Gadling

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

For a good number of tourists in Africa, the Kenyan capital of Nairobi is their first port of call. While this rough and ready city isn’t the gentlest introduction to the continent, it’s a good jumping off point for some of the best game parks in East Africa.

(For tips on what to do in Nairobi other than getting mugged, click here to stay safe!)

Kenya, Tanzania and to a lesser extent Uganda are home to a stunning range of national parks and game reserves that pretty much epitomize the safari experience. Whether you go all out on tented lodges, khaki safari gear and gin & tonics, or rough it with pitch tents, backpacker rags and cold beers, don’t miss out on East Africa’s game parks.

Need some help deciding where to go? Today’s posting should help you get started.

Masai Mara, Kenya: Probably one of the most spectacular wildlife experiences on the planet, Masai Mara is in top form in July and August during the annual wildebeest migration. If you’ve ever seen footage on the nature channels of helpless herd animals crossing crocodile infested waterways, then you’re already familiar with the drama and excitement of the Mara.

The Serengeti, Tanzania: From December to April, the wildebeest action swings south across the border to Tanzania, home to the timeless plains of the Serengeti (think Lion King!). One of the most storied national parks in Africa, the Serengeti is home to high concentrations of lions and hyenas, which grow fat and happy on all the wildebeest running about.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya: From a distance, this shimmering lake appears pink against the horizon, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re being tricked by a mirage. On the contrary, the lake supports some of the largest concentrations of flamingoes in the world, as well as a healthy and stable population of white and black rhinos.

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania: This enormous crater that can clearly be scoped out on Google Maps is a veritable Lost World of wildlife. After you descend the steep walls and get out onto the grassy plains, you’ll be surrounded by dense concentrations of wildlife that spend their entire lives inside this remote crater.

Murchison Falls, Uganda: Although this storied game park was ravaged by poachers during the early years of Uganda’s troubled independence, Murchison Falls is once again back on the safari map. Along the shores of the Albert Nile River, you can scope out elephant herds that are again flourishing in their tropical surrounds.

While these are just a few of East Africa’s more famous game parks, don’t overlook the lesser-known parks where you can safari sans tourist hordes. A few spots to consider are Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park among others.

So, bring your binoculars, wear plenty of sunscreen and best of luck in spotting the Big 5!

** Next week Big in Japan will back as it’s almost time for me to get back home (^_^) **

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

There are few words in the English language more exotic and scintillating than safari, a Swahili derived word that literally means journey. For most travelers in Africa, going on safari is pretty much at the top of the to-do list, though it’s not too hard to see why. Coming face to face with charismatic critters straight out of National Geographic is a truly kick-ass experience.

Of course, no two safaris are created equal, especially since there are a few potential pit falls that need to be avoided. However, with a little advance planning and a good sense of what you want to get out of your safari, it’s pretty easy to ensure that you’ll have a memorable journey.

On that note, today’s posting is a quick and dirty guide for going on safari…

From posh tented camps and 4WD Land Rovers to bush camping and open topped jeeps, everyone’s idea of the perfect safari is drastically different. However, there are a few general guidelines worth taking into consideration before parting ways with your hard-earned cash.

Location, location, location. National parks in Africa are highly variable in terms of infrastructure, resident wildlife and terrain. With that said, you should plan ahead and choose a park that peaks your interest. For example, Masaai Mara and the Serengeti in East Africa are renowned for their annual wildebeest migrations, while Chobe National Park in Botswana is the most elephant rich corner of the continent. Weather and road conditions can also make the difference between a relaxing scenic drive and an impromptu wilderness adventure.

Hire a guide. A knowledgeable guide can make all the difference, especially if you have hopes of spotting some of Africa’s more elusive animals (such as leopards and cheetahs). Staff at reputable safari companies are extremely competent and highly trained, while fly-by-night operations cut every possible corner to keep prices low. Even if you’re a fiercely independent traveler, defer to expertise and hit the bush with a pro in tow.

