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Planning to Tackle Numerous Outdoor Excursions this Year? Try Catskill Mountains!

Experience an Outdoor Adventure in the Catskill Mountains this Year

Are you looking for a relaxing getaway full of swimming down lazy creeks and hiking through lush forests? Or maybe you’re looking for a high impact vacation where you can try your hand at mountain biking, white water rafting, and ski jumping? Even if you can’t decide, you can be sure that you’ll find it all in Catskill Mountains.

Catskill covers five different New York counties and forms a portion of the Allegheny Plateau, so there is plenty of room to get out and explore. Located just 100 miles (about a two hour drive) from the bright lights of New York City, Catskill Mountains are an exclusive destination for experiencing nature in a beautiful, scenic part of the country.

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of you waking up to the sounds of the birds and going to sleep to the wild calls of the animals in the forest next to your cabin. Say goodbye to sounds of heavy machinery or modern life. This area is protected from many types of development by New York law, so it remains untouched from many modern eyesores and grating sounds.

  Catskill History: A Blast from the Past

Catskill has always been a haven for artists, singers, and other creative types. The views of the range were popularized in the 19th century as the mountains became the focus of the popular American art, the Hudson River Paintings. It is also considered the home of American stand-up comedy, as many comedians began their careers while doing gigs in and around Catskill hotels. You can follow in their tradition by trying your hand at some jokes in the local bars.

In more recent history, Catskill hosted Woodstock, the famous 1969 hippie music festival. Today, it remains a popular vacation destination for many of Hollywood’s A-list actors and musicians. It has also traditionally been well-loved by wealthy New York businessmen and lawyers. Keep your eyes peeled for your favorite celebrity or entrepreneur who may be enjoying the view next to you!

  How to Get There

You’re welcome to start your vacation however you wish, as it’s easy to get to with modern transportation. The majority of visitors will drive in, as the mountains are well connected by highways. However, you can choose to fly into a few surrounding Catskill airports, including Albany International, Stewart International, and Binghampton. From there, you would need to rent a car and drive in (or hop into a taxi).

If you’re not the driving type, you can still get to the Catskills by train or by bus. Amtrak services a line that goes straight from New York City, and there are multiple bus option that run throughout New York depending on which direction you might be coming from.

  Relaxing in the Catskill Mountains

Finding peace and tranquility in the Catskill Mountains is easy to do, as it has over 5,000 square miles of landscape to help you release the stress of your everyday life. Despite its history and its famous visitors, it has retained its small town charm over the years so you won’t feel as though you’re in a tourist trap or stuck dealing with traffic or hordes of people. Take your time to explore the flowers and animals that call the mountains their home, and make sure to sit by some of the range’s lakes and rivers for a quiet moment of reflection.

  Relaxing Lodging: The Roxbury

Address: 2258 County Highway 41, Roxbury, NY 12474 Phone number: 607-304-3830

Whether you’re out for a girl’s weekend getaway or you’re spending a romantic honeymoon with your partner, you would don’t have to look any further for a place to stay than the Roxbury. Rated as one of the best destination hotels in the Catskills, the Roxbury offers beautifully themed rooms, a shimmering spa, and a lovely breakfast for you to wake up to. The locals will drive for hours for a weekend at the Roxbury, and it will usually be packed full of second (or third, or fourth, or fifth) time visitors who continue to return to this unique hotel.

The hotel offers a full sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi, as well as daily massages and rooms dedicated to letting you lounge around and dine on wine and crackers throughout the evening. If you rejoice at the thought of lazing around and soaking in the atmosphere, the Roxbury is the Catskill’s hotel for you.

  Relaxing Activity: Catskill’s Copperhood Spa

Address: 7039 NY-28, Shandaken, NY 12480, United States Phone number: 845-688-2460

Once you’ve checked in and are ready to start your vacation off right, head to Copperhood Spa, the top-rated spa in the Catskills that lets you find your ‘zen’ as they pamper you with luxurious rubs, scrubs, and pastes. You can choose from a wide variety of massages, including a couples massage for you and your special someone.

After lunch, take part in their meditation class to refocus your mind and practice your appreciation for all that the Catskills have to offer. Later, try an alternative therapy session that focuses on energy healing or acupuncture. Finish off your day by soaking in their Jacuzzi filled with natural high-mineral content water.

  Finding your Sense of Adventure in the Catskills

Is your other half ready for a few days in the spa while you just want to get out and about? Are you more excited about the idea of rock climbing and running through dense forests than sitting back and relaxing? Have no fear, the Catskill mountains are still here for you. You’ll find plenty to do to keep your inner explorer happy as you put your mark on these majestic mountains.

  Lodging: Pollace’s Family Vacation Resort in the Catskills

Address: 71 Landon Ave, Catskill, NY 12414, United States Phone number: 518-943-3710

Pollace’s is a traditional family resort that offers loads of activities to keep you and the kids going all day long. On resort grounds, you can participate in volleyball, bocci, basketball, ping pong, rock climbing, golf, swimming, fishing, and dancing. You can also go offsite and explore Howe Caverns and the Saratoga Race Tracks, as well as finding your own fun out in the wild.

Another benefit of Pollace’s is that it caters to both children and adult, which means no one has to compromise on their precious time away. The kids can spend some time at “kids only” activities while the adults can get away for a much-needed evening rest. No one will feel left out, and you can all meet up at the end of the day to excitedly share all of the adventures you had in the local Catskills area.

  Motorcycling

Feel the need for speed? The Catskill Mountains offer a wide variety of motorcycle adventures and courses, including long rides that go through quaint villages and let you get up to speed on the open road. These tours are self-guided, so you’ll need to print and download the map to take with you on your way. You can choose from three separate rides: Mountain Clove Run, the Emerald Isle Tour, and a Grand Tour of the Catskills.

  Catskills Fishing

If you’re wanting to get out in the open air but aren’t quite ready for the thrills, it’s easy to rent a fishing pole and head off to some great fishing locations. The waters are home to trout, anglers, and pan fish, and many of the lakes and rivers are stocked with brown trout.

  Ice fishing is popular in the winter, should you choose to brave the cold, but you can fish all year round. “Catch and release” fishing is also popular on the Hudson River, so you must release the fish back into the water with no injury to the fish. This is a great option for the little ones, or those who want to experience the fun of fishing without taking them home.

  Drinking and Dining: A Guide to Catskill’s Best Restaurants

After all of that adventure (or time at the spa), you can reenergize at some of the Catskill’s best eateries. Here’s a list of some of the local’s favorites:

Phoenicia Diner: a classic diner with some of the best American style cuisine Address: 5681 Route 28, Phoenicia, NY 12464 Phone number: 845-688-9957

Aroma Thyme Bistro: a gastropub with both traditional and vegan offerings

Address: 165 Canal St, Ellenville, NY 12428 Phone number: 845-647-3000

Joshua’s: a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern café that is well known for its reliability in providing excellent ‘exotic’ dishes

Address: 51 Tinker St, Woodstock, NY 12498-1234 Phone number: 845-679-5533

The Catskill Mountains are beautiful throughout the year, so don’t worry about planning your stay at the wrong time. Whether you’re in the mood to see the leaves change in the fall, keep track of the blossoms in the spring, make snowmen after a fresh snowfall in the winter, or spend hours in the pool in the summer, you won’t have a problem enjoying yourself on your Catskill vacation.

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Festival de Jazz de Montréal - A Combination of Diversity of the Crown, Montreal City Beauty & Great Musical Lineup!

Festival de Jazz de Montréal – A Combination of Diversity of the Crown, Montreal City Beauty & Great Musical Lineup!

Music lovers the world over need to get to Festival de Jazz at least once! Come see the best musicians, the beautiful cityscape and a long weekend of having a great adventure!

Montreal’s Jazz Festival

For two weeks in June and July, this festival highlights Jazz music while celebrating all genres.

Festival de Jazz is one of the must see festivals for those that are fans of jazz as well as any other kind of music! For two weeks in June and July, this festival highlights Jazz music while celebrating all the genres that surround it. Festival de Jazz often features legends in R&B, blues, electronica, and much more. The festival itself is a way to explore the roots of Jazz, the actual genre itself, and all the music that it inspired.

Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and Bob Dylan are just a few of the caliber of artists you will see at Festival de Jazz. Along with al the famed celebrities the Festival de Jazz brings in, festival programmers are very good at curating a great lineup of new, emerging artists as well.

Tickets and Venues The most pricy part of Festival de Jazz depends on what musical artists you would like to see. Given the free shows this festival puts on, you will really be spending your money to see the big name artists at the various venues around the city. Check on the festival website as prices do vary based on location and artist.

When it comes to the different venues that are hosting the headlining acts, make a note on the Festival’s site as to where exactly the venues you are visiting are located. The featured venues for the festival are Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, Monument-National, Maison symphonique de Montréal, Place des Arts, Métropolis & Savoy du Métropolis, L’Astral (Maison du Festival), Gesù — Centre de créativité, Le Balcon, Croisières Jazz on the Saint Lawrence River aboard the Bateau-Mouche and Club Soda.

Planning for Festival de Jazz Festival de Jazz is a collection of the world’s finest musical performers. The best way to have a great time during the festival is to make a plan of action before you set out. Here are some tips to help you plan!

First things first, download the Festival de Jazz app as soon as possible so you can skim through the program, see the schedule, and peruse a map of the venues. The app is really a lifesaver when you’re trying to navigate through all the free events, the headlining acts, and everything else that is going on in the city at the same time.

The Free Side of Festival de Jazz When checking the lineup for which shows to go to, pick the artists that you never thought you’d get to see. With all the big name headliners playing Festival de Jazz, there’s a lot to choose from. After choosing the best few artists you would like to see, purchase the tickets quickly as they do sell out fast. These headliners range from the Steve Miller Band to the Gypsy Kings—Festival de Jazz has something for everyone.

When it comes to seeing the free shows at Festival de Jazz, prepare to arrive early and to be ready for an all day outdoor concert. With seven outdoor stages, Festival de Jazz really does it big with is outdoor shows—which are free for anyone and everyone. Take some comfortable walking shoes, a bottle of water, and some gear for the sun with you and prepare to have an awesome day—or couple of days depending on the length of your stay.

Getting Around Montreal

Find the best way to get out and see the city.

During Festival de Jazz, you’re going to want to be strategic about your travel. In the Festival areas, most streets are closed down for foot traffic. Try to leave early for events in case you get stuck walking for a long time. Look into using Montreal’s biking program, Bixi, if you are trying to find an alternative to walking through the no-vehicle areas.

When traveling around the city when you outside of Festival de Jazz, consider taking the city bus or the subway. Using public transportation is a great way to see everything around town while saving money on cabs, Uber’s or a rental car.

First Timers at the Festival If you’re looking to attend Festival de Jazz but don’t know much about the featured artists, don’t worry! Go for the experience and with the knowledge that you’ll have a great time listening to new music for the first time. Many attendees don’t know EVERYONE that is playing so you’ll be no different. The festival is designed as a way to introduce people to all the fabulous music that you may or may not have heard of.

If you’re really preparing yourself before you visit Festival de Jazz, take some time to listen to some of the featured bands. Search for them on the internet and make a playlist so you will be more familiar before you go. Flip through the Festival app as well so you can check out some fast facts about all of the acts on the lineup.

A Summer in Montreal Yes, Festival de Jazz is indeed a summer festival but what will that really look and feel like in Montreal? In the summer months, Montreal does get a bit warmer and often people tend to overdress. But if the Festival starts closer to the beginning of summer, you may be in for a chill. Take an extra layer of clothing with you, just in case the weather hasn’t warmed up yet. Bring an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain.

When it comes to Festival attire in general, the Festival de Jazz can be a little different. Dress comfortably for the outdoor shows, nothing too wild or outlandish. For the headlining concerts you may want to think about getting a little dressy, as the venues are a bit classier.

Communicating During the Festival As a testament to the incredibly well organized Festival, their unique service of communication by message board is innovative and brilliant. Message boards are installed around the festival in order for attendees to communicate with each other by leaving messages on the boards. Many people choose to go phone-free throughout the outdoor concerts and communicate with the boards.

If you need to communicate with the organizers Festival de Jazz, you can talk with them at the lost and found. This service of the festival is an excellent way to locate anything that you or a friend may have lost. Call by phone or find them at the festival grounds.

Traveling to Montreal For the Festival de Jazz, thousands of people will travel to Montreal to see the best of the best in the world of Jazz music. If you’re one of the visitors that is flying, driving, or bussing into the city, I have some tips for you!

Check the Festival de Jazz site if you are looking for places to stay. With all the concerts and festivities going on, the Festival de Jazz has arranged for travel packages that make sure attendees get just what they want out of the festival. These Festival de Jazz packages involve a variation of concert tickets, dinner in one of Montreal’s finest restaurants, and hotel accommodations.

For those of you that are flying in to see the Festival de Jazz, book your flights to come through the Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport in Montreal. Grab a shuttle or taxi to take you on the 40 minute trip downtown or to wherever your reservations are booked. Many hotels offer their own shuttle from the airport, so definitely check on that as well.

All the Place You’ll Go The Festival de Jazz itself spans across the several different venues. The seven stages are set up at the park. If you would like a change of scenery, many attendees visit the La Bemoral Bistro for food and refreshments all while getting a view of the park. With seating for 200, this bistro is a pleasant getaway from all the activities going on at the park.

Many of the concert venues for Festival de Jazz are held in some pretty classy places. The Montreal Symphony Orchestra building is state of the art and a location for a few of the headlining acts. Take a chance to check out this place during the day, it really is something to see.

During your free time outside of the Festival de Jazz, try to visit some of the most iconic places in the city. Take a trip to the beautiful Notre Dame Basilica for a true culturally enriching experience, visit Mont Royal to see the architecture and sculpture, go see the Montreal Botanical Gardens for the best of Montreal’s greenery, take advantage of the free admission at the Montreal Museum of fine arts and see much more as you continue to explore. Visit the Festival site for more information on local places to visit.

After hearing so much about Festival de Jazz, there’s no way you can miss out on Montreal this summer!

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Adirondacks - You Call Yourself a Serious Mountaineer or Hiker? Try 46 Peaks More Than 4K ft!

Adirondacks – You Call Yourself a Serious Mountaineer or Hiker? Try 46 Peaks More Than 4K ft!

Serious mountaineers and hikers will face their biggest challenge climbing these 46 peaks at more than 4,000 feet.

What are the Adirondacks?

Hardcore mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts don’t need an introduction to the Adirondacks, which should already say a lot. Simply put, the Adirondacks are one of the most impressive geological structures on the planet. The Adirondacks are a set of mountains, spreading over an area of more than 6 million acres. They are located in the most northeastern corner of Upstate New York, nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks Park. The Adirondacks are home one of the most amazing natural sites you will ever see: the Adirondack High Peaks. The High Peaks are defined as a set of the 46 highest mountains in the region. Needless to say, the High Peaks are an astounding attraction that hosts more than 10 million tourists every year.

Making it to The Summit is the Best Feeling in the World.

Locations.

Although all the mountains are found in Upstate New York, there are still a few different places you must visit for the challenge. Only four of the 46 mountains are not located in the Central or Northern Essex County. Of the 46 peaks, 33 are located in an area known as the High Peaks Wilderness Area, a vast tract with an area of 1,200 square kilometers. These are divided into the eastern zone, home to 26 peaks; and the western zone, which houses 7 summits. Two more mountains are set in Wilmington while the last 11 sit in the Giant and Dix Wilderness Area. The two highest mountains (Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak) are both located in Essex and have no official footpath to the summit.

Formation and History of the Adirondacks.

The most amazing part of the hikes are bound to be the views you find at the summits, however, the history and creation of the Adirondacks also inspire awe. The rocks found in the mountains are estimated to be 2 billion years old. The rocks originated from sediments found 50,000 feet deep in the bottom of the sea, near the equator. Tectonic movements caused the sediments to collide with what is now North America, creating a mountain building episode commonly known as the Grenville orogeny.

The mountains were named Adirondack (meaning porcupine in Mohawk language) by Ebenezer Emmons in 1837. Although the name comes from Mohawk origins, no native tribe has lived in the area, but they used it as hunting grounds and travel routes. The Adirondacks were acquired by the English in 1664, and then by the State of New York after the American Revolutionary War. Since then, the Adirondacks have become a major hiking sensation and were designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989.

About the Adirondack High Peaks.

The Adirondack High Peaks are a set of 46 mountains that are estimated to be at least 4,000 feet high. Recent estimations suggest that four of the peaks may be just below 4,000 feet (all within the 3,900 to 3,998 range). However, due to tradition, the 46 peaks still remain unchanged and are no easier to climb. The High Peaks are home to fragile snow forest ecosystems and an array of specialized, endemic animals. The forests feature lush trees such as deciduous, spruce and pine. The Adirondacks are also home to three types of wetland: swamps, bogs, and marshes, which display unique characteristics when compared to each other. The High Peaks home rare animal life such as spring peepers, spotted salamanders, painted turtles and great blue herons. The Adirondacks offer such rich natural diversity because it featured various ecosystems, including alpine ecosystems. Alpine ecosystems usually occur above treeline and are called highland or mountain climate as well.

Reserve Status.

Natural reserves are heavily supervised, and Adirondack is not the exception. The Adirondack Park is located between Keene Valley and Essex County. The park is home to the mountains as well as lakes, rivers, forests, and other habitats that range from wetlands to old-growth forests. The park and mountains are part of New York’s Forest Preserve, which gives them the highest level of conservation status in any state. New York’s Forest Preserve is run by the Department of Environmental Conservation and is required to be “forever wild”, as demanded in Article 14 of New York’s Constitution.

Natural Wonders Around the Adirondack High Peaks.

The entire Adirondack Park offers stunning natural beauties. The mountains alone form a semicircular area, which assures a great view regardless of the mountain you choose to hike. The famous Lake Placid is located about 2 hours driving from the Adirondacks, roughly 91 miles away. There are many attractions besides the High Peaks in the area, which includes Lake Placid, also known as The Mirror Lake. In addition to that, you can visit the Tupper Lake Wild Center and spend a whole day admiring different animal species endemic to the Adirondacks. Many mountains also house ski resorts, such as the one found atop Whiteface Mountain. You may even step out of the ordinary by visiting the Bobsled and Luge Complex also located in Lake Placid and listen to the entertaining and curious stories narrated by the tour guides.

Natural Beauties Surrounding the Majestic Mountains.

The Adirondacks Mountain Club.

There is no need to say that the Adirondacks High Peaks are an inspiring attraction. The Adirondack Forty-Sixers (or 46ers) is a clear example of how this natural structure has impacted its residents. The Adirondacks 46ers is a mountain/hiking club and organization formed by hikers who have hiked all 46 peaks, or that are currently in the process of doing so. The first 46ers were two brothers by the name of George and Robert Marshall.

The 46ers was officially founded in 1936 by Ernest Ryder and Edward Hudowalski as a social club with the same goal as they continue to have today: honoring and recognizing those who achieved the grueling task of climbing all 46 peaks above 4,000 feet.

