Continue reading »]]> Luxury African Safari in the Sabi Sand.

Article by Exclusive Getaways

A luxury African safari in the Sabi Sand is sure to be an experience of a lifetime, offering relaxation, enjoyment and many fascinating wildlife encounters. The perfect safari destination for rich biodiversity, breathtaking scenery and luxurious safari lodge accommodation.

Each year tourists from around the world flock to the private game reserves in South Africa where the game-rich savannahs provide a unique getaway from urban living in one of Africa’s most popular safari tour destinations. Modern safari lodges have created opulent settings in which guests can enjoy the best luxury safari experiences in the Sabi Sand.

The Sabi Sand shares a fenceless border with the Kruger National Park and is made up of a number of smaller private reserves offering a range of authentic bush lodges, luxury sanctuaries, Savannah camps and 5-Star accommodation.

Luxury living in the bushveld

Resting on the edge of one of the largest lakes in the Sabi Sand is the Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge. With superb views of the bushveld and a wide central sundeck and pool where guests can watch animals gathering around the waterhole, the lodge is perfect for luxury game viewing.

Holidaymakers can expect luxurious air-conditioned suites, and, for those finding accommodation in Chitwa House, a butler service. For opportunities to get a closer view of the wildlife, wonderful daily safaris are provided.

For more upbeat luxury in a 16,000 acre traversing territory within the Kruger Park ecosystem that is teeming with game, the Djuma Game Reserve offers suites that are both luxurious and funky. This luxury safari accommodation boasts separate lounges, private plunge pools and decks at each suite.

Colourful artwork depicting local South African culture as well as an internet library, gym, and consoling body therapies at The Rubbing Post make the Djuma Game Reserve a trendy bastion of luxury living in the midst of the African bushveld.

Exclusive family-run lodges

Exclusive family-run safari lodges bring that little bit extra to the luxury African safari in the Sabi Sand experience. Warm hospitality and authenticity can be found at these reserves and the Sabi Sand is fortunate to have both Notten’s Bush Camp and the Londolozi Private Game Reserve.

Notten’s Bush Camp offers an authentic African safari experience with experienced rangers leading safaris in open-top vehicles and offering guests the opportunity to have close encounters with the region’s prolific wildlife.

Candles and lanterns create a magical atmosphere at the camp with electric lighting purposefully excluded to provide further authenticity amidst its light, private and fully en-suite safari accommodation.

For the quintessential luxury experience in the Sabi Sand, the newly refurbished Londolozi Private Game Reserve brings together four generations and thirty years of ecotourism operations to provide a supreme bushveld and spectacular game viewing experience.

A luxury African safari in the Sabi Sand is known for its fabulous Big Five game viewing, authentic atmosphere and the warmth of its superb service.

About the Author

Exclusive Getaways are expert travel tour operators experienced in luxury African safaris and offer luxury accommodation in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.

Continue reading »]]> About The National Park Of Tortuguero

Article by Terry Philips

Famed for abundant wildlife, national parks, green rainforests and tropical birds, Costa Rica has 28 national parks. With this in mind, the big question on everyones lips is where should they go? A popular option is Tortuguero.

Generally speaking, visiting the park in the rainy season will mean trails are emptier, favouring wildlife spotting opportunities. However, although there is no true dry season, most campers prefer to travel in the drier months of February, March and April.

Tortuguero National Park, named after the many different species of sea turtle that go there to nest between February and October, has become one of Costa Rica’s favoured ecotourism destinations. Hawksbill, loggerhead and Pacific Green turtles nest on the 22 mile stretch of white sandy beach from July to October, while Leatherback turtles, the world’s largest sea turtle, nest between February and July. Leatherback turtles have no hard shell and typically feed off jellyfish, which they find deep in the ocean.

The area, which was originally an archipelago of volcanic islands, has eleven different habitats including high rainforest, littoral woodland, slope forest, swamp forest, holillo forest, herbaceous swamp and herbaceous lagoon. The wildlife is rich and diverse too, being home to more than 300 species of bird, including the green macaw. Many regard Tortuguero National Park as the best place to view these endangered birds within Costa Rica. Typically they mate for life and can reach up to 90cm long. Besides bird life, tapir; ocelots; jaguars; sloths; bulldog bats, which feed on fish; as well as large populations of monkeys can also be seen. Guided walks can be booked through your hotel however the more adventurous can hire a sea kayak to view the wildlife.

You can find the Dr in Tortuguero town. Archie Carr Wildlife Refuge and the local visitor centre. The wildlife refuge carries out conservation projects including a turtle-tagging program run by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation.

There are three park stations: Cuatro Esquinas Headquarters, Sector Jalova Station and the Aguas Frias Station. For views across the park and for wildlife there are stations along the trails.

