Discover Namibia

Namibia is situated along the south western coast of the African continent lies a land of remarkable contrast. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Africa and the most an arid country south of the Sahara. The countries landscapes are an ever-changing kaleidoscope – changing from the Namib dune Sea to teak woodlands and waterways in the north east. Namibia’s people are diverse from the pastoral Himba tribes in the north west to the San Bushmen in the east. The majority of the population groups Are Owambo, which consists of eight cultural groups. Safari highlights: Kaokoland, vast sandy plains, horizons and mountain and home to the Ovahimba tribe – Namibia last nomads – as well as the legendary desert elephant. Damaraland, unique and contrasting landscape, has a variety of free-ranging game importantly the desert rhino. Etosha National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa with all the big five. North eastern Namibia is a water wilderness of tropical Africa. Skeleton Coast, with its bones of ancient ship wrecks, unique wildlife, seal colonies, clay castles and saltpans, make this one of the best photographic destinations in Africa. The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world and the central part is famous for its dunes that constantly shift. Namibia is a country of clear blue skies and pleasant climate and can visited at any time of the year.

When To Go? Climate
Namibia is a country of clear blue skies and pleasant climate and can visited at any time of the year.

What to do?

Desert Journey’s – Specialised Mobile Camping Safaris exploring remote desert regions of Namibia. Tracking the desert rhino, elephant and lion.
Boat Safaris – cruise along the banks of the Rivers and Atlantic past prolific bird life, and viewing the game both marine and terrestrial.
Game Drives – These are operated in open vehicles, usually at dawn and dusk to seek out the most interesting wildlife.
Night drives are also arranged in certain areas enabling visitors to glimpse the nocturnal world.
Walking Safaris – there is no better way of getting really close to nature than this. Lead by experienced armed guides/rangers/trackers, walkers are bale to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the bush in harmony with their surroundings. On some treks you may be exploring areas untouched.
Culture – a wide diversity of tribal peoples with their interesting traditions and ceremonies reflect their heritage. Include The, San, Nama, Koekhoe nomads, The Damara, Ovambos, Hereos, Kwangali, Mbukushu, Subiya and Bantu’s
Ancient rock engravings, and art ? a painting done on rock fragments found in Apollo 11 cave were done at least 14 000 years before the first pyrimid was built in Egypt.

What to do?

Desert Journey’s – Specialised Mobile Camping Safaris exploring remote desert regions of Namibia. Tracking the desert rhino, elephant and lion.
Boat Safaris – cruise along the banks of the Rivers and Atlantic past prolific bird life, and viewing the game both marine and terrestrial.
Game Drives – These are operated in open vehicles, usually at dawn and dusk to seek out the most interesting wildlife.
Night drives are also arranged in certain areas enabling visitors to glimpse the nocturnal world.
Walking Safaris – there is no better way of getting really close to nature than this. Lead by experienced armed guides/rangers/trackers, walkers are bale to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the bush in harmony with their surroundings. On some treks you may be exploring areas untouched.
Culture – a wide diversity of tribal peoples with their interesting traditions and ceremonies reflect their heritage. Include The, San, Nama, Koekhoe nomads, The Damara, Ovambos, Hereos, Kwangali, Mbukushu, Subiya and Bantu’s
Ancient rock engravings, and art ? a painting done on rock fragments found in Apollo 11 cave were done at least 14 000 years before the first pyrimid was built in Egypt.

Where to go?

Kaokoland, vast sandy plains, horizons and mountain and home to the Ovahimba tribe – Namibia last nomads – as well as the legendary desert elephant.
Damaraland, unique and contrasting landscape, has a variety of free-ranging game importantly the desert rhino.
Etosha National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa with all the big five. Northeastern Namibia is a water wilderness of tropical Africa.
Skeleton Coast, with its bones of ancient ship wrecks, unique wildlife, seal colonies, clay castles and saltpans, make this one of the best photographic destinations in Africa.
The Namib Desert is the oldest desert in the world and the central part is famous for its dunes that constantly shift.
Fish River Canyon – 60km long, 8km wide and 550 km deep is the second largest in the world.
Kalahari Wetlands – rivers that never run dry sustain tropical forest and woodlands in the Caprivi Strip.
Soussusvlei – Monumental piles of sand , red dunes that reach 70 storey’s in height in the Great inland Sand Sea. An isolated pan of white clay in their midst, the end point of an ephemeral river fills with flood waters on rare occasions.

Birding Hotspots!
There are approx. 660 species. Namibia has 16 endemic species
Hotspots to find them are: Hobatere private nature reserve, on the Western border of Etosha between the northern and southern Kaokoveld. Kalahari wetlands along perennial rivers and floodplains in the Caprivi strip. Sandwhich harbour and Walvis Bay is recognised under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance.

