Geo Safaris

The Top 3 Botswana Safari Destinations

Geo_admin / June 13, 2022 / Botswana, Safari

Although a landlocked country, Botswana is one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa. One of the reasons for this is because Botswana is home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Okavango Delta. Tourists from all over the world flock into the country to see and experience these natural wonders among many other beautiful attractions found here. While more than 60% of Botswana is arid, the country still brags of having wildlife roaming all over, with some of the largest elephants in the world found here. Many tourists have a Botswana Safari on their bucket list, mainly to participate in outdoor activities, visit national parks to watch animals in their wild habitat, and to enjoy local delicacies and other goodies.

1. The Okavango Delta

As mentioned earlier, the Okavango Delta was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and is the leading tourist attraction in the country. One of the features that make the Okavango Delta unique is the fact that it is one of the largest inland deltas in the world. The Delta is fed by the Okavango River and is the primary source of life for wildlife here. Although more than 11 cubic kilometers of water flow into the delta, much of it (60%) is lost through transpiration, evaporation, with the remaining percolating into the aquifer. It is also within the delta that you will find Lake Ngami, home to hundreds of hippos and crocodiles.

With wild animals (including the Big Five) coming to the Delta to find food and water, the Okavango at times attract the largest groups of wildlife together. The marula fruit, which is the key ingredient for the Amarula drink, is also found in Delta. Many people and especially tourists are fascinated by animals (giraffes, elephants, monkeys, rhinos, hippos, gazelles, etc.) that eat the fruit only to get drunk after having their full. Watching monkeys get hangovers the next day is one of the fun parts of visiting the Okavango Delta. You can watch much of the drama here at Al Fresco slumber parties that offer sleep-out experiences.

2. Chobe National Park and The Victoria Falls

Covering more than 10,000 square kilometers, Chobe National Parks is the 2nd largest park in the country. The park supports a wide diversity of wildlife as it is enriched with savanna grasslands, Savuti Rivers, marshlands, and floodplains. The park is home to elephants, zebras, giraffes, wildebeests, hyenas, lions, leopards, and waterbucks among many others. Many tourists come here to see and appreciate nature and to see wild life in action.

If you love and appreciate nature, you should then consider visiting Victoria Falls while still in Botswana. While the falls may be a wonder, most tourists love coming here to have a dine and up-close encounter with the largest land mammal in the world, the Okavango Elephants. The fun part about visiting Victoria Falls lounges is that these mammals keep their cool while in the company of humans, meaning you can take an elephant ride, as well as get the opportunity to feed them. The largest population of elephants is also found around the Victoria Falls, hence, a must-visit place while touring the country and its neighbors.

3. The Makgadikgadi Pan

The Makgadikgadi pan is one of the largest salt pans in the world. The salt pan covers a larger area than the whole of Switzerland. Tourists and geologists from far and wide come to Botswana just to see the vast desert of salt and sand. Although the Makgadikgadi salt pan extends in more than 4900 square kilometers, the region contains some sandy deserts in between. The only vegetation that can survive the harsh conditions in the Makgadikgadi is blue-green algae and a few kinds of grass. Another bewildering fact about the Makgadikgadi is that baobab trees thrive remarkably well here, with one of the baobabs serving as a post office in early 19th century.

The salt pan is not entirely dry as it still supports some wildlife as well. The Makgadikgadi is home to some of the largest zebra populations in the world, wildebeests, lions, leopards, jackals, hyenas, and flamingoes among many other migratory birds. Most of these animals come here during the rainy season, and then retreat to the Okavango basin during the dry season.

Other safari destinations in Botswana include Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Tuli Block, and Moremi Game Reserve. You also get to taste local delicacies and cuisines such as boerewors, Mopani worms, and pap.

Take Pleasure In The Real Africa Within The Kruger National Park

Geo Editor / May 17, 2022 / Big 5, Kruger National Park, Safari, South Africa

The Kruger National Park can be a slice of real Africa where visitors can savor the big 5. Which is the the iconic African lion, African elephant, Cape Buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros – all throughout the confines of any safari park that has been recognized among the best around the African continent.

