Travel Lifestyle

Category: Destinations And Travel Stories

Why You Should Visit Mecklenburg-West Pomerania: Is ‘Meck-Pom’ Germany’s Hidden Gem?

You need to go on holiday to Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.

Never heard of it?

Well don’t worry, you’re not alone. If you had to name a German Bundesland (Federal state), your first thought is probably Bavaria, rather than Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, or ‘Meck-Pom’ as the locals call it.

But Meck-Pom is a great location that’s largely untouched by tourists. So if you’re looking for a destination that not everyone has been to, this German state could be the one for you. With hidden gems and plenty to see and do, it’s a perfect holiday destination. So here’s why you should visit (and why you’ll fall in love with) Mecklenburg-West Pomerania.

Getting To Meck-Pom

Located in North Eastern Germany, the federal state spans across a large area and borders Poland to the east. Despite being one of the country’s largest federal states, it is the least populated. (About 1.6 million people… but who’s counting?) Yet with its long coastline, an incredible, albeit rocky, history, and of course, beautiful port cities, the region offers plenty to visitors.

Getting there, however, isn’t straight forward. The region has a couple of international airports including Rostock, but with limited flights across Germany and Europe, your best bet is to fly to Hamburg or Berlin, and then take the train or bus.

Schwerin Castle – The ‘Neuschwanstein of the North’

Schwerin is a city well worth a visit. Being the capital of Meck-Pom, it attracts many visitors who come to gaze in wonder at its beautiful old churches and cathedral, its narrow cobbled streets and most importantly the ‘Neuschwanstein of the North’.

The ‘Neuschwanstein of the North’ is the parliament building which is located in an idyllic castle, enveloped by a large lake in the heart of the city. This Schloss (castle), is often compared with Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, which many may recognise from the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and is seen as the inspiration for the Disney castle. Whilst the Schwerin castle may not have Neuschwanstein’s mountainous backdrop, it still has turrets a plenty, beautiful gardens and stunning lake views. It is free to visit the grounds, but it’ll set you back 8 € to venture inside.

Rostock – Meck-Pom’s second city

Rostock is, in many respects, Meck-Pom’s second city. With a population of over 200,000 people and lying directly on the Baltic coast, it is one of the region’s most historically fascinating cities.

The summer months unsurprisingly see Rostock welcoming tourists from all over Germany and also those by ferry from Scandinavia.

Its mixture of colourful Germanic buildings alongside its stark reminders of its communist past, create a distinctive feel. Free access to a former Stasi interrogation unit in the heart of the city alongside speedy connections to the nearest beach, mean that the city offers each visitor a unique experience and can cater for all types of holiday.
Moreover, the Rostock Christmas Market, has been voted as the best market in Northern Germany, and is perfect for a cheeky mulled wine!

Visit Wismar

Wismar, a world heritage site city located west of Rostock is not only another lovely location to visit, but also the region’s second most important port city. Once under Swedish rule, the city has a very Scandinavian feel to it with its many fisheries, colourful harbour buildings and Swedish restaurants.

Like Rostock, it also offers a mixture of GDR history with old abandoned factories alongside beautifully painted narrow streets which follow small rivers towards the Baltic Sea. Walking around the city for several hours and stopping to eat a Fischbrötchen (Fish sandwich), is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Wismar.

Meck-Pom as the perfect beach holiday

Despite Meck-Pom being home to the stunning above mentioned cities, its best attribute is perhaps its landscape.

When you think about going on holiday to the seaside, your first thought might be sunny southern Spain or perhaps even a Greek island… however, in my opinion, you need look no further than the Baltic coast.
With long golden beaches and beautiful seaside towns such as Warnemünde, Rerik and Kühlungsborn, it is unsurprising that so many Germans decide to head to this part of the world for their beach holiday every year.

