort. Some rival the finest hotels in the world, providing their most treasured guests with personal butlers and chefs. There are also tours that provide cottages, or thatched houses for vacationers.

Options for African Safaris

The choices that one has in African safaris almost seem countless. Kenya is one of the popular destinations. However, those who want to stay away from commercialized tourism usually look elsewhere. South Africa provides visitors with both African and European culture, while Zimbabwe features the waters of Victoria Falls.

Most agencies that book African safaris will do so in a number of different locations. Each country has something truly unique to offer. Many people believe that one cannot make a wrong decision when choosing where to go for the first time, because no matter where one goes, it will be different than any place he or she has gone before.

Kenya safaris have become the most popular of the African wildlife tours. This is due in part to the fact that Kenya has become renowned for its excellence in tourism. There are a variety of things for visitors to do including mountain climbing, scuba diving, and fishing.

Although its sporting activities draw visitors from all over, it is the country's beauty and wildlife that keeps people embarking on Kenya safaris year after year. When one sets foot in Kenya, he is in a land that is home to the world's largest concentration of elephants, giraffe, and zebra. While on safari, those who are patient may also sight some extremely rare species of birds. The indigenous people of Kenya welcome tourists, allowing foreigners to learn about their culture and their way of life.

Booking Kenya Safaris

There are a number of things to consider when looking into Kenya safaris. Along with length of time and amount of money one wishes to spend, he must consider what type of life he wishes to lead while in Africa. It is possible to stay in a makeshift tent, a magnificent lodge, a mobile home, or a hotel hundreds of miles away from any animals.

Once a person decides what living arrangements are required, he needs to consider what type of wildlife he is interested in seeing. Different Kenya safaris focus on different animals. Also, there are trips designed specifically for those who are interested in conserving particular species or specific areas of land, while others do not necessarily shed light on environmental issues, choosing to let tourists simply view the land and take from it what they will.

Big five safaris take place in countries throughout Africa. They allow people to see the animals (lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffalo, and leopards) that call Africa home. Some areas have two or three of the Big Five, while others such Namibia, support them all.

Unfortunately, Big Five safaris have been linked to poachers, those who hunt big game in protected reserves. While many who make the journey to Africa do so to track and kill these animals, there are Big Five safaris that are designed to simply give people a chance to observe theses mammals in their natural habitat. They also allow tourists to view aboriginal African peoples up close. Due to the fact that African history is not often covered in American and European schools, these tours are some of the few things that can give westerners insight into the culture of the continent.

Choosing Big Five Safaris

With all of the different tours that are available in Africa, it is necessary for a traveler to prioritize. Choosing one of the many Big Five safaris ensures that very specific wildlife will be seen. If someone wants to observe birds or primates, there are other trips that are better suited for this.

Big Five safaris generally last anywhere from seven to 16 days. However, private trips that are longer or shorter can be arranged. Also, housing while on safari varies. Many tour companies offer several different forms of accommodations. Price is dependent on the details of the trip, but as more businesses offer their services, the cost of Big Five safaris is becoming more affordable.

Serengeti safaris attract over 90,000 tourists each year. The land, which encompasses Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maswa Game Reserve, and the Old Masai Mara National Park is considered by some cultures to be Paradise, itself. Many of The Masai, a People who have grazed their cattle on the land for thousands of years, hold this to be true.

There is no place else on the planet quite like the Serengeti. It is one of the last great migratory systems still in existence. It is also home to the most varied terrestrial wildlife on Earth.

Viewing Game on Serengeti Safaris

With the amount of animals that frequent the region, Serengeti safaris give people a chance to see almost any species that dwells in southern Africa. The Big Five (rhino, elephant, lion, buffalo, and leopard) are there. Also, the great wildebeest migration makes it way through the area. Many people travel to the Serengeti just to witness those things. However, the land offers far more than just the typical wildlife viewing experiences.

The Little Five can be seen by those who are looking for something a bit different than the norm. True enthusiasts go on Serengeti safaris to catch sight of these tiny creatures. The rhino beetle, the ant lion, the elephant shrew, the buffalo weaver, and the leopard tortoise may be harder to spot than their larger counterparts, but they are incredible finds for those who truly want to experience all that Serengeti safaris have to offer.