At Kruger readers are given the chance to choose their own personal adventure. They can be guests at modern luxury lodges or they could rough it at bush camps that offer an authentic feel in the African bushveld.

This park continues to be internationally recognized among the premier African experiences about the continent. Simultaneously the distance from first world comforts and destinations for example those provided by Johannesburg can make the trip that much convenient.

Only 459 kilometers from Johannesburg, the beating commercial heart of South Africa this nature reserve has been acknowledged as the premier destination for individuals who really need to feel the real Africa – using its plant life and animals in display round the waterholes and bush that creates this the playground from the continent.

Just what exactly can you expect when you visit South Africa‘s premier game viewing destination?

It’s not merely the Big Five which make the Kruger this kind of attractive destination. If you want to acquire under the skin of Africa the park now offers 137 mammals and 500 varieties of birds – this can be a twitchers paradise.

Since the birds fly overhead additionally, you will benefit from the real vistas of Africa.The park extends for 19,485 sq km and visitors will settle down for the evening with African sunsets that are the stuff that dreams are constructed with. If you have ever thought that this times of the big game hunters were over you’d be wrong. Really the only difference is that if you shoot one of several Big Five here you won’t be utilizing an Elephant gun – you’ll be using you’re mobile or a high definition video cam.

So exactly what are the best things you could plan to enjoy when you go to the Kruger National Work.

#1 Get Out The Gates.

The Kruger National Park is flanked by many of the most pristine parkland on the African continent. There are a number of private game reserves that will deliver on luxury and fun game viewing experiences. Attractions like the Balule Nature Reserve give targeted traffic to the spot an exceptional possibility to see a few of the greatest wildlife in Africa, before you reach the gates of your Kruger.

#2 Africa At Its Best.

Crookes Corner has been singled out repeatedly as one of the best places to sit back and appreciate African wildlife. You are able to site one of the Fever Trees and look at game in which the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers meet. It’s a spectacular step into the way in which big game hunters accustomed to ingest the vistas of Africa over a gin and tonic – to not be missed.

#3 Reach The Red Rocks.

This outlook point is just one where you could really have a view of the animals that made Kruger Park world renowned. From here you can see Elephant, Rhino, Lions and giraffes and heading down for the Shingwedzi River for any late afternoon drink. It’s another place where you can consume the African sunset in most it’s unspoiled glory.

#4 Pafuri Picnic Area.

If you’ve had the idea that a picnic within the African wilderness would be a wise decision without becoming dinner this is actually the location to be. A few hours using a glass of red wine or possibly a bottle of bubbly is what the physician ordered. And here you can check out the magnificence of Africa as it was hundreds of year’s ago. Revel by nature as it ought to be enjoyed. Without any additives and only your senses and also the folks that you adore close to you.

Since the sun falls and the insects and night animals commence to get up you will be treated to your serenade of that Africa offers – plus your heart will be forever African.

Top Safari Destinations in Kenya

Geo_admin / September 28, 2021 / Kenya

Kenya encompasses savannah, Lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley, and mountain highlands. It has a number of wildlife safaris which are homes not only to big 5 of Africa but also to the other wildlife.

Here are the top safari destinations in Kenya:

Maasai Mara National Reserve

maasai mara

One of the top safari destinations in Kenya is the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Maasai Mara is located in the southwestern part of Kenya along the Tanzanian border. It is a preserved 1,510 km2 savannah wilderness with spectacular eco-system, grassy plains, and rolling hills. The safari is a year-round destination which offers many attractions. It is also home to over 95 species of mammals and over 570 recorded species of birds. The frequent sightings in Maasai Mara are elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, and zebras. The lions dominate the safari’s wildlife which is the reason why Maasai Mara has been called the Kingdom of Lions. The leopards and giraffes are frequently encountered and endangered black rhino hide in the dense thickets. The Wildebeest can also be seen during their annual migration. The Maasai Mara is crossed by the Mara and Talek rivers where enormous crocodiles are found. And because of its breathtaking views and abundant wildlife, the Masai Mara National Reserve is considered a photographer’s and naturalist’s paradise.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli

The Amboseli National Park is considered second most popular safari destination in Kenya after Maasai Mara. It is a 392 km2 wildlife safari which offers panoramas of the peak and the park’s plains and swamps. The name “Amboseli” comes from a Maasai word meaning “salty dust”. It is located in the southern part of Kenya and is known for its large elephant herds. The safari is also known for its panoramic views of the immense Mount Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania which is the highest free-standing mountain in Africa. There is an observation hill in Amboseli which allows an overall view of the whole park especially the swamps and elephants. The Swamp below the observation hill hosts the big 5 and a variety of water fowls like the pelican and Egyptian goose.

Amboseli offers some of the best opportunities to see African animals because its vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. The wildlife in Amboseli National Park includes huge herds of wildebeests and many other animals including giraffes, African lions, monkeys, zebras, hyenas, and antelope. The visitors can explore five different habitats in Amboseli ranging from the dried-up bed of Lake Amboseli, woodlands, wetlands with sulfur springs and the savannah. Contemporary Maasai culture and authentic indigenous lifestyle can also be experienced in Amboseli by visiting the local Maasai community who live around the park.

If you cannot afford to visit Kenya this year you can always enjoy the amazing wildlife programming on South African satellite television. Make sure your DSTV Installation Cape Town is fully dialed in to experience the ultimate high definition shows on National Geographic and BBC Earth.

But back to the list.

Samburu National Reserve

samburu

In addition to the list of the top safari destinations in Kenya is the Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is situated at the southeastern corner of Samburu District in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The name was derived from the Samburu people of Kenya who have lived in the area for many years. The Samburu National Reserve is on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It covers an area of 165 Km² and is located around 345Km from Nairobi. Large predators such as the Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah are main attractions in the reserve. The reserve is also home to other wildlife like the elephants, buffalo, and hippos. The game reserve is renowned for the abundance of its rare species. Some of the rare northern species which are found in the Samburu National Reserve are the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, and Gerenuk. There are also more than 900 elephants roaming around the safari’s plains, as well as wild dogs sightings. Aside from the numerous wildlife found in this game reserve, the park is also a bird haven. There are over 350 different species of birds in the reserve including marabous, vultures, kingfishers, bateleurs, guinea fowl and many others.

Visitors are guaranteed to see most animals during the dry season. This is because most animals converge at the Usaso Nyiro River. The river is their main source of water during the long dry weather. Nile crocodiles can also be seen swimming in the river, as well as the Elephants.

Top 5 Best African Safaris to Visit

Geo_admin / January 9, 2021 / African Safaris

An African safari trip isn’t just about glimpsing wildlife, it is a safe but an exciting adventure of discovering and experiencing the natural beauty and cultural history. It includes game viewing and spending time in the wilderness. African safari also includes visiting historical highlights, experiencing the local cultures of Africa, and participating in adventure and outdoor activities. African safaris have developed into holiday trips that actually benefit the wildlife of Africa. Deciding on a destination for your African safari trip is not an easy task. So here are the top 5 best African safaris you can visit:

Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s quintessential safari destination. It remains the most visited safari, with rolling grasslands and scattered acacia woodland. Maasai Mara is among the best African safaris because it boasts effortless vistas and dramatic game viewing. It is home to the Big Five and large numbers of other wild animals and over 450 bird species. In fact, this safari is one of the best places in Africa to see lions in their natural environment. One the highlights in Maasai Mara is the Great Migration. It is the annual migration from July to October of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle where you can witness the animals stampeding across the plains in search of greener grass. Visiting Maasai Mara also offers the opportunity to encounter the local Maasai tribes in their bright red robes who live in and around the safari, coexisting with its wildlife.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park the most famous of all South Africa’s many game reserves. It is one of the best and oldest African safaris with the highest variety of wildlife. It is renowned as the easiest spot to see the Big Five and an unrivaled diversity of wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes and numerous antelope species. Kruger is also the ideal self-drive safari destination. It is perfect for first-timers because Kruger offers a wide choice of accommodation options ranging from basic campsites to luxury lodges.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s top game park and is regarded as one of the best safaris in Africa. Its name is from the large Etosha pan which is almost entirely within the park. It is home to some rare and unusual wild animals, such as the endangered black rhino, cheetah, and perennial springs luring the big cats. Etosha also is also home to Africa’s tallest elephants. It also boasts thick woodlands and lush grasslands which attracts plenty of game and birds.

