Africa Travel » Safari Holiday http://www.lugazi.org Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:34:07 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 An Online Tour Operator With a Difference http://www.lugazi.org/an-online-tour-operator-with-a-difference http://www.lugazi.org/an-online-tour-operator-with-a-difference#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:08:31 +0000 admin http://www.lugazi.org/an-online-tour-operator-with-a-difference Have you ever wondered what tour operator you should choose for a safari, holiday or vacation. Well considering the fact, that there are so many out there, why don’t you just choose one that combines the beach and the African bush, which in turn, spare you the time and energy to find both.

That’s why I want to write about a travel tour operator, that has been around for 25 years, has expert staff who has visited every location that they offer, to ensure that both destinations and accommodation offer the highest levels of service and experience.

Well after reading this, you probably think, well I have been traveling with X company for X years, why should I now suddenly choose another one, while not familiar with them at all. When I did decide to write this article, I did come prepared right? So here are some testimonials, to prove how good Island Safari actually are.

Testimonial 1:

From Judy Swanson

We had such a fantastic time in Botswana, that I cried when we had to leave. Being South African myself probably made it harder as we were heading back to the States after 6 weeks.We stayed first at a small camp called Zibalianja in the Linyanti swamp north of Maun. It has only 3 chalets and is known as the smallest camp in Africa. If you like that somewhat intimate setting, just like one small family together.

Our second camp was Xakanaxa in the Moremi game reserve in the Okavango Delta. The setting here was spectacular, right on the delta. Bob and Flo (our hosts) are just fantastic people. I could have stayed another week. Mandy from Island Safari did a superb job. I just went onto the web and wrote the first people I could find – which happened to be Mandy. She answered all my questions the very next day. I wrote to one outfit to compare, and it took 5 days to get a reply.

We couldn’t have asked for better as they were professional, prompt and friendly. There are many camps in the delta which we personally preferred because the waterways make the setting so beautiful. The game was wonderful. Everything from lions to cheetah, from hippos to elephants was sighted. One hippo (Pavarotti) is used to coming out of the delta and roaming the camp. He slept behind our tent one night, because they saw his footprints there. Fortunately we don’t sleep walk.

Cheers,

Judy

Testimonial 2:

From Bruce Cottrill,

Just a belated, note to thank you and the team for organizing the best holiday ever!

I have to confess that I had some slight misgivings at the start, handing over such a large amount

of money to someone you don’t know, was somewhat daunting! However I didn’t have any concerns. Your organization was excellent, you and the people that we dealt with were so helpful and prompt in responding to any query we had, as well as the system you have for payment (UK bank account) was much appreciated, and Rob was very helpful to us at Jo’ burg airport, after we’d had to change arrival plans at a very short notice.All the travel arrangements went smoothly, people were there to help us when they were needed, and of course the camps were just fabulous! The combination of camps that you recommended, Xakanaxa Camp followed by Delta Camp, provided us with a lovely contrast of the Delta. We talk about the Okavango often, and I’m sure will continue to do so for a long time to come.

Thank you, again, for making this possible

Bruce

Now onto, a more important topic, which is obviously, the question that everyone always asks. How is Island Safari, different from any other tour operator. To start off, they are one of the leading tour operators to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Instead of covering only 1 specific destination or specific itineraries, we currently have 11 destinations that we cover in Botswana, Namibia ,Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Seychelles, Mozambique as well as 6 activity safari websites, including horseback safari, elephant back safari, golfing safari, honeymoon, luxury train travel as well as mobile camping safari.

You can actually look at all our websites, by visiting all the links below:

http://www.namibia-safari.net

http://www.okavango-delta-safaris.com

http://www.kalahari-desert.com

http://www.chobe-national-park.com

http://www.moremi-game-reserve.com

http://www.victoria-falls-hotels.com

http://www.south-luangwa.com

http://www.cape-town-tours.info

http://www.bazaruto-archipelago.com

http://www.mauritius-hotels.info

http://www.seychelles-hotel.info

http://www.horseback-safaris.com

http://www.elephant-back-safaris.com

http://www.african-honeymoon.com

http://www.train-safari.com/

http://www.africa-golf-safari.com/

http://www.mobile-camping-safaris.com/

Each of these sites, contains detailed info specific to each destination that you want to visit. It also provides the following:accommodation details, maps, weather info, tour itineraries as well as contact details.

Now, finally, are Island Safaris’ prices, going to make you jump through the roof? The answer is no, as they have special rates, for all the properties that they do business with. If you want us to create a holiday or safari specific to your needs, our consultants can create a custom-made itinerary for you, without any problems.

