Hills of Africa travel
A Personal Note from Hill's Of Africa

February 11, 2010

 

Sunny FloridaHi! It's Meredith writing to you this week from sunny, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am here with Maria Homann (Mark's wife) attending a fantastic workshop called Be The Change, offered by my friend and fellow mastermind member Suzanne Evans of www.helpmorepeople.com. I brought Maria with me to this event because she will be blazing an exciting trail for us at Hills of Africa Travel. We are starting a foundation and Maria will be at the forefront of this project.

Giving BackWhile we, at Hills of Africa, love helping clients create safari journeys of their dreams, if you were to ask each team member individually, "what is your primary reason for doing what you do?', each of us would respond that it's helping the people, land and wildlife of Africa that drives us the most. We know, firsthand, the incredible good that can come from tourism dollars directed into the best hands, and it fills our hearts to be a part of that. But it's also time for us to give back in a bigger way. That is why we are creating the Hills of Africa Foundation this year.

 

 

 

 

ElephantsEveryone has their causes. Breast cancer survivors donate to cancer research. Dog lovers donate to humane societies. Some of you that have tasted Africa now hold a very special place in your hearts for this incredible continent. You were able to experience the beauty of a family of elephants playing in a waterhole, see the smiles of local children proudly bestowing their brand new uniforms on the way to school, and sleep like you've never done before in the quiet of the African bushveld.

 

Happy StudentsBut without properly managed sustainable tourism, the water would not be pumped to waterholes and there would be no family of elephants playing joyfully. There would be no uniforms or school for those smiling children and there might not be a quiet place left in the world. We are forming the Hills of Africa Foundation because Africa is OUR cause and we want to continue the good that tourism provides to these very special places on earth. We will keep you posted on the progress of this exciting and meaningful project.

 

 

Speaking of very special places on earth, with very special people…this week's article is about the Lukula Selous, located in the Selous Game Reserve of Tanzania. If you enjoy visiting places preserved in rich, authentic nature, guided by people that live by the land, then you will love learning about the Lukula Selous.

I hope you enjoy!

Meredith Hill

 

This Week's Article

Lukula Selous: Where Every Season Bears New Adventures

Start of a new AdventureAn African safari experience encompasses much more than a scheduled morning and night game drive through the African bush. The true experience lies in your connection with nature, the people, and the land. Many times, African safari providers, camps, and lodges are merely focused on a scheduled touring session where participants can view animals and take pictures at a specific time of the day. But these safari goers rarely experience the authenticity and complexity of the region and its varying eco-systems on these rigidly scheduled safari tours.

 

 

Fishing at LukulaThere is more to a safari excursion than what you see right in front of you, and no one understands this concept more than Lukula Selous. Located in The Selous Game Reserve of Tanzania, Lukula Selous is comprised of a full team of expert staff and guides who believe in bringing the spirit of Africa and its radiant wildernesses to life for each and every guest.

Through their rich knowledge of the land, people, and animals, and traditional tracking abilities Lukula Selous’ highly-experienced and certified guides have the unique ability to immerse every guest into their natural surroundings. Specifically, guides introduce their safari participants to traditional tracking techniques and the various wildlife found throughout Tanzania during their year-round safari expeditions.

Below is a description of each season and what to expect when visiting during that specific time of year:

The High Season:

Game DriveSome of the best months to experience a walking safari and vehicle safari in Tanzania are between mid-June and mid-November when the seasonal rains have vanished and animals move to the nearby rivers for nutrients. Thanks to the lack of vegetation and water supply, hippos, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, and impala are frequently spotted by the river banks, making tracking a bit easier during your walking safari.

 

As one of the most popular and adventurous forms of safari tours, a guided walking safari is full of exciting discoveries, and requires some detective work on your end. You’ll learn how to use traditional tracking methods to find large game such as elephant and buffalo, and have access to grass hides, which allow for safe animal viewing and wonderful photography opportunities.

As the beginning of November approaches, plants blossom and migrant birds approach, creating a delightful mix of colors and extraordinary visual pleasures.

