Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00014

There are 22 volcanoes in Tanzania however they are all extinct except for Ol Doinya Lengai which last erupted in 2007

Ol Doinyo Lengai-The Mountain of God - Issue #00014 - November 27, 2010

Ol Doinyo Lengai-The Mountain of God November 27, 2010 - Issue #00014 North of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is an active volcano named Ol Doinyo Lengai. Elevation 2962m ( 9718 ft. ), that erupts every seven years or so. It is a one-of-a-kind volcano that spews out a unique black lava at about half the temperature of normal volcanoes which turns white upon cooling. One renown volcano researcher referred to Ol Doinyo Lengai as a ”toy” volcano. It is usually possible to climb to the top and stroll over solidified lava flows, and walk amongst the lava cones. Panoramic views from the top are truly breath-taking.The volcano is off the beaten path, deep into Masaai territory, and is rarely visited. The Masaai  tribe refer to Ol Doinyo Lengai as the “Mountain of God”, and they believe that the mountain increases fertility advising women having difficulty conceiving, to visit the volcano. You’ve been warned! The trek up to the crater is an exceptionally demanding climb of around 1700m (5600 ft) reserved for the fit and determined. Experienced Masaai guides lead the trek which, although steep, is not considered a technical climb however you will need to use your hands near the top. To avoid the daytime heat, it is best to start at midnight from the camp at Lake Natron. The ascent takes about 5 -6 hours and the decent can take 2-4 hours. Other things to do in the area include a tour of Lake Natron with its large resident flamingo population, a visit to authentic Masaai villages, and walks along natural river gorges encountering waterfalls, plunge pools and a natural jacuzzi. The trek up Ol Doinyo Lengai is a great addition to a game safari of the Northern Park Circuit, and/or as a tune up to trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro.   LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS 1-888-50AFRICA 1-888-502-3742 8AM-8PM EST Provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing. Call us for a free Africa Safari consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA Do you want to receive a weekly full edition of our newsletter: Click Here Visit our website for details on planning your dream African Safari www.liondogafricansafaris.com

Africa Victoria Falls - Issue #00013 - November 20, 2010

Victoria Falls - November 20, 2010 - Issue #00013 Victoria Falls straddles the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the Zambezi River is the main source of water for the falls. At one time, Victoria Falls was mostly visited from the Zimbabwe side but under President Mugabe’s rule, most of the tourists now visit the Falls from the Zambian side. Victoria Falls is the largest, most beautiful and most majestic waterfall on the planet; it is the 7th wonder of the world as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is well worth the visit on these merits alone. However the appeal of Victoria Falls escalates when one realizes all the various activities available to all visitor types.  For the adventurous types; there is swimming at the Devil’s pool, class V white water rafting, bungee jumping, zip lining, gorge swinging, flights over the Falls, quad biking, etc. For the animal lover types; there is elephant bush rides, encounters with rescued lions, horse riding, bird watching, rhino walks, etc. For the casual and romantic types; there is a lunar rainbow phenomenon to witness, a drink or tea while looking over the Falls, enjoying a sundowner from a cruise boat, fine dining, shopping, etc. For the sports minded; there is tiger fishing, clay pigeon shooting, golf, hiking, gorge climbing, canoeing and kayaking, river boarding, etc. For the culture minded; there is interactive drumming and dancing, cultural visits, museums, etc. What ever the type or age of visitor, there is something for everyone in Victoria Falls which makes Victoria Falls a must-do destination when touring Africa.   LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS. LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS 1-888-50AFRICA 1-888-502-3742 8AM-8PM EST Provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing. Call us for a free Africa Safari consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA Do you want to receive a weekly full edition of our newsletter: Click Here Visit our website for details on planning your dream African Safari www.liondogafricansafaris.com

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00013

At Victoria Falls during the rainy season (March to May), the Zambezi’s flow can be 10 times greater than in the dry season ( September to December ) however the most thrilling class V white water rafting actually takes place in the dry season.

About Lion Dog African Safaris - DID YOU KNOW? - November 6, 2010

All clients of LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS who have trekked up Mt Kilimanjaro thus far, have all successfully summated the highest peak of Uhuru; far surpassing a typical failure rate of about 20-30 % across the board.

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00010

Did you know that Tanzania is only one of 4 countries in all of Africa, where one can still see the Big Five. 

The African Lion Dog - Issue #00010 - October 30, 2010

The African Lion Dog

There is the occasional inquiry if the Lion Dog, used in the moniker for Lion Dog African Safaris, actually exists.

