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The vast “Esteros del Iberá” are the second largest wetlands in the world after Brazil’s Pantanal and cover some 1300 km² of marsh, savannah and lagoons in north-east Argentina at the heart of Corrientes Province.
Overlooking the Parana River in the north-eastern corner of the Ibera Natural Reserve – 1.3 million hectares of wetlands, gallery forest and savannah – Puerto Valle is a charming boutique hotel just 45 minutes’ drive from Posadas airport.
Jutting out into the roaring Atlantic Ocean in a remote, desolate corner of Patagonia, the Valdes Peninsula is one of world’s great wildlife sanctuaries and provides safe haven to an extraordinary wealth of marine life. The peninsula lies on the eastern edge of Chubut province and encompasses some 4,000 km² of cliffs, lagoons, mudflats, bays and endless pounding beaches.
Enjoy the sight of different animals, birds and desert plants in their own natural environment.
Enter the huge bird enclosure of about four thousand square meters with a very high rooftop, especially designed so the birds would be able to live and fly freely or hide in unusual places.
Hawar Islands, first surveyed in 1820, when they were called the Warden’s Islands, and two villages were recorded are now uninhabited, other than a police garrison and a hotel on the main island.
Experience the delight of the hand-cranked ferry over the river to Xunantunich, atop a hill overlooking the Mopan River and the Cayo District. The area, a primary ceremonial site built on a natural limestone ridge during the Classic Periodis composed of six major plazas, with more than 25 Maya temples and palaces.
Bolivia’s Amazon covers huge swathes of the country’s eastern lowlands, an endless sea of green which echoes with the shrill cries of monkeys and tropical birdsong. For visitors, the most popular destination for jungle adventures is the Madidi National park, two million hectares of protected mountains, cloud-forest and tropical rainforest.
South of the Okavango Delta and dominating central Botswana, the five million-hectare Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the most significant protected areas in Africa, its diverse wildlife and magnificent scenery offering a fantastic contrast to the rest of the country.
Chobe National Park has an abundance of wildlife throughout the year and is famous for its migratory population of over 50,000 elephants as well as predators such as Lion, Leopard, Hyena & if your very lucky Wild Dog.
Covering approximately 11,700 square kilometres, Chobe National Park is the second largest in Botswana.
Kasane is a point of debarkation for the nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia. Spread out along the banks of the Chobe River, Kasane now boasts small shopping malls with all essential commodities and a plethora of arts and crafts shops. While its main attraction is the park, there are nevertheless attractions in and around the town.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park located at the border of South Africa and Botswana was declared as Southern Africa’s first peace park between the two bordering countries by former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former President Festus Mogae of Botswana.
Khutse Game Reserve established in 1971 is the second only to the Moremi Game Reserve in Okavango Delta to be established on tribal lands. With gently sloping grasslands, fossil dunes and river beds. Khutse is a remnant of the ancient river that uses to feed Lake Makgadikgadi.
Kwando is an extension of the Linyanti ecosystem on the northwestern side of the interconnecting rivers. The northern Lagoon part densely forested with a variety of trees such as the baobab, sausage trees, lead woods, jackal berry and knob thorns.
Mashatu Game Reserve comprises 29,000 hectares (72000 acres) of privately owned land in the conserved wilderness area known as the Northern Tuli Game Reserve. The reserve lies in the eastern extremity of Botswana where the great Limpopo and Shashe Rivers converge.
Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta lies the Moremi Reserve, which was the first wildlife sanctuary to be set aside by indigenous people. Moremi encompasses a network of waterways surrounding two large islands; Chiefs Island in the west and Mopane Tongue in the east.
The Northern Tuli Game Reserve established in 1964 is located at the historic site connecting the country with its neighbours Zimbabwe and South Africa where the Shashe and the Limpopo Rivers meet.
Nxai Pan National Park located on the northeastern part of Botswana embedded in the middle of grassy terrain spotted with umbrella thorn trees.
The Okavango Delta is one of the most awe-inspiring wilderness reserves in Africa with 15 000 square kilometres of water channels, lagoons and islands. Each year, floodwaters flow from the central African highlands over 1 000 km away into the Delta to create this unique wetland within a desert.
The vast Amazon Rainforest dominates northern Brazil and what better way to explore the rainforest’s extraordinary diversity and rich wildlife than by staying at an eco-lodge deep within the jungle.
Cristalino is a unique conservation project and jungle lodge tucked into the southern edge of the Amazon Rainforest accessible only by water.
Uakari Lodge is a community-based eco-tourism project deep in the Mamiraua Reserve, a vast area of over a million hectares at the confluence of the Solimoes, Japura and Auti-Parana rivers. It represents the largest protected flooded forest in the world and is home to a breathtaking array of species including the iconic red-faced Uakari monkey.
Capital of Parana state, Curitiba is a pleasant, modern city and the starting point for one of South America’s most spectacular train rides – the Serra Verde Express.
Explore the mighty Amazon aboard the MV Tucano, an elegant 80 ft. riverboat that evokes the time-honoured river cruises of yesteryear.
The Fazenda Barranco Alto sits under the shadow a huge mango tree, a huge 11,000 hectare working cattle ranch located deep in the southern Pantanal some 120km northwest of Aquidauana. Surrounded by rolling savannah and gallery forest pocked with lakes and lagoons, the lodge sits on a gentle meadow slope that leads down to the famous Rio Negro.
Three hour’s drive from Cuiaba, gateway to Mato Grosso’s northern Pantanal, the Pousada Mutum is a beautiful lodge perched on the banks of the Mutum River. Set amidst glorious gallery forest and well-watered plains between Lakes Sia Mariana and Chacorore, it offers a wonderful introduction to Brazil’s Pantanal.
The Pantanal is one of the world’s largest seasonal wetlands; 140,000 square kilometres of forest, pampa grasslands and marsh which stretches across the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and into the neighbouring countries of Bolivia and Paraguay.
Two hours’ drive from Cuiaba along the famous “Transpantaneira Highway”, Araras is a comfortable lodge at the northern edge of the Brazil’s Pantanal surrounded by lush gallery forest and wetlands.
Kratie is a sleepy river town situated on the east bank of the mighty Mekong River. This picturesque town got off relatively lightly in the war years with much of the French architecture and the roads left in tact. There are many attractive French and Khmer homes scattered about, adding to the pleasant atmosphere and character of the place.
Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It forms a natural floodplain reservoir that is drained by the Tonle Sap River into the Mekong River near Phnom Penh.
Featured in the movie, Greystoke the Legend of Tarzan, Ekom-Nkam Waterfall is located in a magnificent rainforest, eighty metres high and located thirty kilometres from Bafang.
Korup National Park is the most remarkable tropical forest, and nature lovers will be astonished by the virtual plethora of fantastic wildlife that calls Korup home.
As well as a distinct and colourful array of birds and fish, Korup is home to a variety of rare primates including chimpanzee, red colobus, red-capped mangabey drill and red-eared monkeys.
