It is true that we all travel for different reasons, and our tastes and likes vary.  However, when coming for a holiday in Africa, I think there are some places you just have to visit, and some activities you must undertake to enjoy a complete African safari experience. I have compiled a list of what I consider the 10 unique African safari experiences. You may not be able to do all of them during one visit, unless of course you have a lot of time. But with proper planning, you can cover aspects of all of them in at least two trips to Africa.

1. Wildlife safaris

If you have time for only one safari activity, then wildlife safaris are the obvious choice, especially if the closest you have ever come to an African wild animal is in a zoo. Among all African animals, the big five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) are the most popular, and perhaps most fascinating to observe. The experience of seeing them and other animals in their natural habitat is indeed very amazing. No wonder the word “African safari” is almost synonymous with wildlife safaris.

There are so many places in Africa that give you a rewarding wildlife experience, top on the list being Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya, South Africa’s Kruger national park, and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. You can also have an equally (or even more) satisfying safari experience in other less known wildlife destinations like Etosha national park in Namibia, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, and Chobe National Park in Botswana. For a first-time visit to Africa, I would recommend starting with any of the parks mentioned above.

2. Primate Safaris

There are wildlife destinations that meet your unique tastes. One of the growing popular niche are primate safaris in East and Central Africa. If for example you are interested in the gorillas, chimpanzees and other apes, you should visit the game reserves in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DR Congo. You can enjoy a primate safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

3. Gorilla Trekking

Looking to doing something different from the usual tours? Why not plan a gorilla safari expedition into Uganda or Rwanda. Meeting the mountain gorillas in their natural home is a dream come true to many travelers who travel to East and Central Africa.

Though mountain gorilla tours are the most popular, you can also see the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as well as Western Lowland gorillas in Odzala National Park of the Republic of Congo.

4. Cultural Safaris
It is indisputable that the African culture is rich and very diverse. Among the thousands of African ethnic groups however, there are a few that stand out because of their unique way of life and traditions, the Masai tribe being the top-most. There is arguably no better way to appreciate the Masai culture than visiting a Masai village and possibly spending some nights there. This is not for the faint-hearted though. An easier alternative would be to visit a Masai village during your safari in Kenya.

Other African ethnic groups with interesting cultures and that you may want to visit include the Samburu and Turkana of Kenya, and the Swahili found along the coast of East Africa.

5. Mountaineering Expeditions

For quite obvious reasons,  Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania ranks high among Africa’s adventure destinations. Though it is the highest mountain in Africa, it is also the most accessible. You do not need any special mountaineering equipment to get to Uhuru peak, the highest peak. Any reasonably healthy person can make it to the top especially if they climb slowly. This is unlike the more rugged Mt Kenya, where the highest you can get without mountain climbing gear is Point Lenana, at 4985 meters above sea level.  Only accomplished mountaineers attempt to get to the higher peaks of Batian and Nelion.

Mt Meru in Tanzania, the Rwenzori mountain range and the Virunga mountains in Uganda and neighboring countries are some of the other African mountains suitable for climbing or trekking expeditions.

6. Bird Watching Safaris

Would you like to see Africa’s unique birds? There is an amazing record number of birds on the continent. Africa is one of the best bird watching destinations in the world. From rare birds to endemics that cannot easily be found elsewhere on the continent, there is a lot to see for an avid birder.

There are lots of other activities for an adventure safari in Africa. You can fly over the Victoria falls on a microlight helicopter, go for gorilla tracking expeditions in the great Lakes region, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking (e.g in Sagana and Nanyuki in Kenya), skydiving (e.g in the annual Diani boogie in Kenya), snorkeling and white shark diving in South Africa, overlanding from Cairo Egypt to Cape Town in South Africa, etc.

The quintessential African safari experience and one of nature’s greatest spectacle, the Great Migration is a sight to behold. It is the astounding, never-ending natural trek of hungry herbivores across the limitless plains of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park that continues to leave travelers in awe.

After calving in the southern part of Tanzania’s Serengeti near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the animal’s journey through the Serengeti up and around in a clockwise direction towards the Masai Mara in Kenya, before returning once again near the end of the year. Along the way, high drama is always present, as thousands of animals are taken by predators and thousands more are born, replenishing the numbers and sustaining the circle of life.

What is the great migration

The Great Migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet. In fact, with up to 1,000 animals per km², the great columns of wildebeest can be seen from space.

