First Time Travelers

Why Africa?

Going on a photographic African safari is a donation, in itself, toward conserving African wildlife and habitats. A safari can be the most enjoyable and rewarding environmental contribution you will ever make. Safaris have traditionally been easy on the environment but conservationists have developed it even further. Tourism to these remote corners of Africa has a positive and sustainable effect on the local communities through park entrance fees, licenses, concessions and employment. Camps are using natural resources such as solar power to run their generators instead of diesel or gasoline. It feels good investing your vacation time in supporting camps and lodges that are making great strides in ecotourism. There is no better time to venture to Africa than the present. 2010 rates are as low as 2009 and very attractive for longer stay trips.

10 Great Reasons to Travel with The Africa Adventure Company

We know that an African safari is an investment of time, money and your dreams.

1. We wrote the definitive guide book on safaris to Africa The President of our company, Mark Nolting, has written the quintessential book on traveling to Africa, "Africa's Top Wildlife Countries" – a testament to our level of expertise and dedication to giving you up to date information.

2. One of the world's top Travel Specialists We have been recognized once again by CONDE NAST TRAVELER as one of the World's Top Travel Specialists for the 7th year in a row! What an honor!

3. Sustainable tourism and eco conservation For over 23 years we have promoted local ground operators and guides, eco accommodations and community projects that support the merits of low-impact travel and the survival of habitats. In recognition of our commitment, National Geographic Adventure selected us as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth.

4. Safaris designed especially for you Our award winning travel planning is based on customizing itineraries to suit each traveler's budget and interests. If there is a way to get your dream safari for what you can afford - we will find it!

5. Over 75 itineraries We offer more than 75 safari itineraries, with trips to 14 African Countries. There are hundreds of parks and game reserves, safari activities and a wide range of accommodations to choose from. We do not tie you into one line of properties, rather we match the ones the best fit your travel style.

6. We specialize ONLY in Africa While many companies offer trips all over the world, our work is focused only on Africa. This has enabled us to become experts in designing African safaris, foster close relationships within the industry and benefit from special pricing on the trips we feature.

7. Affordable independent and private safaris Many people expect private and independent safaris to be very expensive, but our clients are delighted to discover that they do not have to join a group of strangers in order to afford a great safari.

8. Value-added adventure! Our insider knowledge of Africa is unsurpassed. We'll provide you with special access to places, people and events that are unavailable to travelers who book online. And should there be a travel emergency, we can be reached 24/7.

9. Our In-House air department Our IATA/ARC in-house air department completes the planning process with discounted airfares. By booking your air with us, we can assist if flights are changed or cancelled.

10. Our clients come back for more! Over 70% of our business is repeat clients and referrals! What a testament to the quality of our services, and of course, the incredible beauty and wildlife of Africa!

Premier Wildlife Viewing Destination

Safari-goers can choose to view large and spectacular wildlife, unique to this fascinating continent, in its natural surroundings. Animal-watching excursions are best when they include parks and reserves that are not crowded and offer more of a feeling of being in the bush. To truly become an integral part of the safari, it is important to choose reserves that allow travelers to participate in activities such as walking and canoeing. Smaller camps and lodges that are unfenced and that allow wildlife to walk freely about the grounds can also add to an adventurer's "in the bush" mindset. When on a game-viewing activity, wildlife enthusiasts may see Lion, African Elephant, White Rhinocerosand Giraffe, and there is an amazing array of other large mammals, as well as spectacular birds. In fact, birders from around the world come to Africa for the incomparable viewing opportunities. The finest safaris, however, are not simply those that provide the thrill of seeing wildlife, but those that explore the whole ecosystem and capture the true spirit of the African wilderness.

Accommodations and Adventure

The main allure of Africa is that anyone can find an adventure there. The level of adventure and contact with nature is controlled by the traveler. Adventures range from game drives in wildlife parks and reserves to hot-air balloon rides to walking in the bush to horse-back riding tours to challenging mountain climbs to native canoe safaris to white-water rafting. Eco-tourism in Africa is going through its own evolution. Many of our safari programs feature low impact accommodations where the key is the size of camps and lodges. The level of comfort is just as variable, and it ranges from simple bungalows to extravagant suites with private swimming pools. Luxury camps can cater to even the most discriminating traveler - with five-star panache, but rugged individualists can also find nirvana in earthy and rustic accommodations. Options include hotels, lodges, small camps with chalets or bungalows, houseboats, fixed tented camps and mobile tented safaris. Most lodges, camps and smaller hotels featured in our itineraries participate in low utilization of energy resources energy like solar power. Adventurers who want to capture life in a back-to-nature setting are always richly rewarded. Most safari locales are almost devoid of human interference, and travelers live according to a natural rhythm of life that has remained basically unchanged since the beginning of time.

Natural Attractions including World Heritage Sites

Africa boasts such a tremendous variety of attractions that everyone can find something fascinating see. In addition to fabulous wildlife, the continent delivers one of the world's largest waterfalls (Victoria Falls, the world's largest inland delta (Okavango Delta), the world's largest intact volcanic caldera (Ngorongoro Crater) and the world's highest mountain that is not part of a range( Mt. Kilimanjaro). Africa is also home to the world's largest animal migration - the Great Serengeti Migration - a movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra.

Educational

Travel in Africa is an exciting and educational experience. Africa is huge. It is the second largest continent on earth, covering over 20 percent of the planet's land surface. More than three times the size of the United States, it is also larger than Europe, the United States and China combined. No wonder it offers such diversity. A tapestry of compelling cultures ranging the colorful Masai and Samburu tribes of East Africa to the tiny Bushmen and the nomadic Himba of southern Africa are there to be discovered. Why do so many people initially choose Africa? Feature films like The Serengeti, Out of Africa, African Queen and Gorillas in the Mist, along with countless documentaries, have inspired adventure travelers to choose Africa time and time again. Many are drawn by the unique, pristine wilderness in which wildlife still abounds in an unspoiled and exciting environment. Others seek contact with vast, open spaces and traditional African cultures, which can have a meaningful effect on the human spirit - stirring and stimulating the senses, relaxing and revitalizing the mind. No matter the inspiration, travel to Africa means to go back in time and capture the thrill of something entirely different.