Archive for March, 2010
15 Nights16 Days Kenya And Tanzania Wildlife Safari
DAY 01: NAIROBI ABERDARE
On arrival you be met by our representative and depart with a drive north to your base hotel Aberdares Country Club for lunch. Later after lunch you will be transferred to your “Tree Hotel” The Ark situated at the heart of Aberdares forests. Resembling and named after Noah’s Ark it comprises three decks from which numerous balconies and lounges provide superb vantage points for game viewing. This unique game lodge overlooks floodlit waterholes and saltlick that attracts a host of wildlife elephant rhino leopard bushbuck and bongo. Dinner and overnight at The Ark BLD
DAY 02: ABERDARE SAMBURU
After leisure breakfast depart for Samburu National Reserve and drive north through the high wheat fields of Timau crossing the equator and then down into the thorny landscape of Samburu country. This area boosts of unique northern species of wildlife which are not found in any other part south of equator here you will find the grevy’s zebra beisa oryx reticulated giraffe somali ostrich long necked gerenuk herds of elephant and their predators abound. The lifegiving Uaso Nyiro River plays the factor in ecosystem of this region.
Your accommodation for the two nights will be at Sarova Shaba Lodge. The lodge is located at the banks of Uaso Nyiro River in the Shaba Game Reserve. It cleverly incorporates the beautiful natural springs as one of its special features and also offers the perfect base from which to explore the Shaba Reserve as well as its sister reserve Buffalo Springs to the west. Overnight Sarova Shaba Lodge BLD
DAY 03: SAMBURU
Before dawn your driver guide will be ready for the early morning search of hunting cats. Later you will return to lodge for breakfast and relax at the swimming pool before your next game drives late afternoon. All meals overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge BLD.
DAY 04: SAMBURU LAKE NAKURU
After an early breakfast bid farewell to Shaba as you drive south through Isiolo crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya until you get to Nanyuki town. Here you’ll head west to Nyahururu Falls still known to many as Thomson’s falls for its 237ft cascade. After a brief stopover drive southward to your next destination Lake Nakuru a home to a million of flamingoes beautifully lining at its shores. Lake Nakuru National Park surrounds lake and was gazetted to protect the colony of flamingoes as well as provide sanctuary for the endangered species as such the rhino. Other Savannah games are abounded in and not mention other bird species. Lake Nakuru Lodge is situated in the south ecological niche of the park is an oasis of comfort with a commanding views of lesser flamingoes dotted with the greater flamingoes. An afternoon game drive around the lakeshore will be the feature for the afternoon dinner overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge BLD.
DAY 05: LAKE NAKURU MASAI MARA
Today our safari will lead us to the jewel of Kenya parks the Masai Mara Game Reserve by road. Masai Mara is Kenya’s most visited reserve and a home to the “Big Five”. The breathtaking views a panorama of fertile vast rolling plains which supports a huge amount of resident plain games and their predators. Apart from the big five the Masai Mara is most famous for the annual spectacle of the wildebeest migration where millions of wildebeest zebra and gazelle leave the plains of the Serengeti and cross the Mara River in search of fresh feeding grounds. Lunch to be served at Mara Sarova Tented Camp situated on a natural elevation between two streams and is set amidst gardens full of exotic flowers. Each luxury canvas tent has a permanent roof and floor and an attached ensuite bathroom including a flush toilet sink and hot shower. Meals are served in the spectacular thatched roof dining room.
After lunch and some time to relax and perhaps take a dip in the pool you will depart with your driver guide for an afternoon game drive in search of the big five. As sun starts to edge dip into the horizon it will be perfect time to photograph the beautiful Mara rolling plains. Don’t forget this is the right time to spot the shy leopard. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sarova Tented Camp BLD.
DAY 06: MASAI MARA
The day will start with an early morning game drive before dawn and later return to your camp for breakfast and relax for the rest of late morning and perhaps take a dip at the swimming pool. Later late afternoon return to the wilderness in search of games all meals and overnight at Mara Sarova Tented Camp BLD.
DAY 07: MASAI MARA NAIROBI
After breakfast drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at Toona Tree Restaurant. Later in the evening a complimentary dinner at Carnivore Restaurant hosted by our company. Later you will be transferred to Nairobi Safari Club the only all suite hotel in the city BLD.
