Jan
23
2012
Africa S Wildlife
South Africa’s Kruger National Safari Park by Jason Wiltshire
The Kruger Park is definitely one of the best safari destinations in Africa and is situated in the north eastern corner of South Africa and borders the countries of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This world renowned conservation park covers an area of 21,497sq km (8,384 sq miles) of about the same size as Israel.Kruger boasts an incredible diversity in wildlife that includes 146 mammals, 500 bird species, 114 reptile, 49 of fish, 33 amphibians and 23 000 plant species. This magical land fulfils every tourists dreams of seeing herds of game moving through the savannah and it is the home of Africa’s Big Five ( buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard and lion ).
Despite the enormous size of the Kruger the park is exceptionally well developed in terms of road networks and camps. The park was initially designed for self-drive tourists making use of the simple bush camps but nowadays most overseas tourists make use of private lodges like Sabi Sabi, Thornybush, Jock Safari Lodge and Ulusaba were guests are treated to luxury accommodation and sublime cuisine. The game drives here are all conducted by professional game rangers who track the animals in four by four vehicles. For the more adventurous the most exciting way to see the animals is on a foot safari through the wilderness trails. Each group is accompanied by an armed ranger with intimate knowledge of the animals and their surroundings. The trials are between 3 and 9 miles long and give hikers a once in a life time experience of sharing the bush with African wildlife.
The Kruger Park looks at its best after the summer rains when the bush becomes green and lush, attracting all the various types of antelope in search of new grazing grounds, and this increase in grazers obviously attracts lion, leopard and many other carnivores. Summer time also brings all the migratory birds proudly displaying their brightly coloured breeding time plumage. Winter time is dry and this forces all the animal species to remain close to the available waterholes and rivers, while the shorter grass and thinner foliage makes it easier to see the animals. Game viewing at any time of the year is best done in the early morning and late afternoon when the temperature is cooler. Animals just like humans do not like the heat and tend to hide out in the thick bush during the day and then become active as the temperature decreases.
View important tips when visiting the park are the following
* If you are on a self drive – never leave the safety of your vehicle.
* Do not ever try to feed any animal.
* Kruger is positioned within Africa’s malaria belt – make sure to take anti-malaria tablets and to cover up after dark against mosquitoes.
About the Author
Jason Wiltshire of The South Africa Travel Company has 10 years of tourism experience. His company’s expertise covers accommodation, Cape Town day tours, Garden Route holidays, Safaris and golf packages. For their professional services go to www.southafricatravelsite.com or jwtravel2000@gmail.com
African Wildlife 35 min – South Africa Travel Channel 24
|
|
National Wildlife $19.95 National Wildlife is the best known and best general interest magazine devoted to American wildlife, nature, and photography. Easy reading and informative articles cover all aspects of natural science plus there are great outdoor activity and wildlife photography features as well. National Wildlife magazine will add reading pleasure and reference value to any library.National Wildlife is part of the History family of magazines. It is generally sold to individuals and businesses and quite often can be found in a reception room or waiting room of a company or a professional office like a dentist, doctor, health club, gym, or beauty and hair salon. A full year magazine subscription to National Wildlife includes issues delivered right to your mailbox. |
|
|
Destination Wildlife $16.99 1 001 animals to see before they die. From the world"s only multi-species primate sanctuary in South Africa to the wild ponies of Assateague Island to the Blue-Footed Boobies of the Galapagos Islands Destination Wildlife provides all the information the intrepid traveler looking for the best wildlife experiences could need-and rarely finds in other travel guides. Written from a visitor"s perspective-and informed by the National Wildlife Federation and other naturalists- each site in Destination Wildlife has been evaluated by real eco-travelers who have provided insider tips and suggestions that give the what when where how and- most important-the why of every site to maximize each wildlife experience.1 001 animals to see before they die. From the world"s only multi-species primate sanctuary in South Africa to the wild ponies of Assateague Island to the Blue-Footed Boobies of the Galapagos Islands Destination Wildlife provides all the information the intrepid traveler looking for the best wildlife experiences could need-and rarely finds in other travel guides. Written from a visitor"s perspective-and informed by the National Wildlife Federation and other naturalists- each site in Destination Wildlife has been evaluated by real eco-travelers who have provided insider tips and suggestions that give the what when where how and- most important-the why of every site to maximize each wildlife experience. |
|
|
