<rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title>Travel Articles From Articles Abroad</title><description>Fresh articles from Travel Articles From Articles Abroad</description><link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/</link><lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:19:37 CDT</lastBuildDate><generator>ArticlesAbroad.com</generator><atom:link href="http://articlesabroad.com/articles/rss.php?rss=" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />					
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<title>Tiger Fishing on the Zambezi River</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/5888/404/Tiger-Fishing-on-the-Zambezi-River.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>For years, when I lived in Rhodesia, I'd visited Lake Kariba on numerous occasions and dabbled in a spot of fishing for tiger   In more recent years I discovered the pleasure of tiger fishing on the Zambezi River in Zambia   Quite a contrast in both style of fishing and in size of the catch   There are ENORMOUS tiger fish in the Zambezi River!<br><br>For the uninitiated the tiger is a game fish which puts up a real fight   Even the smaller ones don't get landed without some considerable effort   On the river one goes out in a small boat with a boatman who doubles as a gilly   Sometimes he fishes for the bait, sometimes the bait is already loaded in the boat    Having chosen a likely spot he baits the hook for you, then you cast off - and wait    The tiger is quite wily and will often nimble your bait away without you noticing   Once you feel him on the line you strike and, with luck and a bit of skill, you're reeling him in   The fish will go wild to get away and it's then a battle between you and him   If you can get him up to the boat, your gilly will net him and you get the chance to see your prey close up    Just check the teeth!  Thankfully I've never had to put my hands near them - the brave gilly tackles them and hooks a weighing scale into his mouth    The weight is announced and you have your picture taken   <br><br>It's not over yet!  With great dexterity - and considerable gentleness - the gilly removes the hook from the mouth of the fish   It's quite a skillful operation as care must be taken not to harm the tiger (and not to get bitten!)   Next step is to release the catch by lowering him gently into the water until he's ready to swim away   Policy along the river - and I think it's a great one - is "catch and release"    All the camps and lodges adhere strictly to this policy and the result is excellent fishing with good size catches   I suppose because the fish don't get killed they stick around and grow!<br><br>My best catch was a remarkable 15 pounder - not bad for a small woman in her late fifties, who had gout in both feet at the time!  I must say this monster catch was the highlight of my fishing "career" and certainly good reason to go back to the Lower Zambezi Valley for more   On that occasion my boatman was a particularly nice chap called "Thousan"   It's certainly a small world in this part of Africa - when I went back last year my boatman, Sam, turned out to be Thousan's cousin!  And he remembered seeing the photo of this auspicious occasion that I had posted to Thousan a few years before <br><br>So, if you fancy a spot of tiger fishing, head for Zambia and the Lower Zambezi Valley   There are some wonderful places to stay on the river, and you'll not find a friendlier bunch of people anywhere   <br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
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<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/5888/404/Tiger-Fishing-on-the-Zambezi-River.html</link>
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<title>A Tale about an African Leopard in the Kruger National Park</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/4952/367/A-Tale-about-an-African-Leopard-in-the-Kruger-National-Park.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>I had a marvellous encounter with a leopard in the Kruger National Park some years ago   My husband and I were driving late one afternoon along a fairly remote road   He was an avid birdwatcher and I was designated the "leopard looker" so we were both concentrating pretty hard on our surroundings and, of course, driving very slowly <br><br>Just as we were going over a "donga" (South African expression for a dip in the road going over a normally dry river bed), he spots an owl high in a tree   We stop and of course he's got the owl in the binoculars and I start scanning the river bed, looking for a leopard   I focused on the river bed (which, together with big trees, is one of my favourite leopard spotting places) and couldn't believe what I saw - what distinctly looked like leopard spots moving through the bush!  <br><br>We then drove slowly out of the donga and parked a few metres up the road   We were soon amply rewarded by the sight of a magnificent leopard coming through the bush to sit at the side of the road, not more than 20 metres away   BUT - this was no ordinary leopard   He (or she) had obviously climbed into a Porcupine, as he had many many quills sticking out of his face   They looked like huge (and very painfull) whiskers   He just sat and we just looked   It was quite incredible   <br><br>I had this really strong desire to get out of the car and go and gently remove the quills for him, and put him out of his agony   However after my husband locked all the car doors and issued dire warnings about the consequences of this mode of action (like instant death?!) I resisted    <br><br>One of the most amazing things about this experience is that it was exclusive to us - there was not another single car on this road   A viewing like this on a busy road would have attracted at least 10 other cars - and this show was all ours!  