John Hunwick

Any tourist knows that one of the more important parts of any trip is to bring back tangible memories in forms of souvenirs, tokens and photos. Well, among all these photos can evoke more memories since it lets you see the actual, present images while you were there.

In this article, we have prepared four tips to help you get the most from your African safari photos.

Know the locations of wonder

Too many of amateur photographers don’t typically have enough knowledge on the perfect locations for safari photographs. Well, this time you will know some of them. The prime locations are Kruger National Park (South Africa), Masai Mara (Kenya), Moremi (Botswana), Serengeti (Tanzania) and Etosha (Namibia).

Bring the proper equipments

You may not have the talent for photography yet with the right equipments and devices, you are sure to bring out the best from even the worst photos you have taken.

Your best buddy for safari photos is the digital camera as it provides you countless advantages that you may never have from other camera units.

Be conscious of the composition

Most safari photos are spoiled because they do not have the right subjects in them or the subjects were not thoroughly and properly positioned in the image. You have more control on the composition using positioning principles. Make the most out of the latter though.

The main focus of the composition is how you frame your subjects.

When you choose the composition of the safari photos, you have to have quick decisions, as wild animals dont normally stay for long in single locations. Be extra careful of your movements as well to avoid distracting their attention.

And never forget…be patient

We have no control over the animals that pass our sights. They move at their own phase and at their own time. They simply behave in manners that they naturally do so you cant obviously expect them to move as you want. Be patient in waiting for subjects to come by. And once they do, use all your advantage to capture them in photos. Remember, the most beautiful safari photos are those that depict unusually beautiful movements.

You may not control luck, and that’s for a fact. Luck or opportunity is one thing that determines the beauty if action is to be captured in photos. If you are patient, nature may help you see the marvel in each wildlife scene- a chase of preys and predators, lion clubs at play and solitary trees that reserves excellent elegance.

Low Jeremy
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/bring-home-memories-with-safari-photos-63875.html

Technorati Tags: photography, safari, Wild life

Although bird watching is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere on the planet, Africa remains one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a bird watch adventure. Specifically, there is a substantial portion of the tourism industry in Southern Africa that is meeting the needs of bird watching in Africa. Service providers recognize the needs and desires of bird enthusiasts and create safaris and adventures designed with the serious bird watcher in mind.

What Region is Best?

Bird Watching in Africa is also popular on the Eastern portion of the continent. The bulk of the tourism is in the South, but a larger number of species exist in the Eastern nations of Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else. Boasting over 1300 species, bird watchers in Eastern Africa have the opportunity to see 15% of the world’s bird population in one trip. While the number is not so striking in the South, it is still substantial at 920 species. This equates to about 10% of the world’s known species.

The nations that make up the Southern bird watch areas are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa specifically provides a number of government sponsored parks and reserves where avian life is abundant. Any birder who is interested in researching bird watching in Africa should be sure to look at Kruger National Park, Ndumu Game Reserve, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, West Coast National Park, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These locations provide prime habitat for many of the countries’ 900 species of birds, and ensure that your trip will include many varieties of bird watching opportunities.

When considering East Africa for bird watching, Kenya provides a diverse range of opportunities. From the Central Highlands, which are heavily forested, to the lower lying lakes region, Kenya is a haven for many of Eastern Africa’s bird species. When considering Kenya, be sure to check out Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Kenya National Park and the Kakamego Forest Reserve. Several of these parks also serve as the home to various species of primates that are sure to attract your attention as you keep your binoculars turned towards the trees searching for birds.

Make the Most of this Incredible Bird Watching Destination

As with any major investment, make sure that you know what you are getting before you put any money on the table to go bird watching in Africa. There are a large number of service providers who will be competing for your business, and you should make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. Research the outfitter you choose. Read reviews and don’t be afraid to talk to other people who have used them. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that you get the most out of every precious dollar that you lay down for this once in a lifetime trip.

MIKE SELVON
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/bird-watching-in-africa-a-different-type-of-safari-adventure-133978.html

Technorati Tags: africa, bird watching

LAKE EYASI BUSH MEN (NORTHERN CIRCUIT)TANZANIA

Tanzania is one of the unique Country in which has about more than 120 tribes where by each tribes has its own unique culture and ways of living.

