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We’ve created this package in order to provide a truly pampered experience from the moment you board your flight, through to the exclusive experiences on the ground, but it is priced at a value that is hard to beat. – Terry von Guilleaume

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) June 27, 2013

South African Airways Vacations® announced a new, exclusive vacation package to South Africa that features unequalled luxury and award-winning experiences at every stage of the journey. The 9-day “Business Class Luxury Package” features Skytrax 5-star comfort-rated Premium Business Class travel on South African Airways (SAA), three nights at the world-famous OneOnly Cape Town with private tours, and three nights at the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge for safari. Both properties are on the most influential “best of” travel lists and are well-known by even the most sophisticated jetsetter. The “Business Class Luxury Package” is priced starting at $10,999* (restrictions apply), and is available for travel now through Sept. 27, 2013. To book the package, please call 855-FLY-SAAV (359-7228), or visit http://www.flysaavacations.com/south-africa-travel/business-class-luxury-package/. Travellers can also learn more about customizing their trip with optional add-ons and trip extensions.

The journey, featuring SAA’s award-winning flatbed seats and in-flight service, will ensure that travellers arrive refreshed and ready to experience their dream trip. Upon arrival in Cape Town, the OneOnly Cape Town will serve as the oasis from which to base the relaxing yet exhilarating experiences in the “fairest Cape”. Separate private tours of the Cape Peninsula and wine regions in luxury vehicles will add to the exclusivity of the experience, with visits to some of the region’s world-famous wine farms, such as the Ernie Els Winery, where visitors will sample South Africa’s finest vintages.

The experience continues at the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, deep in South Africa’s famous Sabi Sand Reserve. Personal service, outstanding cuisine and close wildlife encounters from this exceptionally luxurious lodge will result in a life-changing experience that will impress the most experienced world traveller. The lodge’s design blends with the bush, immersing guests in the region’s breath-taking vistas.

“We’ve created this package in order to provide a truly pampered experience from the moment you board your flight, through to the exclusive experiences on the ground, all resulting in an unforgettable trip,” said Terry von Guilleaume, president of SAA Vacations. “Its high level of luxury is meant to satisfy even the most discriminating traveller, but it is priced at a value that is hard to beat. Even luxury enthusiasts love a great deal.”

To book the SAA Vacations “Business Class Luxury Package,” please call 855-FLY-SAAV (359-7228) or visit http://www.flysaavacations.com/south-africa-travel/business-class-luxury-package/.

SAA Vacations® 5-Star “Business Class Luxury Package”:

•     Round-trip Premium Business Class international and domestic South African flights on South African Airways, Africa’s most awarded airline
•     3 nights at the luxurious OneOnly Cape Town on the VA Waterfront, on a bed and breakfast basis
•     Private full-day Cape Peninsula Tour in chauffeured luxury vehicle
•     Private Cape Winelands Tour in chauffeured luxury vehicle
•     3 nights at the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge in the world-famous Sabi Sands Reserve
•     All safari activities and meals on a fully-inclusive basis
•     Transfers, English-speaking guides and meet and greet by professional SAA Vacations staff
•     SAA Vacations packages are customizable, with optional trip extensions and additions to fit every preference

To discover more SAA Vacations® packages to South Africa, Southern and East Africa, visit http://www.flysaavacations.com/.

About SAA Vacations®

A division of South African Airways (SAA), the national airline of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline, SAA Vacations® is highly regarded for its wide array of affordable luxury packages to Africa, and utilizes SAA’s extensive route network to create packages for travel throughout South Africa, Botswana, Victoria Falls, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as East Africa. The program is managed and fulfilled by Destination Southern Africa (DSA), which was founded in 2001 and offers an extensive portfolio of tour programs with a variety of hotels, game lodges and safari companies throughout Southern Africa. DSA was one of three tour operators in the U.S. that was officially appointed by MATCH to develop and sell travel packages for soccer fans visiting South Africa for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, making it a partner with extensive knowledge and know-how in planning the perfect African vacation.

# # #

Terms Conditions

Business Class Luxury Package:

Price is per person based on required double occupancy. Valid as of June 5th, 2013 for departures from Washington, D.C. between August 11 – September 27, 2013 with the same itinerary available at higher prices during other travel periods. Price for other departure cities and/or travel dates may vary. Subject to availability and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Prices are valid for new bookings only, are not retroactive and may change without notice. Baggage and optional service fees, cancellation charges and other restriction

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Tanzania gets the thumb’s up as Africa’s best safari destination, according to an international survey released by Safari Bookings.com, an online African tour expert.
The survey, involving 276 specialized safari operators, eight major safari destinations, 139 wildlife parks and reserves, more than 2,300 user reviews and 756 expert reviews, placed Tanzania as the best safari destination in Africa.
Botswana and Kenya were tied for second place, with South Africa and Zambia sharing a fourth-place finish in the poll.
Tanzania is home to two Unesco World Heritage Sites: Serengeti National Park and the Ngrongoro Crater, located in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, as well as Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent’s highest peak. The Serengeti is home to the annual Great Migration from December to April, in which over 2.5 million zebra and wildebeest migrate annually. Tanzania was also cited for being the best spot to track chimpanzees.

Mary Fitzpatrick, a U.S-based author of six Lonely Planet guides to Africa, including Tanzania, says: “With its abundant wildlife, excellent species diversity and evocative acacia- and baobab-studded landscapes, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations.”

Philip Briggs from South Africa, a renowned travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including “Brandt Guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa,” believes there is no better safari destination than Tanzania. “Tanzania’s superb network of wildlife reserves is the most extensive in Africa, collectively covering a quarter of the country’s surface area and harboring around 20% of the continent’s large-mammal biomass.

Tanzania offers two safari circuits: the more popular northern circuit and the wild southern circuit.

The northern circuit incorporates the Serengeti plains and Kilimanjaro. Using Arusha as a base, travelers can visit Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, although the most popular tourist destination on the circuit remains the Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s largest volcanic craters.

The southern circuit is vast and remote, a veritable wilderness where visitors can explore complex ecosystems and species in a relatively unexplored part of the country. A further highlight is the little town of Mikindani, a good base for diving expeditions.

During a 2009 stopover in his ancestral Kenya, President Obama said, “I have the blood of Africa in me.” He is the first American president able to make such a declaration, but that’s not the only thing that will be different about his first major tour of the continent that begins today.

