HOW TO BEST TOUR AFRICA

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is the best place on the planet for adventure tours We are Lion Dog African Safaris and we provide excellent private custom African tours for no more and often less than comparable cookie cutter group package tours. Our pre-tour service involves educating clients on the following; The best places, the best times, and the ideal durations to go to Africa; maps of Africa ; the best safari parks & regions in Africa (high concentration of free roaming and diverse wildlife living in their natural habitat removed from development, in relatively safe well managed jurisdictions); the different types of safari (tranquil versus gypsy); the different types of safari enthusiasts (casual versus serious); African weather; safety, security, medical, immunizations & health in Africa; the best types of transportation within Africa including the use of sports planes, river cruises & proper safari vehicles; the importance of professional English speaking guides; the various types of venues available; food & water; special diets; the various side tours available; photo safaris & cameras ; approximate costs for budgeting at the Shoe String, Economy, Mid-Range & Luxury levels; passports & travel visas for Africa; travel insurance for Africa; electricity & plug-ins for Africa; how to pack for Africa; tipping in Africa; African money & exchanging currencies in Africa; culture adjustment & African customs; donations & volunteering in Africa; bribery in Africa; encountering insects & snakes in Africa; and much much more valuable information on African tours . Does touring Africa on your own terms appeal to you more than joining a cookie cutter group package tour for no more money ? Is it important to you to make well informed choices about planning an African Tour? Is Africa an adventure, a holiday or both ?

PHOTOGRAPHIC GAME SAFARI The number one reason people visit sub-Saharan Africa is for a photographic game safari. Our criteria for the best safari parks and regions in Africa is that there be a high concentration of free roaming and diverse wildlife living in their natural habi tat removed from development, in relatively safe well managed jurisdictions. The top three parks and regions that meet this criteria are as follows; Our African vacation was designed by Lion Dog African Safaris to full fill all of our needs. It was absolutely everything we wanted to do and see. It was the most stress free vacation ever. We did not have one problem, every detail was taken care of. You think it is a once in a lifetime trip, but we are already planning our next trip to Africa. …Sharon H

The Okavango Delta Region : The Okavango Delta in southern Africa is Africa’s premier safari destination particularly the Luxury level remote fly-in “private concessions” where there is a good balance between dry safaris comprising driving safaris , walking safaris , night time safaris , off tracking safaris, elephant back safaris , horse riding safaris , etc ; as well as wet safaris comprising mokoros , and boats retro-fitted for birdwatching / twitching . Venues in the private concessions tend to be Permanent Tented Camps. House boating safaris are also available in the adjacent Caprivi Strip. We consider safaris in the Okavango Delta private concessions to be a tranquil style of safari whereby guests typically stay at the same venue for 2 or more days with considerable down time in the day, between the various safari activities. For the more budget conscious, there is also Temporary Tent Camping available in the Moremi public areas of the Okavango Delta and adjoining Chobe Parks, which is a predominantly dry safari experience although some wet safari activities can be arranged. We would also consider Temporary Tent Camping to be a gypsy safari where the travel party is often on the move with down time mainly in the evenings only.

The Northern Park Circuit : The northern park circuit (Serengeti and Masai Mara , Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara ,and/or Tarangire Parks ) in east Africa is Africa’s best value ( Luxury , Mid-Range and Economy price levels ) for dry safari where guests can witness the great migration, the big five, the Rift Valley Wall, the Serengeti Savannah, iconic baobab trees, the Masai tribe, the primitive Hadzabe and Datooga tribes, collapsed volcanoes, active volcanoes, driving safaris, walking safaris, night time safaris, tree climbing lions , hot air balloon rides , orphanage and school visits , snake farms , horse riding safaris, etc. Venues on the northern park circuit can consist of Permanent Tented Camps, Mobile Tented Camps, and brick and stick Lodges. Temporary Tent Camping is also available on the northern park circuit. Due to the wide expanse and geography of the northern park circuit, safaris of the northern park circuit tend to be more of a gypsy style of safari.

