Escorted Eco-Tours book up fast. Especially the very popular ones. Book early and save. Want to go first class business - you can! Want luxury and first class hotels - you can have it all. There are generally three types of tours or (tour companies), budget, moderate and first class. If your try to go it alone and piece your trip together, you are going to miss some wonderful sightseeing that you may not know even exists. Our tour professionals have been hosting trips for over 50 years. Learn from the best.
If you've been before, seen everything, done everything and just want to go back and spend some leisurely time at the hotels, a little shopping perhaps, or just walk on the beaches in Spain, then an independent vacation may be just what you are looking for. These are not escorted, there are no timetables to follow, no-one to lead the way, your are more or less on your own, but you still have a host to help you with everything you could imagine, from tours, new restaurants, new night life, etc. You choose what you do each day and when you do it!
Green or Sustainable Tourism has been described as managing tourism's impact on the environment, communities and the economy to make sure that the effects are positive rather than negative for the benefit of future generations (English Tourism Council, 2003).
The costs of traditional tourism are rising, and we are not just talking about the price of airfare and hotel rooms. Tourist development frequently comes at the cost of the cultural and environmental integrity of the local population. In this way, the mass-market tourist industry is often guilty of destroying the very destinations it seeks to promote.
Ecotourism differs from mainstream tourism in that it helps sustain, rather than exploit, the natural beauty and cultural diversity of tourist destinations. Ecotourism is a broad term and often misused, especially in travel advertising. The most widely accepted definition is that offered by the International Ecotourism Society, which defines ecotourism as: "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people." Ecotourism promotes an interdependent relationship between tourists and tourist destinations, allowing tourists to contribute something to the communities they visit, in addition to taking away a richer travel experience. In this way, ecotourism promises to reunite the positive idea of a traveler, with the mostly negative label of tourist.
The Ecotourism trend is taking off due to a new generation of responsible travelers who are increasingly unsatisfied by the artificial, packaged-paradise travel experience that most tour operators offer. Coming from modern consumer cultures, these travelers crave authenticity. They want to experience the culture beyond the resort, to step out form behind their camera lenses and have meaningful interactions with the local people.
Contrary to popular belief, ecotourism is accessible to everyone. Ecotourism is often wrongly associated with adventure and wilderness travel, and the popular image of ecotourists as youthful backpackers with dreadlocks can be misleading. In reality, many Ecotourism options are available for people of all ages and levels of physical fitness. And don't think you have to venture far from home - city, state, and national parks can be models of ecotourism. You can be an ecotourist just as easily in New York City as in Timbuktu.
The first step in planning an ecotourism vacation is finding eco-friendly accommodations. Your travel consultant can assist with finding reputable ecotour tour operators and packages that include eco-friendly lodging. Eco lodges range from 5-star luxury hotels to simple thatched huts. For the budget traveler in tropical climates, some even offer the economic option of a hammock slung between two palm trees! Many eco lodges have spas, where you can help (or at least not harm) the planet while enjoying a traditional herbal steam bath or massage. Note that smaller eco lodges may require booking well in advance.
For exploring your destination, ecotourism offers many exciting alternatives. In addition to well-known outdoor ecotours (trekking in the Amazon, biking in the Outback, or cruising around the Galapagos), ecotourism includes volunteer tourism. Some of these tours, awkwardly dubbed Pro Poor or Poverty Alleviation tours, give tourists an opportunity to assist in international aid projects, such as distributing food and medicine or teaching English to children. Other volunteer tours involve tourists in environmental projects: elephant conservation in Thailand or researching Mexico's endangered coral reefs.
Another off-beat option is a farmstay. Some farmstays are simply Bed and Breakfasts on a farm. Others educate their guests about organic farming techniques and allow them to participate in daily farm life.
Many tour operators will also arrange special interest tours. Themes include painting, yoga, meditation, bird watching, pottery, crafts and indigenous peoples. In the later case, its especially important to hire an experienced local guide or tour company. They will help you navigate culturally sensitive terrain and avoid offending or intruding on the indigenous community.
More than green sentiments, what these diverse ecotourism activities have in common is a real commitment to sustaining the people, culture and wildlife that make their destination unique. But consumers should beware that the buzzword "ecotourism" is all too often thrown around carelessly. Many tour operators bill themselves as eco but in reality do not live up to the label. That's why it's important to understand ecotourism before you make your travel plans, and also why it's important to use a travel consultant who is familiar with tour operator reputations. By making responsible consumer decisions before and during your travel, you can help change the face of tourism and make it a force for empowering people around the world, rather than exploiting them.
Here are some questions you can ask to determine if your eco lodge or tour operator is really committed to the principles of ecotourism, or is just greenwashing you. First, ask your travel consultant to assist with determining if the tour operator has a written policy concerning the community and the environment. Can they point to any concrete contributions they've made to the community, such as conservation projects or partnerships with community charities? Do they heat their buildings using solar or other renewable energy sources, also considering that firewood contributes to deforestation? Do they treat their own wastewater, or do they pump it out into local wetlands? If they can answer these questions satisfactorily, it shows they take ecotourism seriously.
