The Allure of South Africa

​Like many people, it was a lifelong dream of mine to go on an African Safari. I had a few concerns about going, but one of the things I love about travel is the opportunity to dismantle my preconceived notions that come primarily from watching the news. First, South Africa is under no threat from Ebola. There have been no reported cases which is a claim that even the US can’t make. The tap water is safe to drink. The highways and infrastructure are good. English is widely spoken. Americans don’t need a visa. There are game parks where you can see the big 5 and more,  which are in malaria-free zones.  So, no shots are required.  South Africans love Americans.

My biggest “aha moment” was that the best safari experience may not come from the best known parks.  Sometimes there can be a “traffic jam” of safari vehicles in Kruger (which is the most famous park) at a wildlife sighting.  This is stressful for the animals and is less than optimal for you.  Not all parks have the big 5, and sometimes the terrain can make wildlife viewing difficult.

​​Tent camping?  Probably not what you think.  Running water, electricity, air conditioning, WiFi, telephone, private deck and monkeys scampering on the roof.

You need to choose your park carefully and be fully informed of what your experience will be.  Near the border of Botswana is the Marakele Game Preserve. While not as well-known as Kruger, it is accessible by air or car from Johannesburg. The scenery is the breath-taking, red-hued cliffs of the Waterburg Mountains.   This is a backdrop for the lush green bush and plains where wildebeest, zebras, and rhinos graze, and you can observe troops of baboons foraging. The gorges, rivers, and ponds make it an ideal habitat for a large variety of wildlife including the big five – rhino, lion, cape buffalo, leopard and elephant. Furthermore, it is home to an array of other appealing animals such as giraffe, cheetah, hyena, warthog, Vervet monkey, and many more. It is a birders paradise with more than 280 species of birds including the largest colony of the endangered cape vulture.

Do you hunger for an immersive nature experience, and want expert advice so you will get the most out of it? 
        Contact us at 800-882-9000 / 954-597-9500 or                                      Hello@WorldCruisesAndTravel.com.