Why
Africa?
Because Africa is safari country. A safari is one of the greatest
experiences of a lifetime. It is like no other travel experience;
it is like a journey into creation. There is no place else in
the world where you can see traditional villages, tribes and
prehistoric landscapes populated by untamed wildlife surviving
with the same natural instinct, spontaneity and freedom since
time immemorial. And, this can all be experienced without sacrificing
the creature comforts to which modern men and women have become
accustomed. On our safaris you experience Africa in style and
comfort.
What
will I see on safari?
The greatest profusion of animal, bird and plant life on earth.
You roam across the countryside in search of elephant, lion,
rhino, Cape buffalo and leopard (the Big Five of Kenya and Tanzania).
You will encounter wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, giraffe, baboon,
hippo and monkey in great numbers and jackal, hyena and cheetah...
the list goes on. The bird life is infinite in its variety and
form. There are flowers from the giant baobab and mahogany to
the tiny whistling thorn. And there will be morning rainbows,
mirages in the afternoon, and moonlit, star-filled nights.
Why
FOCUS ON AFRICA now?
During the past twenty years man has destroyed much of the wildlife,
which has roamed the African plains for over 2 million years.
Countries, which have a healthy tourist industry have taken
steps to prevent the loss of this great natural resource. Focus
on Africa will call attention to the magic of an African safari
and will provide a much needed resource tool so people can see
for themselves what an African safari has to offer. This will
then help many struggling countries, which have been hit hard
by the global recession, the ending of the cold war, terrorism and the Iraq war and the ending of the cold war.
Isn’t
there a lot of trouble in Africa?
Africa is a continent almost four times larger than the United States.
The chances of you being the victim of crime are extremely small,
probably less than the town you live in. David Anderson Safaris only travels to African countries that are as safe
or safer than large U.S. cities. You will be advised as to the
U.S. State Department’s cautions on traveling in Africa
should they occur.
How
far in advance should I book my safari?
We recommend you book at least 6 months in advance. Space is very limited
on some of the safaris. Avoid disappointment and book early.
Most of the Focus on Africa 1993, 1995, and 2004 safaris were completely filled.
What
is the weather like?
David Anderson Safaris can make no guarantees regarding
your weather while in Africa, however, we can make some predictions:
Kenya and Tanzania
East Africa is fairly moderate year round. The temperature ranges
between 49 degrees and 80 degrees. The humidity is low and the
mornings and evenings are refreshingly cool.
Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana
The best time to visit Southern Africa is between the months
of January and September. Temperatures range from a low of 40
degrees to daytime highs in the mid 80’s. In June and
July, the evenings and early mornings can be quite cold - sometimes
in the low 40’s.
Rwanda
and Uganda
Because of the elevation of these countries, the average day-time
temperature year round is about 75 degrees. It will be cool
during the evening and early morning.
South
Africa
South Africa is generally sunny and temperate throughout the
year. Since the country lies south of the equator, the seasons
are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Winters
(June/July) are usually cool and mild. Game viewing is good
year round.
Namibia
Namibia has a subtropical climate and is typical of semidesert
areas with warm days and cool nights.
What makes David Anderson Safaris different?
David Anderson Safaris is not a travel agency, we
only plan and design travel to Africa. Safari Africa books
your land transportation through independent ground
operators and airlines. Over the years we have achieved a high
level of expertise in this highly specialized destination.
Since Africa is all we do, we have also established professional
relationships with the management at the best lodges and tented
camps in Africa as well as with the most popular air carriers
serving Africa. Your arrangements will be handled by a specialist,
not a generalist. Furthermore DAS has been specializing in Safaris for photographers for over 20 years.
Is
a safari tiring?
Yes and no. A safari is very spiritually and emotionally stimulating.
You end your days relaxed and content. However, many of the
roads in East Africa are rough and dusty. For this reason we incorporate flights
on some safaris to reduce road time. On our “winged safaris”
we utilize aircraft for all transportation between the parks.
Can
I participate in more than one safari?
Of course. The itineraries are designed so that you can easily
combine safaris.
Will
there be language problems?
No! English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa.
What
are the accommodations like?
The deluxe lodges and luxury tented camps we use in Africa meet the
standards of the most discriminating traveler. Most lodges also
have swimming pools. David Anderson Safaris has selected
only the best lodges and tented camps available for Focus On
Africa. This is important when traveling in a third world country. You view the lodges and camps used in Focus on Africa at http://onsafari.info/lodges_africa.html
Will
I be “roughing it” on safari?
There are many ways to experience an African safari. There are
self-drive safaris and there are participative camping safaris.
At the other end of the scale are luxury safaris. Focus on Africa
is showcasing the latter. We have selected the best safari guides,
top lodges and luxury tented camps. Transportation will be by
modern mini-vans, Land Cruisers, and light aircraft. Participants
will be experiencing Africa in style and comfort.
Can
I travel as a single?
