Important Facts About Gorilla Trekking on an African Safari

When you go on an African safari, there are countless exotic animals that you may see on your trip, including the majestic mountain gorilla. Gorilla trekking is a very popular safari activity, and if you’re interested in having this experience on your next safari, there are a few facts that you should keep in mind. Here is some basic information about gorilla trekking on African safari that should help you decide if you want to include this activity in your vacation.

 

Safety of Gorilla Trekking

For travelers interested in gorilla trekking on safari, it’s common to wonder if this activity is actually safe. To their surprise, gorilla trekking is a very safe experience, as long as you follow a few simple tips.

 

First, you should make sure that you follow all of your safari guide’s instructions. Failing to listen to your guide can decrease your safety. Second, you shouldn’t make any quick movements, as that can take the gorillas by surprise. While many gorillas you will see on your trekking adventure will be used to the presence of humans, you need to be sure not to do anything that could make them feel threatened.

 

Another thing to remember is that gorilla trekking requires a good deal of walking, much of which takes place in rough terrains. If you’re limited physically, then gorilla trekking probably isn’t the ideal safari activity for you.

 

Best Season for Gorilla Trekking

If you want to go gorilla trekking on African safari, you need to choose the right time of year to travel. Generally, you can go gorilla trekking year-round, but certain times of year will provide you better opportunities to see gorillas than others.

 

When it comes to comfort, it’s usually best to go gorilla trekking during the dry seasons, which means traveling between December and February or June and September. During these times of year, there will be little rain and plentiful sunshine, meaning you’ll be better able to see the gorillas.

 

While you can certainly visit during the rainy season, it won’t be nearly as enjoyable, and it will be much more difficult for you to reach the gorillas. For instance, the terrain will be much more slippery during the wet seasons, increasing your risk for a fall while trekking. In almost every regard, traveling during the dry season is the best choice.

 

Other Factors to Consider

Before you can go gorilla trekking, there are several qualifications that you must meet. First, anyone interested in gorilla trekking will need to obtain a permit. You must acquire this permit before you arrive at your trekking locations, and because only a limited number of trekking permits are issued, they can be hard to obtain if you don’t plan ahead. Second, you should also make sure that you’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide. Gorilla trekking is much easier and safer if you have help from a professional.

 

Gorilla trekking on safari is a thrilling activity that you should experience at least once in your life. Book your African safari today so that you can see these gorgeous animals up close and in person.

 

Booking Your Perfect Summer Safari

Although summer is winding down, there’s still time for you to book one last vacation, and if you’re interested in a trip that will help you close out the season with a bang, you should consider going on an African safari. Although you may not realize it, a safari is the perfect summer vacation for both excitement and relaxation. Here is some advice to help you book a summer safari that includes world-class activities and plenty of chances to unwind before the vacation season ends.

 

Visit Kruger National Park

The biggest part of a safari is seeing exotic animals, which is why the best tip for booking your summer safari is visiting Kruger National Park. At this park, you will be able to see some of the exotic creatures for which Africa is well-known, including members of the Big Five such as lions and elephants. Because there are so many animals in Kruger, this is the perfect destination for your first-ever safari.
After you’ve spent plenty of time exploring Kruger, you can add a few extra experiences that will add to the quality of your trip.

 

Hit the Beach

If you’re like many people, then you want to be certain that your summer includes some time on the beach. Luckily, Africa is one of the best places in the world for a beach holiday. The continent is home to countless beaches with white sands and blue waters, so almost anywhere you visit, you’ll be able to spend some time in the surf and sun.

 

Kenya, for example, has a variety of excellent beaches that you’re sure to enjoy, including Watamu and Diani beaches. If you book your summer safari with a stay in South Africa, you can swim the lagoon at Uvongo Beach or hike the beautiful cliffs of Coffee Bay. No matter how you like to have fun on the beach, there’s a spot in Africa that’s perfect for you.

 

South Africa is for Thrill Seekers

While most people want to relax on their summer vacation, others want their holiday to include pulse-pounding excitement. If you’re an adventurous traveler, then an African safari is the perfect trip for you, especially if you visit South Africa.

 

In addition to being one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, South Africa also provides a wide range of activities ideal for travelers seeking excitement. For example, if you can’t resist the thrill of soaring through the sky, you can go hang gliding or on a hot air balloon ride.

 

If you’ve always wanted to see a shark up close and in person, then South Africa is the perfect spot for you. Mossel Bay and Gansbaai, which are just outside of Cape Town, are the best locations in the world to see great white sharks. You can go shark-cage diving and see these fearsome creatures gliding through the water just a few feet away, an experience that is impossible to forget.