Explore The Wildlife Hidden World Of Africa $11.55 Rated: NASynopsis: Barely visible to the human eye, a truly fascinating universe lives in the bush and savannas of Africa. Here, creatures small, smaller and nearly invisible share a world with gigantic animals. Usually overlooked, often feared and despised, theirs may be a small world, but it’s an important one. Remarkable photography reveals some of the hundreds of invertebrates that thrive and support lives far larger than their own. Give this fascinating and tiny world a closer look and you’ll discover the big wonders of small creatures. |
|
|
Texas Parks And Wildlife $50 Texas Parks And Wildlife is part of the General family of magazines. It is generally sold to individuals and businesses and quite often can be found in a reception room or waiting room of a company or a professional office like a dentist, doctor, health club, gym, or beauty and hair salon. A full year magazine subscription to Texas Parks And Wildlife includes issues delivered right to your mailbox. |
|
|
Wildlife of South Africa: A Photographic Guide $17.41 A handy, all-in-one photographic field guide to the wildlife of South Africa, this guide covers the region’s mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and trees most likely to be seen, with concise accounts and distribution maps for each species. A brief introduction discusses geology, climate, vegetation zones, wildlife hotspots, and tips on watching wildlife. |
|
|
Wildlife of East Africa $16.78 Those looking for a concise yet informative, visually breathtaking yet affordable East African safari need look no further than this spectacular field guide. Featuring full-color photos of 475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower, "Wildlife of East Africa" takes us on an exquisite one-volume tour through the living splendor of the main national parks and game reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Many of the species included–from pelicans to plovers, ostriches to elephants, from the daintiest of antelopes to cattlelike giants, from leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloes–also inhabit neighboring countries. The selection was based on the personal experiences of the authors, wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in the region for more than twenty years. Each species is illustrated with a photo and a detailed entry on the facing page; the text is commendably rich for such a compact guide. This information enables the particular animal or plant to be identified by such traits as size, plumage or pelage, color, and shape. An opening section on wildlife photography provides helpful tips on the best type of camera, film, and lenses to use, techniques, and codes of conduct. "Wildlife of East Africa" is a must for anyone considering a first-hand look at, or simply daydreaming of, the elegant, enormous, or exotic wildlife of East Africa. Covers the main parks and reserves of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, plus surrounding countries475 common species of bird, mammal, snake, lizard, insect, tree, and flower–from ostriches to elephants, leopards to lions, baboons to gorillas, chameleons to crocodiles, acacias to aloesFull-color photographs and detailed entries describing each speciesWritten and illustrated by wildlife experts who have been leading safaris in East Africa for more than 20 yearsTips on wildlife photography, techniques, and codes of conduct |
|
|
Southern Africa Wildlife and Adventure $56.52 Hunting should be an experience in its totality and not merely the act of taking a rifle and shooting an animal. Each and every step should be enjoyable, including the preparations, the journey, and the eventual hunt. In Southern Africa Wildlife and Adventures, author Cobus van der Vlies shares a plethora of factors that will contribute to a successful hunting experience in Southern Africa. This combination of travelogue and fact book shares short stories, photos, and information about Southern Africa hunting and wildlife. Cobus van der Vlies, who has hunted in Africa for more than forty years, details the experience-from planning, to the actual hunt, the "big five" game opportunities, hunting packages, and the total experience. Failing to plan, is planning to fail To tell the experienced hunter how to prepare for a hunt is actually a bit preposterous, but an experienced hunter will no doubt also agree that this aspect can never be over-emphasized. The type of hunt, the terrain, the type of animals all play a big role in the specific preparations for a hunt, but one thing never changes and that is the need for thorough, almost obsessive planning to ensure an enjoyable and successful outing. |
|
|
