
Is Kenya Safe for Self Drive?
Kenya has had its own horrible past reputation. Because of its past, most Kenya safari travelers opted for structured safaris arranged from their home countries but today, the story is different. Kenya is one of the very few safest and most accessible destinations in Africa, the easiest place to explore and experience even as a solo traveler.
Whereas Kenya is considerably the safest destination compared to other African states, cases of crime in the main cities/towns usually occur. Also, it is important to crosscheck with travel advisories on the current state of the country.
Most often, visitors attract the unwanted attention from beggars or potential pickpockets and you should be keen enough while on the streets of Nairobi or other towns in Kenya.
How a self drive tour in Kenya can be done
Getting to Kenya for self drive
Solo travelers can fly up to Nairobi, the Capital of Kenya a beautiful city with a National Park set adjacent to it. From Nairobi, there are many airlines offering connecting flights between most cities or safari destinations of Kenya whether you want to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for wildebeest migration.
You can also use the SGR train which runs from Nairobi to Mombasa coastal town. Set off from Voi/Mtito Andei to Tsavo National Parks. Railway transportation is the cheapest means to navigate around Kenya while Kenya safari.
The most sought for means that most budget minded travelers often opt for is self-drive car hire in Kenya. We have the best 4×4 rental cars suitable for all road trips to Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara or Tsavo. Contact our team to book your dream ride and have the best of Kenya self drive.
Our fleet of rental cars for your Kenya road trips include among others 4×4 Toyota Rav4, Land Cruiser Hardtop Extended, Safari Land Cruisers, Super Customs, Land Cruiser GX Diesel Engine, Camper Vehicle with camping gear to Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Safari Vehicle.
Where to go for Kenya self drive tour
Kenya boasts of about 54 National Parks and Reserves and noted for its remarkable self drive experiences. Some of the best places not to miss visiting for unforgettable self drive experience in Kenya include the Masai Mara National Reserve most visited for wildebeest migration experience, big five game viewing etc.
Amboseli National Park, most popular for its large herds of elephants and mesmerizing views of the Kilimanjaro Mountains-snow-capped mountain. Tsavo National Parks-Tsavo East, Tsavo West also offer the best of Kenya self drive safari experience in Kenya.
Samburu National Reserve, a perfect semi-desert reserve set along the Northern side of Kenya. Ewaso Ngiro is the largest river in Kenya and it flows via the Samburu National Reserve. The protected area boasts of its significant wildlife species including cheetahs, elephants, leopards, lions, wild dog etc.
For unique experiences, don’t miss to visit Aberdares National Park in the western side of Mount Kenya. Chyulu Hills set between Tsavo and Amboseli N.Parks, Kimana Sanctuary and others.
Be aware of the weather
While on self-drive Kenya, weather conditions are key to take note of. In Kenya, the weather is largely temperate with Nairobi often experiencing cool weather conditions and temperature rise of 28 degrees celsius from the months of January, February, March during the day and at night 14 degrees celsius especially from July to August.
However, Kenya is an all year round self drive destination except the wetter/rainy months of the year. That is April, May, June and October, November when roads can be muddy.
Travel insurance
If you plan to visit Kenya soon, it is wise to have travel insurance. This can help safe you a lot from cases of sickness, theft etc.
What carry
Pack appropriately for your self drive Kenya starting with phone charger, bed sheets, insect repellents, safari shoes, cameras, daypack, first aid kit, valid driver’s license, sunglasses, bottled water and others.
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Top 10 Tips for Africa Travellers
Going on a vacation in Africa with your loved ones is indeed, one of the most fun-filled and joyous experiences. You get to discover the most beautiful places, exotic landscapes, virgin forests, and so much more. Traveling involves careful planning and there are travel agents who will help you to organize some of your tour preparations.
When traveling, planning is very important as it will give you enough time to decide which things need to be done first and what essential items to be carried.
- First of all, keep your travel documents securely and if you are planning overseas vacation, do not wait until the last minute to obtain, update passports or visas as this may require several weeks.
