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What is the Best African Safari for Seniors/Elderly 2021-2023
What is the Best African Safari for Seniors/Elderly 2021-2023? Are African Safaris suitable for seniors/elderly? SURE! African adventure safari for seniors is very popular with the demand for senior safaris in East Africa growing steadily. From the Gorillas and Chimpanzee trekking to slack-packing and weekend getaway trips - the world today is an oyster for ALL ages! Simply put, safaris in Africa on your bucket list. Today, there are more and more than 65s and above traveling to sought-after destinations in East and Southern Africa as it used to be in the last decades. 11 helpful tips and insights to help you plan African Safari for seniors/elderly 2021-2023. 1. Safety Though some places in East Africa do get negative press, there are many tried and trusted safari destinations that are perfectly safe. Being safe is a top priority. You want to have the best experience when you are here but all in all, you want to be safe. Uganda and other East Africa countries are safe and stable and free trade and travel happen every day of the year except South Sudan and Burundi where safety is not guaranteed . The national parks and other visitor hotspots you will be visiting are very safe too. National parks and game reserve are guarded and protected by highly trained personnel. Since East Africa hosts many visitors each day, you will not be alone in the park. As the saying goes, there is safety in numbers, and you will find other people from different parts of the world. While you are our guest, your safety is our responsibility and we do everything to make sure that you are okay. Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda all have and are buiding fantastic infrastructures, good roads, accessible and well-established routes, accommodation and food of the highest caliber. To boot, these four countries are world-renowned for being leaders in ALL IN ONE plusconservation with well managed national parks and wilderness areas where wildlife and big game flourish. 2. Time to travel for Seniors/Elderly to Africa Safari! Contrary to popular belief, TIME is on your side! Most younger travelers have time constraints. Modern life is dictated by work schedules and commitments. Holidays are short and it is not always easy to get away for extended periods. Add to this family life, children, pets, school holidays and kids activities and well… time flies by. Being retired (or semi-retired), however, frees you up to take advantage of longer travel getaways. Plan your trip when and where you like for as long as you want. A longer 8 to 21-day safari holidays is perfect for a senior citizen looking to explore the world. Not everyone has the luxury of doing the 22-day Masai Mara to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest which is one of the 3 destination to trek Gorillas in the wild places. Starting in Masai Mara and ending in BwindiImpenetrable Forest, this senior African safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If 3 weeks sounds a bit long, This 15 days Uganda Adventure Safari will enable you visit all major National parks of the Pearl of Africa from North to South. Explore National parks like Kidepo Valley in the Karamoja region, Murchison falls where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop, Kibale Forest the primate capital of the world, Queen Elizabeth Uganda’s most popular tourist destination, Bwindi Impenetrable for lifetime Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris and Lake Mburo the closest park to Kampala the capital city of Uganda. For those adventurous over 50s and above travelling without having to get back to work, your time away really is yours to enjoy. 3. Budget-wise Senior Tours for Africa “That sounds expensive, I can’t travel on my pension” I hear you say. Today, African safaris are competitively priced. There are loads of budget-friendly tours that cater to all travel styles and tastes, even pensioners or senior travel. Travelling on a pensioner’s shoestring is not only possible, but it also happens every day. An African Bucket List safari, for example, will get you to all the most sought-after destinations, without breaking the bank. The trick is to know your budget and to balance this with your own, personal travel wish-list. You can cut your costs by taking advantage of a group tour for seniors and in the process bring along some friends, or meet some new like-minded travel companions. One way to cut your costs is to customize your trip according to your own personal bucket-list items. Alpha Adventure Safaris will give you the highlights of Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. The great thing about these senior safari packages is that all the costs are contained and set out before your departure. Of course, you’ll want to bring some additional pocket money for gifts, tips, and treats but the majority of expenses will be taken care of, leaving you free from the financial worries of park fees, gas and exchange rates. Why not speak to an Alpha AdventureSafari travel consultant and find out just how far your budget could get you? 4. Health and Insurance. The first rule here is to openly communicate any health issues you might have with our agent. This is to make sure all the right preparations. Starting from allergies, dietary restrictions, doctors orders and anything. We wouldn't want your life to be at risk, and we avoid that by planning with you - properly. It could be helpful to get travel insurance before your trip. You should consult your doctor for advice and check-up before you buy insurance or pay for the trip. Your health is important. While the company can arrange for medical evacuation insurance , we, first of all, have to work with you to make sure you are safe. To ensure no insurance (yours or ours) needs to be touched. Ensure as much as possible to get enough rest throughout the entire trip. All our Senior safari trips are arranged with more rests. 