Showing posts with label east africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label east africa. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2015
- 17 Questions you will ask about gorilla trekking in Africa
This post has been moved to our new blog
11 Questions you will ask when planning your African safari
When you plan your safari, there will be lots of questions you have. Here are eleven of the most commonly asked questions about going on an African safari.
1) Which countries are the best to go on safari in Africa?
Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa are the most popular African countries to go on safari. Kenya and Tanzania offer the traditional open grasslands, making it possible to see large heard of game from a great distance, including the Wildebeest Migration. Botswana and South Africa have more bushland, but also offer a more Western infrastructure and plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds by staying in private game reserves.
For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, consider a walking safari in Zambia, or a trip to Northern Namibia or Zimbabwe.
2) Is it safe to go on safari in Africa?
Politically Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are some of the safest destinations in Africa, if not the world. Kenya does have it's share of issues, but these tend to occur in the far north, well away from places travellers go.
Most camps and lodges do not have fences fencing themselves off from the surrounding bush. Wildlife can and will stray into the park, but this only heightens the excitement and feeling of being in deepest Africa.
As far as the actual activities go, boating, canoeing, horseback riding and walking to name but a few, while none of them are as safe as staying at home, you will be in the hands of professional guides who will keep you safe so you can enjoy your journey.
3) Is an African safari expensive?
The more comfort you get and the more exclusive your African safari experience, the higher the price. Camping safaris in Africa are the lowest cost (they start at US$200 per person per night), but it entails sleeping in small tents on bed rolls and often you are expected to help with camp duties.
On the other end of the scale, a fly-in safari to a luxury camp deep in the Botswana wilderness can easily set you back US$1000 per person per night.
Keeping mind though that these prices typically include all your transport, accommodation, meals, guiding and park fees. The more exclusive camps also include a good range of domestic and premium drinks.
4) How long should I go on an African safari?
Theoretically you can go ion safari in Africa for as short as one week. But by the time you have flown to Africa, you will likely only have 3-4 days in destination, before you have to return home.
The ideal time is 2-3 weeks. Two weeks is an ideal time to see the best parks of Kenya and Tanzania, or to visit Botswana or see the highlights of South Africa, including Kruger National Park.
Three weeks will allow you to add the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or a gorilla trek to your East African safari, while in Southern Africa you could add the delightful city of Cape Town and Kruger National Park to your Botswana safari.
5) When is the best time to go on a safari in Africa?
For your first safari in Africa, choose the dry season, as it is the time when there are few leaves on the trees and animals congregate around the little water available. The dry season runs from April through October in Southern Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, there are two dry seasons. The long dry season stretches from June through October, while the short dry season falls in January and February.
On the other hand, the green (wet) season, comes with a number of advantages. Fewer people means lower prices. It is a great time for bird-watching, and lush landscapes and flowers abound. Skies with towering clouds make for dramatic photography, while animals get their babies, which makes for endearing photos and great predator activity
For more on the topic, see The Best time to go on your African safari.
6) What shots do I need to travel to Africa?
Strictly speaking, most countries do not make having shots mandatory. Diseases that commonly occur in Africa are cholera, hepatitis A, malaria and typhoid fever, among others.
The one shot that some countries make mandatory is yellow fever. At the time of writing this was mandatory when crossing borders between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
As the situation on diseases is very fluid I strongly recommend you consult with a good travel health specialist well before setting out on your African safari.
7) Should I bring a mosquito net on my African safari?
If you are on a lodge safari, you do not as lodges will supply you with either an air-conditioned (mosquito proof) room, or a tent with built-in mosquito net.
If you are on a camping safari, you are likely to keep your tent closed, so the only reason you would bring a mosquito net is if you wanted to sleep in the outdoors.
8) What visa do I need for my trip to Africa?
For most nationalities visa are not required to travel to Southern Africa. For East Africa most nationalities do need a visa. As the visa requirements always change, I would strongly suggest you consult your travel agent.
Some countries, such as South Africa and Namibia require you to have at least two blank pages side-by-side in your passport.