- To get the competitive rates for your transportation and holiday accommodations, you will need to make your reservations in advance. You can obtain some best bargains during the off-season when demand will be low.
- Along with travel documents and your clothing, you must carry medication that you or any of your family members may require. Before embarking on a trip, check to make sure that you are allowed to travel with certain medications as some countries have strict rules concerning certain drugs.
- Your best protection is to be careful, book your tours through trustworthy agencies, and if possible avoid traveling alone to an unfamiliar destination. Try to know the traditions and local culture of the destination before you start your trip. It is important to do your homework and know the area you will be visiting and the applicable laws, locations of best tourist spots, and the kind of people you will have to interact with.
- As a result of terrorist activities, airports have increased their security inspections before allowing passengers to board. Get to the airport sufficiently early to manage the security check-in congestion. The locks for your luggage must be Travel Security Administration (TSA) approved ones so that your luggage can be opened for inspection without having to break your locks.
- When traveling, be constantly aware of your surroundings to guard against pickpockets. Travel with no more than two credit cards, and notify the card companies that you will be traveling so that they will not put a hold on your cards when they notice charges from unfamiliar places.
- Before leaving on a vacation with your family, make sure you have enough money and adequately financially equipped such that you do not run out of cash during the tripe. It is good to budget your expenses beforehand and avoid overspending.
- Carry a digital camera that uses AA batteries instead of a camera that uses proprietary batteries. They are less expensive to replace, easy to charge and are easily available wherever you go.
- When packing your clothes pile them up one on top of another and then fold them to fit into a portable suitcase. This will mean less creasing and you will not have to run around in wrinkled. Always pack each box or suitcase with a mixture of clothing of each family member traveling. Even if a bag is lost, no one will be left with out changing clothes. Further, you will only have to open and repack one suitcase at each hotel. Please note that Africa may require different clothing. Try to study the country you are to visit in advance or an adventure activity you are taking for instance gorilla trekking, rafting, mountain climbing, require special clothing.
- Finally, do not expect everything on your vacation to be perfect. You are possibly going to your dream destination and if you are taking your kids along you will certainly have challenging moments. Forget all about the worries and enjoy the vacation and your hard-earned rest.
Wish you a nice safari in Africa!
Read MoreTanzania Car Hire Tricks to know
Hiring a vehicle is normally the last thing that comes in the minds of many travelers yet it is one most significant factor any holidaymaker should put into consideration when planning a vacation in Tanzania. Are you looking to renting a car in Tanzania for your next family holiday or looking to a memorable vacation in Tanzania? Here, we bring you amazing 7 car rental tricks you should know before you make any booking. Understanding these car hire tricks prior making any reservation is a great deal for you to have a successful vacation.
Compare different car rental deals
Finding the best car rental deal in Tanzania can be challenging considering the many car hire agencies/companies. While you search for your best deal, note, not all dealers are the same. You realize some offer relatively affordable rated compared to the rest and also come with other amazing offers for you to enjoy. Also, the car hire services differ significantly from one car rental dealer to another.
Well, not to have a stressful moment on your arrival day at Arusha airport or any airport, ensure that you plan your things early. This will help you make comparisons on rates online, car rental services from different car hire agencies before you choose the ideal one to book your car with. Make the best use of Google to search for your best car rental dealer.
Check out for rewards programs & coupons
Like most hotel chains, often families get rewards for staying at their properties and a case may apply to car rental companies/agencies. Most programs are free to join and discounts are provided on car seat rentals and additional drivers. At times, you can earn points which you will enjoy on future rentals. In case you are like many and you are not a frequent person who rents cars, still you may enjoy free car upgrades and front of the line pick up privileges. Or you can even save a lot on your rental, check out online for rental car coupons. Higher chances are you may land into different discount offers and opportunity to enjoy unlimited mileage among others.
