|
 Having
yet to experience sub-Saharan Africa for myself and wanting to know the
difference among all the terms safari outfitters use led to the idea for
this issue. Of course now I’m more determined that ever to experience
the grandeur of earth’s second largest and most diverse continent.
From
sites where mankind originated, to the top of Kilimanjaro, across the
Serengeti to Victoria Falls and beyond, Africa offers hundreds of
different cultures, some of the rarest animal species on earth,
spectacular beaches, and of course, great stretches of wilderness.
Here
are seven tour operators who can help you plan an African trip:
This
month's tour hosts review:
|
African Safari Company
Pick of
the Month |
| Specialty: Photographic
safaris, adventure trips and special one-of-a-kind safari experiences
|
| Why
We Like Them: The company offers more than 30 different safari
options to suit every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re embarking on
your first safari, or are a veteran looking for the exceptional wildlife
experience, African safari Company provides scheduled tours and custom-
designed itineraries for independent travelers. Its website has great
in-depth information on the various parks in each country it visits, and
the “specials” are exactly that: unique one-of-a-kind experiences to
stir the blood.
|
| Article:
"A Safari Primer"
|
|
ABA Tours |
| Specialty:
Community-based arts and culture programs |
|
Why
We Like Them:
Aba offers a selection of small group tours centered
on the arts, crafts and cultures of Ghana. Tours incorporate stays in
small villages, and visits to local festivals and private events. The
company also runs Aba House, a cross-cultural collaborative that welcomes
visitors for two-to-four-week periods to live and work in a
multigenerational, multicultural setting.
|
| Article:
"Impressions of
Ghana"
|
|
Whole in One Touring Services |
| Specialty:
Personalized tours of South Africa |
| Why
We Like Them: An owner-operated business specializing in creating
custom-designed tours in Cape Town and beyond. Itineraries
range from golf, gardens and game to wineries and whales.
The company’s dedication to building a reputation for
professional quality and service is apparent from the first conversation. |
|
Wildland Adventures |
| Specialty: Exploratory
trips and family adventures |
| Why
We Like Them:
A commitment to eco-tourism both as a way of benefiting
travelers looking to explore the natural world and a means
of economic assistance to peoples willing to welcome
visitors to their lands and cultures. Specially designed
family trips focus on introducing children to the world in a
conscious and fun way, providing a great experience for all
generations.
|
| Article:
"Choosing your African Safari"
|
|
Destinations & Adventures International |
| Specialty: Luxury fly-in
safaris and custom-designed dream holidays
|
| Why
We Like Them: Focusing on each country’s unique architecture and
culture, DAI shows you both the classic attractions and seeks out
little-known sites to create a memorable experience for discerning
travelers. DAI’s winged safaris provide a bird’s-eye view of the
terrain and fly deep into the heart of Africa. |
| Article:
"The Last True Wilderness" |
|
Kilwa Safari |
| Specialty:
Overlanding in
Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique |
| Why
We Like Them: This family-run company, a new addition to the
overlanding community, specializes in the lesser known Southern Tanzania
area. Rugged, up-close and personal trips get you in touch with nature in
her wildest surroundings.
|
 Article:
"Tanzania's
Forgotten South" |
|
SITA World Travel, Inc. |
|
Specialty:
Providing reasonably priced tours to exotic destinations |
|
Why We Like Them: SITA
offers dozens and dozens of tours to 19 African
countries as well as Asia and the Pacific. The company
has a 70-year track record of providing outstanding
travel value throughout the world. It was the first
company to offer packaged tours – one of the most
innovative and original travel concepts of modern times. |
|
Article:
"A Classic
Africa Safari" |
|
