Great news! After a long period of isolation, most of our favourite destinations in Africa are open for tourism again.Visitors are starting to trickle back to Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa and the reports we’ve been receiving are very encouraging indeed. Safari Covid safe The efforts made by our partners on the ground to ensure that all[…]
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It’s been several months since we were able to travel freely and, like me, you are probably itching to get back out on safari. But which countries can you visit? The short answer is ‘not many’. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) currently advises against all international travel, apart from designated safe corridors. There are no African countries that[…]
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Like make other African countries that depend on revenue from tourism, Kenya has been hit very hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many lodges and camps lying empty in what should be their peak season. Aware that travellers will be looking for both reassurances and incentives to start travelling again, and that they will be competing with other safari destinations,[…]
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With international travel all but at a standstill and no clear end to the restrictions in sight, most of us have had to rethink the safari travel plans we had booked for 2020.Some of you may have decided that there is no point making plans for your travel until the pandemic has passed and countries have opened up again but[…]
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Exciting news! Rhino River Camp (Meru) is now part of the Porini & Gamewatchers Safaris portfolio.Located adjacent to the Rhino Sanctuary of Meru National Park and protecting over 60 acres of indigenous forest it offers a great base from where to explore the wilderness of Meru National Park. Meru National Park Meru National Park, situated in northern Kenya, covers an[…]
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Planning a safari can take quite a bit of time and effort, but every once in a while you just want a safari, NOW! We have a lots of tried and tested safari itineraries that can be taken as they are – ‘off the peg’ – or tailored to meet your specifications. Better still they won’t break the bank. Here[…]
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What kind of safari can you get for US$4,000? A short while ago we were contacted by some professional photographers from the USA. They wanted to go on safari in Africa, in particular they wanted to witness the great wildebeest migration, but their budget was tight; the cost must not exceed US$4,000 per person. Now, I can hear some of[…]
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Camps & Lodges with the WOW! factor Someone just asked me “What is your favourite camp in Africa?” How do I pick just one? I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in so many amazing places. Faced with this challenge and a few idle hours over the festive season I thought I’d try and at least narrow it down to a short-list.[…]
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Family Safaris in Africa It’s 2016 and January is already half gone. Can’t decide where to go for this year’s annual family holiday? Have you thought about taking them on safari in Africa? If you’re looking for a holiday that is active and interactive, where every day brings with something new to keep both adults and children happy then a safari[…]
Read moreThe recent death of up to 600 vultures after feeding on a poisoned elephant carcass near Namibia’s Bwabwata National Park in July confirms that the indiscriminate use of poison is one of the major causes of the ongoing decline in vulture populations across most of Africa. This is particularly evident in West Africa where an average decline of 42%[…]
Read moreIn recent months a number of governments around the world have taken the step of publicly destroying their stockpiles of seized illegal ivory to give credence to their anti-poaching stance. Their actions have provoked fierce debate with some arguing that crushing or buring ivory is little more than a publicity stunt when the ivory could be sold to raise funds[…]
Read moreFollowing a year that has seen some of the most devastating statistics about the decline of elephant and rhino populations in Africa due to rampant poaching we thought it appropriate that our first post of the year should be a call to arms. If you are one of those that has enjoyed, or hopes to enjoy, an African safari we[…]
Read moreOver the past few days I have been updating some of my recent Safari Diaries. The time that these diaries were originally written (Feb 2013) coincided with the development of our new website and as a consequence they were a little bit neglected. Now that the site has bedded down nicely and I’ve got a break in between safaris, it[…]
Read moreA 6 night safari staying in 2 private conservancies for under $2, 000 may sound too good to be true, but believe it, it’s not. Gamewatchers Safaris in Kenya are offering you the chance to spend 3 nights in their Selenkay Conservancy, adjoining Amboseli National Park and 3 nights in their Ol Kenyei Conservancy, adjoining the Maasai Mara. This incredible[…]
Read moreIn January I flew over Kenya’s Rift Valley and was surprised to see the incredibly high water levels of Lake Nakuru. The lake had swollen so much, rising around 2 metres, that the roads used to circumnavigate the lake were now submerged. Water everywhere but no flamingoes More alarming was that the flamingoes for which Lake Nakuru is renowned were nowhere[…]
Read moreThis thought provoking opinion piece from Calvin Cottar and Wycliffe Muga in Nairobi’s Weekend Star looks at some of the reasons why Kenya’s tourism plans are not panning out as they had hoped and what can be done to put things back on track before it is too late.
Read moreAre wildlife conservation and wildlife safaris just for rich foreigners? Someone recently posted on our forums that wildlife conservation was just for rich westerners. The gist of his argument was that the parks and reserves where wildlife is conserved and protected are usually remote and once you get there you need a 4×4 to get around. In addition to that[…]
Read moreYellow Fever Certification for East Africa. In line with a recent statement from the Kenyan Ministry of Health, please be informed that it is no longer just recommended but now mandatory for travellers to Kenya, travelling FROM or THROUGH “endemic” countries, to have proof of the Yellow Fever vaccination. What is important to note is that Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda[…]
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