Bobcat Male to Phinda Resource Reserve in South Africa

South Africa offers some of the best-kept safari parks in Africa. World-famous Kruger National Park, the size of Wales is the land of the Premier Park, South Africa, but also offers many other great but lesser-known game reserves as private Phinda Resource Reserve in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban and Richards Bay. Maputaland in the north-eastern state of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal took its name from the river that flows into South Africa and Maputo in Mozambique is increasing.The climate in northern Maputaland, influenced by the Indian Ocean, tropical, and then Maputaland offers a wide range of ecosystems, including the largest freshwater lake in South Africa, forest, savanna, mangroves and coral reefs. In this unique setting is 170 square kilometers (66 square miles) Phinda Resource Reserve, three hours drive from Durban and a record of six hours - or a short flight - from Johannesburg. Phinda, founded in 1991, seven differentEcosystems, dense palm savannah and scrub forest on the mountain of sand and thornveld. The luxurious accommodations in the main building and at its chalet Phinda Rock and Suites Busch is absolutely first class. Phinda is not only unique but also very luxurious and sophisticated. Each suite is available in the main house complete with private swimming pool. Another special feature is the Phinda Getty House, the Getty family, a single user-friendly villa is specifically geared for hireRich ...

Luxury Golf Safari Lodge in South Africa Computer Botsebotse Bush Retreat

Ntshondwe Lodge - KwaZulu-Natal, SA

Ntshondwe Lodge is a luxury safari in a spectacular setting in the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Lodge, overlooking the distant hills of Swaziland - a paradise for lovers of the game.

Sefapane Lodge & Safaris: Safari Overview

Sefapane Lodge & Safari: Safari. Music video with English subtitles. A general overview of the safari in the Kruger National Park and the Olifants River, which Sefapane Lodge & Safaris, Kruger National Park near Phalaborwa in South Africa (Limpopo Province) is organized. Address: PO Box 1621 Copper Road, Phalaborwa 1390, South Africa, Telephone: +27 (0) 15-780 6700, Fax: +27 (0) 15-780 6711, E-mail: reservations@sefapane.co.za / Internet sales sefapane.co.za @: www.sefapane.co.za.Sefapane Lodge & Safaris is 1 km from the Phalaborwa, central gate to Kruger National Park, situated on a beautiful bush land of unspoiled land. The 4-star luxury Lodge is a family owned and consists of 32 fully furnished, luxury, traditional thatched huts in an African style. The round huts, situated in the shade of trees, air-conditioning and bathroom. Our new real estate sector, we have 20 excellent safari lodges, located around the dam, where a brilliant birdsit is not. The safari holiday for 4 to 8 people, suitable for self-catering, but also capable of all Lodge facilities. Next to the swimming pool is a pool bar. The restaurant with open kitchen, serves filling breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte divine. The Indaba Lounge offers a quiet place to get a book to watch TV, read or sit by the fireplace. Or, can host small conferences, workshops and private dinner functions. A dam on the rural property...

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Kenya's contribution to the African Safari Holidays

If you're looking for the perfect holiday adventure packed vacation look no further than the African safari.

What is Safari Mean?

The term of Safari "travel resulted from an Arabic word which means" way. E 'was above the slaves in the days when there was trade between the Arab world and Africa and for the products. Over the years the meaning has changed and now the "Safari" is a synonym for Photography and wildlife watching.

If you are referring to the term Safari, does not mean a specific time period. Everything depends on the tour operators. While some may wrap it in a day, others have a longer duration. If you want to go on a safari in Africa and extensive experience, it is better to go for a trip which is spread over several days.

African Safari Destinations

Some of the most popular AfricanDestinations Safari, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. African Safari Holidays in Kenya have said they are in fact begun.

Kenya Safari

Go on safari in Africa would be almost a holiday safari in Kenya, so rich and varied is the offer from Kenya. Here you have the opportunity to close in five large animals Africa - lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants andRhinoceros. The national parks offer here with animals like the hippopotamus, hyenas, impalas, giraffes, monkeys, warthogs, yellow-winged bats, and more.

Its forest reserves are home to a wide variety of reptiles. Some of them are of the crocodile, chameleon, skink, tortoise and many others.

Birds like baglafecht Weber, Swallow, Black-chested snake eagle, black-headed herons, black crane, white-cheek Bee-eater, Common Ostrich, and many others are inAbundance.

If the speech is not enough of wild life, the treasure may be the size of Kenya by the fact that present a total of 48 national parks in the country.

In addition to a rich wildlife reserve is to visit one of the most scenic. On the one hand, clear beaches, while others are mountains like Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro.

Popular National Parks and Reserves in Kenya

Take a look at some of the best national parksKenya.

Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the largest national reserves. It is in fact an extension of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania.

Lake Nakuru National Park is known for its famous flamingo flocks.

Amboseli National Park is home to over 50 species and 400 bird species.

Aberdare National Park is home to a rare species of rhinoceros that attract a large number of lovers of wild life.

The list goes on and the description of Kenyarich forest reserve will have no end. The best way to learn and discover the Kenya would be to do a safari. Wild life is best studied in the field and what better way that an African safari holiday.

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Trabant Safari - Rolling on Berlin DDR Style

A collage of pictures and videos on a safari Trabant in Berlin in December 2006 captured. We hope the video will give you an idea of the speed and luxury provides the user with a satellite. Sorry, you do not like the sweet taste. In all honesty, however, was the Trabant Safari fun stuff and I highly recommended for all Communists and independent.

Places you can go for an African safari adventure

They love the outdoors? Is your idea of vacation to involve the whole time to observe wildlife in their natural habitat? If so, African safari holidays can be a holiday for you. African Safari holidays are popular at this time. They are so popular that agencies and adventure travel companies that have developed several packages to the tourists a taste of safari in Africa. These packages are accompanied by experts. IfYou choose the holidays to go with one of these African safari, usually stay in hotels and campsites. But do not worry - hot showers are available. There will also be a cook in the tour, which will prepare meals and barbecue.

Kenya is a popular destination for African safari holiday. There are packages that have a beach holiday. With 40 national parks and game reserves, there are many things to see in Kenya. For example, you canTravel to the Kimana Game Sanctuary, located at the foot of the famous Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kenya National Park and Masai Mara are two of Kenya's most popular National Parks. The first has a rich rain forest, while the second level that go beyond a hundred kilometers. If you travel in Kenya, was a leader who will guide you and the other two back in the open truck, minibus and 4x4 vehicles are accompanied. If flying is your passion and you want to see the landscapesfrom an African safari vacation packages at this level will include a small fly. Kenya will see giraffes, leopards, crocodiles, gazelles, zebras, hippos and lions during your safari adventure in Africa.

South Africa is the ideal destination for your African safari holiday when you want to see) different landscapes (eg, semi-desert, ancient forests, grasslands, wetlands, etc.. Phinda South AfricaRegion on foot, by plane or car to explore. even an African safari vacation packages include boat to explore through South Africa. Expect, lions, buffalo, to see rhinos, leopards and elephants. You will see wild dogs and hyena packs, leopards and elephants, when the Madikwe Game Reserve Desk.

Uganda and Rwanda are also popular African safari destinations. Uganda is the perfect destination if you want to see chimpanzees and lowland gorillasin their natural habitat. Gorillas in Uganda Bwindi Forest abundant. To see a variety of bird species, pick-African Safari Holidays, a tour includes a trip to Uganda Mgahinga Volcanoes in her. You'll see elephants, giraffes, antelopes and birds if it is in the savannah tour Queen Elizabeth National Park, another popular destination in Uganda Murchisson Falls National Park The waterfall is a wonderful show and the animals are baboons,Warthogs and zebras.

Rwanda is a haven for mountain gorillas. The slopes of Volcanoes National Park where you can see about 300 mountain gorillas. If you see that surround the lakes, forests, volcanoes and waterfalls, mountain and lowland gorillas in their natural, go on holiday an African safari in Uganda and Rwanda.

The big cats of Africa

The cat, who had by some as a perfect view of animal nature from the beginning, only experienced the slightest change in development over the past 30-odd million years ago.
E 'three big cats in Africa, lions, cheetahs and leopards, the legends inspired the most passionate in the world. Each of these cats is an icon in its own right.

The power and majesty of the lion

Often called the "king of beasts, the lion iconReputation as a cat of great strength and beauty. The biggest of the big cats in Africa, the real heir of his age enhanced by the magnificent mane male, gold, ranging from a rich color to a darker color than the animals.

Of course, the dominant male lions often are not hunting them, preferring instead to allow women or men of pride, not for the hard work before long and claim to kill his part. It weighs over 200 kgthe wild, and got up to 2 meters at the shoulder, cuts of this large animal is a huge figure.