Contact Plains of Africa For Your Tailor Made Safari!

Discover South Africa

South Africa has the world’s richest floral kingdom and variety of bird life, with the only country that has an entire floral kingdom – the Cape fynbos – within its borders. Geographically there are two main regions, a large inland plateau that is fringed by a narrow coastal plain and an escarpment of mountains and hills, dominated by the Drakensburg Range. South Africa has at least 20 ethnic groups. English and Afrikaans are spoken widely, along with indigenous languages. There are nine Provinces, and for the tourist a wide variety of beautiful areas are recommended, from sandy beaches to the arid bushveldt, tropical wetlands to amazing mountain scenery. These Provinces namely are; Gauteng, Limpopo, Northern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West.

When To Go? Climate
South Africa can be visited at any time of the year, summers are generally hot and thundery and winters are dry and mild, with occasional cold spells. The Western Cape experiences a Mediterranean climate, rain in winter and dry summers. The best months for game viewing are through April to September.

Where to go?

Limpopo – Discover Mapungubwe World Heritage site ? rich in biodiversity, san rock art dating 15000 years, the richest burial site yielded about 2.2 kg of gold beads, a sacred hill to the ancestral spirits whose treasure lay hidden for thousands of years. The KrugerNational Park and big game concessions, rich in flora and fauna. The tropic of Capricorn, bushveld, valley of the elephants and Soutspanburg.
Kwazulu Natal – Offers you the Elephant coast, uKhalamba DrakensburgPark & St LuciaWetlandPark are two World Heritage Sites worth discovering. Drakensburg ? South Africa’s world heritage site, the grandeur of the mountains soaring to 3482m are a treasure trove of artefacts, fossil, and rock art. The Battlefields, in the region of the ZuluKingdom is a land of natural beauty and steeped in history. Your journey takes you through the battlefields that shaped South Africa’s history. The Midlands Meander, South and NorthCoasts rich in marine life including the annual sardine run and whale migration.
Mpumalanga – follow in the footsteps of the legendary Jock of the Bushveld, big game safaris into Kruger and sourrounding wildife areas, SudwalaCaves deep within the Drakensburg escarpment a dreamland of caverns. Discover a cultural heartland, wild frontier, grass and wetland, comos country, Panorama, highlands meander, lowveldt logote.
North west – a diverse landscape rich in culture, predominantly BaTwana people trace their ancestry through a turbulent history of war and migration, other groups include the Ndbelele, and Sotho. The Taung child Unesco World Heritage site is one of the most significant archeological discoveries of all time – a 3.5 million year old fossil skull. Excellent game viewing opportunities exsist in the wildlife reserves.
North/ West / East – The Cape and Environs is a treasure trove of marine and terestral wildlife, wineries, whale watching, cape fynbos eco system, experience some of the finest pristine wilderness of the garden route. Historical sites include the grave of Sara Bartman, a Khoikoi woman who was convinced to go to Europe and was used as an exhibit in the early turn of the century. Fascinating places await your discovery into the west coast, Cape Town, Cape winelands, Overberg, Garden route, Little and Central Karoo and also the Wild Coast.

What to do?

Boat Safaris – cruise along rivers, lakes and ocean. – view prolific bird life, marine and terrestrial game as it comes down to drink.
Game Drives – These are operated in open vehicles, usually at dawn and dusk to seek out the most interesting wildlife. Night drives are also arranged in certain areas enabling visitors to glimpse the nocturnal world.
Walking Safaris – there is no better way of getting really close to nature than this. Lead by experienced armed guides/rangers/trackers, walkers are able to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the bush in harmony with their surroundings. On some treks you may be exploring areas untouched.
Hiking Trails – Drakensburg and other – for the very fit.
Wine Route tours of the Cape region.
Horseback Safaris – lead by experienced rider/guides and offering bird life and game viewing opportunities exploring remote untouched areas. This is an incredible opportunity to explore the real Africa.

Culture – a wide diversity of tribal people with their interesting traditions and ceremonies reflect their heritage. If you are interested in battlefields, follow in the steps of soldiers and warriors of yesteryear. Some of the bloodiest battles in history were fought in the north west corner of KwaZulu-Natal as Zulus, Boers and British forces clashed over land and sovereignty. The battles played out almost 100 years, guides brings to life the stories of defeat and bravery. Many are renowned historians who have fallen under the spell of this mystical region and have made their homes here. Others are the descendants of warriors who lived and died in their beautiful region.

Mammals

A wide variety of mammals – for further reading refer to the field guide to African mammals by Jonathan Kingdom and The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals by Estes.

