Pyramids of Egypt (One of the world most amazing)

One of the world most amazing, breathtaking and ranked by many many people as Number One Wonder of the World are Pyramids made by ancient egyptians in the plateau of Giza. The Pyramids of Egypt are so massive they confound the imagination. They are even more amazing when we consider that they were built nearly 4600 years ago. There are no more famous ancient sites within Egypt, or for that matter elsewhere in the world, than the Great Pyramids at Giza. They are, without question, the icon most associated with the Egypt.

The Giza Necropolis ( Google Earth Placemark – Pyramids of Egypt travel wonder at Giza ) stands on the Giza Plateau, on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. This complex of ancient monuments is located some eight km inland into the desert from the old town of Giza on the Nile, some 20 km southwest of Cairo city centre. This Ancient Egyptian necropolis consists of pyramids. Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Great Pyramid and the Pyramid of Cheops), the somewhat smaller Pyramid of Khafre (or Chephren), and the relatively modest-size Pyramid of Menkaure (or Mykerinus), along with a number of smaller satellite edifices, known as “queens” pyramids, causeways and valley pyramids, and most noticeably the Great Sphinx. Associated with these royal monuments are the tombs of high officials and much later burials and monuments (from the New Kingdom onwards) associated with the reverence to those buried in the necropolis. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only remaining of the Seven Wonders of the World. Most Egyptologists agree the pyramid was constructed over a 20 year period concluding around 2560 BC. It is generally believed the Great Pyramid was built as the tomb of Fourth dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Khufu (Cheops), after whom it is sometimes called Khufu’s Pyramid or the Pyramid of Khufu.

The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza Necropolis bordering what is now Cairo, Egypt in Africa. It is the main part of a complex setting of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu’s wives, an even smaller “satellite” pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Sneferu and the mother of Khufu. There was a town for the workers, including a cemetery, bakeries, a beer factory and a copper smelting complex. More buildings and complexes are being discovered by The Giza Mapping Project.

Khafre’s Pyramid, is the second largest of the ancient Egyptian Pyramids of Giza and the tomb of the fourth-dynasty pharaoh Khafre (Chephren).
The pyramid is believed to have been completed around 2532 BC, at the end of Khafre’s reign. It lies a few hundred meters southwest of its larger neighbor, the Great Pyramid of Khufu, in the Giza necropolis outside of Cairo.
Khafre’s Pyramid had an original height of 143.87 m (275 royal cubits or 471 ft). It now stands at 136 m (446 ft) tall with a base of 215.29 m (410 royal cubits or 704 ft), covering a total area of about 11 acres (45,000 square m). Its angle of incline measures 53 10′ at the top, which is steeper than the Great Pyramid, but at the bottom the angle is lower. The reason for this is that at the base cracks began to form, so the Egyptians decided to lower the entire height of the pyramid. This, and its slightly more elevated location often make Khafre’s Pyramid appear larger than the Great Pyramid. It is, in fact, smaller in both height and volume.

Menkaure’s Pyramid, located on the Giza Plateau on the southwestern outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, is the smallest of the three Pyramids of Giza. It was built to serve as the tomb of the fourth dynasty Egyptian Pharaoh Menkaure.
had an original height of 65.5 meters (215 feet). It now stands at 62 m (203 ft) tall with a base of 105 m (344 ft). Its angle of incline is approximately 51 20″25′. It was constructed of limestone and granite.
The pyramid’s date of construction is unknown, because Menkaure’s reign has not been accurately defined, but it was probably completed sometime during the 26th century BC. It lies a few hundred meters southwest of its larger neighbors, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Pyramid of Khufu in the Giza necropolis.
Of the three, only Khafre’s pyramid retains part of its original polished limestone casing, towards its apex. It is interesting to note that this pyramid appears larger than the adjacent Khufu pyramid by virtue of its more elevated location, and the steeper angle of inclination of its construction – it is, in fact, smaller in both height and volume. The most active phase of construction here was in the 25th century BC.
The ancient remains of the Giza necropolis have attracted visitors and tourists since classical antiquity, when these Old Kingdom monuments were already over 2,000 years old. It was popularised in Hellenistic times when the Great Pyramid was listed by Antipater of Sidon as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Today it is the only one of the ancient Wonders still in existence.
Due largely to nineteenth-century images, the pyramids of Giza are generally thought of by foreigners as lying in a remote, desert location, even though they are located in what is now part of the most populated city in Africa. Consequently, urban development reaches right up to the perimeter of the antiquities site, to the extent that in the 1990s a Pizza Hut and KFC restaurant opened across the road.