The most notable club members are the Winter 46ers: members who climbed the High Peaks during both summer and winter seasons. This is no easy task as they winters in Adirondacks can be extreme. However, there were 623 registered Winter 46ers and 7,806 active members as of April 2013.

Notable Peaks.

Each one of the 46 peaks offers a one-of-a-kind experience and view from the top. There are also a few of them that stand out because of their difficult hiking routes, which usually require advanced skills. The two most famous, highest and difficult mountains are Mount Marcy and the Algonquin Peak. None of them offer a real hiking route, but instead, follow a so-called ‘herd-path, formed after decades of usage.

Another notable summit is Whiteface Mountain which offers a ski resort at the top of the mountain. Grace Peak was re-named after the first woman to climb all 46 peaks, and 9th person to achieve the feat. The Table Top mountain offers three different summits starting at 4,215 and ranging to 4,304 feet. Giant Mountain is the twelfth highest peak in the Adirondacks and was the first of the High Peaks to be recorded by a hiker. The infamous Gothics Mountain is known for its 360-degree view, which provides a great sight of the rest of the Adirondacks.

Trail Conditions and FIYs.

At least 22 of the mountains lack a real hiking route and require hiking skill and safety equipment. The other 24 mountains have a set hiking or walking route to the summit. Some mountains, such as Whiteface, even offer alternative transport methods to the top, such as cable-car services. Others offer no trail at all, so hikers usually follow the ‘herd-paths’ created by previous hikers.

The hikes and climbs can range anywhere between 5 and 15 hours, but are all definitely worth it. You will find majestic, awe-inspiring natural views. You may also encounter wildlife in your climb, and unless you are 100% sure it’s safe, you should always keep your distance. There are several recommendations for climbing the 46 peaks. These include the leave no trace principle, children hiking safety guidelines, trailhead parking, and of course, checking the weather forecast.

What You Will Need.

There is a few basic tools and equipment needed to have a successful adventure. Make sure you pack extra water and extra food rations. Also, verify you have a basic first-aid kit with you. You must have a navigation tool such as a map, compass, and GPS. You also need sun protector if you have delicate skin. Carrying a flashlight or headlamp will also make your life easier in every aspect of the trip. Remember to bring a repair kit and emergency shelter as well. Lastly, make sure you are carrying fire, either in the form of a lighter, windproof candles and waterproof matches.

You can always visit tourist information centers at the park itself if you need to know specific details once you make it to the Adirondacks. Now, it’s time to pack and enjoy your next adventure!

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Beach Tent - What Should You Pick? Canopy, Pop Up, Cabana or Baby Tent?

Beach Tent – Should You Go For Cabana, Canopy, Baby Tent or Pop Up?

If you are thinking of a family beach outing, then start considering beach tents also. Beach tents just like any other outdoor gear are important source of shade especially in areas that will have a lot of sunshine such as beaches, parks, camping sites and your backyard or patio. If you happen to be one of those families that frequently enjoys going out to vacations, it is not a bad idea to budget for a dependable beach tent as there are lots of benefits that comes with it.

That said, before you get lost with ton of information here is a quick guide on different beach tents available in the market and how to rip their benefits:

  Baby Beach Tent

Taking your toddler to the beach is supposed to be a joyful experience for her or him – the sound of ocean waves, other kids playing or swimming, the sand or pebbles feeling – and for this reason, there is a need to make sure this enjoyment is not interrupted unnecessarily. Toddlers and young kids are often in danger from sun burn and heat stroke. Hence it is important to make sure they are well sheltered whenever out in areas that may have harmful rays.

Also, scientific research shows that it only take 10 to 15 minutes for babies to burn their skins, even on a cloudy or overcast day, for this reason ensure have a high factor sun screen applied to your toddlers before you head to the beach. Give it least 20 minutes after the application for the suncream to work properly.

As soon as you get to the beach, first thing should be to set up your baby tent to provide shade for your toddler. You additionally need to monitor the heat inside the tent, but if you are concerned about a weird look of your tent having ventilation flaps or mesh windows that can be easily opened to let the air flow through.

  Features to consider having on your baby tent before you purchase one:

  strong UV protection of, e.g. SPF 50

side pockets

user friendly storage case

easy wipe surfaces

ground stakes

Also, find out from the store regarding how easy it is to put and take down your baby tent, do not forget to ask about its’ weight. You don’t want finding yourself at the beach with your toddler faced with a complex tent to set up.

Some baby tents can be used for multiple purposes. For example, you can purchase a baby tent that can also be turned into a travel bed and. While, for older children there are options that come with a play tunnel. Numerous of these have movable floors which lets kids play directly on the sand if you feel to do so.

  Beach Cabana

One of the best and fun beach equipment to go together with your beach chair is a cabana. It is not uncommon to see beach cabanas in many beaches today. They have recently grown their popularity, and they come in a lot of varieties.

That said, what is a cabana anyway? A beach cabana is a type of beach tent that resembles a cabin and has one of its sides open. The opened side usually is supposed to be positioned facing the beach. Please note, Cabana can also be used on a pool side. They are great beach tents that easily allow changing of clothes and offers more than enough privacy. These tents are also available in variety of designs that depends on the arching type and the overhead sun shade.

When compared to beach umbrellas, beach cabanas offer more protection from ultra violet rays of the sun and more privacy. They are also not hard to put together and some of these cabanas come with built in a pop up facility that can be set up for only one second. Their structure typically is designed from heavy duty and resistance poles that are rustproof. But, they are still lightweight and easily portable. Overall, they are durable and in order to strengthen further and ensure stable anchors, like sand bags and stakes are usually used.

Now, even though beach cabana sounds very tough, but just like any other product you are still required to take proper care of it to prolong its life. Rinse the fabric periodically and clean the poles properly to ensure every bit of sand is removed after every single use. Once you get used to cleaning your cabana every time you use it, the whole cleaning process will feel like a simple task. The reason why you have to clean out the sand is you do not want it to accumulate in certain joint segments after multiple uses. It will become quite challenging job to remove it.

Also please note, there are some portable beach cabanas in the market that offer an UPF of 100 plus. We all aware that ultra violet rays are very harmful for our skin and may even cause cancer due to excessive exposure to sunlight. For this reason, the Skin Cancer Foundation advises that beach tents should have at least 50 UPF. This means you need to be very specific with the beach cabana you are going to buy and ensure it provides the best UV protection possible. Do not forget, the cost of beach cabanas not only differ basing on style but also basing on the amount of UPF protection provided.

Other features to be aware of are mesh panels that ample ventilation and zippered door-like covers which provide a lot of privacy.

  Beach Canopy Tent

This type of beach tents represents one great alternative to create some shade for you while enjoying yourself at the beach. Canopy tent offers more shade than beach umbrellas, and with today’s technology, they have become very simple to set them up. You or the whole crew of people you will be going with to the beach will be the center attraction when you decided to stay away from the hottest sun of the day in a shady, ventilated beach canopy.

  If you are considering purchasing one, here is quick guide to help you find the right canopy tent:

  The number one thing is to think about the size of your beach canopy tent. Canopy sizes can differ dramatically, whereby the small sized one will only fit a single or two adults inside comfortably, meanwhile large canopy tent may be able to accommodate an entire beach party inside for a picnic lunch. The smaller the canopy tent size the lighter its weight and usually the easier to put together, but please be aware the larger the canopy tent the more shade protection you will get. It is recommended that you use a tape measure to better decide the right tent dimensions you are looking for, even though what is available in store may vary a bit from your ideal size.

If you want to simplify things in making beach canopy decision, just try to find out the number of people you are planning to accommodate at one time in your canopy tent. For a family made up of four members, a smaller sized canopy tent is definitely the right fit, as it may take at least more than two grownups to comfortably erect some of the large sized canopy tents available in the market.  But for a large crowd of people and for maximum enjoyment, a larger tent will make sense as it will allow more people to get out of the sun whenever needed. The only disadvantage for a large size is the easiness of assembling and of course prices tend to be a bit higher.

Talking about prices, the second thing you need to consider is budget for your canopy tent. Just like their dramatic variation of their sizes, beach canopy tents are also all over when it comes to prices. For this reason, it is not necessary to pay large sums to your ideal tent with the right quality. If you want a canopy tent that is easy to put together, you should look into investing a bit more for a pop up beach tent canopy, a topic discussed in our next section.

Once you have gone through your entire decision making, then you should start searching for your perfect beach canopy tent. User reviews are a great place to start with in order to find beach canopies that offer the highest quality, most durability, and best extra features. While doing so, pay attention to these canopy tent features; excellent ventilation, UV protective materials, included sand pockets and tent stakes, and interior or exterior pockets where you can stash your stuff up off the ground during the day without having constant worries about it getting buried and lost in the sand.

  Beach Pop up Tent

There has recently been a huge trend that shows campers, beach goers, and other outdoors enthusiasts to be shifting towards pop up tents more than traditional ones. These tents are easy to setup at any campground or beach, and easy to take them apart when you are ready to head back home. In simple words, pop up tents do need a lot of complex assembly steps, typically what is needed is just to erect them and set some few poles. The tent as per its name pops up and creates instant shelter, for your maximum outdoors enjoyment.

Pop up tents are manufactured from lightweight material with lightweight poles. Because they are very light and portable you may easily mistake them as being flimsy. But to your surprise, you will find out that pop up tents are very durable and have longer life cycle to last many camping seasons.

  When it comes to style, pop up tents have several options available:

Frame tents come with large interiors and room to accommodate many campers. These tents are well known to be used by families because of their large interior space which is always more than enough for families.

Ridge tents represent another great option in pop up tents family. They are stable and easy to both erect and take down, and their shape allows for plenty of interior space. Even multi-room tents can be turned into a pop up shape.

A trailer form is another pop up tent style available. A pop up tent trailer can be pulled by most vehicles, even small cars, and pops up into a full-size tent once you get to your campsite. This type of pop up tent is typically bigger in terms of size than portable pop up tents. The trailer form pop tent sometimes comes with the luxuries such as ones you experience at home such as separate rooms and cooking facilities.

  Diving further to the usage and benefits of pop up tents……campers are not the only demographic of people who use pop up tents. Beach goers and their families, vendors at outdoor festivals and events also take advantage of pop up canopies and their enclosures to cover goods from dust and other things that may be blown around by air (especially at the beach, where you may have sea breeze). It is no surprise that vendors use pop up tents, because they do need almost no effort to erect them. When you are a vendor, time is money, few minutes of delays to your customers in a long run is a huge impact on finances.

Generally, taking a pop up tent to the beach is a way to guarantee no stress and attain maximum enjoyment. You can get your shade ready to go in lightning speed and then slow down to enjoy the beautiful beach.

  In conclusion, by now it should be clear to you that beach tents are definitely items to consider since they provide additional excitement when you pick the right one suitable for you and your family. It is definitely worthy spending some time before you go shopping, to think about the different options described in this article and everything will be straightforward, make your buy and start preparing yourself for a wonderful relaxation on the beach!

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Camping Tents - Essential Guide for Adventure Seekers!

Quickest Helpful Tips You Need to Know About Camping Tents

The first thing you need to make sure it’s done prior going out on your next wilderness adventure is collecting all the necessary camping gear needed to make your experience enjoyable, safe, and memorable. We all know going camping is a bit of an extraordinary activity but one that is popular among people of all ages. And for this reason, having all your camping equipment is a sure way to guarantee yourself and your family there will be no surprises but an enjoyable outdoor excursion.

It does not matter if you will be going into remote areas of the wilderness or will be staying at a recognized campsite, having a proper camping tent should be always your number one priority. Camping tents are manufactured in a large variety of models, designs, and sizes and for this reason it is vital to always make sure you select camping tent that will be suitable for the number of people you are planning to bring with you.  Sometimes, it may be more meaningful and comfortable to have more than a couple of tents, whereby some can be use for storage and other functionalities such as bathroom, washroom, or kitchen.

Additionally, it is highly recommended to also bring a tent pad that has a durable and suitable material to elongate your tent’s life span. The tent pad should always be smaller in size than the tent dimensions to be able to spot water from entering inside. Make a habit to refrain yourself from walking with your shoes or heavy hiking boots on the inside of your camping tent since these habits will potentially contribute in the wear and tear of your tent pad and tent floor.

That said, it is not rocket science that your next step will be finding out the cost of your perfect tent. You should therefore have an estimated budget in mind, which you are willing to spend. In addition, should think about the surrounding of the camp you are planning to stay as. Generally, camping tents with quality tent pads and a footprint will go a long way and meet the expectations of any camper and guarantee things to well during rain or without rain.

  To help you narrow the maybe overwhelming camping tents choices available, here are major categories that base on ratings:

  Three season tent – In general terms, a standard 3-season camping tent is made for the purpose of being used in light to moderate weather conditions. These tents are suitable and comfortable when used in Spring, Summer and Fall almost anywhere in the world, and this how the name 3-season came into the picture.

When we talk about pricing, three-season camping tents are definitely a cheaper option compared to 4-season. There is a high availability of 3-season camping tent quality spanning all the way from the cheap units found in big retail stores to expensive models found in specialty camping equipment shops.

Do 3-season camping tents have any shortcomings? These tents do not keep up with high winds, torrential rain and heavy snowfall. 3-season tents for example will not be the right pick for backcountry expeditions through Alaska in January.

The great 3-season camping tents usually are waterproof rain fly built and integrated with a breathable canopy. In ideal world, you definitely would prefer to have a 3 season tent that has waterproof floor. If you preference is the rugged “bathtub” floor, that is a selection which is more towards expensive four season tent (but not always).

  Four season camping tents – These tents are perfect for use in almost any weather condition that you may face while you are on your outdoor adventures, assuming it is winter. Realistically, the 4-season rating can easily be categorized as 1-season. The reason is a quality 4-season tent performs great in winter conditions but may fail to keep up with over-insulation during the summer season.

In the perspective of structure, 4-season camping tents usually have a minimum of 4 aluminum poles for strength (the more the better) to perform better when there is sleet and snow. These tents are also aerodynamic in design and typically they have dark colors to provide a better heat absorption. And in terms of weight, 4-season tents are much lighter.

Additionally, the 4-season camping tents have roof lines that are fully defined and super strong to block water or snow from collecting on top of the tent. Most of these tents can be used as free standing in circumstances where there is no options to pound stakes into the ground, talking about places like mountain edges or in frozen terrain.

Four season tents also come equipped with a fully encompassing rainfly to combat the elements. They also have high quality waterproof floors well known as “bathtubs” since they come up to about six inches on the side of the tent. Additionally the seams are very hardy and strong throughout the tent.

Do 4-season camping tents have any cons? Yes just like any other product, there are always cons and in this case it is the price. There is always a high likelihood you may end up paying a a large amount of money for the technology built in four season tents to keep you protected.

Also, as already explained, anyone camping during the summer season would prefer to have air movement inside the tent to keep things cooler. But 4-season camping tents are designed to reduce air flow from cutting through the camping tent, a functionality that is perfect for winter but not suitable in balmy summer.

Now the question comes……what category does the family camping tent belong to? Simple answer is the 3-season camping tent.

What about the convertible 3 to 4 season camping tents? These types of tents typically have somekind of airflow ventilator built in them. It is not recommended to use these convertible tents into backcountry adventures where survival is critical. The reason is if the ventilator malfunctions, it will end up not closing……and guarantee you gruesome unhappy camping days throughout.

In summary: 3-season camping tents are the most recommended and actually they are already popular among many camping enthusiasts. These tents are also affordable and enable campers to use them in all different types of conditions up to, but not including, severe winter weather conditions.

That said, if you camp in any of these seasons; Spring, Summer and Fall, 3-season camping tents is what you should be looking for. Otherwise if you are one of those hardcore campers, going for adventures during rough winter weather conditions, it is highly recommended to shop for 4-season camping tents.

  What Camping Tents’ Sizes Should You be Aiming for (not a backpacking tent)

Disregarding the season rating of camping tents, there are also other options such as backpacking tents and ordinary tents. Generally speaking, the popular aspect of backpacking tents is portability, a feature that makes them faster and easy to install. If size is a priority for you even for a backpacking tent, then go for a three man tent. This tent size can easily provide two individuals enough space for sleeping and storage as opposed to having a larger size that might be too heavy to transport on your backpack.

That said, in most circumstances camping tents’ dimensions and weight do not make much of a difference, what always matter is your capability to transport them with your car, then carry to your campground…and throughout this all process being able to pack along your other important camping supplies. That said, a major factor in determining the right capacity of camping tents is the number of campers the tent can comfortably accommodate inside. Here is a simple example, a typical camping tent for two people will definitely fit to camper and provide a little extra room for storage and other small things. Therefore, a rule of thumb is to always go for camping tents that will be able to hold a capacity rating of two campers in excess of the number that will be using. This is a sure way to guarantee extra space to extend a bit and keep your camping gear equally.

  If you are going out camping with your family, there is an option of multi-room tents which actually function great for families. Multi-room camping tents typical come in 2-room models, where the rooms are separated by an inside camping tent wall with a zippered doorway. The 3-room model is a bit more fancier as it includes two rooms, plus an extra screen room, that always coming handy for more storage, changing clothes, playing games, etc. You definitely want to consider these multi-room tents, especially if you family include very young kids.

  Other features to consider apart from dimensions and weight:

A rain-fly to keep the rainwater off

Folded seams and even double stitching to help keep the rain out

A waterproof tub surface also keeps water out

No-see-um meshing to keep insects away

Strong zippers that withstand with constant utilization

Taking Care of Camping Tents

Just like other camping sleeping bags and camping stoves, camping tents are your everyday camping equipment. There is no adventure in the wilderness without a tent, at least we all know that.

  Typically, most camping tents are portable and small enough to be compacted and transported by one person. Therefore it is also important to know that camping tents consist of a sheet of fabric of similar material draped over or attached to a frame of poles. Some of the new camping tent models come with durable waterproof fabrics and foldable aluminum poles.

That said, even though camping tents are manufactured with tough, rugged, and durable features to withstand all the crazy things nature can throw to us, they are still not maintenance free. In order for camping tents to last longer, their owners need to put some effort in taking care of them frequently. You may not know this yet in case you are not an experienced camper, but keeping the quality of your camping tent is very important; a tent is often the only thing standing between a camper and survival when things go wrong.

  Here are some few cents on how to take care of camping tents:

  1) Waterproof feature on camping tents is vital. Most camping tents manufacturing companies disclose to their buyers by tagging their tents as waterproof, and ensuring all the seals and stitches are sealed properly. But, for the sake of additional safety, you should always double-seal them yourself. Experts in outdoor activities always advice campers to contact their camping tent manufacturer to get the seam sealer the company is using to reseal the seals.

  2) Just like cars, always make sure you have spare parts of your camping tents with you such as extra zippers, duct tape, fabric, and other materials that will help you make field repairs in case there is damage. Do not forget, the longer you delay to repair any damage on your tent, the more the damage will be.

