African Safari Holidays

Rangers rock the Casbah - Writen by Bev Tucker

2011-08-03T03:07:00.000-07:00

Olive green uniforms and men in SANParks epaulettes make my mouth slam shut and my eyes open very wide. My back straightens of itself. I pay rapt attention. I feel a salute coming on. Game rangers have X-factor. Specifically, old guard South African National Parks rangers.

I know. It sounds like I’ve contracted a case of khaki fever: the flushed skin, shining eyes and light sweat that can overcome women in the presence of handsome rangers. This is understandable when they’re tall and tanned with big calf muscles and slow, sweet smiles, but I’ve met some who are squat and unmannerly and smell of three-day-old sweat so bang goes that theory.

To pour more cold water on this diagnosis, at private lodges you’ll find a version I call Richie Rich Plays Ranger. This is the kid who did a twelve-month field guide course after completing post-matric at St John’s. He is now apparently qualified to race a game-viewing vehicle through herds of Wildebeest so they’ll gallop for camera-happy tourists. Richie would benefit from what my old dad the Dairy Farmer calls a snot-klap to knock a bit of respect for the bush into him. So no, it’s not khaki fever. It’s a kind of personal awe for a breed of manliness you seldom encounter nowadays.

I’m talking old school. The real SANParks ranger has very few smooth moves. He lives an isolated, often dangerous and largely under-acknowledged life in an environment that more and more resembles a war zone. He must be at ease with weapon handling, learn to fly small planes and successfully navigate 4x4 vehicles through proper 4x4 territory rather than just lightly potholed suburban streets between home and mall. He fends off bush fires, works with really wild animals, commands regiments of field rangers and is required to be a qualified academic in his field. His job looks like the ultimate Boy’s Own adventure. He is the envy of most South African men.

Before you rip off your tie, piss in the water cooler and storm from the office screaming that you always wanted to be a game ranger and that’s exactly what you’re going to do right now - for pity’s sake, stop! There is another way.

Enter the SANParks Honorary Rangers (www.sanparks.org/groups/hr) the voluntary organization for the man who sometimes wonders, as he fights traffic in a city that is definitely doing its best to kill him, what his life would have been like if long ago he’d listened to his heart instead of to Uncle Lenny’s offer of a partnership in the accountancy firm. I saw this in action when I joined the HRs in Letaba for their annual AGM shindig last week.

To the casual onlooker, HR members resemble bush junkies with badges and big-time ranger envy. In fact they’re a group of unpaid volunteers who put huge amounts of time and money into supporting the national parks, which have caught the sharp edge of government spending cuts in recent years. They dress like rangers, talk like rangers, walk like rangers. They charge around in their olive ranger uniforms devouring courses on raptor identification and bush interpretation and learning the correct Latin names of lizards and grasses, rocks and eagles. They spend weekends chopping out alien vegetation and manning park gates and picking up litter for fun. While they may come across as slightly embarrassing keenies, they achieve a great deal of measureable good and there is no question they’ll be called on to up the ante in the years ahead.

The continued existence of our national parks is not guaranteed, particularly in the face of dwindling funds and clamoring land-use demands from human settlements around park borders. The Honorary Rangers help hold the line. Their efforts make the lot of SANParks rangers a little easier. This alone makes them damn fine people, even though they can’t hold a candle to a dinkum old guard SANParks game warden, but I realize that would be a big ask for anyone and I have a bias.

This man knows more about his territory - plants, insects, geology, conservation, birds, animals - than most of us ever will. His everyday knowledge is equivalent to multiple post grad degrees in any other discipline and to cap it all he works virtually for nothing. We’ve all heard the quip: rangers get paid in sunsets. Try taking that to your bank manager.

SANParks rangers work for love. To stand in the presence of this holy truth is to have your own life put rather into perspective. It makes you want to be a better person. It makes you want to find the cajones to follow your heart and to turn a deaf ear to the part of you that whispers, “You can’t. If you try you’ll live under a flyover in a cardboard box eating dog food and then die stinking of your own urine.”

Being in the presence of people who work for love will do this to you. The world would be a better place if there were more men like these and, if it wouldn’t make them roll on the ground laughing, I’d let rip with that salute in pure admiration.