The cooperative social of all big cats, their real strength lies in their ability to cooperate with pride tactics research group to make a kill.
While they are mainly nocturnal, they are easily found during the day to conserve energy and rest in shady areas. The unsuspecting tourists enjoy the sight of listless and "tame" animals, while inon a safari game drive, would do well to emphasize that the lions should be active soon, if ever, present, simple meal occasion.

The Cheetah is a symbol of speed and grace

Known as the fastest animal on earth, the cheetah has a slender body, long legs and retractable claws, seeds, with a short, rough skin patches covered with small, round, black.
He gets up with a shoulder height of about 70 cm, has a body length of 112-135 cm, tail length 66-84cm and weighs about 34-54 kg, slightly larger in males than in females.

Much more easily configured, either a lion or leopard, its strategic advantage hunting distances is known to accelerate the ability to short at incredible speeds in excess. Although not specifically sent over long distances, can reach a top speed of 110 km / h ( 70 miles hour) within seconds. Carefully stalking techniques, have pursued their prey, and approaches the 20 -30 metersbefore triggering the gun that kills his step to be successful in about 50% of pursuits.
Decline in prey, loss of habitat, poaching and a reputation for livestock predator threaten the survival of the cheetah throughout its range.

The ruthless efficiency of the hunting-leopard Lone

Leopardi, sometimes referred to as "the epitome of the Cat" are the most difficult of the three big cats in Africa. Equal to about 80 centimeters at shoulder height and weighing between 40 and70kg cheetahs, these cats stronger, but slower and much smaller than lions.

solitary hunters looking for partner companies only leopards, and are constantly in danger of losing their kill lions. For this reason, they use their ability to climb the highest tree to attract their prey in custody. While the more substantial kill in this way are stored and then return to feed the cat, leopards are opportunistic animals with a diet extremely flexible.I am happy to consume protein in almost every form of insects, animals, almost twice its own weight and will readily eat carrion.

Failure to follow these big cats in their natural habitat is a privilege, not to be missed. To learn more about them, or who are often on television an interesting insight into their lives, but always close to these magnificent animals, when a game disc, will inspire you.

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African Safari

Once in a life safari wants to hire an African safari of your dreams. E-mail us today: info@onceinalifetimesafari.com or call (727) 415-3449 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (727) 415-3449 end_of_the_skype_highlighting - Visit our website for more information: onceinalifetimesafari.com

Pumba Private Game Reserve 5 Star Grahamstown, South Africa - Africa Travel Channel

Pumba Private Game Reserve invites you to experience the essence of ultimate luxury and style of Africa. Against the backdrop of the landscape of Eastern Cape, the beautiful reserve offers 2 to 5 star luxury safari lodge. Tel: +27 46 603 2000 E-mail: Web respumba@pehotels.co.za: www.pehotels.co.za

Tips to make your own safari wall stickers

Whether it's office to a nursery room or the Agency, decorate your imagination a travel souvenirs, Safari Wall tattoos are certainly a good choice of music jazz up those boring white walls. The label can be printed as large as an entire wall, so, so right for the animals of the jungle-size Savannah and fiction.

You can assign transform your digital photos from safari lands in printing. Download free online photo resources is another option. Printthese photos with your print shop online and see the old white walls scream with the African sun and green jungle!

3 applications for your safari wall stickers

Fun learning materials for the children begin to teach your children about the different species lived in the African savannah! Let them have fun mixing with monkeys, elephants and big cats in the printed by the stickers. You can label the individual animal or a large wallLabels show the landscape safari. You also have the option to pop art-inspired cartoon or animals.

Use as a perfect backdrop for souvenir Safari Room Do you like adventure safari in the bush of Africa or South East, so much so that you have this room full of memories? You can always dress your room with color matching gift safari wall stickers. These adhesives are completely up in the atmosphere of the roomThe memories of your adventures.

Large murals to attract travelers safari wall stickers printed with Safari themes are not for home or personal decorations. Travel agencies specializing in adventure travel safari can also take advantage of Safari Wall Decals prints. The owner of a travel agency, you can dress up the walls of your office ticketing with them. What better way to entice potential travelers to show them how beautiful andoffers exciting safari destination.

These are just some ideas on how exciting your walls and roaring with the life of the African jungle. Just remember to ensure the labels printed with a reliable printer that prints your high-quality - color, texture and surface.

Luxury safaris in the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is the ideal destination for a luxury safari with a difference. While African safari trips usually conjures images of dusty and arid plains of Africa, amazing Okavango Delta is a vast hinterland of pristine wetlands in Botswana, home to a wide variety of wildlife with many species unique to the region.

Most luxury safari here in a mixture of 4x4 safari on the main islands and fringesDelta safari in calm waters mokoro traditional canoe that your guide is dug poled through shallow water running. Fishing trips are also trying to motor boats with a variety of fish lovers.

The Government of Botswana has made efforts to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Okavango Delta with the restriction to the tourism sector. The only way to get there is by air, flights are expensive. Lodges are also very dependent concessionThe fees, which means that most of them addressed to the luxury market, home to small groups of comfort in this beautiful desert. If you really want away from it all and escape the masses of the Okavango is the place to go.

luxury lodge tent camps can be challenging, with bath or straw and wood apartments built on platforms with magnificent views extending over wetlands and stunning skyscapes. The service is friendly,experienced guides and pan-African cuisine in the evening sitting around a fire under the brightest stars, including driving at night sometimes to the moon in the light of nocturnal animals.

The Okavango offers wildlife safaris and is full of all year, but choose a season to your main interests and preferences. If you want to see big game such as lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, kudu, giraffe, crocodiles mild climate andMay to October, the dry, cold winter is the best time. The vegetation is dry and brown in the surrounding areas, but the game gathered around the flooded areas of the delta and is easier to see. The days are sunny and warm about 25 C/75 F, followed by cold, starry nights, around 6 C/43 F.

Bird watching, landscape photography of flowers and the warm, summer rainfall is from November to March is best to return as the populations of migrant birds, the delta of the whole and the luxuriant greenmany flowers are in bloom. Spectacular thunderstorms in the afternoon of Dec.-Feb produce beautiful cloud formations and the way to go, you create the most beautiful light for nature photography. Average summer temperatures are about 35 C/95 F

Many of the luxury camps accept and offer babysitting services for children, but children under six years are not usually entitled to drive the game, so if you are on safari in search of a family looking for a camp with special activities forChildren or to book a private safari to meet the requirements can be adjusted. Children under 12 are generally not allowed on the boat trips and walking safaris mokoro for security reasons.

The Okavango Delta is so great that there are a number of fields in many different places to choose from, but if you're looking for the range of African safari trip at damning that will make your wildest dreams wherever I Exceed Them unsurpassed in naturalBeauty can not be sure, an extraordinary adventure safari luxury of life.

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Kenya Adventure Camping Safaris

If this is an exciting and unusual series of outdoor events, then the terms and camping adventure to use the most appropriate. A number of tourists prefer adventure camping safaris because of various environmental and physical changes it brings to their personal life. In fact, it breaks the monotony of daily routine regular and predictable in their lives. Who, of course, preparing to go on safari adventure always equip him orwith a sense of adventure, because it is a company with uncertainty and risk. And 'this curiosity and surprise that tourists go to drive it.

A number of tour operators in Kenya, Kenya camping safari adventure specialist in the nature of all because of the variety of choices a. And 'advisable, first, very selective and safe, with the travel agent, so that the experience of real camping adventure, make you much of yourHoliday reality. First of all, if you work for certain companies choose to visit Their site recommendation not straight Next and choose a path that best fits your pocket and travel time, ask all questions about Safari and all the necessary arrangements.

The accommodation, food, various types of birds chirping in the bushes nearby, the night sky, traveling around a campfire and other improvisation moreThe campsite will be the true image of the adventurous, as is your vacation. The main ones are usually permanently pitched tents, and there's no point conducting a personal tent if you plan on traveling to have an organized tour. The curtains in most adventure camping safaris are comfortable and can accommodate two people. They contain two beds with foam mattresses inside and bedding at times. Heat input, you can always have a sleeping bag, although some companiesSleeping bags for a higher cost at a low price. If you are afraid of insects crawling on you or mosquitoes in Swahili greeting you forget, do not wear your mosquito repellent lotion.

Camping food are just the bomb! For all the good changes in diet from large restaurants or hotels, try this kind of delicacy. It 's a long stretch of the party comes in three faces: a balanced breakfast safari in the morning, lunch is often not followed asLunch taken from the camp, as packaged, depending on the number of days on safari, and, finally, finally after dinner the evening game drive. Tea or coffee is usually taken after each meal. The issue of security of the camp at night should be a problem as there are fully supervised by armed guards, and it is almost impossible for wild animals in camp fire at night because they are preparedthe presence of people.