Among these tribes the Datoga and Hadzabe are still the tribes in which they refuses to give up their most indigenous ways of living. These tribes refuses to give up their pure traditions up to now, they are proud of who they are. The Hadzabe are ones of the smallest tribe in Tanzania, they about 200 families and the Datoga are about 4000 families in the whole of Tanzania.

These tribes are found in Northern Tanzania along lake Eyasi. Their are language resembles the click language of other bush-men further south of the Kalahari Desert. Their small population , was seriously threatened especially in 1974 when the Government tried to build a settlement for them and move them from their original environment (Caves and the bushes) Most of these people and their children have never seen a doctor or school. The bush provides everything they need including traditional education and traditional healers.

For their food the Datoga and Hadzabe depend on hunting on which they get honey and meat.. Also because they live mostly in dry areas, the Datoga and Hadzabe they get water from digging holes of about two to five meters.

What Tanzanian do with Hadzabe ?
We take tourist for the local hunting. Men from this tribes are the hunters So our visitors participate in hunting activities. This will take them about 4/5 hours for the whole day.

Also the visitors get to see the way arrows poison are being made.

Tanzanian experience guide will also take you to the caves and holes in which most of this people are live in.
We also take our visitors to places where the Hadzabe tribes get their water during the dry season.

Our guides will take you to the places where the visitors can experience how to make fire and types of trees which are suitable for that purpose.

We will also take our visitors to places where we can show them how to collect honey and teach them different types of local medicine used by Hadzabe people to treat different diseases.

Tanzanian With Datoga families.
Our guides also speak the same languages, with this people, and so most of our visitors, enjoy to visit them.
This is due to the fact that they participate in their daily activities as well.

Most of this families are pastor lists and so for their food are pretty much depend on their animals. They move from place to place to find good pasture for they are animals. The elders and the small children often stay at home while the middle age groups move with their animals from place to place.

The Datoga also make a lot of their weapons, from them selves. e.g. the arrows, spears and knives. They dig holes for water and also hunt small animals for their food. The visitors will also have opportunity to see what this people used for keeping their food and fetching water.

The visitors, get to attend ceremonials parties performed by this people considering the fact that from January to July, is good season for weddings and circumcision.

Our guides also, will take you to places where you can see the black smith in which you will see how to make jury and melt iron using local methods.

Jalala Ndossa
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/tanzania-bushmen-in-lake-eyasi-61982.html

Technorati Tags: lake Eyasi, Tanzania

Can These Bones Live?

by

Josprel

“The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said unto me, ‘Son of man, can these bones live?’ So I answered, ‘O Lord God, You know.’

“Again He said unto me, ‘Prophesy to these bones, and say unto them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live . . .’

“‘So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone . . . Also He said to me . . . ’say to the breath ‘Thus says the Lord God ‘come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied . . . and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army. Then He said unto me, ‘Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore, prophesy and say to them, ‘O my people, I will open your graves and cause you to come forth from your graves, and bring you to the land of Israel . . . I will put My Spirit in you and you shall live . . .’” (Ezekiel 37:1-14; New

King James Bible).

We are living in an era of the fast fulfillment of biblical prophecy. I recall being told as a young child by my father - a steadfast Christian who knew the scriptures - that Israel one day would become a nation again. He said this during a era when such an event appeared impossible of fulfillment; yet in our time Israel already has been resurrected for decades.

Since the scattering of Israel during the time of the Prophet Jeremiah - who predicted both the captivity and re-gathering of the nation of Israel - in approximately B.C 629, there has been no lack of skeptics who doubted the nation would be resurrected. Even Israel itself voiced doubts about its resurrection. Israel’s estimate of its return from oblivion may be found in Ezekiel 37:11: “Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: We are cut off for our parts.” In our vernacular this may be rendered: “It’s all over for us. We have been totally dismembered.”

