South Africa

A day in the life … well let me see.  Let’s start with a bit of history of who I am.  I am a Bison but a lot of people think of me as a Buffalo.  True buffaloes are my relatives but they live in Africa and Asia, the cape buffalo and water buffalo.  Only North American buffaloes are bison and two of the largest herds of bison live in Yellowstone National Park and in Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park.  Below is a photo of me with my Mom when I was first born in Yellowstone National Park a few years back.  Am I not adorable!!

Figure 1:  Photo courtesy of Peak Photography of Montana

Anyway, back to my day.  We are a social bunch so you will typically find us in herds or groups and spend most of our day grazing.  We are the largest land animal in North America and therefore need a lot of food for energy.  We love to graze on grasses, herbs, shrubs and twigs for an hour or two and then we rest and "chew our cud" which is basically regurgitating what I have already eaten once.  I have 4 stomachs so I make sure that I get every nutrient that I can from my food before it moves along.  We are constantly eating and throughout the day can move 10 – 15 miles depending on how good the grazing area is.  If we are lucky we find a great spot and stay for a few days.

A couple of times a day I visit the local stream or pond for a drink of water, run and play with my friends, take several rests and occasionally take a dust bath which is my natural insect repellant! 

Since I live in Yellowstone National Park, I have a lot of visitors that want to view me and take my photo. I love to pose for photos but always remember that I like my space and to stay at least 25 yards away or more.  I may be big but I am agile and can run more than 30 miles per hour and pivot quickly!!  So please take photos but give me my space and stay a safe distance away.

A lot of people are curious about how our species survive what can sometimes be a brutal winter.  Well our thick, shaggy coat is so well insulated and we can have up to 2 inches of fat that snow can settle on our back without melting!  It can also help to keep us warm similar to how a blanket would.  We use our strong head and hooves in the winter to move the snow off of the vegetation below to eat. Did you know you can tell where we have been by our distinct hoof prints which look like 2 fat banana's facing each other!

Well there Old Faithful blows so better go!  If you would like to see a bison like me in our natural habitat, your best chance would be to visit Yellowstone National Park or Custer State Park in South Dakota!! 

Yellowstone National Park, our first National Park, is the only place in the continental U.S. where visitors can still see substantial herds of large mammals and the predators that hunt them. If you choose to visit the greater Yellowstone area this summer, you will likely see bison, elk, moose, deer, and big horn sheep. More rare, yet argueably more exciting are sightings of Grizzly bears, black bears, coyotes and the controversial Grey Wolf. Yellowstone has been called North America's Serengeti and although we cannot compete with the millions of migratory animals of South Africa, YNP is much closer to home.

With the reintroduction of the wolf into Yellowstone National Park in 1995, all of the large carnivores native to the region at the end of the last ice age, again roamed the forests and plains of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The decision to reintroduce the wolves has been surrounded by controversy. I have no desire to delve into the politics surrounding the decision to bring the much feared and equally revered wolf back into the Yellowstone ecosystem, but from a purely selfish perspective I'm hoping for a glimpse of a Yellowstone wolf this summer.

I've seen wild wolves many times, but for some reason its never enough. When I was a young girl, I lived in a small town outside of Anchorage, AK. My house sat on the edge of a large forest, a cold, clear stream ran through my back yard. I spent many hours during the long Alaskan summer days roaming through the woods with my friends. One late afternoon as we walked along a narrow animal trail on a bluff above the stream we noticed a family of wolves had come down to the stream several yards in front of and below us. The parents were bright silver with haunting yellow eyes. I remember thinking they were keenly aware of their surroundings, constantly sniffing the air and looking around for danger. Instinctually, we all ducked down behind some low shrubs growing along the trail and watched in wide-eyed silence through the branches as the parents led their litter of young pups to the bank of the stream to drink. They didn't drink for long before they disappeared into the forest again, but I was mystified, enraptured and intrigued. My mother didn't believe my story until the adult wolves showed up in our back yard a few days later trying to find an easy meal from the trash cans behind our house. Those two sightings left me forever changed.

If you've been considering a trip to the Tetons or Yellowstone Park this summer, we'd love to have you join us where the wild things still live. There are several packs of wolves now residing within the borders of Yellowstone Park, with many of the wolf sightings concentrated in the Lamar Valley. Catching a glimpse of these elusive predators is an encounter you will not quickly forget.
 

