Packing for Africa Just Got Easier: Bamboosa Product Giveaway

On September 1, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

BamboosaWe’re so excited to be hosting our very first blog giveaway yet! And we’re even more excited that the product we’re giving away is from Bamboosa—a clothing and accessory company specializing in products created from organically grown bamboo. From BambooBaby products to accessories, bamboo socks to accessories, Bamboo powder soap bars to adult printed tees, and a wide selection of men’s clothing to women’s clothing, environmentally conscious consumers can find all of their travel and everyday needs at Bamboosa.

Bamboosa’s business practices are both socially and environmentally sustainable and they offer some of the best products in their industry. Each of their clothing pieces is breathable and cool, thermal regulating and wicking, absorbent, and fast drying. Not to mention, all clothing items are light for packing, which is a must when traveling to Africa.

We mentioned this giveaway to participants on the “What to Pack for an African Vacation” teleseminar this morning, but this contest is for anyone and everyone who’s interested.

Here are the giveaway details:

Bamboosa

Priya Skirts

Giveaway: One of Bamboosa’s  gorgeous Priya skirts or a $40.00 gift certificate to Bamboosa’s huge selection of online items.

How to enter: Simply by leaving a comment on this post (or on the contest post on the Charleston Style Concierge blog), you have the chance to win the giveaway. At the end of the contest, we will combine all the comments from this blog and from the Charleston Style Concierge blog and use Random.org to choose the winner.

Additional ways to enter: Participants can also gain extra entries by . . .

1. Subscribing to this blog’s RSS feed

2. Subscribing to our weekly newsletter.

3. “Liking” Hills of Africa on Facebook.

****NOTE: After each additional entry, participants must comment again on this post mentioning the additional entries they made.

Dates: Contest begins today, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 and ends next Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at midnight (Eastern Time).

Terms & Conditions: No compensation for commenting or promoting this giveaway will be given in either cash or products unless you are a chosen winner.

Names will only be entered four times maximum per person (if the person chooses to take additional actions specified above to enter the giveaway) and will be chosen randomly–no exceptions. Winners will be contacted via email.

By commenting, you are stating that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of this contest. If you agree to the above terms and conditions, you may begin commenting today!

Winner will be emailed on Thursday, September 9, 2010. No purchase necessary.

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What You Need to Know To Plan the Perfect Trip to Africa

On August 30, 2010, In Accommodations, African Destinations, African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle
trip to africaAsking a traveler where they want to go and what they want to see in Africa is a loaded question that’s often difficult to realistically answer right off the bat. Some travelers might dream about enjoying 3-days of luxurious wine tasting via horseback followed by a mobile safari through the Serengeti—but if these travelers are bringing their young children, these activities might be difficult or even prohibited to take part in.       

Therefore, it’s important to ask yourself a variety of questions prior to planning your trip, and be sure that you consult with a trusted travel agent who specializes in trips to Africa. These questions include: “What’s my budget?,” “Who am I going with?,” “What do my travel partners and I want to see and do?,” and “What type of accommodations do we want to stay in?”

Each and every answer to these questions has an influence on the answer to the next question. In order to plan the perfect vacation around your specific preferences, here is what you’ll need to know:
What’s your budget? african safari vacation
      

This is a big one and is the very first thing you must consider before planning your trip to Africa. Taking a vacation to Africa is quite an investment—one that is well-worth the money and the time it takes to travel. Nonetheless, you must be realistic about your budget and understand that creating a completely customized itinerary pulls in a variety of financial factors such as flights, transportation within Africa, accommodations, activities, reserve and park fees, tours, and more.

If you want to experience a highly personalized and luxurious vacation, you must have at the very least $5,000 per person in your budget.

After you’ve decided on your budget, it’s time to figure out the fun stuff.
Who are you going with?       

