Chic Retreats

Many people dream of going on safari; seeing animals in the natural habitat and experiencing the beauty of the African landscape. A boutique safari hotel offers luxurious surroundings with an outstanding backdrop.

Where is it?

Many safari holidays are based in South Africa and Kenya. South Africa is one of the largest African countries, located at the bottom of the continent, whilst Kenya is further north on the east coast of Africa.

Where can I stay?

The beauty of staying at a boutique hotel when you’re on safari is that it offers you the comfort and luxury you would expect from a city hotel, whilst also allowing you to experience the unique landscape. The Makanyane Safari Lodge in South Africa is set within a huge game reserve and features just eight suites, whose design includes indoor and outdoor showers and glass walls so that your view of the park is undisturbed. Wide folding doors allow you to let the outside in and the hotel organises safari drives and game walks so that you can see everything you came for. In Kenya, Dodo’s Tower is a luxury boutique way to see big and small game up close. It’s expensive, but worth every penny, as a private airstrip allows you to go wherever you want to, the excellent cuisine can be served as you watch the sun go down from your balcony and you are free to drink in the sights and sounds of Kenya’s Lake Naivasha.

What can I see?

Safari holidays are designed to let you see big game and other wildlife in its natural habitat. There is nothing more astounding than being in the same environment as animals you’ve only ever seen in a zoo or on the television. The plains of Africa are home to a huge number of species, but most people want to see elephants, giraffes, big cats, zebras, hippos and birds. Whatever your particular interest, the guides arranged by boutique hotels can tailor your trip to give you the best chance of seeing it. In addition to the animals, don’t forget to pay close attention to the landscape itself. The wide plains, lakes and volcanic formations all make for stunning photographs and unforgettable memories – and the perfect backdrop for some stunning sunrises and sunsets.

How do I get around?

Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you will need to drive or take a connecting flight to the game reserve. This can be organised for you by your hotel, who may also be able to arrange your safari tours. These will either be in 4×4 jeeps, or special minibuses. You can also take safari walks with a trained guide, charter an aircraft or take a hot air balloon ride.

About the Author:

Chic Retreats is a worldwide collection of cool, smart hotels with less than 30 rooms and an eye for design and style. Visit the website at Boutique Hotels

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

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Bruce Whittaker

A little bit of pre-knowledge can go a long way on an African safari trip. Here are ten indispensable tips that will improve your own safari experience greatly.

1. Take the early morning drives on safari even thought that often means getting up while it’s still dark. You’ll be very glad you did because your wildlife sightings will improve. The animals are a lot more active in the early morning and late evening because it is cooler and the nocturnal species are either getting up or going to bed so your chances of spotting them are generally much better.

2. A safari is not only about the big game. Take enjoyment from the surroundings and all the wildlife you see because if you turn it into a “big five” tick list exercise you might be disappointed. There are a multitude of insects, birds and smaller creatures that can be just as interesting if you take the time to look and find out more.

3. A pair of good quality binoculars is absolutely indispensable on a safari so make sure you take your own with. Some safari companies do provide them but they might be a little worse for wear after a lot of use and it can be frustrating to have to pass them along to the next person when you actually still want to look at that lion stalking it’s prey.

4. Wear insect repellent in the evenings to ward of those pesky mosquitoes and make sure you leave as little skin exposed as possible by wearing long trousers, long sleeved shirts and socks to cover the ankles. During the day they are a lot less active so you don’t have to worry about them then.

5. Any good safari operator will have some form of medication available but you might consider taking some of your own with on a “just in case” basis: Anti malarial pills, anti-diarrhoea medicine, motion sickness medication if you suffer from this, mosquito repellent and sunscreen.

6. If you are taking photos using film, remember to bring at least two rolls for each day that you will be on safari and bring spare batteries for your camera because they will go flat at the worst times and you don’t want to miss those once in a lifetime photo opportunities because of that. You should be able to recharge batteries in most safari areas. Electricity in Africa is 220 - 240V AC50HZ.

7. When it comes to lions, a lot of patience is called for because they spend most of their time during the day asleep. But if you watch them for awhile you might be rewarded by an impromptu hunt or the appearance of cubs from the undergrowth or a similar drama. Patience is the watchword here.

8. Night drives on safari are a great opportunity to see the nocturnal animals that you will never see during the day but remember that the powerful spotlight which illuminates the surrounding bush and the glowing eyes also attracts a lot of insects so you might think twice before volunteering to hold it.

9. Generally the dry season is a time when you will be much more successful at spotting game because the vegetation is sparse and the wildlife is forced to congregate in the areas where there is still surface water available.

10. It’s not uncommon for safari vehicles to break down because most of the roads are dirt tracks and the cars take a pounding every day. Any company worth their salt should be carrying spares and the driver or guide should have some mechanical experience.

About the Author

Bruce Whittaker shares many more excellent African safari tips, advice and recommendations at African Safari Journals

Win a 3 day walking tour in the Kruger National Park in South Africa by entering this free safari holiday competition

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Julee Mitchelsin

There are endless ways to vacation in today’s world. Air travel makes it possible to get almost anywhere in the world in thirty hours or less. The local park or the state right next door are no longer our only reasonable vacation options. We can go on huge cruise ships and explore the beauty of the seas or we can vacation in a cabin tucked away in the mountains. It is even possible and reasonable to go on an African safari for your next vacation.

I know, an African safari seems a little too exotic and certainly too expensive for a typical family trip. And you are right in that an African safari is not a typical way to spend a week or two as a family, but it certainly is becoming a more viable option as travel becomes easier and more reasonable.

Admit it. There is at least a little bit of you that has always desired to take an African safari, to explore some of the world’s wildest and most unknown places. I believe that you should start to make plans for an African safari if only because you want to. Don’t let yourself get stressed out with all of the details that seem unrealistic. Instead, allow yourself to commit to planning a trip simply because it is something that would make your life richer and more full.

There are many ways to start planning an African safari. You can always make a visit to your travel agent, if you have one, and allow them to help you begin making the dream of an African safari a reality. You can also utilize various travel and trip planning magazines that often give details and tips about how to go about planning and then enjoying great vacations like an African safari. And don’t forget the incredible resource that you have in the internet. With a few hours of searching I’m confident that you can begin to make real progress on planning the trip of your dreams.

Consider taking your African safari with a group of friends or with members of your extended family. Turn your dream trip into something that you can enjoy with the people you love most. Many times there are group discount rates for just about every aspect of a trip: the airfare, the hotel, and even the African safari itself. So for this trip, the more the merrier.

If going on an African safari is something you dream about, why not make steps toward making the dream happen. Apply for a passport if you do not have one and begin setting aside money now even if your trip is still a few years away. Your African safari will be well worth all of the time and planning it takes to make it happen.

About the Author:

Julee Mitchelsin has enjoyed one African safari so far and she hopes to enjoy it at least one more time. She advises people to do the planning it takes to make their dreams come true. See more at www.africansafarihelp.info

This article is distributed by: www.iSnare.com

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