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park in northern Botswana is one of the best African safaris. Park covers a diversity of ecosystems, ranging from arid plains and dry channels to fertile grasslands, dense woods, and watery swamps. It is home to some of Africa’s highest concentrations of game, with the region boasting the largest continuous elephant population in Africa. The safari is also a stronghold of endangered species such as wild dog, cheetah, and brown hyena Chobe Park is known for its excellent game viewing boat cruises along the Chobe River, which attracts plenty of animals and birds. The best time to visit in Chobe National Park is in the months of April to October as herds of zebra, antelopes, buffalo, giraffe, and wildebeest gather at the banks of Chobe River to drink.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania is a classical safari destination and is one of the best African safaris to visit. Serengeti Park makes for an unparalleled African safari experience of a lifetime because it is home to some of the biggest populations of mammals in the world. Serengeti is actually considered to host Africa’s largest population of lions. Like Maasai Mara, Serengeti acts as the main stage of the dramatic Great Migration where endless herds of zebra and wildebeest gather to graze, mate and give birth. Visitors will encounter fewer tourists on game drives in Serengeti than in some of the other top national parks in Africa.

Finding The Optimum Safaris Near Johannesburg

Geo Editor / May 17, 2016 / Johannesburg, Safari, South Africa

If you’re planning a visit to Johannesburg in the future, you’re probably contemplating going on some form of safari. This is actually the form of experience you are able to simply have in a few places. There are actually animals around Johannesburg that can’t be located somewhere else worldwide.

white lion in Johannesburg

With that said, there are definitely some safaris that are superior to others. As this is a rare opportunity, you should be sure that you’re doing your best with it. Take the time to choose a safari which will be a perfect fit for your vacation.

These simple tips will help you to get the best safaris near Johannesburg.

1. Talk With Other Travelers

If you’ve never been to Johannesburg before, you’ll wish to reach out to some those who have. Try to find folks who suffer from taken a visit to this element of Africa. Ask them queries about their vacation, and learn what safari they used.

Getting feedback from someone who’s already gone to Johannesburg may be invaluable. They can help you to avoid a lackluster safari and locate one which stands apart higher than the rest.

2. Read Lots Of Reviews

Thanks to the internet, it’s readily available reviews for virtually any Johannesburg attraction. Seek out reviews of the various safaris in the region. See if you will find any which can be particularly well reviewed.

When viewing reviews, you should ensure that you just don’t just take note of the score people gave. There isn’t any sort of standard to online reviews people rate things in their own individual way.

Instead, go through reviews and discover how people really felt. See anything they thought the highlights in the safari were, and what type of drawbacks they encountered. Try to look for someone whose taste matches your own personal. As an example, if you wish to take plenty of photos throughout your safari, you’ll desire to read an overview from a fellow photo bug.

3. Employ A Travel Agency

A number of people are unwilling to contact travel agencies when piecing together a visit. They might believe that it’s an extra expense they don’t need, or that it will probably be easy so they can come up with an excellent trip independently.

However, working with a tour operator doesn’t have to set you back anything extra. Most travel agents make their funds off of commissions from hotels, theme parks, along with other vacation sites. They don’t take anything from travelers whatsoever.

As a tour operator has a lot of travel expertise, they may be able to point you in the direction of a safari that you simply hadn’t considered. They can aid you to locate a hidden gem.

4. Don’t Hesitate To Pay A Tad Bit More

When you don’t always get what you pay for, sometimes, spending a little bit extra really can benefit you. The cheapest safaris will not be the ideal ones. In order to get something really special, you could have to invest more cash.

