Monday, August 12, 2019
10 Best Places to Visit in Australia - Travel Video
Located between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia is the world’s largest island and its smallest continent. There’s room to move in the Land Down Under, and with so many sights to discover and enjoy, there’s a great incentive to go on a walkabout adventure. Whether exploring the traditional lifestyle of the nation’s Aboriginal people, relaxing on a sun-kissed beach or reveling the night away in a city hot spot, Australia has something special to offer every visitor. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Australia
Sunday, August 11, 2019
5 Tips for Making Travel Easy (and the Planning Even Easier)
The international travel industry is on fire. More people are traveling the world than ever before.
The tourism industry is contributing nearly $8 trillion to the global economy. There are nearly 1.2 billion arrivals related to tourism each year.
Some people are missing out on world adventure. They are under the mis perception that traveling is difficult. The truth is that it is possible to make travel easy.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to making travel easy. Explore 5 tips that are certain to lead to a stress-free vacation.
1. Set a Budget
The vast majority of travelers do not have an unlimited amount of cash. At the same time, some are turned off to international travel due to financial concerns.
However, you can successfully travel on a budget. First, set the exact amount of money that you are working with. Also, put aside some cash for unexpected costs that often arise.
2. Travel on the Cheap
Now it is time to execute your trip and fall under the budget. There are so many great online resources to help you achieve your budgetary goals.
There are websites that provide e-mail alerts with discounted airfare. In addition, websites like Airbnb help you find cheap accommodations for your trip. Some travelers find that the cheapest way to travel is finding vacation packages that bundle your needs together.
3. Efficient Air Travel
One of the most stressful experiences for travelers is air travel. However, with the proper planning, you can travel with ease.
Many people are signing up for TSA pre-check. For a small fee, you can skip the security line at the airport.
Another tip is to pack light. There are few things more stressful and tiring than lugging around a massive duffel bag at the airport.
Also, make sure you have all your important documents, such as passports. Most airlines allow you to check in the night before and print out boarding passes before you arrive.
4. Credit Cards
You need to inform your credit card company that you will be traveling. If you fail to do this, your card may get declined due to fraud reasons. This will add undoubtedly add stress to your trip.
While on the phone with your credit card company, inquire about travel insurance. Many credit cards include some form of travel insurance. If not, you should consider purchasing it to eliminate risk.
5. Activity Planning
Now that you have plane tickets and accommodations, you can start planning activities. First, see how much money is left in your budget.
Then, start researching highly recommended activities at your destination. Good news for thrifty travelers is that sightseeing is free. Many foreign countries also have cheap public attractions like museums.
Making Travel Easy – A Recap
Don’t let fear stop you from making the trip of a lifetime. International travel is a lot easier than you think.
Taking steps like creating a budget and purchasing travel insurance goes a long way. If you enjoyed this article about making travel easy, check out our blog for other great content.
https://www.articlecity.com/blog/5-tips-for-making-travel-easy-and-the-planning-even-easier/
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Friday, August 9, 2019
5 Mistakes You Want to Avoid When Booking a Hotel Room
If you think you can get the lowest hotel price waiting for a last-minute deal, chances are that you might end up paying a lot more for your trip. In this article, we are going to share a report statistics with you to help you get the best deal.
According to a report from TripAdvisor, the best time to book a hotel depends upon the place you want to visit. For instance, if you want to go to Europe in summer, make sure you choose to book when the rates are the lowest. In the same way, the money you need also depends on the region you want to visit. Given below are a few common hotel booking mistakes that you may want to avoid.
Waiting too Long to Book a Hotel in Europe
In summertime, Europe is the most popular among tourists. According to the report, in Berlin, you can save up to 33% if you choose to book at least a few months ahead of the season. There are some cities where you don't have to worry about booking. They are Paris and Istanbul. The reason is that these cities have more than enough hotel rooms. So, that won't be a problem for you.
Booking too Early
In Asia, you don't have to spend a lot to spend your vacations unlike Europe. For instance, in Dubai, even if you book two months ahead of the season, you can save up to 40%.
