Monday, August 18, 2008

Family safari vacation to the home of the Gods

Families traveling with kids will find Amboseli national park a safari destination matched to no other, with less tourist traffic, breathtaking open spaces, easy access from Nairobi, the list is endless.

The park described by writers as ' a home for the Gods' covers 150sq mile south of Nairobi and lies just at the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5,895m. The park is currently on the cross roads with the government and the local communities both claiming ownership, with Kilimanjaro's snow capped peaks dominating every aspect of this Park and form a stunning backdrop to the wildlife found here - elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, cheetah and a host of plains game and its breathtaking beauty, the tag is well worth the effort!

The area is home to the Masai people, tall, colorful, proud, nomadic warriors famous for their legendary prowess in battle and single handed acts of bravery in fights with wild animals. Perhaps, more than any other people they have learned to live in complete harmony with the wildlife which surrounds them, this knowledge they proudly shared to visitors and well worth the time. Kids will be allowed to get really close and explore the simple but fascinating homesteads, adults will also enjoy the cultural aspect of the lifestyle.

Amboseli's Oltukai lodge is one of the best spots in the world where children can watch elephants and study their fascinating wilderness behavior, This is where you will find the highest concentration of elephants than anywhere else in Africa, they can be seen spread well over the savannah woodland, just remember to ask your driver guide on how this clever mammals mourn and pay last respect to a dead member or how they cross their tiny young on a fast flowing river. .

Quietly tucked away from view, The Kibo family Villa crouches undisturbed, an elegant three-bedroom log cabin built in stone and gum tree, in complete harmony with its surroundings. Own entrance, a lounge, a fully fitted kitchen and a barbecue area. Secluded by a copse of indigenous Acacia Tortilis trees and five acres of garden, Kibo Villa is peace and privacy made perfection. Two or threes small families traveling together love the self-catering option, use the lodges facility is welcome. Detailed attention is taken on security issues and a resident nurse is available on call.

Kids will love the lavish private family buffet breakfast or dinner set out specially as a family package in wonderful secluded detting amongst the tortillas trees only a tone away from the family of the resident elephants also having a feast of their own, breakfast works out best.

Selenkay conservation area lies east of Amboseli is well off the beaten track, never visited by tourist till now, birdlife is prolific especially bird of prey. The 6 tents Porini luxury camp caters for 12 guest at a time, the camp is in the lines of a traditional luxury family camp, comfortable family tent rooms, ensuite bathrooms, flush toilets, solar powered electric lighting and an amazing chef completes a safari family haven!

At Amboseli locally trained masai naturalist or walking guides will get Kids out in the mornings in a small group of say 8 kids for an adventurous nature exploration. This walking trips to the nearby sites in most cases will include lessons on the masai hunting techniques, catching and naming butterflies, treasure hunts, tree planting, hide and seek in animal camouflaged clothing and an interesting Q and A session answering every question they have ever had on wildlife and tribesmen.

The young rangers club is available to 10 - 15 year olds, could be a temporally or annual membership with letters, post cards and birthday cards sent to members all over the world from deep down wild and magical Africa!

COSTA RICA

It does not really matter who you are, when you visit Costa Rica you will discover that there are always going to be plenty of things for you to do. Explore the many options for Rica Tours and y u may have a hard time deciding where to start or which ones to choose. In fact, you are going to find that the possibilities for Costa Rica Tours are endless. The country has a vast and beautiful nature which means there are boundless activites to be found there.

First of all, you have to let your Costa Rica Tour take you to the beautiful and pristine beaches of Costa Rica. No where on earth is going to offer you such beautiful beaches. The great thing about them is that they are still relatively untouched. They have not been affected too much by the tourist market, which means that many of them are just they way they always were. They are all open and accessible to the public as well, because one of the greatest things about going on a Costa Rica Tour means that you are going to be able to access some of the most beautiful places on earth and you won't have to pay extra. There is nothing like going on a Costa Rica Tour and spending day after day relaxing on some of the most untouched beaches in the world.

Lodging

There are also great resorts that you can stay on while you are on your Costa Rica Tour. You will find that you have your choice "" first of all there are the big and name brand resorts that you can stay at, where you will be able to stay in high class hotel rooms and enjoy luxurious food and other dining aspects of your tour. There is something for every budget. Resorts and hotels come in all shapes and sizes, from the very luxurious resorts to the small and modest hotels that you can stay at for a modest cost. You can also shell out the bigger bucks for a Costa Rica Tour that includes staying in a small hut right on the beach. This is something that is completely worth doing because you will find that you can be right there where the action is, and where the most beautiful people in the world are.