Avoid booking rental car at the airport
Reserving a rental car at the airport can be convenient for many but be mindful of extra charges. These often come as concession recovery charges/customer facility charges which only means that you are hiring a car at the airport. But it is easier to skip these additional charges by renting your car through your trusted car rental agency/company.
Pay keen attention on hidden charges
Most car hire companies charge additional fees for refueling in case you bring back the car with less gas than you took it. Take note of company’s gas/fuel policy, some require that the gas gauge on pick up should be the same even the car is returned. Not to worry much about this, most car rental companies provide a pre-purchase alternative which lets you buy a full tank of gas upon picking up the car. You can also contact the car rental company if you plan to hire a car for 7 days but you want to return it after just 3 days. For this case, your daily prices may increase. Read and understand the different terms and conditions of the car rental company you plan to deal with.
Skip rental insurance
Most car rentals are insured and therefore, there is no need for you to get rental insurance again. Also, credit card companies may also cover car rentals and that why it is essential to cross-check before taking another insurance coverage. If any of these options aren’t there then better you sign up for rental insurance via the car hire agency/company you plan to rent a car with for your Tanzania safari holidays.
Come with your own car seats
If you plan to travel with children on Tanzania safari then you may require a car seat/booster seat especially for seats with seat belts that don’t fit well on the children. This can save you from additional fees as you will be required to rent from the company or even avoid the stress when you don’t find.
Understand the rules for hiring a car in Tanzania
Rules for renting a car in another destination like Tanzania are not the same as it is back in your home country. Learn more about the different terms and conditions for renting a car from various car rental companies. This will help you know what is required of you, acceptable age to drive a rental in Tanzania, mode of payment, fuel policy, pick up and drop off policy among others.
Read MoreBad Driving Habits to Avoid While on Self Drive in Tanzania
Driving in a foreign country can be troublesome for first time travelers. In most Africa countries, it is important to know that self drive is not for first time travelers. If you are looking to safe travels, it is important to be in the know of the strict rules and good driving etiquette before you hit the road.
With Tanzania becoming a favorite destination for those looking to self drive holidays, it is important to know which bad driving habits not to bring into this peaceful nation.
To most drivers, the one bad driving habit they know and have been warned yet still violated is ‘Don’t drink and drive’. But there is a long list of bad habits solo travelers and others on self-drive in Tanzania or any destination should avoid. By being keen on these bad driving habits, you will certainly have a smooth road trip in Tanzania.
Resting your hand on the gear stick
Normally, driving instructors do advise that you keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Instead, most people have developed a bad driving habit of just resting their hands on the shifter. The gear stick is linked to a selector fork and this is designed to make contact with a rotating collar for a short amount of time. In case you rest your hand on the gearstick, you may need a synchronizer and bushings of the transmission to handle more weight than normal hence resulting into internal wear.
Always keeping the pressure on the brake pedal while driving downslope
This is one bad driving habit that can kill your car faster. Yes, driving down slope can be challenging but most drivers tend to make it a habit to keep their foot on the pedal to ease slow down movement. But the best thing could be to shift into a lower gear and this can slow down the car as you slope without putting pressure on brake pedals and rotors.
Not minding about warning lights
Usually, people tend to ignore warnings like bulb gone/washer fluid till they make a stop. And yet such may need to be noticed as early as possible. Ignoring them may result into damaging your gearbox and you will need to change its parts at the time not recommended.
Keeping on the clutch while driving uphill
In case you are driving an automatic car rental, there is no need to stay on the clutch while driving uphill. This may apply to manual vehicles. The best is to make use of automatic brake hold system while in that position. If your vehicle doesn’t have, then make the best use of hand brake.
Overloading the car
Every car has its recommended carrying capacity. This is why you should be certain of the number of people you plan to travel with so as to find a suitable car to fit all of them. Overloaded car can strain most elements of the brake, suspension among others.
Not using the parking brakes
Not using parking brake can be dangerous and it may require that the parking pawl works harder and eventually, it can break.
