There’s Something Attractive About The Mara

When most people think of Africa believe it or not they are mostly likely than not thinking Kenya’s masai mara.

This place has been for many the image of Africa, as seen on African wildlife documentaries by the likes of National geographic.

Kenya’s masai mara also spelled Maasai mara the traditional inhabitants of the area in whose name the park is named, is in fact a continuation of the Serengeti National reserve in Tanzania.

This park is about 560 square miles but by no means Kenya’s largest. The park is famous for its wild variety of species including wildebeests, Zebra, Gazelles and a wide variety of birds to mention but a few. During the annual migration, over 1 million Wildebeest, 360,000 Thomson’s Gazelle and nearly 200,000 Zebra migrate from the Serengeti plains in July and August in Masai Mara National Park. Predators such as lions and hyena follow their circular annual route.

In Kenya unlike other parts of Africa the likes of South Africa private game reserves are rear. The Masai Mara Reserve area is administered by Narok County Council and the Mara Conservancy (under contract by the Trans-Mara county council), a local nonprofit organization formed by the local Maasai, and contains a number of anti-poaching units.

It is estimated that over 300,000 visitors mostly foreigners visit this park. The best time to visit Masai Mara Reserve is during the dry months, July through October. The grasses are long after the rainy season, and it’s a great time to see the migratory herds. The Great Migration takes place in July and August, but you are not likely to be disappointed no matter what time of the year you visit.

The native Maasai people have over the years developed a symbiotic relationship something you will find fascinating on your tour to the Masai Mara. The Masai tribesmen in their long red robes, living in a social formation in accordance to customs and rituals that are markedly different from a European way of life, are one of the chief attractions of the area too.

There are many ways to undertake a Mara Safari with a balloon safari being one of the best. Balloon safaris are done at dawn and often end with a bush breakfast. One can also engage in one of the more traditional safaris in a car or a special tourist bus. There are both Kenya safaris as well as Tanzania safaris that will help you explore the Masai Mara National Parks. You can also undertake a special bird tour. Do not forget, more than 500 species of wild birds inhabit Masai Mara, a number that grows with migration. You can take any of the three ways for a safari, you can arranged for a customized safari, be a part of a package tour from an African safari Tour Operator, or arrange for everything yourself. However, for first timers, the best option is to become a part of the African safari Tour Operator. Book in advance, if you want to tour in the migration season.

Learn more about African Safari. Stop by Gerald Smith’s recommended site where you can find out all about East African Safaris and experiences.

categories: africa, travel tips, africa, recreation

An Overview Of Africa And Its Countries

Africa is an exciting and intriguing continent that offers small, hidden villages to large modern cities. This continent is home to 49 individual countries with 840 million people, or approximately 12 percent of the world’s population. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting facts about this enchanting continent.

There are an unknown number of distinct tribal and people groups included within its borders. Each one has its own characteristics and way of life. There are specific indigenous people in each country, plus other ethnic groups that have moved in over time.

Sudan is the country of the pyramids. Although, one usually hears of the pyramids in Egypt, Sudan actually has more than Egypt does. There are 223 known pyramids in this country. They are enormous, steep sided structures that measure from 75 to 100 feet tall.

One of the most interesting countries on the continent is Libya. This country is mostly desert. Deserts cover 90 percent of the country, and are rich in petroleum deposits. This has made Libya the ninth richest country on the continent.

It has such a large land mass that it is numbered number 17 in size compared to the other world countries and in Africa it is number four. Its flag, also, distinguishes it from other countries around the world. It is the only country that has a solid colored flag with no other details.

Have you ever heard about the Goliath frog? Equitorial Guinea and Cameroon are home to this frog. It is 30 inches long when you stretch it out, and just its body can measure 12 inches long. Even though, it is so big in adulthood, the tadpoles are the same size as other species of tadpoles. Once they are grown the can jump up to 10 feet forward. Because of their size, everyone expects them to make a loud noise, but they don’t make any noise at all.

