When we asked our recent client, Rebecca Reynolds of Rebecca Reynolds Consulting, what impact Africa had on her, she responded “the people were so warm and hospitable; the country (South Africa) so beautiful and so rich in culture and history, and the animals of the bushveld, so intoxicating. My heart is open and full at the same time!”

In addition to visiting Africa for a vacation, Rebecca also attended the Aspen Institute’s Globalization Seminar, which took place in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Rebecca was kind enough to allow us to feature her recent newsletter excerpts about her trip to Africa on our blog. See below for her experiences in Africa:

Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offered this stunningly festive glimpse of nature. Blossoms the luscious color of cranberry remind us at RRC of holiday feasts, and their plentitude is symbolic of the bounty we are grateful for. We wish you all the contentment and joy of a wonderful holiday season, and new visions of purpose for the New Year!

Lessons from Safari

Spending time in the bushveld of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province affords not only incredible wildlife viewing, but also some quiet lessons. First, the word safari is Swahili for “long journey,” bringing new meaning to what a safari portends. Next, the hours spent on game drives watching animals in the midst of their daily lives – taking a drink, preening, knocking down trees, nursing, rolling a matrimonial dung ball, or slithering across the road – bear witness to how great are the gifts each of us is given.

Every animal, no matter how small, has its ability, its camouflage, and its distinct role in the order of things. And they are, surprisingly, adept communicators: the impala snorts at the leopard, telling it that it’s been seen. The leopard grunts back, “Ok, relax, I’m not hunting you.” Simple, straightforward messages are key to getting along.

And finally, despite the enormous power of these animals to harm, there’s an understanding that allows humans such privileged access. The bush: an uncommon place for leadership learning.

Cape of Good Hope for 2012

Standing at the bottom of the African continent (okay, actually Cape Agulhas is the most southerly point) is a place conducive to historical reflection.

The first European to name the rocky point was Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias, who called it Cape of Storms in 1488. But later, John II of Portugal changed it to Good Hope. Dias must’ve encountered the vicious weather that prompted the namesake. And perhaps, the name also aptly described his mood since his crew forced him to turn back before he could proclaim the spice route for Portugal.

For King John, on the other hand, Dias’ adventure proved that the King’s tremendous investment in exploration would, in fact, pay off – he had plenty of good hope for a future maritime voyage to India. The cape’s name, then, is a case of perspective – and the optimist’s won the day.

As we stand at the end of 2011, gazing out to the open seas of 2012, let us appropriate the name for the coming New Year. 2012: the Year of Good Hope. Let’s raise a glass to it!

Leading from the Boma

Aspen Institute’s Globalization Seminar took place in Stellenbosch, just outside of Cape Town, assembling 60 world leaders in dialogue. Three groups of 20 convened in a boma, an open air, thatch-roofed structure indigenous to Africa, that allowed the breeze to ruffle paper and billow minds. The topic was leadership in the age of globalization, which was addressed through a series of readings from Seneca to Conrad, Thomas Friedman to Desmond Tutu.

What the immersive conversation showed was that, although the challenges are great in this time when the world is truly becoming one, there are far more similarities among us than might be expected. Economic prosperity, environmental justice, cultural expression, resource sustainability, and social well-being are priorities no matter who is talking. The question is, how will we create a new model of global governance through which these shared priorities may be realized equally for all?

Interested in learning more about Rebecca and Rebecca Reynolds Consulting? Click here to visit her website, or connect with her on Facebook.

Image above of a bedroom at Tarkuni Tswalu, taken from Tswalu.com.

Below are some of our picks for the best accommodations in southern Africa:

Best Safari House Accommodation: Tswalu’s Tarkuni Safari House

For a tranquil family escape, travel to the remote reaches of the Kalahari to enjoy a private experience with your loved ones at Tswalu’s Tarkuni Safari House in the savannah plains. Situated between two vast mountain ranges, Tarkuni Safari House is surrounded by a unique variety of fauna and flora that can easily be explored via safari game drive.

