november 2010
1. Knowing that whilst boarding your plane at the busy first world departure airport that within 24 hours you will be escaping the rat race, turning off your phone and indulging in the open spaces of this vast continent.
2. The feeling of the heat as you step off the plane and the fun, organised chaos of the airport and customs.
3. The wonderful welcome at your camp or lodge of a cool drink and wet cloth.
4. The anticipation of your first afternoon game drive usually begun with a much ‘civilised’ afternoon tea.
5. Climbing on up to your vehicle and meeting your guide for the first time.
6. Grabbing your binoculars and camera at your first sighting of your safari, eager not to miss anything.
7. The ‘sundowners’ experience. As the sun sets and the sky starts to turn a beautiful orange your driver will stop and ask the words you have been longing to hear, ‘Gin and Tonic Madam / Sir?’ It is usually at this point in the day when you breathe a huge sigh of satisfaction and thank your lucky starts that you are here enjoying this excellent African tradition!
8. Turning on the spotlights after dark and anticipating the nocturnal animals making an appearance and hearing the inevitable ‘whoop whoop’ of the hyena. If you are really lucky, you may see a leopard on the hunt.
9. Returning to the lodge / camp for a dinner in the boma around a huge campfire. At this point you will look up to a sky filled with stars you won’t see in any city and be awed by the size and scope of the universe.
10. Sharing campfire stories with other guests about your sightings for the day and enjoying an incredible meal which you cannot believe has been cooked in a bush kitchen.
11. Falling asleep to the sounds of the bush – most certainly crickets; depending on your area, grunting hippos; hopefully roaring lions or wailing jackals and if you listen very carefully, the sounds of bush babies, nightjars and owls.
12. Jumping out of bed early the next morning, still dark and eagerly accepting that much needed cup of coffee to jump start the day. Half asleep you jump in the vehicle and wait for the sunrise which is shortly to follow with the incredible morning light casting its shadows on the bush. Every animal sighting is an excitement, particularly those where you can simply sit and observe the animal in its habitat and engage with your guide asking questions and learning.
13. Spending the heat of the day lounging by the pool or catching up on some sleep or on that book you have been meaning to read for ages.
14. Taking the ranger up on a walking safari experience – to walk is to remove yourself from the noise of the safari vehicle as well as the noise and turmoil of modern society and re-connect with the sounds of nature. To walk is to follow tracks, feel the tingle of your own senses, and hear the beating of your heart as you edge closer to a herd of elephant, feeding in the river.
15. Many will say that a safari is a ‘spiritual’ experience – something our busy lives require to remind us of why we exist. You will likely be hit by this feeling at some point on your safari and when you do you will know that you have been bitten by the Africa bug and will have to return!
Photography by: Norman Carr Safaris, Shamwari & Karen Blixen Camp
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Most people wish to visit Botswana we likely be advised to head to the country during the dry season which runs from April to October. The reason given for this would be that it is cooler than the hot Nov – Mar period and with less rain the wildlife concentrates around permanent water (Okavango and Chobe) and it is easier for vehicles to travel around without getting stuck. The grass has dried and disappeared so it is easier to see the animals. In fact it is for these reasons that dry season game viewing is generally considered the best across the continent of Africa.
The Green Season (or wet season) does however have its own advantages not least of which is the 30% reduction on the rates, making it a more affordable period to experience Botswana. With fewer travellers it can also provide a more personal experience. If you do decide to safari in Botswana in the summer months, will the experience be as good and what can you expect?
Our opinion is yes if you are well advised to travel to the right regions and the correct camps, most certainly the green season in Botswana can be as rewarding. In summer, Botswana becomes a productive paradise interspersed with vibrant floral displays and a kaleidoscope of colours. There’s an explosion of new life as many species give birth to their young making for a fantastic observations of the comical and endearing antics of young learning to face life for the first time. This is particularly enjoyable in an area like the Central Kalahari which is at its wildlife viewing peak in the green season. This normally arid area with wide-open vistas welcomes the rain and the desert is entirely transformed.
Predator sightings are frequent in these summer months as they take full advantage of the abundance of inexperienced younger prey and summer is the best season for bird watchers and bird photographers. Several bird species display their splendid breeding plumage and a myriad migratory bird species arrive, such as the vibrant kingfishers, vocal cuckoos and colourful bee-eaters.