  3) Rehearsal all the steps of setting up the tent. Through practicing, you will minimize the probabilities of ripping, bending, or breaking parts of the tent. This will also help you set up the tent quickly since you will be used to doing so by the time you get to your campground.

  4) Ensure you have packed the correct stakes to use on your tent. Stakes are a huge supporting feature in securing your camping tent to the ground. If you are camping during good weather season and on firm ground, often standard stakes are good enough. However, if you are setting up in loose soil, or if the weather is windy, then sturdier stakes will be needed to get the job done correctly. Lastly, once you have pegged your stakes make sure you have correct tension.

  5) Stay away from setting up your tents directly to the sunlight as much as possible. Even if the manufacturer of your camping tent did advertise that the tent is all-weather, just like anything other fabric materials, camping tents get damaged when directly exposed to the sun. Ultra Violet light from direct sunlight weakens and deteriorates the fabric of most camping tents. Hence, always go for areas on your campground that has good enough shade.

6) Install a ground cover underneath your tent. Prior setting up any camping tent, it is not a bad idea to have a tent footprint or tarp be placed on the ground where the tent is pitched. This will go a long way as it protects the tent floor from dirt, rocks, twigs, and other objects that can rip the tent’s base. It also helps removing ground water away from the tent.

  7) Put some effort to ventilate the tent frequently. Moist can easily accumulate inside a tent especially if camping for longer number of days. Opening a window or a flap will keep the inside of the tent from condensing.

  8) If it is raining while you are camping or your tent was already wet and most, take out your tent in the yard to air-dry it out after your camping is over. This will protect the tent against mildew and fungus. Clean and dry tents are always nice to camp in and of course guarantee no health hazards to the camper.

  In conclusion, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, whether you are fan of camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting or even pitching a tent in the backyard with your kids, you should always make sure and put an effort in getting the right camping tent for your adventures! Always keep in mind, a comfortable sleep, warm and dry camping tents will make your daytime excursion memorable and more fun!

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Endangered Species List and Where to See Them

Endangered Species List and Where to See Them

Most, if not all of the species on the Endangered Species List thrived at one point. Over time, the animal’s population begins to dwindle – whether it’s due to environment changes or loss of habitat and food sources, pollution or poaching, or a combination of any reasons, there is hope for the animals on this list. Many of the eco-tourism vacation options fund breeding programs and National Park operations and maintenance to provide these animals with a safe home. Some, like the South China Tiger, can only be seen today in captivity.

    Common Name: Amur Leopard Scientific Name: Panthera pardus orientalis        

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Temperate forests of Far Eastern Russia, China The fast, furry, agile Amur Leopard dwindled down to just 30 known animals in Russia’s Land of the Leopard

Amur Leopard

National Park, but conservation and anti-poaching efforts have helped double that number over the last seven years – as well as a few spotted in adjacent China. It is still, however, on the Endangered Species List. In the wild, Amur leopards live for around 10 to 15 years and they may reach 20 years of age living in captivity. The Amur leopard has grown to adapt to its cool climate by having the thick fur which can grow up to 7.5 cm in length in the wintertime. Their snow coat is paler than other leopard species, to camouflage them in the winter. For a shot at spotting the Amur Leopard in its habitat, tours are arranged throughout the year through a variety of tour operators such as Responsible Travel, taking groups of adults on Siberian Tiger and Amur Leopard treks in Russia. Tel: [phone]

  Common Name: Black Rhino

Scientific Name: Diceros bicornis

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Eastern and central Africa including Kenya, Tanzania, Cameroon, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Angola. European hunters almost decimated the Black Rhino population, which is very slowly creeping back up again in numbers but still nowhere near the original population. These hardy living fossils have a gestation period of about 17 months, so it takes over one year for a baby rhino to be born. Adult males can weigh up to 1,350 kilograms, and the females can weigh up to 900 kilograms. The Black Rhino’s weight at birth is between 35 to 45 kilograms or almost one hundred pounts.To see the black rhino in its own environment, tour operators such as Ventureco Worldwide provide informative and exciting Black Rhino trekking tours where they can teach you the signs of the Black Rhino’s presence in the area, and explain interesting elements of their habits and behaviour. You’ll be taught how to look for signs of the Endangered Species List animal browsing, identify their resting places, and their rubbing posts. Tel: [phone]

  Common Name: Cross River Gorilla

Scientific Name: Gorilla gorilla diehli

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: the highlands of Cameroon on the border with Nigeria The critically endangered Cross River gorilla is the world’s rarest of all the gorilla subspecies.There exist only 250 to 300 individuals in the wild. You could experience Cross River Gorillas on a unique, authentic African rainforest expedition. To see the Cross River Gorillas, you can be a part of a 2 or 4 week long expedition volunteering with African Conservation Federation as part of an award-winning team, protecting Africa’s most endangered great apes. You’ll helping to conserve Cross River Gorillas and chimpanzees through volunteering with local staff; aiding in great apes surveys; checking the camera traps, and providing environmental education activities at some primary and secondary schools. You will be completely immersed in the culture of indigenous communities of the highland rainforest, meet with local kings, chiefs, teachers and the children, and you will have the opportunity to visit the Limbe Wildlife Centre. Help make a difference with this Endangered Species List gorilla. Contact them at: http://www.africanconservation.org/volunteer-enquiries

  Common Name: Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

Scientific Name: Eretmochelys imbricata

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: tropical waters around the world

  These turtles, and all sea turtles are the living family of a group of reptiles that has existed here on our planet swimming in our seas for the last 100 million years, and they’ve sadly reached a point of critical endangerment and are now on the Endangered Species List. If you want to see these beautiful turtles in the wild, check out Australia’s Christmas Island. It’s the best place in the world to go for turtle watching! Virgin Australia flies to Christmas Island from Perth and the duration of the flight is about three hours. For details on the latest flight information including great package deals contact Parks Australia’s Visitor Information Centre. Tel: [phone]

  Common Name: Javan Rhino

Scientific Name: Rhinoceros sondaicus

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Ujung Kulon National Park Believed now to only survive in the Ujung Kulon National Park on the western tip of Java, the Javan rhinos once lived all through Myanmar, Thailand, India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia. A total of 60 individuals are alive today – the very last one living in Vietnam was poached in 2010. If you want to catch a glimpse of this endangered species list animal in the wild, tour operations such as Ujung Kulon Tours offer very hands on jungle experiences in Ujung Kulon National Park. You’ll spend days trekking animals in the jungle, sleeping at guard posts or in tents, learning about the park and its wildlife as you go.

    Common Name: Leatherback Turtle

Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Atlantic, Pacific, South China Sea and Indian Ocean

  The largest and the most migratory turtle, the Leatherback can be found in salt water all over the world, but it’s not due to its high population. This Endangered Species List sea turtle’s eggs are often collected or caught as fishing bycatch, and the species is in danger. Atlantic leatherbacks take long journeys of migration with their across the ocean, leaving them vulnerable to running into longline fisheries. Leatherbacks love jellyfish and feed almost exclusively on them, putting them at risk of mistakenly swallowing many of the plastic bags that litter the ocean, which can kill them. If you’d like to see Leatherback Turtles in their habitat, you can join a Leatherback Volunteer Trip. Spend 4 nights in Costa Rica volunteering to help giant leatherback turtles at the Pacuare Research Station on the northern Caribbean coast. You’ll patrol the nesting beaches at night, and explore the lush rainforest (or just relax!) during the day. The work includes measuring turtles, collecting the eggs and moving them to hatcheries, and working with the hatchlings in June. Downtime is spent cleaning the habitat, hanging out on the beach or in a hammock, and exploring the surrounding nature. Best of all – the profits from this trip help save at least 100 hatchlings at a turtle nesting beach per participant. To register: https://oceanicsociety.checkfront.com/reserve/?item_id=5

  Common Name: Mountain Gorilla

Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Uganda, Virunga National Park, DRC, Rwanda The Mountain Gorilla’s habitat is limited to the protected parks in two regions in Africa. One group of Mountain Gorillas lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The other group lives in three national parks in the Virungas mountain region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. In the past century this species has suffered through years of war, hunting and massacre of gorillas, intense habitat destruction, and diseases. The circumstances for this species of Gorilla were so severe that it was believed the Endangered Species List animal may be extinct by the end of the twentieth century. Dedication and determination helped turn things around for the Mountain Gorilla but their populations are still very low. Visit Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park to trek Mountain Gorillas in their habitat, with tour operators like Insight Safari Holidays who specialise in Mountain Gorilla trekking. You can plan tours from 3 to 15 days, to trek and learn about the Gorillas and their habitat, as well as the other wildlife in the national park. Tel: [phone]

    Common Name: Pangolin

Scientific Name:  Manis temminckii and Smutsia temminckii

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Asia and sub-Saharan Africa

  The pangolin, also called the scaly anteater, is small and covered with an armour of scales – when it feels threatened it curls into a ball to protect itself. 100,000 pangolins are estimated to be hunted and sold each year, and they’re the most traded wild animal in the world landing them on the Endangered Species List. Their habitats are also destroyed with pesticides, electric fences kill many pangolins each year. You can see Pangolins all over Southeast Asia, however they are very solitary, quiet, and nocturnal.

  Common Name: Saola

Saola

Scientific Name: Pseudoryx nghetinhensis

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Mountains of Vietnam-Laos border Known as the Asian Unicorn, the little Saola has only ever been encountered four times. The saola was discovered in May of 1992 when the Ministry of Forestry of Vietnam and WWF were carrying out a joint survey in north-central Vietnam. The team of surveyors discovered a skull with perplexing long and straight horns in one hunter’s home and knew right away that it was something out of the ordinary, and proceeded to investigate. The discovery proved to be the first newly discovered large mammal new to science in more than 50 years, and one of the most interesting zoological discoveries of the 20th century.

The Saola, which is pronounced sow-la, are identified by their two parallel horns each with a sharp end, which can grow up to 20 inches in length. The horns can be found on both males and females. the Saola – meaning “spindle horns” in Vietnamese – are the cousins of cattle but resemble more of an antelope-like animal. Saola have very spectacular white markings on their faces and large maxillary glands on the muzzle, which are thought to be used to mark territory or attract mates. They are found only in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos and are extremely rare – take a trek through the Annamite Mountains with Vietnam Package Travel and see if you can spot the Endangered Species List animal. Tel:[phone]

  Common Name: South China Tiger

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris amoyensis          

Endangered Species List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Southeastern China

In the 1950s, The South China tiger population was estimated to be around 4,000 individuals. Over the course of the next few decades, thousands of these beautiful animals were killed off the subspecies was considered to be a pest and was hunted. In 1979 the Chinese government banned the hunting of the South China Tiger, and by 1996 the population was estimated to be only 30 to 80 individuals left. Today the Endangered Species List South China tiger is regarded by scientists as being “functionally extinct,” as it no longer lives in the wild. There hasn’t been a single sighting of the South China Tiger in the wild for more than 25 years. They exist only in zoos and behind the doors of special breeding programs in South Africa trying to help this species survive.

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Virunga National Park Must Know Things

Virunga National Park – Essential and Quick Guide

Virunga National Park is a place of geologic marvel, tumultuous history, and is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world. This fascinating national park is also one of the most biologically varied protected habitats on Earth. You can find one half of all the biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa in Virunga, as it spans 7,800 square kilometres or 3,000 square miles. Virunga National Park begins in the Virunga Mountains in the South, stretching all the way to the Rwenzori Mountains in the North, and from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, bordering Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, to Rwenzori Mountains National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. It’s home to some of the most amazing animals in the world, and the most passionate people dedicated to helping them survive.

  The Beginning of Africa’s first National Park

  Virunga National Park has seen a lot of ups and downs in its long history. For many years, this protected land was severely threatened by armed conflict. Through the efforts and dedication of the national park’s rangers and wardens, Virunga has managed to make it through. Many politicians, conservationists, philanthropists, private donors, and the European Union have also put forth a valiant effort for the survival of  Virunga National Park.

Known at the time as “Albert National Park,” the park was founded by King Albert I of Belgium. Virunga, then Albert, was the continent of Africa’s first national park in 1925. The national park was established primarily as a means to provide protection to the mountain gorillas living in the forests of the Virunga Massif, which had been controlled by the Belgian Congo. “Albert National Park” was later extended into the north to include the Rwindi Plains, Lake Edward, and the Rwenzori Mountains.

  Virunga National Park’s Highs and Lows

During the national park’s first three and a half decades, poaching was minimal, and a sustainable tourism industry

Congolese Rangers

thrived owing to the hard work of a large group of skillful Congolese rangers and dedicated park wardens. The use of park resources such as hunting and fishing, and land remuneration became a growing problem among the locals living there. When Congo was granted independence from the Belgians in 1960, the new state went downhill rapidly, taking Albert National Park with it. It wasn’t able to be stabilized again until 1969 when President Mobutu took a personal interest in conservation and made an effort to revive the failing lands. It was during this process that the park was renamed Virunga National Park, and the first Congolese Wildlife Authority was also founded. Institut Congolais pour le Conservation de la Nature or ICCN, which resumes care of Congo’s protected park lands today.

Over the years, Virunga had more highs and lows. After a mostly wonderful decade in the 70s with a booming tourist industry and becoming a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Virunga plunged into chaos. During the middle of the 80s the Mobutu regime began to lose its control over the country, and Virunga suffered. Poachers depleted the park’s resources, the large mammal populations killed off, infrastructure was destroyed, and there were the deaths of many rangers. The Congolese Wildlife Authority was unable to control Virunga’s chaotic situation, and UNESCO changed the park’s World Heritage Site status to “endangered.”

For much of Virunga’s history, the park has struggled to survive through many of Congo’s troubles. In the time that followed, Virunga National Park endured the Rwandan Genocide’s refugee crisis resulting in total destruction of many forested areas within the park, and the rapidly increasing presence of armed militias throughout Virunga. The Kivu War rebel forces zeroed in on Virunga, forcing rangers out and occupying the park headquarters

  Good Times Ahead for Virunga

  The political situation has changed since then, and Virunga National Park is rejoicing in the resurgence of tourism and development it has been receiving in the recent years – which have been great to the park. International donors are investing in Virunga’s infrastructure development, and the park management is skilled, efficient and transparent. Morale among the park rangers, just like the tourism, is at an all-time high. New tourism opportunities are being developed in Virunga, including an upscale lodge located conveniently next to the centre of the three main tourist attractions North of Goma in the southern sector, and  the habituation of chimpanzees in the Tongo forest.

Africa’s first national park has survived decades of war, fire, destruction, depletion of resources and utter chaos against all odds, owing to the dedication of the rangers and the park staff who loved these lands and understood the value of saving Virunga National Park.

    Planning a vacation in Virunga National Park

  Getting into the park:

The southern sector, the Gorillas and Volcano area of Virunga National Park is easily accessible, and you have a number of different options. The most popular are:

Overland via Uganda, crossing the border in Bunagana, from where the Mountain gorilla sites Jomba and

Mountain Gorillas in Bikenge

Bikenge are within 1 hour’s travel. The border crossing is generally easy, and a local visa can be purchased at the border for only 50$. Remember, this visa is not a fully recognized travel visa and is only to be used for visiting the Virunga National Park and then leaving the country at the Bunagana border post once again.

Overland via Rwanda, crossing the border at Gisenyi/Goma, the border crossing will be fairly easy if you have pre arranged a visa. If you haven’t, it might be difficult and it will be expensive, costing 280$ if purchased at the border.

Fly into Goma. Many flights from within the DRC connect to Goma. From outside the DRC Entebbe is the only city connected by TMK. Remember, again, that you will need to make sure you have a pre arranged visa.

Virunga National Park is in the development process of establishing a tourism visa. It is expected that the visa will cost approximately 50$ and will be bought in combination with a Virunga National Park permit, so watch the Virunga National Park Tourism Website for updates.

  Fees and Permits

Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), the Congolese wildlife authority, has an agreement with Direction Générale de Migration (DGM), the Congolese immigration service, to offer 2-week, single entry tourist visas for visitors to Virunga National Park. The price of the visa is USD $105.

Virunga National Park Permits:

Mountain Gorilla Trek Permit: $400 USD (Which is $400 less than the cost of the same type of permit in Uganda and Rwanda). These can be bought online via the Virunga National Park Tourism Website.

Nyiragongo Volcano Trek Permit: $250 USD. You can stay in the Nyiragongo Crater Cabanes overnight and sleep on the summit with a view over the largest lava lake in the world.

Rwenzori Mountain Trek Permit: $200 USD (multi day trek). A variety of different treks between four and six days in length.

  Where to stay in Virunga National Park

  Mikeno Lodge: Mikeno Lodge is Virunga’s upscale accommodations. The lodge is located one hour north of

Mikeno Lodge Bungalows

Goma in the forest of Rumangabo, in the southern sector of the park. Just a five minute walk from the lodge is the Senkwekwe gorilla center. The centre allows guests to see the only 4 captive mountain gorillas in the world, including 2 baby orphans who were rescued after their mothers were unfortunately killed in the Congo Gorilla massacre of 2007. Virunga National Park owns and operates Mikeno Lodge, and all profits from the lodge are in turn reinvested back into conservation efforts. For bookings, reservations and pricing contact the Virunga National Park sales office:  [phone]

  Bukima Patrol Post: This is a basic and comfortable tented encampment, which used to be an old research camp at the foot of Mikeno Mountain. This is where the hikes to the gorillas treks start. It is a considerably cheaper option to spend the night camping close to the gorillas, and features amenities such as toilets, a shower, a BBQ area, and drinks available for sale. You can see the magnificent glowing Nyiragongo volcano at night, and the views by day are just as impressive. For bookings and reservations contact the Virunga National Park sales office: [phone] or book directly through the Virunga National Park Tourism Website. (rates: 40$ per person, per night, half board)

  Nyiragongo Crater Cabanes: This is camping with quite the view. The cabanes are situated right at the edge of the crater in full sight of the molten lava lake. The little cabanas were built and are maintained by the park staff, and it’s true that they are situated right at the edge of the most active volcano of africa. Spending a night in the cabanas is included in your permit fee for visiting the volcano, so take advantage of this opportunity and go see the amazing lava lake! For bookings and reservations contact the Virunga National Park sales office: 243991715401 or book directly through the Virunga National Park Tourism Website.

  Camping: Bukima Patrol Post, which is the camp mentioned earlier also offers self camping options for travellers who would rather bring their own gear and pitch their own tents on the camp’s grounds, and subsequently use its facilities for only 15$ per person, per night.

    What to Do in Virunga National Park

  Climb Nyiragongo Volcano

See the Lava Lake of the Nyiragongo Volcano, the largest lava lake in the world!  This volcano, famous for its spectacular lake of lava,  is a hike from the direction of Goma. It is technically an easy climb, and the trip to the top should take  less than six hours. Most who climb spend the night at the top, taking advantage of the opportunity to see the boiling lava under the stars, glowing even brighter.

