The Wilder Traveller

Category: Places

  • 5 Top Hotspots in Botswana for Birders

    Encompassing two environmental extremes, with the arid Kalahari desert on one side to the awe-inspiring verdant waterways of the Okavango delta on the other and the northern woodlands of Chobe, you will find out why you tick off birds in Botswana faster than any other African destination.

    If you are traveling as a family, birding in Botswana can be an ultimate bonding experience.

    When to Go?

    Though there is a great seasonal variation for birding in Africa, the best time to plan Botswana family safari holidays is during the summer months, between May to October, heralded by the overbearing call of the Woodland Kingfisher, and a sudden influx of many other migratory species.

    For the avid avian enthusiast, not only this offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s legendary wildlife, but nonetheless provide an excellent chance for interpretive sightings of some of the prized bird species as well.

    So keep your cameras charged, eyes peeled and binoculars on the ready to begin your epic birding trip to some of the best spots in Botswana for birders.

    1. Okavango Delta

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta has since long been the biggest stronghold of a rich variety of birds who have found a peaceful abode in its winding waterways. After all, where else can you skim through the channels in a mokoro boat to get up close to some fascinating bird and animal species.

    The green fingers of Okavango form one of the largest inland deltas in the world and hold the largest concentration of the rare Wattled Cranes. Other dazzling bird species that are seen easily in this breathtaking park are Slaty Egret, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Lesser Jacana.

    Some good birds in the Okavango Panhandle include White-Backed Heron, Brown Firefinch, Western-Banded Snake Eagle, Black Faced Babbler and Greater Swamp Warbler. A sight which never fails to impress here is seeing a colony of Carmine Bee-eaters in full flight.

    2. Linyanti Wildlife Reserve

    There are a member of private game reserves within the Okavango Delta region and Linyanti occupies the southern Bank of the river of the same name. The landscape here changes quickly from marshland to clear grassland and dense forest. The Linyanti River, which forms a natural boundary between Botswana and Namibia, has formed a swamp similar to the Okavango Delta and as a result, birdlife here is abundant.

    During the green season, in particular, one can be woken up at dawn by a vocal but magnificent dawn chorus of several different varieties of birds who choose to migrate here at this time of the year. While large colonies of Carmine Bee-eaters nest on the bank walls of the Linyanti River, the night sounds include a cacophony of grunting hippos, trumpeting elephants and growling lions. Linyanti is an excellent add-on to an Okavango Delta safari.

    Some of the good bird species found in Linyanti are the Red-Billed Hornbill, Wattled Crane, African Fish Skimmer, Long-Toed Lapwing and the Red-Billed Oxpecker. The Linyanti region is shared by a small number of owners who ensure that guests are able to relax and view animal and bird life exclusively.

    3. Chobe National Park

    This region of northern Botswana, apart from having the highest concentration of African Elephants, holds an astonishing 450 different bird species as well. Chobe is a diverse mix of woodlands, floodplains and rivers, the reason the bird life here is so staggering that 300 species have been ticked off in a single day.

    Some of the special bird species of Chobe National Park are the African Pygmy Geese, Western Banded Snake-Eagle and Racket-Tailed Roller among many others. A cruise in a small, and seemingly unsafe boat can provide stunning views of Giant Kingfisher and Water Dikkop.

    The Chobe National Park and the gateway town of Kasane provides some of the most diverse birding opportunities and there are places along the Chobe River, where if one is patient, is almost guaranteed to come across the African Finfoot, the only spot in Botswana where it can be found.

    4. Moremi Game Reserve

    The outstanding birding hotspot of Moremi is accessed along the banks of the Manuchira and Khwai Rivers, past vast woodland of leadwood and mopane. While the route is excellent for mammal sightings, there are possibilities of spotting Little Sparowhawk, Scarlet Chested Sunbird and a dazzling varieties of bee-eaters.

    In the wetlands of the Khwai Concession, you can see Striped Crake, Rosy Throated Long-Claw and the exquisite Black Coucal. The bush here is home to the Common Ostrich, Southern Ground Hornbill as well as the Luapula. The Moremi Game Reserve is one of the best places in southern Africa to find the Rufous-Bellied Heron.