The floodplains in the Okavango Delta are exposed by the receding winter flood and are transformed by the rains into a tapestry of green. This couch grass luxuriance draws grazers from the woodland of the higher lying larger islands onto the plains for giving birth. This means that it is possible to explore the islands and plains either on foot or in a safari vehicle. Game with young, feeding in these open areas, makes for excellent photographic opportunities coupled with rich landscapes and dramatic summer skies.
With the Savute Channel flowing again for the first time since 1983, the wildlife dynamic of the Linyanti region has changed. The famed elephant population that historically dispersed in the summer months now stay in the Linyanti in good numbers.
In a good year of rain the Makgadikgadi pans, famous for its season population of 50 000 flamingos, may have water, making for an extraordinary sight and a very different experience.
Summer mornings are exceptional. The temperature is perfect for warm pre-dawn starts to the day, happy in the knowledge that, like the animals, you can doze off in the hotter midday. In terms of the amount of rainfall you can expect this is of course variable according to area and time of year but generally you should just expect short sharp afternoon showers or thunderstorms which in themselves are a spectacle. The wet season is by no means an all day every day rain experience.
During the summer months photographers will find the colours much more brilliant, the light sharper and the cloud formations and sunsets will be stunning. You will not be disappointed if this is your first safari and if you are a seasoned safari goer you will really appreciate the contrast to the dry season and will enjoy the abundance of life about.
With thanks to Wilderness Safaris
Photography by: Michael Poliza, Caroline Culbert & Dana Allen
Contact a specialist about a Safari in Botswana
We are continually finding that honeymooners are requesting a honeymoon which combines two or more components in it, for example to have an action packed safari and a romantic tropical island beach holiday in one. These holidays, which are termed ‘Twin Centre Holidays,’ are growing in popularity.
If a couple sees their honeymoon as a once in a lifetime holiday to Africa they may want to pack in as many attractions as possible and these attractions may fall across a few regions or across the boundaries of two or three countries. An example of this would be guests who wanted to see Cape Town in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zambia and experience a safari in Botswana.
South Africa would be the country we would say most of our clients would include in a twin centre holiday. South Africa itself is an extremely popular honeymoon destination, largely because of its incredible weather and scenery but also because it offers some of the most luxurious hotels and game lodges in the world. Unlike other destinations in the world that provide simply one attraction, South Africa is an entirely diverse country offering a range of experiences, a Big 5 luxury safari normally being the highlight. A favourable exchange rate means not only is the safari one of the most reasonably priced in Africa but when you are out in South Africa you can truly spoil yourselves on spa treatments, romantic meals, adventure activities and shopping sprees.
South Africa is can be combined with any number of countries however the most popular for honeymooners are island beach locations such as Mauritius, Mozambique and the Seychelles.
Mauritius is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful paradise islands in the world and for this reason is very popular for weddings and honeymoons. This picturesque island is renowned for the hospitality of the locals, the elegant hotels and spas and some of the world's finest beaches and lagoons. Many hotels and resorts are particularly suited to honeymooners offering discounts and special honeymoon extras.
Mozambique borders South Africa and it offers a very different beach experience from the likes of Mauritius or the Seychelles. Here the lodges are small and intimate offering a rustic luxury, Robinson Crusoe type of experience as opposed to the larger resort style hotels of the other two islands. The beaches are arguably the most untouched of all the beaches on this coast of Africa and it is a dream location for divers or couples looking to really get away from it all.
In many ways the Seychelles represent the absolutely ideal honeymoon destination as it is quite simply one of the most romantic places on earth. The stunning vistas, pure white sand beaches, exotic greenery, turquoise blue seas and spectacular sunsets all create the backdrop for an unforgettable romantic experience. This combined with discreet and exotic island-retreats offering the ultimate in stylish luxury make the Seychelles the perfect honeymoon choice. Many of the hotels have special offers for honeymooners including discounted rates, complimentary champagne in your room, candle lit dinners, spa treatments and sunset cruises.
If you are after an East African Safari, both Mauritius and the Seychelles can be combined with Kenya.