After or before dinner and before going to bed, when sitting around the fire and exchange ideas with other passengers, this is the best time you can go through your program again with your guide or driver and how I want to discuss make the game discs for the next day, and when it is supposed to wake up. And 'normal for professional drivers or guides for short every morning before leaving for the bushor every evening after the safari, allowing you to remain a state and a willingness not to delay with the camera for photos and possibly the rest of the time. If you have problems with the camera's batteries are low and need to be charged, you can always help you organize your guide, secure it in the next hut. Otherwise, if you are satisfied with the performance of your leaders, a sign of appreciation for us is always a good idea.

Happy holidays!

Your vacation in Africa

So you have decided that a trip to South Africa and is the right one for you or your family. This is a good choice for a holiday, because there are so many things to see and do, including some of the different climates of the world, wildlife and people. There are safari tours and many other aspects, the hands to help wildlife conservationists. They can also let get involved with local tribes to participate in their cultureHunting activities and events. However, before the first plane to Africa, there are some things you must consider.

You have to prepare well in advance of your trip. This means that you make sure that all your party needs a passport, and all information is always current. You must also obtain insurance to travelers, if you have an accident and injured or sick. Your health insurance, health insurance for trips abroad, but also provideif not, you should find some on your own. Also, you should check the area you visit you will be able to live for common diseases not where, but in Africa. One of them, malaria is spread through mosquito bites. You need to visit a local health service providers, and receive a booster vaccination to cover all your.

The next thing you need to be aware of safari. While safaris are open to any age group, there are someWhat should you prepare. This safari can be anywhere between 4-14 business days. While many are all-inclusive, there are things that are not covered. Gratuities, additional taxes and transportation from and to be your starting point is not covered. While children are welcome, babies and young children may not enjoy the long days in extreme weather events and physical activities that are involved with some of these trips.

It 'important, but remember that manyDestinations and accommodation types in South Africa, the requirements for all types. You can experience the bush in Africa for a 5-star luxury lodge for camping, as well as a number of other options.

From safaris in open plain to the city's total South Africa, which are comparable to a Western city, the amazing tropical coast mountain peaks. It is simply an incredible tourist destination.

African Safari Holidays - a great way to connect with nature

African Safari Holidays are a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of a relaxing holiday to connect with nature and getting as close to unspoiled wilderness offering. Since David Livingston has brought light into the dark continent of Africa has a long Enthusiast focal point of all adventurers and wildlife.

Africa has everything that one can only wish for - mountains, endless plains, large meadows, large rivers, beautifulWaterfalls, rare wildlife, pristine beaches and the sea impressive original inhabitants of Africa, with its eclectic mix of culture and heritage. With so much to offer, no doubt, Africa is Africa emerged as one of the top destinations for tourists from all over the world flock. Kilimanjaro, Nile River, Masai Mara National Park, Victoria Falls and the Serengeti are just some of the names that people are moving to Africa from allWorld.

African safari is an exciting way to see Rangers withdrawn and the animals and birds in a safe and secure environment of the forest led by qualified leaders and rare experience. It 's the best way for Africa as close as possible to the lions, cheetahs, rhinos and buffaloes. If a country is powerful and large animals, waterfalls and beautiful flora and fauna. Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt and Uganda, all these exotic countriesprovide wonderful opportunities to have a relaxing holiday.

Thinking has become famous in the deadly Black Mamba, the lioness Elsa Anderson and the legendary jumbo elephants - all evoke a vision that is unique in its scope and the sheer joy of getting as close as possible to nature. There are several tour operators and vacation planner, a wide range of options to meet their needs and offer holiday budget. The Internet is a great source of information that can be usedto decide definitively on the tour operator of your choice.

Africa Safari Holidays Safari Kenya is incomplete without. Kenya Safari offers travelers the opportunity to travel via Nairobi, visiting rural communities to Nyeri and Thika to watch the grand spectacle of the Great Rift Valley. You can enjoy bird watching at Mount Kenya and lakes offer spectacular views. Thika has the largest pineapple plantation in Karatinahas a very colorful market square. We must make a point to the water through the holes that are the wild animals of the night to visit attended. A traveler who seeks the great adventure of the wilderness, must remain in the forest lodge, to ensure that he is surrounded by nature.

As you travel with the Kenya Safari and visits Nyahururu, gets the chance to see the famous 237 meters high case of Thomson, a waterfall in full bloom. Lake Nakuru is home to various birds. TheSun here is spectacular, and the birds they are still a worthy experience.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve (Espanol)

7th place in 2007 by Travel & Leisure as one of the best hotels in the world, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, an award winning, world-class standards in luxury accommodation, near Exceptional wildlife encounters, personal service and excellent cuisine.

Serengeti, Tanzania, cheetah discovered during a safari

Two cheetahs of the Serengeti, Tanzania, East Africa. I discovered them during a safari in marking their territory. For a look at the Serengeti Safari: www.BahatiTravel.com

Carnival Luxury South Africa

Sabi Sabi Game Reserve is an unspoilt part of Africa geographically and ecologically integrated with the nearby Kruger National Park with luxury hotels and Big Five game drive in the wilds of South Africa. www.getawayafrica.com Sabi Sabi Reserve your vacation with our online booking service from the office or at home with your dream safari holiday safe. Our safari packages include a luxury shuttle service from Johannesburg International Airport to Sabi Sabi airstrip, or plannedFlights from Durban and Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport with a jump of Sabi Sabi airstrip. Tourists can enjoy a fascinating two-hour self-drive from Nelspruit. with a private charter airplane or helicopter. Getaway Africa tailor your holiday to 5 star luxury safaris in Africa to the best packages and discounted rates. www.getawayafrica.com our South Africa, direct contact information is 0027 21 982 6164 or via email at enquiries@getawayafrica.com and do everythingWork for your holiday or vacation plan for Africa.

Animals of Amboseli National Park

Amboseli is one of the greatest, most wildlife rich National Parks in Kenya. So, if you are off on a Kenya adventure and Amboseli is one of the wildlife reserves on your itinerary, then you are in for a treat! What you may be unaware of however is what kinds of animals you may see there. So here are a few of the amazing animals to keep your eyes peeled for.

Elephant

The classic Amboseli scene is of a herd of elephant posing in front of Mount Kilimanjaro. Amboseli is one of greatest locations in Africa to see elephants in large numbers. These great tusked creatures are fascinating to watch as they move slowly across the park.

Masai Lion

The king of the park! The lion is one of the most dominant predators in African wildlife. They are known for being lazy until it is time for a meal. They live in groups called prides, and the males have large manes around their heads.

Hyena

A scavenger if I ever did see one! Hyenas often wait for the leftovers of kills that other predators have left behind and feast upon them rather than hunting themselves. You can differentiate the movement of a hyena from another animal, as it walks with a slump.

Wildebeest

These un-sturdy looking, horned antelope are present in Amboseli, however they are more famous for their presence in the Masai Mara as they make their way over to the Serengeti of Tanzania in a huge numbers of over a million, is search of fresh grazing opportunities.

Plains Zebra

This Zebra is the most commonly found species rather than its related Grevy's Zebra, which can also be found in some areas in Kenya. They are a magnificent looking animal, with their black and white striped heads and bodies. They can often be seen grazing, not too far astray from a watering hole.

Marabou Stork

This bizarre looking large bird that is has one of the largest wingspans. It is primarily a scavenger, and can be seen mingling with vultures over leftovers on animal carcasses.

Masai Ostrich

The ostrich is the largest, flightless bird in Africa. It has a very long neck and long, skinny legs which are used to run at speeds of around forty five miles per hour. The ostrich eats insects as well as plants.

Why Someone Might Choose Luxury Family Holidays

Some families find the idea of taking their whole brood for a break a little daunting. The responsibility for ensuring one's whole family is safe and happy might appear challenging enough when we're in our home country, but taking them abroad may seem to increase the problems. One option is to invest a little more into your break in one of the various luxury family holidays available.

But what constitutes luxury family holidays? Can they actually make the experience of taking some time off with partners and children easier to manage. The answer is arguably a 'yes'. When you pay the extra for this kind of break, you basically get every aspect of the holiday organised for you. This takes a substantial amount of stress out of the situation.

It might be thought that taking a holiday with the family should be confined to localised foreign climes, if taken at all. But there are various companies around the UK that offer luxury family holidays to what might be considered exotic locations. These, in reality, could be anywhere; from South American countries like Brazil, Argentina or indeed locations in Africa too.