But remember that a genuine ecotourist establishment must be equally committed to people as to plants and wildlife. Inquire how many locals they employ, and what positions they fill - are they managers or bellboys? What percent of their products and services come from within a 25 miles radius? Do they offer local tour guides? A local guide, in addition to being an unparalleled source of information, can help you interact with the locals in a culturally sensitive manner. What opportunities do they offer you, the visitor, to become involved in the community (such as volunteering at a local school or clinic)? Do they offer a library, workshops or other resources that encourage visitors to educate themselves about the local culture? The more you know about the destination, the more you will appreciate your stay.
Tour operators often have access to remote, environmentally sensitive areas that may be difficult or impossible to reach for tourists traveling independently. Some operators may offer day excursions starting from a nearby town or hotel. If you sign up for a complete ecotour vacation package, be sure to ask what exactly is included in the cost and what will be an additional expense (i.e., park entrance fees or tips for guides and drivers). Most ecotour companies offer small group or family excursions. If you will be traveling in a group with people previously unknown to you, many tour operators can match you according to similar age, interests or fitness levels.
Your eco lodge or tour operator can recommend what clothing and gear to bring, and your travel agent can help you with visa, passport, medical, and insurance arrangements, if needed.
To get the most out of your ecotourism vacation, read up on your destination as much as possible beforehand. If you can study the language or learn a few useful words and phrases, even better. Travel slowly and immerse yourself in the destination and its people. Sit outside and sip a local beverage while watching daily life flow by, or join a group that allows you to contribute something. If it's safe, walk through the streets beyond the designated tourist zones and talk to the locals, who might appreciate the effort. If you do volunteer work with children or the poor, don't go in with the attitude that you are saving the world - you may learn far more from them than they will from you!
When you return home, you'll find that a new, global perspective can be the most valuable souvenir of all... more than any picture you snapped or trinket you bought on the street.
Rail Travel in Europe is one of the most interesting ways of criss-crossing the continent. For many years, travelers have enjoyed the convenience of boarding the train and relaxing as the small villages, large cities, countryside, rivers, houses and castles rushed by in a blurred panorama besting any travelogue. Getting a good grip on the complexities of the European rail system, the Eurail Pass system and the options available will help to ensure that your experience with the trains of Europe is the best possible value it can be.
Rail travel is a wonderful way to see Europe. The club and dining cars are highly social and a good way to meet other travelers. The traveler can take in the scenery without worrying about the stress of driving, directions and negotiating the round-abouts! Train travel allows you to move between cities easily with a minimal of concern for logistics. The train stations are often centrally located, adding to the convenience of traveling from city to city. If you are using one of the Eurail passes, you can get on and off of the train as you wish, making for great flexibility and the ability to explore spontaneously. You can watch the scenery go by, read a book or sleep...a great luxury at any price!
The Trains
Depending on the size of the rail station there will be vending machines, small cafes or many restaurant choices. Long distance trains typically have a dining or café car, but the regional ones may have only a cart that moves through the train offering sodas, candy and perhaps sandwiches. Many experienced travelers stock up in advance with snacks and light meals to eat on board.
Each train will have several cars, each of which will, in turn, be numbered. You may board the train at any point along the station embarkation platform and make your way through the train to your assigned car, if you have a reservation. Alternatively, you can walk along the outside of the train to your car, a preferable option to save time, especially if you have luggage. There will be a spot in your car to place luggage above your seat for smaller pieces and at either end of the car for larger ones. If you do not have a reservation, you can take any seat not already reserved and marked as such by a small slip of paper at the top of the seatback or otherwise indicated. While there are no luggage weight restrictions on most trains (there are notable exceptions such as the Eurostar) it can be difficult to maneuver through a train and around the departure platforms with a great deal of baggage.
There are two classes of travel on most trains, First Class and Second. First class will have three seats in a row while second class will have four seats together. First class tends to be more comfortable and less crowded, often less noisy. Second class is less expensive with a younger crowd having a great time! First class passengers may ride in second class, but if you purchase second class tickets, that is where you will ride unless you upgrade.
Tickets, Passes and Reservations
With a ticket or a railpass, a reservation is not necessary but is recommended in order to make sure that you obtain a seat. In other words, a ticket or railpass lets you ride on the train but does not guarantee a seat. You can make reservations at your train station on the day of travel.
There are a wide variety of tickets and passes, and it is not always easy to quickly determine the best combination of purchases to allow for the least cost and greatest flexibility. Purchasing your rail pass through a travel agent ensures that you will obtain the best possible value and the pass that best fits your needs. If you intend to travel over an extended period of time throughout a single country or through multiple countries, the best bet is typically a rail pass combined with one or more point to point tickets.
A Eurail Pass is a discounted ticket that permits multi-day, multi-country travel by rail. There are a number of different passes available with varying options on the number of permissible countries, the number of days of travel, and the length of time the pass is valid. In many instances, purchasing one of the varieties of Eurail Pass is a less expensive option that purchasing separate point to point tickets. Note that lost or stolen rail passes are non-refundable, but you can purchase insurance to cover loss or theft.