What was also remarkable was to see a leopard this close in broad daylight   Leopards are notoriously difficult to spot - even at night, which is when they start moving around  So this really was an incredible experience <br><br>Unfortunately I have no photos of this epic event - I took plenty but none of them came out   I was using my father-in-law's very old camera on this particular trip   I didn't really know how to use it and had obviously done something wrong, as the whole film came out blank   I was not at all popular when this was discovered! However I remember this sighting like it was yesterday m- some things one doesn't forget in a hurry   I'm so grateful now for my modern digital camera - missed pictures like this won't happen again!  However this experience and that leopard are firmly engraved on my memory forever   And I suppose that's what life's greatest experiences are all about <br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
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<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/4952/367/A-Tale-about-an-African-Leopard-in-the-Kruger-National-Park.html</link>
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<title>Tree Climbing Lions in Botswana</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/3082/363/Tree-Climbing-Lions-in-Botswana.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>I've been visiting game parks in Africa for 40 years and was knocked out on a recent trip to Chobe National Park to see a couple of lionesses in a tree   Yes, this was no hallucination!  This was a first for me - and also for our experienced game ranger,who traverses the park on a twice daily basis   I'd heard of the tree-climbing lions at Lake Manyara in Tanzania but have never seen anything like this in my travels in Southern Africa <br><br>These two feline beauties looked as though they had eaten well and had decided to climb a comfortable tree for a nice afternoon siesta   We watched them for at least half an hour and they just slept, occasionally sat up to gaze at us, then flopped down again   They clearly weren't going anywhere in a hurry  After all, when you are a cat your job is to eat and sleep  However lions usually sleep in the long grass or in the shade of a big tree   They are not expected to climb a tree for their afternoon nap! What an incredible and truly unique sighting!<br><br>I suppose that's what makes safaris in Africa so fabulous - you never know what's going to be around the next corner   In the bush, life is full of surprises - which is what makes it so very special <br><br>On the same drive we were almost at the gate - and running late - when we spotted some hyena cubs "hiding" in a storm drain   Another very special sighting!  Our ranger said they were a litter of seven but only six were to be seen that evening   We hung about watching them in the dusk, hoping to see the mother return - and perhaps even get a sighting of the seventh cub - but luck was not with us   Instead we had to dash for the gate (which closes at 19h00)   We got there at 17h05 as the gates were shutting and the gateman was not impressed   We were so elated at seeing the little hyenas, that a telling off from the authorities was a small price to pay!<br><br>This was my third visit to Chobe National Park and it's really not just about elephants, although they are definitely in the majority   It's good to know that the park offers a good variety of other game too <br><br>Just a note for anyone planning a safari - in National Parks generally you are not allowed to go off the road and have to stick to the demarcated routes  On the other hand in the private game reserves you can and do go off road, to track the animals right into the bush to get up close and personal   <br><br>In our lion encounter I couldn't get a very good photo because we were too far away and I only had my ordinary digital camera with me  In a private reserve we would have been able to drive right up to the tree for a really good close up  However the event was nevertheless recorded - albeit at a distance - for posterity    <br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
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<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/3082/363/Tree-Climbing-Lions-in-Botswana.html</link>
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<title>A Bird s Eye View of Victoria Falls in Livingstone</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2976/266/A-Bird-s-Eye-View-of-Victoria-Falls-in-Livingstone.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>A popular African destination these days is the Victoria Falls in Livingstone   The thrill of seeing this natural wonder of the world from a microlight is one of the many adventure activities available in Livingstone  A short flight over the Falls will give you both a spectacular view and some great photographs to take home <br><br>For some years I had wanted to do a microlight flight but was incredibly scared at the prospect - mainly because I'd always thought of them as flying "sewing machines"   A friend even challenged me to do one for my 60th birthday, but of course I chickened out   However, knowing I was going to be in Livingstone last December and thinking that the most awesome microlighting I could ever do was over the Victoria Falls, I set my heart on this as a real challenge for my 64 year old body <br><br>First step was to tell everyone I know that I was going to do it   Reactions stretched from "wow, you are SO brave" to "you are stark raving MAD!"   