The Lobéké National Park is in a gorilla protected region known for several western lowland gorilla sightings that live in the dense forests of the Congo River basin in southern Cameroon. Boumba National Park borders this area in the North West and Sangha River in the east separating Cameroon from the Central African Republic and Congo.
Mount Cameroon National Park is the highest mountain in West and Central Africa and is one of the eight biodiversity hotspots in the area known as the Gulf of Guinea. With a rich, diverse, and endemic flora and fauna, the park and its surroundings host a variety of ecotourism potentials.
Dzanga-Ndoki National Park consists of roughly 400 hectares, encompassing many forest clearings, known as bais, and attracts the forest elephants looking for grazing and water. Other Wildlife roams freely including, forest buffalo, western lowland gorillas and the giant forest hog. There are many more species of monkey present, as well as some large cats and a wide range of birds.
The Lakes of Ounianga include eighteen interconnected lakes in the hyper-arid Ennedi region of the Saharan Desert.
This area constitutes an exceptional natural landscape of great beauty with striking colours and shapes. The saline, hypersaline and freshwater lakes are supplied by groundwater and are found in two groups forty kilometres apart.
Siniaka Minia Wildlife Reserve stretches over 4,260 km2 of an extraordinary landscape, set against the impressive backdrop of a massif mountain formation, where the Siniaka River and Tourda River snake through this important savanna ecosystem.
In northeastern Chad, three times the size of Switzerland, and a hundred kilometres from the nearest roads lie the Tibesti Mountains, void of people and barely explored.
The face of Patagonia, the awe-inspiring Torres del Paine adorns tourist brochures the world over and is South America’s most spectacular national park. Perched at the tip of the continent, the park was established in 1959 and encompasses some 2,400 km² of mountains, ice and rolling Patagonian steppe close to the border of Argentina.
Colombia’s emerald “Amazonia” spans six departments - Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vaupés – and is a huge blanket of tropical forest that covers 403,000 km², some 35% of the entire country.
As the warmth of the tropical sun envelops you, and the scent of frangipani washes over you, the most crucial decision that you face is should you climb the summit of the islands majestic volcanic peak or explore the crystal clear turquoise waters and swim with schools of tropical fish.
Four hour’s drive from San Jose on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, Manuel Antonio is one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Established in 1972, it covers close to 2000 hectares of tropical rainforest which spills onto golden beaches and rocky coves. Off shore, desert islands are locked in coral reef and harbour dolphins and migrating whales alike.
Thin wisps of mist are suspended amongst the lush jungle canopy of Costa Rica’s most famous cloudforest reserve - Monteverde. Founded in 1972, the reserve straddles both the Pacific and Caribbean flanks of the Tilarán Mountains, Costa Rica’s great continental divide and encompasses some 10½ thousands hectares of tropical forest.
Ocean and jungle combine at the wonderful Lapa Rios, a beautiful eco retreat and thousand acre private reserve hidden amongst lush tropical forest deep in Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. Built on a natural ridge, the lodge rises high above the lush canopy and boasts wonderful views over the sparkling waters of the Pacific and Golfo Dulce Bay.
Deep in the south western corner of Costa Rica surrounded by the rich waters of the Pacific and the Golfo Dulce, the Osa Peninsula is a breathtaking natural haven of rainforest, tumbling waterfalls and miles upon miles of palm-fringed beaches. Most famously, it is home to the Corcovado National Park, the jewel in the crown of Costa Rica’s park system.
The Casa Corcovado is the ultimate rainforest retreat, a rustic lodge and 170 acre private reserve tucked deep in the Osa Peninsula accessible only by water.
In the north-eastern corner of Costa Rica, Tortuguero is one of the country’s most celebrated national parks, 77 thousand acres of rainforest, mangrove swamps and sheltered channels that spill onto the Caribbean. Accessible only by plane and boat, Tortuguero provides some of the last remaining nesting sites of four of the world’s eight species of green turtles.
This border town on Lake Kivu is home to a significant UN and NGO presence that gives this city a cosmopolitan feel. Having been almost destroyed by the eruption of nearby Nyiragongo volcano in 2002, Goma has rebuilt, and as a result, the town now has a surprisingly attractive centre.
Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary provides a home for orphaned bonobos. Long thought to be chimpanzees, bonobos are a separate species known for being more peaceful than their cousins. Endangered, with around 50,000 surviving in the wild, trails lead around large, forested enclosures, but the delightful bonobos are often seen hanging out at the front, especially in the morning.
The steamy Mindo Nambillo Reserve features over 20,000 hectares of lush valleys and rolling cloudforest and is a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Perched in the shadow of the snow-capped mountains between 1400 and 4778 metres above sea-level, Mindo forms part of the Andean Choco corridor, one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on the planet.
Ecuador encompasses a mere 2% of the continent’s rainforest yet boasts a dizzying third of the Amazon’s entire bird species. At the heart of country’s tropics, the Yasuni National park covers 9,820 km² of pristine rainforest and is arguably the most biologically diverse spot on Earth, designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1989.
Bata lies on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Rio Munia, and the town is a transport hub and port, from which ferries sail to Malabo and Douala and is a charming colonial town with many attractions and plenty of restaurants, bars and hotels.
A lively cosmopolitan city, downtown you’ll find evidence of its colonial past when this town was first the British naval station of Port Clarence on lease from Spain, later renamed Santa Isabel when it was returned to Madrid.
Ezulwini Valley is the Kingdom’s main tourist area offering a wealth of attractions. Ezulwini means ‘place of heaven’, and the picturesque valley that bears this name certainly provides its share of hedonistic delights.
Hlane is Eswatini’s largest protected area and extends either side of the MR3 – where you may spot wildlife along the verge. The camps are located in the western sector. This area hosts the traditional Butimba or royal hunt, and today Big Game Parks manages Hlane on behalf of the King.
Malolotja is one of the very best highland reserves in southern Africa, its 18,000ha wilderness of high rolling hills and deep forested river gorges offering a genuine wilderness in which hikers can lose themselves for days. The Malolotja river rises in the reserve, plunging over the 95m Malolotja Falls on its way to the Nkomati river, which cuts east towards the Indian Ocean.
Mkhaya Game Reserve, a private reserve, located between Manzini and Big Bend, is Eswatini’s most exclusive safari retreat. Here you leave your vehicle behind to join an expert private guide for game drives and bush walks. You then dine beneath the stars, before drifting off to sleep in your chalet to the noises of the night.
Mlilwane is Eswatini’s best-known nature reserve. It was here in 1961 that Ted Reilly – whose father had settled at the property in 1906 – first took action to save what remained of the kingdom’s wildlife, converting it into a sanctuary and rounding up animals from elsewhere around the country before they were hunted out.
Awash National Park protects a semiarid tract of Rift Valley floor inhabited by antelope such as the striking Beisa oryx and magnificent spiral-horned greater kudu.
A bird checklist of almost 500 species includes Arabian Bustard, African swallow-tailed kite, northern carmine bee-eater and the endemic yellow-throated serin.