Booking over 5 months ahead of your Trip
Booking over 5 months in advance will cost you more in case of some places that the study covers. However, two exceptions are Moscow and Barcelona. For these places, you can choose to book up to 7 months in advance and still save a lot. As a matter of fact, traveling to Moscow can get you up to 55% discount, which is a huge sum.
Worrying about Summer Season Bargains in the Caribbean
Worrying about Summer Season Bargains in the Caribbean
Conventionally, in the Caribbean, low-season pricing may help you save a hefty sum of money. You don't have to worry about when to book to get the best deal as booking when the prices are the lowest can save you as high as 7%, which is not much. In other words, you can enjoy the lowest prices no matter when you choose to book.
Thinking about last-minute savings for Expensive Cities
If you are going to visit New York city, know that you can't get the best deals for summer trips. However, if you still want to save a considerable sum of money, consider booking 30 to 60 days ahead of your trip. This can help you cut your expenses by 25%.
Long story short, the next time you book a hotel for your next trip, we suggest that you go through this article again if you want to avoid the common mistakes. The idea is to make the best decision. Hopefully, this will help you get the most out of your trip while saving you a considerable sum at the same time.
Travel Cheek can help you save a lot on your hotel booking if you are looking for cheap flights and hotels to Vegas. In fact, Travel Cheek is the best discount hotel site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10065905
If you are going to visit New York city, know that you can't get the best deals for summer trips. However, if you still want to save a considerable sum of money, consider booking 30 to 60 days ahead of your trip. This can help you cut your expenses by 25%.
Long story short, the next time you book a hotel for your next trip, we suggest that you go through this article again if you want to avoid the common mistakes. The idea is to make the best decision. Hopefully, this will help you get the most out of your trip while saving you a considerable sum at the same time.
Travel Cheek can help you save a lot on your hotel booking if you are looking for cheap flights and hotels to Vegas. In fact, Travel Cheek is the best discount hotel site.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10065905
Thursday, August 8, 2019
The Best Safaris in Africa
When driving through the scenic savanna landscape, tall grass and pristine acacia trees dot the horizon. Animals sightings are overwhelming. At first glance you will rush to your camera to take a photo of the grazing animals; giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impala, waterbuck, and oryx. It is incredible to think how many centuries they have roamed these lands. The real hunt while on safari is searching for the Big Five. Find elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards and of course lions, all come with time. On some safaris, they may come in one day.
Have you always wanted to go to a safari, but imagined an incredibly high price? If you are looking for a good safari on a budget, some are easily accessible, self-driving is allowed, and entry fees are friendly to the wallet. What about packing for a safari. There are a few essential items not to forget. With our top picks in Africa, you will see all the expected animals, including a good chance at the Big Five.
What Animals Will I See on Safari?
It is normal to see a lot of wildlife and sometimes it can be overwhelming. Expect to see A LOT of wildebeest and antelope. Some parks have a lot of elephants and giraffe. Depending on your luck and patience, seeing Lions is common, but you may only see a few. Seeing Leopards and Rhinos are rare. They are at many parks, but they are elusive. Leopards tend to hide in the trees while Rhino's stay far from the vehicles.
Can I Go on a Safari on a Budget?
Yes, you absolutely can! Safaris in East Africa cost the most, starting with the Serengeti and Masai Mara. If you are on a tight budget, scratch your plans to visit those parks, because they will rack up a cost of several hundred each day you visit. While they are worth it, they are not budget friendly. Safaris in South Africa and Namibia are great, which have very cheap entry fees and you can self-drive in a small sedan. Renting a car is cheap in those countries, making a safari very affordable. Another way to save money on safari is to bring or rent a tent. National Parks in Namibia and SA have campgrounds and it gets expensive if you do not intend to camp.
Which is the Best Safari in Africa?