The ancient sites in the Memphis area, including those at Giza, together with those at Saqqara, Dahshur, Abu Ruwaysh, and Abusir, were collectively declared a World Heritage site in 1979.
 Interesting tidbits about the Pyramids of Egypt at Giza:
* Many theories exist on how the Pyramids of Egypt were constructed. Most Egyptologists now believe that a large temporary earth ramp with a gentle incline was built. The giant stone blocks were then dragged up the slope with a combination of pulleys, levers and raw manpower.
* Over the course of several centuries, the construction design evolved from the modestly high step pyramid style to the skyscraping, smooth-sided pyramids of Khufu and Chephren at Giza.
* Then, starting with Menkure’s pyramid (the nearest one in the picture), size and structural strength gradually began to decline. The primary reasons were weakening economies and fading pharaonic powers.
* The three great Pyramids of Egypt have a north-south alignment because the polar stars were considered sacred.
* The number of large stone blocks used to build the Pyramids of Egypt is often overstated. For example, it is commonly written that 2,300,000 million were used for Khufu’s structure. The actual figure is many times smaller when you divide the cubic size of the pyramid by the average cubic size of the stone blocks.
* Some archeologists speculate that the tomb robbers were unsuccessful in finding the true burial chambers in the Pyramids of Egypt because the tomb builders were cleverer than the thieves. If so, the pharaonic mummies and treasures are still concealed somewhere within their respective pyramids, waiting to be detected by future technology.

Africa’s Serengeti Migration (known as the greatest animal show on earth)

Africa’s Serengeti Migration is known as the greatest animal show on earth. Wild animals on the move blanket the African landscape as far as the eye can see. Over a million wildebeest and about 200,000 zebras flow south from the northern hills to the southern plains for the short rains every October and November, and then swirl west and north after the long rains in April, May and June. So strong is the ancient instinct to move that no drought, gorge or crocodile infested river can hold them back.

When the water and grazing disappear in one area due to a seasonal drought the wildebeest need move along to where the seasonal rains are falling to survive by finding new grazing and water. The wildebeest have to cross a number of rivers in their perilous but amazing 300 mile journey like the Grumeti and the Mara in the north and this is where a lot of them don’t make it falling prey to crocodiles and drowning. Only the very fittest survive. They are also preyed on by lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena as they have no choice but to move through the territories occupied by these predators in their quest for fresh grass. The predators have a food bonanza when the migration passes through their territory.

The Best Time To Experience the Serengeti Migration
 It’s important to remember that there are no guarantees when it comes to the timing of the migration. It’s all dependant on the rain and the seasons start at different times every year which means the herds might not be where historically they should be.
You can make a rough estimate based on the past and hope that things run accordingly. Historically the times to see the migration in the Serengeti are…
January: The massive herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle are to be found on the plains of the southern Serengeti.
February: The wildebeest begin foaling and they do this at roughly the same time with all the predators in close attendance. Many people only want to see the migration and don’t realise that this is a comparable wildlife spectacle. One of the best times to see the predators.
March-April: Heavy rains are approaching and the grazing is starting to get worse. The herd begins to move northwards along the western corridor of the Serengeti.
May-June: The herd moves towards the Grumeti controlled area where there is still good grazing and they begin to cross the Grumeti river where crocodiles lie in wait for their annual feast and you find the scenes occurring that has made the wildebeest migration famous in so many wildlife documentaries.
July-August: The herd is drawn ever northwards towards the Masai Mara in their quest for better grazing. They have one more dangerous river to cross, the Mara, before they receive their reward in the sweet grazing plains of Kenya.

The Lava Lake of Erta Ale (one magnificent panorama)

These days only a handful of real lava lakes are known and remember there are really not plenty and very rare! Then is could be a challenge of whether and how to get to the shore in the room. In the Ethiopian Danakil Depression is one of the most interesting, most beautiful and most mythical of its kind – the lava lake of Erta Ale. Erta Ale is a continuously active basaltic shield volcano in the Afar Region of northeastern Ethiopia, the most active volcano there. To be more specific it comprises a badland desert area spanning the border with Eritrea, and the volcano itself is surrounded completely by an area below sea level, making it a relatively low-elevation volcano.

