EAST AND CENTRAL AFRICA
A favorite for first-time safari-goers, East Africa offers a bit of everything.
Excellent Game Viewing
No matter which game parks you visit, you are likely to see a wide array of game in larger numbers than almost anywhere else. For those of you who are as fascinated and perplexed by the great migration of the zebra and wildebeest as the scientific community, this phenomenon can be seen in Kenya and Tanzania most of the year. In general, from late July through September the migration can be seen in Kenya’s Masai Mara before the animals move south into the Serengeti plains of Tanzania, where they ultimately congregate and bear their young in January and February. The entire herd then begins its return to the Masai Mara through the southern plains of the Serengeti, then into the western corridor before moving north across the river into Kenya. Some travelers complain of the crowds in East Africa, but Kenya’s Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti constitute the greatest wildlife habitat on the planet. If you really can’t stand sharing it with other people, the answer is a pricier, custom tour featuring luxury tenting, private camps, or country houses, and visits to some of East Africa’s underused national parks and reserves. Uganda and Rwanda in Central Africa offer gorilla trekking and a rougher safari experience for the adventure-seeker.Accessibility
Many of East Africa's National Parks and safari highlights are accessible by both road and air, making it an easy region to navigate. For those who prefer travel by air, an efficient network of local scheduled flights link the different regions. If joining a small group, road safaris can be excellent value for those on a budget. The roads are rough, so travelers with back problems would do better to fly.Gorgeous Landscapes
The extraordinary diversity of East Africa's landscape is not to be missed! From the snow-capped majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya, to the fantastic Ngorongoro Crater and savannah plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti, this corner of the continent boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. It is the Africa of your imagination, and has been a classic safari destination for decades, not only for the wildlife but also because of her sweeping, rugged, powerful beauty.Fascinating Culture
Africa is not just about the animals, it is also about her people, which makes her an eternally beautiful, fascinating, and magical continent. Nowhere else can you witness so readily the tribal cultures of the Masai and Samburu peoples, vividly clothed and beaded in traditional garb, living the way they have for centuries. A friendly "Jambo" will elicit a ready smile and wave, and ample opportunity to learn about and share in another culture.SOUTHERN AFRICA
From the wildest and most remote safari regions to the cosmopolitan culture and beauty of
Excellent Game Viewing
Like East Africa, Southern Africa offers an outstanding and rewarding game-viewing experience. One of the reasons for this is that game drives are conducted in open 4x4 safari vehicles, as opposed to the mini-van which is the most common safari vehicle in East Africa (although there are some exceptions). The open vehicle allows unparalleled visibility and the unique, raised seating in some of the vehicles will spoil you forever! Safari guides in southern Africa are the most highly-trained and respected professionals in their field and their knowledge will be one of the main reasons that your safari to southern Africa is an educational experience as well as surpassing your expectations.A Variety of Safari Activities
Southern Africa is quite creative in terms of ways to view wildlife. Apart from the usual game drives, you will find that many camps offer night game drives as well as wilderness walks. You can also view wildlife by canoe and mokoro, on mountain bikes as well as by horse and elephant back! Microlighting, whitewater rafting and bunji-jumping are also possible.Small Camps
Many of the safari camps and lodges can accommodate no more than 16-20 guests at a time, ensuring an intimate, personalized and non-touristy experience on safari. Often you will see only one or two other vehicles on a game drive and for the rest of your safari, you are truly out in the bush. This is attractive to travelers who want to feel as though they are away from the crowds and off the beaten track.More Than Safari
Beyond the safari experience, the cosmopolitan cities and coastline of South Africa, the adventure activities of Victoria Falls, the beaches of the Indian Ocean Islands and the striking landscapes of Namibia can be the perfect complement to your safari and we encourage you to take advantage of the amazing contrasts of this region.INDIAN OCEAN ISLANDS
Beaches!
There is no doubt about it – some of the best beaches in the world are to be found on the other side of it! The Seychelles, Mauritius, Mozambique and the coastal isles off East Africa offer stunning, sparkling turquoise waters and the powdery white sand beaches that can be found nowhere else. They are the perfect beginning or end for your safari, or as a destination in their own right.Culture
The exotic island cultures in these countries are varied and complex, amalgams of native peoples, colonizing influences and migrant forces, which have come together to flavor these islands with colorful languages, cuisines and customs.Flora and Fauna
Islands of the Indian Ocean offer a surprising array of indigenous species of flora and fauna, from the countless coral reefs and marine life to the remarkable coco de mer, found only in the Seychelles. Far from being a series of beach resorts, these islands can lead the interested traveler and SCUBA enthusiast on a fascinating aquatic safari!These are just generalities. I will give you a long list of the best places to visit. Be on the alert.
Yours Truly,
Ferdinand Che
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