The house is completely private and is comprised of five lavish suites that can accommodate up to 10 guests at a time. To immerse you into the most relaxing setting possible and ensure that all of your individual needs are met in an instant, Tswalu provides Tarkuni guests with a private chef, host, game drive vehicle, tracker, and safari guide.

Some of the house’s most celebrated features include a poolside deck, swimming pool, two lounges with fireplaces, and outdoor showers.

Best Accommodation for Game Viewing: Great Plains Conservation Selinda Camp

Set along the quiet banks of the Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, Great Plains Conservation’s Selinda Camp is beloved for its unique synchronization of modern amenities and traditional tented ambiance. With a blanket of treetops situated above the camp, guests can enjoy the beauty of nature unfold before them.

The camp is surrounded by wildlife-clad floodplains and savannas, which guests can look out on via raised decks that project into the water. Whether relishing in an outdoor dinner or reminiscing about the day’s events while overlooking the plains, visitors will never experience a dull moment at camp.

Image above of Selinda Camp taken from GreatPlainsConservation.com.

While visiting, guests can take part in morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, and boating to get a holistic insight into all of the various ecosystems surrounding the camp. The Selinda Camp is also operated on an all-inclusive basis, which includes accommodation, all activities, meals, park fees, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding imported and premium drinks). Transportation to and from the accommodation are separate.

Best City-Based Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of Cape Town, South Africa’s urban culture, you’ll want to make it a point to stay at the luxurious Cape Grace Hotel. This boutique accommodation has been globally celebrated for its fantastic location and extraordinary amenities and services.

Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront) harbor and in front of the historic Table Mountain, Cape Grace Hotel brings the best of Cape Town to life. Cleverly pulling elements of Cape Town culture into its design and ambiance, Cape Grace Hotel features the award-winning Signal Restaurant, the Spa at Cape Grace, and the Bascule Whiskey, Wine, and Cocktail Bar. This quaint hotel also offers lavish private yacht charters around the Cape—ideal for a romantic evening in luxury.

From the early morning hours to the late evening hours, V&A Waterfront is constantly bustling with contagious energy. Simply walk outside of the Cape Grace Hotel for some extraordinary shopping, beer making, harbor cruises, movies, bicycle rentals, exceptional dining, live jazz, and so much more.

Want to discover more about southern Africa accommodations? Visit us on Facebook!

As many of you have probably seen in the news, there have been some concerns over travel through Kenya. Two aid workers were abducted near the Kenya-Somalia border and two tourists have also recently been kidnapped from resorts on the coast of Kenya. The concentrated areas where the abduction of the tourists occurred were in Kiwayu and Lamu—both located on the coast of Kenya.

We would like to take this time to assure you that those traveling to the inland regions of Kenya, such as Nairobi, Amboseli, Chyulu Hills, Masai Mara, Sambaru National Reserves, Laikipia, or any of the other inland destinations in Kenya, there is no need to worry. The attacks are concentrated in remote areas on the coast of Kenya where pirates from the ocean are suspected to have landed at these properties and taken the tourists.

Properties in the Kiwayu and Lamu areas have taken necessary security precautions by closing down, only to reopen when travel is safe. Currently, the Kenya Government has implemented a series of security measures in these regions and placed patrol officers along the coastal waters.

We assure you that the best interest of travelers is always a priority to us. To ensure that our clients, as well as other travelers remain safe while traveling to Africa, we always stay up to date on political, economical, and social issues that may arise throughout the African continent.

Travelers visiting Kenya should avoid visiting remote coastal areas and Kiwayu and Lamu until the situation has been resolved and proper security measures remain in place. We’d also like to assure you that if we had any concerns over the safety of our clients traveling to the inland regions of Kenya, we would cancel those trips.

Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We are more than happy to discuss them with you.

Below are just 5 of the most frequently asked questions we receive about traveling to and through Africa:

Is it safe to travel to and through Africa?