Bird-life Hotspots!
More than 600 species. Further information go to www.birldlife.org.za

Contact Plains of Africa Safaris For Your Tailor -made Safari

Safari Styles

Your Customised Safari With Plains Of Africa

PLAINS OF AFRICA – For those on a first time visit or those ‘hooked’ on Africa, we invite you to take your African journey with us. Our beautiful safari portfolio has a carefully selected safari portfolio to a range of destinations that provide you with a thrilling experience, in safety, comfort and style.

For the more adventurous we have safaris that focus on rustic safari styles. You may opt to trek on foot & lower your carbon hoof print.

Our wildlife safaris in our portfolio offer different styles that travel to remote corners of Africa.

Why Travel With Us?
Plains of Africa – will arrange all your safari logistical requirements. We provide standard rates with no hidden costs or extras. All safaris are carefully selected to enable you to explore remote wilderness in exclusive camps and lodges. Customer care and attention to your safari requirements is our priority.

What We Can Do for You?
Provide competitive rates for star rated camps & lodges.
Provide excellant customised safari itineraries to the top and unique safari destinations in Africa.
Provide experienced professional guides.
Provide important information to assist you on your safari.
Offer exclusive special interest conservation expeditions where your dollar directly supports endangered wildlife and community development..

Safaris Styles

These are graded in a number of ways and again individual safari companies put their own respective charm to the overall experience:-

• Luxury:

All camps offer a fully inclusive rate, whilst the accommodation is spacious, comfortable with en-suite facilities. A large main complex can be found at each property.

• Classic:

All camps offer a fully inclusive rate. Accommodation is comfortable with rustic en-suite facilities. An intimate main complex serves the property

• Rustic:

All camps offer a fully board with activities rate .Accommodation is rustic with rustic en-suite facilities. An intimate main complex serves the property

AUTHENTIC GRADE’ – FULLY SERVICED MOBILE SAFARIS

FULLY serviced mobile safaris into any of the National Parks, or to remote regions. Top quality equipment is used and a support vehicle goes ahead to set up camp. All meals are prepared by our safari chef.

Contact US to create your customised safari

Tanzania – Serengeti Migration

The Migration

For many visitors, witnessing the annual “Great Migration” is the main reason to visit Tanzania or Kenya.
But here’s the thing—it’s not a one-time show! The migration is a never-ending, year-round annual wildlife journey split into key phases. From newborn calves to heart-stopping river crossings, each phase of the migration brings its own unique excitement!

Calving season
It kicks off with the calving season on the Serengeti’s southern plains, where wildebeest and other grazers give birth in a dramatic display of new life. From late January to early March, approximately 500,000 wildebeest calves are born in the Serengeti – an explosive birth rate of 8,000 to 10,000 wildebeest calves born daily.

River Crossings
As the herds move northward, they dare perilous river crossings in an iconic scene of survival and endurance, as they battle strong currents and high numbers of crocodiles waiting for an easy meal. They’ll face the Grumeti River in the Western Corridor (typically late May to early June) and the wider and deeper Mara River in the northern Serengeti, at the border with Kenya’s Maasai Mara (generally July to October).

Year-round action
Throughout the year, the Serengeti remains home to plenty of resident game, ensuring the action never truly stops.
The general movements of the herds are often mapped out, but nature doesn’t always follow predictable patterns. Take 2006, for example: the big herds decided to hang out in the central Serengeti in January and February, then unexpectedly shifted south in April and May.
The animals are constantly on the move, sometimes covering up to 40 km in a single night.
And don’t expect one giant parade—it’s more like a series of pop-up gatherings, with many small and large groups, each moving to its own beat.

JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH
The southern plains of the Serengeti eco-system, including Ndutu, bustle with wildebeest during calving season. The open grasslands make for great visibility, with plenty of predators around. 500 000 calves are born at a rate of 8 000+ a day during the peak birthing period.

APRIL & MAY
The ‘green’ season is a great time to avoid peak season crowds and enjoy good low- season rates. While game drives might be affected by road conditions, the rains usually bring short, intense afternoon storms rather than persistent downpours. Dramatic clouds provide fantastic photo opportunities, while the rain washes the dust away.

JUNE
The herds are making their way north within the Serengeti, venturing through the central region and the ‘Western Corridor’ and up into the Lobo area. As they cross the Grumeti River in the west, they’ll face a host of crocs!

JULY, AUGUST, SEPT & OCT
By late July the herds are making their dramatic crossings over the Mara River, often crossing back and forth over several weeks. Keep in mind, though, that a significant portion of the wildlife stays in the Serengeti year-round. While the area sees large herds this time of year, it’s also the high season—so expect it to be busy and crowded!

