I wanted to take an opportunity to reach out to you today because of the challenges Africa is facing due to fallout resulting from the tragic Ebola outbreak in Western Africa.
When this situation first developed, the first challenge was clear – to assist those suffering with medical and other necessary support, and to contain the virus. The next challenge is equally daunting with critical long-term implications, and stems from perception and basic geography.
Our world leaders, both at home and abroad, have a responsibility to be the voice of reason. We in the travel industry have come together, competitors and friends alike, in a common cause to support the tourism destinations in Africa, whose economies depend on tourism revenue for their survival. We have gone to great lengths to provide accurate information about the scope as well as the distances involved.
People are beginning to understand. But even as we in the industry are answering fewer questions about catching Ebola; we are now fielding questions about whether or not citizens of the US or Canada will be allowed back into their respective countries. These fears are exacerbated rumors about our borders being closed to anyone returning from Africa.
I urge you to become the leaders that we need on the home front. When our elected leaders choose to stay quiet or take the opposite tact of political grandstanding, it is up to each of us to be the beacon of leadership.
This is so crucial because right now there is a major battle playing out behind the scenes that could have severe consequences. Poaching of endangered species. While the effects of poaching due to the slowdown in tourism to Africa will not be known for many months, the warning signs are all there.
If you have not already read the recent article in The Daily Beast, “Ebola Could Deal a Deathblow to Africa’s Wildlife,” you will find it, along with other articles, in our Media Center. In it, I and several noted conservationists based in Africa talked about tourism as the single biggest resistance to poaching in Africa. I urge you to share this letter with your clients, your peers, even local leaders in your community. We hope you will also repost the article to your social media outlets to help spread the world. This reaches far beyond an individual, a company or an even industry.
Africa thrives on tourism and it needs our leadership to become the stewards of sustainability as the safari industry begins to recover. In a proposal published on October 27, 2014, The US Fish and Wildlife Service suggested an Endangered Species Act to protect the African Lion stating that they “…face a serious threat to its long term survival.” While the effort is applauded, it comes six years after National Geographic estimated that the population of African lions had dwindled in the last 50 years from over 400,000 to just barely over 20,000 in 2008. The statistics for elephant and rhinos are even more dire.
If the tourism destinations in Africa are to survive, the wildlife and local communities must also survive. For them to survive, we must move beyond half-measures and hesitancy through one of our most important tools – education. Educating ourselves and our clients is the first line, and sharing what we learn with others in our local communities, and our friends and families. I cannot believe that anyone reading this post wants to imagine a time when our children and grandchildren can see a lion, an elephant or a rhino only in a zoo, a book or a museum.
Ashish Sanghrajka
President
A member of the Mapuche community in Chile.
Traditional communities around the globe are disappearing with alarming speed. We have already lost so much as villagers and whole groups have had to abandon their rural communities and villages to move to cities to find work to support their families. The loss in many cases is irretrievable. Gone are their traditions, their knowledge and wisdom, their stories and even their languages in many cases. To begin to redress this situation, we can bring those trying to hold onto their traditional ways into the international tourism equation, and by educating our guests about the value of these communities to our collective, global well being.
1. Muang La, Laos – Includes Khmu, Lao Loum, Hmong and other minor ethnic groups
There are about 130 distinctive indigenous tribes in Laos. The provincial capital of Oudomxai is home to about 14 different ethnic groups, but the exact proportions are still not precisely known. In this province, the town of Muang La and its surrounding villages have some of Lao’s most authentic and still untouched hill tribe communities. Here in the extraordinary landscapes of luscious hills, steamy forests and verdant rice paddy fields, you still encounter villages and settlements where people continue to dress in jewel-colored traditional clothing, decorated with cloth and antique coins passed down through generations. Explore these traditional communities on our Indochina journey.
2. Huilo Huilo, Chile – Mapuche
This area is known for indigenous groups, known collectively as the Mapuche. The wide-ranging ethnic groups share a common social, religious and economic structure, and a common linguistic heritage. They were so spread out that they were able to resist the Spanish invaders for 300 years. They were never conquered. The Mapuche community today is working to maintain a proud heritage through a number of initiatives, including workshops for local students that focus on their traditional art, painting, dance, wood carving, music, and baking and chocolate-making. You can meet and interact with members of this fascinating and proud culture during an adventure such as in our Chile & the Culture of the Mapuche.
