TOP TEN SAFARI RECOMMENDATIONS
#1: Best all-round safari: Jacana Safari, Botswana. Excellent choice for first safari, also ideal for single travelers as there is no single supplement if you are �willing to share�. The group of no more than 8 has 100% exclusivity in all camps.
# 2: Best �Ultimate Safari� experience: Best of Southern Africa flying safari. Traveling by private dedicated aircraft between premier camps in best areas of 4 countries (Namibia, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe). Excellent review by Travel Editor of New York Times who took this trip in May 2003.
#3: Best value for money: Zimbabwe fly-in safari. The Wilderness Safaris camps in Zimbabwe are being filled by savvy Africa travelers who know that it is during these times that one enjoys the finest wildlife encounters, at attractive prices.
# 4: Best �active� safari: Rhino Safari, Zimbabwe: game drives, foot safaris with best-qualified guides in Africa (Zimbabwe full pro guides); tracking rhino on foot, boating on Lake Kariba, canoeing on Lower Zambezi River, and more.
# 5: Best �new� trip for 2004: Gorilla treks in Rwanda are back!
#6: Best combination of two countries: Botswana and Namibia. Botswana has lots of opportunities for game-viewing, the incomparable Okavango Delta and it combines perfectly with Namibia�s desert and dune experience.
#7: Most unusual destination: Madagascar. Adorable lemurs, amazing people, strange spiny forests, always the unexpected. Just don�t expect everything to work 100%�
#8: Trip most likely to be a �life-changing� event: Mana Canoe Trail, Zimbabwe.
#9: Best honeymoon destination: North Island, Seychelles. No question.
#10: �Best kept secret� safari area: Mashatu Game Reserve, Tuli Block. Too many of our clients return from Mashatu with multiple leopard sightings or other fabulous game-viewing experiences for this area to remain �undiscovered� for long.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
Africa's three big cats - lion, leopard and cheetah - all capture and kill their prey in much the same manner as a domestic cat kills a mouse. The body proportions, dentition and claws of all cats - from lions to lynxes - is basically the same. Body size, social habits and habitat preferences are what separates most members of the family Felidae.
Although the way in which large cats stalk or approach their prey differs, the actual method of killing is similar. The first objective is to bring the quarry to the ground, and for medium-sized prey this is achieved by grasping the hindquarters. With its feet firmly on the ground, a lion or leopard pulls an antelope to the ground by hooking its talons into its rump and tugging downward. If in pursuit of fleeing prey, cats reach out with their forepaw to trip their quarry. For very large prey such as buffalo, lions may jump onto the animal's back, using their own body weight to topple the victim. Once an animal is off its feet, the cat goes for the throat or muzzle, clamping its jaws tight to suffocate the prey. With small prey, a bite is delivered to the neck to sever the spinal chord.
Whenever a cat hunts and dispatches prey, it must minimise the chance of injuring itself - a sprained leg or broken canine tooth, could easily lead to starvation.
In many parts of Africa, lion, leopard and cheetah occur side-by-side. They are able to coexist because they have different habitat and prey preferences, which reduces competition. Different hunting strategies are employed not only by the different big cats, but also for the various prey species which they hunt.
Leopard
The leopard is the most adaptable of Africa's big cats, with the widest range of prey. Large males can tackle quarry up to the size of adult Topi although they rarely take such risks. Medium-sized and small antelope, as well as warthog, are favoured prey in most areas. The leopard relies on its stealth and patience to approach its prey. Successful hunts usually demand that the leopard surprises its victim, pouncing before it can react and pulling it to the ground. Smaller prey, such as hyraxes, hares and monkeys may be chased and cornered before being clawed and bitten on the back of the neck or throat. In some parts of their range, leopard are almost entirely nocturnal hunters, but in other areas (notably the South African lowveld) they are active throughout the day. Individual leopards may acquire a preference for certain prey animals and develop particular hunting strategies. Warthog may be captured as they leave or enter their underground burrows, entailing a lengthy wait for a patient leopard. Catfish will be plucked from shrinking pools at the end of the rainy season by a leopard which ignores other quarry.