 

Booking a summer safari is a great choice if you want one last vacation before the warm season ends. On your trip, you’ll enjoy a great deal of fun and excitement in one of the most beautiful locations on the planet.

What You Should Keep in Mind Before Going on a Walking Safari

Going on a safari is an amazing experience, and even if you view Africa from inside a car, you should still be able to have a great time while making memories. If you want an even more thrilling experience, however, then you should consider booking a walking safari.

Taking this unique type of safari is a once in a lifetime adventure where you’ll be able to fully experience the magic and wonder of Africa. Before your trip, however, there are some things that you need to keep in mind to make sure that you have the best time possible. Here are some factors you need to consider before going on a walking safari that should help you decide if this holiday is right for you.

Think About Your Fitness Level

Out of all the different factors that you must consider before going on a walking safari, the most important is your physical health. Going on this type of safari is a great deal of fun, but it is also very strenuous. No one wants to embark on their journey only to find that they don’t have the energy to continue after just a few hours.

If you’re not comfortable walking for long distances on a daily basis, then a safari where you’ll be on foot probably isn’t right for you. Instead, you can book a traditional African safari where you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort and safety of an automobile.

How Much of Africa Do You Want to See

If you’re going on a safari for the first time, then you likely want to see and do as much as possible. While this is certainly understandable, it also means that a walking safari may not be the right option for you. On this type of safari, you’ll focus on exploring a small part of whatever area of Africa you are visiting. While you’ll certainly be able to see unique sights and create lifelong memories, you won’t be able to see quite as much of Africa as you would on traditional safari.

Think about how much of the continent you want to see, and you should be able to decide whether or not booking a safari where you’ll be traveling on foot is the right choice.

Picking the Right Tour Guide

The best thing about going on this type of safari is being able to learn about Africa by immersing yourself in the environment. The quality of your safari, however, depends on your tour guide. Before you go on any safari, you need to make sure that you’ll be accompanied by an experienced, knowledgeable guide. The right guide can make your walking safari both fun and educational, giving you valuable information about the scenery and pointing out sights that you may not have noticed yourself.

With the wrong tour guide, your safari won’t be nearly as enjoyable, and you may return home feeling like you’ve missed out on something important. If you want the best safari adventure possible, make sure you’ll be traveling with a quality tour guide.

Consider these different factors before booking your walking safari to make sure you have the exciting trip that you deserve.

What Activities Make for a Truly Unique Safari?

A safari is one of the most interesting, exciting vacation choices in the entire world. If you’re like many travelers, however, it’s the activities, not the destination, that make or break a trip. Before you book your next African safari, you need to learn about a few of the unique activities that you could choose for a once in a lifetime trip. Here are some unique safari activities that you can choose for your holiday so that you have the most memorable, fun trip of your entire life.

Experience Africa on Foot

When you book your safari, you’ll be able to choose several ways to see Africa. For the most unforgettable experience possible, however, you should consider booking a walking safari. Seeing Africa on foot is a unique experience that you’re guaranteed to enjoy. On foot, you’ll be immerse yourself in the gorgeous African scenery, and you’ll feel like you’re on an actual adventure. If you don’t mind a little physical exertion, a walking safari is the perfect choice for your next holiday.

Spend Some Time on the Water

While there are several unique safari activities that you could choose, one of your best options is going on a canoe ride. Africa is well-known for its beautiful waterways, and regardless of which countries you visit, you should be able to spend some time enjoying the water. A canoe ride is a particularly great choice if you’re able to boat past a watering spot, as you may be able to see exotic animals up close and in person.

Hit the Skies in a Balloon

Because there is so much natural beauty in Africa, it can seem like there’s no way to enjoy it all. Fortunately, if you want a bird’s eye view of one of the most gorgeous locations in the entire world, you can take to the skies in a hot air balloon. A balloon ride is a thrilling safari activity that too many travelers overlook. From inside of the balloon, you’ll have a breathtaking view that stretches in every direction, allowing you to fully appreciate the scenery that can only be found in Africa.

If you decide to take a balloon ride, make sure you bring along your camera, as there will be plenty of opportunities for taking photographs.

Plan a Horse Ride

If riding horses is one of your favorite activities back home, then you should take part in your hobby in a new setting by booking a horseback ride for your safari. Going on a horseback ride in Africa is a one of a kind experience, both because of the scenery and the possibility that you’ll encounter other animals such as zebras. Even if you’re a novice rider, you should still have a great time viewing Africa from the back of a horse. Make sure, however, that you have an experienced guide with you so that your ride is as fun and safe as possible.

