Namibia - A Bountiful Harvest Awaits the Adventure Traveler

by: Andrew Muigai

PART I

Namibia is a largely arid country of stark rough-hewn beauty. The most vivid images are those of a haunting technicolor landscape of swirling orange dunes, shimmering mirages and treacherous dust devils. The apparent desolation is deceptive and plant and animal life and even man has adapted to this environment. The country is designed almost specially with the active and adventure seeker in mind. Timeless deserts, thorn bush savanna, desolate wind ravaged coastlines, majestic canyons, and sun-baked saltpans are the bounty that awaits the traveler.

Namibia's top draw is the Etosha National Park, rated as one of Africa's finest game sanctuaries. The birding experience in the country is truly superior. The range of activities you can indulge in the unsurpassable physical environment is truly impressive. Ballooning over the desert, skydiving over land and sea, paragliding, whitewater rafting and sand skiing along coastal dunes are good activities for starters. More fun games to pick from include abseiling - that most spectacular of rock sports, coastal and fresh water angling, desert camel riding, scuba diving, 4x4 desert runs, hiking and mountaineering.

Namibia has four distinct geographical regions. In the north is Etosha Pan, a great area for wildlife and heart of Etosha National Park. The slender Caprivi Strip is nested between Zambia and Botswana and is a wet area of woodland blessed with a few rivers. Along the coast is the Namib Desert, which at the age of 80 million years old, is said to be the world's oldest desert. At the coast, the icy cold Atlantic meets the blazing African desert, resulting in dense fogs. The well-watered central plateau runs north to south, and carries rugged mountains, magnificent canyons, rocky outcrops and expansive plains.

Namibia, one and half times the size of France, is very sparsely inhabited and carries only 1.8 million souls. The people are as unique as the land they live on. The most intriguing are the San, otherwise known as Bushmen. These most hardy of people have a highly advanced knowledge of their environment. It is a marvelous thing how well they are adapted to their difficult habitat. Just pause and think that these are the only people in the world who live with no permanent access to water. In the Kalahari Desert, one of their domiciles, surface water is not to be found. Tubers, melons, and other water bearing plants as well as underground sip wells supply their water requirements.

In Namibia today, Bushmen number about 50,000. Historians estimate that they have lived, mostly as hunters and gatherers, for at least 25,000 years in these parts of the world. Bushmen speak in a peculiar click language and are very gifted in the arts of storytelling, mimicry, and dance. Namibia's other people, who are indigenous to the continent, are mostly of Bantu origin. They are thought to have arrived from western Africa from about 2,400 years ago. The African groups include the Owambo, Kavango, Caprivians, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama and Tswana.

The Africans aside, other groups comprise about 15% of the population and have played an important role in the emergence of the modern nation. White Namibians amount to about 120,00 and are mainly of German and Afrikaner heritage. Germans arrived in significant numbers after 1884 when Bismarck declared the country a German Protectorate. Afrikaners, white farmers of Dutch origin, moved north from their Cape settlements, especially after the Dutch Cape Colony was ceded to the British in 1806. This strongly independent people, whose ancestors had lived in the Cape from 1652 resented British control.

Two other distinct groups complete the spectrum of Namibia's people - Basters and Coloureds. Coloured in Namibia and southern Africa refers to people of mixed racial heritage, black- white for example. They have a separate identity and culture. This makes sense considering that Namibia was run by South Africa after the First World War. Even in pre-Apartheid South Africa, racial classification was a fine art. The Afrikaans-speaking Basters, descended from Hottentot women and Dutch settlers of the Cape. Alienated from both white and black communities, they trekked northwards, finally founding their own town Rehoboth, in 1871. Baster is actually derived from "bastard", but it is not derogatory, and the Basters are indeed proud of it.

Namibia's barren and unwelcoming coastlines served as a natural deterrent to the ambitions of European explorers. That was until 1884 when the German merchant Adolf Luderitz established a permanent settlement between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic seaboard that afterwards took his name. Bismarck subsequently declared the territory covered by Namibia a German colony and named it Südwestafrika or South West Africa. As German settlers moved into the interior, conflict was inevitable with the inheritors of the land.

The German occupation was a particularly unhappy experience for the Herero. The Herero resented the German's harsh and racist rule and the effect of the encroachment on their lands on their livelihood and way of life. On the first day of the year 1904, the Herero led by Chief Samuel Maharero, rose suddenly and unexpectedly in arms against their colonial overlords. The Nama joined the insurrection and the authorities did not regain control even after six months of trying. Over 100 German settlers and soldiers died in the uprising. Historians now consider events that followed to constitute the first genocide of the twentieth century.

Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha was furnished with a contingent of 14,000 soldiers and tasked to put down the rebellion. The governor general of the territory was then Rudolph Goering -the father of Herman Goering, Hitler's right hand man. Lothar von Trotha was a generation ahead of his time and his kind of thinking was to become government policy under the Third Reich. He argued that the Herero must be destroyed as a people and he did not wince at the murder of women or children. At the end of it all, 100,000 Nama and Herero were killed. The survivors were herded in concentration camps where unspeakable things happened. The Herero fared very badly and 80% of her people perished. The population of the Nama diminished by 35-50%.

To be continued in PART II of this posting.

About The Author

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of Africapoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Namibia Safaris at the website. http://www.africapoint.com/tours1/namibia.htm.

The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving

by: Clint Leung

For many Europeans, traveling to the Red Sea for scuba diving is like many North Americans going to the Caribbean. For a scuba diver based in North America or anywhere else outside of Europe or Africa, a journey to the Red Sea is considered one of the more exotic scuba diving trips. Like other overseas travel, getting to the final destination is the hardest thing. The Red Sea can be dived from ports in both Egypt and Israel but most international scuba divers do so from the Egyptian side. There are two major scuba diving areas in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh at the northern part of the Red Sea is the more established center having been a popular vacation resort area as both Egyptians and Europeans have been vacationing here for many years. The local scuba dive industry grew along with the overall steady growth of classy resorts, shops and other tourist services in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada, once just a sleepy fishing village along the west side of the Red Sea, is starting to grow as scuba divers discover this alternative to Sharm El Sheikh.

More than likely, travelers going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada will have to fly to Cairo before connecting with Egypt Air or taking a bus to their final destination. Many scuba divers turn their Red Sea diving trip into a major extended holiday in order to both dive and see the many wonderful ancient Egyptian sites such as the pyramids. There are many things to see and do in Egypt in addition to the ancient ruins including museums, markets and Nile river cruises. So it is highly recommended to do some research and plan accordingly for any trip to Egypt as one would not want to run into the situation where not enough time was allocated to see everything one wants to see there in addition to scuba diving.

