Botswana
National Geographic tapped Botswana as Africa’s last wildlife refuge. This country has recently gained recognition, joining Kenya and Tanzania, as one of the world’s hottest wildlife areas. The country has intentionally avoided mass tourism and chosen to offer a higher quality experience to a lesser number of people.
Accommodations: Most camps and lodges are tented, restricted in size (usually not more than 24 clients at a time); some Chobe properties are larger.
Gameviewing: Open vehicles, canoes and motor boats at ‘wet’ camps. The ‘dry’ camps focus on finding the large predators and herbivores. Some walking.
Getting Around: Light aircraft transport between camps is a necessity as roads are non-existent.
Other Attractions: The Okavango Delta, a wetland surrounded by desert, features wonderful wildlife viewing, with plenty of hippo, crocodiles and bird species. The Makgadikgadi basin offers a desert experience and Bushmen interaction.
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Egypt
Egypt is the gift of the Nile, creating a narrow fertile strip of land 600 miles long in an immensity of desert; this great river gave life to the Egyptian civilization.
Cairo is a juncture of four worlds: modern and ancient, Christian and Muslim. A short distance from the center of the city lie the three Pyramids of Giza. The sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Cheops, largest in Egypt, is still mysterious 45 centuries after its construction.
Accommodations: Large city hotels from moderate to luxurious, mid-size cruise ships along the Nile.
Sightseeing: Air-conditioned cars and minivans, walking.
Getting Around: Scheduled flights and via cruise ship along the Nile.
Other Attractions: Luxor, 500 miles south of Cairo, has been the site of some of the greatest archeological discoveries. This is where the royal tombs of Seti I, Ramses II and Tutankamon are located in the Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings.
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Kenya
There are few places other than Kenya that can claim to have hosted such luminaries as Teddy Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway. However, it’s the abundance of animals which draws present day safarigoers. Here one can witness the breathtaking migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra traversing the famed Masai Mara Reserve from late June through October.
Accommodations: Large hotels and lodges, intimate tented camps or elegant historic bush homes.
Gameviewing: Pop top minivans and land cruisers in national parks, open vehicles in private concessions,day walks or overnight ‘fly camping’ excursions are added options.
Getting Around: Flying between points is preferable when possible. No self-drive.
Other Attractions: The colorful Masai people add another distinction to this destination. Their relatively nomadic life, traditional dress and reverence of their cattle provide a rare cultural experience.
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Namibia
The flora and fauna of Namibia are astounding in their variety and alterations. In an arid climate, surrounded on two sides by desert, there are rare plant species and many examples of wildlife adaptation – like the desert elephant. These unique spectacles along with shorelines strewn with old ship wrecks are singularly Namibian. This country and its hidden treasures are for those who appreciate an unspoiled and dramatic experience.
Accommodations: Sophisticated and luxurious lodges and city resorts, modest yet comfortable B&Bs.
Gameviewing: Pop-top minivans, land cruisers and open vehicles.
Getting Around: For those who have the time to cover the vast distances and great desert expanse; the roads are well marked and routinely maintained. Small aircraft transport between regions is recommended.
Other Attractions: Dune boarding and sea kayaking south of Swakopmund, rhino tracking, cycling and camel treks in Damaraland. Visit the Kunene River region in the far northwest for an opportunity to interact with the nomadic Himba.
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Rwanda
Rwanda is a tiny country and one of the most densely populated on earth. It is a mountainous, green land located near the Equator and home to over 670 bird and 100 orchid species – a paradise for bird watchers and botanists. The majority of tourism is focused on a visit to the Parc National des Volcans in the north. Within its confines are 6 volcanoes and hundreds of mountain gorillas. An encounter with a silver-back alpha male gorilla, 3 times your size, can be a hair-raising experience and one you will never forget!
Accommodations: Some city hotels, safari camps are small and cozy, though not luxurious, with a focus on respecting the environment.
Gameviewing: Trekking to view gorillas, hikes to view chimpanzees.
Getting Around: Minivans and 4×4 safari vehicles.
Other Attractions: Chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and a variety of orchids and unusual birds can be found in the wetland and savannah of Akagera National Park.
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South Africa
South Africa is truly a land of contrasts. It blends traditional ‘African ways’ with those that are more modern and European. Kruger Park, South Africa’s most famous wildlife area, offers accommodations that range from lodges and tented camps to historic homesteads. Malaria-free game viewing is also available in the areas of Madikwe and the Western Cape.
Accommodations: Large hotels and lodges, boutique hotels, modest B&Bs, smaller lodges and a limited number of tented camps.
Gameviewing: Open safari vehicles (most private camps provide a spotter/tracker and a game ranger on each safari drive), some game walks.
Getting Around: Good roads – minicoach, chauffered car or self-drive. Extensive scheduled air and charter options.
Other Attractions: There is an abundance of action activities such as hiking, biking, fishing and shark diving. Allow time for shopping, fine dining, wine tasting, spa treatments, cultural excursions and city sightseeing. The diversity of activities and lodging styles make South Africa a good choice for independent, self-drive or family travel.
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Tanzania
Tanzania – long considered Kenya’s ‘little brother’ – has finally come into its own. This wildlife-rich country boasts the famouse Serengeti Reserve – an extension of the Masai Mara and, in fact, the origin of the great migration. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the natural wonders of the world and should not be missed.
Accommodations: Some large lodges but mostly smaller tented and tree-style camps and lodges.
Gameviewing: Pop top minivans and land cruisers in national parks, open vehicles in private concessions.
Getting Around: Flying is strongly recommended for long distances. No self-drive.
Other Attractions: Mt. Kilimanjaro beckons to those adventurers seeking a challenge, while those needing some relaxation find sun and surf at Indian Ocean lodgings near Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
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Uganda
Often described as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, this lush tropical land is the birthplace of the Nile, where it spills out of Lake Victoria and begins its long journey to the Mediterranean Sea. This country is celebrated as much for its fine scenery as its primate populations.
Accommodations: City hotels, small lodges and tented camps.
Gameviewing: Pop-top and 4×4 safari vehicles, trekking to view gorillas.
Getting Around: There are great distances between many of the wildlife regions; flying is often necessary, particularly when visiting Bwindi and Murchison Falls.
Other Attractions: Ngamba Island in Lake Victoria is home to a community of orphaned chimps, most of which were confiscated from poachers.
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Zambia
The interior parks of Zambia are often referred to as the ‘gems of Africa’. These vast areas are teeming with wildlife and visitors often feel as if they have the whole country to themselves. Zambia pioneered the concept of walking safaris, a ‘heart thumping’ way to observe larger animals close up and to appreciate the smaller denizens of the bush.
Accommodations: Small lodges and tented camps, some larger hotels in Livingstone.
Game Viewing: Open vehicles, canoes and boats, with an emphasis on bush walks.
Getting Around: Ground transport, small regional flights and water transfer.
Other Attractions: Zambia takes its name from the Zambezi River which stretches from the northwest corner of the country and also forms its southern boundary. River rafting, bungee jumping and microlight flights are all offered at Victoria Falls, one of Zambia’s most impressive sights.
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Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three official languages: English, Shona, and Ndebele. Zimbabwe began as the British self-governing colony of Southern Rhodesia, created from land held by the British South Africa Company. President Robert Mugabe is the head of State and Commander in Chief of the armed forces. Morgan Tsvangirai is the Prime Minister. Mugabe has been in power since the country's internationally recognized independence in 1980.
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