  Visit the Mountain Gorillas — These Mountain Gorillas are situated in the Mikeno Sector, and are about a two and half hour drive from Goma. The gorillas can also be approached from Bunagana (border of Uganda). The permit for the Gorilla Trek is $400, which is significantly cheaper than in Uganda or Rwanda. The treks are also more authentic, and are conducted in smaller groups making it more personal. Many tour operators organise this Virunga trek, but they all book via the ICCN (Congolese Wildlife Authority) sales office in Goma. You can book yourself directly with ICCN ([email protected]) They can also organise your transport.

  Rwenzori Mountain Trek — The Rwenzori Mountains are a beautiful range of snow capped mountains in the north of Virunga National Park, falling along the Border with Uganda. The highest peak of the Rwenzori Mountains lies on the border and can be climbed from both countries – so take your pick! The trek to the glacier can be accomplished in about a five day trek. In order to begin the journey, trekkers will first need to travel to Beni by airplane – either from Goma or Entebbe.

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What to do in London as a Tourist - Quick Tips!

What to do in London as a Tourist

Planning a trip to London, are we? London is one of the largest cities in the entire world, boasting a population of 8 million people. London is one of the leading cities when it comes to fashion, culture, finance, politics and trade, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most traveled to cities by international tourists in the world. London is the home of so many famous landmarks, and getting around is surprisingly easy. With such an overwhelming amount of choices of attractions to see, narrowing down your list of what to do in London can be tough. Your itinerary will probably be packed to the brim with things that you’ll want to get out and see – from the authentic English pubs and the fish and chips, to the museums and the London Eye, you’ll have no shortage of photo opportunities and no problem making plenty of great London memories.

  Big Ben: The 150 year old Big Ben Clock Tower is one at the top of many tourist’s lists. The name Big Ben actually refers to the 13 ton bell inside the tower and not the clock tower itself!

Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge on the River Thames is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London. It’s proximity to the Tower of London garnered it the name of Tower Bridge, and it’s become an iconic symbol of the city itself.

British Museum: The British Museum in London is a formidable museum of human history and culture established in 1753.

Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Although it is owned by the British state, visitors are surprised to learn it is not the monarch’s personal property.

London Eye: You can find the London Eye on banks of the River Thames, but don’t worry, it’s hard to miss it. The London Eye is an impressive 135 metre (443 feet) high observation wheel supporting 32 exterior glass-walled capsules in which you ride. It offers you unbelievable views over central London.

Trafalgar Square

Tower of London: Home to the British Crown Jewels, the striking Tower of London was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, and served as a prison from 1100 into the mid twentieth century.

Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Square is a social location for tourists and locals alike who know what to do in London on a sunny day, and one of the most famous city squares in the world.

Paul’s Cathedral: The immense cathedral was the tallest building in London from 1710 to 1962, and the cathedral’s dome is also among the highest in the world. The Cathedral was saved by firefighters during the bombings of the Second World War.

Palace of Westminster: The Palace of Westminster also known as the Houses of Parliament, is the seat of Parliament in the United Kingdom. Built largely in the 19th century when it had to be rebuilt following a fire, it is an example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture.

  Chances are, many of these attractions are on your list. But there’s also the London Zoo, and the other galleries and museums and attractions. There are several things you do to grease your holiday gears a little, to ensure you aren’t wasting time and money. If you don’t know what to do in London or how the locals get about their daily routines, it’s easy to make mistakes here and there, spend way too much cash, and not have time to check off everything you wanted to see and do. To enjoy a successful trip to London, take the following first steps:

  Pare down that list of yours. Just whittle it down to the things you know you must see! A city with so many attractions never seems to have an end to what to do in London, but your itinerary should.  So don’t try to do too much, because London is enormous! There are so many sights to see and you could pretty much spend a day at each site – you’ll never get it all in on one trip so don’t try to cram it all into your agenda. Flitting about from one attraction to the next in hopes of getting it all done is a good way to drain your finances and your sanity. You won’t have time to appreciate anything if you’re worried about making it to the next destination on time. Just plan your must-see essentials and leave the rest of it to chance. Who knows, you might find you have few hours to kill and discover some tremendous place off the beaten path that you wouldn’t have even imagined knowing about. Or maybe you’ll need those extra few hours to relax. London is so much more enjoyable when you aren’t rushing it.

  Get yourself a Visitor Oyster Card. What to do in London when you need to get from point A to point B?.. and then on to Point C? You get yourself an Oyster Card. The act of merely getting about the town itself is expensive in London, and it’s even harder on tourists wallets. The reason many visitors end up paying so much more to get around, is the fact that Londoners who regularly take the Tube use Oyster Cards.  Oyster Cards are transportation passes, like travel credit cards, and they charge you at a cheaper rate for your fare than paying for your trips as you go – sometimes even saving you half the price.

  So it’s obvious the locals know what to do in London to save major cash on their transportation – and now you do it. A Visitor Oyster card is one of the cheapest ways to pay for single trips not only by Tube, but by bus, tram, DLR, London Overground and most National Rail services in London. Remember, if you plan to stay in London for a couple of days and make two to four trips a day, or want to travel to the outskirts of London, then a Visitor Oyster card may be the cheapest option.

  Try seeing the sights on foot. Since we’re on the subject of the tube and travel, it’s worthwhile to point out that you don’t always have to hop on the London Underground Tube network to get where you’re going, and you’ll miss out on a lot of sights spending all that time traveling below the earth’s surface. It’s surprisingly easy to get between most of central London’s attractions on foot! It it’s far, the London buses are considerably less costly than taking the Tube and just as easy to ride – the names of the destinations are always announced and displayed on screens. They’re also easier for travellers needing to know what to do in London if you’re in a wheelchair or if you are using a stroller.

  Reserve your tour for the larger attractions ahead of time. With so many attractions, what to do in

Madame Tussaud’s wax museum

London is entirely up to you – but if you’re planning on making it to some of the big attractions such as the Tower of London, The London Eye, Madame Tussaud’s wax museum or the London Zoo, it’s almost always cheaper to book ahead! Tower of London is on everyone’s “must-see” list, but it’s also “must-pay” £24.50. Knock the price down a bit when ordering your tickets online!

  Book accommodations closer to the city centre, where you want to be. It’s a dilemma travellers have all faced before: Book the cheaper hotel that’s not so conveniently located? Or get an expensive room where the action is. You know what to do in London but just don’t know where you should rest your weary head at the end of the day! Should you opt for the pricier lodging? To be fair, the prices round themselves out after you factor in the amount of travel you’ll pay for going back and forth from your hotel each day. Staying more centrally means less money spent on just getting your day started or getting home at night, less time getting places, and more than likely you’ll be able to travel to many of the central attractions by foot! If you’re with a group of people, why not try booking a vacation rental home? Splitting the costs of a vacation rental home in London between several people can run you a lot less than the cost of hotel rooms.

  Take advantage of the free attractions: It’s true, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace will enhance your cultural experiences, but they certainly won’t enhance your spending money. The truth is there are a multitude of London events and activities out there which don’t cost a thing. Many of London’s beautiful museums are free, so spend an afternoon soaking in the culture there too! Swing by the Tate Modern to see displays of contemporary art after lunch, or witness the Rosetta Stone and some Egyptian mummies with your own eyes at the British Museum. If you know what to do in London on a budget, you’ll get a fantastic holiday for half the price you’d pay raking up the bills hopping from one pricey attraction to the next.

  Know where to eat. There are a lot sandwich shops popping up all over London, and the cheaper chain sandwich stores have pre-packaged sandwiches for around £1. It’ll suffice if you’re on the go and aren’t in the mood for spending a lot of cash. Central London also has smaller versions of its large supermarkets all over town. You’ll find ‘Tesco Metro’ or ‘Tesco Express’, and ‘Sainsbury’s Local’ and Simply Food (M&S) available most places. They all sell handy picnic food, such as sandwiches and pies, drinks and cheese, as well as the basics such as milk, bread and eggs. Depending on where you are staying can make a difference about what to do in London when it comes to your meals. If you’re staying in a vacation rental, by all means stock up on a few items you can prepare at home in the kitchen if available. It really doesn’t have to be all that expensive to dine out in London either, you just need to know where to go. There are affordable restaurants all over central London, each tried and true favourites of locals and tourists alike.

  Gaby’s Diner Address: 30 Charing Cross Road London WC2H 0DB

Telephone: [phone] Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square Gaby’s Deli is easy on your budget, and known for its vegetarian, Jewish, Kosher, and Mediterranean options as well as their Greek hummus and kebabs. This cafe / diner / restaurant should be on your list of what to do in London when looking for a decent bite to eat at a reasonable price! Take away is available, so if it’s a sunny day, bring your lunch to Trafalgar Square and enjoy the outdoors. Opening Hours are Monday to Saturday, 11am to midnight. Sundays 12noon to 10pm.

  Mandalay Restaurant Address: 444 Edgware Road London W2 1EG

Telephone: [phone] Nearest tube station: Edgware Road

If you’re wondering where to find a no-frills, cheap place to get some excellent food, this little Burmese restaurant on Edgware Road won’t disappoint. Why not try the veggie spring rolls, calabash, and the fried rice. Or maybe the chicken with mushrooms, the chili king prawns, and a couple banana fritters while you plan out what to do in London with the rest of your day.

  Check for discounts. If you have an International Student Identity Card you can save huge. It makes a difference to know if you’re eligible for any of the discounts offered in London, be it student ID card, International Youth Travel Card, or have ID showing that you are eligible for seniors discounts. It can actually save you quite a lot, between 20% and 50% off your attraction entrance tickets. It can really help you make up your mind about what to do in London if you know you’ll be getting any significantly cheaper admission in certain places!

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Phuket Nightlife - Ultimate Fun in Thailand

Phuket Nightlife – Ultimate Fun in Thailand

The mountainous paradise island, lush with rainforest and surrounded by smaller islands in a sea of blue – this is Phuket. Phuket’s two main sources of income are rubber tree plantations, and tourism… and we’re not here to talk about the rubber tree plant! Phuket nightlife is notorious, varied, loud, colourful, and exciting.

  Bangla Road (Soi Bangla) in Patong Beach

When the sun sets, that’s when Bangla Road starts to shine. Bangla Road is closed off to all vehicle traffic, and transforms into a light and music festival 400 metres high, offering patrons cheap beer and a glimpse of pretty girls. This place is basically packed, all year round, so just dive right in. It’s really quite a friendly and engaging atmosphere, one that you would expect Phuket nightlife to have, and it’s easy to mingle and walk around as the clubs and bars each try to pry you away from each other one after another. So if it’s a fun night of random mingling you’re in need of, Bangla Road should be the first stop on your list.

The music from each venue blends into each other creating an ever-changing force of sound as you travel through, much like a carnival. All the bars are outside, and beer bars take up the majority of the street’s length with a few go-go bars and a pub here and there. There are restaurants, discos and shops punctuating the streets, and street performances are also common.

    Soi Sea Dragon on Bangla Road

Soi Sea Dragon on Bangla Road

Soi Sea Dragon is the most popular street in Patong Phuket nightlife scene. Undergoing major upgrades in 2012 by the addition of a sweeping roof- ideal in low season – making the whole affair resemble an emporium of alcohol and adult fun. The Soi links Bangla Road and Thaweewong Road (the Beach Road) via its L shape, and directly in between the two streets you will find the Kee Resort featuring its rooftop restaurant. Soi Sea Dragon is a 100 metre long lane made up of about 46 bars, beer bars, go-go bars, a souvenir shop, a guesthouse (although we would think twice about trying to get a good night’s sleep there,) a tattoo shop, and a hairdresser.

  Patong Discos and Night Clubs

Patong is undeniably the heartbeat of Phuket nightlife, with Bangla Road smack dab in the middle of an increasing array of dance clubs and discos. It’s a different scene from something you would come to expect from Ibiza or even in Bangkok, but the atmosphere in Patong is a little more laid back. It seems nobody is out there trying to one-up the other, the fashion police are on a coffee break, and everyone is just letting go and enjoying themselves. As you will notice, the variety of entertainment is rather impressive, ranging from ultra relaxed beach bars to exclusive VIP nightclubs. Even Bangla Road’s itty bitty distance packs in some seriously innovative eclectic variety. Some of the well known, established venues have achieved global acclaim, and new clubs on the block are always ready to pop right up with something special, new, and interesting. You’ll certainly never run out of places to go or things to do  in Patong!

  Banana Disco Opening Hours: 22:00 – 02:00

Location: Beach Road, near Bangla Road intersection

One of the most famous as well as oldest discos in Patong, the Banana Disco has been serving up the jams to the Phuket nightlife crowd nightly for over ten years! An outdoor bar area backs onto the air-conditioned disco, which features a live music performance most nights until around 11pm, and makes an ideal space to survey the place and get a feel for the vibe before getting inside. Despite the amount of people (particularly right around midnight) Banana Disco hardly ever has any issues or trouble mostly owing to great music, efficient bar staff and a strict ID policy that keeps out the younger partiers.

  Blow VIP Lounge

Opening Hours: from 22:00 – 04:00

Location: Bangla Road, Patong Beach

Tel: [phone]

An extension of Seduction Nightclub and located along Bangla Road in Patong Beach, Blow VIP Lounge takes up the third floor of Seduction and designed in a futuristic motif of electric blues and pink lights. Take a seat in one of the modern and comfortable sofas, chat with your friends and make new ones. Everyone dances around the sofas as there is no actual dance floor! It’s Phuket nightlife: the future.

  Gossip Boutiq Supperclub

Gossip Boutiq Supperclub

Opening Hours: 18:00 – very late (Happy Hour from 18:00 – 21:00)

Location: Next to Subway restaurant and facing Soi Patong Resort on Bangla Road

Tel: [phone]

Gossip Boutiq Supperclub is newer on the scene, having opened in November 2013. Gossip came into the chaotic Phuket nightlife entertainment scene along notorious Bangla Road in Patong Beach, brandishing modern and impressive details. This restaurant/lounge/club breathes a breath of fresh air to a road saturated with titillating red-light-district-style bars.

The four F’s – ‘Fun, Fresh, Funky, and Free (entrance)’ is the club’s motto, which aims to draw a trendy crowd of hip young people in search of a new place to party in Patong Beach. There’s a classy touch to Gossip, however prices remain affordable and on par with the other venues found in the same vicinity. Price Range: About 2,000 baht for drinks and a decent meal.

    Live Music in Patong Beach Nightlife

Patong, being the centre of Phuket nightlife and definitely the south of Thailand, is the number one place to be if you’re looking for live and live-mix DJ music. For a town of this size there are a refreshing variety of choices when it comes to music style: folk, hard rock, house or hip-hop. Patong Beach Road is your average beachside esplanade during the daylight hours, with sun-worshipers peppering the area. But come nightfall, the scene changes abruptly and people dress up, get up, and go out get their live music fix.

    Hard Rock Café Phuket

Location: Adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott at the southern end of Rat-U-Thit Road

Tel: [phone]

Tel: [phone]

The Hard Rock is Patong’s the latest addition to the Phuket nightlife live music scene, and you can find it on the Rat-U-Thit/Ruamjai Road corner near Courtyard Marriott Resort at the southern end of Patong. Built on a 1,330 sqm site, Hard Rock offers a 300 seat restaurant and bar area, alternative patio seating and of course their signature retail Rock Shop. Theirs is home to some impressive memorabilia from famous icons such as Elvis Presley,Guns N Roses, and Madonna. Come join in for the nightly music from 20:50 till 01:30. The food and drinks can be on the pricey side but there are also ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ drink deals for the people who join in on their ‘talent games’. So go ahead, be a star and get up on stage!

Opening Hours: Restaurant open daily from 11:00 – 02:00, Merchandise open from 10:00 – 02:00, Talent games usually take place from 22:00 – 24:00

  Red Hot (formerly Margarita’s)

Opening Hours: 12:00 until late

Location: On the corner of Bangla Road and Rat-U-Thit

With food, TV and a pool table, Red Hot (formerly Margarita’s) is a step aside of the usual Bangla brashness of Phuket nightlife and is an ideal spot to people-watch and hear some live bands playing every night from 19:30 onwards. .

    Simon Cabaret

When you enter the Simon Cabaret show theatre, you’ll notice the plush seats, the dimmed lighting, the soothing saxophone music being piped in, the velvety curtains. But this movie house you’ve found yourself in has something just a little bit different in store. When the booming voice announces the start of the show and the curtains part revealing the beautiful live performers all sequins and feathers, you still might not even know any different except for the fact that Simon Cabaret is one of the biggest and well known tour destinations in the region, famous for its all-male lineup of beautiful cabaret and performing “girls.” Since 1991 Simon Cabaret has been bringing in audiences with its mixture of campy, glittery, vampy, and corny cast, and it continues to be one of the biggest draws there are in the Phuket nightlife scene.

The show focuses on its clever choreography, witty dialogue, and outrageous costumes. The  show’s rapid set changes and amazing background sets are a honed talent. Some of the skilled and hilarious performers have been

Simon Cabaret

working the cabaret for years.

The transgender and transvestite entertainers are remarkably talented, and part of the fun at Simon is to steal a glance around at the rest of the audience’s captivated faces as they take in the performance. Nevertheless, partway through a second number, a Supremes soundalike  ‘Diana Ross’ jerks back her head, almost losing her wig. The fact of whether it was intentionally done or not is hard to tell, which makes up the beauty of it – because it doesn’t seem to matter much, it’s hilarious anyway. It all seems so effortless and easy peasy, but about five numbers into the show the cabaret kicks it into a higher gear, culturally speaking. You start to hear songs in Thai, English, Japanese and Korean. Those expecting a nudie show might be disappointed. This isn’t a strip show, it’s a clothes-on performance only, and the children accompanying parents throughout the audience attest to that fact. You’ll have head out a little further to Paradise Complex in Patong for transgender onstage nakedness. Simon Cabaret is something different altogether. The glamourous, glitzy, glittery and feathery affair, the talented performers and  artistic dazzling set changes, and the vibrant colours are entertainment enough. This show spans many different cultures in the audience and all different ages can enjoy this Phuket nightlife must-see performance.

The show’s comedy routine segment is corny, slightly predictable, but still hilarious and expertly performed. ‘Tina Turner’ tears it up, getting the audience riled. With high quality lighting and sound systems in place, bedazzled costumes, and array of choreography, and the right facilities, Simon Cabaret has earned it’s place in the Phuket nightlife scene. After the 70-minute show, wait to meet the performers outside, and pose for pictures with you for a fee.

  Phuket FantaSea

Hold onto your hats, because Phuket FantaSea is the island’s most colossal show. Featuring trapeze artists, a cast in the hundreds, and performing elephants as well as other animals, the performance’s exotic storyline will pair fantasy with tradition in one glorious extraveganza. FantaSea is also hosts one of the biggest buffets in Asia, and is set in an amusement park that features carnival games,a Palace of the Elephants, plenty of shopping opportunities, a Similan Island Adventure Centre as well as several other food establishments and activities. It’s overwhelming, it’s spectacular, it’s indeed extravagant, but it’s impressive nonetheless, and worthy of your Phuket nightlife bucketlist.