While it might be considered that these locations offer a little too much of the unknown, in reality they can offer once in a lifetime trips for your kids. The possibility of enjoying an African safari as a family can be a very inspiring and memorable trip for all involved - providing your children with an early life experience that many kids do not always get to sample.

It's not just breath-taking landscapes that ensure your family has an unforgettable time. When a family books luxury family holidays, it's the additional service and comfort that can really make the difference. With every aspect of the holiday planned, there is usually nothing for the parents to worry about in terms of food (which would presumably be of the finest quality), transport and accommodation.

Some luxury family holidays let family members really absorb their natural surroundings while ensuring there are no concerns about safety or transport. Some firms even offer trips to remote locations such as the Galapagos Islands, where the wildlife is sure to blow you away. Even fully grown adults don't often get to visit these locations with ease, so a range of luxury family holidays that enable a family to visit these kind of locations together can be quite special.

There are various reasons why a family would decide to pay for luxury family holidays, and the main reason is to remove some the aspects that can be stressful - when a true holiday is meant to be relaxing and fun.

From State Parks to Luxury Hotels - Preparing For Your Business Trip

If you go away on business every now and again, you will know exactly how stressful it can be. That is why planning everything well in advance is definitely advised and also why you should combine your business trip with a spot of relaxation.

Planning Your Business Get-Away

There are a number of problems that you can be faced with when it comes to travelling on business. Your travel could be cancelled, your hotel room could be double booked and you could face a lot of heavy traffic. So just what can you do to make sure that your business trip runs as smoothly as possible?

The first tip is to make sure that you start planning your trip away as soon as possible. Do not leave anything until the last minute as that is when things do go wrong. So make sure you think about everything from your travel arrangements to your accommodation and you should be ok.

You should also remember to take with you any essentials. Do you need any toiletries? Have you got enough money? Have you got all of your client information and any work related things that you need? It is so easy to forget things that you need so it would be a good idea to create a list of everything you think you will need.

One obvious thing to remember is that you should always make sure that you leave plenty of time between your travelling and your business meetings. Often people tend to leave a space that they think will be big enough between their travelling time and their meetings, but then something crops up and they soon realise that the space was never really that big in the first place. So leave at least half an hour before your meetings if possible.

Also when you are on business holidays, it is vital that you keep everything as safe as possible. Keep things in a safe whenever you can. You will find that most hotels have a safe for business clients to use so you should definitely make the most of it if you can. Of course if you are staying at state parks they may not have these safety measures in place and so in that instance you will need to make sure that you make your own safety arrangements.

Overall business travel can be stressful but it needn't be if you plan everything properly.

Go2Africa's Big Competition Winner, Alison Lemon

Go2Africa and all its affiliate partners would like to congratulate ALISON LEMON from Australia for winning the first in our series of Really BIG Picture competitions. Alison has won an amazing 6 night safari for 2 in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve valued at over R75 000. The prize includes 2 return international flights from New York, Washington, London, Frankfurt, Sydney, Hong Kong, Mumbai or Sao Paolo, airport transfers and 6 nights accommodation at 2 of the Thornybush Collection luxury game lodges in the Kruger National Park.

UAE Area Guide, Part 3 of 8 - Ajman

Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (or UAE). Ajman is undergoing dramatic growth and development like the rest of the United Arab Emirates so tourist attractions and activities as well as shopping, cultural and sporting opportunities are going to dramatically increase in the very near future. Currently there are three main tourist attractions in Ajman and this article will explore these further.

Shopping in Ajman is available in both modern malls, which offer many of the designer and luxury items you would expect from a modern shopping mall in the UAE, and the traditional shops where local products such as traditional pottery can be purchased.

Tourists to Ajman have always enjoyed a visit to the Dhow Yard which is the biggest and one of the busiest Dhow building yards in the United Arab Emirates. Here visitors can see Dhows being built in the traditional manner, exactly the same as they have been built for centuries. The Dhow Yard also builds modern speed boats that compete in the Dubai Speed Boat races.

The Ajman Museum is also well worth a visit. This museum was opened in 1981and is housed in a fort that dates from the 16th Century. The museum has a strong emphasis on the traditional culture of the region and visitors cannot only see ancient artefacts but also modern reconstructions of traditional Bedouin ways of life including both social and trade reconstructions. The Ajman museum also houses a large collection of artifacts from the Mowaihat archaeological site.

The Mowaihat Archaeological site was discovered by workers laying a sewerage pipe in 1986. The site was then excavated as an archaeological site at which several copper implements numerous beads, a number of ceramic vessels and human remains among other artifacts have been unearthed. This site was the first site to be discovered that showed that the area was occupied in the Um al-Nar period.

Ajman's beaches have also long been a traditional tourist attraction, the climate of Ajman being superbly suited to beach life. Dolphins are common off the coast of Ajman and dolphin spotting is a popular recreational activity with both tourists and locals alike.

Ajman has a variety of food and places to eat out, you will find everything from western fast food outlets to high class restaurants and traditional café and street vendors. Even though Ajman is a Muslim state, alcohol can be purchased in restaurants and hotels. This is the norm through most of the UAE; alcohol can be purchased by non Muslims in hotels and restaurants although it is generally not possible to purchase alcohol outside of these places.

Ajman is currently experiencing a huge growth in development so over the next few years tourism and tourist attractions will grow in number and variety. There are several theme parks and other tourist related developments currently under construction or well into the planning stages. Sports facilities, clubs and venues are also currently under development as are cultural attractions such as theatres, museums and galleries.

Namibia Africa Lodges / Namibia Lodge Sasuwe

inlovewithnamibia.com This Lodge Features •Exclusive and private setting •Romantic honeymoon getaway •Superb big game viewing •Outstanding birding •Guided walks and sunset cruises •Recreational fishing An African river, a spectacular canopy of indigenous trees and vistas of the Kalahari grasslands in the Bwabwata National Park are the inheritance of the animals that roam here. Situated in the Kwando River in northeastern Namibia, Susuwe Island Lodge offers just this. The Kwando River nourishes its delicate ecosystems thus sustaining the varied game and birdlife in the region. Lofty canopy viewing decks set amongst tall riverine trees overlook endless savannahs and glistening lily-studded wetlands. A firepit is embraced by a spacious lounge area and eclectic African art. Relaxation, privacy and comfort are paramount at Susuwe. A mouth-watering aroma, the clink of silver against china, a wine glass filled - these are the joys of African alfresco dining. Fresh air sharpens whetted appetites and a picnic laid out amidst tall whispering grasses in unchartered territory illuminates the experience. Six luxury suites, each with a wooden viewing platform and private plunge pool, is a haven of calm and respite, an airy dreaming space to recharge the senses. Professionally guided game drives are rewarded with special sightings of roaming elephant and buffalo, lechwe, lion, and leopard. A river cruise is preferable at sunrise or sunset and guided walks and night drives offer even ...

Offer Your Newborn the Best Baby Bedding

Nowadays, you will find a lot of decorative nursery items. The nurseries, baby sets as well as cribs have come a long way. All such baby nurseries and accessories are available in beautiful colors as well as designs, geometrical designs, shapes and prints. These kinds of crib sets and other bedding can give your baby's nursery a beautiful and different look.

The trend nowadays is to decorate your baby's nursery with wonderful things like: frog, safari, jungle, ladybug, celestial, cowboy and many others. You can create a vibrant, stylish and beautiful nursery for your baby. You need not worry since it would be quite affordable.

It might seem an overwhelming experience to buy the baby bedding for your newborn. This can be a tough job since anyone can have a tough time making the selection. Now before you are all set to get your baby's bedding, you must decide the theme which you will be choosing for the baby's room. After you are done, you can start shopping around after you have made a list of all what you need.

You may need some necessary items to complete the baby bedding. These items are crib sheets, blankets and baby bumpers. Crib sheets and blankets are a few accessories which your baby would require to a great extent. Crib sheets as well as blankets are available in an assortment of varieties. These are made of high quality, soft and durable cotton. You can also choose from a number of textures like cotton, chenille, suede and many more.

Another thing you must take care of is that the baby blanket should not be too heavy. This is because it may lead to suffocation of the baby. It is a good idea to put a mattress pad beneath your baby's crib sheets. This is necessary since the baby can wet the bed.

A large number of baby bedding accessories are also available. These give the complete look and feel to your baby's nursery. Some of these are musical mobile, toy bags, wall hangings, throw rug, wall border etc. You will find that while your baby is growing, it will get more interested in its surroundings.