Once past the 613m high Erta Ale, opens a one magnificent panorama. At the feet then spreads to almost 1.2 km long and ~ 500m wide caldera of the volcano, and sign in the distance you can make a big hole, the orange glow of fire reflected in the steam against a deep blue night sky.

Worldwide there are currently only four lava lakes , maybe five, if developed renewed activity of the volcano on Ambrym back to what it once was times. A Prussian would comment on the most common of lava lakes with well-”They will be held on the middle of nowhere …” and in fact is the unreal Danakil Depression, the upper part of the North African Afar Triangle , saying that more than satisfies. There is shaking the Nubian, Somali and Arabian tectonic plate hands. Well, actually they do not meet there, but rather go their own ways. Their drift tearing Africa formally and precisely on top of that tectonic interface are the Afar Triangle and the Danakil. One such region is particularly active volcano, is somehow obvious, which is located here, but a quarter of all active volcanoes in Africa, is already a little superlative.

Among the lava lakes of Erta Ale of this world is definitely something very special. While his counterparts, such as that of the Nyiragongo volcano, literally cook and strong outgassing, pushes the Erta Ale rather a pretty cushy. For observers, the clear view and the means of them lying about 40m and over 60m in diameter, constantly in motion molten rock. On the day the lake has a relatively dull and hard light and sun to appear this inhospitable place. At night, however, and more especially at dusk, unites the universe and the glow of the earth a spectacle unprecedented scale. Then stroll across the lake cooled Lavaplatten push together, drifting apart again, fall off and new lava rises up to while they boil at the edges of the lake and hissing rid of their gas content carried along.

The Erta Ale not the children’s playground and not to be underestimated, not least, he proved with his outburst in 2005. Also in early 2010 was caution, because the lava flooded the first terrace of Pitkraters and was only about 20 meters below the crater rim. Friends of electronic music, I recommend at the sight of the fires of earth a few sounds of Jon Hopkins or Moshic (especially the album Salamat) add.

 

Simien Mountains (the chess table of gods)

The Simien Mountains are located in North-Western corner of Ethiopia and contain the country’s highest peaks. The tallest point is Ras Dashen (4543m), the fourth highest mountain in Africa. Many tourists would say that Simien Mountains offer the most dramatic mountain scenery on the continent. They have National Park status and consist of a high plateau which ends abruptly in deep escarpments up to 2000m deep from which there are vistas of up to 100km over the surrounding lowland valleys. The Northern escarpment offers the most dramatic scenery with wonderful views to numerous deep canyons, dramatic ridges, and isolated monoliths and spires.

According to an ancient greek myth this mountain is “the chess table of gods”. The lot of spires, towers, canyons and rock formations shows this is true. There are lot of villages, where the local Amharic people live. The mountain is not a home only for the local people, than the home for some endemic species. These attributes means the mountain has got a unique, beautiful and the same time wild faces.  The mountain lies in the northern part of Ethiopia. The mountain is a huge 60 km long escarpment.
Large section of the mountain has been incorporated into the Simien National Park, covering almost 180 km². The park has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

he mountain is home for some of Ethiopia’s endemic wildlife and birdlife species. In the mountain range, you will meet plenty of troops of Gelada Baboons, with their scarlet bleeding heart on the chest and long fur on their body.  The other endemic mammals is the Wyala ibex which is usually stand on the rocky edges of cliffs. The world population of these mammals about 400, which over half lives in the Simien.

The highly endangered Ethiopian wolf rarely show himself. In Ethiopia has got about 500 survivors!!! These wolves lives in the afroalpine zone, only in the Simien Mountain and the Bale Mountain which lies in the country’s south part. Above the rocks the huge endemic bird, the Lamergeyer – unique species of vultures – shows its sometimes almost 3 meters wing-spread. These species have some of the biggest measures, but this mountain is home of some smaller animals and home for 3 species of rat…While the afroalpine zone means mountain grassland this spotted plant gigantism. The highest plant is the giant lobelia, which is common in every african alpine zone, like in the Simien. Other important elements of the flora are the erica grass, heathers, everlasting flowers, and the yellow flowers saint john’s wort.

How to get there: The town in Debark is the gateway to the Simien mountains which ascend immediately East. Debark is located approximately 100km North of Gondar, which has an airport with daily flights to the Addis Ababa. Buses from Gondar to Debark take about 3-4 hours along an unpaved road and leave daily.

