Africa Safari - Selecting the most appropriate One
Google "Africa Safari" and one becomes completely overwhelmed by the tens of thousands of choices presented, page after page of safaris available by a huge selection of tour operators. It's no easy task however with somewhat preparation, looking for the best Africa safari can be quite a success. Right here essential items to consider ensuring you select the proper Kenya safari;
What to do If it is animals you're following the obvious options Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia or South Africa. If it is Gorilla trekking and African wildlife choose Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. If it's culture try Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana; in case you are really wanting 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 will be more authentic than the Southern African options. The favourite parks from the Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Masai Mara and Queen Elizabeth are in this portion of Africa. Began in the African coastline of Kenya along with the celebrated Spice Island of Zanzibar. Anyone after animals, culture and a few events of relaxation on tropical beaches; East Africa will be the obvious choice. Southern Africa: Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Africa are much more western and comfy than East African countries nevertheless they usually do not have the "real Africa" flair that we're accustomed. The best parks in this region are Chobe, Etosha, South Luangwa, Okavango Delta and Kruger; the famous Namib desert and Fish River Canyon for the wine region of Stellenbosch. Southern Africa provides a very different experience to East Africa. West Africa: Mali, Burkina Faso and Ghana if you are looking culture instead of bothered about wildlife. Mali is famous for Djenne, Timbuktu and Dogan Country; Burkina Faso known due to the music scene and Ghana offers historical sites from the old slave trade years, tropical beaches and some game parks with hardly any animals. Central Africa: Cameroon and Gabon is for the genuine adventure traveller. A safari with these countries will take you right into a different realm of tropical beaches, pygmies, bush meat markets, surfing hippos and a huge number of low land gorillas. This part is much less travelled with the average tourist and is nearly impossible to find an English speaking tour. A higher level Luxury Elegant luxury accommodation to camping are common on offer in East Africa, Southern Africa and West Africa. Central Africa expect a minimum of 3-5 star accommodation. Upmarket accommodations are endless however expect to pay hefty prices for 3-5 star accommodation. Facilities are fantastic offering well stocked bar/restaurant, often pools, hot showers, flushing toilets along with the romantic African colonial style most tourist lodges and hotels now utilize. Campsites have changed immensely in the past. Gone are the days when there wasn't any grass to pitch tents, cold showers (if water whatsoever) and warm drinks within the fridge. Most campsites in East and Southern Africa are serviced and equipped boasting hot showers, flushing toilets, extensive bars and restaurants and good clean room accommodation to upgrade if camping won't bring your fancy every evening. Of course there's always the opportunity the energy might have to go off and hot water might not last but overall campsites offer excellent good value and all the amenities the typical traveller desires. Transport Transport through Africa is different from Fly-in safaris, 4x4 Land Cruiser/Mini Van to customized Overland Safari Trucks. The most expensive but possibly practical means for those that have a substantial budget and not much time would be to fly from destination to destination. Most parks and major places of interest have air strips to take care of the fly-in safari traveller. A low-cost to camp on these safaris; companies offering fly-in offer 5 star lodge accommodation. The downsides to fly-in safaris are which you miss out on the local sites, sounds, smells and culture of the country. Not necessarily exposing to the real Africa. These tours offer full luxury. Choosing 4x4 Land Cruiser or mini van is a lot less expensive Fly-ins and provide many methods from Upscale accommodation to camping safaris. Often group dimensions are limited by 8-12 people per tour permitting a tiny group feel without it being too overwhelming. They're popular safaris as they suit most budgets. These tours mostly remain in hotel/lodge accommodation with very little camping. Overland custom safari trucks are the cheapest option. Most tours offered in safari trucks are camping apart from a few who offer hotel/lodge accommodation. Travelling in the large safari truck offers you the most effective viewpoint enhancing Africa experience. The vehicles are totally self-sufficient complete with camping equipment and extensive kitchen. Travelling like a group, many methods from 13-25 people offers communal style living which is liked by single travellers or older couples wanting the extra safety and security. These safaris often blend animal viewing, community projects with adventure activities, popular with, however, not limited, the 20-40 years old traveller. These tours have become more popular then ever together with the over 50s seeking the greater adventurous type of travel. There's nothing like cooking on open fire, shopping at local markets and socialising with locals.