Railpasses must be purchased in the United States or Canada and are not available in Europe. Your travel consultant can assist you with the purchase and with selecting the right one for your planned itinerary. Local passes and some point to point tickets, conversely, are available only in Europe. A traveler can purchase a Eurail pass from six months in advance to right before travel, allowing time for delivery. Once purchased, a traveler has up to six months to validate the ticket for the first leg of travel. The rail passes sold in the United States are not valid for residents of Europe.
The standard Eurail Pass offers consecutive day travel in the first class compartments in 17 European countries. A traveler may purchase passes for 15 days, 21 days, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months. Before you board your first train, the Eurail Pass is validated at a booth in the train station. At that point, your time period begins to run. A rail-day runs from midnight to midnight. However, if you board an overnight train that departs after 7:00 pm local, then you will be using only a single day on your pass. If, however, you leave prior to 7:00 pm local or if your itinerary requires a train change before midnight, then a total of 2 travel days will accrue to your ticket.
Certain high speed trains will require a surcharge. Reservations must be made in advance, though your seat is "pre-paid" by virtue of having the Eurail Pass. The Eurailpass Saver offers an additional discount for two or more people traveling together. The countries included on the Eurailpass and the Eurailpass Saver is: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Note that Britain is not included on the Eurailpass.
The Eurailpass Flexi allows the traveler to break up travel in the same 17 country list into non-consecutive days, offering either 10 or 15 days of unlimited travel in a 2 month period. Like the standard Eurailpass, there is a Eurailpass Flexi Saver that offers additional discounts for two or more persons traveling together.
The Eurail Selectpass lets the traveler pick from among the list of countries to limit the number visited, choosing from 3-5 bordering countries along with the number of days traveling.
The passes are not valid for the Eurostar.
A wide range of regional and country passes are available which permit the traveler great flexibility in their itinerary. There are sixteen regional passes running through Austria, Switzerland, France, the Benelux countries, Germany, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Denmark Hungary Portugal and Romania.
There is also the Scanrail Pass covering four Scandinavian countries for varying number of travel days in a given period of time.
It is, of course possible to simply purchase tickets at the station on the date of travel. If you choose to purchase your tickets in Europe, go to the information desk at the rail station having already planned your trip from maps and the train schedules printed and posted at each station. Hotel concierges will sometimes assist you in putting together a point to point itinerary from the schedules they have in hand. Once at the train station, go to the information desk with your itinerary in hand, especially if you do not speak the native language. Indicate to the window attendant your destination, the time or train number, the class of travel you prefer and whether you want a one-way or a "return" (round trip).
Note that there are often much less expensive options available to the traveler if slower trains are used, or if the traveler inquires about student or senior discounts.
For overnight train rides, the traveler has a number of options. Overnight trains and hotel trains typically come equipped with sleeper compartments, couchettes and sleeperettes. Sleeper compartments are small, compact rooms with washbasins, soap, towels and electrical outlets. Typically two berths for sleeping are available with pillows and sheets. Stewards assist with your accommodations and with border crossings. Travelers can book a single, double or a triple compartment. Couchettes are compartments with between 4 and 6 berths with pillows, sheets and blankets. There are no accommodations for privacy, so travelers sleep in their street clothing. Sleeperettes are seats in the regular coach cars that recline.
Hotel trains have compartment rooms with tourist, first class and luxury class accommodations. Tourist class compartments include 4 beds and a common restroom facility outside the compartment. First class accommodations include one to two beds with an outside shared restroom facility. Luxury class includes a private toilet and shower inside the room.
Let someone else do the driving, enjoy the scenery, sit back and relax. Consider training it through Europe on your next visit.
Encountering the gorilla in its natural habitat is an extraordinary experience. The distinction between the observer and the observed is blurred, and you never know just how near the gorillas will venture for a closer look! For animal and nature lovers, the opportunity to meet a mountain gorilla face to face can prove to be the experience of a lifetime.
A gorilla safari is not for the timid traveler. It is an extremely active journey in parts of the world that have been inaccessible to most travelers. In order to ensure a successful trip, you will need to do your homework before choosing a safari company that suits your needs. This TRO guide will provide you with the information you need to know to get a start on planning your African adventure. Please read this guide in conjunction with the more general TRO Safari guide for additional information.
There are two species of gorilla, the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla. In each of these broad classifications, there are two subspecies each. All are endangered, some critically. The western gorilla species is comprised of the Cross River gorilla and the western lowland gorilla. The eastern gorilla species is comprised of the eastern lowland gorilla and the mountain gorilla.
The western lowland gorilla, although endangered, has the highest population count and a wide range through the rainforests of Central Africa in Cameroon, the south-west corner of the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Angola. The Cross River gorilla, however, is critically endangered with fewer than 200 animals living on the Nigerian-Cameroon border. The eastern lowland gorilla, also known as Grauer's gorilla, is found in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. With only about 650 left in existence, the mountain gorilla has struggled to survive in the region of Africa's Great Lakes, spanning Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The gradual deterioration of the habitat of each species endangers the viability of their populations. Likewise, the civil strife that has raged in these areas intermittently for decades has taken its own toll on the non-human primates as they have fallen victim to the poaching for meat and animal trafficking that has arisen with the lack of legal protection and lawlessness. Finally, the gorillas share a propensity to succumb to human illnesses, most recently to an ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nevertheless, it is possible to view these tremendous animals safely and humanely, affording the local economies an incentive to protect the remaining populations.