With intentionally crazy building designs, over-the-top costumes, and elephants on the scene, Phuket FantaSea doesn’t seem to know the meaning of the word subtlety. Phuket FantaSea calls itself ‘The ultimate cultural theme park’, and they’re pretty much right on the money. The evening peaks with a stage performance, but there’s still a village with more shopping areas, carnival games, elephant rides, and food.Everything in this over the top Phuket nightlife destination is big, bold, bright, and designed to amaze you. They’ll even make sure you’re picked up, entertained, fed, and dropped off safely to your hotel without missing a beat. These guys know what they’re doing!

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Top 10 Must Dine Restaurants in London

Top 10 Must Dine Restaurants in London

Bunga Bunga

Address: 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London

tel: [phone]

Official Website: http://bungabunga-london.com

Bunga Bunga made our list of top ten restaurants in London due to it’s unique and bizarre atmosphere. This eatery is one hundred percent out there, and probably one of the quirkiest places to dine in London. Upon entering, you’ll notice the gondola shaped bar, the bicycle which hangs from the rafters, not to mention the tribute wall dedicated to former Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi. Bunga Bunga has many different rules and requirements – so many in fact that it’s hard to understand how a place like this got off the ground, but it’s the oddness and the exclusiveness that attracts people. During weekdays, the restaurant allows adults age 18 and up, but on weekends it’s strictly an over 21 establishment. If you’re coming in a group of more than six, your group must consist of a combination of both men and women. Live entertainment is always on the bill, and Bunga Bunga strives to bring in a variety of different talent ranging from opera singers to Elvis impersonators, but the catch is that it’s always a secret as to who is going to take the stage. Bunga Bunga will never reveal any of the details of each night’s entertainment, keeping mum right up until the very last minute.

There are rambunctious karaoke nights – an experience like no other karaoke night you’ve been to before. Bunga Bunga doesn’t charge an entry fee from Monday to Friday, but charges £10 after midnight on the Friday and Saturdays.

  Fifteen

Fifteen

Address: 15 Westland Place, London tel: [phone]

Official Website: http://www.fifteen.net

Fifteen is one of famed chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurants in London. Fifteen is both the name of the restaurant, as well as the supporting charitable foundation. The Fifteen foundation’s goal is to inspire and help disadvantaged youth, including homeless, unemployed and those with drug or alcohol problems, to have confidence in themselves and the possibility of becoming chefs. Fifteen is a non-profit restaurant and bar, located near Old Street in Islington, in London. They serve up exquisite, rustic, and genuine food in a range of classic and nostalgic flavours to bold, new, and inspired cuisine prepared by highly skilled young hands and minds. Order a delicious dish, or have a drink at the cocktail bar and help out the charity. To get to Fifteen by tube, go to Old Street station on the Northern Line and take exit 1, walk north up City Road, a few minutes walk and turn right into Westland Place.

Humble Grape

Address: 2 Battersea Rise, London

tel: [phone]

Official Website: www.humblegrape.co.uk

If you’re looking to enjoy a fine glass of wine in restaurants in London, look no further. Humble Grape is absolutely the place to go if you’re a wine lover. They import high quality vintages from small family owned vineyards, and pair them with delectable dishes. Their goal is for you to be able to enjoy wine on your terms, therefore you can purchase bottles to take home via the shop. When dining in, you can order by the glass, carafe or bottle from the ever changing wine list, always offering something new. Pair your wines with food from the small-plate dishes menu – the wine bar serves up small-plate dishes as well as sharing platters. Not only are the wines sustainably produced, the food is also sourced, prepared and served with high attention to quality and detail. Try the smoked almonds, roasted & salted cashews, or the thai crackers. Share some baked camembert with rosemary & garlic, and a meat or vegetable platter. Hire a private room for a gathering, birthday party or wine tasting event – Humble Grape is an independent wine merchant and tasting event company.

  L’Elysee Artisan Café and Patisserie

Address: 93 Hammersmith Road, London

tel: [phone]

Official Website: http://www.lelysee.co.uk

There’s nothing quite like smell of fresh baked goods and coffee. L’Elysee Artisan Café and Patisserie is a lovely artisan café and patisserie across the road from the venues at Olympia London. Serving up Union hand roasted organic coffee, freshly baked breads and pastries, breakfast fare such as crepes, delicious salads and sandwiches, filled baguettes, and smoothies, you’ll leave satisfied. Hefty sized portions are on the menu and at a great value. Get there early – if you arrive at L’Elysee Artisan Café and Patisserie late there is line of people trailing out the door, which is a pretty good indicator that this is one of the restaurants in London you don’t want to miss out on! You can have your salads mixed to your liking (meat/no meat/ butternut squash/goat cheese) and the ingredients are always fresh and high quality. Make L’Elysee first on your to-do list of the morning, as it is the perfect place to start your day. L’Elysee also offers a loyalty card giving patrons 10% off all their purchases. The service is exceptional at this artisan café and patisserie, with extremely efficient, friendly, well organised and accommodating staff.

  Pure Cyprus Kebabs

Pure Cyprus Kebabs

Address: 14 Goodwin Street | Finsbury Park, London

tel: [phone]

Official Website: www.purecypruskebabs.co.uk

If you’re looking for an expensive, fancy establishment with tiny portions, Pure Cyprus Kebabs may not be for you. This place is relaxed, with a friendly and comfortable atmosphere and very personable staff. And the food makes this restaurant one of the best restaurants in London if you’re on the hunt for delicious Mediterranean fare. Pure Cyprus Kebabs gives customers a spectacular Mediterranean dining experience. The staff at Pure Cyprus Kebabs is very proud and passionate about the quality and details of their terrific Greek cuisine. You can begin with cold starters like hummus, tahini, yogurt, olive marinate, beetroot and potato salad, or hot starters like spinach pie or meatballs. As for the kebabs, try the lamb, pork, chicken on skewers. Tender cutlets, and lamb souvla and also on the menu. Traditional Greek dishes such as Kleftiko featuring shank of lamb cooked slowly in oven served with rice, and Moussaka – Layers of potatoes, aubergines, courgette minced meat with herbs bechamel cream on top, served with salad, are sure to leave you satisfied.

  Rock Star Sushi Bar

Address: Unit 5, Merton Abbey Mills, Watermill Way, London tel: [phone]

Official Website: www.rockstarsushibar.co.uk

Rock Star Sushi Bar is definitely one of the restaurants in London with a lot of character! The Rock Star Sushi Bar’s chef has over 15 years of sushi creation behind him, and his dedication to the art of sushi making is apparent when you visit this establishment. It began when the chef studied sushi making when he was 17 years old with Japanese immigrants from Kasato Maru, he has since come to England on a mission to provide an extraordinary sushi experience like no other. The restaurant focuses on quality produce, and the sushi  is always fresh and amazing, and they won’t hesitate to explain the menu to you with authority and pride. You can pick up boxed ready to eat sushi as well, and there’s free parking on site after 4pm and on weekends. If you’re in the mood for sushi, give it a try. The rock music is a great touch.

Seven Park Place

Address: 7-8 Park Place | St James’s Hotel and Club, London tel: [phone] Official Website: http://www.stjameshotelandclub.com/restaurant-piccadilly If you’re hoping for a place with a little atmosphere and elegance, the St James Hotel and Club Seven Park Place  is one of the finer restaurants in London and well worth a visit. It was launched in September 2009 and one year later received one Michelin star and four AA Rosettes. Seven Park Place’s menu is heavily influenced by classic French cuisine, inspired by the seasons and using the finest quality British ingredients, all coming together to create dishes that reflect the chef’s personal style.  The signature dishes include poached native lobster tail with cauliflower purée and lobster butter sauce. Seven Park place is in intimate space with only nine tables and twenty six covers, and it uses natural fabrics and a bold rich colour palette, in jewel inspired colours to create a spectacular and inspiring atmosphere.

  Gastronhome

Address: 59 Lavender Hill, London

tel: [phone]

Official Website: www.gastronhome.co.uk

There are several French restaurants in London worth checking out, and Gastronhome is definitely on the list. Located in a charming neighbourhood in the heart of Battersea on Lavender Hill, Gastronhome brings the finest in French cuisine and wines to their customers, served in a domestic and friendly atmosphere. Their five course tasting menu with matching wines come highly recommended, as do the a la carte options. Gastronhome features an open plan kitchen with large tables and cozy seating, and an open terrace for anyone who would like to be seated in the sun and fresh air.

  Amaru

Address: Ivory House, St Katherine Docks | East Smithfield,London tel: [phone] Amaru is a quaint establishment serving up Japanese and Peruvian fare. It’s can be found in St. Katherine docks, tucked in the marina, and it’s relatively easy to get to – and within walking distance from Tower Hill/Tower Gateway stations as well as plenty of buses. Their menu is innovative – some different takes on Japanese cuisine – and creative. There are combinations of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Feel free to eat in, or take out. Compared with most restaurants in London, Amaru is really small – in fact, it’s styled more like a deli or a take away establishment instead of sit down restaurant. This means you should always try to get there a little early as the space fills up. There are a total of five tables seating two each, and two tables seating four, and once the place starts picking up there will be a line to get in – so prepare for the wait. Overall the space is comfortable and the view over the docks is inspiring. From sushi to ceviche, this tiny rustic space will impress you.

  The Clink Restaurant

Address: Jebb Avenue | Brixton, London

tel: [phone]

Official Website: www.theclinkcharity.org

Looking for restaurants in London that offer up a different kind of experience? Plan a visit to The Clink. Like the name suggests, The Clink is a restaurant located in HMP Brixton, London’s mens’ prison. The Clink restaurant is a program that aims to help reduce reoffending rates of ex-offenders by giving them the skills and experience needed for employment in the UK restaurant and hospitality industry upon their release. Their projects train and give practical skills to prisoners which aids their rehabilitation and gives them confidence going forward. It allows them to engage with the public, to learn, and to take their first steps towards a better life.The Click has proudly received the highest rating of 3 Stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Association, based on their community engagement, sourcing, and environmental impact.

To book a table, you’ll need to complete a booking form. As The Clink Restaurant is located inside prison walls, a basic security check is performed on all people visiting the restaurant. Once the request is received, you will soon be notified whether your booking request has been successful. You can’t bring cell phones inside, but there are lockers for you and your guests to use if required, to keep phones and any other banned items that you will be made aware of. So head to The Clink! It’s for a good cause, and it will be a dining experience like none you’ve ever had!

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Fan of Deserts? Go Big With Kalahari Desert!

Fan of Deserts? Go Big With Kalahari Desert!

Traveling into the breathtaking Kalahari Desert stirs up emotions of solitude and remoteness, oneness with nature, adventure, and romance. The vastness and desolation of this enormous space is almost difficult to take in.

Although it is called a desert, the Kalahari Desert is actually a vast basin of savannah and red sand reaching all the way across a great expanse of Botswana and into Namibia and South Africa. The outer limits of this region even reach Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola. It spans a great area of approximately 930,000 square kilometers and holds an average altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level. The name Kalahari comes from the Tswana term ‘Kgalagadi’ or “waterless place”, which is quite fitting. This enormous expanse of savannah and red sand received much rain but is almost completely devoid of any permanent surface water. The seasonal rainwater gathers in pans, which brings in the herds of game. It is these herds of game bring in the tourists!

Not everyone travels to the Kalahari Desert for the animal sighting alone; there are ghost towns to explore, and a variety of canyons and different landscape to behold.

  When To Go:

If you want to see animals in the southern Kalahari Desert, the best time of year to go is the months of May and June after the heavy rains. This is the time of year when the animals return to the region. Try to avoid travel during November and December, as the region is unbearably hot and you also run the risk of being caught in very sudden storms.

  Getting There:

Due to the great expanse of the area covered by the Kalahari Desert, paired with the fact that it spans over three African countries and touches on many others, the best course of action is to first decide which tour operator best suits your needs, and go forward from there. After choosing an ideal tour you’ll be able to narrow down the area where you’d start your journey – will it be Namibia? Botswana? Or South Africa? You decide!

  Kalahari Desert Tour: From the Kalahari Desert to the Atlantic Ocean!

There’s an interesting variety of tours available in different price ranges, varying durations, each offering

Kalahari Desert 4×4 Trek

something a little different – such as a 4×4 trek through the Kalahari Desert to the Atlantic Ocean offered through Private Kalahari Safari:

  This 4×4 tour, which will take minimum groups of two people, will bring you on a fantastic journey across Kalahari Desert, through parts of the Namib and finally to the Atlantic Coast. You can decide what suits your budget and whether you’d prefer to camp or stay in chalets along the way – meals are provided.

Track lions on a safari drive through the Kalahari Desert

See Namib Naukluft Park

See the world’s biggest dunes at Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon

Visit the Castle of Duwisib

Spot beautiful wild horses of the Namib desert

Visit the town of Lüderitz along the Atlantic Coast

See a ghost town – Kolmanskop

Visit Fish River Canyon, the second largest canyon on earth

Departing from Upington, South Africa, fully equipped and on to Twee Rivieren, which is the entrance to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park.  Begin your first Kalahari Desert safari drive once inside the Park.

Spend another day touring South Africa’s second biggest National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park where you can see animals like springbok, oryx, blue wildebeest and red hartebeest, which are common in the area. This national park is renowned for great opportunities to see the famous black maned Kalahari Desert lions and cheetahs. The region is also known to be a bird watcher’s paradise with over 20 larger raptor species calling this area home.

Drive through the Kalahari Desert to Mata Mata on the Namibian border. Keep an eye out for cheetahs and giraffes. After lunch, cross the border to Namibia and we continue on to Mariental. Drive through the Kalahari Desert via Maltahöhe to the fringes of the oldest desert on earth, the astounding Namib desert. Take a refreshing and enjoyable bath in the pool.

Depart early – before sunset – in order to reach the highest dunes at Sossusvlei as early in the day as possible. Climb to the tops of the dunes, from where you will be granted a spectacular view over the ‘ocean’ of sand that makes up the Namib Desert, quite the contrast from the red sand and savannah that makes up the Kalahari Desert. Head back to Sesriem, and visit the gorge of stunning Sesriem Canyon before driving on to Duwisib Castle. Have breakfast, and visit the medieval-looking fortress Duwisib Castle which was built nearly 100 years ago by a German aristocrat. Featuring 22 rooms and building materials shipped from Germany, the structure is very unique in its desert setting. Drive south to the small village of Aus on the edge of the Namib desert, and head to “Klein Aus Vista Lodge” which will be home for the next two nights. Pay a special visit the wild Namib horses.

Visit the Atlantic coast, and the tiny town of Lüderitz nestled happily in a natural bay. At Kolmanskop, see the diamond ghost town and the surreal houses half filled with desert sand which have become the subjects of prize winning photography. Take 4×4 tours around Lüderitz Bay, and drive via Goageb to the final highlight of the desert tour, the amazing Fish River Canyon. Enjoy a drink near the edge of the world’s second largest gorge as the sun sets. Back through Kalahari Desert, head to South Africa and arrive in Upington in the late afternoon.

  The San, and Other Population of the Kalahari Desert

The San Tribe

The San people have a fascinating way of life, and have called Kalahari Desert home for over 20,000 years, as hunter-gatherers. They use bows and poison arrows to hunt wild game, and gather edible berries, plants, melons and nuts, and also insects. The San achieve most of their water requirements from eating desert melons and plant roots they harvest. Water is also stored by the San in blown-out ostrich egg shells. The San build their homes using materials they have at hand. Branches make up the frame, and long grass makes the thatched roof. Bantu-speaking Tswana, Kgalagadi, Herero and several European settlers also call the Kalahari Desert their home. The city of Windhoek is located in the Kalahari Desert Basin.

In 1996, Diamond exploration, mining and retail group of companies De Beers recognized the potential of diamond mining at Gope. Come 1997, the eviction of the San and Bakgalagadi tribes in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve from their land of the Kalahari Desert began. Eventually, in 2006, a Botswana High Court ruled in favor of the San and Bakgalagadi people in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, stating their eviction from the land was unlawful.

Guides who work on conservation projects for the San people of the Kalahari Desert can arrange for special opportunities to greet the San, and even take part in ceremonies. It’s one thing to drive across the desert, but getting out and actually meeting the people who have called it home longer than recorded history is an entirely different experience.

    Where to Stay in The Kalahari Desert

  THE WHITE HOUSE

Grünau, Namibia Tel: [phone]

Stay in an unmistakably German 1912 Kalahari Desert farmhouse, in a little town just beyond Inselbergen – and tell your friends you’ll be sleeping in the White House tonight. The White House is owned by a wonderful and friendly Afrikaans couple, who have built a few nice bungalows in the back of the house. The White House itself has spacious bedrooms with high ceilings and Oregon pine floors. Namibia is home to many guest houses like this,  and they are worth checking out. This one is delightful and charming. Dinner at the farmhouse can be lamb chops, or springbok pie, a whole shoulder of lamb, pumpkin fritters, or a steamed pudding.

  CAÑON ROADHOUSE

Gondwana Cañon Park, Namibia

Tel: [phone]

An affordable place for lodging, this Roadhouse has a bar, a café  and basic rooms. Outside on the terrace under the false pepper trees, you can have your coffee as the sun rises. The roadhouse and garden are decorated with old car parts and signs, all strangely kitschy and wonderful in a remote Kalahari Desert place.

  CAÑON LODGE

Gondwana Cañon Park, Namibia

Tel: [phone]

This could possibly be one of the most soothing and relaxing places you can hope to stay in the Kalahari Desert. Located in a large private game reserve, Cañon Lodge is nestled in many large hills of tumbled red rocks. The old tractor in the grounds, plenty of ploughs and farm equipment remind you of the lodge’s history. There is a most relaxed atmosphere, and an undeniably fantastic view out over the rocky hills. 20 chalets, which are literally set into the hills, are accompanied by a swimming pool built into another hill. Guests may visit the home farm, where milk, cheese, vegetables, bacon and chicken meat is produced. Horse riding is also an option, and a wonderful way to spend a day in the Kalahari Desert.

  !XAUS LODGE

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Namibia

Tel: [phone]

The exclamation mark in the name represents the sound of a click of Khosian, in the Bushman language. The accommodations are owned by the San Bushmen and the Mier people, who had originally hunted  the lands here and received a large tract of land in the park returned to them in recent years. You will be picked up by an arranged vehicle at a designated waterhole, and drive by 4×4 over the sand dunes. Look out for oryx, giraffes, ostrich and springbok as make your way to your lodging. !Xaus is truly unique and spectacular, resembling a row of wigwams on the high point of a larger dune. The lodging is a series of 12 thatched chalets with red plastered walls, situated along a boardwalk that connects them all to a central library. Below you’ll discover a salt pan with a permanent waterhole, with water from the swimming pool. Guests may dine in an enclosure outside in the lamp light, and

Tswalu Kalahari House

feast on dishes of butternut soup, gemsbok stew and Malva pudding.

  TSWALU KALAHARI

Kuruman, South Africa

Tel: [phone]

The Kalahari Desert obviously spans several different African countries, each with their own particular animals, plants, landscapes and people. Just across the border from Namibia, the Tswalu Kalahari house in South Africa can be found, and it’s a family-owned reserve near the tiny town of Vanzylsrus.

