Posts Tagged ‘Africa’

Botswana Specials only insiders can access. Want to travel Africa on a budget? Botswana has some great green season specials that make a safari to some of the world’s last remaining wildlife sanctuaries possible.  So why fork over the big bucks for the same safari destination?

Let’s face it, Botswana isn’t cheap – especially during High Season (June – October).  On the other hand, Botswana specials, time and time again, delivers an exclusive safari experience unlike anywhere else in all of Africa.  Botswana’s private concessions glittered throughout the Okavango Delta, Kalahari, and Chobe areas contain only one or two camps, ensuring that travelers get the exclusive wildlife experience they came looking for, all to themselves.

When I say, “all to themselves,” I really mean it is completely yours.  You won’t find “bush traffic” competing for the best viewing spots, as these private concessions are hundred thousands of acres, and rarely will you ever see another vehicle while out on a game drive.  That’s what I mean by exclusive!

However, such exclusive game viewing and feelings of complete ownership of the private concession can mean high investments.  During Botswana’s High Season you can expect to be forking over the full amount.

But…

Botswana specials during the Green Season –also the Low Season – there are some INCOMPARABLE specials.

The demand for Botswana safaris is high, while the supplies and services are low, thus making a safari to Botswana one of the most expensive of all other options.  Also, because flying between camps is common, this only adds to the cost.

However…

When planning your Botswana safari the low season (December – March) can be as much as 60% less than prices in the high season.  And that is still the all inclusive deal – meals, drinks, laundry, and activities.  You may wonder what you’re sacrificing in return.

The Green Season Botswana Specials difference:

• It rains occasionally
• Rain water fills up the shallow depressions through the land, thus creating more waterholes for animals to disperse to
• The leaves are on trees and grasses grow taller, allowing wildlife to be more camouflaged into their environment
• You experience Botswana’s summertime heat

With that being said, actually the Green Season Botswana Specials is my absolute favorite time to visit.  Here is why:

• The green vegetation creates vivid backdrops contrasting against marvelous wildlife coats
• The rains cut down the dust floating through the air, thus making it easier to breathe
• The varieties of antelope are calving, thus bringing out great activity in the predator populations
• If you’re into Birding, the bird life during this time is prolific as migratory patterns come back south from the northern hemisphere regions
• It’s not the US/ European Summer, thus there is LESS PEOPLE, meaning that sometimes you have the lodge and camp exclusively for yourself.

So why travel to Botswana during the High Season, when you can have Botswana specials for half the investment?

What kind of lodging can you expect in Botswana?

http://wildsafariafrica.com/destinations/safari-botswana/

The most brilliant Namibia self drive safaris target these top 3 places of interest.

#1- Damaraland

Damaraland is sparsely populated and is bewitching with what surrounds the town as something so supernatural. An ideal location for namibia self drive safaris passing from Swakopmund to Etosha National Park. The geology of the organ pipes, the nature of solitude, and a petrified forests ancient signs from an older world, light up the place and make the area magical.

n 2007, at the World Heritage Committee in Christchurch, New Zealand, Twyfelfontein’s San/Bushman rock engravings were awarded World Heritage status. Located in the Huab Valley west of the town Khorixas, Twyfelfontein is home to over 2,000 rock engravings and is one of Africa’s largest. A definite hot spot for Namibia self drive safaris.

#2 – Sossusvlei

Sossusvlei is one spectacular place for Namibia self drive safaris,

thus making it a top destination. The monumental red sand and the magnificent display of different shades, colors, and depressions, fading and deeping, throughout the day make Sossusvlei a place for photographers and romantics alike.

Sossusvlei is lined by exotic, brightly colored dunes. Each hour of the day is unique and as the day carries on, new colors are constantly presenting themselves, whether on the dunes, orange, maroon, or pink, or against the Tsaris Mountains, blue and deep purples, in addition to the yellows and tans of the dancing grasses, it is easy to feel enlightened while visiting Sossusvlei on Namibia self drive safaris. It is also home to ostrich, springbok, and oryx who roam the area like some prehistoric creatures living on another planet.

Together, Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert are home to some of the world’s tallest dunes, plenty of adventure activities and some of the world’s best trekking; a backdrop so surreal it can be compared to nowhere else in the world. Choosing a Namibia self drive safaris easily allows for one to incorporate the liberty to pick and choose the desired activities as the trip unfolds.