The Southern Park Circuit: The southern park circuit (primarily the Selous and Ruaha Parks) is east Africa’s slightly cheaper version (Mid-Range to Luxury price levels) of the Okavango Delta where the safari is tranquil and both dry and wet safaris can be enjoyed. Safaris of the southern park circuit and the northern park circuit can be readily combined to provide a mix of both tranquil and gypsy drive-in safari experiences. The aforementioned parks and regions will appeal more to the serious safari enthusiast who want an authentic game safari spending quality time observing the various forms of wildlife, taking dozens and even hundreds of pictures, and asking numerous questions of the safari guide. A game safari for the serious safari enthusiast generally takes between 4-8 days. For the more casual safari enthusiast, their threshold might be 2-4 days on safari content with taking a few wildlife pictures. For the casual safarist , perhaps visiting a private game reserve off the Garden Route in the tamer country of South Africa where there is a higher emphasis on the creature comforts , might be more to one’s liking . Is a game safari a high priority for your African tour? Which game safari experience resonates highest with you? Would you consider yourselves to be casual or serious safari enthusiasts? Are you interested in a tranquil safari or a gypsy safari, or a mix of both? Is a good balance between wet and dry safari experiences important to you?

There are a number of venue types that are available on a photographic game safari, namely Permanent Tented Camps, Mobile Tented Camps, Lodges , and Temporary Tent Camps. Permanent Tented Camps are generally straight walled “Hemingway“ style canvas tents erected on a raised platform comfortably outfitted with varying amenities, proper beds with an adjoining washroom and shower. Plumbing and hot water is generally available however electrical power is available only intermittently. There would be a central complex where guests congregate for dinner and socializing. Permanent Tented Camps are available in the Mid-Range and Luxury priced categories. Food would be cooked to western standards.

Mobile Tented Camps are generally straight walled “Hemingway “style canvas tents erected directly atop the ground comfortably outfitted with varying amenities , proper beds with an adjoining washroom and shower . The plumbing is rudimentary such as bucket showers, and electrical power is available only intermittently. The reason these camps are called “Mobile” Tented Camps is due to them being re-located periodically in conjunction with the movement of the great migration. There would be a central mess tent where guests congregate for dinner and socializing. Mobile Tented Camps are available in the Mid-Range and Luxury pricing categories. Food would be cooked to western standards.

Lodges are permanent “brick and stick “structures with rooms and cottages, plumbing with hot water, and full electrical capabilities. Lodges are available in the Economy, Mid-Range and Luxury price ranges. Food would be cooked to western standards and served in a restaurant setting.

Temporary Tent Camping are usually small dome tents set up on a very temporary basis at campsites by the camp cook who accompanies the tour. There would be fold out cots and bedding provided, and a very rudimentary drop toilet and bucket shower available. Meals are prepared by the cook cooking outside with meals served on fold out tables and chairs. Temporary Tent Camping is available at the Economy level on the northern park circuit, and the Mid-Range level in the Okavango Delta Moremi and Chobe Parks.

What safari venue type appeals to your travel party? What about mixing them up?

“Every day in Tanzania was magical! Every day was different and filled with humbling experiences. We saw everything and more that we could have ever imagined! It really is hard to put into words how grateful we are to have been welcomed into these countries! We had always dreamt of going on an African Safari but this trip blew our expectations” Maeva and Kristopher C

Safari guides are generally the drivers, however not all drivers are safari guides. A good safari guide speaks passable English, is very knowledgeable about all aspects of the wildlife and fauna, can spot and track the wildlife, can distinguish different bird calls, can convey information on their cultures, and drive all at the same time. A good safari guide will also be able to explain wildlife behavior and interaction that guests will simply not figure out on their own. A safari guide is only as good as the vehicle he is driving and the size of the travel party.

An open sided 4WD HDS safari vehicle is generally provided by the remote fly-in camps and most outfits in the southern part of Africa. The back row of seating is higher than the middle row which is higher than the front row. Camp guests would share the vehicle with other guests and remain seated most of the time. Sightlines are decent and the guests are able to have shared conversations with the guide however if the vehicle is completely full, conversations between guests themselves often ensue that prevents the safari guide from being fully engaged conversationally. Some safari vehicles in the Okavango Delta have a seat perched off the very front of the vehicle for a tracker to sit and look for interesting tracks to follow. Roof coverings can be installed on these safari vehicles for some protection from the elements however birders / twitchers often prefer the roof cover not be installed. A 4WD HDS Pop up Roof safari vehicle is generally provided with the drive-in camps prevalent on the northern park circuit. The pop up roof is let up only while on safari and provides decent protection from the elements. The roof can be shut when tsetse flies are encountered. Guests would have the vehicle and safari guide all to themselves enabling constant and excellent communication. Guests are able to stand up even with the vehicle moving, and turn fully around for fantastic sightlines ideal for photography. A number of the newer models are being outfitted with battery chargers that allow device batteries to be charged up while on safari. Being that the guests are the only passengers in the vehicle, the guests have a lot of say as to the starting, stopping and arrival times for the safari a.k.a. doing Africa on your terms with our help.

