5 Common Questions About African Safari/Photo Safari & Africa Wildlife Safaris By Chuck Larsen

www.burntpine-safari.com

The word Safari conjures up all sorts of mental images for most people. Recent movies and documentaries such as Out Of Africa and the African nature shows from National Geographic and the Discovery Channel have replaced our mental images from movies such as John Wayne´s Hatari and Bogart´s African Queen. It may still be sometimes referred to as the Dark Continent, but it is far from dark when it comes to a tourist friendly environment offering exceptional customer service and hospitality. My first safari was in 1982, and since then I have averaged three trips there a year. Speaking from a position of experience I believe I can address the most commonly asked questions about an African Photo Safari.

• How expensive are African photo safaris is probably the most common question asked by first time to Africa travelers. The answer to that lies in the properties/accommodations that are chosen. By and large, an African wildlife safari isn´t more expensive then a vacation in Europe with comparable accommodations.

• How safe is traveling in Africa is the second most commonly asked question. My wife and I have never experienced any problems traveling in the region. Tourism is a major foreign currency earner, and tourists are well looked after. As in any place in today´s world, including America, a common sense approach to your own personal safety is advised. Overall, the African bush is one of the safest places in the world.

• What about all those shots and immunizations? There are no special shots or immunizations that are required while visiting the Southern African Region, with the exception of Tanzania and Kenya, which require a Yellow Fever vaccination. But it is recommended that you see your own doctor and also visit the Center for Disease Control web site www.cdc.gov for specifics and their recommendations before traveling to Africa. There are some areas you may travel to that it is recommend you take an oral malaria prophylactic.

• I never did like camping where I had to rough it. There is no such thing as roughing it in the majority of camps and lodges. The bush camps and lodges are anything but bush when it comes to comfort, amenities, and service. Expect the very best when it comes to food and wine. It seems like it´s always time to eat or snack on some delectable goodie. From cooked to order breakfasts, to lavish lunch buffets, to dinners around a roaring fire in a Boma, the dining experiences are fantastic. In South Africa most all rooms or chalets are air-conditioned, and many even feature their own plunge pools. Even in the tented camps spacious tents are used and luxury is the common denominator. The camps tend to be small and intimate with outstanding personal service. While the word tent appears, there is no similarity to the ones you camped in growing up, these are big and luxurious, and all will have en-suite facilities!

• How hard is it to get there? Direct and non-stop service to Africa is available from the gateway cities of Atlanta (Delta), Washington´s Dulles (SAA), or New York´s JFK (SAA). Other carriers route through Europe and will add considerable time to your travel. All service is on overnight flights. Recently more and more folks are using frequent flyer programs or the "two for one" offering (American Express) for their air arrangements. Regardless of the choice, advance planning for these are very important. You will find that Monday-Wednesday departures are slightly less expensive.

Africa is a destination that is best booked through an agent that specializes in Africa and one who can personalize your experience. While there are many group departures that can offer some savings, Africa should be seen with a personalized itinerary. It´s a long journey and you will want to optimize your Safari experience. Booking agents with African experience don´t cost more, and they can offer very valuable advice. In most cases they will save you time and money. But be forewarned most people return to Africa within three years of going on their first safari!

For more information on booking your next great outdoor experience contact me at c.larsen@mindspring.com or go to www.burntpine-safari.com