Adventure in Kenya
By Joseph K Mwangi
With its wide range of attractions, Kenya has a lot to offer when it comes to adventure. Climbing Longonot Mountain which is less than an hour drive from Nairobi the capital city, hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park located next to Longonot, climbing Mount Kenya which also includes technical climbing are just but a few areas to experience.
Hell’s Gate National Park remains the best place in Kenya to adventure. In this park, one can do hiking in the gorges where popular movies like Tomb Raiders have been shot. As you hike you encounter hot springs, Hell’s Gate is popular for geothermal power generation. Hell’s Gate Park is the only park where visitor are allowed to walk freely. They mingle with animals found in the park and direct contact with nature where they see rock formation at close range. Biking is a popular activity in this park where competitions have been held. Lake Naivasha, a fresh water lake in the Rift Valley is located next to the park. It offers an opportunity to do boat ride. Lake Naivasha has a huge population of hippos which makes the ride truly adventurous.
At the Coast there is scuba diving, water surfing and deep sea fishing. These combined with the white sand beaches make Kenya Coast an ideal place to make an adventure safari. This is even made better by the existence of clean and quality accommodation in hotels located along the beach all the way from Diani Beach in South Coast, to North Coast and to Watamu Beach in Malindi and to Lamu up north.
Joseph Mwangi is a professional tour operator based in Nairobi Kenya. For any enquiries on safaris to East Africa, contact him at http://ckcsafaris.com/index.html.
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Diving in the Philippines – 8 Interesting Facts For Adventurers, Scuba Fanatics, and Travelers
By JC Sola
To Scuba Dive in the Philippines! If there was only one reason a globe-trotter would visit the world’s second largest archipelago, that would be it.
Why, you may ask?
Read through the 8 interesting facts below and perhaps your next question will be – why not?
1. The Philippines, specifically a certain area in the Verde Island Passage between Mindoro Island and mainland Luzon, has been dubbed by experts as the “center of the center of the world’s marine life biodiversity.” This makes for an underwater museum of nature’s sea life art.
2. The entire cluster of islands comprising the Philippines offers all-year-round diving destinations. As such, there are hundreds of dive shops open 365 and 1/4 days annually catering to advanced technical adventurers, recreational divers, and those yet to “get wet.”
3. The Philippines is a major player in the Coral Triangle – defined by the WWF as “A Place of Unrivaled Richness, Importance and Beauty – The Nursery of the Seas.” The great number of vibrant coral gardens around the islands offers second by second picturesque encounters when diving.
4. Out of the 7 species of marine turtles (locally: Pawikan) in the world, 5 of them are encountered by divers exploring Philippine waters. These species are the Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, and the Leatherback which is the largest marine turtle found in the country.
5. Nudibranchs – those sea slugs (and non-slugs) which have caught the attention and imagination of divers around the world. There are hundreds of nudibranch species scattered in locations such as the Sinandigan Wall (Nudibranch Paradise) in Puerto Galera, Malapascua, etc.
6. It would take more than a calendar year to fully appreciate Philippine scuba diving. For limited dive vacations, go for top destinations. These are: Sabang in Puerto Galera, Malapascua in Cebu, Coron in Palawan, Anilao in Batangas, and Balicasag Island in Bohol, among others.
7. LiveAboards are great ways to explore several areas at once in the Philippines. There are even trips that offer a so-called Visayan Safari where most of the must explore diving destinations are. Such LiveAboards may even include a visit to the Tubbataha Reef located in the protected Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park in the southernmost part of the Philippines.
8. Perhaps the best thing about booking a dive holiday in the Philippine Islands is the “never-a-dull moment” feel one experiences whether actually diving or in-between dives. Most areas See entry number 6.
The next time you plan your scuba visit to the Philippines, bear the facts above in mind. You may go back home wanting more but each and every visit will, without a doubt, be a magnificent experience.
Dive Philippines today by contacting Mermaid Resort or by emailing manilaoffice@mermaidresort.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=JC_Sola
Adventure Travel – Vermont
By Lanette Higham
Vermont is like a scenic postcard around every turn. Tired of the smell of traffic and the noise? You can camp on an island with no cars take a easy and fun ferry to get there. Adventure travel in Vermont is simple, easy and memorable.
There is only one National Park in Vermont donated to the park service by the Rockefeller family. The family once enjoyed this park as there personal wilderness wonderland and a place for the family to get away from it all. The Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park is scenic and has inspired many artist to paint landscapes. You can view their art work here and discover their inspiration with hike along the trails that will take you through pasture and hills.
