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Top Seven African Safaris
For many years Africa has been the destination for people seeking the true spirit of life. Experiencing its unique and breathtaking scenery and its numerous, untamed and rare wildlife will capture and transform the imagination. For an experience truly moving and exhilarating, profound and spiritual: a safari to that wondrous part of the planet will prove to be an adventure of a lifetime.
An Africa safari is an experience unlike any other. Here are my top 7 destinations:
- The Serengeti – Tanzania
Serengeti is the complete vision of a safari. Dry, flat dusty land punctuated by the flat acacia tree, underneath which the mane of the male lion blows in the pre-storm wind. Lack of crowds and unrefined conditions adds to the ruggedness of the experience. The Serengeti plain covers 5,610 square miles and is home to more than 3 million animals.
Despite the vastness, you’ll be surprised at how many concentrations of prides, troops or herds you’ll see.
Best Season: September-March, which is the dry season.
- The Classic Wildlife Safari – Kenya
Kenya is possibly the best and most well-known safari destination in the world. It is the only resort that can offer the chance of a lifetime to see the annual wildebeest migration. The variety of parks, from Amboseli to the Aberdares, is sure to satisfy. A holiday to Kenya can prove to be that adventure of a lifetime.
Best Season: year-round, except April and May, which is the rainy season.
- Gorillas in the Mist –Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
There are little more than 600 mountain gorillas left on the planet and half of them live within Bwindi. After you trek through the thick bush, the gorillas see you and proceed down from their swinging vines. There is always a chance that a baby gorilla will closely inspect your clothes and hair. The rules are: don’t show your pearls and don’t look at them straight in the eye. Besides, you’ll not find a wildlife experience quite as exhilarating or emotional.
Best Season: September-March, June – September
- A Rafting Voyage- The Omo River, Ethiopia
If you truly want the undiscovered Africa, this journey is for you. You will touch down on all elevations and varying rapid intensity. You’ll wrestle with class 3 and 4 rapids, wind through narrow and very deep canyons and natural waterfalls will cool you down. Camps are made at riverside, where you will be surrounded by lush vegetation, hippos, antelopes, baboons, etc. This trip embraces adventure on the river with high doses of wildlife, water-in-the face fun and opportunities to visit indigenous tribes along the way. A hard to beat adventure.
Best Season: October-June is best for mild temperatures.
- The Roof of Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
The mighty Mount Kilimanjaro doesn’t boast a large array of wildlife, although at the base you could spot some leopards and elephants. But it does take ownership of the best view of the entire continent.
The Highlights is reaching the Uhuru peak (the summit) at sunrise. Breathtaking views are guaranteed.
Best Season: climb during January-March, July-October.
- The Kruger National Park – Home to the Disney World of game reserves, South Africa
Here you can choose to hook up with an organised guided or self-drive, a feature which is rare within government run parks. All roads are paved so there are no off-roading possibilities. This is ideal for those who prefer a more intimate and calm personal experience.
Best Season: year round; October is ideal. June – August is winter, when things are dry, making it easier to see the animals.
- Wings over Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa)
Imagine this: an aerial view of herds of elephants, prides of lions, troops of baboons and every prey of the plains, all in one glance! The scenery would be like nothing you’ve ever experienced. The flying tours, which take place on luxury jets, complete with bar and huge observation windows, take you on a whirlwind highlight tour from the pyramids north of the great Sahara to various stops.
Best Season: November-March, which is the dry season.
For information about booking these trips of a lifetime contact the following:
Taga Safaris
Tel: +27 11 465 56 78
Fax: + 27 11 465 93 64
or
www.e-gnu.com
Tel: +27 21 780 13 91
Fax: +27 21 780 1309
Claudia Foleng-Achunche (c_foleng@yahoo.co.uk) is the Author of Tasty and Exotic Foods – an exotic blend of West African mouthwatering cuisine for the 21 st century.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.