#3 – Etosha National Park

Etosha is one of Africa’s best game parks, next only to the parks in the Serengeti of Tanzania. In 2007 the park celebrated its first 100 years of existence. Viewing Africa’s large game populations on Namibia self drive safaris against the Etosha Pan backdrop is like no other found in Africa.

Namibia self drive safaris make Etosha one of Africa’s most accessible game parks to conduct on your own.

The Etosha Pan, the parks definitive feature, is an immense, shallow depression of some 5,000 km² of dry, white sun beaten mud. Mirages shimmer in the far distances while game animals stride across the desolate lands looking completely out of place. Throughout most of the year the area is dry, giving rise to the name ‘the great white place of dry water.’ Nevertheless, when the rains begin, the oshanas in Owamboland drain into the pan and the area becomes an important breeding ground for flamingos, aNamibia self drive safaris highlight.

There are a total of 114 species of mammals, including the rare and endangered black rhino, cheetah, and black-faced impala. The only animals aren’t found in Etosha are the hippo and crocodile. Almost every other animal can be found roaming the park. There are also about 340 different species of birds including the ostrich and secretary birds.

What is the best season to see Namibia wildlife at Etosha and take your own Namibia self drive safaris? http://wildsafariafrica.com/destinations/safari-namibia/

African wildlife safaris to East and southern Africa offer exceptional photographic opportunities. However safaris between these two regions are quite different when it comes to how you photograph wildlife from the vehicle.

Game drives in East Africa are in vehicles with pop-top viewing roofs and sliding glass windows as opposed to southern Africa’s open-sided vehicles. In East Africa it is easy to stabilize your long lens with the use of sandbags on the roof, but how do you stabilize your lens in open-sided vehicles if the roof option isn’t available? If your lens has image stabilization that will help. African wildlife safaris are in a vehicle, but the vehicle will be stopped when photos are being snapped. Another popular trick is to brace your elbows against your body, and if this isn’t possible, depending on how many people are in your safari vehicle, you can sit in the middle seat and use your camera bag on the empty seat with or without a beanbag to act as a perch.

Mono-pods are also another popular option, but if you find mono-pods to be too cumbersome, a working alternative is a skimmer pod. This is designed especially for ground-level bird and wildlife photography, and can be used in addition to a bean bag. Though both are great alternatives, which one is the most preferred is difficult to argue as it depends entirely on preference. Mono-pods may prove to be the better option for walking safaris, as the single staff is easy to set in the ground and quickly set your stance for that perfect shot, while a skimmer pod may prove to be better for the game drive. Again, it’s entirely preference.

Beanbags can also be placed on the open-side windows of African wildlife safaris vehicles, however this does give you a bit of a twist in your spine to get your eye to the viewfinder, but if you can manage, it works just fine. Two beanbags will save you time switching them from side to side. Try sitting next to the driver for a great low perspective. This seat also allows greater maneuverability and you can use the beanbag with relative ease. If this seat isn’t available, a number of vehicles will have rails in front of the seats where you can attach a Manfrotto super clamp, a ball head to that, and you’ll have an excellent tripod on your African wildlife safaris.

Combine your photographic experience with a WALKING safari. Get started planning your safari today!

Join Us on One of Our 2012 Photo Safaris

You can expect big cats and fast prey on a Botswana wildlife safari. Game drives in Botswana are like no other found in Africa. The regions of northern Botswana support high densities of diverse game populations and with the ability of safari vehicles to drive unrestricted -off road, treading virgin paths, drives at night, with few (if any) other vehicles -make a visit to Botswana the absolute best destination for a top quality all around original Botswana wildlife safari.

The wildlife is exactly what you would expect to see on the savannah plains throughout southern Africa, however, what makes this country unique is the sheer number and frequency that you come across sightings this extraordinary. On a Botswana wildlife safari pride of lions patrol the land, the same land leopard lounge in trees patiently waiting for easy prey, hyenas scavenge with might, elephants maraud in large numbers (the largest herds on earth!) next to suspicious grazing antelope, whom have all congregated around the life pulse of the Okavango Delta.