A haven for birds, sea turtles and all kinds of marine life, Tetiaroa is treasured among Tahitians who know it as a sacred place. At one time the coconut-dotted white sand beaches and a crystalline lagoon of this uninhabited atoll became an exclusive getaway for Tahitian royalty.
Loango National Park’s warm streams crisscross pockets of thick forest and salty savannah, with vast island-dotted lagoons and miles of white-sand beaches providing habitat for all manner of creatures.
Known for its mythic surfing hippos, you'll find the largest concentration of whales and dolphins in Gabon's waters.
Framed by the Ogooué River, Lopé National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, where undulating hills meet the Savannah and enclaves of rainforest where elephants, buffaloes, gorillas, chimpanzees and the most prominent mandrill troupes in the world are found.
Nestled on a thin strip of land in the southern region of Gabon bordering the Republic of the Congo, Mayumba National Park is home to the most stunning natural sights Africa has to offer. The small coastal town of Mayumba serves as the steward for the nearly 900 square kilometres of protected land and sea that comprises this country’s premier national park.
This park is an undisturbed rainforest, extending over an area 357 kilometres with trees as high as 65 meters, made up of undisturbed coastal forest and is home to Africa's only rainforest canopy walkway. This walkway is one of only a dozen or so in the world.
It's not every day you can get up close and personal with elephants. Why not have a face-to-face encounter with these majestic animals, plus roving gangs of baboons, warthogs, waterbucks and antelopes? The park consists of easy walking flat savannah, with corridors of forest along the rivers and streams.
The hills and terrain of Shai Hills is a beautiful glimpse of what is called ‘natural’. Africa
Welcome to The Shai Hills Nature Reserve combining nature conservation, rich cultural and archaeological sites with splendid scenic views.
For those whom prime focus of visiting a National Park in India is to see a tiger then Bandhavgarh National Park in the central state of Madhya Pradesh is the obvious choice with sightings pretty much a daily occurrence from October to June.
Most well known as the gateway to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur sits just 3kms north of the UNESCO listed park. There are a few sights in the city itself which are worth a look including Lohagarh – an 18th century iron fort in the heart of the city, however it is only really visited by those heading to Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
Located in the heart of rural Rajasthan 3 hours drive from Jodhpur and Udaipur, Jawai Leopard Camp offers an unrivalled off the beaten track luxury wildlife experience.
Named after legendary British tiger hunter and photographer Jim Corbett, this famous reserve was established as India’s first national park in 1936. The park is located in the foothills of the Himalaya’s on the Ramganga River and astonishingly is home to over 580 species of bird as well as tigers, wild elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles to name just a few species!
Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is one of India’s largest and most popular National Park that offers a good chance of viewing tigers in the wild. The park boasts over two hundred tigers and leopards as well as deer, antelope, sloth bear, Indian wild dog and langur monkeys.
Situated on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River in the state of Assam, Kaziranga is most well known for being home to the Indian one-horned rhino, representing more than two thirds of the world’s total. Safari’s are generally conducted by elephant which adds to the adventure as you roam around the parks expansive grasslands.
Located in the southern state of Karnataka, Nagarhole National park was originally the exclusive hunting ground of the Maharaja of Mysore before being set up as a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and upgraded to a national park in 1988. Nagarhole is known for its lush forests and marshy swamps which surround a huge reservoir where safari’s take place by conical boats as well as on land by jeep.
Located just 45 minutes drive from Khajuraho, Pench is one of India’s most accessible National Parks and fits easily into cultural itineraries around the north.
Located in the central state of Madhya Pradesh, just two hours drive from Nagpur airport, Pench Tiger Reserve is less well known than the state’s other two national parks – Kanha and Bandhavgarh which in our opinion enhances the appeal as there are less visitors which makes for a more personalised visit.
Located near the town of Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore National Park is one of the main areas in India where tigers still roam. The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and in 1973 became part of the project tiger programme, since being declared as one of the projects greatest success stories.
Sasan Gir National Park spans over 1,500 square kilometres and is the world’s last destination where you can see the Asiatic lion in the wild. Located on the Saurashtra Peninsular in far west India, the area is off the beaten track and not developed as a tourist destination which increases the appeal for the adventurous traveller and real wildlife enthusiasts.
Created in 1981, Satpura National Park is one of central India’s lesser-known parks and takes its name from the Satpura hill ranges of Madhya Pradesh. Satpura National Park is home to a variety of mammals including the tiger, leopard, sambar, bison and wild dog. Safari’s through Satpura are varied and can be conducted by canoe, elephant or jeep!
The Galilee, pronounced Galil in Hebrew, stretches from the Mediterranean to the harp-shaped Sea of Galilee and River Jordan.
Here on Mount Gilboa is where King Saul and his son, Jonathan, died in battle against the Philistines and where Deborah killed Sisera.
In the heart of the western Negev, lies the mysterious and beautiful Mount Karkom.
Presented in an unspoiled landscape, with its 847-meter-high limestone plateau slashed by dramatic ravines, Mount Karkom is believed to be the site of the biblical Mount Sinai mentioned in the Book of Exodus, as the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments.
At the heart of Israel’s vast Negev Desert, and lying in the Ramon Crater, is the world’s most massive erosion crater, known as Machtesh Ramon. Measuring 40km in length and between 2 and 10km in width, and shaped like an elongated heart this forms Israel’s largest national park, the Ramon Nature Reserve.
Nara is located less than one hour by train from Kyoto and Osaka. In times gone by Nara was the first permanent capital, and as such it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.
Dana Biosphere Reserve encompasses four different bio-geographical zones of the country. Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, Saharo-Arabian and Sudanian and a melting pot of species from Europe, Africa and Asia.
An outstanding natural wonder the Dead Sea is a mix of beach living and religious history. Here you can soak up the sun while Biblical scholars get their daily dose of religious history. The leading attraction is the warm, soothing, super salty water. Ten times saltier than seawater, but rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others.
Amboseli lies immediately northwest of Mount Kilimanjaro, on the border with Tanzania. This park covers 392 square km and forms part of the much larger 3,000 square km Amboseli ecosystem.
Famous for its big game and its great scenic beauty the landscape is dominated by the towering Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tsavo West is a beautiful, rugged wilderness with the savannah ecosystem comprising of open grasslands, scrublands, and Acacia woodlands, belts of riverine vegetation and rocky ridges including the Poacher's Lookout where visitors can see the teeming herds on the plains below.
Time has stood still for the Kakamega Forest, a remnant of the rain forest that stretched across Central Africa. This beautiful forest is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys and pottos.
Kisumu City is a quiet port town on the shores of Lake Victoria with streets full of exquisite colonial architecture. Awarded City Status in 2001 Kisumu has grown into an attractive urban centre, with an excellent museum, one of Kenya's most famous open markets and excellent facilities for visitors.
Laikipia Plateau, sprawls on the edge of the Northern Kenyan Frontier, stretching from the slopes of Mount Kenya to the rim of the Great Rift Valley.
Far to the North, within a densely forested mountain, the three crater lakes provide a haven for a variety of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The beautiful Marsabit National Park is a refuge for substantial tusked bull elephants, diverse birdlife and reptiles.