The piers, clear blue sea and not forgetting the surprisingly warm temperature in the summer time (30 degrees Celsius), mean that it’s not only in southern Europe where you can enjoy warm weather. The beaches are also accompanied by beautiful white cliffs on the island of Rügen, which is located off the coast of Meck-Pom to the North East. Its white cliffs and gorgeous natural parks offer tourists the opportunity to experience beautiful landscapes.

Meck-Pom as a gateway to the rest of Europe

Its geographical location means that Meck-Pom is also the gateway to other European cities and countries. For example, you can buy a return ferry ticket to Copenhagen from Rostock with a sightseeing trip included for about 40€.

If you were looking to head east to Poland, it only costs 23€ to travel to Stettin, (the closest Polish border city), and is well worth the trip. Moreover, with direct and cheap train and bus travel to Hamburg and Berlin, Meck-Pom is ideal.

So plan a visit to Meck-Pom!

Mecklenburg-West Pomerania is fast becoming my favourite region of Germany. There is something very unique to this region, which you will not encounter elsewhere.

It may not have the chocolate box charm of Bavaria or the international standing of Frankfurt, but the imprints communism has left on the region’s architecture and the allure of the Baltic coast make the region especially unique.

If you want to experience a holiday where you can combine history, nature and beautiful harbour cities, then Meck-Pom is the place for you.

03/15/2017
Top Things To Do In Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland is one of the most beautiful and mystic cities in the world. Known as the “Emerald Isle”, Ireland is a country full of culture and history. Whether it’s your first visit or you have visited before, there is always something new to see.

Get yourself on one of Dublin’s tours

Scheduling tours are a great idea when visiting Dublin because it will give you a great opportunity to not only see everything but also learn from those who live the culture on an everyday basis.

The Guinness Storehouse – for those who like a drink

The Irish are stereotypically known for enjoying a drink or two, and if you’re fan of beer, Dublin has just the tour for you. The Guinness Storehouse, which is actually shaped like a Pint of Beer, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dublin. Guests have the opportunity to see how a pint of the traditional Guinness Beer is created and of course, sample a glass.

Delicious Dublin Tours – get the taste of Dublin

The Delicious Dublin Tours run every Saturday and really offer visitors the chance to experience even more Irish culture. The tours run every Saturday and while traveling through the city, visitors will try traditional Irish cuisine and beverages while touring some of the best restaurants in Dublin.

Dalkey Castle – explore Dublin’s history

To learn more about the deep routed history of Dublin, the Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre is a must-see. The Dalkey Castle, which was a former port, presents tours that are led by a professional guide that will share tales of what life was like as far back as Medieval Times.

The Writers’ Gallery at the Castle gives visitors the chance to learn more about the history of Irish writers and some of the greatest works that have even been written. Another fascinating part of the Castle’s property is St. Begnet’s Church which is believed to have been a part of the culture since the 10^th century.

Family days out

If you are traveling with family or even young children, there are a few places that are definitely worth checking out. The Dublin Zoo is a great place to visit, as one of the oldest Zoos in the entire world, millions of tourists have visited the Dublin Zoo for a one of a kind day of exploring hundreds of animals from around the world.

The AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre is an indoor aquatic park that will bring visitors of all ages a day of fun. For those who are just looking to take a swim, there is a traditional swimming pool that is great for taking laps if that’s the goal. But, for visitors who want to accelerate their level of fun, there is a water roller coaster, a wave pool, a pool for wave surfing, water slides, a lazy river and much more.

The Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum is definitely a top spot for kids while traveling through the city. The younger members of the family can use their imagination and pretend to take different career paths through various exhibits in the museum. There is also an outdoor section of the Children’s Museum that teaches about gardening and environmentally friendly ways of living.

Dublin’s pubs and cafes

Dublin is known for their pubs and cafes and there are a few that must be on the checklist when in town.

A couple of notable cafes

Butler’s Chocolates has been a staple in Ireland since the 1930’s with their delectable homemade chocolates. The Krust Bakery is a great spot to get a Cronut or other pastry and perhaps a cup of coffee while touring the city.

All over the world, there’s a lot of hype about traditional Irish pubs, and of course you’ll find quite a few in Ireland’s capital.

