What Do Travelers On A Trip To Africa Remember The Most?

On March 1, 2010, In African Family Safari, Sustainable Tourism, By Sandy Salle

Conservation Projects KenyaAlthough every traveler to Africa comes home with various highlights from their trip, it’s safe to say that some of the most potent memories that visitors return with are the ones comprised of the African people and their eclectic cultures.

One of the most exceptional places in Africa to discover local traditions, lifestyles, and cultures is in Kenya. Thanks to a variety of thriving community projects, you can have a rare and highly-exclusive look into the local communities and lifestyle as you interact with locals, and visit popular community spots.

When you participate in an eco-tourism tour, you’re often guided by a local who is certified and highly-knowledgeable of the area. When these locals are employed, they are able to provide for their family and give back to the economy.

Conservation Projects KenyaBelow are a few projects happening in Kenya today, where you can discover the beauty and joy of what eco-tourism efforts can provide for local communities:

Interact with the Samburu people in a local community near Ol Malo. When you take part in one of Ol Malo’s community tours, you’ll discover the cultural lifestyle of the Samburu people as you interact with local children and learn about the current community projects. One such project, the L’chekuti Children’s Painting Program, is one of the most inspirational and empowering projects occurring in Ol Malo today. Children ages four through ten can come to the Sampiripiri Arts Workshop to paint and socialize with the other kids. Thanks to this program, over 600 children have remained happy and healthy.

Touring these community projects is often the highlight of many travelers who visit Ol Malo.

Conservation Projects KenyaSimultaneously help to protect the wildlife of the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem and The Maasai residents of Mbirikani Group Ranch: The Maasailand Preservation Trust (MPT) is an organization established to create a balance between sustaining the local economy and the local eco-system.

With a population of 10,000 individuals, the Maasai community depends greatly upon their agricultural lifestyle. And when wildlife impedes on the success of this lifestyle, the economy begins to fail and food is scarce. The MPT was established in order to help locals thrive as well as sustain the environment. Through economics, education, and ecology, locals have discovered a balance between their lifestyle and the residential wildlife.

Conservation Efforts KenyaThe Mbirikani Conservation Model is comprised of four key sections:

  • Predator compensation fund: This fund works to provide compensation to farmers who have lost their livestock due to residential predators. The fund gives farmers new livestock, which greatly helps to discourage farmers from killing these predators and endangering their population.
  • Community game scouts: Game scouts are employed to physically prohibit acts against the environment. The game scouts are deployed into the field to help stop poaching, protect the endangered black rhino population, reduce human-wildlife conflict, protect river systems, offer general security, and monitor the operation of the Predator Compensation Fund.
  • Education: One of the MPT’s most influential programs is their education program. They offer the Wildlife Scholarship Program, which helps provide individuals with primary, secondary, and tertiary education. In addition to this scholarship program, MPT has helped provide for the establishments of two primary schools in the Mbirikani Group Ranch, and works to educate over 300 students per year. These educational programs were established with the hope and conviction that students will use this knowledge and understanding to the advantage of the local community, and therefore shape its future.
  • Field research and additive conservation programs: These programs hire Lion Guardians, who are locals employed to monitor lion movements using advanced tracking equipment, and reduce human-wildlife conflict by lending their services to the community. Many times, conflict between humans and wildlife can be reduced by the Lion Guardians’ efforts to find lost livestock, and help build sturdier fences around livestock areas.
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Three Tips to Discovering Africa’s Most Spectacular Sights Above

On February 12, 2010, In African Family Safari, African Safari Tours, Spotlight: African Animals, By Sandy Salle

Bird Watching in Africa

Bird Watching in Africa

Bird Watching In Africa

Bird Watching In Africa

A signature tip we offer to those taking a trip to Africa for the first time: “Always be open and aware of your surroundings because some of the most spectacular animals and visions are hidden in plain sight.”

One of the best places to look for animals and observe Africa’s natural beauty is right above your head. With a variety of exotic birds and animals sitting in the treetops, it can be extremely easy to drive or walk right past them.

Here are three tips to ensure you see everything there is to see in the African treetops and sky while on your African family safari or honeymoon safari:

1. Listen:

It’s easy to allow the cheerful symphony of bird songs to act as your safari background music, but it’s essential to actively listen to the nearby sounds and songs of nature if you want to find as many birds as possible. If you don’t truly listen to your surroundings, you may miss out on observing an unusual array of hundreds of bird species–some of the most riveting visions in Africa.