 

One of the great things about traveling to a new place is getting to try the local cuisine.  When visiting someplace new, one of the most memorable experiences you can have is to try out the local delicacies.  Combining new tastes with travel can be a great way to vividly remember your trip.  Here at the ALA office, we have sampled some pretty crazy dishes that many people would never even think of eating!

1. Smiley- One of the strangest food experiences that Dan had while visiting South Africa was trying a smiley. A smiley is a sheep’s head that is charred on a braai or grill.  The head is grilled until its lips are burned off which leaves the sheep’s head with a big smile!
2. Plátanos Maduros- While Christy was enjoying Costa Rica she also decided to try out this savory local dish also known as Costa Rican fried bananas.
3. Rocky Mountain Oysters- Melissa did not have to venture far from home to find a memorable meal.  Rocky Mountain Oysters are a Montana delicacy.  While eating cow testicles may sound crazy to you, many people in the area go crazy for them!  There are even festivals dedicated to this wild local favorite.
4. Tripe- While in Peru, Mindy decided she would enhance her experience in the country by trying one of the local dishes: Tripe.  For those of you who have not had the opportunity to sample tripe and may be wondering constitutes the meal, Tripe is animal intestines.
5. Horse Meat- In the U.S. horse is somewhat of a taboo food because of the role that they play as pets, but in many countries, this same taboo does not exist.  While visiting Holland, Jon discovered that horsemeat is a tasty, slightly sweet meat that is enjoyed by millions in Europe.
6. Pâté de Foie Gras- This delicacy enjoyed by Carol is a well-known and popular dish in France.  Foie Gras is specially fattened goose or duck liver made into a Pâté. (a spreadable paste) 
7. Alpaca Meat- Enjoyed by both the ancient Incans and Kasey, this dish is not one you can find just anywhere.  To sample this unusual meat Kasey traveled to Ecuador, one of the countries that Alpacas call home.  Alpaca meat is lean and high in protein.

As you can see, the Austin-Lehman office staff likes to indulge in the local cuisine wherever they are traveling. 

Would you ever try any of these unusual meals?  What’s the most unusual dish that you’ve been brave enough to try? Leave a comment and tell us!

Your friendly travel experts,

Austin-Lehman Adventures

You know that spring is in the air when you smell the lilac bushes in bloom and see the first robin arrive.  You know that the adventures for the season are about to begin when the guides start arriving in Billings for training around the first week in June!  Let the fun begin. 

This year we are so lucky to have such a gifted and fun group of guides.  For those of you traveling on our Yellowstone vacation you will get to know and love Lauren!

This is Lauren’s first year at ALA, but she is no stranger to the outdoors, nature and adventure.  At a young age Lauren headed to England, South Africa, various parts of the United States and later to Costa Rica where she could be found exploring the rain forests and perfecting her Eco Tourism skills.  She majored in Hospitality Management, Travel and Adventure, Sport and Nature based Tourism. 

Oh and did I mention that both of our favorite places to visit is Tortuguero, Costa Rica?  Tortuguero can be translated to “Land of Turtles”.  Its beaches are a key nesting sites for four species of sea turtles.    So if you have an interest in wildlife, Lauren can talk with you about everything from turtles in Costa Rica to the bison and wolves of Yellowstone!

You will find that Lauren is fun loving, compassionate and is so very excited to show everyone up close the natural wonders of Yellowstone Park!

To learn more about Lauren, check out her guide profile!

Your friend in adventure,

Christy

Today is rainy.  Cold and wet!  I have to say though; I always think that inclement weather is appropriate for destinations like this.  Today I ventured over to Robben Island, an Ex-Political Prison used to house the likes of Nelson Mandela, Kgamena Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma (South Africa’s Current President).  It took only about 25 minutes on the ferry, but I think I felt every wave as we went.  I am not good on boats.

Whenever I visit a place like this I try to really focus on what happened there.  It is not enough to see it, I believe you should internalize the situations that unfolded and have compassion for the people who actually had to endure, in this case imprisonment, so for me, the rain seemed okay.  I am sure the prisoners had worse days, and they certainly didn’t have the luxury of knowing they would be inside where it was warm, dry and comfortable in a matter of hours.

The Island is set up to host tours led by previous prisoners.  Experiencing this place through the eyes of someone who actually stayed there was incredible.  It is obviously not a joyous day; you listen to stories depicting hardships, years of wanting, forced labor, and the squashing of opinions and communication. 