Best African Camping Safaris

2011-06-01T00:06:00.000-07:00

Southern Africa is one of the most rewarding and safe continents to travel in. African camping safaris is an affordable and exciting new form of travel allowing passengers to meet like-minded people in a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere.

These Africa safaris touches the soul within all of us, and is a unique experience that will never be forgotten. Africa trips is both intriguing and humbling, created by the beautiful balance between the wildlife, the landscapes and cultures.

The secret is in finding a professional Free-lance Ranger Guide for a private safari. By cutting out the middle man and the travel agencies, you can save up to 40% on your overland travel.

The most important thing is to make sure that all the essential things associated with the safari are included in the quoted price: ground transportation, accommodation, meals, excursions, guide/driver service and transfers. Some Safari tours operators tend to confuse the issue with a very low up-front quote for a bare-bones overland trip that is not what you want and not what you end up paying for, once all the ‘extras’ are added in.

One of the highly recommended places to look for advice will be at Gateway African Safari Tours.
Feel free to contact any of their Ranger Guide Specialists.....you will be pleasantly surprised with their willingness to help and share information.

African Overland Camping Safaris: The Ultimate Adventure!

2011-05-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

African continent is immense and holds many mysteries and wonders that can make camping safaris in Africa a marvelous experience. Many African countries have wildlife parks and reserves that also boast fine camping facilities. In addition, there is also a vast selection of campgrounds that can be used as a base for safari travel excursions, which are affiliated and located near major hotels, lodges and resorts in a number of countries. Go to our overland travel section for more informaton.

Camping safaris are a very common choice for safari holidays partly because it tends to be less expensive than staying at the fine lodges and resorts, although there are also some luxury safari options for camping out in Africa as well. In general, travelers who are planning to take in the sights and sounds of Africa while camping have the option of either arranging for a private camping safari or a group camping safari.

Ranger guided camping safaris that are geared toward private groups are designed around any group of two people or more who are traveling together but who are not especially interested in sharing their experience with those they don’t know, outside of the safari guide. These private groups travel in a vehicle separate from any other tour groups and have separate camping facilities for their private use.

Those who prefer a private camping safari will also be exclusively sharing any facilities of the campground and all of the meals are also shared amongst themselves. Guests who are on a private safari won’t be joined by any others who are on the same safari tour or who might have a similar itinerary. Throughout the trip, they travel exclusively together.

The standard group camping safaris are for individuals or groups who feel that part of the experience of safari holidays is traveling with others and getting to know them during the adventure, so that by the end of the safari travel they no longer consider each other as strangers. On this type of safari travel the whole group travels together in the safari vehicles and they share their meals and the entire camp facility, and in some instances will even share larger, community types of tent accommodations. Refer to african adventure tours for more information.

A small group camping safari is not only a good way to get to know others who share interests in adventuresome safari travels, but it is also a very effective way to reduce the cost of an African safari. This can make such a trip more affordable and feasible for people who might not otherwise be able to bear the expense of private camping safaris.

Some camping safaris take place at a permanent campground where the safari tour group will stay at a fixed “under canvas” camp. These are essentially tent “homes” that are primarily found in game reserves or at national parks. These camps have “permanent” tented sanitary facilities and a dining hall that is shared by all campers. These kind of camping facilities are popular and can serve as a base camp for walking safaris.

There are also mobile camping safaris which entail having the entire group traveling together with their all of their equipment and supplies in the safari travel vehicles. This gives the group an opportunity to cover greater distances and go deeper into the wilderness and gives the flexibility of stopping at sites that attract their interests.

No matter what type of camping safari you choose, you will be sure to return home with memorable experiences emblazoned in your memory. Visit overland African safari tours for further information.

Posted by: Christian Fourie
Ranger, Guide Specialist for Southern Africa

Basic African Safari Vacation Trip Planning

2011-01-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

You and your family intend to go on your first African safari trip together. But you have no idea yet how to go about the planning process. Even though you are new to this, you know that proper planning and preparation is crucial for the trip's success. This is why you try your best to know everything there is to know so that you will have the perfect safari with your family. Here are the things that you have to know about planning for a family vacation.