    A distinct advantage of staying in a concession is that you can opt for a night drive, which is not permitted in the National Parks. A number of Botswana’s star bird species are strictly nocturnal. Once darkness sets in, there is every chance of spotting Fiery-Necked and Pennant-Winged Nightjars and the Verreaux’s Eagle Owl.

    5. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

    The 6,000 square miles of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is an area of vast landscapes dotted with large salt pans, some of those can be seen from outer space. These pans, which are the remnants of once the largest lake in Africa, now act as a magnet for the largest wildebeest and zebra migration in southern Africa, rivaled only by East Africa’s great migration.

    While big game is plentiful in Makgadikgadi, what brings birders here are the high number of desert species like parks and sandgrouse, not to forget the Secretary Bird and the rare White-Quilled Korhaan.

    Other Areas

    For those who are new to Botswana, there are a few sites which provide a representative selection of birds like:

    • Kgoro Pan: Located near the village of Good Hope, Kgoro Pan lies in south Botswana and is the best place to spot Short-Winged Lark, Sociable Weaver and Pink-Billed Lark.
    • Bokaa Dam: This is the best site to the north of Gaborone to see waterbirds. Once the water level has receded, you can spot notably Black-Winged Pratincoles.
    • Kgalagadi Transformation Park: Southwest Botswana is a bit off the beaten path, but a trip here will throw up a number of rarities. In the Mabuasehube part of the park, species like Sociable Weaver, Dusky Sunbird, Ludwig’s Bustard can be found, which are different from other parts of the country.
    • Risana Pan: Located west of Opra, this is another area difficult to access. When the grass is dry, areas surrounding the pan uncover birds like Pink-Billed Lark and the Rufous-Eared Warbler are easily seen.
  • Best 5 Places to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

    Best 5 Places to Go Gorilla Trekking in Africa

    The most famous wildlife experience in Africa, gorilla trekking is on top of many African safari traveler’s wish to see gorillas in their natural habitat. Mountain gorillas are in danger of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss and human poaching. There aren’t many places but you are able to track them in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in eastern DRC.

    Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo conservation efforts have turned gorillas into treasure trove for wildlife enthusiasts. When a gorilla permit is purchased, part of the money helps in conservation of the critically endangered mountain gorillas and their natural habitats.

    Uganda

    Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

    Travelers who want a diverse and adventurous gorilla safari experience as well as doing other adventure activities, Uganda is the place to go.

    Gorilla trekking is relatively cheaper. Gorilla permits are always on discount from $600 to $450 each permit per person in the months of April, May and November regarded as wet season.

    Uganda has a good number of gorillas. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest has 400 gorillas and the number grows every year as new ones are borne. There about 15 groups of gorillas that has been habituated including one which is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Seeing gorillas on a guided trek is guaranteed once a gorilla permit is fully booked.

    In addition to gorilla trekking, where visitors spend 1 hour with gorillas, new experience gorilla habituation allow visitors to spend more time up to 4 hours with semi-habituated gorillas. The experience is available in Ruhija sector, with Biking and Bushaho groups of gorillas still under habituation. More than just “darkness” (which is what Bwindi means in the local language of the Bakiga)

    Bwindi has thick vegetation and steep forested mountains account for strenuous but adventurous treks. Gorillas are located in four different gorilla trekking trailheads. They include Buhoma with 3 groups of gorillas, Ruhija has 4, Rushaga has 5 and Nkuringo has 1 while Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated group of gorillas called Nyakagezi. Visitors usually chose one of the gorilla trekking centers at the time of booking a gorilla permit. These are accessible for gorilla trekking all year round as well as their neighboring centers like Buhoma and Nkuringo boast a range of accommodations from budget, mid-range to up-market lodges. There are also home stays, craft shops, locally owned camps and food markets that offer an opportunity to discover the BaTwa pygmies and Bakiga cultural encounters.

