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The Shrinking Sanctuary of the Wild & Where It Can Still Be Seen

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The reality is that many species of wildlife are becoming more endangered every year; there are less than 5500 black rhino in South Africa and just over 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world.

A safari is a truly soul-enriching experience, make sure you tick it off your bucket list before it’s too late. Here are some of the best places to see wonderful wildlife.

Best place to see the Big 5 – Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa

Lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo – catching a glimpse of these five iconic animals is sought after by tourists every year. The Greater Kruger National Park is a wildlife paradise where the Big 5 are able to thrive in their natural habitat.

There are many safari lodges in the famous Greater Kruger, but one of the most outstanding game lodges in South Africa that will give you an authentic, soul-enriching safari experience, is Pondoro Game Lodge.

Owing to its superior location in the Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, the award-winning lodge boasts private, luxury game drives for its guests – no more than eight people travel on the cruisers at a time.

Best place to see gorillas and monkeys – The Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the premier destination for you to see gorillas, monkeys and other primates in their natural habitat. the Virunga National Park offers the best viewing of mountain gorillas in Africa.

You’ll be accompanied by experienced rangers who will take you on a journey through dense jungle. There is no guarantee that you will see the primates, but the rangers will use their unmatched experience to find them, and once you set eyes on them, you’ll realise that the journey was worth it. Witnessing a giant silverback gorilla relaxing in a shady alcove and mischievous chimps swinging through the trees, are sights that will never be forgotten. Ensure that you have your camera ready to capture these wonderful moments.

Best place to see migrations – Kenya and Botswana

Maasai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife haven located in south-west Kenya. It’s considered to be Africa’s most diverse eco-system. The reserve is renowned for the legendary Great migration of wildebeest. From late July/early-August, millions of wildebeest begin their long trek through the southern Serengeti.

Did you know that zebra is the national animal of Botswana? The zebra migration is the longest mammal migration in Africa. Every year hundreds of thousands of zebras make a 500 km round-trip from the Chobe River and its surrounds to the Nxai Pan (part of the famous Makgadikgadi Pans).

Best place to see birds – Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, South Africa

If you’re an avid bird watcher, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a must-experience destination. You’ll be privy to over 300 different species of birds, however only 102 species are resident. The park is famous for its birds of prey, with 46 species having been recorded, including red-necked falcon,  Black-chested snake eagle, Martial eagle and bateleur.

November to April is the best time to visit the park to see resident birds and migrant species. Happy bird watching.

Unique places to visit in Cairo to make your trip a great one

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Located along the River Nile near the delta, the capital of Egypt is about 165 km from the Mediterranean Sea. The largest city in Africa was founded in 969 AD and has been ruled by the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, Romans, Turks, French and more over the centuries. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the city’s most famous landmark. That structure occupies an area of 53,000 square meters and is 140 meters high. The Cairo’s Egyptian Museum also houses the world’s greatest display of ancient Egyptian artifacts, many of which are from the tomb of Tutankhamen. Its rumble with history doesn’t just end here as it is home to the oldest university in the world as well as of the largest mosques. Known as the city of 1,000 minarets for its Islamic architecture, Cairo seems to breathe in the past more than the present.

If you want to get into the city, the better way is through the Cairo international airport which allows both domestic and international flights. You can even book Cheap Dubai to Cairo flights, Cape Town to Cairo flights, Oman to Cairo flights, Melbourne to Cairo flights and more from a reliable ticket booking source.

When you land here, you will surely get to witness a lot of minarets, mosques and its famous citadel. But if you want to experience something different then this is the list for you:

  • Visit Abu Simbel: Built along the axis of the sun, the temple gets flooded with sunlight twice a year on February 22 and October 22. It illuminates Rameses himself. Only the fourth statue of Ptah, the mysterious creator-god which is left in shadow. Here’s a little-known fact: UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention was created actually to preserve Abu Simbel. You might want to mark those two dates down and plan your trip around it.
  • Visit the Lost City of Heracleion: Found in the Abu Qir Bay off the coast of Egypt, the underwater ruins had 64 ships, 700 anchors, and a treasure trove of gold coins, statues standing at 16 feet and a massive temple to the god Amun-Gereb. All these give a peek into what was a great port that controlled all the trade into Egypt city 2300 years ago. But no one is really sure how it ended up underwater. If you love architecture and lore of the past then this is the place to go to.
  • Ponder At The City Of The Dead: The cemetery Zawiyyet al-Mayyiteen is known as such since it is considered to be one of the world’s largest cemeteries. This huge necropolis is comprised of innumerable white conical domes which appear very similar to waves in the ocean. Each of the mausolea is topped with a dome. The place is just stunning at sunrise or sunset and it is highly recommended that you visit them. But remember that it is a working cemetery and so the proper decorum should be observed.