I was shocked at the behavior of some of my co-tourists.  People were complaining about the weather, about our guide’s accent, about the rain… One gentleman even got up and left part way through one of the presentations.  This is a gentle reminder that you do not visit a prison for entertainment; this is a place you come to learn, have moments of self-reflection, and grow, so that history doesn’t repeat itself.  Respect the people who lived through it, take something away from it, and share your experiences.

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

The bustling metropolis of South Africa's southern cape seems alive with activity as I wonder the waterfront.  This city has it all, history, culture, art, entertainment, and views that simply can't be beat!  To one side towers Table Mountain, Cape Town's prominent flat topped mountain, although for me it is shrouded in Clouds (I have been assured several times it IS there)  On the other, The Cape of Good Hope jutting out into the expanse of royal blue waters.

I am surprised by how much of the Dutch influence can still be detected, even some 200 years later!  The city feels safe to me; I have no trouble walking the streets as a single female traveler.  There are all kinds of activities happening around the waterfront: shoppers packing their bags from store to store, travelers returning from the last tour of Robben Island, the political prison where Nelson Mandela was held, and the buskers performing their acts for the tourist all along the way.

My hotel is the epitome of luxury, located on a working pier right off the waterfront’s main walkway.  There is a beautiful mix of hand painted fabrics, skillfully crafter metal works, and antique items telling the story of the Cape through the ages.  The history and culture of this place is the draw, and I can’t wait to explore every corner and see what I find!

Stay Tuned for more from my Southern Africa Journey!

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

Just thought this was a “cool share”…

We tracked this endangered Black Rhino with a team from the World Wildlife Foundation and the Save the Rhino Trust…. A great way to get your heart going at sunrise…..  this is a free range Black Rhino,  once we found him (from a distance) we worked with the Save the Rhino folks to document his size and details. They record and track hundreds of Rhinos,  Namibia is the only place on the planet where this beast is thriving. They don’t release numbers (fear of poaching) but they hope to be in the 2000 range by 2030.  The horns can be worth over 100,000 US….   They (Namibia) are actually exporting Rhinos back onto public land, it is estimated that upwards of 2 Black Rhino are killed a day in South Africa (numbers are slowing due to scarcity of the animal).. its been two years since one has been killed in Namibia.  This is a direct benefit of the good work the Conservancies are doing, empowering the locals to protect wildlife to enhance tourism.

Just think this is pretty dang cool….  And in case you are wondering, yes the rumors are true and Black (compared to white) Rhinos are deadly and very aggressive… 

Dan Austin

Located in the Northeast part of South Africa, Kruger National Park prides itself on being one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa.  It covers just over 7,500 square miles, and has been designated an International Man and Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education and Scientific Organization.

A great destination for Safari, Kruger National Park contains all of the Big Five game animals people want to encounter.  The phrase “Big Five” was coined by hunters and are said to be the 5 hardest mammals to track and hunt by foot on the continent.  This group includes: Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Rhinoceros.  Today, many private concessions and game reserves dissuade the use of the term as they are focus on preservation, rather than hunting.

These are not the only animals you will find wandering the park.  There are also good sized populations of Zebra, Giraffe, Hippopotamus, Wildebeest, Kudu, Hyena, Impala and many more!  A photographer’s dream come true! 

The nice thing about a safari tour in Kruger, besides the draw to the park itself, is its proximity to other African icons.  You can easily visit Cape Town, home of Table Mountain, Robbin Island, and years of apartheid history, as well Victoria Falls of /Zimbabwe & Zambia, the largest sheet of falling water in the world!

So when you start thinking about your first, or next, African Safari Tour, consider South Africa and it’s Kruger National Park.

Your Friendly Safari Lover,

Mindy

When you wake up each day with a game drive (ok smiling faces and good coffee first) is pretty tough to have a bad day. Today was no exception.  After a few days In Africa you start getting into a rhythm, perhaps its the same rhythm the locals are blessed with.

We eagerly headed out early this morning.  Our goal, the endangered  Black Rhino.  Our
trackers headed out first and we had one more cup and followed closely behind.

It took all of 30 minutes to come upon one of the WWF tracking team patiently waiting in the road.  Still sun barely peeking above the horizon, he points 500 yards away to 2 more trackers and Jeff slightly above the springs.   "He is there" he proclaims.    5 minute safety and rules talk and we head out.  15 minutes later all you could here is snapping shutters.