If you choose to go on a bird watching safari or tour, it’s important to keep in mind that bird watching requires more than your eyes. Stop to listen to the sounds of the bush and allow your eyes to follow what you hear. You may find that your ears do most of the work when trying to detect the location of birds.

Because many countries in Africa contain upwards of 500 species of birds each, birds surround you at almost every moment while you’re on an African safari tour. Also, birds can be seen from the comfort of your private veranda or even perched on your veranda.

So, if you’re a bird watching fanatic, you’ll find that Africa is your ultimate paradise.

Africa safari tour

Africa safari tour

2. Keep your eyes and head moving:

Remaining focused on the area straight in front of you will only yield a few magnificent sights. The key to enhancing your safari experience is to observe your surroundings in panoramic fashion. Move your eyes and head slowly, surveying the land to your left, to your right, and behind you. Tilt your head upwards for a look into the lush treetops and branches. You may be surprised to find some of Africa’s most wonderful creatures observing you from above. From leopards to monkeys, and birds to reptiles, African trees hold many exotic creatures that can only be seen through attentive observation and surveying.

3. Find relaxation in the velvety night sky:

One of the best times to look above while on your Africa safari vacation is during the night. When the sun sets on the horizon and a cool, dark blanket covers the sky, an incredible display of brilliant stars can be seen from your private veranda or the comfort of a romantic dinner for two outside. It’s as if the night sky comes to life. And, instead of seeing individual constellations, the whole sky seems to be filled with stars–incomparable to any other place on earth.

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Experience the Exhilaration of Deep Sea and Freshwater Fishing in Africa

On February 5, 2010, In African Safari Tours, African Safari Vacation, Spotlight: African Animals, By Sandy Salle
Photo of Tigerfish from Fisheastafrica.com

Photo of Tigerfish from Fisheastafrica.com

When planning a trip to Africa there’s a variety of factors to consider. But one of the most important things to reflect on is the activities you wish to take part in while on your African safari vacation. Most likely, you can find an African safari tour or activity in the region that is related to your favorite past time or interests.

Fishing is one such activity that can be enjoyed throughout many regions and coastlines of Africa. Whether your interest lies in deep sea fishing or freshwater fishing, Africa has it all. But an important question to ask yourself before choosing your fishing excursion is, “What type of experience do I wish to have?” Freshwater fishing is a completely different experience from deep sea fishing as you have the opportunity to observe large land game and other lake dwelling creatures such as a wide variety of birds, hippos, and crocodiles as you enjoy an exciting day of fishing.

Deep sea fishing, on the other hand, typically consists of larger and stronger fish depending on the time of year you choose to go out, and the fishing line also reaches depths of over 1,000 ft.

Below are details and highlights from deep sea fishing and freshwater fishing:

Deep Sea Fishing in Africa

Some of the best African coastlines to go deep sea fishing off of are Kenya, Tanzania, and the Mozambique Channel. Typically, October through March yield the most catch, which often consist of a variety of marlin species, wahoo, kingfish, yellowfin tuna, and swordfish. But often, sailfish are caught the most as they are found in the area year round.

Night fishing tours also yield a wide variety of big game fish. Arguably the greatest fighter and possibly the most popular fish caught during the night is the broadbill swordfish. The broadbill swordfish’s exhilarating fight is often a highlight among participants on a deep sea fishing excursion.

Below is a video from BBC Planet Earth of sailfish as they’re on the hunt:

Freshwater Fishing in Africa

Weighing in at an average of 10 – 25 lbs., the tigerfish is arguably the most popular freshwater fish to catch in the world. For most anglers, the tigerfish is as worthy of an opponent as its name may lead you to believe. With an immediate and aggressive strike, this fish is characterized by its velocity and fight, and takes the chart as the top freshwater sporting fish in Africa. And the tigerfish’s larger cousin, the goliath tigerfish, can reach staggering weights of up to 100 lbs but is much harder to catch.

Some of the best places to fish for tigerfish include Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, and Zimbabwe’s Zambezi River and Mana Pools National Park.