3. Zuleta, Ecuador – Caranqui
Situated in the spectacular Northern Andes, Hacienda Zuleta dates from the late 16th century. It is a colonial working farm of some 4,000 acres that has for more than a century has belonged to the family of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso, a former president of Ecuador. Before the hacienda existed, the region’s original inhabitants were the peace-loving Caranquis, an agrarian-based culture that thrived with the rich in volcanic soils. They lived there from about 800 A.D. until the arrival of the Incas in the late 1470’s. Within the hacienda’s grounds, 130 Caranqui Mounds were discovered that were constructed around 1200 A.D. This is one of the best-preserved Caranqui archaeological sites in Ecuador. Research here has unveiled some of the ancient customs of the first cultures to inhabit the area. The goal of the project is create a museum and to provide the descendants information about their origins and the culture of their ancestors. You can explore this area on our Ecuador Highlands.
4. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda – Batwa People of the Forest
The Batwa have always been the people of the forest. But when the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest became a national park in 1991, this community was forced out of their traditional homeland for a number of reasons – conservation, the rare highland gorillas, tourism and business interests. They became, in effect, conservation refugees. They may be part of between 900,000 and 14.4 million African people who have been displaced due to conservation, according to Charles Geiser and Ragendra de Sousa, sociology academics at Cornell University. The tragic irony is that the Batwa’s forest lifestyle has always been in tune with conservation of the environment and of the gorillas. The Batwa Experience is an eco-tourism initiative established by an American doctor and his wife, who sought to save this ancient culture from the brink of extinction. The project, Batwa Development Program, works with the Batwa community to try to ensure that their indigenous rights are respected and they also benefit from the forest being a national park and a tourism site. The Batwa cultural experience was created to educate their children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. Here, you have the opportunity to hike through the forest with a Batwa guide, who shares his knowledge of the forest; or, visit a traditional Batwa homestead and learn from the women how to prepare, cook and serve a meal; or, talk to a medicine man about the medicinal properties of the forest flora; and hear ancient legends and traditional songs. This experience can be included in a Uganda adventure itinerary.
5. Kaokoland, Namibia – Himba
The Himba people share a common ethnic origin with the Herero tribe, having split from the main Herero group on the Namibia/Botswana border. Unlike many indigenous groups in Africa, the Himba have managed to maintain much of their traditional lifestyle, perhaps owing to the fact that their lands are so harsh and inhospitable that not many others want anything to do with it. Of the Himba, Tjimba and other Herero people, who inhabit Namibia’s remote northwestern Kunene Region, the largest group are the Himba, semi-nomads, who live in scattered settlements throughout the region. For many centuries, they have lived in relative isolation. They are a tall, slender and statuesque people, characterized especially by their proud yet friendly bearing. The women especially are noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional adornments. They rub their bodies with red ochre and fat, a treatment that protects their skins against the harsh desert climate. The homes are simple, cone-shaped structures of saplings, bound together with palm leaves and plastered with mud and dung. The men build the structures, while the women mix the clay and do the plastering. A fire burns in the headman’s hut day and night, to keep away insects and provide light and heating. A family may move from one home to another several times a year to seek grazing for their goats and cattle. Men, women and children adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets, anklets and belts made from iron and shell beads. With their unusual and striking designs, these items have gained a commercial value and are being produced on a small scale for the urban market. You can share a respectful encounter with these remarkable people on our Namibia & Botswana journey.
A shot from the Tadoba Andhari Reserve in Maharashtra, India
Did you know that the first wildlife sanctuary ever created came around 300 BC when King Devanampiya Tissa of Sri Lanka created a wildlife sanctuary near Mihintale, where he banned hunting and tree cutting. In the US In the early 20th century, President Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed the first American sanctuary at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, for the protection of egrets. Their striking plumage was in high demand for ladies’ hats.
We selected five vital wildlife sanctuaries that we believe are worth the experience.
Biking in the highlands of Ecuador
Bicycles were introduced in the mid-19th Century in Europe. Today, they outnumber cars by something like two to one around the world. They serve as the primary means of transportation for millions of people. Most Americans ride bikes for recreation, but some areas such as Southern California are more conducive to biking as part of daily life.