Cairo is a city which seems to be just progressively lost in various eras of time. But its beauty actually lies in that very fact. Visiting it feels like stepping into a time machine.

Dubai A Global Hotspot For Travellers

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Every year there is an influx of expatriates consisting of both skilled and unskilled workers entering Dubai to work or leaving Dubai after their working contracts ends. Dubai is a fast emerging global hotspot for travellers and expatriates. This is especially so as the economy has started to recover after having its economy affected by the economic downturn.

Dubai has recently won the bid to host the World Expo 2020 and an estimated number of 2.5 million visitors, consisting mostly of expatriates are expected to pass enter the country during the six month long expo. There is an anticipated surge in the real estate, hotel and infrastructure industries to support the arrival of the expo. During the next few years prior to the expo, thousands of new job opportunities will attract both skill and unskilled workers to Dubai as the country gears up to host this much anticipated event.

Dubai with its strategic location, is less than a four hour flight for almost half of the world’s population. It is also a convenient destination for expatriates from Asia, Europe, Australia and America. With the availability of various cheap flights from Dubai to London and other countries around the world, it is convenient for expatriates to travel back home to visit their families or for holidays in the neighbouring countries.

UAE nationals and those holding a UAE passport enjoy heavily subsidized property purchase schemes, highly discounted rates on food items and groceries, free education for their children, and much cheaper utilities than expatriates. They also enjoy a high standard of living compared to many expatriates who live and work there. Many expatriates are deterred from buying houses in Dubai, knowing that once they reach retirement age, they will have to leave even though they have worked and have invested in the economy and have contributed actively to the betterment of the country.

All these years, the government has resisted the pressure to open up citizenship to expatriates, fearing that it would dilute their Emirati culture and national identity. They do not want to put a huge strain on social welfare schemes that are primarily enjoyed by their local population, which makes up a small percentage of the total population of their country.

Behold the Beauties from Each Border- An Austria, Switzerland to Germany Road Trip

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There are some European countries that are meant to be road tripped on, especially when their borders are side by side. The easiest way to enjoy sightseeing in multiple locations is by taking your car to the road. Enjoy a cruise along the coasts of these pleasant destinations and take in all you can in one go. Journeying round Austria, Switzerland and Germany is a trip that should be took. See these picturesque, pleasant and breathtaking places personally.

Get your engines to the ready, go to Kwik fit, get your vehicles checked and make sure that all things are in place for you to enjoy your road trip without any hindrances. You can go at your own pace and make the most of all the landscapes that you’ve longed to see.

Germany

Begin your flamboyant journey in the city of Frankfurt. This financial hub, is a place where you can enjoy the luxuries that cosmopolitans usually provide; from an iconic town hall a medieval themed building; a colorful piece of architecture that highlights the beauty of this countries culture.

Get a view of the German Alpines, this celestial scene is one that will set you up for the rest of your journey. Enjoy a relaxing view of these mighty mountains covered in greenery touching the sparkling lakes at its base.

Journey along the road from Hanau to Baunatal and get a firsthand experience of what it’s like to live in a fairytale. This location possesses a host of characters from Snow White to Little Red Riding Hood. Awaken your childhood memories, by taking a tangible step into the stories through these streets.

Austria

This country, that’s also German speaking, is another location that presents landmarks that are remarkable. Whether visiting the villages of Vienna, or beholding the beauties of the Bohemian Forest you can take in a range of wonderful sites here in Austria.

Indulge in many of the recreations provided here, from a spot of skiing on the Nordkette range to an adventurous time hiking in the mountainous region of Salzkammergut, you could also capture a wonderful display of the Waldbachstrub waterfall. Get involved in a heap of activities here.

Switzerland

Yet another location that boasts of Alps that will leave you amazed and medieval villages that will leave you memorized. Switzerland’s air will leave you feeling refreshed and clear headed as you take in all that it has to parade. Take a daring trip to their ski resorts that will challenge your skiing skills and assist you in become a pro by the end of your visit.

Once you’ve experienced this place you’ll want to be yodeling to the world about how truly beautiful it is. You can indulge in some of the finest chocolate in the world or take a biking venture peddling through some of the most impressive biking trails. It’s a fine way to top off your road trip escapade.

5 of the Best States for an Outdoors Vacation

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If you and your family enjoy the great outdoors, then you’re probably considering where to take your next trip. While many may have their favorite go-to destinations, the country is full of hidden gems that we don’t always consider. Here are five of the best states for an outdoors vacation that you should think about for your next family adventure.