Invest in good gear. A safari isn’t very much fun if you don’t see anything, which is why a good pair of binoculars can vastly improve your experience. While professional binoculars can set you back a few hundred dollars, you can get a good entry-level pair without breaking the bank. If you’re a shutterbug, don’t even think about touching down on the continent without a zoom lens – you’ll sorely regret it if you don’t bring one along.

Do your homework. You don’t have to be a wildlife biologist to appreciate a safari, though it certainly helps to know what you’re looking at. There are literally dozens of animal and birding field guides on the market, any of which will give you a quick crash course in the incredible diversity of African wildlife.

Less is better. While it’s tempting to spend every day in Africa on safari, be wary of animal burnout. After you’ve spotted your 100th zebra and 1000th gazelle, it’s all too easy to get jaded and start demanding more exotic sightings. So, try to break up you time in the national parks with outdoor activities and cultural experiences. And of course, remember that while watching lions take down a gnu is an awesome (and bloody!) spectacle, don’t lose sight of the beauty and wonder of the savanna itself…

Been on safari before? Chime in with road-test tips and your best animal stories!

** All images were shot by yours truly **

This month, Big in Japan is on vacation in Africa, and will be bringing you travel news and happenings from around this often misunderstood continent.

The thrill of the safari is one of the greatest pleasures of traveling in Africa. Boasting more than a hundred different species of mammals (350+ if you include bats!), the continent is a veritable Lost World of charismatic creatures. Of course, the whole safari experience can easily be lost on you if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for.

Most people on safari are obsessed with spotting the so-called Big Five, which include such lofty entries as lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and black rhinoceroses. A common misconception is that the Big Five refers to the five largest animals in the African bush. However, the phrase was originally coined by big game hunters to denote the five most dangerous animals to hunt, especially since each animal in the group has a reputation for pursuing its attacker when wounded.

Fortunately for you, you’re here in Africa to observe them, not to shoot them…

1) Lions Although they’re near the top of everyone’s ‘must-see’ list, lions are surprisingly easy to spot in East Africa. They have a wide habitat tolerance, and spend most of their days lying about. However, to see this massive predator in top form, arrange for a guided night drive – lions prefer to hunt under the cover of darkness. If nocturnal viewing is not allowed in a park, lions are also active in the early morning and late afternoon.

2) Leopards Africa’s most common cat is surprisingly the most difficult to spot. True to their feline roots, leopards are stealthy and nocturnal, and prefer to spend most of their days sleeping in the treetops. This is one animal that may require the services of a well-trained guide to spot. However, rare sightings do occur in the open, particularly in woodland-savanna areas.

3) Elephants Elephants drink an average of 65 liters of water per day, so it’s usually safe to assume that they’re congregating near a water source. In national parks, elephants are accustomed to vehicles, though drivers should always exert caution and approach herds slowly, especially when offspring are present. Fortunately, elephants will usually give a mock charge if they are threatened, and this usually enough to scare away anyone with the slightest instinct of self-preservation.

4) Buffaloes The African Buffalo is regarded by big game hunters as the most dangerous of the Big Five since they will incessantly pursue an attacker when provoked. Furthermore, solitary males employ the ‘attack is the best defense tactic,’ though large herds are fairly relaxed and unlikely to charge. Buffalo herds have fairly predicable movements, seeking out good grazing and water during the early morning and late afternoon.

5) Black Rhinos Despite their formidable appearance, black rhinos are extremely edgy and nervous animals. When disturbed, they are quick to flee the scene, though they will confront an aggressor head-on, particularly if a young offspring is present. As a result, they are difficult animals to observe in the wild, and it doesn’t help that they are far more endangered than white rhinos. Black rhinos can be easily identified by their triangular (rather than square) lip and the lack of a neck hump, and are smaller than their white counterparts.

Safari njema! (Have a good trip!)

** All images courtesy of the WikiCommons Media Project **