Over 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras along with Topi and other gazelle move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of nutritious grass and water. Guided by survival instinct, each wildebeest will cover 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. Hungry predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, wild dog and crocodiles make sure only the strongest survive in this natural spectacle also known as ‘the greatest show on Earth.’

The circuit takes the animals from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the south of the Serengeti in Tanzania, up through the Serengeti and across into the Masai Mara in Kenya and back again. Young calves are snatched by predators, the slow are brought down by prides of lion, brave beasts break legs on steep river slopes, crocodiles take their share of the stragglers, and the weak and exhausted drown.

River Crossings

When people say they’ve come to see the migration, they really mean they have come to see the river crossings. Watching the wildebeest hurl themselves into the water, one after the other, in a flurry of panic, sends a surge of adrenalin through the most seasoned bush-junkie.

And then, of course, you have the lions and leopards waiting amongst the riverine shrubs to ambush unsuspecting victims. For those of us with limited time and rudimentary camera equipment, it can be challenging to capture the full impact of thundering hooves, the frantic urgency to get to the other side and the drama of predations. Sometimes the best strategy is to put the camera down and simply watch and absorb the drama playing out in front of you.

Dangers of the Great Migration

Of the roughly 1.5 million wildebeests of the Great Wildlife Migration, about 250,000 die every year. That means around a sixth of the wildebeest population doesn’t survive the Great Migration. The causes of death of vary, and include being killed by predators, dying of thirst or starvation, and being drowned when crossing large rivers.

The Great Migration in January, February and March

Around January each year, the migration will be finishing a southward trek, moving along the eastern edge of the Serengeti and into the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here the plains are rich in nutritious grass, providing the herds with the best conditions for raising their newborn calves.

Although there is no real beginning or end to this migratory circuit. Around late January or February, the herds occupy the short-grass plains that spread over the lower northern slopes of the Ngorongoro Crater highlands and around Olduvai Gorge. Some 400,000 calves are born here within a period of two to three weeks, or nearly 8,000 new calves every day.

The abundance of vulnerable young calves means the surrounding predators also spring into action, hunting with ease due to the sheer numbers of wildebeest.

The Great Migration in April and May

After bearing their young in February and March, around April the wildebeest herds begin to drift northwest toward the fresher grass of the central Serengeti, drawing with them thousands of zebras and smaller groups of antelope.

By May, columns of wildebeest stretch for several kilometers as the animals start to congregate by the Moru Kopjes, close to Dunia Camp, one of the few camps in the Serengeti that offers migration viewing at this time of year. Mating season begins toward the end of May and male wildebeest battle head-to-head. Throughout ‘the rut,’ the journey continues at leisure with the wildebeest, zebra and gazelle grazing as they go along.

Gradually, the movement gathers momentum and the wildebeest start to mass in the Serengeti’s Western Corridor. At this time of year, Ubuntu Migration Camp will have relocated to follow the migration and provide access to watch the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River. The herds form in huge numbers along the pools and channels of the river, which they have to cross in order to continue on their journey.

This may not be as spectacular as the famous Mara crossings, but there are still enough wildebeest to provide the Grumeti crocs with a veritable feast. It is worth noting that May is low season at Ubuntu. Safaris at this time offer great value since there are relatively low numbers of tourists in the Serengeti, yet the wildlife viewings remain excellent.

The Great Migration in June and July

During June, the dry season starts with large concentrations of wildebeest in the Western Serengeti and on the southern banks of the Grumeti River.

As June moves into July, the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra continue to head north along the western edge of the park toward an even riskier barrier: the Mara River in the north of the Serengeti. These river crossings are arguably one of the most exciting wildlife events on Earth. They usually begin at the onset of high season in July, but timing all depends on nature.

Later in July, those animals that have successfully made it across the Mara River will also be found in the Masai Mara, where guests of Rekero Camp can watch river crossings right from the main deck of the camp on their Kenyan safari. At this time, daily river crossings can be seen at the Mara and Talek rivers, both often central to incredible scenes.

The Great Migration in August, September and October

By August, the herds have faced the challenge of crossing the Mara River and are spread throughout the Masai Mara’s northern region, with many remaining in the northern Serengeti. In years when the river is in full flow, the panic and confusion at the crossings. But, even in years of relatively gently flowing water, the crocs take their toll, not to mention the lions and other large predators that patrol the banks, ready to ambush any wildebeest that make it to the other side. There is no single crossing: at some spots, there are just a few individuals, while others see a mass of animals moving without break for hours.

