Wilderness Safari Africa

Africa: A Paradise of Game

Africa has an amazing number of ecosystems, each with its own wildlife community. In Africa, you will find lush forests, open savannas, lakes and rivers of all description, high mountains, alpine meadows, deep valleys and so much more. Across the continent you will find national parks, game reserves, and private hunting preserves. Within these settings you will find animals of all description from elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes and lions — Africa's “Big Five” game animals — to zebras, giraffes, an amazing diversity of birds and insects. This amazing variety is unrivaled.

Hunting: Firearms and Photographs

Whether you are toting a Winchester or a Nikon, you are on the hunt. You are stalking your prey, setting up your shot and then taking it. The biggest differences are the costs, the focus of the hunt and the paperwork you need to get your “weapon” into the country and your trophies out. The range of accommodations is comparable with each as is the use of guides and vehicles. Your package deal may include:

• Accommodations
• Meals
• Transportation, sightseeing and game viewing
• Park fees, service charges and hotel taxes
• Helpful drivers and guides

Airfare for international flights to and from Africa is not normally included in your package deal.

The Photo Safari

The photo safari used to be precisely that, a chance to get close to animals and take their photos in the wild. Now these trip also include many cultural opportunities in addition to the traditional photographic activities. Accommodations range from luxury lodges and hotels that offer five-star service with an African style; game lodges that offer great food, service and lots of amenities; luxurious permanent tented camps; and both basic and luxury mobile camps. Itineraries usually run between seven and fifteen days and some tour outfitters offer extensions.

Depending on your package, you will have a chance to meet and learn about African tribesmen on their own ground and learn about the animals and ecosystems they depend on. These trips will require some hiking, but they are not normally as strenuous as some adventures. The primary health issues are in regards to vaccinations and malaria prevention.

The Hunting Safari

When your hunt involves firearms or bows, you must have a safari company that can help you navigate the maze of legalities that go into bringing your weapon and ammunition into the country, taking it home and getting your trophy back home as well. It is also helpful if your safari company can handle your accommodations and transportation. Going with a company that is both the agent and the outfitter will make things easier for you in the long run. Most outfitters will at least offer accommodations and transportation to and from the airport. When you purchase a package, you need to make sure that it covers everything including all trophy fees. These vary by the animal with some, like a giraffe, commanding trophy fees of over $3000.00, and others like the jackal fetching a mere $60.00.

Clothing

You don't need to purchase anything really special for your safari, but there are some tried and true ways to dress in the bush that you should adopt. Shorts or safari pants and a t-shirt are usually appropriate for day wear. Make sure you dress in neutral colors for hunting excursions, as it makes you harder to spot for the game you are going after and it works better in the dust of the trails you will be using.

Long pants and a light, long sleeve shirt are also recommended to help protect you from mosquitoes as well as the sun, which can be very harsh in Africa. A waterproof windbreaker is also helpful, as is a good pair of hiking boots or athletic shoes. A hat with a brim that goes all around is also a good idea. Your tour operator will usually have an equipment list with items they find useful and helpful.

Wilderness Safari Africa: Resources

The following companies can get you started on planing your Wilderness Safari Africa.

• Kabra Safaris
• African Wilderness Safaris
• Kenya.com
• Swain Tours
• Eyes on Africa
• Kensington Tours
• Big Five Tours.