DAY 08: NAIROBI ARUSHA
After a leisurely morning breakfast we check out our hotel ready to board a shuttle bus to Arusha or be transferred by our microbus to Namanga boarder town where you will go under migration formalities and then exchange of vehicle and proceed to Arusha. On arrival at Arusha you will be met and transferred to Impala Hotel for your lunch. Soon After lunch we’ll have some time to relax by either swimming or reading facts about Tanzania before the dusk encroaches us. Dinner and Overnight will be served at Impala Hotel BLD.
DAY 09: ARUSHA LAKE MANYARA
After breakfast it will be our perfect time to leave for Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara National Park is beautiful small park known for it’s lush vegetation and tropical forests of giant fig and mahogany trees elephants giraffe buffalo zebra and variety of antelope inhabit the park as well as a variety of monkeys and a large population of hippo’s. The park is also home to many species of bird and is one of the few places you will be able to see the comical ground hornbill. On arrival you will checkin at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge for your lunch and later in the afternoon you head out with your driver guide for late afternoon game driver before returning at the lodge to retire for the day at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge BLD.
DAY 10: LAKE MANYARA SERENGETI
Soon after breakfast proceed with your safari to Serengeti National Park via the famous “Olduvia Gorge” where Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey made their discovery of the early man. After visiting the small museum and attending a short lecture describing the archeological digs and geology of the gorge continue with your safari to the vast Serengeti plain with game drive enroute which covers an area of over 14763 sq kms. The park is inhabited by more than 3 million mammals including lion cheetah leopard elephant buffalo gazelles antelope giraffe hyena and all of the little animals e.g. rock hyrax bat eared foxes etc. You will have two extensive game drives today in this fabulous park and you gonna need many films. You will check in at Serengeti Sopa Lodge for lunch and later you will proceed for the late afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge BLD.
DAY 11: SERENGETI
Full day is spent at the vast Serengeti plains with two extensive game drives today in this fabulous park and you gonna need many films. All meals and overnight at Serengeti Sopa Lodge BLD.
DAY 12: SERENGETI NGORONGORO
This morning we will have a halfday game drive at the famous Serengeti plains and lunch before proceeding with your safari to the renowned Ngorongoro Crater a collapsed volcano with walls 2000ft high and a 102sq mile floor containing a complete ecosystem with rolling plains forest swamps and river and a lakecomplete with flamingoes. You will descend into this eighth wonder of the world for some game viewing in this spectacular conservation area. Spend the whole afternoon game viewing before ascending to the crater rim late afternoon to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY 13: NGORONGORO
We will begin our game viewing by descending 2000ft into this magnificent crater to view wildlife with lunch boxes enroute. Here nearly a prefect balance of predator and prey exist within the 102sq miles of the crater. Experience an unforgettable spectacle of African wildlife a teaming world of elephant rhinoceros lions just to mention a few living in harmony in this self contained environment. At the end of the day we ascend the crater wall to Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge situated at the rim of the crater for diner and overnight BLD.
DAY 14: NGORONGORO TARANGIRE
Our day begins’ with a breakfast and later depart by 4WD to Tarangire National Park. Mysterious baobab trees are characteristic of this beautiful park and game viewing is particularly rewarding along the Tarangire River which provides the permanent water supply in the area during the dry season. Large herds of elephant the predators and numerous plains game inhabit the park as well as many species of birds. You arrive at Tarangire Sopa Lodge in time for lunch and after some time to settle in you depart on an afternoon gamedrive return to Tarangire Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight BLD.
DAY 15: TARANGIRE
After breakfast at our lodge we’ll depart for a full day game drive and panoramic scenic view of Tarangire National Park Tanzania third largest park. Here you will find a geologic landscape as diverse as the wildlife with nine distinct vegetation zones ranging from grassland to woodland from deep gully vegetation to scattered rocky hilltops. See the distinctive bulbous baobab trees and the dramatic vistas of the Tarangire River. The river attracts an abundance of wildlife from elephant loin cheetah and buffalo to a variety of colorful birds. All meals and overnight at Tarangire Sopa Lodge B.LD.