1. Colorado

If you ask anyone which state is the most beautiful, Colorado often comes to their minds. This state has a wealth of natural beauty from rugged mountains to amazing landscapes. You’ll find a huge variety of camping and outdoor activities to enjoy while you’re here. However, one of the most enjoyable activities is hiking up one of the 54 mountain peaks, so you may want to plan a trip to at least one of the mountain ranges while you’re there.

2. Missouri

This state has hundreds of natural and conservation areas. And if you want to test that brand new scar 17 scope, the state has tons of great hunting and fishing areas to offer. You’ll also find that there’s no shortage of water in Missouri. There’s more shore in this state than you’ll find on the coast of California, so make some time to go boating or fishing.

3. Montana

Montana is known for its large sky and untamed land. The natural parks make it a popular destination and you can find secluded spots to enjoy the wilderness that makes up this state. Consider taking a trip to Glacier National Park in the summer months to enjoy hiking or take a road trip through the state to see everything it has to offer.

4. New Mexico

Some of the United State’s most famous artists made New Mexico their muse – and with good reason. However, this state isn’t just for artists. There is a huge range of camping and sightseeing opportunities available. Camping is especially popular here and the local people love their solitude. New Mexico is most well-known for their grasslands, mountains, and desserts. There’s an outdoor activity here for everyone from hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking, as well as many others.

5. New York

New York isn’t just for people who like the big city. In fact, you’ll find some of the most passionate people about outdoors activities located here. From the Finger Lakes to Hudson Valley, New York is home to many natural wonders that you can enjoy. Camping is a favorite activity for both locals and tourists to the state, so you may want to bring a tent when you plan a trip. Great family fun is easy to find in the area, so consider this spot.

Conclusion

These five states offer a range of fun and exciting outdoor activities for families today. Although not everyone enjoys every outdoor activity, you can find something for almost everyone in the family. Make your next trip to one of these locations and you’ll have some great new experiences.

Five Conference Venues in Manchester

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Do you have a conference to plan in Manchester? Below you can find a list of five great conference venues in Manchester. Each venue is operated by professionals who have a huge knowledge of the industry as a whole.

The Bridgewater Hall

Known for its concerts, The Bridgewater Hall is a luxurious space and a home to some of the best rooms for events and conferences.

The Auditorium itself holds over 1800 people and can be hired for events (concerts, presentations, conferences, etc.) It also has foyer areas, breakout spaces, and areas for a reception. Due to its size, the Auditorium is aimed for large events.

The Bridgewater Hall also has a range of smaller rooms capable of seating up to 250 people. These are perfect for your smaller scale conferences and other meetings.

Not only that, but there are in-house bars and a catering team that offer buffets and other forms of food.

Emirates Old Trafford

The award-winning, multi-purpose venue, Emirates Old Trafford, is home to some of the best conferences, meetings and dinners.

The venue has 43 meeting rooms and can seat a max of 1200 people. It can also cater as little as 10 people and as many as 2000 across multiple events.

If you plan on having a conference here, it will be supported by the in-house services which include event planners, duty managers and even IT support! 

The Monastery Manchester

What is a better place than a 3-time winner of the best UK unique venue? The Monastery is a stunning venue that has previously been restored for steep cost of £6.5 million!

It is home to a range of events including conferences, weddings, and exhibitions that can seat up to 650 people. All of this is put together and managed by the exclusive event management and catering service.

To top it all off, all profits from any event held at the Monastery are donated to the Charitable Trust. 

The Studio Manchester

The Studio is one of the smaller venues in Manchester seating a max of 250 people. However, the vibrant space has 11 rooms that can accommodate 2 – 220 people. It also has HDMI projection, a sound system, WIFI and an Apple TV in each room.

The Studio team are known for giving the best service and pulling all of the stops to provide the best event possible.

Each event is located around a breakout zone that is available to guests and offers unlimited tea, coffee, and snacks. 

King’s House Conference Centre

From the name, you can tell that this centre aims to provide a space for conferences. The Kings House Conference Centre is actually one of the leading conference venues in Manchester.

It is home to a variety of rooms and can seat a max of 600 people. If you are planning a banquet layout, it will only house 350 people, but for the theatre style, the max of 600 will be possible.

There are also other rooms available for smaller conferences and meetings. All rooms will come with projectors and screens.

Overall, these are just 5 of the many venues available for conferences in Manchester. Each has their own positives and benefits, but it all comes down to what suits your needs. Hopefully this list will push you in the right direction and help you choose the right venue.

Up For a Spanish Tour?

