BY CLAY LARROY
Across the America many couples are having
wonderful wedding after months of planning. The bride and groom will need a
honeymoon to rest and recuperate. Vacations
are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress
free relaxed environment. Couples that take vacations together build memories
that will last a lifetime. Couples vacations and travel can be a most rewarding
experience. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Planning
The
first step to planning a safari is to make sure you are prepared for the
physical demands of the trip. Because most game viewing is done from a vehicle,
travelers are not limited by physical impairment or infirmity. However, some
camping locations or the demands of trekking in mountain ranges may prohibit
some from the rigors of the experience, as can the need to spend several hours
at a time in a vehicle.
In
addition to considering the physical demands of a safari, travelers should be
aware of the necessity to protect against indigenous disease such as malaria.
As early as possible in the planning stage, consult a physician to determine
what shots and other precautions you need, prior to travel.
Travelers
are well advised to book as far in advance as possible. This allows plenty of
time to get the best possible airfares and rates on guides, as well as to make
appropriate preparations for shots and medications. Some safaris actually sell
out, so booking in advance makes for good sense.
All
African countries require passports and most, but not all, require visas from
most foreign visitors. While travelers can often obtain a visa upon arrival, we
recommend purchasing the visa as preparation for the trip.
When
you start to think about packing - it’s best to pack as lightly as possible. A
good, comfortable pair of boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect
repellent, and loose, layered clothing are a must. Long sleeve shirts and light
jackets for cool evenings also protect against mosquitoes, while neutral colors
blend in and are less likely to attract insects. "Convertible" shirts
and pants are popular because of their versatility. Your tour operator will
provide a complete list of recommended clothing and gear, and you can ask your
local outdoor shop for even more advice.
Is a
safari safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk, but know that thousands
and thousands of lucky individuals safari each year in Africa without incident.
Here are a few tips to ensure that you safely enjoy your safari:
- Prepare
for the trip with a visit to a doctor to make sure you are physically
prepared and have the recommended shots and anti-malarias’
- Listen
to your guide! Do not, under any circumstances, over-rule your guide or
avoid their sage advice
- Avoid
swimming in bodies of water (Hot? Want a cool dip in the water? See that
log? That’s no log)
- Watch
animals from a distance; you want to look neither threatening nor tasty,
and if you happen to encounter an animal unexpectedly, leave it plenty of
room for escape and begin walking away quietly and slowly, near to your
guide
- Stay
inside your tent at night
- Stay
hydrated by drinking clean water throughout the day, even if you are not
thirsty
- Respect
the local inhabitants: you are their guest and your guide is your best
friend
- As
with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation,
trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea, and one you
should discuss in detail with your insurance providers
Africa
is a diverse continent with diverse countries, all varied in the wildlife and
infrastructure available to tourists. The most frequently visited safari
destinations and their highlights follow:
- Botswana
- the Okavango Delta in Botswana is an amazing series of lagoons, lakes
and streams with a wide variety of wildlife. Mostly accessible only by
airplane. Less crowded, higher-end safari.
- Kenya
- Popular safari destination for decades and easily accessible. Masai Mara
park is one of the top safari destinations for the annual migration of the
wildebeest, a classic safari adventure.
- Namibia
- Namibia"s Etosha National Park hosts the world"s tallest
elephants and the rare black rhino. More than ninety other varieties of
mammal live here.
- Rwanda
- Virunga National Park covers an area of about 48 square miles and
includes six volcanoes and a mountainous region, home to a population of
mountain gorillas.
- Uganda
- Uganda is known for its scenery, culture and wildlife. The endangered
mountain gorilla is its chief safari draw.
- South
Africa - Popular safari destination for the Big 5. Kruger National Park is
one of the top safari destinations.
- Tanzania
- Dozens of animal species in a variety of settings from the Serengeti
National Park to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
There
is no real consensus as to when the best time to go on safari might be. Many
prefer the dry season, roughly from May through August, also the African
winter. The weather is generally more comfortable, and therefore this is peak
travel season. During the dry season, animals congregate around water holes and
are highly visible, and the vegetation is low and dry, providing unobstructed
views. However, the animal migrations are in progress during this season, and
some animals may not be present as they travel to find water elsewhere.
The
rainy season brings water and the early birthing cycle of many of the animals.
The young make for good viewing, and it is not unusual to see the large
predator cats feeding.
Typically,
tour operators classify safaris as budget, deluxe and luxury depending on the
amenities of the accommodations, the meals included in the package and the
planned activities. Your travel agent will use a reputable tour operator, which
is an important service, as many safari companies provide varying levels of
quality and dependability. Safaris can last from a week to several months,
ranging from $100 per person, per day for a budget trip, to $800 or more for a
luxury safari (not including air).
You
can find a safari experience for every budget and for every type of traveler,
from a single traveler to a family or a newlywed couple. Get your gear and get
traveling - Africa awaits.
REFERENCE SITES:
“Not all those who wander are lost.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien
― J.R.R. Tolkien
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