Going Wild On Safari

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

12 Dec 2007 10:06 PM

Searching for the perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything? If you have a bank account the size of Oprah's or you know someone who is willing to loosen their purse strings to make sure your Christmas is extra special this year you might want to consider one of the following trips.

Wildlife safaris are regaining popularity after suffering a slight dip a few years ago, according to travel experts. If you are passionate about the great outdoors and have always dreamed of coming face to face with big game, the following trips might be your ideal vacation destination.

Take a look:

Outback National Parks Safari. Who says you need to fly to Africa to experience a wild adventure? The 4-night "Outback National Parks Safari" takes place in Australia. It's run by Fresh Tracks outfitters and prices start at $2,643. The trip departs from Sydney and returns to Melbourne. While on safari you'll have a chance to view Aboriginal art, White Cliffs Opal Field, the lunar-like landscape of Mungo National Park, and the waterbirds that live in the backwaters and drowned forests of Kinchega National Park.

The venerable Abercrombie & Kent is currently offering safaris and tours ranging from a $3,995 10-day "Kenya Highlights" tour to an ultra-luxurious trip called "Africa: Cultures, Caravans & Safaris," which comes with a hefty $86,500 price tag (per person, double occupancy). That ultra-luxe tour uses a private jet and is limited to 52 guests. It includes stops around the continent, with sightseeing in Morocco, Timbuktu, Addis Ababa, the Masai Mara game reserve, Victoria Falls and Cape Town.

If you are looking to participate in a traditional African big game trip sign up for Micato Safaris, which offers safaris in Eastern and Southern Africa. The company is currently offering a 12-day "Heart of Kenya and Tanzania" trip with a visit to a Masai village and the chance to get up close (enough) and personal with lions, elephants and other animals in the crater of an extinct volcano. The cost of the trip per person is $8,140. It sounds steep, but considering Travel + Leisure magazine named Micato as the "world's best tour operator and safari outfitter" for five years in a row you obviously get your money's worth.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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