9) How much money and what currency should I bring on my holiday in Africa?
If you keep in mind that most of your meals are included, your main expense is for on-the-spot visa, a few meals that are not included, drinks and souvenirs. Budget the same price as you would pay at home for souvenirs, tips, meals and drinks, and you will have enough money.
You know your own shopping and eating/drinking habits, so budget accordingly.
Do bring excess funds with you in case of emergencies, some in cash and some in the form of credit cards.
Bring your funds in cash US$. While traveler's cheques are protected against theft, they are harder and more costly to exchange. Credit cards can be used in more expensive shops but not for normal day-to-day transactions.
10) How much should I tip
This depends on the type of trip you are on. For low-cost camping safaris, budget $5 per guest per day for the guide and $2 per guest per day for auxiliary staff such as cooks and trackers.
On luxury safaris these amounts should go up to US$10 and US$5-7 per guest per day respectively.
11) What should I wear
Bring comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes. Muted colours are recommended for game-viewing. Whites are a no-no as this is an alarm colour in nature.
Game-drives take place early morning and late afternoon which can be cold, especially in winter in Southern Africa (June-August) - bring a light jacket or sweater.
Shirts with long sleeves give protection against mosquitoes and the sun. Zip-off pants give you the option to wear them as long pants in the morning and convert them to short during the hot hours of the day. T shirts and shorts or a light skirt will keep you cool when it is hot.
A lightweight water-proof jacket is recommended if you travel during the green season.
Don't forget swim and beachwear as most lodges have pools.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip-balm are all essentials.
Most lodges and hotels will arrange for same-day or overnight laundry service. For cultural reasons, some lodges and camps do not wash underwear.
For more information on what to bring on your African safari, please click here.
Related posts
What to bring on your African safari
Highlights of Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
The Best time to go on your African safari
17 Questions you will ask about gorilla trekking in Africa
Feedback from South Africa and Botswana
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Feedback from South Africa
1) Which countries are the best to go on safari in Africa?
Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa are the most popular African countries to go on safari. Kenya and Tanzania offer the traditional open grasslands, making it possible to see large heard of game from a great distance, including the Wildebeest Migration. Botswana and South Africa have more bushland, but also offer a more Western infrastructure and plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds by staying in private game reserves.
For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, consider a walking safari in Zambia, or a trip to Northern Namibia or Zimbabwe.
2) Is it safe to go on safari in Africa?
Politically Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are some of the safest destinations in Africa, if not the world. Kenya does have it's share of issues, but these tend to occur in the far north, well away from places travellers go.
Most camps and lodges do not have fences fencing themselves off from the surrounding bush. Wildlife can and will stray into the park, but this only heightens the excitement and feeling of being in deepest Africa.
As far as the actual activities go, boating, canoeing, horseback riding and walking to name but a few, while none of them are as safe as staying at home, you will be in the hands of professional guides who will keep you safe so you can enjoy your journey.
3) Is an African safari expensive?
The more comfort you get and the more exclusive your African safari experience, the higher the price. Camping safaris in Africa are the lowest cost (they start at US$200 per person per night), but it entails sleeping in small tents on bed rolls and often you are expected to help with camp duties.
On the other end of the scale, a fly-in safari to a luxury camp deep in the Botswana wilderness can easily set you back US$1000 per person per night.
Keeping mind though that these prices typically include all your transport, accommodation, meals, guiding and park fees. The more exclusive camps also include a good range of domestic and premium drinks.
4) How long should I go on an African safari?
Theoretically you can go ion safari in Africa for as short as one week. But by the time you have flown to Africa, you will likely only have 3-4 days in destination, before you have to return home.
The ideal time is 2-3 weeks. Two weeks is an ideal time to see the best parks of Kenya and Tanzania, or to visit Botswana or see the highlights of South Africa, including Kruger National Park.
Three weeks will allow you to add the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or a gorilla trek to your East African safari, while in Southern Africa you could add the delightful city of Cape Town and Kruger National Park to your Botswana safari.