    Trekking in more than 2 trail heads offers a different experience because each group of gorillas has unique features. Gorillas in Bwindi are much accustomed to humans and easy to watch and photograph despite the misconception that thick vegetation disrupts photos.

    Getting to southwestern Uganda for gorilla trekking by road takes almost 12 hours day. However, for adventurous visitors with time, a lot of Ugandan rural culture is discovered along the way from Kampala.

    Scheduled charter flights are available and take 2 hours from Kajjansi airfield in Kampala or Entebbe airport landing at Kisoro airstrip about 10 km to Bwindi forest or Mgahinga Park.

    Bwindi impenetrable forest national park is recommended for anyone who wants an adventurous experience more than just gorilla trekking experience. Designated a UNESCO world heritage site due to high levels of biological diversity, there are 120 species of mammals along with chimpanzee and 10 species of primates. Out of 463 birds 23 are Albertine rift endemics, a variety of butterflies, reptiles and hiking trails lead visitors to spectacular waterfalls, orchids, rivers and Mubwindi swamp is in Ruhija.

    Fundamentally, a typical gorilla safari in Uganda takes at least 3 days, considering one day of traveling and another for gorilla trekking. By adding a few days to your gorilla safari, Uganda’s diversity of wildlife and culture can be discovered.

    After the gorilla trek in Bwindi forest, it’s easy to extend your safari to the nearby Queen Elizabeth national park for big mammal viewing and Kazinga channel boat cruise, Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking, Mgahinga park for golden monkey tracking, Semuliki for birding and mountaineering the snow peaks of Mt. Rwenzori, 3rd tallest range in Africa.

    Rwanda

    Volcanoes National Park

    Travelers looking for quick accessibility to gorilla trekking should go to Volcanoes National Park located in Musanze district Northern Province.

    The park is accessible by 2 hours drive from the capital Kigali. It’s possible for time bound visitors to trek gorillas and make a return flight in the evening or cross the border to Uganda or DRC while on safari.

    Not with many natural resources but smart, politically safe and clean, Rwanda has got well established eco tourism and gorilla trekking managed by Rwandan Development Board.

    There are 10 habituated groups of gorillas which can be trekked by visitors in Volcanoes National Park.  Each day, 8 visitors are able to trek one gorilla group for one hour. This implies a total of 80 people enter the forest daily starting from Kinigi gorilla trekking center and park headquarters.

    The terrain is much dominated by bamboo with less thick undergrowth which presents clear gorilla photo opportunity. However, you have less adventurous experience since all gorillas are located in one range of habitats.

    Booking for a specific group of gorillas is not possible; however, Rwandan development board guides have categorized gorillas into low, medium and difficult treks. Hence visitors can choose depending on their fitness and trekking capacity.

    Gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity but one of the highlights is the opportunity for visitors to make their own gorillas in the mist. A hike up to Dian Fossey’s grave site never seem to end reminding us of her gorilla conservation efforts based at Karisoke research center.

    From the old movie “Gorillas in the Mist” to the yearly gorilla naming ceremony, gorillas seem to have recovered a great deal making the atrocities committed in 1994 pale in comparison.

    Much of that is learnt on a visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village, locals exhibit their warrior intore dances while earning a living by offering accommodation, food, cultural encounters including storytelling, quality handicrafts. Through that, locals have improved their livelihoods and achieved economic development through sustainable agriculture. At the same contribute to conservation of gorillas and their natural habitats.

    Democratic Republic of Congo

    Virunga National Park

    Virunga National Park is a home to 200 mountain gorillas which recently recovered from civil wars and militia rebel conflicts and violence.  Located in eastern DRC, the park is protected by Virunga park rangers and Congolese institute for nature and wildlife conservation.

    Unlike in the past 2 decades, nowadays the park is very safe for gorilla trekking. Virunga receives few visitors with an opportunity to trek gorillas minus the crowds.

    Travelers on a safari can access the park from via Rwanda and Uganda borders. Infrastructure has also improved, in the park with up-market lodges, camps as well as accommodation in the city of Goma.