Coming in at twice the weight of the goliath tigerfish is the Nile Perch. This 200 lb. highly-pursued big game fish is usually caught using 40 lb. tests and large crankbaits and is the largest freshwater fish found throughout Africa. These exceptionally large fish can be found Lake Victoria, Lake Turkana, Lake Tanganyika, and Uganda.

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Animal Spotlight: The Yellow Billed Hornbill

On December 23, 2009, In African Safari Tours, Spotlight: African Animals, By Sandy Salle

yellowbilled1The Yellow Billed Hornbill is always a delight on an African safari tour. They are comical, endearing, and fascinating. 

Favoring dry savanna and mopane, they spend much of their time foraging on the ground. Their large, powerful bill allows them to feed on a wide range of food where they forage for seeds, small insects, spiders, and scorpions. 

Breeding occurs between September and March. The hornbill family’s approach to nesting is novel and a masterly defense to predators such as snakes, mammals, and other birds. A breeding pair locates a natural hole in a tree, which is then lined with dry grass and leaves. The female enters the nest, sheds her feathers and seals herself inside with mixtures of mud, snails, old feathers, and seeds, leaving a vertical slit from which the male feeds her for the next 6 weeks. After this she breaks out and the nest is resealed by the now 3 week-old chicks, where they live for the next 3 weeks before they too break out.

 DSC_0297[1]DSC_0298[1]Below are photos of the yellow billed hornbill from our recent trip to Africa.

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Will I Enjoy The Food In South Africa?

On November 9, 2009, In African Safari Vacation, South Africa, By Sandy Salle
tablemtn5_thumb

Cape Town, food lovers' capital of South Africa

We’re all familiar with the famous flavors of Italian spices, hearty German food, French delicacies, and Chinese take-out, but what about South African cuisine? For many travelers to South Africa, who are unfamiliar with traditional South African cuisine, there is a concern about whether or not they will be able to enjoy the food on their trip to Africa.

In order to get a better idea for South African dishes, you will find a brief description of the influences on the evolution of South African cuisine below:

Dutch settlers brought . . .

• A variety of seeds from Europe to grow watermelon, cucumbers, pineapples, and potatoes.
• Traditional English and Dutch recipes for stews and dishes.

French settlers brought . . .

• Wine and facilitated vineyard growth throughout the region. Now, Cape Winelands, South Africa, is one of the greatest wine production regions in the world and is a must visit destination for wine lovers.

Malaysian slaves (traded by the Dutch East India Company) brought . . .

• Spices that added zest and life to traditional English and Dutch stews.

German settlers brought . . .

• German desserts including pastries and baked goods.

All of these countries, as well as influences from India and China, have shaped South African cuisine into what it is today.

Specific types of food and dishes you can find in South Africa today include:

• Produce: corn, squash, sweet potatoes, cabbage, fruits, and green beans.
• Seafood (a main dietary staple in South Africa): hake (commonly sold as fish and chips), rock lobster, mussels, and cod.
• Meat pies (inspired by the English and Dutch): The Boer Chicken Pie and Bobotie.
• Sausages: beef, pork, lamb, ostrich, and chicken.
• Desserts: rice pudding and melktert.
• Other dishes: rice, Frikkadels (hamburgers), and Bredies (stews).

la_colombe_restaurant

Lunch at La Colombe Restaurant

One of the greatest misconceptions some visitors to the region may have about South Africa is that all accommodations offer South African dishes and meats that are unappetizing. This, in fact, is an inaccurate assumption, not only because many South African dishes have been inspired by Europeans, but also since many of the hotels, camps, and lodges throughout the region accommodate foreigners who are used to more westernized flavors and dishes and prefer these types of meals. 

Although this concern is understandable as there are some dishes, meats, and ways of preparing meals in the country that many foreigners would find to be unappetizing, there are also a wealth of traditional dishes that incorporate Asian and European spices and flavors.

Some of the popular cuts of meat found in restaurants and accommodations throughout South Africa (that are traditional dietary staples throughout many regions of the world) include beef, lamb, duck, chicken, and fish. And for the more adventurous eater, there are delicious meats primarily served only in Africa, which include springbok, kudu, and crocodile.

With a variety of westernized dishes and traditional South African dishes, visitors to the region are guaranteed to find meals that fit their liking. Therefore, whether you’re a more adventurous eater or a conservative eater, you will find delicious eats.

