Posts Tagged ‘Namibia’

Planning an African Safari: When is the best time to go?

Migration time

With expert advice, it is possible to plan an unforgettable African safari at nearly any time of year. That being said, each country, and specific regions within each country, have high seasons and low seasons, and varying highlights at different times of year. If you’ve been contemplating a safari in Africa, the following is a primer to help you get figure out that most common of questions: When is the best time to go?

Best time to go to Botswana: Year-round; June-October for easiest wildlife viewing

The classic safari route from Maun, Botswana to Livingstone, Zambia threads through the famed Okavango Delta to the Linyanti/Selinda reserves, and ends in the vicinity of Victoria Falls just over the Zambezi River in Zambia. For this itinerary, the best game viewing is from June-October, but really the game viewing is very good year-round in these regions, and we can help you select the very best places to go based on your specific dates.

Best time to go to Kenya: Year-round; July-September for the Great Migration

Kenya is a year round destination and has many highlights to offer visitors throughout the year. In January and February the animals gather around water sources, making for easy game viewing. There are also large concentrations of bird life on some of the Rift Valley lakes around this time. From July to September the famous wildebeest migration is traditionally present in the Masai Mara. The incredible migration only happens in East Africa, and around this time the grasslands of the Masai Mara are often covered by massive herds of migrating wildebeest as far as the eye can see. For those who want to extend their safari with some time at the beach, October to January is also a good time for snorkeling and diving off the coast.

Best time to go to Namibia: Year-round; June-October for peak game viewing in Etosha

Namibia is a year round destination with coastal areas offering excellent game-viewing all year. Mainly comprised of the Namib desert — the oldest desert on the planet and one of the driest on earth — Namibia offers unique desert-adapted wildlife, landscapes of startling beauty, and well-preserved Himba culture.

Best time to go to the Republic of the Congo: December-February and May-October

The Republic of the Congo is a small Central African country that is not to be confused with the larger, and currently unsafe for travel, Democratic Republic of Congo (or DRC, formerly known as Zaire). Enjoying peace since a cease-fire ended a civil conflict in 2003, this country is slowly developing its tourism infrastructure. Although facilities are limited, there are some very exciting developments happening in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park, where Western Lowland Gorilla trekking is offered with several distinct advantages over gorilla trekking in more traditional places like Uganda or Rwanda.

Best time to go to South Africa: Year-round; July-November for peak game viewing in Kruger’s private reserves

South Africa can be a year round destination with careful planning. In addition to great game-viewing opportunities (particularly in the private reserves bordering Kruger National Park, such as Mala Mala), South Africa offers diverse adventures and an important cultural heritage. A stay in Cape Town is a worthy addition to any safari in Southern Africa.

Best time to go to Tanzania: December-April (Migration in the Southern Serengeti) or July-October (Migration in the Western Corridor and Northern Serengeti)

Tanzania is a year round destination. Due to its close proximity to the equator there are only subtle climatic variations throughout the year. Generally the coastal areas have a tropical climate, the highlands in the north a temperate climate and the vast central plateau is hot and arid. The great migration arrives in the southern Serengeti by December, and during February and March the wildebeest give birth to their young in the southern Serengeti.

Best time to go to Zambia: July-October

The national parks and private reserves in Zambia are best for wildlife viewing during the traditional safari-going months of July-October. A visit to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls (Livingstone) is best during the high-flow months of February-May, but due to its proximity to the prime safari areas in Botswana, an overnight or two in Livingstone to see the falls and have a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a worthwhile add-on at any time of year.

Best time to go to Zimbabwe: July-October

The national parks in Zimbabwe are best for wildlife viewing during the traditional safari-going months of July-October. Walking and canoeing opportunities abound with Zimbabwe boasting some of the most experienced walking safari guides on the continent. Zimbabwe is a great choice for an adventurous safari that will get you up close and into the wilderness!

For more safari planning advice, see www.boundless-safaris.com, or call 1-800-941-8010 to speak with a Boundless Journeys Africa Specialist today.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Tourism for Tomorrow 2010 Finalists Announced

As part of Boundless Journeys’ commitment to traveling responsibly and and giving back to the areas in which we travel, we continually seek to develop partnerships with the best travel suppliers around the world. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the finalists for the 2010 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards, and we are very proud that our partner in Southern Africa for Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia safaris has been nominated. Wilderness Safaris’ conservation efforts are a great match for Boundless Journeys’ mission, and we are lucky to work with them on all of our Southern Africa safaris.

Under WTTC’s stewardship since 2003, the prestigious Awards recognize best practices in sustainable tourism in four different categories – Destination Stewardship, Conservation, Community Benefit, and Global Tourism Business. Over 160 entries were received this year from over 45 countries. The 12 finalists were selected by an international team of independent judges in each of the four award categories for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism practices, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally friendly operations. Congratulations to Wilderness Safaris on this important recognition!