We looked for five stunning settings where biking excursions offer remarkable rewards to the adventurous traveler.
Wine enthusiasts are always delighted to discover new wines in unexpected places. We looked at some locales that you might not expect to find an active wine industry. Where have you found your favorites?
Thailand: Bangkok
Thailand is not usually on the top of wine destination choices, but Thailand is, indeed, growing their own wines and, doing so in different and impressive ways, adding their own ideas such as floating vineyards. GranMonte Vineyard is among the newest and most cutting-edge wine experiences that have emerged in Thailand in the last 12 – 18 months. It was the vision of Visooth Lohitnavy’s passion for wine. In 1999, Visooth saw a 12-hectare plot of land in the Northeast Thailand, once a cornfield and cashew plantation, as the ideal locale for his new enterprise. You can experience this new venture, on our Thailand & Cambodia.
Israel: Galilee and Golan Mountains
Israel is definitely tops when it comes to astonishing ancient ruins and a wealth of religious sites, but wine? Most of the developments in the wine industry here have evolved over the last two decades. In the 1990s, seven wineries began to change the wine industry here. Two of Israel’s wine regions are the mountainous regions of Galilee and Golan Mountains, while other wines can be found in Samson and Negev. Varieties include classic Bordeaux grapes of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon. You can incorporate vineyard experiences in adventures such as Israel, Turkey & Morocco: Foundations of Faith. This fascinating journey was one of a National Geographic Traveler’s 2012 “50 Tours of a Lifetime.”
India: Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
India is another stellar destination that is not known as a principal wine producer. But India’s wines are beginning to gain recognition at more international wine competitions. Wine producing regions are developing from Punjab to Tamil Nadu. The established regions are in Maharashtra including Nashik, Sangli, Sholapur, Satara, Ahmednagar and Pune. In the state of Karnataka, you’ll find wine-growing regions in the foothills of the Nandi Hills of Bangalore. In Pune resides the first and infamous winery Chateau Indage, the current bastion of Indian produced wine. You can add a wine stop in our India – Gujarat & Karnataka journey.
Argentina: Patagonia
Wine, Patagonia… really? Yes, you will find some of the southernmost vineyards on the planet here. And the region is just 400 miles south of Argentina’s most famous vineyards in Mendoza. Patagonia’s dry, breezy climate sees just seven inches of rainfall a year, which means the grapes are free of diseases such as powdery mildew. Because of the extremes in temperatures from day to night, the grapes ripen slowly, preserving sugar-acidity balance. Patagonia has two primary regions for wine growing – Neuquén and Río Negro. In Neuquén, a pioneering winery, Bodega del Fin del Mundo, earns medals for its Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec blends. On the Patagonian plateau, the Río Negro region is suited to white varieties like Traminer and Riesling, as well as Merlot, Malbec and Pinot Noir. Craft your own Argentina experience and add a Patagonian wine stop with a Custom Argentina Tour.
China: Shandong, Hebei, Tianjin, Ningxia & Shanxi
You may be surprised to know that China is one of the top 10 wine-producing countries in the world. China’s wine regions spread across the breadth of the country, from the humid, monsoonal east coast areas of Shandong, Hebei and Tianjin, inland to the regions of Ningxia and Shanxi. Today, many international wine companies such as Moet Hennessy and Remy Cointreau are taking strong interest in China. And with the potential size of the Chinese market, it’s no wonder. But it will be some time before you see many Chinese wines on your local shelves. According to one wine writer, “China is close on the heels of Old world and New world wines alike.” Explore China with adventures such as China’s Captivating Visions & Timeless Horizons and discover Chinese wines along the way.
Surfing is a lifelong passion for many; and nearly everyone from 8 to 80 can participate. Serious surfers have their favorite places and secret spots they return to again and again. They also have a bucket list of locations around the globe they would love to go to ride the waves. We thought we’d make our own bucket list and looked at locations that might surprise some of you.