Are you going to Africa with your spouse? Or are you going with your family? Perhaps you’re visiting with a group of friends. Whomever you’re going with, deciding on activities that are appropriate for everyone in your party is a must.

african safari toursFor example, if you are bringing children to Africa, they might be too young to participate in safari tours such as game drives, wine tasting tours, or canoe safaris—and sometimes, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to stay at certain accommodations. Therefore, it’s important to either make prior arrangements for the children while you are on safari, or create an itinerary for the entire family that consists primarily of child-friendly activities.

Or, if you are going to Africa with a group of friends varying in age and physical endurance, you might want to consider the physical requirements for certain activities you want to take part in such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback safaris, or walking safaris.
What do you want to see and do?       

Do you want to discover ancient architecture, swim with penguins, relax at a luxury spa, or enjoy spectacular game viewing?

Deciding what you want to see and do has a huge influence on the countries and regions you will visit while in Africa.

For example, there is only one place in Africa where you can swim with the penguins and that’s Boulder’s Beach in South Africa. And, wine tasting can’t be enjoyed just anywhere in Africa—you must go to Cape Winelands to take part in the best of wine tasting.

Also, game drives cannot be experienced everywhere in Africa. This is why it’s important that you weigh your activity preferences to determine which ones you are top priority while in Africa.
What type of accommodation do you want to stay in?       

Africa is full of various types of accommodations ranging everywhere from mobile camps to non-mobile camps, rustic lodges to lavish hotels, and extravagant bandas to romantic bush tents. Because each of these accommodations varies dramatically in terms of adventure and comfort, you must gage your personal preferences and consider your comfort zone and desire for extreme exploration.

If you want to sleep in plush beds surrounded by regal interior décor, visit the spa, enjoy fine dining in elegant restaurants, and have luxurious amenities at your disposal, a mobile camp, rustic lodge, or bush camp probably isn’t for you. Rather, you might want to consider extravagant bandas on the water’s edge or a luxurious hotel in Cape Town or the Garden Route, South Africa.

But if you are interested in experiencing the wilderness or are an adventurist at heart, you’ll love the mobile safaris and rustic lodges.
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The Little Five vs. The Big Five

On August 23, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, By Sandy Salle

Of course everyone on an African safari vacation wants to see the famous Big Five. Who doesn’t? But what many travelers don’t realize is that there is much more to see in various eco-systems of Africa besides lions, elephants, rhinoceros, leopards, and Cape buffaloes.

Often underrated for their size, the Little Five are some of the most interesting and curious creatures to observe in the African wilderness. These five animals consist of the rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, and the ant lion.

See below for a description of each of the Little Five:

Elephant shrew: Growing up to 30 cm in length, the elephant shrew is an adorable little mammal that hops along the ground in search of yummy insects and grub. Their hops are so tremendous that some can reach anywhere between 2 – 3 ft. in one leap! They also have a long tail and nose that enables them to sniff for insects before projecting the insects into their mouths using their tongue.

Living in solitary pairs of two, the elephant shrew isn’t the most social creature in the Africa’s southern region. In fact, the elephant shrew is so against socializing with others that it will mark its territory with a musky odor that is produced by a gland beneath its tail.

But although these creatures may be named after a shrew, they are in fact more closely related to aardvarks and moles.

Rhinoceros beetle: A frightening looking insect, the rhino beetle has a thick coating of pointy armor that makes it an intimidating sight to see in the wild! Growing up to 2.5 inches in length, the rhino beetle is one of the world’s largest species of beetle and actually ranks as one of the world’s strongest creatures—proportionately.  Rhino beetles are so strong that they can lift nearly 850 times their weight.

Equipped with two large horns—hence the name rhinoceros beetle—the rhino beetle will use these horns to dig for food in trees as well as under rotting bark and beneath soil. They’ll also use these horns to defend themselves and fight other male beetles for mates.

Although these insects have a threatening appearance, they are harmless to humans as they do not bite or sting.

Image taken from (http://bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au/learning/resources/Entomology/internalAnatomy/imagePages/rhinocerousBeetle.html)

Buffalo weaver: Comprised of vibrant orange, black, and white feathers, this tricolored bird is one of Africa’s most beautiful bird species. Although this bird may appear graceful in pictures and at first glance, it’s actually a loud bird t

hat causes quite a ruckus. With large communal nests comprised of thorns and twigs, the buffalo weaver is a social bird species that interacts with others using loud vocal callings and aggressive movements.