5) When is the best time to go on a safari in Africa?
For your first safari in Africa, choose the dry season, as it is the time when there are few leaves on the trees and animals congregate around the little water available. The dry season runs from April through October in Southern Africa. In Kenya and Tanzania, there are two dry seasons. The long dry season stretches from June through October, while the short dry season falls in January and February.
On the other hand, the green (wet) season, comes with a number of advantages. Fewer people means lower prices. It is a great time for bird-watching, and lush landscapes and flowers abound. Skies with towering clouds make for dramatic photography, while animals get their babies, which makes for endearing photos and great predator activity
For more on the topic, see The Best time to go on your African safari.
6) What shots do I need to travel to Africa?
Strictly speaking, most countries do not make having shots mandatory. Diseases that commonly occur in Africa are cholera, hepatitis A, malaria and typhoid fever, among others.
The one shot that some countries make mandatory is yellow fever. At the time of writing this was mandatory when crossing borders between Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
As the situation on diseases is very fluid I strongly recommend you consult with a good travel health specialist well before setting out on your African safari.
7) Should I bring a mosquito net on my African safari?
If you are on a lodge safari, you do not as lodges will supply you with either an air-conditioned (mosquito proof) room, or a tent with built-in mosquito net.
If you are on a camping safari, you are likely to keep your tent closed, so the only reason you would bring a mosquito net is if you wanted to sleep in the outdoors.
8) What visa do I need for my trip to Africa?
For most nationalities visa are not required to travel to Southern Africa. For East Africa most nationalities do need a visa. As the visa requirements always change, I would strongly suggest you consult your travel agent.
Some countries, such as South Africa and Namibia require you to have at least two blank pages side-by-side in your passport.
9) How much money and what currency should I bring on my holiday in Africa?
If you keep in mind that most of your meals are included, your main expense is for on-the-spot visa, a few meals that are not included, drinks and souvenirs. Budget the same price as you would pay at home for souvenirs, tips, meals and drinks, and you will have enough money.
You know your own shopping and eating/drinking habits, so budget accordingly.
Do bring excess funds with you in case of emergencies, some in cash and some in the form of credit cards.
Bring your funds in cash US$. While traveler's cheques are protected against theft, they are harder and more costly to exchange. Credit cards can be used in more expensive shops but not for normal day-to-day transactions.
10) How much should I tip
This depends on the type of trip you are on. For low-cost camping safaris, budget $5 per guest per day for the guide and $2 per guest per day for auxiliary staff such as cooks and trackers.
On luxury safaris these amounts should go up to US$10 and US$5-7 per guest per day respectively.
11) What should I wear
Bring comfortable, casual wash and wear clothes. Muted colours are recommended for game-viewing. Whites are a no-no as this is an alarm colour in nature.
Game-drives take place early morning and late afternoon which can be cold, especially in winter in Southern Africa (June-August) - bring a light jacket or sweater.
Shirts with long sleeves give protection against mosquitoes and the sun. Zip-off pants give you the option to wear them as long pants in the morning and convert them to short during the hot hours of the day. T shirts and shorts or a light skirt will keep you cool when it is hot.
A lightweight water-proof jacket is recommended if you travel during the green season.
Don't forget swim and beachwear as most lodges have pools.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, moisturizer and lip-balm are all essentials.
Most lodges and hotels will arrange for same-day or overnight laundry service. For cultural reasons, some lodges and camps do not wash underwear.
For more information on what to bring on your African safari, please click here.
Related posts
What to bring on your African safari
Highlights of Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
The Best time to go on your African safari
17 Questions you will ask about gorilla trekking in Africa
Feedback from South Africa and Botswana
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Feedback from Africa
Feedback from South Africa
Highlights of Kenya
If you are planning a safari, Kenya is an obvious choice - an excellent infrastructure of good lodges, plenty of parks all within a day's drive from the capital, and lots of wildlife. Read on for the highlights of a safari in Kenya.
