Those with a penchant for everything African and who can’t get there for a visit have the option of bringing Africa right into their own homes.

The use of African decor as a means of adding an exotic touch to one’s home seems to be creating plenty of interest. There is more than one forum online dedicated to African safaris and yes, African decor as well.

So what are we talking about? Well, in a nutshell, take a room in your house or, take the whole house and give it some exotic flair. That’s right, give it a touch of African safari! Decor can be anything from ornaments to tools to souvenir weapons such as spears but for decoration purposes only.

Give The Kids A Project

School holiday time can present parents with plenty of challenges especially if they are not heading away during the holidays. When the kids are home finding things for them to do can be a task in itself.

What about a project such as transforming a part of the home into an African safari setting? This could even be an area outside. One of the popular ways parents are helping their kids is to help them decorate their bedrooms with a safari theme.

So where do you start? Well, how about turning a wall into a mural. African animals, a jungle setting or make your own vines from materials bought down at the local Dollar General.

There are any number of ideas. How about traveling to some of the yard sales near your home and looking for toys of African wildlife. Visit the local charity store and see what’s available.

Get hold of some netting and use it as a hummock or hang it from the ceiling and cover it with African decor. Put a couple of safari style hats in the room to give it more of an African feel. Ask your kids for ideas as well. They could do some research online and simply search for all things African decor.

The possibilities are endless and best of all, you’re kids will be doing something creative.

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The African lion may represent strength and dominance but the big cat has not been doing so well lately.

Amazingly, a creature who oozes indestructibility has been fighting a big battle for survival against human progress and it’s number have been on a gradual slide in recent years.

Some have even suggested extinction but this may still be premature thinking. There is some good work going on at the moment in several areas to make sure the king of the beasts lives on. As a tourist and lover of African fauna, the lion is always one of the main attractions and if you’re thinking of an African lion safari, now is as good a time as ever.

The African lion’s habitat has been eroded in the name of progress and development but this doesn’t mean you won’t get to see it in all it’s glory.

An African lion safari can take you to several countries and one of the best times to see it in hunting mode is during the famous annual migration of the wildbeest. It’s one of nature’s more phenomenal fauna-based events across the mighty Serengeti. It’s almost like rush hour shopping during the pre-Christmas period as a mass of fauna heads for greener pastures.

For the lion, it’s “food on a platter” and their most productive hunting period. For those of you hoping to catch the lion in a pose other than just lounging around then it’s like striking the jackpot. It’s a great time for photographers and video enthusiasts alike.

An African lion safari is still big business for now. Unless there is a drastic turn around in it’s fortunes and more help given to those entrusted with the enviable task of maintaining it’s presence among African animal culture, then going in search of the lion now makes good vacation sense.

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Any safari plans to Africa surely must have Botswana high on the “to see” list. South Africa immediately comes to mind and visiting the Kruger National Park is a great experience however, think one of the most revered and beautiful landscapes on the planet and the Okavango Delta is hard to beat.

An African dream safari must conjure up images of being in a jungle setting surrounded by amazing flora and the sounds of wildlife whistling through the trees. They’re there but you can’t see them.

Where talking about an almost “Jungle Jim” type setting and the Okavango certainly won’t let you down in those respects. Home to an inland waterway wonder, the Delta is host to a great diversity of wildlife.

Here’s just an example…the lion, elephant, hippopotamus, crocodile, giraffe, cheetah, leopard, rhinoceros, hyenas, zebra, wildebeest and different species of antelope plus hundreds of species of birds.

What more could you ask for if your main reason to take a dream African safari is to see the wildlife which has become so synonymous with this mighty continent. If photography is your passion, then the Okavango Delta will provide you with an endless supply of snapshot opportunities.

So when is it best to visit? All year round however, to get your best chance of seeing the fauna in their natural habitat and most active, it’s suggested the better viewing months are between May to November.

The only drawback from a visitor point-of-view is the cost of lodging. If you are on a strict budget then a short stay may be your best option. Lodging prices can vary with some offering pricing of under $200 a night per person however, these could be in the minority. A more realistic figure could be $200-$800 per night so if you are planning to visit the Okavango, plan well ahead to take advantage of the cheaper options.

Price aside, if it’s a dream African safari you’re determined to have, then the Okavango Delta is hard to beat.

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The experience of an African animal safari is a little hard to beat in terms of sheer adventure. Those who love adventure and those who simply love taking photos will find this type of safari perfect as a holiday idea in 2008.

Preparing for an African animal safari means more than just throwing clothes into a suitcase. Homework means doing a little research on the animals you intend to see. The “big five” comprise the African lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo.

As a first time visitor, choosing one location is ideal if you are going to be limited by time. If time is a problem, then trying to cram in several locations will simply leave you a little unsatisfied not to mention exhausted and frustrated by the constant moving around.

