By Patrick M. Lind
It is an arduous task to exploring the wilds of
Africa without the help of an organized tour. Africa's infrastructure is developing, yet is still many years behind that of the
United States and
Europe. Moving from place to place on your own is difficult and eats up time that could be better spent on safari, visiting national parks, or getting to know the local culture. Organized tours within Africa help visitors experience as much of the area as possible in a limited time.
The Orient-Express Ultimate Safari
Orient-Express has a worldwide reputation as one of the best African tour providers. Their 15-day luxury Ultimate Safari begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town, South Africa. Along the way, the tour stops in Botswana at the Savutee Elephant Camp, the Moremi Wildlife Reserve in Botswana and the Okavango Delta. Visitors take 4 x 4 vehicles into the bush to observe true African wildlife in their natural surroundings. Included in the package price is transportation, accommodations, admission fees, all drinks and meals, and a spa treatment. The cost averages approximately $12,000 per person as of 2009 and changes with the season and demand. Airfare to and from South Africa is not included.
The Orient-Express Ultimate Safari
011 (+ 27) 21 483 1600
orient-express-safaris.co.za
Acacia Tours' East African Explorer
Beginning in Livingstone and ending 21 days later in Nairobi, Acacia Tours' East African Explorer gives visitors a little bit of everything. Seventeen of the 21 days are spent camping while the tour moves from Victoria Falls in Zambia to Mikumi National Park in Tanzania to Zanzibar, then to the Serengeti Plains and finally to Kenya. Visitors hike, go on a safari, walk through the Masai village, and experience a variety of African cultures. The average cost of the trip is $1,200 per person (2009 price) and includes camping equipment, transportation, fees, guides, most meals, and most accommodations. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Livingstone and from Nairobi as well as acquiring any required visas.
Acacia Tours' East African Explorer
011 (+27) 21 556 1157
acacia-africa.com
BootsnAll Best Of Africa
For 63 days, participants on the BootsnAll Best Of Africa tour will see and experience the cultures, people, and natural environment of nine countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Beginning at Lake Nakuru National Park in Kenya and ending in sunny Cape Town, South Africa, travelers will see mountain gorillas, go on safari, visit deserts, beaches and rainforests, and camp for 55 nights. This adventure tour costs $5,100 per person (2009 price) and includes all camping equipment, overland transportation, most accommodation, most meals, most admission fees and guides. Participants must secure their own visas ahead of time and pay for transportation to Kenya and from South Africa.
BootsnAll Best Of Africa
(503) 528-1005
adventures.bootsnall.com
About the Author:
Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.