Lion
Lion are the only truly social cats and adult females typically hunt in pairs or groups. When hunting favoured prey such as wildebeest or zebra, lions usually stalk to within 30 metres before rushing at them. In most cases the lions will wait until the quarry has turned away or has its head down. Once it detects danger, the victim bolts but it may be too late. On rare occasions, (and invariably in daylight) lion may ambush prey, with one member of the pride lying in wait as its partner forces the quarry to run in its direction. The sheer abundance of prey can also determine hunting strategies. When great herds of migratory wildebeest are milling about, lions can simply rush into them and pull down one or more of the confused animals. When the same herds gather to cross the Grumeti or Mara rivers, lions simply wait at favoured crossing points and pick off the startled wildebeest. Although male lions have the reputation (quite deserved) of pirating free meals from hardworking lionesses, they are called upon when extra large prey is tackled. Several females may corner and threaten a buffalo, but it will usually take a big male to topple such a beast. In northern Botswana, some large lion prides have taken to preying on young and even sub-adult elephant, and this entails tight teamwork to separate their targets from defensive adults. In South Africa's Kruger National Park, lions appear to have become adept at killing giraffe by attacking them on tarmac roads where the tall mammals lose their foothold on the slippery surface. Lions generally have a higher success rate when hunting after dark.
Cheetah
Built for speed, cheetah hunt by day. They are less reliant on stalking than leopard or lion, but most successful hunts involve walking slowly towards their prey, and �freezing' their posture each time the quarry looks in their direction. Once a cheetah gets to within a range of 50 metres or less, it will sprint towards the prey, instantaneously singling out one individual. With its quarry in full flight, the cheetah's strategy is to catch up with it and strike out, clipping its back legs. The faster a gazelle or antelope is running, the more readily it tumbles. Such a fall may cause a broken leg, but within seconds the cheetah takes hold of its victim's throat and clasps its jaws tightly. Cheetah only have about 300 metres in which to catch their prey, because they cannot continue at full speed beyond that. Gazelles often evade cheetah by turning sharply, while animals which stand their ground are rarely attacked. Cheetah are less adaptable than lions or leopards, but some individuals may become adept at hunting in thick bushland where sprinting is impossible. At Kwandwe, in the Eastern Cape Province, some Cheetah have broken all the 'rules' and have taken to hunting on moonlit nights.
Watching any of the big cats on the hunt is one of the most thrilling elements of a safari. With astute and sensitive guides and an intimate knowledge of predator territories vacationtechnician guided safaris provide some of the best opportunities to witness this behaviour.
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
"When my mother took me to Botswana and Zimbabwe in 2001, I fully expected it to be the "trip of a lifetime," never imagining that I would become so passionate about Africa, needing to return every year. So, yes, Africa is the best vacation place I've ever been. Why?
First and foremost -seeing the wild animals in their natural habitat. I have had a lifelong love for animals and have refused to set foot in zoos for over 30 years.
I can't begin to describe the thrill when first seeing a herd of elephants on the shore of the Gache Gache River in Zimbabwe. Or, getting within five feet of the mountain gorillas in Uganda. For me, NOTHING can compare to those experiences.
I think, for me, Africa provides an experience that is so profoundly different from my day-to-day existence. I live in San Francisco and have lived here, in the heart of the city, for my entire adult life. While I've visited Paris, London, Rome, Florence, Venice, Brussels, New York, which all have their individual charm and beauty and excitement, they are, for me, just variations of all major cities.
It was not until I visited Africa that I realized that I am no longer intrigued or even interested in spending my vacations that way--running around a city, going to museums, hanging out in cafes, finding restaurants, shopping, etc. etc. I can do all that home.
Africa allows me to just be....I am forced to relax and just look and listen and smell...No other place on earth provides that type of serenity".
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"The answer to the question for me is absolutely, completely, whole-heartedly, YES.
I have been completely around the world over a period of 2 years, years ago.
Went from east to west (starting in the states and then Hawaii, Japan etc.). Other times I have visited and lived in several countries.
Out of all of these, Africa is my favorite. Africa is special.
Outside of Africa, the country that makes the deepest impression is India, however I will never consider it a holiday - it is an experience. Some favorite cities - Kyoto, London. Crete was a wonderful holiday location.
But for me, an animal lover, everything pales compared to Africa.
-Waking up in the bush and wondering what wonderful animals I'll see today...?
-Heading out to a new camp and wondering what interesting people I'll meet.
Typically when we travel in other places we don't meet a lot of new people, at least not long enough to have a two-hour dinner conversation.
Wonderful, adventurous people that are also traveling and kind gentle people who live in Africa. I just feel that traveling in Africa was like nothing else I had done before and yes, it meant so much to me that I wish everyone I know could experience it.
I never felt so alive as I did there".
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Vacationtechnician personalized luxury adventure travel transports you to the most exquisite wilderness and chill out retreats on Earth. Conserving rare biodiversity through low volume tourism; our aim is your indulgence -at no one's expense. Plan now to be assured a rejuvenating escape at a restful pace -to an unspoiled gem in the purest sense.