One of our best tips if you intend sticking around one area is considering South Africa as your one stop safari destination during this first trip. Southern Africa has a very diverse range of bird wildlife for one thing but offers visitors both the chance to rough it a little as well as more comfortable accommodation options.

Animal Wildlife Havens

South Africa is a great starting point for animal enthusiasts who plan to take in several of the major regions. Kruger National Park is the best known reserve in South Africa but others such as Cape Peninsula, Addo Elephant National Park and the St.Lucia Wetlands are certainly worth exploring.

If you have the time and the budget, then the following areas are well worth considering. You won’t be disappointed with an African animal safari in any of these countries:

Namibia, Zambia, Kenya and Zimbabwe are all well worth visiting during a long African animal safari.

If there are two places which you should consider must see attractions then put Kruger National Park and the Okavango Delta high on your must see list. Both offer an almost unspoilt wilderness environment, animals and some spectacular flora.

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Not many would consider an African safari in Mexico high on their list of adventure trips but it’s certainly a good alternative to the real thing.

The fact is, an African safari doesn’t have to be your reason for traveling to Mexico and can simply be included as part of your itinerary. If that’s the case, consider Puebla as your safari destination.

Puebla is host to one of the most popular animal parks in the Americas and plays host to thousands of visitors a year. The African safari area is one of the more popular sections and has designated areas named after some of Africa’s popular destinations.

Animals In The Wild

Like many free range parks, leaving vehicle windows down is an invitation for trouble. Watchful tour guides patrol the park but even they cannot keep an eye on everyone.

There is an alternative to driving your own vehicle through the park and that’s taking the park bus which makes regular trips. It’s definitely a safer option given you’re guided by experienced tour operators

Outside Of Puebla

An African safari in Mexico doesn’t mean restricting yourself to the Puebla park. Puebla has several attractions and day trips are very popular. One of the more recommended day trips is from Puebla to Cholula.

One of the biggest tips for newcomers to Mexico is to be careful about renting cars. It takes people a little getting used to the Mexican driving landscape. Some of the restrictions are a little hard to come to terms with and if you’re even slightly irritable, then give it a miss until you are completely comfortable with the driving regulations in Mexico.

Meanwhile, if going on African safari in Mexico was your main mission, make sure you have plenty of film in your camera. While Puebla is a popular tourist destination, towns such as Cholula, Tlaxcala and Cuernavaca provide plenty of camera fodder.

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A South African safari is high on the list of safari seekers and it’s not hard to understand why. Modern lifestyle and plenty to see make it an ideal destination for overseas visitors.

South Africa has one of, if not, the best highway system in Africa and while you would need to familiarize yourself with local road rule customs, it’s not difficult to get around.

Kruger National Park

As far as sights are concerned, South Africa has plenty to offer. If it’s wildlife you want to see on a South African safari then Kruger National Park is perfect.  Does this mean it will be crowded. No, not at all and if crowds are a concern to you then don’t worry; Kruger provides one of the world’s most unspoilt wilderness areas.

Safari Options

A South African safari includes a number of options. For example, a stay at Kruger National Park could conceivably see you complete some of the most popular safari options. Here are just a few options.

- driving through the park and wilderness
- sleeping under the stars
- walking safari
- watch a live hunt

The big cats are number one on people’s lists of things to see in South Africa. South Africa appeals to many overseas tourists because of it’s progress and development and for first time safari seekers, is a great way to get a taste of what an African safari has to offer.

Your travel agent is a compulsory stop to find out more about what a South African safari can offer you.

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An Africa safari resort vacation probably isn’t the first thing you think about when planning a holiday in Africa. Wild animals, magnificent flora and a spectacular landscape readily come to mind however, resort style vacations are flourishing on this mighty continent.

Luxury lodge resorts are scattered right throughout Africa from the south all the way along the east coast. If you think an Africa safari resort vacation will restrict your chances of spotting some of the familiar and famous wildlife Africa has to offer then think again.

South African Resorts

South Africa is always a good place to start your Africa safari search. One of the best places to find an safari resort in Africa is in the Kruger National Park, located in the southern region of Africa.

South Africa has an abundance of wildlife but it also offers plenty of relaxing options. Not only is this a perfect location to spot the “big five” of Africa (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino); it is also a spot that offers a number of luxurious Africa safari resorts to meet all of your vacation needs.

There are two lodges in this area, Ebony Lodge and Boulders Lodge, which offer understated luxury and plenty of amenities, combined with ample opportunity for wildlife viewing.

It’s a fact that many people simply don’t want to rough it on holiday and while Africa offers some wonderful adventure style holidays, many prefer the more sedate nature of an Africa safari resort.

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Travelers love to spend money and there are no shortage of merchants looking to accept it from them. So is special clothing for an African safari trip really important or just good marketing?

We’re here to tell you it’s pretty important!

Choosing the right African safari clothing can be the difference to enjoying your trip to Africa or spending your time being miserable.