Many companies have come up which offer cute and adorable baby accessories for your young one. Some of the most notable ones are Lambs and Ivy, Cocalo, Banana fish, Sumersault and Glenna Jean. These companies provide baby bedding that match the themes provided by them. Cute baby bedding pieces are also offered by these companies. Some of them are matching baby bedding crib sheets, matching baby bedding wall papers, themed lamps and shades, matching diaper stackers and many others.

You will enjoy this beautiful experience of shopping for your newly born and preparing a sweet little home for him. A proper baby bedding for your young one would give a lot of comfort and pleasure as well as a soothing sleep. I am sure you will have fun and enjoy the wonderful experience of being new parents.

Mara Porini

Mara Porini is small, private and intimate, giving guests an exclusive glimpse into the world of outdoor camping in Africa.The camp consists of 6 fully equipped tents, making provision for a maximum of 12 guests and is ideal for families. Mara Porini is situated in the exclusive wildlife conservancy of Ol Kinyei, belonging to a Maasai community who've recently set aside the conservancy as a sanctuary for wildlife. The abundance of fauna also makes it an extremely sought-after game viewing destination. For more info : www.go2africa.com

Travel to the End of the World As a Destination

The end of the world was a term known to the early people. They believed the earth was flat and that it had an end. So if it had and end where did it begin? And if you would go there what would you find? Today we know where the end of the world is or something like the end. We also know it is filled with ice. Using a Travel Search Engine will provide you with numerous options how to get there.
 
The End of the World

When we think of travel we should never limit ourselves. We can dream and include many things in this dream. We can decide to see Europe or America. If you live in those countries you can decide to visit Africa, China, and Russia and even go to Afghanistan. You can go and climb the highest mountain, swim in the Dead Sea or visit the Pyramids in Egypt. The world turns and so there is a never ending daylight you can follow. Following your dream can also take you to the end of the world.
 
Poles

The world is round so we could make a fictional beginning which will mean the beginning is exactly where the end is. That does not sound right so let us use something else. A mystical place where you start and where you can end somewhere else. The North and South Poles make up two distinct points that are separate and that can ultimately be described as to the end of the world. Interesting fact is that at the Poles you only have one direction. Either South or North depending which one you are at. 
 
North Pole

If you live in the south of the globe the North Pole may be your end. A mystical place with Eskimos and massive white bears. Today we know this imaginary point is in the sea and you can not put rocks or flags on the spot. It will drift south in minutes. Your best option to is to take a Russian ice breaker to take you to the pole. You can walk or take an airplane but they might not be good options. The plane will leave you without joy and walking there will take months, even years if you strike bad weather.
 
South Pole

While the early explorers found a desolated place without any people you will find scientists living there today. Basically on the South Pole where Scott found out he had lost the race against Amundsen you will find the Amundsen/Scott base. At least you could leave a few rocks there and it will still be there a year later. The best way to see the South Pole would be to leave from South America , Chile, Argentina and Australia. You can fly, there but the most rewarding would certainly be to take a boat.
 
So maybe there is no end to this world because if you reach either of the Poles you will only find a flat piece of land or sea heading away from you. But if you can imagine an end to the world you can go there. To reach this might be an expensive trip, but certainly worthwhile. Finding suitable companies that specialize in this is easy using search engines that can give you alternatives.

Heading Out on an African Safari Trip

In need of a vacation with some excitement? A trip with a little extra bite? African safari trips can provide you with all the awe and adventure that you seek as you experience the wide open plains and the wild scenes nature readily presents to millions of travelers each year. Africa is a big place, so you'll be delighted to find that there are numerous places you can choose from when it comes to discovering the magic of the wild. Some of the choicest destinations include Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, the Seychelles Islands, and Namibia.

Each location has something to offer you, no matter why you're traveling or who you're with. Even within your main travel destination, there are dozens of spots you can visit. Interested in going to Botswana? Then you can see the myriad of sights within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, and many, many more.

African safaris have become the trip of choice from all walks of life, from honeymooners to wildlife enthusiasts, from first timers to seasoned travelers. You can watch the sunsets as they loom bright and brilliant over the horizons at a safari camp in Mozambique, enjoy seeing lion cubs play with their prides in Namibia, marvel at the massive elephants that march across the open savannahs of the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, and experience much more in the land they call the Cradle of Life.

Plan your trip carefully with people familiar with the territory and knowledgeable about the animals that live there so you can get the most out of each and every day. Be sure to bring necessary items like water and a hat for the days will be hot and you will be out gazing at the scenery and wildlife for several hours. And of course, don't forget to bring a camera or camcorder! Skilled guides will be able to get you amazingly close to the wildlife, allowing for incredible shots of zebras grazing or cheetahs sprinting after prey.

Take advantage of all the places Africa has to offer, such as seeing the famous Mount Kilimanjaro in Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, planning your trip around the Great Migration of zebra and wildebeest, greeting native cultures such as the Maasai and Samburu, and making sure to look up to view a veritable birdwatcher's paradise. It can be hard to choose just one part of Africa to visit, but no matter where you go, you'll be far from disappointed!

My Luxury African Safari - Birthday at the Arabella

I had decided that this year my birthday was going to be all about me. I know that it sounds selfish, but for the last three years my birthdays have been total disasters and I was determined that it would not be repeated this year. So I booked into the Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa for four days of luxury and absolute bliss the African way.

Arabella my love...

This was going to be four days like no other I've ever had. I've decided that I wasn't going to plan anything ahead, that I would be spontaneous. And the Arabella was the perfect place to be able to do this. They are well known for their Wellness Centre. The place I wanted to explore from top to bottom. My excitement was like that of a child in a candy store, totally insatiable.

The atmosphere alone was infectious. I was standing in the hallway and I didn't have a clue as to what I wanted to do first. So I decided to start with some pampering and was quickly on my way to the Spa.

Three cheers to good health

While waiting for my session, I was sipping on a glass of bubbly and enjoying the beautiful view of the Botriver lagoon. This was going to be my first hydro-massage experience. The therapist explained to me that it had something to do with water, and in all honesty what he was saying went in one ear and out through the other. I've never been one for the how's but more the why's, and right now why I needed this therapy was because I needed to reduce my stress levels.

I think I fell asleep during my session. The last thing I remember was extreme relaxation and then what felt like dreaming. After my two hour treatment I woke up totally rejuvenated and ready for some adventure.

A day in the sun

The following day my friends joined me at the hotel and after a quick breakfast we all set off on a hike. It was a day hike through the Kogelberg Nature Reserve. I didn't quite expect that the terrain was going to be so rocky, but the challenge was nothing we couldn't handle. This to me was like an African safari. On foot you enter a world shaped and coloured by Africa's wildlife, while enjoying the fresh air (something unheard of in most of our cities today).

During our hike we saw quite a few antelope, but the highlight of the day was when we came across a herd of wild horses. When we later asked the Reserve's game rangers they informed us that the herd was abandoned by the British garrison after the Anglo-Boer War. The sight is not one you see everyday, especially in Africa, I think.

At lunch we had a picnic which of course included a good bottle of wine and cheese. After our luncheon, we continued on our merry way back to the hotel. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, especially when Bridget tripped for the umpteenth time not looking where she was walking and generally joking around.

Back at the hotel

After everybody had refreshed themselves we were ready for my big birthday dinner. The night followed with good food, some more wine and a lot of laughing. Life couldn't get better than this.

After a good night's rest we decided that a game of golf would be entertaining, especially because there were bets made on whether the girls would be able to play all eighteen holes.

I've played golf before, but only once, so this was a game played more with luck than skill for me at least. And luck it seems was not on my side. Not only did I lose most of my balls but I managed to hit the bunkers twice. Yes, not my most successful venture ever, but fun none the less. Of course we lost the bet, because by the tenth hole my two girlfriends and I had had enough, so we decided to rather enjoy the nineteenth hole. When the boys finished their game we had to make sure that their ice cold beers were waiting. I hate losing bets and it pained me to see the guys revel in their glory, but what can a girl do.

After the day's torture, we all booked in for some more quality time at the spa. An hour of massage later and some time in the sauna was all I needed. This really was everything I could've asked for and more for my birthday!

St lucia vacations

Play on the Silver Beaches of Plettenberg Bay

Situated between George and Port Elizabeth on the south coast of the Garden Route is the growing town of Plettenberg Bay, a firm favorite among holidaymakers throughout South Africa. As a holiday resort, it has grown enormously over the past 10 years. So much so that more and more people are settling there permanently, getting away from the bustle of the big cities.

Plettenberg Bay has a climate all of its own - wonderful long hot summer days, which is one of the reasons it is so popular as a holiday resort. The winters can be very mild, without the harsh storms experienced in Cape Town and surrounding areas.