5. Comfort for Over 50 Travelers “Safaris are dusty, dirty affairs, only for people willing to sacrifice their creature-comforts and rough-it in the bush”. Well, no, not-at-all. This is a common misconception. Comfort and ease is the name of the game. Across the board, travelers are increasingly looking for no-fuss options. Think about the rise of slack-packing and clamping – the ultimate convenience experience. More and more, comfort and convenience is the name of the game. Senior safaris in Africa are no different. You can book a comfortable lodge safari, a camping safari for seniors or tailor-make a mixture of the two. Most of the parks have fully accommodated and designed especially for over 40s and older travelers. This senior tour itinerary of 15 days you visit major National parks of the Pearl of Africa from North to South. Explore National parks like Kidepo Valley in the Karamoja region, Murchison falls where the Victoria Nile River surges through a narrow gap over a massive drop, Kibale Forest the primate capital of the world, Queen Elizabeth Uganda’s most popular tourist destination, Bwindi Impenetrable for lifetime Uganda Gorilla trekking safaris and Lake Mburothe closest park to Kampala the capital city of Uganda. On a senior lodge safari, you will stay in comfortable lodges with clean sheets, swimming pools and bars and restaurants. 6. Senor Travelling with Family or Friends. What if you are travelling with others (even younger) family or friends? That is even better. If you are lucky enough to travel with more people, we say go for it. Imagine having moving experiences such as seeing gorillas, but then you are having these with the people closest to your heart. It is the absolute best way to bond as a family or friends over something so special. Here is our guide to help you successfully plan a Uganda Safari with family or friends 7. About Senior Travel distance in Africa One thing to remember with an African safari is distance. Africa is huge and the distances travelled, often on dirt roads, are long and dusty. Knowing that your safari camp will be ready on the other side, or that your reputable lodge has a hot shower and a fully stocked restaurants, makes all the long distances travelled worthwhile. The over 50 adventure travel itineraries are designed with senior travelers in mind. They have a slightly slower pace, more days to rest and a few extra creature comforts. The beauty is, however, that these African safari experiences can be crafted to suit YOUR specific tastes and needs. No need to go with the crowds when you can choose your own path. Talk to us about tailor-made tours for seniors to find out more... 8. Connecting and staying in touch with family Travel today does not mean extended time out of touch with your loved ones. Most safari lodges will have WIFI and it is possible to connect your mobile phones and other devices via satellite or through cell phone networks, yes, even in the African bush. This means you can still connect with your children and grandchildren and, even better, share your experiences with them as you go along. Another great thing about the over 30 safari packages, is that because of the easier pace of the adventure, it is perfect for a combined family adventure. Three generations embarking on an African safari adventure of a lifetime! 9. Responsible travel. We love the fact that a lot of seniors are cautious about the environment and therefore care about its protection and conservation. How then can you ensure that your travel doesn't create a negative carbon impact? In East Africa, tourism (especially in national parks) is based on a sustainable model where the proceeds go back to conserve these places. This means that your contribution goes directly back into saving the parks. We also sleep better knowing that our effort to show beauty of people in Uganda and East Africa at large by helping in conserving the same beauty for the next generation. Here is our policy about how you can make your Uganda Safari even more environmentally friendly. 10. Going on safari with passionate travelers The growing number of over 50s travelling in Africa makes for a safari experience that is totally different. Being older means knowing yourself better, and choosing options that suit you. The over 50 safaris can be designed for smaller groups with a maximum of 8 adventurers. Whether you are a couple, a single senior traveler or a family, the chances are therefore higher that you will meet like minds and make some lifelong friends. 