The African Lion Dog , a.k.a. the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a dog breed developed in Southern Africa where it was used (amongst other things) to hunt lions which is where it derived its name as the Lion Dog.

The creation of the Lion Dog breed can be traced to the early pioneers of the Cape Colony of southern Africa, who crossed their dogs with the semi-domesticated, ridged hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi tribe.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback's distinguishing feature is the ridge of hair along its back, running in the opposite direction to the rest of its coat.

As lion trackers, Ridgebacks were sent out in packs of two or more (usually twenty) to track down, then corner and wear down a lion by taunting and goading it into confusion, a tactic known as keeping the lion "at bay".

The dogs, working in revolving groups, kept the lion at bay until the hunter arrived to dispatch the occupied lion with a well placed rifle shot from relatively close range.

The Lion Dog is truly an animal of African heritage and despite its reputation as a brave hardy dog , Lion Dogs make excellent pets with the right owner.

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The Chagga Tribe of Kilimanjaro - Issue #00011 - November 6, 2010

The Chagga Tribe of Kilimanjaro

The Chagga are the predominant tribe around Mount Kilimanjaro, and trekkers will encounter Chagga acting as their porters and guides for the trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Chagga are one of 120 different tribes in Tanzania, whose population is estimated at about 2 million in a country 37 million, forming the third largest ethnic group in Tanzania.

They are thought to have gradually migrated to the area as banana farmers in the 15th century, displacing smaller and weaker tribes, arriving as a number of independent chiefdoms which vied for supremacy over each other.  Even today the Chagga is considered to be comprised of around 400 different clans.  The Chagga flourished as farmers with the fertile soil and favorable climate of the region, and traded with the Arab caravans and other adjoining tribes. Many chiefdoms back then had several produce markets largely run by women, just as they are today.

European missionaries were accepted in the region in 1848 and exposed the Chagga to western religion, medicine, education, and the cash crop of coffee was developed to export outside Africa. While many Chagga are Christians, traditional beliefs still play an important part in their lives.  For instance, the practice of circumcision has largely been abandoned however polygamy is still commonly practiced.

Largely as a result of their wealth derived from coffee, Chagga today generally have a relatively higher standard of education, and are well represented in the spheres of Tanzanian business and politics, and many work as officials, doctors, or teachers throughout Tanzania, however many Chagga continue to subsist primarily by growing crops and tending some livestock and poultry.

The Chagga have traditionally handed down their farms from one generation to the next and as the population has increased, the farms have become smaller and smaller to the point of not being able to support the entire family. Therefore it is not uncommon today for the Chagga to be a guide one day, farm the next day, and bee keep the day after. The Chagga are known for their sense of enterprise and strong work ethic.

The Chagga have always recognized the mountain as the source of their farming success and the dead are still buried facing the mountain in veneration. It is doubtful the Chagga trekked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro prior the arrival of the European as their lack of clothing simply prevented it. Today the local economy continues to derive another form of livelihood from Kilimanjaro and that is by escorting tourists to summit the mountain.

The Chagga have mainly adopted western attire although the kanga is very popular with the female gender even as a wrap over western wear. There is a museum of Chagga Culture in the area, and 1-2 day tours of Chagga farms are also available for any party interested in learning more about the Chagga.

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The African Wild Dog - Issue #00009 - October 23, 2010

The African wild dog has a colorful, patchy coat, large bat-like ears and a bushy tail with a white tip that may serve as a flag to keep the pack in contact while hunting.

Wild dogs are the most efficient hunters on the African continent, catching up to 85% of the prey they actually chase – far more successful than lions who are only about 30 % successful. Wild dogs prey on gazelles and other antelopes, warthogs, wildebeest calves, rats and birds such as ostrich.

The wild dogs are active primarily in the early mornings and late afternoons.  The Wild Dogs have a peculiar, playful ceremony that initiates each hunt where they circulate among themselves, vocalizing and touching each other until they get excited. On the hunt, members of a pack vocalize to help coordinate their movements, its voice is characterized by an unusual chirping or squeaking sound, similar to a bird.

Wild Dogs make no attempt to hide from their prey.  They simply approach a herd until it stampedes, then single out an individual -- usually one that's slowed by old age or disease. Some of the dogs run close to the prey, while others follow behind, taking over when the leaders tire.  They can run long distances at speeds up to 35 miles per hour. Often, other pack members will try to outflank their prey cutting off its means of escape.  Eventually the victim succumbs to exhaustion and it is not long before the pack brings it down.