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a bustling metropolis with good markets, restaurants and a few sights. Consider staying two nights - it will allow you to get over your jet-lag as well as creating a buffer day in case of flight delays. Use the extra day to look around the city - the Giraffe Center where you get up-close to these wonderful animals, and Karen Blixen's House, home of the author of "Out of Africa" are nice spots to explore on a leisurely day.
The next day, set off on your African safari! Many companies still insist on visiting Aberdares National Park and stay at lodges such as The Ark or Treetops. While there is something to be said to stay at African safari lodges frequented by high-society, game viewing is limited here. My suggestion is you make a beeline for Samburu National Reserve in the centre of the country. This safari park sits in arid lands on both sides of the Ewaso Ng'iro river, which provides a year-round water source for game. Some of those animals are unique to this part of Kenya - reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra among others. But what you will remember the park for are the numbers of gerenuks, antelopes with very long necks, and the dik dik, a tiny antelope which seems to be everywhere.
After Samburu, turn south. If you are travelling by road and are headed for Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a convenient overnight safari stop. While there, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, or see some of the black and northern white rhino the conservancy aims to protect.
In the south-west of the country lie some of Kenya's most famous game reserves. First and foremost among them is Masai Mara National Reserve, dubbed Africa's greatest game reserve (as it is connected with Tanzania's Serengeti I would argue that both of them combined form Africa's greatest reserve). Picture rolling hills covered in grass with millions of animals grazing, pursued by predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. In August, September and October the area hosts the annual Wildebeest Migration, called by many the Greatest Show on Earth and high on the list of many safari seekers. The Mara truly is Kenya's Noah's Ark and whether you stay in one of the lodges or tented camps within the park, or on a private concession outside of it, you are sure to have a safari par excellence.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a convenient stop halfway the Mara and Nairobi. Most people stay one night and marvel at the huge flocks of flamingos gracing it's shores (they are replaced by pelicans in the wet season). It is also a great spot to see white and black rhino and each time I visited I have seen leopard. Birds abound and the views from the top of the escarpment overlooking the lake are amazing.
There are many more parks in Kenya - Amboseli is famous for the classic photos of elephants with Kilimanjaro (across the border in Tanzania) in the background. Tsavo East and West, combined forming one of the largest protected landmasses in the world, are little visited. It is here that you can experience a true African Wilderness and the country's largest elephant population.
Down on the coast are the resorts south of Mombasa, while further north the delightful Swahili town of Lamu beckons. Snorkelling is amazing in both, while Lamu offers a chance to enjoy Swahili culture little touched by the modern world.
No matter where you go in Kenya, you are sure to have a wonderful safari!
Related posts:
Best time to go on safari
The annual Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from Africa
Kenya & Tanzania - interesting articles
Kenya reading list
Nairobi is the capital of Kenya, a bustling metropolis with good markets, restaurants and a few sights. Consider staying two nights - it will allow you to get over your jet-lag as well as creating a buffer day in case of flight delays. Use the extra day to look around the city - the Giraffe Center where you get up-close to these wonderful animals, and Karen Blixen's House, home of the author of "Out of Africa" are nice spots to explore on a leisurely day.
The next day, set off on your African safari! Many companies still insist on visiting Aberdares National Park and stay at lodges such as The Ark or Treetops. While there is something to be said to stay at African safari lodges frequented by high-society, game viewing is limited here. My suggestion is you make a beeline for Samburu National Reserve in the centre of the country. This safari park sits in arid lands on both sides of the Ewaso Ng'iro river, which provides a year-round water source for game. Some of those animals are unique to this part of Kenya - reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra among others. But what you will remember the park for are the numbers of gerenuks, antelopes with very long necks, and the dik dik, a tiny antelope which seems to be everywhere.
After Samburu, turn south. If you are travelling by road and are headed for Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a convenient overnight safari stop. While there, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, or see some of the black and northern white rhino the conservancy aims to protect.