There are many interesting facts about the fascinating continent of Africa. Its amazing wild animals and exciting Safaris have made it known all over the world. If you are an adventurist at heart, you will enjoy exploring each one of these countries

Yamashita Kazuma is intrigued by all things African and plans to visit Africa as soon as he is able to.

categories: Africa,Travel,Regional

Wild Wild Africa – Incomparable African Safaris in the Top Game reserves in Tanzania

Tanzania national parks and game reserves are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife, making for incomparable Africa game watching safaris. Among these game reserves, the five parks below stand out as the best of the best.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha national park occupies 12,950 sq km, making it the second largest national park in Tanzania. Located 128 km from Iringa, this park is named after the great Ruaha river, which attracts many thirsty animals to its banks, among them lions, leopards, hyenas, water bucks, and reed bucks. The river also hosts several hippos and crocodiles. Other animals found in Ruaha include zebras, wild dogs, giraffes, lesser and greater kudu, impala, and several antelope species. Ruaha national park is unique in that it combines Southern Africa and Eastern Africa flora and fauna.

Ruaha’s topography is ideal for hiking and walking safaris. In the rainy season between March to April and October to November, the bird population peaks to a high of over 350 bird species – including some Eurasian migrants. Ruaha’s climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in October. The Ruaha is was until recently totally inaccessible, but there is now a year round road access to the park. From Dar es Salaam, road travel takes 10 hours while a charter flight takes 1 and and half hours. The best time for a safari is over the dry season- May to December.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is situated between Lake Manyara and the wall of the Great Rift Valley – rising 610 metres above. The park supports a thriving population of birdlife and hence it is one of Tanzania’s best birding destinations. Common birds in the park include waterfowl as well as some migrants. The lush green vegetation of the national park offer some of the best places to view leopards. Tree-climbing lions can also be spotted on the grassy shores of the lake.

The periods between December and February and between August and September constitute the best times for going on safari in Lake Manyara national park. However, it is still possible to see animals throughout the year. Most parts of the park are easily accessible, making it possible for you to see all its major attractions in two hours. Lake Manyara National park has three habitats: groundwater green forests, acacia woodlands, and open floodplains.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is part of Tanzania’s famous northern safari circuit. Occupying about 2,600 sq km, the park is named after the Tarangire river. It has a a high concentration of wild animals including elephants and over 570 species of birds, rendering it a haven for birdwatching lovers.

Visitors who want to take game drives around Tarangire should do so during the dry season from June to September. This is the best time to view wildlife as animals tend to congregate while drinking the waters of River Tarangire. In addition the vegetation is not so dense, unlike the case during wet season. While at Tarangire chances of spotting python seem to more than even for some or other reason maybe because they have taken to climbing the trees in the area.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in’79, Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers an area of over 7,000 square miles in Northern Tanzania. At the north-west, Ngorongoro conservation area joins up with the Serengeti plains, an area through which the wildebeest horde during their great migration between Masia Mara in Kenya and Serengeti.

The main focal point of the conservation area is the 264 sq km Ngorongoro crater. Every year, more than 350,000 tourists visit the crater, whose floor is home to many different animals. Wildlife watching in the crater remains a richly rewarding experience, which is perhaps why Ngorongoro conservation area is one of the most popular destinations for an African safari in Tanzania.

Great herds of gazelle, antelope and zebra can be seen grazing along the river beds as well as large herds of elephants moving from one corner of the park to the other. It is also possible to see prides of lions sleeping lazily under the shady trees or at least hear a lion’s roar echoing off the walls of the crater. This is an exciting, though at times, shocking experience. Birdwatchers will also enjoy visiting Ngorongoro. Lake Ndutu in the area is home to a thriving population of birds. Some of the bird species you will see here include stocks, ducks and flamingos among may more.

Serengeti National Park

In the local Masai language, the word “Siringit” means unending plains. Serengeti’s name is derived from this word, describing the national parks open grassy plains. Occupying 12,950 sq km, this national park is part of the same ecosystem with Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. This vast plain is the home of over 30 large mammal species and about 500 bird species.

The world’s longest and largest overland mammal migration takes place in the Serengeti plains. Dubbed the “great wildebeest migration”, the event is recognized as the most spectacular wildlife show in the world, and is ranked alongside the Ngorongoro crater and the mighty Victoria falls among the ten natural wonders in world travel.

