Animal Spotlight: The Giraffe

Tall. Lean. Graceful. Magnificent. Can you guess which African animal encompasses all of these characteristics? If you guessed the giraffe, you’re absolutely right.

Known for being the tallest mammal in the world, the giraffe is also one of the most spectacular to observe in nature. In fact, some people go to Africa for the sole purpose of seeing a giraffe in at least once in their lifetime. Observing the giraffe’s towering neck, friendly aura, peculiar black tongue, and mesmerizing colors and patterns is unlike any other experience, making this creature one of Africa’s most unique animals.

What else makes these animals so spectacular?

• The average giraffe’s legs are 6 ft. tall, while the neck can be 20 ft. tall! Their total body height is around 13 – 15 ft.—and they’re quite lanky.
  

• They can sprint up to 35 miles per hour.
  


• Remember the black tongue mentioned above? It can grow anywhere from 18 - 21 in. long!
  

• Giraffe’s travel in herds ranging from 20 – 40 individuals and are led by a male giraffe—also known as a bull.
  


• Each giraffe has a different set of patterns, which are unique to that individual giraffe.


• While the average human baby is around 7 ounces, the average giraffe baby is around 6 ft. tall and weighs 100 – 150 lbs. and endures a nice 6 ft. drop as the mother gives birth—agonizing for both the mother and the baby. Wouldn't you say?
  

Game drives, walking safaris, and horseback riding safaris, are some of the best ways to observe a giraffe herd up close. Watching their gentle movements offers a refreshing change from observing a lion pounce on its prey.

Isn’t it time you went on the African safari vacation of a lifetime? Let Hills of Africa Travel plan for you an authentic and completely tailored itinerary guaranteed to satisfy all of your personal preferences. Whether you want to plan an African family safari, honeymoon safari, or any safari in between, Hills of Africa Travel is dedicated to making your dreams come true. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802. Africa awaits you . . .

Uganda’s Ndali Lodge: Experience a Truly Authentic African Safari Vacation

Situated on the outer rim of an inactive volcano lies the Ndali Lodge, one of the most breath-taking and luxurious lodges in all of Uganda. Its prime location in the world-famous “Cradle of the Nile” (also known as Uganda) is perfect for enjoying a Uganda walking safari, making the Ndali Lodge a must-visit destination.

Contrary to most places where volcanoes once erupted, leaving a barren landscape, Uganda celebrates a wide spectrum of flourishing vegetation and stunning landscapes filled with vibrant colors and life. How did volcanic soil breed a land so rich in flora?

The volcano crater filled with water long ago, and is now referred to as the magnificent Lake Nyinambuga. Ndali Lodge’s ideal location on the volcano is perfect for viewing the vast scenery of Uganda. Soak in the sheer beauty of the extraordinary Rwenzori Mountains on the horizon, while enjoying a cocktail on your private veranda.

The surrounding area of the Ndali Lodge is home to a wide spectrum of wildlife, including chimpanzees, birds, butterflies, and other primates. Explore banana plantations and the legendary tea plantations in the area.

The Ndali Lodge is an absolute must-visit destination, boasting:

• A truly authentic atmosphere. As the day winds down, the lodge is lit by a blanket of sparkling candles. The lodge doesn’t have electricity, making it a truly unique and authentic destination.

• Delightful candlelit dinners with the soft sounds of nature that creates a rhythm of peace throughout the dining room.
  

• Unique architecture that is both comforting and luxurious. The lodge is built from local materials, radiating a peaceful atmosphere, reminiscent of the simplicity of nature. Built from thatch and stone, each of the lodge’s 8 cottages have en-suite facilities and are spacious enough to fit a family, making it the perfect destination for an African family safari.
  

• Vivacious creatures, as the lodge’s surrounding ecosystem is a haven for animals such as fruit bats, and frogs.
  

• Spectacular cuisine, created from fresh and local ingredients. Enjoy freshly squeezed juice for breakfast and entrees filled with local flavors for dinner.