Unlike his immediate predecessors, his primary focus will not be human rights violations, AIDS or aid. This president will be taking care of business.

The weeklong trip with his family includes stops in Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania, each representing a different region of the continent and chosen for very strategic reasons. The goal is for the “U.S. to significantly increase our engagement in the years to come,” said Ben Rhodes, the White House deputy national security adviser for strategic communications.

New York Rep. Gregory Meeks, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told BET.com that Obama is developing the next phase of the nation’s relationship with Africa.

“The trip shows a new direction and attention, and instead of focusing on aid or hunger, which are important, he’ll be talking about business, economic development and how we can get the Export-Import Bank involved in Africa with American and African businesses,” Meeks said. “And he’s bringing along a number of business folks, including African-Americans, to make these kinds of contacts.”

The first stop is Senegal, where the president will highlight the French-speaking, Muslim-majority nation’s growing democracy and economy. Senegal also can play an important role in helping the U.S. combat Islamist extremists in neighboring countries like Mali. Obama will meet with President Macky Sall and regional judicial leaders. He also will participate in an event focusing on food security.

First Lady Michelle Obama and Senegal’s First Lady Marieme Faye Sall will have tea and visit the all-girls Martin Luther King Middle School.

South Africa has the continent’s largest economy and serves as a shining example of democracy. In addition to a bilateral meeting with President Jacob Zuma, Obama will host a town hall at the University of Johannesburg in Soweto. The event is part of his Young African Leaders Initiative. He also will meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The first lady is scheduled to have tea with South Africa’s First Lady Thobeka Madiba-Zuma. She also will visit with a group of high school students and participate in a Google+ Hangout with teenagers from across the nation and several American cities.

It is not yet known whether Obama will visit former South African president Nelson Mandela, whose failing health is a signal that he’s approaching the end of his life. According to the White House, the president will pay tribute to Mandela’s contributions to the world, but will defer to the elder stateman’s family with regard to a visit.

Upon learning that Obama is coming to South Africa, Mandela opened his eyes and smiled, one of his daughters said.

The final stop, Tanzania, also is a partner with the U.S. on security matters and offers opportunities for significant American business investment. It’s the first country visited by Chinese President Xi Jingping. While the U.S. struggles to get an economic foothold in Africa, China has become the continent’s biggest trading partner.

“The continent is currently on the cusp of a transformative economic rise where it’s important that the United states has a seat at the table in helping Africa reach its full potential and not cede any ground to other nations,” said Rep. Karen Bass, ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s subcommittee on Africa.

In addition to meeting with President Jakaya Kikwete, Obama will attend a roundtable with business leaders from the U.S. and across Africa. According to Rhoades, it will be an opportunity for the president to “really focus on what we can do to increase trade and investment from the United States into Africa” and “advance our trade relationships.” 

“It shows we’re not going to allow China and other countries to do the kind of work and investment in Africa that we can do better because we can help them grow their economies,” said Meeks.

While in Tanzania, the first lady and former first lady Laura Bush will attend the African First Ladies Summit, Investing in Women Strengthening Africa, hosted by the George W. Bush Institute. The summit’s focus will be the important role that first ladies play in promoting women’s education, health and economic empowerment.

The trip to Africa also will give the administration opportunities to highlight initiatives like Feed the Future, an agriculture initiative, Bass added.

“The president will be laying out new initiatives around energy on the continent, again signaling a commitment from the U.S. to help Africa’s economic rise,” she said.

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Four Seasons Serengeti

“We’re trying to give people a different safari experience,” says James Kostecky, the general manager of Four Seasons’ just-finished resort in the storied Serengeti National Park. The idea, he explains, is to make tromping around the bush palatable to first-timers who may have been curious about safari but troubled by qualms about safety and comfort, especially older travelers and families with children. “You can get rough and tumble here, but you can also chill out.”

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti’s 77 sumptuous rooms and villas are linked by elevated walkways—stretching half a kilometer from end to end—that feel less vulnerable than paths on the ground, especially when plenty of Maasai watchmen are on hand to escort guests after dark. And they’re far more comfortable than the “Lodge” in the resort’s name might suggest. They can be reached by the only elevator in an East African safari lodging, and they have a contemporary African look and such niceties as air-conditioning, massive rain showers, satellite TVs, and Wi-Fi (boo that there’s a charge for it). The 12 suites and five villas have private pools, and all the rooms have bang-up views and terraces for what one manager calls “sofa safaris.”

Then there’s the typically friendly and anticipatory Four Seasons service, and resort amenities like a swimming pool, a kids club (the resort allows ages 8 and up), three varied restaurants (an all-day buffet, a casual poolside restaurant, and an African-themed grill), two bars, and an accessible wine “cellar” (actually on the upper floor, with a savannah view). Meals and surprisingly good house wines are included in the rates, which start at $445 per person in low season (comparable to some high-end camps in the region, which don’t have all the staff and services).

Although there’s more distance between guests and nature than at more traditional safari outposts, the Four Seasons has a great site, with year-round  watering holes that almost guarantee wildlife sightings. They’re so sure, in fact, about the one beyond the infinity swimming pool that they’ve trained a camera on it so guests can watch the drinking elephants or waterbucks from their rooms. For guests who want to rouse themselves, of course, the resort makes a fine base for game drives and balloon rides over the Serengeti.

But a reality of safari is that bumping around in a Land Cruiser can get repetitive and back-achy. Even people who think they want to do every drive end up skipping some, and here there are plenty of ways to fill that time. Some are indulgent, like an afternoon by the pool or a treatment in the spa, which is staffed mostly by Thai therapists but offers local flavor with Africology products and a massage performed with a Maasai implement (very good, not just gimmicky). A yoga pavilion is in the works, and there’s already a gym, which I appreciated after a week of being reminded how much eating, drinking, and sitting safari usually entails.

Others are educational; programs range from tastings of South African wines led by the hotel’s France-trained sommelier, to a Discovery Centre for interactive exhibitions, films, and periodic talks by visiting experts. It’s the first lodge-based conservation and education program in East Africa, and the Four Seasons is justifiably proud of it—you can learn a lot more here than by trying to read a field guide in a moving Land Cruiser. Guests can get involved in research projects too, such as heading out with escorts on walking safaris to set camera traps and watching their recordings the next morning (a huge hit with kids, says Discovery Centre manager Oli Dreike).