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. Located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland, wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment.
Mfangano Island is a large, mountainous island on Lake Victoria, south of Kisumu and Homa Bay. Most of the rock art on Mfangano island consists of geometric paintings believed to have been made by Twa hunter-gatherers between 2000 and 4000 years ago.
High in the mist-wreathed hills of western Kenya the eighth highest mountain in Africa, Mount Elgon, is a towering volcanic giant, crowned by a vast caldera etched by glacial tarns, honeycombed by labyrinthine caves, fissured by valleys and cascaded by streams. Visitors can explore the forest, see the elephant caves and enjoy biking, and hiking.
Climbing to 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya is the second tallest mountain in Africa. The scenery surrounding this designated World Heritage Site is breath-taking, with pristine wilderness filled with lakes, tarns, glaciers, dense forest, mineral springs and a selection of rare and endangered species of animals.
Nairobi known as the safari capital of Africa is surrounded by 113 km² of plains, cliffs and forest that makes up the city's Nairobi National Park. Tourists can have their pick from numerous safaris, be it wildlife, cultural, sport, adventure, scenic or specialist ecotourism tours, restaurants, culture, shopping and entertainment.
Situated alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu National Reserve is one of the lesser-known national parks but is nevertheless teeming with life.
As one of the most extensive coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Shimba Hills National Park is a reserve rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found are the Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy-tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bats.
The area near Wat Phou where the Mekong River is at its widest point, some 14 kilometres, is the vicinity known as 4000 islands or Si Phan Don. The islands range in size with Don Khong being the largest. You can stay on some of the smaller remote islands but the accommodation is extremely basic.
Along with north-western Cambodia, the far north of Laos is one of the truly adventurous destinations in Asia. Due to the lack of facilities and infrastructure travel in the remote region is arduous but ultimately rewarding.
Near the old Akkar town lies a castle, built over a rocky protrusion by Mihriz, a citizen from Akkar, at the end of the 10th century. This castle, 210 meters long, and70 meters wide, is surrounded by five rectangular towers, and used to be a strategic spot in the district of Akkar.
At more than 3000 meters above sea level, the reserve is one of the highest nature reserves in Africa. An impressive visitors’ centre has been developed on the edge of a 100m cliff.
Maletsunyane Waterfalls, one of the highest single dropping waterfalls in the Southern Hemisphere, plummets 192 metres into a spectacular gorge creating clouds of spray visible from afar.
Situated in the Drakensberg escarpment is the Sehlabathebe National Park established in 1970. A breathtaking undisturbed area of its own beauty of clear rivers running through the park
Tse'hlanyane National Park, is located deep in the front range of the Maluti mountains, with headquarters at the foot of the Holomo Pass.
The reserve owes its origin to the access road to the Hlotse tunnel adit for the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). This protected area lies at the junction of the Tse'hlanyane and the Holomo rivers.
Amber Mountain or Montagne d’Amber National Park is an example of a montane rainforest habitat. Its unique microclimate gives growth to some impressive flora and fauna, in particular, the large conifers and epiphytic bird’s nest ferns growing out of them, giving the park a unique prehistoric feel. Lemurs are a common sighting, particularly Sanford’s brown lemur and crowned lemur.
World Heritage Site, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park is famous being home to many endemic species, including 11 lemurs, of which the indri, the largest of all lemur species. Other species in the park include chameleons and tenrecs, and birdwatchers can expect to see velvet asity, blue coua, and nuthatch vanga.
Anjajavy is a remote private game reserve in the northwest of the island which is only accessible by air. Made up of 450 hectares and bordering the coast, it is home to over 1,800 plant species.
Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1927. The Tsingies are karstic formations created by acidic water eroding the surface of limestone cracks, the result vast underground drainage systems and dramatic limestone structures. In between these lies the Manobolo River, surrounded by riverine and mangrove swamps.
This is Malawi’s second largest park and the closest to the capital, Lilongwe. It is home to various species of rare painted hunting dogs, sable, impala, kudu, roan antelopes and birding. Elephants and Hippos can be easily spotted too. Liwonde National Park Malawi’s most famous national park.
The world’s first freshwater national park and a World Heritage Site is at Cape Maclear. The park includes a land area around the cape and bay as well as the Lake and islands up to 100 metres offshore. Here is a veritable aquarium of tropical fish providing a colourful kaleidoscopic display.
Although only 580 sq km, Liwonde is perhaps the most popular of all the game parks. It is about 160 km north of Blantyre and only rather more than half that distance from the hotels on the southern Lakeshore. Additionally, game viewing is enhanced because the River Shire flows along its western border, allowing boat safaris as well as the usual ones on foot or in 4x4s.
Majete Wildlife Reserve is situated in the lower Shire valley in the South West of Malawi, approximately 70kms – (one and a half hour’s drive) from Blantyre’s Chileka international airport and three hours from Lake Malawi.
The scale of this truly magnificent mountain must be seen to be appreciated. Its bare rock flanks tower to almost 3000m, dwarfing all that surrounds it. It lies to the east of Blantyre and is easily accessible. Visitors can drive around the foot of the massif in a day, but even more attractive is to trek and camp on the mountains.
Nkhotakota, to the east of the region and near the Lake, is one of the two large game areas in the Central Region. Its vast 700 sq miles (1800 sq km) is of rugged terrain crossed by a number of rivers which tumble down the edge of the escarpment as they make their ways to the Lake.
Nyika is Malawi’s largest park. It extends across the great plateau. The name, Nyika, means "where the water comes from" and is, one of Malawi’s most important water catchments. The breathtaking scenery is at its best in the rainy season when over 200 types of orchid are in flower. The grasslands of Nyika are rich in wildflowers in other seasons.
One of the finest places to really get away from it all and experience wildlife in its most natural environments make the long and bumpy journey to the Danum Valley. It is located a two hour drive from the nearest town of Lahad Datu. The whole area is primary rainforest jungle far removed from human habitation.
For the majority of travellers no trip to Borneo is complete with out seeing the majestic orang-utan. The orang-utan sanctuary at Sepilok is famed worldwide for its fantastic work in rehabilitating these apes with the view to releasing them back to the wild.
For a truly unique experience in ancient rainforest but yet easily accessible from KL, Taman Negara is a great choice. Originally named King George V National Park, Taman Negara (National Park) is the first and the oldest official Protected Area in the country. It was gazetted to preserve the land's indigenous nature and was renamed Taman Negara after the nation gained independence in 1957.
Another of the many wildlife highlights in Sabah is a trip to Turtle Island National Park to watch cumbersome greenback and hawksbill turtles crawl to shore to lay their eggs, truly one of nature’s greatest sights!
Located on the Niger river bank, Ségou is known for its relaxed atmosphere. A perfect place to re-energise, to let sink in the travel experiences and to get to understand life on the river and in the surrounding villages.
Experience a city walk: along the river quay, through the Somono quarter or the grand structures of the colonial neighbourhood.