Traditional Irish Pubs

The Jennings Pub is a place where you can grab a pint and listen to live music too. Besides the Guinness Brewery, Brogan’s Bar gives patrons another opportunity to have a pint of Guinness in a pub fully decorated in Guinness memorabilia.

If you’re a fan of literature, you’ve probably heard of James Joyce. But what you might not have heard of is Joyce’s favourite drinking spot, and Dublin’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head. Joyce even mentioned it in his book Ulysses. The Brazen Head is definitely a spot worth visiting, even if you have no idea who James Joyce is. It’s small but very sweet. It’s full of character, history, and is usually bustling with a load of great people.

As you might expect, Dublin has way too many great pubs for me list them all in this article, but head to Temple Bar and you’ll find most of Ireland’s classic pubs. Temple Bar, believe it or not, isn’t just one bar, but an area, where you’ll find a whole load of places to drink the night away.

Dublin as an artistic experience

For visitors that are looking for to learn more about the arts in Dublin then the museums and galleries should definitely be on the list of stops while visiting.

The National Gallery of Ireland contains thousands of pieces of artwork which include work from Van Gogh and Picasso.

There’s also the Irish Museum of Modern Art which has mostly modern and contemporary styles. There are even studios located on the property.

The National Museum of Ireland-Archaeology is for visitors who appreciate the Viking Era of Dublin and will get to see Celtic pieces in the museum as well.

Farmleigh house and garden attractions

A great place to spend a relaxing afternoon would definitely be on the grounds of the Farmleigh House. Originally built in the 1700s, the Farmleigh House property has a beautiful Clock Tower and Fountain Lawn that are just picturesque. The Benjamin Iveagh Library features a lot of unique and one of a kind Irish literature and newspapers that visitors will find fascinating. There are also various traveling exhibits and Garden Shows that make their way through the Farmleigh House as well, so there is always something to see. Visitors can pick up a delicious coffee and pastry at the Boathouse Café while overlooking some of the best views in the city.

For visitors who wish to see even more garden properties, the National Botanic Gardens in County Dublin is one of the most popular in all of Europe. The Gardens are a free attraction and visitors can stroll around and see thousands of beautiful rose gardens, ponds, rock gardens and plants that are known solely in Ireland while learning a lot along the way.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – some history

You’ve heard of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sure, but a trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a part of the country’s history and tradition dating back to the 1200’s. There is an exhibit at St. Patrick’s Cathedral entitled “Lives Remembered” which pays tribute to those lost during World War I. Visitors can take a tour with a guide or take a tour on their own with the use of a designated app that can be downloaded.

No matter what season or who you are there is never a bad time to visit the gorgeous, historical city of Dublin. There is always so much to see and visit that there will never be a dull moment and additional trips, or maybe even trips, might be necessary!

03/06/2017
British Columbia Travel Guide: How To Make The Most Of British Columbia

British Columbia, Canada’s western-most province, stretches from the coast of the Pacific Ocean east to the Rocky Mountains, from Vancouver Island’s southern tip, to the prairies of the north-eastern Peace River country. Settled amongst the breathtaking natural vistas, in the mountain valleys, and along the rugged coast, you will find a land ripe for exploration and teeming with culture.

With so much ground to cover, here’s a quick guide to making the most of British Columbia.

Adventure in British Columbia

If you’re looking for adventure, then British Columbia is the place for you.

Adventure in Winter

If you visit in the winter months, bring your snowshoes, skis, snowboard and, of course, a toque. The world-renowned Whistler-Blackcomb resort, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, boasts an incredible array of winter activities. The Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort has weeks worth of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels to enjoy. You can also find snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dogsled tours through the breathtaking pristine mountain landscapes.

If you want to break your own trail, British Columbia is also home to one of the world’s largest heli-sking industries. Ride the fluffiest, deepest powder imaginable in various locations across the province, from the Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing’s Lodge in the Rocky Mountains, to Nelson’s Baldface Lodge in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains.