A gorilla safari is particularly fulfilling because of the species' human characteristics: bipedalism, intelligence and expressive faces, to name a few. Further impressive is the gorilla's size. Male silverbacks can measure up to six feet tall when standing upright and weigh 400-500 pounds; the width of their chests spans up to five feet! Although historically depicted as vicious by Hollywood (The mountain gorilla served as the inspiration for King Kong.), the species is quite peaceful, spending most of its time eating vegetation, such as herbs, leaves and bamboo.
Because of their gentle nature, gorillas have responded well to habituation, or the act of making wild animals accustomed to humans over time. As a result, they act naturally while being observed by small groups of tourists. Be forewarned, however, that if the predominant male thinks his family (which includes his mates and their offspring) is in danger, he will not hesitate to attack an offending human.
Since mountain gorillas have been meticulously observed since the 1950s, their location is pretty well known. About half of the population resides in an extinct volcanic region called the Virunga Range. This area boasts three parks that feature mountain gorilla tracking: DRC's Virunga National Park, Rwanda's Volcans National Park, and Uganda's Mgahinga National Park. The rest of the mountain gorilla population lives in Uganda's Bwindi-Impenetrable National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please be aware that the gorilla groups are nomadic and do not stay in one area of the park. And when, for example, the gorillas move from the Ugandan area of the park to the Rwandan area, tracking in Uganda is postponed. Because of civil unrest, TRO can not recommend any travel to the DRC. However, both Uganda and Rwanda offer mountain gorilla safaris accompanied by military guard in the national parks. Lowland gorilla safaris in Gabon and Cameroon are popular and in regions that are politically stable for viewing lowland gorillas.
Travelers should be aware that a vigorous debate surrounds gorilla safaris and habituation. There are those who argue that tourism exploits the gorilla populations and deprives them of the sanctity of their habitat. However, it is the opinion of TRO that tourism may well be the last hope of these great animals. For years, poachers have ruthlessly hunted the gorilla to for food as well as their hands and heads for souvenirs. Poachers have sold off baby gorillas in illicit trade. Tourism brings much needed dollars into the local economies and gives the government a reason to protect the gorilla as a resource. So long as only healthy humans visit the gorilla populations in controlled situations, tourism protects the gorilla.
All African countries require passports of visitors and most, but not all, require visas from most foreign visitors. While travelers can often obtain a visa upon arrival, it is recommended that they obtain a visa beforehand. And as with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is suggested.
Unlike other safaris, gorilla tracking typically requires rigorous hiking in undeveloped terrain. Thus, it is important that a traveler be in adequate physical condition to cope with the demands of the itinerary. In addition to considerations of the physical demands of a safari, the traveler should be aware of the necessity to protect against indigenous disease such as malaria. As early as possible in the planning stage, the traveler should consult a physician to determine what shots and other precautions should be undertaken prior to travel.
Travelers are well advised to book a mountain gorilla safari as far in advance as possible, especially because of the limited number of gorilla park permits, which are needed for tracking. This will allow plenty of time to get the best possible airfares and rates on guides, as well as to make appropriate preparations for vaccinations against indigenous diseases, such as malaria, hepatitis and yellow fever.
Travelers planning a safari have many options. First, you need to decide if you would like to track animals other than the gorilla. There are tours designed for tracking several gorilla varieties as well as chimpanzees and other primates. Or you may want to add larger game to your safari, such as lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhino, also known as the "Big Five." The itinerary is up to you. Keep in mind that as you track mountain gorillas, you should see many bird varieties and a multitude of other animals.
Gorilla tracking is offered year-round, but the hiking is much easier if you avoid the rainy seasons, March-April and October-November. Your tour operator should be able to obtain the gorilla park permits, which cost $360 a day in Uganda, and $375 a day in Rwanda. Tours of 6-12 travelers leave with a local guide each morning for an excursion that usually lasts 4-5 hours. Since the majority of that time is spent hiking through rugged terrain, gorilla trackers must be in good physical shape. Neither can travelers carry any illnesses or diseases. Most tour companies have a minimum age requirement of 18, while others lessen the requirement to 15. One hour is usually the maximum amount of time you may spend with the gorillas. Tracking for private groups can also be arranged.
Your gorilla-tracking safari can be as comfortable or as rugged as suits your preference. This is why the assistance of a good travel consultant is highly recommended. Reputable travel consultants have a variety of tools at their disposal which not only find the best possible values on the market, but which also match the traveler's preferences to a suitable tour operator.
Most gorilla safaris include accommodation. There are hotels, lodges and campsites available near the gorilla parks. All accommodations (including campsites) run the gamut from budget to luxury. Some of the campgrounds and accommodations are in the game parks, while others are outside of the boundary of the officially designated parks. Note that not all types of safari accommodations are offered at all parks or by all tour operators.
Tented safaris are camping excursions with tents and mobile locations. There are well-defined tent areas where the parks permit camping. Tour operators sometimes offer variations of luxury in tents, from bare canvas tenting to deluxe permanent tent structures. This is the traditional mobile safari where the traveler crosses the countryside in a four-wheel drive vehicle supplied by the tour operator.