>Please note the condition of Israel’s bones as seen by Ezekiel:

1. They were completely open to the elements (verse 2).

2. They were long dead, very dry and utterly beyond any human hope of life (verse 2).

3. They were disassembled and in disarray. The Living Bible records that the bones were very old and dry. They were scattered everywhere across the ground (Read the entire Biblical account).

4. There were an enormous number of bones (verse 2).

>Please note what God said the dry bones symbolized: “Son of man these bones are the whole house of Israel” (verse 11).

>Please note when God says the dry bones shall live again: “Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that they shall no longer say, ‘As the lord lives who brought the children of Israel out of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I have driven them’ And they shall dwell in their own land” (Jeremiah 23: 7-8). This prophecy by Jeremiah has been in the process of fulfillment for many decades.

>Please note by whose authority the dry bones live again: “‘But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed nor shall they be lacking,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 23: 1-4; NKJ).

>Please note those who did not believe the dry bones could live again and their punishment: “The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, ‘Son of man, prophecy and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: ‘Wail, ‘Woe to the day!’ For the day is near, Even the day of the Lord is near; It will be a day of clouds, the time of the gentiles. The sword will come upon Egypt, And great anguish shall be upon Ethiopia, When the slain fall in Egypt, And they take away her wealth, And her foundations are broken down. Ethiopia, Libya, Lydia, all the mingled people. Chub, and the men of the lands who are allied, shall fall with them by the sword’” (Ezekiel 30: 1-5; NKJ).

>Ethiopia did not believe the dry bones could live again: Rendered “Cush” in Hebrew, Ethiopia still exists as a nation in our time. The Ethiopians are a people of dark skin tone, and Moses was severely criticized by his sister, Miriam, and his brother, Aaron, for his marriage to an Ethiopian woman (Numbers 12:1-16; NKJ). Both Miriam and Aaron were envious of the leadership position of their brother Moses. Miriam instigated an open rebellion against Moses and Aaron followed her lead. To justify the rebellion, they used the excuse that Moses had married an Ethiopian (Cushite) woman. Jehovah punished Miriam by striking her with leprosy; however, Moses pleaded with God, “Heal her now oh Lord, I beseech thee.”

God heard the prayer of Moses; He healed Miriam, though not without inflicting profound humiliation upon her; she was ostracized from the people and shut outside the camp for seven days.

According to Psalm 68, verse 31, despite its initial unbelief, Ethiopia “will quickly stretch out her hands to God,” and shall enter into the Millennium.

>Libya (Also called “Phut” in the Bible): Libya did not believe the dry bones could live again: Writings of the 13th and 12th centuries B.C. describe Libya (also referred to as Lubim) as being a hostile, warlike people. During the 12th through the 8th centuries B.C., the Libyans raided Egypt; they later entered as settlers, and also served as soldiers in the Egyptian armies. West of Egypt, Libya still exists as a nation in our time. The Bible is silent regarding the future of Libya during the millennial age.

>Lydia (Also called “Lud” and “Ludim” in some versions of the Bible): Lydia did not believe the dry bones could live again: During the time of Homer, the Pelasgic Meonians - akin to the Trojans - occupied Lydia. From what race the Lydians originated is unknown. The Greeks considered the Lydians and their language barbarous; in actuality, the Lydians were a highly civilized people.

>Assyria (Modern Iraq and Iran) did not believe the dry bones could live again: After the reign of Solomon, all the leaders of Israel approached his son, Rehoboam, who had became king of Israel. “Your father made our yoke heavy:” they told him, referring to the endlessly soaring taxes and other burdens Solomon imposed on Israel in order to finance and facilitate his projects, “now, therefore, lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve thee.”

“Return in three days and I will give you my answer,” King Rehoboam replied.

During that period, he consulted with the elders who had served his father, who advised him to do as Israel’s leaders requested, but Rehoboam rejected the advice. Instead, he consulted with the young men with whom he had grown up. They advised him to tell the leaders of Israel, “My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s waist . . . my father put a heavy yoke on you. I will add to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges” [literally: scourges with metal points or barbs] (1st Kings 12: 9-11; NKJ).