Because of its size, the Four Seasons isn’t really in the game drive business, so guests are best off booking through a tour operator such as Micato Safaris (which, along with the Four Seasons, sponsored my trip), which will provide driver-guides and vehicles. After 47 years in the safari business, Micato employes many of the continent’s best guides, has impeccable connections, and offers a great deal of hand-holding—from shipping guests top-flight duffle bags (which guests will never lift themselves) before they arrive to filling out their immigration forms when they depart. Between Micato and Four Seasons, there’s no easier way to experience East Africa.

Seasoned Africa hands recommend flying British Airways from London to Nairobi, as it’s more comfortable than the current options between Europe and Tanzania. (And there are no direct flights from the U.S.) It’s a quick hop from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro, and another from there to the Serengeti.

 

 

Four Seasons Serengeti

“We’re trying to give people a different safari experience,” says James Kostecky, the general manager of Four Seasons’ just-finished resort in the storied Serengeti National Park. The idea, he explains, is to make tromping around the bush palatable to first-timers who may have been curious about safari but troubled by qualms about safety and comfort, especially older travelers and families with children. “You can get rough and tumble here, but you can also chill out.”

The Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti’s 77 sumptuous rooms and villas are linked by elevated walkways—stretching half a kilometer from end to end—that feel less vulnerable than paths on the ground, especially when plenty of Maasai watchmen are on hand to escort guests after dark. And they’re far more comfortable than the “Lodge” in the resort’s name might suggest. They can be reached by the only elevator in an East African safari lodging, and they have a contemporary African look and such niceties as air-conditioning, massive rain showers, satellite TVs, and Wi-Fi (boo that there’s a charge for it). The 12 suites and five villas have private pools, and all the rooms have bang-up views and terraces for what one manager calls “sofa safaris.”

Then there’s the typically friendly and anticipatory Four Seasons service, and resort amenities like a swimming pool, a kids club (the resort allows ages 8 and up), three varied restaurants (an all-day buffet, a casual poolside restaurant, and an African-themed grill), two bars, and an accessible wine “cellar” (actually on the upper floor, with a savannah view). Meals and surprisingly good house wines are included in the rates, which start at $445 per person in low season (comparable to some high-end camps in the region, which don’t have all the staff and services).

Although there’s more distance between guests and nature than at more traditional safari outposts, the Four Seasons has a great site, with year-round  watering holes that almost guarantee wildlife sightings. They’re so sure, in fact, about the one beyond the infinity swimming pool that they’ve trained a camera on it so guests can watch the drinking elephants or waterbucks from their rooms. For guests who want to rouse themselves, of course, the resort makes a fine base for game drives and balloon rides over the Serengeti.

But a reality of safari is that bumping around in a Land Cruiser can get repetitive and back-achy. Even people who think they want to do every drive end up skipping some, and here there are plenty of ways to fill that time. Some are indulgent, like an afternoon by the pool or a treatment in the spa, which is staffed mostly by Thai therapists but offers local flavor with Africology products and a massage performed with a Maasai implement (very good, not just gimmicky). A yoga pavilion is in the works, and there’s already a gym, which I appreciated after a week of being reminded how much eating, drinking, and sitting safari usually entails.

Others are educational; programs range from tastings of South African wines led by the hotel’s France-trained sommelier, to a Discovery Centre for interactive exhibitions, films, and periodic talks by visiting experts. It’s the first lodge-based conservation and education program in East Africa, and the Four Seasons is justifiably proud of it—you can learn a lot more here than by trying to read a field guide in a moving Land Cruiser. Guests can get involved in research projects too, such as heading out with escorts on walking safaris to set camera traps and watching their recordings the next morning (a huge hit with kids, says Discovery Centre manager Oli Dreike).

Because of its size, the Four Seasons isn’t really in the game drive business, so guests are best off booking through a tour operator such as Micato Safaris (which, along with the Four Seasons, sponsored my trip), which will provide driver-guides and vehicles. After 47 years in the safari business, Micato employes many of the continent’s best guides, has impeccable connections, and offers a great deal of hand-holding—from shipping guests top-flight duffle bags (which guests will never lift themselves) before they arrive to filling out their immigration forms when they depart. Between Micato and Four Seasons, there’s no easier way to experience East Africa.

Seasoned Africa hands recommend flying British Airways from London to Nairobi, as it’s more comfortable than the current options between Europe and Tanzania. (And there are no direct flights from the U.S.) It’s a quick hop from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro, and another from there to the Serengeti.

 

 

 

This is moment an irate giraffe came too close for comfort for safari tourists on a game drive in South Africa.

Dramatic mobile phone footage shows the group desperately trying to flee in their jeep as the huge animal gives chase through the wild.

In scenes reminiscent of the T-Rex chase in the film Jurassic Park, the giraffe, which towers at around 16-20ft tall, gallops behind the vehicle as terrified passangers look on.

As the jeep rounds corners and speeds under trees, the animal slips into the distance before reappearing as it gathers pace.

The group eventually lose the creature, before turning around and driving off to safety.

 

The close call was captured on a mobile phone camera by passenger Henk Roos, who uploaded the clip to YouTube where it has gone viral with more than 15,600 hits.

In a post underneath the video, he wrote: “After an amazing wedding we went on a game drive and a hormonal Giraffe started to chase our jeep.

“After about 5km of being chased I started recording the chase on my phone. You can see how he gets closer and closer after every turn.

“We started to run out of road and the ranger banged on the side of the jeep to scare him off. We started to make a noise and he stopped.

“Just in time as we had to make a 4 point turn to continue on the road!”

Arusha — A FEW days after the Deputy Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu declared that the country was now aiming at attracting two million tourists annually; Tanzania has jusat been voted the best Safari Destination on the continent.

The votes were cast by more than 1,000 safari travellers and industry experts who took part in the largest survey of its kind to reveal the best safari country in Africa.

The results are now out and Tanzania came out the outstanding winner. The Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu, said that Kenya’s days as the leading tourism destination in the region were numbered and that “very soon Tanzania will take the lead.”

It was just a matter of hours and now Tanzania has been voted in the lead, followed by Botswana. Kenya came third, Zambia fourth and the best of the victory was derived from the fact that South Africa, the best known country in Africa, finished in the fifth position.

“SafariBookings.com,” an online marketplace for African safari tours, had conducted a two-year-long study, gathering reviews from more than 1,000 safari-goers and reputable industry experts to see which African country is best for African safaris. With a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Tanzania took the spotlight as the most outstanding winner, beating Botswana by about a tenth of a point.