Most tours include transportation from airports to the gorilla parks. If you are traveling independently, you can ride the public bus from Uganda's capital, Kampala, to Buhoma, and then take a taxi to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This journey averages 10 hours. When traveling to Mgahinga National Park, you will take a bus from Kampala to Kibale (6-8 hours), then another bus to Kisoro, which is six miles from the park. If traveling independently, know the bus timetables in advance and expect delays. Traveling to Rwanda's PNV is considerably easier. From the capital, Kigali, it is a 45-minute trip to Ruhengeri, a town just outside the park.
Travel in Africa is often unpredictable. Be prepared for delays and relax knowing that you have set off on an adventure that most only imagine.
Safari travelers should pack as lightly as possible. Safari veterans recommend bringing one backpack and one daypack. A good pair of boots will be appreciated, as will a hat and other protection from the sun. Do not forget the sunglasses and sunscreen! Loose clothing that can be layered and shed as the day warms works well. It is a good idea to take long sleeve shirts and light jackets for the evening cool and to protect against mosquitoes during the night. Insect repellent? Yes! Neutral colors help the traveler to blend in and are less likely to attract insects. "Convertible" shirts and pants are favorite garments owing to their versatility. Your tour operator will provide a complete list of recommended clothing and gear.
Be sure to bring ample camera film and batteries as there will be countless photo opportunities, although flash photography is not allowed near the mountain gorillas. It is also a good idea to keep your camera in a sealed bag to prevent damage due to water or dust. And be aware that film development in Africa is more risky than in the U.S.
Is a gorilla safari safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk. However, hundreds of lucky individuals go on gorilla treks each year without incident. Here are a few tips can ensure that you enjoy your safari with the maximum value and minimum risk:
Prepare for the trip with a visit to a doctor to make sure you are prepared physically and that you have had recommended shots and anti-malarials.
Listen to your guide! Do not, under any circumstances over-rule your guide. Listen to them and follow their sage advice.
You will be provided with very specific instruction on how to safely view the gorillas you encounter. Any failure to follow instruction can be dangerous to you and the gorillas and may result in your dismissal from your group.
Watch other animals from a distance. You want to look neither threatening nor tasty. If you encounter an animal at close distance unexpectedly, leave it plenty of room for escape and begin walking away quietly and slowly. Stay with your guide.
Stay inside your tent at night. Enough said.
Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty.
Respect the local inhabitants. You are their guest. Again, your guide is your best friend.
As with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea.
The word safari is Swahili for travel, trip or journey. In the travel industry, safari refers to a type of travel that typically involves these elements:
At least one country in Africa
Extensive sightseeing, with an emphasis on wildlife sightings
An expert guide (although some self-guided safaris can be arranged, it is not recommended)
For animal and nature lovers, few types of travel are as rewarding as a safari. Many who have been will tell you that the countries of Africa connect with the human psyche like few other places... Africa is not a destination - it is a point of origin.
An African safari is a trip like no other. On safari you come face to face with creation in all its glory, with nature at its most untouched. Few people come away from a safari the same as they first arrived. A safari is an opportunity to travel off of the beaten path, creating memories that last a lifetime. Like any specialized trip, the key to a successful safari is education, preparation and planning.
You will enjoy a safari if you:
Are passionate about nature
Enjoy wildlife
Can handle modest discomfort
Enjoy traveling to uncommon, undeveloped, or unique locations
Enjoy an active vacation
You'll have several options when choosing a guide, as well as the degree of comfort on your safari. A guided safari is best for most travelers, particularly if this is your first safari. You can arrange an independent, self-drive, safari through a tour operator, however, who can provide a vehicle, maps, itineraries, provisions, tents and park passes.
There are two very important notes regarding independent safaris:
Not every country or park allows self-drive safaris
Many locations require guides for safety and to assist with navigating the infrastructure. Self-drive is inherently more risky! The roads are often in poor shape, animals view anything that moves as dinner, gas stations can be difficult or impossible to find along the way, and the local population speaks no English.
These considerations are merely to educate, not to discourage. Travel is a matter of well-informed choice, and if you have some experience, you can surely find a comfortable program with the right tour operator.
Guided safaris involve the presence of a trained, experienced guide who accompanies travelers (as a group or privately) throughout the itinerary. Guides are typically very knowledgeable about local animals, plants, and weather conditions. A good guide will know the best locations for animal viewing, which saves a lot of time and makes the trip much more efficient. Many guides are trained botanists or zoologists and have a sharp eye for animals and plants that the untrained eye might miss. Finally, guides usually speak both English and the native language, a skill that will come in handy time and time again! (Be sure to check with your travel consultant to learn specifics about the guides a safari company uses). Guides are also charged with obtaining park and camping permits, in addition to setting up and breaking down any camps.
Travelers also have their choice of accommodations while on safari. Some camp grounds and accommodations are in the game parks, while others are outside of the boundary of the officially designated parks.
Tented safaris are camping excursions with tents and mobile locations, usually in well-defined tent areas where the parks allow it. Tour operators sometimes offer varied luxury in tents, from bare canvas tenting to deluxe, permanent tent structures. Camping is part of the traditional "mobile" safari, where travelers cross the countryside in a four wheel drive vehicle supplied by a safari operator.
