Aardvark Safaris

Interest in traveling to Africa is predicted to grow during the next few years, thanks in no small part to President Obama’s much publicized family connection to Kenya, and the fact that more Americans than ever are searching for a great adventure.

John Spence of Africa specialist Aardvark Safaris says more Americans are looking beyond the beaches of the Caribbean and the cities of Europe to countries like South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia, which consistently deliver amazing safaris and vacations for couples, groups and families.

Spence says his office is now fielding more calls from Americans than ever before. “Despite the global recession, the soaring dollar against other currencies means a safari in Africa is very good value for money.”

With deserts, mountains, rivers and seas, and more than 50 countries to explore, Africa is well placed to offer a real-life adventure.

A few famous American writers and at least one past US president discovered the beauty of Africa more than 100 years ago.

One of the biggest media stories of 1910 was former president Theodore Roosevelt’s safari into Africa. Landing in Mombasa in 1909, Roosevelt spent months in the wilds of East Africa in parts of what are now Kenya and Uganda.

Ernest Hemingway was a huge fan of Africa, and its big game, and has been credited with introducing the Swahili word "safari" to the English language. Hemingway traveled in East Africa twice on big-game safaris, and wrote several short stories while there.

In the 1960s, Pulitzer prize-winning author Alex Haley traveled to the small village of Juffure, in the Gambia, West Africa, to trace his family tree, culminating in the publication of Roots in 1976.  Celebrities like Oprah, Madonna and President Bill Clinton have also visited Africa within the past few years – for business and  pleasure.

A classic and exclusively private guided 14-night safari from Aardvark Safaris to Tanzania and Kenya features two nights at Crater Lodge on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater; four nights at Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park; four nights at Borana Lodge in the shadow of Mount Kenya; and four nights at Rekero Camp in the Masai Mara,  from $14,750 per person.   This includes all accommodation, meals, safari activities, internal flights and transfers.  To book ring Aardvark Safaris on 1 888 776 0888; www.aardvarksafairs.com.