Many of the scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh are affiliated or close by to a hotel resort. Most of the dive shops are actually owned and staffed by Europeans working in Egypt. This is similar to the situation in the Caribbean where many of the scuba operators there are American owned. The Red Sea has a higher salt content than Caribbean waters so it is recommended to add 4 to 5 more pounds to the amount of weight divers usually use. Like most European diving, the scuba community here in Egypt uses the metric system so weights will be in kilos while air pressure will be in bars. Most dive computers should be able to display both metric and imperial systems.

Many scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh use a very interesting system for scuba tanks. Rather than using their own tanks, their dive boats go to a common central barge anchored in the harbor. This is where all the scuba tanks are supplied from and the dive boats collect the number of tanks they need for day’s dive trips. At the end of the trips, used tanks are dropped off at the same barge before heading back to port.

The majority of the dives in the Red Sea are semi drift dives where the dive boats drop off divers at the dive sites and then pick them up afterwards. One very different aspect of the Red Sea compared to other dive destinations in the world is that the coral reefs here can extend up to very shallow depths. As a result, the standard safety stops at 15 feet are done drifting among many of these sloping reefs along with the accompanying marine life. Therefore, these are some of the most scenic safety stops scuba divers will ever do. This is certainly different from the usual bland safety stop in the Caribbean. One thing to note is that the maximum allowable depth for recreational scuba divers in Egypt is 30 meters which is about 90 feet.

As expected, the marine life in the Red Sea is spectacular. There are many species of fish, crustaceans and marine plant life here that are not found in the Caribbean. In fact, many of them are indigenous to the Red Sea only. While lionfish can be extremely rare sightings elsewhere, they are quite abundant in the Red Sea which is a real treat for scuba divers. It is also not unusual to jump in the water to be among a large school of tuna or other fish. Many night divers will see coral reefs here to be more spectacular than in the Caribbean.

For many scuba divers, the Red Sea is one of those ‘must dive at least once in a lifetime’ destinations. It is a very unique place to dive especially with the desert background visible from the dive boats. The excellent diving with the many awesome sights of Egypt make the Red Sea a dream dive trip for any scuba diver.

About The Author Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.

The Smarter Way To Experience The Great Pyramids

by: Jacob Fiennes

From their construction throughout the centuries the Pyramids of Giza have represented mystery, wonder and awe to all. They are perhaps the only great architecture of the ancients to have survived more or less completely intact.

The oldest pyramid at Giza is the Great Pyramid of Cheops, also known as Khufu, and is the largest known pyramid in existence. It was built around 2500 BC of over two million limestone blocks, each almost three tons in weight. An astonishing achievement and is believed to be the work of around twenty thousand slave workers.

Nearby are the smaller pyramids belonging to Cheops’s son and grandson as well as the Great Sphinx, known as Abu ‘l-Hol, a half-lion, half-man figure of majestic proportions.

Each evening at dusk an enormous sound and light show is played out and, despite its rather tacky touristy nature, is a real fast-track introduction to Egyptian history. Scout through the many persistent camel drivers around the site for a decent tour of the pyramids on humpback, with the best time of day being at daybreak or sundown as these times are quieter and offer the most breathtaking atmosphere to view the pyramids in.

As perhaps the best possible example of real estate location the forty acre Mena House offers rolling views of lush parkland and beautiful gardens right on the Saharan doorstep with the pyramids as a backdrop. Before 1870 the Mena House was King Khedive Ismail’s official hunting lodge, yet today it offers serene escape from the heady tourist areas that surround the Pyramids. Featuring an eighteen hole golf course, a gorgeous swimming pool set right in the lush gardens, and a certain aire of colonial grandeur felt perhaps most on the breakfast terrace, which Evelyn Waugh described best as being “like having the Prince of Wales at the next table”. To enjoy the Mena best choose a room in the old yet beautifully restored suites for a grand view of the Pyramids.

About The Author Jacob Fiennes is an enthusiastic traveller and photographer with a passion for discovery. He is a founder and regular contributor to the hugely popular worldwide hotel reservations site http://www.travelbx.com/. Visit the site for your next hotel room reservation, flight ticket, tailored holiday package and much more. http://www.travelbx.com.

Costal Kenya : Gedi Ruins

by: Yvonne Oerlemans

When travelling through Kenya, you can’t ignore the marvellous national parks and game reserves, inhabited by countless fascinating animals. The mosaic of wildlife inside Kenya’s borders is what makes this country a famous tourist destination. However, Kenya has another, equally enchanting side: the coast. Donned with paradise-like beaches, it’s a wonderful leisurely end to an active holiday. But if you look just a little bit beyond the beach, you will find a rich coastal culture that goes back a thousand years.

After enjoying a Safari in interior Kenya, the coastal town of Mombasa is a wonderful place to exhale with a cocktail in hand. But Mombasa also has a rich history where centuries of trade and all kinds of cultural influences have shaped the Swahili culture, including the national language of Kenya, appropriately called Swahili. The language reflects Kenya’s colourful history; it incorporates words from Arabic, Portuguese and even German origin. Swahili is now spoken all over East Africa, and even as far as the Congo.

A walk through Mombasa Old Town reveals the heart of the Swahili culture. The narrow streets can hardly accommodate cars, but all the more people and donkeys. The high houses provide shade from the scorching Mombasa sun; the heavy wooden doors are beautifully carved and inscribed with Arabic text from the Koran; Islam is the dominant religion alongside the Kenyan coast. On the veranda’s, old men in traditional Muslim attire chat the day away sharing a pot of spicy coffee.

At the edge of Old Town, facing Mombasa bay, stands Fort Jesus; built by the Portuguese who conquered the city in the 16th Century. They held on to the fort until the British colonialists turned it into a prison. The fort is open for viewing; inside is a museum narrating the history of the fort and its occupants. The canons used to keep attackers at bay still proudly stand facing the sea.

Travelling alongside the Kenyan coast, there are countless other reminders of the cultures that once ruled the entire coastline. A must-see is the ruins of Gedi, an Arab-African settlement built in the 14th Century. There are many such ruins on the North coast of Kenya, all the way into modern day Somalia, but Gedi is one of the very few that have been maintained as a public historical site open for viewing.

The town has fascinated archaeologists since its discovery. Gedi seemed to have been a wealthy, thriving town, given the precious artefacts that were dug up including Ming China porcelain and countless other objects indicating Gedi’s wealth. However, there is no official historical record of Gedi, which makes the place all the more intriguing.