However I knew that I could never come back not having done it, and face the shame of admitting I was a wimp   Next step was to book the flight and the transfer to the airstrip   From then there was no going back  So with grave apprehension and lots of butterflies, I presented myself early at the appointed place   Whilst waiting for the pilots to arrive I amused myself by playing the Miramba (an African style zylophone)  The African showing me how to do it thought it was hilarious, but at least it took my mind of what was to come <br><br>Then came the moment of truth and there was no going back  As I settled in behind the pilot I was very apprehensive (to put it mildly!), but as we hurtled down the runway and became airborne I simply felt like an eagle soaring in the sky   Absolutely exhilarating!<br><br>From this perspective the sheer size and beauty of the Falls unfolds below   You are kitted with earphones and a mike, so are able to chat to the pilot as you fly   This adds to the enjoyment as he can point things out that you may have missed <br><br>There is a camera mounted on the wing and the pilot operates this constantly throughout the flight   This enables you to have pictures of yourself in the microlight with all the background scenery   At the end you can buy a CD of all the pictures and come home with some amazing photos <br><br>On the return leg you fly fairly low over the river and spot pods of hippo in the water   Landing is a very fast affair, which surprised me, but I survived!  Can't wait to go "up up and away     " again!  Microlighting comes highly recommended and it's much more exciting - and quieter - than the helicopter flip   The pilots are very experienced and clearly love what they do   This "first" for me was an experience I'll never forget and it's probably the longest 15 minutes I've ever had   It's my view that microlighting is a "must do" when you visit the Victoria Falls in Livingstone <br><br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
        ]]></description>
<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2976/266/A-Bird-s-Eye-View-of-Victoria-Falls-in-Livingstone.html</link>
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<title>Visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2977/266/Visiting-Victoria-Falls-in-Zimbabwe.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>Yes it is still safe to see the magnificent Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side  Whilst Zimbabwe faces a massive crisis and is racked by economic despair and violence, visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is still an option   The little town that has remained a major tourist attraction is a great distance from Harare and has been largely unaffected by the political havoc that is being wreaked in the capital <br><br>The Falls stretch a mighty 1 7 km across the Zambezi River, and most of them are in Zimbabwe   From the Devil's Cataract on the banks of the river you stroll slowly through the Rain Forest in front of the Main Falls and Horseshoe Falls   One of the most spectacular parts of seeing the Falls is that you are literally right in front of them   A narrow gorge is all that separates you from the incredible force of tons of water thundering down a height of 108 metres   And you'll get very wet!<br><br>You only need a couple of nights to be able to experience the sheer beauty and majesty of this natural wonder of the world   There are some wonderful places to stay, with my all-time favourite being the Victoria Falls Hotel   It's a gentle colonial giant, originally opened in 1904 and visited by royalty and heads of state over many years  Regularly refurbished, it still smacks of old-fashioned splendour   The extensive gardens lead down to the entrance to the Falls and, if you're sitting on the hotel's terrace (preferably with a G&T in hand) you'll see the spray rising over the Falls bridge <br><br>The Livingstone Room restaurant is a throw back to the colonial days   It's an impressive dining room with high moulded ceilings and lots of fans   The live band is still there and still playing slow, romantic dance music   Sadly not too many people in there these days   I first stayed in this hotel in 1967 and you had to fight to get a table in this very elegant restaurant <br><br>The Falls are so vast that the only way to see them all at once is from the air, and it's well worth taking a flip to catch the enormity of this natural wonder  Choices here are fixed wing aircraft, helicopter and microlight   Naturally there are fabulous photo opportunities from the air   <br><br>At Victoria Falls there are also lots of other adventure activities - white water rafting, abseiling, bungee jumping, walking with lions, interation and riding elephants, a great curio market, traditional dancing and many more <br><br>A must in Victoria Falls is a dinner at the Boma, which is housed at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge   This is not just a meal but an epic night out, with an amazing buffet including lots of game dishes, singing, dancing and drumming   A speciality is mopani worms, but I've yet to meet anyone who has tried these!<br><br>If you're heading on to Botswana it's worth going via Zambia and spending a couple of nights in Livingstone, to see the Falls from the "other" side   But that's another story   <br><br><br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
