Africa Safari - Deciding on the best One
Google "Africa Safari" and something becomes completely overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of choices presented, page after page of safaris available by hundreds of tour operators. It is no easy task however with a little preparation, searching for the perfect Africa safari can be quite a success. Here are several essential points to consider ensuring you ultimately choose the proper Kenya safari;
Which place to go Whether it is animals you are as soon as the obvious choices are Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia or Africa. Whether it is Gorilla trekking and African wildlife choose Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. If it's culture try Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; if you are really looking to get off the beaten track try Cameroon and Gabon in Central Africa. East Africa: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania provide a more "romantic" African safari; the roads, services and cultures tend to be more authentic as opposed to Southern African options. The most famous parks with the Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Masai Mara and Queen Elizabeth come in this section of Africa. Began in the African coastline of Kenya along with the renowned Spice Island of Zanzibar. Anyone after animals, culture plus some events of relaxation on tropical beaches; East Africa could be the obvious choice. Southern Africa: Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa are a great deal more western and comfy than East African countries they tend to not have the "real Africa" flair that we're accustomed. The best parks in this field are Chobe, Etosha, South Luangwa, Okavango Delta and Kruger; the famous Namib desert and Fish River Canyon towards the wine region of Stellenbosch. Southern Africa provides a completely different experience to East Africa. West Africa: Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana if you want culture rather than bothered about wildlife. Mali is famous for Djenne, Timbuktu and Dogan Country; Burkina Faso is well known for its music scene and Ghana offers historical sites through the old slave trade years, tropical beaches and a few game parks with very few animals. Central Africa: Cameroon and Gabon is perfect for the actual adventure traveller. A safari with these countries will take you in a different world of tropical beaches, pygmies, bush meat markets, surfing hippos and a huge number of low land gorillas. This part is much less travelled through the average tourist and could be difficult to acquire an English speaking tour. Degree of Luxury Upscale luxury accommodation to camping are common on offer in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa. Central Africa expect no less than 3-5 star accommodation. Upmarket hotels are endless however anticipate a payment hefty prices for 3-5 star accommodation. Facilities are perfect offering well stocked bar/restaurant, often regularly, hot showers, flushing toilets and also the romantic African colonial style most tourist lodges and hotels now utilize. Campsites have changed immensely over the years. The days are gone when there was no grass to pitch tents, cold showers (if water at all) and warm drinks inside the fridge. Most campsites in East and Southern Africa are very well serviced and equipped boasting hot showers, flushing toilets, extensive bars and restaurants and good clean room accommodation to upgrade if camping doesn't bring your fancy each night. Needless to say there is always the opportunity the electricity could go off and domestic hot water might not exactly last but overall campsites offer excellent good value and all sorts of amenities the normal traveller desires. Transport Transport through Africa is different from Fly-in safaris, 4x4 Land Cruiser/Mini Van to customized Overland Safari Trucks. The costliest but possibly practical method for those that have a substantial budget rather than long is to fly from destination to destination. Most parks and major sightseeing attractions have air strips to appeal to the fly-in safari traveller. A low-cost to camp on these safaris; companies offering fly-in provide Upscale lodge accommodation. The disadvantages fly-in safaris are that you simply lose out on the area sites, sounds, smells and culture of a country. Not necessarily exposing towards the real Africa. These tours offer full luxury. Deciding on 4x4 Land Cruiser or mini van is much less expensive Fly-ins and gives anything from Five star accommodation to camping safaris. Often group dimensions are tied to 8-12 people per tour enabling a tiny group feel without it being too overwhelming. They're popular safaris since they suit most budgets. These tours mostly live in hotel/lodge accommodation with little or no camping. Overland custom safari trucks include the cheapest option. Most tours offered in safari trucks are camping except for a few who offer hotel/lodge accommodation. Travelling within a large safari truck will give you the best viewpoint enhancing Africa experience. The vehicles are totally self-sufficient complete with camping equipment and extensive kitchen. Travelling as being a group, anything from 13-25 people offers communal style living which is popular with single travellers or older couples wanting the excess security. These safaris often blend animal viewing, community projects with adventure activities, popular with, but not limited, the 20-40 yr old traveller. These tours are becoming more popular then ever with the over 50s looking for the more adventurous type of travel. You'll find nothing like cooking on open fire, shopping at local markets and socialising with locals.