World Watch Advisory
vacationtechnician.com
04/12/04 22:45 GMT
Heavy flooding leaves at least 10 dead in Nairobi and in other Kenya provinces. Additional rains expected. Defer travel to affected areas if possible.
A week of heavy rains in Kenya's Nairobi, Nyanza, Central Rift Valley and Western Provinces has left at least 10 people dead as of April 12 and caused significant flooding rendering many rural roads impassable. Kenyan authorities advised Kenyans nationwide April 12 to expect heavier than usual rainfall during this year's rainy season (April-May). Flash floods in the town of Narok on April 10 cut off sections of Narok/Mai Mahiu road leading to the Masaai Mara Game Reserve leaving motorists stranded for several hours.
Areas that are susceptible to heavy rains, flooding and landslides include:
Central Province: The town of Murang'a could experience landslides.
Nairobi: Flooding is heaviest in areas with poor drainage systems, primarily in Nairobi's shantytowns.
Nyanza: The capital city of Kisumu, Kano plains, and in the districts of Homa Bay, Nyando are all experiencing heavy rains and flooding.
Rift Valley: Nandi district is experiencing heavy rains and flooding.
Western: Heavy rains in Mt. Elgon and in Cherangani hills will likely cause additional flooding in the towns of Budalangi, and Busia.
Postpone travel to rural areas if possible. If travel is unavoidable, carry plenty of bottled food and water, and a radio with spare batteries. A GPS is also recommended.
Expect road closures and detours; allow additional time to reach destinations. Avoid driving through water on roadways, as it could cause the vehicle's engine to stall. Do not attempt to move a stalled vehicle; abandon it and immediately move to higher ground. Do not try to cross where water is over the road; the road could be washed away. As little as 30 cm (12 inches) of running water can wash away most vehicles.
If in the area, monitor media reports for local impact and follow the guidance of local authorities. Flooding may cause unreliable telecommunications, electrical power and transportation disruptions.
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World Watch Advisory
vacationtechnician.com
04/12/04 22:45 GMT
Heavy flooding leaves at least 10 dead in Nairobi and in other Kenya provinces. Additional rains expected. Defer travel to affected areas if possible.
A week of heavy rains in Kenya's Nairobi, Nyanza, Central Rift Valley and Western Provinces has left at least 10 people dead as of April 12 and caused significant flooding rendering many rural roads impassable. Kenyan authorities advised Kenyans nationwide April 12 to expect heavier than usual rainfall during this year's rainy season (April-May). Flash floods in the town of Narok on April 10 cut off sections of Narok/Mai Mahiu road leading to the Masaai Mara Game Reserve leaving motorists stranded for several hours.
Areas that are susceptible to heavy rains, flooding and landslides include:
Central Province: The town of Murang'a could experience landslides.
Nairobi: Flooding is heaviest in areas with poor drainage systems, primarily in Nairobi's shantytowns.
Nyanza: The capital city of Kisumu, Kano plains, and in the districts of Homa Bay, Nyando are all experiencing heavy rains and flooding.
Rift Valley: Nandi district is experiencing heavy rains and flooding.
Western: Heavy rains in Mt. Elgon and in Cherangani hills will likely cause additional flooding in the towns of Budalangi, and Busia.
Postpone travel to rural areas if possible. If travel is unavoidable, carry plenty of bottled food and water, and a radio with spare batteries. A GPS is also recommended.
Expect road closures and detours; allow additional time to reach destinations. Avoid driving through water on roadways, as it could cause the vehicle's engine to stall. Do not attempt to move a stalled vehicle; abandon it and immediately move to higher ground. Do not try to cross where water is over the road; the road could be washed away. As little as 30 cm (12 inches) of running water can wash away most vehicles.
If in the area, monitor media reports for local impact and follow the guidance of local authorities. Flooding may cause unreliable telecommunications, electrical power and transportation disruptions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
^^^World Watch Advisory� serves vacationtechnician.com clients while home
via email and while abroad via email, sms, and GSM/Satellite phone by
specific request.
Travel alerts are issued at three levels of importance:
Critical -- Will Impact Travel
Warning -- May Impact Travel
Informational -- Monitoring Situation
vacationtechnician Travel Security
____
>>>>To receive World Watch Advisory Email Alerts � for a specific world
region via email g2@...
<<
_______________
We do not buy, sell or trade email addresses or personal information.
Privacy Statement
____________________
vacationtechnician supports the following legal directives:
`Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of
2003', or the `CAN-SPAM Act of 2003'.
Euro Community Directive: Privacy and Electronic Communications
Regulations 2003.
End of Message from vacationtechnician.com