The name Gedi is a Galla word meaning "precious". The Galla were a nomadic people from Somalia, who conquered all settlements on the Northern Kenyan coast in the 17th century and who baptised Gedi and ruled it until the late 19th century. They then lost their position of power to the Arabs, who reoccupied their original territories.

The historic site is on the Mombasa-Malindi road, sixty-five miles from Mombasa and ten miles from Malindi. Gedi is a fascinating place to visit, more so because the ruins are up to today shrouded in mystery; the actual reasons for its foundation, as well as its destruction, are not known. Surrounded by modern-day villages built of wood, mud and stone with all the hustle and bustle of the local inhabitants, Gedi is an oasis of peace; overgrown with all kinds of trees, plants and flowers. There are friendly and well-informed local guides available at a small fee, but the map of Gedi is self-explanatory, and you can easily discover the city by yourself.

The ruins are clearly indicated, identified by their architectural style, such as the mosques, or the artefacts that were found in or near the structures; names like ‘The house of the Iron Lamp’, ‘The house of the Ivory Box’, ‘The house of the Scissors’, ‘The house of the Venetian Bead’ fuel the imagination. In the silence that now enfolds the once thriving town, you can hear the echoes of the voices of centuries ago. While walking through the ruins, it takes only a little imagination to see the veiled women walking through the streets, hear the children play at the water well and sit with the Sultan while he receives trade delegations. In the museum built adjacent to the ruins, the found artefacts are exhibited alongside an overview of coastal Swahili culture.

The structures at Gedi include 8 mosques, more than a dozen houses, a palace and an Amfi-theatre-cum-law-court. Gedi was surrounded by a wall, and it seems like the city was deserted, then later reoccupied, because there is a second wall built at a later date that encircles a smaller part of the town. This wall incorporated some of the walls of existing houses. The artefacts that were found in the ruins, such as Chinese porcelain and Venetian glass, indicate that Gedi was a wealthy city that traded with Portugal, Italy, China, India and the Arab world; which makes its absence in official historic records all the more intriguing.

There are several theories to the downfall of Gedi. Some say the river changed its course, so the water wells dried up, forcing the inhabitants to move. Others theorize that the Portuguese brought the deadly Black Plague, with no known cure, wiping out the population. A dispute or invasion that caused the inhabitants to fled or evacuate is another theory. But whatever it may be that caused Gedi to fall, its ruins are strong reminders of how powerful it once was, and how it influenced a culture that exists to this day.

For more information on Gedi Ruins, call the museum in Watamu on telephone number 042-32065 or call the National Museums of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi: 020-374213 or go to their website: www.museums.or.ke. Entrance fee for tourists is 200 Kenya Shillings; Under 16’s pay only 100 Shillings. For locals and residents the price varies from 20 to 60 Shillings.

About The Author

Yvonne Oerlemans is the Owner of CoverConceptsMedia Ltd. and a Director at www.AfricanVoyages.com Ltd she can be reached at articles@africanvoyages.com.

Travel To Uganda - A Kingdom Of Birds

by: Kisibo Jackie

Uganda is an equatorial country with an amazing diversity of Habitats. Truly a Kingdom of Birds, Uganda hosts over 1000 bird species, both Albertine Rift endemics as well as rarities with half of the species known on the African continent, and over 10% of those on record throughout the entire world. For a birding safari, Uganda is a perfect destination.

The country located in the Albertine region also lies on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria-the source of the White Nile, and the country is extremely fertile with parks, wildlife, lakes and rivers, Mountain ranges, parks and a cool attractive countryside.

Uganda enjoys a tropical climate with rainy seasons stretching from April-May and October-November, which is a favorable condition for bird existence since birds breed during the wet season. The wide variety of birds is found in both urban and rural areas of Uganda and the most popular birds are the Shoebill, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-fronted Antpecker, Green-breasted pitta, Black bee-eater, Purvell’s illadopsis, Karamoja Apalis, Nahans Francolin, African Green Broadbill and the Brown-chested plover. City and suburb species mainly include the African Hobby, the Bat Hawk, cooper sunbirds, white faced scops owl, freckled Nightjar and so many more species.

Other bird species include the orange weaver, Verreaux’s Eagle owls, pied kingfishers, Grey headed gull, black headed herons, Yellow bill Duck, swamp flycatcher, Vieillot’s black weavers, Hamerkop, Great blue Turaco and the Ross’s Turaco woodland kingfisher. Broad-billed roller, splendid starling, African fish eagle, Hadada ibis, shikra, Angola swallow, Grey-capped warbler, long crested eagle, palmnut and hooded vultures, Grey kestrel and so many more unmentioned species.

Uganda’s equatorial location, Transitional to the East African savannah and the western rainforests is combined with the altitude and great variety of terrain types provide an overwhelming array of opportunities for keen birders, making it Africa’s most complete bird watching destination.

The top birding spots in Uganda include: Bwindi impenetrable forest for Albertine rift endemics like the black bee-eater and African Green Broadbill, Murchison falls National Park for savannah specialists like the Shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and Red throated bee-eater, Kibale forest for the green breasted pitta, great blue Turaco. Queen Elizabeth National Park habits about 600 species like the African Mourning Dove, Temminck’s Courser. Mabamba Swamp for the Shoebill stork, Budongo forest for the white crested Turaco, shinning Blue Kingfisher, and Semliki National Park for white crested sunbird species. Rwenzori Mountains with various bird species, Lake Mburo for papyrus Gonelek and Bigodi wetland sanctuary for the Black billed Turaco, white spotted crake and many more colorful bird species.

A variety of unique habitats and lots of superb Birds make a visit to Uganda a must for every birder. This birding hotspot boosts of a bird list of over 1000 bird species, with some being EastAfrica’s rarest and most sought after birds, and the spectacular globally threatened species. Uganda harbours the greatest variety and concentration of Birds, Primates like chimpanzees and wildlife, lakes and rivers, snow-covered Mountain ranges, parks and landscape. A good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities like Gorilla tracking, sport fishing and white water rafting make Uganda a worthwhile destination and enhance the birding experience.

For specifics contact Africa travel Emporium OR Uganda Safari Guide and Directory, - Birding Safaris to Uganda http://www.aboutuganda.com/birding.html

For a complete directory of free travel information on Uganda, and Hotels, campsites, Kampala Hotels in Uganda http://www.hotelsinuganda.com/kampala.html

Africa Hotels, Kenya , Tanzania & Rwanda http://www.hotel-nights.com

About The Author

Jackie Kisibo is a freelance author in Africa. Her articles can be found on http://www.hotelsinuganda.com/kampala.html and http://www.aboutuganda.com/operators.html.

