Taking a two year old on holiday is always a little daunting, even for the experienced traveler. No matter whether you are staying close to home or going long haul, successful holidays with pre-schoolers take precision planning.

For our first holiday as a family, we decided to push the limits and go long haul, opting for South Africa for a family safari, more specifically, Cape Town, the Garden Route, followed by a few days at a family safari lodge. During the build-up to our safari holiday, we primed our son with the Lion King, Madagascar and all Disney characters that pertained to an African safari, making sure he knew the names of the different animals he might be fortunate enough to see.

We bought all our travel essentials, including perhaps the most useful (in hindsight) a pair of toddler reins, with an incorporated backpack.  The reins meant that not only could my son proudly carry his own teddy, book and drink around Heathrow, but that we could keep hold of him with a simple loop of the wrist, while other hands were free to carry bags, check for passports, push trolleys and generally get ourselves to Cape Town.

With a free upgrade to Business Class under our belt after a debacle of a departure, my son slept the whole flight, waking in Cape Town with fresh eyes and a smile.  What more could a parent ask for?

We stepped out of Cape Town International airport into the morning sun, and instantly relaxed to absorb the friendly atmosphere.  Joseph (our meet and greet) shook our hands, gave us an amazingly warm smile and took all of our bags. An hour or so later as we walked into the reception of the Cape Grace Hotel, my son was shocked into good behavior as he was cheerily greeted by name, given orange juice and a toy as a gift to occupy him while the adults took care of the check in details.

At midday we strode out onto the waterfront and enjoyed a fabulous lunch before wandering the markets and shops and then enjoying an afternoon at the nearby Two Oceans Aquarium. My son’s sheer delight was evident as soon as we discovered a large dome full of Angel Fish, or “Nemos” as he gleefully called them.

The next morning we ascended Table Mountain in a revolving cable car that provided fantastic views of Signal Hill, the glistening Waterfront and working harbor. In the afternoon we hopped on and off the open top buses that pottered along the Cape peninsula, stopping off at both sandy and rock pooled beaches, much to the delight of our son.

After a fabulous couple of days in Cape town, we climbed into our rental car and drove along the picturesque Garden Route to the malaria free Kwandwe Game Reserve.  Our goal – to spot as many animals as we could with our excited son.

On arrival at Ecca Lodge we were greeted by our guide Alistair and the staff of Ecca who did a fabulous job at looking after us. The game viewing was, superb. My son’s face instantly lit up with delight when he spotted “Dumbo” far in the distance silhouetted against the horizon, only to then be told to look to the other side of the jeep, to see another elephant slightly hidden behind thicket, asleep on its feet just a short ways away. We saw three lion that day, and heard the grunting of hippo in the river as we headed back to the lodge for dinner, with a very sleepy, happy two year old.

With heads full of the adventure that had turned into wonderful memories, we boarded our flight home.

Guest author bio:  Nicola Valentino is a writer for Opulent Africa a luxury safari operator.

Photo credits:  Courtesy of the author and ©Opulent Africa.

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Swaddled on its eastern flank by the warm touch of the Indian Ocean, and on its west edge by the grand swells of the Atlantic, Africa is more than equipped when it comes to glorious beaches. But beyond the obvious strips – along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the well-trawled crescents of Morocco and Tunisia – other, less-discovered stretches await, their wave-dabbed curves all the more beautiful for their relative lack of fame.

South Africa

As the continent’s lower edge, South Africa is a beach paradise. You can find endless coastal glories within reach of Cape Town, where the Cape Of Good Hope extends a slender south-pointing finger into the Atlantic – not least of which are photogenic outposts like Muizenberg and Simon’s Town on False Bay.

But those seeking a more secluded form of South African seafront should look a little to the east, and the Garden Route. This fabled part of the country’s perimeter, which extends some 150 miles from Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth in a haze of lush vegetation, also has superb beaches. Indeed, you might never leave Mossel Bay, at the start of the Route – where old-fashioned seaside charms are complemented by the sight of the Indian Ocean ebbing to land.

Getting there: Virgin Atlantic offers flights to Cape Town from London Heathrow.