It’s one of the most important aspects of going on safari to Africa yet many first time travelers there still treat it as just another holiday destination. That’s a big mistake. In this article, we’ll point you in the right direction so you only take what you need too and more importantly, take the proper African safari clothing.

African Safari Tip - Travel Light!

If you love to take everything but the kitchen sink when you go on holiday then you should reconsider before boarding your flight to mighty Africa. The first rule of thumb is to travel light.

A trip to this continent is not a fashion show.

4 African Safari Clothing Tips

1. Firstly, consider taking comfortable fitting clothes only. Forget the dinner suit. Whether you’re traveling by road with a tour group or walking, comfortably fitting clothes will make a huge difference. Also, your clothing color should be neutral. Nothing too bright or white.

2. The main bulk of your clothing should be light however, while it gets hot during the day in Africa, you’ll still need to pack a warm garment such as a sweater. The nights can get a little chilly especially if you are spending most of your time camping.

3. Take a hat. Caps could be okay but should be accompanied by some neck protection. The preferred hat to wear on safari is one which gives you all round protection from the sun.

4. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Heavy boots are not really appropriate because you’ll start to tire and feel heavy around the legs after only a short time. If you’re on a walking safari, sturdy and durable walking shoes are the key. Also, don’t pack too many shoes as it only takes up luggage space.

The issue of African safari clothing should be discussed with your travel agent or more importantly, with someone who has already made the trip. If you think you’re traveling too light that’s okay. You can always purchase any extra pieces of clothing while you’re safari in Africa.

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When considering the best African safaris one has to make a decision about exactly what it is they want to see and visit. Remember, this is a big continent with many countries and a somewhat volatile political landscape.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the more popular African safari trips you could consider including fauna, flora and landscape attractions.

In Search Of The Lion

When it comes to Africa’s fauna, the lion stands head and shoulders as the most sought after and photographed animal. Let’s face it, he’s the king of the jungle and deserves his high rating.

An African lion safari could take you to South Africa’s Kruger National Park or Kenya’s Masai Mara. It could take you to the Serengeti plains in Tanzania or Namibia’s Etosha National Park. All are excellent destinations to see the African lion in it’s natural environment.

Walking Through Africa On Safari

For the more energetic, an African walking safari can be the trip of a lifetime and high on the list of the best African safaris. Well organized excursions are available in many countries however, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Botswana are considered four of the best options.

South Africa has two prime walking safari locations in the Ngala and Phinda private reserves and are excellent choices. Botswana provides tremendous variety and is perfect for both fauna and flora lovers while Zimbabwe and Zambia are second to none in the organizational stakes of a walking safari.

Africa’s Beach Paradise

Not many would consider a beach holiday on an African safari list but you better believe that some of the world’s best beaches are located on this mighty continent.

South Africa is high on the list of beach destinations while Kenya and Tanzania are not too far behind. We’ve only touched the surface and it’s quite conceivable you could travel to any beach destination in Africa and forget about the animals and landscape. However, for a true African safari, give thought to combining both the natural inland landscape and the coast line.

On The Back Of An Elephant!

Fancy seeing Africa on the back of an animal? Elephant safaris are becoming particularly popular and easily rate as one of the best African safaris. Riding safaris probably aren’t as well known as the more traditional means of seeing this great continent.  Elephants are a first choice for many today as a means of riding transport.

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An African lion safari is the ultimate adventure holiday and one of the prime attractions in Africa. The king of the beast has always held a fascinating mystique among the human population even despite it’s dangerous nature.

So it will come as a major surprise to many to learn this almost invincible looking animal is in grave danger of being wiped off the face of the planet. Not by any freak of nature but by human intervention.

Yes, you cannot stop progress, even in Africa where more and more land is being made available for farming and urban development with the resultant effect; an encroachment into the natural habitat of the lions.

The problem exists with man and lion trying to occupy the same space - one claiming the land as their own while the other is refusing to budge. The consequences are dire for the lion as they see livestock suddenly grazing on territory which they once ruled. To them, it’s just another addition to the food chain which they’re top of but their big mistake is actually hunting and killing this livestock for food.

So if you are thinking of taking an African lion safari then now is a good time to consider it.

The African lion is finding refuge these days in national reserves where it is safe from human intervention. There are some excellent locations you can visit to see the lion and we have our top four destinations.

Top African Lion Destinations

Our 3 must visit areas to see the cats in all their glory include:

- Kenya’s Masai Mara which has the ideal setting for the king of the jungle. Open plains makes viewing and photographing the big cat relatively easy.

- South Africa’s Kruger National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa and it is also home to the African lion. Guided tours will take you to where the big cats congregate however, given their daily ritual of sleeping for extended periods of time, getting glimpses of the flowing mane of a big male can sometimes be hit or miss.

- The  Serengeti plains in Tanzania during the wildbeest migration is possibly the best time to visit Africa for a lion safari. There’s plenty of food on offer and the big cats are there in numbers to get their fill.

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