Time to leave the usual beaches and try a few excursions inland to get a feel for the heart of the island. Cooler than the coastal regions, the central plateau is situated between 400 and 600 meters above sea level. Starting from the South of Port Louis, this vast urban area is home to about 400,000 people, representing over one-third of the island's population.
560 kilometres north-east of Mauritius lies Rodrigues: the jewel in the crown of the Mascarene Islands – an 18 kilometre by 8-kilometre pearl surrounded by a crystalline blue lagoon twice its size.
The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.
The West and South-West coasts of Mauritius are the driest areas on the island. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the African bush. Protected from the prevailing winds, the region boasts some superb hotels and lagoons calm enough for swimming, snorkelling, diving, water-skiing, kayaking, pedal boats and sailing activities.
Jutting down from the northwest corner of Mexico, the bony finger of Baja California runs 760 miles south from the US border to the golden beaches and pounding surf of Cabo San Lucas. Although on average only 25 miles wide, Baja California is a remarkable haven of marine life.
The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. The Archipelago is genuinely one of the most beautiful destinations on the African continent. The area is now protected as a conservation area and national park, including the coral reefs surrounding the islands, making it the only official marine reserve in the country.
The Gorongosa National Park is in the southern end of the African Rift Valley which covers a widespread area of 3770 square kilometres. This park lies in the heart of Mozambique.
Lake Niassa is the 9th largest freshwater lake in the world, the third largest in Africa and one of the world’s most bio-diverse. Though utterly stunning it is still only visited by a handful of tourists heading to Malawi with the lake forming the border between the two countries. It has been declared a reserve and Ramsar site, protecting its abundant species and natural habitats.
The Limpopo National Park was born when the status of that wildlife utilisation area in Gaza Province, was changed from a hunting concession to a protected area.
The Quirimbas Archipelago stretches from Pemba to the Rovuma River, which forms a border between Tanzania and Mozambique. The archipelago encompasses 32 tropical, coral islands and has an enormous cultural and historical value, influenced by Arabian, Portuguese and African cultures.
About 70 miles north of Yangon you will find the Moeyungyi Wetlands, a vital shelter for both resident and migratory waterfowl. In 1878 a water storage reservoir was constructed in the area and over a period of many years the reservoir changed gradually, but naturally, into wetlands it is today.
Namibia's highest mountain the Brandberg Mountain Range is situated in the Erongo region in the western part of Namibia, ninety kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean and covers an area of 760 square kilometres.
The Range gets its name from an almost black appearance and the bright colours that the setting sun paints onto the mountains as if the whole area was on fire.
Cape Cross has both historical and biological significance with its rocky bay, sandy beaches and salt pan. Tourism enhancing viewing of the seals, includes information signs along the walkway, renovated picnic areas, five campsites with fireplaces, and timber-plastic windshields.
The river begins its existence as a small mountain spring in Angola, where it is known as the Kwando (a Hambukushu name). From here, it travels great distances through the Kalahari sands before it reaches Botswana and becomes the Linyanti (a Subiya name).
Known for its outstanding natural scenery with panoramic views out over the Great Fish River, the Great Fish River Nature Reserve is home to one of South Africa's largest populations of Black Rhinoceros, located 200 kilometres from Port Elizabeth.
NamibRand Nature Reserve, a vast privately owned reserve covering 200,000 hectares and bordering the Namib-Naukluft Park, is situated near Sossusvlei in southwestern Namibia. Visit this area for a glimpse of the majestic landscapes of red Namib sand dunes, golden grass savannah and impressive purple mountain ranges.
Spitzkoppe from the German for the pointed dome is a group of bald granite peaks or inselbergs located between Usakos and Swakopmund in the Namib desert.
The granite is more than 120 million years old, and the highest outcrop rises about 1,728 metres above sea level.
Twyfelfontein has one of the largest concentrations of rock engravings in Africa. Most of these well-preserved engravings represent rhinoceros, Twyfelfontein is located close to a freshwater spring in a remote semi-arid area at the head of a valley in Damaraland.
Situated halfway between the little town of Outjo and Khorixas, the Vingerklip is one of Namibia’s most famous and remarkable rocks. Described as a huge rock finger it protrudes vertically into the air. Standing on a hilltop the Rock Finger and a height of 929 metres above sea level, the rock itself is 35 metres high.
Called the Bay of Whales, Walvis Bay is situated on the Atlantic coast. The largest deep-sea harbour in Namibia was discovered by the Portuguese sailor Diaz, who explored the West African coast from 1482 to 1489 and sailed into the bay for the first time in 1487.
Bardia National Park lies to the west of Chitwan and for those willing to make the effort to reach will be rewarded with an unrivalled wildlife experience with few visitors and great chances to spot wild elephant, one-horned rhino, leopard and if you’re exceptionally lucky then even the ra
The World Heritage listed Chitwan National Park is located in southern Nepal and is easily reached from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. The park is renowned for being home to the rare Bengal tiger and one horned rhino as well as wild elephant, leopard, crocodiles and prolific birdlife.
Home to the biggest park in New Caledonia, the Blue River Provincial Park, is the ideal setting for hiking or kayaking along with its natural wealth (giant Kaori, the drowned forest...). The park offers a perfect environment for bathing in the clear waters of the Blue River.
The Bay of Islands was proclaimed when Captain James Cook stopped here on his round the world journey in 1769. Anchoring at Roberton Island, Captain Cook made contact with the local Maori People and immediately started trading with them. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a half-hour walk along the beach from Paihia.
Christchurch is the principal city and international gateway for overseas travellers to the South Island. Known as the "Garden City", Christchurch enjoy a very English heritage. The first settlers in Christchurch arrived in four ships from England in 1850. Many of the historic buildings, sites and parks created in their name.
Located only one and a half hours from Auckland Airport, the Coromandel Peninsula is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With a rugged range of mountains covering natural rainforest running down the length of the peninsula, the region has a long and colourful history.
The Fiordland National Park has some of the most extraordinary and dramatic scenery in New Zealand. Designated a World Heritage wilderness and among its many scenic attractions, this area includes Milford Sound, Mitre Peak and Doubtful Sound.
Hawke's Bay is synonymous with wine country and is the leading producer of red wines and is renowned for its gourmet food. The central city of Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture. Spectacular beaches stretch all along this coastline.
The Marlborough region in the northeastern corner of the South Island is blessed with New Zealand's highest amount of sunshine each year. Marlborough region of New Zealand extends from Kaikoura on the east coast, to the Marlborough Sounds, and includes the main towns of Blenheim and Picton.
Rotorua is one of New Zealand's best-known tourist locations, revolving around the Maori People and culture, geothermal activity, natural hot springs, and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Rotorua's sunny days are ideal for all manner of outdoor activities, with fantastic walking or mountain biking trails, and excellent trout fishing.
Located between steep, rolling hills and a stunning harbour is New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Also known as the culture and arts capital, much of Wellington's charm is due to its beautiful wooden houses, historic buildings, museums, and art galleries.