Isn’t it time you booked a life-altering vacation? Share amazing memories with your loved ones on an African family safari, or honeymoon safari. Hills of Africa Travel is dedicated to building you a tailored and detailed itinerary, guaranteed to satisfy your every personal preference. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

Botswana’s Jao Camp: Adventure and Luxury Await You

Known as one of the most beautiful places on earth, Wilderness Safaris’ Jao Camp in Botswana boasts stunning landscape and majestic islands speckled along the horizon. Situated in the southern half of the sprawling Okavango Delta floodplains, this delightful sanctuary is home to some of the world’s most exotic array of flora. The Camp’s ideal location is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy water activities, adventure, and the serenity of nature. Depending on the time of year, water activities are more prevalent than game drives, but both water activities and game drives are equally exciting!

Wilderness Safaris offers a wide spectrum of exciting activities for all its visitors. Famous for its spectacular game drives, game walks, and dug-out canoe (mokoro) safaris, Jao Camp is the perfect destination for an African family safari or honeymoon safari.

Wilderness Safaris’ Jao Camp:

Is celebrated for its exciting activities year round . . .

• Enjoy game drives and picnics on the nearby Hunda Island, walking safaris through whistling reeds and papyrus patches, and a unique look into the mystery of the surrounding waters on a glass-bottom mokoro safari.
  


• Fish in the sprawling floodplains just outside the Camp.
  


• Observe exotic birds while on an African nature walk through the Okavango Delta plains.
  


• Discover the exotic plant life and unspoiled wilderness of the surrounding islands.
  

Is a luxurious place to enjoy the magic of Africa . . .

• Enjoy a peaceful night in one of the Camp’s 9 lavish tents, nestled beneath canopying trees and clear skies.
  


• Choose between an outdoor shower or an indoor shower when you arrive back to Jao Camp after a splendid day in the magnificent African sun.
  


• Nap on your private deck or gaze out onto the horizon as the glistening sun sets behind the sprawling plains.
  


• Relish in the exquisite dining Jao Camp has to offer in the chic dining area, or outside beneath the sparkling stars.
  


• Pamper yourself at Jao Camp’s salon and spa. Choose from a variety of services, such as a facial, pedicure, manicure, and specialty massages.
  


• Start your day with a rejuvenating workout in Jao Camp’s gym.
  

Is renowned for its fantastic game-viewing . . .

• Observe a variety of vibrant bird species, such as the black egret, malachite kingfisher, and meyer’s parrot.
  


• Watch as lions stalk their prey in the bush, or as herds of zebra run through the bordering floodplains. Other animals that can be seen are the leopard, wildebeest, and hippo.
  

Let Hills of Africa Travel plan for you the vacation of a lifetime. We work closely with Wilderness Safaris, one of our favorite camp and safari providers in Botswana, to ensure your every desire and personal preference is satisfied. We inject each tailored itinerary with impeccable details and services to make sure you have the trip you’ve always dreamed of. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802, and let us plan for you a life-altering African family safari, honeymoon safari, or any safari in between for you.

The Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge: Enjoy the Perfect African Gorilla Safari

Discover a world where beauty and nature combine to create a fresh perspective on life and adventure, when you visit Bwindi in Uganda. Situated among thick bamboo forests, majestic swamp lands, and the Great Rift Valley, the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the perfect place to stay while on a sensational African safari vacation in Uganda.

The Lodge’s cozy accommodations, excellent dining, and ideal location, are just a few reasons why travelers choose the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge when planning their African safari trip. On the terrain surrounding the Lodge lives nearly half the world’s population of gorillas (roughly 330), and is the only place on earth where chimpanzees and mountain gorillas live among each other. The Lodge’s perfect location to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest allows travelers to see these magnificent and rare creatures at an unbelievably close distance, making this location a must-visit destination.

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is the perfect place to . . .

• Enjoy an African gorilla safari and get up-close and personal with these spectacular primates.
  


• Experience an unforgettable African family safari or honeymoon safari.
  


• View a wide spectrum of primate species, such as the black-and-white colobus monkey, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey, baboon, and others, as they dangle from hanging bamboo.
  