Kenya is arguably the most well known of holiday destinations in Africa. Honeymooners have for years been drawn to its quintessential images of herds of elephants in front of snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro, hot air balloons above the Masai Mara and the proud Masai warriors. It is the land which inspired Karen Blixen's 'Out of Africa', a place of vast plains and abundant wildlife. With every champagne toast at sunset and every action packed game drive, a honeymoon in Kenya is sure to provide lasting memories.
If you don’t want to go as far as field as Mauritius or the Seychelles to combine your Kenyan safari with a beach element, you can enjoy your beach break on the exquisite Kenyan coast beaches or the Tanzanian islands of Zanzibar or Pemba.
A very popular trip is combining a safari in Tanzania with a beach stay in Zanzibar. A safari here is most typically in line with people's vision of a traditional safari, with its huge herds of animals. Tanzania offers such a wide diversity of scenery on safari from the vast flat plains of the Serengeti to the unique volcanic crater at Ngorongoro to the flamingo filled Lake Manyara. Coupled with this memorable safari, what can be more romantic than a stay on Zanzibar with its warm tropical waters and white palm-lined beaches?
There are an abundance of combinations to consider when planning a honeymoon to Africa including some as fun as adding to a safari and beach combination, a gorilla tracking experience in Uganda or Rwanda.
Africa beautifully lends itself to providing a diversity of experiences in one trip. Mahlatini will help and advise you on logistics and the merits of various combinations – there is often the risk of trying to do too much in one trip as well. Whatever you decide to do, the abundance of experiences will certainly provide lasting memories.
Photography Credit: Constance Lemuria in Seychelles, Benguarra Lodge in Mozambique, Cotters 1920's Camp by Cheli and Peacock, Klein's Camp by And Beyond
Contact a specialist about a Twin Centre Holiday
As you are bound to have heard Prince William and Kate Middleton recently became engaged whilst on holiday in Kenya in October. We thought we would take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about the area which William chose to ask his bride and why it is so special.
The couple got engaged on the Lewa Conservancy which is in central Kenya approximately 225 km north of the capital Nairobi reached by road or light aircraft. On the foothills of Mount Kenya the 65,000 acre wildlife conservancy of Lewa is home to about 10 percent of Kenya's black rhino population, and the single largest population of Grevy's zebra in the world. It was also made famous in the National Geographic programme “Game Ranger’s Diaries”.
William spent part of his gap year here living with the family of the founder, Ian Craig and Lewa is obviously somewhere he holds dear to his heart.
The conservancy started in 1983 when David and Delia Craig set aside 5,000 acres of their cattle ranch as the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. The couple felt is necessary to do this as a result of to the precipitous decline of black rhinos across Africa in the 1970s. At the time government wildlife agencies and conservation organizations increasingly turned to private landowners, non-profit organizations and indigenous communities to protect the few remaining animals. In Kenya, the number of black rhinos dropped from an estimated 20,000 to fewer than 300 animals, and the only way to prevent their complete extinction was to create high security sanctuaries. Anna Merz, a conservationist and philanthropist, threw in her savings; and together with the Craigs they recruited game-trackers, bush pilots, veterinarians and others to round-up and protect Kenya’s rhinos.
For the next few years, they tracked, captured and relocated every remaining wild rhino in northern Kenya to the refuge for breeding and safekeeping. The programme was so successful that within a decade more space was needed, leading the Craigs to dedicate their entire ranch to conservation and form the non-profit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in 1995.
The reserve supports over 440 species of birds and more than 70 different mammals. Its rhino population has grown steadily, not only restoring local numbers but enabling black rhino reintroduction in regions where they long had been absent.
Lewa has certainly become the model for responsible tourism. Lewa re-invests all the profits generated from tourism into its core programmes, environmental and social. When you visit Lewa, your overnight stays contribute towards neighbouring communities with education support, health-care support, water projects, agricultural projects, social development and a women’s micro-credit programme. You will help thousands of people from different backgrounds and cultures to improve their lives, and give their children a future, at the same time as ensuring Africa's wildlife has a stable home.
