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Africa's spring has arrived

Which means that the northern migrant birds are on their way south, the bush is due for some refreshing rains and summer's on the way. 

It also means that "braai" (grill) kits are coming out from winter storage!  This pic captures many local "non-vegetarian" sentiments...

..."smaak" means "to like or enjoy" in South Africa.  We've had quite a bit of fun with this and more on Facebook.  Join us...friends here....company page across here

2011 safaris in full swing!
 

We've had a simply outstanding prime time since June.  It's been a cold winter but things are heating up, always the case when the traditional school and college vacs are nearly all over.  The valleys are getting warm, the bush has had a winter "thinning", wildlife is drawing towards shrinking water sources and scout reports and client feedback has been excellent. 

• Botswana: wild dog pups have been the centre of attention at Kwando; lots of "predator-prey" action especially between lion and buffalo at Duba Plains; constant elephant activity around Jacana Camp; water levels dropping in the Okavango.

• Zimbabwe: ever-present elephant, large moving herds of buffalo, mischievous nocturnal visitors and Nyala in Mana Pools; a string of successful canoeing and walking safaris; great lion and leopard sightings in Hwange; birds galore!

• ...also from Pamuzinda, Zimbabwe: an old warthog has taken up residence in a bar lounge

• Namibia: good brown hyaena and jackal sightings on the Skeleton C0ast; Cheetah, lion and elephant made an appearance in Damaraland

• Zambia: pangolins have been "positively exhibitionist" in Kafue; entertainment by huge elephant herds at Toka Leya; Wonky Tusk, Wellington and family are back checking out their favourite "wild mango" tree at Mfuwe. (No fruit until October...another few months of elephant antics begins!)

• Tanzania: The first crocs have returned to their caves on the Katuma River and wildlife action is chaotic in Katavi; lions have an epic territorial battle in Selous; Emmanuel spends the morning surrounded by 500,000 wildebeest in the Lamai Wedge, Serengeti

• Kenya: Hardly a wildebeest in sight but daily doses of Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Rhino at Nkorombo (Mara); close friends top the last day of safari with leopard; good migration action in central Mara. (Atta is working proactively in the industry to keep us updated on the Kiwayu incident.)

• Birding reports: best shots by Wilderness Safaris - African finfoot (Zambia); Seychelles blue pigeon and white-tailed Tropicbirds (Seychelles); Montagu's Harrier (Nyika, Malawi)

Part of the Selous territorial battle sequence, courtesy Mark & Chloe Sheridan Johnson at Sand Rivers

Last minute safaris and preparing for 2012

• If Victoria Falls was on the cards this festive period then sadly it's too late.  If you're flexible then plan up to mid-December or into January.  You'll miss the crowds and get outstanding summer weather with wildlife and birding conditions deluxe.  4* comfort and easy connections into Zimbabwe, Zambia or Botswana.  "The best ticket in town".

• Greystoke Mahale is practically full July to September 2012 but the Katavi-Mahale safari is best in October/November/December anyway.  Don't leave this too late next year!

• British Olympian Lucinda Green: an excellent prospect for horse riders in the Okavango 30 Nov to 7 Dec 2012.  Book by end Jan 2012.

• Gorilla permits, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Pay $350 instead of $500.  October and November only.

• Mauritius and Seychelles: Affordable tropical is1and hopping.  14 nights for the price of 12.  5-star lodgings.  Ideal for couples (with or without preschool children).  May and June 2012 only.

• Family safaris:  Now's the time to get bookings in place for next July and August.  Especially if you're looking at Kenya, Tanzania or Zambia.  These are small outfits - once the best space is taken no amount of money will get you availability.

• Honeymoon offers: Specials in Tanzania (Sand Rivers, Kiba Point, Greystoke Mahale, Chada Katavi, Lamai Serengeti Jan-Mar and Nov 2012; Serengeti Safari Comp, Nduara Loliondo Mar-May 2012)

• Wilderness Safaris: Nov-April 2012 except Xmas and Easter.  Practically unbeatable offers in 23 spots across Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Mana Pools Canoeing Safaris, Zimbabwe

An ideal combination of unspoilt wilderness, some of the finest wildlife and birding in the region, truly excellent river guides and a wide range of options to suit all tastes. Seriously affordable!

The canoeing safaris range from fairly basic full-participation trails all for under $1000 to backed-up safaris with some of Africa's top professional guides.

Add a night or two on either end of a canoeing safari at Ruckomechi and you'll have first class comfort to complement the wilder action and activity on the Zambezi River.

Mana Pools is where the best action takes place.  A World Heritage Site in the heart of the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Preserve. 

  ...a reminder to Australian and Canadian clients about last month's offer

Find out more about Lower Zambezi Canoeing

If you love the idea of being independent then this intrepid self-drive safari could be just the ticket! Staying at secluded sites in northern Tanzania – taking in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti.  You'll have a fully equipped safari vehicle, maps and advice on where to stop for fuel, food and drink. Then off you go!

Find out more about this self drive Tanzania safari