  Not many guests come here by car –  they usually fly in from Johannesburg. These accommodations are luxuriously elegant and operated with charm. Tswalu is a Relais & Châteaux member and every last detail is taken care of from the binoculars and books, to the hot towels provided upon arrival.  Stay in your own thatched house in the Kalahari Desert, which features an indoor and outdoor hot running shower, an extravagantly large and fluffy bed, and private deck to lounge away the day. Take a dip in the large swimming pool, visit the spa and the gym, and enjoy the delicious food. Board includes two daily drives, walking safaris and local beverages. What a spectacular way to stay in Kalahari Desert!

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Pyramids of Giza - Ancient Wonder of the World

Pyramids of Giza Ancient Wonder of the World

The pyramids of Giza capture our imaginations and fill us with a childlike sense of awe – who hasn’t daydreamed about visiting or exploring these ancient ruins?

Some may be surprised when they learn for the first time how easy it is to get to the pyramids of Giza from the city itself.  Visitors can be surprised to be traveling down a street in Giza and suddenly encounter the top of a pyramid rising up over the top of a modern fast food joint. Some tourists misconceptions of the pyramids standing alone out on a vast empty desert can leave them very shocked when faced with the reality. Giza, which is a city in its own right but absorbed into the rambling Cairo metropolis, holds it’s claim to fame as being the city next to the ancient wonder of the world, the Pyramids of Giza.

High up on the Giza plateau just west of the urban district sit these magnificent structures: the Pyramids of Giza, commanding your gaze. Looking very alone in a sea of desert and sky they are contrasted with the sprawling urban hustle and bustle of the outskirts of the city.

Enjoyment of the Pyramids of Giza in a post-Revolution Egypt is slowly beginning to pick up speed once again, as Cairo’s tourism industry reflected the dip in visitors coming into the country. Prices are lower than before, areas less crowded.

The Pyramids of Giza are archetypal of the standard pyramid structures of ancient Egyptian civilisation, and when combined with the Sphinx located at the base of the Giza plateau, make up the iconic image of Egypt.

The location of the Pyramids of Giza makes visiting this wonder of the world easy in the sense that accommodation and food are always close at hand. Being that the pyramids lay ten miles outside of Cairo, a ride from anywhere within the city is relatively inexpensive. Many of us dream of riding on a camel to the pyramids – mostly because we grew up with westernized ideas of what Ancient Egyptian life was really like (they generally traveled by foot, boats on the river, and almost never traveled by the long range desert animal) but the camel ride is the quintessential mode of transportation when visiting the pyramids. You can pay about one hundred fifty Egyptian pounds, or just

Camel Trek to the Pyramids

over twenty US dollars for a two hour camel trek through the region. Pause to rest and take a lot of pictures of the surroundings, and of yourself with your camel.

  Getting There

  Depending on where you are staying, you can quickly drive up or ride a taxi impressively close the Pyramids of Giza main entrance gate. It is recommended that if possible, take a car – self appointed tour guides and merchants can be quite aggressive in their pitch when you approach, and if you’re traveling up by taxi, men offering tours are known to approach the driver and ask to ride along with you up to the gates. If you go by taxi, simply ask if the driver can meet you at a nearby lot across from the gates and just down the road, so you won’t need to haggle down the inflated prices as the rest of the tourists vie for the taxis that circle the main gate area. If it’s possible, make use of the Careem app, which is the Middle East version of Uber, for Android or iPhones to arrange for a car and a professional driver. Using the app’s GPS tracking and credit card option for fixed rate travel, it is known to be the safest, cleanest, hassle free (and haggle-free!) method of transportation for getting out and about in Cairo.

Alternately, you can also arrange to ride in from the southern desert to experience a considerably more romantic and “authentic” approach to the Pyramids of Giza.

  Tickets: Once you’ve arrived, a basic ticket booth will show you various options to visit the Pyramids of Giza. A pass to enter into the great pyramid complex is 80 Egyptian pounds, which is approximately $10 USD – but if you’ve come all this way, you’re going to want to get the most of it. For 200 Egyptian pounds or about $30 USD, the all inclusive ticket will give you access to all three of the Pyramids of Giza as well as the Sphinx, and a handful of tombs and ruins. Depending on the day, you may be asked to purchase a photo pass for an additional three dollars, however most days people breeze on through with camera equipment in hand and aren’t asked to buy the additional photography pass.

  Facilities: Restroom facilities are noted by “W.C.” signs, and are located just to the right of the ticket building right before you enter to the Pyramids of Giza, and another restroom can be found closer to the gift shop in the Solar Barque Museum, but it’s not always open –  you may have to ask staff to open it for you if there  isn’t any attendant. A tip is expected for restroom services – the maintenance of the facilities including toilet paper, cleaning, hand soap and paper towels. Your tip is the facility attendants sole means of income.

  Here comes the best part – Entering the Pyramids of Giza:

  Upon entrance to the Pyramids of Giza, you will immediately discover that interior of the interior is humid and hot – and claustrophobic. The passages are dirty, steep, dusty and at times difficult to manoeuvre though, and visitors who have any lung issues, heart problems or a physical handicap that could prevent them from traveling through should not attempt to enter. For those who can safely brave these conditions it is definitely a fascinating and

The Solar Barque Museum

educational experience like no other. Being able to personally take in the interior walls and passageways of the pyramids with your senses gives you an appreciation of the enormous accomplishment it was to build these ancient structures.

Two of the Pyramids of Giza open to the public at a time, while restorations are made on the third pyramid. They rotate the tours of the pyramids every two years.

  Solar Barque Museum: Situated right alongside the southern face of the Great Pyramid, a well put together Pyramids of Giza museum called the Solar Barque Museum displays an fascinating excavated and reconstructed solar boat which had been  buried along with the Pharaoh. It’s intended use was for the Pharaoh to use on his daily journeys across the sky with the sun.

  Pyramid of Menkaure (Mycerinus): Be aware that cameras are not allowed inside of the pyramids, so keep them stowed out of sight or better yet, bring them back to your car if possible. You can leave them with a guide as a last resort. For visitors on a tight budget, take note that exploring the inside of the Pyramid of Menkaure is a very similar experience to going into the larger Pyramids of Giza, and cheaper.

  Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren): – Of the Pyramids of Giza, The Pyramid of Khafre is the Goldilocks pyramid. Not too big, not too small, this middle sized pyramid still appears immense from some angles largely due to its position on the desert plateau. Two separate entrances lead to the burial chamber inside, one opening 11.54 m (38 ft) up the face of the pyramid and the other opens at the base of the pyramid.

  Sphinx, and the Temple of the Sphinx: Egyptians call it Abu el-Hol, or the “Father of Terror”, and the Greek name Sphinx means the unsettling “Strangler.” Measuring 45 meters long and 22 meters wide, it may not be as big as you’ve imagined but is still impressively large – especially when you consider the fact that it was carved from a single giant block of sandstone. The missing nose of the Sphinx is blamed on target practice by either British soldiers in World War I or Napoleon’s troops in 1798,  however 18th-century depictions of this enormous statue amidst the Pyramids of Giza show the nose having already broken off – and lay blame towards the occupying Turks of the time.

  The Various Queens’ Pyramids and Nobles’ Tombs: The Pyramids of Giza are accompanied by cemeteries and tombs, which surrounding the taller structures. The Tomb of Seshemnufer IV can sometimes be accessed, allowing visitors to explore from the inside where a descent is made down to the sarcophagus. Being that this tomb isn’t the main attraction, it’s often less busy and you can enjoy a more personal experience.

  Climbing the Pyramids of Giza was once a popular tourist activity, but is now illegal. It’s not only extremely dangerous, but it also deteriorates the pyramids. The practice of scaling the pyramids is now a punishable offence.

The Pyramids of Giza Sound and Light Show

  This is a lights, laser and sound show like you’ve never seen before and it happens nightly at the Pyramids of Giza, on the Giza plateau. This hour long performance of light and storytelling begins with the illumination of the Sphinx – the story’s narrator, and tells the history of the pyramids and of their builders. Prices of this event vary.

  Remember:

  When planning your trip, keep in mind that the midday summer heat and incoming tour buses make early morning the most pleasant time to visit the Pyramids of Giza.

Since the post-revolution drop in tourism, prices to visit the Pyramids of Giza are lower and the area is less crowded than in the past.

Never relinquish your ticket to anyone outside of the gate checkpoints as you’ll need it to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the Pyramids of Giza area. Some people will claim to work for the government and ask for your ticket, then proceed to try to start giving you a tour for which you would be expected to tip.

    Where to Stay:

  Mena House Hotel

Mena House Hotel

Address: Pyramids Road Giza 11511 Egypt Tel: [phone] If it’s location you’re looking for, the Mena House Hotel is located within 2 miles of the Pyramids of Giza. The family-friendly Mena House Hotel is also located near the Giza Zoo and Sports Center Gezirah Sporting Club. Featuring 4 restaurants, this hotel also has a spa and an outdoor pool, a health club, and a bar/lounge.

  Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence

Address: 35 Giza Street Giza 12311 Egypt Tel: [phone]

Situated right in the heart of Giza, this hotel is within walking distance to First Mall Cairo. Cairo Tower and the Egyptian Museum are also within 3 miles. Take a taxi or arrange a ride using the Careem app, which is like Uber and noted to be a lot safer, because the Pyramids of Giza are only a short drive away.

Boasting 4 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa as well as a casino for some extra fun. Other amenities such as an outdoor pool, a health club, and a bar and lounge are also featured at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo.

  As a final note, remember to enjoy your trip. Bring water, bring your camera, be safe, and be wise.

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Holidays in Swakopmund Namibia

Holidays in Swakopmund Namibia

Namibia’s Swakopmund, or “Swakop” as the locals call it, is Namibia’s largest coastal city and one of the biggest destinations for Namibians on holiday, as well as for tourists from abroad. Swakopmund owes it’s name to the city’s German origins, meaning “mouth of the Swakop” which is a river in western Namibia.

The German heritage is rather pronounced in Swakopmund, and can be plainly seen in the beautiful old German Colonial buildings cropped up all over the city  – forging a stark cultural contrast against the backdrop of the Namib Desert.

Getting there by plane:

Air Namibia: Several flights are offered by Air Namibia, out of Windhoek as well as Cape Town in South Africa. Flights operate from Walvis Bay, 35 kilometres south of Swakop.

South African Airways: Operating flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town, South African Airways flights also operate from Walvis Bay.

By small aircraft A number of operators are situated in Namibia, and flying from destination to destination on a tour through the country is an effective way to minimize your time spent travelling these extensive distances.

  How to Have Fun in Swakopmund!

Take a Scenic Flight over Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast

The Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei

Duration of activity : 2 hours

Soaring over Sossusvlei and the Skeleton Coast is by far one of the most popular scenic flight tourists take in this region, and for good reason. The flight begins and ends at the Swakopmund airport. After take off, you travel past Walvis Bay International airport to the Kuiseb river, which is flanked by tall sand dunes and gravel plains. Pushing farther on past the international research centre Gobabeb you soar over the breathtaking Kuiseb canyon. After leaving the canyon you will see Tsondabvlei which is southern Namibia’s sole breeding grounds of the Lapped Faced Vulture. As you continue the flight over Sossusvlei, the pilot will direct your attention to the main attractions including Sossusvlei, Deadvlei and Big Daddy. Departing the dunes for Namibia’s coastline will bring you over three abandoned diamond camps as well as the Eduard Bohlen shipwreck which has been stranded and resting there since 1909. Continue flying low level along the Atlantic ocean, and you will see a second shipwreck which wrecked in 1976, and the Long Wall or “Lange Wand.” It is truly a spectacular sight to behold, where sand dunes meet the ocean. Your flight will continue North for Sandwich Harbour which is currently a bird sanctuary. Flying past Sandwich Harbour will bring passengers past the saltpans and harbour of Walvis Bay where your pilot will bring you back safely to Swakopmund airport. Try not to wear white on this trip, as the brightness reflects on the windows and obstructs your photos. Bring a variety of lenses on this flight, as the aircraft altitude varies throughout the trip.

Enjoy

Fabulous aerial photo opportunities

The family friendly ease

Being picked up from a centrally located meeting point

Your choice of morning or afternoon departure

A choice of different departures throughout the day

    Walvis Bay’s Dolphin and Seal Catamaran Cruise

Duration of activity: 3 hours 30 minutes

Board a catamaran in Walvis Bay harbour a few minutes’ drive south of downtown Swakopmund, and begin your cruise experience! Settle back on deck, inside the catamaran’s saloon or on the trampolines and take in the sights as you embark out into the bay. Along your merry way, explore a few of Walvis Bay’s hidden gems – like the bay’s oyster beds. You’ll pull up alongside these submerged platforms and learn how the many oysters are cultivated here. Next stop, Pelican Point! This pirate sounding place is a sandy spit that edges the bay, with (you guessed it) many pelicans flying overhead. Absorb the wonderful views of its lighthouse and, on a good day, the Cape fur seals lounging on its beaches. Sail on to Bird Island, an artificial islet made of guano that’s home to colonies of seabirds – it’s a sight to see, but you’ll probably want to keep on sailing.

As you travel on, watch out for three types of dolphins living in the Swakopmund coastal region: the heaviside dolphin, the popular Atlantic bottlenose, and dusky species. With any luck you will catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals swimming around the boat. July through August is whale season, and you may even see Southern right whales, humpbacks or even a rare orca whale! Other marine animals to look out for are the shy sunfish, and leatherback turtles. You’ll work up an appetite after seeing all the sights, so partake in the complimentary light lunch served up right on board. Sip a sparkling wine and taste the very Walvis Bay oysters farmed in the waters you travel across, and other delicious seafood and canapés. Afterward, take five as you sail back to port.

Enjoy

Seeing the pelicans and the colonies of different seabirds that flock around Bird Island

Spotting other marine life, such as elusive sunfish and leatherback turtles

A light on-board lunch featuring Walvis Bay oysters and sparkling wine

Relaxing for the full 3.5-hour dolphin and seal watching catamaran cruise from

Sailing to Pelican Point to see the birds, dolphins and Cape fur seals

Watching for Southern right, humpback and even orca whales in July through August

Pelican Point’s spectacular lighthouse and the bay’s famous oyster beds

  Inclusions

A glass of sparkling wine for each person

The light lunch buffet including Walvis Bay oysters

One beer, one juice or one bottle of mineral water for each person, as well as tea and coffee

Educational on-board commentary

Exclusions

Gratuities are optional

Hotel pickup and drop-off not included, you will need to make your own travel reservations from downtown Swakopmund

Remember: A minimum of 2 person booking is required, bring a layer of warm clothing, and don’t wear high heels. Subject to favorable weather conditions in the Swakopmund coastal region. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.

  Best Township Tour of Swakopmund

Duration of Activity: 4 hours

  Come explore true Namibian township culture township on a 4-hour tour of Mondesa and the Democratic Resettlement Community from Swakopmund. Begin your day with a pickup from one of the many hotels and

Mondesa Township

guesthouses available in the town of Swakopmund, and then travel with a group and an experienced guide to the Mondesa township just on the outskirts of Swakopmund. The exact itinerary and route you take may vary in accordance to the local conditions and events happening in the community, but the tour is sure to bring you closer to local Namibians and the goings on of typical life in the area.

After embarking with a group from a Swakopmund hotel or guesthouse, you may arrive amongst the bustle of Mondesa’s bustling OB Street. Your guide will be on hand to translate if necessary, to chat with locals and tradespeople in the market. You’ll have an opportunity to see the architecture of the homes and schools which are typical of the area. Your guide will undoubtedly introduce you to a few of the community’s colorful characters, while the exact people you will encounter on any given day are of course subject to change. You may meet Augusta Ochurus who loves to share her knowledge of the medicines used in the Nama culture. You may also encounter Miss Lena Goses, a woman in her eighties and the acting Damara chief, outfitted in her traditional clothing and fluent in both Damara and German. Or Talitha Tjindjo, who can explain to you the traditional Herero culture and clothing. There’s no telling who you’ll meet!

Pressing onward to the Democratic Resettlement Community, which is an informal settlement outside of the Mondesa area, you will see how local efforts and initiatives are working to improve housing conditions for the residents. After the adventure, take a break and have a drink in a shebeen – a bar, and then sample some of the more unique Namibian cuisine in a local restaurant. Dishes will change, but typically oofukwa (ground nuts,) ondhwa (barbequed chicken,) omagungu (dried mopane worms,) porridge, and omakunde (beans) make up some of the menu. After your four hour trek, travel with the group back to the Swakopmund hotel where the tour is completed.

  Enjoy:

Socialising with local tradespeople and residents

An 4 hour Namibian township tour from Swakopmund

Seeing the traditional structure of homes and schools and learning about the Nama culture

Refreshing drinks and Namibian delicacies in a local shebeen

Taking in the atmosphere of Mondesa’s OB Street

The assistance of a local guide

  Take a 10,000 foot Tandem Skydive into the Oldest Desert in the World from Swakopmund

Duration of Activity: 2 hours

Swakopmund boasts The Tandem Skydive, giving participants a chance to jump from 10,000 feet and land in the oldest desert in the world. Pick up will be from your hotel for the tandem skydive. You will have to follow through with a safety briefing and complete the standard indemnity form. You will take a 20 minute ride out to the drop zone in the middle of the desert, where you meet your Tandem Master and you will then take in the sights on a 30 minute scenic flight over the world’s olderst desert to 10,000 feet, where you jump! You will free fall for 30 seconds and take a 5 minute canopy ride into the desert below. After your skydive is over, refresh yourself with a cold beer. You have two camera options: Handy cam attached to the tandem master or outside cam where an extra camera person jumps with you. DVDs are available to purchase after your trip is over.

Enjoy:

A variety of departures throughout the day

The tour is wheelchair accessible

Free pick up from Swakopmund hotel or port

  A Thrilling Quad Bike Tour of the Namib Desert

Duration of Activity: 3 hours

Take to the Namib desert from Swakopmund on an exhilarating quad bike adventure! After being briefed on safety and going through a round of practice, your group will depart on very powerful quad bikes into the desert with your guide. Take on the sand dunes and twist and bend around the desert canyons that dot the desert landscape just outside Swakopmund. Soak up the 360-degree views of the environment spreading out all around you! You might spot fossils of ancient animal footprints that have been preserved from a time when the Kuiseb Delta meandered through the plains, and spot some of the desert plants that have amazingly adapted to survive the harshness of the desert. See desert animals like lizards, snakes, geckos, and scorpions, and maybe even a glimpse of members of the Topnaar tribe: semi nomadic people who originally settled near the Kuiseb River Valley.

While you learn all about the desert hands-on, feel free to open the throttle and race across the terrain. Pick your way down the beaten tracks of the desert valleys as your guide remains close, offering any assistance you may need or just a few tips about the area. The guide will be there to let you get the most out of your quad bike tour, so have fun! When you finish, you’ll return with your guide and meet with your pre-arranged travel back to the Swakopmund hotel. Groups of 15 are the maximum number allowed, making it more of a personal experience for all.

