African Safaris FAQ’s: Making an Ideal Holiday in Africa

How much time do I have available for my African safari?
You should allow a minimum of about two weeks. Also, take into consideration (especially if you are traveling from the West Coast) that you need to allow two travel days to get to Africa and at least one day for the return. For the game viewing part of your safari (excluding travel time to the safari regions), a minimum of 5-7 nights in preferably two different wildlife regions is ideal.

For example, if you choose Botswana, it’s better to include at least one camp in the Okavango Delta (preferably two to allow you to experience the Moremi Game Reserve) and as time permits, a camp/lodge in Chobe National Park, a great contrast and an excellent stepping stone for Victoria Falls. For an East African safari, like Tanzania, either a driving or fly-in safari is suggested. And, for this, you should allow a minimum of 8 nights. If you would like to combine the Maasai Mara in Kenya, another 4 nights is the minimum we recommend.

When should I travel?
Many people want to know the “best time to visit Africa.” This largely depends on whether your main focus is game viewing and, if so, high season is generally June through October. High season is also the dry season in both East and Southern Africa. In Southern Africa, December-March is commonly referred to as the “Green Season,” which is also the rainy season in the game viewing regions; however, this period offers benefits such as herbivores have their babies and lush green landscapes and dramatic skies make for superb photography.

In general, temperatures are similar between the East and Southern African regions with May-August being the cooler winter months. East Africa has a long rainy season (April-May) and a short rainy season (November). Again, the holiday season (mid-December – mid-January) is “Peak Season” in East Africa as well as in Cape Town, South Africa, being the dry summer season. East Africa is renowned for its wide open plains and huge herds, especially during the migration of wildebeest and zebra, commonly referred to at the Wildebeest or Annual Migration between the Maasai Mara in the north and the Serengeti in the south. It is a spectacle not to be missed. It is difficult to predict the migration but in general you have a good chance to witness it between the months June-August.

Should I select a Group Safari or a Tailor-made Safari?
Group Safaris: These are set up in advance by the operator. Touring arrangements and lodges/camps are already selected and number of days at each property as well as set departure tour dates. Some group tours have an escort and some are locally hosted. For group safaris in particular, we suggest you plan your safari well in advance. Since safari properties are relatively small, space is limited and therefore fills quickly. When travelers book less than 90 days prior to traveling, group space has often either filled or has been released. Note: If you find a group safari itinerary that suits you and it turns out to be full during your time frame, then we can build a comparable tailor-made safari for you to suit your travel dates and interests while accommodating you at excellent lodges

Am I planning a Africa safari with family and/or friends or as a solo traveler?
A safari is a special experience to be shared with family members or with a group of friends. The group safari departures range in participant size from a minimum of 2 up to 24. Or, we can arrange a tailor-made safari for your special group or occasion (family reunion, birthday, honeymoons, anniversary celebrations, etc). If you are traveling solo, you may choose to join a scheduled group safari or even a previously privately arranged tailor-made journey, which translates to shared game drives and meals at safari lodges and camps.

Africa Luxury Safaris: These adventures highlight the best wildlife viewing areas in the predator rich regions visited in specially designed 4 x 4 game viewing vehicles. These small group departures are joined by excellent rangers.
Walking Safaris: Experience the excitement of a small group safari on-foot in the company of experienced trackers and guides who are trained to ensure memorable wildlife encounters as well as safety.

Sights & Safaris: These signature itineraries combine the excitement wildlife safaris with the best sights and experiences in the region; from amazing cities to wine tasting, from awe-inspiring scenery to train journeys.
Mobile Tented Safaris: Luxurious tented, seasonal camps move around bringing guests within range of impressive wildlife.
Family Safaris: Designed specifically with families in mind, these itineraries capture a safari experience that will appeal to children, parents, and grandparents alike.
Fly-in Safaris: Experience the beautiful expanse of the African savannahs with these exciting fly-in journeys. Utilizing flights between safari camps to maximize game viewing time.

Do I have any special interests, such as photography or adventure?
The Africa experts c an assist you select a safari to match your special interests, be it photography, birding, open-vehicle game drives, mokoro (canoe) and boating trips, or adventure activities such as Great White shark cage diving off the coast of South Africa, bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, or a hike up the world-renowned Table Mountain.

About the Author

Edwin is a specialist in African Safaris and a tour operator. His tour company, African Safaris & Adventures, has presence in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Egypt, Madascar, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Seychelles.

African Wildlife Volunteer Packages

Wildlife of East Africa $17.48 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

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

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.

Sunbird Essential Illustrated Wildlife Guide to Southern Africa $23.48 This completely revised and easy-to-use guide features detailed descriptions and clear color illustrations of more than 600 of the most common southern African wildlife species that you are likely to encounter. Along with a distribution map, each description includes the scientific as well as common name, size, color, habitat, similar species, and status of the species, as well as alternative names and African names (Afrikaans, Sotho, Tsonga, Shangaan, Xhosa and Zulu) where appropriate.This edition also includes information on: ] How to understand animal behavior] How to photograph wildlife] Creatures that are dangerous to humansGroups of animals featured include: ] Mammals] Birds] Reptiles] Fishes] Amphibians] Insects] Other invertebrates