Not warming car engine
This looks obvious but a huge mistake many make. Before you set off, the engine should have warmed for some good time. Note, nearly all cars start with cold engines and that is why it is important to have them warmed before setting off.
Keeping the fuel tank to almost empty
This is another bad driving habit which needs to be avoided. Note, oil pumps can heat up and, in the process, the friction between the engine parts can increase in case it is not submerged in adequate fuel. The best is to go for full-tank to avoid such cases and this is even healthy for your engine.
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10 Reasons You Should Self Drive In Uganda
It is obvious that even anyone that would attempt a city walking tour would at one point require wheels in form of motorcycles, taxis or buses. But as time goes on, more people are deviating from such means of transport during their trips in Uganda.
This is not to imply that they are not safe at all; but because of the following reasons, many people are opting for self drive trips in Uganda and across Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. Below are some reasons why you too should consider a self drive trip in Uganda;
Privacy
Did you know that Uganda Self drive trips give you an opportunity of privacy even when you are away from home? If you are the kind who often finds it uncomfortable to hang around strangers for a long time, self drive trips grant you enough space for your privacy
Whenever you hire a car, you are free to drive the way you want without any fear of what the people around you might think since you will not have any strangers. For the same reason, several people have considered hiring a car for a self catered trip in Uganda.
Comfortable For Family Trips
Family trips can be a hustle more so when your family has to walk along with several other people in a group tour. To give your children enough freedom during their holiday, a car hire for self drive in Uganda is recommended.
Family self drive car hires will give your children space to behave the very way they behave in your home country. No one will be made uncomfortable since it will be a family trip in a kind of family car with Mum or Dad doing what he has always done.
More Secure Compared To Public Means
Driving in shifts is not a common practice in Uganda. When you consider public means of transport, you are opting for a driver who you cannot be sure whether they are fresh or not. It should be noted that most of the public transport accidents are caused by tired drivers or over speeding to beat time.
To be on a secure side, it is recommended you hire the car personally, and driver yourself. At least by doing so, you are in more control of your life than putting it in the hands of stranger whose sobriety cannot easily be traced.
Saves Time
Hiring a car for a self drive holiday or trip in Uganda saves you a lot of time. Traffic jam is often unpredictable more so in the capital Kampala. With that at the back of your mind, you can easily plan putting in consideration the amount of time you might spend stuck in traffic.
The common public taxis are fond of waiting for hours till they get full. If you are to use these for your trip, then you are likely to be delayed which is never the case with self drive car hires.
Freedom To Go Wherever You Want
It is not true that every trip requires an itinerary. Sometimes the best of road trips is merely an open road trip. With a self drive car, it is very possible to drive even without an itinerary as long as your final destination is known.
Travel At Your Own Pace
The best family trips are those which you can adjust at any time. When you go for holiday you do not need any pressure. On certain days, you are free to readjust your itinerary without fear of being penalized by the tour operator
It’s Affordable
The main items of any trip are transport, meals and accommodation. By hiring a car for self drive, you save the extra money a tour operator would have charged you as his mark-up.
Awesome Photography Opportunities
There are opportunities for self drive photography trips where you can hire a car with a professional photographer. Instead of trying to capture every moment by yourself, you can hire a professional photographer who can capture every special moment of your trip.
However; besides hiring a professional photographer on your trip, you also have the liberty to stop at any time during your trip to capture any moment of your choice without first asking for alternations in your planned itinerary.
Feel At Home
Whenever you hire a car for self drive, you will often appear as a foreign resident to the strangers. This will give you high bargaining power when you try purchasing things in the different places since you will be expected to be informed about the prices as a foreign resident.
Diversity
Uganda is full of diversity that you should leave room for. It might be tricky to tap into this diversity of what the Pearl of Africa has to offer by hiring a car in Uganda without any limitations.