One African Wild Dog usually grabs the victim's tail, while another attacks the upper lip or nose, and the remainder disembowel the animal while it is still alive but immobilized.  It is this gruesome method of killing that has given the Wild Dog its bad reputation. The hunting members of the pack return to the den where they regurgitate meat for the nursing female and pups.

African wild dogs have an unusual breeding system.  Only one pair of dogs reproduces in a pack; other pack members act cooperatively to care for the young of the breeding pair.  It has been said that African wild dogs are the most social of all mammals, never living apart from a pack at any stage in their lives.

Throughout Africa, wild dogs have been shot and poisoned by farmers, hunters and, at one time, by rangers because of their negative reputation.  However, the most serious threat today to the Wild Dog is disease such as distemper , parvovirus and rabies brought on by contact with domestic dogs that accompany the increasing human populations.

There were once approximately 500,000 African Wild Dogs in 39 of Africa’s 45 countries, and packs of 100 or more were not uncommon.  Now there are only about 3,000-5,500 Wild Dogs remaining in all of Africa with approximately half that population residing in the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania where sightings are still common.

Today, African Wild Dogs live in much smaller packs of 6 to 20.  One would have to be very fortunate to see Wild Dogs today in the Serengeti where only about 60 wild dogs remain.  Our generation may be the last to see the African Wild Dog in the wild.


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Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #0009

No two African wild dogs are marked exactly the same, making it easy to identify different individuals.

African Dress - The Kanga - Issue #00008 - October 16, 2010

One item of East African clothing that differs from what we North Americans are accustomed to is called the Kanga.

The kanga is a colorful patterned garment worn usually as a wrap frequently by women and occasionally by men. It is a piece of printed cotton fabric, about 1.5m by 1m. A distinguishing feature of a Kanga is a Swahili expression along the longer edge of the Kanga. Apart from its protective and decorative role, the kanga is all about sending the message.

The Kanga message is the equivalent of the get well, greetings, or congratulations cards in the western culture.

Kangas are the perfect gift. Husbands give kangas to wives, children give kangas to their mothers, a woman may split a pair of kangas to give half to her best friend.

Men can sleep in kangas, and often wear them around the house. Women wear them everywhere, babies are virtually born into them; and are usually carried in a soft sling of kanga cloth.

Kangas are extremely popular throughout East Africa not only for clothing but for their multiple uses; no-one can ever have too many kangas!

The Kanga is still evolving. Like the T-shirt but incomparably more elegant and useful; it is a valuable medium for personal political, social and religious expression.

As an art form as well as a beautiful, convenient garment, the kanga has become an integral part of East African culture. As the saying goes, "The kanga struts in style..." Wear it with a smile!

LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS

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Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00008

There is a herd of elephants in  Africa that can distinguish the scent between the one nearby tribe that hunts them and another nearby tribe that does not.

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00007

Based on a study by Consumer Report (see pdf file), 50.5 % of visitors to a travel website, assess the credibility of a travel website on its appearance, more than any other factor. Only 11.1% of visitors rated the travel website’s credibility on the accuracy of the information on the website.

Keeping Travel Agents Honest - Issue #00007 - October 09, 2010

There is a very good travel blog page, where the general failings of the travel industry, to tell the truth are discussed. Click here for travel blog page.

To get the highest discounts from carriers, hotels, cruise lines etc; travel companies customarily purchase large blocks of seats, rooms, and/or tours ahead of time, advertise the product like crazy, and then incentivize  the travel agents to sell the product under deadlines.

The result is that many travel agents are not acting in their clients’ best interests but rather steer clients towards products that they get paid the highest commission on, and/or sell clients on tours where they have openings to fill.

Travel agents also offer travel insurance frequently to clients which they also get paid a commission on, however if that travel agency were to go out of business, insurance law would not allow your travel insurance to cover you against their default.

Of course most travel agents do not tell you that. Travel agents who accept credit cards through Pay Pal will not likely tell their clients that they forfeit their credit card’s buyer protection when they do so.

It might be just a fun holiday for the client, but its serious business for travel companies and travel agents, so empower yourself by asking your travel agent for answers to simple questions.