Namibia

Although known to intrepid tourists, South Africa’s northerly next-door neighbor Namibia remains one of Africa’s less-appreciated gems – an often wild realm of desert and scrub whose shoulder pushes against the Atlantic for 977 miles.

Its most noted – and most desolate – portion is the Skeleton Coast Park, a raw enclave in the north-west of the country that is very much a realm of dust and bones. But soft alternatives lie to the south – such as Henties Bay. A small town to the west of (and within reach of) Windhoek, this hideaway is ideal for those who want to try their arm at sports fishing, or venture into the Namib Desert by four-wheel-drive. And it also boasts miles of sand, where you can gaze at wide Atlantic swells in undisturbed tranquility.

Getting there: Virgin Atlantic offers daily flights to Johannesburg from London Heathrow. From Johannesburg regular services connect to Windhoek in Namibia.

Kenya

Long known for its wildlife wonders, Kenya is increasingly accruing a reputation as a place for skulking on the sand in search of a suntan. With good reason. The country can claim some 350 miles of Indian Ocean coastline. And its most splendid offering is surely Diani Beach (in photo).

Though relatively close to the noisy bulk of Mombasa (Kenya’s main port, 20 miles to the north), this white-sand playground is largely removed from urban context (though the small town of Ukunda provides a handful of restaurants and bars). You can find good diving amid its coral reefs, and strong winds for kite-surfing. But, best of all, you can find seclusion too.

Getting there: Virgin Atlantic has regular flights to Nairobi from London Heathrow.

Tanzania

Directly to the south, Kenya’s close colleague Tanzania plays a similar trick. Better acknowledged for its safari holidays (the swaying grasslands of the Serengeti, in the north of the country – home to the annual wildebeest stampede of the Great Migration every October – should be on everyone’s must-do list), East Africa’s biggest state is also blessed with enough shoreline to stage a thousand swimsuit modeling shoots – around 900 miles in total.

And, as with Mombasa and Diani Beach, if you head just south of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s biggest city, you soon encounter seafront serenity – in particular around the small, chic resort of Ras Kutani, where the sand seems to run all the way to the horizon as traditional fishing boats glide lazily in the shallows.

Getting there: Virgin Atlantic has regular flights to Nairobi (in Kenya) from London Heathrow. From Nairobi, regular services connect to Dar Es Salaam.

Nigeria

West Africa rarely pings too loudly on mainstream tourist radars, but Nigeria, with 530 miles of shore running west to east along the Atlantic, has beaches in abundance.

The most celebrated hem the biggest city, Lagos – such as Bar Beach, in the southerly Victoria Island section of the metropolis, which draws residents to the water. Its name is deceptive, a reference not to madcap nightlife but to the heaped sandbars that help give the beach shape. Other, less crowded, options also lie within a quick dash of the centre – Lekki Beach, Alpha Beach and Eleko Beach to the east, Tarkwa Bay and Lighthouse Beach to the west. The latter is also well titled, its say-what-you-see moniker paying tribute to the century-old shipping sentry that guards the shore here.

Getting there: Virgin Atlantic offers regular flights to Lagos from London Heathrow.

Photo credit:  Michael Vogt via flickr

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South Africa is known for many activities most notably wine and safaris.  However, in Cape Town, South Africa there are even more possibilities – some fantastic water experiences – particularly since the city sits near the exact spot where the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans meet.  Folks often head to Cape Town for some downtime after a wildlife safari, but how about an added adrenaline rush of a shark cage dive.  After viewing the wildlife on safari, get up a little closer and try swimming with Jackass African penguins.  Or for something a little less active, you can go whale watching from the shore or on a boat, giving you plenty of opportunities to admire the grace and beauty of the migrating Southern Right Whale.

Feel the Adrenaline as you Shark Cage Diving

This adrenalin rush of an adventure activity usually begins around Dyer Island near the fishing village of Gansbaai.  Aptly called “Shark Alley,” this area is a breeding ground for marine life including Cape Fur Seals, thus attracting the feared predator, the Great White Shark. In order to dive you must have a valid scuba diving certificate; some outfitters offer experiences that are just snorkeling, so be sure to ask before booking.

