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.

Muhu Island (a great holiday destination)

Muhu Island is an Estonian paradise, charactarized with sleepy fishing villages, working windmills, thatched cottages, plenty of deer, moose and birds, tombstones and is one of the oldest in Estonia. Muhu is more secluded than the two larger islands, Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, yet easily accessible. At 198 km² Muhu is a small, but still Estonia’s third largest island in the Baltic Sea. It is linked by ferry to Virtsu on the mainland, and to Saaremaa by a causeway, the Vainatamm. In winter, when its cold enough an ice roadconnects the island to the mainland.

The island is also home to thousands of sweet foxes, deers and moose and lots of birds – even three couples of the rare and majestic sea eagle nest on Muhu Island. Muhu is also famous for having a working traditional wooden windmill. St. Catherine’s church is one of the oldest in Estonia and is notable for its trapezium-shaped tombstones with pagan symbols. The most intricate tombstone depicts the pagan Tree of Life.

Over the centuries Muhu has developed at its own pace and its traditions are well known throughout Estonia. The famous Muhu patterns are a refined expression of folk-art as are popular souvenirs made of aromatic juniper wood. Each midsummer a jazz music festival takes place in Muhu, features famous international musicians and attract jazz fans from far and aside.

Muhu is a great holiday destination for those who value nature and culture,luxury and relaxation, peace and quiet.It’s also an ideal location for walking, riding, fishing, camping and swimming. Nearby attractions include Saaremaa and Hiiumaa Islands.

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.

Amber Lagoon (ackpackers can truly relax and enjoy the real beauty of nature)

Amber Lagoon is a backpacker´s dream buried in the heart of the Klein Karoo, bordered by the Swartberg Mountains and the Gamka Nature Reserve, South Africa. Surrounded by ostrich farms, Amber Lagoon is a green oasis abundant in indigenous and foreign plants, trees and birds. It is here, where backpackers can truly relax and enjoy the real beauty of South African nature.

The Amber Lagoon is surrounded by vast open space and beautiful views, relax in a malaria-free and especially safe environment, as well as enjoying freshly home-cooked meals in lovely open-air restaurant.

Relax at the big swimming pool and jump in when the African sun is beating down. Head out for an ostrich egg search with the farmer´s 4×4 and learn about ostriches and real ostrich farming. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Swartberg Mountains over the pass or go visit the Cango Caves, where there are vast drip-stone caverns and beautiful formations created by nature.

Visit the reserve located in the Gamka Mountains, which is the home to the endangered mountain zebra, an unusual protea, Khoisan rock art and marine fossils. Only 25 km from Amber Lagoon, lays the little village of Calitzdorp, famous for its wine and especially its port.

Udzungwa Forest Camp (you will have a comfortable, relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings)

Udzungwa Forest Camp is located at the forest’s edge, within walking distance of the Udzungwa Mountains National Park main gate in Tanzania. At Hondo Hondo, as it is known locally, you can be assured you will have a comfortable, relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings.

The camp offers six large canvas forest tents. All the hot water is heated using solar energy alone, and as a back up, in case of heavy rains and little sun, there are elevated bucket showers. Electric lighting is provided throughout the camp with low-energy LED bulbs, and each tent is equipped with general lighting, personal solar reading lights and a socket for charging phones, cameras etc. All the tents have comfortable spring mattresses and are tastefully decorated with local furniture. The views from the private verandas and open-air bathrooms are of the surrounding valley, mountains and forest.

Meals can be served under the stars on your veranda or in the cosy Lozenge Bar. The camp staff can provide you with a full board and picnics in the park, and there are also essential snack foods on sell, cold beer and wine, spirits and soft drinks. Activities include hiking in the rain forest, visiting the Sanje Waterfalls, swimming in the plunge pools, mountain biking, guided tours, river canoe safaris, birdwatching, primate spotting, and day trips to Mikumi National Park.

Iketla Lodge (an unparalleled natural scenery)

Iketla Lodge is unspoilt African bush with unparalleled natural scenery. The lodge is nestled in a natural basin formed by spectacular mountains and cliffs. Visit this private nature conservancy of 540 hectares and experience peace and total relaxation – at an affordable price! Iketla is located on the northern end of the Panorama Route, near the Blyde River Canyon, in the Mpumalanga Province en-route to the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Guests are accommodated in spacious stone-and-thatch cottages – all with en-suite facilities and private patios.

 

 

Cottages overlook a natural valley with a spectacular amphitheatre of mountains and cliffs. Unique en-suite bathrooms provide a stone-built shower, hand-made ceramic basin set in a hardwood slab and a separate toilet. All cottages also have a very private outdoor shower with view. A maximum of 16 guests per night guarantees exclusivity and privacy. A central thatched area houses the lounge, dining area and bar and has stunning views of the surrounding mountains. An open sundeck overlooks a sparkling pool. Traditional South African food in a convivial atmosphere. Dinner around the camp fire when the weather permits. Activities include nature hikes, guided walks and superb bird watching.

The Beach Camp (an amazing campsite)

The Beach Camp is an amazing campsite well isolated by the wind. Chill Cove is just that, lie on a hammock and snooze the day away or read a book with the Atlantic Ocean in the background, just somewhere in South Africa. Bury your toes in the sand while sipping your favorite drink, staring over the ocean by day and at the campfire at night. With comfortable bedded tents, and A-frame huts, all the necessary equipment and delicious seafood dinners, camping doesn’t get much better than this.