Found primarily in the dry savanna and acacia woodland in Eastern Africa, these birds feed on grass seeds, acacia, insects, and fruits.

Image taken by the Honolulu Zoo (http://www.honoluluzoo.org/whiteheaded_buffalo_weaver.htm)

Leopard tortoise: With shells comprised of unique carvings, patterns, and colors, the leopard tortoise is one of the world’s most beautiful reptiles and one of the most interesting. It can live to be 100 years old and can reach up to 18 inches in length and weigh nearly 40 lbs.

While most turtle species produce eggs that incubate for 90 – 120 days, the leopard tortoises’ egg incubation period can last for over a year before the eggs hatch. This lengthy incubation process happens beneath the ground in dry, grassy areas of southern Africa.

Image taken from http://www.leopardtortoise.com/

Antlion: A frightening and bizarre looking insect, the antlion’s name more accurately depicts its larval stage than its adult stage. Named for its large head, jagged jaws, and bristle-covered body, the antlion is a beast compared to most other ants.

When antlions are in their larvae form, they will dig little holes in the sand where they will wait for another insect to fall into their trap before eating them.

In adulthood, the antlion can reach roughly 1.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 3.2 inches in length. During their adult stages, the antlion looks completely different from its larval stage and resembles a dragonfly more than an ant.

Image Taken by Wayne Schmidt (http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/mybetterpictures.htm)

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Is There More to Africa Than Wildlife?

On August 20, 2010, In African Safari Tours, Family Safaris, Honeymoon Safaris, By Sandy Salle

safari toursWhen you think of Africa what are some of the first visions that come to mind? For many, safari tours and the Big Five are some of the first thoughts that arise. Of course, Africa is the ultimate destination for safaris and game viewing, but there is so much more to do in Africa besides exceptional safari experiences.

One of the most fascinating elements about Africa is its extensive diversity. Comprised of 53 countries that range in climate, culture, history, landscape, cuisine, activities, accommodations, and wildlife, Africa is one of the world’s most astonishing and eclectic continents. Attracting everyone from beach addicts to ocean enthusiasts, romantics to spa lovers, and cultural buffs to wine connoisseurs, Africa is a destination for almost everyone.

Although Africa does attract a variety of different people with different interests, needs, desires, and preferences, visitors to Africa do have something in common: the desire to discover and grow.

So, what else is there to do besides game viewing? Tons! See below for an insight into the real Africa:

Cape Town City Tours: Grow, learn, discover, and uncover on a tour through the glowing city of Cape Town, South trip to AfricaAfrica. With a bustling atmosphere filled with architectural fascinations, shopping hubs, gardens, beaches, quaint bistros and cafes, mouth-watering seafood, hiking trails, and the infamous Table Mountain, Cape Town invites all sorts of individuals and various interests.

Cultural Visits: An absolute highlight among visitors to Africa, cultural visits are not only enlightening and rewarding, but they’re also often the gateway to an entirely new perspective on Africa and life in general. Almost all of the most popular destinations in Africa offer exceptional cultural visits that allow travelers to immerse themselves into local cultures and customs. Some of the best cultural tours take visitors to local schools, orphanages, and private homes, while others consist of exciting interactive bush walks or bicycling tours through local villages.

World Heritage Sites: Southern Africa is home to some of the most intriguing World Heritage Sites on earth. From cultural sites such as the Fossil Hominid Sites, Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Robben Island, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape to natural sites including Vredefort Dome and the Great St. Lucia Wetland Park, Africa holds captivating secrets of the past in what remains in the present.

