4X4 Excitement - Great African Trails

by: Dan Rosen

PART I

OK, I admit it - I'm soft on Africa. The African bush is my dream . . . and my passion.

Imagine the rolling hills shimmering before you in the glow of dawn, the special golden light at sunset, the incomparable wildlife right next to you, the baobabs withering in the blistering sun, the camp out in the bush - at these moments you are in contact with the very essence of your primeval being!

I have been on safari in Africa many times. It is definitely a favorite destination. This particular trip was the highlight of all my African excursions - a 4X4 12 day camping safari that started in Windhoek, the beautiful capital of Namibia, through some of the roughest terrain on the planet through like the Okavango Delta in Botswana and up to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Known to the local African tribesman as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - the smoke that thunders - Vic falls are truly a spectacular site.

Remarkably preserved in its natural state and one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, the falls inspire magical inspiration to all visitors. At 1708 meters wide and a drop of between 90 - 107 meters, this is the largest curtain of water on earth.

The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization. The Falls are spectacular throughout the year, but February onwards, after the rain season, has the heaviest flow and volume of spray.

I find that a self drive 4x4 is the best way to explore the natural wonders of Southern Africa. On this trip we booked a 4X4 campervan which is basically a modified LandRover or other 4X4 with additional gas tanks, gear racks and an unfolding tent on the roof. After picking up our vehicle at the rental depot we set off as part of a convoy led by a qualified guide. While I usually prefer to wander around on my own, the terrain here is so rugged and so full of wild game, that you are definitely advised to take the guided convoy route.

One of the greatest highlights of any Safari is the gin and tonic sundowner after a hard day in the bush. Roughing it in Africa is more than a gin and tonic with a bottled lime juice instead of fresh, however. This is no pussycat trip; this is hardcore Africa... everyone is expected to pitch in and help, even if it means dragging the 4x4 out of the mud. We did - one of our team-mates got stuck in the fine sand - and we made it with the broadest smiles we've ever had.

Starting from Windhoek, a perfectly preserved German colonial style town (Namibia was formerly German South West Africa), every day of this trip held a new and different thrill. From big game, bushmen tribes-people and spectacular natural wonders, this trip still makes my heart sing!

Read Part II in our next post.

About the Author:

Dan Rosen is a professional traveller and travels several times a year to various countries around the world in search of the perfect travel adventure. He also operates the CamperTrails website. (www.campertrails.com)

African Safari Trips – A taste of wild and romantic African adventure.

by: John Gibb

Safari is an East African tradition and means to travel or journey. An African safari is a popular trip that has been undertaken for centuries by both Africans and other nations visiting Africa. The most enduring image of safari is the British explorer in his white hat and shorts, hunting for big game in the wilds of Africa. Africa is a very popular destination due to beautiful terrain and varied wildlife.

African safari began centuries ago with Arabs and Swahilis making long voyages into mainland Africa to do trade with other markets. The word became synonymous with the caravans, hunting, and the sense of adventure. The traders brought ivory, supplies and slaves. Thankfully British control put an end to the slavery.

The British soon brought people from all over the world looking for Safari adventure. What really attracted them was Africa’s wildlife, which still does today. Some people wanted to observe and study the amazing African animals, while others wanted to hunt them. Needless to say, soon it became necessary to establish an ethical and legal code protecting the animal population from over hunting. Today hunting is very strictly regulated to protect the animals.

Many western explorers gained massive fame and their tales of Africa started the trend that still goes on today. They told romantic stories of the freedom and beauty of Africa, as well as serious tales of the dangers that face explorers. Drought, wild animals, disease and hostile tribes are dangers that still exist today and so the modern safari will be equipped very well and with caution. A safari trip that is unprepared for disaster could run into very serious, possibly fatal, trouble.

Safari trips to Africa are easy to find and book. They usually start by taking you to a lodge where there are observation decks, entertainment, bars and beds. These lodges act as a starting point for the convoys of vehicles that will take you across the land and into game territory. Just like in the past, many safaris have a native African guide who adds his knowledge of the terrain and survival skills.

About The Author

John Gibb is the owner of African Safari Tips. For more information on African Safaris check out http://www.african-safari-tips-and-advice.info

Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures

by: Chris Robertson

If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.

A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.

If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.

While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."

In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.

Some other things to know before you go:

* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.

* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.

* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.

* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.

* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.

About The Author Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com

Serene Peace in the Mara: Deserved Break from the Political Noises in the Capital

Phew! It’s been a long taxing absence from the blogging scene. You know it can be addictive sometimes and my two cent worth of advice to addiction prone folks out there is to beware. I am saying this because I don’t like the fact that my blog has missed several daily posts that I and my readers are accustomed to. What with my loyal readers wondering what could have become of me. You see my readers had every reason to especially following the infamous political skirmishes that rocked my country Kenya some weeks ago. Thank God all that is now behind us and our traveling and excursions to the savannahs can now resume with renewed hope.