Lodge safaris offer several accommodations throughout the itinerary that can range from rustic to the ultimate in luxury. If you are looking for luxury, it is possible to arrange Fly In safaris where the tour operator uses small aircraft to airlift travelers to vehicles in game parks for a day or more of animal viewing.
Not all types of safaris are offered at all parks or by all companies, so it is important to ask about options and plan for what will make you most comfortable and excited about the trip.
In addition to the general safaris already mentioned, you can also choose from a great variety of specialized safaris. For example, Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania and Liwonde National Park in Malawi offer canoe safaris to view hippos and crocodiles. Rwanda, Uganda or Gabon offer opportunities for gorilla safaris.
As you can see, part of the fun of planning your trip can be choosing your safari. Safaris can also be as luxurious or rugged as you'd like - which is why the assistance of a good travel consultant is highly recommended for a safari, especially. Trained travel consultants typically have inside knowledge and a variety of resources to find you the best value and safari company, based on what you want from your trip.
Most travelers go on a safari for the opportunity to see the amazing wildlife of the African landscape. The most commonly sighted animals include the "Big 5": lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard and rhino. However, a multitude of other species is a part of the safari experience - including zebra, giraffe, cheetah, baboon, wildebeest, and gazelle. In some areas, gorillas, chimpanzees, crocodiles, hippos and other more exotic animals make their homes.
Spotting wildlife is a matter of luck, patience and a good guide. Especially in the dry season, animals tend to gather around waterholes, which make excellent viewing spots. On rare occasions, you might spot a lion or cheetah stalking a gazelle or other plant eater - a spectacular sight.
Most animal viewing is done from the safety of a four wheel drive vehicle thatanimals largely ignore. Seldom in the parks are visitors allowed to get out of their vehicles, except in specially designated areas.
The first step to planning a safari is to make sure you are prepared for the physical demands of the trip. Because most game viewing is done from a vehicle, travelers are not limited by physical impairment or infirmity. However, some camping locations or the demands of trekking in mountain ranges may prohibit some from the rigors of the experience, as can the need to spend several hours at a time in a vehicle.
In addition to considering the physical demands of a safari, travelers should be aware of the necessity to protect against indigenous disease such as malaria. As early as possible in the planning stage, consult a physician to determine what shots and other precautions you need, prior to travel.
Travelers are well advised to book as far in advance as possible. This allows plenty of time to get the best possible airfares and rates on guides, as well as to make appropriate preparations for shots and medications. Some safaris actually sell out, so booking in advance makes for good sense.
All African countries require passports and most, but not all, require visas from most foreign visitors. While travelers can often obtain a visa upon arrival, we recommend purchasing the visa as preparation for the trip.
When you start to think about packing - it's best to pack as lightly as possible. A good, comfortable pair of boots, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and loose, layered clothing are a must. Long sleeve shirts and light jackets for cool evenings also protect against mosquitoes, while neutral colors blend in and are less likely to attract insects. "Convertible" shirts and pants are popular because of their versatility. Your tour operator will provide a complete list of recommended clothing and gear, and you can ask your local outdoor shop for even more advice.
Is a safari safe? Any travel entails some degree of risk, but know that thousands and thousands of lucky individuals safari each year in Africa without incident. Here are a few tips to ensure that you safely enjoy your safari:
Prepare for the trip with a visit to a doctor to make sure you are physically prepared and have the recommended shots and anti-malarials
Listen to your guide! Do not, under any circumstances, over-rule your guide or avoid their sage advice
Avoid swimming in bodies of water (Hot? Want a cool dip in the water? See that log? That's no log)
Watch animals from a distance; you want to look neither threatening nor tasty, and if you happen to encounter an animal unexpectedly, leave it plenty of room for escape and begin walking away quietly and slowly, near to your guide
Stay inside your tent at night
Stay hydrated by drinking clean water throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty
Respect the local inhabitants: you are their guest and your guide is your best friend
As with any active vacation, travel insurance covering trip cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies is a good idea, and one you should discuss in detail with your insurance providers
Africa is a diverse continent with diverse countries, all varied in the wildlife and infrastructure available to tourists. The most frequently visited safari destinations and their highlights follow:
Botswana - the Okavango Delta in Botswana is an amazing series of lagoons, lakes and streams with a wide variety of wildlife. Mostly accessible only by airplane. Less crowded, higher-end safari.
Kenya - Popular safari destination for decades and easily accessible. Masai Mara park is one of the top safari destinations for the annual migration of the wildebeest, a classic safari adventure.
Namibia - Namibia's Etosha National Park hosts the world's tallest elephants and the rare black rhino. More than ninety other varieties of mammal live here.
Rwanda - Virunga National Park covers an area of about 48 square miles and includes six volcanoes and a mountainous region, home to a population of mountain gorillas.
Uganda - Uganda is known for its scenery, culture and wildlife. The endangered mountain gorilla is its chief safari draw.
South Africa - Popular safari destination for the Big 5. Kruger National Park is one of the top safari destinations.
Tanzania - Dozens of animal species in a variety of settings from the Serengeti National Park to Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru.