The boat normally locates where the sharks are actively feeding each day and then five to six divers at a time are allowed down in a steel enforced cage.  Each group is down in the cage for about 15 minutes and the cage is situated next to the side of boat using what is called a “hookah system” in which the diving cylinder remains on the boat with the air hoses running into the cage.
A bird’s eye view, you bet, and often the shark might even brush its tail against the cage.  Curious by nature, the sharks often come eye to eye with divers while feeding, so you’ll have a shark’s eye view that few people have ever experienced.

The shark cage diving trip normally takes an entire day or about 11 hours from pickup to drop off, depending on the company you use.

If you don’t want to, or don’t have the qualifications for diving, it’s still possible to enjoy surface viewing from the boat. The sharks often get quite close to the surface while feeding, and while it’s not the same adrenalin rush as in the water, it’s still pretty darned impressive.

The Great White shark cage diving season is from May to October for high season; but you can dive anytime of the year and hope for a sighting.

Swim with Endangered Penguins

Best done in the warmer weather, swimming with the penguins is a popular pastime at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town near Cape Town. On the Indian Ocean side, Boulders Beach is a National Park where you might be laying on your beach towel one minute and then suddenly come face to face with one or more members of the famous colony of Jackass African penguins. It’s easy to just enjoy some laid back time while you watch these creatures, but remember that the area is a sanctuary and it’s their home not yours.

Take a dip in the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean and you can swim with the penguins too.

Curious about the penguin’s name?  This species of penguin, found in only 27 other places in the world, was actually dubbed “jackass” because of its particular Eeyore (from Winnie the Pooh) characteristics.  Much endangered, at Boulders Beach there are as many as 3000 you’ll be able to interact with on the beach year round.

Onshore or Off for Whale Watching

Whale watching in Cape Town normally takes place either from the shore in the nearby seaside town of Hermanus or on a whale watching excursion.  The Southern Right Whales can so easily be seen off the coast that Hermanus has been named the best shore viewing location for whales in the world.

If you want to get out on the water, though, you’ll find excursions lasting anywhere from two hours to an entire day.  On the water you’ll also get the chance to see seals, dolphins and a number of seabirds as well.

Seen off the coast as early as May, peak season for viewing the Southern Right Whale is between August and November. This is the time that the whales migrate from the colder waters in Antarctic to the warmer sheltered water of Cape Town for breeding and birthing.

Finding Your Adventure

There are a number of outfitters to choose from, offering experiences and price points at all ends of the value spectrum.  Your  best bet is to ask around once you’re in Cape Town and take recommendations from the folks who have already been there and done it.

Hotels in Cape Town run from simple B&B style inns to luxury properties, so you can splurge on your accommodations and/or your adventure activities.

Photo credit:  Michiel Van Balen via flickr

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by My Destination Info; the opinions expressed are those of the guest travel blogger, Rita Cook.

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There are plenty of times when I prefer an independent travel style, cobbling together an assortment of flight plans, accommodation arrangements, rental cars, and other odds and ends that might be needed.  But there are also times when I realize that leaving all that work to someone else not only saves me time, but also money.   And when travel plans are exotic, far away, and toward the pricey end of the spectrum, looking for a good package value is even more important.

So I was pretty excited to see a 5-star luxury safari package coming in at a super value price.  Let’s take a look at how this package can help make a safari, an often trip of a lifetime choice, a value luxury reality.

Lion World Tours is offering a Safari in Absolute Style 9-day itinerary that includes 4 nights at the luxuriously The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa.  This 5-Star hotel frequently appears on lists of top hotels in the world, and you can spend your time luxuriating nd relaxing at the spa or getting out to explore Cape Town.  After you’re acclimated to the time change, and have spent some time in country, you’ll head off for two nights in the African bush staying at the luxurious Madikwe Safar Lodge.   The Lodge is located in the Madikwe Game Reserve and offers limited luxury suites (no more than 20 to ensure privacy) in three camps.  You’ll get air conditioning, a plunge pool, and all the luxury en suite amenities that you’d expect.