If you’re thinking about going on a safari, there are several excellent activities you could choose. Book one of these unique safari activities and you’re guaranteed the trip of your life.

Animal Watching Mistakes to Avoid on Safari

Although there are countless reasons to make your next trip an African safari, the main benefit of choosing this unique holiday is being able to see some of the most interesting animals in the world in their natural habitat. However, if you’ve never been on safari before, it can be easy to make some animal watching mistakes that can reduce both yours and the animal’s, safety.

To make sure you can view animals on safari enjoyably, you should learn about a few common animal watching mistakes and how they can be avoided. Here are some tips for safe animal watching on safari that you can use to make sure your next vacation is as enjoyable as possible.

 

Traveling at the Wrong Time

Although this isn’t a safety issue, the biggest mistake most people make in terms of animal watching on safari is planning their holiday for the wrong time of year. The season in which you travel will directly impact the animals that you’re able to see, and if you book at the wrong time, you may be unable to see certain creatures.

For example, while there are generally more animals out and about during the wet season, they can be easier to see during the dry season because they are all congregating at the watering hole. Research the animals you want to see and the season where they will be most visible so that you get the experience that’s right for you.

 

Noise and Proximity

When it comes to tips for safe animal watching on safari, the two most important things to remember are that you should control your noise level and make sure you are a good distance from the animals. Let’s start by talking about noise.

Most animals that you see on safari have an outstanding sense of hearing to help them avoid predators. If you’re making a great deal of noise, you’ll likely scare the animals away, making it difficult to enjoy the animal watching experience for which you are looking.

It’s also crucial that you are maintaining a safe distance from the animals that you see on safari. When humans get too close, most animals will run away. Others, however, will go into defense mode and may end up attacking if they feel the threat is too great. Invest in a quality pair of binoculars before your trip so that you can clearly see the safari animals without having to encroach on their space.

 

Be Patient

It’s often said that patience is a virtue, and at no time is this statement truer than when you’re animal watching on safari. On your trip, there are going to be times where you won’t see any

animals at all, which can cause some people to be frustrated. Instead of feeling disappointed or annoyed that there the animals are out of sight, enjoy the beautiful African scenery. Eventually, the animals will come out of hiding and your patience will be rewarded.

Plan your trip correctly and follow a few safe habits, and you can easily enjoy world­class animal watching on safari. Book your trip today so that you can experience some of the world’s most exotic animals in person.

Everything You Need to Know About Seeing the Big Five

There are several great reasons to make your next vacation an African safari. If you’re like most people, the only motivation you need is being able to see the Big Five, a group of exotic animals that include lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. If your main goal for your safari trip is seeing these well-known animals, then there is some information that you need to consider to make sure you’re booking your trip correctly.

Here is some advice that will help you plan an African safari that will allow you to spend some time with the Big Five and have a great vacation.

Time of Year to Visit

If you want to book an African safari where you can see the Big Five, the most important thing to consider is the time of year you’re traveling. In terms of seeing these animals, the best time to go on a safari is during the cooler, dryer months of winter, which is between July and October.

Seeing these big animals is much easier during this time of year for several reasons. First, because there is less moisture, the vegetation is considerably thinner than during other times of year, which means there are less places for these animals to hide from view. Second, animals tend to congregate more heavily around watering holes during these dry months, making it much easier for you to see multiple members of this group at one time. Booking your safari for the winter months in Africa is the best choice if you want to do some animal watching.

Where to Find the Big Five

In addition to booking your safari for the right time of year, you need to be certain that you are visiting the right location. Not every spot in Africa will feature every member of the Big Five, so you need to be careful about how you’re planning your trip if you want to see all of these animals.

Probably the best place to view the Big Five for first-time safari goers is Kruger National Park. Found in South Africa, Kruger National Park is a popular safari destination where you can see the Big Five in a mostly controlled environment. Madikwe Private Game Reserve, which is also located in South Africa, is another spot where you can see all of these magnificent creatures. When booking your safari, make sure you include a view of these popular game viewing spots.

Tips for Taking Pictures

Most travelers want to make sure they document their glimpses of these animals by taking photographs. If you want the best pictures possible of these beautiful creatures, there are a few tips you should follow. First, you need to make sure you maintain your distance to protect both yourself and the animal. Second, you should use a wide-angle lens so that you can capture both the animal and the surrounding environment. Third, take multiple pictures so that you can make sure you’re capturing the animal from different angles.