• Observe a variety of mammals and birds, as the area boasts more than 350 species of bird and nearly 80 species of mammal. Elephant, buffalo, and bush duiker are just some of the few mammals visitors see roaming the land.
  


• Experience a guided forest walk full of adventure, photography opportunities, and exotic wildlife.
  

Bwindi’s Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is the perfect place to. . .

• Relax after a long and exciting trek through the mountains to view the gorillas. The lodge is made up of eight stone bedrooms, perfect for honeymooners and families alike.
  


• Soak in the culture of the area. The main lodge is tastefully decorated with exotic artwork from local Ugandan artists, representing various aspects of their culture.
  


• Cozy up to the fireplace with a cocktail during the chilly evenings in Bwindi. The Lodge’s bar area is equipped with six fireplaces, sure to help you unwind from the exciting day.
  


• View Rwanda, Virunga, and the Congo on the distant horizon. The lodge is situated at the perfect altitude, with the main balcony offering spectacular views in every direction.
  

The area’s breath-taking landscape and unique index of wildlife make Bwindi a one-of-a-kind destination. Enjoy a perfect stay at the Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge when you’re not out observing the mountain gorillas in action. Let Hills of Africa Travel help you make your dreams come true. We’re dedicated to crafting the perfect African safari vacation itinerary around your every preference. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802.

African Safari Personalized Itineraries: The Only Way to Travel

Planning a trip to Africa can be difficult, but with Hills of Africa Travel, it couldn’t be simpler. With so many places, activities, and accommodations to choose from, it’s extremely important to find the ones you’re most interested in. Hills of Africa Travel is dedicated to planning the perfect African safari trip, catered to each individual preference. We make the planning process for our clients fun, easy, and delightful to be a part of.

Hills of Africa Travel doesn’t believe in providing clients with generic, prepackaged trip itineraries. We want our clients to experience all of the amazing aspects of Africa they would find interesting. A luxurious African safari vacation is a trip of a lifetime, and is unlike any other. We strive to provide clients with a detailed itinerary filled only with activities they want to do, and places they want to stay. We believe in tailoring personal itineraries around every preference.

In order to ensure that the perfectly crafted itinerary is made, we send a detailed questionnaire to all our clients. No detail goes unnoticed, and everything is taken into account. A trip this luxurious, stunning, and adventurous is well-worth our time finding you exactly what you want. Nothing pleases us more than making our clients happy.

One of our expert Hills of Africa travel agents will create an original itinerary molded around your personality and preferences. We carefully combine authentic safaris, personalized services, activities of your choosing, and accommodations of your choosing, to create a life-alerting vacation, filled with spectacular memories.

Our questionnaire includes questions that are unique and carefully designed to ensure we plan the perfect trip for you. Some sample questions are:

• Have you traveled to Africa before?
• What are your hobbies, interests, passions?
  
• What is your favorite flower?
• Do you like champagne or wine?
• Do you prefer red or white wine?
• What car do you drive?
• For a last minute getaway, where would you choose?
  

Once you’ve answered the questionnaire, we set up a phone call with you to discuss what you’re specifically looking for on your African safari vacation. Your answers to these detailed questions allow us to craft from scratch, the activities that fit your preferences. For example, if you’re a wine connoisseur, and not just any wine connoisseur, a red wine connoisseur, we would suggest an itinerary which includes Cape Winelands in it. Not just anywhere in Cape Winelands, but a plantation famous for its bold, red wines.

For a couple interested in a honeymoon safari, they’re most likely looking for a romantic getaway, filled with memories sure to last a lifetime. On honeymoon itineraries we add detailed activities, including private dinners in the bush, rose petals leading from the game-drive vehicle to a warm bath accompanied by a bottle of champagne, a couple’s massage, a picnic dinner on Table Mountain, private dinner on the patio, and so much more. Hills of Africa Travel believes in first-class service. This means, no group tours (unless it’s the group you’re vacationing with), only privately guided tours with the best experts in the area.

We want to make your dreams come true. Contact us today at (877) 845-4802 to begin planning your trip of a lifetime. Africa awaits you . . .