The beaches in Plettenberg Bay are wonderful - long stretches of white sand, perfect for sunbathing or long slow walks. Robberg Beach is a favorite for those walks - you can walk towards the point and look at the luxury holiday homes overlooking the bay. The sight of a group of dolphins surfing the waves on Robberg Beach is completely unforgettable. On the other side of the Beacon Isle Hotel is Central Beach, a favorite with the teenagers and families with young children. There are always lots of holiday activities on the beaches, the water is warm and the waves are great for bodysurfing. Lifeguards are always vigilant on the Plettenberg Bay beaches, but one should always be careful when swimming, particularly at "The Wedge" (further up from Central Beach) where the current can be very strong. Towards the other end of Central Beach is Hoby Beach, popular with amateur yachtsmen who can launch their hobycats from this spot. And a real treat is watching the whales with their young, lazing in the warm waters of the bay during spring and early summer. Plettenberg Bay is a magical place for young and old alike.

Even if you're not keen on the beach, there is plenty to do in Plettenberg Bay. The Main Street through the town is always a hive of activity, and you can stop in at one of the many coffee shops along the way, from "Bean There Bun That" at the end of Main Street, to "Europa" further up. There is always a friendly greeting from the owners, and the shops offer all the variety you could wish for. There is also the shopping centre on the way to the Keurbooms River area, offering every type of shopping experience you could wish for.

Plettenberg Bay has plenty of restaurants too, ranging from the very exclusive to convenience food - whatever you fancy, you'll be sure to find just what you are looking for. A number of clubs cater to the young and the not-so-young, staying open until the early hours of the morning.

Holiday accommodation is also available to meet every budget - from the very exclusive Guest Houses scattered throughout the town, to middle of the road B&B's or budget self-catering family accommodation such as San Marino, on the banks of the Keurbooms River, a few kilometers out the central part of Plettenberg Bay.

Medtronics defibrillators

The East Side Of Athens Ancient Agora

During the rule of Solon the Lawgiver, when the Athens Agora was taking shape, its eastern side was entirely free of buildings. The Dromos cut across the area diagonally, serving as a boundary. But since the city was growing, the need for public buildings was also increasing, especially after the Persian wars. Then it was that a great rectangular colonnade was built around structures that very likely belonged to one of the Athens courthouses, as indicated by a ballot box with judges' votes found there. During the Hellenistic period, Attalos of Pergamum donated to the city of Pallas Athena a magnificent, two-storey stoa, squaring off the Agora site and extending the business centre of the city east of the main road. These buildings were destroyed when the city was sacked by Sulla; but immediately afterwards, the Romans began a rapid reconstruction, an unerring measure taken by conquerors throughout history. On this side of the Agora, a library was built and then another stoa, beside that of Attalos. These and other structures were seen by Pausanias and Strabo when they came to Athens in the 2nd century AD.

Of the first long narrow stoa on the southeastern corner of the site, just a few vestiges remained because of the many changes the building underwent during the years after it was first built. Initially, the Stoa was on two levels along the Panathenaic Way, in order to compensate for the natural slope of the ground. It had eleven spaces for shops and a row of columns with Ionic capitals. It must have been a very busy spot, as shown by the figures of Herms, animals, and sundials carved on the first of the columns. The layabouts of antiquity also carved youthful profiles, some with lovely classical features and others created with the intent to ridicule.

The colonnade must have extended in front of the library beside it, of which nothing remains, because it was totally destroyed during the Herulian raid, but also because the wall put up afterward was built on top of the structures on this side of the Agora. Evidence of the inhabitants' anxiety after the sack of the city are the pieces of columns lying like wounded giants, in the hurriedly built wall.

This was the 3rd century AD, when the Roman Empire was confronting the threat of fierce Germanic tribes such as the Goths, Vandals and others, who had set out in the north, followed the river roads of eastern Europe and joined together with the nomadic tribes of the Caucasus. From there they spilled over into the Roman possessions around the Black Sea and Asia Minor. The Goths, together with their cousins, the Herulians, built a powerful fleet and sailed down into the Aegean sowing devastation. They captured Lemnos and Skyros, and destroyed Corinth and Argos while other cities were desperately and vainly building fortifications. In the sack of Athens, the Herulians destroyed everything except for the temple of Hephaistos and the sanctuaries on the Acropolis. The entire Agora was covered with a layer of ash from the buildings burned at that time. Many keys have been found which had been thrown into wells at that period, an indication of the despair felt by the frantic inhabitants. But the barbarian occupation did not last long. Encouraged by the fiery speeches of the orator Dexippus, the residents of Athens remembered how their ancestors had dealt with the Persians, and as one man, two thousand Athenians managed to expel the invaders.

Immediately afterward, they built a wall using rubble from the ruined buildings. The perimeter of this wall greatly reduced the area which the Athenians would have to protect in any future attack. The fortifications started under the Propylaea, from the position of the present Beule gate, descended to the east side of the Panathenaic Way, crossed the southeastern stoa and the library, reached as far as the back wall of the Stoa of Attalos, turned east for some meters and then turned south again, to touch the Acropolis rock. The extent of this fortification shows that the number of residents had already - dropped sharply. The wall was 11-1/2 meters high and 3-1/2 m. wide, it had two faces and the space in between was filled with column drums, inscriptions, pedestals of votive statues and sculptures of all kinds. Traces of one fortress tower and parts of a water mill have been preserved. Three gates have been identified with certainty on the west side, along the Panathenaic Way. But the most impressive part of the remaining wall, with the built-in column drums and the pieces of marble from earlier buildings, is on the site where the library of Pantainos once stood.

This was the intellectual heart of Athens, built around the end of the lst century AD. A long inscription has been found informing us that Titus Flavius Pantainos dedicated the entire structure with all its buildings and library with all its books to Athena Polias and the emperor Trajan. This same inscription enabled scholars to conclude that the building had a courtyard with rooms and roofed areas, as well as some outdoor stow. Another inscription demonstrated the strict operating regulations of the institution, which forbade the borrowing of the books on oath. Strangely enough Pausanias did not mention this library at all, ever partial to the sanctuaries of the gods and to more ancient structures. He treated the huge building next door, the Stoa of Attalos, with the same indifference.

Attalos of Pergamum, who built this magnificent Stoa, came from an adventurous dynasty which, although its roots were of Asia Minor extraction, had become fully Hellenized. Its founder was a certain Philetairos from the Pontus in whom the Macedonian Lycimachos had such confidence as to entrust his treasury to him to be kept in the fortress at Pergamum. The person who gained most from the disputes between Lysimachos and Seleucos over the division of Alexander the Great's enormous empire was this flexible Philetairos who found himself owner of all the goods entrusted to him. He founded the Attalid state which, between 283 and 129 BC developed into a centre of commerce and letters, largely due to the use of a new writing material derived from animal skins. It was, of course, not so new; from very ancient times, highly significant writings were recorded on a piece of thin leather called a diphthera. The Persians took this word and adapted it to their own language as defter, from which comes a Greek word meaning notebook. When, under the rule of the Ptolemies, Egypt prohibited the export of papyrus, the kingdom of Pergamum perfected the technique of making diphthera, to give it a finer texture, whiter colour and the possibility of writing on both sides. It also acquired a new name, pergamini or parchment.

The kings of Pergamum were great lovers of beauty. They adorned their capital with wonderful monuments, and superb sculptures. The "Dying Gaul" in the Capitol Museum in Rome, but above all the Altar of Pergamum in the Berlin Museum, bear witness to the high artistic standards of the period. The library of Pergamum, which was said to contain some 20,000 volumes, later was given by Mark Antony to the lovely Cleopatra to enrich the library at Alexandria. Finally, Attalos III, the last of his line, bequeathed this wealthy kingdom to the people of Rome by virtue of a controversial will, thus consolidating the Roman presence in Asia.

Two of the most significant scions of the Attalids, who alternated their rule of Pergamum, had studied in Athens. Each one, at the height of his glory, donated magnificent buildings to the city of their youth: the Stoa beside the Theatre of Dionysus, called Eumenes II, and the large Stoa in the Agora, Attalos II. Built in 150 BC at right angles to the slightly earlier Middle Stoa, the Hellenistic Stoa of Attalos became the new commercial centre of Athens for the next four centuries.