For example, if going to Africa ask:
Why is that location a good holiday destination?
Is it safe?
is it a Unesco Historical site?
Is it a natural wonder of the world?
What are some of the other activities available at that destination?
Why is that a good time to visit that destination?
Is that the best time to go for the weather?
Where are the animals migrating at that time?
Is that when there is a full moon on top of Mount Kilimanjaro?
What are the ocean and marine life conditions at that time?What is the best route up Kilimanjaro and why is it the best route?
Will the tour be private or open, custom or package?
How good are the guides and what types of vehicles are used?
What is your guarantee?
Be a lion, not a wildebeest. Always ask questions.

LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS will always work in your best interest and we are always prepared to answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns!


LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS  Provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing.

Call us for a free Africa Safari consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA

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The African Rift Valley in Tanzania - Issue #00006 - October 02, 2010

The African Rift Valley in Tanzania

The African Rift Valley is created from earths’ tectonic plates moving away from each other. The Rift Valley extends 6000 km (3700 miles) from Lebanon in the north to Mozambique in the south.
  
The portion of the Rift Valley that runs through East Africa is characterized by a dramatic treed escarpment, alkaline lakes such as Lake Manyara, and nearby volcanoes such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru, and Ngorongoro Crater. The volcanic ash has produced a mineral rich soil.
  
A hard pan layer forms in this volcanic soil in large areas and makes it difficult for tress to grow which why the Northern Park Circuit is mainly a Savannah topography. Savannah can support a higher density of animals than any other land type.
 
On the savannah there are these weathered rock islands known as Kopjes formed at a time when lava bubbled up through from the earths crust. The soil adjacent to the kopjes is typically wetter than the surrounding Savannah.


The Rift Valley in East Africa has been a rich source of fossils that allow study of human evolution most notably at Oldepai Gorge in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. 

LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARISProvides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing.

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Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00006

Lake Manyara at the bottom of the Rift Valley on the Northern Park Circuit is an alkaline lake which creates an ideal breeding ground for algae which several species of fish thrive on. As a result, millions of birds flock to this lake to feast on the abundant food supply of algae and fish.

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00005

Historians estimate that approximately 7–12 million slaves were transferred from Africa to the Americas between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Decline of Tourism in Tanzania - Issue #00005 - September 25, 2010

Decline of Tourism in Tanzania

The following article addresses the recent decline of tourism in Tanzania in 2009. I expect the decline for 2010 to be even greater. The article does not discuss how the decline has affected tour pricing however it is very evident from my perspective that all prices, including airfares, have dropped dramatically since the recession took hold. Tour prices seem to have bottomed out now but for how long is anyone’s guess. Anyone planning to take advantage of pre-recovery pricing is advised to book their East Africa tour without further delay as prices will escalate quickly at the first hint of recovery.

(by Mike Donovan.)


Declining tourism numbers put Tanzania on alert

Government sources indicate that tourist arrivals declined by 10 per cent in the first 10 months of 2009, to reach 576,643 down from 641,951 in 2008.The UN’s World Tourism Organization’s 2009 report — World Tourism Barometer projects that the negative trends in international tourism emerged in the second half of 2008 and intensified in 2009 due to the global economic downturn and swine flu pandemic.

According to the report, international tourism dropped by 8 per cent, from 269 million in 2008 to 247 million in the first quarter of 2009.The organization also speculates that the trend will carry on to June 2010. However, Ibrahim Mussa, assistant director, research, training and statistics at Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said the effects of the global crunch had not badly wounded the country. This is despite statistics showing declining figures with the exception of July, which recorded 79,171 visitors compared to 77,775 visitors in 2008.

The trend is replicated in Zanzibar where the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism has reported only 81,985 tourists arrivals against a projected figure of 150,000 in 2009. It is impossible that Zanzibar will salvage the situation that has badly affected the economy because peak periods are elapsing. Julia Bishop, director of Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors is optimistic about the country recovering from the crisis.

Tanzania earned $1.2 million from tourism activities in 2008 while Zanzibar received $1.6 million, which is a 3.1 per cent decline from the figures recorded in 2007. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the average length of stay for visitors in Tanzania mainland was nine nights as compared to 10 in Zanzibar, which earned the country $299 per visitor. Tanzania is now intensifying its efforts to revamp domestic tourism which grew by 19.3 per cent to reach 639,749 in 2009, compared to 2008.

( Source: theeastafrican.co.ke )



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Provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing.

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Why Tanzania? - Issue #00004 - September 18, 2010

Why Tanzania?

Tanzania is a land of contrasts. From the snow-capped peak of Mt Kilimanjaro to the endless plains of the Serengeti, from the sun kissed islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago to the gentle shores of Lake Victoria, the country contains immense cultural and natural wealth. It was here, on the dusty floor of Oldevai Gorge, that early man left his first footprints. It was here, on palm fringed Zanzibar, that Swahili traders welcomed dhows and trading boats from across the Indian Ocean.