Notten’s Bush Camp (one of most treasured natural sanctuaries)

Notten’s Bush Camp is part of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. The region is privately owned, situated within the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, which is one of South Africa‘s most treasured natural sanctuaries. It’s neighbours are the south western side of the Kruger National Park, Mala Mala on the eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on the western boundary. The Big 5 Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard all roam the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve one therefore has an excellent chance of a close encounter with these animals. As there are no fences between the private game reserves and the Kruger National Park, the animals can move unhindered between the two areas.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

If it’s exclusivity, comfort and an intimate experience that one is seeking, away from the hassles of city life. Notten’s is the answer. All game drives are undertaken in an open four-wheel drive Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker. The tracker has an innate and instinctive attunement to the environment of the African bush. He uses his acute senses of sight and smell to navigate easily and swiftly through the bush in order to locate game. Night drives begin in time to experience the spectacular lowveld sunsets. On these one sees the nocturnal bush creatures as well as other game under spotlight. The tracker is able to spot the eyes of the animals in the pitch dark night. Cool off next to the sparkling pool with refreshments from the fully stocked bar, or relax in the shade of the Marula trees on the wooden deck overlooking the waterhole.

Accommodation consists of beautifully appointed suites with open-plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Two of the chalets have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities. All windows and sliding doors are fitted with screens and insect coils are provided. Each suite leads onto a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. The Tulbagh Hotel now has a conference facility for up to 35 delegates. All chalets have hot showers but no electricity, paraffin lamps and candles are used for lighting. All the rooms are cooled with an overhead ceiling fan. Facilities are available for the re-charging of video machines and camera batteries in the reception area. A main line telephone facility is also available.

Lulama (an ideal getaway)

Lulama is simply a hidden treasure, a secret hideaway amongst the pine trees of the Phantom Pass in South Africa. This luxurious cabin will rejuvenate your soul in its breathtaking and tranquil surroundings, and is an ideal getaway for nature lovers. This cabin can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It has three spacious bedrooms with spectacular forest views and an extra loft bedroom. Guests are greeted with freshly laid out linen and towels.

The main bedroom, with a queen size bed and large picture windows, has the most beautiful forest views – you might not want to get out of bed!. The en-suite bathroom has a bath and shower, and while lying in the bath you will feel closer to nature than you could ever imagine… It also has an entrance onto the outside deck, as does the second bedroom, which has a double bed (and the stunning views!). The third bedroom and loft each have two single beds. The second bathroom also has a bath and shower, and situated between the 2nd and 3rd bedrooms.

The lounge has 2 large very comfortable leather couches, a log fireplace perfect for winter, satellite television and a CD player. Large sliding doors lead onto the spacious deck, ideal for early morning breakfast, sundowners or a tasty meal around the table.
Enjoy the luxury of a kitchen fully-equipped with every convenience, including a washing machine, and the open-plan dining area has a large 8-seater table. Tea, coffee and sugar are also provided.

The braai / barbecue area is situated in the end of the garden, with unsurpassed views over the valley. Enjoy the warmth of the fire pit and relax in the serenity of the surrounding nature… Double under cover parking is available.

 

Calao Tented Camp (an stopover enjoyable )

Calao Tented Camp is situated on a 27 hectare property bordering one of the few perennial rivers in South Africa. Calao Tented Camp is an enjoyable and affordable stopover and offers various types of accommodation on a self-catering basis, but breakfast and dinner can also easily be arranged on request. The camp has two well-designed tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. There are also three safari tents with outdoor bathroom, verandah, gazebo, and braai area. Another small tent is provided for children or a third guest. There are lights in all the tents that work with batteries and we can charge your camera or cellphone batteries for you.

 Calao Tented Camp is just ten minutes from the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, 30 minutes from the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate, and 30 minutes from Swadini in the Drakensberg. There is easy access from the R40 but the last kilometer on the property is a dirt road and can sometimes be a difficult drive. The camp is perfect for a quick stop, 2 or 3 days, just to have a rest and to enjoy the african beauty on easy pace. The whole structure of the campsite is ecological and visitors can practice their own dishes and share them with others guests. Nights there are full of starts and the lovely sounds of the African nature, make your dreams come true…!