To learn more about Boundless Journeys safaris to Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, and Zambia) with Wilderness Safaris please visit the Africa Tours section of the Boundless Journeys Web site.

Join Our Inner Circle

E-mail is the best way for us to let you know first about new trips, travel tips, special events, and current promotions. Sign up for our e-newsletter, e-mail your name and address to info@boundlessjourneys.com, or give us a call (800-941-8010) and we’ll keep you in the loop! We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your e-mail address with any third party company, and our unsubscribing process is easy and prompt.

Good news from Botswana! Boundless Journeys’ Botswana safari guests now have even more to look forward to… on September 26th, wildlife monitors reported the birth of a Black Rhino in the wild; an unusual occurrence for the species that was only reintroduced to Botswana in 2003. In 1992, Black Rhinos where sadly considered “locally extinct” in Botswana. Efforts by Boundless Journeys’ partner, Wilderness Safaris, have seen the species reintroduced to Chiefs Island in the renowned Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The birth of this rhino baby in the wild bodes very well for their continued success in reclaiming a place in the amazing Okavango Delta ecosystem.

While rhinos remain difficult to spot, and a sighting is considered very lucky, there are many species one can easily expect to see on an African safari, including the remaining four of the Big Five of African wildlife: lions, elephants, leopard, and buffalo. Boundless Journeys offers both scheduled Botswana safaris, as well as private and customized trips. Not sure which African safari is right for you? Consider these tips in making your choice:

Tanzania: Migration Safari; Tanzania offers a wonderful blend of culture and wildlife, all amid some of the most epic landscapes on earth. Tanzania is also the perfect choice if you are interested in doing some camping but would also enjoy the comforts of a lodge, as our Tanzania safaris offer a nice mix of accommodation style. Choose a summer departure if you have particular interest in elephants, or go in February or March to see thousands of wildebeest babies.

Botswana: Wilderness Safari; Choose Botswana for its diverse wildlife and luxurious camps, connected by bush flights. Being in the Okavango Delta allows for a variety of activities in addition to traditional game drives, including mokoro canoeing, game tracking walks, and boat trips on the mighty Zambezi River.

Namibia: Desert Flying Safari; While not as prolific for game as Botswana or Tanzania, Namibia offers unusual wildlife (desert-adapted elephants and rhino, and remarkable insect and bird life) and unusual geology, with expansive deserts and salt pans, as well as the unique culture of the Himba people. Namibia makes a wonderful extension to Botswana safaris, or a great stand-alone destination for the true safari lover.

Join Our Inner Circle

E-mail is the best way for us to let you know first about new trips, travel tips, special events, and current promotions. Sign up for our e-newsletter, e-mail your name and address to info@boundlessjourneys.com, or give us a call (800-941-8010), and we’ll keep you in the loop! We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your e-mail address with any third party company, and our unsubscribing process is easy and prompt.

Planning an African Safari can present may challenges, and may seem overwhelming for those who would like to take this trip of a lifetime. There is much to consider, so we thought this recent article could provide a few basic tips on how to get started. Don’t let the fear of not knowing how to begin prevent you from this incredible experience.

IndependentTraveler.com, July 9, 2009

An African safari is a true adventure — a journey crafted in the tradition of wealthy 13th-century traders who first hunted the plains of Africa for wild game trophies to hang on their walls. Today, travelers hunt for photo opportunities instead of occasions to kill, but they encounter the same scenes that have fascinated explorers throughout history: thousands of zebras migrating across emerald grasslands, flocks of florescent flamingos creating a field of color across a shining soda lake, lions feasting on a hard-earned kill.

Many travelers trek to Africa in search of the “big five”: buffalo, lions, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses. The chance to get close to these animals in their natural habitats is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but your trip to the Africa is anything but a trip to the zoo. Safaris can be physically taxing and strenuous, and you may not see all the animals you expected. Since most safari destinations are in developing sub-Saharan nations, travelers must take certain safety and health precautions. If you’re planning a safari (or just dreaming about it), be as prepared as possible. Get some good guidebooks, talk to friends who’ve been to Africa and research, research, research. We’ve outlined some important safari basics, from choosing a destination to getting vaccinated, to help you start planning a successful African adventure.