Within the national park there are a variety of hotels including: Turtle Beach Lodge, Mawamba Lodge, Pachira Lodge, Ilan-Ilan Hotel and Manatus Hotel. A stay at one of these hotels includes meals and lodging but the national park entrance fee and guided tours, such as night turtle hatching tours, are an additional cost. There is also the option of camping at the Cuatro Esquinas Headquarters, located in the town of Tortuguero. Tortuguero has no transport links to the town or national park; Moiacute is where they are accessed from by boat;n or small aircraft. Most hotels will include transport from San José that said, the people driving from San Jose;, take the Guapiles highway towards the city of Limón before catching a boat from Moín.

About the Author

Going on a Costa Rica eco tour is a great way of finding out exactly what this country has to offer. Click the following link for the best best Costa Rica vacation packages.

Continue reading »]]> Volcanoes Safaris Introduces Kyambura Gorge Lodge as Newest Luxury Eco-Accommodation

Article by Adam Shore

Former Coffee Processing Plant is the Cornerstone of Volcanoes Safaris’ Chimpanzee Conservation and Community Ecotourism Program in Uganda

KAMPALA, UGANDA (September 6, 2011) – Volcanoes Safaris, specialists in mountain gorilla and chimpanzee safaris in Uganda and Rwanda and leaders in ecotourism, today announces the opening of its newest luxury eco-accommodation, Kyambura Gorge Lodge. Located on the edge of the Kyambura Gorge and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a former coffee processing plant and store that has been sensitively restored as a luxury eco-property. Balancing historical context and the contemporary African condition, Kyambura Gorge Lodge provides stunning views of lush savannah, backed by the peaks of the mythical Rwenzori Mountains rising in the distance.

Kyambura Lodge seeks to create a new architectural vocabulary, born of the marriage between contemporary African and western design. Drawing inspiration from the innovation of ‘everyday’ Africa, Kyambura Lodge celebrates the abundance, vibrancy and resourcefulness of everyday objects- “up-cycling” – or repurposing and remodelling existing infrastructure for a different purpose.

The main lodge building was originally a coffee store and processing plant, surrounded by coffee plantations. The original structure has been sensitively restored to create a series of distinct inspiring spaces for guests. In keeping with other Volcanoes lodges that are part of the Volcanoes Collection, it seeks to create a quiet harmony between the buildings and the landscape, using the ancient Indian technique of Vasthu. The airy and spacious living and dining area features a long covered veranda facing the savannah. A covered extension protrudes from the veranda and faces the beautiful Kyambura Gorge. This is the centerpiece of the complex with its dramatic sombrero shaped straw roof, contrasting with the recycled tin roofs of the main building.

Four luxury bandas, each with its own luxury bathroom and uniquely appointed theme, have been built and another four will be available by early 2012. Where possible, materials have been sourced locally and reflect contemporary interpretations of traditional design and construction techniques. Décor invokes the context of the original buildings. Second-hand hessian coffee sacks accent feature lighting and curtains, and “junk art” sculptures round out an inspiring and thought-provoking lodge experience. Volcanoes Safaris partnered with Regional Associates, a dynamic architectural studio to highlight contemporary Africa in its design.

“Kyambura Gorge Lodge is a celebration of contemporary Africa. It highlights the Volcanoes Safaris mission: to offer all the comforts of a luxury accommodation within the framework of practical ecotourism and sustainability,” said Praveen Moman, co-founder and managing director of Volcanoes Safaris. “The Kyambura Gorge eco-tourism Partnership of which the lodge is the center piece is eight years in the making. It symbolizes our commitment to African culture, communities and conservation and allows guests to experience the challenges of ecotourism in Africa today.”

The Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism, program partners with neighboring communities in their projects, promotes the conservation of chimpanzees having a created a buffer zone to protect their habitat and has reclaimed 40 acres of local wetland that was previously used as illegal brickworks. In total, Volcanoes Safaris has created a 150-acre mini-wildlife reserve, which is helping to reduce human-wildlife conflict in a highly populated area.

Kyambura Gorge Lodge functions as the gateway to Queen Elizabeth National Park – an expansive preserve which occupies 1,978 square kilometers in western Uganda. The park is home to wildlife including the hippopotamus, elephant, leopard, lion and highly-endangered chimpanzee. Guests who participate in a Volcanoes Safaris tour and stay at Kyambura Gorge Lodge have access to a number of awe-inspiring itinerary items, including:

• Chimpanzee tracking in Kyambura Gorge or Kalinzu Forest
• Game drive on the plains of Queen Elizabeth to spot lions, elephant, antelope, buffalo and over 600 species of bird
• Boating and wildlife spotting on the Kazinga Channel
Guided tours of the mini-reserve are also available, which focus on the community projects supported by Volcanoes Safaris, the wetland it has recreated and the buffer zone for chimpanzee protection.

The Kyambura Gorge Lodge is located 45 minutes by private plane from Kampala, landing at either Kasese or Mweya. The Lodge is approximately 6 hours’ drive from Kampala by car.
Kyambura Gorge Lodge is bookable as part of a safari package, which includes an expert guide for the duration of the itinerary, accommodations and meals, ground transportation and necessary permits. For information on travel dates and prices, please visit http://www.volcanoessafaris.com or call +44 (0) 870 870 8480.