Vermont is famous for scenic highways and Woodstock the concert that truly gave a generation a memory that will last for many, many years to come. Stone Valley scenic highway will take you through thirty miles of picturesque driving. The road takes you along wild rivers, historic villages and postcard perfect views. Marble has been produced here since pioneer times and the rocks are beautiful to look at. Stop off at one of the wineries in the area and find out what the grapes taste like in Vermont.
Elmore State Park is a small lake park with big adventure in store for the person who travels here. You can hike along the Fire Tower Trail to the fire tower and have views of the woods. Take a kayak to the end of the lake down the stream and you will feel like you have discovered a wild place. You can travel a short distance to the Village of Stowe and visit Ben and Jerry’s or the cider mill and give your taste buds a treat.
Want to explore the world’s oldest fossil reef? Grand Island is the place to find the reef on Lake Champlain with its sandy beaches, mild Vermont temperatures, vineyards and orchards. This area of Vermont is where you could spend a week paddling on the lake, enjoying scenic hikes discovering the geological wonders and not realize that your vacation is coming closer to it’s end all the time.
If you really want to get away from the noise, car pollution and either paddle or walk Burton Island State Park is only accessible by ferry. Here you can hike three miles of shoreline, camp with showers, rent a canoe or a rowboat, swim in the clear waters of the lake. There is food service and a store to purchase necessities on the island. If you have ever wondered if you could live without a car here is your chance to go back in time and enjoy a simpler time. Vermont is a State where adventure travel is part of the culture being noted for its organic farms, beautiful scenery and untouched wilderness.
For more adventure travel tips sign up for my newsletter at http://searchforadventure.net.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lanette_Higham
What to Pack For a Road Trip
By Jennifer Quilter
Bringing the right things can be the difference between a great experience, and a disaster. Making a list of what to pack for a road trip is a great way to be prepared and feel safe in the knowledge that you have everything covered.
Something a lot of people don’t think about, but can be really fun to have, is a set of binoculars. Depending on how important this is to you a nicer pair can certainly go up in price, but you can find a cheap $10-$20 pair fairly easily. Once you have a pair you’ll find it’s fun to be able to pull over and take a look at things at different scenic outlooks. It’ll give you a lot more value from your road trip, since part of the point is to see the sights.
You’ll want to have a small ice chest for drinks. Often when people realize they want an ice chest they end up bringing one of the full size ones stuffed with food, which is nice if that’s what you want to do, but often these end up being more hassles than they’re worth. Bringing food that doesn’t need to be chilled, or stopping at restaurants (the best is usually a mix of the two) is a lot easier when it comes to food. You want to have drinks with you constantly, however, and taking care of a small ice chest with a few drinks in it is very convenient.
A first aid kit for the road is essential. Things happen, especially when you’re outside of your normal routine, and if you don’t have one of these around you’ll almost certainly end up needing it.
GPS devices are becoming so convenient with all of their new features that they’re practically a necessity these days, especially when you’re looking at what to pack for a road trip. They can help you find the nearest gas station or hospital, they can plot you a route avoiding toll roads, or highways, they can plot you the fastest route or the shortest distance, and they do it all in one small device that won’t take up too much room in the car. Navigation plays a key role in the success of any road trip and a GPS system makes it a pain free task.
GPS navigation systems are both practical, and fun–two things that are essential on a good road trip. Learn more about choosing a GPS, what these systems can do for you, and check out stylish pink GPS devices.
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Flamingos of the Rift Valley Lake
By Peter K Philip
The Marabou stork was definitely out of place. No one could miss this gigantic strange-looking bird with its crop hanging down the neck. This only added to the beauty of this natural reserve, Lake Nakuru.
Lake Nakuru national park is located in the Rift Valley and is a small, shallow, alkaline-saline lake located in a closed basin without outlets. This creates avery
Alkaline environment in this basin and its waters. The alkaline water and warm environment provides perfect growing grounds for the blue-green algae that flamingos feed on.
Lake Nakuru is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Kenya due to its spectacular wildlife sight, a paradise to all especially ornithologists. It was declared a national park in 1961 and it now covers an area of 200 km2. It is a home to several species of wildlife in addition to the millions of flamingos and hundreds of bird species.
Flamingos are the main attraction of this lake and their brilliant pink extend as far as the eye can see.
Standing at 40 inches, they have long legs that enable them to wader and feed in the warm muddy waters of the lake.
Their main diet is the blue green-algae (Spirulina plantensis) that grow in the alkaline waters with pH concentration of between 10.4-10.5. With the deep-keeled bill they filter the top waters for the algae and other fine particles. Their pinkish or reddish color comes from the rich sources of carotenoid pigments in the algae and small crustaceans that they eat. Their long legs and neck are especially noticeable as they are longer than in any other bird to relation to the body size.
