Africa Safari Chronicles: Tanzania

Africa Safari Chronicles, Volume 3, features information on select National Parks and Game Reserves in Tanzania. The authors, Leo and Beth Cyr, concentrate on the "how to" organizational aspects of planning and executing a safari plan in the opening chapters of the book. Later, you are invited to join them on the actual safari. Through their detailed observations and pictures, the reader senses they are in the safari vehicle with the authors. You can feel the excitement of an elephant's mock charge or a lion's steely gaze when disturbed. Every day is an adventure in the African bush. "We love animals," says Beth, "we wanted to see Africa's incredible variety of animals roaming free and unfenced in the wild. At first, I was worried about spending weeks in the bush but as I learned more my comfort level and confidence grew." "Africa is irresistible," Leo added. "The animals are incredibly beautiful. The people are warm and welcoming. The problem for us was most safari organizers focus on fancy hotels, elaborate menus and other creature comforts. We wanted to experience Africa as close to how it was 100 years ago as possible." After a disappointing first safari, the Cyrs began the research which convinced them their goals were attainable. They realized they had "choices" which were not readily apparent when searching the Internet for safari agents or guides. They did their homework and prepared a statement of their goals which, if realized, guaranteed a successful safari. They present those goals in the book and encourage the reader to develop their own objectives and choices. The process of bringing their goals to fruition resulted in the testing of hundreds of suggestions / check lists for: clothing, luggage, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, inoculations, insect repellants, electrical adapters and other extras that may be needed on safari. They also compiled suggestions on passport management, visas, document security, air travel, travel insurance and more. The Chronicles offer color pictures of many of the animals and birds you are likely to see in the featured National Park or Game Reserve. There is even a chapter on wildlife spotting techniques compiled from Cyr safari guides. Finally, a Glossary of Swahili terms is provided if Swahili is spoken in any of the Parks covered (not Volume 2). Volume 1 of the Africa Safari Chronicles focused on the Remote Tanzanian National Parks of Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale. All three parks are among the least visited National Parks in Tanzania. Ruaha is large with huge animal populations. Katavi is said to be more like Africa was 100 years ago than any other Tanzanian park. Mahale is like the Garden of Eden. Located on the beautiful shores of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale is all about chimpanzees. Africa Safari Chronicles Volume 2 focuses on some of the most iconic National Parks in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Africa Safari Chronicles Volume 3 is somewhat different in that it compares the Tanzania portion of the Cyr's first safari (which was conducted by a well-known travel agency) to the safari which they planned and helped execute themselves. The results are surprising. Volume 3 features Tanzania's Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and the Plain of Ndutu. There is also extended discussion of the history of Tanzania and Arusha Town as well as the Great Migration. Volume 4 is expected to be ready by the fall of 2018. Again, Volume 4 will present the same safari comparisons as Volume 3 except in Kenya instead of Tanzania. Among the Parks and Reserves to be discussed are: Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, Maasai Mara, Olare Mororogi, Lemek, Laikipia and Nairobi.