African Safaris

Briefly continuing on the theme of last week's blog, the strength of the Australian dollar against the US means there is no better time to schedule fantastic East Africa Safaris (the US dollar is the currency charged for travel & accommodation in East Africa)  East Africa Safaris can aim to follow in the footsteps of Karen Blixen, or give you a 3D version of the Big Cat Diaries.   In either event the favourable exchange rate has the effect of making all East Africa Safaris more affordable: so now is the time to set your plans in motion.

Of course, East Africa is not the only place where the currency of travel is the US dollar.  It also applies in Botswana, rendered unique by the Okavango River which flows inland (rather than to the sea) and dissipates in the Kalahari Desert.  This lends itself to African Safaris with a difference!  Can you even begin to imagine your makoro slipping silently through a mantle of water-lillies as the papyrus sways with the gentle breeze at the bank.  Indeed so beautiful and serene is it that I often recall the scene to feature in my regular meditations or creative visualisation exercises!

Since Botswana tends to be a relatively expensive destination, the budget conscious may want to consider the more affordable African Safaris destinations while still taking advantage of the favourable exchange rates.  Zimbabwe is one such place where the US$ is also utilised as as a "traveller's" currency.  As well as being relatively affordable for African Safaris, Zim is a very versatile location.  In addition to catering for the more traditional African Safaris, it has something exciting and different to cater to all tastes.  While Victoria Falls is known for its spectacular waterfall which is world heritage listed, it is also known as one of the adventure capitals of Africa where you can abseil off the Victoria Falls bridge, plunge down the rapids of the mighty Zambezi in a white water raft or walk with lions.  The less adventurous are also catered for with picturesque walkways, sunset cruises on the Zambezi or, one of my favourite activities, the flight of angels (ie a helicopter ride over the falls)

A few hours away from Victoria Falls by road lies Zimbabwe's largest national park, Hwange which provides all that African Safaris could hope for, to which I can personally attest having visited there last November!  A comfortable flight from Hwange can then take the holiday maker to a place which is really just a dot on the map, Bumi Hills.  After a few minute transfer by barge, the unsuspecting traveller arrives in an idyllic haven called Musango, a place that keeps calling me back.  Musango is a Safari camp situated on its own island in Lake Kariba, just off the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park.  It boasts an abundance of wildlife from buffalo and elephants to the rare black rhino (African Safaris don't often offer the possibility of bumping into the black rhino).  The Matusadona National Park is also an ornithologist's paradise with a myriad of birds to be seen frequenting the birdbaths in front of the lodge and rooms.  But it was the charm of the place that entranced me, from the little stone huts that house guests to the funny little metal birds dotted hither and thither to the broad sweeping vista from either the veranda of the reception area or the adjacent swimming pool.  But I also loved the variety of activities offered, such as total relaxation at the camp, walking safaris, big 5 game drives, tracking of wild black rhino in the adjacent rhino sanctuary, village tours, canoeing, game cruises and tiger and tilapia fishing on Lake Kariba.  Unfortunately our time was too limited to avail of many of the activities but I will never forget the wonderful afternoon hours spent drifting along in the barge on what I suppose one would call a game cruise – this was definitely one of my more memorable African Safaris!  I will be back!

As Horace said "He who has begun has half done.  Dare to be wise; begin" – now is the time to capitalise on the favourable exchange rate as it increases the affordability of African Safaris.