When the elders returned for the king’s answer, Rehoboam responded as recommended by his friends. The result was disastrous. Ten of the nation’s tribes separated from the two that remained loyal to the king and formed their own nation. King Rehoboam assembled an army of one hundred and eighty thousand warriors to do battle against the ten separated tribes, but was warned by Shemiah, a prophet sent to him by God, to not battle the separating tribes. He obeyed. The ten tribes became known as the nation of Israel; the two remaining tribes - Judah and Benjamin - became known as Judah.

Over the centuries, Israel digressed into idolatry, intermixed with gentile races, and became known as the Samaritans [Recall the question asked Jesus by the woman at the well, when He requested a drink of water, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" (John 4: 4).]

The verse adds this revealing comment by way of explanation for those unfamiliar with the centuries-long dispute between Judah and Israel (Samaria): “For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (NKJ).

Judah, on the other hand, remained relatively true - with some major lapses - to the worship of Jehovah. Ezekiel, chapter 23, symbolizes Samaria and Jerusalem (Judah) as two sisters. Both committed harlotry with other nations, Jehovah charged.

Of Samaria - the older sister - the Lord declared, “I have delivered her [Samaria] into the hands of the Assyrians, For whom she lusted” (Ezekiel 23: 9).

Judah - the younger sister - typified by the city of Jerusalem, “became more corrupt in her lust then she [her sister Samaria] and in her harlotry more corrupt than her sister’s harlotry” (Ezekiel 23: 11).

“I will sir up . . . the Babylonians, All the Chaldeans [The Chaldeans were a warlike and aggressive people from the mountains of Kurdistan who conquered and ruled many of the great nations of its time] Pekod [Pekod was a powerful Armaenan tribe near the mouth of the Tigris River. During the time of the Prophet Ezekiel, Pekod was within the Chaldean Empire] Shoa [The Shoa were a powerful tribe of Semitic nomads who populated the Syrian desert during the 14th century B. C. They invaded the East Tigris region, migrated to the east of Baghdad and assimilated with the Armaenans. The Shoa never were conquered] Koa [Koa was located east of the Tigris River in the upper Adaim and Diyala rivers region] all the Assyrians . . . and they shall Judge you according to their judgment . . .”

>Egypt did not believe the dry bones could live again:

Incredible as it may appear out generation, during the millennial reign of Christ Jesus, Iraq and Iran [ancient Assyria] Israel and Egypt shall join together in becoming a blessing: “In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria [Iraq and Iran], and the Assyrian [Iraq and Iran] will come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians will serve with the Assyrians In that day Israel will be one of three with Egypt and Assyria [Iraq and Iran] - a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, ‘Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria [ Iraq and Iran] the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance” (Isaiah 19: 23-25; NKJ).

Since this author is making this study during an era of bitter hostilities between Israel, Egypt, Iran and Iraq (Assyria) Isaiah’s prediction seems fantastic - impossible of fulfillment, if it were it not for the prophet’s assurance that Egypt “will cry to the Lord because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. Then the Lord will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptian will know the Lord in that day and will make sacrifices and offerings; yes, they will make a vow to the Lord and perform it” (Isaiah 19:20-21).

It shall require a series of calamities that God permits to fall upon Egypt to bring the Egyptians to the Lord ["And the Lord will strike Egypt, He will strike Egypt and heal it; they will return to the Lord, and He will be entreated by them and heal them" (Isaiah 19: 22)].

Once Egypt comes to the Lord, it shall be one of the three nations - the other two being Israel and Iraq-Iran [Assyria] -

specially blessed by God during the Millennium.

>Many contemporary nations do not believe the dry bones

should live again: Several of them - including the Palestinian nations, Hitler’s Germany and even Great Britain - actively endeavored to prevent the rebirth of Israel. But it was God’s time for the re-gathering of His ancient people from the four corners of the Earth. From almost every nation under the sun they came. After His people had been cast into the world’s “valley of dry bones” for untold centuries, God opened the graves and drew together the dry bones, put flesh on them, breathed life into the nation, and Israel lives!