Types of Safaris
For the most part, safaris are a costly kind of vacation. But as with any other type of travel, you can tailor your safari to suit your personal budget. The length of your safari will affect its cost — although you may want to cut your trip short to save cash, the longer you stay, the less you will probably pay on a per-night basis. If you’re looking for luxury digs on your safari (or even just hot water and a comfy bed), prepare to pay more. Budget-minded adventurers should seek self-drive or overland safaris (see below) as opposed to all-inclusive package tours — but be prepared to camp in tents or navigate a 4×4 through the African bush. If you’re traveling alone, you will probably have to pay a single supplement, as most package pricing is based on double occupancy.

Luxury Safaris
A luxury safari offered by a well-known tour operator typically costs thousands of dollars per person, per week, with all-inclusive prices covering tours, food, drinks and excursions. Fully catered luxury packages offer travelers the comforts of home in wild Africa. Accommodations range from air-conditioned suites to stylish tents (you’ll feel almost like you’re camping — aside from the hot running water, rich linens and first-rate service). Ultra-luxurious safari lodges can cost over $1,000 a night.

Overland or Mobile Safaris
Overland (also known as mobile) safaris are generally the cheapest type of organized tour safari. An overland safari will involve campsite accommodations, and you will most likely travel in a group with other travelers. Overland safaris are usually participatory –

Self-Drive
Pick a public game park, rent a car and tour the African bush on your own! Since self-drive safaris are only possible in public parks that usually have paved roads and signs, you need not worry about getting lost in the plains of Africa or becoming food for a hungry lion. For the cheapest possible safari, self-drive is your best bet. You can pay for a la carte for meals, tours and accommodations, enabling you to opt for the most inexpensive lodging you can find or tour the bush on your own instead of hiring a guide.

One potential drawback of a self-drive safari is that without a knowledgeable local guide, you may miss some wildlife. To remedy this problem, read guidebooks on spotting wildlife in your destination, bring a field guide or stop and ask other travelers where they’ve seen the best game (this is easier to do in the popular public parks).

When to Go
Africa is an immense continent with safari opportunities available across thousands of miles, so the best time to travel to Africa depends on your specific destination. Overall, it’s best (but most expensive) to travel in the dry season, which corresponds with the region’s winter. Since safari destinations are in the Southern Hemisphere, their seasons run opposite of North America. Winter is from June to September, and summer is from December to March.

Where to Go
Each country in Africa is different. We acknowledge that it is impossible to capture the spirit and culture of an entire country in one paragraph, but below is a brief overview of some popular African safari destinations to get you started. The best and most popular areas in Africa for safaris are East and Southern Africa, which offer vast plains and roaming packs of extraordinary beasts.

East Africa
Tanzania: Tanzania houses part of the Serengeti National Park — the best park in which to see great herds of wildlife in Africa. Other noteworthy sites include Mount Kilimanjaro, marine parks off the coast and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, site of the Ngorongoro Crater and Oldupai Gorge (also known as the Cradle of Mankind). The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the largest volcanic craters on earth. Over 30,000 animals live in the crater; it has the densest lion population in the world.

Southern Africa
Botswana: Probably the most expensive destination in Africa due to the government’s push for high-end tourism, Botswana has smaller crowds than most other safari destinations, and is a common locale for luxury packages. See wildlife in game reserves such as Chobe National Park, famous for an abundance of elephants, or Moremi Wildlife Reserve, which offers plenty of the famous “big five.” You can also visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana — look for crocodiles, buffalo, zebras, hippos and many other animals in the delta’s tangled waterways and islands.

Namibia: Namibia is under the radar for many safari travelers — expect less upscale game parks — and is dotted with incredible natural wonders from the Fish River Canyon to the Namib Desert. You’ll find over 100 species of mammals in Etosha National Park, including endangered animals like the black rhinoceros. Desert elephants and zebra roam the arid landscapes of Skeleton Coast National Park in Nambia — the driest place in Africa.

Visas and Vaccines
Of course, you’ll need a passport to travel to Africa. But for some countries, like Tanzania, you will need a visa too. Visit the State Department Web site for more information on visa requirements. Apply for a visa at least two months before your departure date.

Find a doctor who specializes in travel health care and tell him or her about your African travel plans, or visit a travel clinic. You’ll need to get certain immunizations before heading to Africa. Malaria is common there, but there is no vaccine for the disease. You can protect yourself from malaria by taking an anti-malaria treatment or avoiding mosquitoes; use a mosquito-repellent spray and mosquito nets. You will need a yellow fever vaccination for travel to East and Southern Africa. Other vaccinations you may need include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid. Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s Web site for destination-specific health information.

Staying Safe
You may imagine that hungry crocodiles or packs of ravenous lions are the biggest dangers on safari. The truth is that humans rarely get attacked by wild animals, but they routinely fall victim to safari scams, dehydration and illness, or crime while traveling to Africa.