Some of our most vivid travel memories happen when we are fully present in the moment. Sunsets often provide such moments. Sundowners – that ritual of enjoying drinks with your companions as the sun sets – has become a welcome tradition that allows you that time to relax and take it all in – your surroundings, the atmosphere, the adventures of the day. Here are five places we like to enjoy sundowners. What are your favorites? Join the conversation on Twitter – @bigivetours #sundowners.
1. Damaramland, Namibia The landscapes of Namibia are dramatic, stunning and certainly memorable with such geological fantasies as the massive sea of shifting red sand of the Sossusvlei Dunes, and the Organ Pipes a mass of perpendicular dolerite columns some 125 million years old, which have since been exposed in a ravine due to river erosion. A rounded hill just a short distance away is known as Burnt Mountain. This is where we want to be at the end of the day with sundowners and soul mates when the mountain seems to evolve from a dull black to a dozen shades of red, orange, pink and more. Begin here to begin your own sundowner traditions: Namibia – Desert & Beyond.
2. Bamurru Plains, Australia Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary wilderness coastal floodplains of the Mary River Delta in Australia’s Northern Territory just west of Kakadu National Park. We love the thrilling helicopter flight over this spectacular wilderness followed by sundowners on a beautiful stretch of beach at the end of the day. To explore this opportunity, start with Wild Australia
3. Peruvian Amazon There is no place quite like the storied Amazon River. Imagine spending the day on a skiff exploring this ancient river system with its distinctive wildlife, including some of the 13 species of monkeys, alligators and more than 200 species of birds. Then you return to your ship for sundowners as day turns to night and the searchlight comes to look for caimans, tree boas, tarantulas, and frogs. Visit Peru’s Amazing Amazon.
4. Highlands of Kenya Going on safari in Africa is one of the quintessential experiences for travelers and animal lovers alike. After a day of incredible encounters with families of elephants, prides of lions, giraffes, wildebeest, gazelles and more, we like to settle in around the campfire with our sundowners as the daylight fades and we share stories. Explore the possibilities in the Kenya Highlands.
5. Song Saa, Cambodia This private island offers a truly amazing experience, including its stellar sunsets. At the resort’s heart is a world-class restaurant and lounge, spectacularly positioned just off the island’s shoreline and surrounded by sea. A short stroll on the boardwalk will leave you perfectly positioned for sundowners and dramatic sunsets as well as seascapes and starry nights! You can have this experience here Thailand & Cambodia.
Today marks the 13th anniversary of the horrible attack on American soil on 9/11. Every adult in America knows exactly where they were when this life-changing event happened. I was working as a financial analyst in my office in Scottsdale Arizona that awful morning, watching the news. I called my father, who was then president of Big Five Tours & Expeditions, and the first question he asked, “What is this?” Then, I dialed a class mate who worked in the Goldman Sachs building near the towers. I got his voicemail as I watched the first tower collapsing. At that moment, our trading platform also collapsed as some of our system servers were in that tower. I closed myself to the world very quickly and became very quiet. You see, when I left college some years earlier, I almost accepted a job that would have placed me the second tower that morning.
This was the most powerful reminder we could have at just how precious life is and how much we must appreciate all the challenges and victories facing us every day. I am more grateful today than ever for the men and women in our armed forces, who have bled for us, endured for us, and died for us. They continue to wage war against the awful terrorism that has no conscience for its victims. I came to the US in 1985 as a child following a dream my parents had, leaving behind everything we knew in Kenya. If I have learned anything from 9/11, it was about this country’s resolve. In the face of political discord, I watched this country come together as the united states, and speak in one loud voice. As I watched us rise up like the phoenix, I couldn’t help but think of a passage from my favorite poem from William Ernest Henley:
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
We learned a new reality that day, one we still live with today. With new threats facing us each day, we must make a choice. Are we to be afraid? Or do we follow our strength and make sure we too are “unafraid” to live our lives, to explore the world, and to teach the next generation the most important lesson – inner strength.
Ashish Sanghrajka
President
Big Five Tours & Expeditions
When people think of traveling to Australia most think of the cities along the coast or the Great Barrier Reef. These are great attractions but there are other attractions that are just as interesting and exciting as the coastal and better known offerings. One of these is the Pinnacles Desert which is enchanting, bizarre, and slightly alien.