To construct the enormous base, or crepidoma, on which the stoa rested, the remains of an older peristyle which may have belonged to one of the 5th century courthouses, had to be covered. The Stoa was built in two tiers; it was about 117 metres long and 20 m. wide. Its facade, which faced west. was adorned by 45 Doric columns, unfluted at the bottom, as was the custom in the Hellenistic years, while in the interior, covered area there were 22 columns supporting a roof, all of which were unfluted with Ionic capitals. The facade of the upper floor also had 45 little Ionic columns which were joined together with decorated marble slabs: parapets to protect the people. There was an inner colonnade on the upper floor, as well, corresponding to the one on the ground floor. On each of the two levels, there were 22 square rooms suitable for use as shops. Initially the stairs leading up to the second level were outside, on the two narrow sides of the Stoa, as we can see traces of them on the northern edge of the ground floor roofed area, where the vestiges of a large marble fountain were also found. The outer, southern stairway was replaced by an interior one when the library of Pantainos was built to create more space between the two buildings. It has been restored and is used today. Later, a road passed over the south side of the Stoa of Attalos leading to the Athens gate at the boundary of the Roman Agora, where the commercial centre of the city continued to be during the centuries that followed. But even when the ancient Agora was no longer regarded as the business centre, it never ceased to be the main meeting place for the residents. Strabo, who came to Athens in the 2nd century AD, called the Roman market "Eretria", referring to the more ancient one by the same name his contemporary, Pausanias, used: "Kerameikos".

During the barbarian invasion, the Stoa was burned as seen from marks on the south inner wall. During the subsequent fortification, the solid structure built by Attalos was deemed suitable for a city wall. Then the shop facades were built, rows of columns were torn down and fortification towers were added all along the former stoa, leaving the Agora outside the protected district. One part of the back wall was dug up in the 19th century, and after the regular excavations in 1953, the Stoa of Attalos was fully restored by the American School of Classical Studies. Today it houses a museum on its ground floor, and in the roofed outdoor area there are statues, votive sculptures, inscriptions and stelae which bring to life many details of the past life of the City.

In front of the outer colonnade of the Stoa of Attalos, in the middle of the facade, a large square base was erected for a monument depicting the king of Pergamum in a chariot. Some years after the Stoa was built, a bema (raised platform) was also put up, from which orators and Roman generals could address the citizens of Athens, another indication of how much traffic there was in the area. The large number of bases of honorary monuments on the opposite side of the Panathenaic Way proves the same thing. Right behind these monuments are the ruins of the Odeion, one of the most greatly altered buildings in the Agora, owing to the many reconstructions and additions.

From various sources in antiquity, we know that the open, triangular space in the Agora next to the Dromos, was the venue for rituals and presentations, before the theatre of Dionysus was built. There were ikria here, wooden platforms from which the spectators watched the action unfolding. A brief reference even exists to the fact that one could see by climbing up on the branches of a poplar tree growing nearby. Perhaps this previous usage, together with the existence of a playing area and a large open space, was the reason why Agrippa built the Odeion on this precise spot.

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was Augustus' son-in-law and governor of the Eastern provinces of the Empire. Late in the 1st century BC, he offered the Athenians a magnificent building for performances or even for philosophical discussions, thus winning the coveted title of benefactor of the city together with an honorary monument at the entrance to the Acropolis. The design of the Odeion reflected the Roman taste for the grandiose; it utilised the natural incline of the ground in the best possible way, giving it plenty of space on the ground, with stoae, multiple levels and two entrances. The most impressive of these must have been in the south, right in front of the Middle Stoa.

Persons entering the Odeion from this side passed under two rows of Corinthian columns, then proceeded into the main hall with its very high ceiling projecting up above the building. From this point, one descended to the 1000-seat audience area, and from there to the semi-circular marble-tiled orchestra. Above the orchestra was the stage, behind which was the other, northern entrance with a small exterior gate.

The large dimensions of this hall must have been the reason why the roof collapsed a century after it was built. In the restoration which followed, a good many rows of benches were removed from the upper section, and the hall acquired perceptibly smaller dimensions. Now it had but one entrance, that of the north side, embellished with the statues of Giants and Tritons. After the barbarian raids, the building underwent another radical change of form, to house a gymnasium. Of its old facade, only four of the gigantic statues were kept, while behind it, a large flat area was levelled off to be used as a porticoed courtyard. Even farther back, rooms and more courtyards were built and equipped with bath facilities. The large number of these disparate areas can be explained by the custom of the ancients to have classrooms in their gymnasia. This custom provided the root for the modern Greek word gymnasio meaning secondary school.

Even though the Odeion was completely destroyed, the monumental 2nd century AD entrance remained, of which we can still see the bases and the statues of two proud representatives of the world of myth. One is a Giant with a snakish form and the other is a mature, strongly-built Triton with a fishtail instead of legs.

It has been ascertained that myths were generated at the dawn of human thought. Beginning with the superstitions of the early peoples up to the symbolism of the Platonists that expressed primitive totemism and interpreted metaphysical concerns, myth passed through various stages of evolution. But it always presupposed the distant past, because only then did events take on the dimension of hyperbole. A typical example was provided by the Romans whose own mythology was comparatively poor. In addition, they were practical and victorious army commanders and administrators who had no need of heroic models, nor were they generally renowned as being lovers of speech and poetry. But they adopted the Greek religion and liked to present mythological beings in their art.

Giants and Tritons were the remnants of Greek prehistory. The former were vanquished by the gods in a decisive battle for peace, because as children of the Earth - shown by their snakish tails - they represented natural phenomena such as storms, floods and disasters. One of these was Enceladus, who was buried under the island of Sicily and every time he moved, he created earthquakes. The Tritons were considered to be marine spirits and had a dual substance of both destruction and restitution; rather like a storm followed by calm. Although Triton appears as the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite in Greek mythology, he may very possibly be of foreign origin.

A gold Mycenean ring shows some creatures wearing a strange, scaly garment. There are Babylonian ring stones and Assyrian seal stones in the British Museum, depicting forms that are half human and half fish, while at Pasargadae in Persia, a gate has been found on the jamb of which there is a relief representation of such a dual-form being. Eusebius, a 4th century Christian chronicler, mentioned similar creatures who appeared, he said, during the years of the Babylonians. Eusebius found this information in the texts of Apollodoros, a 2nd century BC historian and philosopher who was interested in the genealogy of the gods before the Flood. Apollodoros' main source was a "Babylonian History" written in Greek in the 4th century by a priest named Berosos from Bithynia. Having access to the cuneiform texts of the Chaldeans, Berosus learned that in the very ancient times, an amphibian creature named Oannes had arisen from the sea. This strange being civilized humanity with its superior wisdom. Other Oannes also appeared from time to time, always bearers of abundance and knowledge. The Sumerians worshipped this figure as a god named Enki, while the Babylonians called the same divinity Ea, i.e. god of the waters, and believed that his palace was in the city of Eridu on the Persian Gulf. It is strange to consider the fact that in western Africa there is a tribe called the Dongons, who believe that knowledge about the movement of the stars was imparted to them by wise amphibian creatures. Then of course there is the Gorgon or mermaid of more recent Greek folklore. So it would appear that the Triton of the ancients is a timeless being, with distant alien ancestors as well as more recent local descendants.

In Pausanias' book Boeotica, there is a very interesting reference to Tanagra. The men of the region, he said, managed to catch a Triton by trickery and beheaded it because it was annoying their wives. The traveller described the headless body, which he claimed to have seen displayed in the city, and, in fact, described an amphibian, unpleasantly anthropomorphic being. The Triton of the Odeion was a beautified version of this mythic creature which has so captured the human imagination.

In front of the gigantic statues at the entrance to the Odeion there was a large temple of Ares. Today nothing of this building has been preserved other than its outline - distinguishable from the rest of the site because it is covered with gravel - a few slabs with relief shields, and some scattered parts of columns and capitals. Many of the latter bear the characteristic notches made by Roman masons, even though the rock was cut in the 5th century, showing once more that the temple had been initially built somewhere else, and was brought here bit by bit and rebuilt together with its later altar during Roman rule. The citizens of classical Athens were not particularly interested in erecting a temple to Ares, the violent, strongly built, and not exceptionally intelligent, god of war; especially when their city was protected by Promachos Athena, she of organised defence and cool strategy. But the Romans held Ares (Mars) in high esteem as the divine leader of their legions. The prevailing opinion of scholars as to the initial position of the temple of Ares in the Athens Agora is that it was originally situated in Acharnes, where there is known to have been a sanctuary of the god. A cult of this kind would have been absolutely logical there, given that this Attic Deme was situated at the border which had to be guarded against enemy raids, and the war-loving Ares, pugnacious and always ready for a fight, was the most appropriate protector of the borders. One should also point out the mingling of two extreme states in the erotic relationship between warlike Ares and the tender goddess Aphrodite. The union of these two totally different divinities generated the all-powerful Eros, who could calm even his fierce father, and Harmony who brought the equilibrium into this contradictory world.