Each safari is unique. The landscapes create a different environment for what you are looking at each day. Some make it very difficult to spot animals, while others are wide open and much easier. Some safaris need 4×4 and typically you need to hire a driver, especially those in East Africa. Self-driving is allowed at most safaris in Southern Africa, great for those independent travelers or backpackers on a budget. Finding the best safari in Africa for YOU depends on what you are looking for, but you likely will find it at one of these park:
Best Safaris in Africa:
Masai Mara National Park, Kenya
What to Expect:
This iconic park, when one thinks of safari, rolling savannas filled with animal life unlike any other, the Masai Mara fits the bill. Popular for decades as the premier park in Africa, the action here cannot be beat. Within minutes you can see lions, rhinos, a leopard, and some cheetahs. The big 5 are all in this park and you have a good chance of seeing all of them, possibly even in one day. Come during the Wildebeest migration between July and early September for the most action and the famous river crossing, with the best time to come in early September.
• Self-driving is an option. The park requires 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $80 per day.
• Camping is available from $7 - $15 per person outside the park gates.
Norongoro Crater National Park, Tanzania
What to Expect:
The Norongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive and unfilled caldera, with the floor itself over 100 square miles (260 sq km). The wildlife is impressive. Elephants, buffalo, giraffe and lions graze within the crater. Elephants spend their last days in the Norongoro Crater. They travel hundreds of kilometers just to make it there. Views are stunning with crater walls surrounding the flat plains, and the wildlife is dense considering the size of the crater. It is a common side excursion as a day trip while on safari at Serengeti.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $60 per day plus 18% VAT and $40 per day for the vehicle.
• Camping costs $30 per night per person.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
What to Expect:
When most think of big game parks and some of the most iconic parks in Africa, Serengeti is often the first to roll off their tongue. This famous park in Tanzania borders Masai Mara to the South and is an enormous park. Hosting over 3,000 lions and 1,000 leopards, Serengeti is home to what most say is the largest population of big cats in Africa. There are also over 2 million wildebeests, of which over 1.5 million annually migrate North into Masai Mara as part of the Great Migration. Come during the migration between July and early September for the most action and the famous river crossings, with the best time to come in early September.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $60 per day plus 18% VAT and $40 per day for the vehicle.
• Camping costs $30 per night per person.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
What to Expect:
This gem of a park in Namibia, not far from the scenic Namib sand dunes, is one of the top parks in Africa. It is a very large park with a central salt plan that floods during the rainy season. The park has excellent drives along the salt pan and savanna, as well as through the forest. Many natural and artificial watering holes help the animals congregate, especially during dry season. There are three main camping areas with watering holes for night viewing. The park is dense with wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, antelope, and elephants. all call Etosha home. We had several close encounters with lions. A momma cheetah attempted a kill of antelope with her two young cubs. Hundreds of giraffes would congregate for some water. Etosha was one of our favorite safaris, and is an excellent option for those on a budget. For the quality of animals and accessibility, this might be the best budget safari in Africa. The best time to visit is from May through October during the dry season.
• Self-driving is an option and 4×4 is not needed.
• Park entry cost is $6 per day plus $2 per car per day.
• Campsites up to 8 people cost $18 per night.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
What to Expect:
Mountain gorillas can only be found in four National Parks all bordering the Virunga Mountains. You can visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has the most mountain gorillas of all the parks, home to nearly 400 of the 900 mountain gorillas alive. Viewings are daily, and you often can track large families with several large male silverbacks as well as young gorillas. This is unique to most African safaris, that you are in search of only one species and it is entirely on foot, but the memories of this may beat all the rest.
• The best time to visit is from May to September when it is not rainy season. Prices are lower during the rainy season, making this a good time for those on a budget.
• Bwindi mountain trekking costs $600 per person during the main season and $450 during the low season (April, May and November).