Our trackers took notes and taking pictures and logging details.  They whisper details, they know this fellow "Don't worry" and estimated at 30 years old.  We have a 15 minute time limit as to not disturb him.

Namibia seems to have Rhino poaching on the run, there has only been one confirmed kill in the last few years, as opposed to upwards of 2 a day in South Africa.

We press on, endless wildlife sights, each on special.  We stop at "v zyl's gat ", (picture small spring in SW canyon) a true oasis in this arid land.  A dip for all and then we continue on towards the distant plateaus.

Early afternoon we arrive at Grootberg Lodge perched on the rim of the Etendeka Plateau over looking the Klip River Valley. 12 rock and thatch huts will be home.

Quickly freshening up we head out "on top" for another game drive.  The plains game on top were a abundant.   The light amazing and the conversations stimulating.

We returned to the lodge for yet another fine meal and then were treated with guests and conversation for hours regarding the "pros and cons" of the conservancy program.  Grootberg Lodge we learn was the first JV lodge/ community project and I had the true pleasure of dining and chatting with it's champion Maxi (NACSO Executive Director).

After dinner we had a robust conversation to what "we" can do to help (why we are here),  but first we need to heart the challenges.   In a nut shell #1 of course and as always is unfortunately funding as it often is with any project.  Then we drill down to things like compensating farmers for elephants damaging crops and lions eating goats, things we don't often consider.

One thing struck me as a parallel, many of the issues are quite similar to our re introduction of wolves in Yellowstone and the ongoing conflict with local ranchers, so maybe we are not all that different after all.

Just an FYI, we calculated we are in the 5000 photo arena, with 4 days to go!!

Tonight we are headed in to the bush for a night of camping.

More to come.  I have I mentioned how much I love and respect Namibia and its people?

Namaste,

Dan Austin

 

It took all of 5 minutes on the ground in South Africa to forget about the 26 hours it took to get here (the last 14 straight Atlanta to Johannesburg). You see it is blatantly obvious from your very first contact with the African people, they welcome you with open arms and a warm heart.  You "glide" through customs and passport control with smiles and welcomes.

With our crazy busy stateside lives we don't notice how "short" and downright rude many have become.  But here in a land where so many have so little, there is an abundance of compassion, kindness and warm, welcoming openness.

At dinner our first night in an airport hotel, our waiter shared with us growing up a Zulu in Mozambique and moving to Johannesburg 12 years ago for work. He taught us how to say thank you in Zulu "Ngiyabonga", but assured us everyone we meet will know and appreciate an "English" thank you and a smile even more.

This morning we continue on to Namibia, seems you can't have a bad day in Africa, the locals just won't have it.  Beautiful people in a beautiful land.  The next few weeks are sure to be sensory overload. Above all else re-charging my appreciation of simple things and reminding me to start each day with a smile.

We feel at home with "Mother Africa"

Dan Austin 

After weeks and weeks of planning and “waiting”, its finally here,  time to pack and hit the airways and head south, way south to Namibia for our ultimate Safari tour. While I am not looking forward to close to 20 hours of flying, I can’t wait to touch down in Windhoek Namibia.  As luck would have it, I have some great friends that just happen to be there as well.. the good folks from the Adventure Travel Trade Association and a few others are all meeting in Windhoek before our arrival.  We should connect for a cold beverage if all goes well. 

We will overnight in Johannesburg and continue on to Windhoek on Sunday AM.  As many times as I have done this, I still get excited when I walk off the tarmac and see our guide for the next week standing at the gate with a big smile and a sign that says “Welcome Austin’s”...  nothing confirms your arrival at the “right” destination as much as that simple welcome sign! 

While this isn’t our first trip to Namibia and we will be revisiting some of our favorite camps, it’s the time in the Dunes and discovering the Skeleton Coast and Walvis Bay I am most looking forward to.

We will do our best to post some pictures from our adventures in Southern Africa (tech gods willing) and be sure to bring back literally thousands to share with all and relive over and over the good times to be had…

Stay Tuned….

Dan Austin

Engaged couples often find that one of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is deciding on the honeymoon. While many grooms want to surprise the bride with the wedding trip destination, brides also want to have a choice in this once in a lifetime trip.