What animals can be seen on a Botswana Wildlife Safari?

Because of the Okavango and Chobe Rivers, nearly all southern African species can be found in northern Botswana. Even the rare puku, red lechwe, mountain reedbuck and sitatunga antelopes thrive in Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Other wildlife rarities include the African wild dog (thriving in good numbers), pangolins, and aardvarks.

A Botswana wildlife safari is virtually like stepping into the old and wild Africa

An Africa where an incredible collection of animals dwell in natural environments. This is the chief reason why Botswana is cherished by animal lovers. The chance to see, within yards, the Big Five -lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo, amongst giraffe, zebras, wildebeest, and hippo. Botswana has wildlife in abundance!

Combine your game drive safari and add some real excitement with a WALKING safari! Get started planning your safari today!

What’s the best way to visit Namibia?

Last week when the Bush era tax cuts were extended for the wealthy I didn’t get angry with the monies that could have been collected from the top 1% and what could have been.  I didn’t congratulate a victory for the prospects of the money saved to invest in new start-ups and job creations.  I didn’t take sides or fuel our current tribal warfare between the donkeys and elephants. Nope…

I thought about Wesley Snipes -the actor.

The Hollywood star, best known for the Blade trilogy and White Men Can‘t Jump, was once hunted down by the IRS for dodging millions of dollars in tax money.  Federal prosecutors issued an eight-count indictment accusing Snipes of conspiracy to defraud the IRS by submitting fake claims.

Snipes took on the super action hero in an attempt to keep his hard earned money in his OWN pocket.  Now us normal folks just pay, complain, and hope for the best.  However, if you were willing to risk fighting the government, only to be found and hunted down by Uncle Sam, where would you hide?

In a country half the size of Alaska,(and as isolated as) with a population of only two million people perhaps?

Is that a place you could avoid the paparazzi?  Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (or shall I say Brangelina?) sure thought so.  They recently told reporters they were going to pack up the kids and head for an undisclosed corner of the world.  The paparazzi never found them, however, the locals spotted them several days before Christmas shopping at a mall in the capital city, Windhoek.

What country makes for both tax evasion and holiday travel possible?

Namibia – So why do (law abiding) celebrities seek to visit Namibia?

Brangelina willingly chose to have their daughter Shiloh in a developing country despite the public outcry to as WHY?!

However, Namibia is rather quite modern:

• Private hospitals are on par with the U.S.
• Restaurants serve western fare
• Accommodations are clean, comfortable, and even luxurious
• English is widely spoken

Visit Namibia with the family like Brangelina.  With small and grown kids you really can’t go wrong.  The roads are in excellent shape, car rental is easy and affordable making a self-drive safari a very realistic possibility, and there is a plethora of options to keep you and your family entertained.

Visit Namibia’s Etosha National Park, snack at German bakeries, and delve into the very unique geology and natural wilderness that only Namibia can offer.

Oh, did I mention a large majority of Namibia is Malaria FREE?  A very nice change to the rest of the continent north, don’t you think?

So where would you go if you wanted to get away or dare I say, hide?

To living the life of a celebrity,

Jeremy

p.s. Here is the next best thing to adopting a child that doesn’t live with you http://wildsafariafrica.com/budget-safari/owambo-volunteer-etosha-n-p-safari/

What’s Africa’s hottest new tourist destination? Namibia has been described as the last frontier, a wild and rough country, exposed to the elements like no other southern African nation. Sandwiched between two of the world’s oldest deserts, the Namib and Kalahari, the landscapes are weathered, desolate, and exposed to some of the harshest conditions on the face of our planet. From the rolling hills of Kaokoland, to the Skeleton Coast and the misty cold blanket of the South Atlantic, to the diamond rich area of Sperrgebeit, Namibia is a diverse and contrasting place to experience, luring in the mysterious frontier for explorers to mark a hot new tourist destination.

So with all this excitement why has it now only become a new tourist destination?

As a journalist in 1980 noted…

“South Africa has mobilized thousands of military reservists to reinforce army units in northern Namibia, where one of the biggest operations in the 13 year war against nationalist guerillas is said to be underway. Hundreds of trucks, troop carriers, and armored vehicles have been moved north through Windhoek in convoys often several miles long.”