Step 1 - Do ample research and do feel free to ask the safari experts

First, you have to study about the country, region, or specific destination. Get to know about basic information such as how to get here, what attractions to see, the best times to visit, and what the local customs are. This is to ensure that you can plan the things to do accordingly and that you will have a smooth sailing vacation. You would not want to arrive in an attraction only to find out that it's already closed or that the admission fee is so expensive that it's beyond your travel budget.

Step 2 - Formulate travel budget

Speaking of money matters, you need to plan your budget well so that you don't spend beyond what you should or what you can afford during your trip. List down all the expenses for your African trip and allocate amount of money that you can spend for each of these. Then research on ways to save money so that you can make the most out of the vacation without having to break the bank.

Step 3 - Process travel papers

Allot sufficient time for processing travel papers since these may take a lot of time. If the country of your destination requires a visa, you need to apply for one at the local consulate in your area 3 to 6 months before your travel date. The passport, meanwhile, should be at least 3 months from the date of expiration when you go on your vacation. You also need to get visitor health insurance or temporary health insurance to protect you from health problems that you may have during your Africa trip. Insurance policies like temporary health insurance and visitor health insurance can be purchased online.

Step 4 - Create travel itinerary

Next thing you have to do is to create a travel itinerary based on the information you have gathered. This is important so that you can maximize the time that you have during your vacation. Unless you have a large budget, chances are your vacation will be about a 10 to 14 days in duration. Because of that, you need to plan a daily itinerary that will allow you to see most of what the place has to offer without rushing you or sacrificing the quality of the trip. All this planning could easily be done by your chozen Africa safaris expert.

Step 5 - Book for vacation needs

Once you know how you're getting to your safari destination and you've got necessary documents ready, you can now start booking your vacation plans. Find a nice safari package that will give you great value for your money. Then arrange for the air travel or transportation services that you need for getting around. You may also want to arrange additional pre and post safari accommodation in advance to save time and money.

For more tips and information about African safari trips and visitor health insurance please visit: temporary health insurance

Source: http://www.submityourarticle.com

Affordable, Luxury Safaris to Namibia and Botswana

2009-04-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

To many, the thought of Africa as a continent brings to mind all sorts of wonderful touring opportunities and a chance to see the fabled “dark continent.” Well, luxury safaris in Namibia and Botswana are certainly a couple of ways to go about seeing all the best that Southern Africa and these two countries have to offer. So take a chance and see the continent now, before the march of time and progress makes it more difficult.

How do you go on African safari trips? Safari, in the Swahili language, means “travel.” Africa safaris are not hard to either go on or to get to, if you’re of a mind to do so. Real safaris introduce you to a vast array of nature, people and game areas teeming with every sort of African species in both Namibia and Botswana. What’s marvellous is that you safari throughout the day, and then retire to a luxurious in-park or nearby safari lodge which caters to your every whim.

Where are the best places to safari these days? As a part of Southern Africa, both Namibia and Botswana have put aside enormous land areas that offer fine safari and touring environments. Each country has an abundance of natural resources, including animal species, and vibrant and lively local cultures, and above all, are safe and affordable.

In Botswana, the parks in the northern area of the country must be seen, if at all possible. And the world-famous Moremi and Savuti, of so many books and movies is tantalizingly close by.

Touring in Namibia is the best safari opportunity around. From its earliest colonial days, safari as an activity has always been on every explorer or tourist’s list of things to do. Namibia has made luxury safari travel as easy as possible with its focus on tourism and preservation of natural resources. In the Etosha National Park, for example, you can safari all day and then spend the evening in fine style in any one of a number of travel lodges located in, or around the area. And you can roll your Namibia tours and accommodations into one single luxury package.

You can combine both countries into one tour. On the market today, there are several different tour companies offering luxury safari opportunities into both Namibia and Botswana. All include luxury accommodations at any number of unique and visually-stunning lodge environments, with day trips to a number of beautiful and memorable destinations.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a prime spot. From Maun, you journey through the stunning Moremi and spend a day and an evening exploring and staying inside the Delta, at any one of several luxury lodges.