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Imagine the Perfect Trip to Africa . . . It Begins At Cape Grace

On October 30, 2009, In African Family Safari, African Honeymoon Safari, South Africa, By Sandy Salle

Cape graceNothing in the world can compare to Cape Town’s surreal atmosphere, inspirational spirit, world-famous accommodations, fascinating culture, and delectable food and wines. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a romantic honeymoon or an unforgettable family vacation, Cape Town, South Africa has everything to satisfy your every individual needs and desires.

Located in close proximity to a wealth of day trip destinations including Cape Winelands, Robben Island, Hout Bay, and Simon’s Town, Cape Town is the ideal place to get a taste of everything southern Africa has to offer. But, Cape Town is famous for more than its perfect location, stunning landscape, and exceptional amenities—a handful of award-winning accommodations simply add to Cape Town’s extraordinary characteristics. One accommodation in particular is Cape Grace . . .

Cape Grace:

• Ambiance and Location: If you’re looking for a hotel where intimacy and privacy are at an optimum, than Cape Grace is the perfect place for you. Radiating elegance from every intricate detail, Cape Grace is nothing short of exceptional. Its location in Cape Town’s famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront make it a close walk to some of Cape Town’s most celebrated shopping hubs, restaurants, and hot-spots.

cape grace bedroom• Rooms: Designed with elegant, comfortable, and sophisticated décor, each of Cape Grace’s 121 rooms is individually designed with subtle reflections of Cape Town’s bright spirit and accents of authentic Cape culture. Rooms to choose from include the penthouse, three bedroom suite, two bedroom suite, one bedroom suite, rooftop terrace, rooftop luxury, superior, and luxury.

• Exclusive Activities: Cape Grace prides itself on its personalized and exclusive services and amenities, including its private yacht charters and the Spa at Cape Grace. At the spa, you can choose from a variety of revolutionary treatments and massages that will completely refresh and rejuvenate your senses. And, if you want to experience luxury and relaxation at its best, then a yacht charter is the perfect activity for you. When you book a chartered cruise, you choose where you want to go on your private 56 foot Aicon fly-bridge luxury motor yacht. Whether you want to see Robben Island, Haut Bay, Langebaan Lagoon, or any other bay or island off the coast, the choice is yours. 

• Dining: If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience rich with a fusion of both local and international flavors, than Cape Grace’s award-winning Signal Restaurant is where you want to be. Crafted from the freshest local product and some of South Africa’s best chef’s, Signal’s dishes are an absolute treat to taste.

 

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Having Trouble Finding the Family Destination That Fits Your Perfect Vacation Criteria?

On September 23, 2009, In African Family Safari, African Safari Vacation, By Sandy Salle

Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

For many people, bringing the whole family on vacation can sometimes mean fewer destination choices and conflicting desires on where to travel. Since there are so many family-oriented accommodations to choose from, it almost seems less stressful to choose a popular family vacation destination than to have to research unique places to take your family that are both safe and exciting.

Perhaps you stress about the safety and convenience factors of traveling internationally. Maybe you only feel safe going to trusted places you have heard about from friends or family. All of these reasons that lead to your stress are justifiable concerns. But what if there were a place you could bring the entire family that would introduce them to . . .

African Encounter girls

• An exotic world of adventure.
• Inspirational cultures.
• Unspoiled wildernesses.
• A safe traveling experience.
• Exceptional cuisine.
• Highly-acclaimed accommodations with superior service, and comfortable ambiances.
• A place less frequented by tourists, allowing you to get a real taste for the culture of the particular destination without having an overly westernized experience.

Your luxurious suite at Jao Camp in the Okavango Delta

If all the above reasons provide solutions and ease to your concerns, then an African family safari is the perfect trip for you and your family.

As one of the very few places in the world where you can experience unspoiled wilderness as it was from the beginning, Africa is an eye-opening continent that educates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression on you and your family for the rest of your life.

canoeing the Zambezi River on the Mana Canoe Trail

An African safari vacation isn’t just for couples or retirees who are looking to travel the world. A trip to Africa can be a very unique and rewarding family experience.

As a native of Zimbabwe, I have traveled throughout Africa as well as a wide spectrum of destinations around the world, and nothing compares to Africa’s unique and friendly spirit. Visiting and researching dozens upon dozens of accommodations across the southern countries of Africa, my team and I provide clients with only the best accommodations in Africa.