Here’s the lowdown on what the package includes:

• Round trip economy class airfare from New York (JFK) or Washington Dulles (IAD) to Cape Town on South African Airways, including all fuel surcharges and taxes.  Add on fares available from other departure destinations.
• Domestic flights with South Africa
• Round trip charter air between Johannesburg and Madikwe
• 4 nights accommodation at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• 2 nights accommodation at Madikwe Safari Lodge
• Most meals:  6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
• High tea at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Game Drives
• Transfers

Price:  $2,995 per person based on double occupancy

Dates:  Price valid for departures October 1-November 30, 2011

This is an incredible value for a itinerary that often ranges twice the price.  I priced out airfare, and it ranged in the $1400-1600 range alone (not including fees), and that’s just to get to Cape Town.  If you’re ready to take take that safari trip of a lifetime, check out the itinerary for all the value added items and start making plans.  If our travel concierge can help with your safari reservations, let us know.

Photo credit:  SXC

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When you’re thinking about places for an African safari, Namibia might not spring to the top of your mind, but after a little research you’ll realize that this coastal country offers a near perfect blend of wildlife eco-tourism and adventure.  Namibia is a major destination for visitors looking for a wildlife and eco-tourism experience, and with 26 parks and reserves you can choose from a structured guided safari or a self-drive adventure.

Here are three of the top spots for wildlife in Namibia

Etosha National Park

The most famous of the wildlife parks is Etosha National Park (in photo top), which translates to “great white place of dry water.” It is located in the northern region of Namibia, and is a savannah with large herds of game including various types of gazelle, antelope, zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo.  And where you’ll find those animals, the circle of life tells us that lions, cheetahs, and leopards aren’t too far away.  Etosha is also home to both black and white rhino and elephants.  With the major game ticked off your to-see list, don’t forget the rest of the wildlife – over 114 mammal species have been found here – including the endangered Puka wild dog.

Etosha, unlike many African game reserves, does not offer its own guided safaris.  If you want a guided experience, you’ll need to arrange through a private lodge or tour company.  Self-driving visitors can choose to stay in one of the camps inside the park and tour during the day.  The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and all visitors must be secured away after dark.  The best time to visit for wildlife viewing in May-September.

Waterberg National Park

Located in central Namibia on the Waterberg Plateau, the park is largely inaccessible, making it the perfect home for endangered species.  The plateau overlooks the plains of the Kalahari, and is home to the black rhino, white rhino, wildebeest, antelope, buffalo, cheetah, and more.  Over 200 species of birds call Waterberg home, including black eagles and the country’s only breeding colony of Cape Vultures.

There are a couple lodges and camps inside the park that should accommodate your travel style, with other options a short drive away.  The plateau offers beautiful scenery with a couple of self-guided bush walks, and a couple longer hikes for the more spirited.  This is a great stop for those on a self-driving vacation.

Cape Cross Reserve

It’s easy to forget that Namibia is a coastal country after focusing on the wildlife of the interior, but it is just as well known for its coastal wildlife, and most specifically as the breeding home for the Cape fur seal.  The area is large, noisy, and smelly, especially during November and December, where a couple hundred thousand seals are there.  You can hear the seals from anywhere nearby, but to see them you’ll head for a walkway constructed of recycled plastic. It is wheelchair accessible.

There are no accommodations within the park, this is way too smelly of a place to stay for very long, so Cape Cross is best done as a day trip.  The park is open from 10 am-5 pm daily.  For planning purposes, keep in mind that the male “bulls” come ashore in mid-October to stake out their territory.  Birthing occurs in late November and early December.

While most tourists visit Namibia for the wildlife, it has also become known for it’s extreme sports, most notably sandboarding, 4×4-ing, and desert runs. The coastal cities also offer fishing, kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing, and other water sports.  You can get information about these, and plenty of less extreme sports, from your hotel in Namibia.

Photo credits: Dr. Thomas Wagner (Etosha); Harald Supfle (Waterberg); bettyx1138 via flickr (Cape Cross)

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by My Destination Info; the opinions expressed are those of the author.

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When it comes to thinking about an African safari, Kenya usually figures prominently on the list.  There are plenty of day trips and sights to see in Kenya, although most safaris in Kenya center on one of the major areas, parks, or reserves.