• Camping is $5 per person in the national park and $7 -$10 at rest camps outside of the park.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
What to Expect:
This highly underrated park is possibly the most diverse of these parks. It hosts the Nile Rivers greatest waterfall, Murchison Falls, along with excellent game drives and Nile River scenic boat cruises. The delta here next to Lake Albert provides for excellent hippo and bird viewing. The savanna is stunning with rolling hills. We loved the unique landscape at Murchison which was littered with palm trees, a rare occurrence in the savanna. The park is home to many giraffes, hippos, exotic birds, lions, antelope, buffalo, crocodiles and the occasional leopard. There also are chimpanzee treks available. The best time to visit is from May to September.
• Self-driving is an option and 4×4 is not needed.
• Park entry cost is $40 per day.
• Camping is $8 per person at Red Chili Rest Camp.
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
What to Expect:
Moremi Game Reserve in northwest Botswana sits next to the Okavango Delta, worth a visit when going to Moremi. This park is one of the best safaris for self-drive enthusiasts. Thick sand roads make for fun but tough driving conditions through forests and smaller open plains. You can drive in for a couple of days, or make the longer trek through Moremi on to Chobe for a 5 to 7-day Safari. Wildlife is very dense with elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, antelope, lions, leopards, hyenas, and the rare wild dogs. The best time to visit is from June through September during dry season but when floodwaters are at its highest in the Okavango River Delta.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $11 per day plus $5 per day per vehicle.
• Camping ranges in cost from $15 to $50 per person depending on each campsite.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
What to Expect:
Chobe National Park is one of the premier parks in Africa and has some of the densest animal concentrations in Africa. They host the second most elephants in Africa. Animals come for hundreds of miles to make the journey down to the Chobe River. Joined with Moremi, this park is excellent for self-drive enthusiasts. Their game drives are excellent, but the real bonus is the Chobe River. Take a sunset boat cruise and watch as elephants cross the river, hundreds of hippos eating, exotic birds, crocodiles laying out, and many other animals can be spotted. The occasional lion might be found on the banks of the river grabbing a drink. The best time to visit is from May to September.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $7 per day.
• Camping ranges in cost from $15 to $50 per person depending on each campsite.
This article is written by Timon Peskin of http://www.beardandcurly.com. A photographer and travel writer, Timon and his wife Yana are out exploring the world. Finding fun adventures keep us going, and we enjoy sharing it on our website through photos and writing. Beardandcurly.com specializes in guides and information for independent travel, adventure travel, budget travel, and photography. For more content, please check out our website!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9869722
What to Expect:
This iconic park, when one thinks of safari, rolling savannas filled with animal life unlike any other, the Masai Mara fits the bill. Popular for decades as the premier park in Africa, the action here cannot be beat. Within minutes you can see lions, rhinos, a leopard, and some cheetahs. The big 5 are all in this park and you have a good chance of seeing all of them, possibly even in one day. Come during the Wildebeest migration between July and early September for the most action and the famous river crossing, with the best time to come in early September.
• Self-driving is an option. The park requires 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $80 per day.
• Camping is available from $7 - $15 per person outside the park gates.
Norongoro Crater National Park, Tanzania
What to Expect:
The Norongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive and unfilled caldera, with the floor itself over 100 square miles (260 sq km). The wildlife is impressive. Elephants, buffalo, giraffe and lions graze within the crater. Elephants spend their last days in the Norongoro Crater. They travel hundreds of kilometers just to make it there. Views are stunning with crater walls surrounding the flat plains, and the wildlife is dense considering the size of the crater. It is a common side excursion as a day trip while on safari at Serengeti.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $60 per day plus 18% VAT and $40 per day for the vehicle.
• Camping costs $30 per night per person.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
What to Expect:
When most think of big game parks and some of the most iconic parks in Africa, Serengeti is often the first to roll off their tongue. This famous park in Tanzania borders Masai Mara to the South and is an enormous park. Hosting over 3,000 lions and 1,000 leopards, Serengeti is home to what most say is the largest population of big cats in Africa. There are also over 2 million wildebeests, of which over 1.5 million annually migrate North into Masai Mara as part of the Great Migration. Come during the migration between July and early September for the most action and the famous river crossings, with the best time to come in early September.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $60 per day plus 18% VAT and $40 per day for the vehicle.