>From approximately 446 BC until the United Nation’s recognition of the modern State of Israel in our generation, Israel’s territory was under the control of Gentile world powers. Sadly, as recorded by the Apostle Paul in Romans 11: 25, Israel still rejects Jesus Christ as its Messiah; however, Paul added a joyful note, “. . . blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles [the time of Gentile world dominance] has come in [has been completed]. And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: ‘The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins’” (Romans 11: 25-27; Paul’s partial quote is taken from Isaiah 59: 20-21).

According to Zechariah 12: 9-10, when the Gentile nations gather in a final attempt to destroy the nation of Israel, God will “seek to destroy all nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication: then they will look on Me whom they have pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.”

What a graphic prediction of the crucifixion of Jesus of and Israel’s future recognition of Him as the true Messiah! Yes, the bones live!

© Josprel (Joseph Perrello)

josprel@yahoo.com

Josprel
http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/can-these-bones-live-by-josprel-139725.html

Demantoid is one of the most supreme and radiant gems available. The name comes from the Dutch and refers to the diamond-like appearance. The demantoid is in fact a member of the andradite family of garnets and is considered the finest of them all and is also thought to be the most precious of all gems-stones. The attraction of this gem is the rarity combined with luminosity.

Favoured by Fabergé

The demantoid was found in the Ural mountains of Russia in 1868 and became one of Carl Fabergé’s favourite gemstones to be used in his creations. He was drawn to its brilliance and often used it in his exquisite jewellery creations. With the nightmare of WW1, the stone quickly disappeared with only rare appearances.

Demantoid garnets have also been found in Korea and the Congo but the quality is not to the same standard as those from Russia.

Then in the mid-1990s, demantoid was found in Namibia by a wondering goat-herder. Now the gemstones are hand-quarried from the rock to ensure that the precious rock is not lost.

Expensive Inclusions

The stones mined in Russia have distinctive horsehair-like inclusions. The more pounced, the greater the value. Surprisingly, this is the opposite of what is normally the case with gems.

Unfortunately, the stones found in Namibia are absent of these inclusions, which means they are much cheaper.

Other types of garnet include Almandine, Andradite, Grossular, Tsavorite, Pyrope, Spessartine, Uvarovite. Garnets are also the birthstone for the month of January and is also thought to assist night vision and ensure success.

If you are thinking of taking a holiday to Africa this season, then there are many places that you should visit. Some are in South Africa, while others are in other African countries. You not only have option of many destinations you can visit, but also have the facility of many good hotels you can really enjoy your stay in.

The Intercontinental Lusaka in Zambia has an ideal five star location and is great for international travellers. It is very good for holiday as well as business purposes, and offers many facilities for business meetings as well. So if you’re thinking of doing some work during your holidays, this place is ideal for you.

The Intercontinental Abu Soma in Hurghada, Egypt is the most beautiful Red Sea resort in the country. It offers the most stunning view of the beach, and rests on a water front location. The hotel has a very unique and open design. There is also a wide range of restaurants in the hotel which offer international cuisines like Greek and Italian, and there are also restaurants which specialise in Oriental and Sea food.

If you want to experience a mixture of both the old and new, stay in the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe. It is a charming mixture of the old architecture accompanied by modern comfort and facilities. It has a colonial architecture and looks onto the Victoria Falls Bridge. While sitting on the terrace you can also see the spray from the Falls. The Sheraton Addis in Ethiopia is another hotel which represents African elegance. It is located on a hilltop and overlooks the entire city of Addis Ababa. The hotel not only has great facilities for entertainment, but also offers prestigious conference rooms and banquet halls.

In case you want to do some business in South Africa along with entertainment, the ideal location is the Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg. It is very well equipped with all the facilities for business travellers. If you want to experience luxury along with a stunning view, the hotel to go to is the Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town. The hotel is located at a position where the earth, sky and the sea meet. It is above the Atlantic rollers, and is bordered by the Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles Mountain. The hotel has the great azure restaurant, and offers gloriously exquisite cuisine. The greatest thing about the hotel is its magical location.