Vans without the proper suspension and drive train, particularly with no roof coverings, severely diminish the safari experience. There is no need for communication to occur as these vans are often driven by a non-English speaking driver with poor safari guiding experience and schooling. These vans operate on a tight schedule and the driver will stop the vehicle only long enough for picture taking. The van is often shared with other passengers/strangers and room is very tight inhibiting movement and sightlines. Some people enjoy the opportunity of meeting others on a social level that the vans facilitate but do so at the expense of the game safari experience.

Overland Vehicles are a military type bus that provide terrible sightlines and poor communication with the driver, particularly with the driver situated in a separate cab, as can be seen in pictures to the left. Overland Vehicles mainly cater to the Shoe-String budget traveler who has the stamina and patience to drive vast distances on the African continent, and is content with doing their own food shopping, cooking, cleaning up, and setting up camp. Some overlander operations may move the guests to better suited safari vehicles when entering the game parks however the safari vehicle conditions are usually less than ideal. Some people enjoy the opportunity of meeting others on a social level that the overland vehicles facilitate but do so at the expense of the game safari experience. Does the type of safari vehicle matter to you? Would you rather mainly converse with the safari guide during your safari or do you prefer to mainly converse with other guests ? Self Drive Vehicles have many drawbacks including ; the driver can not take their eyes off the road and enjoy the scenery, dealing with breakdowns , vehicle rental and insurance , finding petrol, finding parking spots, getting and reading maps , getting permits and dealing with authorities, setting up camp , shopping , cooking , cleaning up, and they are an easy target for thieves . Self drivers do not have a clue where to and how to spot wildlife and often end up attempting to follow professional guided vehicles who will thwart those efforts, and accident rates are high with Self Drivers . LDAS does not accommodate self drive tours.

THE JEWELS OF AFRICA In addition to the top three safari areas discussed above, our shortlist of the very best places to visit in Africa, we refer to as the “Jewels of Africa”, described as follows.

The Mountain Gorillas : The mountain gorillas in beautiful Rwanda (Volcano Park) and Uganda (Bwindi) are the world’s best primate experience. Chimpanzees and many other species of monkeys are also available to visit in this region. The scenery and landscapes are stunning. Mountain biking, hiking, village encounters, school visits and museum tours, canopy walks over rain forests, etc. can also be experienced in the region. Tours in Rwanda and Uganda are geared to the upper Mid-Range and Luxury levels.

Zanzibar : The history and way of life on Zanzibar is very foreign to outsiders which is why so many find a visit here so very fascinating. Zanzibar is an archipelago consisting of some 25 islands off the east coast of Africa and is a very special place in many respects. On the main island of Unguja, the old city of Stone Town has been designated a World Heritage Site and the town is still a vibrant city of narrow streets winding tightly amongst old homes, schools, mosques, museums, markets, landmarks, ruins, restaurants and shops. From Stone Town one can partake in the City Walking Tour, Sunset Dhow Cruise, Spice Plantation Tour, Unguja Ukuu Snorkelling and Seafood Dinner Tour, Scuba Diving, etc. The other aspect that makes Zanzibar so special are the resorts on the highly regarded white sandy beaches and warm ocean waters surrounding the islands. The beaches on the Zanzibar Island are consistently included in the short list on many “best beaches of the world” websites, with the waters around the islands rated as a mecca for deep sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are approximately 25 PADI certified diving establishments located on the islands for the beginner, novice and the experienced diver; and lessons are available. Zanzibar has a mix of festivals; ruins and museums to visit; restaurants; shopping; and a wide assortment of interesting day and half day tours available. There are a number of unique things to experience which makes Zanzibar the “best one of a kind” destination in Africa. Tours in Zanzibar can be tailored to the Economy, MidRange and Luxury levels.