        ]]></description>
<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2977/266/Visiting-Victoria-Falls-in-Zimbabwe.html</link>
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<title>Walking with Lions at Victoria Falls</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2978/266/Walking-with-Lions-at-Victoria-Falls.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>In all  my years in Africa I never expected to have the privilege of walking with real lions in the bush   At Victoria Falls the Lion Encounter allows you to do just this   ALERT (African Lion & Environmental Research Trust) have a unique programme, where lions are born and raised in captivity until a certain age, with the objective of eventually releasing them into the wild in prides, to increase the dwindling lion population in Africa   In the meantime, these hand reared wild lions give travellers the opportunity to enjoy a mindblowing, unique interaction with them in natural habitat   It is, however, quite an unerving experience to set off into the bush with your guide and suddenly be joined by a couple of lions bounding along with you!  Our feline walking companions were only 8 months old, but you should have seen the size of their feet!  <br><br>This remarkable venture enables people like you and me to make physical contact with these fabulous big cats at an early stage in their lives   A truly awesome experience!  Once the lions reach 18 months old, they are transferred to a holding area of a minimum of 500 acres and left to their own devices   They learn how to hunt and are supplied with food "on the hoof"   They are also grouped into prides, so that ultimately they can be released into the wild as a self sufficient family, able to hunt and fend for themselves <br><br>On the walk the lions constantly stop and lie down (cat nap time?), giving you ample opportunity to get up close and personal, stroke them (I even pulled one's tail - VERY gently!) and the photographic opportunities are amazing   One of the crew videos the whole experience, which is then edited and you can buy the DVD at the end of the day to remind you of this encounter for posterity   The crew that accompany you also take pictures with your own camera so you can focus on the interaction with the lions, and are indeed encouraged to do so <br><br>I have always loved cats and have been privileged on a couple of occasions to interact with Cheetahs (my personal favourites)   I never expected to be able to walk with lions and this was a most unexpected pleasure   The best was that, at the end of the tour, when our small group were enjoying beers and snacks, the other tour group returned and two 14 month old lions bounded (literally) into camp and we were able to meet these bigger beasts as well  I am now the proud owner of a picture most people will probably think is digitally rigged, but it is really, genuinely me - touching a living, breathing lion!<br><br>The ALERT programme has recently been extended to Livingstone so that, whichever side of the Falls you are staying, you can enjoy this awesome lion experience for yourself very conveniently   To anyone visiting Victoria Falls I would highly recommend the Lion Encounter   It's a unique experience that you'll treasure and remember forever <br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
        ]]></description>
<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2978/266/Walking-with-Lions-at-Victoria-Falls.html</link>
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<title>A Wonderful Safari in Zambia</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2971/404/A-Wonderful-Safari-in-Zambia.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>I was fortunate recently to spend four nights on safari in Zambia, in the pristine splendour of the Lower Zambezi Valley   It's an area I know well, and I was returning to a lodge I had fallen in love with some years previously   However the lodge had been recently taken over and completely upgraded into what I can now rank as one of the finest lodges I've ever experienced   My business is in tourism so I have travelled quite a lot in Africa and have been privileged to have a taste of some of the best accommodation on offer  <br><br>My destination - Royal Zambezi Lodge - lies perched on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi Valley, which is part of the Great Rift Valley of Africa   This stunning, unspoilt area is the perfect place to chill out yet it's only 30 minutes by light aircraft from bustling Lusaka   And the lodge is only 3 km from the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is teaming with game  With the mighty river stretching out in front, the bush and the backdrop of the escarpment behind, the setting is perfect for a relaxing few days in the bush <br><br>Accommodation is in super luxury "tents" on the banks of the river, where the dawn and the sunrise are your wake up call each morning   The 8 rooms and 4 suites are very private, being surrounded by bush, so there's no need to use the blinds, and an uninterrupted picture of sunrise over the Zambezi greets you every morning   <br><br>The suites are the last word in ultra luxury   Here you get a private plunge pool, outdoor bath and shower (as well as an enormous indoor bathroom