In the south-west of the country lie some of Kenya's most famous game reserves. First and foremost among them is Masai Mara National Reserve, dubbed Africa's greatest game reserve (as it is connected with Tanzania's Serengeti I would argue that both of them combined form Africa's greatest reserve). Picture rolling hills covered in grass with millions of animals grazing, pursued by predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah. In August, September and October the area hosts the annual Wildebeest Migration, called by many the Greatest Show on Earth and high on the list of many safari seekers. The Mara truly is Kenya's Noah's Ark and whether you stay in one of the lodges or tented camps within the park, or on a private concession outside of it, you are sure to have a safari par excellence.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a convenient stop halfway the Mara and Nairobi. Most people stay one night and marvel at the huge flocks of flamingos gracing it's shores (they are replaced by pelicans in the wet season). It is also a great spot to see white and black rhino and each time I visited I have seen leopard. Birds abound and the views from the top of the escarpment overlooking the lake are amazing.
There are many more parks in Kenya - Amboseli is famous for the classic photos of elephants with Kilimanjaro (across the border in Tanzania) in the background. Tsavo East and West, combined forming one of the largest protected landmasses in the world, are little visited. It is here that you can experience a true African Wilderness and the country's largest elephant population.
Down on the coast are the resorts south of Mombasa, while further north the delightful Swahili town of Lamu beckons. Snorkelling is amazing in both, while Lamu offers a chance to enjoy Swahili culture little touched by the modern world.
No matter where you go in Kenya, you are sure to have a wonderful safari!
Related posts:
Best time to go on safari
The annual Wildebeest Migration
Feedback from Africa
Kenya & Tanzania - interesting articles
Kenya reading list
 |
| Cheetahs in the Masai Mara - photo by the author |
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Rwanda articles
Here are some great articles relating to travel in Rwanda.
Gorillas & wildlife
Gorilla tracking - a typical day
Politics & genocide
Rwanda's Hunted
Portraits of reconciliation
Searching for Answers, And Discovering That There Are None
Travel
Animal Kingdoms
Gorillas & wildlife
Gorilla tracking - a typical day
Politics & genocide
Rwanda's Hunted
Portraits of reconciliation
Searching for Answers, And Discovering That There Are None
Travel
Animal Kingdoms
Ethiopia articles
Here are some great articles relating to travel in Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
In Ethiopia’s Capital, a Resurgent Jazz Scene
Harar & the East
Where Rimbaud Found Peace
Lalibela
Lalibela, then and now
Lalibela’s rock hewn churches – eighth wonder of the world
Bedrock of Art & Faith
Northern Circuit
Northern Highlands
Ethiopia: Land of Dust, Eucalyptus and Hope
Omo Valley & the South
Tribes of the Omo Valley
Travel
The land that time forgot
Wildlife & nature
Wolves of Ethiopia
Addis Ababa
In Ethiopia’s Capital, a Resurgent Jazz Scene
Harar & the East
Where Rimbaud Found Peace
Lalibela
Lalibela, then and now
Lalibela’s rock hewn churches – eighth wonder of the world
Bedrock of Art & Faith
Northern Circuit
Northern Highlands
Ethiopia: Land of Dust, Eucalyptus and Hope
Omo Valley & the South
Tribes of the Omo Valley
Travel
The land that time forgot
Wildlife & nature
Wolves of Ethiopia
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Kenya & Tanzania articles
Here are some great articles relating to travel in Kenya and Tanzania.