The Short Rains And The Long Rains:

RelaxingBoth characterized by adventurous activities, the short and long rains bear some of the most beautiful flora, and are some of the best times to track animal movement.

The short rains, which occur between mid-November and late January, bear an extraordinary display of wildflowers and lush flora. As the rains come, the rivers fill and drive hippos to the outer reaches of the tributaries. When January arrives, buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra move in large herds toward the hills, while impala remain in the plains with the elusive wild dog waiting to strike.

 
TentWhen the long rains come—between the beginning of May to mid-June—floodplains begin to dry and large and small game begin traveling to the main rivers as their main source for food supply and water.

Some of the greatest safari expeditions to enjoy during these months are extended walking safaris and canoeing safaris. The walking safaris provide a bit more excitement and adventure for visitors as tracking becomes a bit more challenging.

  
Patrolling And Monitoring Season:

Game WalkAimed toward the more adventurous, this season—occurring between the beginning of February and continuing through the end of April—offers Lukula Selous guests the rare opportunity to join Lukula guides in the field to perform censuses and to patrol. During these patrolling sessions, the team is dropped off at a start point via aircraft and then picked up a few days later at a predetermined destination. Food and supplies are provided for all members of the patrolling session.

 
No Matter The Season . . .

As small guided groups travel through the beautiful reaches of The Selous Game Reserve, new discoveries and adventures constantly arise. Lukula Selous’ guides don’t focus on a rigid schedule, as the wilderness can often be unpredictable. Rather, their excursions are flexible and geared toward finding the prime spots that yield an abundance of wildlife. Therefore, you never know where the day might take you, but you’re sure to discover new and exciting things each day.

Hills of Africa Travel Recommends


Join us to learn about an incredible 11-day itinerary to South Africa in October 2010

LionsSee the best of the best within South Africa by visiting 2 excellent safari lodges which are nestled in some of the best game viewing territory in the world. Enjoy a full 7 nights on safari, and then move on to picture perfect, glorious Cape Town.

This customized journey will introduce you to many of the fascinating features that make South Africa such a wonderful destination. We will visit two private game reserves which hold the promise of excellent game viewing then fly south and explore the wonderful city of Cape Town and the Winelands that South Africa is so famous for. Of course we can’t forget the special South African people who will delight and welcome us to their country and will ensure that our experience is beyond our expectations.

To learn more about this incredible journey please register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/726080833 for more details. We can't wait to share the details with you and have you join us in October.


Azura

Trip Name: Kruger Safari and Beaches of Mozambique
Length of travel: 12 days
Countries Visited: South Africa and Mozambique

Highlights:Tintswalo, a charming riverside safari lodge in the private Manyeleti Game Reserve, gives animal lovers plenty of opportunity to enjoy elephants, lions, and buffalo in their native habitat. The Big Five are often spotted during game drives and walking safaris. Relax from your safari and enjoy time alone in a private beach villa with private pool on the white-sanded beaches of Benguerra Island.
Detailed description of itinerary (in PDF)

 

 

Contact us today, and utilize our detailed destination-planning services and expert advice to send you on a life-altering experience like none other.

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If you are thinking of taking an African Safari, we encourage you to get your FREE guide " Safari Tips 101, Tips & Tricks for your African Safari" featuring Sandy Salle

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About Hills of Africa Travel

Meredith Hill and Sandy SalleHills of Africa Travel specializes in customized African safari tours.

We offer spectacular adventures with personalized and customized service, guaranteed to provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

Hills of Africa Travel is a team of extraordinary travel agents and tour operators who are passionate about sharing the magic of Africa through first-hand knowledge and exemplary customer service. Our expert knowledge, experience, and passion for our customers allow us to create a personalized safari adventure of a lifetime for all travelers.

Whether you're taking a romantic honeymoon safari, a fun-filled family safari, or have always dreamed of experiencing the natural beauty of Africa and its wildlife, our exceptional agents and dedicated tour operators are here to provide you with the perfect African safari vacation.

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The Hills of Africa Travel Newsletter is written by Meredith Hill and Sandy Salle and Hillsofafrica.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: hoainfo@hillsofafrica.com

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