    The park has 6 habituated groups of gorillas. Each is visited by a maximum of 6 people per hour per day. In addition to enjoy privacy during gorilla treks, visitors also enjoy wildlife viewing and hike to the world’s most active volcano Mt. Nyiragongo.

    Virunga Park is a home mammals such as forest elephants, buffalos, and lions, hippos, giant forest hogs, antelopes like endangered okapi, primates including chimpanzee as well as birds and reptiles.

    Congo Brazzaville

    Odzala Kokoua National Park

    Odzala National Park is a home to western lowland gorillas which are less popular like their counter parts the mountain gorillas.

    The park is very remote with limited accommodation, visitors are recommended to book a gorilla safari in advance with a tour operator.

    Trekking the western lowland gorillas is the main activity done all year round. Ngaga camp is the main center to begin gorilla treks in search of two habituated families of western lowland gorillas found in Ndezehe forest.

    Few visitors make it to the park for gorilla trekking hence one is likely to see gorillas himself with guides alone. The two habituated gorilla families have many individuals. Neptuno has 16 individuals while Jupiter has 25 individuals.

    There are only 3 camps Lango, Mboko and Ngaga, the main point for gorilla trekking and research. Overnight visitors can enjoy a range a range of activities including nature walks, night game drives, kayaks and canoes, birding, wildlife viewing and cultural encounters.

    Accessibility

    International flights land in the capital Brazzaville. Private scheduled fly in safaris take only 2 hours from Brazzaville to Mboko airstrip located inside Oldzala National Park.

    Travelling by road to the park is a great option for adventurous visitors with enough time. It takes 10 – 14 hours to drive using a coaster bus or 4WD vehicle from Brazzaville. Usually stopovers are made at Etoumbi town for refreshments before driving further to your camp for 4 hours.

  • Top Places to See Colorado Wildlife

    Top Places to See Colorado Wildlife

    Summer vacation season is just around the corner and many families are planning a trip to the great state of Colorado. The soaring mountain ranges are capped in snow, yet as the elevation level lowers the mountain side is alive with countless wildflowers.

    Here the sky seems somehow more pristine. The blue almost hurts your eyes. You feel compelled to get out of the car and experience the power and beauty of the natural surroundings. And when you do, you won’t be alone. Colorado is home to a great variety of wildlife. With careful attention to the rules of the state parks and refuges you can enjoy spending time near these majestic creatures. Just keep in mind at all times that these are wild animals and this is not a zoo. Respect the animals and give them plenty of space – after all, you are visiting their home.

    Here is a list of great places to enjoy Colorado wildlife.

    Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge -In early spring, just before ice trickles into snowmelt, up to 100 bald eagles can be seen feasting on fish.

    Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge – A prime area for viewing Canada geese, mallards, redheads, canvasbacks, green-winged and cinnamon teal, ruddy ducks and common mergansers.

    Barr Lake State Park – The lake attracts an array of waterfowl and water birds, including geese, white pelicans, grebes, coots and numerous species of duck.

    Bonny Lake State Park – In the spring and summer, the area provides great opportunities for viewing newly hatched wood ducklings.

    Estes Valley (Front Range) – Watch for bighorn sheep along Fall River Road between Estes Park and the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

    Lake Pueblo State Park and State Wildlife Area (Southeast Region) – Mammals, including beavers, muskrats, fox squirrels and red foxes are year-round residents.

  • The Top Wildlife Destinations in the World

    The Top Wildlife Destinations in the World

    Whether it’s in a South American cloud forest or a suburban alley, spotting native creatures is a wonderful way to really enter a place: An animal often seems to embody an entire landscape. It’s not easy defining the “greatest” wildlife destinations for the ecotourist. Kamchatka or Kodiak Island, with their gargantuan brown bears? How about the Galapagos, with its unique — and world-shatteringly influential, given Darwin’s investigations — endemic species? Everyone has his own list, but, in terms of diversity and visibility of wildlife, the nature enthusiast could do worse than the following destinations.