• Camping costs $30 per night per person.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
What to Expect:
This gem of a park in Namibia, not far from the scenic Namib sand dunes, is one of the top parks in Africa. It is a very large park with a central salt plan that floods during the rainy season. The park has excellent drives along the salt pan and savanna, as well as through the forest. Many natural and artificial watering holes help the animals congregate, especially during dry season. There are three main camping areas with watering holes for night viewing. The park is dense with wildlife. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, antelope, and elephants. all call Etosha home. We had several close encounters with lions. A momma cheetah attempted a kill of antelope with her two young cubs. Hundreds of giraffes would congregate for some water. Etosha was one of our favorite safaris, and is an excellent option for those on a budget. For the quality of animals and accessibility, this might be the best budget safari in Africa. The best time to visit is from May through October during the dry season.
• Self-driving is an option and 4×4 is not needed.
• Park entry cost is $6 per day plus $2 per car per day.
• Campsites up to 8 people cost $18 per night.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
What to Expect:
Mountain gorillas can only be found in four National Parks all bordering the Virunga Mountains. You can visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has the most mountain gorillas of all the parks, home to nearly 400 of the 900 mountain gorillas alive. Viewings are daily, and you often can track large families with several large male silverbacks as well as young gorillas. This is unique to most African safaris, that you are in search of only one species and it is entirely on foot, but the memories of this may beat all the rest.
• The best time to visit is from May to September when it is not rainy season. Prices are lower during the rainy season, making this a good time for those on a budget.
• Bwindi mountain trekking costs $600 per person during the main season and $450 during the low season (April, May and November).
• Camping is $5 per person in the national park and $7 -$10 at rest camps outside of the park.
Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda
What to Expect:
This highly underrated park is possibly the most diverse of these parks. It hosts the Nile Rivers greatest waterfall, Murchison Falls, along with excellent game drives and Nile River scenic boat cruises. The delta here next to Lake Albert provides for excellent hippo and bird viewing. The savanna is stunning with rolling hills. We loved the unique landscape at Murchison which was littered with palm trees, a rare occurrence in the savanna. The park is home to many giraffes, hippos, exotic birds, lions, antelope, buffalo, crocodiles and the occasional leopard. There also are chimpanzee treks available. The best time to visit is from May to September.
• Self-driving is an option and 4×4 is not needed.
• Park entry cost is $40 per day.
• Camping is $8 per person at Red Chili Rest Camp.
Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
What to Expect:
Moremi Game Reserve in northwest Botswana sits next to the Okavango Delta, worth a visit when going to Moremi. This park is one of the best safaris for self-drive enthusiasts. Thick sand roads make for fun but tough driving conditions through forests and smaller open plains. You can drive in for a couple of days, or make the longer trek through Moremi on to Chobe for a 5 to 7-day Safari. Wildlife is very dense with elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, antelope, lions, leopards, hyenas, and the rare wild dogs. The best time to visit is from June through September during dry season but when floodwaters are at its highest in the Okavango River Delta.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $11 per day plus $5 per day per vehicle.
• Camping ranges in cost from $15 to $50 per person depending on each campsite.
Chobe National Park, Botswana
What to Expect:
Chobe National Park is one of the premier parks in Africa and has some of the densest animal concentrations in Africa. They host the second most elephants in Africa. Animals come for hundreds of miles to make the journey down to the Chobe River. Joined with Moremi, this park is excellent for self-drive enthusiasts. Their game drives are excellent, but the real bonus is the Chobe River. Take a sunset boat cruise and watch as elephants cross the river, hundreds of hippos eating, exotic birds, crocodiles laying out, and many other animals can be spotted. The occasional lion might be found on the banks of the river grabbing a drink. The best time to visit is from May to September.
• Self-driving is an option. They require 4×4 only.
• Park entry cost is $7 per day.
• Camping ranges in cost from $15 to $50 per person depending on each campsite.
