The Lure of Africa
When people hear the word "Africa" a number of things come to mind - usually involving wild animals, exotic adventure, breathtaking sunsets and hot, sunny days.
If those are the pictures that come to mind, you wouldn't be too far off.
Anyone who has experienced Africa will tell you that words cannot fully describe just how unique and wonderful it is.
These are some of the reasons why African Safari Tours have become so popular.
But Africa is large, and your choices of Safari are endless.
There are really two main categories of Safaris, though, to help you make your choice: Game Parks Game parks are very popular, especially for the first time visit to Africa.
There are many famous game parks, each with their own attractions.
The Kruger National Park (South Africa) is probably one of the most well known game parks in the world, boasting of Big Five animals and an area that is roughly the size of Wales.
From there, you may want to get a little more wild and see what Botswana has to offer.
Botswana is one of the most under-commercialized countries in Africa, but is also one of Africa's best luxury travel and safari destinations.
Botswana has three game parks worth a mention - the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Each of these offer a different Africa experience - grassland, wetland or desert.
If you would like to get more personal, you may want to look at lodges instead of game parks, although many lodges are located within these parks.
Mobile Tented Safaris Mobile Tented Safaris are also diverse, and they would usually be dependent on your personal needs and wants.
This is where you will be assigned a personal guide, who will take you through the best (and often secret) spots of Africa.
Instead of staying at a central lodge, you stay in luxury camping facilities that are mobile and migrate with you through Africa.
A great example of this kind of safari is Wild Lifestyles, who have a great pricing and also offer you the exclusive guiding of Mike Penman, who is best known from the series Mad Mike and Mark on Animal Planet.
See their website at http://www.
wildlifestyles.
com.
What to Pack Pack lightly, and try to pack neutral colors.
If you dress too colorfully, it can impact game viewing.
Pack a hat, some comfortable but tough shoes, and sunglasses.
Although Africa is hot, you do need to pack a jacket, scarf or even gloves - especially for the winter months (April - August) or if you are going to the desert.
Rainy months are usually in November and December.
You are usually responsible for your own medication, although many safari tours will help you as best they can in this regard.
You would only need to bring your own personal toiletries.
Costs The costs of safaris are really dependent on your choices.
Low budget or overland Safaris can cost as low as $100.
00 per person a day, including staying at a lodge or game park.
But a decent, exclusive safari could cost from $300.
00 - $450.
00 per person a day.
Most prices are upon request, tailor made and dependent on your personal inclinations.
If those are the pictures that come to mind, you wouldn't be too far off.
Anyone who has experienced Africa will tell you that words cannot fully describe just how unique and wonderful it is.
These are some of the reasons why African Safari Tours have become so popular.
But Africa is large, and your choices of Safari are endless.
There are really two main categories of Safaris, though, to help you make your choice: Game Parks Game parks are very popular, especially for the first time visit to Africa.
There are many famous game parks, each with their own attractions.
The Kruger National Park (South Africa) is probably one of the most well known game parks in the world, boasting of Big Five animals and an area that is roughly the size of Wales.
From there, you may want to get a little more wild and see what Botswana has to offer.
Botswana is one of the most under-commercialized countries in Africa, but is also one of Africa's best luxury travel and safari destinations.
Botswana has three game parks worth a mention - the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.
Each of these offer a different Africa experience - grassland, wetland or desert.
If you would like to get more personal, you may want to look at lodges instead of game parks, although many lodges are located within these parks.
Mobile Tented Safaris Mobile Tented Safaris are also diverse, and they would usually be dependent on your personal needs and wants.
This is where you will be assigned a personal guide, who will take you through the best (and often secret) spots of Africa.
Instead of staying at a central lodge, you stay in luxury camping facilities that are mobile and migrate with you through Africa.
A great example of this kind of safari is Wild Lifestyles, who have a great pricing and also offer you the exclusive guiding of Mike Penman, who is best known from the series Mad Mike and Mark on Animal Planet.
See their website at http://www.
wildlifestyles.
com.
What to Pack Pack lightly, and try to pack neutral colors.
If you dress too colorfully, it can impact game viewing.
Pack a hat, some comfortable but tough shoes, and sunglasses.
Although Africa is hot, you do need to pack a jacket, scarf or even gloves - especially for the winter months (April - August) or if you are going to the desert.
Rainy months are usually in November and December.
You are usually responsible for your own medication, although many safari tours will help you as best they can in this regard.
You would only need to bring your own personal toiletries.
Costs The costs of safaris are really dependent on your choices.
Low budget or overland Safaris can cost as low as $100.
00 per person a day, including staying at a lodge or game park.
But a decent, exclusive safari could cost from $300.
00 - $450.
00 per person a day.
Most prices are upon request, tailor made and dependent on your personal inclinations.
