The 5 Best Places In Africa For Wildlife Spotting

Published on: 11 January 2020 Last Updated on: 14 January 2020
Wildlife Spotting

When it comes to wildlife spotting, Africa remains undeniably popular. In its vast savannahs and rolling plains, wild animals of all kinds run free, providing some of the most exciting wildlife viewing on earth. From the ‘big five’ to giant silverback gorillas down to the small Dik-dik, Africa is the ultimate nature theater.

We understand that with its spectacular offering and variety, it is difficult to decide where to go for the best wildlife spotting. This is why we have put together a list of five of the best places in Africa for wildlife spotting.

Here are the 5 best places in Africa for wildlife spotting:

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park, which is located in North-eastern South Africa,  is one of the most extended game parks in Africa. It comprises of savannah, forest, and grassland ecosystems, each featuring different landscapes that give the park its magic. This sprawling reserve is home to the ‘big five’ including the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard, as well as hundreds of other animal species.

At Kruger, you will also encounter unique species such as the endangered African Painted Dog and rare antelopes like the Sable and Grey Rhebok. If you are a bird lover, Kruger boasts large populations of local and migratory birds.

If you are wondering where to stay- this beautiful reserve features some of the most luxurious bush accommodations in the world. From wildlife lodges to tented camps, you will be sure to find something to suit your budget and liking. To view the wildlife, you can opt for organized safaris atop an open safari jeep or do a self-drive. Whichever means you choose, you can be sure that the magic of Kruger will stay with you for a long time to come.

2. Masai Mara Game Reserve, Kenya

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Located in South-Western Kenya, the Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the most spectacular game reserves in the world. While it is home to the big five and numerous other wild species, its true splendor comes alive between July-October. This is when it plays host to the most prominent wildlife spectacle on earth- the great wildebeest migration.

During the migration, millions of wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes attempt to cross the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of greener pasture. Needless to say, only the strong live to see another day in this battle of wits. This crossing has been documented as one of the most phenomenal natural events, earning it a place in the coveted ‘wonders of the world’ list.

The Mara boasts luxurious accommodation such as Sir Richard Branson’s Mahali Mzuri Camp as well as mid-level and budget camps and lodges. It is only a 45-minute ride from the Capital Nairobi, or slightly over five hours by road. Just like other parks in Africa, you can have scheduled game drives planned by your tour agent, or opt for a self-drive. While here, be sure to visit a Masai village to learn more about this fascinating culture.

3. Serengeti Game Reserve, Tanzania

Serengeti Game Reserve

Located in Northern Tanzania, the Serengeti Game Reserve is the quintessential African safari destination. It boasts one of the largest lion and leopard populations in the world, as well as over 500 bird species and numerous grazers. The Serengeti is the origin of the great migration, which starts at Ngorongoro Crater heading north into the Masai Mara in Kenya. During the journey, the wildebeest stop to calve roughly over 500,000 calves inside a month before eventually arriving at the Mara in July.

The Serengeti ecosystem comprises plains, highlands, and acacia woodlands.  The plains are littered with kopjes, and the Simba Kopje is particularly noticeable. Just like the Masa Mara, the Serengeti features stunning bush accommodation in tented camps of all budgets. You can explore the fantastic reserve using a safari land cruiser organized by your safari expert, or you can do a self-drive.

4. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Located in Northwestern Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is your ultimate destination to view mountain gorillas. Predominantly a rain forest ecosystem, this park is home to five volcanoes that give it its name.

In its borders is Virunga National Park in the DRC and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and together these three parks constitute an important gorilla trekking corridor. In this area, you will also come face to face with the highly endangered golden monkeys, mostly found in the Virunga Mountains.

Volcanoes National Park houses ten families of habituated gorillas. Carefully structured tours are organized by park authorities, with only one group allowed to visit the gorillas per day.

Similarly, you can only view the gorillas for a maximum of one hour.  Tracking gorillas in their natural habitat is an exciting adventure, so do not forget your camera. There are strict guidelines to be followed in the hunt for man’s closest cousins, but these will seem like a small price to pay when you stand seven meters away from a 350-pound gorilla.

5. Chobe National Park, Botswana

Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park offers a different type of safari experience, giving you the typical wildlife safari coupled with exciting river cruises. Located in Northern Botswana, this southern African Park boasts some of the largest herds of the African Elephant. It also has large pride of lions, hyenas, herbivores, and some rare species such as the Puku. Chobe sits on the borders of Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia, making it a convenient destination from which you can visit other African destinations.

The Chobe River meanders through the park providing excellent opportunities to view animals as they drink. The riverfront offers ready animal viewing opportunities, but if you are looking for real action head over to the Linyanti Marshes, where predators roam free.

You can take a boat cruise down the river as it meanders through the different ecosystems, each more breathtaking than the last.  Crocodiles and hippos are abundant, as is the birdlife attracted by the towering trees and water.

Chobe features upmarket and budget accommodations and is especially ideal for honeymooners.  You can quickly fly to Chobe from South Africa, Botswana’s capital Garberone or even from nearby Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Conclusion:

Here you have it, 5 places to visit in Africa that have breathtaking landscapes and wildlife spotting to gaze on. Taking a trip to one of these parks is a safer bet than putting money on the Kentucky Derby contenders, so take your chances and visit them soon.