There is no real consensus as to when the best time to go on safari might be. Many prefer the dry season, roughly from May through August, also the African winter. The weather is generally more comfortable, and therefore this is peak travel season. During the dry season, animals congregate around water holes and are highly visible, and the vegetation is low and dry, providing unobstructed views. However, the animal migrations are in progress during this season, and some animals may not be present as they travel to find water elsewhere.
The rainy season brings water and the early birthing cycle of many of the animals. The young make for good viewing, and it is not unusual to see the large predator cats feeding.
Typically, tour operators classify safaris as budget, deluxe and luxury depending on the amenities of the accommodations, the meals included in the package and the planned activities. Your travel agent will use a reputable tour operator, which is an important service, as many safari companies provide varying levels of quality and dependability. Safaris can last from a week to several months, ranging from $100 per person, per day for a budget trip, to $800 or more for a luxury safari (not including air).
You can find a safari experience for every budget and for every type of traveler, from a single traveler to a family or a newlywed couple. Get your gear and get traveling - Africa awaits.
For well over 2000 years, the peoples of three faiths have revered the near Middle East as a holy land. No area of the world has been more gifted with religious significance. Christian pilgrims have traveled to Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece and Italy to achieve a fuller understanding of their religious heritage. The first pilgrims traveled a difficult path on the dangerous roads of the old Roman Empire. Today's travelers will find their journey somewhat easier to achieve, but no less rewarding in the doing. It has often been said that travel is a journey of the soul as much as the body. Nowhere is this more true than in travel that expressly seeks out the core of a religious tradition.
More and more travelers are discovering the important role the geography and culture of the Middle East played in the development of their religions. This TRO Activity Index Guide focuses on the Christian tradition in the Mediterranean region. Other TRO Activity Index Guides look to the Jewish heritage or to other geographic areas of pilgrimage. This TRO Guide will acquaint you with the basics of planning, booking a preparing for a trip to the holy land: that area of the Mediterranean important to the history and heritage of Christianity. Many of the most important events in Christianity occurred long before it was the religion of the Roman Empire, but when it was instead a little known but growing sect.
Early in your trip research, determine what type of travel to the holy land you wish to undertake, and the destinations you wish to visit. If you want to delve back to the pre-Christian era, Egypt holds many of the early origins of the faith in its fantastic array of antiquities, as does Israel. The life of Jesus is the story of Bethlehem, Jerusalem and the Jordan valley. The life of the early church spans a much wider area, however, through Israel and Jordan to Lebanon, Turkey, Greece and Italy, the first regions of travel for the early apostles and Church.
You will also want to decide if you want to travel independently or with a group. Your travel consultant can arrange an independent fly/drive itinerary for you in almost any destination. An independent itinerary has many advantages in that your time is your own and you can pace the trip to suit your own preferences without the confines of schedules and timetables. A hosted or escorted tour is another option, providing guided tours of the destinations involved. Hosted and escorted tours can be arranged privately, so that you are not with other travelers, or as part of a larger group. In the hosted or escorted option, you have the advantage of a knowledgeable guide and the efficiency inherent in having someone familiar with the setting arranging your itinerary. Group tours tend to be less expensive in general than independent or private tours. Escorted group travel permits the traveler to experience a destination while letting others worry about logistical details of the itinerary.
Many of the sites you will visit will have a maze-like quality to them, and vast historical and religious significance. Your travels will be significantly enhanced by the presence of a knowledgeable multi-lingual guide. Regardless of the type of tour for which you opt, investigate the quality of the guides that will be available to you so that you can quickly and efficiently negotiate the ins and outs of the encounters you will have. In the end, it is a matter of personal preference and budget.
Should you decide to use a tour company, you should also discuss with your travel consultant the character of the tour companies available. Many tours to the holy land are run by secular tour operators providing excellent programs complete with well-trained guides. Other tour companies are "faith based" and often use ministers or lay-evangelists to guide and conduct the tour. Some tour companies offer a variety of options such as tours specially designed for Catholics or Protestants. The character and ambiance of these groups can be very different, so communicate early on your preferences with your travel consultant.
Jerusalem remains the primary destination for most trips to the holy land. The city is a key religious site for Christianity, Judaism and Islam, the so-called "faiths of the Book". The Abrahamic religions all derive from a common, ancient and Semitic tradition arising from this region of the world. As a result there are few destinations anywhere that can match the convergence of historical, religious and cultural significance of Jerusalem.
Most tour operators will make sure that key sites in the city are a part of your experience. In the section known as the "Old City", you will find the souk, or city market. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the traditional place of the Crucifixion and the Tomb, still stands, the cornerstone having been laid in 1149 by Crusaders. Visitors can walk the Via Dolorosa, the original Stations of the Cross. Others believe the Garden Tomb in East Jerusalem to be the place of the Tomb. The Wailing Wall in the Jewish Quarter and the Citadel (the Tower of David) are a part of nearly every itinerary. Inside the confines of the Church of All Nations is the Garden of Gethsemane. Mount Zion, the traditional location of the Last Supper is close to the nearby King David's Tomb. Outside of Jerusalem, however, Israel is a continuum of archeological and religious treasures. Many tours take in dozens of sites such as the Sea of Galilee, Qumran and Tiberias. Bethlehem is just five miles south of Jerusalem. Now in the hands of the Palestinian Authority, the town is not always open to inspection, but when it is, no pilgrim will want to miss the location of the birth of Jesus. Nazareth, the location where Jesus spent much of his early life, is also very common stopping point on most itineraries. Many tours take in Caesarea, where Peter began his ministries. Many Roman artifacts such as the old Ampitheatre and aqueduct remain intact. The Mount of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River provide opportunities for many tour operators to allow travelers to cruise on the Sea or to be baptized in the River.