    Kruger National Park

    Africa is home to some of the largest and most famous wildlife preserves in the world, such as the Serengeti, Selous and Okavango Delta. Kruger National Park in eastern South Africa surely belongs in the top ranks. Sprawling more than 7,000 square miles along the Zimbabwe and Mozambique borders, Kruger links with other preserves in those countries to form the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. Its varied ecosystems – from mopane woodlands and acacia savannas to open grasslands and riverine forests – support a staggering array of animals: Kruger serves as home for 147 mammals, 507 birds and 114 reptiles. Big game like lions, elephants, painted hunting dogs and buffalo get a lot of the attention, but equally impressive are lone baobab trees, white-winged terns nabbing insects on the fly and a savanna hare at full speed.

    Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

    Encompassing Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks as well as surrounding national forests, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is nearly 30,000 square miles of Northern Rocky Mountain wilderness rich in wildlife. Its roster of animal species compares to any African game park, and the scale of the landscape offers a rare opportunity to witness fully functioning, large-scale ecosystem dynamics. Yellowstone National Park, the world’s oldest, is particularly fertile for wildlife-viewing, given the tolerance most of its creatures display toward people and the openness of the country: rolling sagebrush hills, grassland flats and burned woods are widespread. Grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, pumas, bison, elk, moose, mule deer, wolverine, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat are only some of the larger mammal species.

    Great Barrier Reef

    The world’s most extensive mosaic of coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast of Australia is unquestionably one of the grand wildlife destinations in the world – especially for those willing to strap on snorkel or scuba gear. Consisting of nearly 3,000 individual reefs along with hundreds of islands, cays and sandbars in the Coral Sea, the Great Barrier Reef harbors hundreds of species of corals — not to mention 5,000 to 8,000 kinds of mollusks, over 1,300 species of crustaceans and fish ranging from little wrasse to whale sharks. Up to 1.7 million seabirds nest within the reef’s boundaries. Six species of sea turtles use the reef for foraging and nesting, and estuarine crocodiles roam through on occasion.

    Ranthambore National Park

    Considering its geographic massiveness and ecological variety, it’s no surprise some of the world’s most critical wildlife reserves lie in Asia. India’s Ranthambore National Park is surely one of the standouts, not least because it’s one of the last places anywhere that you have a decent chance of spotting a wild tiger. Dry forest cloaking rugged hills and ravines of the Aravali and Vindhya highlands shelters stunning Bengal tigers, along with herds of sambar, troops of langur monkeys, prowling jackals and galumphing sloth bears. While on safari here, you’ll also appreciate the ruins of a medieval fort in the rocky woods. The dry season is a good time for wildlife-watching, given the bareness of the deciduous forests.

    The Pantanal

    One of the world’s largest wetlands, the Pantanal is a vast, fertile conglomerate of seasonally flooded grasslands, savannas, forest groves and marshes occupying a large basin along the Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay borders. Big predators like jaguars, anacondas and caimans crown the food chain, and birdwatchers have the opportunity to spot some superlative species, such as the world’s biggest parrot, the hyacinth macaw, and the massive jabiru stork. Odd-looking but endearing mammals like giant anteaters and maned wolves also roam the country. Four reserves in the region constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pantanal Conservation Area.

  • Visiting the Volcanoes National Park

    Visiting the Volcanoes National Park

    This Rwanda protected area is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It’s located in the north western part of Rwanda about 116km that’s about 2 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city. The park is known one of the most famous parks not only in the East Africa but also in the whole of Africa; its fame has been raised by the counts of mountain gorillas that it supports. The volcanoes national park is known for being part of the Virunga massif and it supports over 480 remaining mountain gorillas out of about 900 left in the world almost a half of these remaining apes are inhabited in this small African country.

    The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is regarded as the gorilla stop center for the travelers undertaking gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Gorilla tracking is known as the number one tourist activity thought after by very many travelers within and outside Rwanda. The activity involves moving deep into the forest passing through muddy and sometimes steep volcanoes in order to meet our close relative something which makes the activity more interesting. The magical one hour you are allowed to stay with these endangered apes is a memorable one.