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Spain is one of the wonderful counties in Europe. This country is said to receive thousands of tourists all the year round. Getting to Spain is not a tough task if the prospective tourist has taken the assistance of a reputed travel agent or tour operator. Spain is an interesting place and has many locations of interest. The most important question for the prospective traveler is where he wants to spend his holidays. Some of the travelers would like to spend their holidays among nature. It simply could be on a beach or in a reserve forest, mountain, hill top or in a city, while some prefer to visit historical places. Whatever, be the area of choice, the tourists have plenty to enjoy in this country and cherish it for a long time to come.

The country of Spain is said to have a very long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea that covers an area of approximately around 250 kilometers. Some of the popular Hollywood films have been filmed on this coast which in itself speaks of its immense popularity. The Spanish beaches are said to be perfectly maintained and immaculately clean. There are plenty of adventure and water sports such as deep sea diving for the tourists to enjoy. Some of the popular Spanish beaches include Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Malaga. There are plenty of apartments and villas along the coasts where the tourists can relax and be assured of a luxurious stay without overshooting their budget.

Spain also has some interesting hill stations. Interestingly, most of the hill stations tend to run parallel to various beaches in the region. Hence, the tourists can easily enjoy the roaring sea from the hill top. Whereas, the visitors on the beach can simply enjoy the beauty of the mountains, that stares at the sea. The tourists can also enjoy the popular local cuisines at the villages located on the mountains.

There are plenty of historical locations in Spain. According to a survey conducted in the country, there are around 10000 historical buildings such as castles, cathedrals and churches that were constructed centuries ago, of which around 2500 structures are preserved by the government of Spain. The remaining have either crumbled or dilapidated due to the passage of time, but still offer a wonderful view of the historic past and rich culture of Spain.

The Spanish people also take pride in welcoming their guests from all parts of the world and try to make them comfortable as possible. You will go a long way with speaking to them if you learn Spanish before you visit. There are some popular festivals performed throughout the year that attracts people in hordes. The best part of visiting Spain is that one can get access to all forms of transport to reach it. The country of Spain also has been a wonderful location for couples getting married and enjoying their honeymoon. The markets, malls, shopping centers, spas and various other features of entertainment have induced the tourists to visit this beautiful country from all parts of the world all the year round.

 

Big State With Plenty to Do: Go Large on Fun in Texas

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In Texas, everything is bigger. Second in size only to Alaska, the Lone Star State welcomes visitors with big landscapes, big attractions, and some of the most stunning scenery in the nation. If you’re planning to visit anytime soon, you’ll be glad to know about the following things to do and see in the great state of Texas.

Delightful Dallas

Few places rival Dallas for historical mystery and intrigue. The total truth may never be told, but there’s plenty to explore at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Here you can see the high rise window through which Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the bullet that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The museum chronicles what is known about the assassination and provides an inside look at the 35th President of the United States and is well worth adding to your Texas travel itinerary, notes USA Today.

Be a space cadet in Houston

NASA Space Center Houston is a must-see for anyone interested in astronautics and space exploration. Affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, the Space Center hosts nine research facilities, an extensive education complex, and an out-of-this-world museum to thrill and inspire visitors of all ages. Be sure to reserve your spot for a behind the scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center and Mission Control.

Situated on the eastern edge of San Antonio, the Alamo is one of Texas’ most visited historical attractions. The Alamo was originally constructed in 1744 by Franciscans to serve as a mission but was converted into a military fort around 1836. Famed for its part in the Texas War of Independence, the Alamo was also the last place frontier explorer Davy Crockett drew his last breath. More than two million people visit the famed old fort annually. Be one of them, and you’ll remember the Alamo long after you return home from your stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort, advises PlanetWare magazine.

For an outdoor adventure filled with wonderful wildlife, spend a day discovering Padre Island. Located a short drive from Corpus Christi, Padre Island offers more than 70 miles of serene grassland, sandy beaches, billowing dunes, and more migratory birds than you’re likely to see in any other single place. Begin your tour at the Malaquite Visitor Center where you may rent a beach wheelchair if you so desire.

All this and art, too

In Dallas, drop by the Dallas Museum of Art where you can wander among tens of thousands of artistic artifacts from ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome as well as modern work by artists such as Jackson Pollock.

Whooping it up in Texas is easy. Plan to visit as many places as you can, but don’t expect to see all of the Lone Star State in one visit.

How to Keep Your Love of Italy Alive Once You’re Back Home

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If you’ve just gotten back from a dream trip to Italy, then there’s a good chance you instantly fell in love with its beauty, charm, and romance. Coming home can be somewhat jarring as you get back to your everyday life and commitments. Now that you’ve discovered a new favorite destination, why not work it into your life. You can include pieces of Italy in all kinds of ways, as we will examine.