This article is written by Timon Peskin of http://www.beardandcurly.com. A photographer and travel writer, Timon and his wife Yana are out exploring the world. Finding fun adventures keep us going, and we enjoy sharing it on our website through photos and writing. Beardandcurly.com specializes in guides and information for independent travel, adventure travel, budget travel, and photography. For more content, please check out our website!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9869722
Top 9 Places to visit in Africa
Africa is the second largest and most beautiful continent in the world. It hosts some of the best tourist attraction places that you would probably love to visit before you die. You will surely love these places after you read and know more about them.
Masai Mara-Kenya
Masai Mara is one of the greatest wildlife reserves in Africa. It is located in the Kenya's southwest and is also a part of the northern section of the Serengeti national park. Serengeti National Part is widely known for the large quantity of the big cats, leopards, lions, cheetahs and more so for the migration of zebra to and from the park every year from July to October.
The best time to visit Masai Mara is between June and August every year since it is during this period that the wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara in search of water and green pastures. The Masai Mara also has the most Luxurious camps where tourists can relax and mix nature. These camps include Base Camp, Governors, Olmoran and many others.
Victoria Falls, Zambia-Zimbabwe Border
This is a waterfall that is situated on the Zambezi River at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border and is well known for being the largest waterfall on earth. Surely The Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful sites in Africa that you must see before you die not only because of its beauty but also because of its unusual fall and the diversity of the wildlife around it. It is possible to swim safely in the pools at the top of the falls on the Zambian side.
Pyramids of Giza-Egypt
There are over 100 pyramids in Egypt and most of them build as tombs to preserve the bodies of the dead pharaohs. In these tombs the pharaohs' bodies will continue receiving food offerings long after their death. The greatest of these pyramids is the tomb of pharaoh that is in Giza.
Etosha National Park in Namibia
It is one of the most important and best game reserves in Africa, it houses a wide variety of mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian species. Tourists can camp here and enjoy a wonderful game viewing even at night, bird watching and also enjoy game drives.
Chode National Park
Chode National Park supports a large variety of wildlife which can only be found in this park and nowhere else in this world and it also has one of the Africa's amazing rivers. Visitors can take a river cruise; undergo extra ordinary bird watching of over 400 bird species and also encounter different type of animals in their safari trip.
Virunga Mountains in Uganda/ Rwanda/ DRC borders
This is a chain of volcanic mountains found along the borders of Uganda, DRC and Rwanda. Apart from their beauty, the forests of the Virunga Mountains are the only remaining homes of the endangered gorillas. Visitors will also find some other interesting animals like chimpanzees, the okapi and the forest elephants.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and also the world's tallest standing free mountain. The area around Mount Kilimanjaro is a home to some of the Africa's premier wildlife parks and reserves. This is why Mount Kilimanjaro is a must place to visit in Africa.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Cape Winelands is the largest region in Western Cape that produces a higher percent of the world's finest wines. Cape Winelands hosts some of the most renowned hotels and restaurants in South Africa, romantic gateways and spas where tourists can explore and also go for the world's famous wine tasting.
Bazaruto
It is known for being the point of attraction of Indian Ocean. Bazaruto is a conservation area that is now being protected along with the coral reefs that surrounds the island. Visitors can enjoy a wonderful bird watching and experience a first rate diving.
PAUL OVANGO
Paul Onyango is a CEO and an East Africa safari expert planner with six years experience. He runs the popular Kenyan safari website http://www.wemasafaris.com. He has helped thousands perfectly plan for their tours and safaris. Want to plan for a memorable luxury or budget safari around East Africa? Oh and before then, are you interested in learning a few basic Swahili phrases or to be precise: 263 phrases that are commonly used by indigenous community? Then download a FREE copy of Common Swahili Phrases Book at http://www.wemasafaris.com/home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9543100
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Monday, July 29, 2019
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Friday, July 26, 2019
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Top 10 most Horrifyingly Mysterious Lakes in the World
Top 10 most Horrifyingly Mysterious Lakes in the World
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Monday, July 22, 2019
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Saturday, July 20, 2019
ANGAMA MARA - THE GREAT MIGRATION IN KENYA
This Week At Angama
19 JULY 2019 | THIS WEEK AT ANGAMA |
ADAM BANNISTER
The excitement around camp is tangible – wildebeest are scattered across
the horizon as far as the eye can see. Like a slowly approaching wave,
the Great Migration makes its way ever closer.