Wherever you travel, safety is always a concern. And traveling to and through Africa is no different. Although southern and eastern Africa are safe destinations to travel to, you are still traveling outside of your native country; therefore, all basic travel precautionary measures should be taken into account. Finding a travel professional who is willing to take great lengths to ensure your safety and who will guide you on all preparation steps for your trip is a must. This ensures that you have a safe and enjoyable trip with minimal stresses. It is the duty of your travel professional to make sure you are safe while traveling abroad.

Planning ahead and researching are some one of the best things you can do to ensure that you are prepared and safe during your trip—this applies for anywhere you go.

How do we get around when traveling through Africa?

Because many of the camps and lodges you’ll be staying at are in remote regions, you’ll most likely take one or several charter flights during your stay in Africa. Guests can choose to embark on private charters or scheduled charters. Private charters are completely private and only serve your group. Scheduled charters transport your group, as well as other travelers outside of your group. If your itinerary includes travel on a small aircraft, there are serious luggage and personal weight restrictions that must be taken into account. After you’ve booked, ask your travel professional to provide you with a detailed description of weight requirements for your particular flights and regions of travel. There are also ground transports that are offered between camps and countries. This depends based on the distance between your current point and your next destination.

How much does an African safari vacation cost?

A trip to Africa can range everywhere from low-budget to extremely high-end and luxurious. Know your budget prior to travel when choosing a safari travel agent, as some will only plan trips that are within a certain price range.

If you’re looking to stay in renowned and trusted accommodations and experience superior and well-organized tours, you’ll most likely be spending upwards of $8,000 per person for your trip.

Just keep in mind that if you are looking for a high-end experience, it’s important to find a travel professional who pays strict attention to detail and who will go above and beyond for you. It’s also important to understand the travel professional’s reputation with tour providers, accommodations, and past clients.

What types of health precautions are necessary before traveling to Africa?

Some countries throughout southern and eastern Africa do carry malaria, yellow fever, and other diseases that require pills and / or vaccinations. Therefore, consult with your healthcare professional or health department about precautions you should take prior to departing. We strongly suggest getting anti-malaria tablets from your doctor before traveling to any countries with malaria. When you book your trip, ask your travel professional to guide you on any medical precautions you should take, based on the countries you have chosen to visit.

What are the accommodations like in southern and eastern Africa?

There are all different types of accommodations in Africa, ranging everywhere from mobile camps to non-mobile camps, villas to safari houses, and lodges to hotels. All of these types of accommodations can be extremely lavish and many include modern amenities such as en-suite facilities and hot and cold water.

To give you a little description of the various types of accommodations, I’ve outlined each below:

Mobile Camps: Depending on personal tastes and preferences, you may choose to experience a multiday mobile safari, where your tent will be moved and set up for you each day as you venture to new locations.

Non-Mobile Camps: Non-mobile camps do not move and are often made up of spacious canvas coverings. They are known for their ability to completely immerse guests into their natural surroundings.

Lodges: Situated in complete wilderness, with the only outside stimulations coming from nature, lodges are the perfect way to surround yourself with the tranquility of the African wilderness.

Villas and Safari Houses: From amenities to accommodations, and activities to dining, every element of your vacation should be customized to your specific needs. And one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Africa, in a way that is catered completely to your standards, is in a private villa or safari house.

Hotels: Renowned for their superior service, lavish interior designs and amenities, and location within urban areas, deluxe hotels provide guests with the opportunity to explore city activities, shopping, attractions, dining, and entertainment—even quiet natural surroundings.

Have additional questions about traveling to Africa? Email us at hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com.

One of our recent clients, Sharon Discorfano, was kind enough to share with us a blog post she wrote about her adventures in Africa.