However, even though flamingos can withstand pH levels as high as 10.5, they do need to wash in clean water in order to rinse the soda off. The soda can dry and form clumps on their feathers and hold them from flying. Same case goes for drinking water.
Lake Nakuru is a haven for both greater and lesser flamingos. Both are gregarious forming big crowds all over the lake. Only the keen eye will notice the small differences in plumage color and bill, but your guide will definitely show you what to look for.
During courtship, a group of up to 10 individuals hold their heads and neck high and call to one another. Then they move the head side to side. Over the next several minutes, the rhythm increases and other members join in the frenzy which can reach up to 50 individuals. It is one of the magnificent displays that no one needs to be a birder to enjoy. They then march forward for a few meters and back, open their wings and bow in salute. This show will be repeated about 6 times. At the end of it, pairs will stand side by side in a ‘kiss’ position, their beaks touching.
A flamingo’s nest is a mound of mud about one foot high (12 inches). The mound’s purpose is to protect the egg from being washed away by the gentle currents of the lake especially in windy and hot days
The female lays a single egg and both partners take turn to incubate for the next 28-30 days.
After incubation period, the new gray chicks are welcomed to this world and stays in the nest for the first 10 to 12 days. The chick has pink bill and legs but within a few days, up to a week they turn black. All the parents know their offspring by voice and feeds them with a blood-red secretion formed by glands in the upper digestive tract.
After the chicks leave nests, they stay together in crèches. They are however able to fly and swim from an early age. It is interesting to note that flamingoes have few enemies as the conditions that they in are usually inhospitable for the predators and large birds of prey. In Lake Nakuru however I have had a few occasions that hyenas have been able to prey on them.
During flight they follow each other closely, using a variety of formations that help them take advantage of the wind patterns and maintain their bonds of togetherness.
Lake Nakuru is great for a family weekend outing or simply a stop over enroute to other destinations, especially because of its central location.
Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature Safari Company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit natural-track.com.
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Terrible Seas – Crossing Drakes Passage
By Douglas Henry Valle
Stretching from the tip of South America to Antarctica, Drake?s Passage is some of the world?s hardest water to cross. That 400 mile stretch of water has some of the worst reported sea weather in the world, ad is a place where no speck of land big or small could cause the currents a moment’s pause in their collision course toward one another. I was expecting see nothing more than icebergs and penguins. I had no idea what to expect. I did not know the political alliances, the lay of the land, nor did I have any concept of the wild, unrestrained power there.
While we were warned ahead of time of the possible dangers of braving Drake’s Passage, the trip down was without incident. However, the return trip provided more than enough thrills for even the most avid thrill seeker. Our first morning in Antarctica, we were greeted by a calm gray sea.
Hazy, brownish gray mountains ringed the distance and were capped in snow. Soon we saw the first of the ice. Tiny ice chunks floated around the boat, bobbing in the water. I rushed outside into the freezing air after throwing on the red parka supplied by the ship. I also grabbed my camera.
The sky and sea met each other with a similar shade of gunmetal gray, and we spent most of that day listening to lectures by our shipboard naturalists or rushing outside whenever a whale, dolphin, or penguin sighting was reported. We were in a great mood as we took off in our small raft from the mother ship, and began floating free amongst the icebergs. Penguins lined the shoreline and contemplated the water. They stood on an icy, rocky island and considered us as we floated by.
We were surrounded by hundreds of penguins, from all sides. A group of researchers shared this bit of land in Paradise Harbor with these disheveled and gentle little penguins. Many waddled about very purposefully in every direction. Some of them stood atop rocky outcroppings watching the red-parka’d interlopers who were smiling, pointing, and taking photos. Many of the penguin parents had already left their chicks on their own – expecting that they would be able to fend for themselves. Some of these “kids” were still living in denial of this situation. They eat krill at this stage, and the chicks are used the parents regurgitating it into their mouths.
Many of these penguins were also going through different stages of molting. The majority of their baby coats had been replaced by feathers. But, some gray down still stayed on hard to reach places. They looked like they were wearing hats and earmuffs, or had gotten a really bad hair cut. We made our way back to the ship through chunks of floating ice in the beautiful bay. Upon one such jagged, little mountain of ice that our driver took us past rested a lone majestic seal. As we passed by he gave a long, pink-tongued yawn as if to say that he didn’t care what we were up to and that our business was probably unimportant anyhow.