Carbofuran and Wildlife Poisoning $145 A compilation of international contributions from policy-makers, researchers, conservationists and forensic practitioners this text provides a summary of the history and mode of action of carbofuran, and its current global use. It covers wildlife mortality stemming from legal and illegal uses to this point, outlines wildlife rehabilitation, forensic and conservation approaches, and discuss global trends in responding to the wildlife mortality. The issue is very timely because of recent parallel discussions to withdraw and reinstate the insecticide in different parts of the world. Incidences of intentional and unintentional wildlife poisonings using carbofuran are undeniably on the rise, especially in Africa and India and gatherings of stakeholders are being organized and convened on a global basis. There is still a need to consolidate information on the different experiences and approaches taken by stakeholders. Carbofuran and Wildlife Poisoning is a comprehensive overview of global wildlife mortality, forensic developments and monitoring techniques and will be a definitive reference on the subject. This is the first book devoted entirely to the issue of carbofuran and wildlife mortality. It will comprise of historical and v current perspectives, contributions from key stakeholders in the issue of global wildlife poisonings with carbofuran, people on the ground who deal with the immediate and long-term ramifications to wildlife, those who have proposed or are working towards mitigative measures and solutions, those in contact with intentional or unintentional ‘offenders’, those who have adapted and developed forensic methodology and are gathering evidence. This book is unique because it will be written by and for stakeholders, and because, during the time it will be put together, stakeholders worldwide will be gathering to share knowledge and develop strategic action plans.

Wildlife of South Africa: A Photographic Guide $18.48 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.

Africa, 2nd Edition $17.99 From Algeria to Zimbabwe, Africa is a land of diversity and beauty. The resource information and student activities in this book provide an introduction to Africa’s rich cultural heritage. Each of the five geographic regions of Africa is explored along with African climate, vegetation, wildlife, literature, arts, and music.

Wildlife – India, Africa/Africa $6.93 Description Not Available.

South Africa $18.48 "DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa" will lead you straight to the best attractions South Africa has to offer. Packed with information, detailed maps, beautiful cutaways, and floor plans of all major sites, this guide explores every facet of the "Rainbow Nation." This edition also introduces a new 56page field guide to South Africa’s wildlife and safari experience, containing detailed information on safaris, wildlife reserves, and local species. "DK Eyewitness Travel: South Africa" covers everything from Zulu culture to the country’s majestic lions, providing you with comprehensive and essential information about the country. This fully updated and expanded South Africa guide provides comprehensive guidance on the best things to do in South Africa, from exploring the Palace of the Lost City and Kruger National Park to experiencing the multifaceted culture of a country with 11 official languages The "DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa" provides all the insider tips every visitor needs, with dozens of reviews for hotels, recommendations for South African restaurants and entertainment, and tips for shopping, for any budget. Don’t miss a thing on your vacation with the "DK Eyewitness Guide" to South Africa. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Packed with photographs, illustrations, and maps Cutaways and floor plans of all the major sights 3D aerial views of the city’s most interesting districts Huge selection of hotels, restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues Introducing a 56pp guide to South Africa’s wildlife and the safari experience, with detailed information on safaris, wildlife reserves and species.

Politicians and Poachers: The Political Economy of Wildlife Policy in Africa $53.98 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.

Adventure in Africa $6.98 Combining fast-paced adventures that will make the heart race one minute and have readers giggling out loud the next, this chapter-book series includes informative fact sheets bracketing the beginning and end of the story to relay key statistics on the locale, such as the population, location, size, language, currency, and all sorts of trivia about the land. Max and Sam think they know a lot about the animals of the African jungle after a session at zoology camp, but when they travel to Africa for a real safari, they find themselves on a harrowing mission to rescue a baby elephant from animal thieves and save their tour guide, who has been been bitten by a black momba snake. Encounters with charging elephants, hyenas, and cheetahs add even more danger and suspense before everyone reaches safety. Information about African habitats and wildlife add an extra element of interest to young readers.

Gender and the Information Revolution in Africa $30 Information is universally acknowledged to be a lynchpin of sustainable and equitable development. In Africa, however, access to information is limited, and especially so for rural women. The new information and communication technologies (ICTs), centred mostly on the Internet, provide potential to redress this imbalance. The essays in this book examine the current and potential impact of the ICT explosion in Africa. They focus specifically on gender issues and analyze the extent to which women’s needs and preferences are being served. The authors underscore the need for information to be made directly relevant to the needs of rural women, whether in the areas of agriculture, health, microenterprise, or education. They argue that it is not enough for women simply to be passive participants in the development of ICTs in Africa. Women must also be decision-makers and actors in the process of using the new ICTs to accelerate African economic, social, and political development.

Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife East Africa $17.48 Get up close and personal with East Africa’s incredible wildlife with this all-in-one safari guide The hoofbeats of 500,000 wildebeests echo across the Serengeti Plains; a group of mountain gorillas lounge in shady undergrowth; a pink haze of flamingos wade in the shallows. Whether you’re on a top-shelf luxury safari or going it alone in a rented minivan, prepare for the wildlife experience of your life. In This Guide: What do you want to see? Highlights and customized itineraries give you the top wildlife experiences Plan your safai with practical advice from Lonely Planet’s Africa experts Discover what’s where and how to find it – indepth coverage of the major parks and reserves Be first to name-check a Kirk’s dik-dik with our essential wildlife-spotting guide

Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife Southern Africa $16.48 Get up close and personal with Southern Africa’s amazing wildlife with this all-in-one safari guide Cheetah and springbok race in a 100km/hour sprint to the death in the Kalahari; a vast grey mass of elephants surround you on their way to the riverbanks; a million flamingos lay a pink planket over the mudflats. Whether you’re on a top-shelf luxury safari or going it alone in a rented minivan, prepare for the wildlife experience of your life. In This Guide: What do you want to see? Highlights and customized itineraries give you the top wildlife experiences Plan your safai with practical advice from Lonely Planet’s Africa experts Discover what’s where and how to find it – indepth coverage of the major parks and reserves Be first to name-check a samango moneky with our essential wildlife-spotting guide

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Watching Wildlife East Africa $19.14 No Synopsis Available