If you wish to visit a place which is considered to be amongst the most enticing locations, then you should go to the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City. Sun City is considered to be the Vegas of South Africa. It is one of the leading hotels of the world, and you can experience pure lavishness in the residence of an ancient king. The cuisine in the hotel’s restaurants is purely an art which is treasured. For experiencing the true concept of solitude, you should go to the Royal Melawane in Cape Town. The hotel is best for those who want to escape modern life for some time. Other great hotels in Africa are the Bushmans Kloof, Cape Grace, and the Cellars Hohenort in Cape Town.

David R HUghes
http://www.articlesbase.com/hotels-articles/the-top-10-hotels-in-africa-693733.html

Kenya Safaris are amongst the most exciting adventures the world over. The vast wildlife, the many sunny beaches, the different people groupings all add up to a worthwhile investment and a de luxe not found in numerous places.

Kenya has something for any traveller. There are many dissimilar landscapes and cultures, all quite dissimilar and beautiful.

There is the desert of the northward, and The Rift Valley where grounds to believe of protohumans was first found. There are many brilliant Lakes , admitting Lake Victoria in westerly Kenya, Lake Naivasha and numerous more. Kenya has the second highest peak in Africa, the great Mt. Kenya.

Cottages with a adorable seaview. No tv, radios are permitted only the noise of the waves break & early on morning birds. Real paradise. No wonder advance bookings needed. maweni beach bungalows

The northwestern region of this country, the Turkana District, is a vast, abandon, hot, arid landscape where goatherders & bandits coexist. Lodwar, comparable to the “Dodge City” of the early American West, has the basic essentials of life, including Internet kiosks and semi-reliable electricity.

Lokichoggio, the outpost in the northeasternmost sector of this county, is home to UN refugee camps with 30,000+ people. roads are super rough, the terrain unforgiving, and people forever inquisitive about what brings you to their country.

The best places to start your travels in Kenya are probably Nairobi N.P. the capital & South of Mombasa the 2nd largest city, located on the coast. Both are served by international flights and have a very good tourist infrastructure.

Paul Everton
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/visit-kenya-109777.html

Technorati Tags: kenya

Being the second highest mountain in Africa, Mt Kenya stands tall at 5199m above sea level and Situated 16km south of the equator. This mountain in Central Kenya Highlands is within the Mt Kenya National Park, and is among the most beautiful landscapes in Africa. With three mountain peaks i.e., the Batian, the Nelion and the Lenana providing the perfect backdrop for a fun and adventurous Kenyan mountain vacation. Visitors can go camping in the vast wilderness surrounding Mt Kenya, stay in historic hotels not unlike the dwellings of the area’s early settlers, or stay in a modern, state of the art resorts and Lodges Like The Ark, Nyeri, Treetops and the Mountain Lodge.

The Batian and Nelion are the lowest of the three peaks but surprisingly can only be reached by skilled mountain climbers. Lenana, although the highest peak can be reached by the normal trekking group, though reaching the top could be more challenging than you ever thought of, but with a good guide reaching the peak can become a reality. The glaciers surrounding the mountain, the mist, and the snow covering the top of the mountain yields numerous number of streams down to the base of the mountain. For those who plan to climb the mountain leisurely, you may need four to seven days. Its advisable to carry a tour guide and a porter both of which can be arranged by the Shelter car hire & tours Personnel in Nairobi.

There are a variety of trailed routes to the top of mt Kenya. Visitors wishing to Climbing Mount Kenya can use one of these routes each of which has its own features and characteristics. Each route will exhibit different topography, flora and fauna. These routes are the Sirimon route, the Picnic Naro Moro route, the Burguret route, the Timau route and the Chogoria route which meet at Minto’s hut at 4300m above sea level and overlooking Lake Michaelson. Each entry point to Climbing Mount Kenya is Conveniently dotted with a variety of resorts and camping sites.

It would be important to note that Climbing Mount Kenya can be done with relative ease. Within a Short while you will have risen more meters above sea level than is medically advisable. The Sudden Loss of Oxygen could be disastrous for the less skilled trekkers who could result to headaches and vomiting and could eventually lead to death if not monitored. Many have died climbing Mount Kenya. My Advice is take it slowly. Do it for four to seven days, but you have to strike a balance between your health and the cold temperatures which have a habit of hitting -10 degrees celcius, the rain and the cold winds.