So I hope this will make you decide to travel with a tour operator as professional as this, with expert help and service.

If you want more info on Island Safari, please email their consultants at: info@island-safari.com or visit their website at: http://www.island-safari.com

by

David Jones




By: David Jones

]]> http://www.lugazi.org/an-online-tour-operator-with-a-difference/feed 0 Avoid Mishaps With African Safari Advice http://www.lugazi.org/avoid-mishaps-with-african-safari-advice http://www.lugazi.org/avoid-mishaps-with-african-safari-advice#comments Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:11:00 +0000 admin http://www.lugazi.org/avoid-mishaps-with-african-safari-advice African safari is an adventurous sport and can be enjoyed best when certain precautions are taken. If you are planning to go on a safari trip to the African wild woods during your next vacations, you will definitely want your trip to be pleasant without any mishaps. You can refer to a safari guide for useful safari advice and tips which will help you to make the best out of your African safari trip.

Given below are certain useful tips:



The first important thing which you need to take care of while planning an African safari tour is that, you buy a package from a company which is reliable and experienced. Selecting a wrong package from a wrong company can turn your thrilling safari experience to a disaster.







The next thing is, while selecting a package, collect information about all the things which are included in the package. An African safari tour operator generally provides mosquito nets and sleeping bags etc, if you choose to go on a tented safari. Also make sure the package you have selected, includes the services of a local guide to guide you through your safari trip. While fixing a package, if you do not understand any statement or provision in the agreement, clarify it at the same time.







Inform the tour operator if you are under any kind of medical supervision. Get yourself vaccinated and carry all the important medications with you while leaving for an African safari holiday.







Carry the right clothes and accessories to enjoy your safari in the best way. Also carry sufficient amount of food and water along with you. While you are on the African safari, drink as much fluid as possible and keep yourself covered to avoid insect bites and sunburn.







Do not forget to carry a copy of your passport to deal with unexpected problems. Also carry sufficient amount of cash with you. Do not forget to collect information about the currency exchange rates of the place you are visiting.







Learning about the history as well as the current affairs of the place you are visiting can help you to make your trip better by understanding the place and its people well. Collect information if you require any permission for visiting that place or doing photography.





With the right African safari advice and tips, you will be able to enjoy your African safari vacation in the best way. You would definitely want to go for a safari to a new destination during your next holiday.




By: Pooja Rai

]]> http://www.lugazi.org/avoid-mishaps-with-african-safari-advice/feed 0 Tips to Help you Cut Cost While on an African Safari http://www.lugazi.org/tips-to-help-you-cut-cost-while-on-an-african-safari http://www.lugazi.org/tips-to-help-you-cut-cost-while-on-an-african-safari#comments Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:34:06 +0000 admin http://www.lugazi.org/tips-to-help-you-cut-cost-while-on-an-african-safari The holiday season is beckoning and now there are lots of vacation packages up for grabs from beach holidays, wildlife adventures, eco-tours just name a few of the m. Although those offering the packages sometimes help one to identify a package that best fits their budget it is important that you the traveler also take some action in order to cut on your costs.

1. The first thing you require is information. Most important yet little appreciated facts is that is actually costs less to book holidays and travel through a registered tried and tested operator since they get highly discounted rates from hotels than what a traveler would pay when booking direct. This is because the supply the hotels with huge numbers of guests.

2. Secondly it is to ensure that your tour operator can handle your logistics and structure a trip that will give you’re the experience you want. It is less cumbersome to use a tour operator.

3. Plan early this cannot be overemphasized. Hotels and many travel recourses usually give discounts when you book early or during the low season. You will also be able to pay for your package in installments. I usually take a yearly holiday and I can thus save for it on a regular basis.

4. Take advantage of low season rates are drastically reduced the places are less crowded and one can enjoy most of the facilities and good service during such times. During peak season resources are usually constrained and waiters overstretched that the service that are otherwise superior become standard.

5. Finally small is fine. A holiday need not be a grand trip to a five star hotel or lodge but even a camping adventure for 5 days or less is still a holiday. It gives one the much-needed break for you and your family




By: Magdalene Ngina

]]> http://www.lugazi.org/tips-to-help-you-cut-cost-while-on-an-african-safari/feed 0 Get A Glimpse Of Another World With An African Safaris Holidays http://www.lugazi.org/get-a-glimpse-of-another-world-with-an-african-safaris-holidays http://www.lugazi.org/get-a-glimpse-of-another-world-with-an-african-safaris-holidays#comments Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:45:28 +0000 admin http://www.lugazi.org/get-a-glimpse-of-another-world-with-an-african-safaris-holidays Africa is a land of sweeping landscapes that take your breath away, of spellbinding native peoples who live in harmony with nature, and of a captivating diversity of the most splendid and amazing wildlife to be found anywhere. This intoxicating mixture of elements in Africa serve to make African safari holidays among the most memorable of any travel experience a person could hope for.