You can follow Prince William and Kate Middleton to Kenya, and stay at Cheli & Peacock's Lewa Safari Camp. The Camp has outstanding game viewing, and spectacular views to Mt. Kenya to the south and arid lowlands to the north. Each tent has a thatched roof, verandah and full ensuite bathroom, very much in the ‘Lewa’ style. The tents are designed to give you the feeling of sleeping in a large safari tent while enjoying all the amenities of a permanent lodge.
The central areas have exquisite gardens with a sunny verandah and swimming pool to enjoy during the day, and cosy log fires in the lounge and dining room in the chilly evenings.
Activities on offer for you include day and night game dries, guided bush walks, horse riding expeditions and visits to the conservancy’s archaeological site.
Trips to Lewa can be combined with further safari in a national reserve like the Masai Mara and a beach stay along Kenya’s incredible coast or further afield in the likes of Mauritius or the Seychelles.
To plan your special trip to Kenya, contact the specialists at Mahlatini African Travel.
With romantics and honeymooner's attention on Kenya we have created the perfect 9 night classic 'Beach and Bush' honeymoon for £3250 pp (excluding flights), saving up to £515 pp.
Itinerary
3 nts Lewa Safari Camp, Lewa Conservancy
3 nts Elephant Pepper Camp, Masai Mara
3 nts Kinondo Kwetu, Galu Beach
Includes
* 15% discount on accommodation with savings up to £515 pp
* Complimentary upgrade for honeymooners at Elephant Pepper Camp to honeymoon suite subject to availability on check-in
Contact Mahlatini for further details on this Itinerary
Extracts taken from:
www.lewasafaricamp.com
www.lewa.org
Contact a specialist about a Holiday in Kenya
Last Saturday Mahlatini’s Directors Greg Fox and Chris Goldring attended the JN Wines Northern Ireland Festival of Racing at Down Royal Racecourse. As well as enjoying a brilliant day out, they were there to present the winner of this year’s Best Dressed Lady Competition with a Mahlatini sponsored holiday to Zambia.
The lucky winner Pamela Edwards-Lynch from Doncaster looked beautifully elegant in a cream Escada dress, complete with her mother’s stunning hat. Pamela walked away with a luxury safari holiday Zambia to the value of £13,000.
Zambia is the ultimate holiday destination for those with a sense of adventure and love of nature. Often referred to as the 'real' Africa, it offers a fabulous wilderness experience away from the crowds, affording some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa.
The first two nights of this truly unforgettable trip will be spent at Sausage Tree Camp, an exclusive safari camp which offers the highest international standards in luxury and service. The next two nights are spent in the breathtaking Kalamu Tented Camp in the South Luangwa National Park, home of the walking safari. The final three nights of this once in a lifetime trip will be spent in the spectacular Toka Leya Camp on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River beside Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
Contact a specialist about a Holiday in Zambia
Weather
The weather in Mauritius is great year-round and during the European school holidays (July / Aug) it is warm (mid to high 20’s Celsius) despite it being the winter season. As the months June – Sept are the low season this means that you can get some excellent discounts. During school holidays there will be plenty of other families at the hotel providing kids with other children to play with.
Almost all hotels in Mauritius accept children and cater for them specifically in providing excellent kid’s clubs where your children (and teenagers) will be kept constantly entertained. This also allows mum and dad to get some well earned relaxation time. There are also babysitting services available in the evenings. As well as this, most hotels offer family rooms, 2 bedroom apartments, villas or at the very least, standard rooms with sleeper beds to accommodate one child.
Travel
The flight to Mauritius from Europe is an easy one with no jet lag and is usually overnight. You are not required to have vaccinations or take anti malaria tablets for a visit to Mauritius unless combined with another country. No visas are required either.
Activities
When you have an active family you are likely to be concerned that there will be enough to do in an island paradise. There is plenty to do in Mauritius, apart from just enjoying the sunshine on the beach or at the pool. All hotels offer a wide variety of land and water sports, many of which are free of charge. There is also plenty to do on the island itself, from excursions to Grand Bay or Port Louis to swimming with dolphins, catamaran cruises, deep sea fishing and even walking with lions!
The sea water is very safe to swim in so you can easily keep an eye on your children from the beach as they frolic safely in the water.
As a whole Mauritius is a very safe country politically so you have no need to be concerned about the overall safety of your family.