Scams
When selecting a package, beware of safari scams. Research your prospective safari package provider; ask them for references and if they belong to professional organizations. And keep in mind that if something is too good to be true (like a $50-per-night safari in luxury bungalows), it’s likely a scam. Finally, always be aware of your package provider’s cancellation policy (or lack thereof)!

Staying Healthy
Safaris can be physically strenuous and mentally taxing. Travelers to Africa are at risk for dehydration while on safari; your body may not be accustomed to the hot sun and dry air of the bush and you may not even realize that you’re becoming dehydrated. Drink lots of water! For more on staying fit and healthy on your travels, read our guide to health care abroad.

Politics and Crime
Political unrest is an unfortunate fact of life for many African nations. Crime and violence plague many African cities, so even if you’re safe on a remote safari in the bush, you may run into problems on either end of your safari. When traveling to populated areas, familiarize yourself with local customs and take measures to keep your money and valuables safe. And always check State Department advisories before planning a trip to another country.

Insurance
Since you will be in a remote location and will probably be spending a significant amount of money on a safari, travel insurance is virtually a necessity on an African safari. (Many safari tour operators actually require customers to purchase travel insurance in order to reserve a package.) Be sure to look for emergency care coverage and financial protection when booking your policy. For more information, read our guide to travel insurance.

About Boundless Journeys
- Selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, February 2009
- Selected as a Top 10 Tour Operator in the World by Travel & Leisure, August 2009

If diversity of adventure is what you are seeking, Boundless Journeys has trips to satisfy your most imaginative spirit. Offering worldwide adventure tours, featuring experiences ranging from wilderness treks to cultural journeys, we always find the hidden gems of each destination. Small group or private itineraries, memorable accommodations, and expert local guides define the signature Boundless Journeys adventure travel experience.

To get started planning an African Safari with Boundless Journeys check out the options at Boundless Journeys’ African Safaris.

Namibia’s wilderness – a land of volcanic mountains and epic dunes – is also the backdrop for a growing number of stylish hideaways.

From June 2009 Travel & Leisure
By Richard Alleman

See a slideshow of Namibia’s Top Safari Lodges.

Namibia came onto the pop-culture radar three years ago, when Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt stayed at a beach resort on the country’s Atlantic coast here while awaiting the birth of their third child. For many, it was the most they had ever heard about this southern African locale, which, it turns out, has a lot more going for it than a brush with Hollywood celebrity.

Namibia has been quietly coming into its own for more than a decade. In addition to spectacular landscapes-vast deserts with thousand-foot sand dunes and a coastline strewn with bleached whalebones and ancient shipwrecks-Namibia has some of the biggest yet least-known game parks in the world. The fourth-largest country in Africa (it’s twice the size of California, which means a flying safari is the best way to see its wonders), Namibia has one of the continent’s smallest populations but one of the highest literacy rates-and most stable democracies.

The country is delightfully unspoiled, and the government wants to keep it that way. Tourism here is low-key: the emphasis is on small, well-designed, environmentally sensitive lodges in remote areas of the country. The last decade, especially, has seen a number of exciting new properties make their debuts in remote areas of the country.

For instance, the Namib Desert-the second largest on the planet after the Sahara-runs for 1,200 miles along the entire Atlantic coast of the country. A decade ago, adventure-travel company Wilderness Safaris (Boundless Journeys Southern Africa travel partner) acquired a 90,000-acre spread adjacent to the colossal Sossusvlei sand dunes to create the Kulala Wilderness Reserve. Today, this private park contains three small lodges-the newest of which is Little Kulala, which offers 11 stylish, thatched-roof villas, each equipped with a rooftop terrace for stargazing.

Kaokoland, in Namibia’s northwest corner, is greener than the Namib and is home to many Himba, a nomadic people numbering 12,000 who are scattered throughout northwestern Namibia and southern Angola. The Serra Cafema Camp here features a main lodge sitting on stilts, offering stunning vistas of an oasis of green albida trees above the Kunene River.

Whether your preference is for a tented resort in the desert or a casbah-style fort on a zebra-filled reserve, Namibia has a safari lodge that is worth the trek.

Boundless Journeys offers private and small group safaris to Namibia, and other Southern Africa destinations such as Botswana and Namibia. To learn more about these destinations please visit:

Namibia: Desert Flying Safari

Namibia: The Skeleton Coast

Botswana: Wilderness Safari

Botswana: Ultimate Private Safari

About Boundless Journeys
Selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, February 2009.
If diversity of adventure is what you are seeking, Boundless Journeys has trips to satisfy your most imaginative spirit. Offering worldwide adventure tours, featuring experiences ranging from wilderness treks to cultural journeys, we always find the hidden gems of each destination. Small group or private itineraries, memorable accommodations, and expert local guides define the signature Boundless Journeys adventure travel experience.