Golfing: As one of the top golf destinations in the world, South Africa is speckled with stunning courses that provide the avid golfer with exciting challenges around every corner. Whether looking for a five-day golf safari tour or half a day of golf, South Africa’s renowned courses can accommodate.

tour AfricaEach and every day (and hole for that matter) provides seasoned golfers with new challenges and experiences. For example, Leopard Creek County Club’s sixteenth hole requires balls to pass over hippo-populated waters onto a fresh green while Links at Fancourt is South Africa’s most challenging course, providing visitors with surprising twists, dips, and obstacles.

Ocean Visits: The coastline and archipelagos of Africa are bustling with beauty and infinite opportunities for exploration.

Africa’s coastlines and islands are so diverse and spectacular that they’re known for being some of the world’s top beach, scuba diving, and snorkeling destinations in the world. Africa’s waters are also home to whales, the African penguin, sharks, dolphins, and other aquatic creatures, making shark cage diving, whale watching, and swims with the penguins some of Africa’s most exciting ocean activities.

Wine Tours: There is no shortage of wine tours in Cape Winelands, South Africa. With dozens of types of tours to choose from, visitors find their time in Cape Winelands isn’t long enough. Some of the most acclaimed wine tours include wine making, personal wine tasting, VIP wine tasting, one-day village tours, horseback riding, bicycling, and hiking tours.

Fishing: Whether you’re interested in big game saltwater fishing or freshwater fishing, Africa’s rivers, lakes, and deep sea fishingsurrounding ocean are always teeming with adventure and thrilling catches.

Travelers interested in freshwater fishing have the opportunity to observe large land game and other lake dwelling creatures such as a wide variety of birds, hippos, and crocodiles as they enjoy an exciting day of fishing. One of the most popular and aggressive freshwater fish is the tigerfish, which can weigh in anywhere from 10 – 25 lbs.

Deep sea fishing, on the other hand, typically consists of larger and stronger fish depending on the time of year. Sailfish are caught the most as they are found in the area year round, while species of marlin, wahoo, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish are typically caught between the months of October and March.

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Find Bliss on the Edge of Tanzania’s Ruaha River

On August 16, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

There is no rush to do anything at Tanzania’s Amara Simbazi boutique camp—there is only the feeling of pure harmony. Whether you’re watching the sunset behind the thick African bush from the tranquil infinity pool or finding peace on the Ruaha River’s edge, Amara Simbazi somehow defies the constraints of time.

As you enter this blissful retreat, located in the Selous Game Reserve, you’ll immediately recognize a feeling of balance that’s ignited by the soothing interior colors and textures that emulate Tanzania’s energetic, natural surroundings. Each of the camp’s 12 luxurious tented camps is designed to provide you with maximum comfort, while enabling the outdoors to permeate through to the inside.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Perfect for romantic safari honeymoons, family reunions or getaways, and group trips, Amara Simbazi is the ideal accommodations for any traveler looking to explore Tanzania’s exotic wilderness. It is, however, important to note that if you are taking a family vacation, children must be a minimum of 6-years in age.

While visiting this boutique camp enjoy fine dining, opulent spa treatments, and exciting bush-based activities.

Here are just a few things you can expect to partake in while visiting Amara Simbazi:

Explore the Wilderness on Safari: Whether you want to experience a game drive, walking safari, or birding safari, Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve is one of Africa’s premier safari tour destinations. As a World Heritage Site and Tanzania’s largest and most plentiful game reserve, Selous is comprised of an eclectic variety of bustling eco-systems that each offer a new perspective on wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

With hundreds of species of birds including the African fish eagle, goliath herons, Egyptian geese, waders, vultures, and warblers, Selous Game Reserve’s waterways are teeming with some of Africa’s most celebrated bird species. With the help of your knowledgeable safari guide and a pair of great binoculars, you can get even closer to these species than you ever imagined.

Game drives are also a great way to view birds but are more famous for viewing large game such as lions, leopards and elephants. And before you head out for your refreshing morning game drive, enjoy a delightful bush breakfast amongst the residential wildlife.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website gallery (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/gallery.html)

Walking safaris are another excellent way to view Tanzania’s large game, but they’re also perfect for discovering hidden wildlife such as the little five. You’ll also get to utilize some detective skills as you scan the ground for animal tracks and go in search of animals on the move.