Kenya: The True Safari Country

by: Felix Koskei

It is said that the word ‘safari’ began in Kenya. Indeed Kenya has all the aspects to justify that it is in fact the number one safari country. Safari did not only start by the arrival; in hordes, of the camera wielding, cigar smoking, boot wearing and rifle carrying European tourist in search of the elephant tusk or the lion’s mane. It is a given fact that safari is deep rooted in the Africa culture. The African culture is extremely social and going on safari to visit distant relatives and friends is a normal mode of life.

In the lives of the 21st century, safari to the foreign tourists is one that takes them deep into the African jungle where they encounter the wild animals in their natural habitat. This is in most cases the highlight of every tourist on safari in Kenya or any other African country. But; there is more to safari than just seeing the animals in the wild and this is where Kenya remain the only country in the world; where one can experience the true nature of safari.

Kenya has been a safari country for many centuries. With this kind of experience, Kenya has mastered all the little details of safari organization and comprehensive capitalized on the important aspects.

Hotel Infrastructure:

Kenya has invested heavily on hotels and lodges across all the national parks. It always comes as a pleasant surprise to the foreign tourist how comfortable they can stay right in the middle of the jungle. Accommodation units are available to cater for all kinds of tourists. A camp site will be available for the back-packer and a 5 star jungle resort will be available for the luxury seekers. Having been a bilingual courier for many years, I witnessed with great awe the wonder in many a tourist on how enormous jungle resorts can be run with the perfection of a city hotel.

Human Resource:

Kenya has invested enormously on the training of the personnel who work in the tourist resorts and any other safari related discipline. This will range from the waiter in the city hotel to the manager in the jungle resort; from the porter who will pick your luggage from your room to the driver-guide who will show you the impalas and lions in the bush.

Diversity:

Kenya is an extremely diverse country. One gets practically any adventure of his choice. Kenya is endowed with a coastal line for those who love to relax on the sandy beaches. The savannah and the forests offer you a perfect spot for viewing the wild animals. The mountains provide the more adventurous ones with a hike of a life-time. The deserts of northern Kenya provides you with a perfect setting to enjoy the hot sun and see the rare animals only found north of the equator. The Rift Valley provides some of the most unique landscapes in Africa; not to mention the Rift Valley lakes that are home to millions of flamingoes.

Smile & Friendliness:

This is one aspect that every tourist who has visited Kenya will attest to. There is no where else in Africa where you will be received and served with so much happiness and grace. This is probably why Kenya has remained the number one safari country. The friendliness and the smiles on the faces of the people will remain permanently imprinted in your minds. There is nothing more comforting to a foreigner than to be received and served with so much happiness.

Organization and eye to detail:

With a vast safari experience, Kenya has sharpened its skills on safari provision. Every little details will be taken care of; to your amazement and pleasure. From the time you arrive at the airport and all through your safari experience, you will always have someone taking care of your interests. Everything shall have been planned in advance and all shall be ready. In Kenya, you can always be assured that your comfort is important to everyone.

About The Author Felix Koskei is the editor of www.safariafrika.com and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections Ltd.

Samburu: Where The Sun Is Always Faithful

by: Felix Koskei

Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is one of Kenya’s most interesting national reserves. Samburu is about 330 km north of Mt. Kenya and lies in a warm low land occupied by the Samburu tribe. This reserve is relatively small but has so much to offer.

This reserve lies north of the equator and here, you will find some of the animals that are only found in the northern hemisphere. These are the Reticulated Giraffe, the endangered Grevy Zebra, the Somali Ostrich and the long-necked Gerenuk. In addition to this one finds the long-horned Beisa Oryx in Samburu.

In spite of the reserve been small, you will be astonished at how many animals you will see in a single game drive. Life in Samburu obviously evolves around the Uaso Nyiro River which is a seasonal river. During the dry seasons, all the animals gather around the winding river in search of water. Samburu also has large herds of elephant and a big groups of impala. One also finds lions, leopards, cheetahs, waterbucks, guinea fowls, mongooses, gazelles, elands and a wide species of bird life.

Due to its low altitude, Samburu is hot most of the year. Even in July when most of the country is experiencing low temperatures, the sun will still shine in Samburu. Most of the lodges and tented camps are located along the Uaso Nyiro River. These are the Larsen’s Tented Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu Serena Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp and Samburu Sopa Lodge. There are also several camp sites.

Samburu is one of the must-see national reserves on your visit to Kenya. One can get to Samburu by daily schedule flights or by road. It is possible to depart Nairobi in the morning and make it for lunch at Samburu Nat. Reserve. The first 280 km from Nairobi is tarmac road. The dust road begins at Isiolo Town.

Samburu has a beautiful landscape with rolling hills sparsely spread across the reserve.

While at Samburu, it would be prudent for you to visit one of the local Samburu villages. This gives you an interesting insight of the cultural lives of the Samburu folks. Their cultural beliefs are similar to those of the Masais who are in the same tribal grouping. They still live in mud houses and still depend on their cattle and goats as the main source of livelihood. They dress in beautiful red outfits and always carry a club and probably a spear during their daily chores.

In the summer, Samburu is pretty dry, hot and dusty. Short pants and light clothing is advised. Due to the hot sun, always carry with you a hat and a pair of sun glasses. Most of the lodges and camps in Samburu have swimming pools, so it will be a good idea to carry with you your swimming suit and a packet of sun-cream.

About The Author Felix Koskei is the editor of http://www.safariafrika.com and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections Ltd http://www.safariafrika.com.

Places of Interest in Morocco

by: Tina Andlaw

PART II

Today we continue with the final part of Tina Andlaw's piece on "Places of Interest in Morocco".

Hassan Mosque: You will see the towering 50 metre minaret of the Hassan Mosque from many parts of the city. Each façade of the minaret is intricately patterned with different motifs on each face.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V: The mausoleum was inaugurated in 1967. Located opposite the Hassan Mosque, it is one of the great monuments of modern Morocco. The deceased king lies in a white onyx tomb, surrounded by royal guards, while and hundreds of Moroccans pay homage each day.

The Medina: This medina was created by Muslim Andalucian refugees from Badajoz, Spain. It was essentially the first “seed” of the city until the arrival of the French in 1912 who began creating the new town.

Archeology Museum: Here you can find a collection of Roman bronze figures, dating from the first and second centuries and recovered from Volubilis. Also other artifacts from Phoenician, Carthagian and Roman settlements throughout Morocco are to be viewed here. Open 9.00-11.30 and 2.30-5.30, closed Tuesdays.