Desert lovers and photographers have long known about this protected areas mysterious rock and sand formations which poke up through the sand like giant fingers scattered across the desert landscape. The limestone pillars contrast with the yellow sand surface to present a dramatic and stunning display of shadow formations in the early and late hours of the day.
The popularity of this destination is growing and is no longer the unknown gem of a destination that it once was. Travelers are encouraged to go between August and October as the temperatures and weather is the most tolerable at this time of year as well as the time when desert plants blossom and bloom. Options for seeing the park include 4×4 or walking tours. Wildlife hides during the day except for the occasional kangaroo or emu so don’t expect an Australian safari experience here.
If you’re thinking you’d like to visit Australia but also have a different story to tell than most take a look at our Wild Australia Tour.
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In Egyptian lore, Amun-Ra was the father of all pharaohs and king of all gods. His city was a cosmopolitan marvel and cultural center named Luxor. Today, Luxor is one of the finest travel destinations. To this very day, this historic city continues to intrigue visitors with its enchanting ruins and beauty. Luxor is a city fit for a king!
Built on and around the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor has been called the largest open air museum in the world due to all if the history it contains. Luxor is home to the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the gorgeous Karnack Temple. Travelers usually use this city as a home base of sorts for more travel into Upper Egypt. Travelers have been coming to Luxor for centuries to take in all that it has to offer.
When traveling to Luxor (or any place in Egypt) it is important to know when to go. Generally, there are two seasons: hot and hotter. In the winter, temperature usually reaches into the 80s (F) while in the summertime it has been known to get so hot that the soles of travelers’ shoes begin to melt. You will definitely want to visit between October and March. The weather is much more hospitable during that time. There is a ton of great things to do and see in Luxor; however you will want to pace yourself so that you avoid heat exhaustion.
Now that you know when to travel to Luxor, what should you be sure to see? Well, a good start is the Mummification Museum and Luxor Museum. At these great sites you can see mummified remains and other relics from Egypt’s ancient past. If you are interested in exploring some ancient temples, consider a trip to Karnak. Karnak, or Ipet-isut as it used to be known, is home to temples that were once of major importance to religious worship in ancient Egypt. While in Karnak you will definitely want to check out the Hypostile Hall in the Great Temple of Amum.
Luxor is one destination that is sure to touch your soul. Every traveler is in search of that one place that truly enchants the mind, Luxor is that place!
In any travel decision, the most critical question is “Where?” But that is closely followed by “When?” The answer: now! July is one of the best times to visit beautiful Singapore. Not only is the weather ideal for exploring the many pristine beaches, but it is the time when this Southeast Asian nation intensifies its love affair with food. The Singapore Food Festival celebrates the country’s rich diversity and multifaceted culinary heritage, offering the visitor a fascinating glimpse into this wonderful culture.
Since 1994, Singapore has hosted its Food Festival as a way to allow its people and visitors to explore through food. Honoring local food, multicultural heritage, and gastronomic creativity, the month-long festival is celebrated throughout Singapore and offers a taste of everything from BBQ and streetfare to haute cuisine. Foodies can sample not only the host country’s favorite dishes, but those of China, India, Malaysia, and more. So, what’s on the menu this year?
Nonya Mobile
If you have a craving for classics – and for exquisite interpretations of those old favorites – keep an eye out for the Nonya Mobile. This restaurant-on-the-go will make stops throughout the island, featuring dishes created by Peranakan chefs. Try chicken pong the, a stew with mushrooms and potatoes, or skip to the buah keluak ice cream.
The Nonya Mobile will also offer interactive exhibits and demonstrations. A must on any food-lover’s itinerary.
Indian Cuisine
Little India’s Suvai is the place to go for Indian cuisine. Infused with contemporary style, diners will be treated to dynamic dishes created by celebrity chefs. Visit Chef Balasundram at this “carnival”; he promises that the grilled roulade prata, mutton biryani, and other fare will showcase both the diversity and modern transformation of Indian cuisine. Also on the menu: a chef competition, cooking classes, fruit and vegetable carving demonstrations, and live band performances.
A Trip to Chinatown
Taste the best of China, all within the stretch of a single street. Everything from chicken rice balls to yam paste with gingko nuts will be available in Chinatown. This venue seeks to recreate the allure of Singapore’s “bygone era” and will feature live performers.