DAY 16: TARANGIRE ARUSHA NAIROBI
Soon after breakfast we check out and with game drive enroute we depart to Arusha for lunch at Impala Hotel. Soon after lunch you will be transferred to Namanga boarder town or assisted to board the afternoon Shuttle to Nairobi arriving at 6:30pm. You can be dropped at the Airport or your hotel
About the writer: The author is a Tour Consultant for Skyview of Africa Tours Safaris Ltd
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5 Great Things To Do On The Caribbean Island Of Roatan
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal named Roatan the Caribbeans next it spot an underdeveloped island that is poised to become a major tourist destination.
These days there is a definite buzz about this peaceful island lying just 30 miles off the coast of Honduras. No wonder: Roatan features lush tropical forests warm turquoise water and sugar white beaches without the crowds.
Continental Airlines now flies directly to the islands from Newark New Jersey and Houston Texas. Delta flies directly from Atlanta Georgia. Major cruise lines are stopping by more frequently and both Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are expanding their ship terminals to bring more passengers. Celebrities including Michael Douglas and Richard Gere have been spotted on the island in recent months.
Roatan has long been famous among scuba diving aficionados. The island sits atop the worlds secondlargest barrier reef system and features some of the best diving in the Western Hemisphere. Scuba diving is still the main attraction drawing visitors to the island.
But Roatan offers much more than diving and makes a great family vacation destination.
Whether visiting with your family making a stopover on a cruise ship or taking a break from diving here are five Roatan adventures you can enjoy.
1 Zip Through the Rain Forest. Roatan features lush tropical forests where wild parrots and monkeys roam freely. A canopy tour is a great way to get close to nature while having some exhilarating fun. Guests climb to a treetop platform and then move among the trees by gliding on zip lines or walking over swinging bridges. Its a thrilling ride.
Roatan has several canopy tours from which you can chose. Palmetto Bay features a 20 platform tour that includes a climbing wall and swinging bridges. The West Bay also features a 16 platform tour including two bridges. Please keep in mind that canopy tours require children to be at least four feet tall.
2 Swim with the Dolphins. The Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences on the islands north shore features several dolphin encounter programs that are open to the public.
One of the most popular tours on the island is their dolphin swim. Guests are taken to Baileys Key a whitesand island frequented by schools of dolphin. During an initial 20minute beach encounter trainers coax the dolphin to join your group giving you a chance to pet them.
Guests can then snorkel and swim freely with the dolphins in 20 feet of water. Guests are accompanied by a dolphin behaviorist and videographer and photographer to capture the memories. The dolphin swim requires children to be at least 13 years old.
Divers can also chose the institutes Dolphin Dive program which lets you interact with dolphins off a reef wall in 60 feet of water. This dive lasts approximately 45 minutes. Participants in the Dolphin Dive must be certified scuba divers.
Not enough for you? The institute also offers a Trainer for a Day program which gives you the chance go behind the scenes and work with the staff as they feed and care for the dolphins. Participants will learn dolphin training techniques during a handson session with the dolphins.
3 See Coral While Staying Dry. Even if you are not a diver you can get a glimpse of Roatans gorgeous reef formations with a ride on the Coral Reef Explorer. This glassbottomed boat seats 25 persons below the water line in air conditioned comfort. Passengers look through windows at multicolored coral tropical fish and graceful Spotted Eagle Rays.
The Coral Reef Explorer departs daily from West Bay Beach and you can expect the tour to last approximately 50 minutes.
4 Horseback Tours. What could be more romantic than a horseback ride along Roatans pristine white beaches? Guided horseback tours start in West End passing through some of Roatans best scenery before ending at the West Bay where you can take a quick swim.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes and are suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders.
5 Pet an Iguana. Perhaps the most unusual attraction on Roatan is Sherman Archs Iguana Farm. This private preserve is real treasure and a real treat for kids.
Over 2700 of the big spiny lizards roam freely on its grounds which are located just east of French Harbor. The iguanas are tame having been raised in cages until old enough to fend for themselves. Come during the early afternoon feeding for the best chance to hold and pet an iguana.
More to See and Do
TropicalRez a Roatan central booking agency can assist you in booking Roatan hotels and tours.
The Honduran Ministry of Tourism web site features a good overview of Roatan and the other Honduras Bay Islands.
About the writer: John Anton is a freelance writer specializing in the travel industry.
Your Caribbean Vacation: Antigua Barbuda
Positioned in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean 62 miles northwest of Guadeloupe Antigua and Barbuda are twin paradise islands which offer visitors over 365 beaches bird sanctuaries historical buildings and international shopping.