Rounding up at the top five were Kenya, Zambia and South Africa. The study was based on 2,305 reviews from safari travellers and 756 reviews from industry experts, most of whom are reputable guidebook writers working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint.

“More than half of the safari travellers have undertaken multiple safaris and have a good idea about what’s offered. This secures the fact that Tanzania deserves this top spot,” reads a release from “Safari-bookings” which was sent to Arusha over the weekend.

“Tanzania was rated the best tourism spot because it is home to two of the most famous safari destinations in the world, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater,” reads the release. Ngorongoro and Serengeti were both declared the new Seven Wonders of Nature early in February when Tanzania produced three out of the Seven winning features the third being Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Both parks offer stunning scenery and some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Serengeti National Park is primarily known for the annual migration of more than 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra.” The Ngorongoro Crater is a popular safari destination because the wildlife viewing in its immense volcanic caldera is superb throughout the year and sightings of game species such as lion, hippo and rhino are almost guaranteed.

SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safari tours, oncluded a major study of the best countries in Africa for safari holidays. After analyzing thousands of reviews from both safari-tourist as well as industry experts, Tanzania came out as the clear winner.

The study used 2300 user reviews by over 1000 people from 53 nations, as well as 756 expert reviews from reputable guidebook authors, working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint.

The overall average rating of Tanzania in both the user and expert reviews is 4.8 out of 5 stars, which is the highest score of all the eight major safari countries, beating Botswana by about a tenth of a point. Rounding out the top five were Botswana, Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. All of the 8 countries received a 4 star rating or higher and can be considered quality safari destinations on their own.

Magnificent wildlife viewing in first-rate parks; a wide range of budget, mid-range and luxury safari options; and the opportunity to extend a safari holiday by relaxing on the nearby beaches of Zanzibar are among the top reasons why Tanzania came in at number one.

The study also breaks down the ratings by month and the team behind SafariBookings was surprised to see all months consistently received high ratings. Even during the wet season, when wildlife viewing in the western and southern parks is less rewarding. When looking at the ratings per park, the study also revealed Tanzania’s top-rated park is Serengeti National Park, followed by Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park.

The Serengeti is one of the most famous parks of Africa and featured in many documentaries. The park is home to the annual great migration where over 2.5 million wildebeest migrate from the Serengeti to Kenya and back. The scenes where herds of wildebeest cross the crocodile infested Mara River have been broadcasted all over the world.

For the full analysis, including the ratings of the other safari countries and Tanzania’s major parks, please visit http://www.safaribookings.com/blog/2/

Over 1,000 safari travelers and industry experts participated in the largest survey of its kind to reveal the best safari country of Africa. The results are in and Tanzania came out the clear winner.

SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safari tours, conducted a two-year-long study, gathering reviews from more than 1,000 safari-goers and reputable industry experts to see which African country is best for African safaris. With a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Tanzania took the spotlight as the clear winner, beating Botswana by about a tenth of a point. Rounding up the top five were Kenya, Zambia and South Africa.

The study was based on 2,305 reviews from safari travelers and 756 reviews from industry experts, most of whom are reputable guidebook writers working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint. Over half of the safari travelers have undertaken multiple safaris and have a good idea about what’s offered. This secures the fact Tanzania deserves this top spot.

Annual Wildebeest Migration, Serengeti National Park

The key reason that Tanzania was rated the best is because it is home to two of the most famous safari destinations in the world, the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. Both parks offer stunning scenery and some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Serengeti National Park is primarily known for the annual migration of over 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra. The Ngorongoro Crater is a popular safari destination, because the wildlife viewing in its immense volcanic caldera is superb throughout the year and sightings of game species such as lion, hippo and rhino are almost guaranteed.

While the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are located in the Tanzania’s northern circuit, there are equally impressive safari parks in the country’s western and southern circuits. In the less visited western circuit are Gombe and Mahale Mountains national parks, both excellent parks to see chimpanzees. Katavi National Park is known for its abundance of large mammals such as hippos and buffalos.

Chimpanzee, Mahale Mountains National Park

In the southern circuit, there is Ruaha National Park and Mikumi National Park, where safari travelers are sure to see large predators. Finally, there is Selous Game Reserve, one of the largest protected areas in the world. It features boat safaris where sightings of crocodiles and hippos are common.

The study broke down the best time to visit Tanzania by “monthly user ratings.” Overall, every month of the year received above four stars in terms of an excellent travel month. This came as a surprise. The afternoon rains (which are typical for the wet season) seldom interfere with a safari, so that reason wouldn’t be suspect for a low rating, but wildlife viewing in the southern and western parks is not as rewarding during the wet season. On the other hand, most northern parks offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

For the full report, including the ratings of the other safari countries and Tanzania’s major parks, please visit http://www.safaribookings.com/blog/2/

Photographs by Ariadne van Zandbergen / Africaimagelibrary.com

While the ostrich may not typify classical beauty, neither does the average Subaru.

No matter which way you slice it, the ostrich is a funny looking bird. Some may call it ugly, but I wouldn’t go quite that far – ostrich feathers have long been prized for their opulence and beauty, and there isn’t a prosperous designer in all of Paris who eschews the occasional use of some brightly hued ostrich leather. Its long neck is gangly, its peaked eyes make it look a bit… intellectually impaired, and its body appears to be suspended on twigs. It’s an offbeat amalgam of shapes, and it’s nothing if not unique in the animal kingdom.

While the ostrich may not typify classical beauty, neither does the average Subaru. From bug-eyed headlights to tacked-on scoops and wings that would look more appropriate on a home-built aircraft, the Subaru of days past is known for going its own way in the styling department. With its most recent models, including this 2014 Forester, though, the automaker has seemingly gone out of its way to style a machine that’s less of an acquired taste than many Subies of yore.

Gone is the hood-mounted air intake that had become a signature element of turbocharged Foresters, and in its place is a somewhat more complicated plastic lattice of ductwork affixed to the bottom of the hood that routes cool air to the still-top-mounted intercooler. It’s a design specifically intended to tone down the Forester’s previously unique appearance and to improve aerodynamics, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to kinda missing the scoop. Fortunately, turbocharged Forester XT models still have some interesting lines, most notably on either side of the lower fascia and front bumper, where catfish-like gills (or are they reminiscent of an ostrich beak’s offbeat overbite?) add some flair to the base model’s otherwise staid features.

The Forester never missed a beat, providing plenty of surefootedness when the going got tough.