See below for Sharon’s blog post on her recent trip to Africa, taken from her blog Sharon Discorfano: Cruelty Faves . . . And More

(**NOTE: All content and images throughout this post were provided by Sharon Discorfano)

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to many truly amazing places thus far in my lifetime, but it’s taken me until now to set foot on the African continent. Finally, everything fell into place to make it happen this past month. I had the time (always the hardest part about getting away!) and an enthusiastic travel companion, and the trip fit in perfectly with my personal agenda of doing some reading up on International Wildlife Law during summer break. What better way to follow up reading about wildlife than by hanging out with the elephants and leopards themselves?

After landing in South Africa and spending our sixth wedding anniversary at African Rock Hotel in Johannesburg, my husband Seth and I headed to Zimbabwe. The chance to be with the animals in their own environment is an experience that I wish each person could have at some point during his or her lifetime. We encountered all kinds of animals — animals I didn’t even know existed before this trip. And we did so quietly and respectfully, mindful not to intrude upon them or disrupt nature in progress. We were there simply to bear witness. I remain in awe of the power and peace one finds co-existing in the wilderness.

A brief overview of our incredible journey:

* Hwange National Park

We stayed at the Little Makalolo Camp, with a tented suite that overlooked a large watering hole, a gathering place for many animals, especially elephants. Our expert guide Sibbs demonstrated a consciousness and spiritual connection to the land and animals that made me trust him enough to put me within twelve feet of a male lion. Another highlight, a herd of about 700 buffalo. At first they looked like a collection of dots, or black shrubs, on the horizon; having a Shakespeare moment, I was reminded of the Birnam Woods coming to Dunsinae in Macbeth. It only got better when a baby hippo emerged from the water and started mingling with the crowd, trying to make some new friends.

* Lake Kariba

Getting from place to place required air travel, small planes that seated from four to twelve people. There were five of us, including our pilot, on the trip from Hwange to Kariba, and the first view of the wide expanse of  the lake was simply breathtaking. By volume, Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the world, and the wildlife that comes to it is spectacular. Our guide Madison grew up in the Lake Kariba area, and he often displayed a playfulness during our drives together — still delighting in the discovery of an animal, as I imagined he did when he was just a kid. From the balcony of our room at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, Seth and I watched elephants strolling down the beach. During game drives that took us closer to the water, we were amused by wart hog families nuzzling their faces into the mud, and I was utterly captivated by the sight of waterbuck drinking at the water’s edge. Talk about idyllic settings. Overhead, fish eagles and kingfishers put on quite a show, followed by dazzling sunsets. It was also at Bumi Hills that I had some very engaging conversations with individuals active in anti-poaching efforts. (More about that at a later date…)

* Mana Pools National Park

Our next home for a few days was Ruckomechi Camp. The elephants, though still wild, come right into the camp. Our tent was poised at the edge of the Zambezi River. As I practiced yoga gazing out at Zambia just across the water, the hippos were talking to each other and the elephants were swimming nearby. I had some really great crocodile sightings at Ruckomechi, too; a canoe trip down the Zambezi got us up close and personal with crocs and hippos. We were blessed with the expertise of a few guides during our stay at this camp — Sean, Justin, and Champion.  We spent the most time with Champion, who asked us to write down the word NAMASTE for him before we departed: “the light in me honors the light in you.” No better word to describe this experience, and to leave with our new friends in Africa.

* Victoria Falls National Park

One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls comprise the largest single curtain of water, and the rainbows in the mist are just as mesmerizing as the falls themselves. We arrived in Vic Falls via a Cessna 186 (a  four-person, single propeller airplane) and our pilot was able to get clearance to do a “fly-by” of the falls, which meant several minutes of circling overhead to take in some incredible views. The Victoria Falls Hotel was the ultimate indulgence, especially after coming in from the wilderness. The hotel is the epitome of old-school charm and luxury, set in lush tropical gardens and just a ten-minute walk from the falls. A far cry from the bush, but Vic Falls offered us some of our best opportunities to view baboon families interacting with each other. And Seth got to zipline across the gorge.