A number of people that have gone to Africa have said that the safari they took was the highlight of the trip. If you think like this might be the situation for you personally, don’t skimp in your safari. You’re spending a lot of money on the vacation you could also be sure you’re getting the best it is possible to.

Finding the optimum safaris near Johannesburg doesn’t really need to be challenging. You will find a myriad of excellent resources offered to travelers. If you take full advantage of these tools, you will be able to plan the ideal Johannesburg vacation.

A Brief Guide To Finding The Right Safari Near Cape Town

Geo Editor / May 17, 2016 / Cape Town, Safari, South Africa

Cape Town is actually a city found on the South West coast of South Africa and is a common touristic destination. The town has a lot to provide between its rich history, vibrant night life as well as its proximity for the wilderness. Cape Town is found near various natural reserves, such as the Kogelberk Nature Reserve, the Groenlandberk Reserve, the Jonkershoek Reserve, the West Coast National Park, the Haweqwa Nature Reserve and the Ben-Etive Reserve.

If you are intending a visit to the Cape Town area, you must look into booking a safari. This is the easiest way to find the local wildlife and find out animals you wouldn’t see anywhere else on the planet. You will also arrive at discover some amazing landscapes, take a little unique photographs and go through the excitement of encountering wildlife in its natural habitat. A safari is undoubtedly an experience you may remember, but you have to book the proper safari to actually possess a great experience.

There are many options to choose from and you can easily feel lost when evaluating a safari. Besides, you should book your safari when you are still halfway across the world. Many businesses that offer safaris and tours have lots of helpful information on their website and definately will speak with you on the phone to resolve your questions and support you with booking.

You should begin with wondering what kind of experience you wish to have. You could potentially for example choose a small group safari or a self-driving safari if you wish more independence. The time of the safari is yet another thing to consider. You could also choose to book a hunting safari or opt for a safari that includes meeting local tribes. There are many kinds of safaris and it is very important choose the one which corresponds to what you wish to enjoy.

The time period of the safari is essential because you will certainly be more prone to see several types of animals when you book a lengthier safari. The downside is you will probably have much less time for alternative activities. Think about how much time it is possible to dedicate into a safari while still having plenty of time for your alternative activities which are interesting to you personally. Remember that engaging in a safari means you will be far from civilization for a time and that a prolonged safari may not be ideal if you are travelling with children.

If you would like see several animals as you possibly can and genuinely wish to go through the African wildlife, you should think about booking a camp safari. These safaris last for a few days and include lodging inside the wilderness. It is a very unique experience that can really contrast with all the modernity of Cape Town.

You can also have got a customized safari made for you. This can be your best option if you cannot find any safaris that are most often a good match or wish to explore a particular area or notice a specific animal. This can be your best option when you choose to not do a safari with a team of tourists. Not every safari companies offer this alternative but you will notice that many of them will create a personalised safari to suit your needs should you contact them.

You should pick a safari which is offered by a respected company. The guides should be qualified and possess several years of exposure to safaris. You must do some study on different firms that offer safaris and see the length of time they have been around, the direction they train their guides and what kind of measures they take to be sure that tourists are secure. Having a safari means you may be around dangerous animals and safety factors are not something it is possible to ignore.

You must also seek out an ethical safari. The safari you book needs to be planned to avoid causing any disruption or damages to the environment. If a company doesn’t seem to be taking any additional steps to protect environmental surroundings along with the animals, it is actually best never to book a safari with them. They might offer less expensive prices but this isn’t a responsible method to travel.

Take time to try to find reviews and guides developed by other tourists and through professionals. There are many guides and reviews you will find online, and you need to also get involved in different online discussion boards to talk with other tourists regarding their experiences. Use different sources to compare safaris and obtain a concept of which companies will offer you the best experience.

Make time to compare your different options in front of your vacation to Cape Town. There are several safaris to pick from and you will probably obtain the perfect one if you consider what you want and do a good amount of research.