Go to a private reserve for the best in luxury travel and safaris. Both countries offer large private game reserves. Your chances to see vast beauty and wildlife are never better. You also stay in some truly fine accommodations located right in the midst of all the best wildlife trails.
Contact your luxury travel agency. There are a number of agencies specializing in luxury safaris in Namibia and Botswana. Check with them for seasonal rates and discounts, as they can vary by the week or the month.

All-in-all, luxury safaris in Namibia and Botswana can be a fantastic way to see the Dark Continent in a manner and method that lets you enjoy all that Africa has to offer while giving up none of the creature comforts we’ve come to expect.
About the Author:
Christian Fourie: Ranger, Guide Specialist for Southern Africa
For one of the most amazing experiences of your entire lifetime you should try luxury safaris to Namibia and Botswana.

Combine An Southern African Safari With A Beach Holiday In South Africa

2008-06-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

Many people dream of going on an African Adventure. A safari evokes exotic destinations, amazing natural wildlife, adventure travel, a touch of danger and romance, photographic opportunities and lasting memories. African safari trips are still an unusual vacation choice that your friends will want to know all about when you get back.

In Southern Africa you can mix the idyllic experience of a tropical beach vacation on the warm Indian Ocean with an African wild animal safari expedition. Combining the two makes for a unique holiday. Part of your vacation is filled with excitement as you observe African wildlife at close quarters, while part is spent relaxing and soaking up the sun on a sandy beach.

South Africa is an exotic vacation destination offering a complete break from western city life routines with its opportunity to combine beach and African safari vacations in one trip. For couples planning a wedding, South Africa is well worth considering for a very special honeymoon experience.

Southern Africa, especially Namibia, does not yet have a high profile as a holiday destination in America, but is growing in reputation as a unique vacation experience. Europeans, and the British in particular, have less distance to travel to Africa, and have been been the mainstay of South African tourism, attracted by the unique mix of the tropical beach and African safari vacation.

Luxury vacations have become more affordable as European currencies have strengthened, prompting investment in African tourist facilities.

Namibia enjoys a near perfect year-round climate for travellers. There is an annual rainy season between November and March each year, but the rains come in short bursts that should not detract from the enjoyment of your African holiday. The Etosha National Park is one of the most diverse wildlife destinations in Namibia. With a very low poulation density and being considered the safest country in Africa, one of the little known affordable African safari secrets is Namibia.

Safaris in Africa offer an abundance of interesting activities to experience. Southern Africa is unique in being able to offer the combination of relaxing on a tropical beach resort vacation with an African wildlife safari adventure.

Most of the South Africa's beach resorts and hotels are closely located to a Airport. They offer sandy beaches and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean. There is a choice of accommodation for all pockets, from budget hotels to top level luxury five star resorts.

Safari trips can be chosen from short or long trips,and from simple to luxury facilities. South Africa's Kruger National Park are not far from the beach resorts, and you might choose just to spend a couple of days viewing the wildlife, or take longer if you prefer.

Namibia's Etosha National Park offers another safari experience. It is easily reached by traveling further north from Cape Town. You can choose from several Namibia safari tour options. There are luxury options, staying 4-5 nights in luxury accommodation built to a safari theme, that neatly match a stay in a luxury beach resort.

You are likely to see a broader variety of wildlife in Namibia's Etosha Park compared to the Kruger National Park, but either experience offers a thrilling few days viewing the abundant African wild animals in their natural habitat, guided by expert safari guides to make sure you will be able to see the wildlife from close at hand in safety. Whatever safari excursion you choose is sure to be eventful and memorable.

A Southern African tropical beach and African wildlife safari is an exciting combination to choose for your next vacation, with affordability options available from budget to luxury.

We strongly suggests you consider the unique once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing African wild animals in their natural habitat by selecting from the exciting African Safari tours that are on offer.

Useful Sites:
- For safaris to Namibia and Botswana
- For adventure safari trips to Southern Africa
- For mid-range lodge and small groups African safari tours
- For information on all things Africa and African Adventure

African safari vacation secrets revealed

2007-06-06T02:54:00.000-07:00

African wildlife safari vacations in Southern Africa are one of the most rewarding and safe travel options available in our un-settled world.

Ranger guided tailor-made African overland camping safaris are an affordable and exciting form of travel allowing passengers to customize their tour, to suit their budget, time and interests.