Amboseli National Park

Formerly known as the Maasai Amboeli Game Reserve, this park is part of a larger eco-system that spans the Kenya-Tanzania border.  The reserve has an active tourism economy and offers some of the best opportunities for viewing wildlife in Africa, if not the world.  You can have a very successful visit, even if only for a weekend, and offers the best opportunity for getting close to free-ranging elephants.  The Reserve has been designated a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, and in addition to the wildlife, visitors can enjoy the views of Mount Kilimanjaro and meeting local Maasai residents.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Located on one side of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in northern Kenya, and across from the Samburu National Reseve (see below), Buffalo Springs was first opened to visitors in 1985.  With Samburu it forms one larger eco-system.  You’ll find four of the “Big Five” (no rhinos here), along with cheetah, eland, gazelle, hippo, oryx, and a large variety of bird species, including the Somali ostrich.

Laikipia District

The Laikipia region of Kenya does not yet have protected status, but it is home to a vast expanse of sustainable private and communal land.  The area plays an important role in Kenya’s biodiversity with wildlife population second only to the Maasai Mara.  You’ll likely see elephant (the second largest population in Kenya), black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Lelwel hartebeest.  Wildlife and other eco initiatives are entirely sustained by private landowners and communal activities and funding.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

This large game reserve in southwestern Kenya covers nearly 600 square miles and is probably the most well known wildlife destination.  If you want to see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, black rhino, African elephant, and African buffalo), you’ll likely be taking a long look at a visit to this reserve.  Maasai Mara is known for its population of big cats, and photos from the Serengeti’s annual migration of zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest have been made famous in photos (as above).  You’ll also be able to see hippos, crocodile, hyena, antelope, hartebeest, cheetah, fox, and plenty of other beautiful creatures.  When many travelers envision an African safari, this is what they think of.

Samburu National Reserve

Located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in northern Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve is a little over 100 square miles and is located across the river from the Buffalo Spring National Reserve (see above).  Although you may not recognize the name, this area was one (of two) in which Elsa the Lioness, of Born Free fame, was raised by George and Joy Adamson.  Kamunyak is another lioness of some fame, and although she has not been spotted for a number of year, she became well known for adopting oryx calves (a type of antelope).  Her story was told on Animal Planet.  Other wildlife you can see in the Samburu include:  lion, cheetah, leopard, elephants, buffalo, hippo, gazelles dik-dik, impala, zebra, giraffe, and more.

Tsavo National Park

Tsavo spans Kenya with an East and West Park,  and Tsavo East is one of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya.  Tsavo East is flat, Tsavo West more mountainous, but both parks feature the “Big Five,” including a black rhino sanctuary in Tsavo West.  Wildlife is abundant, and you’ll be able to see dik-dik, cheetah, zebra, oryx, hartebeest, giraffe, and lots more.

Whether you opt for a luxury safari, a budget-minded adventure, or plan to stay at one of the many Kenya hotels and plan day or weekend trips, an African safari is likely to be on most everyone’s travel bucket list.

Photo credit: Joan Gil via wikimedia (elephant and gnu); Viault via wikimedia (migration)

NOTE:  This post is sponsored by My Destination Info; the opinions expressed are those of the author.

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If you like unusual and out-of-the way destinations, some place that most of your friends have never heard of, then put travel to Mauritius on your bucket list.  This island nation of the east coast of Madagascar is one that many people have never heard of, let alone thought about visiting.

What does Mauritius have to offer a traveler?

Beaches!

It’s an island — so of course there are miles and miles of beaches to tempt you:

• Pointe aux Piments is popular with snorkelers looking for beautiful underwater scenery
• Trou aux Biches is home to a Hindu temple
• Choisy, one of the most popular beaches on the island, is great for its selection of water sports
• Belle Mare offers beautiful white sandy and crystal blue water (in photo)
• Blue Bay, probably the finest beach on the island, has a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach and clear, light blue waters

You may come for the beaches, but at some point you’re going to have to leave them, and there is still much Mauritius offers to keep you entertained.  You can enjoy Mauritian cooking, an eclectic blend of Creole, Chinese, Indian and Muslim food.  Be sure to try the local fare.  Shoppers can take advantage of the local sweaters, knitwear and other textile products.  Adventure travelers can enjoy trekking, cycling, and caving, while sports enthusiasts can opt for snorkeling, fishing or golf.