If you want to see the Big Five on your next trip, you must keep these important factors in mind when booking your African safari.

Hippo Facts to Know Before an African Safari

Seeing exotic animals in the wild is one of the best reasons to make your next vacation an African safari. While there are a variety of species that you may encounter while traveling through Africa, one of the most interesting is the hippopotamus.

Most people have seen these animals at some point in their life, whether at a zoo or on television. However, encountering a hippo in the wild is a much different experience than viewing these creatures behind glass, making it a smart idea to learn a little more about hippos before your trip. Here are a few interesting hippo facts that you should keep in mind if you plan to see these animals on your African safari.

Hippos Can Be Dangerous

If you’ve ever seen a hippo in a zoo, then you’ve likely only seen these animals floating lazily in the water, possibly leading you to believe that they are gentle creatures. While hippos would prefer not to interact with people, they can be extremely dangerous animals, particularly if they feel threatened.

Hippos are very large and powerful and have been known to attack without unprovoked. What makes hippos more dangerous than other creatures is that that can attack in both the land and the water, meaning you need to be careful if you find yourself near these creatures.

Hippos Are Fast

There are several surprising hippo facts that you should know before leaving on your African safari, but perhaps the most surprising is these large animals can move quickly. Because of their appearance, many travelers assume that hippos are slow, but this is simply not the case.

On land, hippos have been seen running at speeds close to twenty miles per hour, and it’s not unusual for hippos to travel multiple miles a day when searching for food. So, if you find yourself a good distance from a hippo, be prepared, as they may be able to make up the ground much quicker than you might imagine.

Hippos and Water

Hippos and water go hand in hand, making it a good idea to learn about some of the aquatic facts related to these African animals.

First, hippos, while they do venture on land from time to time, will spend the majority of the day in the water. Two-thirds of a hippo’s day—sixteen hours—is spent in the water, and this includes sleeping. While they are sleeping, the will automatically surface for air every five minutes or so and won’t wake up when doing so. Because hippos are pensive to sunlight, they must frequently return to the water to protect their skin.

Second, hippos are actually closely related to whales instead of other land mammals. Studies have shown that whales and hippos once shared a common ancestor, which is likely the reason that hippos are so drawn to water. At one time, it was thought that hippos were related to pigs, but DNA evidence corrected this misconception.

After learning these interesting hippo facts, you’re probably ready to see these animals in their natural habitat, which means you need to start booking your next African safari today.

Safari Migration Facts You Should Know

When you’re planning to go on an African safari, there are several events that you should put on your itinerary. However, if you want to enjoy one of the most fascinating spectacles in the word, you should make sure that your safari will take you past The Great Mammal Migration.

This spectacular annual event includes some of the most noteworthy animals in Africa such as zebras and gazelles. However, this migration is also a dangerous affair, making it a good idea to learn a little more about this occurrence. Here are safari migration facts that you need to know if you’re thinking about going on an African safari during The Great Mamma Migration.

Basic Migration Facts

When you’re learning about The Great Mamma Migration, there are a few basics facts that are a good starting place, including how many animals are involved and the distance that the migration travels.

During the migration, as many as two million animals will travel 500 miles. The purpose of the migration is for the animals to locate a safe place to birth their offspring that also provides a dependable food supply. Because the animals travel in such large numbers, they are better able to defend themselves against predators. This is important because there are several places on the migration path where predators such as the Nile crocodile await.

If you want to avoid The Great Mamma Migration in full swing, you should try to plan your safari for the summer months of June and July.

Wildebeest Facts

Although there are a variety of animals you can see during the migration, the most interesting by far is the wildebeest, mostly due to the way that these mammals give birth.

As mentioned in the previous section, one of the main purposes of the Great Mamma Migration is finding a suitable birth location. When wildebeests find this location, they will all give birth at once. By giving birth at one time, the wildebeest parents are able to surround their young so that they will be shielded from predators.

Speaking of the wildebeest young, some fascinating safari migration facts are related to how quickly the age. After a wildebeest is born, they will be able to run alongside the adults within minutes, meaning the herd will be able to quickly move on from the birth spot and away from the predators that gather during this time of year.

Migration is Dangerous

Although migration is an important event for almost every mammal in Africa, it’s not without its risks. In fact, many of the mammals that set out on the Great Migration will not see it through to the end.

No overland migration in the world is as large as The Great Mammal Migration, and none is as deadly. It’s estimated that as many as 250,000 mammals will be killed during the migration. There can be several causes of death during the migration, including damage, heat exhaustion, and predators.