Boating Adventures: Venture across the Ruaha River in search of giant hippos, fierce crocodiles, and aquatic birds. On these safari tours, you’ll find excitement around every bend of the river while enjoying chilled refreshments and refreshing snacks.

Image taken from Amara Simbazi's website (http://www.amara-tanzania.com/activities.html)

Sensual Spa Treatments: Whether you want to experience a rejuvenating spa treatment in the privacy of your

tented camp or outdoors amongst the sounds and aromas of the wildlife, Amara Simbazi’s signature spa treatments allow you to restore balance, eliminate physical stresses, and revitalize the senses. Perfect for experiencing after exciting safari tours, Simbazi’s spa treatments are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

Did you find this post informative? Let us know in our comments section.

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How Do You Perceive Africa? The Truth May Surprise You

On August 11, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle

A common fear and misconception that many travelers have about Africa is that it will be completely non-westernized, anti-west, and / or uncivilized—quite the contrary. Many times, as soon as once-skeptical travelers return from their first trip to Africa, many boast about their feelings of belonging, trust, and sheer joy while visiting and interacting with the locals. Highlights from these trips almost always include the hospitable and friendly people, the delectable cuisine, and the wonderfully organized tours and activities.

But to give you a better idea for how Africa really is, we’ve highlighted some aspects of Africa that have been main traveler concerns for decades:

The Misconception: The people will be anti-west or uncivilized.

The Reality: The interaction visitors to Africa have with the locals is considered by many to be a life changing experience. As a travel company that has sent thousands of people to Africa, we’ve heard dozens upon dozens of wonderful stories and joyful moments our clients have had in Africa. But an element that has had one of the greatest impacts on our clients has been the people of Africa.

Many travelers compare their accommodation settings to being in the comfort of their own home with friends and family. The staff, often comprised of locals, is not only attentive to your every individual need and desire, but they are also extremely friendly and hospitable. Not to mention, they are delighted to learn just as much about you as you are to learn more about them and their culture.

The Misconception: I won’t be able to converse with anyone and that makes me very nervous.

The Reality: Visiting a country where everyone speaks a language that is foreign to you can be very unnerving. You worry about not being able to find transportation, interacting with locals, and purchasing items. These fears are completely understandable. However, you’ll quickly realize that everyone you interact with in Africa speaks English. From your safari guides to street merchants, restaurant staff to accommodation staff, transportation professionals to tour guides, you’ll never have a problem with communication when you travel smart.

The Misconception: I can’t eat the food or drink the water for fear of disease. And I also don’t want to eat bland British-based food or strange, exotic meals that I have no idea what they’re made of or where they came from.

The Reality: There are most definitely areas in Africa where you should not eat the food or drink the water; however, you will not be visiting any of those places on a luxury family vacation or honeymoon.

The accommodations you will be visiting have access to filtered water and sensational fresh food. In addition to the cuisine at your accommodations, you can also visit a variety of fine-dining establishments, quaint bistros, and casual seaside cafes for delectable local fare.

In terms of the types of food to enjoy in Africa, there is a wide variety. Often, first-time travelers to Africa are either under the impression that the food will be completely British-based or bizarre meats and delicacies. Both of those assumptions are completely false. In fact, visitors to Africa often have the choice between more traditional African dishes or westernized dishes for the more conservative eater.

For many travelers to Africa, who are unfamiliar with traditional southern African cuisine, there is a concern about whether or not they will be able to enjoy the food on their trip. But, if you enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables, spicy stews, sensational wines, meats—such as lamb, chicken, beef, ostrich, pork—and freshly caught seafood, you’re going to be in heaven with the food in Africa. And, if you want to try something a little more adventurous, there are delicious meats primarily served only in Africa, which include springbok, kudu, and crocodile.

With a variety of westernized dishes and traditional African dishes, visitors to Africa are guaranteed to find meals that fit their liking.