Fishing

Remember that while you are on your Costa Rica Tour the best thing to do is to take advantage of the fishing. There are many catch and release tours that you can take that will take you out on the water and allow you to actually fish for some of the most interesting and sporting fish in the world. This is truly an experience that you can do that is going to live in your memories for the rest of your life. As it the case with any other resort area, you can expect to find plenty to see and do outside on your Costa Rica Tour. You can take in many different sights and go on many different tours. Remember that while you are in Costa Rica, get outside and experience the nature of it all. This is hands-down the best way to see Costa Rica, and in addition you will get the best idea of what awaits on your Costa Rica Tour.

Paying For It

One of the things that most people worry about is trying to find a way to pay for their trip. You should know that a Costa Rica Tour doesn't even really cost you that much money. There are so many ways that you can make it work when it comes to paying for your Costa Rica Tour, and one of the best things that you can do is simply look at all of your options. Here a great tip. If you are looking for even more options you should go at different times during the year, and take different types of tours each time you visit. This is going to afford you many more options than you may think possible.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Monday, August 4, 2008

Kenya Rift Valley safari -Top sites, activities and places to visit at the great rift valley Kenya

The rift valley is the greatest valley in the world a continental fault system which stretches from the dead sea all the way to Mozambique .in Kenya, the valley forms a great rift through the middle of the country beginning from Turkana in the north to lake Magadi to the south. in between are a series of other lakes: Lake Barigo,Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, lake Elmentaita, and Lake Naivasha.only two of these lakes (Naivasha and Baringo) are fresh water lakes .the others are shallow soda lakes.

Dozens of Volcanoes erupted in and around the Rift valley .most of them are now extinct, but have left their mark on the landscape in the form of half submerged islands, giant calderas, and the distinctive cone shapes which dot the landscape. The Rift valley evokes a sense of immense mystery and the power of time.

Most visitors to Kenya first see the Rift Valley when traveling on the Nairobi-Naivasha road. This first view almost always a stunning surprise. After driving through cool conifer forests suddenly you are at the edge of the distinctive volcanic shape of Mt longonot dominates the scene. Forty-eight kilometers across rises the dark blue escarpment of the other side of the valley. At the viewpoints, persistent souvenir salesmen force you back to reality

The Masai have been in the Rift Valley for centuries. Today the most popular tourist areas are around Lakes Naivasha, Nakuru and Baringo. All of these lakes have several accommodation options and are linked by relatively good tarmac roads. The lakes are known for their exceptional birdlife, especially the pink flocks of flamingos which feed in the soda lakes. National parks have been established around Lake Nakuru and lake Bogoria.

Lake Naivasha Area

Lake Naivasha, 83 kilometers from Nairobi, is the highest of the Rift valley Lakes surprisingly; Lake Naivasha (1888 meters) is at a higher altitude than Nairobi (1670 meters). This beautiful freshwater lake has large floating islands of papyrus, a mysteriously fluctuating water level, a healthy hippo population and wonderful and diverse birdlife. Its shores are lined with yellow-barked fever trees and horticultural farms and vineyards .there is a yacht club on Crescent Island for sailing and windsurfing. Fishing is popular and there are even fresh water crayfish in the lake. There are a whole host of places to stay around the lake, ranging from bustling hotels to catered home stays. Naivasha proximity to Nairobi makes it ideal for a weekend (or longer) getaway. There is much to see and do in the area.

Crescent Island

This small Island in Lake Naivasha is the outer rim of a submerged volcano. there is a private game sanctuary on the island and it si safe to walk among wild animals

Hells Gate National Park

The geological formation of this park is particularly impressive with soaring red cliffs, isolated volcanic plugs, spreading grasslands dotted with game and deed gorges where visitors can walk. There is a geothermal project at the far end of the park.

Elsamere Conservation centre

This former home of Joy Adamson of born free fame is now a residential conservation center. it is open to visitors for afternoon teas.

Crater Lake sanctuary

A vivid green lake has formed in the caldera of an extinct volcano. This is a peaceful and remote spot with lovely views.

Mount Longonot

This extinct volcano has a path to the top and around the rim. There are magnificent views.