    Over 80% of travelers to Rwanda visit volcanoes national park for an opportunity to have a close sighting of these rarely seen mountain gorillas which are only seen in their natural habitat. No one is allowed to track/trek these endangered mountain gorillas without a gorilla permit which costs a fee of US$1500 per person per tracking the fee includes the park entry fee and a ranger  guide fee. Permits are sold ate the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Offices in Kigali or at the park headquarters in Kinigi.

    You can’t talk about mountain gorillas of Rwanda without mentioning the works of Dian Fossey. She was a prominent primatologist that fell in love with these endangered apes, without her, and the continued support by the government, tourism industry and the local people especially those who live near the park, mountain gorillas would be nowhere to be no more. She habituated and studies the behaviors of these mountain gorillas for a period of more than 18 years.  However, she was killed by the poachers whom she had made herself very unpopular, she was buried in Karisimbi were she had established her research center near Digit her favorite gorilla. Don’t forget to visit her tomb to get more history about her work and gorillas.

    Besides mountain gorillas, the park is a home to the rare golden monkeys; they are known to be living only in the Virunga volcanoes that stretch from Congo to Uganda through Rwanda. They have beautiful magical golden patch on their back that makes them attractive, they are fabulous fan to watch when playing in fruitful trees or in the bamboo forest of volcanoes national park. They are rare species and amazing to encounter when jumping from one tree to another.  Travelers on Rwanda gorilla treks have always combined the golden monkey tracking with their gorilla safari package in Rwanda making the gorilla tracking safari more exciting and rewarding.

    The park is also a home to the great volcanic mountain with the highest mountain in Rwanda Mount Karisimbi 4,507m found within the park boundaries and it’s among the eight mountains that form the Virunga ridge. Bisoke 3,711m is also primarily located within the volcanoes national park it offers several adventurous activities including hikes with an opportunity to view beautiful views of Ngezi Crater lake. Don’t forget mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura which also found in the Volcanoes National park hence a home to five volcanic mountains. All these attractions make the park more rewarding especially to those who love adventure.

    For birders, volcanoes national park offers the best sighting opportunities to see various species of birds. Volcanoes national park is a home to over 180 species of birds some of which are Albertine rift endemic, even during gorilla trek, chances of sighting bird species are very high, so those interested in bird watching will be gifted with a double chance. The mixture of the above make the park (Volcanoes National Park) a must visit Rwanda tourism site and its proximity makes access very easy. Come and explore with us Rwanda’s hidden secrets at volcanoes national park.

  • Visit the Magnificent Turtle Island (Sellingan)

    Visit the Magnificent Turtle Island (Sellingan)

    Turtle Island is an amazing place to visit, and I would recommend that anyone who goes to Borneo should make a trip to Sellingan (or Turtle Island as it’s affectionately known) top priority! We were a little concerned about the accommodation after reading a few reviews… However even though the rooms are a little basic they are more than adequate, incredibly clean, with very comfortable beds and very effective ceiling fans.

    Turtle Island

    The whole of turtle island is very clean and I would recommend making the most of your stay there. The beach is very clean with beautiful water in which I would recommend snorkeling. If you don’t have your own equipment it can be rented there. It is possible to walk around the whole island on the beach which does not take very long but is a beautiful way to spend your time. However be aware of the tides because there are rocks and exposed coral on one end of the island where it could be easy to get caught when the tide comes in (and it is very rough and sharp terrain)… There is also only a life guard on part of the beach.

    The food there is simple and served as a buffet but very tasty. Drinks are not provided during your meals and in the evening when you wait for the turtles, but there is a good selection available from the gift shop which is attached to the restaurant at a reasonable price… and lovely and cold!

    The Turtles

    Be prepared for a long wait in the evening after the video presentation while you wait for the turtles to come ashore and for a ranger to call your guide. We waited around 4 hours but I have heard that it can be later (and it has happened that there are nights where they do not show up). Try to bring a magazine, book or mp3 player etc because there is nothing to do at the reception center while you wait.