11. Physical and Mobility on African safaris For the 55 to 65 age bracket, health and well-being are a major priority. The long distances really are the biggest hurdle for senior travelers in Africa. Providing that you can navigate in and out of the safari vehicle, there really shouldn’t be a problem. Short walks around attractions and the 'trek' from your room to the poolside are about the extent of the exertions that you will have to endure. Mountain gorilla is arguably the most intriguing primates on earth. Everyone want to see them because they cannot thrive in zoos like the lowland gorillas. Tracking mountain gorillas can be very demanding depending on which gorilla family one is assigned. It is therefore important to go when prepared and in good physical shape. Some Gorilla groups live close to the starting point for tracking ( Better book 3 months and more to BOOK a close group) and it can take only 30 minutes to find them if you are lucky. However, gorilla trekking can sometimes take up to six hours. Also porters can be hired to assist you, let’s know if you will need porters. Gorilla Trekking for the senior/elderly and people with disabilities Gorilla trekking for aged people given what we have already discussed; one could be wondering if gorilla trekking is really something they should go for given their physical limitations or age. Gorilla trekking is not only for the youthful or those who are energetic and young. You don’t have to go for other wildlife encounters and miss out on the very best just because of your age, fitness or physical limitations. In fact, most travelers who go to track gorillas are 40 years and above. You are never too old for gorilla trekking as long as you are allowed on a plane. If you wondering whether to bring you mum or granny for gorilla trekking, then you need to know that it is very possible as long as they can take a flight. At the time of briefing, the Rangers and wardens will check all the passports and identify all those who may need special attention. In case one is 60 years and above but fit enough, they will be assigned a nearby gorilla family. If you are 60 years but in excellent shape you can request a longer trek to have more fun and adventure in the forest. You don’t have to accept an easier trek just because someone told you to do so. There is a lot to explore while tracking mountain gorillas. You will encounter beautiful flora and fauna (birds, primates, insects, butterflies and moths) along the way. Gorilla Trekking for disabled people in Uganda and Rwanda Apart from hiking ability and physical fitness, the other criteria used for allocating gorilla families is the availability of gorilla permits. When most gorilla permits have been booked, it becomes difficult to get an easier trek. Seniors are advised to book their trips at least three months in advance so that they can get a gorilla group close to a tracking point. Tourists who are doing double gorilla trekking (tracking mountain gorillas for two days or more) will be allocated a different group from the one they saw previously. Only 8 people may track a gorilla family in a day. This is to avoid stressing the primates and exposing them to human diseases through prolonged contact. It is also important to inform your tour operator about any fitness concerns or physical limitations before booking a trip to see the gorillas. This will help the operator plan according and arrange any special equipment with the park authorities. A special tour van may also be assigned to you as well as porters and sedan chairs if applicable. Your company will add the price of the porters and sedan chairs Gorilla and Chimp trekking for the elderly to the stand cost and share with you. Sedan chairs with handlers, seat belts and a steel-base are used to lift the elderly or those who are unfit to walk for long distances. Another alternative for people with disabilities is to be carried to the forest using a stretcher made out of local bamboo. 12 strong local porters (4 at a time) are assigned to carry the elderly. Only four men can carry the stretcher or sedan chair. The others will take over once the first four need to rest. The porters know the terrain and forest so well and have lived in the area for most of their lives. The porters will carry the elder and never let him/her touch the ground until they locate the mountain gorillas. After spotting the gorillas, the porters will once again lift the elder and return them to the starting point where the company driver would be waiting. Carriers and Sedan chairs cost between $400 to $500 dollars depending on the weight of the client. The cost includes that of porters who carry the client. Those who are concerned about their level of fitness but are not disabled can also hire porters to carry their heavy backpacks, recording devices and give a hand during difficult sections of the hike. Hiring a Porter is between $15 and $20. All trackers (fit or not) are given simple hiking sticks to help with their mobility. The elderly may need to come with their own special hiking sticks. By hiring porters, you would be contributing to their economic well-being. Many of the porters are students looking for extra money to pay college tuition or married men with large families to take cater of. As little as it looks, you would be making a great difference in their lives. It is important to note that among the gorilla trekking national parks, Bwindi is the most ideal for the elderly, because it is situated in less mountainous areas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park sits on lower altitude and the trails are relatively flat compared to Mgahinga and the Volcanoes