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Professional Safari Guide Reveals All About Private African Safaris

On August 9, 2010, In African Safari Tours, By Sandy Salle

African safari tour

It is our mission and passion to share the beauty and energy of Africa with the entire world, and one of the best ways to illustrate what you might experience on safari is through speaking with a professional safari guide. For this reason, we’ve created a new Live the Magic of Africa blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann.

Professional Safari Guide

Mark Homann

Raised in Zimbabwe’s farming community, Mark earned his Professional Guides license at the young age of twenty-two. His formative years as a safari guide were spent managing camps and leading specialized safaris for companies with a heavy focus toward sustainable, community-based natural resource management.

Mark and his family now live outside of Hilton Head, South Carolina, where he works as a safari consultant to organize safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa. Mark is also available as a personal safari guide by special request.

We are delighted that Mark has decided to join the Hills of Africa as one of our Africa travel specialists.

Below is a Q & A with Mark:

1. How does having your own personal safari guide differ from experiencing safari in a group of individuals?

A private safari gives you the flexibility of having all of your experiences focus primarily on your interests. I can recall many times, while on a group safari, people’s interests differed and a compromise was always the result.

For example, if you witness a lion make a kill for the first time, you may want to spend the whole morning tracking the pack—as it could be your only chance to see them. But, if you’re on a group safari, the other guests may have already seen lots of lions and want to move on quickly to other experiences.

African safari tours

2. What types of individuals would benefit from having a personal safari guide? Who would not benefit from having a personal safari guide?

In my opinion, everyone on safari would benefit from having a private guide. Private guides typically have a lot more experience and are at the top of the industry, which makes your safari experience highly adventurous and exciting. They work hand in hand with resident or lodge guides so you experience not one, but two personal safari guides. A pure luxury while on safari.

3. What traits make for a great safari guide?

There has always been a debate about what makes a good guide. Some people love wildlife and know so much about all the various wildlife of Africa, but don’t have the socializing skills to effectively communicate their knowledge and excitement, while others are great with people but not as informed about the wildlife. With that said, the best guides are those who love talking about wildlife and interacting with people, and have a lot of enthusiasm.

African safari tours

4. What characteristics would describe your ideal safari-goer / client / participant?

The best clients on a safari are people that are interested, excited, and enthusiastic, and ask a lot of questions.

Be the first to let us know what you think of our new blog series, Q&A with Professional Safari Guide, Mark Homann in our comments section.

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African Safari Sample Itinerary: The Serengeti and The Garden Route

On August 2, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, South Africa, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Perfect for travelers who want an even mixture of adventure and relaxation, this 10-day sample itinerary is designed to give you a better idea for what you could expect on an African safari vacation to the Serengeti and Garden Route.

10-Day Sample Itinerary for The Serengeti and The Garden Route:

Day 1: Your adventure begins.

Upon arrival to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro airport, you will be greeted by a Hills of Africa representative who will escort you to the Rivertrees Country Inn.

Situated between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Rivertrees Country Inn emits a comforting aura through its traditional African hospitality, layout, design, and staff that welcomes guests with open arms to enjoy the luxuries of nature and comfortable living.

As you settle into your charming suite at the Rivertrees Country Inn, experience a sense of balance and rejuvenation before enjoying a delectable meal in Rivertrees’ quaint, country-style restaurant.

Image taken from Rivertrees Country Inn Website (http://www.rivertrees.com/)

Day 2 – 5: Follow the Great Migration.

After a comforting stay at the Rivertrees Country Inn, you’ll be escorted to the Arusha airport where you will take a flight to the Western Serengeti. Upon arrival, a Hills of Africa representative will greet you and bring you to the Serengeti Safari Camp. During your four-night stay at the Serengeti Safari Camp, you will witness one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, the great East African wildebeest migration.

Designed as a semi-nomadic camp, the Serengeti Safari Camp does not move while you are visiting. However, as the migration moves throughout the year, the camp will follow. This ensures that the camp remains close to the migration at all times.

During your safari tours, you will be provided with your own 4WD vehicle, and a private safari guide who will accommodate your every need and preferences. Therefore, your safari guide will customize your adventures so that they always cater to your desires.