Surely an adventure vacation for couples is just the right type of getaway to inspire tales repeated to children and grandchildren as you grow old and gray together. So at the start of your life together, our adventure tours promise to provide the happy couple with great memories of fun, pampering, dining, biking, hiking, culture and education all wrapped up into one package. We handle every detail including activities, accommodations and dining. The bride and groom just need to be prepared for experiencing everything that their destination of choice has to offer.

Fortunately, there are many journeys to choose from because our travel itineraries include locations in North, Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa. For Mountain adventure getaways with skiing, kayaking and wilderness exploration, couples will find their choice of Canada, Rocky Mountains, Alaska or Grand Canyon vacations.

Those who want to experience foreign cultures and breathtaking scenery will find our European vacations  just right for honeymoon vacations. With trips to France, Spain, Italy and more, honeymooners will enjoy biking, gourmet dining and walking through picturesque villages and wineries.

For an unforgettable honeymoon, join us on one of our journeys as you begin your first days together as a married couple.
 

Our guides are at the heart of every one of our adventure vacations. Their experience and personalities make our guests feel right at home even when they are miles from home. And every one of them no matter what activity they lead or expertise they share, all enjoy guiding our clients into their great outdoor adventure.

Our goal with every adventure travel itinerary we plan is to make sure that each guest has the experience of a lifetime. With small groups and a 6 to 1 ratio of guides to guests, each one of our adventure tours provides an intimate and personal journey meant to create a special time for everyone participating.

Using guides with so much expertise in the secret, untouched places at each destination means that you will share in an experience far away from the crowds. Treating each guest as a VIP means that we take customer service very seriously. Your vacation adventure guide is part of our family and wants to ensure that you feel like a member as well.

Let Austin-Lehman exceed your expectations on your next vacation with adventure vacation packages to Canada, Central and South America as well as Europe and Africa. Give us a call today or visit our travel site online.
 

The summer is heating up for adventure vacations to exotic and faraway destinations. If you are looking for a holiday that combines family fun with biking, hiking, boating and a safari, then you need look no further than our South African adventure vacation from Cape Town to Kruger.

In eleven days you’ll traverse the city and countryside seeing all the historical sites, wildlife and culture that uniquely belong to this exciting continent. Adventure tours to South Africa feature tram rides to magnificent views of Cape Town, and view firsthand the Robbin Island prison cell where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 year prison sentence.

Cycling tours to South Africa’s wine country lead you through picturesque landscapes while stopping for frequent wine tastings during the journey. Adventure continues with kayaking to where African penguins play and whale’s float resting in the clear waters. Horseback riding, bush walks and open vehicle tours through Sabi Sabi will take you hunting for animals that are typically seen in Western zoos.  Giraffe, zebra, lions, hippos, rhinos and more make their home here, and travelers will enjoy seeing them in their natural habitat.

And the journey isn’t complete without savoring the fresh seafood and wines that come from this part of the world while relaxing in comfortable lodging. Make Africa part of your vacation plans this summer. Simply give us a call to learn more or request a catalog of all our exciting destinations.
 

Our trip to South Africa with Austin Lehman was fantastic! We travel a lot – usually with our four kids. Our entire family thoroughly enjoyed our African adventure vacation. We will have great memories for years to come. We had no idea what to expect from Austin Lehman or Africa, but we were thoroughly impressed with both! There is no way to pick our favorite place to stay as both Ant’s Hill and Pitse Lodge were excellent choices. They were both unbelievable. As a matter of fact, our mouths dropped when we say Ant’s Hill. It truly was like paradise on earth. Outside there was so much to explore, and we had plenty of time to relax as well. The guides were the best, and the accommodations heavenly! These two lodges were by far the best traveling experiences we have ever had….and we travel quite a lot! We left feeling more knowledgeable and understanding of this fascinating country. I would highly recommend both the trip and Austin Lehman to anyone.

Name: The Cook Family
City: Baton Rouge
State: Louisiana
Country: USA

The People of Africa (Diverse and Fascinating) “We are not Africans because we are born in Africa, we are Africans because Africa is born in us.”

Chester Higgins Jr.

There is no continent more blessed with the incredible beauty and sweeping diversity than that of Africa. From this diversity Africans “parented” the rest of humanity.  However, all this diversity has a tangible and intangible commonality which merges into one family!  Who hasn’t looked at a collection of photos or videos and “marveled’ at the stoic Maasai Tribe…tall, handsome and often dressed in red – a semi nomadic people located in Kenya and Tanzania. They are among the best known and recognizable African ethnic groups and are often found working the many game camps and lodges in the region.