A Day At Camp

Both camps we stayed in were private, conservation-focused concessions owned and operated by Wilderness Safaris, located at the national parks. Here’s what a typical day in camp looked like:

* 6:00am: Wake-Up & Breakfast
One of the guides would call from outside our tent, “Wakey, wakey — good morning!”  The camps host about a dozen guests in addition to the staff, so it’s an intimate group that gathers for breakfast. We were treated to oatmeal and toast made on an open fire, hot coffee or tea, juice, and granola and fruit.

* 7:30-noon: Morning Game Drive
Animals and birds were all around us. Early morning was the busy time, with things quieting down as the day grew warmer and we got closer to lunch time. A couple of mornings we were more actively searching for lions, when we’d heard the roaring in the middle of the night — the male calling out to the lionesses. We also spent one morning looking around for (and finding) a pack of wild dogs, when there had been a sighting of them the previous day. Seth and I either had a jeep and guide to ourselves, or shared the ride with another couple. Ron and Shirley from San Diego, with whom we shared several game drives, were awesome.

* Noon-3:00pm: Lunch & Siesta
Camp guests and staff gathered for lunch (quite elaborate meals here!). We’d compare sightings from the morning and plan afternoon activities. Siesta time for me often meant practicing yoga, or indulging in an outdoor shower. Our accommodations at Ruckomechi also included an outdoor tub that was pure bliss.

* 3:00pm: Tea Time!

* 4:00-7:30pm: Drive or Activity/ “Sundowner”
Game Drives that went into the evening hours were always interesting, a chance to see some of the nocturnal animals. Once it’s dark, guides use a red light to catch the reflection of animals’ eyes. It was during a night drive that were were able to watch a leopard, licking his paws and grooming himself just  like a domestic cat; we also saw hyena and a HUGE porcupine. Other later-in-the-day activities (but before sunset) included our canoe trip down the Zambezi and a boat cruise for two on Lake Kariba.Wherever you are as the sun sets, there’s a time-out for a “sundowner”; our guides would break out a bottle of local wine along with some snacks (dried fruit, nuts, and homemade potato chips), for us to enjoy the beauty of Africa.

* 8:00pm: Dinner
Dinner was a multi-course affair back at camp — for us, the camps prepared special vegan meals. On our first night at Little Makololo, the staff took extra care to arrange an anniversary dinner for us: a pathway of lights led us to the outdoor pool area, where candles were floating and a table was set up for two. Seth and I enjoyed a private meal together… though we could hear the crunching of branches (elephants) just an arms length away in the darkness.

* 9:30pm-Bedtime:  Conversations Around the Fire
The fire pit serves as the centerpiece for ending each day with conversations and stories among the staff and guests. Each person at each campfire was remarkable in his or her own right; and crossing paths with all of them, spending that time with them under the starry sky, was as special and intrinsic to the journey as encountering the wildlife. Finally, when it was time to say good night (a couple glasses of wine later), a guide escorted guests back to the their tents.

To ease the concerns of those not exactly into the camping scene, this experience is hardly roughing it. Daily laundry service makes it easy to pack light and still enjoy clean clothes each day. The tents are more like Manhattan studio apartments, with amenities including separate bathrooms with running water and flushing toilets. However, the accommodations are eco-friendly and camps are conscious of their carbon footprint in all respects: electricity and hot water come from solar energy; the tents and facilities adhere to national park standards — no imposing permanent structures. And there’s an air horn on the nightstand, just in case you have any four-legged nighttime visitors and need to call for help.

An extra-nice touch for guests: heated water bottles tucked under the covers made the bed extra cozy to crawl into each night. As I was falling asleep to the sounds of the wilderness, it was hard at that moment not to feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing with you some other photographs from our trip. Enjoy!

Thank you to my former high school classmate Meredith, guide Mark Homann, and Hills of Africa for helping us plan the perfect safari adventure.

Visit Sharon’s blog or connect with her on Twitter.

Whether you’ve been a big cat lover since childhood or have a profound appreciation for wildlife conservation, African Impact’s Big Cat Research and Conservation project provides an extremely rare and riveting insight into the lives of the mysterious cats of Africa.