It’s important to note that the camps at the Serengeti Safari Camp are built for luxury and convenience. With all necessary modern amenities at your fingertips, your tent is spacious, and equipped with a lavish bed and en-suite bathroom that contains a toilet and traditional bucket showers with both hot and cold water whenever you desire.

Screengrab taken from Serengeti Safari Camp website (http://www.serengeti-safari-camp.com/camp/accommodation.html)

Day 6: Set aside adventure for relaxation.

After an adventurous 4-days in the Serengeti, you will be driven back to the Arusha airport where you will take your next flight to Dar es Salaam. Here, a Hills of Africa agent will greet you and escort you to your next destination, the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel.

Overlooking the harbor, the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel provides you with the ultimate in luxury. Designed with sophistication and elegance, this refined hotel is the perfect place to retreat to after safari adventure in the Serengeti.

Day 7 – 8: Pass through the picturesque Garden Route.

After a delectable breakfast at the Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel, you will be driven back to the Dar es Salaam airport for your next adventure. Your next flight will take you to Port Elizabeth in South Africa where you will then drive to Lairds Lodge Country Estate. This gorgeous, 24-acre estate is situated in the center of South Africa’s breathtaking Garden Route.

During your 2-day stay at this exclusive country estate, enjoy easy access to world-renowned golf courses, stunning beaches, scenic hiking trails, and wildlife-abundant reserves.

Image taken from Lairds Lodge Country Estate website (http://www.lairdslodge.co.za/livinggardenroute.html)

Day 9: Explore De Hoop Nature Reserve.

Today, you will spend an exciting day in the Garden Route’s most lively nature reserve, De Hoop. As you explore the rolling sand dunes, Potberg Mountains, towering fynbos, and sea birds, you’ll begin to realize why the Garden Route is arguably South Africa’s most astonishing destination.

While exploring this one-of-a-kind nature reserve, you’ll also witness Cape mountain zebra, the endangered Cape vulture, red hartebeest, ostrich, baboon, and other spectacular wildlife.

You may also choose to spend part of your day mountain biking the pristine slopes of the area, snorkeling, hiking, or lounging at the beach.

After a full day of adventure, retreat to your relaxing suite in De Hoop Cottage before enjoying a delectable dinner.

Screengrab taken from De Hoop website (http://www.dehoopcollection.co.za/luxury_self_catering/7/vlei_cottages)

Day 10: Seaside living at its finest.

Situated on the towering Hermanus cliffs lies one of the Garden Route’s most luxurious accommodations—the Birkenhead House and Villa. Here, you merely have to peer off your balcony to witness whales breaking the sea surface in Walker Bay.

Today, you will enjoy a day lounging in front of Walker Bay before retreating to the Birkenhead Spa for one of their signature treatments.

When the day has passed you may enjoy a delightful seaside dinner at one of the areas seafood bistros or cafes before retiring to your plush bed for a good night’s rest.

Image taken from Birkenhead House and Villa website (http://www.birkenheadhouse.com/)

Day 11: Goodbye (for now)

Today you must say farewell to Africa. But you’ll be returning soon enough!

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Manyara Ranch Conservancy Suggested Itinerary for the Adventurous

On July 23, 2010, In Accommodations, African Safari Tours, Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania, By Sandy Salle

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Imagine experiencing a trip to Africa that is built around exclusivity, pure wilderness, and complete luxury. Manyara Ranch Conservancy has the exact formula for the ultimate African safari vacation you’ve been looking for.  With 35,000 acres of pristine wilderness and cultural enlightenment, it’s no wonder Manyara Ranch Conservancy has been referred to as the most exciting tourism project to come out of Tanzania.

Below is a 4-day sample itinerary of just a few things you can experience at Manyara Ranch Conservancy:

Day 1

After arriving at the Manyara Ranch Conservancy, enjoy an energizing lunch and experience an exceptional game drive where you’ll witness the Big Five as well as other mesmerizing animals such as the African wild dog, the zebra, and exotic bird species. After a day of excitement, relax with refreshing sundowners and a scrumptious bush dinner before a good night’s rest at the Manyara Ranch Tented Camp.