Around Rabat

Volubilis: Located between Rabat and Fez, it was built on top of a previous Carthaginian city and dates back to around the 3rd century BC, being a centre of Roman administration in Africa. Volubilis was inhabited until the 18th century, when it was carelessly demolished to provide building materials for the palaces of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. This meant a great deal of Morocco’s Roman architectural heritage was lost. However, today the ruins include some well-preserved columns, a basilica, a triumphal arch and about 30 high beautiful mosaics.

Casablanca: This is a huge, busy European style port city and has attracted much immigration from the Moroccan countryside. People are modern with little sign of traditional dress or modesty. The old town is small but similar to all the other bazaars found in Morocco. The impressive Hassan ll Mosque is the 3rd largest religious monument in the World, with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Temara: Lies on the coast, some 13Km from Rabat. It is a favourite weekend spot for city dwellers. Temara has a sandy beach, along with many hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, a zoo and other leisure facilities to entertain visitors.

Tangier

Tangier was once a playground for the rich and famous seeking a fashionable café culture as well as a tax haven. When Spain relinquished Tangier back to Morocco in 1960, its duty-free status went with it, along with the fashionable crowd. The decayed grandeur of today still has much to offer and slowly Tangier is regaining its splendor as an attractive tourist destination.

Grand Socco: Socco means Souk in Spanish and it is named so due to its Spanish heritage. A Souk is a market to us and is an interesting place to watch passing Rif people in colourful costumes selling vegetables and fresh mint. It begins at a busting square and the medina is entered from the square, through a large arched entrance.

American Lagation Museum: is located in the middle of the medina. It is an American cultural centre, museum and conference venue, as well as a library. The museum is housed in the American Embassy, built in 1777 when Morocco became the first power to recognize the USA as an independent country!

Kasbah: dates back to the 17th century and it is interesting to wonder through its little alleyways, patios and hidden terraces. The Kasbah Mosque boasts an unusual octagonal minaret.

Sultan’s Gardens, Rue Riad Sultan, just north of the Kasbah Mosque, are a pleasant place to visit and watch the local craftsmen at work while sipping mint tea and enjoying views across the Straits of Gibraltar to Tarifa on the Spanish coast, only 14.5 Km away.

Dar el Makhzen: This is a 17th century palace containing and impressive collection of art from all regions of Morocco.

Forbes Museum: This is located in the Marshan Villa district, about 20 minutes walk from the medina. The museum is the former palace of United States multi-millionaire and media magnate, Malcolm Forbes. The house is open to the public and houses Forbes’ collection of 8,000 miniature soldiers!

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim refugees in the middle-ages and has retained its distinctive Spanish character. It is just an hour’s drive from Tangier in the Rif mountains.

The medina is beautiful and bustling with craftsmen working diligently and tradesmen selling the usual fare of carpets, leather goods, pottery and copper utensils. The Great Mosque, in the middle of the medina dates to the 17th century sits on a picturesque square with restaurants and cafes.

Asilah

Located south of Tangier, Asilah is a very poplular seaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun horse and cart ride from the village and is famous for its enormous expanse of unspoilt white, sandy beach.

Despite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has retained its relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known as the Artists’ Village and here you can find many locally painted canvases adorning the souks of its 15th century medina. The town is small enough to explore on foot or by donkey cart and is renowned for its great seafood restaurants.

About The Author


Tina Andlaw lives in Spain and regularly contributes articles to Sunseeker Homes (www.sunseekerhomes.com) the Spanish property information website.

Places of Interest in Morocco

by: Tina Andlaw

PART I

A pleasant culture shock awaits you as you arrive in Morocco. It is as culturally rich as it is geographically diverse and cannot fail to impress. Visiting some of its towns and villages and experiencing the generosity of its people will leave you hooked, as I was, by the Arabic experience.

Fez

Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.

The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colorful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.

A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle the buzzing hive that is traditional Fez, but if you are brave, you can negotiate the tiny alleyways, too narrow for cars whilst risking getting lost and then haggling with a local to be guided back out!

The Tanneries: A visit to the souks will lead to a visit to Fez's famous tanneries, where one of the oldest arts in the world is practiced to produce the soft leather do characteristic of Morocco.

You’ll need a strong stomach for the smells given off during curing, while you look down on the fascinating tanners’ yard and its impressive vats of different colored dyes and piles of skins. Open 9-6, admission free.

View Point: The best vantage point over the ancient walled city is from the ruined Merenid Tombs on a hilltop to the east of the city. From here you can see the skyline with its profusion of satellite dishes, and a general mass of palaces, green-roofed holy places, the tanneries, as well as the adjacent Karaouine Mosque.

Moulay Idriss ll: In the depths of the old city sits the shrine that houses the remains of the founder of the city of Fez, Moulay Idriss II. It is one of the holiest buildings in the city. Non-Muslims may not enter, but you can glimpse inside to see the saint’s tomb, which is receives constant devotional visits from groups of women who burn candles and incense.

Marrakech

Walking through the alleyways and souks of Marrakech, particularly in the Medina of the old city, it is easy to believe you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”.

It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.

The Medina is characterized by much noise, hustle and bustle with tradesmen and craftsmen going about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating or leather working, as well as herbalists, perfumers and slipper makers.

Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze.

Djemaa el-Fna: In the heart of the Medina. It is an irregular 'square' and a hub of action where tourists flock to soak up the busy atmosphere. Tourism, though, has not spoilt, but rather added to the complete picture.

Marrakesh has a modern side with its luxury hotels, banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, while it blends effortlessly with the past of the old city.

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef bin Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his son perfected the city by bringing in architects and Andalucian craftsmen from Córdoba to build palaces, baths, mosques and a subterranean water system. The city walls were raised from the red mud from the plains.

Horse drawn carriages: Known as calèches, are one of the best ways to view the city when you are not on foot exploring in the Medina.

Koutoubia Mosque: This is the city’s main landmark and the 69 metre high minaret towers over the labyrinth of streets and markets in the Medina. The red stone mosque was first built in 1147 but it was knocked down and rebuilt in 1199 because it was had not been built correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque is large enough for thousands to pray in.

Djemaa el-Fna: This large town square translated as “Square fo the Dead”. The square offers a colourful scene and is a magnet performing artists, snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers, all vying for attention. Passing tradesmen offer anything from boiled snails, vegetable soup and kebabs to fresh orange juice. There are many cafés here from which to watch the busy scene, and from where you may then visit the souks to find some shade from the searing Moroccan sun.