This island paradise offers warm climate nearly year round, ranging from the 70’s in winter to the 90’s in summer.  As you move away from the beach and into the interior of the islands it will cool off substantially.  And remember, Mauritius is below the equator so you need to reverse your seasons.

As your considering Mauritius travel plan ideas keep in mind the favorable currency exchange.  1 Mauritius Rupee equals about 4 cents.

Doesn’t a Mauritius vacation tempt you?

Photo credit: via wikimedia commons

NOTE:  This is a sponsored post; the opinions expressed herein are those of the author.

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River cruising has become a popular option with cruise lovers, offering a smaller, more intimate experience, as well as the opportunity to visit destination not otherwise accessible by larger ships.  It’s also a way many novice travelers choose to visit more exotic locations, providing them with the security and comfort of luxury holidays while still allowing them a bit of adventure.  A little taste of a destination on a cruise often leads to a return visit.

A cruise in Egypt has become a popular choice, giving travelers an opportunity to see an ancient country fully engaged in modern day.  It doesn’t hurt that it has nearly year round sunny weather, either!  And seeing the country on a cruise gives travelers the security of fresh drinkable water, ice, and safe food.

When most people think of Egypt they think of the Pyramids and perhaps the Nile, but there is far more to do and see in this part of the world.

Most luxury cruises in Egypt begin or end in Luxor, the site of the ancient city of Thebes.  Luxor is like a real time history class, with ruins and other historical sites located everywhere you turn.  The city is divided in two by the Nile, with the sides referred to as the East and West bank, and travelers have plenty to visit on both sides.

Temple of Luxor, Egypt

East Bank

Ancient Egyptians connected the rising sun in the east to the creation of life, and that’s why you’ll find life-giving temples on the East side of the Nile.

Some of the sights you’ll see on the east bank include:

• Luxor Temple (actually a large temple complex), the Luxor Museum (with its small, but impressive, collection that includes Tutankhamun artifacts and the mummy of Ramses I)
• Karnak Temple (the largest religious site in the world, consisting of a complex of ruined temples, other buildings, with a sacred lake in the middle)
• Mummification Museum (that helps to explain the ancient art of creating mummies)

Luxor International Airport is also located on the East Bank.

Valley of the Queens, Luxor

West Bank

• The setting sun in the west signified the end of the day, and of life, and the ancient Egyptians established their tombs and mausoleums on the west side of the Nile.
• Some of the sights you’ll see on the west bank include:
• Valley of the Kings (an ancient location for tombs of Egyptian royals and a major discovery spot of the tomb of Tutankhamun)
• Valley of the Queens (the burial spot for royal women and wives of the Pharoahs, including Queen Nefertari)
• Memorial Temples of Ramses II and III
• Deir el-Medina (the village that was home to the workers in the Valley of Kings)
• Deir el-Bahri (a complicated layout of mortuary temples and tombs)
• Malkata and the Colossi of Memnon (the palace and necropolis of Pharaoh Amenhotep III)
• Tomb of Nobles (another burial site)

These ancient sites are extremely popular with visitors and tourism is an economical force in the Luxor economy.  Despite the strength of the tourism economy however, visitors are still expect to comply with a few basic customs and traditions while visiting.  These include following rules concerning photography, generally photographing exteriors and purchasing photography permits when required) and to dress modestly and in a way as to show respect when visiting religious sites.  Long sleeves and pants are generally recommended, and bring a heavy pair of socks to wear inside temples as shoes are not permitted).

Egypt is ancient, exciting, and a fascinating mix of old and new.  It on my to-visit list, and seeing it by cruise ship has a great deal of appeal.

Photo credit:  Hajor via wikimedia (Temple of Luxor); Zureks via wikimedia (Valley of the Queens)

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats; the opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author.

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On my list of “travel experiences before I die,” a safari figures prominently.  It’s always seemed like one of those once-in-a-lifetime vacations.  Lately I’ve been committed to getting through a lot of experiences on my “bucket list” and the safari keeps moving up the list.