Victoria Falls : Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfalls by volume, a UNESCO historical site as well as the 7th Natural Wonder of the World. However as spectacular as the Falls are, Victoria Falls is also regarded as the adventure capital of Africa. Visitors can partake in Falls tours, elephant back rides, Rhino encounters, the Devils Pool, world class white water rafting , boating/cruises of the Zambezi, fishing, horse riding, flights over the Falls, steam train rides, shopping, and even canoe camping safari for an off-the- grid adventure. There is something for everyone in the greater Victoria Falls region. Tours at Victoria Falls can be tailored to the Economy, Mid-Range and Luxury levels.

Cape Town and Garden Route : Cape Town is the most cosmopolitan city in Africa with numerous sites of historical significance, shopping, great restaurants and a lively night-life. The climate in this part of Africa is rated second best on the planet after Hawaii. From lavish and luxurious, to those on a budget, Cape Town has something for everyone. From the greater Cape Town area there is Robben Island, Table Mountain and the famous gondola ride, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Waterfront, the Peninsula (penguins and seal colonies, point of Good Hope), Hout Bay, Wineries, and a whole assortment of natural and manmade points of interest. Tours of the Garden Route often originate from Cape Town and might encompass wine tours, whale watching, caving, visits to ostrich farms, elephant rides, shark cage diving , horse riding, adrenaline activities, hiking , biking, wildlife sanctuaries ( including primates and birdlife ) , and private game safari reserves more suited to the casual safari enthusiasts , etc. Tours at Cape Town and the Garden Route can be tailored for the Economy, Mid-Range and Luxury levels.

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek : Rising up from the surrounding savannah plains, visible from many kilometers away, there is a free standing massive mountain capped in snow, even though it is only 300 kilometers south of the equator. At 5895m ( 19,240 ft. ) high, it is the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the tallest stand-alone mountains in the world. It is the highest mountain in the world where one can trek to the top without any technical climbing required. It is so massive, that it has its own weather patterns and passes through 5 different climatic zones and fauna on the way to the top. The trek takes between 5-9 days on average and our treks include the permits, professional guides, cooks, porters, food, water, and camping gear, plus airport and mountain transportation, and hotel accommodation. We provide our clients the “Preparing for Kilimanjaro Guidebook” with lots of good practical advice and tips on successfully summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Some of the topics covered in our guidebook include Arrival and Orientation; Meals, Food and Drinking Water On Kilimanjaro ; the various Routes ( Rongai, Umbwe, Marangu , Marchame , Mweka , Western / Lemosho / Shira ); weather on Mount Kilimanjaro ; Acclimatization ; Toilets On Mount Kilimanjaro ; Tipping on Mount Kilimanjaro ; Physical and Mental Preparation ; Trekking Gear ; The Final Ascent ; Equipment Rentals ; and much more . We have over a 90 % success rate for trekkers summiting, with clients in their 70‘s having summited with us. Mount Kilimanjaro Treks can be tailored to the Economy, Mid-Range and Luxury levels.