With the coming of Independence and peace only the most intrepid travelers whole-heartedly jumped into a newly independent Namibia in the early 1990’s and pioneered this new tourist destination.  Since those early days, the word has spread and continues to excite the traveling masses with extraordinary visions.

The Hottest New Tourist Destination in All of Africa

What was it exactly people were saying about Namibia?  And why were their words creating a contagious buzz?

From the days our ancestor’s left Africa and ventured out into the frontiers of Asia minor and what is now Europe, to the Vikings of Scandinavia sighting Greenland for the first time, and even with the curiosity of a great philosopher himself, Thomas Jefferson willingly sending two men on a secret expedition to collect knowledge about the North American continent, human hearts have always discovered purpose and a rejuvenated living spirit in venturing to the unknown.

In an area half the size of Alaska…

Populated by only a measly 2 million people (Namibia is the least populated country in the world, second to only Mongolia) nature reaches to the far horizons, obstructed by nothing.  Wildlife flourishes in what could easily be categorized as some of the earth’s harshest environments, giving life to endemic species such as the Desert Adapted Elephant and the Welwitschia mirabilis in the Namib Desert.

And with each year that passes…

The native peoples of Namibia are being understood and sought after.  The San Bushmen of the Kalahari are treasured and marveled, placed upon the same pedestal as one of Africa’s last remaining semi-nomadic tribe –the Himba.

But even past the sights of an older world, the Herero , Kwangali, Damara, Lozi, and Owambo peoples spark curiosity and inspire compassion.  Namibia’s rich diversity allows for new cultural activities and foods to be discovered and no trip shall go without delving into the ancient Bantu and Bushmen traditions… adding to the allure of a new tourist destination.

There is a Cameroon proverb that says, “He who asks questions, cannot avoid answers.”

So you ask, “How far in advance should you plan your African safari?”

Well, I have the answer.

What if I told you the Namibian tourist board offered 50% off normal published rates to all destinations and service providers –all your lodging, safari game drives, and park fees?

Would that encourage you to look more into joining an escorted safari or self-drive safari to Namibia?

I thought so.  It would excite me too!  The only problem, the Namibian tourist board announced this last May, only a month or two before the World Cup.  The promotion ended July 31, 2010 and few visitors benefited.

You ask why do I share this information a half-year later?

For the simple reason that the only ones to truly benefit from an offer as great as this, were those who could afford to travel on the spur-of-the-moment.

So how far in advance should you plan your African safari?

(Assuming you’re not a spur of the moment traveler)

The months June – October and the month of December is Namibia’s “high season,” meaning popular lodges such as Etosha’s  Okaukuejo and Halali, or little Ongava are booked up to a YEAR in advance.

Does this mean you won’t have an amazing journey if you decide to embark on a Namibian safari less than a year in advance?

Absolutely not.

What it does mean however, to ensure you get what you want, it is critical to plan your Namibian safari several months prior at a bare minimum.  When you do this, you’ll have better selection of camp availability.

When you plan at least one year in advance you’re nearly guaranteed to receive:

• Choice selection on lodge and reservation in already limited room availability
• Be centrally located in prime game viewing areas
• Have access to the best guides
• Be inside the park (which is arguably absolutely necessary for Etosha and sunrises at Sossusvlei)
• A one-of-a-kind, intimate, interaction with locals

So I ask you, what are you waiting for?

Asking questions to get answers,

Jeremy

P.S. Namibian visas are available upon arrival without additional cost.  What vaccinations are required before departure? http://wildsafariafrica.com/destinations/safari-namibia/

You may want to take a seat for what I’m about to tell you.  What I’m about to share is going to get you very excited.

Are you ready?

I’ve been spending my nights and early mornings fostering a relationship with a very special lady.  Her heart is so filled with love it makes me jump with joy.  Her passion so drowning it makes me cry.  I swear, since meeting this beautiful woman, the birds and bees are still buzzing in my lovely garden.

This is why I have to ask you this:

Have you ever wanted to travel abroad and spend a portion of your vacation participating in activities centered on furthering a charitable cause?

http://wildsafariafrica.com/budget-safari/owambo-volunteer-etosha-n-p-safari/

Voluntourism was born when one Volunteer spiced up their travels by intimately placing themselves into a unique culture and/or environment offering their services.

