South Africa is a country that boasts with marvelous scenic beauties, rich wildlife as well as more than 20,000 different kinds of plants. The famous Kruger National Park that covers 18,989 square kilometers can be also found here. All these factors make South Africa an ideal destination for wild life tourism. The country is especially attractive for people who want to enjoy safari. People come to watch and take pictures of exotic animals, go for elephant ride or choose from the numerous adventure activities including ballooning.
Nevertheless, a visitor needs to be prepared for the rough conditions of the continent. One of the first concerns of many tourists is malaria and its prevention. The disease is transmitted by mosquito bites and there are several options tourists use to protect themselves. Before even entering the continent travellers take anti malaria medications. However the drugs can have some unpleasant side effects like nausea or headache. Another procedure is naturally preventing the insects to bite the adventurer who thus uses a repellent, wears long pants, socks, long-sleeved shirts and a hat. It is also highly recommended to visit a doctor if flu-like symptoms occur and ask the professional for a malaria test. In South Africa you can buy malaria self-tests and also the pills to cure it quite easily.
Once decided for a safari tour the thrill seekers may take the route to the town of Hoedspruit and then continue to River Lodge. From here it takes approximately 30-minute drive to various game reserves. Tourists usually ride through the reserve in an open-air truck with three rows of seats. The common desire of the safari lovers is to spot some of the Big Five: lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. These animals were always popular with hunters and nowadays with photographers as well. Nevertheless, the most dangerous beast in Africa is not lion nor leopard but hippopotamus.
Travellers seeking something special in Africa choose to stay at the Camp Jabulani. It was originally established to support and sustain 13 elephants from Zimbabwe. The camp has now six luxurious suites for a maximum of 12 guests and they have 70 staff members. The place was visited by people like John Cusack, Brooke Shields or Uma Thurman. For real adventurers there is a possibility to hire an elephant so that they can ride it on safari or you can watch the animals from a hot air balloon.