By September to October, the main chaos has ended and the migrating columns have gradually moved eastward. However, they wildebeest will face the heavy waters of the Mara River once more as they prepare to cross once again for their return journey southward.

The Great Migration in November and December

After the East African short rains in late October and early November, the wildebeest move down from Kenya and into the eastern limits of the Serengeti past Namiri Plains, an area known for outstanding cheetah sightings. By December, they are spread throughout the eastern and southern reaches.

In the early months of the new year, the grasses in the deep south of the Serengeti are lush with rain. This draws the herds of wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and other plains animals. The cycle continues as the calving season starts once again.

How to Experience the Great Migration

The name itself, the Great Migration, infers animals are on the move. That means travelers have two options for viewing the action that takes place. One is to stay put and let migrating animals come to you or chase the action by tracking the herd.

In conclusion

It is unclear how the wildebeest know which way to go, but it is generally believed that their journey is dictated primarily by their response to the weather; they follow the rains and the growth of new grass. While there is no scientific proof of it, some experts believe that the animals react to lightning and thunderstorms in the distance. It has even been suggested that wildebeest can locate rain more than 50km away.

The Canary Islands are a popular destination for holidays, thanks primarily to their winning formula of sun, sea and sand. These islands off the coast of Africa are technically part of Spain, but they have an identity all their own.The Canaries have a unique culture, and part of this is displayed in traditional Canary Islands music and dance. Whether you visit Tenerife, Gran Canaria, or Lanzarote (the three major Canary Islands), you’ll find the islands are teeming with attractions for music lovers.Sure, you’ll want to spend time relaxing by the sea, but think beyond the beach. If you spend some time discovering the music of the Canary Islands, your vacation will be even more rewarding.

Canary Islands music

Traditional Canarian music has a distinct folk quality. While the islands’ population is a mix of the native Gaunches (who are said to be related to Berbers) and Spaniards from the mainland, their music has a Latin and Spanish flavor.One thing you’ll notice is that in the Canary Islands, they play instruments that you don’t see elsewhere.

• El Timple – A small string instrument that resembles a ukulele
• Bandurria – Another stringed instrument, that looks similar to a mandolin
• Gomero – A type of tambourine
• Carachas – Percussion instruments typically made out of bone or wood
• Caracola – A wind instrument that looks like a large snail or conch shell

Canary Islands folk dance

Traditional dance outfits in the Canaries are colorful and fun. Women wear bright colored skirts, billowing white blouses, and a scarf on their head. Men wear loose trousers that come down to the knee, with black knee-high socks, and a colored sash around their waist.

Canary Islands Music Festival

Although the Canary Islands are well known for their folk music, the biggest musical event is a classical one. The Canary Islands Music Festival is an annual event, held every January and February since 1985. Events are spread across the Canary Islands, including smaller islands like El Hierro and La Gomera.This music festival was created to enhance the image of the Canary Islands as a destination that offers culture along with the exquisite beaches. Since the festival has attracted world famous musicians from Placido Domingo to Yoyo Ma, it looks like they’ve succeeded.

Conclusion

The Canary Islands Music Festival is held in winter, when you’re more likely to find cheap European flights to the islands than you will in summer. But whenever you visit the Canary Islands, be sure to seek out some traditional Canarian music and appreciate the local culture. It’s a great addition to your beach side fun.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that demands physical strength, mental perseverance, and proper preparation. Known as the “Roof of Africa,” Kilimanjaro attracts trekkers from all over the world, offering a challenge that is both rewarding and awe-inspiring. In this blog post, I’ll share valuable tips, insider tricks, and fascinating tales from my time on the mountain to help you prepare for the journey to the summit.

The Essential Prep: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires more than just physical fitness; it requires mental fortitude, the right equipment, and an understanding of the challenges you’ll face on the mountain. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare effectively.

1. Physical Training: Building Your Endurance

While Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, it’s still a physically demanding trek. To give yourself the best chance of success, you’ll need to train your body to handle long, steep hikes in varying weather conditions.

• Cardio and Stamina: Long days of trekking are the hallmark of the Kilimanjaro trekking experience, so focus on building your cardiovascular fitness with activities like hiking, running, and cycling.
• Strength Training: Strong legs are essential for the ascent. Incorporate strength exercises targeting your legs and core, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups. Your upper body will also come into play, especially for carrying your daypack.
• Altitude Training: The higher you climb, the thinner the air becomes. If you have access to altitude training masks or can hike at high altitudes, it can be beneficial. However, even training at sea level can prepare you for the trek, as long as you allow enough time for acclimatization during the climb.

