African Safari vacation

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Permalink Reply by Charming Karl, Cookie King on January 21, 2009 at 3:28pm

Before you do it, make sure you watch Cornell Wilde's "The Naked Prey." That should prevent you from showing too much hubris while on safari.

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Permalink Reply by Gunns on January 21, 2009 at 3:56pm

I have seen it, more then once. I have traveled many places in the world but never Africa and I follow what you mean.

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Permalink Reply by Wedgekev1 on January 21, 2009 at 8:20pm

i saw a feature on the tavel channel about Photography safari's .

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Permalink Reply by Scott Truesdale on February 10, 2009 at 12:33pm

I've been to Africa - South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe - and if you're considering luxury travel, then I recommend not camping. Tents sound romantic, but Africa is not Oregon and a little safety and security goes a long way. I was actually stung by a scorpion - and that was IN a luxury tent/cabin (though I think the critter actually hitched a ride on me, and as I was getting ready for the communal evening meal, fell off me...and was pretty P.O.'d that the ride was over).

Instead, I recommend places that have environmentally sustainable lodging - such as what I stayed in when during my trip to Botswana. (www.go2africa.com) The camps are mostly lodges that are broken down every and moved to a new location every ten years so that the land can be reclaimed by nature. The camps are all open, except for your sleeping/living quarters which are heavy duty mesh screens (seriously, you'll want those) and canvas surrounded by wooden frames. There's plumbing, a comfortable bed, and two showers - one inside, one outside. The outdoor shower in Vumbura was a real treat - as it was in full view of a watering hole populated by elephants (which you could hear day and night).

I can't encourage you enough to go. I'd dreamed of visiting Africa since I was a boy - thank you, Marlin Perkins - and let me tell you, the Dark Continent does not disappoint. The animals are incredible - and you get experience with them you'll never have at the zoo or local safari park. I was challenged by an angry Bull Elephant, threatened by lions, and dove with great white sharks (that was in Cape Town). Heck, I even ate a maupani worm (a popular, pan-fried Botswanan bar snack). The people were warm and so willing to share their culture and beautiful land. It changed me and I count the days until I return.

If you're traveling with your wife, I'd recommend this compromise - a week at the Okavongo Delta in Botswana, then a week exploring and enjoying Cape Town and the surroundings. Cape Town's gorgeous - and nearby they have some amazing wine country (in fact, wine county was in it's own way an adventure as they pour very generously...and then you have to get in and drive on the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road). There's a wonderful winery in Franschhoek where they serve dinner in a cave...and also ferment champagne (or, sparkling wine as to not offend the French). That might help smooth the argument for an African vacation!

Let me know if I can help.

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Permalink Reply by Gunns on February 10, 2009 at 3:39pm

Nice, good tip on the camping, I didn't mean to make it sound like I was going in a pup tent. My wife wants nothing to do with it, so right now its only me, trying to find someone to come along is difficult, most people I know don't have the stomach for that kind of travel.

What time of year do you recommend for Botswana? Did you use a guide?

Thanks M

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Permalink Reply by Scott Truesdale on February 12, 2009 at 10:05am

I was in Botswana in November - which was perfect. As for having a guide, when you book a safari through Go2Africa they are included as the camps are fully staffed. You'll find having guides very valuable because they not only know where the animals are, but they have an excellent understanding of animal behavior (which in my case helped when I was challenged by that elephant). They also provide one other very valuable service - walking you to and from your quarters, rifle in hand. No overfed tourist walks alone in the Okavango.

You know, it's funny that people have such cold feet about visiting Africa. It really is one of those places in the world that you must see with your own eyes. Yeah, it's more challenging than vacationing at a Club Med, but that also makes it more rewarding (I think). And you don't miss great food, good drinks (you can't beat an ice cold Windehoek beer on a hot Botswanan afternoon) and the company of interesting people. I spent my first night in the camp drinking with the game wardens. I'd had some wine with dinner, and then they invited me to sit around the campfire to drink whiskey until it was nearly time to wake up for the early morning game drive. I could've slept...but man, life's too short.

If you have to leave the wife at home, do so. Return the favor and send her to a spa for a couple of weeks...but see Africa.

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