As the largest of the British Leeward Islands Antigua and Barbuda have warm steady winds a complex coastline of safe harbors and a protective nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. This destination paradise offers a range of pastimes which includes sailing yachting snorkeling and scuba diving. Most people come to Antigua and Barbuda for the solitude of the pure white beaches while others know Antigua for its fantastic sailing facilities.
Other exciting activities include boating cricket tennis windsurfing hiking and bird watching golfing fishing and hunting horseback riding and more all of which makes Antigua and Barbuda the true Caribbean gem that it is.
Along with the sun and the sand comes an interesting history of the islands. A variety of museums there offer artifacts and insight into the island both before and after it was claimed by Europeans. When you get there hop into a cab and get a tour of the island from one of the natives. Drive along the Fig Tree Drive to experience tropical foliage and banana plantations. Then swing by St. Thomas and peak in the shops that display local crafts and fruits.
Barbuda which lies 32 miles from its sister island Antigua is a smaller less developed island. If you go be sure to tour the bird sanctuary home to over 150 tropical species.
Climate:
Antigua and Barbuda enjoys an average of eight and a half hours of sunlight every day. Temperatures generally range from the midseventies in the winter to the mideighties in the summer. Annual rainfall averages only 45 inches making it the sunniest of the Eastern Caribbean Islands and the northeast trade winds are nearly constant flagging only in September. Low humidity yearround!
Dining and Cuisine:
From beach bars to bistros Italian to Mexican there’s a great range of restaurants around the island. There is also a variety of fast food places available. Antigua and Barbudaare renowned fortheir piquant hot sauces eat with caution.
Indigo at the Beach is the restaurant at the stylish Carlisle Bay Hotel and one of the coolest places to eat on the island. Wellrespected Harmony Hall has a great location and serves Italian food with a Caribbean twist.
Shopping:
Two charming shopping areas of Antigua are located in downtown St. John’s close to the waterfront at Heritage Quay and Radcliffe Quay. As a duty free zone Antigua offers a selection of local arts and crafts straw goods pottery and jewelry as well as china crystals watches perfumes cameras and tobacco.
Most shops are open Monday to Saturday from 8.00am noon and then 1.00pm 4.00pm.
On Friday and Saturday mornings the farmers market on the southern edge of the city has folk crafts colorful tropical fruits and a buzzing atmosphere.
Nightlife and Entertainment:
Enjoy the sunset from Shirley Heights. Perched above English Harbour this onetime military installation now attracts hundred of spectators particularly on Sundays when bands play and a big barbecue is fired up. It is also renowned for being a “lovers spot.
English Harbour and St John’s have a decent selection of bars or you could take a gamble at the Paradise Casino which is the largest casino in the Eastern Caribbean. Once there order a cocktail made with Antigua’s Cavalier rum at the hotel bar.
The island like many others in the Caribbean loves to party during Carnival July to August a 10day festival of colorful costumes talent shows and good music.
Weddings:
Like everywhere else in the Caribbean one can certainly get married while on vacation in this island paradise.
Requirements:
- A registration fee of US40 that must be paid at the courthouse at the corner of High and Temple Streets. The application fee for the special marriage license is US150 and the Marriage Officer’s fee is US50.
- Both parties will need valid passports as proof of citizenship. If either of you have been previously married then bring along the original divorce decree or in the case of a widow or widower the original marriage and death certificates.
- Both parties must be over 15 if under 18 written authorization from your parents or guardians is required.
It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses apart from the Marriage Officer. Just ask a guest or two to do this for you.
The Ministry of Legal Affairs is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 4:30pm and on Fridays from 8:00am to 3:00pm. Flights which arrive into Antigua after 3:00pm will not permit couples to get to the Ministry of Justice in time to apply for the Special Marriage License. In such cases the couple can arrange for the marriage to take place either the next day after completing the application process or on any available day thereafter.
For any enquiries regarding your marriage certificate please contact The Registrar’s Office in Antigua. Tel/Fax: 001 268 462 3929
About the writer: As an administrative assistant employed within the hospitality sector/cruise industry I am currently pursuing my BA in Hospitality Management. I have recently began writing articles as a means of informing vacationers about some of the exciting places that they can visit; also about the many benefits of cruising as a vacation.