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9 Things to Be Aware of When Planning Self Drive in Uganda
Planning to do some thing different in Africa? Go Self Drive Uganda and enjoy the pearl of Africa at your own pace! Nothing is very impressing and enjoyable like driving a car by your own in the streets of Uganda both up countries and city centre. He pride and confidence in you, Drive and stopping at your own pace really gives you courage to overtake though it’s not always advisable to do so according to the Uganda traffic rules however you can do so if necessary.
Privacy: Preferring it private and only exhale fresh air that comes in either from the window seals of the hired car or from the air conditioned system with the rented car from any of the Car rental agencies. This is something most car rental agencies like Auto Rental Agencies have mastered, they have most acquired Air conditioned vehicles for your ease and drive.
Reckless Drivers and chauffeurs. Something avoidable are the accidents that may be caused by reckless drivers who are either drunk or un-experienced on the road especially the long drives through the bumpy will not be guaranteed unless the car is a DMCs that will call for care full reading of the tips to be given by your trusted rental car in Uganda.
Take your time and search the internet: While in Uganda, There are so many car rental agencies to choose from in regards your self drive safari but the question lies on which legit company will provide the best and considerably affordable car. Beware of very catchy offers from some car rental agencies that may come up with extra costs on arrival like taxes and other services. Take your time
Carefulness: Self-drive agencies won’t be blamed by some one’s negligence and ignorance without careful considerations of the tips that should always be at customers’ fingertip which include;
Petrol palavers. It seems to be an obvious advice but normally forgotten by many so it’s the clients responsibility to make sure the petrol or the diesel palavers are full tanks in order to avoid un necessary stoppages to places distant refueling places
Pick the right ride .To feel the comfort and flexibility of the vehicle it’s always advised to choose the car that you are always familiar too. It might be an automated car or a manual car depending on your choice among the types of cars available at the site.
Keep stocked up. Most clients like to self-drive on high ways heading to up countries and disliking in the city due to traffic jam. The further they self- drive the are more likely not to find shops that really have their best choice so its advised to stock enough food staffs from the urban centers and other first aid kits just for emergency.
Mobile roamers. Since most clients are normally Foreign Non-residents, it’s advised to buy sim packs that have network in most areas of Uganda especially rural areas so as to keep communication with the rental agencies’ office in cases of emergency.
Lastly stay on the right track. Always makes sure that are you are provided with the compass directions and maps showing the main and feeder roads to where you are heading. If you are stuck on the road always keep on the main surfaced government roads and you can call back the rental car agency if necessary so as to enjoy your self-drive safari.
Read MoreA self drive tour in the capital of Uganda
Self drive involves renting a car from a car provider of which traveler or customer leads to a particular destination by himself or herself. Self drive in Uganda is becoming so popular because it is adventurous and one travels and gets involved with Uganda independently. On a self drive in Uganda, one can do anything one likes as long as you are not breaking the laws and rules in the country.
Have you ever thought of taking a self drive around Kampala city as you look at its beautiful attractions? Kampala city is the most populous city and at the same time capital and commercial city in Uganda. Despite of being a commercial city, it has lots of tourist attractions one may encounter while driving in Uganda. These attractions are enjoyed at their maximum capacity by taking a self drive tour.
While in Kampala city, here are some of the famous places you can visit to enjoy a self drive tour:
you can take a ride at the Uganda national museum at Kira road. At the museum you are able to know some of Uganda’s history. The museum has historical remains of the ancestors and also for the heroes of Uganda with good narrations from the museum guide.
You can also go to Mengo where you find some of Buganda kingdom structures like the Bulange which is the parliament building of Buganda, also the former torture house of former president Idi Amin, the Kabaka’s palace which posses so much history of Buganda and Uganda at large. One cannot forget to go to Kasubi tombs and shrines where the past kings of Buganda are buried which is near Mengo.
You can also visit the most prestigious religious sites in Uganda while you take a self drive in Kampala. There is the Old Kampala Gadaffi mosque which is the main worship place for Muslims in Uganda, almost within the same region, there is the Namirembe cathedral the main shrine for the Catholics.