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Israel

Things To Do In Israel That You Must Know

Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region. Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration. Read also: The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017 Red Sea Star   Image source: Pinimg.com Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. 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Restaurants

The Best Restaurants To Visit In Newark NJ

As the most populated city in New Jersey, and one of the oldest in America, Newark has accumulated multiple cultural layers over the years, especially when it comes to food. Whatever the neighborhood, be it Seventh Avenue, Fairmount, or Dayton, you can surely find a restaurant that checks all your boxes. Some local restaurants have continuously done so for a lot of people through time, which has secured them a spot in Newark’s Restaurant Hall of Fame. So, if you ever find yourself in Newark, try to visit at least one of these four outstanding restaurants: 1. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que (BBQ): With eight locations spread out over the cities of New York, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is known as one of the best places in the world to get your fix for classic Southern-style BBQ and beer. Since 2012, it’s been on Market St. in Newark offering top-quality meats served with the restaurant's original, highly-acclaimed sauces. It’s no wonder why Dinosaur BBQ was named the country’s number one BBQ on Good Morning America. Aside from its famous barbecued pork and beef cuts, you can also find sandwiches and burgers, as well as sides that pair perfectly with the meats. You can check out over 1,000 reviews of this restaurant on Yelp to see what the locals really think about it. Whether you’re with your family or your a biker gang, you can always visit Dinosaur BBQ. 2. NICO Kitchen + Bar: A contemporary American bistro that features Italian classics served gourmet-style, NICO Kitchen + Bar can be found in the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre (NJPAC). That makes it the best restaurant to dine in if you’re looking to fill up before or after seeing a show. NICO’s executive chef Ryan de Persio’s meticulous creativity sings in every dish that comes out of the kitchen, including the ricotta gnocchi and mascarpone polenta fries. Believe it or not, such dishes can actually be good for you. Apart from the interior’s soaring ceilings, earthy tones, and dramatic pendant lights, the best thing about NICO’s is that they offer a prix fixe menu for all performance attendees to ensure that their customers never miss show time. 3. Forno’s of Spain: If you’re looking for a restaurant with a great foreign taste that’s just walking distance from the Newark Penn Station, then Forno’s of Spain is the one for you. Located at 47 Ferry St., this high-end, bustling Spanish restaurant offers delicious seafood and a wide selection of vintage whites and reds - 450 different kinds to be exact. That includes the 2006 Fransola and the 2009 El Pecado. For over 20 years, Forno’s has been a favorite for both locals and tourists alike, thanks to the cozy wood-walled interior and the outdoor garden that’s perfect for relaxing, if the whether is amiable. Indeed, people also frequent this joint for its food and drinks, such as the must-try authentic seafood paella which is packed full of shrimp and lobster, and its homemade sangria. Finally, Forno’s employs an attentive and friendly waitstaff that makes sure you don’t starve while waiting for your main course.  Once you’re comfortably seated, they offer complimentary bread, balsamic-dressed salad, and some good-old olives. It’s also nice to see its owner, seen on Trip Advisor as ‘Andres R’, diligently replying to both positive and negative reviews online. 4. Hobby’s Delicatessen and Restaurant: This next item on the list is as part of Newark’s culture as the Newark Bears. Situated in downtown Newark and walking distance from the courthouse is Hobby’s Delicatessen and Restaurant. Founded in 1962 and run by the Brummer family, this restaurant offers traditional Eastern-European delicacies like pickled corned beef, potato pancakes, and hearty soups. However, it still keeps up with the times by putting dishes on the menu that would attract modern tastes, including chicken fajita wraps, fresh salmon, and gazpacho. They also offer salads, all-day breakfast, and vegetarian meals. With the help of those seemingly straightforward dishes, Hobby’s has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, and the New Jersey Law Journal, among other media outlets in the country. All these restaurants have well-planted roots in Newark, and although they each have a distinct identity, in their own ways they embody the essence of the city’s culture. Whether it's through their iconic location or long history, these four restaurants could teach you what Newark is in a single bite of their respective signature dishes. Read Also: The Top 7 Dishes To Try Out In New York City The Mouthwatering Foodie Tour To Mumbai

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6 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo

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It may be scary at first, but it will make you feel liberated and much happier by the time you get back. It builds self-confidence The positive thing about challenges is that they become stepping stones once you overcome them. Even in the corporate world, the best way to move up the ladder is to overcome challenges that come your way with style. For women dealing with traveling solo, the ‘challenge’ becomes the ideal stepping stone to higher confidence and self-esteem levels. Traveling may be hectic for a while, but it will feel empowering when you overcome all the challenges. The realization that you can handle it will make you more confident and leave you looking forward to the next solo trip. It is adventurous   There is no place like home. However, distant places hold many new things, and the feeling of being in a place when no one knows you is thrilling. However, it may difficult to experience this adventure if you dwell too much on the fear oflo. 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The Secret to Traveling Solo without Hitches Your traveling experience will largely depend on how well you prepare for the journey. The process will be flawless if you plan for everything beforehand. However, there are two main things to focus on in your planning: your luggage and travel documents. For starters, you need to carry only what is necessary for the journey to avoid a bulky and heavy load. Efficiency will also depend on your choice of bag. The packing cube is undoubtedly the best choice for traveling for several reasons. First, it helps you save space so that you can pack as much luggage as you need. Second, it is already divided into compartments for every type of belonging you are carrying: clothes, shoes, jewelry, and electronics, just to mention a few. Finally, a packing cube is ideal for women as it is stylish and flashy. Additionally, you need to have your passports and other travel documents ready to avoid delays at security checks. It pays to have a passport wallet as it is not only easier to access but also keeps your documents safe. Read also: The Top Destinations For New Year Celebrations 7 Travel Tips To Feed Your Wanderlust In Europe 5 Places You Should See If You’re Visiting Hong Kong For The First Time

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