The paths traveled by the early apostles also offer opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in a religious pilgrimage. Travelers to Greece will find the ancient city of Corinth, where the early church received the canonical Letter to the Corinthians.
In Turkey, one can travel to the fortified monastery of St. John where tradition tells us the Book of Revelations was authored. Here are many magnificent churches visited by Saint Peter and Saint Paul as the Christian religion moved from being a Jewish sect to a religion of the Gentiles.
On Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean coast is the city of Antakya, in biblical times called "Antioch". In 1963, the Vatican designated the Church of St. Peter in Antioch as the world's first Cathedral. Not far away is Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul. Here also is the city of Ephesus where grave of John is supposed to be at the Basilica of St. John. It is in Ephesus, where Paul wrote the Epistles to the Ephesians and where St. John the Evangelist is traditionally thought to have brought the mother of Jesus. The Virgin Mary's house is located in Ephesus and is recognized by the Vatican as an important Christian shrine. It is also in Turkey that legend says Noah's Ark came to rest after the Great Flood on Mount Agri (Ararat). Finally, Rome and Vatican City remain a center for many Christian pilgrims, both Catholic and Protestant.
The high season for travel to the Mediterranean region generally runs between May and October. The earlier and later shoulder seasons see fewer crowds and generally cooler temperatures, as the summer months can be very hot. The winter months are the least expensive season in which to go and excellent values can be found during the winter, exclusive of the spike in pilgrimage travel that occurs in Israel during the traditional Christmas season. Some tour packages include air, while others are priced "land only". Your travel consultant can assist you with achieving the greatest possible value with regard to your transportation. Other considerations will be whether to elect to do a pre or post tour extension if you choose an escorted tour, giving you an opportunity to spend time on your own exploring your destinations. Some tour operators reserve the right to cancel particular tours, or you may decide to change your own plans. Be sure to determine the policies of the tour operator you choose and to purchase travel insurance to protect against unforeseen interruptions or circumstances. Again, your travel consultant is your best guide.
Spend some time reviewing the materials provided by your travel consultant and be comfortable with what is, and is not, include in the price of your tour. Consider the issues of departure taxes, visas, gratuities and meals. You may also want to upgrade your accommodations. If you are traveling by yourself, determine what the "single supplement" charge will be, or whether the tour operator can find a suitable roommate for you.
Tours to the holy land inevitably mean a great deal of walking. Many of the sites you will visit are either roughly paved or unpaved. It is a good idea to prepare yourself by being in as good a physical shape as possible prior to leaving on your trip. If you or any of your travel companions have any physical impairment, be sure to let your travel consultant know. Bring comfortable clothing, but pack as lightly as possible. Your tour operator will provide you with a list of recommended items to bring, but a good pair of walking shoes, already broken in, is a must! A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also very important must-haves as you will spend a great deal of your time out-of-doors.
Make sure that your travel documentation is in order well in advance of your date of departure. Your travel consultant can assist you with the requirements of the countries that you intend to visit. You will typically need a passport valid for at least six months from your planned date of return home. In addition, some destinations will request to see a return airline ticket. Visas are required of some nationalities by some countries, so inquire with regard to your particular circumstances and planned itinerary. Travel documentation is a bit different for Israel than for some other destinations. In particular, some Arab countries will not allow you to enter if you have visited Israel. Therefore, have the customs official in Israel stamp your entry permit rather than your passport.
Finally, safety is always an issue of concern when visiting the Middle East, especially Israel. In general, the situation has been much better over the recent past than in the years just prior to 2006, despite the recent conflict between militant factions in Lebanon and Israel. If the events in one region appear too unstable for you, shift your focus to one of the other biblically significant areas. While there are no guarantees of safety, hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the holy land each year without incident.
With the assistance of a good travel consultant and a bit of planning, your own, personal pilgrimage can be safe and spiritually most rewarding.
In the travel industry, safari refers to a type of travel that typically involves these elements: 
A good guide will know the best locations for animal viewing, which saves a lot of time and makes the trip much more efficient. Many guides are trained botanists or zoologists and have a sharp eye for animals and plants that the untrained eye might miss. Finally, guides usually speak both English and the native language, a skill that will come in handy time and time again! (Be sure to check with your travel consultant to learn specifics about the guides a safari company uses). Guides are also charged with obtaining park and camping permits, in addition to setting up and breaking down any camps. 
However, a multitude of other species is a part of the safari experience - including zebra, giraffe, cheetah, baboon, wildebeest, and gazelle. In some areas, gorillas, chimpanzees, crocodiles, hippos and other more exotic animals make their homes.