The West Coast region stretches 600 kilometres from north of Karamea and Westport to south of Haast. Constrained by the tempestuous Tasman Sea to the west, and the majestic Southern Alps to the east; the West Coast region of New Zealand is no wider than 70 kilometres at its widest point.
The W National Park attained UNESCO World Heritage Site acclimation in 1996, awarded on account of its unique display of transitional habitats between the savannah and the Western African woods.
Famous for its wild donkeys, who have the right of way, Karpaz Peninsula, densely populated in Roman times, is the Cyprus of old, a land unspoilt by the savage hand of modern development, and where Mother Nature dots the landscape before tapering off into the blue waters of The Mediterranean.
Remote Jebel Samhan towers over the eastern portion of the Salalah Plain and is riddled with limestone caves and sinkholes, traversed by deep and narrow mountain passes, some of which are up to a thousand feet deep. The desolate flat top of the Jebel is home to one of the last refuges for wild Arabian leopards.
In the heart of the Western Hajar Mountain chain in Al Dakhiliyah region, Jebel Shams is known for the view into the spectacularly straight-sided Wadi Ghul labelled as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, with fissures abruptly between the canyon rims, exposing vertical cliffs of over 1000metres.
Remote Masirah Island known for its unique natural wealth, remains mostly off the tourist radar. The largest settlement is the city of Marsaïs famous as a large textile centre where you will discover several high quality but inexpensive historical textile manufactories.
Oman’s northernmost governorate, the Exclave of Musandam is separated from the rest of Oman and is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscape. This is where the mountains meet the sea, and stunning fjords and crystal-clear waters make this one of the best diving and snorkelling spots anywhere in the world.
Thirty-Five kilometres from Sur at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, lies a unique natural landscape, of golden deserts, unspoiled shorelines, lush green oases and rugged mountains. Ras Al Jinz is world renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtle-Cheloniamydas and has the most critical nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean.
Staying at an eco-lodge deep within the heart of the Peruvian Amazon provides a wonderful base for exploring the rainforest’s extraordinary diversity and rich flora and fauna. Shrouded in lush vegetation and overlooking rivers and ox-bow lakes, the lodges evoke the traditional design of the indigenous tribes and offer fully inclusive jungle adventures.
In the dusty coastal plain some four hours’ drive south of Lima lie the ancient man-made wonder of the Nasca Lines, one of the most enigmatic sites of all South America.
Ducie is a reef-ringed atoll only 6 meters above sea level. Sighted by Captain Edwards, of HMS Pandora, on his mission to find the "Bounty" mutineers in 1791, he sighted Ducie Island; but not Pitcairn, which lay 479km to the west.
Located in the Ndzehi Forest on the western boundary of Odzala-Kokoua National Park and situated in the north-west of the country. With towering trees, dappled sun and the scent of fresh rain and is home to the critically endangered species, the western lowland gorilla.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of Africa’s oldest national parks. It was designated in 1935 receiving Biosphere Reserve status in 1977. Covering an expansive 13,500 km2 area, Odzala lies in the heart of the Congo Basin, the second-largest rainforest in the world after the Amazon.
The relatively warm and low-lying plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. In partnership with African Parks, The Akagera NP aim to transform the National Park into a world-class location to experience a safari.
One of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe is rich in biodiversity and spectacularly beautiful. The mountainous region is teaming with wildlife, including a small population of chimpanzees as well as 12 other species of primate, including the L’Hoest’s monkey endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Rich in wildlife, Asir National Park is home to animals like deer, lynx and Nubian Ibex. Also, varieties of birds can be observed in the Aseer National Reserve in Al-Sowdah Mountain, the tallest peak in the Kingdom.
When it comes to observing wildlife in Senegal, the first place to consider is Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary located on the Senegal River Delta.
Sine Saloum in the west of Senegal at the mouth of the Saloum River is one of the area's most popular attractions the Saloum Delta National Park, designated a UNESCO Heritage Site, covering nearly 150,000 hectares.
Bird, Seychelles’ most northerly island is 100km or a 30-minute flight north of Mahé. The island was once known as Ile aux Vaches because of the dugongs (sea cows) that thrived there.
Mahé, measuring 28km long by 8km wide, is the largest island and cultural and economic hub of the Inner Islands, and the international gateway to Seychelles. It is home to the international airport and the nation’s capital, Victoria.
Between mountains and sea, Sierra Leone's capital bubbles with colour and charm. One minute it's enticing you with quiet beaches, the next it's frenzied hurtling you up and down beautiful hills.
Set in the stunning boundaries of the Western Area National Park, you will find the incredible Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Opened in 1995, the story begins long before.
Addo Elephant National Park is the proud home of the Big 7. It not only includes the Big 5 – lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo- but Southern Right and Great White Sharks also call the Addo Elephant National Park their home.
Named after the endangered black or Verreaux eagle (Aquila verreauxii). Aquila’s story began in 1999 when its owner, Searl Derman, driven by a desire to share his passion for the wild with Cape Town, set about searching for the perfect piece of land to re-introduce the Big 5 to the Western Cape.
Hearing the water thundering through the gorge at the Augrabies Falls is a moment when the sheer power of nature will leave you breathless.
The Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path, offering impressive views over sheer edges dropping 800m into the riverbed below. The mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are spectacular and were given the name of 'Panorama Route'. Viewpoints are named for the spectacle.
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, showcasing a selection of breath-taking vistas, is the highest mountain range in the country, reaching an impressive 3 482 metres above sea level.
Durban is the hub of the province’s business and industry and has all the energy of a significant port city often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach blessed with balmy weather all year round, making it a perfect holiday paradise
Gondwana contains a 1000 ha protected area for endangered and specialty species such Bontebok, Cape Mountain Zebra and sable. Guests can also enjoy informative Fynbos walks with their field guide and discover endemic birdlife that occurs nowhere else in the world, such as the Black Harrier and Orange Breasted Sunbird.
Less than two hours drive from Cape Town and an hours drive from where the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic meet – close to the southernmost tip of a continent filled to the brim with natural beauty, the warmest people and the most exceptional experiences.
The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park 280 kilometres north of Durban and established in 1895, is the oldest game park in South Africa along with nearby St Lucia Reserve. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park became world-renowned for its white rhino conservation.
Inverdoorn Game Reserve is located in the Klein Karoo, just two and a half hours from Cape Town. Stretching across 10 000 hectares, Inverdoorn is the largest private wildlife reserve in the area, providing sanctuary to an abundance of wildlife.
Spanning 13 000 hectares of the pristine African bush, Kapama offers the perfect sanctuary for a wide variety of wildlife. Here, over 40 different species of mammals including the Big 5 – elephant, lion, leopard, African buffalo, and rhinoceros, as well as 350 bird species, thrive in their natural habitat.
A portion of the vast Kalahari Desert lying in the Northern Cape Province is part of a large arid to the semi-arid sandy area is known as the Kalahari Basin. Covering 2.5 million square kilometres, this area stretches from the Orange River to cover most of Botswana and parts of Namibia.