en suite) and a sala overlooking the river   A sala is a secluded "gazebo" with a day bed - perfect for afternoon naps   <br><br>This destination is miles from "civilisation" as we know it - there are no roads, cars, telephones, cellphones - nothing but the sheer beauty of the African bush   The silence is broken only by hippos grunting, birds singing and, if you are lucky, the sound of hyena and lion in the night <br><br>Whilst this destination is the ultimate in luxury chill-outs, there are many activities from which to choose - game drives and walks, fishing for the fighting Tiger Fish, boating and canoeing   There's also a wonderful spa where you can be spoilt rotten with massages and beauty treatments <br><br>The staff are incredibly good - charming, friendly, experienced and willing   And the food is excellent too   All in all this very exclusive hideaway will introduce you in the nicest possible way to the "real" Africa   Such luxury comes at a price but, for a once in a lifetime experience of unspoilt Africa, this is definitely the place to indulge yourself <br><br>British Airways conveniently fly from London direct to Lusaka three times a week, and Lusaka is also easily accessible from Johannesburg and Nairobi   So it's very easy for you to experience a safari in Zambia for yourself!<br><br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za        ]]></description>
<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2971/404/A-Wonderful-Safari-in-Zambia.html</link>
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<title>What to Take on Safari in Africa</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2970/266/What-to-Take-on-Safari-in-Africa.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>A guide to what to pack when going on an African safari   <br><br>Lots of people going on safari for the first time ask me what to take on safari in africa   So here are 5 useful tips to smooth your journey, make packing easier, and ensure that you don't leave any essentials behind   <br><br>1  Worried about what to wear? Clothes to pack for a safari <br><br>First bear in mind that generally you are restricted to 12 kg in luggage (soft bags please) as you'll be flying in light aircraft, where the weight restriction is a serious matter  Comfort is essential, fashion statements immaterial  Shorts and pants are best as you'll be doing a lot of climbing in and out of small aircraft and 4 x 4's  Then a selection of tops to go with the bottoms <br><br>You don't need a lot of clothes, as laundry facilities are available and usually complimentary  Generally you'll be staying at least two to three nights in each place so getting these washed and ironed is no problem at all  Expect to wash your own underwear    <br><br>Something warm is very important as you'll be driving early morning and at night in an open vehicle - even in summer months the wind chill can be mighty cold  I always take a lightweight warm jersey and a windcheater   <br><br>Comfortable walking shoes are a must and ladies - please leave your high heels at home! I usually throw in a pair of slip on sandals for wandering round the camp  I know it seems a cliche to recommend khaki or neutral clothing as ideal but this really is true  You are in the bush to observe wildlife and the more you camouflage yourself the better  Creeping up on a shy animal kind of works better if you're not in a screaming pink T-shirt    <br><br>I personally like to freshen up and change for dinner in the bush, so often take a long skirt and a nice top for evening wear  However it's perfectly acceptable to go to dinner in what you were wearing on the game drive  Life in the bush is very casual and anything goes   <br><br>When thinking about what to take on safari in Africa don't forget sunglasses and sun hat - the African sun can be vicious, especially if you come from a relatively sunless place   <br><br>2  Cleanliness   What toiletries to bring on a safari <br><br>You do not need stacks of creams and lotions in the bush  The more compact your selection of toiletry necessities the better  I usually take a moisturising cream in a tube and let it double up as a night cream  Avoid anything in glass bottles as this is just not practical in the bush and adds weight to your luggage  Take small tubes of toothpaste  Most camps supply basic toiletries - shampoo, body lotion etc in your room  Ladies - if you want to use cosmetics don't take the whole collection  Rather do as I do and be very selective  Don't take perfumes as they are not appropriate on safari   <br><br>3  Feeling itchy? How to deal with mosquitoes and avoid malaria on a safari<br><br>Mosquitoes - these little biting bastards are a real nuisance that hit you at dusk  They are not such a problem in the winter months but are prolific during the hot, rainy season  These days there are good prophylaxis products on the market, without side effects, to help prevent you catching malaria  Best to consult your doctor or local Travel Clinic before you leave home  I always take a personal insect repellent in cream or stick form - easy to carry, easy to apply  The camps/lodges supply a spray insect repellent in your tent/chalet  Once on safari it's best to avoid getting bitten in the first place, so cover up as much skin as possible with long pants/skirts, and long-sleeved shirts/tops, then use insect repellent on your exposed bits <br><br>4  Medications and emergencies on a safari <br><br>Being in the bush involves being in the middle of nowhere, so if you are on medication don't