The weather is very harsh in the Mount Kenya region especially during the period from March to August. I would definitely not advise you to climbing Mount Kenya during these periods. But if you do, carry a good sleeping bag, very warm clothing, good quality boots, headgear and gloves. Make sure all your clothing is waterproof since this region rains every other day and sometimes heavily.

A Mt Kenya mountain vacation is a great idea for a group, or as a romantic getaway. Its also a great idea for anyone looking to escape the stressful fast pace of city life. The beautiful scenery and fascinating wildlife attractions will please anyone.

Lucy
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/climbing-mount-kenya-a-great-idea-for-anyone-looking-to-escape-the-stressful-fast-pace-of-city-life-123337.html

Technorati Tags: mount kenya

Tanzania, as a wildlife safari destination, is known as the home of the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. These two wildlife conservation areas together with many others in Tanzania, provide homes for the ever-threatened African wildlife. In fact, more than one-quarter of Tanzania is under some form of protection to preserve its biodiversity.

Some of the wildlife conservation parks in Tanzania and the animals that they provide a safe haven for, are given here:

Lake Manyara National park

The cleavage, known as the Great Rift Valley, can be identified from space as the most distinctive feature of the African continent. The seam of this cleavage has developed a series of fascinating and beautiful lakes. One of these lakes is called Manyara. Lake Manyara is also a national park. Manyara is a fantastic big game park. The variety of habitats parallels its exceptional scenery.

Every imaginable East African animal is found here in abundance. There are great herds of buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and several varieties of gazelle. Mahogany, sausage tree and croton are alive with blue monkeys and vervet monkeys. Some of the most amazingly large pods of hippos congregate at the rivers emerging into the lake, and the birdlife is plentiful. Lake Manyara is also known for its “treeclimbing” lions.

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park covers 3237 square kilometers and lies within the Mkata River plain bordered by the Uluguru Mountain range to the east and the Rubeho Mountains on the west, an area of lush vegetation which particularly attracts elephants and buffalos. Open grasslands dominate in the flood plain, eventually merging with the Miombo woodland covering the lower hills. Wildlife is abundant with giraffes, zebras, buffalos, hartebeests, wildebeests, elephants, wild dogs, and smaller mammals and reptiles. Mikumi’s vegetation includes woodland, swamp and grassland with two water holes, Mkata and Chamgore. Apart form the saddle-bill stork, hammer kop and malachite kingfisher, there are also monitor lizards and a deadly python inhabiting the pools.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro is quite unique as its physical protection from man natural beauty ranks it among the most pristine wildernesses on earth. It is regarded as a natural wonder of the world and has been declared a World Heritage Site. It is the largest intact crater in the world, being 610 meters deep, 16 kilometers across and covering an area of 540 square kilometers. On the crater floor, grassland blends into swamps, lakes, rivers, woodland and mountains - all a haven for wildlife, including the greatest predator population in Africa. The volcanic crater is packed with wildlife, including all the big game. Its pride and joy, however, is that it remains the last great wild refuge for the endangered black rhino.

Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s second largest park and the world’s largest elephant sanctuary. Although set in spectacular scenery with an abundance of wildlife, the park is one of the lesser visited in the country, keeping it an isolated and peaceful wilderness. Amongst the game found at the park are elephants, buffalos, giraffes, cheetahs, lions, leopards, a wide variety of antelope and over 465 recorded species of birdlife.

Selous National Reserve

Selous is one of the most remote and least visited game park in Africa, but at 15,000 square miles, it is the world’s largest game reserve. The name derives from hunter-explorer Frederick Courtenay Selous, a keen naturalist and conservationist as well as a hunter. He was killed in the First World War in the Beho Beho region of the reserve. The defining feature of the Selous is the great Rufiji River, which naturally splits the ecosystem into two distinct parts.

