AfrikaBurn 2016

03. May 2016 Africa, Burn 0
AfrikaBurn 2016
I just got back from my first trip to AfrikaBurn in South Africa. AfricaBurn is similar to Burning Man in the United States and follows similar principles. It is really hard getting back into the flow of work after such an amazing time in the Tankwa Karoo desert. I wish I was back there living free and disconnected, I cannot help myself and keep checking Facebook and Instagram for the amazing images that are taken there each year. I found @Lara.Jess's photos on instagram and they are some of the best I have seen so far this year. https://www.instagram.com/p/BE8bn6xLQr3/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BE8eTbDLQhI/   These are just two of the pictures she has put up. To see more of her photos check out Lara's AfrikaBurn Images 2016 post on her blog.  

My Top 5 African Wildlife Destinations

29. March 2016 Africa, Safari, Top 0
My Top 5 African Wildlife Destinations
Africa is a place close to my heart. It is the destination I return to most often and the one I yearn for the most. My favorite adventure is spending time watching the unbelievable African wildlife. Africa is unparalleled for interacting and witnessing amazing animals and wildlife in their natural habitat. However, not every place in Africa is ideal for this kind of activity. Some spots are more popular than others because they offer a great experience while other places are only best to visit during a special period when the wildlife is available. However, by researching some of this destinations, it makes it easy for you to decide which places in Africa are best for seeing the wildlife you want to see and when. Here are top 5 African wildlife destinations that are considered to be the best to visit.

1. Kruger National Park

Located in the northeast of South African. This is home to large mammals such as Elephants, Lions, Leopards and even Cape Buffalo. Furthermore, the Kruger National Park is also home to the African wild dog, which is very rare. Moreover, apart from these particular animals, there are also other creatures that are found here such as Bushbucks, Giraffes, Hippos, Zebras, Zaterbuck and even Crocodiles. The best time to travel to this great destination is during winter, which occurs during the months of May and September. During this season temperatures are favorable, and the risks of contracting malaria are minimal. Apart from giving you the privilege to watch the wildlife, Kruger National Park also provides accommodation in form of safari tents, cottages, bungalows and luxury lodges as well.

2. Okavango Delta

Lion Okavango Delta The Okavango Delta is located in Botswana, and it is considered to be one the best natural wonders of Africa. This amazing destination is home to a wide array of species including Buffalos, Hippos, Elephants and Wildebeest. Other animals found in Okavango Delta includes Rhinoceros, Zebras, Lions, Cheetah, Crocodiles, Warthog, Baboons, Ibis and even the Lechwe antelope, which is the most popular species in this particular destination. okavango delta Another reason as to why Okavango Delta is considered to be an ideal place to visit is because visitors can enjoy watching the wildlife from different vantage points. Botswana Safaris are available on horseback, in a canoe or even in a hot air balloon. This makes the tour more exciting since you can see all the animals from different points of view. Wildlife in Okavango delta is present throughout the year. During the rainy season, you have the privilege of watching plenty of herds and during the dry season, it is the best time for bird watching. However, you also need to acknowledge the fact that temperatures may range from warm to mild and sometimes may plunge just above the freezing point.

3. Maasai Mara

Masai-Mara-Safaris-in-Kenya The Maasai Mara is located in Kenya, and it is named after the semi-nomadic ethnic group known as the Maasai People. The Mara consist of grassy plains, cloud shadows and a wide array of wildlife. As you tour around this great destination, you can expect to see wild animals such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and even gazelles. The most appropriate time to visit the Maasai Mara is during the months of July and October. That is because the Great Wildebeest migration takes places during this period and only occurs once every year. masaimara To make things interesting for visitors, you can enjoy the  wildlife from a four wheel drive vehicle or in a hot air balloon. Moreover, you are also encouraged to participate in a walking safari which gives you the privilege of getting closer to the animals. Accommodation for visitors ranges from safari tents to campgrounds and lodges. Furthermore, the weather is favorable throughout the year. Which makes this destination ideal for visiting anytime.

4. Ngorongoro Crater

ngorogoro crater Ngorongoro crater is another African wildlife destination that offers a great experience to visitors. Located in Tanzania, this crater happens to be one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. It is estimated to be six hundred and ten meters deep and covers two hundred and sixty square kilometers. The formation of this crater was as a result of volcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. Ngorongoro crater is home to various wild animals such as cheetahs, African wild dogs, and even leopards. There are also lions, impala, and giraffes. Apart from this particular animal, there are also hundreds of birds species found here, and can be seen during the wet season. However, the best time to visit Ngorongoro Crater is during the wet or rainy season, when the visitors are few. Accommodation is well facilitated, and you can choose to spend the night in a camping tent or a luxurious lodge.