Just as Subaru put the Forester on a bit of a makeover, the feathers from traditional South African wild Cape Ostriches weren’t considered pretty enough for use in ladies hats in the late 1800s. This led to selective breeding and the introduction of the walking-feather-duster known as the South African Black Ostrich, which is said to have some of the most attractive plumes in the world.

Moving past aesthetics brings us to some other typical Subaru traits, such as the well-known benefits of its all-wheel drive. After all, power – in the case of the Forester XT, a stout 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque scratch and claw at the tarmac below as the driver hits the gas – is nothing if it can’t be turned into forward momentum. There may not be another automaker in the world with as much expertise in the all-wheel-drive passenger car arena, and that know-how pays dividends when encountering less-than-ideal surfaces. I climbed two dirt-road mountain passes in the Forester in South Africa, traveled across mud, sand and rocks through sparsely populated lands and even crossed a river on a ferry powered by three men with harnesses and some ropes. The Forester never missed a beat, providing plenty of surefootedness when the going got tough. Or when the tough are sitting back on a floating platform carried on the clearly much tougher backs of much tougher men.

The ostrich, too, is properly adapted to South Africa’s diverse terrain. Boasting a top running speed that can crest 40 miles per hour, the ostrich is the fastest bird in the world. In fact, it’s the world’s swiftest bipedal animal, bar none. It uses half as much energy as a human does when running, thanks to some particularly springy tendons in its legs, and can maintain speeds of 30 miles per hour for as long as necessary, allowing it to wear down its predatory combatants. Where the rubber meets the road, as it were, lies one extremely large talon on a toe that measures a full seven inches in length. This toe and claw combination grab at the ground to maximize traction, allowing the ostrich to put down all its prodigious power – powerful enough that a single ostrich kick can disgorge a lion or, indeed, a human.

It all has to do with how the ostrich and the Subaru carry their mass.

Speed will do neither the ostrich nor the Forester any good if it’s slow to change direction. Fortunately, both the animal and the ‘ute are well suited for the challenge, and it all has to do with how they carry their mass. Two factors come into play here: mass centralization and the center of gravity.

Picture an ostrich’s body, and pay attention to where its weight – as much as 350 pounds – is carried: right in the middle. Think of it this way: a 20-pound bowling ball is much easier to twist, spin or otherwise cause to change direction than a 20-pound barbell with its weight at the ends. And, unlike most other birds, the ostrich has legs made with solid (as opposed to hollow) bones, putting much more weight below its body than on top.

Subaru has a long and storied history of following similar principles in the design of its cars, particularly in keeping its mass as low to the ground as possible and therefore ensuring a low center of gravity. Like a cone placed big-end down, the Subaru Forester’s low center of gravity keeps it stable and makes it less likely to tip, and that’s the chief reason why the automaker continues to defy convention by using a boxer engine. With its cylinders, crankshaft, oil and even the engine block itself kept as deep inside and low down as possible, Subaru’s latest 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the beating heart that makes the Forester more fun to drive than most of its rivals in the crossover kingdom. It’s also worth noting that the continuously variable transmission used in the Forester XT may be the best iteration of its ilk I’ve ever sampled.

It’s at this point that I’ll grant you the acknowledgement that the South African ostrich has pretty much nothing to do with cars, so I’ll stop regaling you with ruminations of our fine feathered friends. With that admission out of the way, even if you still don’t buy the correlation between Mother Nature’s most offbeat bird and Japan’s most offbeat automaker, I at least hope you’ve learned something after dutifully reading through these thousand or so words, if not about South Africa or the Subaru Forester, then surely the Struthio camelus var. domesticus (there, bet’cha you didn’t know that).

There’s one more tie that binds the two-legged bird with the four-wheeled automobile. South African folklore holds that the introduction of the Ford Model T, which was assembled and sold in South Africa using knockdown kits manufactured in Canada, is partly to blame for the rapid retraction of the ostrich feather industry. Ostrich feather sales peaked in 1913 before collapsing in 1914 as stylish ladies found it darn nigh impossible to keep a heavily feathered hat on their heads once an automobile got up to cruising speed, leading to the introduction of less outlandishly styled headwear.

Feathered hats, unlike ostriches themselves, can indeed take flight. Such issues, I might add, wouldn’t exist in the Subaru Forester, which has plenty of headroom, isn’t drafty and isn’t available as a convertible.

Africa

Tanzania rated the best safari country of Africa

Theodore Koumelis – 19 June 2013, 13:30

A survey of more than 1,000 safari travelers and industry experts concluded that Tanzania is rated the best African country for safari holidays.

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THE NETHERLANDS – SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safari tours, published a comprehensive analysis of 3,061 reviews on safari destinations in the continent. The reviews, completed by safari tourists and experts from all over the globe, voted Tanzania as the top destination for safaris, giving the country a total rating of 4.8 out of five stars.   

Besides more than 2,300 reviews from safari-clients, the study included 756 expert reviews from reputable guidebook authors working for Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint. Each of the experts visited more than an average of 40 safari parks and over half of the safari tourists have been on multiple safaris. This is further proof of the conclusion that Tanzania deserves this top position. Rounding out the top five were Botswana, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa.

Tanzania scored highly, in part, to its excellent wildlife viewing, the possibility to extend a safari holiday with beach-time on tropical Zanzibar Island, the easy access from abroad, the political stability and relative safety.

Tanzania’s premier park is Serengeti National Park. It is home to the annual “Wildebeest Migration” where over 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrate between Tanzania and Kenya. The migration has been featured in many wildlife documentaries and especially the scenes where vast herds of wildebeest cross the crocodile infested rivers are world-famous. With a remarkable score of 4.91 out of 5 stars the Serengeti was ranked as the top safari park of Africa.

The analysis also broke down the average user rating by month. The general consensus is that Tanzania is best visited during the dry season from June to October. Therefore it was quite surprising to see that all months received consistent high ratings. Most parks in the north offer great wildlife viewing year-round, but the southern and western parks are best visited during the dry season. The fact the northern parks receive most visitors by far probably played a big role in the consistent high ratings.

For the full report, including the ratings of the other safari countries and Tanzania’s major parks, please visit http://www.safaribookings.com/blog/2/

Every silent, creeping step on the dusty terrain feels like we’re dicing with death. We’ve abandoned the safety of the safari jeep in search of rare white lions and the ranger’s tracking signal has revealed they’re a little too close for comfort. We stop in our tracks as our ranger points out the lioness and her male cubs, grazing on a kill.