Dar Si Saïd Museum: The Museum is housed in a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid and shows the arts, crafts and culture of the Berber people, including displays of some Moorish cedar wood furniture, elaborate door and window frames and artefacts from every day life in the Sahara desert. Open 8.30-11.45 and 2.30-5.45 except Tuesdays. Admission Dh20

Saadian Tombs: Built in the late 16th century, this beautiful necropolis has 66 lavishly decorated indoor tombs. The central mausoleum has a high vaulted roof which is exceptionally ornate, including carved cedar panels and Italian marble columns. Open 9.00-11.45 and 2.30-5.50 except Tuesdays. Admission Dh15

Around Marrakesh

Oukaimeden: A ski resort in the desert with camels instead of ski lifts! Yes, thick snow envelops the Jabal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months (usually January and February) and it is just a 46-mile (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town can be reached by taxi or car and is well equipped for skiers seeking restaurants, ski equipment hire, and comfortable hotels within a stunning alpine setting.

Ouirgane: A village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains about 1 ½ hour’s drive from Marrakesh. It is a popular place to visit, where summers are cooler and winters are less harsh. The Berber villages are enchanting whilst set in forests with wild flowers, including the famous rose gardens, fruit trees and streams cascading from the High Atlas.

Essaouira: This popular resort town dates from the 18th century, and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech. The town is surrounded by a fortified wall and faces the sea. The beach is a wide, stunning stretch with pretty whitewashed houses, boat-builders’ workshops and art galleries. Visitors come for the laid-back atmosphere and the high wind that makes it a very popular centre for wind- and kite-surfing.

Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving tradition, mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood. The harbour is a hive of activity at all times, particularly during the daily fish auction, attracting as many onlookers as buyers and sellers.

Agadir: Is a major seaside resort south of Marrakech. It is new and modern with magnificent sandy beaches. Its “newness” is largely due to an uncharacteristic earthquake that shook the town in 1961, and it has now been re-modelled as a popular package holiday destination as well as a major fishing port. Agadir boasts 300 days of sunshine and a huge supply of hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.

Rabat

Morocco’s capital city is characteristically modern with wide, conservative boulevards, gardens and large blocks of flats. The king lives here in a beautiful palace surrounded by trees and flowers.

Despite having a rich history dating back to 7th century, Rabat is a far cry from the hectic backstreets of Fez and Marrakech. However the old part of the city has a Medina and a Kasbah.

Rabat is located on the Atlantic coastal plain, opposite its twin city of Sale, and it is near some beautiful sandy beaches.

Rabat’s Dar Es Salaam Golf Course is world-renowned.

Kasbah des Oudaïas: A Kasbah is a “village within a city” and is a good place to take in the sights of the city. It is guarded by the impressive arched gate built in 1195. The Palace and Andalucian gardens and the terrace gives beautiful views from the Kasbah mosque, over the river and sea. The Palace Museum and gardens date back to the 17th century. The museum houses Moroccan art such as Berber jewellery, costumes and carpets.

Citadel of Chellah: Located in the new town of Rabat, the ruins of Chellah, once a Roman port, provide interesting sightseeing. Just inside the gate are Roman ruins dating from 200 BC, which includes a forum, a temple and a craftsmens’ quarter.

About The Author


Tina Andlaw lives in Spain and regularly contributes articles to Sunseeker Homes (www.sunseekerhomes.com) the Spanish property information website.

4X4 Excitement - Great African Trails

by: Dan Rosen

PART II

Today we publish part two of Dan Rosen's "4x4 Exitement" diary on his Southern African Safari. Read on.

Day 1: Windhoek

We flew into Windhoek on South African Airways' morning flight from Johannesburg. After picking up our 4X4 and meeting with our guide and some of our tour mates, we spent the rest of the day exploring this great little city. A combination of modern and German colonial style architecture, this slightly provincial city is quite neat and clean.

The influence of German language and culture is still very much apparent, with plenty German-style restaurants and other cultural remnants. Although English is the official language, German can be used just about anywhere.

Day 2: Etosha - Okaukuejo

After a light breakfast we left bright and early on the main highway north from Windhoek.

Passing through Otjowarongo we arrived at the Etosha National Park. Before setting up camp for the night we went on a sun-downer game drive. Later in the evening we sat on the banks of the floodlit waterhole bordering the camp, watching the animals coming in to drink.

Day 3: Etosha - Namutoni

A full day of game viewing today, and our first glimpse of lion and rhino not 10 meters from our campervan. What a fantastic sight. At day's end we reached Namutoni, our camp site for the night.

Day 4: Tsumkwe

Exiting the Etosha National Park we headed east via Tsumeb and Grootfontein to Tsumkwe in the heart of Bushman land. The cultural experience of a visit to a bushman village is quite indescribable, so I won't even try. But make sure you don't miss it on your tour.

Day 5: Khaudum

Following an off-road track of deep and loose sand, we head north into the Khaudum Game Reserve. Another day to enjoy game viewing.

Day 6: Popa Falls

An early start as we headed out before dawn for a game drive in the area of our camp before heading further north to Popa Falls. We managed to track a pride of lions stalking their prey, but were not able to view the kill. Continuing north, in the afternoon we visited the falls and the Mahango Game Reserve.

Day 7: Maun

We crossed into Botswana at the Mohembo border post and traveled along the Okavango River southwards to Sehitwa before turning north east to Maun, the capital of the Okavango Delta.

After stocking up on supplies, we left for our campsite just outside town on the banks of the Thamalakane River. We jumped at the opportunity of a scenic sundowner flight over the delta, our pilot swooping down low over the herds of animals heading for their evening drink.

Day 8: Moremi - Okavango Delta

Early morning we head for Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the last totally unspoiled Wildlife areas in Africa. The unique ecosystem is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square km and the largest inland delta in the world. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the permanent waters of this unique feature. The Okavanga hosts over 400 species of birds, as well as lions, elephants, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles, antelope and many other smaller animals such as warthogs, monkeys, mongoose and more.

We take our time exploring the wetlands and its myriad inhabitants en route to our next campsite at Moremi.

Day 9: Okavango Delta

More game viewing, this time from a dugout canoe - known here as a Mokoro. We paddled deep into the delta from Xakanaxa spying all manner of water-bound species on the way - hippos, gigantic crocodiles and more. Shades of Tarzan! Mind boggling to see these animals so close.

Day 10: Chobe

After an early breakfast we hit the road again. (Never short of food on this trip!)

Heading north to the Mababe Depression, we entered Chobe National Park at the Mababe gate. A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population. These herds comprise what is probably the largest surviving continuous elephant population, currently estimated at a totals of some 120,000 elephants. They are also the largest of African elephants, but their tusks are brittle so there are not many huge tuskers among them. The elephant population has built up steadily in recent years and has largely escaped the illegal ivory hunters of the 1970s and 80s.

The herds are migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 kms from the Chobe and Linyati rivers where they concentrate in the dry season to the pans in the southeast to which they migrate during the wet season.