2. Choosing the Right Trekking Route

Kilimanjaro offers several trekking routes, and choosing the right one is crucial for your success. While some routes are shorter and more direct, others are longer but provide better acclimatization and stunning views. Here are a few popular options:

• Machame Route: Known for its scenic beauty and higher success rates, this route takes 6-7 days. It offers excellent acclimatization and is perfect for those looking for a moderate challenge.
• Marangu Route: The shortest route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” because it’s the easiest, with hut accommodations. However, it has a lower success rate due to less time for acclimatization.
• Lemosho Route: A quieter and longer route, often chosen for its remote beauty and gradual ascent, this route is ideal for trekkers who prefer a more tranquil experience.

Tips for Success on Kilimanjaro: Climbing Smarter

Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about being smart and prepared. Here are my top tips for maximizing your chances of success:

1. Acclimatize Properly

Altitude sickness is one of the most common challenges when climbing Kilimanjaro. The key to avoiding it is slow and steady acclimatization. Most routes have built-in acclimatization days, where you ascend to a higher altitude during the day and descend back down to sleep. This helps your body adjust to the thinning air and increases your chances of reaching the summit.

• Hydrate and Rest: Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion on your ascent. Proper hydration helps your body adapt to the altitude.
• Climb High, Sleep Low: This is the golden rule for avoiding altitude sickness. Ascend to higher altitudes during the day but always return to a lower altitude to sleep.

2. Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

When trekking Kilimanjaro, it’s vital to maintain a slow and steady pace. The key is not to rush; slow but consistent movement will help conserve your energy and allow your body to adapt to the changing altitude.

• The “Pole Pole” Method: This Swahili phrase means “slowly, slowly.” The guides will remind you of this throughout the trek, and for good reason: pacing is essential to prevent fatigue and altitude sickness.
• Rest Often: Take regular breaks to rest and catch your breath. Every 45 minutes to an hour, stop for a quick break to eat and drink, especially at higher altitudes.

3. Dress for Success: Layer Up

Kilimanjaro’s weather can vary drastically, and being prepared with the right clothing is essential for your comfort and safety. Layering is the key to managing the fluctuating temperatures on the mountain.

• Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin.
• Middle Layer: A fleece or insulating layer is perfect for warmth as temperatures drop in the evenings and mornings.
• Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket will protect you from the elements, especially at higher altitudes where the weather can change rapidly.

Don’t forget to pack gloves, hats, and a buff for warmth, and be sure to bring a good pair of trekking boots that are broken in and comfortable.

Tales from the Mountain: Personal Stories and Lessons Learned

No adventure would be complete without a few stories. Here are some personal experiences and lessons I learned during my Kilimanjaro trek.

1. The Power of Community

One of the most memorable parts of my trek was the camaraderie among the trekkers, guides, and porters. There were moments when I felt exhausted, but the support of my fellow trekkers and the encouragement from the guides helped me keep going. Kilimanjaro is not just an individual challenge; it’s a team effort. Your success depends on teamwork, from the porters who carry the gear to the guides who keep you safe and motivated.

2. Summit Night: The Final Push

The night before summit day is a blur of excitement, nerves, and adrenaline. We began our ascent from Barafu Camp at midnight, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. The air was cold, and the going was tough, but the sight of the stars and the anticipation of the summit kept us moving forward.

The final push to the summit was the hardest part of the entire trek. Every step felt like it took a lifetime, but the feeling of standing on Uhuru Peak — with the world sprawling beneath me — was indescribable. It was one of the most emotional and rewarding moments of my life.

3. Altitude Sickness: A Lesson in Listening to Your Body

During the trek, I noticed some early signs of altitude sickness — dizziness and a mild headache. I took it seriously, rested, hydrated, and followed my guide’s advice. I was fortunate that I didn’t need to descend, but this experience taught me the importance of listening to my body and being proactive with altitude sickness.

The Kilimanjaro Challenge Awaits

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not an easy feat, but it is an incredibly rewarding experience. The breathtaking landscapes, the challenge of the climb, and the joy of standing at the summit make it an adventure that’s worth every step. With the right preparation, mindset, and support, you can conquer Kilimanjaro too.

Stately city of the south and a vibrant, elegant melting pot with its roots in the great Gold Rush of the 1850s…

Think Australia and most people usually think Sydney Opera House, Red Centre, Great Barrier Reef. They think kangaroos, deserts and shrimps on the barbie.