  

For a millennia , Tanzania has played an essential part in the life of the African continent. The great wildebeest migration alone comprises the largest movement of land animals on the planet.  With over 25% of the country’s landmass dedicated to wildlife parks and conservation areas, Tanzania remains wholeheartedly committed to the preservation of Africa’s great wilderness and incredible range of animal species.

  

The Republic of Tanzania is one of Africa’s most peaceful countries. Home to a flourishing democracy and prospering economy, the country is known for its peace and security. A well- maintained infrastructure and three international airports connects its bustling commercial centers and ensures easy transportation by air or by road. Tanzania’s people are a diverse mix of traditional tribes, village farmers and cosmopolitan professionals united by a common language, Swahili, and a strong sense of national community.

  

Serengeti National Park is undoubtedly the most famous of the country’s national parks, the annual wildebeest migration attracting thousands of visitors each year. For sheer African magic, the Ngorongoro Crater often called the 8th wonder of the world is a must see.

  

Deep within the ancient caldera, herds of gazelle roam beside sated lions, and endangered rhino and elusive cheetah are often spotted through the early morning mist. Still, the big-name parks aren’t all the country has to offer. The elephants of Tarangire National Park and the tree-climbing lions of Lake Manyara also reward the discerning traveler. On the Indian Ocean shore , the Saadani Game Reserve is the most recently protected area to receive international attention.  Famed for its views of elephants playing in the ocean surf, Saandani and other lesser-known national parks offer equally rewarding experiences for guests willing to wander off the beaten track.
  

But the magic of safari isn’t all this great country has to offer; Tropical beaches, coral reefs and the Swahili culture along the Indian Ocean coast are also a main attraction for visitors who want to end their experience of the African bush with some well–earned relaxation, Zanzibar style. For the more intrepid adventurers, a climb to the rooftop of Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro, is the highlight of a safari itinerary. Longer treks through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, through the magical Gol Mountains or up the active volcano of Ol Donyo Lengai, are a fantastic way to experience less-visited parts of the country in a new way. 

  

Tanzania has a wealth of diverse groups that make up its national community. Hunter-gatherer tribes and fierce Maasai coexist in the northern wilderness, and lesser-known peoples like the Wadorobo and the Iraqw also make up the collage of the country. Cultural tourism has become a popular choice for many visitors to Tanzania, with different programs and itineraries on offer around the country. From day hikes on the slopes of Mt Meru to honey collecting in the Usambaras, discovering local culture is a highlight for any visitor to Africa. 

So welcome to Tanzania  -  experience the warmth of our people, the magic of our wilderness, and the sheer wonder of our wildlife.

Karibu Tanzania - the authentic Africa.

Re-printed from Tanzania Travel And Tourism Directory 2010

LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS only provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing.

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Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00004

The land area of Africa is approximately the same area as the total combined areas of Mexico, the entire USA, Canada, Greenland, and over one half of Europe.

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00003

There are approximately 120 distinct tribes in Tanzania plus significant numbers of Asians and Arabs plus a small European community. No one group dominates which is one reason that Tanzania is a relatively peaceful country.

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00002

Lake Victoria is the largest freshwater lake in the world bordered by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda.  Lake Tanganyika is the second deepest freshwater lake in the world bordered by Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi , and the Congo.

Interesting African Facts - DID YOU KNOW? - #00001

The Hippo is responsible for the most human fatalities in Africa. 

Different Types Of African Tours - Issue #00003 - September 11, 2010

Different Types of African Tours

When considering travel to Africa , it is important to distinguish the different types of tours, and how they often overlap.

For instance, there is the Escorted Tour versus the Independent Tour.

An Escorted Tour is where an experienced individual accompanies the tour party and  liaisons on their behalf when necessary, with officials, staff, guides, tellers , cab drivers, storekeepers etc. The escort may also provide any additional assistance on tour as required. Africa is an unnerving place to many and having an escort along puts them at ease.
  

An Independent Tour is one where the tour party travels to Africa on their own dealing directly with everybody. It is highly recommended that independent travel groups carefully read the Adventure Guidebook  published  by Lion Dog African Safaris.

Another tour type distinction is the Open Tour versus the Private Tour.

The Open Tour generally comprises a tour where one is grouped together with other parties alien to their own.

A Private Tour is where each party travels, sleeps, eats, and tours together privately without others, as much as feasible.