5. Serengeti

serengeti The Serengeti is also among the top five African wildlife destinations. This amazing park is located in Tanzania, and it is one of the oldest national parks in this country. The Serengeti is used as a gateway for the great migration whereby four hundred and seventy thousand gazelles and at one point seven million wildebeest cross through here when making their way to the Maasai Mara. Apart from being part of the largest land-based migration, it is also one of the natural wonders of this great continent of Africa. Moreover, the Serengeti gives you the privilege of seeing various wild animals all at the same time during the great migration. serengeti Accommodation can be found from camping tents to luxury lodges. Visitors are allowed to explore the park during the night hours with assistance from a tour guide. Walking safaris start from early in the morning and end in the evening hours when visitors are safely returned to their lodge. Serengeti National Park is open to visitors throughout the year since the park has something interesting to offer during the dry season and the rainy season.

Conclusion

These are the top five African wildlife destinations that are ideal to visit. Furthermore, with the details provided in this guide, you get to know when is the best time to visit some of these places and what to expect. Each destination is unique in its own way, and you can gather more information about your desired destination online. During your trip, a tour guide is provided for you, and, therefore, you do not have to worry about getting lost in the wilderness.

Top 5 Places To See Leopards In South Africa

Top 5 Places To See Leopards In South Africa
Leopards are one of the most beautiful wild cats in the world. They are listed as one of the big five animals to see in Africa. They are renowned for being skittish and shy and are exceptionally hard to get a good viewing of. I love Leopards and have always wanted to see one up close and personal in the wild, and hopefully to see one with a kill in a tree. Leopards are remarkable, and can loft prey that weighs a great deal more than they do into trees. they do this to protect their kills from would be thieves. Leopards are beautiful with black rosettes and colour patterns covering their golden yellow bodies.   On my recent visit to South Africa, I did some research on where the best places to see leopards is.  

#1. Kruger National Park

This world renowned wildlife park, established in 1898 is one of the best places to view leopards within their natural habitat. It's expansive nature means that you have the opportunity to see leopards hunting, eating and interacting with one another. This is a very rare treat that you should consider lucky to experience. Regarding accommodation, there are many campsite and lodges within and around the wildlife park. An example of such lodges includes the Swagat Park Lodge, the Kruger Park Lodge, Legacy Hotel, Shandon Lodge and many others. The campsites include Punda Maria, Tsendze, Mopani and many others.

#2. Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Londolozi is one of the premier private game reserves in South Africa. It is a family run and operated operation that prides itself on providing the most thrilling opportunity of viewing wildlife animal in their natural setting. Londolozi is one of the best places to see Leopards up close, as the have become so accustomed to the game watching vehicles. For accommodation, there are various lodges within this private park, including, Londolozi Founders Camp, Londolozi Varty Camp, Londolozi Pioneer Camp, Londolozi Tree Camp, and the Londolozi Granite Suites.   Top-5-Places-To-See-Leopards-In-South-Africa  

#3. Phinda Private Reserve

This is another pristine park that is dedicated to providing tourists with a true wildlife experience. It is located within lush the grasslands of KwaZulu-Natal. With game drives on offer, you have the opportunity to drive to where the leopards are located, where you can view this wild cats in their natural setting. Accommodation is provided in the form of lodges. These include Vlei Lodge, Rock Lodge, Zuka Lodge, Mountain Lodge and Forest Lodge.

#4. The Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape

This is an extensive game reserve that consists of Willowmore town and Steyterville town. The expansive reserve has a high population of leopards increasing the probability of tourist to view leopards. It also has hiking tracks where leopards are known to inhabit. For accommodation, there is the Sederkloof luxury lodge, Uitspan Campsite and Guest Cottage, Duiwekloof Lodge and Campsite, Baviaanskloof Guest Cottage among others.

#5. Leshiba Wilderness Game Farm

Finally, there is the Leshiba Wilderness Game Farm. It offers one of the most authentic African-themed Safaris with an opportunity to see leopards. This private game reserve is located in on the western part of the Soutpansberg Mountains which are found in Limpopo Province. Accommodation is in ample supply from The Venda Village Lodge, Hamasha, Luvhondo Camp, and the Mwenzi and Duvha Luxury suites.