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
High Season. Kenya’s Maasai Mara is bustling, with good herds gathering up north.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER
The herds are starting their journey southward, moving back into the Serengeti through the central Seronera region, ready to kick off the entire migration cycle once again.

Chobe National Park – Savuti

The Savuti Channel has a fascinating history of flooding and drying up independently of good rainy seasons and flood levels elsewhere – a mystery that has intrigued geologists and other researchers for many years.

In 2008, the Savuti Channel, having been dry for many years, once more became a deep, clear waterway harbouring Hippo and other aquatic life with a large variety of waterbirds. Wildlife, from plains game to predators, has had to adapt to a new source of water and all the opportunities and menaces it has brought with it. How long will it be before the water dries up again? Judging from historical records it could be more than a hundred years or less than ten. Nature has the final say in such matters.

The dead Camelthorn trees on the Savuti Marsh have become one of the most prominent features of the landscape – skeletons of trees drowned in the flood-waters at least 40 years ago. The shallow basin of the Mababe Depression is now the waterless bed of an ancient lake and the marsh itself is grassland that is home to large numbers of animals. The western edge of Savuti is formed by the Magwikhwe sand ridge, which is approximately 100 km long and 20 m high. This is the ancient shoreline of a super-lake that once covered most of Northern Botswana. It is hard to imagine that this harsh, dry landscape was once submerged under an enormous inland sea. Another part of the Savuti is characterised by the Gubatsa Hills, which were formed millions of years ago during volcanic movement. These hills rise to a height of about 90 meters out of an otherwise completely flat landscape.

The Savuti area offers great game viewing at certain times of the year. The annual Zebra migration is closely followed by many Lion prides. Good sightings of Cheetah and Leopard are possible and the endangered Wild Dog also occurs here. Savuti is famous for its large concentrations of Elephants that congregate around the waterholes, making game-viewing exceptional.

Birdlife is also amazing, with Secretary Birds and Kori Bustards often seen around the Savuti Marsh. Summer migrants and water birds include Abdim’s Storks, Carmine Bee-eaters, Fish Eagles. Red-billed Queleas, which gather in their thousands, are a spectacular sight as they wheel and turn in unison.

Luxury Safari To Chobe National Park – River Front – Game Lodge

The only permanent game lodge situated on the banks of the Chobe River within the famous Chobe National Park, the Lodge is Botswana’s premier venue for guests looking for a perfect base from which to explore the National Park and Chobe Riverfront. This five-star Lodge has full eco-grading by Botswana Tourism Board.

WHERE TO STAY?

ACCOMMODATION

The Lodge can accommodate up to ninety-four people in total luxury. Each of the forty-four rooms at the lodge is river-facing and air-conditioned, featuring overhead fans, complimentary mini bar, en-suite bathrooms and a private terrace. For those guests who demand the ultimate in exclusivity, the Lodge has four river-view suites, each with its own plunge pool and separate lounge area.

THE LODGE

The Lodge is designed as a haven of peace and privacy – where relaxation is effortless and you can enjoy your own space. With six comfortably furnished viewing decks, a riverside boma, two bars, six different lounges and four dining locations, a comfy chair or lounger is never far away, each with a different perspective on the wilderness that surrounds the lodge. A large swimming pool provides welcome relief during hot afternoons and there is always a waiter on hand to bring you refreshments from the bar.

Guests wishing to pamper themselves are welcome to book one of the delightful treatments from the in-house beautician (for which there is an extra charge) or hit the gym for some exercise between the usual Lodge activities (complimentary).

Chobe Game Lodge caters for travellers with disabilities; all recent additions to the lodge were designed to provide easy accessibility.

CHOBE BOARDWALK & DECK

This is the perfect place to relax or explore during your spare time at the lodge, with excellent game viewing, bar facilities, toilets and plenty of areas to just sit back and watch the sunset or the Chobe wildlife parade.

Safari Highlights

ACTIVITIES & WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

Chobe Game Lodge offers a choice of land or water-based activities and the most complete game experience in the Chobe National Park.

Early-morning and late-afternoon game drives are conducted by our expert guides in open-sided 4×4 vehicles to ensure maximum visibility of Chobe National Park’s spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. The Lodge has introduced four electric-powered game drive vehicles for a more immersive, carbon-emission free safari. Meanwhile, riverside game viewing is done from the lodges full fleet of solar-electric powered safari boats offering silent safaris on Botswana’s renowned Chobe River.

Chobe’s diverse wildlife roams in abundance – it is, for instance, home to the largest concentration of elephant in Africa. During the dry season these large herds, as well as vast herds of buffalo, congregate on the fertile flood plains along the Chobe River to drink, bathe and play. There are frequent sightings of lion, African wild dog, puku, red lechwe, sable, giraffe and roan antelope.

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