forget to take it with you  Be sure that the people you are travelling with knows about your medical condition and where to find your medication, in case of emergency  Always take out travel insurance that covers medical mishaps and emergency evacuation <br><br>5  The last but most important thing to pack <br><br>Remember that, on safari, you are a privileged visitor to the animal kingdom, an honoured guest   Wild animals need to be treated with great respect  In return you'll have a safari of a lifetime, with memories to treasure for ever <br><br>Also just bear in mind that you run the chance of meeting something four legged and wild in the dark after dinner on the way to your room, so a trained ranger is usually provided to escort you between destinations <br><br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and brings you these tips based on personal experience.  For more insights on safari life visit http://www.kunjani.co.za
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<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2970/266/What-to-Take-on-Safari-in-Africa.html</link>
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<title>Walking with Elephants in the Okavango</title>
<guid>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2940/363/Walking-with-Elephants-in-the-Okavango.html</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Author : Jacquie Stafford<br><br>I believe that travel is one of the greatest adventures of life and, having lived in Africa for over 40 years, I never fail to be amazed by the very special moments one can experience whilst travelling on this special continent <br><br>On a visit to Botswana I discovered a real gem - the elephant experience at Stanley's Camp in the Okavango   The Okavango, in the north west of Botswana, is a 6 000 square mile inland delta, the largest of its kind in the world   The delta's lagoons and islands are home to huge numbers of wild animals, including elephant, hippo, lion, cheetah, buffalo, many species of antelope and abundant avian life <br><br>The camp itself was simple but wonderful, with great staff and great food - all in the middle of the bush   However please not that this is camping in great style   I have laughed many times when I've told clients that they will be sleeping in a tent and they have said "We don't do camping!"   Well, take it from me (and I've been to lots of camps in Botswana), these tents are absolute luxury - usually about 8 x 4 m (26 x 13 ft) in size, raised off the ground and with lovely en suite bathrooms plus private decks overlooking the bush   You get every modern convenience, and sleeping in a "tent" makes it all the more exciting when you hear lion roaring in the night!<br><br>This particular camp (and its sister camp, Baines) offers a unique experience - walking in the bush with three African elephants that are used to humans   The elephants' owner, Doug, has been working and living with these giants for many years and not only are these jumbos obedient but love people too!   The "Walk with the Elephants" interaction involves an approximately four hour gentle morning walk in the bush with the animals, whilst Doug tells you all about their habits and personalities, and demonstrates their features   You'll feel their skin, tails and feet, look in their mouths to see their amazing molars and really get to know them   You also get to lead them by the trunk!  But you don't get to ride them, as that wouldn't be natural <br><br>It was an awesome experience for me and I believe that all travelers who are interested in wildlife would be "wild" for this opportunity   At the end of the walk you are treated to a lovely picnic lunch in the bush, whilst the elephants wander off to feed, supervised by Doug's lovely wife, Sandy   You may ask "were you scared?"  The answer is "yes! I was very frightened at first", but with Doug's calm love, deep trust and long experience with these great beasts, it became impossible not to relax and enjoy the absolute thrill of this incredible adventure   I left my new friends - Jabu, Marula and Thembi - feeling very privileged to have experienced such a close and emotional encounter with elephants <br><br>The elephant walk every morning with their devoted "father" whether or not there are camp guests coming along   It's not at all commercial and you really get to grips with elephants and their life in the Botswana bush <br><br>Doug also runs courses for the local community schools, where the kids come camping for a few days (in very basic tents) and learn to appreciate elephants, wild animals in general and the importance of conservation in Botswana   By expanding awareness of eco-friendly tourism, this project makes a great contribution to the future well-being of the rural population <br><br>Botswana is a marvelous destination and there are wonderful camps in different parts of the country that can make for a memorable safari   The cherry on the top is the close proximity to the spectacular Victoria Falls, a definite "must see" at least once in your life <br><br><br>Jacquie Stafford has lived in Africa for over 40 years and has a passion for travel and wildlife.  She now designs personalised tours to some of Africa's most exciting destinations. For more insights on safari life visit her website - http://www.kunjani.co.za
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<link>http://articlesabroad.com/articles/Art/2940/363/Walking-with-Elephants-in-the-Okavango.html</link>
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