Then they spot us. Two inquisitive furballs curiously peek through the overgrown grass, while the female lion gazes at us as we marvel at the family scene that feels like something straight out of a David Attenborough documentary.

It’s hard to believe this exchange with one of the world’s most endangered animals in a breathtaking wilderness is just a three-hour drive from the bustling bars, shops and restaurants of Cape Town.

Boasting the ‘Big Five’ – lions elephants, Cape buffalo, leopards and rhinos –  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is one of the largest privately owned wildlife parks in the Western Cape, where animals roam freely on 54,000 hectares.

The location makes it a perfect option for a ‘Safari and City’ two-centre stay. It’s a getaway of extreme contrasts, but it’s one that’s entirely possible in five action-packed days.

On arrival at Sanbona, we drop our cases and dash to the jeep for an evening game drive that catches the last of the South African sun.

The first moment I see an animal is unforgettable. I spy a glimpse of tough grey skin between the bushes – a huge lone hippo chomping on grass for supper. Then we spot two young bull elephants play-fighting.

We’re so caught up in the action that we’re startled to see another elephant, so close to our open-top jeep you can see every crease in its weathered skin.

Gathering at the Gondwana Lodge that night, drinking local wine under the stars, I can’t believe how much I’ve already seen, and I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited about a 5am wake-up call.

Overlooking Bellair Dam, with endless views of the vast plains, my luxurious lodge is pure serenity.

While the animals can, and do, roam freely on the reserve, the lodge is enclosed by electrical fences so it’s unlikely a hippo is going to try to join you for a dip in the pool. In their territory, it’s a different story.

We regularly hop out of the jeep to seek wildlife on foot and experience the landscape with the game ranger who identifies fascinating plants, insects and tracking marks that provide vital clues to animals’ whereabouts.

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With predators lurking, these up-close exhilarating walks require single line formations, keeping a beady eye, and staying close to the ranger. There are a few beads of sweat in the group when the wind changes and a group of rhinos catch our scent and start pointing their horns in our direction.

It’s sad to think that numbers of these beautiful creatures are falling due to the ongoing poaching crisis. Last year alone, 668 rhinos were killed in South Africa (a rise from 448 in 2011), according to official figures from their government.

Monitoring the animals is vital for protecting them, and all key species in the park are fitted with tracking devices making them easier to ‘spot’. But despite a strong signal on the ranger’s antenna we spend more than an hour hunting for a five-year-old female cheetah, akin to finding a needle in a desert haystack.

We eventually locate her sitting under a tree, camouflaged amid rocks. We watch her yawn and sleep, and she watches us back. Thanks to a full belly, she barely looks disturbed.

But it’s during our search that I really appreciate the full scope of what a safari offers – I listen to the cheery squawks of the Hadeda Ibis bird, follow baboons’ human-like footprints and peek into huge aardvark holes.

Wildlife manager Paul Vorster tells me: “People are overly obsessed with ticking off the Big Five. Seeing the high-profile species is a bonus but it’s important to take in the smaller things in the environment – the things that make the whole system work.”

Dragging my heels as I leave Sanbona, we embark on the 270km drive to Cape Town. It takes almost an hour to navigate the reserve’s bumpy gravel roads but we spot a rhino en route and it’s not long until tusks are swapped for tarmac and the smooth drive to the city.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained along Route 60 and 62 besides the dramatic mountain ranges. Street sellers touting boxes of fruit and extravagant feather dusters line the roads, and it’s possible to spot ostrich and wildebeest along the way. We also stop off at wine and brandy distilleries (all in the interests of research, you understand).

On arrival in Cape Town, I’m in awe of the view from the dizzy heights of my Taj hotel room facing Table Mountain. The city’s famous landmark was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and it’s well worth making the journey to the top for spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Visit between 2pm and 4pm when there’s usually a lull in visitors and queues.

After sunrise starts and safari itineraries, I was keen to explore the city at a slower pace. A whistlestop city guide was a great way to take in the highlights.

In less than two hours we explored trendy Long Street, packed with restaurants and bars, took colourful pictures of the flower sellers in Adderley Street and enjoyed a history lesson at Government Gardens, which served as a vegetable garden during the spice trade in the 1600s.

My favourite spot was Bo-Kaap, formerly known as the Malay Quarter, with romantic cobbled streets and rows of rainbow-coloured houses.

But I couldn’t go home without one last wildlife fix. An hour’s train ride from Cape Town – or a 45-minute drive  – Boulders Beach in picturesque Simon’s Town is home to an endangered land-based colony of African penguins. Some are nesting, waddling around the beach, while others are pecking and playing with one another, not remotely phased by the flock of tourists who watch from a designated viewing platform.

I leave with a smile on my face.

As I look back on my snapshots of sun-bathing penguins and white lion cubs alongside scenes of cosmopolitan Cape Town, I’m practically purring like a big cat on the plane home.

FACTFILE

Lisa Haynes stayed at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, where prices start at £255 a head per night (children go half price). Visit www.sanbona.com

Taj Cape Town offers doubles from £95 per night. Visit www.tajhotels.com

Air France has three weekly flights from the UK to Cape Town via Paris Charles de Gaulle. Fares are from £697 return including taxes. Visit www.airfrance.co.uk or call 0871 6633 777.

2013-06-14 13:43

Video

Africa prepares for Obama’s visit

2013-05-22 11:40

Preparations are underway for US president Barack Obama’s trip to Africa next month.WATCH

Cape Town – Bushwhacking if you’re US President Barack Obama is no mean feat. It takes planning and serious security detail.

To safeguard the world’s most powerful leader would entail retaining the services of a counter-assault team carrying sniper rifles with high caliber rounds “that could neutralize cheetahs, lions or other animals if they became a threat,” according to a planning document obtained by  the Washington Post.

Obama, who is headed to Africa from June 26 to July 3 with a stopover in South Africa, was planning to take a safari in Tanzania with his family. However, this has been shelved in favour of a trip to local tourist attraction and World Cultural Heritage Site, Robben Island, instead.

First lady, Michelle Obama and her daughters, have tasted a bit of Africa’s amazing wildlife though, when they stayed at Madikwe Game Reserve in North West.

Obama will spend two nights in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town.