About Volcanoes Safaris

The Volcanoes Safaris Group (VS) is a unique great ape ecotourism business specializing in mountain gorilla safaris to Uganda and Rwanda. Established in 1997 in Kampala, Uganda, no other company in the world has invested so heavily in the area around the mountain gorilla parks in these two countries. VS offers an integrated set of services including safaris and eco safari lodges. Kyambura Gorge Lodge is the latest addition the Volcanoes Collection of leading lodges in Uganda and Rwanda. The other three properties are Virunga Lodge in Rwanda – a luxury gorilla lodge; Bwindi the jungle gorilla lodge and Mount Gahinga which offers hiking and cultural tourism. The company has also set up the Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust, which links neighbouring communities to conservation and ecotourism in keeping with Volcanoes distinctive vision for great ape eco-tourism. It also promotes the conservation of chimpanzees through the creation of a buffer zone along the gorge and reclamation of 40 acre wetland that was previously used as illegal brickworks.

Visit Volcanoes Safaris for further details.

About the Author

Volcanoes Safari
http://www.volcanoessafaris.com/

Continue reading »]]> National Parks and Private Nature Reserves Costa Rica

Article by Myrna Mckinney

Roughly a twenty-five percent of Costa Rica’ s area is a part of the Natural Park division. The ecosystems in the woodlands are preserved, because of their weakness; consequently, this can be the latest spots on Planet earth where you can enjoy a definitely unaffected landscape and refreshing vacation. The eco-tourism industry of Costa Rica has independent plain areas, National Parks and protected wildlife locations. Costa Rica ecotourism is one of the most preferred in the world, thanks to the incredible scenery and the perfect accommodation selections. There are a variety of locations you can work out your Costa Rica vacation; near National Parks, the mountains or stunning mountain ranges. Find out more next.

National Park at the Arenal Volcano

The moment you visit the Arenal Volcano Reservation, you will find a sizable area of preserved and well developed area, about 200.000 hectares. You could discover some of the stunning perennials and threatened animals disguising in the mountain ranges. The dozen special ecological communities inside the Arenal Volcano National Park and Reserve would have wonderful landscapes and plenty of unique panoramas, like the Lake Arenal and the impressive waterfall of La Fortuna. There are various trips arranged to visit the area; by canopy tours, 4-wheel drive cars or walking. The well managed trails would satisfy any fitness level, and you will delight in every split second of your trip.

Corcovado National Park Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park has a unique rainforest setting with lots of exceptional species. The eco-lodges nearby have all the facilities you would need from a perfect Costa Rica trip. The coastline of the national forest lies over 20 kilometers, and apart from the squirrel monkeys, jaguars, Macaws and birds, you can effortlessly spot big fish and reptiles. The volume of natural reserves within the park and the thirteen environments would offer a lot to see for little ones and grown ups. The Osa peninsula region of Costa Rica is perfect for a cruise or exclusive holiday.

National Park in the Heart of Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio
If you would like to go to see Manuel Antonio by car, there are well maintained routes to the Reserve from the Farmhouse Matapalo. The small natural park consists of assorted ecosystems and living areas. The secondary rainforests are home to many eco friendly ventures, and you are going to find a massive diversity of groups living right here in the wilderness of Costa Rica. The most exciting animals are sloths, squirrel monkeys and colorful birds. Stickingtoes would also be seen in Manuel Antonio. The popular and unusual silk cotton plant will also be tracked down in the area. A number of Costa Rica eco villas are found near the Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can get truly close to the outdoors.

Cahuita’s National Park
Setting in the Caribbean shoreline of Costa Rica, Cahuita is not only a captivating laid-back settlement. The entry of the Cahuita Preserve is set in the middle of the town, and you will find over 1000 hectare of shoreline with coral reef, assorted bird species and turtles by the trails. In land, you can meet the noisy howler monkeys, and using the snorkeling paths would be a great Costa Rica ecotourism adventure for the whole family. On the seashores of the Cahuita National Park, you can see heron, kingfisher and Ibis.

About the Author

Myrna Mckinney is definitely a well-qualified travel advisor as well as Costa Rica Family Vacations pro. Having actually lived in the country for years, she ishappy to share Costa Rica holiday tips and getaway advice with families seeking a wonderful eco getaway .

Continue reading »]]>

The Ecolodge Selva Bananito is today an extraordinary example for ecotourism: nature and adventure tourism services nestled in a pristine region of Costa Ricas Caribbean area, the Talamanca Mountains. Our Private Reserve, Selva Bananito, is an important buffer zone or transition area to the International Park La Amistad. Selva Bananito Ecolodge has achieved world wide recognition as an example for Costa Rica ecotourism as one of the Top Ten Eco Lodges in the World. Selva Bananito Eco Lodge, Costa Rica www.selvabananito.com reservas@selvabananito.com
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