Or who hasn’t heard of the Zulu?  The reason you have heard of them just might be that they are the largest ethnic group in southern Africa and beyond.  They are well known for their beautiful, brightly colored beads and baskets as well as other small carvings. The Zulu are practically divided in half with about 50% living in cities and engaging in domestic work and another 50% working on farms.

My personal favorite might be the Himba. (Picture the tribe that uses the “red” die to color their hair and skin.)  This ancient tribe of semi nomadic herders and farmers is made up of extraordinary people who have resisted change and preserved their unique cultural heritage.  It’s hard to travel through Namibia without visiting a village of the Himba.

Okay, so that is just three of the over 500 tribes that make up the indigenous people of Southern and East Africa…but when many, if not most of us think about Africa, how can we not think about Nelson Mandela and his struggle and ultimate leadership in ending Apartheid?  A trip to Cape Town or a visit to District 6 or Robin Island will take you back and leave you thirsting for more insight about this period in African history. 

As I said early on, the people of Africa are diverse: Sheep herders, gold miners, peasants and millionaires.  It would be hard to stereotype Africa’s population and be even close.

Safari or Not To Safari (Types of Programs Throughout Africa)

Now back to the task at hand – preparing you to determine the best African Adventure for you and yours.  As I see it there are really just a few different types of African vacations. Obviously #1 is the classic African Safari.  Option #2 might be more of an “Active” African adventure, and option #3 might be a combination of the two.  There is of course a #4, sitting on a beach somewhere drinking tropical drinks with an umbrella but really, why travel all the way to Africa for what you can do in Florida or Hawaii? To this end I will spend a few minutes talking about #1, #2 and #3 (#4 I will leave to your imagination).

The Classic African Safari!  First we need to remember, Africa wrote the book on luxury camping and over the top customer service.  While it may be possible to locate a large multi-unit hotel style complex, I am just not sure where or why you would want to stay in one when much better options are available.  The “average” accommodation, if there is such a thing in Africa, is a small super deluxe permanent camp style setting.  Yes, there are permanent lodges and/or mobile camps, but for the most part you will find a permanent tent style camp.  Why tent style? Often times the “landlord” can only lease the land, so the idea is there cannot be a permanent structure.  That said, these permanent “camps” are about as far from camping as you can get: running hot and cold water, incredibly plush bedding and service beyond your wildest expectations.  Guest to staff ratios in excess of four staff to one guest is not uncommon.

These camps are often on nature conservatories or game reserves in the heart of the best game viewing possible.  I have had the pleasure of having White Rhinos visit the dinner table and Hippos brush my tent in the middle of the night. This is clearly how you can get up close and personal to the game. In my book African safaris has to be the perfect adventure vacations for couples.

One thing to keep in mind – not all camps have all game. Therefore, one must start considering what it is they really want to see.  Similar for each region, you may be able to see the Big Five for example, but it may take a few days at this camp and a few days at that one and so forth.  Each camp (and area) has its own “specialty”.

The overall experience can vary as well.  A “private” experience in Africa is quite common…this is when you and say, your family of four, has their own vehicle and guide for the duration of your stay.  The guide driver will escort you from camp to camp or region to region, always in your own vehicle.  Another option is to “fly” into the bigger camps…here you meet a group of likeminded travelers and each day load up into a “safari” vehicle (sometimes seating as many as a dozen plus) and go out for your game drives together.  After a few days you may move to another camp and meet another group.

Each camp or lodge for that matter has a different “setting”.  Each region has different vegetation and geography.  Start asking yourself questions: are you a desert person or do you prefer thick forestation, dunes or river valleys, red rocks or granite peaks, six tent compounds or more expansive forty room lodges with a hot tub?

#2 Active Adventure.  Here is the challenge, by the sheer nature of the beast (pun intended): it is difficult at best, but not impossible, to have a very active safari.  Why? Simply put, there are things out there that would be delighted to eat you and wandering around is just not a good idea.  That doesn’t mean you can’t have a day here or there of biking, rafting or horseback riding (in fact, there are some great safari options that include a little of both).  It’s easy to fit in an active day here or there. But for a truly active adventure one has to think along the lines of civilization, at least by African standards. 