Penguins are always so very charming. Penguins and their waddle belies their gawky nature. The formal look of their feathers combined with the orange webbed feet Having more rocks than dirt, this area allowed the penguins to stay more clean. They appear to have chubby cheeks due to the black line beneath their chins. This gives them a jaunty air to their whole look and ambience.
As a person looking for antarctic cruise you should visit that site.
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Skiing in Argentina – Summer Snow Vacations in Latin America
By Gary Sargent
The last of the skiing opportunities are disappearing from the slopes in Canada, the USA and Europe as summer arrives. There’s only one solution; follow the snow south! since the founding of the Argentinian Ski Federation in 1941 things have been, in true Latin American style, developing slowly but steadily. A world away from its counterparts in the Northern Hemisphere, your ski trip can include experiences from partying in the midst of the Argentinian winter getaway of Bariloche to horseback rides and hikes into the middle of nowhere to conquer faraway slopes.
Getting there
Travelling to any of the main resorts can be achieved through fairly simple connections, with a 2 to 3 hour flight from Buenos Aires followed by ground transportation to your chosen resort. Depending on your level and the kind of trip you want, Argentina presents the following options.
Popular ski resorts in Argentina
Catedral Bariloche is in the heart of the Argentinian Lake district, the biggest mountain in Argentina. The ski resort is outside the popular mountain town of Bariloche, which Argentinians flock to during national holidays. Famous for its huge steaks, red wine and hot chocolate, it’s easy to get distracted from skiing. In general the resort has an intermediate focus, with incredible views to enjoy over the lakes as you ski.
Las Lenas is known for its back-country skiing, with expert skiers coming from all over the world to throw themselves down the challenging terrain, including gullies, chutes and cliffs. Just outside Mendoza, famous for its wine, transport connections are easy and before long you will find yourself exploring the limits of the 230 hectares of ski-able terrain. Heliskiing is also a popular option here.
Chapelco, outside the alpine town of San Martin de Los Andes, has something for everyone. Alpine skiers, ski tourers and snowboarders will all find something to suit in the range of snow-parks, groomed runs, powder bowls and tree skiing. Smaller but just as popular as its bigger neighbour Mount Catedral, Chapelco is well worth a visit.
Smaller ski resorts in Argentina
Mount Castor in Ushuaia is the southernmost resort in the world, a place where you can ski down to sea level on dry, fine powder. Great for nordic skiing, Mount Castor enjoys a longer season than anywhere else.
Las Penitentes is the neighbouring resort to the bigger Las Lenas, a sizable resort with 300 hectares of skiable terrain with a mixture of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. Watched over by Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, visitors will be impressed by the surrounding scenery.
Mount Bayo, the pride of Villa La Angostura, is an impressive resort set in a beautiful natural landscape. Surrounded by forests and with a majestic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi, it is very close to the mountain village and it offers skiers 200 hectares of terrain. Visitors will have the strange but wonderful experience of winding their way through the network of bizzare monkey puzzle trees, seen to be believed!
La Hoya, 13 kilometres outside Esquel, is another resort blessed with stunning landscape, a selection of forests, waterfalls and lakes. The aspect of the resort also shelters it from the sun, which gives the resort the benefit of reliable, excellent quality powder snow.
Batea Mahuida resort provides an interesting mix of winter sports and culture, home to the Puel Mapuche community. Since the local volcano became extinct and formed a lagoon in its crater, the Mapuches have resided in the region, and visitors can enjoy their cuisine and get to know their customs. Nordic skiing is popular here.
Caviahue is located at the base of the Copahue volcano, which provides a couple of unique advantages. The first is the 8km descent from the volcano’s summit through back-country powder, and the second is the range of natural thermal baths in the resort full of water rich in volcanic minerals. With a stunning landscape to match, Caviahue is fine example of Argentinian rustic charm.
If you decide to head to the bright lights of Bariloche, the challenging slopes of Las Lenas or the secluded retreat of Caviahue, Argentina can provide the endless ski season that you are searching for. As with any ski resort worldwide, you’ll get the best out of your trip if you have a local guide or arrange a tour with an experienced operator to open up access to those hidden treasures tucked away in the mountains. Make sure that if you do choose to go with someone they have a solid reputation and take no chances; safety on your ski trip should always be a priority. That said, don’t hesitate to explore this snowy corner of the world a little further off the beaten track than your regular ski trip; you won’t regret a ski vacation in Argentina!
Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the tour companies Escaped to Peru and Escaped to Latin America and has lived in South America for over 10 years. Gary is passionate about life here, the people, customs and places and this is reflected in the Latin American tours that he offers. For a unique experience on one of his personalized Argentina vacations, contact Gary today.
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