While we are at it, the wagon "fled" with us to the Mara to “escape” the noise in the city. For those of you who have not ventured here, you don’t know what you’re missing. It is the world’s most famous safari destination. It's a lifetime experience.

Today’s a nice hot afternoon and the Mara plains stretch a lush green into the horizon after the usual rainfall in January. Herds of Maasai giraffes, gazelles, zebras, buffaloes and other plains animals fill the grassland with predators hovering by. Several hours we have not chanced to spot the rhinos, our today’s interest. Mr. Ole Susuma our guide scans the vistas with binoculars to no avail. The grassland expanse is breath taking. We feel like we are the only people on earth.

Feeling tired and disappointed, the rhythmic bounces of our four-wheel truck lullabies me to a welcome doze. After what appears like an eternity, my peace is suddenly interrupted by Ole Susuma’s cries, “there.” It can only mean one thing. A rhino has been spoted.

We race across the plains. The rhino must have been two kilometers away only possible to see with super strong binoculars. True as the sun is making its way down in the horizon, the majestic 29 year old male steps out of the thick scrubs munching away. It’s easy to drive past the enormous mega-herbivore – he’s really just a dot on the plains not like the giant that fills the TV screens unless you get real close to him.

We spend a bit of time with him with a herd of elephants close by. Naumi doesn’t like to be followed for long,” Ole Susuma warns referring to the rhino. “He will soon start chasing us.” Sure enough, Naumi turns around with a grunt and a short run, sends us away.

We think we have seen it all. The previous day, we watched four lionesses with their eight cubs gorge themselves on a buffalo, which had just given birth. Too weak to defend herself, she was easy prey for the pride. We think we couldn’t get luckier – away from the noisy media and political skirmishes of the time.

Contacts:
Take advantage of a specially priced road and air safaris promotion that African bush Excurssions is running until June, 2008. Tel: 254 204450910 and 254 204450911

About the Author:
Nyambosa G. Maroa writes exclusively for Safari Wagon located at www.safariwagon.blogspot.com

Namibia - Like No Other Place On Earth

by: James Weis

Situated between the Kalahari Desert and the South Atlantic Ocean along the southeastern shoreline of Africa, Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes including deserts, seascapes, boundless plateaus and rock canyons. In addition to its vast array of rich natural resources, Namibia features a solid contemporary infrastructure as well as diverse traditional cultures -- it is a magnificent country to visit.

Land of Contrasting Landscapes

Namibia is home to the desolate Namib Desert, with its high dunes and extraordinary sense of space, which is said to be the oldest desert in the world. In fact, it is estimated that the Namib is as much as 80 million years old. Namibia also boasts the second largest canyon in the world (next to the Grand Canyon), the Fish River Canyon. This enormous gorge spans a distance of approximately 160 kilometers. Formed around 500 million years ago, the gorge was created by water erosion coupled with the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust. The canyon is part of a Nature Conservation Park and has become a popular hiking destination featuring a path of roughly 86 kilometers.

The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and jagged mountains, rises unexpectedly from the plains. In the northern area of the country, landscapes include everything from the dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to wooded savannah bursting with lush vegetation.

Sometimes known as the “country of contrast,” Namibia not only offers the safari adventurer amazingly diverse landscapes but also an ample amount of wildlife (the world’s highest concentration of wild cheetah and almost 70 percent of the continent’s birds), enormous vistas and a population that speaks more than 16 languages and dialects.

Where else in the world can you experience such unsurpassed beauty and diverse landscapes complemented by a truly spectacular coastline? In addition, the timelessness of this country is reflected in dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone, prehistoric rock art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis. If you’re a photographer, Namibia is like heaven on earth.

Namibian Wildlife

In addition to the vast array of natural beauty that makes Namibia such a perfect choice for a safari, it is also the natural habitat for a wide variety of endangered species including the Puku antelope (occurring in Namibia’s Caprivi area), the Orbi and the Black Rhino. In fact, there are more than 20 species of antelope in Namibia including the Eland and the Gemsbok. In the seaside retreat of Swakopmund, you can take a boat journey and view seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Although Namibia is probably the least known of the Southern African countries, the attractions and topography are unlike anywhere else in the world. When you go on safari in Namibia, you will experience the opportunity to explore culture, wildlife and landscapes that will leave a lasting impression.

About The Author
James Weis
Eyes on Africa, an African safari company, boasts an extremely knowledgeable team of staff members, who are passionate about every aspect of travel to Southern Africa, including its wildlife and safari destinations. When you're ready to plan your African safari, a holiday in Africa, or if you just have questions, please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-457-9575 or visit our web site at www.eyesonafrica.net/contactus.htm and complete an information request form.