Africa Safari Chronicles Volume 4 discusses Kenya's Amboseli National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Olare Mororogi Conservancy, Lemek Conservancy, Laikipia County and Nairobi National Park.The authors, Leo and Beth Cyr, concentrate on the "how to" organizational aspects of planning and executing a safari plan in the opening chapters. Later in the book, you are invited to join them on their actual safari to the above referenced National Parks, Reserves and Conservancies. 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. The authors recount how they were able to surpass photographing the "Big 5" and attain the more unusual "Splendid Seven" consisting of Leopard - Rhino - Wild Dog - Cheetah - Elephant - Lion and Cape buffalo. Every day is an adventure in the African bush. "We love the 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. A unique feature of the Africa Safari Chronicles is that the Cyrs even provide an email contact address for those with additional questions (leomcyr@gmail.com).The Chronicles offer color pictures of many of the animals and birds you are likely to see in the featured National Parks or Game Reserves. There is even a chapter on wildlife spotting techniques compiled from their professional 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 focuses on the Remote Tanzanian National Parks of Ruaha, Katavi and Mahale.Africa Safari Chronicles, Volume 2, features information on select National Parks and Game Reserves in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.Africa Safari Chronicles Volume 3 features Tanzania's Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and the Plain of Ndutu.
About the Author: Leo & Beth Cyr live in Gulf Breeze, Florida, with their two dogs Buddy & Korrie. Both Cyrs love to travel. Leo had lived overseas during his teenage years. His father was a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat who served in Morocco, Cameroun, Tunisia and Rwanda. Leo spent five years with his parents in Africa. His life-long goal was to return to Africa on safari and that is what he and Beth did when Leo retired in 2010. The couple fell in love with Africa's wildlife and with life in the "bush." They were less pleased with safari selections available on the Internet. Seemingly, everyone ignored the wildlife in safari planning and focused on fancy hotels, gourmet meals and wine selection. The Cyrs set out to learn everything they could about safari organization so they could set their own safari priorities. That is what they did. The result is the multi-volume Africa Safari Chronicles. The Chronicles are unique in that the Cyrs first explain the rationale behind their "wildlife biology" approach to safari organization. They then describe everything one needs to know to prepare for safari. Finally, they take you with them on safari. Through tens of on-location pictures and the written explanation of every day's activities, you get the feel of a real safari. If an elephant charges you share the tension. If a lion roars, you can almost hear him!