It’s that time of the year again when we gather along the river banks
and wait patiently for nature to enthrall
A month ago, we witnessed a false start of the migration – thousands
upon thousands of wildebeest stormed into the Mara Triangle, before
turning around two days later and running back south. In their wake,
they left an eerie silence and had everyone hypothesizing on what
had just happened. Everything about it was unpredictable and
unexpected. But so is the nature of the gnu. [f 4.5, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.33]
It appears, however, as though some sort of order has been restored in this
part of East Africa. Tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra are now moving
steadily into the Mara, crossing the Sand River, from the Serengeti. There is
an energy of expectation in the air – this week the dramatic crossings of the
Mara River have begun.
Every day starts off in a similarly breathtaking fashion – the glorious
sunrise over the Masai Mara. [f 4.0, 1/1000, ISO 320, +0.33]
The escarpment is the perfect setting to watch the light dance across the
landscape. Welcome to Angama Mara. [f 4.5, 1/400, ISO 400]
The Oloololo Escarpment provides the perfect backdrop and is one of the main
reasons I love photographing the Mara Triangle. [f 4.0, 1/1250, ISO 500]
I have no qualms in admitting that this week my photographs are heavily
slanted towards lions – the release of Lion King this week is causing
ripples across the world. We are incredibly proud as this storyline is
based in Kenya and hope that the movie will reinvigorate interest, and
raise attention to the plight of the lion across Africa. Fortunately, the
lion population in the Mara Triangle is doing well thanks to fantastic
management by the Mara Conservancy and their relationship with the
surrounding communities. This photograph, taken on Thursday, is of
members of the famous Sausage Tree Pride. [f 4.5, 1/1600, ISO 200]
Lion don’t find it easy climbing trees. Sometimes climbing is made even more
difficult by fellow pride mates who are in a playful mood – as is shown by this
sequence of photos I took down by Purungat Bridge in the south-east of the
Mara Triangle. [f 5.6, 1/2500, ISO 400]
[f 5.6, 1/2500, ISO 400]
[f 5.6, 1/2500, ISO 400]
On the other hand, the Angama Pride are much more efficient tree-climbers
and it is not uncommon to go out on safari and see members of this majestic
pride lazing about in the canopy. [f 3.5, 1/1000, ISO 200]
Angama Pride movements continue to confuse us. It appears as if the pride
may have splintered into smaller units. Here, one of the older lionesses
focuses on a warthog feeding in the distance. About 30 minutes later, the
warthog made off, tail upright, with lion on its heels – luckily for him, he was
faster than the lioness. [f 4.5, 1/500, ISO 500]
It is easy to see why we all love to photograph lions – in the morning light they
are golden. [f 4.0, 1/800, ISO 800]
The Short-tail Male, the area’s biggest and most dominant male, is captured
here patrolling the grass tracks of the northern extremities of his territory. A
post-processing conversion to black and white was used to soften the massive
contrasts created by tricky midday lighting. [f 4.0, 1/800, ISO 250, +0.33]
This rather comical facial expression is what is called ‘Flehmen Grimace’.
The organ involved is the vomeronasal organ, otherwise known as the
Jacobson’s organ. It is used to check hormone condition. The lion pictured
here is inhaling the scent, closing his nostrils, and allowing the scent into
the Jacobson’s organ. Incredibly, he will be able to test a female’s scent
for fertility. [f 4.0, 1/1600, ISO 800, +0.33]
Further south in the reserve, we are starting to see a lot of this very blonde
male – he is the coalition partner of Kipuli, the male of the Salt Lick Pride. This
male is currently nameless, but my suggestion is Pharaoh. The reason? Not
only is he a future leader and king of this land, but he spends nearly all his
time around the small watering hole named after an ever-present Egyptian
goose family, but for brevity sake is often simply called “Egyptian”. It makes
sense, in my book, that the ruler of this land is the “Pharaoh”. I am keen to
hear your thoughts on whether you like this name or not?