Selous National reserve can be explored by boat, sailing through swamps and lagoons where elephant often come to bathe, or even by foot, as the Selous is one of few Tanzanian reserves to allow walking tours. It has the world’s largest number of big game, more than 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffaloes and about 2,000 rhinoceros. In addition, the Selous contains Africa’s greatest concentration of hippopotamus, crocodiles and wild dogs.

The Serengeti National park

The name ‘Serengeti’ comes from the Maasai language and appropriately means an ‘endless plains’. The National Park is as big as Northern Ireland, but its ecosystem, which includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maswa Game Reserve and the Maasai Mara Game reserve (in Kenya). It lies between the shores of Lake Victoria in the west, Lake Eyasi in the south, and the Great Rift Valley to the east. As such, it offers the most complex and least disturbed ecosystem on earth.

A unique combination of diverse habitats enables the Serengeti to support more than 30 species of large herbivores and nearly 500 species of birds. Its landscape, originally formed by volcanic activity, has been sculpted by the concerted action of wind, rain and sun. It now varies from open grass plains in the south, savanna with scattered acacia trees in the center, hilly, wooded grassland in the north, to extensive woodland and black clay plains to the west. Small rivers, lakes and swamps are scattered throughout. Rising in the southeast are the great volcanic massifs and craters of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The Serengeti plains are host to a dramatic annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and numerous other species of animals indigenous to the area.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park covers 2,600 square kilometers and is on the traditional migration route of several species of the wildlife. At dry times, the concentration of animals in Tarangire rivals that of the much better known Serengeti. Herds of migratory wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and buffalo gather along the marshy shores of Lake Natron. These pools are shared by flocks of birds: green wood hoopoes, fisher lovebirds, tallish herons, white bellied goaway birds and giant kingfishers. Resident lion, giraffe, elephant, and black rhino are common at any season;

Tarangire is noted for its baobab trees and splendid vistas of rolling savannah and acacia woodland. The strange-looking, centuriesold baobab trees are believed by the Maasai to be the first tree in creation.

Solomon Okila
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/wildlife-in-tanzania-main-national-parks-what-wild-animals-to-expect-during-your-safari-715361.html

A map of Egypt easily illustrates why the Sahara Desert is so often called a “sea of sand”. It is enormous and would appear an unwelcome place for a journey, but there are many people who visit the region just to explore the Sahara Desert. Why? Actually the desert is a diverse location full of oases, palm and date groves, hot and cold springs, villages, creatures and remarkable natural wonders.

In order to explore the Sahara Desert safely however, most visitors are encouraged to hire a knowledgeable guide with desert excursion experience. Conditions in the desert are fairly predictable, but someone without the proper equipment and knowledge of the area could easily get lost or into trouble. Luckily there are dozens of companies and travel groups dedicated to serving those who wish to explore the Sahara Desert.

Where should I visit? Many people plan their tour around visits to the five major oases. The farthest and most remote oasis is also one of the most interesting. Near the Libyan border, the Siwa Oasis is an enormous agricultural area which is a major producer of dates and olives. It is also well-known as the location visited by Alexander the Great, where he consulted with the Oracle of Amun in order to confirm his status as the true king of Egypt. Today, Siwa is populated by more than twenty thousand people, mostly Berbers, who live in the many mud-brick houses scattered throughout the area.

Another oasis popular with those who want to explore the Sahara Desert is the Bahariya Oasis. This is a far more modernized oasis than any other, as it is only three hundred kilometers from Cairo and located at the end of a well-made road leading directly out of the city. Visitors today are making the journey in order to watch the exciting and ongoing archeological activity taking place in the oasis. An enormous necropolis was discovered under the sands less than ten years ago, and experts believe over ten thousand mummies are waiting to be found.

Of course anyone who wants to explore the Sahara Desert is not limited to just the oases; there are also many beautiful natural wonders as well. The Farafra Oasis usually hosts visitors who plan to visit the “White Desert” which is a unique area of softer chalk and lime stones that have been worn by the sands and winds into unique shapes and sculptural forms. There is also a distinctive “Black Desert” in this area as well, and most who explore the Sahara Desert make a point of visiting these sites as well as the oases.

Amar Mahallati
http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/explore-the-sahara-desert-756710.html