Watching Wildlife East Africa $3.98 Ecotourism is booming. Worldwide, travellers are heading off specifically to enjoy natural retreats, or incorporating them into their travels. Their focus? Wildlife. From the Serengeti plains teeming with wildebeest and zebra to the Great Barrier Reef, this innovative series from Lonely Planet, in brilliant full colour throughout, brings all the world’s great wildlife spectacles within reach. Watching Wildlife are the first guides to a complete wildlife experience. With specific directions to the best viewing sites within the most spectacular and diverse wildlife reserves, beautifully complemented with hundreds of colour photographs of wildlife and landscapes, engaging and educative information about the fauna and authoritative advice on technique and equipment they are the perfect companion for general traveller and ecotourist alike. The Watching Wildlife series provides the full lowdown on where, what and how … Where? — coverage of more than 100 top wildlife-watching destinations, from capital city daytrips to dozens of national parks — specific directions and maps to the best sites within each featured destination — itineraries from two days to two months What? — Wildlife Gallery profiling the most spectacular and conspicuous animals — photographs of up to 300 species — extensive background to the region’s natural history and habitats How? — site-specific tips for watching wildlife in each featured park — practical and detailed advice from experts on everything from binoculars to the best seasons to visit — special sections on wildlife photography, birdwatching, diving and more |
|
|
Watching Wildlife Southern Africa $3.98 Ecotourism is booming. Worldwide, travellers are heading off specifically to enjoy natural retreats, or incorporating them into their travels. Their focus? Wildlife. From the Serengeti plains teeming with wildebeest and zebra to the Great Barrier Reef, this innovative series from Lonely Planet, in brilliant full colour throughout, brings all the world’s great wildlife spectacles within reach. Watching Wildlife are the first guides to a complete wildlife experience. With specific directions to the best viewing sites within the most spectacular and diverse wildlife reserves, beautifully complemented with hundreds of colour photographs of wildlife and landscapes, engaging and educative information about the fauna and authoritative advice on technique and equipment they are the perfect companion for general traveller and ecotourist alike. The Watching Wildlife series provides the full lowdown on where, what and how … Where? — coverage of more than 100 top wildlife-watching destinations, from capital city daytrips to dozens of national parks — specific directions and maps to the best sites within each featured destination — itineraries from two days to two months What? — Wildlife Gallery profiling the most spectacular and conspicuous animals — photographs of up to 300 species — extensive background to the region’s natural history and habitats How? — site-specific tips for watching wildlife in each featured park — practical and detailed advice from experts on everything from binoculars to the best seasons to visit — special sections on wildlife photography, birdwatching, diving and more |
|
|
Africa 2012 Wall Calendar $13.99 The Swahili word safari means journey—and a journey across Africa is like no other. Through this calendar, filled with spectacular photography of Africa’s breathtaking natural wonders and magnificent wildlife, share the magic of safari in Africa throughout the year. |
|
|
Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries $3.98 – Includes 25 percent new information, including additional photographs and maps — Covers Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Mauritius, and the Seychelles Islands — Provides direction on weather and safari options — A new eco-map shows major parks and reserves |
|
|
Africa 2012 Mini Wall Calendar $7.99 The Swahili word safari means journey—and a journey across Africa is like no other. Through this calendar, filled with spectacular photography of Africa’s breathtaking natural wonders and magnificent wildlife, share the magic of safari in Africa throughout the year. ISBN: 0767173384 UPC: 7916082 |
|
|
Politicians and Poachers: The Political Economy of Wildlife Policy in Africa $56.24 This book explores the politics of wildlife conservation policy in Africa, specifically Zambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. The book addresses a general question: Why don’t wildlife policies seem to be working? Rather than use standard explanations such as "bureaucratic inefficiency" or "corrupt dictators," the book demonstrates how politicians at all levels use wildlife policy for their own political ends, which may or may not include conservation. The book uses electoral and archival data, as well as interviews with individuals ranging from presidents to poachers to address this issue. |
|
|
Africa $4.48 Scientific evidence affirms that the first humans emerged on the continent of Africa. Despite this primal connection, Africa remains unknown to most people; too often it is a place associated with famine, frightening diseases, and incomprehensible tribalism — or it is envisioned as a giant safari park. And for millions of African Americans, Africa is little more than a distant idea, placed beyond the bounds of memory by the breach of slavery. In Africa, acclaimed author John Reader and renowned photographer Michael Lewis render a remarkable portrait of the continent, capturing in exquisite photographs and text the complex, diverse life story of Africa’s many peoples, myriad landscapes, and teeming wildlife. To be released in conjunction with PBS and National Geographic’s highly anticipated eight-hour television series, Reader’s book is organized into eight sections, each focused on a distinct region, and presents, for the first time, a consolidated image of contemporary Africa within the context of its geography. From the searing North African Sahara to the great Southern Veld, from the snow-capped majesty of Kilimanjaro to the mighty Niger River, this volume is an altogether captivating revelation of a massive, mysterious land. |