Now a resident of the United States, I frequently travel to Africa with my family and believe that the next best thing to living in Africa is sharing it with your family.

Experience the magic of Africa with your family. Let Hills of Africa Travel create a detailed itinerary, tailored around your every individual preference. Contact us today at 1.800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

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Top 10 Reasons Why an African Family Safari Trip Beats Any Other Vacation: Part II

On August 5, 2009, In African Family Safari, By Sandy Salle

Wire frog from South Africaele at poolzulu ceremony

If you weren’t convinced by the first few reasons why an African family safari trip beats any other vacation, then you will be now after you read below for even more exceptional benefits a trip to Africa can bring to you and your family.

Top 10 reasons why an African family safari trip beats any other vacation—Part II:

6. Amazing service provided by lodge / camp staff, exceptional guides, and extremely friendly locals: Hills of Africa Travel works with the best lodge and camp companies to ensure you are in excellent hands and every one of your needs is met. Attentive staff provides wonderful care and aid to take the burden off of you and cater to your individual requests and preferences. No matter what activity you’re interested in doing, you can enjoy it casually without the worry of planning and researching. Whether you choose to take a game-drive, walking safari, or a tour through a local village, expert and licensed guides are with you every step of the way, ensuring you have an interactive experience and are provided with the best and most interesting knowledge on the area.

7. Great shopping: Shopping in Africa is a wonderful way to spend a day while on an African family safari trip. This interactive experience allows you to take a step closer into the cultural aspects of the various African countries and cities, and interact with the locals. As you walk through local villages and shopping hubs, a mixture of cultural, historical, and community discoveries come to life. One of Africa’s most highly acclaimed cities to shop in is Cape Town, South Africa. The abundance of charming cafes, antique shops, art galleries, beauty shops, and artifact shops are what gives Cape Town its delightful, old-world charm. With excitement and beauty around every corner, it’s no wonder shopping in Cape Town is considered one of the most entertaining activities to do in the City. Don’t forget to visit Streetwires if you’re in Cape Town. They have some of the most amazing African wire and bead craft in the entire continent!

8. Intimate experiences: Hills of Africa Travel makes itineraries as personal and intimate as you desire. Private guides ensure personal service and attention, eliminating the overwhelming feeling of large group tours. With expert guides who are extremely knowledgeable of the regions they provide tours in, you have the opportunity to gain a rare and exception insight into the land, animals, people, culture, and history of the region. Most of the lodges and camps Hills of Africa Travel works with boast private and intimate settings in order to prevent guests from experiencing touristy locations that lack privacy, personal touches, and highly attentive staff. These intimate lodges and camps also allow you and your family to become closer with nature than ever before without having to struggle to see through larger crowds.

9. Some of the best photo opportunities in the world: Provide your family with memories that will last a lifetime while on an African family safari tour. Africa offers you the rare opportunity to observe endangered species, phenomenal migration patterns, and some of the world’s most mesmerizing creatures from an extremely close (and safe) proximity. Famous for its breath-taking scenery, unique cultural customs, exotic birds, and fierce game, it’s no wonder internationally-acclaimed travel and wildlife magazine publications come to Africa for inspirational and exceptional photography. It is an extremely rare treat to be given the opportunity to shoot the same settings as some of the world’s greatest photographers.

10. A wide spectrum of safari tours and adventurous experiences for all ages: Africa is celebrated for its unique adventures, known by the entire world as safaris. You have the opportunity to experience Africa’s pristine nature from a wide spectrum of ways. Choose from horseback safaris, hot-air balloon safaris, game-drives, night-drives, canoe safaris, river cruise safaris, bushwalk safaris, black rhino tracking, and gorilla trekking. Each type of safari boasts a unique and varying perspective into Africa’s natural world, allowing you to use your senses, mind, and skills in entirely new ways. No matter what activities you choose to participate in, you and your family will have an unforgettable and life-altering experience, incomparable to any other vacation.

Enlighten your perception of worldly cultures and wildlife on an African family safari vacation. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you and your family a detailed itinerary, crafted around each of your individual preferences. We strive to ensure you return from your trip with a new perspective on life and the world. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.  We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .

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