Leadwood Lodge (an extremely exclusive accommodation)

Leadwood Lodge is an extremely exclusive accommodation in South Africa, and offers the ideal self-catering bush lodge in a secure and secluded bushveld setting. The lodge is tucked amongst large indigenous trees overlooking a non-perennial riverbed where game such as impala, giraffe and zebra roam freely, and guests can enjoy listening to the calls of abundant bird life.

he lodge boasts with two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and comfortable king-size beds in the main lodge, and there is a separate self-contained room with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a kitchenette. Indulge yourself in a unique open-air shower experience. Take your sirit on bush walks, game drives, mountain bike rides or simply relax.

The right location of the lodge is in the area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate which is a mere 40-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. The town of Hoedspruit offers various restaurants and supermarkets where you can stock up on personal food supplies. Visit the surrounding areas such as the Panorama Route, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

The staff at the lodge will made your experience very enjoyable. The lodge even had a very romantic dinner set up and Mack, which is the safari guide, is an excellent one. He really knew his stuff and will manage to find everything you want to see. The intimacy of the lodge is great and it will make the personalized service so much more enjoyable. You will feet like you were visiting a family. You can’t wait till the next safari.

 

The Last Word Long Beach (is superb resort situated)

The Last Word Long Beach is superb resort situated just on the beautiful golden-sandy beach in the picturesque fishing village of Kommetjie, Western Cape, South Africa. It is a 30-minute drive from Cape Town. Guests can enjoy the 8 km of fine sand set against a backdrop of the most stunning sea views.

The 5 Star boutique hotel has six luxurious rooms, all with comfortable interiors and private patios. Each spectacularly appointed room faces the sea, as do the bathrooms. The interior design incorporates tranquil blues, hand-painted fabrics with splashes of colour that compliment the exquisite coastal setting.

Breakfasts are a specialty offering a wide choice of interesting fare. These meals are inclusive, as are all beverages. Dinners and lunches are available by prior arrangement. An in-house chauffeur service is available to guests for restaurant transfers or tailored tours at an additional charge.

It is an unspoilt paradise in which to walk, ride horses, surf or simply laze in the sun. From the inviting pool or your private deck, you can watch whales frolic 100 m off shore and you can catch your own lobster in season. Kommetjie is one of the premier surfing and marine birding sites in South Africa and it has the country’s tallest cast iron lighthouse which is open to the public.

Che Shale (a wonderful paradise)

Che Shale is a wonderful paradise, situated on the pristine coastline just 20 minutes north of Malindi, Kenya. Che Shale offers five stylish beach bandas, delicious fresh cuisine, and a myriad of activities from deep-sea fishing to the best kite surfing in East Africa.

Che Shale offers two styles of accommodation, Deluxe and Standard bandas. Che Shale has been styled by acclaimed Milan furniture and interior designer Marzia Chicherretti, in a style that has been described as tropical contemporary, featuring Kenyan hand-crafted furniture and using home-grown materials and locally trained talent. Under thier large palm thatched roofs, over-sized cushions and comfortable daybeds invite you to relax. In your room you will find unique furniture carved out of blocks of mango and cedar wood, soft natural colours, large lamps made out of palm fibre, private verandahs with daybeds, open-air outdoor showers, and a constant ocean breeze that flows throughout.

The on-site Che Shale Restaurant is known on the Kenyan coast for its fresh seafood, grilled meats, home-made pasta dishes, tropical fruit platters, freshly baked bread in safari-style tin trunks, and other home-made specialities. Guests staying full board can order from their a-la-carte menu for lunch and from a three-course set menu, which changes daily, for dinner. Breakfast includes a selection of fruits, toasts, eggs, bacon, yoghurt, cereals, and pancakes.

Che Shale is all about relaxation and barefoot luxury. Guests can lounge on large comfortable cushions around the bar or in our loft lounge overlooking the beach. Sunbeds and over-sized lounge daybeds invite you down onto the beach where waiters will keep drinks and snacks coming your way; don’t forget to visit the juice bar for a delicious, healthy and fresh tropical juice. The massage banda is a heaven of relaxation for indulging in reasonably priced massage, while the newly opened beach boutique offers the latest must-have styles of beachwear and accessories with a local African flavour.

The beach has been blessed with the most ideal conditions for kite surfing beginners and experienced riders alike. The hotel offer a range of courses with professional instructors, providing everything you need to learn this addictive sport. Other activities include stand-up paddling, scuba diving, surfing, and deep-sea fishing.