Must do 2011 destinations from Acacia Africa
Adventurers looking for the inside track on Africa might want to quiz Acacia Africa, as the tour operator has just compiled its list of conservation, bargain and crowd free safari hot spots for 2011.
Conservation havens: Game viewers should bring their Big Five checklist to the Serengeti, as the recent reintroduction of the ‘black’ rhino to Tanzania’s best-known game reserve adds to its already unrivalled wildlife. In East Africa, and the continent as a whole, rhino numbers have declined due to poaching, but the mammals reappearance in the north eastern area of the Serengeti means avid animal enthusiasts can enjoy even more close encounters of the rhino kind. Less frequently visited but some eight times larger than its Kenyan neighbour the Masai Mara, adventurers can be assured that their safari will be on the ‘wilder’ side. (17-day Zanzibar To Mount Kilimanjaro, £995pp + local payment from £440pp excl flights).
Other 2011 hot spots for budding conservationists include Gweru in Zimbabwe (32-day Southern Explorer, £1,395pp + local payment from £655pp) and Livingstone in Zambia (2-day African Lion Rehabilitation Project, £398pp, including local payment), both countries featuring the groundbreaking ‘Rehabilitation & Release Into The Wild’ project, and the opportunity to go walking with lions.
Bargain hunters: Namibia earned third place on Acacia Africa’s list of 2011 budget destinations, and according to Lonely Planet, when it comes to splashing less cash in Africa, the sand surf paradise is a hard one to beat. The average backpacker might expect to spend around 30 hard earned British pounds a day, but for the price of a few extra beers, adventurers can hop on the 11-day Cape Desert Safari (£325pp + local payment from £231pp) overland tour. Of course, the travel specialist will throw in a charismatic tour leader, a smattering of local guides, 24-7 game viewing in Etosha National Park, some impromptu bouldering at Spitzkoppe and a visit to the Cape Cross Seal Colony.
Crowd free safaris: Still one of Africa’s best-kept secrets, the number one status of Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park doesn’t just boil down to exclusivity. Aside from the pleasant avoidance of hordes of tourists, safari goers will be treated to the sight of vast herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra, the park incorporating 105 mammal species and eight large carnivores. 7-day Rediscover Zimbabwe small group safari, £445pp + local payment from £202pp.
One of Botswana’s lesser-known game viewing spots, Savuti is also on the 2011 hit list, its lush plains attracting hordes of wildlife. Thousands of migrating zebra and a host of hungry predators will be ready for action during rainy season (November to May) and wildlife viewing in the national park is included on the 32-day Southern Explorer, £1,395pp + local payment from £655pp.
All prices are subject to availability and are no single supplement. Prices include all highlights, accommodation, transport, most meals and services of a tour leader/driver. Excludes visas, optional activities and return flight. Private family tour prices available on request.
For more information and bookings: acacia-africa.com