Over the past several years, cattle farming has increased throughout Namibia’s wildernesses, causing devastation to fauna and flora, as well as the habitats in which indigenous animals live. As animals are pushed into more concentrated areas, overgrazing occurs. Today, there are many creatures left starving and in desperate search of their next meal.

In an effort to bring Namibia’s land back to its natural state and reduce the devastating affects humans have had on the area, African Impact has developed the Big Cat Research and Conservation program. This program, which takes place in the Okonjima Game Reserve, works to restore Namibia’s sustainable and fragile environment while educating and empowering African communities about the effects of human / wildlife conflict. Volunteers interested in this adventurous program will have the opportunity to assist conservationists in Namibia’s wildernesses as they capture, rehabilitate, and release cheetahs and leopards.

Every single day, the program offers a completely new and rewarding experience. There is nothing redundant or predictable about this experience, which is what makes it so exceptional and exciting.

Below are just a few things volunteers can take part in while participating in the Big Cats Research and Conservation program:

Big Cat Tracking: Volunteers will venture into the wilderness with a professional guide who will teach participants how to track leopard and cheetah using telemetry equipment, as well as finite tracking skills. Leopards are always tracked on vehicle, while cheetahs can be tracked on foot.

Cheetah Rehabilitation: When cheetahs have been orphaned or captured at a young age, they lack the necessary skills for survival. The program’s Cheetah Rehabilitation Area enables cheetahs to hunt for their prey in a safe environment, while developing survival skills, before being released back into the wild.

For more details about the Big Cats Research and Conservation program, visit African Impact’s website.

To learn about how you can create an African safari vacation that combines leisure with volunteerism, contact Hills of Africa Travel.

You haven’t experienced exclusivity until you’ve stayed at the Lion Sands’ private villa, the 1933 Lodge. This private accommodation is equipped with the finest amenities and luxuries to ensure that your family safari is a trip you’ll never forget. Not sure what the major differences are between private accommodations and a hotel or lodge? Visit our previous blog post, African Safari Houses and Private Villas vs. Hotels, Lodges, and Camps.

Screen grab above taken from the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve website.

See below for details on the 1933 Lodge:

1933 Lodge

An Extraordinary Location: Situated on the riveting Sabie River banks of the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, the 1933 Lodge is synonymous with exclusivity. Every morning you awake at the 1933 Lodge, you’re welcomed by a traditional English breakfast on the sprawling wrap around deck that boasts 180 degree views of the river and vast horizon. Each morning is a new and enlightening experience as you’ll see a variety of residential game visit the river every morning.

Elegant Design: Think absolute luxury. With an interior design that emulates the calmness and delicate beauty of nature coupled with a hint of chic, contemporary décor, the 1933 Lodge enables guests to connect with nature while both indoors and outdoors. From the earthy textures and hues to the raw building materials and modern design, the 1933 Lodge was built with precision, hospitality, and beauty in mind. Everything in this private home is comfortable, lush, and lavish—it’s impossible not to feel at home.

Screen grab above taken from the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve website.

5-Star Amenities and Features:

Below are just a few of the main luxuries to note:

• Private Chef: Your private chef will prepare whatever dishes you fancy throughout the day. No need to worry about picking up groceries or preparing meals.
• Private Safari Guide: Enjoy private game drives and walking safaris with your very own private safari guide in your exclusive 4X4 Landrover.
• Wine Cellar: Enjoy spectacular international and South African wines in the comfort of your own living room, without having to visit a restaurant.
• Gym and Sauna: After a long day on safari, enjoy a relaxing evening in the sauna, or start your mornings with an energizing jog on the treadmill.
• Library: Finish reading your novel in the comfort of the lavish library or acquaint yourself with other reading materials stacked high on the shelves.
• 15-yard Lap-Size Swimming Pool: Whether you want to relax all day in the sun or take a short break in the afternoon for a relaxing swim, you can do so in the privacy of your own pool.

