US
35-50 years of age
Review about Meru National Park by ~lustedtowander~
Although Meru suffers from the effects of poaching, the quiet and solitude and sense of Kenyan history makes up for it. If you appreciate the story of 'Born Free' you will enjoy Meru National Park.
US
35-50 years of age
Review about Masai Mara National Reserve by ~lustedtowander~
The Mara is large enough that you can wander away from the endless stream of safari vehicles. And it is oh, so worth it! To witness the Great Migration in all it's dust and sound and smell and life. Do not miss it.
US
35-50 years of age
Experience the wildlife of South Africa in relative comfort.
I really enjoyed getting to go on a "Game Drive" through Pilanesberg in 2005. I've seen many of the same animals in zoos, but it's not the same as seeing them in their natural habitat. We saw elephants, white rhinos, a black rhino, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, zebras, and wild dogs. I was able to get some great video clips and photos, but was wishing my camera had a better optical zoom. The weather was beautiful and clear, with great visibility over distances. Our tour guide was very informative, explaning reasons for grazing habits and behaviors of various animals, and how they related to the natural defense mechanisms of the plantlife. Other than our tour vehicles, I don't recall seeing anyone else around the park when we were there (I was with a fairly large group). Though the environment felt like you were out in the wild, the accomodations were comfortable enough, and the evening "Bush Brie" we ate at was delicious and unique. Everyone was able to sample a variety of meats and specially prepared dishes, and there was plenty to go around. We spent the night in small wooden cabins furnished with cots & lockers, as well as a couple of chairs or stools, and working electricity. Overall it was a great experience, and I'd love to go again some day.
US
35-50 years of age
Kenya is fine for a packaged safari tour.
Kenya has been the classic safari destination for decades. The tourism infrastructure is well developed, so options abound. One can witness the highlights of Kenya on a budget group safari, indulge in the luxury of a private tour, or embark on a rugged exploration of remote Northern Kenya. The people are friendly, the food is tasty, and the scenery is fabulous. However, industrial tourism has taken its toll on the experience. Entrance fees (ask for an itemized list of your package tour costs) to the parks are outrageously expensive. Mini vans crowd around predator sightings, and the neglected remote parks have fallen victim to poaching.
US
35-50 years of age
Review about South Africa by aerogeist
South Africa has a wonderful variety of wildlife that would be difficult to find anywhere else. The park I visited was clean (in the sense of being free of litter and polution), and had wide open views. For the most part you didn't see any fences, and felt like you were out in the wild. Also, for those from the northern hemisphere, South Africa can be a nice flip of climates, and has beautiful clear skys for observing stars you would never see at home.
20-35 years of age
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by John Carthy
Amazing park with fantastic wildlife, easily reached from the pleasant town of Arusha. This means it is packed with safari vehicles. But then anywhere good is going to be busy nowadays, isn't it? Goes hand in hand with the Serengeti - you can't go to one without visiting the other. Rivals the Mara and Kruger as one of the greatest parks in Africa.
20-35 years of age
Review about Serengeti National Park by John Carthy
If you want to go to Ngorongoro, you have to go through the Serengeti. Which is no bad thing. Great leopards amongst many other excellent beasts. Well worth a visit.
Review about Ngorongoro Crater by John Carthy
Amazing park with fantastic wildlife, easily reached from the pleasant town of Arusha. This means it is packed with safari vehicles. But then anywhere good is going to be busy nowadays, isn't it? Goes hand in hand with the Serengeti - you can't go to one without visiting the other. Rivals the Mara and Kruger as one of the greatest parks in Africa.
Review about Serengeti National Park by John Carthy
If you want to go to Ngorongoro, you have to go through the Serengeti. Which is no bad thing. Great leopards amongst many other excellent beasts. Well worth a visit.
20-35 years of age
Review about Waterberg Plateau Park by John Carthy
I love this place. It's a great place to combine some light beasting with a few days around the pool. Relax on a sunlounger with a cold Hansa whilst banded mongooses fight over the pools of water left behind by the lawn sprinkler. Don't have too many Hansas though - open your room curtains before dawn and you'll probably have tiny Damara Dik Diks playing on your patio. Ace. The plateau itself isn't great for beasts, but definitely make the effort if you're staying over. The safari truck we were in killed more nightjars than it avoided, and we saw a an eland. That was it.