South Africa vacations are a smorgasbord of possible activities.  Biking the Garden Route, kayaking Point of Good Hope, shark diving with Great Whites, hiking Table Mountain, etc. It may be easiest to base in one of the many hotel style properties.  There are lots of opportunities to explore the culture (think townships and Robin Island) or fine dining and wine tasting (South Africa is not to be overlooked for its own wine country). 

As with any civilized destination, the options for hotel types and quality are endless.  Everything is available from five star luxury resorts to the more affordable three start comfort hotels.  Don’t overlook Africa’s beaches – some of the best in the world! (Just remember their “season” is opposite of that in the US). 

#3 Combination. This option seems to fit the best for most adventurous souls.  Simply put, five to seven days of safari can be a lot.  As pointed out, most safaris entail a lot of “seat time”.  So how about starting with an “active” on-the-go vacation and then graduating to a safari style?  This may be easier than you think.  You see, the toughest part of an African vacation is just getting there.  Depending on where you start, this could be a 15-20 or even 24 hour flight!  But once you get to Africa it’s not all that tough to take in-country flights from one country or destination to another.  Let’s say your “hub” is Johannesburg (as it often is)…you can fly to Johannesburg and then on to Cape Town and spend the week exploring, biking, hiking, kayaking, you name it. Then, either take a commuter small plane to one of the game reserves like Sabi Sabi near Krueger National Park or fly back to Johannesburg and transfer via one of the in-country carriers like South African Airways to Windhoek to visit a wide range of camps in Namibia.  Or via Johannesburg, fly back up to Nairobi and treat yourself to a Kenya or Tanzania safari.

The options are limitless...

Dan Austin

Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari

Or leave a comment with your questions below.

What you need to know not only before you go, but before you even start thinking about going!

To start our journey together I want to share an African proverb:  The people sailing in the same boat share the goal.

When one thinks of Africa, the vision is that of beauty, wilderness, wildlife, exotic peoples, romance and so much more.  Throughout history Africa’s people, its struggles and above all else its overwhelming beauty have created a romantic vision of a spectacular, yet mysterious continent.  Since those first western explorers landed on its shores in the late 1800’s, Americans have been fascinated and drawn with wonder and intrigue to this diverse and complex land.  Even today the stories and pictures that come out of Africa paint a picture of an untouched place where its people live as they have for centuries, a place where the wildlife is abundant and untamed and a place of conflict and opportunity…yet there is so much more than superlatives can describe and a ton of adventure vacation packages to discover when looking into a trip to Africa.

There is a saying in Africa….  It applies to planning your first trip as well:  “How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time!” Once you have your mind made up that you will visit this great continent, set aside the time to “study up” and educate yourself on at least the basics.  The following is just an idea and an outline of things you might want to consider and how to get started eating that elephant called Africa.

The Continent and the Five Regions of Africa (This is One Big Continent)

Of our seven continents on the planet Africa ranks number two in size, second only to Asia.  With its 11,677,791 square miles (give or take a few) you can fit all of Europe and South America within its footprint.  In fact you could fit the United States something like five times within its coastlines. That is one large land mass.  As you start thinking about the “where” keep this in mind…Picture talking to a distant relative in Europe and your response when they suggest they want to come visit for two weeks and they would like to see Maine, New York, Florida, Arizona and the California coast. You would quickly let them know that just isn’t possible! Now magnify that times five and well, you get the idea.

Africa and its 58 countries are broken up into five distinct “regions”:

o   North Africa

o   West Africa  

o   East Africa  

o   Central Africa

o   Southern Africa

North Africa is typically considered dry and arid. It is made up of eight countries or territories and not frequently thought of as a “Safari” destination.  Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Western Sahara make up North Africa. North Africa is separated from the rest of Africa by the Sahara Desert to the South.  These countries create a stronger connection to the seafaring countries of Europe more so than their southern neighbors.

West Africa is bordered on the west and south by the Atlantic, to the north by the Sahara, and to the east (roughly) by Mount Cameroon to Lake Chad.   West Africa makes up roughly one-fifth of Africa and includes Liberia, Senegal, Togo, Niger, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, just to name a few of the eighteen countries, commonly considered West Africa.  With the vast majority of its land mass as plains at less than 300 meters above sea level, it is considered “semi-arid”.