After an extremely pleasant day of game watching we moved on to our campsite at Savuti. The Chobe river valley practically swarms with elephants. Most of the day they are scattered around the hillsides surrounding the valley, and as the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, they descend to the valley in their hundreds to swim, roll in the mud, eat and socialise. After pitching camp in the late afternoon we moved down to the riverbed to await the arrival of our elephant friends for their evening sundowner. We didn't have too long to wait. They were soon crossing the river in droves, in both directions. This carried on for an hour or two, until both banks were liberally covered in elephants of all sizes, from this year's calves through to a few who must have been upwards of 50 years of age. Can you picture this? It was happening right in front of us! Absolutely amazing.

Day 11: Chobe

The memories of last night's elephant lingers on into the early morning .....

Today we were awakened by the unique waking of a Fish Eagle perched on the tree behind our campervan. What can beat that? We traveled further north through the Chobe Forest Reserve to Ihaha. We saw ample game along the way - warthogs and waterbuck predominate. At days end we camp on the Chobe River bank after a game drive along the river.

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Lodge

Our final day here in the wild - and we're on our way to the smoke that thunders - or Vic Falls, discovered by David Livingstone back in 1855.

We cover the 130 kms in 4 hours and arrive at the falls at noon. Not much seems to have changed here since Livingstone's time. The falls are a national heritage sight and so are relatively uncommercialized. We quickly returned our vehicles to the depot and made a beeline for our lodge and a nice long bath. What a luxury! The rest of the day and most of the next we spent absorbing the grandeur of the falls, and finally headed to the airport to catch our plane back to Johannesburg and civilization.

If you're after hardcore Africa - this West African Safari is definitely the ULTIMATE African experience!

Get more out-of the way travel ideas at www.campertrails.com

About The Author Dan Rosen is a professional traveller and travels several times a year to various countries around the world in search of the perfect travel adventure. He also operates the CamperTrails website. (www.campertrails.com)

Africa's biggest wildlife spectacle

by: Peter Philip

"One of the World's biggest spectacles". Many have so described it. Many have come back time and time again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through unspoiled and savage wildness. The air fills with the click click of the cameras tirelessly. You have not seen something like it before.

"Africa is changing at a quick pace and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes. In association with development and changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting erased. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of an open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that yet prides in wildlife concentration and everybody has to see it." Victoria, Washington.

Masai Mara is located in the Southwestern of Kenya, 180 kilometers from Nairobi. World famous for the abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy.

The Migration is a recent phenomenon (60's and 70's was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 individuals and gradually with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimate 1,500,000 Zebras and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of the big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross or to water.

It is the Masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon: competing with the wildebeest for pastures and rear their huge herds of boran cattle to the grasslands. To them it is a big calamity especially because the "wild cattle" transmit diseased to their herds and poison the waters their fetal sacs.

This world famous phenomenon is a circle of life which in simple terms means that there is not a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find as safe place to graze. It's also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

Survivors have little time to strengthen their legs as soon after the pilgrim continues in April. By then, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western Corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria. The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras as they prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way they leave behind them shorter grass to the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass starting pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and across the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim. This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking crocodiles while they await the forthcoming feast.

Finally they jump into the river and this gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, sometimes teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Usually they wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is usually a moment filled with tension for both the gnus and the audience. They survey for a convenient crossing point, less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, dangers also occur whereby the current of the river can be too strong for some simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs. This is a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles.

Finally the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown destiny (or known) continues.

In the month of October they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again they are heading to the southern plains of where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again

About The Author Peter Philip is a Kenyan wildlife safari guide. The information presented here is collected first hand from the fields over the years. View their website at: http://www.natural-track.com

4X4 Excitement - Great African Trails

by: Dan Rosen

PART I

OK, I admit it - I'm soft on Africa. The African bush is my dream . . . and my passion.

Imagine the rolling hills shimmering before you in the glow of dawn, the special golden light at sunset, the incomparable wildlife right next to you, the baobabs withering in the blistering sun, the camp out in the bush - at these moments you are in contact with the very essence of your primeval being!

I have been on safari in Africa many times. It is definitely a favorite destination. This particular trip was the highlight of all my African excursions - a 4X4 12 day camping safari that started in Windhoek, the beautiful capital of Namibia, through some of the roughest terrain on the planet through like the Okavango Delta in Botswana and up to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

Known to the local African tribesman as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - the smoke that thunders - Vic falls are truly a spectacular site.

Remarkably preserved in its natural state and one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world, the falls inspire magical inspiration to all visitors. At 1708 meters wide and a drop of between 90 - 107 meters, this is the largest curtain of water on earth.

The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialization. The Falls are spectacular throughout the year, but February onwards, after the rain season, has the heaviest flow and volume of spray.

I find that a self drive 4x4 is the best way to explore the natural wonders of Southern Africa. On this trip we booked a 4X4 campervan which is basically a modified LandRover or other 4X4 with additional gas tanks, gear racks and an unfolding tent on the roof. After picking up our vehicle at the rental depot we set off as part of a convoy led by a qualified guide. While I usually prefer to wander around on my own, the terrain here is so rugged and so full of wild game, that you are definitely advised to take the guided convoy route.

One of the greatest highlights of any Safari is the gin and tonic sundowner after a hard day in the bush. Roughing it in Africa is more than a gin and tonic with a bottled lime juice instead of fresh, however. This is no pussycat trip; this is hardcore Africa... everyone is expected to pitch in and help, even if it means dragging the 4x4 out of the mud. We did - one of our team-mates got stuck in the fine sand - and we made it with the broadest smiles we've ever had.

Starting from Windhoek, a perfectly preserved German colonial style town (Namibia was formerly German South West Africa), every day of this trip held a new and different thrill. From big game, bushmen tribes-people and spectacular natural wonders, this trip still makes my heart sing!

Read Part II in our next post.

About the Author:

Dan Rosen is a professional traveller and travels several times a year to various countries around the world in search of the perfect travel adventure. He also operates the CamperTrails website. (www.campertrails.com)

African Safari Trips – A taste of wild and romantic African adventure.

by: John Gibb

Safari is an East African tradition and means to travel or journey. An African safari is a popular trip that has been undertaken for centuries by both Africans and other nations visiting Africa. The most enduring image of safari is the British explorer in his white hat and shorts, hunting for big game in the wilds of Africa. Africa is a very popular destination due to beautiful terrain and varied wildlife.

African safari began centuries ago with Arabs and Swahilis making long voyages into mainland Africa to do trade with other markets. The word became synonymous with the caravans, hunting, and the sense of adventure. The traders brought ivory, supplies and slaves. Thankfully British control put an end to the slavery.