Kenya Coast
Mombasa to Lamu
Lake Victoria
Africa's path less sailed
Masai Mara
Migration & the Masai Mara
Mountains
Climbing Mount Kenya
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's majestic icy giants
The gateway to Kilimanjaro
Nairobi
Nairobi according to the insiders
The wildest side of Nairobi
Photography & safari
On photo safari in Kenya
Tips for a successful safari
Safari in Kenya without four wheels
Top 10 Tanzania experiences
From a Balloon, a Different View of the Serengeti
Selous & Ruaha
Safari in Southern Tanzania
Serengeti
On the hunt with Hemingway
The last unexplored side of the Serengeti
Serengeti in the off season
Traffic jam on the Serengeti
From a Balloon, a Different View of the Serengeti
Sports
On the shoulders of giants, Masai Ujiri goes home to scout a new generation
Sustainability
Can secret agents stop the ivory trade
Orphan elephants
The rhino wars of central Kenya
The future of conservation in Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
Catch Africa's Great Migration - in great luxury
Migration & the Masai Mara
Zanzibar archipelago
10 things to do in Zanzibar
An underwater hotel opens in Africa
Kenya Coast
Mombasa to Lamu
Lake Victoria
Africa's path less sailed
Masai Mara
Migration & the Masai Mara
Mountains
Climbing Mount Kenya
Climbing Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro's majestic icy giants
The gateway to Kilimanjaro
Nairobi
Nairobi according to the insiders
The wildest side of Nairobi
Photography & safari
On photo safari in Kenya
Tips for a successful safari
Safari in Kenya without four wheels
Top 10 Tanzania experiences
From a Balloon, a Different View of the Serengeti
Selous & Ruaha
Safari in Southern Tanzania
Serengeti
On the hunt with Hemingway
The last unexplored side of the Serengeti
Serengeti in the off season
Traffic jam on the Serengeti
From a Balloon, a Different View of the Serengeti
Sports
On the shoulders of giants, Masai Ujiri goes home to scout a new generation
Sustainability
Can secret agents stop the ivory trade
Orphan elephants
The rhino wars of central Kenya
The future of conservation in Kenya
Wildebeest Migration
Catch Africa's Great Migration - in great luxury
Migration & the Masai Mara
Zanzibar archipelago
10 things to do in Zanzibar
An underwater hotel opens in Africa
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Serengeti & Zanzibar feedback
Krisha S from Toronto shared the following feedback:
The entire trip was memorable and fun! From the time I arrived at the Kilimanjaro Airport to the time I left Zanzibar to return home, I was treated with the utmost courtesy by your staff. They catered to my every need, including stopping in markets to purchase a few items. They were very accommodating and helpful.
It was my dream to visit the Serengeti & Zanzibar and these folks made my trip even more memorable. Emmanuel, our guide is very knowledgeable, professional, friendly and fun! It was a pleasure touring the Serengeti, Tarangire NP and Ngorongoro Crater with him, Agnes & Brian (the other couple on our tour of 3 people). We had a lot of fun!
I also loved the accommodations during my trip. All were unique, impressive, modern and included all amenities I required. It was a thrill to overnight at the Serena Lodges in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Staff at every location were helpful and accommodating, no complaints at all!
Krishna travelled on our Tanzania Wildlife Highlights & Zanzibar Discovered tour. Contact me for more information.
Related posts:
The Annual Wildebeest Migration
The Best time to go on your African Safari
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos
Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014
The entire trip was memorable and fun! From the time I arrived at the Kilimanjaro Airport to the time I left Zanzibar to return home, I was treated with the utmost courtesy by your staff. They catered to my every need, including stopping in markets to purchase a few items. They were very accommodating and helpful.
It was my dream to visit the Serengeti & Zanzibar and these folks made my trip even more memorable. Emmanuel, our guide is very knowledgeable, professional, friendly and fun! It was a pleasure touring the Serengeti, Tarangire NP and Ngorongoro Crater with him, Agnes & Brian (the other couple on our tour of 3 people). We had a lot of fun!
I also loved the accommodations during my trip. All were unique, impressive, modern and included all amenities I required. It was a thrill to overnight at the Serena Lodges in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Staff at every location were helpful and accommodating, no complaints at all!
Krishna travelled on our Tanzania Wildlife Highlights & Zanzibar Discovered tour. Contact me for more information.
Related posts:
The Annual Wildebeest Migration
The Best time to go on your African Safari
Feedback from South Africa
Feedback from Galapagos
Feedback from Asia & New Zealand
Feedback from Africa
Customer Feedback winter 2014
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Friday, October 25, 2013
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