Screen grab above taken from the Lion Sands Private Game Reserve website.

Additional luxury amenities and features include a main kitchen, laundry room, presentation kitchen, dining room, lounge with fireplace, outdoor living room, Internet, playroom, children’s dormitory with a connecting au-pair bedroom, 4 lavish suites, 3 free-standing suites, and much more. For a full list of 1933 Lodge’s superior amenities, visit their website.

And the best part about every day you spend at the 1933 Lodge? You’re surrounded by family and never have to share your game drives and walking safaris with other travelers.

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Addis Airport by MrFlip (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrflip/)

Guest blog post by Lindsay Andrews

Planning a first trip to Africa is exciting, isn’t it? It’s also a little bit daunting. There are so many new things to learn. Even the flight experience might be a bit different than what you’re used to from your other travels. This guide can help get you prepared.

Don’t Forget These Documents

When flying to Africa, you should make sure that you have the following documents with you in your carryon bag:

• Passport
• Visa (varies depending on your specific destination; for example, U.S. residents don’t need a visa to go to South Africa for 90 days or less)
• Driver’s license or other ID
• Proof of vaccination
• Proof of health and travel insurance
• Printout of travel information for airport and hotel
• Ticket and return ticket (you will need the return ticket to get back without trouble)
• Hostelling card and international student ID card if this applies to you

You should make a photocopy of all of these documents and store it separately in your luggage. You should also scan a copy to your email account.

Vaccinations and Medications

Before you fly to Africa, you need to make sure that you have the vaccinations, immunizations and medications that you need. These vary from country to country but regardless of where you travel in Africa you should get the following:

Vaccinations

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus and Diptheria
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella
• Polio
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Meningococcal meningitis

Medications:

• Enough quantity of any prescriptions medications that you take
• Motion sickness medication for the long flight
• Any anti-anxiety and/or sleep aids you take on long flights
• Anti-malaria medications
• Anti-diarrheal
• Standard antibiotic in case you get ill

Beyond that, you need to check the specific requirements of the African country you may be visiting. For example, you may need to get a yellow fever vaccination if you are going to certain areas of the country. Check with the CDC. You may also want to pack a more extensive first aid kit with additional medications; see here for tips.

What to Expect in an African Airport

Some tips and expectations at your African airport include:

• Never give your passport to anyone who isn’t in an official uniform. Many tourists fall prey to scammers their first time in Africa.
• You will need to go through customs. In most cases, your bags will be checked thoroughly. Upon return, you may only be able to bring back certain items. See South Africa customs example.
• You will need to change your money. Use a currency exchange bank at the airport. See a sample for the Johannesburg airport.
• The airport may not be as comfortable as you’re accustomed to. For example, people complain that the Nairobi airport lacks seating and is too small.
• The airport may have a domestic side and an international side that aren’t within walking distance of one another. Sometimes these have official shuttles but often they do not. It’s worth it to seek out a local police officer for safe transportation between the two sides.
• You may have to pay a re-entry fee at the airport in order to return. This is usually paid in USD either in cash or with a credit card or traveller’s check.

Extra Tips and Information

Some final tips:

• Unless you’re going to a major destination such as South Africa, the country that you’re going to may only offer one international flight daily (or less). Be prepared for long delays if you miss this flight.
• Some domestic airlines do not meet international standards for plane safety. Check this before booking local flights in Africa.
• Your flight to Africa is going to be a long one. Prepare accordingly. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a pillow and blanket so that you can sleep. Bring a book, journal or gaming device for entertainment. Make sure that you eat healthy and stay hydrated.
• Always keep the embassy/consulate information for the area with you in case there’s an emergency. They can answer any airport questions that come up

About Lindsey Andrews:

Lindsey has been a travel blogger for over 4 years. Most recently she is blogging for Airline Tickets & Airport Parking, which offers unique travel advice for air travel and getting around airports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.