6. If you are taking photos using film, remember to bring at least two rolls for each day that you will be on safari and bring spare batteries for your camera because they will go flat at worst times and you don't want to miss those once in a lifetime photo opportunities because of that. You should be able to recharge batteries in most safari areas. Electricity in Africa is 220 - 240V AC50HZ.

7. When it comes to lions, a lot of patience is called for because they spend most of their time during day asleep. But if you watch them for awhile you might be rewarded by an impromptu hunt or appearance of cubs from undergrowth or a similar drama. Patience is watchword here.

8. Night drives on safari are a great opportunity to see nocturnal animals that you will never see during day but remember that powerful spotlight which illuminates surrounding bush and glowing eyes also attracts a lot of insects so you might think twice before volunteering to hold it.

9. Generally dry season is a time when you will be much more successful at spotting game because vegetation is sparse and wildlife is forced to congregate in areas where there is still surface water available.

10. It's not uncommon for safari vehicles to break down because most of roads are dirt tracks and cars take a pounding every day. Any company worth their salt should be carrying spares and driver or guide should have some mechanical experience.

Bruce Whittaker shares many more excellent African safari tips, advice and recommendations at African Safari Journals

Great Island Hike in Wellfleet...

The Great Island hike in Wellfleet is a 6-mile hike, so allow yourself at least half-a-day to explore this wonderful area.

Located on Cape Cod Bay side of Cape in Wellfleet, drive to trailhead off Chequesset Neck Road, and prepare yourself -- and camera -- for an exhilarating hike. The area is pretty open and so take sunscreen and a hat. What will you see? Marvelous views of Wellfleet Harbor and Cape Cod Bay await you once on island (hint: it’s not really an island anymore). Another hint: this is a real nature hike. There’s no sandwich bar or coke machine waiting for you at end, so take your own snacks and drinks. Of all trails in Cape Cod National Seashore Park, this is perhaps most remote -- and I like that! Out on Island itself there used to be a secluded Tavern used by Whalers and like. Nothing remains of it today except for a sign to mark spot where it was.

National Seashore Province Lands Visitors Center…

The visitor center in Province Lands is off Route 6 and on Race Point Road. This is northern tip of park, and marks our final stop together on this Cape Cod vacations trip.

The Visitor Center itself has an observation deck where you can view majestic surroundings of ocean, forest, and omnipresent towering dunes. The area includes two swimming beaches -- Race Point and Herring Cove -- a bike trail, and a walking trail. There’s also a beautiful lighthouse at Race Point. The bike trail is a challenging 5.25-mile loop that you can start from visitor center. I’d describe it as undulating bordering on hilly. There’s also a fair amount of hairpin turns, and so helmets and a safe speed are a must. Believe me downhill stretches are so exhilarating, but you can easily forget and misjudge bike traffic coming other way. I’ve seen many a tangled mess -- Ouch!

And that’s end of this brief trip.

Wow! You did a lot in a few minutes – from your chair. But now it’s time to do real thing. Are you ready?