If these safari migration facts have you interested in experiencing the Great Mammal Migration for yourself, you should book your trip today so that you can experience this memorable event.

Hacks for Safari Photography

If you’re like many travelers, then your favorite part of going on vacation is taking photographs that you’ll remember for a lifetime. When you go on an African safari, you’ll able to take pictures of some of the most interesting sights in the world. However, because photographing in Africa can be very different than other environments, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to get your pictures to come out the right way.

Here are a few simple safari photography hacks that you should keep in mind if you want to capture images that you will cherish forever.

Don’t Limit Yourself

When many people go on safari and take photographs, they may spend most of their trip waiting for the perfect shot, potentially causing them to miss out on a great picture. Instead of looking around for a great image, go hog wild and take as many pictures as you possibly can. There is so much gorgeous scenery in Africa that every picture is sure to be a winner, so you should take as many pictures as you possibly can.

Because you’re going to be taking so many pictures while you’re on safari, you want to be certain that you’ll never run out of memory. Invest in multiple memory cards for your camera so that you won’t have to worry about running out of storage while on your trip.

Take Pictures at the Right Time of Day

The trickiest part of taking pictures on safari is getting the lighting right, which is why one of the most useful safari photography hacks is being certain that you’re taking your pictures at the right time of day.

The best time to take your safari photographs is during a period commonly referred to as the Golden Hour, which is either right before sunset or right after sunrise. During these two times of day, the light is perfect for photography, ensuring you’ll be able to take a breathtaking shot that you’ll want to show off to your friends back home.

Don’t Neglect People

While you’re looking through the lens of your camera, it’s likely that most of your attention is going to be focused on the exotic animal and plant life, which is certainly understandable. However, spending too much time trying to get a picture of a lion or elephant can cause you to miss out on one of the most important parts of a safari: Your fellow travelers.

When you go on a safari, it’s a virtual guarantee that you’ll make new friends, and these friendships may end up being the most memorable part of your vacation. Years later, when you’re flipping through your photo album, you’ll definitely want to see pictures of the people that you met on your holiday. Make sure to take a few shots of your fellow travelers so that you can remember every single part of your safari experience.

If you want to take gorgeous pictures of your next African safari, all you need to do is follow these easy safari photography hacks. With this advice, you should be able to take some truly wonderful pictures of your safari vacation.

Why Walking Tours Exclude the Big Five

Going on an African safari is an outstanding choice for your next vacation, especially if you love seeing exotic animals in the wild. While it’s common to expect to see Africa’s Big Five on your safari, you may end up disappointed if you choose a walking safari.

The Big Five will always be excluded from a walking safari for some very good reasons, and examining these reasons is the best way to decide if a walking safari is the right choice for you. Here are a few of the reasons that you won’t see the Big Five on your walking safari and advice for booking a safari where you can see these animals.

More Scared of You

If you’re like most people, then you’ve likely heard the old adage that wild animals are more scared of you than you are of them, and this is the main reason that you usually won’t see the Big Five while on your walking safari.

Despite their size, the Big Give are intimidated by humans, and will almost always prefer running away to encountering you face to face. Most of the creatures in the Big Five have highly attuned senses, meaning they can detect people approaching from a good distance away. As soon as these animals catch your scent or hear you walking, they will flee. Although this might be disappointing for travelers dreaming of a close encounter with the Big Five on their safari, it’s actually for the best, as these animals can be dangerous when cornered.

Big Five on a Game Drive

If you’re desperate to see the Big Five on your African safari, then your best bet is booking a game drive. While this does mean you’ll be in the confines of a vehicle, it will also make it more likely that you’ll be able to see every member of the Big Five.

While on a game drive, you’ll be accompanied by a safari guide that will know when and where to find the Big Five. By approaching from a distance in the game vehicle, you’ll be able to see these animals without scaring them off. To get a good view, make sure to pack a pair of quality binoculars or a camera with a long-distance lens.

Staying Safe on a Walking Tour

Even if you may not be able to see the Big Five, going on a walking safari is still a great choice, particularly if you follow a few easy safety tips.

The first and most important tips for staying safe on a walking safari is to never venture out without a guide. Your guide will be able to steer you away from dangerous areas so that you have an enjoyable trip free from harm. Always walk in single file, and if you do encounter a wild animal, remain calm and never run. Make sure that your clothes aren’t brightly colored so that you can blend into your surroundings. Finally, refrain from eating, drinking or smoking while on your walking safari.

If you want to experience the beautiful natural beauty of Africa, a walking safari is an excellent choice, even if it means you may not see the Big Five.