Enjoy:

A 3 hour long, self-driven quad bike group tour in the Namib Desert

Learning about the quad bikes and their safety

A helpful and experienced guide to help spot and learn about Topnaar tribespeople, fossils and the desert wildlife

The small number of the group, ensuring a more personal tour

Speeding along on a powerful quad bike across the red dunes of the Namib Desert

Exclusions

Water and food not included

Gratuities are optional

Hotel pickup and drop-off will need to be arranged by you

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Reasons Why Tourists Flock to Casablanca Morocco

Reasons Why Tourists Flock to Casablanca Morocco

Exotic and fascinating Casablanca Morocco, affectionately known as Casa. The North African city’s name comes from the term “Casa Branca” given by the Portuguese when it was merely a small Berber village sitting on the Anfa hill – previous to that, the original name was “Anfa”, meaning the hill itself.

Casablanca Morocco is a cosmopolitan city, a city more at ease and open to Western cultural ways in relation to other regions in Morocco. This cultured way of life reflects itself in the way Casablancans dress, shop, socialize, and play. It is mirrored in the way women and men mingle together in cafés, bistros, bars, beaches and nightlife hot spots. However, it seems the more things change, the more they stay the same. Europe has inspired the North African country’s fashion, food and culture for quite some time, but more and more young Casablancans are beginning to find their footing and their pride in coming from a country with such a captivating backstory.

It’s the fusion of these unique cultural elements that entices tourists to flock to Casablanca Morocco in great numbers year after year. Casablanca has the authenticity of a first generation, sometimes socially struggling nation, however it’s easy to quickly fall in love with the city’s beaches, galleries, well tended public parks, sparkling fountains and wonderful colonial architecture.

Travellers visiting Morocco tend to overlook the city of Casablanca Morocco because it is generally a crowded

Quartier Habous

capital, and more modern, where the rustic and “typically Moroccan” tourist sights are harder to find. There are plenty of diamonds in the rough (or rough patches in the diamond, depending on how you look at it) if you know where to look for them. Yes, the streets are busy, and yes, American fast-food chains are found on every corner of the city centre, and there are modern methods of transport like the tramway, and there is westernized culture everywhere you look it seems. It is admittedly the most westernized city in all of Morocco and thus doesn’t have the same reputation of bringing in tourism as other more authentically Moroccan destinations, but there are still so many things to see and do in Casablanca, and tourists are starting to take notice, as the city is “less touristy” than other Moroccan destinations!

Quartier Habous: Habous is a unique area to go exploring one side of Casablanca Morocco, in fact it’s been dubbed “Morocco lite.” Almost an idealised version of a traditional medina with proper little rows of shop stalls along neat streets, one might regard the Habous to be too sterile to be an authentic market experience. This region is a quarter built by the French in the 1930s as an attempted solution to the region’s ongoing housing shortage and to create a new medina similar to the traditional old Moroccan towns with a few extra amenities including more modern facilities and expanded streets.

Quartier Habous is the hub of a variety of traditional markets. It pairs the best of the traditional Casablanca Morocco architecture with some more modern facilities as seen through French ideals. For example, the mosque opens out onto a piece of grassy lawn just like a small village church. If you’re searching for an afternoon of Casablancan delight without feeling too crowded and hassled, take to the Habous streets and sample some of the baked goods, coffee, and visit the bazaars and craft shops. La Corniche: The rocky coastal region of La Corniche in Casablanca Morocco offers spectacular views, as well as surfing, swimming and sunbathing, street musicians and henna painting. From Anfa Place to the Morocco Mall, this stretch of coast boasts a variety of different entertaining experiences. Look out over the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, or go on a pleasant evening walk, take a jog along the beach in the morning and experience the fresh coastal air. Take an exhilarating swim as it does get warm at Ain Diab Beach, and have brunch at one of the street cafés. Visit Cafe des Negociants for coffee, Flag and Stork beer, or a strong glass of Toulal wine.

Art Deco Buildings At one point, the country was a French colony. Therefore, Casablanca Morocco has since preserved a unique architectural heritage from these French colonial times in the 1930s. The Art Deco Buildings that tower over the city’s center make it impossible not to notice their historic and fascinating design. Taking a walk to see these buildings up close is recommended, just to be able to witness how beautiful some of them are. You can begin your trek from The United Nations Square, and walk towards Mohammed V Street.

Specific Casablanca Morocco buildings to keep an eye out for include Cinema Rialto, on the corner of rue Mohammed el Qorri and rue Salah ben Bouchaib; the Hotel Guynemer, 2 rue Brahim Belloul; the Hotel Lincoln, across from the Marché Central on the corner of boulevard Mohammed V and rue Ibn Batouta; the Hotel Transatlantique, 79 rue Chaouia (also known as rue Colbert); and the Hotel Volubilis, 20-22 rue Abdelkrim Diouri, where you can ask the hotel staff to show you the World War II bullet holes on the hotel’s facade.

You will discover more fine examples while walking along Mohammed V Street, the pedestrian-only section of rue du Prince Moulay Abdellah, as well as place du 16 Novembre. Along Mohammed V there exist a group of classic Mauresque public buildings, including the police headquarters – 1930 former Préfécture, the 1925 Palais de Justice, and the 1918 General Post Office. Make sure to look up while you’re taking in the Casablanca Morocco sights. The majority of the city’s Mauresque and Art Deco buildings are now shops and offices along the modified ground floors.

  Rick’s Café, Old Town Many people know about Casablanca Morocco simply from watching the film Casablanca, and anyone who has seen this movie has probably taken notice of a place called Rick’s Café. Rick’s Café actually does exist in Casablanca in the form of a distinct replica of the fictional café as portrayed in the film. This café is situated in the Old Town, and its location is strategically placed between the walls of the Medina, the Sqala fortifications erected in the 18th century, and the 100 plus year operational Port of Casablanca. Take a trip over there for a drink, the 40s inspired restaurant is welcoming and friendly. It’s known to play the movie Casablanca on screens inside the restaurant.

  Museum of Judaism Address: 81 rue Chasseur Jules Gros, Casablanca, Morocco Phone:[phone]

The only museum in Casablanca and the only Jewish museum in the Islamic world. Being that Casablanca Morocco is a multi-cultural country where Amazigh, Jewish and Arabs lived for years together in peace, the country’s Jewish history is quite rich and has has a large influence on Moroccan history. The decision was made to create a museum dedicated to Moroccan Jewish history in the residential neighborhood of Oasis. Oasis is a 15-minute taxi ride from the city centre.

  Hassan II Mosque

Hassan II Mosque

Address: SOUR JDID, Casablanca, Morocco A must-see attraction while visiting Morocco – in fact, it’s difficult not to see it! The Hassan II Mosque nicknamed “Casablanca Hajj” is not only the biggest in Casablanca Morocco, it’s the mosque with the tallest minaret in the world at 689 feet high, and the seventh largest mosque in the world. The mosque can be seen from every corner of the city of Casablanca. The architecture inside of the mosque is very Islamic-inspired with a Moroccan hint of Zellige from Fez. The mosque rests on a hill looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, with the sea bed exposed through the mosque’s glass floor in the hall area. To best experience this magnificent mosque on a deeper lever is to take a guided tour and explore the entire building. SKY28, Twin Center Address: Twin Center – Bd Zerktouni, 20000, Casablanca Morocco

Phone Number: 5 22 95 89 89

Casablanca Morocco boasts the Twin Towers in Maarif, the tallest buildings in Morocco. One of the towers houses the especially luxurious 5 star Kenzi Tower hotel. The accompanying tower holds a multitude of business offices. After journeying to the very top floor of the Kenzi Tower hotel, you can drink in the amazing view while you also drink some fine wine. The tower gives you an unmatchable panorama of the entire city of Casablanca. The Kenzi Hotel bar is called the Sky 28 lounge, and the most ideal time of day to pay visit is during the rush hour around 6pm to witness the unbelievable bustling traffic from high above. You can relax and watch as the lights of the city come on one by one.

The restaurant on the 27th floor, called Sens offers delicious food at a reasonable price considering the impressive view from the highest restaurant in Casablanca Morocco. The unique restaurant gives diners a perfect view of the busy midtown, the suburbs, the coastal area, as well as Casablanca’s main landmark – the wondrous Hassan II Mosque. To satisfy the eyes and the palate, the Sens restaurant serves up cuisine that marries the finest in Mediterranean dining and the cosmopolitan variety of Moroccan fare, in a range of traditional and modern dining.

  Shopping: Casablanca Morocco is emerging as a destination for fashion and shopping, and accordingly it has become home to of one of the largest shopping malls in Africa. Morocco Mall is a place of shopping and of recreation and leisure activities. Come see the malls’ aquarium, order a drink at a chic bar, have dinner in the grand food court and witness the sparkling show of the outdoor fountain.

There are so many different varieties of things to see and do inside the walls of this mega mall. Shopping opportunities range from basic brands such as H&M and Zara to Louis Vuitton and Dior. Aside from the Morocco Mall, there is also Anfa Place Shopping Centre, The Twin Center and the entire location of Maarif for shop-o-holics to get their fix. If it’s traditional Moroccan clothes or souvenirs you’re looking for, the Old Town is the place to look for them but it is recommended to actually purchase traditional things in a nearby city where products are produced locally. Visiting the Casablanca Morocco malls and shopping areas during the week is preferable, as these places tend to get extremely busy on the weekends.

  Mazagan Beach Resort | El Jadida (Casablanca) Morocco

Address: 24000 – El Jadida (Casablanca) Morocco

Phone: [phone]

Web site: http://www.mazaganbeachresort.com If you’re looking for a luxurious and entertaining place to call home while you’re staying in Casablanca Morocco,  you will find elegance like none other at the Mazagan Beach Resort and casino hotel. Mazagan’s luxury casino hotel is Morocco’s biggest and most exclusive casino hotel. The casino hotel pampers its residents with a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere of amusing and delightful amenities, and a wide variety of state of the art casino games.

Heralded as being the number one casino in North Africa in terms of it’s quality and beauty, this casino hotel features more than 410 slot machines and 60 gaming tables for you to enjoy. Along the main casino floor, gamblers may try their luck at Blackjack, English roulette, Baccarat, Texas Hold ‘em Poker, and Stud Poker.

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This Is Why You Should Visit Dakar, Senegal!

This Is Why You Should Visit Dakar, Senegal!

Do you love to travel? If you do, are you like other so-called wanderlusts who limit their trips to places they perceive as culturally rich and progressive? In the process, they “avoid” places like Africa based on misconceptions that, in reality, have been proven wrong repeatedly. Bonafide travel junkies know that love for travel knows no bounds. When you have set out to travel, you try to travel to every place imaginable as long as you have time and your budget permits it. Besides, there are cities in the continent we know as Africa, which are worthy of a visit. One of those is Dakar.

  Getting to Know Dakar

Dakar is the capital and largest city of Senegal. It is where the Palace of the President of Senegal is and is considered the country’s administrative center. It sprawls across the Cap-Vert peninsula, right at its very tip. Not many people are familiar with the city. One reason for this is it took a while for the city to develop into what it is now. Nevertheless, the city has undergone major developments in tourism over the last few years, which have paid off tremendously.

Now, concurrent with the government’s efforts to boost tourism in the city (and the entire country of Senegal, at that), the number of incoming flights to Dakar is continuously on the rise. This means that many have chosen it as their preferred destination when they want to enjoy a much-deserved vacation in a cool, relaxed, and peaceful city.

You would be surprised with the European atmosphere that permeates Dakar, and this is not merely because of the

Dakar Architecture

city’s architecture or its jumble of villages and former French colonial towns. It’s actually the people who live there, as well as the ambiance they create, that lend a European feel to the city. Of course, it helps, too, that French is the official language of the city.

It has many attractions that cater to the needs of everyone whether they’re looking for striking entertainment options, a dose of African urban adventure, or somewhere in between. It is not lacking in culturally rich tourist spots, plush hotels, resorts, beaches, shopping centers, an active nightlife, restaurants that serve delectable fares, and more. As this article continues, you will get to learn more about the places that make the city a booming tourist destination.

Aside from those previously mentioned, the people of Dakar are also worth mentioning. This city is probably one of the most visitor friendly cities in Senegal, so you can rest assured that, should you encounter any problem while gallivanting around, a willing local will be ready to lend a hand.

  Out and About in Dakar

Some of the interesting places worth visiting in Dakar include the Senegal Zoo, National Gallery, IFAN Museum of West African Culture, President’s Palace, Hann Park, and Dakar Grand Mosque. The said tourist attractions are family friendly, so if you’re traveling with your children, don’t forget to take them to these places.

For the more outdoorsy traveler, there are beaches in Dakar where you can bask under the sun or enjoy a round of water sports. Some of these beaches include Yoff, N’Gor, Toubab Dialao, Plage Bel-Air, and Yenn. If communing with nature is on your list of itineraries, then you’ll be happy to know that there are national parks where you can experience the flora and fauna of the city at their best.

Incidentally, Dakar is also home to Ile de Gorée or Gorée Island, which has been affirmed as a UNESCO world heritage site. This quiet island is 30 minutes offshore from the city, and while it has been developed as an acclaimed tourist spot, you can still walk about its lovely streets littered with colonial buildings in seclusion. It once served as a slave port back when slave trade was rampant in the city. In fact, one of the big attractions on the island is a gigantic cell dubbed as “door of no return”. Recorded in the depths of the House of Slaves is the painful history surrounding the infamous slave trade. There are other historic buildings on the island, as well as restaurants overlooking the beach.

Getting to this island from Dakar is a breeze, as there are ferries that depart every one or two hours from the Embarcadère. You may also opt to stay in one of the guesthouses on the island.

  Bouncy Rhythms, Move Your Feet

  One thing you’ll notice about the streets of Dakar is these are mostly derelict, dusty, and hot. Still, the streets come alive energetic music. Anywhere you go, you’ll hear the grating tune of jazzed-up Senegalese pop floating through the air. It seems music in all forms come with the territory, be it live music from street bands to car stereos that blare out music day in and day out.

Music is non-negotiable in Dakar, and if you are a music lover, the best place for you to visit is Just 4 U, a bar where legends like Orchestre Baobab and Omar Pene play Senegalese classics with a tinge of Cuban sound. What sells the place is the ambiance – it has an outdoor patio with tables under canvas awnings where you can cozy up with your significant other or just enjoy a laid-back vibe.

If you would rather move than listen, Thiossane (pronounced as Cho-sann) is the place to visit. Youssou N’Dour owns this nightclub, and he performs here regularly. Clubs at Dakar usually open around 1 a.m. and according to those who have tried the nightlife in the city, the night scene can rival (and even best!) that of London.

  Shop ‘til You Drop

  Heavy traffic is not unusual in Dakar, but the experience is one for the books especially once you see locals parading in an outburst of vibrant fabrics that contrast with the sharp tailored suits of businessmen. These people weave in and out of perky street markets reminiscent of France – Marché Kermel and Marché des HLM.

Marché Kermel is one of the oldest markets in Dakar, having been built in the late 19th century. It is near the port,

Marché Kermel

and it wasn’t until 1997 when it undergone restoration. Dakarois (or simply, the people of Dakar) shop for food in this market. Crates and tables overflow with fresh fruit and vegetables. Shrimps and langoustines are practically jumping in excitement in their boxes, and cows are butchered right in front of customers. Nothing could be fresher than that. Authentic, handmade woodcarving are also sold in stalls outside the market.

Marché des HLM, on the other hand, is where you’ll go to if you’re looking for fabrics. The market is in Grand Dakar, a couple of kilometers away from Marché Kermel. Dakarois are known for their love for vibrant, extravagantly colorful fabrics that come from the finest Malian cloth imported from Bamako.

  Dakar’s Going to Make You Sweat

  Next to music, football is probably the second most important thing in Dakar. The city has its own football team, ASC Jeanne D’Arc, which gears up for the football season that commences every year in February. The team usually plays at the Léopold Sédar Senghor national stadium, which is about 6km north of the city’s center.

When football vibe is high, you can expect a packed stadium, with almost all 60,000 seats occupied. Moreover, in keeping with the Dakar tradition, noise is much encouraged during a football game – horns being blown, live bands playing while decked in team colors, beating of drums, and the merry cheering of African-style cheerers wearing nothing else but full body paint. Surely, even if you’re not a big fan of football, all the excitement surrounding you could pull you in.

  The Art of Food and Drinks

  Who would have thought that Dakar would be one in great support of the arts, too? Right smack in the center of town, you’ll find L’Institut Français, which is renowned for its gardens. Lush and exotic, this garden offers a breathtaking retreat from the heat and excitement of the city’s busy streets. If you want to indulge your eyes with various exhibits without spending a dime, you could hie off to Galerie le Manège, which is within the institute’s grounds.

While there, join the throngs of people who pass the time sipping their favorite coffee in the café. Watch films in one of the many viewing rooms. Moreover, feed your mind with words from your favorite book in the library. It’s also a wonderful way to meet new friends while enjoying your vacation in Dakar.

If you’re feeling hungry, don’t fret. Dakar is probably one of the “foodiest” cities you could ever visit. Every street corner is laden with good food served from morning until night. Walking along avenue Pompidou, the rich aroma of grilled fish and mafé rice will reach your senses, making you want to stop and eat. Imagine indulging in a filling meal for less than £3!

Dakar’s restaurants are comparable to those in European cities in terms of prices, but what sets them apart is their rich servings, large portions, and a spattering of local fares here and there. If you’re missing your country’s local dishes, you might want to head over to La Fourchette, which is near Marché Kermel. There, you can feast on international food and enjoy a three-course meal without spending too much.

Don’t forget to try Dakar’s national dish thiéboudiene, which is rice with fish, or the famous chicken yassa, chicken in an onion sauce. If a trendier spot is what you’re after, you can always go to the hip Ngor district. There, you’ll find Le Patio, a chic nightclub with a secluded garden where you can enjoy cocktails. This place would make you feel as if you have been transported to St. Tropez.

  There’s Rest for the Weary

  There’s no denying it; Dakar is an exhausting place to explore. Surely, you would want a comfortable way to end the day and recharge for more fun and adventure the next day. Pricey hotels are aplenty in this sprawling city. Finding one won’t be a burden if you’re in d’Independence. The only problem, aside from the price, is the level of noise that can be heard within the confines of the hotels. In this particular area, sleep is a luxury that others can’t, or perhaps wouldn’t afford. The area is alive in the truest sense of the word, so if rest is what you need, this wouldn’t be the best option.

There is, however, Hotel du Phare, which you can easily reach by bus or taxi. The hotel stands in a quiet, sandy side street in the district of Les Mamelles. You wouldn’t feel too far from home if you book a stay here, what with its homey interiors, comfortable couches, excellent food, and affordable rates. Incidentally, it is in this district where you can get the best view of Dakar.