According to official US documents his Africa trip price tag is estimated to be $60 to $100 million (about R989-million at R9.89/$), must have something to do with the 56 vehicles being brought over for the trip, including limousines
for the president and first lady, a specialized communications vehicle
for secure telephone and video connections, a truck that jams radio
frequencies around the presidential motorcade, a fully loaded ambulance
that can handle biological or chemical contaminants and a truck for
X-ray equipment. Did we mention there will be a floating hospital off our coastline? This is the US President after all, so you can’t be too careful.

The Washington Post reports hundreds of US agents have already been sent to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania. If you’ve spotted more people wearing dark glass or any other stereotype that goes with being a secret agent, now you know why.

Apart from Robben Island, which is on their itinerary, we’ve been thinking of an array of activities we’d add to their itinerary if we could.  How about a trip up Table Mountain, meandering alongthe winelands, and if they had a little more time in the country, a visit to Thula Thula Game Reserve in KZN, where the late Lawrence Anthony managed to make a herd of rogue elephants feel at home and thrive?

What would your Obama itinerary suggestions be? Tell us in the comment section below, send us your ideas to info@news24travel.com, share your thoughts on our Facebook page or send us a Tweet!

Baggage handler causes R63m plane damage

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When Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stepped on to the tarmac in Accra, the capital of Ghana, some wondered if the April trip would be his last visit abroad as the leader of Iran. Ghana wrapped up a broader tour of Africa that included stops in Niger and Benin. The fact that Ahmadinejad would even visit Ghana, a nation which the Shahist Iran only began diplomatic relations with in 1974, explains how Iranian foreign policy has evolved under his rule.

Ahmadinejad is the first leader of the Islamic Republic to look seriously at Africa. Outreach to Africa has allowed him to achieve several foreign and domestic policy goals, such as persuading average Iranians that Iran is a leading state in the Muslim and developing worlds, despite ongoing international sanctions. After all, until recently Muslims indisputably constituted at least a plurality of Africans. Ahmadinejad’s outreach to Africa has also benefited Iranian foreign policy by forcing Iran’s rivals to expend resources and energy countering Iranian moves there. In so doing, Ahmadinejad has relied on expanded economic ties and existing diplomatic institutions to expand Iran’s reach on the continent.

Despite Iran’s recent elections, Ahmadinejad has continued to push relations, meeting with African ambassadors in Tehran in recent weeks to announce Iran’s intention to build six refineries across the continent in order to cement relationships. Under Ahmadinejad, Iranian trade with Africa has reached over US$1 billion but economic development remains subservient to political goals. In this regard, Iran’s relationship with MTN Group, a South African telecommunications giant, has grown consistently: the company won a licence to develop mobile telecommunications in the Iranian market in 2005 and today commands a 45 percent market share. A legal case launched by Turkcell, the Turkish firm which lost out to MTN in 2005, alleges that the deal was made with MTN in part to gain access to South African weapons technologies. Iranian dissidents also claim the South African firm has been complacent in the Iranian government’s effort to control domestic IT communications.

These economic ties notwithstanding, the diplomatic aspects of Ahmadinejad’s outreach to Africa have been the most visible. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the G-15, a grouping of developing nations that includes several African states have become important venues for Iranian diplomatic efforts. Even more crucial for Ahmadinejad has been Iran’s time as head of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

The National Chairman of Ghana’s Progressive People’s Party, Nii Allotey Brew-Hammond, put Ahmadinjad’s visit in this context for The Diplomat, “When I first heard he was coming, I was shocked, but his visit to Ghana was justified by his position as president of the Non-Aligned Movement. Without this title I don’t think Ahmadinejad would have been so warmly received in Ghana and across Africa.” The chairman was speaking at his headquarters, just a few blocks from an Iranian clinic in Accra’s Asylum Down district. Iran has also funded an Islamic university in the city.

However, Ahmadinejad’s most visible diplomatic triumph occurred in Cairo. In February, Ahmadinejad became the first Iranian leader to visit Egypt since the Islamic Revolution, and he was warmly greeted by Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi (though ordinary Iranians were not as warmly welcomed). Here again Iran’s role in an international organization, this time the OIC’s Islamic Summit served as a convenient pretext for the visit. At the Islamic Summit, Iran took a leadership role on a number of issues like the crisis in Mali. African diplomats, who spoke off-the record on the sidelines of the conference, confided that Qatari and Iranian views on the situation in Mali had clashed with Qatar being hesitant to label the Mali rebels as terrorists. In a subsequent interview with The Diplomat, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Mahdi Akhondzadeh clarified Iran’s position on the issue. “We believe to help the Malian government to stabilize itself is part of the collective responsibility of the Muslim world. The people of Mali have been the victim of terrorism.”

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Female lion with cub, Serengeti National Park – Photo by AfricaImageLibrary.com

Tanzania Voted Best Safari Country of Africa by more than 1,000 safari travelers and industry experts.

The Netherlands (PRWEB) June 18, 2013

SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safari tours, conducted an extensive study of 3,061 safari reviews from more than 1,000 safari travelers and experts and concluded that Tanzania is chosen as the best safari destination in Africa. With an average overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, Tanzania beat Botswana by approximately one tenth of a point. Rounding up the top five were Kenya, Zambia and South Africa.

In total, 2,305 reviews came from safari travelers and 756 were contributed by acclaimed industry experts. Most of the experts are guidebook authors who wrote several guides to Africa for reputable publishers such as Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Frommer’s, Bradt and Footprint.

The study also provides insights into why Tanzania is considered such an outstanding safari destination. Among the top reasons are the excellent wildlife viewing, authentic African wilderness and excellent options to extend a safari holiday, such as beach time on gorgeous Zanzibar Island or climbing Africa’s highest mountain; MT Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is home to Serengeti National Park, which is considered the best safari park of Africa by many. The Serengeti is featured in many wildlife documentaries and home to the annual ‘Great Migration’ where over 2.5 million wildebeest and zebra migrate between Tanzania and Kenya.

The five top-rated parks of Tanzania are Serengeti, Selous, Ruaha, Ngorongoro and Mahala Mountains. The last offers some of the best chimpanzee tracking in Africa. The study also breaks down the best time to visit Tanzania by user rating. It was surprising to see all months scored consistently high, since the general consensus is that wildlife viewing in the southern and western parks is more rewarding during the dry season, from June to October.

In total the reviewers represent 53 nationalities, 42% were ‘first-time safari-goers’, 21% has been on 2-5 safaris and 37% more than 5. The fact over half of the reviewers had undertaken multiple safaris cements the conclusion that Tanzania was rightfully chosen as best safari destination in Africa.