There are a myriad of interesting countries on the African continent that are more than capable of hosting memorable vacations and provide daring, exciting, and even alluring wildlife safari experiences. These African safaris will captivate your attention and perhaps even test your nerves. Some of the most popular countries that people visit on African adventure safaris include: Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and several others.

These kind of African safari holidays allow those who are imbued with the spirit of adventure to be in the same environment with a multitude of wild animals. While operating under the watchful eye of a skilled and practiced safari guide, you will more than likely have opportunities to take some breathtaking pictures of these beasts to take back home to brag about and treasure for a lifetime.

An African safari holiday is one of the main tourist attractions and sources of revenue for a number of African nations. Those who are interested in an African safari travel adventure will have many options for making the appropriate arrangements to set up an opportunity to mingle with wild beasts. However, there is certainly an element of danger when undertaking wildlife safaris because you are not entering into a land of tamed and controlled beasts.

Many people forget this fact when they are planning and preparing for an African safari holiday and have a tendency to think that perhaps they are just going to visit an enormous zoo exhibit. But, the animals that will be seen and observed during wildlife safaris are just that; wild. Because of this it is extremely important that your African travel includes the services of a trained and experienced safari guide.

A safari guide who knows the area and the wildlife in the area you will be visiting will make sure to take all appropriate precautions to make sure that you and the party you are traveling with will be safe during the safari. An inexperienced guide, or one who is more interested in charging someone extra money to provide them a “thrill,” rather than safety, can put you in danger and such guides should be avoided at all costs.

African safari holidays that are properly planned and lead by an experienced and prudent safari guide can provide you with an unforgettable experience. Imagine the thrill of being able to watch lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, and many other stunning creatures as they go about their days. Such experiences invoke deep emotions and will be remembered for the rest of your life.




By: MIKE SELVON

]]> http://www.lugazi.org/get-a-glimpse-of-another-world-with-an-african-safaris-holidays/feed 0 An African Safari Nightmare? http://www.lugazi.org/an-african-safari-nightmare http://www.lugazi.org/an-african-safari-nightmare#comments Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:20:08 +0000 admin http://www.lugazi.org/an-african-safari-nightmare An African safari can be one of the most rewarding holidays you can have; wild animals, jungle, sweeping plains and just plain old adventure. But if you are not properly prepared then it could become your worst nightmare.

Preparation for an african safari holiday is not complicated. If you book through a reputable travel agency then a lot of what you need to know would be covered in their terms of service. However, in this article, I want to briefly highlight some things you may not be aware of.

Kruger National Park

Let’s use the magnificent Kruger National Park as out destination point. Kruger is situated in southern Africa and covers and area spanning over 200 miles. It’s a lot of park to cover in one trip. You are obviously excited about the trip but just to make sure you have everything covered, here is a checklist of some of the things you may have overlooked.

A Simple Checklist! – comfortable shoes and sandals… Believe it or not, you’ll more than likely be doing a lot of hiking. Make sure your footwear is appropriate. – clothing… You’ll need cool clothing during the day but the trap unsuspecting african safari first timers fall into is thinking the nights are warm. You’ll need both long pants and a warm jacket. – sunglasses and lotion…Makes sense. The hot African sun can be merciless. A wide brimmed hat, correct suntan lotion and good sunglasses are a must. – camera and binoculars… You are in mighty Africa. You’re there to see wildlife in their natural environment. Have you packed your camera? It’s also a good idea to pack a pair of binoculars. Most tour operators can supply them but it’s not always guarenteed. I am happiest carrying my own pair! – travel light… this seems to be the “catch cry” among many seasoned african safari trekkers. I agree. One large bag or two mid sized bags should be sufficient.

Is Malaria A Problem?

This is a common question from first time african safari travellers and it is a difficult one to answer. Yes, malaria is a risk but it gets down to being properly educated about the risk. Anti-malaria medication should be on your “to take” list but don’t dwell too much on it.

Insect repellant is a must have. Many a foreign traveller has forgotten this essential requirement of a holiday in the wilds of Africa and “paid the price.”

It’s a simple checklist of things to take on safari in Africa but if you follow some of the above guidance, then you will go a long way to enjoying your holiday even more. It’s also a good idea to go over such a checklist with your travel agent. It’s an even better idea to request references from your tour operator from previous satisfied african safari seekers!




By: Dean Caporella

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