BBQ on the Beach and Pop-Up Stores
Giving the festival a modern vibe, the popular BBQ on the Beach features delectable dishes, including sambal stingray and spiced meat. The pop-up ION Orchard will feature favorites with a contemporary flavor. Try the burgers filled with beef rendang or curried chicken.
The flavors and festivities of the Food Festival change each year- but one aspect remains the same: this is the best way to explore Singapore’s culture, heritage, and history. You will enjoy yourself thoroughly, and give your taste buds the trip of a lifetime.
In 2012, the New York Times ranked Tanzania as the 7th best travel destination in the world. Tourism to the area is growing, but it is not yet so swarming that you will miss out on the best scenes, activities, and attractions as you compete with crowds. There is much to see, do, and enjoy in this gorgeous African country.
There are myriad reasons to visit Tanzania. The question isn’t “why?” It is “Why not!”
There are many, many reasons to visit Asia, which are not limited to seeing amazing wildlife in their natural habitat, tasting unique cuisine and exploring everything from bustling cities to tranquil beaches to gorgeous countrysides.
Asia is also known for it’s world-class shopping that caters to all types of interests and budgets. From Bangkok’s bargain prices on quality items to the massive shopping malls of Kuala Lumpur, there are several Asian cities that are a shopping lover’s dream.
If you love to shop while on vacation, here is an infographic about the four Asian cities you MUST check out!
Bangkok is known for it’s variety & excellent quality items for cheap prices. Some of the best things to shop for in Bangkok are Thai silk, gold, jewelry, shoes, tailor-made clothing and computer games. If you’re heading to Bangkok, be sure to check out MBK Mall, Central World Plaza, Chatuchak Market, Pratunam and Bobae markets, and any street stall to score some good deals.
Kuala Lumpur is known for hosting some of the biggest and best shopping malls in the world. Some of the best things to shop for in Kuala Lumpur are t shirts, belts, computer games, DVDs and CDs, costume jewelry, books, designer brands, Malaysian handicrafts, batik, wood carvings, and electronics. If you’re heading to Kuala Lumpur, be sure to visit KLCC mall, Petaling Street in Chinatown for a huge night market, Sungei Wang Plaza and Berjaya Times Square.
One of the main things that Singapore is known for is it’s selection of English bookstores. Some of the best things to shop for in Singapore aside from the books are clothing, Oriental rugs, unique accessories, eyewear, fine arts, and Chinese handicrafts. If you’re heading to Singapore, be sure to visit Orchard Road, Centrepoint, Far East Plaza and Tanglin Shopping Centre.
Tokyo is known as the fashion capital of Japan. Shop in Tokyo for Japanese fashion, music, Japanese manga, Hello Kitty, Japanese snacks, kites, origami, pottery, kimonos, rice products, lacquer ware and Japanese handicrafts. Some of the best places to shop in Tokyo are the Shibuya area for fashion, Omotesando for international fashion, and the 100 Yen Store (dollar stores).
Have you been shopping in any of these Asian cities? What did you think?
The words “wonder” and “awesome” have become so overused that everything can be described with these adjectives – and nothing quite lives up. For intrepid travelers, though, the Great Migration reminds us just how wondrous and awe-inspiring nature is – and how it can render even the most jaded speechless. This July, journey to the Mara River, where swarms of wildebeest fight against more than just the currents to reach safety, and crocodiles snap hungry jaws in a riveting tale as old as time.
Each year, millions of herbivores, including an estimated 1.5 million wildebeest, migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve – and back again in a never-ending cycle as they chase food and water supplies. And what’s chasing them? Predators, including lion, hyena, leopard, cheetah, and, of course, crocodile, keep a sharp, ravenous eye out for stragglers.
The thrilling climax to this epic trek comes in July, when great herds of wildebeest face their biggest – and deadliest – obstacle: the Mara River, infested with crocodiles the size of canoes. Razor sharp teeth and powerful jaws lie in wait as, on the banks, thousands of wildebeest begin to “build” or to gather. Strength in numbers.
