Review about Kapishya Hot Springs by Achim
A wonderful place and a green paradise !
KR
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
holding rich resources for traveling
Please pave a way of road from Ngogorogor to Serengeti, where was terrible road condition of unpaved way, which will increase number of traveller incoming.
Review about Kafue National Park by Achim
It's a very big park with few accommodations but beautifully located along the Kafue River.
If you don't want to see any other safari jeeps on your game drives, you should got there !
IT
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic
Safari in the Masai Mara. All very essential and well organized. Proportionate to the cost. I really recommend it.
CA
65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania is a Country of Many6 Contrasts
I ventured to Tanzania to work with a NGO and develop a proposal to help build sustainable food security for women and youth.
The countryside is impressive as is the work ethic of the people. I was especially intrigued by the customs and the value placed in livestock ownership.
I toured most of the country and am fascinated by its true potential to become a major African nation.
Travellers should bring an extra article of clothing to leave behind. It will be really appreciated by a recipient.
First time doing safari and I'll be sure to return
Most guide books advise you to go in the dry season to see a lot of wildlife. I did my first safari ever in February in the middle of the wet season. On the morning of my drive, it was overcast, cold, and drizzling. It had rained a lot the night before. I would never have thought of going on a safari while shivering in my jacket. To my surprise, the sky cleared up in the afternoon and there were still a lot to see: giraffes, baboons, elephants, warthogs, impalas, buffaloes, etc. And to my extreme delight, even a painted African wild dog. The only thing missing from the game drive are the predators. The boat cruise on the Chobe waterfront was relaxing and exciting at the same time. We saw an elephant swimming out to an island in the middle of the channel, many hippos and crocs, and plenty of birds.
So what did I miss when doing safari in the wet season? Animals are not as numerous and concentrated but there are no crowds. More importantly, with plenty of water to drink and grass to eat, the animals are not stressed; they're not fighting for their survival. The lush vegetation is beautiful and pleasing. The cool and comfortable weather (at mid day) more than makes up for seeing fewer animals. The deep blue sky reflects on the serene water of the Chobe River like a painting. What a great place to be for the animals! And for humans, too!
Review about Nxai Pan National Park by Terry Carew
Not a popular venue but does boast the famous "Baines' Baobabs, a must see if you visit here.
Review about Nata by Terry Carew
Game is around but the pans in the area are the attraction. When they are full of water the birdlife is fantastic. Not a lot of game but it is around.
Review about Chobe Forest Reserve by Terry Carew
Birding is great anywhere in Botswana. More and more operators are opening lodges and camps in areas outside the parks that offer good value for money. Most of the game in the reserves are well represented in these areas including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and cape hunting dogs to mention a few.
It is always a pleasure to visit the Chobe national park.
The wildlife in Chobe is diverse and abundant. The park is sub-divided (my definition) into two main centres. The river edge of the park in the very north of the park is my favourite. The road network offers visitors the option of traveling along the river edge next to the floodplain or in the densely wooded area bordering the floodplain. The river road option offers good sightings of the main attractions to Chobe, namely elephants and buffalos. These are very much in evidence as they drink twice daily. Other notable species are impala, waterbuck, sable, hippo, crocodiles, warthogs, puku, lechwe and others. Lions are usually around as are hyenas and jackals. Birdlife is magnificent. The fish eagles are plentiful as are most of the other raptors. Aquatic birds are best seen by buying a seat on a river craft operated by numerous hotels and agencies in Kasane which is outside the border of the park. Boating is very rewarding for big game spotting as well.
The other centre is to the south and west of Kasane and is referred to as Savuti. The Savuti channel runs through the park and drains into the Mbabe depression. This part of Chobe is very popular with visitors and during peak times of the year can be a bit busy. Very well wooded it is one of the best areas in Africa to see four of the big five. Birding is also of the best. Both centres are connected by a road that can be traversed only by a four wheel drive vehicle. About here to five hours traveling is the norm if conditions are good.
Visitors can access the park by self drive 4X4 vehicles (fully equipped and available for rent in Kasane) and camping is available but can be rough, or by booking with an operator and be driven around the park. Advance booking for self drive is essential as camp sites are limited.
The scenery in the park is pretty much dominated by bush and trees, but along the river edge the sunsets are superb as dust and smoke in the air make for vivid colours.
Peak seasons for visiting the park are April to September. October is very dry and can be windy and November to March is the rainy season.
More information can be obtained from the Botswana tourist board or by "googling" Chobe itself.