It is almost impossible to accurately predict the dates for the migration from Serengeti to Masai Mara, though generally it takes place between July and August. The reverse journey occurs around October. The event involves nearly 2 million herbivores moving from Serengeti to the Mara then later back to Serengeti in search of green pasture. One of the most dramatic moments of the migration is when the animals cross the Mara river.

To get to Serengeti, you can travel both by road or by flight. It takes about 8 hours by road from Arusha, 320km away. By air, you can take a flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha to Kirawira airstrip or Seronera airstrip or any of the other airstrips in Serengeti.

Find great Tanzania holiday packages and also make your reservation for hotels in Tanzania in the author’s website.

categories: tanzania travel,tanzania vacations,tanzania holidays,tanzania safaris,africa vacations,africa safaris,africa holidays,africa travel,travel,vacations

Preparing For An African Safari, Safety Tips And Guide.

An African safari or an African Hunting trip can be very rewarding and exciting. Common sense and careful preparation will make this a safe and memorable trip. If you feel you are ready for an African safari, think again. Even if you are traveling to a country you are familiar with, it is still very important to be aware of the physical conditions and safety. Here are tips on what to do before leaving home and while you are abroad.

Prior to leaving home be sure you’ve sufficient data regarding the country you’re visiting, including that on customs and security concerns. These can be acquired from the travel guidebooks and Directory. Insure that you’re updated about the current issues and changes in the government.

Remember to make a computer scan of your passport, write your passport number down and potentially learn it in case you lose it. It’s important that you note down the diplomatic mission offices to the country you are going to. This ensures easier processing of your documents in case you lose or misplace them. Photocopy any official documents you might have with you, scan them and email them to yourself so that you can access them wherever you are. The internet cafes are almost in every Major and small centre districts of Africa so you would have no trouble over this.

It’s imperative to have a medical exam for a healthy vacation. Remember you are looking forward to relishing the most wonderful time, so you don’t want to become ill to upset all your plans. Should you have a chronic illness (suchlike diabetes, high blood pressure, sinus difficulties or even nervous disorder), consult your Doctor of Medicine, who can give you a letter explaining the health trouble in English and the specifics .

It’s imperativet to understand the health points for the traveller. Diseases like Malaria need to be averted. A few of the foods you will consume will not agree with you. Be prepared! Make certain you’ve seen your dentist lately. And it’s also recommended to pack a medical kit with pain killers , repellants , bandages , and an antiseptic cleaners, for yourself and family traveling with you. Whenever you’re taking regular medicine , make certain to pack sufficient amount to last the travel time .

Ensure that your insurance coverage is valid in case you become sick or injured abroad. Some insurance companies specialize in overseas travel insurance and may allow you to buy short-term coverage. Set a limit on your credit card, so if it is stolen, thieves will be unable to take out a large amount of money on it.

Article of clothings are very important. Please make certain to understand the climate and weather conditions before your safari. If you’ve engaged a hunting expedition operator, contact the company for recommendation on clothing during the particular time frame of your trip. Keep in mind that decency is desirable by all the African nations.

To releave symptoms of jetlag, eat lightly, drink a lot of fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine a few days after your trip. Try to relax and sleep on your flight so you can be energetic once you reach your destination. Try to sleep when locals do in order to get used to the local time.

Use two wallets. Hide one of them with essential belongings in your jacket pockets. Fill the other with a small amount of money. In case of an assault you can hand this one over. Do not count your money in public, as you might become a target for thieves. Know what notes you have in your pocket and wallet. Keep larger denominations away from prying eyes.

Do not ride in any cab you find. Make certain it belongs to an official company. Investigate with the hotel reception about charge per unit you can predict to spend when using a cab. Always set a toll preceding to getting into the taxi or require for a meter to be utilized. Pick up the hotel’s business card. You’ll be able to present this to a cabbie if you can not find your way back.

This presents just a few tips on Traveling to Africa. If you are planning a Safari or a Hunting Safari, some countries to travel to include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda. Careful Planning and Preparation will make your trip to Africa a journey to cherish.

Author Ethan O. Tanner explains the significance of appropriate arrangements for anAfrican Safariand how to plan for aHunting Expedition.

categories: African Hunting Safari,Big game Hunting,African Safari. travel tips,travelling to Africa,warnings and travel safety,safari

« Previous Page — Next Page »