There are also the Namugongo shrines which are also the memorial place where the Uganda Christian martyrs were killed. These are found in Namugongo on the outskirt of Kampala city.
There is also the national theatre in the middle of Kampala and this is where most of the national drama, plays are acted and also some cultural ceremonies are held. At the national theatre, there is also a cultural village where you can have a chance of buying Africa’s cultural commodities for example the craft shoes, clothes, bangles, clocks and different potteries.
There are also recreation centers in Kampala, shopping, clubs and cool restaurants that can make a self drive so fine. Some of these include the Nakumatt supermarket at oasis mall, capital shoppers, Game and Shoprite supermarkets, Mega supermarket in the middle of the city, Acacia mall which is the newest and most modernized shopping mall in Uganda and the centenary park which has a variety of hang outs with very many city revelers to interact with while having fun.
There are also very many discotheques in Kampala where you can have fun at night and relax your mind as you listen to Uganda’s finest music and also international music.
Read MoreA Complete Guide to Climbing Nyiragongo Volcano
This is one of the long lasting volcanic mountains in Congo; its last eruption was in 2002 where magma flown towards Goma, this volcano is found in north Kivu province within the Virunga national park which manages and controls all the activities taking place on the isolated active volcano with its headquarters at Sekenkwe. The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours to climb the summit that begins at an altitude of about 1,997 meters to 3,470 meters above sea level
Nyiragongo lies 21km away from Goma town on the un paved highway to Beni and Kisangani, with its base camp at Kibati which is the starting point for tourists who wish to Hike this mountain i just visited Virunga National Park in december 2016, and this volcano hike was absolutely at the top of my amazing experiences in DRC
This mountain is in form of 3 sections for those who wish to spend some time on it, it has the Forest section and the hiking trails begins with this straight from kibalti until you join the 2002 volcanic
I’ll take a bit out of my general Virunga review I just wrote: rocks that stretch upto the rocky section which is the most challenging hiking trail. Ones advance preparedness would be needed to coup up with the best time to visit this mountain is during the dry season,which is May to October , you can as well visit in the rainy season , but the hiking trails are slippery thus becoming a bit of challenge.
The moment you get onto the top, there inn built wooden cabin from which you camp and begin to view the glowing active volcanoes and it inspiring to change This night almost has eclipsed your minds of how nature has wonders on planet Earth the hiking experiences in epic-ness but you can also be blown away by watching the potential of an eruptionthis kike is for sure It is 5 hours non-stop & does require a good level of fitness not to be overseen.
During the hike, porters perform their job if at all you ordered for one,, armed guards hike with you. food is actually really good on condition you ordered for it from mikeno lodge which is an extra $80 per person on top of $300 hiking ticket , and the gear you rent from Mikeno lodge are top notch (Patagonia down jacket, warm clean sleeping bag, etc.). It is at 11,400 ft (3500 m) so of course it is very cold at the top. Better for one to have an entire set of dry clothes extra jacket , and would be nice to have hiking gloves that keep you warm, as it partly gives you an extra hand / great on the way down to grab onto volcanic rock and sting nettles for stability and not rip my hands up. Much as there many un updated security concerns on various travel forums, but the Virunga staff are extremely professional & every detail to take care of seamlessly to every body on the trek. But you have to make sure the following are in proper arrangements to avoid any delays or inconveniences, At the border just make sure you have a printout of your tourist visa confirmation provided by Virunga.org, in addition to your yellow fever card is mandatory. transport has to be arranged from Goma boader best transport to use would be with Virunga park from Goma to Mikeno lodge/ Bukima (sekenkwe) Make sure to take good non-slippery shoes that will likely be soaking wet & very cold by the time you get to the summit. An extra pair or two of wool socks, extra shoes to change once you arrive so your feet don’t freeze.and also to change at the end of the hike at Kibati
Hiking Nyiragongo and experiencing it is a real magical volcano and Truly a world wonder that so few people like Billy Ssali have the opportunity to see.