The Nile Valley : No-where else on the planet can you find such a wealth of antiquities spanning thousands of years as found along the Nile Valley in Egypt. A river cruise between Luxor and Aswan is an excellent way to experience the southern Nile. Nile cruises often visit a wider variety of antiquities along the banks of the Nile than other modes of transport cannot readily access. But equally important, the cruise also allow visitors to see rural Egypt, where people live much the same way they did even thousands of years ago, in mudbrick homes, tending to their fields with wooden plows and moving produce via donkey. It is a wonderful experience to travel within the safe confines of a floating hotel, eating well, and sipping an iced beverage around a swimming pool while watching 5,000 years of culture slowly drift by. Many of the cruises also offer a variety of nightly shows. Stops along the way include visits to the Valley of the Kings, The Valley of The Queens, so many temples and museums, all with an Egyptologist accompanying the travel party explaining as you go. There is also an opportunity to visit Abu Simbel as part of this tour of the southern Nile. On the northern Nile, situated on the west side of Cairo in Giza are the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and a multitude of other antiquities. This area is typically visited by vehicle with a driver and an Egyptologist along to explain as you proceed. Camel rides, Pyramid Light and Sound shows, the famous Cairo Museum, the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar, and a number of other side tours can also be enjoyed on this tour. Nile Valley Tours can be tailored to the Economy, Mid-Range and Luxury levels.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT AFRICA From the perspective of game safari, the very best time to go on safari is at the end of the dry season when the foliage has withered and fallen exposing more of the wildlife, and when the water holes in the bush have dried forcing the wildlife out into the open nearer to the bigger bodies of water. The end of the dry season occurs in August, September and October in the Okavango Delta and in the northern park circuit and the southern park circuit. However there are other factors to consider for timing a safari. In the Okavango Delta, the Delta typically starts filling up with water in May drawing hundreds of thousands of wildlife to converge on the Delta region at that point in time. In January and February, the great migration on the northern park circuit is concentrated in the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu regions. During this time there is a 3 week span where 8000 wildebeest are born every single day overwhelming the predators. One could also time their safari to possibly see the migration cross crocodile infested rivers. From the perspective of timing for the other Jewels of Africa, there are too many variables to discuss in the scope of this e -book. However, on our website, click on Jewels of Africa Map, and a Timing a Tour tab will appear to the right. Click on that and scroll down for a detailed description of the best times to visit the Jewels of Africa. The really only bad time to go on an African tour is during the heavy rainy seasons or the searing hot months. All things co nsidered, 80 % of our clients visit Africa in September October and January February. Conversely, tell us when the best time for you to visit Africa is and we will design your tour accordingly. Is there a good time of year for you to visit Africa or do you have the flexibility to go when conditions are best ? Which Jewels of African Jewels pique your interest and would you like to receive more information?

LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS (LDAS) 

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LDAS operates a unique business model whereby LDAS only does Africa; is internet based; eliminates middlemen allotment contracts; and works only for the client rather than for the travel industry. ( We have had owners of travel agencies go on our tours rather than the cookie cutter tours their own agencies sell ) LDAS consults with clients when convenient for the client, primarily using phone and/or email. The tour design is done by truly experienced African tour experts based on the client’s specific preferences, budget and timeline. LDAS knows where to go, when to go, who to go with, and how to execute. LDAS functions with lower operating costs, and derives excellent pricing, cooperation and service from our various African Suppliers. LDAS’s African Suppliers are vetted, proven and legitimate; and the guides are professional and English speaking. All things considered, no one beats LDAS’s prices, service, relationships, or expertise. LDAS tours are all-inclusive Plus* generally including flights and transportation within Africa, personal and onsite guides, all or most meals, permits, fees, taxes, travel visas, execution and support , and side tours where interest is indicated. Payments, tours and food quality are guaranteed. Tour components are dovetailed with seamless transitions with reps meeting you at each stage along the way. The African Adventure Guidebook is included with the service. No one prepares their clients better for Africa than LDAS. 24 / 7 Help hotline provided. LDAS backs up its claims with actual references with their email addresses! No one else does this!

Lion Dog African Safaris provides excellent private custom African tours for no more and often less than comparable cookie cutter group package tours.

Why would you go to Africa any other way?

PRINCIPLES LDAS Principals Mike and Maryanne Donovan worked, lived, safaried, and traveled Africa extensively for several years prior to starting Lion Dog African Safaris, and now have added several more years of experience since commencing LDAS in 2009. Mike and Maryanne have a very strong appreciation and love for the African people, their cultures, the wildlife, and know how things get done in Africa. Mike speaks a smattering of Swahili and both he and his wife Maryanne continue to visit Africa periodically in order to maintain their business relationships and stay current with any new developments. The Donovan’s say they have an MBA in African tours, which is an acronym for Masters of Being in Africa. The Donovan’s believe that North Americans derive a tremendous benefit from visiting the real Africa and love to hear back from returning clients on how much they enjoyed their African tour. LDAS has sent hundreds of very satisfied clients to Africa and references are available. Would you like us to send you more information on African tours? Would you like us to send you ball parks costs for the Shoe-String, Economy, Mid-range, and Luxury pricing levels? Would you like us to prepare you a free no cost no obligation detailed African tour proposal and quotation with references ? Contact us day / evening / weekend at 1-888-502-3742 and [email protected] Go Big, Go Africa, with Lion Dog African Safaris!

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