With over 2 million hectares of pristine wilderness, Kruger’s biodiversity withstands numerous species of game and birds. To the north of the park, you will find Baobab trees, scrubland and rocky outcroppings which can be seen for miles and animals tend to gather around water sources.
With over 2 million hectares of pristine wilderness, Kruger’s biodiversity withstands numerous species of game and birds. To the north of the park, you will find Baobab trees, scrubland and rocky outcroppings which can be seen for miles and animals tend to gather around water sources.
Madikwe Game Reserve maybe the fifth largest game reserve but is also one of the lesser-known parks in South Africa. It is regarded as one of the best conservation areas in Africa and offers the Big 5 in a 680 km2 park.
The Reserve overlooks the majestic Drakensberg mountain range in the Limpopo Province. It is bisected by the perennial Makhutswi River, a tributary of the Olifant’s River, and includes approximately 10 km of the Selati River frontage.
Manyoni Private Game Reserve is one of the largest privately-owned reserves in Kwazulu-Natal. This 23,000-hectare reserve is the product of 17 dedicated landowners who dropped their fences in 2004 to create one contiguous protected area for our wildlife.
Moditlo Private Game Reserve forms an integral part of the 10 000 hectare Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, located near Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Overberg is an area of abundant biodiversity, meaning ‘over the mountain’ this region east of the Hottentots Holland rugged range of mountains, is located between Cape Town and the Garden Route.
Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, &Beyond Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
Pilanesberg National Park features rugged landscape, well-watered valleys and attractive dwelling sites making it a preferred location for human settlement for thousands of years.
Famous as a haven for the Big Five and luxury game lodges, Sabi Sand shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. Two perennial rivers have created a riverine of bushveld where wild animals cross back and forth, following ancient migration paths.
Located in the westerns sector of the Sabi Sand Private Reserve, Savanna Private Game Reserve is home to an exclusive and welcoming safari lodge.
Surrounded by magnificent bushveld views and looking out onto an illuminated waterhole, Savanna Lodge rests in lush, open extensive gardens.
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge is located in the south western sector of the private concession of Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
Adjoining the unfenced Kruger National Park, game rambles freely between the reserves and the slightly elevated position of Bush Lodge provides uninterrupted bushveld views.
Nestled amongst enormous trees on the banks of the Sand River in the western Sabi Sand Private Reserve, is Singita Ebony, the original Singita Lodge.
Ebony has a compelling presence while welcoming visitors with the warmth of a family home.
At the foot of the towering Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo lies the unique safari destination of Sanbona Wildlife Reserve. Three Luxury Lodges and an adventurous Explorer Camp nestle in 58, 000 hectares of sculpted Cape Fold Mountains and wide-open plains. Take a three-hour scenic drive from Cape Town to the heart of the Little Karoo, along the
At the pinnacle of private game reserves, you will find Shamwari (meaning “my friend” in Shona) Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, South Africa – home to the coveted Big 5 and luxurious experiences.
Deep in the rugged bushveld, in the heart of an ancient volcano, lies the world's most unique resort. Known internationally as Sun City, this Resort has a unique heartbeat and an African rhythm all of its own and is unlike any other Resort destination in the world.
Thornybush is a 14,000-hectare private nature reserve that shares a fenceless border with the famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. Big 5 encounters are the standout experiences for our guests, with visitors particularly impressed with the lion and leopard sightings. It’s the vast diversity of wildlife.
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, north of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This 60 000 hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions that were discovered here in the 1970s.
Tshukudu Private Game Reserve is home to 2 Safari Lodges and borders the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park. The perfect combination of comfort and luxury in the heart of Big 5 territory.
Tsitsikamma National Park is a place of abundance and sparkling water stretching from the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east. The indigenous forest made up of ancient yellowwood trees, magnificent fynbos plants, native flora and abundant birdlife.
Tswalu falls within the arid savanna biome of southern Africa and has three main habitats – dunes, plains and Korannaberg mountains. The presence of these mountains forms a vast basin which acts as a natural rainfall catchment.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu Motse is an isolated oasis which lies baking beneath the Kalahari sun.
Overlooking the stretches of semi-desert grasslands the property is scenically beautiful, its natural stone, thatch and wood structure illuminated by the changing light of day.
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Korannaberg Mountains, Tswalu Tarkuni is an isolated oasis which lies baking beneath the Kalahari sun.
Overlooking the stretches of semi-desert grasslands, the exclusive-use property is scenically beautiful, and ideal for families or small groups.
Located in eastern Sri Lanka away from the typical tourist trail in Gal Oya National Park, Gal Oya Lodge is a real gem and a must visit for wildlife and nature enthusiasts or those looking to get off the beaten track.
Horton Plains National Park is located between 2,100-2,300 metres above sea level in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. The mysterious looking plains are an expanse of misty grassland and are home to "World's End" which is considered to be the finest view in all of Sri Lanka.
Located in the iconic Cultural Triangle on the Habarana to Polonnaruwa road, Minneriya National Park is most well known for its high population of elephants which is thought to be around 300 due to successful conservation work in recent years. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season from May to September when the animals are more active as they search for water.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a common en-route stop to Kandy and provides visitors with the opportunity of seeing a large number of elephants at close quarters.
Renowned for rivalling East Africa’s national parks, Uda Walawe features open parkland making it the ideal location for viewing vast herds of elephants, as well as leopards, wild buffalo and sambor deer. As well as being renowned for its wildlife Uda Walawe is probably Sri Lanka’s most scenic national park with the surrounding hills of Horton plains forming the most picturesque backdrop.
Wilpattu is actually Sri Lanka’s largest National Park and has only in the last couple of years reopened to visitors after the conflicts of the northern part of the country. The park is home to around 50 leopards which are the main drawcard as it offers a much less touristy experience than the national parks down in the south.
Sri Lanka’s largest and probably most well known National Park, Yala is a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts and offers one of the world’s best opportunities of seeing a leopard in the wild. The park consists of 1268 sq km of protected area comprising of grassy plains, forest, rocky scrublands and lagoons and runs along the country’s south east coast.
Located right on the edge of Yala National park Cinnamon wild Yala offers the ultimate in bush chic accommodation.
This elegant though simple hotel is located close to the park gates and has a splendid location between the lagoon and the ocean. The property comprises a number of chalets scattered across 10 acres of mixed evergreen forest and typical dry zone vegetation.
The Diana’s Peak National Park was launched in March 1996, encompassing the area of the three peaks; a total area of 81 hectares. It is now part of the National Conservation Areas. Most of the enclosed area is a natural forest, though there still remain many areas of New Zealand Flax which are steadily being cleared.
Situated on the wild shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream is an untamed place of lush forests and clear lake views. Hiking and swimming are also popular activities here.
Lake Tanganyika is situated on the line dividing the floral regions of eastern and western Africa, and oil palms, which are characteristic of the flora of western Africa, grow along the lake’s shores. Rice and subsistence crops are grown along the shores, and fishing is of some significance. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles abound, and the bird life is varied.