Planning for Nyiragongo Hiking Safaris is very ease with Congo Gorilla Safaris the Destination Expert in Congo Safaris. the Shortest Nyiragongo Volcano Hike is 2 Days Safari which is offered as 3 Days Congo Nyiragongo Safari
Read More5 Best African Countries for a Family Safari
Considered the second largest continent in the world, Africa is the dream continent for every traveler surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, the Suez Canal and the Red Sea along the Sinai Peninsula to the northeast, the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Africa is home to some of the fastest-growing economies, and revenues from tourism and tremendous opportunities exist to further expand tourism across the African continent
The continent has 54 countries all which have developed tourism but the rate of growth and development depends on the unique natural, cultural, historical and man-made features in these countries. Marketing, and transport infrastructures such as airline connections, roads and railways in addition to open borders, and improved marketing to niche sectors such as adventure and eco-travelers determine the level of tourism development in each African country. The top African family vacation trips among others include:
South Africa
Not only having the natural attraction, South Africa has it all that a family on a holiday would want. The country is blessed with lots of city fun, Trip packed resorts, beautiful beaches and Big 5 safari parks. South Africa is home to legendary wildlife preserves and national parks among which include the Kruger National Park and a range of malaria-free game reserves. The safari lodges in South Africa offer interactive children’s programs some of which include animal encounters mostly liked by children to remember for decades. A lot of adventure sorts like cycling, hiking and horse-riding plus widely available Wi-Fi to keep teens in touch with their friends back home as well as adults in touch with their business partners and family friends and relatives.
The Cape Town and the coast in South Africa provide the family with the chance to see favorites such as Mountain, the Cape Wine lands and the penguins of Boulders Beach. If you take a road trip along the Garden Route, families also explore a very scenic stretch of coast, dotted with quaint villages and exciting activities that range from whale watching to bungee jumping. Sun City is Africa’s top family resort with plenty of entertainment for grown-ups and children alike. All these fantastic features make south Africa a tourism destination in Africa for every family to visit.
Botswana
Drifting down a papyrus-lined waterway, passing bathing elephants and shy antelope, is an absolutely unforgettable safari experience for families of a holiday in Botswana.
The game viewing is superb and activities include game drives, nature walks, and canoeing, boating and even elephant back safaris. The true wilderness enables the family to learn bush-tracking and survival skills and camp out wild in the bush – the best way to travel across the African plains.
Botswana is a home for more elephants than any other country in Africa; Botswana is one of the greatest safari destinations. In the north lies the world famous Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes which attracts a myriad of birds and large concentrations of wildlife, and Chobe National Park, famed for its enormous elephant population. Families should not miss out Botswana for the greatest travel experience.
Kenya
Located in East Africa, the magical Kenya delivers safe and rewarding family safaris in world-renowned Big 5 game reserves, beach holidays on the country’s dazzling coastline and Indian Ocean islands and the greatest wild life spectacle which is the Masai Mara wildebeest migration.
Families spend an unforgettable safari in Kenya tracking big cats on game drives on a Masai Mara safari; drifting over vast plains on a scenic hot air balloon flight; going on guided bush walks led by red-robed Maasai warriors and hand feeding giraffe at the well-known Giraffe Manor.
Kids normally join the junior ranger programs packed with unforgettable experiences such as learning to shoot a bow and arrow, making fire with sticks or casting animal tracks in plaster. Wildlife-rich game reserves, white sand beaches, Maasai warriors, once-in-a-lifetime activities and all the atmosphere of big game Africa are so interesting. Therefore, each family should endvour to visit Kenya for a greater memorable experience.
Tanzania
Tanzania is a well established safari destination delivering great wildlife watching holidays for families, the game viewing at Serengeti and Ngorongoro craters give a family a clear view of the big five along with cheetahs, African wild dogs, lovebirds and vultures. A family can also witness the incredible annual wildebeest migrating.
