A safari changed my life
|
Exotic as its connotations are safari is a Swahili word meaning journey. In British history it has come to be linked with pith helmets and big game hunters, men who were adventurers and explorers setting off into the deepest darkest jungle hunting exotic wild beasts like nothing Europe had seen and returning with pelts and strange stories. Books like Tarzan and films like Jungle Jim fed our interest in the unknown jungle and more people began to dream of the howl of the wild, the buzz of the camp mosquitoes and the lure of the jungle. Once only the wealthy were able to go on a jungle safari but later the deep, dark jungle began to open up and more people started to explore it. Hunting began to be done with lenses rather than rifle sights and camps were built both to protect the world’s remaining jungle and to house visitors more comfortably, but a safari is still thought of as a romantic adventure into uncharted territories. Having spent much time in Africa I feel blessed to be part of both hunting and camera shooting safaris over the past 30 years and I would have no idea where to recommend you begin, there is just so much to see. The most valuable advice in these times of greater accessibility is to choose the animals you hope to see on your journey and to travel into those areas where the populations are the largest. My personal favourites are the ever surprising elephants, more agile than you expect and living in family groups, I’ll never tire of watching them, even though I’ll permit there is less action to be expected than from some of the big cats. I’ve seen elephants all over Africa but my favourite place was in the Okavango River Delta region where I came upon an entire group playing with their young ones in the water. Spraying each other and giving gentle nudges like barges, this was the most incredible thing I have ever seen and inspired me to get involved with Elephant Care International. So it was literally a life changing experience. |
 |
More inspiring Safaris » Unmissable
|
South Lungwa National ParkWildlife in Northern, Zambia Concentrated around the Luangwa river, this is one of the best places to see a range of different game animals. The park is remote and animals gather naturally around the waterway's valleys creating a density of African wildlife seen in few other reserves. There are hippos a plenty with an estimated 50 hippos per kilometre of river. 60 different animal species and over 400 species of bird reside in the park (the exception being rhinos who have been poached to extinction in this region.). For bird life visit the park in the rainy season between November and April, but for game, the best time to visit is the dry season when animals gather closer to the water source. Budding botanists will enjoy the baobabs and tamarind trees.
Review by Photo by flickr user imolcho |
|
Biodiversity of the Okavango River DeltaWildlife in North West, Botswana The Okavango River flows through the Kalahari Desert, until it reaches a certain point along its route, then splits into a maze of channels, lagoons and islands, like that of a river delta. On the other side, at only three percent of its original size, the Okavango leaves this strange inland delta to travel another 300 miles across the Kalahari and enter Lake Xau. More than two million tonnes of silt deposits arrive at the delta each year creating an ever changing, but nutrient rich oasis. Animals who find themselves amongst the Okavango River forests are cut off from other areas by the desert, and the delta and its surrounds are home to antelope, lions, cheetahs, leopards, wilderbeest, buffalo, impala and hyenas. There are thought to be around 80 different species of fish living in the Okavango Delta. The best way to experience the delta is in a traditional dug out canoe, but be careful, the waterways are filled with crocodiles and hippos. Alternatively try a horseback safari, you'll get closer to the animals than you can in a car, and yet still burn a quick get away if you need to.
Review by Photo by flickr user jonrawlinson |
|
Ngorongoro Crater Wildlife SafariWildlife in Tanzania The Ngorongoro Crater and the area surrounding it are part of a Conservation Area inside which local tribes continue their traditional lifestyles amongst thousands of wild animals. The vast crater at the conservation area's centre is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera (approximately 265 square and 600 metres deep) and provides nutrient rich soil which supports a huge range of wildlife. Springs along the crater floor provide year round water so there are no migrations in this region. The craters high walls mean the area remains cool and moist for most of the year and the animals are kind of trapped. Both grazers and predators of all kinds live in the crater and it represents a microcosm of African animals. There are also large numbers of the most popular game animals with elephants, buffalo, leopards and over 100 lions. This is an excellent place to visit if you’re hoping to see the rare Black Rhino, the rhinos here are original, not re-introduced as in most parks. Local tribes graze their cattle on the crater floor among the buffalo.
Review by Photo by mikelyvers |
|
Masai Mara SafariWildlife in Rift Valley, Kenya Masai Mara is known for being one of the best ‘sure thing’ game reserves, giving visitors the best chance of seeing a large variety of game animals. As well as having the largest lion population of any reserve, Masai Mara has an excellent density and selection of animals, including leopards, rhinos, gazelles, antelopes, elephants, hippos, zebras and more. Masai Mara also has a bird population to rival its animal population and a record 53 different species of birds of prey. The Masai Mara is also know for its place along the big annual wildebeest migration, which involves around 1.5 million animals. Beginning with the heavy July rains, the migration moves north through the Serengeti in search of higher ground and denser vegetation. Masai Mara makes an astounding backdrop, made famous by the film “Out of Africa”, which was shot here. Because it’s a sure thing, Masai Mara is also one of the most popular game reserves. Visitors aren’t able to go on self guided tours and have to stay in the park's lodges (so numbers are restricted) and be escorted around the park, however many of the guides are local tribes people, who have lived on this land for many of generations, so the guided experience is excellent.
Review by Photo by flickr user Tambako the Jaguar |
|
Elephant in the Kwando and Selinda ReservesSafari in North West, Botswana The largest movement of mammals on the planet occurs in Botswana in August and September as approximately 5 million of Africa’s largest game congregates around the rivers. It is not uncommon at this time of year to see elephant herds in their hundreds in Chobe itself but the crowds the park draws in can ruin the experience. Travel west and you find the privacy of the Kwando and Selinda Reserves; game at this time of year is phenomenal, exclusivity guaranteed. The areas are open all year but the elephants’s come to the area in August/Sep and Oct
Review by Photo by flickr user TheLizardQueen |
|
Ndarakwa HillsSafari in Rift Valley, Kenya A safari is for many people a lifetime highlight, but if you want to go a bit further, really get a feel for East Africa, the Maasai Mara and it's inhabitants - like the maasai and the lions, do make a visit to Ndarakwa Hills. It's not easy to get to, there is no real transport available except one´s feet and it is dangerous in many ways (due to wild game and shiftas) but well worth it to explore and to understand. But you will need a guide. Ask around for either Lekinjot Olotira, called Little Moses to tourists, or Daniel Oleleuka.
Review by Photo by Mikael Strandberg |