A safari is the ideal trip for the independent traveler. You
need never be alone unless it is your preference. David Anderson Safaris will assist the single traveler in finding
a compatible roommate, if requested. There are many single photographers.
What
do people wear on safari?
People find casual wear to be in style. David Anderson Safaris
supplies each tour member with a suggested packing list.
What
inoculations are required?
We recommend anti-malaria medication be taken for those
going on safari. Suggested and required medical precautions
will be sent to you upon registration. No inoculations are required.
Do
I need a visa?
With the exception of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, you
will be required to have a visa for the African countries in
which you are traveling. David Anderson Safaris supplies
participants with all necessary visa applications.
Can
I purchase trip insurance?
Supplemental health insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance
is available through David Anderson Safaris. Upon
receipt of your registration you will be sent this information.
In addition, each participant traveling in Tanzania and Kenya
can become a member of the East African Flying Doctors Society
for only $35.
Can
I charge any part of my safari?
Because the photographer’s discount is so great, we can only take final payment payment by check. If you pay the retail price, you may pay by credit card.
Do
you recommend flying business class?
Yes! If your budget allows you to fly business or first class,
you will find the extra service and body space worthwhile. Business
Class runs about four times higher than economy.
How
long is the flight?
The direct flight from New York to Johannesburg is fourteen
hours. The flight from Johannesburg to Nairobi is approximately
four hours. It will take you about eight hours from Chicago
and eleven from Los Angeles to get to Europe, and another nine
hours to Nairobi, should you be routed through Europe
Can
I stay longer in Africa?
Yes. Spend as long as you like. No problem. We can assist you to extend your stay
If
I plan to visit Africa only once, what country(s) do you recommend?
The East African countries of Kenya and Tanzania offer beautiful
scenery, a variety of tribal peoples, and an abundance of wildlife.
On the other hand, Southern Africa has Victoria Falls, the less
travelled Okavango Delta, and the cultural diversity of South
Africa.
How
do Kenya and Tanzania differ?
In East Africa they say people go to Tanzania for the wildlife
and then go to Kenya for the comfort. While this may have been
true in years past, in recent years Tanzania has improved the
quality of its lodges and food to more than acceptable standards.
If you have time, we recommend you visit both countries.
What
are the people of East Africa like?
Tourists usually go to Kenya to see the wildlife but come back
with memories of the people. The people of Kenya and Tanzania
are proud, friendly and courteous. The native Kenyans are from
39 different tribes. You will also meet Asians in Kenya, and
those who came to Kenya from Europe and Britain. The diversity
of the people is seen everywhere. In Nairobi, for example, you
may find yourself in an Indian restaurant with Maasai, Kikuyu,
Asians, English, Europeans and Americans. Focus on Africa provides
many opportunities to get to know the people of East Africa.
Are
we safe from the animals?
You view the wildlife from the safety of safari-designed mini-vans
or Land Cruisers. Additionally, your safari guide is experienced
in dealing with the wildlife and makes your safety and comfort
his highest priority.
Will
there be any inconveniences?
Not many. There will probably be a couple of roadside washrooms
which will not meet your cleanliness standards and there can
be a few delays (the pace is a little slower in Africa). If
you are the kind of person who does not adjust well to things
that are not American, or, if you have a difficult time maintaining
a positive outlook on life, you will probably find a safari
is not your kind of vacation. Positive, stimulating and interesting
people will be participating in Focus On Africa.
How
is the food on safari?
You will find the food very good and ample. Breakfasts are substantial
in the true colonial tradition, offering a selection of fresh
fruits or juices, hot or cold cereal, eggs, sausage or bacon,
toast and fresh baked bread, and coffee or tea. For lunch you
can choose from an elaborate buffet which includes a variety
of hot and cold food, and a chance to try some African cuisine.
You can expect your evening meal to match the standards which
you would find in any high quality restaurant in the world.
If you have a sweet tooth you will certainly enjoy the specially
prepared desserts.
Will
there be any free time on safari?
Yes! For example, no one has to go on the game drives. You are
free to relax at your lodge. Every day has time built into it
to allow you to do your own thing.
What
is a typical day like on safari?
No two days are alike on safari. The only thing the days have
in common is that each day will be filled with some new experiences
coupled with the joy and excitement of being alive and in Africa.
Your day usually begins with a hot beverage before you prepare
for your first game drive of the day. This game drive is early
in the morning when the animals are most active. Then, after
viewing the African wildlife for about three hours, you return
to the comfort of your lodge for breakfast. The middle of the
day is free to relax pool-side or visit with the African people.
Mid-afternoon you return to your mini-vans or Land Rover for
an afternoon game drive which ends around sundown, or in areas
that permit it, you will continue viewing wildlife after dark.
After a hot shower it is off to a delicious dinner in your first
class lodge or luxury-tented camp.
How
many people do you put in a van/Land Cruiser?
David Anderson Safaris guarantees every passenger
a window seat. On the average there will be 3-4 passengers in
each specially equipped 9 passenger mini-van or Land Cruiser.