National Park. Many of the gorilla families live on lower ground hence offering an easier hike. It is also important to note that because Bwindi has more mountain gorillas, there are more habituated Gorilla groups available for tracking. There are now 17 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi. Bwindi has four sectors (Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija and Buhoma), each with its own gorilla families. If a tourist can book a permit early enough, they can be assigned a gorilla family which isn’t too far away from the starting point. Gorilla trekking in Ruhijja sector is excellent for the elderly because it has been observed that tourists who trek there come back much earlier than those who go to other sectors of the park. However, it is important to note that the time taken to find the gorillas is unpredictable regardless of which sector you choose to do the tracking. You will be lucky to get a gorilla family within 30 minutes of walking from the starting point. Gorilla Trekking for old people before booking a gorilla tour or showing up at the starting point, it is important to read about the different Gorilla groups available in the different national parks to find out which one is ideal and closer to the starting point of the trek. Consult your tour operator to check if you can be assigned to the particular group. The tour operator will advise you based on their experience and knowledge about the group. The group structures keep changing year after year and what was easier to track a year ago may have migrated to a different location which is further away from the park offices. Other things to consider during gorilla tour for the elderly Apart from the ability to complete the trek, elderly travelers may worry about security in the park considering that they are already fragile and even vulnerable. Security and safety during gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is excellent. Gorilla trekking is led by armed rangers whose role is to protect tourists from forest animals like elephants and buffaloes. There have been no cases of militias in Uganda and Rwanda in over two decades but the park authorities leave nothing to chance. The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo can be unpredictable given the different security incidences in the past. Even then, security is tighter than even in Rwanda and Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Congo involves having to get used to countless security checks and more escorts. Another issue that worries tourists is the driving distance from Kampala or Entebbe to BwindiImpenetrable forest. There are two solutions for this problem. One is to arrive from Kigali Rwanda instead of Entebbe in Uganda. The driving time and distance from Kigali to Bwindiimpenetrable forest is shorter. Driving from Entebbe to Bwindi can take 8 hours or more. From Kigali, it takes only 3 hours to reach Bwindi forest. Another solution for the long driving distance is to book a local chattered flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi to the nearest airstrip in Bwindi. Your local tour operator can then wait for you at the airstrip to take you to the park .The local flights are expensive but the reward I to reach the park in only one hour. Gorilla Trekking for Seniors, the elderly, unfit and disabled If your budget cannot allow for a local flight to Bwindi, then you don’t have to worry. The gorilla parks are located in areas with remarkable scenery and other amazing wildlife reserves. You won’t be bored even if you choose to travel by road. You will encounter amazing African countryside, national parks, mountains, valleys and natural African wilderness that will leave you impressed. Tour companies often arrange for small stops to relax and discover hidden points of interest like the equator crossing. If you are combing gorilla trekking with other wildlife encounters, then the trip can be designed to reduce on driving time. You would be stopping in different national parks each day until you track the gorillas. What about accommodation for gorilla trekking? The accommodation facilities within and around the gorilla parks are of high quality. They range from ultra-luxury hotels, luxury hotels, mid-range offerings and budget options. All depends on your budget. The facilities are in form of standard cottages with grass-thatched roofs, self-contained tented camps, dormitories and basic campsites. Most of these hotels are built to allow people with disabilities to move about easily. In case you are of middle age but relatively unfit, it is important to prepare in advance by hiking around your house. If you live in a forest, mountainous or hilly area, use the chance to move about to prepare your body for your tour. Other activities that can help you prepare for gorilla trekking include strolling, climbing, light running and walking for long distances. When heading out for gorilla trekking, try to carry enough drinking water and energy snacks. They will help keep the body in good condition and energetic. Apart from securing an easier group and being carried in the sedan chairs, elderly people need to know what to pack for gorilla trekking. A gorilla trekking parking list should include hiking boots, hand gloves, rain jackets, sweaters, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, walking stick, insect repellents and first aid kits.