***East Africa is where we really start talking “safari country”!  This region consists of nineteen countries and territories most commonly known for Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Mozambique, Madagascar, (although these last two are often referenced as Southern Africa), again just to hit the highlights.  When talking “safari” Eastern Africa typically means Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.  Its stunning and scenic geography, dense vegetation and high peaks (Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya to be a name dropper), as well as Lake Victoria, the second largest fresh water lake in the world should be “must-sees” in anyone’s book.  It should be no surprise why the fabled Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) can be found here.

Central Africa (considered by most to be a “Republic”) is considered the “core” of the continent and includes the countries, regions or states of Burundi, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda.  This is a land rich in African history as well as minerals.  Despite its significant mineral resources (gold, uranium, diamonds, etc.) the Central African Republic remains one of the poorest countries in the world and among the ten poorest countries in Africa. It should be no surprise that in no small part to the mineral wealth and the geographic “core” location, Central Africa has been a coveted territory by both African and foreign governments for centuries.

***Southern Africa (not to be confused with the country of South Africa).  Southern Africa is the southernmost region of the African continent, variably defined by geography or geopolitics. Within the region are numerous territories, including the Republic of South Africa (a successor country to the Union of South Africa); nowadays, the simpler term South Africa is generally reserved for the country in English.  In the UN scheme of things, Southern Africa is made up of five countries: South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia (my favorite), Lesotho and Botswana.  When we think or hear Africa, we are often hearing about Southern or even South Africa as it is a region rich with history, development, opportunities and struggles.  South Africa stands out as the dominant economic superpower of the region.  It can also “rival” East Africa with its wildlife opportunities.

(*** Regions commonly associated with safaris!)

Read Part 2: Visiting Africa 101- Part 2

Dan Austin

Don't forget I am always here to help you plan the perfect African Safari

Austin Lehman’s adventure vacation packages are unparalleled when it comes to active travel. Take a safari adventure vacation for couples in South Africa and experience the rush of adrenaline as your paths cross with wild animals in their natural habitat.

The safari can be conducted on horseback or in an open vehicle to make viewing zebras, giraffes, hippos, lions and even penguins in Africa that much easier. As you arrive in Cape Town, you’ll notice the world class luxury and awe inspiring natural scenery.

To get a bird’s eye view, take a tram up majestic Table Mountain for a spectacular view of the city, the coastline and the Cape Peninsula. The ferry to Robben Island takes travelers on a visit to view the prison cell of Nelson Mandela. And not to be missed is world famous Cape Winelands where you can stimulate your taste buds by savoring some of the finest wines. Biking through the vast vineyards will also lead to a pleasant time picking fresh strawberries.  

Cycling tours through Cape Point Nature Reserve is a fabulous experience as you explore the clean white beaches and wide coastlines. Enjoy the amazing natural beauty and wildlife of Cape Point. Kayak alongside penguins, dolphins and gigantic 50 ton southern right whales. There are many endangered species in this park, and you might get a glimpse of these animals if it’s your lucky day. Get a close look at Africa’s unique shrub vegetation called Fynbos as you ride through the coastal forests of Western Cape.

Booking this exotic safari vacation is just a click away by visiting our online travel catalog.
 

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, the thoughts of many men and women go to finding just the right gift to express their love and appreciation for that someone special. Why not consider adventure vacations for couples? Time away from the real world – kids, work and responsibilities – may be just the thing to add a little romance to bring couples back to the days when they first met.

Adventure Vacation Packages
Adventurous couples may enjoy an active vacation filled with hiking, rock climbing or cycling tours. Our adventure trips are worldwide journeys for couples to experience nature’s beauty up close. Stay closer to home in Arizona, South Dakota or Montana. Venture further by traveling to Italy, Peru, Chile or France. Pretty much anywhere there are mountains, trails and picturesque scenery, there’s an adventure waiting.

Romantic Getaways
For those who desire a little more one on one time, our gourmet and wine tasting trips may be just the ideal getaway. Touring historic cities and sites and then spending evenings with fine wines and gourmet dining in California or European cities offers a more intimate time to revive and refresh relationships.

Exotic Destinations
Getting away from it all and experiencing the exhilarating rush of viewing wild animals in their natural habitat while on safari tour will certainly add some heart stopping action to a couple’s relationship. Visit the bush in Africa or the jungles of South America and allow these exotic destinations to capture the essence of what being together is all about.

Learn more about our vacation destination packages by calling us at (800) 575-1540 or visiting our 2012 digital vacation catalog.