Safari: Many definitions, many destinations
Wildlife-watching safaris don't always involve a trip to the Serengeti. Here are a few around the world, from trips to see big game in Africa, to expeditions in Australia, Canada and the Caribbean. A four-night "Outback National Parks Safari" in where you can see underwater wildlife from coral and sea turtles to lion fish, dolphins, whale sharks and stingrays. Some excursions go for as little as $20, like one offered by Deep Blue Utila, http://www.deepblueutila.com in Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras. Other destinations on the list include Bonaire, in the Dutch Antilles; North Bimini, Bahamas; Dry Tortugas National Park, in Florida; Laughing Bird Caye, Belize; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Soufriere, Dominica; in Hawaii, Maui and the Big Island; Rurutu, French Polynesia; Les Medes Islands, Spain; Fernando de Noronha, Brazil; and Plaza Sur, in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Several thousand eagles return to the Squamish Valley in British Columbia, Canada, in winter to feed on spawning salmon. The Adara Hotel in Whistler offers an "Eagle Safari Package" with a night's stay, breakfast, and a river raft trip (lunch included) to see the birds; $479 through December 19 and $719 January 2-Februaru 17, per person, double occupancy. Details at http://www.adarahotel.com. Whistler, also famed for its skiing, is a two and a-half hour drive from Vancouver. Abercrombie & Kent offers safaris and tours ranging from a $3,995 10-day "Kenya Highlights" tour to an ultra-luxurious trip, November 3-22, 2008, called "Africa: Cultures, Caravans & Safaris," with an $86,500 pricetag (per person, double occupancy). That tour, using a private jet, is limited to 52 guests and includes stops around the continent, with sightseeing in Morocco, Timbuktu, Addis Ababa, the Masai Mara game reserve, Victoria Falls and Cape Town. If you prefer traveling on your own, the company also offers ready-to-book itineraries with a driver and guide and reservations in hotels and lodges. Details at http://www.abercrombiekent.com. |
