Safari holidays are some of the most rewarding, amazing and expensive holiday experiences you can have. It is therefore, vital that you get the most out of your time away. The Safari Companions series, published by Evans Mitchell Books, by Alan Pons and Christine Baillet is a collection of eight colourful, captivating books that provide excellent research information, planning tips and hints for safaris in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, India, Tanzania, Madagascar, Galapagos and Kenya. Safari experts and authors Alain and Christine have compiled their essential top ten planning tips, to guide you through the decision making and planning for your 2008 safari holiday. Choose the country based on what you want to see. For instance if you want to see lots of big cats you should look at Kenya or Tanzania but if you prefer elephants, Botswana is a must. Consider which season it will be when you plan to travel. Nature has its own cycles and you don’t see the same things during the dry or the wet season. You should plan your visit according to what happens during the different months. For instance if you want to see the wildebeest migration, its better to go to Kenya between mid June and Sept/October or if you want to watch the albatross in the Galapagos Island, April/May is the best period because they’re nesting. In India the hot months just before the monsoon are good for seeing tigers as they spend a lot of time lying near or in waterholes and are, therefore, easier to spot. Gather information about the animals from the country you intend to visit in order to know more about their behaviour and habits. This helps to locate them, anticipate their movements and press the camera button at the right time. Carefully choose the guide company that will drive you around when you are there. It’s important to have a good driver who understands what you want to see and who shares his knowledge and tips with you. The vehicle they use is important too because if you go right after the wet season, you’ll get a better chance to wander around with a four-wheel drive than with a minibus. Camping is recommended rather than a lodge or hotel as it’s far more exciting to sleep in the bush with the animals. They usually come around the campsite at night and you can hear them which is very thrilling. As long as you observe the safety rules there is absolutely no danger you will never forget the experience. Equipping yourself with the proper clothes and accessories is vital. If you think the weather is always hot in Africa, you are wrong. Early mornings in Botswana are almost freezing cold in July and August (it’s winter time there), especially when you go around in a vehicles with no windows and roof. Being comfortable at all times is essential to enjoying your time on safari. Also according to the kind of vehicle that will take you around do not forget a rice or bean bag (useful to stabilize your camera when in the car), a monopod or a tripod. Ensure that the guide company you choose will get you into the field at sunrise each day.