Low Fare Africa

The latest installment of Wilderness Safaris’ Unusual Sightings comes to us courtesy of Glynis Humphrey, Brian Rode, Onkabetse Mothupi, and Michael Hensman at Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana:

The sable antelope, Hippotragus niger, has shown some dramatic declines in parts of its range in southern Africa. Despite fairly intensive study in the Kruger National Park and other areas, the reasons for these declines are imperfectly understood.

It is for this reason that an investigation into the home range and habitat use of the species has been initiated in the Vumbura area in the Okavango Delta. Here a relative stronghold of sable exists, allowing an investigation into what factors allow the species to thrive here. Michael Hensman, an MSc student from the University of Witwatersrand and HOORC (being jointly supervised by Prof Norman Owen-Smith and Dr Casper Bonyongo), has just begun his research project using the relatively new technology of Geographical Positioning Systems (GPS) collars to produce fine scale movement data from three different herds.

We have so far managed to fit two collars onto two sable cows and are indebted to the assistance of veterinarian Dr Dane Hawk and gyrocopter pilot Mark Muller without whom the exercise would not have been possible. Dr Casper Bonyongo also lent valuable field experience during the operation.

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The latest edition of Wilderness Safaris’ Unusual Sightings comes courtesy of Grant Atkinson at Savuti Camp in the Linyanti Region of Botswana:

The sequence of adjoining images were all taken right from the deck of Savuti Camp which looks out over the currently flowing Savute Channel – one of the biggest events in Botswana in recent times. What has been even more interesting is how the elephant population has reacted to this rekindled water source.

I was deeply struck by the changes that have come about in both the environment and the elephant behaviour in the Linyanti Concession. In the years when the Channel was dry, from 1983 up until 2008, the onset of the dry season in June brought about a daily influx of elephants to the four artificially pumped waterholes that were situated along the dry river bed. Observation hides were in place at two of the waterholes, to enable up-close visuals with the thirsty elephants.

With the return of water to the Channel last year, this has all changed.  The narrow ribbon of grassland with a dusty river bed where the channel once flowed has now been replaced by soothing, clear water once again. The Channel is now flowing, bank to bank, and currently stretches for 60km, having just past the Chobe Cutline moving ever closer to the Savute Marsh. Hippos, waterbirds, catfish and water lilies have all recolonised the new water, with the Channel now even sharing wildlife affinities with the Okavango Delta.

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As we continue to navigate a treacherous economic landscape, travel providers continue to push the envelope of value with unprecedented deals. Today’s tip highlights one such deal currently on offer from industry leader Wilderness Safaris. Book 2010 travel before May 31, 2009 and enjoy 2009 rates, no questions asked. After May, new 2010 rate increases will be in effect.

Additionally, Wilderness Safaris has extended its “Extra Night in the Wilderness” program, now valid through June 2009 as well as November 1, 2009 – May 31, 2010. Guests who book a 7 night itinerary in a particular country will receive the 7th night absolutely free of charge.

We will continue to highlight new opportunities from Wilderness Safaris as well as other top flight providers over the next few weeks. For more details on how you can take advantage of these incredible offers, email info@karell.com today.

There’s no doubt that, given the current economic climate,  leisure travel has taken a back seat for many Americans. As a result, tour operators are constantly looking for ways to add value and provide more affordable travel options to potential guests. Nowhere does this ring more true than in the African travel sector as some of the most respected and well known operators in the business are currently running unprecedented promotions.

From now until the end of June 2009, andBeyond is offering phenomenal savings through their “Stay for 6, only pay for 4″ offer. Visit any combination of their Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe properties and receive the first and last nights absolutely free of charge.

Similarly, Wilderness Safaris is currently offering an “Extra Night in the Wilderness”, valid through June 2009 as well as the full month of November 2009. Guests who book a 7 night itinerary in a particular country will receive the 7th night absolutely free of charge.

Email land@karell.com or call 1-800 327 0373 for details on how you can make the most of these opportunities.

Botswana is a landlocked country about the size of France. Two thirds of the land is arid Kalahari savanna unsuitable for agriculture. Large areas have been set aside for wildlife reserves and these include some of the very finest in Africa.

The magnificent Okavango Delta, home to the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, fans out across the north-western corner and creates a paradise of islands and lagoons teeming with birds and wildlife. In the northeast, the famous Chobe National Park supports great concentrations of Elephant and Buffalo. Botswana’s Tuli Block lies at the south eastern corner of the country, with Zimbabwe to the north and South Africa the south.

Here some of Botswana’s only commercial farming coexists with magnificent game reserves. A unique array of wildlife can be seen in Tuli, with its most notable highlight arising in its immense elephant population.