The British soon brought people from all over the world looking for Safari adventure. What really attracted them was Africa’s wildlife, which still does today. Some people wanted to observe and study the amazing African animals, while others wanted to hunt them. Needless to say, soon it became necessary to establish an ethical and legal code protecting the animal population from over hunting. Today hunting is very strictly regulated to protect the animals.

Many western explorers gained massive fame and their tales of Africa started the trend that still goes on today. They told romantic stories of the freedom and beauty of Africa, as well as serious tales of the dangers that face explorers. Drought, wild animals, disease and hostile tribes are dangers that still exist today and so the modern safari will be equipped very well and with caution. A safari trip that is unprepared for disaster could run into very serious, possibly fatal, trouble.

Safari trips to Africa are easy to find and book. They usually start by taking you to a lodge where there are observation decks, entertainment, bars and beds. These lodges act as a starting point for the convoys of vehicles that will take you across the land and into game territory. Just like in the past, many safaris have a native African guide who adds his knowledge of the terrain and survival skills.

About The Author

John Gibb is the owner of African Safari Tips. For more information on African Safaris check out http://www.african-safari-tips-and-advice.info

Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures

by: Chris Robertson

If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.

A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.

If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.

While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."

In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.

Some other things to know before you go:

* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.

* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.

* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.

* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.

* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.

About The Author Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com

Serene Peace in the Mara: Deserved Break from the Political Noises in the Capital

Phew! It’s been a long taxing absence from the blogging scene. You know it can be addictive sometimes and my two cent worth of advice to addiction prone folks out there is to beware. I am saying this because I don’t like the fact that my blog has missed several daily posts that I and my readers are accustomed to. What with my loyal readers wondering what could have become of me. You see my readers had every reason to especially following the infamous political skirmishes that rocked my country Kenya some weeks ago. Thank God all that is now behind us and our traveling and excursions to the savannahs can now resume with renewed hope.

While we are at it, the wagon "fled" with us to the Mara to “escape” the noise in the city. For those of you who have not ventured here, you don’t know what you’re missing. It is the world’s most famous safari destination. It's a lifetime experience.

Today’s a nice hot afternoon and the Mara plains stretch a lush green into the horizon after the usual rainfall in January. Herds of Maasai giraffes, gazelles, zebras, buffaloes and other plains animals fill the grassland with predators hovering by. Several hours we have not chanced to spot the rhinos, our today’s interest. Mr. Ole Susuma our guide scans the vistas with binoculars to no avail. The grassland expanse is breath taking. We feel like we are the only people on earth.

Feeling tired and disappointed, the rhythmic bounces of our four-wheel truck lullabies me to a welcome doze. After what appears like an eternity, my peace is suddenly interrupted by Ole Susuma’s cries, “there.” It can only mean one thing. A rhino has been spoted.

We race across the plains. The rhino must have been two kilometers away only possible to see with super strong binoculars. True as the sun is making its way down in the horizon, the majestic 29 year old male steps out of the thick scrubs munching away. It’s easy to drive past the enormous mega-herbivore – he’s really just a dot on the plains not like the giant that fills the TV screens unless you get real close to him.

We spend a bit of time with him with a herd of elephants close by. Naumi doesn’t like to be followed for long,” Ole Susuma warns referring to the rhino. “He will soon start chasing us.” Sure enough, Naumi turns around with a grunt and a short run, sends us away.

We think we have seen it all. The previous day, we watched four lionesses with their eight cubs gorge themselves on a buffalo, which had just given birth. Too weak to defend herself, she was easy prey for the pride. We think we couldn’t get luckier – away from the noisy media and political skirmishes of the time.

Contacts:
Take advantage of a specially priced road and air safaris promotion that African bush Excurssions is running until June, 2008. Tel: 254 204450910 and 254 204450911

About the Author:
Nyambosa G. Maroa writes exclusively for Safari Wagon located at www.safariwagon.blogspot.com

Namibia - Like No Other Place On Earth

by: James Weis

Situated between the Kalahari Desert and the South Atlantic Ocean along the southeastern shoreline of Africa, Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes including deserts, seascapes, boundless plateaus and rock canyons. In addition to its vast array of rich natural resources, Namibia features a solid contemporary infrastructure as well as diverse traditional cultures -- it is a magnificent country to visit.

Land of Contrasting Landscapes

Namibia is home to the desolate Namib Desert, with its high dunes and extraordinary sense of space, which is said to be the oldest desert in the world. In fact, it is estimated that the Namib is as much as 80 million years old. Namibia also boasts the second largest canyon in the world (next to the Grand Canyon), the Fish River Canyon. This enormous gorge spans a distance of approximately 160 kilometers. Formed around 500 million years ago, the gorge was created by water erosion coupled with the collapse of the valley bottom due to movements in the earth's crust. The canyon is part of a Nature Conservation Park and has become a popular hiking destination featuring a path of roughly 86 kilometers.

The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and jagged mountains, rises unexpectedly from the plains. In the northern area of the country, landscapes include everything from the dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to wooded savannah bursting with lush vegetation.

Sometimes known as the “country of contrast,” Namibia not only offers the safari adventurer amazingly diverse landscapes but also an ample amount of wildlife (the world’s highest concentration of wild cheetah and almost 70 percent of the continent’s birds), enormous vistas and a population that speaks more than 16 languages and dialects.

Where else in the world can you experience such unsurpassed beauty and diverse landscapes complemented by a truly spectacular coastline? In addition, the timelessness of this country is reflected in dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone, prehistoric rock art, and the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis. If you’re a photographer, Namibia is like heaven on earth.

Namibian Wildlife

In addition to the vast array of natural beauty that makes Namibia such a perfect choice for a safari, it is also the natural habitat for a wide variety of endangered species including the Puku antelope (occurring in Namibia’s Caprivi area), the Orbi and the Black Rhino. In fact, there are more than 20 species of antelope in Namibia including the Eland and the Gemsbok. In the seaside retreat of Swakopmund, you can take a boat journey and view seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Although Namibia is probably the least known of the Southern African countries, the attractions and topography are unlike anywhere else in the world. When you go on safari in Namibia, you will experience the opportunity to explore culture, wildlife and landscapes that will leave a lasting impression.

About The Author
James Weis
Eyes on Africa, an African safari company, boasts an extremely knowledgeable team of staff members, who are passionate about every aspect of travel to Southern Africa, including its wildlife and safari destinations. When you're ready to plan your African safari, a holiday in Africa, or if you just have questions, please feel free to contact us toll free at 800-457-9575 or visit our web site at www.eyesonafrica.net/contactus.htm and complete an information request form.