The “leaders” on the banks sniff the air, dip a hoof into the water, gauging whether or not it’s time to cross – and teasing wildlife watchers on the sidelines who are impatiently waiting for the great beasts to cross. And then, with a signal only the wildebeest can comprehend, it begins. It looks quite orderly, like a queue of schoolchildren, but then pandemonium breaks out. Speed, nervous braying, wildebeest launching themselves through the air, clouds of dust, and constant thundering of hooves.
A wave of animals crashes through the river; the purpose of “building” is to overwhelm predators with sheer numbers. But crocodiles, too, take advantage: the chaos and noise allows them to kill at will, waiting for the right animal and clamping onto it until it drowns.
Most survive, making it to the other side. After the dust settles, literally and figuratively, the scene suddenly shifts, and the herds of wildebeest appear quite tranquil as they graze.
As a visitor, nothing can compare to the sights and sounds of the Great Migration river crossing at Mara. When you book a tour with a reputable travel company, you’ll be able to get the photos – and memories – of a lifetime, without interfering with this truly awesome and wondrous event.
Kenyan officials recently passed aggressive legislation, the Wildlife Bill and Policy, which will boost conservation efforts, streamline wildlife management, and create tougher laws and consequences for poaching. Over the past 15 years, scores of landowners have volunteered over 6 million acres to conservation efforts, building a refuge for endangered animals. Not only does this protect the wildlife, it protects a crucial industry in Kenyan: tourism. The most exhilarating way to view this country and its special inhabitants is through a Kenya safari, and thanks to Kenya’s efforts, visitors will be able to spot awe-inspiring animals in natural habitats.
If you are lucky, if you are paying attention, and if you have a knowledgeable guide and a great location, you may be able to see the world’s most magnificent animals. Lion, cheetah, rhino, wildebeest, eland, cape buffalo, elephant, giraffe, hippo, leopard, hyena, crocodile, and an impressive list of bird species roam Kenyan preserves.
A key consideration is when to go to Kenya. A prime time would, of course, be during the annual migration on the Serengeti. Millions of zebra and wildebeest travel across the plains, following the lush vegetation that springs up after the rains. And, following these hungry herbivores, are equally veracious predators, including the big cats. July to October is the best time to witness the show.
Weather is important because you don’t want to get caught in torrential rains; as well, many roads and areas will become inaccessible. Most people visit during the hot, dry months: December and January; or the cool, dry months, June through August. The silver lining of visiting during the rainy months, March through May, is that prices are lower, and crowds are sparse. You can find lodges and attractions that remain open and enjoy them without feeling as though you are in a tourist trap!
When you are there, plan your day around the movement of the animals. Game drives are best in early morning, mid-morning, and late afternoon. For night owls, an after-dark safari offers an exciting opportunity to spot some nocturnal animals. These are not allowed everywhere, so be sure to check if that is a “must” on your itinerary.
To make the most of your trip to Kenya, bring a camera, field guide so you can explore the flora and fauna, a pair of binoculars, and sunscreen! From there, just keep your eyes and ears open. Half the fun is in learning to spot animals – catching a splash in the water or hearing a change in the birds. The other half, of course, is seeing your efforts pay off as you spot a giraffe, hippo, or big cat in its natural surroundings.
Test your knowledge of world geography, food and culture in our latest travel quiz, “What’s Your Travel IQ?” Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a travel amateur, you’re bound to find some great inspiration for your next vacation. Take our quiz and begin planning your next trip!
Guatemala’s capitol city is the most modern and cosmopolitan city in Central America. Guatemala City is a vibrant and fast paced city that blends old and new with a distinct Latin charm. It location, facilities and the “La Aurora” airport make it a great starting point for visits to all areas of the country. Founded in 1776, Guatemala City came about after an earthquake destroyed the former Spanish capital of Antigua. This city is very prone to earthquakes as it is sitting on top of three tectonic plates.
If you are hoping to get a taste of Guatemalan culture, then Guatemala city is where you want to go! There are There are seven museums, including the National Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, and the National Natural History Museum. There are also more than 30 galleries showing Guatemalan artists in painting, photography, engraving and sculpture. One particularly interesting cultural site is the “Torre El Reformador”. This is the only scale replica of the Eiffel Tower in the world.