Adventure in Summer

If you visit during the warmer months, British Colombia still has plenty to offer.

How about some of the best angling in the world? Senora Island Resort, the Long Beach Lodge, and the Fraser River Fishing Lodge are just a few of the world-class destinations for both unbelievable salt and fresh water fishing.

Go kayaking with the whales in Blackfish Sound, amazing multi-day camping and kayaking tours make for an unforgettable experience. Want to go a little deeper? Book some world class scuba diving and snorkeling trips with Sea Dragon Charters in Vancouver, or Sundown Diving in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

British Columbia is also home to an extensive and intricate network of hiking trails and camping locations. With over 800 maintained trails and parks throughout the province, including the world-renowned West Coast Trail, a getaway to the great outdoors is never far away. From full-service RV campgrounds, to hike-in backcountry lodges, everyone and anyone can explore the natural beauty of British Columbia.

History & Culture

If kayaking and skiing all sounds like a bit much for you, British Columbia has plenty to offer in terms of history and culture. The Coast Mountain Range isn’t just breathtaking landscapes, it’s been home to unique and iconic cultures for thousands of years.

The City of Vancouver hosts a robust collection of indigenous cultural showcases, from Stanley Park’s totem pole display at picturesque Brockton Point, to the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.

Vancouver Island’s Ahtsik Native Art Gallery houses the art and history of the islands unique First Nations communities, and entering the traditionally carved and constructed longhouse that is the Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino transports visitors back to a time long before European arrival.

Venturing into the province’s interior you can find the unique Nk’Mip (in-ka-meep) Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos, home to Canada’s only desert and the unique art and culture of its indigenous people. Further north, in a drastically different landscape and climate, the Museum of Northern British Columbia in Prince Rupert hosts unique indigenous glass artwork, carvings, and cultural artifacts.

Vancouver’s historic Gastown district is one of the oldest and most functional historical neighborhoods in the province, with buildings, streets and even a steam-clock preserved in their late 19th-century glory.

Victoria boasts the spectacular Parliament Buildings and historic harbour, featuring the splendour of the Parliament’s Romanesque/Baroque style and the Royal BC Museum is a stone’s throw away with its expansive galleries on natural history, indigenous culture, and modern history.

British Columbia was home to many boom-to-bust mining towns and mini-gold rushes, their legacies can be found in eerily vibrant ghost towns. Barkerville, in the central interior of the province, is the liveliest example, with historical re-enactments that will let you experience first-hand the life of a gold prospector in the 1860’s frontier.

Food & Drink

All this natural splendor and adventuring can work up quite an appetite, and you won’t be wanting for good eats in BC. Vancouver and Victoria are both culturally diverse metropolitan cities, bringing a world of culinary experiences right to your plate.

Oriental

Some of the freshest, finely crafted sushi in the world can be found here. While high profile restaurants like Vancouver’s Sushi Itoga, or Victoria’s Osaka Sushi provide a high-faluten atmosphere, don’t look past the mom-and-pop sushi bars that modestly boast some of the most delicious sashimi and innovative sushi rolls money can buy.

Vancouver has a huge array of culinary options, reflecting the diversity of the city’s population. Some of the best authentic Chinese dishes can be found at places like Peaceful Restaurant in Vancouver, or across the Fraser River at Shanghai Morning Restaurant in Richmond. Sula Indian Restaurant provides some of the best East Indian dishes in town, while the Banana Leaf serves up unique Malaysian masterpieces.

Local

But if you want a truly local taste, take a stroll down Vancouver’s historic Commercial Drive and south Main Street, where you will find a cacophony of restaurants, cafes, and tapas bars. Vegetarian comfort food, sushi burritos, gluten-free bakeries, micro-brewed craft beers, local wines, and much more can all be found just by taking a stroll down the streets of these culinary hubs.

In the Okanogan Valley, you can find the heart of BC’s booming wine industry. With almost 350 licensed wineries, you can find something for even the pickiest Oenophile. Beautiful vistas will accentuate a wine tasting and touring experience like no other.