Accommodation
Many hotels in Mauritius also offer an all inclusive meal basis which for many families is appealing. This means not having to continuously worry about every drink or snack being consumed by your children going onto a large bill at the end of your stay.
We also feel that Mauritius will particularly suit extended families who wish to spend some quality time together. Grannies, grandpas, kids, parents, uncles and aunts can all be accommodated together in large, self contained villas or residences complete with private pools, kitchens etc. This way the family have the privacy of a home from home environment but can still make use of all the nearby hotel facilities.
Families of adults or teenagers who like golf would particularly suit resorts offering these above mentioned villa type accommodations such as the Belle Mare Plage, Anahita The Resort or Tamarina.
For more adventure for your family why not combine Mauritius with a safari in South Africa or Kenya.
Resorts for Families
Below is a selection of our favourite resorts for families including all-inclusive resorts:
Belle Mare Plage
Legends Resort
Heritage Awali
Shandrani Resort
Le Mauricia
Anahita The Resort
Dina Robin
Paradis
Beau Rivage
Contact a specialist about a Mauritius Holiday
1. Seasonality – Southern and Eastern Africa generally has two seasons, "dry" and "wet". The dry season usually falls between June and October and is characterised by droughts, very little vegetation and large numbers of animals concentrated around any remaining water. For this reason the game viewing during the dry season is at its best. The wet season, commonly called the "Green Season", usually falls between November and May. The green season is when life in Africa blooms. The grass grows, the rivers fill and the animals bear their young. Some view this season as the most beautiful, the only drawbacks are that the animals disperse into the lush green foliage and game viewing becomes more difficult and you get the occasional afternoon rain shower, though this rarely affects your safari.
2. Price – Price varies between countries, for example Botswana Tourism operate a "low volume high yield policy" making it comparatively expensive to visit but also making it appealing to those who prefer something unique and exclusive. The best value for money in the current economic climate is the Kruger Park in South Africa. Seasonality also effects price, the dry season commonly referred to as the High Season can be twice as expensive as the Green season. The green season can offer amazing value for money, especially in places such as Botswana where the Okavango Delta offers amazing water based safaris and bird life.
3. Style – Every persons vision of a safari is different, some imagine the vast plains and large herds of animals in the Serengeti or the Masaai Mara whilst others imagine the ultra Luxury lodges in the Kruger Park. A safari in East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) is generally more populated with more vehicles in the National Parks. More personal safaris can be found in Botswana and within areas of the Kruger Park. Water based safaris are a little less known but prove very popular. These safaris enable you to view the wildlife on the banks of the river from the comfort of a mekoro (traditional dug out canoe) or a motorboat.
4. Accommodation – There are three main styles of safari accommodation, Mobile camps, Tented Camps and Lodges. Mobile camping, sometimes referred to as "classic camping" due to the similarity with the early African explorers provides the most basic of the three accommodations, but due to its mobility often provides the best game viewing. Tented camps, mostly found in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia, in contrast to the word "tented" generally provide the most luxurious of accommodations and are more like tented hotel suites. Lodges vary in size and quality, the most luxurious of the lodges are generally found in South Africa.
5. Relaxation – Generally clients visit two distinct areas on holiday, one for the adventure and wonder of a safari, the other for relaxing or visiting an area of interest such as Victoria Falls or Cape Town. Choosing somewhere to relax usually involves a sun lounger, white sand and personal bar service. For this experience, depending on logistics you will head for an idyllic beach by the Indian Ocean. The choice of exotic beach usually boils down to Mauritius, Seychelles, Zanzibar, Kenya, Mozambique or South Africa.
6. Families – Most areas cater for children on safari but some do it a lot better than others, for example, some lodges provide unique educational children’s activities such as learning African bush skills, whilst other lodges prohibit children of a certain age. Many families choose to safari in South Africa in one of the Malaria free national parks.
7. Speak to a specialist – It is extremely important to speak with an expertly qualified safari consultant to get the best experience at the correct time of year within your budget. Mahlatini African Travel’s staff have all lived and travelled extensively throughout Africa personally visiting the camps and lodges that they sell.
Contact a specialist about a Safari Holiday