While the cultural aspect of Guatemala is very enriching, sometimes we all get the urge to just get out and dance. Guatemala City’s nightlife is very alive and active. The Zona Viva is the city’s center for nightlife, offering everything from causal bars to booming discos. Expect lines at the more popular places, but in a colorful place like Guatemala City, people watching in line can also be very fun.
No matter when you decide to visit Guatemala City, there is sure to be something exciting going on. Get a feel for all the culture and excitement that Guatemala City has to offer by planning a trip very soon. It is sure to be full of laughs and memories.
Soccer is more than a game to billions of people around the world; it is a source of immense national pride. In South Africa, soccer was introduced to the colonies by their conquerors. African players, and their fans, took the sport as their own, driven to beat the Europeans at their own game. While it may have originated elsewhere, soccer is, in many ways, a truly South African game. So elegant in its simplicity, so egalitarian in its play, all you need is a ball and some willing participants. And there are many, many willing participants here!
South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup Games, the first African nation to do so. Games were played at 10 venues, including 5 newly constructed stadiums. The eyes of the world were on South Africa as teams competed for the honor of being the best at the world’s favorite sport. While the 2010 World Cup has long been won, soccer remains a terrific draw for visitors to this African nation.
The architecture itself is impressive, as is immediately apparent when visiting FNB Stadium in Soweto. “Soccer City” as it was called during the 2010 Games, has 94,000 seats and is one of the biggest stadiums in the world. Visitors can enjoy soccer matches, rugby games, concerts, and tours in the stadium. It is fast becoming a favorite South African attraction. There are other venues scattered across the country, and they offer some of the best playing surfaces in the world.
When attending a game, be prepared for as much action off the field as on. Safety is always a consideration, but fortunately, South African fans tend to be very welcoming and jovial. Of course we all like our teams to win, but rioting and chaos is not part of the experience here.
Instead, fans are loud and exuberant. They often accompany game play with vuvuzelas, or plastic horns. If you watched the World Cup on television, you remember their distinctive sound! When the national team, or Bafana Bafana, play, many fans wear replica shirts and proudly paint the national flag on their faces. Whether watching the national team or the many local teams, the same level of excitement is apparent. Enjoy – and make some noise!
In 2010, over 309,000 foreign visitors arrived in South Africa for the World Cup. Ninety percent said they wanted to visit again. If you come for soccer, chances are you’ll fall in love with the country’s many other charms!
The eyes of the world are on Brazil. As football’s biggest event plays out, and 32 teams from around the world battle to claim the title of World Cup champions, over 3 billion people will tune in. Several lucky millions have the opportunity to see the action in person. After a long day of exciting goals and thrilling saves, Big Five Tours invites you to escape to Brazil’s beautiful beaches for some well-earned relaxation and fun.
The British say, “That’s my cup of tea.” In Brazil, its “é minha praia,” or “That’s my beach.” Sun-worshipping travelers are sure to find “their beach” amongst the country’s 4,650 miles of tropical coastline. Discover:
Time your visit during low tide to see pools teeming with sea life, and keep your eyes open for whales in the distance. Ideal for swimming, sunning, and aquatic life-viewing, Praia do Forte is a refreshing respite on hot Brazilian days. Available activities include horseback riding, paragliding, biking, and shopping.
A famous beach in a land of famous beaches, Copacabana is both lively and historic, with forts standing sentry at either end. Walk along the promenade and enjoy the area’s shops and restaurants. Or, as most visitors do, soak in the sun. This is not a tranquil, quiet stop: it’s a prime spot for people-watching and a feeling of revelry.
Swim, pick up a game of beach volleyball, and check out the traditional fish market. Local fishermen bring in the catches of the day; you can’t find fresher, more delicious seafood! Porto da Barra is one of the few beaches in Brazil that faces west, so make a day of it and stay for the beautiful sunset.
No tour of Brazil’s beaches would be complete without a wonderful day spent at Ipanema. Another beach at which visitors applaud the sunset, Ipanema offers friendly games of volleyball, football, and a hybrid of these two favorites, footvolley. This is the place to see and be seen: the Travel Channel named it one of the sexiest beaches in the world, and it is known as a trendsetter, dictating “beach chic” style.
World Cup? What World Cup? With these, and many other, marvelous beaches, you will forget about everything but sunscreen and bathing suits as Big Five Tours treats you to the experience of a lifetime.