For the full analysis, including the ratings of the other safari countries and Tanzania’s major parks, please visit http://www.safaribookings.com/blog/2/.

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President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle have scrapped a safari expedition during their trip to Africa because of the costs of snipers needed “to neutralise cheetahs, lions and other animals if they became a threat�, it was claimed Friday.

The couple will end a week-long tour of Africa in Tanzania, but austerity measures in the Secret Service mean that they will not head into the African wilderness, as was first planned.

US taxpayers will foot the bill of between pounds 40 million and pounds 65 million for the trip, only Mr Obama’s second to the continent of his father’s birth since he became president, leaked documents showed. But even with the overall costs involved, their scheduled afternoon’s visit to a Tanzanian wildlife sanctuary was judged to be too expensive and difficult to arrange, The Washington Post reported. It was dropped in favour of a tour of Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, during the Obamas’ visit to South Africa before they fly to Tanzania.

The safari “would have required the president’s special counter assault team to carry sniper rifles with high-calibre rounds that could neutralise cheetahs, lions or other animals if they became a threat�, the newspaper reported, citing a leaked Secret Service internal planning document. “We do not have a limitless supply of assets to support presidential missions, and we prioritised a visit to Robben Island over a two-hour safari in Tanzania,� Josh Earnest, a White House spokesman, said.

The logistics of any presidential trip are costly. But arranging back-to-back visits to three developing countries with poor security infrastructure and limited medical resources could become the most expensive foreign excursions of Mr Obama’s time in office.

Military cargo planes will airlift 56 vehicles including 14 limousines, ambulances equipped for chemical and biological attacks and radio-jamming trucks to Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania.

A US aircraft carrier or amphibious warship with a full medical trauma centre will be anchored just offshore in case of emergencies. Three lorries will be used just to carry sheets of bullet-proof glass to be put up at hotels where the Obamas will stay during their trip, between June 26 and July 3.

Because the visits happen one after another, three separate security, medical and logistics teams will be dispatched, one to each country. At least 445 Secret Service and White House security agents will be involved.

“Even in the most developed places of western Europe, the level of support you need for mass movements by the president is extraordinary,� Steve Atkiss, special assistant for operations to George W Bush, told the Post. “As you go farther afield, to less-developed places, certainly it’s more of a logistical challenge.�

Mr Obama has spent less than 24 hours in sub-Saharan Africa during his time as president – a visit to Ghana in 2009. His office has been keen to stress that his pending visit is purely business.

The president is reported to be travelling with an entourage of more than 500 American entrepreneurs and investors, who will discuss commercial opportunities in each of the African countries.

His trip comes three months after Xi Jinping, China’s new premier, toured South Africa, Tanzania and the Republic of Congo within a fortnight of taking office in March.

Military cargo planes will airlift in 56 support vehicles, including 14 limousines and three trucks loaded with sheets of bullet­proof glass to cover the windows of the hotels where the first family will stay. Fighter jets will fly in shifts, giving 24-hour coverage over the president’s airspace, so they can intervene quickly if an errant plane gets too close.

The elaborate security provisions — which will cost the government tens of millions of dollars — are outlined in a confidential internal planning document obtained by The Washington Post. While the preparations appear to be in line with similar travels in the past, the document offers an unusual glimpse into the colossal efforts to protect the U.S. commander in chief on trips abroad.

Any journey by the president, such as one scheduled next week for Northern Ireland and Germany, is an immense and costly logistical challenge. But the trip to Africa is complicated by a confluence of factors that could make it one of the most expensive of Obama’s tenure, according to people familiar with the planning.

The first family is making back-to-back stops from June 26 to July 3 in three countries where U.S. officials are providing nearly all the resources, rather than depending heavily on local police forces, military authorities or hospitals for assistance.

The president and first lady had also planned to take a Tanzanian safari as part of the trip, which would have required the president’s special counterassault team to carry sniper rifles with high-caliber rounds that could neutralize cheetahs, lions or other animals if they became a threat, according to the planning document.

But officials said Thursday that the safari had been canceled in favor of a trip to Robben Island off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner.

When The Post first asked White House officials about the safari last week, they said no final decision had been made. A White House official said Thursday that the cancellation was not related to The Post’s inquiries.

“We do not have a limitless supply of assets to support presidential missions, and we prioritized a visit to Robben Island over a two-hour safari in Tanzania,” said spokesman Josh Earnest. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t do both.”

Internal administration documents circulated in April show that the Obama family was scheduled to go to both Robben Island and the safari park, according to a person familiar with the plans.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also made trips to multiple African nations involving similarly laborious preparations. Bush went in 2003 and 2008, bringing his wife on both occasions. Bush’s two daughters went along on the first trip, which included a safari at a game preserve on the Botswana-South Africa border.

12 JUNE 2013

Filmmaker Sam Branson, son of Virgin tycoon Sir Richard, chose the idyllic setting of his dad Sir Richard’s private South African game reserve to marry stunning actress Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe.

And he isn’t the only one to choose a luxury African safari for an extra special holiday. Prince William and then girlfriend Kate Middleton headed off to the Kenyan wild, where the Prince chose the magical, romantic ambience of the Lewa Safari Camp to pop the question to the beautiful brunette.

Justin Timberlake and new wife Jessica Biel topped off their wonderful wedding with an unforgettable honeymoon in the world-famous Serengeti Park.

With the summer fast approaching and Africa set as the hottest continent to visit in 2013, leaf through 20 beautiful shots that will have you planning your next travel destination – wedding or no wedding…

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR FULL GALLERY OF BREATHTAKING SAFARI PHOTOS

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These lucky travel agents have just returned from another successful Africa Safari Co. educational trip to South Africa and Botswana.

This group visited a variety of lodges in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park and also visited the Mashatu Game Reserve, located in the Northern Tuli Reserve of Botswana.  

Mashatu offers a variety of activities including horseback safaris, cycling safaris, Mountain Bike Safaris, walking safaris and cultural visits.

The agents also spent time at the spectacular Mala Mala Game Reserve – this lodge is the embodiment of an authentic safari experience – unassuming camps, vast sweeping plains, the African sky and the bush in all its splendour.

Another happy group of African Trained agents return to Australia to impart their knowledge on their clients.

Pictured here at Mala Mala – From left, Jane, Katie, Joanne, Karen – Africa Safari Co, Louise, Glenn, Bob