If you find yourself in Victoria, head to the Fairmont Empress. The Empress is famous for its traditional afternoon tea, and is great for a lazy afternoon, drinking tea beside the harbour. It might be a welcomed chance to relax after all the sightseeing and adventuring!

Shopping in British Columbia

Vancouver is probably the one-stop-shop destination of British Columbia. It boasts major retailers, such as Holt-Renfrew and the newly opened Nordstroms, in the city’s downtown core on the entertainment and shopping thoroughfare Granville Street. Historic Gastown and Granville Island boast high-end fashion, local and international art, and unique boutiques for the savvy shopper.

Victoria has a humbler shopping experience. Market Square showcases local goods and wares in its open-air plaza, while the Esquimalt Farmers Market provides food, music and local handicrafts unique to Vancouver Island’s culture. Munro’s Books is one of Canada’s finest independent bookstores. Voted the third-best bookstore in the world by National Geographic in 2016! The collection of knowledge, art, and imagination kept in this historic bank-turned-Bibliotheque is absolutely world class.

No matter where you find yourself in the province, unique indigenous art can be found for sale, often directly from the artists. Soapstone and timber carvings, fine glass work, traditional jewelry fashioned with BC Jade, unique artwork and cultural icons are unique souvenirs and a great way to support the local communities and cultures.

British Columbia has all this to offer, and more.

02/24/2017
Visiting Antelope Canyon, Arizona: Everything You Need To Know
The American Southwest offers a plethora of unique travel opportunities from desert escapes to mountain hikes. One of the most incredible destinations that is still relatively undiscovered is Antelope Canyon near Page, Arizona. Nestled into Navajo Land near the Arizona-Utah border, this must see slot canyon is a geographical feature that welcomes exploration.

Antelope Canyon was formed by floodwater wearing away at the sandstone over time. The canyon walls are incredibly smooth, with a wave like or spiral structure. Slot canyons were made famous by the 2010 film “127 Hours,” which tells the story of Aron Ralston’s treacherous self-rescue while canyoning alone in Utah.

It’s easy to visit Antelope Canyon as part of a tour, but there a few things to consider when planning your visit.

Planning Your Visit

Upper vs. Lower Antelope

Antelope Canyon is divided into two parts- Upper and Lower Antelope. They are nicknamed the Crack (Upper) and the Corkscrew (Lower). The two parts require separate admission fees, and they are not accessible from the same location or tour. It’s worthwhile to visit both parts of Antelope Canyon to maximize your experience, but if you don’t have time then there are a few factors to consider before deciding on one.

One of the biggest differences between the canyons is accessibility. Lower Antelope Canyon is within walking distance from the parking area, but it does have multiple flights of stairs and ladders to get into and out of the canyon. Lower Antelope is also much more narrow than Upper Antelope, so you should be comfortable with tight spaces and some mild climbing. Upper Antelope, by contrast, is a short drive (usually on an open bed truck or in an SUV) from the parking area, but there are no stairs to access the canyon. The upper canyon is much wider and easier to navigate, so it might be a better choice for you if you have trouble walking for long distances or climbing on uneven surfaces.

Depending on the purpose of your visit, one canyon might better suit your needs. Photography tours are available on both sections of Antelope Canyon, but Upper Antelope is better known for its dramatic light beams that create stunning photographs. And because the canyon is wider, Upper Antelope offers more space to set up a tripod, making photography easier.

If you are seeking a more unique experience, Lower Antelope tends to be less crowded, and the tour feels a little more like an exploration with the narrow passageways and steep staircases. It is also significantly longer than the Upper Antelope tour.

Getting a tour guide

It’s not possible to visit either canyon without a Navajo tour guide. You wouldn’t want to find yourself living your own version of ‘127 Hours!’