Pausanias gives us only one fleeting mention of the temple of Ares, because, when he passed by the site, he was mainly interested in the statues in and around it. Some of these statues have been identified in the truncated sculptures found nearby and now exhibited in the Agora Museum. Others have been lost forever: such as the 6th century statues of the tyrannicides Harmodios and Aristogeiton. These statues were booty which Xerxes took to Persia where they remained until Alexander the Great regained them and sent them back to Athens. The tyrannicides were considered worthy of respect as symbols of Democracy; they were also the first mortals to be honoured by having statues erected to them, a privilege hitherto reserved only for gods and demigods. The statues had been placed on this side of the Agora because this was probably where Hipparchos was killed. His death was decisive in bringing down the tyranny instituted by his father, Peisistratos. Thucydides told us that this bold action took place on the day of the Panathenaia, when the tyrant was supervising the preparations for the procession. We also know that the celebrants' point of departure was the Altar of the Twelve Gods, the city's main crossroads.

This significant Altar had been built in about 520 BC on the northern edge of the Agora, the apex of the imaginary triangle which constitutes its area. Within a walled enclosure, it had become established as the place where the underprivileged, the persecuted and even badly treated slaves sought sanctuary. Perhaps this was why Pausanias wrote that he saw an Altar of Mercy: an obvious reference to sanctuary, which led -most archaeologists to conclude that these two names referred to the same altar. Of the structure itself there are no significant traces, because the train line passed right over it. This railroad line is for visitors the northernmost boundary of the Agora, even though there were in antiquity, important buildings on the other side, which have not yet been fully excavated and studied.

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Safari Luxury Jet

Creature comfort: the British 'safari jet' that transforms into a plush viewing platform By DAILY MAIL REPORTER There are some people who want the comforts of home with them - even when 'roughing it' on safari in Africa. For these five-star campers, BAE Systems and Design Q have come up with the ultimate in travel luxury. The four-engined Avro Business Jet Explorer Four has been designed to land on short runways and uneven landing strips, delivering its wealthy passengers directly into wildlife areas. Then, with the flick of a switch, a door on the side of the jet opens and a viewing platform extends from the fuselage offering spectacular open-air views. For a cool £16 million, A-list animal lovers will get the chance to by the 'safari jet', which has room for two pilots and eight passengers and crew. Inside the aircraft, a galley kitchen can deliver gourmet meals to an eight-seat dining area, and large sofas fold out to provide on-board beds. To top it all off, once passengers have had their fill of the good life and wildlife in any given area, they simply transform the aircraft back into its 'flying mode' and jet off to the next destination Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk

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Stunning Samburu Intrepids

Perched on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the wild heartlands of Samburu Reserve, Samburu Intrepids enjoys a unique perspective of one of Africas most remote and untamed wildernesses. Its great country to see the Samburu special five the Reticulated giraffe, Grevys zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa Oryx and the long necked antelope, the Gerenuk besides the big cats of Africa.

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South African Safari

Sightings of the "big five" at the Londolozi game reserve in South Africa

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African Safari Lodge - The Villa Blanche

On route to our destination, I wasn't aware that we were going to cross over water of any kind, but if I'd done any research I would've known that our African lodge was situated just off the coast of Madagascar. My long-time friend Jessica and I were on our way to the island of Nosy Be for an African safari. I like the name, Nosy Be, it sounds like a noisy little bee but it actually means "big island".

Our cozy bungalow

We eventually arrived at our accommodation, The Villa Blanche, after our boat trip. It was everything I was hoping for. A cozy little bungalow, which isn't too fancy, but still had all the luxuries one expects when you want to relax on your holiday. Nevertheless, I knew I wasn't going to spend much time in our bungalow, because one thing was for sure, I was determined to go home with my best holiday tan ever. And what better place to get a dream tan than on a paradise island, lying stretched out beneath the African sun?

There is something about the African sun. Personally I believe that you can't have a happy life without spending some good quality time in the sun. Just another reason why I love my job as a photographer, but this week was my week of relaxation, and except for capturing my holiday moments, I wasn't going to spend any time away from the heavenly beach.

Palm trees and sunny skies

Almost every morning, Jess and I got up as early as possible to spend some good quality time in the sun. No matter how tempting it is to overindulge, the truth of the matter is that even if you live in Africa, her sun can burn you badly.

It was February which meant rainfalls at night and balmy humidity by day, but in my mind's eye it was just perfect! Spending lazy days on the long stretch of white beach and making the most of the warm weather was what I had set out to do.

On the island of Nosy Be you can find beaches stretching for as far as the eye can see, lined by palm trees, making it an ideal location for an island style holiday.

We had our deck chairs set up on our bungalow's deck, and with a cocktail in one hand and a book in the other we left all our worldly worries behind. Yes, this is the life. With such a relaxed environment we just had to make sure we didn't fall asleep while lying in the sun, as one would surely regret it in the most painful way once you pick up a bit of sunstroke from being in the sun too long and unprotected.

A little reserved

On one of our attempts to do more than lazing around, we decided to go on an African safari to the Lokobe Reserve and of course I had my camera handy for any Kodak moments that might occur. We didn't see anything for the first half-hour or so, but then we got lucky. Hiding far up in one of Madagascar's many trees was a female black lemur cradling her little one safely in her arms. How Jess managed to spot her I still don't know, but it was obvious that she was alone and shy.

There are so many varieties of Lemur in the forests, that we saw quite a few on the remainder of our hike. Very playful, and so noisy! Chameleons were almost just as abundant as the lemurs. If it weren't for our guide, we would never have spotted them all! The colourful butterflies provided much animation for us and its really a birder's paradise. Not to forget the stunning flora. Especially the beautiful Baobab trees.

After our adventurous expedition, and capturing Madagascar's local animal pride on film, we headed back to our lodge for a well deserved Moroccan styled feast.

Not only was our stay at The Villa Blanche perfect for an African safari getaway, but the lodge's set up is the ideal relaxed holiday getaway.

Nothing revitalizes the soul like a few lazy days in the sun, surrounded by the most pristine presence of nature.
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Discover Lake Naivasha

The story of Lake Naivasha is one of mixed fortune. In the past century alone it has dried up completely, effectively disappearing, then returned to existence through heavy rainfall, has been used for irrigation for local flower farms and had encountered problems from pesticide and fertiliser seepage. It has even faced ecological interference from a breed of large aquatic rodent, the coypu, which originally escaped from a nearby fur farm!

In response to such issues, this national park has since been declared a Ramsar site (wetlands of international importance for migratory wildfowl), and is the focus of various initiatives such as the Lake Naivasha Riparia Association and the Elsamere Conservation Centre. With this help, the Lake is now thriving, and draws visitors from all over the world, as well as locals from Nairobi in search of a bit of peace!

The Masai people have long deemed the Naivasha area to be prime grazing land, and the name Naivasha itself is actually a misspelling of the Masai name Nai'posha, meaning "rough water," a reference to the strong winds which can stir up the lake's waters in the afternoons. This shallow freshwater lake is 12km across, fringed by feathery papyrus and yellow-barked acacia, and surrounded by marsh and lagoons.

The very fact that this particular body of water is one of only two freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley group means it attracts various birds of prey with its many fish. The magnificent Fish Eagle can be spotted swooping from the highest treetops to snatch a fish from the lake, or even from the beak of another unfortunate bird! You'll certainly remember the shrill, haunting territorial call of this powerful predator. Another common sight is of a Great White Pelican diving below the lake's surface to emerge moments later with a bucket-like billfull of fish. You might even see a bright and showy Pied Kingfisher!

The forests in particular are a hive of activity for hundreds of other bird species, such as the grey-capped warbler, spectacled weaver and the red-billed firefinch. This truly is a haven for bird lovers. And for the rest of you, there are the striking black and white colobus monkeys swinging from the treetops, giraffe picking the choicest leaves from the tallest branches, and solid, stoic buffalo wallowing in the swamps.

Within the park are a couple of separate sanctuaries which are well worth a visit. The Crater Lake Game Sanctuary is a volcanic crater lake situated in the eastern side of the park. In this tiny park dwell over 150 bird species, plus gazelle and zebra, and the buffaloes lurking in the woods will only make a walking or horse-riding safari there even more exciting! The Crescent Island Wildlife Sanctuary, lying in the western part of the lake itself, is a great place to organise a boat trip, where you can watch hippos lazing in the water and marsh. Do remember to keep a respectful distance! Or, you could simply wander amongst the acacias, spotting giraffe and waterbuck. Watch out for the huge pythons though!

Naivasha is accessible by main road, and is just over an hour's drive away from Nairobi, and you tour operator should be able to arrange a transfer for you. The climate in this part of Kenya is generally gentle, rarely surpassing 28 degrees Celsius, and the rainy seasons are from March to end of May, and October to the end of November.

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