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Day 2

Awake to the refreshing aromas of a bush breakfast and prepare yourself for an early morning game walk where you’ll venture though the bush to discover new and exciting creatures.

When you return from your adventurous walk, visit the local primary school and enjoy a Maasai cultural visit where you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn about the Maasai culture and lifestyle, directly from the locals. Because the neighboring Maasai communities own the Manyara Ranch, everyone who visits the Conservancy has a direct contribution to helping the Maasai sustain their ancient cultural heritage.

The day ends with a night game drive through the lively bush, followed by a traditional bush dinner.

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Day 3

Delight in breakfast at the camp before you embark on a horseback safari through the sprawling plains of Tanzania and the local villages. With a plethora of wilderness beauty and wild game, the Manyara Conservancy is one of the best places in Tanzania to experience a horseback safari. These breathtaking safaris are led by professional equestrian guides and are offered in one-day tours and multiday safaris.

After your adventurous horseback safari, enjoy a private dinner beneath Tanzania’s velvety and star-sprinkled sky.

Image taken from Manyara Ranch Conservancy website (http://www.manyararanch.com/)

Day 4

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Lake Manyara National Park for a game drive where you’ll witness some of the most fascinating wildlife Tanzania has to offer.

You’ll then be transported to the luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge where you will take pleasure in traditional Tanzanian cuisine before you retire to your lavish suite in the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.

Day 5

Embark on one of the most unique tours of your trip, a thrilling full-day crater tour. On this tour, you’ll be able to walk through the Ngorongoro Crater and discover thousands of residential wild game within this spectacular World Heritage Site. From sightings of lions, elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, rhinos, and zebras, this once-volcanic site is the perfect way to end your adventurous stay with the Conservancy.

After your tour, enjoy relaxing sundowners before your dinner at the lodge, where you will stay until it’s time for your next adventure!

Discover more of what Manyara Ranch Conservancy has to offer by visiting their website.

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An Epic Battle of the Wild Kingdom

On July 2, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Wildlife, Botswana, Family Safaris, By Sandy Salle

Post by Mark Homann, Professional Guide

Earlier this month I was guiding a family on a safari at Selinda Reserve in Botswana. We had just moved on from witnessing a pride of lions kill a sub-adult giraffe, and had just set up for our sundowners when a young kudu ran out from under the setting sun. Hot on its heels, the kudu was running from a lone wild dog. In a classic show of wild dog hunting technique, the kudu ran to sheer exhaustion and the dog swam out and killed the animal right in front of us before dragging it to shore a few meters away.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Image Taken by Mark Homann

The dog fed on the kudu, going directly for the rich internal organs and stopping every few minutes to look anxiously for the rest of his pack. It surprised us that the wild dog never called for his pack, but we presumed that he was hesitant to do so knowing that the lions were just around the bend (we had seen them chasing the dogs that morning).

With all the excitement, we did not realize that the sun had gone down and night was setting in. A quick sweep of the spotlight revealed a number of crocodile eyes moving in. Attracted by the excitement, the croc moved in closer as the dog tried to drag the heavy kudu higher up the bank. But he was already exhausted. A 10 foot crocodile came out of the water and grabbed a hold of the kudus back legs and held on. The dog tried to pull, but with the combined weight it would not budge. Instead, the dog concentrated on the kudu, removing the animal’s lungs before moving off to the side.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

Thinking that the excitement was over we were surprised to see a hyena arrive. Then the wild dog and croc began engaging in a tug of war. It was impressive to see the strength of this wild dog as he pulled both the kudu and crocodile. The croc would not let go, so the hyena just fed around him, occasionally nipping at his head.  The croc got his price of the kudu’s back leg and we left the hyena feeding on the carcass with an audience of black backed jackals and a spotted eagle owl, knowing that in the morning there would be little other than a few scuff markets to tell of the night’s events.

Image Taken by Mark Homann

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