Zambia safaris are not for the pampered traveler. The country is not famous for catering to the mass tourism market. Zambia safaris are more for those intrepid souls who are always seeking a bit of adventure. The fact that the region is supported by three large rivers and three massive lakes has made it a favorite spot for a variety of wildlife.

Some locations on Zambia safaris are not easily reached. They require a good amount of travel and substantial camping. However, a trip to this part of Africa offers several experiences that do not occur anywhere else.

What Makes Zambia Safaris Different?

Setting out on a Zambia safari may very well lead to the plains of Busanga and Bangweulu. While there, visitors might have the chance to view tens of thousands of antelope making their crossing. If the tour leads to the Livwa Plains, a wildebeest migration that rivals that of the Serengeti can be witnessed. If this is not enough for the truly daring, they can always try their luck by white-water rafting on the Zambia River. Amidst all of the excitement, it is also possible to take in what many consider to be the most stunning scenery on earth.

There are a number of options one has when booking a tour of Africa. Zambia safaris are perfect for some people. The safaris are a bit detached and they have not become as commercialized as many of the others. However, there are trips to other locations that might provide travelers more comfort and relaxation.

South African wildlife safaris offer a very interesting dichotomy for travelers. On one hand, they can experience a trip into the wild where they can view a number of different animals. On the other, they can experience life in one of several modern cities, where most people speak English and influences from Europe and Asia are as prevalent as those from Africa.

It is the varied culture of the country that leads many people to go on South African wildlife safaris. They know that while there, they will still be able to converse easily with most everyone around them. They also realize that travel is a bit easier in South Africa, due to the fact that there is an efficient road system, a trait that is not true about all safari destinations.

Visiting National Game Reserves on South African Wildlife Safaris

Many national game reserves in South Africa feature lodges that are far more luxurious than those in national reserves, elsewhere. Many people do not go to Africa seeking comfort. However, for those who do, a South African reserve is probably the best bet.

The Royal Malewane features accommodations that most upscale hotels don't have. Libraries, antique furniture, and classic Victorian baths are just a few of the perks that guests can enjoy. While staying at the Royal Malewane, located in Kruger National Park it is possible to go on some of the finest South African wildlife safaris during the day, only to return to a specially prepared five-star meal at night.

Namibian safaris take place in a land of unconfined space and extreme beauty. A varied landscape that includes the Fish River Canyon, Namib Desert, and Etosha National Park, has given rise to 14 vegetation zones. These zones support 134 species of wild mammals, a number that is unrivaled almost anywhere else in the world. People on Namibian safaris can see lions, rhino, and elephant. They can also witness the largest population of cheetah in existence.

Along with its incredible wildlife, the country is also known for the diversity of its people. While the influx of tourism has affected the culture, many societies continue to live a lifestyle that has barely changed in thousands of years. There are Namibian safaris that will bring visitors in close contact with these groups, and allow them to see something that most westerners will never witness.

Extended Namibian Safaris

There are affordable Namibian safaris for those who wish to spend a short time on the trip. In fact, many people plan an entire vacation, and treat a safari as not much more than a day trip, flying in and quickly flying out. However, for those who truly wish to experience the natural surroundings and animal life of the region, there are trips that last over two weeks.

These extended Namibian safaris have completely altered the beliefs of many who have partaken in them. People have gone for the adventure or to simply try something different, and have returned to their homes committed to conservation. There is practically nothing in America that is comparable to going on safari. This makes that first trip to Africa truly unique.

Victoria Falls safaris give people a chance to lay eyes on one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Spray from the falls can be seen from over 50 miles away. However, it is not only the size and power of the falls that have made it famous. The cliffs opposite of Victoria are home to a rain forest and all of the extraordinary plants and animals that come with it.

Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls sees much of the wildlife of those two nations. However, the natural environment is different than much of the surrounding country. This has allowed those who take Victoria Falls safaris to participate in a number of activities that are not available elsewhere.

Unique Qualities of Victoria Falls Safaris

There are certain things in life that most people believe only happen in movies, or have long since fallen out of practice. For many, riding atop an elephant in Africa is one of those things. Victoria Falls safaris give one the chance to experience this. Not only can travelers ride elephants, they can do so while in search of animals they have never seen outside of a zoo.

There are also activities that take place on Victoria Falls safaris that are far more traditional. One can go white water rafting or bungee jumping in the area. While these two things are common occurrences in the States and all over the world, it should e pointed out that when performed in the shadow of the falls, they take on a very different feel.

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