In Les Mamelles, you’ll find twin hills overlooking what looks like a flat Cap-Vert peninsula. You’ll get a grand view of the Atlantic, the whole expanse of the city, and an eyeful of the infamous statue Le Renaissance Afriquaine or the African Renaissance Monument. This bronze statue stands 49 meters tall and is perched on top of Collines des Mamelles. The statue features a man, a woman, and a pointing child with their faces turned towards the horizon. Construction of the statue began in 2009, and this must-see landmark in Dakar is meant to symbolize renewed hope for the people of Africa.

Obviously, Dakar is a place to feed all your five senses. There’s definitely more than enough reasons why you should visit this awesome city. It deserves a rightful place in your bucket list.

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Top 10 Best African Destinations to Watch Gorillas

Top 10 Best African Destinations to Watch Gorillas

The mighty gorilla, our second closest relative. The chimpanzee is the closest relatives of humans; the next in line are these gentle giants. Most people in the world have never seen a gorilla in person, and the majority of those who have, witnessed them living in zoos and man made parks. There’s nothing like seeing a family of gorillas living their lives as they should – in the dense tropical rainforests and lowland swamps and marshes of Africa. Most travelers who desire to see gorillas in their natural habitat see them in Uganda or Rwanda – but there are also select other destinations to choose from.

You can journey to Rwanda on a specialized package vacation which is well worth the hefty price tag if you’re able to swing it. You are treated to comfortable and luxurious safari lodging, and every little part of your vacation is taken care of – every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ is crossed.

One of the first things you may need to do is obtain a permit to trek into the jungle and view the gorillas. Oftentimes this is taken care of through the travel agency. Visitor numbers to see the gorillas are, wisely, strictly controlled, and visitors are limited to approximately 80 people a day which is still a tremendous amount of human activity.

The gorilla simply can’t cope with human viruses and bacteria, making the germs or flu we might be carrying a potential catalyst to the decimation of entire families of the animal. Humans may have been responsible in the past for spreading a lethal respiratory infection to a group of rare mountain gorillas, causing an outbreak. That’s why travelers who come to visit the endangered gorillas in the Virunga National Park are required to wear face masks to prevent any spread of infections.

Gorilla Trekking Rwanda

Because visiting the gorillas is strictly controlled, you may need to book your trip up to one year in advance to see the gorillas if you’re looking to visit on a particular date.

    Rwanda

  Diane Fossey’s work, as dramatised in the award winning film Gorillas in the Mist, is what truly makes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park a destination for people seeking to see gorillas in their natural habitat. Diane Fossey lived and died dedicating her life to supporting and learning about these amazing creatures. Rwanda is approximately the size of Wales, with decent main roads which make it quick to get from point A to point B, as well as a relatively well-developed infrastructure.

Relaxed gorillas and an undisturbed open habitat of montane vegetation will greatly increase your chances of a good day of gorilla watching. The bonus – stunning views of the landscape.

The expertise and helpfulness of the guides makes all the difference. Many of them have spent decades aiding trekkers along the steep slopes in order to catch a glimpse of the beautiful gorillas.

    Uganda

  Uganda takes second place in popularity to Rwanda when it comes to visiting gorillas in their natural habitat – but you would never guess this fascinating landscape was second place to anything! There exist two parks for gorillas in the south-west of the country, which offer visitors entirely different experiences. The Mgahinga National Park is one part of the tri-national Virunga Conservation Area. The national parks habituated gorillas often cross over to  into Democratic Republic of  the Congo. Climbing to the summit of Mt Sabinyo, where Rwanda, Uganda and DRC join, is an exhilarating experience and the best way to take in the entire mountain gorilla habitat – an island of lush forest surrounded by a vast area of densely populated farmland.

Located a little farther to the north, situated amidst dramatically winding roads, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a more biodiverse park at a lower altitude. It contains four different groups well-habituated for visiting tourists, as well as another two which are currently being habituated to cope with the demand of tourism. It’s been debated by some taxonomists whether the Bwindi gorillas should be regarded as a separate subspecies of the eastern gorilla – the lack of hair on their brow subtly distinguishes the Bwindi gorillas from their hairier Virunga family.

One of Uganda’s bonuses is the range of additional activities the area has to offer its visitors. You can pair your adventures with the gorillas with one of Uganda’s other fantastic national parks and adventurous activities such as white-water rafting on the Nile or hiking the glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains.

  Nigeria

  Cross River gorillas are populated at the border between Nigeria and Cameroon, mostly in the cross river state

Cross River Gorilla

where the Nigerian government has robustly invested in tourism infrastructure. The impressive cable car that was recently created takes its passengers up to the Obudu Cattle Ranch Hotel. But the chances of viewing gorillas here are still slightly slim due to the fact that their total population currently consists of less than two hundred individual gorillas. These two hundred have spread themselves across an area of about twelve thousand kilometres squared, which takes into account Afi Mountain, Mbe Mountain, and the Okwangwo Division of the Cross River National Park. It is for this reason that scientists who study these rare gorillas are cautious about habituating any.

Conversely, traveling to visit the gorillas in this habitat actually does help to conserve it, and two world class primate sanctuaries and reintroduction projects – the Pandrillus for drill monkeys and chimpanzees, as well as Cercopan for a number of other species of monkey – have set up home base in Calabar.

  Cameroon

  Families of Cross River gorillas take up residence in the English-speaking part of Cameroon which borders Nigeria, in little pockets of trees and forests that have garnered the attention of conservation projects. This area currently offers no structured tourism component yet. The sole captive Cross River gorillas are able to be seen at the Limbe Wildlife Centre which also takes care of approximately fifteen Western Lowland gorilla orphans with one primary long-term goal, funding permitting: The rehabilitation of these gentle giants back into the forests where they belong.

Western Lowland gorillas make their home in the French-speaking part of the country of Cameroon. The World Wildlife Fund is currently developing ecotourism opportunities in Campo-Ma’an National Park in the region’s south-west area, but it is in its very early stages so gorilla spotting tourism treks are not a guaranteed activity offered in this particular spot.

A number of other rescued Western Lowland gorillas who were orphans of the region’s illegal wild animal trade and bushmeat slaughter operation can now be appreciated in forest enclosures at Mefou National Park, located very close to Cameroon’s capital city of Yaoundé.

  Equatorial Guinea

  Central African Equatorial Guinea is a country comprising the Rio Muni mainland, as well as five volcanic offshore islands. The capital city of Malabo, on Bioko Island, boasts historic Spanish colonial architecture and is also a hub for the country’s prosperous oil industry. Another of Equatorial Guinea’s industries is ecotourism and treks to view the country’s gorillas.

Equatorial Guinea’s Monte Alen National Park is a sprawling, fantastic forested park, and a sight to behold. The park’s rough terrain helped serve to protect the region from a commercial logging fate. As of today, there exist no habituated Western Lowland gorillas. The ecotourism infrastructure is just in very early stages of its development, and the experienced and trained locals have begun to offer visitors guided day tours of the region.

  Gabon

  Gabon’s Moukalaba-Doudou National Park offers tourists some of the largest numbers of gorillas in terms of density, and an ecotourism effort has started in the region with help from The Gorilla Organization.

Gabon took a bold change to expand upon its economy by creating thirteen national parks in 2002 – the majority of which contain habitat for gorillas. The Western Lowland gorilla habituation programme at the Mikongo Conservation Centre in Lopé National Park came to a close in 2010,  and although tourists are no longer brought on specific gorilla-viewing tours, visitors to the region are still able to see them while looking for other African wildlife.

Gabon’s Loango National Park gives visitors the rare opportunity to experience a combination of rainforest habitat as well as Atlantic beach, where fat hippos are seen swimming, whales and dolphins take to the surface offshore and the lush forests hold a multitude of gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants.

    Angola

  Western Lowland gorillas can be found solely in the area’s Cabinda enclave – a part of Angola just north of the mouth of the mighty River Congo. There exists very little in the way of ecotourism infrastructure, but it’s there for the taking if you’re up for a solo adventure!

    Congo

  The most famous bai habitat is the swampy forest clearing of Mbeli Bai, in the Congo’s Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park where approximately 100 gorillas have been monitored by the Wildlife Conservation Society for ten years. Groups of gorillas can be viewed wading serenely into the marsh to snack on water plants alongside peaceful forest elephants, buffalo and the sitatunga antelope.

Ever since the drastic loss of the habituated Lossi gorillas to Ebola in 2002, the nearby Odzala National Park has presented one of the most interesting options for watching the Western Lowland gorillas. The park is now outfitted with hides from which visitors can watch two different habituated family groups of gorillas without the risk of endangering them with germs. They can also be seen from hides as they frequent the bais  – the open clearings in Congo’s forest.

Rescued orphan Western Lowland gorillas are in the process of being rehabilitated back into the wilderness in the Congo’s Léfini Reserve, a two hours’ drive north of Brazzaville, where tourists flock to see the silverbacks on an idyllic forested island from the distance of a boat.

  Central African Republic

  The  Dzanga-Ndoki National park is one of the best areas in the world to spot families of Western Lowland gorillas.

Western Lowland Gorillas

A World Wildlife Fund effort has successfully engaged in a project where they habituated a group of gorillas.  A serene contact with these gorillas is possible, but the dark and dense forest and low light conditions beneath the canopy make photographing the gorillas a difficult challenge.

    Democratic Republic of the Congo

  Three out of four subspecies of gorillas can be tracked in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Gorilla ecotourism with habituated groups of gorillas began in this region back in the mid 70s in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a safe gathering place of Eastern Lowland gorillas.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park still offers one of the most unbeatable gorilla-trekking experiences to this day. The park’s nearest town is Bukavu, offering up the services of some very nie lakeside hotels, however it’s important to check the security situation if you plan on entering the Democratic Republic of Congo from the Rwandan border.

Tourism for the Mountain gorillas in the region’s Virunga National Park is also prolific, if security allows for it. Conditions for tourism have improved since the early 2009 arrest of the rebel leader Nkunda, but this area is still rather in a state of unrest.

However, even amid the political turmoil many locals still diligently visited the gorillas at Djomba on day trips from Kisoro, Uganda, as permits were still made available in the Democratic Rebublic of the Congo and remained sold out in Uganda. Heed good advice on this destination – the situation can change from one week to the next.

Some of the Western Lowland gorillas live out in the far west of the DRC in the stunning Madiakoko Mountains, Bas-Congo, criss-crossing back and forth from Cabinda, Angola, but it’s more or less uncharted territory as far as tourism goes!

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The Big 5 African Animals Top Destinations

The Big 5 African Animals Top Destinations

The word “safari” derives from a Swahili term which means a journey or “long journey!” No matter whether you choose to go exploring deep in the bush of northern Kruger or take it easy while watching the African animals in the relaxing Serengeti, a guided holiday into the wilderness of Africa to view The Big 5 will be a life-changing experience!

The big 5 African animals are the African lion, African elephant, the Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White or Black rhinoceros. The term “The Big Five” was coined by animal hunters who found these animals were the most prized, most difficult and most worthy of bragging rights to kill on a hunt.

Hunting “The Big Five” is becoming less common – gone are the days of the pith helmet and khaki suit safari expeditions. While it’s true of course that hunters do still travel to the continent to hunt African animals, the practice is decreasing in favour of escaping on a long weekend safari with barely more than a few changes of casual clothes thrown in a backpack, just for the chance to enjoy the beauty that nature offers.

Africa is home to a multitude of beautiful and sprawling national parks, reserves for African animals including the Big Five and beyond, and conservation areas for animals and their habitat which are some of the most breathtaking places on the entire globe. These places are home to a vast number of wild animals big and small, some of which

Lion Stalking Zebras

are endangered species, and some who are very rare to see anywhere else in the world except for in captivity. When you go on a safari tour, you can watch lions as they stalk their prey, see herds of wildebeest and zebras migrating together, or track gorillas through mountains and rainforest.

Wherever you might decide to let your hiking boots take you, a wildlife safari will stand out as a major highlight of all your travel experiences. Some of these national parks are larger than small nations, and these enormous distances paired with the unpredictable nature of large wild African animals mean you will generally require the use of a vehicle to travel into the national parks and reserves – often a four wheel drive Jeep, as well as a knowledgeable and experienced guide to rely on for information and help getting around.

Going on safari solo is always an option however it’s also very expensive, and you forfeit the aid of a trusty and experienced guide who knows the area and knows where to predict trouble spots and where to find the greatest areas for spotting African animals. This is the reason many visitors opt to take part in an organized safari through a travel company. Tourism companies offer safaris with different types of itineraries to suit all budgets, ranging from around $100 per day for a generic all-inclusive safari package.

While Kenya and Tanzania remain popular safari destination options, Africa’s previously political no-go areas are quickly becoming newly established safari destinations now that an increasing number of national parks are becoming designated and protected. Tourism in these areas is increasingly welcomed. There are always exciting and new destinations and safaris designed to allow visitors to view African animals, and options range from private helicopters to sailboats in crystal clear marine reserves to nighttime game drives through verdant volcanic terrain.

You don’t even have to go out on a safari trek into the wilderness to be able to witness the beauty of Africa and see African animals, there are plenty of permanent camps and resort-style accommodations where you can just sit back, relax and soak in the natural beauty of the continent while animals move about serenely nearby.

  ETOSHA NATIONAL PARK

Location: Northwestern Namibia Top Big Five Viewing: Black rhino

Namibia is drumming up some intense safari credibility with its guided tours of the country’s rough coastlines and ever changing landscape, and Etosha National Park can’t be beat. Etosha National Park is the place Africa’s tallest elephants call home. This national park also boasts the endangered black rhino, the cheetah, and perennial springs which attract all the big cats. It’s one of the best places to spot African animals, and you don’t have to go far from home base to do it.

Self-drive safaris are offered, and upscale accommodations such as lodges and camps fringe the national park’s boundaries, where guided safaris for viewing African animals are a part of the package deal. For example, Etosha National Park’s new and exclusive Dolomite Camp has opened up the restricted western side of the park to a certain number of guests at a time. Visitors to the camp stay in permanent luxury tents complete with an elevated view of the infinite plains of the Etosha National Park in Namibia which is especially breathtaking at sunset. The African wildlife developed here without any human disruption, and rare animals such as the black rhino and black-faced impala have made themselves at home in the park.

There’s a little something for everyone in Namibia. The Onguma Treetop Camp is a lodge built on stilts amongst the treetops, featuring a panoramic view of the Onguma Game reserve. The sense of remoteness you feel while elevated in the camp watching the African animals is likely unmatched by anything you’ve experienced before.  Four small but cozy thatched rooms feature canvas walls, as well as an outdoor shower facility.

    CHOBE NATIONAL PARK

Chobe National Park

Location: Botswana’s north Eastern district Top Big Five Viewing: African Lion

The densest concentrations of African animals sun themselves along the iridescent and sparkling blue Chobe River, which forms the park’s northern border and turns Chobe National Park into a prime wildlife vacation destination.

Due to the location of the national park’s north-east entry gate, it’s less than a 100 km drive to the world-famous Victoria Falls and Livingstone, Zambia. Chobe National Park is the perfect location for any traveller who is intrigued by a combination of natural wonder of the unbeatable Victoria Falls, and the stunning African animal sightings. The national park’s nearest town is called Kasane close to Africa’s “Four Corners”, where the four countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe almost meet.

Located in the Okavango Delta, the Savute marsh is positively teeming with wildlife all year round, and viewing these African animals can be easily accomplished. The area features a wide variety of lodgings that compliment all different types of styles and budgets. The Chobe area is a citadel of endangered species such as the cheetah, wild dog, and the brown hyena.

You can take a water wildlife tour to catch a candid glimpse of African animals gathered around papyrus-clad bends in the river, and meet the original inhabitants of the region – the San Bushmen – and learn about their extraordinary culture. Education and indulgence are key factors of these tours, and the Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero lodge (with a spa and gourmet meals) offer visitors undisturbed views of the landscape.

    HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Location: Northwest Zimbabwe Top Big Five Viewing: Elephants

Formerly Wankie Game Reserve, the Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s largest game reserve. Experienced and professional guides will take you and your safari crew on unique adventures set against Zimbabwe’s lush and desert backdrops punctuated with lakes and forests. The African animals are world famous, such as the elephants which live here in Hwange National Park in one of the world’s largest populations. The great Zambezi River, the fourth longest river in Africa and flowing from the world famous Victoria Falls, creates essential waterholes for thirsty wildlife. On the road to recovery from recent political troubles, tourists are beginning to flock back into this paradise.

You can catch sight of uninhibited African animals from an underground hide at The Hide, which also offers night game drives. Sit peacefully on the verandah and see the kudu, the giraffe, the elephants and many more coming and going from the waterhole. Somalisa is a luxury bush camp with six solar powered and lush tents. The pool looks over the entire span of the wildlife below.

  SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

Where: Tanzania Top Big Five Viewing: Buffalo

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tanzania’s oldest and most beloved national park the Serengeti is famous for its African animals and their annual migration patterns. Each year, six million hooves travel across the wild plains, as over 200,000 zebra and 300,000 Thomson’s gazelle team up with Africa’s wildebeest herds to journey in search of fresh grazing grounds. However even when the migration season is settled, the Serengeti still offers arguably the most tantalizing scenic views Africa has to offer. Large herds of buffalo, families of elephants and giraffes, as well as thousands upon thousands of topi, kongoni, eland, impala and Grant’s gazelle graze the plains.

Truly one of the most magnificent park in Africa, the Serengeti boasts astounding numbers of African animals and is humbling in its sheer enormity and dramatic setting. Prides of lion thrive here in the Serengeti National Park, in numbers upwards of 3,000. Take to Grumeti River to witness some of the largest Nile crocodiles in the entire world.

Even visitors who are unsure of their camping prowess will feel at home here when they stay at The Lamai Serengeti. The camp situates itself among rocks of a kopje and offers its guests expansive views. The camp’s elemental back-to-nature yet comfortable theme is welcoming to campers and non-campers alike. Kirawira Serena Camp makes it an even more glamorous affair, complete with Persian rugs and carved wooden rocking chairs. African animals are abound, and if you want to follow the wildebeest migration it’s best to visit in between the months of December to July. If you want to view predators, come between June and October.

  KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Where: North Eastern South Africa Top Big Five Viewing: African Leopard

Kruger National Park is a must-see, and is a classic on the list. Being one of Africa’s oldest and most well maintained parks pretty much sums up how the park came to have such a diverse variety of African animals. The Kruger National Park  is also one of the world’s biggest wildlife sanctuaries. This safari vacation destination is world renowned, and is the simplest place to see the Big Five, aided by the park’s unfenced borders with Africa’s choicest game reserves. The park’s African Leopards are terrific swimmers and climbers and often spend time in the Kruger National Park trees.

You can explore South Africa’s most famous game viewing destination in style. Luxury accommodation lodges lavish their guests the ultimate in sumptuous luxury in remote and cozy bush hideaways. The Kruger National Park is heralded as being the ultimate safari destination if you are in search of the Big 5 African animals. Its pristine and wild environment provokes a sense of oneness with nature, and allows you to let Africa unfold before your eyes just as you imagined it being.