africa - Travel Club Elite

a on safari with k uoni africa 15
h
1 Elephant crossing in front of a safari vehicle
2 Migrating buffalo
3 Airplane at small African airstrip in the Maasai Mara
Lake
Victoria
AUGUST
Maasai Mara
SEPTEMBER
KENYA
Nairobi
JULY
OCTOBER
Grumeti
Game Reserve
JUNE
NOVEMBER
Lake
Natron
Mwanza
APRIL
Serengeti
National Park
DECEMBER
MARCH
TANZANIA
FEBRUARY
Maswa Game
Reserve
Lake
Eyasi
Ngorongoro
Conservation Area
JANUARY
Ngorongoro Crater
Lake
Manyara
Arusha
2
the great migration
The largest mass movement of land mammals on earth, the annual Great Migration sees over one million stampeding
wildebeest and other grazing herbivores journey the 300 miles from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
A rough pattern occurs each year as the herds follow the rains to secure a good water supply and fertile grass. In November,
the migratory wildlife can be found in the southern and eastern Serengeti including Ngorongoro. December to March
is calving season and the herds remain here, gathering strength and enjoying the long rains of April and May. As the
rains cease in June, the herds head northwest towards the western and northern Serengeti. From July to August the
journey is towards the Maasai Mara. The Mara River provides the ultimate test, with strong currents and predatory
crocodiles lying in wait. Those that make it across are rewarded with the fresh grass of the Maasai Mara, where the
herds remain until they detect new rains in the southern Serengeti, prompting a move back south in November.
3
honeymoons
when to go on safari
packing tips
A honeymoon safari is an excellent way to begin married
life with an adventure – and romance needn’t go amiss.
Dine by candle-light deep in the African bush or take flight
on an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari with Champagne
breakfast. We have highlighted some of our favourite
romantic honeymoon accommodation and some camps
have special honeymoon offers.
safari & beach holidays
A safari and beach twin centre is a magical and popular
combination. Any Kuoni safari in Kenya, Tanzania,
Botswana, Namibia or South Africa may be extended at the
Kenya Coast, Zanzibar or KwaZulu-Natal, just a short flight
away. Or, if you want to go further, combine a safari with
Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles for any number of
nights, subject only to international flight schedules. Please
call for a tailor made quote.
national parks v private game reserves
National parks are more easily accessible and often have
the widest variety of game and accommodation. They are
a popular choice, so expect to see other vehicles. Activities
such as off-road driving, night drives and bush walks are
usually restricted. Private game reserves, sanctuaries and
conservancies (usually located just outside of the national
parks) are quieter, as only reserve vehicles are permitted,
and you will have the freedom to follow game off-road,
potentially take a night drive or enjoy a walking safari.
July and August draw the biggest crowds in all countries.
Game viewing is generally more prolific during the dry
season when wildlife congregates around waterholes, yet
in the wet season you will be more likely to view newborn
animals and wildlife will be more active in cooler climes.
During peak rainy season roads and camps can be closed
– this is advised on individual pages. Low season sees
fewer crowds, offers a more adventurous safari and, when
wildlife is found, the viewing can be a far more private and
rewarding experience. Climate information for each country
can be found on its introductory page.
in the wild
While all reasonable precautions are taken, please remember
that these animals are wild and at times unpredictable. Most
camps are not fenced and animals such as elephants, hippos
and buffalos may enter the camp to graze. No animal should
be approached or disturbed. The guides we’ve selected are
very experienced and their advice should be taken at all
times. Please ensure you understand the risks involved and
take responsibility for your safety. We cannot guarantee
sightings of any particular wildlife. A safari is an adventure –
you may be driving long distances on rough roads that can
be very rough, bumpy or muddy. Travel times vary
dependent on road conditions and game sightings, but
patience is usually rewarded. We have some of the best
driver/guides but the unforeseen can occur. Even if you do
get stuck in some mud, help is usually not too far away.
h Keep your luggage to a minimum in a soft hold-all. On
most safaris, you can store extra luggage in Nairobi,
Mombasa, Arusha or Johannesburg and collect it on your
return. Light aircraft operators typically enforce strict 15kg
soft bag restrictions.
h Neutral colours (creams, browns and greens) are best
on safari.
h Good walking shoes are essential, as well as a couple of
pairs of khaki trousers and long sleeved cotton shirts. Take
long sleeved casual clothes and socks for the evenings, and
a light jumper and windproof jacket for chilly mornings. It
can get very cold especially on open vehicle game drives, so
we recommend plenty of layers.
h A small backpack is useful to carry daily essentials.
Consider taking a book of birds, plants and animals; water;
a pair of binoculars; sunglasses; sunblock; insect repellent;
sunhat that will not blow away; and a light jumper.
h A wash bag that hangs on a hook is useful. Also, make
sure your kit contains plasters, painkillers and antihistamine
cream for bites. Wet wipes are handy too.