Thinking of going on Safari?
Thinking of Going on Safari, but don’t know where to start? Has it been a dream of yours when you see photographs of animals in the wild? Have you only been on ‘armchair’ safaris from the comfort of your own living room? Are you now thinking of really doing one? Life is different after you go on safari. Africa opens up a whole new world, with its incredible beauty, the graciousness of the people and the wildlife that is beyond anything you could imagine. Try it; you are bound to LOVE it.
Where would you go?
Where would you go when you finally made up your mind ‘I’m going to do it, I’m going on an African Safari’? If you’re destined to travel on a safari, why not give DESTINED TO TRAVEL a call. The owner, Kay is also destined to travel, with Africa, being her most favorite continent in the world. Here’s why.
The continent of Africa consists of some 54 countries, the latest being South Sudan. While Kay has not traveled to all of them, she has traveled to almost every safari destination on the continent, several times over the most popular are Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, but if you ask Kay, Zambia, and Botswana should be definite contenders as well.
Tanzania, Africa is a favorite
It’s difficult to pick a favorite, there are so many differences, but if she had to, she’d say Tanzania is her favorite. Of course the people of a land account for much of one’s decision as to which country to visit. The people of Tanzania are some of the most welcoming, warm and genuinely friendly people I’ve met. Ask anyone who’s been and they’re likely to tell you the same thing. You can’t help but love the people.
Add to that the vastness of the land, the thrill of the Serengeti, the uniqueness of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the incredible bird life seen in Lake Manyara and throughout the country, how could you not fall in love.
A typical Tanzania safari might consist of a night in the city upon arrival (depending on your departure gateway and airline schedule), departing the next day for safari either overland or by bush plane, one or two nights in Lake Manyara, two nights at Ngorongoro Crater, perhaps one or two nights in Tarangire and preferably three nights in the Serengeti.
These are all must see areas, each offering a unique opportunity to see incredible sights, and game viewing that you don’t always see in other areas, and sometimes in other countries. Take Tarangire, for instance, hundreds of elephants roam this National Park and it seems that every time I’ve been, I’ve seen them all.
Compare that with Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro, while elephants are always present, you tend not to see them in the numbers you see in Tarangire. But Lake Manyara offers a unique opportunity for a night game drive, which you can’t do in other areas, so you have an opportunity to see nocturnal animals, not often seen in daylight hours. And then Ngorongoro Crater, the game seen in this area doesn’t leave the crater, they don’t migrate, they live in this area, but the Crater is big, so they move.
Ever thought you’d be searching for something as big as an elephant, one would think they are always visible. Not so!!! Elephants move pretty fast and disappear from sight as fast as you can blink. Then in the Serengeti, with its vastness, you’re bound to see anything and everything, some areas in particular where certain species ‘hang out’ offering the well needed protection, privacy, shade or whatever is needed for that particular species.
The Maasai tribe is a must for any visitor
From woodlands to the savannah, the terrain changes as you traverse the area. And a visit to the Maasai tribe is a must for any visitor. Do they dress in traditional garb for the tourist? No, this is the Maasai, this is who they are, and how you see them is how they live. It’s a fascinating escape back in time to listen to one of the chief’s tell you about their land, their tribe.
Many speak to you directly because they are pretty fluent in English, while others speak to you through their tribal leaders who translate. Whatever their abilities, it will leave you breathless as you walk through their village and know that their life, for them, is a good life and any purchases you make from them, is a contribution to their life and happiness. Think about that as you ‘bargain’ for a lower price.
A Safari tailored to your budget
Destined to Travel can meet your realistic budget needs. The owner, Kay, aka Safari Kay, has traveled on several safaris per year in Tanzania, escorted many groups, and made many contacts through her travels. She can design a custom safari or you can travel with a tour company or even join one of her groups, time, date and space permitting.
You decide, you’re the captain of your ship, and whatever you decide, she can assist you in planning the dream trip of your lifetime. Airfare is never included, but should you need it, she can assist you there as well. That’s Tanzania in a nutshell. Stay tuned for more information on other countries.
Kay has traveled many times to all of them. As you read this, Kay is preparing to escort a group to Kenya, and upon her return, she is heading back to Tanzania for another safari, and then quite a long trip to Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana. Stay tuned.
Copyright © 2011-2012 Kay Trotman
About the Author
Kay has been traveling the world for the past 15 years or longer. She has specialized in African Safaris the last ten years or longer. Visit her Safari Kay site for African Safari pictures and articles.