This allows plenty of room to view and photograph the wildlife.
Are
people allowed to smoke on safari?
It is the policy of David Anderson Safaris that photographers
refrain from smoking inside safari vehicles. There are rest
stops, which allow for smoking breaks.
How
about snakes and bugs?
You rarely see a snake, but if you do it will be from the safety
of your safari vehicle. People who grew up with Tarzan movies
are surprised at how few insects they see on safari.
Are
there many birds?
More and more bird lovers are coming to Africa, which shelters
well over a thousand species.
When
is the wildebeest migration?
Every year the wildebeest normally migrate from Serengeti National Park
into Kenya’s Masai Mara. You can expect to see the herds
in the southern Serengeti during December - April and in the
northern Serengeti during May and July. The wildebeest reside
in the Masai Mara from July through November.
What
extra costs will I have on safari?
Very few. One nice thing about a safari is that most everything
is included in the price you pay before you leave. There are
a few meals left on your own to allow you to experience the
cuisine of your choice. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
are not included. All tips are included with the exception of
a gratuity for your professional safari guide ($10.00 per day
on average,)which is left to your discretion. Other extra expenses
include film, processing and any extra nights you may require
due to combining safaris.
Is
the water safe to drink?
The water in Nairobi and South Africa is perfectly safe. While
out on safari, however, only drink the purified water provided
by your lodge, or drink bottled water.
Is
the balloon safari worth it?
Yes! To float above the Masai Mara is an experience not to be
missed!
What
is a “Winged Safari”?
Winged safaris utilize flights between the game parks. This
has the advantage of saving time. And there is also less fatigue
from bouncing over the rough African roads. It has the disadvantage
of missing some of the local color found along the roadside
which we feel is the essence of Africa.
What
is the difference between a mobile and a permanent tented camp?
In the early days of safaris mobile tenting was the only option.
Teddy Roosevelt was known, for example, for his elaborate safaris.
Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile
tenting safari has increased. The cost to have a “luxury
hotel” follow one around Africa is expensive, however,
and most people settle for tented camps, which are permanent.
Because they are permanent they can be equipped with flush toilets
and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences.
What
is Southern Africa like?
The three landlocked countries of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana
are among the world’s finest treasure houses of beautiful
and awe-inspiring scenery, vast unexploited wildlife sanctuaries
and small specialist camps and lodges. Here you can explore
and experience the magic and sheer visual splendor of the heart
of Africa. The tourism infrastructure of the region is well
formed, enabling the visitor to tour Southern Africa in comfort.
The scheduled services of Air Zimbabwe, Air Botswana and South
African Airways link the city centers with the main game parks.
Connecting transfers by light aircraft transport clients to
even the most remote camps in speed and luxury. The combination
of Zimbabwe’s abundant wildlife, the mighty Zambezi River
and Victoria Falls offers excitement and beauty in a country
totally unspoiled by mass tourism. Botswana, a vast landlocked country the size of France, is one
of the last truly wild areas of Africa. Almost two-thirds of
the country consists of the waterless Kalahari Desert and the
world’s largest inland delta – the Okavango. 15,000
sq kms of this desert has been transformed into a lush green
paradise, home to immense herds of buffalo, elephant and plains
game and a wide variety of bird life. Botswana, a land of contrasts,
is where the real Africa of the past can still be experienced. Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, some 9,050 sq kms
in extent, supports what is probably the largest concentration
and variety of game and bird life on the African continent.
The Luangwa River and its lagoons, which form the park’s
eastern boundary play a major role in the ecology of the region,
and visitors can expect a wildlife experience that is difficult
to duplicate elsewhere in the world. South Africa is the country on the southern tip of the continent.
While the country is undergoing changes, it still offers many
wonderful opportunities for discovery. All of the countries covered by Focus on Africa in southern
Africa will provide the photographer with endless opportunities
for nature and wildlife photography.
Is
there white water rafting in Africa?
Yes, on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe and Zambia. This experience
is available while you are at Victoria Falls. It’s a wonderful
experience, but you need to be fit.
How
good of a photographer do I have to be to participate in Focus
on Africa?
We are seeking serious amateur and professional photographers
for the project. You are expected to have a 35mm SLR or medium
format camera and telephoto lens for use on safari.
Will
I be paid for my photographs?
You will not be paid for your photographs that are used to promote
tourism. However, if your images are sold, you will receive
40% of the revenue.
Can
I be guaranteed that my photographs will be published?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the scope of the project and the requirements
of the editors, we cannot guarantee that participants will be
published. However, we will send you a detailed shot list prior
to your departure and those that provide coverage of these subjects
will stand a greater chance of being published.
I
am a professional photographer. Can I get a free trip?
Yes and No. If you are someone who can put together your own
group of photographers, we can work out a compensation plan
for you that will include a free trip and up to $2,000 for a
story to be published in Outdoor Photographer.
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