Many companies offer advance bookings, but they are not always necessary. If you are visiting in peak season (June, July, and August) then definitely plan ahead and reserve your tour. For tours during the shoulder or low seasons, you will usually be able to show up on the day and join the next available tour. Weekends are always more crowded, so aim to go mid-week if possible.

In addition to the cost of your tour ticket, there is also a Navajo Park Permit Fee. Parking is free on site.

If you plan on using a tripod or monopod for your pictures, you must book a photography tour. These tours allow for more time in the canyon to get your shots, and you are allowed to bring extra equipment. No tripods or monopods are allowed on the standard tours.

Lastly, confirm the time of your appointment if you make an advance booking, because parts of Arizona and Navajo lands do not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Getting to Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is located near Page, Arizona. You can access both Upper and Lower Antelope by traveling 2 miles East of Page on Highway 98. On the north side of the highway is Antelope Point Rd, and access to Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is accessed from the south side of the highway, directly across. It takes approximately 10-20 minutes to travel between the two canyon sites.

Expert Tips
- The best time for capturing light beams is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. when the sun is at a nice angle in the sky.
- Lower Antelope is usually less crowded, and the tour is significantly longer than Upper Antelope.
- Ask your guide for tips on how to capture great photos (even with your iPhone). Many guides can point out unique silhouettes that are only visible from certain angles.
- Check the weather before your visit as flash floods make slot canyons incredibly dangerous during storms. Lower Antelope is often closed when there is rain in the area.
- *Ken’s Tours for Lower Antelope and Navajo Tours for Upper Antelope. The tours for Upper Antelope tend to meet in downtown Page first, but you can also just drive to the site and wait for the next tour to arrive.
- Be sure to wear appropriate footwear to navigate the canyon, and bring sunscreen and water if you are visiting during the summer months. Most guides wear bandanas in the event of blowing sand within the canyon, so it can be useful to bring one along.
Great Things Nearby

The Southwest is home to many cool geographical features, and many are in driving distance of Antelope Canyon. Make the most of your trip by taking the time to visit some other iconic spots the area has to offer.

Horseshoe Bend

With stunning views of the Colorado River as it winds through the canyon, Horseshoe Bend is an incredible lookout point in Page Arizona. It’s one of the most photographed areas that is easily accessible (just under 10 miles from Antelope Canyon).

Lake Powell

Lake Powell is a scenic reservoir and vacation destination on the Arizona-Utah border. It’s a great spot for boating and water activities, but it’s also convenient for an afternoon hike or short picnic. It’s a little farther from Antelope Canyon at 80 miles, but it’s a great stopover on your way to or from Page.
02/23/2017
Travel To The Serengeti Plains: The Safari Of A Lifetime

A trip to the Serengeti in the heart of Tanzania is an unforgettable journey that will be fondly remembered forevermore. There is plenty of dust, plenty of driving, and plenty of early mornings. But none of this even registers once you reach the plains and witness the sheer incredible concentration of animals all around you.

Like a David Attenborough documentary come to life, you can witness the great zebra and wildebeest migration, come face to face with lazy lions and enormous elephants, and try to spot a leopard or cheetah camouflaged in the vast surroundings.

Getting to Serengeti

Our tour was provided by Intrepid Travel and was superbly professional throughout. Everything ran like clockwork. Our guide was knowledgeable and answered all questions. We always knew where we were going and what we were supposed to be doing, which isn’t always the case on group tours!

We began in Nairobi in Kenya and drove for a couple of days through the country before crossing the border to Tanzania and reaching Lake Victoria, our first campsite. Along the way we admired the beauty of the Kenyan countryside and the Maasai herdsmen with their colourful flowing robes.

We also had the opportunity to visit a soapstone co-operative where the local men and women joined to create beautiful soapstone figurines. Seeing their skill in chiselling, polishing and painting was eye-opening and we happily purchased some gifts for those waiting back home.

Enter the Serengeti

Once we reached Lake Victoria we set up our tents and had another great experience as we were given a bicycle tour of the neighbouring town.