Accommodation consists of four cozy wooden A-frame huts with beds that can accommodate two people each. In addition there are also have six comfortable tents with two beds in each plus one three-man tent with a double and a single bed in it. The camp also offers a fully equipped kitchen tent with all the necessary pots, pans and all other utensils for braais/barbeques. The Beach Camp has a licensed bar for residents only, therefore you are not permitted to bring your own alcohol onto the premises. However, not everyone enjoys box wine; so if you are particular about the type of wine you drink you may bring your own bottle, a corkage fee applies.

Ablutions include hot showers, toilets, hand basin with hot and cold water and even a mirror for the ladies. The camp is not dependent on electricity and have none by choice.

This is a unique experience getting back to nature for those that want to rediscover peace of mind, the healing of nature and slowing down to appreciate the birds; hear the sound of the waves crashing against pink granite rock – the sounds of nature abound.

White Elephant Safari Lodge (a place created with passion)

At the foot of the majestic Lebombo Mountains, South Africa, and shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, you will find a special destination called White Elephant Safari Lodge. It is a place with magic and soul inspired by a dream and created with passion. Classic colonial decor, refined simplicity, deep verandas and sweeping views capture the history and romance of a bygone era.

Eight luxurious safari tents, each with a indulgent bathroom, outdoor shower, private verandah and personal bar provide a secluded retreat in an unspoilt savanna bushveld teeming with game and birdlife. Sumptuous meals, personalised service, utter comfort and the passionate attention to detail ensure beautiful memories of Africa. Celebrate nature, life and its myriad of small moments with us.

Venture into the wilderness on guided walks, game drives or ‘elephanting’ and learn with us about nature’s intricacies and wonders. Cast the waters for tiger fish or unwind with dusky bird calls, magical moon rises or a gentle boat cruise. Owned by the Kohrs Family, White Elephant offers guests a passionate glimpse of nature and challenges facing conservation of the wilderness and elephants.

 

Off Beat Safaris Bush Camp (an eco friendly camp)

Off Beat Safaris Bush Camp is an eco friendly camp, run entirely on solar lighting, lanterns and gas, with individual lights in the cabins. Each unit features its own open-plan outdoor bathroom, with running water and conventional toilets. The camp is situated along the banks of a seasonal riverbed that runs through the farm in Limpopo Province, South Africa and it is surrounded by pristine lush vegetation. Although there are no resident of the Big 5 animals on the property, guests may see or hear them on the adjoining reserves.

Accommodation at this rustic bush lodge comprises elevated, timber and thatched twin or family cabins. Hot water is provided in the traditional bush method, with a heated donkey boiler that supplies all the showers. Situated close to the decked bar area is a refreshingly cool splash pool, ideal for those hot summer days, while a shaded, secretive hide overlooks a popular water hole, providing great game and bird viewing.

A fully equipped kitchen, including refrigeration and gas stove, along with a thatched dining area compliments the ambiance of this secluded hide away. There are also barbecue areas for those who love cooking around an open fire and sharing a drink or two whilst absorbing the fantastic night sounds. The subtle lighting of lanterns, camp fire and endless views of the southern sky create the most awe-inspiring atmosphere. Game drives and horse rides are also available.

Toro Yaka Bush Lodge(nature lovers to experience wildlife )

Toro Yaka, which means ‘My Dream‘ in Northern Sotho, is one-of-a-kind lodge situated in the unforgettably pristine Bushveld of Balule, a 30 000 hectare nature conservancy in the Greater Kruger National Park area, South Africa. Set apart from others by its seclusion, intimacy and privacy, Toro Yaka allows nature lovers to experience wildlife at close proximity during their vacation. The lodge has been designed for true bush elegance, and combines personal service and closeness to nature.

The six air-conditioned, private en-suite double rooms ensure tranquillity and comfort at all times. The cuisine is a fusion of European and traditional African, prepared mostly outdoors over an open fire. Animals can be viewed at the water hole from the swimming pool deck, and there is an abundance of bird life in and around the lodge. Bush activities are accompanied by a professional field guide.

The Olifants River, which flow all year-round through Balule, is home to crocodiles and hippos. This is also an area of great scenic splendour, with the northern Drakensberg mountain range being visible from most points. The lodge is only an hour’s drive from two of the main gates to the Kruger National Park. Other attractions in the area include a wildlife rehabilitation centre, a cheetah project, and the Hans Merensky golf club.

 

Shinde Camp(an intimate camp located teems with animal and birdlife)

Shinde Camp is situated in a lush palm island in the heart of the northern Okavango Delta, Botswana. Shinde is an intimate camp located on the edge of Shinde Lagoon, which simply teems with animal and birdlife. The camp’s unique main area comprises a multi-tiered dining room and lounge set under canvas amongst the shade of ebony and mangosteen trees to complement the atmosphere of this original safari camp.

Shinde comprises eight twin-bedded classic safari tents, each with an en-suite bathroom, hot and cold running water, and flush toilet. Accommodation is generally twin share on comfortable three quarter-size beds, however double accommodation is available on request. Every possible comfort has been catered for, from generated electricity and a private viewing deck through to a handy flashlight. Each tent is strategically positioned to offer splendid views, whether across the Okavango Delta’s mysterious waterways or open grasslands.

 

Shinde offers a diverse range of activities, courtesy of its location which affords both water and land activities year round. Motorboats or mokoro provide a chance to experience the incredible bird, plant and reptile species found in the aquatic habitat of the Okavango Delta. Game drives are conducted by a personal guide in comfortable, specially designed game drive vehicles. For the more adventurous, guided walks are also available, while-fly fishing enthusiasts will enjoy fishing for a variety of species such as tilapia and tigerfish.