The Ngorongoro Crater known as ‘Africa’s Eden’ offers amazing wildlife viewing with over 90 lions along with leopards, rhinos and a lake at the centre inhabited by hundreds of flamingos. Also, being located at the coast, a relaxing stay by the sea enjoying the beautiful sandy beaches and beach activities such as swimming, boat cruising, sunbathing among others enjoyed by the family is of great experience.
Uganda
Though Uganda is most known for gorilla safaris, it offers great opportunities to travelers with families. The wildlife parks such as Queen Elizabeth National Park, Murchison Falls National Park and Kidepo National Park offers urivalled game viewing to travelers. You can also enjoy horseriding in Lake Mburo National Park, and Jinja, the adrenaline capital of Uganda has much to offer for those seeking adventures in Uganda.
In conclusion, Africa is a beautiful and diverse continent where travel choices abound when it comes to game-viewing for families with kids of all ages. Many destinations in Africa offer kids’ programs with age appropriate activities so that little ones in the family get the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience and adults as well. Families planning a trip should choose Africa for greater and memorable experience.
Read MoreWhat to Know about Lake Kivu in Rwanda
Lake Kivu is one of the African Great Lakes lying on the boarder of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo with in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika.Lake Kivu is found in the Northern Province of Rwanda and can be visited on Honeymoon Adventures.
As well as boasting a number of delightful beach resorts, this beautiful lake is also a great place to cycle the Congo–Nile trail.
Running along the Congolese border for 90km, the 2,370km² Lake Kivu is one of a string of ‘inland seas’ that submerge much of the Albertine Rift floor as it runs southward from the Sudan to Zambia. It is very a beautiful lake, hemmed in by steeply terraced escarpments containing several peaks of 2,800m or higher, including the smoking outline of volcanic Nyiragongo in the far north, and it has long served as a popular weekend getaway for residents of this otherwise landlocked country.
Kivu has a smaller surface area than the two most expansive Albertine Rift lakes, the more southerly Tanganyika and more northerly Albert. Nevertheless, a maximum depth of 480m and total water content of 333km3 places it among the world’s 20 deepest and 20 most voluminous freshwater bodies. In addition, the 285km² Idjwi Island, which falls entirely within Congolese territory, is the second largest inland island in Africa and tenth largest in the world.
A shallower and larger incarnation of Kivu probably formed about two million years ago as a result of the same tectonic activity that created the Albertine Rift and other associated lakes. Back then, Kivu would have been contiguous with the lower-lying Lake Edward on the Uganda. About 20,000 years ago, however, a natural dam created by lava from the Virungas isolated Lake Kivu from Lake Edward. As a result, Kivu’s surface rose to its present-day altitude of 1,470m, the Rusizi River which had formerly drained out of Lake Tanganyika into the southern tip of Kivu reversed its flow, and the lake became part of the Congo Watershed.
Kivu supports an impoverished fauna by comparison with other large Rift Valley lakes, as a result of an unusually high level of volcanic activity. The geological record suggests that the release of methane trapped below the lake’s surface has resulted in regular mass extinctions every few thousand years. As a result, fewer than 30 fish species are known from the lake and, while this does include 16 endemics, it pales by comparison with the many hundreds of species recorded from Lakes Victoria and Tanganyika.
High methane levels probably also explain the complete absence of hippo and croc, and are also cited by those who claim that the lake has no Bilharzia. Kivu’s attractively irregular shoreline, with its verdant slopes and sandy beaches, is served by three main resort towns. The most northerly of these, Rubavu/Gisenyi, has the best tourist facilities, partly because of its proximity to Rwanda Volcanoes National Park .
Karongi/Kibuye, further south and with the advantage of being far closer to Kigali, also has a few decent lakeshore hotels. At the southern end of the lake, overlooking the exit point of the Rusizi River, Rusizi/Cyangugu can easily be visited in conjunction with Nyungwe National Park and Huye/Butare, and has recently gained its first hotel meeting international standards.
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