The lake’s shores vary in aspect. The lake’s southwestern coast is backed by precipices 90 metres high, which give way on the western coast to papyrus and ambatch swamps marking the delta of the Kagera River. The lakes deeply indented northern coast is flat and bare.
Mahale is located in Western Tanzania to the South of Kigoma town, it is bordering Lake Tanganyika-the World’s longest, second deepest and least polluted freshwater lake-harbouring an estimated 1000 fish species.
Above the gently rolling hills and plateaux of northern Tanzania rises the snowy peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro, it’s slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds. Kilimanjaro is located near the town of Moshi and is a protected area, carefully regulated for climbers to enjoy without leaving a trace of their presence.
Ruaha National Park has a high diversity of plants and animals including elephants, buffalos, antelopes and some of the rare and endangered species like wild dogs. The park serves as water shade both for wildlife and human being.
Saadani is where the beach meets the bush. The only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa to boast an Indian Ocean beachfront, it as well possesses all the attributes that make Tanzania’s tropical coastline and islands very popular with European sun-worshipers.
Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve is one of its most scenic wildlife destinations; the Selous is utterly beautiful. The beauty of the park is matched by the quality of a safari here; boating, walking and fly camping compliment standard game driving in thriving wildlife areas. This is an outrageously good safari park and an essential component of any southern circuit itinerary.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania was established in 1952. It is home to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth - the great migration of wildebeest and zebra. The resident population of lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and birds is also impressive. The park covers 14,763 sq km.
Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for people travelling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game-controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout.
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. Sometimes described as an ‘eighth wonder of the world’, the Crater has achieved world renown, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. You are unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great wildlife viewing in a genuinely mind-blowi
Brooding and primaeval, the forests of Udzungwa seem positively enchanted: a verdant refuge of sunshine-dappled glades enclosed by 30-metre (100 foot) high trees, their buttresses layered with fungi, lichens, mosses and ferns.
Southernmost of the Galapagos Islands, Española is also one of the oldest whose dramatic cliff tops of Punta Suarez teem with sea-birds including Nasca and blue-footed boobies, oystercatchers, tropic birds and Galapagos hawks. More famously, the island provides the only nesting site in the entire archipelago for waved albatross which arrive between April and December.
One of the Galapagos’ most remote islands and often overlooked by cruises, Genovesa is a huge horse-shoe bay and sunken crater that teems with bird life. From the pristine coral beach of Darwin Bay, a trail leads past tidal lagoons to a viewpoint overlooking colonies of frigate birds and one of the largest and only nesting sites of the red-footed booby.
Perched on an extinct volcano with sweeping views across Santa Cruz island, Pikaia Lodge is a stunning contemporary eco-lodge that has raised the bar in terms of land-based Galapagos tours. At 450m above sea-level, it occupies a private Tortoise Reserve between the arid savannah and tropical highlands and enjoys near perfect conditions year round.
Makasutu Culture Forest bunches the country's vast landscapes into a dazzling 1000-hectare package. The setting, comprises vast wetlands, palm groves, mangroves and savannah plains.
The winding stretch of the River Gambia lined as it is with a green belt of jungle riparian forest evokes the steamy Congo Basin rather than the Sahel. The centrepiece of this fantastic national park was first gazetted to protect Baboon Island and four smaller islets.
Lake Mburo National Park is a compact gem, located conveniently close to the highway that connects Kampala to the parks of western Uganda. It is the smallest of Uganda’s savannah national parks and underlain by ancient Precambrian metamorphic rocks which date back more than 500 million years.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants.
Kibale is highest at the park’s northern tip, which stands 1,590m above sea level. The lowest point is 1,100m on the floor of the Albertine Rift Valley to the south. 351 tree species have been recorded in the park, some rise to over 55m and are over 200 years old.
Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952 At Murchison Falls, the Nile squeezes through an 8m wide gorge and plunges with a thunderous roar into the "Devil's Cauldron", creating a trademark rainbow The northern section of the park contains savanna and Borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches.
Dubai claims to be the world’s fastest-growing city, and over the past four decades, this city has metamorphosed from a small Gulf trading port to become one of the world’s most exciting, and futuristic urban destinations. Fueled in part by petrodollars, its people’s ability is to dream the impossible.
This 87square kilometre desert island in the country's remote far west, with craggy interiors, swoops down to acacia-studded plains formerly the private retreat of UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. His resolve and love of animals have inspired him to turn it into a wildlife reserve and bring together native species back from the brink of extinction.
Scotts Bluff National Park, Nebraska
Towering a massive 800 feet above the North Platte River, Scotts Bluff serves as a landmark for our Native Americans to emigrants who braved the Oregon, California and Mormon Trails.
The Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondacks of northern New York State are within half a day’s drive of New York City. home to mountains for hiking, lakes for boating and endless opportunities for exploration in the state’s great wilderness the Adirondacks span more than 2.4 million hectares.
Cat Tien National Park is located around 150 kms north of Ho Chi Minh City. It consists of about 50% evergreen forest, 40% bamboo woodland and 10% farmland, wetlands and grassland. The National Park is one of Vietnams most biodiverse regions, which explains the impressive range of wildlife that can be found.
Kafue National Park is situated in the centre of western Zambia and is the oldest and largest of Zambia’s national parks, covering an enormous 22,400 km2.
Situated on the southwestern edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin, this park is a peaceful sanctuary and one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. With only 450 km2 Kasanka is well endowed with rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows and dambos supporting a uniquely broad range of animals and abundant birds and fish.
In his search for ‘’the Smoke that Thunders” David Livingstone discovered one of the most majestic sights in the world and to this day, the spectacular Victoria Falls has the power to leave a man speechless with its beauty. It is beside this World Heritage Site that the quaintly colonial, Livingstone Town was born.
Lower Zambezi is relatively undeveloped, but its beauty lies in its wilderness state. While the diversity of animals is not as prolific as the other big parks, there are opportunities to get close to game wandering in and out of the Zambezi channels.
The beauty of visiting this Park is the remarkable opportunities to experience Africa as it was. It is wild and untouched, and you are simply an unobtrusive witness to its natural beauty and drama. T
Nyika Plateau is a beautiful, highland area, lying on the Malawian border, at the eastern-most tip of Zambia. The park is an extension of the National Park on the Malawian side, which incorporates the part of the plateau that crosses the border.
South Luangwa is Zambia's leading National Park and one of the most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of wildlife along the Luangwa River and its myriad of lagoons is amongst the most abundant anywhere in Africa. It is genuinely an un-spoilt wilderness.
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are described by the Kololo tribe as Mosi-oa-Tunya -The Smoke that Thunders, in more modern times Victoria Falls is known as the most magnificent curtain of falling water in the world.
Thank you so much for organising our Vietnam trip for us. We had a terrific holiday and our guides, particularly at Hanoi and Sapa, were terrific. They took the stress out of the trip and helped us to appreciate what a wonderful, diverse place Vietnam is.
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Have you ever been stuck in a country having no idea how to even say 'please' or 'thank you'?
Problem solved… as you can now download free language guides containing 30 basic phrases onto your iPod/MP3 Player.
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