We saw the local fishermen bring in their hauls of sardines and visited a market with an incredible variety of fruit, seeds, grains, and materials for sale. Some sellers were delighted to take a photo opportunity with us and posed like professionals! This was great fun but the best was yet to come.

Our next stop was a church where the worship took the form of song and dance and we joined in with our best efforts – no doubt we gave the regulars a good laugh with our attempts. With lots of hills to climb we were ready to rest and prepare for our journey into the Serengeti National Park the next day, our main event.

Serengeti National Park – The Main Event

At the gate entrance we stopped for lunch and saw our first animals close up with some mongoose and a baboon crossing. We were delighted but soon such animals would be small fry.

We were travelling at a good speed to make it to our campsite with time to spare to set up our tents. The slower game drives would be the next day but we still stopped a couple of times when something caught our guide’s eye.

By chance it was on this initial journey we had our only opportunity to see the ‘king of the jungle.’ A male lion lounged at the roadside casually sunning himself, not bothered in the slightest by our presence. He was a majestic figure with his crowning mane. However as we soon discovered, the lions in the Serengeti are a relaxed bunch and he hardly moved a muscle. We didn’t mind as seeing such a creature up close and personal was all we hoped for.

Camping under the Serengeti stars

We camped two nights in the wide open Serengeti plains, which was an experience I will never forget. The sky was perfectly clear at night, every star shined brightly and we were out in the open without any fences separating us from the animals.

After strict warnings regarding the procedure for any night-time toilet trips we went to sleep in eager anticipation of a day’s game drives.

We woke at 5:30 to make the most of our day and after a hearty breakfast hit the roads.

The Group Safari

This was what we had been waiting for and it did not disappoint.

Soon zebra, buffalo and wildebeest became as common to our eyes as sheep and cattle back home, they were everywhere. The predator cats will surely never go hungry!

We soon saw the destruction a group of elephants can cause as they tear up and devour trees in their path. These beasts lumber around at a leisurely pace and work their trunks with remarkable skill. A couple passed directly across our vehicle, their sheer size was so impressive, likewise the giraffe who almost stuck his head in our window to say hello.

There were warthogs, baboons, gazelle, hippos, and various birds in abundance. The rarer sightings were leopards and cheetah, leopards generally relaxing on the branches of a tree. We went off our track for a view of two cheetah hiding in the long grass and were very appreciative of our driver for bending the rules this once!

Lionesses relaxed on the rocks and all animals tried to avoid the piercing heat of the sun. The simplicity of watching these animals go about their daily lives was wonderful and hours felt like minutes as we drove around in the dust.

The landscapes were awe inspiring and a great sense of peace can descend as you contemplate another world very foreign to our hectic daily lives back home.

Ngorongoro Crater

The next day was our final destination for safari activities as we made our way to Ngorongoro Crater. It spans 260 square kilometres at its base and was formed when a volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself two to three million years ago.

This is the only place where we could potentially see a rhino although there were no guarantees; sightings of this conserved animal are rare. The crater itself was fascinating, with a huge amount of animals contained within.

It was here that we encountered the most exciting experience of our trip, pulling up at the roadside to see three lionesses only a few feet from our jeep. Imagine our surprise when a fourth suddenly popped up from its hiding place in the grass and strolled over right to the edge of our jeep to enjoy the shade!

We could have touched her through the window if we were foolhardy enough, but scrambling to take photos and videos from the safety of our jeep was more than enough excitement.

We also spotted one rhino in the very far distance. Even with binoculars it was difficult to make out, but we counted it to make sure we completed our viewing of the “big five”. These big five are the elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. They are so named because unfortunately they are the most popular animals for poachers to target and also the most difficult for them to hunt.

Goodbye Serengeti

This concluded our trip, there was the option of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the brave but we had done more than enough for one holiday. This was an amazing experience and once you do not mind a little hardship I would recommend it for any adult. Our trip would not be well suited for younger children and would be ideally suited for single travellers or couples. Take a chance on an African safari adventure and you will have eternal incredible memories.

02/21/2017