Gain more by giving more.

A Colorado veterinarian, and experienced traveler to Africa, recently contacted me about how she could donate her skills, vet supplies, along with her time to further help Namibia’s big cat populations.

She shared stories of treating lions in Zimbabwe; working with South African’s on the project and when I heard about the personal fulfillment she received from her work, it turned me into a believer.

Her enthusiasm and commitment for animals got me jazzed.

And this is exactly one, of many, forms of voluntourism.  She utilizes her time, talent, and treasure and in turn, she receives gratitude, recognition, and a transformative experience that ultimately continues to change her foundation.

That is why I’m so pumped about my new partnership with Oonte OVC Centre.  It allows you, the traveler, an easy path to give a little –to take home A LOT.

Do you have the skills to:

Be flexible?

Reach out to children spiritually, physically, or pshyco-social support?

Teach health, personal hygiene, goal setting, and leadership?

Help in the garden?

Aid with the preparation and cleanup of meals?

Do you have the desire to:

Connect intimately with a foreign community?

Learn a new culture?  A new Language?

To utilize your skills and talents?

To feel enriched?  May I dare say…Spiritually Elevated?

If you’ve answered yes to the majority of these questions, then my new, EXCLUSIVE, Lend a Helping Hand and Dip Your Toes Safari is just for YOU!

http://wildsafariafrica.com/budget-safari/owambo-volunteer-etosha-n-p-safari/

Get groovy and give back to gain much more,

Jeremy

P.S. I will donate US$100 to Oonte for every person who goes on this safari with me.

P.P.S.  My special lady is Meme Petrine who manages Oonte.

Not too long ago, I received a phone call from a traveler on her way to Namibia.  She had spent months planning, booking, and figuring out the logistics – car hire, the ideal lodge, tours, activities, game drives, cultural experiences, restaurants, etc. – it takes to have the PERFECT Namibian Safari.

This was a family affair.

I asked her where her family planned to visit; what they planned to do.  I pumped her up about the Cheetah Conservation Fund (a place she booked an overnight) and shared the histories of the Bushmen people (also another planned activity).

Although there was one problem.  A kink needed to be worked out.

No one could help her.

That is until she called me and I offered her an alternative.

Through the telly I could hear her google the name of the township I mentioned.  When it came up on her computer, her excitement was radiant.

Only days prior to the family’s departure, at the finish of our conversation she said, “I wish I had found you earlier.  I have spent countless hours working with several different travel agents who didn’t really know what they were talking about.  I ended up planning most of it myself.  Talking with you, I know feel more secure with our little adventure!”

What a compliment!

This is how I made her life easier AND how I’ll make your life easy:

I’ll work with you directly, discussing YOUR thoughts and ideas.  Our casual discussion will look at the ‘big picture’ to be sure not to miss any important details.  Then, I’LL begin the initial preparation; create the safari schedule, and most importantly…

Keep in constant contact with YOU, during all of the planning before I receive the ‘go-ahead’ and book what you’ve decided.

This is how I’ll save you time:

You’ll deal with ONE expert.  Don’t waste your valuable time and energy with people who aren’t intimate with the country/region.  That was the MISTAKE the family in the story made.

Or for the ultimate time saver choose one of my ALREADY planned and prepared escorted portfolio safaris.    http://wildsafariafrica.com/budget-safari/

Why work with me?

This is solid proof AND my personal guarantees:

I lived in Namibia, learning the culture, wildlife, nuances of southern Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer.  I intentionally extended my time in Namibia to research and write my 300 page travel guide, covering the logistics and culture of Namibia.

A safari planned or lead by me is guaranteed to make the ENVIRONMENT and CULTURAL sensitivity a top priority, ensuring authentic safaris to continue on through the ages.

But don’t take my word for it, read what past clients have said: http://wildsafariafrica.com/testimonials/

Why throw your hard earned money at professionals who aren’t experts?

Let’s talk safari.  Call me and you’ll hear the highly experienced safari consultant you were looking for, to collaborate YOUR tailored made safari.

To being pampered with peace of mind,

Jeremy (Jermibia)

P.S. Call me, 720-272-0828, let’s talk.

P.P.S. Seriously.