That’s part of the reason why I was so excited to read the 7th Edition of Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries, by Mark W. Nolting.  Of course, I LOVE to read travel books of all types, and I enjoy sharing them with all of you.  But this was more than just another travel book.  This was personal research!

First off, let’s answer the question that the title asks:  What are Africa’s top wildlife countries.  That would be:  Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.  Of lesser note:  Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Mauritius, and the Seychelles Islands.

Some of those were obvious choices to me.  I’d heard about safaris in Kenya, South Africa, and Tanzania, but in reading this book, I was going beyond the obvious, and discovering a lot more options that I had first imagined.

The guide opened with good, in depth, and practical information about Africa and planning a wildlife trip.  It explains a little bit about what to expect, does a little myth busting (you don’t have to stay in grass huts and sleep in the mud), talks about the environment and eco-tourism, and sets out some practical information about security, choosing accommodations, and selecting the best type of safari.  There’s even a helpful packing list.  This opening section provides a solid framework for what’s to follow, and it will help you narrow and shape what you want your wildlife experience to be.

With the basics under your belt, you’re ready to explore the continent.

The remainder of the book is organized by geographical sections of Africa,with the major wildlife sections first, then the lesser ones.  This geographic organization makes sense for someone familiar with the continent, but I found myself flipping around, back and forth, too frequently.  Alphabetical listings would have been much easier for me to use as I gradually became more re-acquainted with my African geography.

Entries for each country included the best time to visit, what wildlife you can expect to see, weather information, a list of the top wildlife reserves and other attractions, maps, hundreds of beautiful photos, accommodations of all types and classes, and tons of practical information and tips.  You’ll find details about photo safaris, mountain climbing, gorilla and chimp watching, bird watching, canoe safaris, diving, hot air balloon safaris, night game, horseback riding, family trips, elephant safaris, and more.

All the resources that you could need are included here, including simple things like money, shopping, health concerns, and travel, to more specialized information like Latin and scientific names of animals, and an extensive reading list.

The guide ends with a section called “Bush Tails” a testimonial section full of feedback and recommendations on places visited.  Rather than just blah quotes and PR hype from strangers, these felt like real stories from real travelers, people who had been charmed by Africa, its people, and its wildlife.

When I started reading this guide, I didn’t know what I wanted much beyond wanting to go on a safari in Africa and see animals.  Very simplistic.  After reading this guide, I’ve narrowed it down a lot.  I still don’t know exactly what’s right for me, but I’m a lot farther along my research journey.   I had no idea the depth and breadth of what was offered, and how it can shape my travel experience.

The strength of this book is its extensive practical information, the lure of the book is the beautiful photos.  Whether a safari is in your near future, or you are merely an arm chair traveler, Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries will open the door to a world that few have experienced.

You can buy Africa’s Top Wildlife Countries through The Africa Adventure Company ($17.95), from Amazon (aff. link) or at any book store with a quality travel section.

Photo credit: The Africa Adventure Company

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Elephant Sanctuary near Cape Town, South Africa, is an organization that provides a safe-haven for the largest of our four-legged friends.  It offers a comprehensive educational program that combines the desire to have happy and contented elephants with educated and satisfied guests.  The unique win-win program keeps rescued African elephants safe, while forming bonds between the humans and elephants.  The animals are exercised and stimulated daily, allowing their individual, and intelligent, behavior to shine through.

Guests to the sanctuary will get to know the personalities of the different elephants, while learning about the species and the rescue efforts to save the herds.  Guest have the opportunity to touch, feel, groom, and feed the elephants, learning, while having fun.

Two highlights of the programs are the Trunk-in-Hand program (which allows you to hold the elephant’s trunk and walk with it), as well as the opportunity to ride one of the elephants.  These two opportunities are give guests the chance to get up close and bond with these magnificent creatures.

The Elephant Sanctuary has three operations:

• The Crags, near Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route
• Hartbeespoort Dam, about a hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria
• Hazyview, about a 10-minute drive from Kruger National Park

Costs for the guest programs range are based on the length and type of program and will depend on the prevailing exchange rate.  Overnight accommodations are only available at the Hartbeespoort Dam sanctuary, and are comfortable and luxurious.

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with these giant beasts, this program is worth a look.

Photo credit:  Elephant Sanctuary

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