Awesome Activities in Dubai
Dubai, one of seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has evolved from a humble fishing village into a metropolitan icon in merely three decades. Dubai is the second largest emirate, after Abu Dhabi, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. The city has attracted the attention of the world with its incredible architecture and development as an international banking and business hub. The motto of the city is “Open Doors, Open Minds,” and likewise strives to be a welcoming international city as warm as its sands. Dubai – the fastest growing city in the world – will always charm you with its impressive skyline and the most luxurious hotels ever built. The Modern Dubai Tour offers visitors a diverse experience from the unforgettable charm of traditional souks to inspiring modern skyscrapers. Visit the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and experience “At The Top.” Begin your vertical ascent to the observation deck in a high-speed elevator, traveling at 10 meters per second. As the doors open, floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide a breath-taking unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, desert and ocean. For an ultimate indulgence, consider adding High Tea at the Burj Al Arab Hotel! There is no better way to view the amazing desert landscape and the awesome desert dawn than from the vantage point of a gently floating hot air balloon. Enjoy a unique perspective of Dubai that will forever remain etched in your memory. Glide gently over giant sand dunes, wandering camels, an oasis and rugged mountains, while you marvel at breathtaking views of the sunrise and its magical effect on the desert vistas. Whether you are a visitor or local of Dubai, you’ll gain new appreciation of the desert and its unique landscape. They say a picture paints a thousands words, and with the picturesque views from above, this hot air balloon tour may leave you surprisingly lacking words to describe the experience. Ever gone snow skiing in the middle of the desert? The Ski Dubai Admission Tour will give you that chance. Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing…or just playing games in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone – from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. You don’t have to worry about ski clothing or equipment either – Ski Dubai has thought of it all, and offers guests the use of winter clothing, as well as ski and snowboarding equipment! Book tours and tickets online at Dubai Sightseeing and save or call us toll free for assistance with reservations, group tour bookings, and private charter services. We look forward to assisting you with your upcoming travels.
1,000,000 Reservations and a $1,000 Prize
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 27, 2011 Alcatraz Media, Inc. and Reserve123.com, a leader in the tour and travel industry, is excited to announce that after 12 years of operation, they have reached their one millionth reservation representing approximately three to four million customers. In recognition of this amazing milestone, the CEO of Alcatraz Media, Ryan Windsor, awarded the lucky customer who booked the one millionth reservation with a $1000 gift certificate in addition to receiving their original purchase free of charge. Samuel Beaton, the customer who booked the one millionth reservation, was visiting San Francisco from British Columbia, Canada to celebrate his 50th birthday. Ryan Windsor surprised Mr. Beaton with his $1000 gift certificate when he arrived with his wife at Ghirardelli Square to join the San Francisco City Tour. According to CEO Ryan Windsor, “Hitting the 1,000,000th reservation was exciting, but giving the gift of travel to Samuel on his Birthday made the experience truly special”. The monumental reservation was a San Francisco City Tour with one of Alcatraz Media’s very first tour suppliers,Tower Tours. Alcatraz Media has worked with Tower Tours since its inception in 1999; Tower Tours continues to operate as one of Alcatraz Media’s top tour suppliers. When contacted for comment, Tower Tours CEO Hagen Choi stated, “I am excited to be a part of the 1,000,000th reservation, and hope that the 2,000,000th order is also a Tower Tours booking!”. This milestone for Alcatraz Media occurs during one of the world’s most important annual travel industry events, theU.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow. Prizes were also awarded to Alcatraz Media staff in celebration of their one millionth reservation. Mr. Beaton has already booked a dinner cruise with a portion of his gift certificate and plans to make stops in Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia as he drives back to British Columbia with the gigantic gift certificate replica hereceived fromAlcatraz Media. Alcatraz Media has assisted millions of customers with their travel plans, and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. For more information, please visit http://www.Reserve123.com or call toll free at (800) 745-1925. Alcatraz Media is the world’s largest provider of tours and activities, welcoming over a million site visitors per month. They provide reservations for more than 11,000 tours, attractions and activities in over 450 destinations and 65 countries. The business was formed in 1999 in San Francisco, California and is now headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. ###