[f 5.0, 1/1600, ISO 320]
Lion may be the most commonly seen of the big cats in this area, but I
certainly have a soft spot for cheetah. [f 5.6, 1/1250, ISO 250]
Anticipating which termite mound a cheetah could climb often results in the
most wonderful of photographs. [f 3.5, 1/6400, ISO 250]
Find a cheetah, or a lion, and it is not uncommon to find a sneaky hyena
in their wake. [f 4.0, 1/500, ISO 500, +0.33]
And all of this before you stop for a delicious, and well-earned, picnic
breakfast out in the grasslands, under a lonesome tree, wildlife all around.
[f 2.8, 1/250, ISO 160, +1.33]
I am continually amazed at how good the elephant viewing is in the
Mara Triangle. As a photographer, the thing I love about elephant is they
are almost always doing something interesting.
[f 4.0, 1/1250, ISO 200, +0.33]
Spend enough time with elephant and you will notice they don’t like getting
their tails wet. I have seen forest elephants in the Congo basin doing the
same – wading through water and lifting their tails up in the air, attempting
to keep them away from even the smallest splash.
[f 6.3, 1/400, ISO 200, -0.33]
One can’t help but feel for this small elephant with her shortened trunk.
Luckily, she has her family nearby to look after her.
[f 7.1, 1/500, ISO 200, -0.33]
A rather unusual angle of a water monitor lizard as he scuttled underneath
the car. [f 2.8, 1/2500, ISO 250, +0.33]
Photographing into the sun moments before sunrise can produce the most gentle of lighting – gentle, pastel colours.
[f 4.0, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.33]
Photographing into the sun moments before sunrise can produce the most gentle of lighting – gentle, pastel colours. [f 4.0, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.33]
To end off, I can’t resist sharing a few images of the Great Migration as it moved further and further into the Mara during the course of the week. Although I have seen this many times before, I am blown away every time at the scale of this event. [f 4.5, 1/3200, ISO 400]
It is often a lone zebra who leads the way – a brave, or silly, individual who thinks the grass is greener on the other side. [f 5.0, 1/2500, ISO 320]
And once one starts, the rest will follow… [f 5.0, 1/1250, ISO 200, +0.33]
Hundreds of animals dive into the water swimming for their lives. [f 5.6, 1/1000, ISO 400, -0.33]
Almost unworldly scenes unfold as they spill out onto the other bank. Tomorrow more will cross, or perhaps they may even cross back to the other side. When it comes to the Great Migration, anything is possible. [f 6.3, 1/2000, ISO 400, -0.33]
THIS WEEK A YEAR AGO
This time last year, we were having regular sightings of the Angama Pride. At this stage they numbered 16 individuals. A year later, things could not be more different. In fact we had a guide’s meeting this week to discuss various hypotheses about the splintering of this pride that we now see in small groups of two or three individuals at a time. A once mighty pride now fighting for survival in turbulent times. [f 7.1, 1/400, ISO 800, +0.33]
I am breaking with tradition here by including a second photograph from last years This Week at Angama. The reason? This image of a saddle-billed stork was without a doubt one of my favorite photographs from 2018. In fact, I would be so bold to say that This Week At Angama #24 was an absolute cracker – I highly advise you to go back and have a look. [f 5.6, 1/1600, ISO 160]
AUTHOR: ADAM BANNISTER
A South African-trained biologist, safari guide, author, filmmaker and photographer, Adam is, above all else, a gifted storyteller. After spending the past 10 years working in some of the world’s most beautiful wild places – the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, Rajasthan in India, Brazil’s Pantanal, and the rain-forest of Manu National Park in Peru – he is delighted to share his stories of one of the loveliest game reserves of them all, the Masai Mara.
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