The Roof of White Mountain National Forest…

Depending on time available, you’ve got four options for experiencing this gift in White Mountain National Forest. Just stare -- hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Take Cog Railway train ride to top. Drive auto road to summit -- quickest way. And of course you can hike if you’re well prepared. But just promise me you won't hike to top unless you are in great condition and with somebody. This mountain claims lives every year as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically within minutes.

Is it worth getting to summit?

All I’ll say here is… view is stunning. Visit museum at top and learn about day in 1934 when highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was taken -- 231 MPH. You’ll learn why its unique geographic position provides mountain with worst weather on earth.

Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to town of North Conway.

The North Conway Scenic Area…

Schedule enough time to take scenic train, which you board in North Conway. The station is an authentic Victorian style -- it's hard to miss and smack in town center.

The train rides are ambles and chugs along scenic valleys and notches in surrounding area. And as you wind through rolling Mount Washington valley and squeeze through notches under gentle clatter of steel against steel, consider this was once main form of transportation to area, from Boston. Most of trains they run are diesel locomotives now, but on special weekends and during fall they use their popular steam locomotive.

The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and Notch train is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a different experience. The Notch train has a dome car as well, where you get magnificent views of steep ravines and sheer bluffs. I’m not sure my kids have patience for a 5-hour train ride so we’ve always taken shorter excursion. But as I love trains -- especially steam trains -- one day…

The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October. These scenic trains are very popular throughout season and they accept advanced reservations for Notch train and dinning cars on both trains.

This area of White Mountains is full of shopping outlets, and also has plenty for kids to do. Story Land and Heritage-New Hampshire, are right next to each other on route 16 in Glen. You and kids will enjoy themed rides, live shows, play areas, and meeting storyboard characters. The Kancamagus Highway…

Let’s finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to White Mountain National Forest Visitor Center. This part of trail is known as Kancamagus highway. There are just numerous photo shoot opportunities along this highway. In fact, your challenge is having enough daylight left in this trip so you can take pictures.

But you can always come back tomorrow, right? No prizes for doing and seeing everything in one day. You are booking your White Mountains vacation for at least a week... aren’t you?

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