It is also important to recognize the difference between a Custom Tour versus a Packaged Tour.

A Packaged Tour generally involves a tour with set dates, set destinations, set prices, with very few options, which the clients must conform to. Packaged Tour programs are typically displayed in a glossy brochure for mass consumption.

A Custom Tour is designed specifically for the more discerning client based on what the client wants to experience, when and how long they want to experience it for, and at what pricing level they wish to pay. The services of a knowledgeable tour consultant are required to put a quality custom tour program together for the client.

LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS only provides quality Private-Custom Tours, either Escorted or Independent, at very competitive pricing. Now you know.

By: Mike Donovan
Call us for a free consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA
    
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Visit our website for details on planning your dream African safari: www.liondogafricansafaris.com

Night Time Safari Game Drives - Issue #00002 - September 4, 2010

Night Time Safari Game Drives

When on safari of the game parks, a night time game drive is a great way to view a whole host of nocturnal animals and insects who are more active at night such as leopards, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, aardvarks, owls, night jars, spiders, scorpions and lots more.

For instance, the hippo exits the safety of the water normally grazing for approximately four to five hours each night, covering one or two miles, with extended wanderings of up to five miles. A hippo becomes a serious threat when its path back to the safe confines of the water, is perceived to be impeded.

The night game drive is also a great experience for listening to the night sounds of the game parks and gazing at the magnificent southern constellation of stars. 

  

Most parks and reserves do not allow night drives within their boundaries however night drives are often permitted in the “controlled” areas adjoining the parks and reserves. The sun sets at approximately 6 pm and night drives can commence as early as 7 pm. 

  

The trees, brush and grass are slowly scanned with a bright spot light or powerful flashlight looking for the reflection off the wildlife’s eyes referred to as “eye shine”. Different species have different colored eye shine. For example, antelope have a green–blue eye shine while bush baby has red eye shine.

  

Be careful to not direct the artificial light too long at the wildlife to avoid damaging their eyes and interrupting their routine for an extended time . Another less invasive way to find wildlife at night is with night time vision technology. Commercial single lens night time vision scopes are available starting in the $150 range.

   

Night time photography with infrared technology, common with many cameras and camcorders, is discussed on this link. 

By: Mike Donovan

   

Let LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS know if you might like a night drive incorporated into your safari program. Call us for a free consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA

    

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AFRICAN SAFARI - 2010 AUGUST TRAVEL UPDATES

Winter Holiday

That time is fast approaching where many of us North Americans, particularly those in the north part of the continent, start contemplating a winter get-away at Christmas , January or February. We are all conditioned to think of Hawaii or the Caribbean but let’s consider Africa as a great winter destination for a moment. When its winter in North America , it’s summer in  East Africa and the weather is spectacular . Temperatures range from the mid twenties to the low 30’s Celsius ( 70-90’s Fahrenheit) with hardly a cloud in the sky.

If it’s white sandy beaches you are looking for, then look no farther than Nungwe or Kendwa beach in Zanzibar. The beaches of Zanzibar are not only rated on many of the various lists for  “top 10 beaches of the world”, the Indian Ocean waters off the Zanzibar islands are also a mecca for scuba diving and snorkelling. The water temperatures are ideal ranging between 25 to 29 degrees Celsius, and the visibility is outstanding between 12 and 40 meters. December through April is Manta Ray and Whale Shark season off the Mnemba Atol which is a short boat ride from the aforementioned beaches.

And of course one would be remiss not to visit Stonetown while in Zanzibar , a World Heritage Site comprising the very old but still thriving  part of Zanzibar City.

If you are going to go all that way , why wouldn’t you also want to take in a game safari of the best game parks in the world,  particularly during our winter. December, January and February has the famous Migration herds widely scattered over the southern section of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas, and wildlife concentrations are at their seasonally highest.  Members of the vast wildebeest herd give birth to more than 8000 calves per day more or less simultaneously, usually over a period of three weeks sometime between January and March. The animal interaction is absolutely incredible at this time.

And if trekking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro,  Africa’s tallest mountain,  interests you, conditions are excellent for that as well in January and February.

And if one has lots of time, there is also Victoria Falls and the mountain gorillas to visit.

International airfares also typically drop in January and February after the Christmas high season. All things considered, January and February is an excellent time, and East Africa is a stupendous place to spend your winter holiday.

Contact Lion Dog African Safaris today to get more information and get started on your African vacation plans. 1-888-50AFRICA