Collect Classic Italian Jewelry

It’s always nice to pick up a souvenir or two while on vacation, but if you didn’t manage to get around to it, there’s no reason you can grab an authentic piece of Italian jewelry once you get home. When it comes to a piece that really showcases Italy’s incredible craftsmanship, nothing beats Jovon Antique Cameos.

These are an Eredi Jovon Venice specialty. The Italian shop has been around for more than 80 years, spanning across three generations. Back in 1934, Eredi Jovon used to sell pieces right on the famous Rialto Bridge in Venice. It’s here that you can still meet the owner as well as her sons as you take a look at their authentic Venetian pieces.

Learn to Cook Like an Italian

Here’s another authentic way that you can keep your love of Italy alive even once you’re back home and back to the grind. Why not learn how to cook like an Italian and continue your exploration of Italian cuisine?

You can do a little research about what your town offers, perhaps there may be some local Italian cooking classes. If not, you can take the initiative and pick up some books, watch some videos online, and tune in to cooking shows on the TV. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to cooking like an Italian.

Keep in mind that simplicity is key in Italian cooking.  You don’t need a lot of ingredients, or need to pull off fancy menus. However, the ingredients you do use should be high quality.

Include Italian Décor in Your Home

If you were struck by the beauty of Italian decor, furnishings, and architecture on your trip, then there is no reason you can incorporate a little of this flair into your own home. There are a number of different styles that are all considered authentic Italian. These styles include classic, renaissance, modern contemporary, and Tuscan. It’s really a matter of what fits your own tastes.

Keep in mind there is no reason to completely re-do the rooms in your house and make it entirely Italian. Instead, you can shop for key pieces that act as focal points in the room.

Keep the Spirit Alive

It’s always exciting to visit beautiful new destinations while on vacation, and Italy is definitely one of those destinations that will end up sticking with you. These are just a few ways you can keep that love of Italy alive even once you’re back home.

A Guide to Travelling to the Grand Canyon

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The Grand Canyon extends a whopping 445 kilometers with a width of 29 forming a giant scar-like structure in the heart of Arizona. Tourists from the United States and around the globe head to marvel at this natural wonder of layered rocks that recent studies believe to be almost 70 million years old.

How to Get to the Grand Canyon:

Both the North Rim and South Rim are the major tourist spots inside the Grand Canyon. Because of its colossal size, driving is the only way tourists can visit. The South Rim is about two hours away from Arizona and is more accessible of the two regions and gets more tourists. People who want to get away from the crowds can drive to the North Rim, which could involve several hours of driving. Grand Canyon West, or the West Rim, is another section outside of the National Park itself and is closer to reach from Las Vegas.

What are the Best Things to Do at the Grand Canyon?

Typical activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, visiting some of the Native Indian Settlements or even testing your nerve on the Grand Canyon Skywalk on the West Rim. A number of underground caves make for an adventurous day. Some tourists like to see the Grand Canyon from a helicopter or by taking a railway tour through the region. Many of the 5 million annual tourists only hang around the day and head back to Arizona in the afternoon. The more daring ones hike through the canyon itself and camp overnight. Visiting the nearby Arizonan towns of Flagstaff, Williams, and Tusayan to get a glimpse back into the old world of the Wild West is also a fun activity.

Hike to Havasu Falls:

One of the prettiest attractions within the Grand Canyon is Havasu Falls, a 30 meter, single shoot waterfall pouring blue-green water over the rugged rocks into the pools below.

But, it’s no easy task to get to it. Anticipate a grueling 16-kilometer trek across unforgiving terrain without access to water and go deep into the Havusa Canyon. Trails are tough, dusty, and very hot. Hikers need to take their own supplies including an ample supply of water as nothing is available until you reach an American Indian village called Supai. Expect the journey to take anywhere between five and eight hours to reach Havasu Falls. Many hikers camp overnight at Supai and return the following morning.

Where to Stay in the Grand Canyon:

More overnight accommodation inside the Grand Canyon is around the South Rim and includes camping grounds, hotels, and lodgings. Others are available on both the North Rim and West Rim but may need a booking well in advance to secure a spot. Visitors looking for a place with more restaurants and a bit of a nightlife may choose to stay in one of the nearby towns such as Flagstaff or Sedona.

Plan Your Perfect Trip to the Grand Canyon:

Now that you know the essentials of planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, why not go ahead and fulfil a dream of seeing this amazing natural wonder?