But these days savvy travelers also think Melbourne, stately city of the south and a vibrant, elegant melting pot with its roots in the great Gold Rush of the 1850s Melbourne, capital of the southern state of Victoria, has about four million inhabitants and is set on the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Less raucous than Sydney, Melbourne is Australia’s home of ‘old money’ and has a quieter way of life with a strong focus on culture and fine food.

Which is not to say there isn’t all the glamour and excitement a visitor would need to pack into three or four days. Sure, Melbourne rocks – but with style.

The city is laid out in a large rectangle and has a lively and cosmopolitan pulse. A river runs through it – the slow moving Yarra, with its headwaters in the nearby mountains. As much as the bayside beaches, the river and its adjoining parks are the city’s playgrounds.

Melbourne is big and modern – it has the world’s tallest residential building – but it reveals the heady days of 19th century in its massive public and private buildings, many dating from a shining, golden moment when this was the richest place in the world.

The city has many faces – elegant and luxurious in what is known as the ‘Paris End’ of the business district; head-jerking in the many ethnic enclaves – Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Spanish and other communities who have made their home in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. Some of these enclaves are just a lane or two, while others cover the banks of the Yarra or a busy CBD street. One glance at a map and it’s obvious that Melbourne is a planned city: a tidy, balanced grid of neatly angled streets. But beneath this sense of everything in its place restraint lies a restless creative energy constantly pushing back at the city’s seeming conservatism.

City arcades: The city’s network of shopping arcades is Australia’s most extensive with the Block Arcade (between Collins and Elizabeth streets, built in 1891) its undeniable crowning glory. Here you’ll find imported Italian mosaic floors, glazed ceilings supported by elaborate iron-lace columns, and octagonal glass domes. Royal Arcade (between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street, built in 1869), is Melbourne’s oldest and features two wonderful folklore giants of the ancient Britons Gog and Magog, who strike the hour.

Other arcades such as Collins two3four, Australia on Collins, The Walk, the Galleria Shopping Plaza and Centrepoint Mall offer an impressive mix of large flagship stores, unique owner-operated shops and quality cafes and foodcourts and all the arcades sit within a block of each other off Little Collins Street.

The laneways: This is a world just waiting to be explored; a web of lanes, alleys, little streets and arcades. Some lanes have been reborn and hum with quirky city life. Others are still waiting to be discovered. Check out Punch Lane or the combined office-retail-residential project between Little Lonsdale and Lonsdale streets Car-free, café-lined Degraves Street (in the Flinders Quarter) is a streak of gently undulating umbrellas hiding patrons from the midday summer sun (or mid-winter drizzle). Nearby funky Block Place (in the Collins Street precinct)is an intimate niche so narrow that the awnings from opposing businesses kiss overhead, while The Causeway, just across Little Collins Street, is another deep ravine of outdoor tables and, in nearby Centre Place, key-hole cafés buzz with diners. The lanes either side of the Chinatown strip (Little Burke Street) are a rich source of indoor Asian eateries and have been for well over a century. But the mother of all alfresco lanes is Hardware Lane where traffic gives way to a long line of trees, plant-thick window boxes and a canvas sea of awnings lapping gently at the tables’ edge.

The bar scene: The most successful product of Melbourne’s laneway renaissance is the boom in bars. Single, unassuming doorways, often with just a discreet sign, open into sumptuous and often spacious interiors. Some are designer cool, while others are miscellaneous mixes of carefully chosen, jumble-sale furnishings. These funky watering holes can be found throughout Melbourne’s lanes including Meyers Place, Bennetts Lane, Bullens Lane, Sniders Lane and Market Lane.

CITY FRINGE

Extending around the bay are a number of inner suburbs, each with its own distinct character and personality. A short tram (streetcar) ride from the city centre, Melbourne’s suburban neighborhoods are a must see for anyone wanting to experience what life here is really all about.

Melbourne’s melting pot of cultures is reflected in its microcosmos of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Fashionable, eclectic and eccentric – Melbourne’s dining spots offer a dizzying spread of the world’s great cuisines, serving meals from the substantial and classic to the truly exotic.

In the city, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the genteel surroundings of a nineteenth-century hotel, watch and be watched in buzzing laneway cafés and bars, or handpick a bottle of Yarra Valley chardonnay at the latest über-chic hangout. Head out a little further and explore one of Melbourne’s specialist eating destinations – Richmond for cheap and cheerful Vietnamese dishes, Carlton for Italian classics, Fitzroy for tantalising Spanish tapas.