The secret is in finding a professional Free-lance Ranger Guide (About a dozen only, in the whole of Africa). By cutting out the middleman and the travel agencies, you can save up to 40% on your African safari tour. The most important thing is to make sure that all the essential things associated with the safari are included in the quoted price: ground transportation, accommodation, meals, excursions, Ranger guide service and transfers.

With 25 years experience and passion in doing Ranger guided African safaris. Gateway Africa Safaris would be one of the highly recommended places to look for advice. Let their Ranger guides help you plan your safari, you will be pleasantly surprised by their knowledge and professionalism.

Wildlife safaris in Africa with your own personal Ranger guide is both intriguing and humbling, created by the beautiful balance between the wildlife, the landscapes and cultures, with-out compromising on that some-thing truelly unique.

Affordable African Safaris - Best Affordable Southern African Travel.

2007-04-12T02:49:00.000-07:00

Africa Safaris - Best Affordable Southern African Adventure Travel.

Africa is a continent made for adventure travel, and offers some unique safaris for enthusiastic travelers. In order to make proper plans, one should also find out about the best safaris offered by the continent. The best safaris normally offer wildlife sightseeing in their untamed surroundings. Some of the best regions for African safari tour, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa.

Botswana boosts famous national parks as, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve and Linyanti Game Reserve. Chobe National Park is the third-largest game park in the country, and is famous for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo. The Chobe River borders the park, and a traveler can undertake game viewing by boat and spot hundreds of huge animals coming down to drink at the river in the dry season. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest reserves in the world.

Namibia offers totally different and unique safari experience from the other wildlife countries. The diversity of Namibia made it one of the best safari destinations. With spectacular desert scenery, savannah and sub-tropical regions, colorful local culture and fascinating wildlife.
Major wildlife parks in the country are the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Skeleton Coast, Fish River Canyon Park, and Etosha National Park, which is home to thousands of springboks, gemsboks, wildebeests, elephants, lions, cheetahs and giraffes. Namibia has the distinction of not only having the highest dunes in the world, but also the second largest canyon.

Due to the very low human density in Namibia, it is considered as the safest safari tour destination in Africa.

South Africa is home to the continents most famous wildlife reserve, Kruger National Park, along with other popular game parks like Pilanesburg National Park, Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserves, and Kalahari Gemsbok National Park. The Kruger National Park is South Africa's largest and most famous wild-animal reserve, and contains more species of wildlife than any other game reserve in Africa.

In order to make your African safari trips memorable, it is imperative to plan ahead. Knowledge about the best safaris in the continent would certainly help a traveler visiting the famous wildlife parks

African Safari Adventures and Namibia Tours with Gateway Africa Safaris

2006-11-12T23:24:00.000-08:00

This page is dedicated to our wonderful friends, who has come to Africa as guests and left as friends. We wish to share some of these magical memories with you.

This year started all peaceful, then the "Boozy Brits Safari, Bill, Liz, David and Margie", arrived. Below is a little bit of their story.

"I hope you, the Condor and Turtle have made it safely back to Cape Town now and you can put the Boozy Brit tour behind you and have a least a few days 'down time'.

I hope you'll understand that that's not quite how we feel here - we'd give just about anything to be back on the road and travelling again.

I do want to thank you so very much for three very magical weeks of our Namibia tour - the best we can remember in so very long - its hard to pick out just a couple of highlights to tell people before they glaze over - Bills lightening strike is usually quite high on the list and seems to wake them up for a few minutes, as does me sleeping out under the stars (for some reason that makes friends laugh), the rebellion at Seeheim or perhaps the lion at Etosha. So many adventures came and went so quickly but will be re-lived many times over.

Arrived back to a UK gripped by security - we had to go through full check in procedures to get on the Newcastle flight and I finally had to give up our Mrs Ball's chutney we got at Jo/burgh - just as well we didn't bring any wine back because we'd have had to give it away to a stranger(yea right!) - hope you enjoyed it!! "

"Gateway Africa Safaris will give you a unique and informative African experience filled with fun and adventure that is affordable and comfortable with no hidden cost." http://www.safari.gateway-africa.com/