    The wait was well worth it though to see a large female lay her clutch of eggs… and even just hurrying to the laying site was VERY exciting. You get a chance to see her from numerous angles and take some gorgeous photos (although videos are prohibited). After this you are shown what they do with the eggs, followed by the magical experience of seeing them get released. You do have to pay to take your camera (35 RM if I remember rightly) but it is worth it to savor the moment.

    Staying in Sandakan Beforehand

    Pulling in to the Sabah Hotel was a lovely break from the rest of Sandakan… Being such a big tourist hub for wildlife holidays we did expect a lot more of Sandakan, however if you did want to take a walk in to the town from the hotel it is quite a long return trip (I would recommend walking to town but not in the dark and getting a taxi back).

    The hotel is absolutely gorgeous from the building itself and the rain forest grounds down to the swimming pool and rooms. However it was a shame that we were not able to enjoy their nature trail as it was shut (although we recognise that this was out of their control following a land slide)… Although it was still possible to see some really nice fauna around the pool and grounds.

    The restaurant served very nice food, especially in the buffet lunch we had on one day, and even though it was very quiet (we were the only people in there) the main bar was very comfortable with very strong cocktails!

  • Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park

    Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park

    One of the most beautiful national parks in the entire United States is Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. If you have a trip in the works to this spectacular national park and you’re traveling quite a distance to get there, you’ll most likely be in need of some quality lodging. Here are a few things to consider as well as some lodging options that will make planning your trip a bit easier.

    Visiting the Park in the Off-Season has its Perks

    Are you working with a vacation or travel budget? Then you should know that most hotels, motels and lodges charge top dollar during the peak season that runs from April through September. If you want to save money on your lodging and on your entire trip for that matter, plan your Utah visit so that you are there during the off-season from October through May.

    The prices for lodging and food are lower during this time of the year, plus there will not be huge crowds to contend with. Since Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Mother Nature’s finest locations, it’s more enjoyable to take in all the splendor when you don’t have to deal with crowds of noisy tourists. Another good reason to visit Utah during the off-season is that the daytime temperatures are not sizzling hot as they are during the summer months. You’ll be much more comfortable when exploring the beauty of the park when the temperature outside isn’t soaring into the high 90s or above.

    Do You wish to Stay Inside the Park or Elsewhere?

    You should know that there are numerous hotels and motels around Bryce Canyon National Park. Regardless of your budget, requirements or wishes, you are sure to find a hotel or motel that suits your needs well. If you want to truly experience the national park up close and personal, you could stay at The Lodge at Bryce Canyon which by the way is the only lodging within the park. Staying at this rustic, architectural treasure that opened in 1925 would make your trip to Utah unforgettable. When you stay at The Lodge you will have direct access to amazing views, wonderful hiking trails and the peace and quite of nature. The Lodge inside the park has over 100 rooms as well as several cabins to offer guests a truly rustic & unique experience.

    Find Suitable Accommodations Online if The Lodge isn’t For You

    These days, the savvy traveler uses the internet to find lodging. There are a great many hotel booking websites to look at which list all the hotels, motels and lodges in Utah. Pay particular attention to reviews written by past guests as these short descriptions can provide with with a lot of “insider” info about the various accommodations that you can’t find on official hotel and motel websites. The largest hotel booking sites allow you to book your rooms directly from their sites and even sort the various hotels and motels according to your desired criteria such as price, amenities, etc.

  • Planckendael Zoo

    Planckendael Zoo

    Certainly within Europe Planckendael has to be a contender for one of my favourite zoos.  Generally we will take a couple of hours to make our way around your average zoo…. And it doesn’t even seem to matter too much how big it is.  We have a real passion for seeing things which we have never seen before, whether this be husbandry techniques, species or enclosure designs.  This zoo really kept us busy and made it a struggle to fit it all in during the time we had.

    Layout

    A lot of zoos use themed zones now to allow their collection to flow and fit together.  I’m a big fan of small themed sections however generally don’t like it when zoos are split in to areas such as this.  I enjoy seeing animals and learning about them on their own particular merits – however at this park the layout works really well.

    Even though it has different geographical sections (Asian, African, American, European and Oceania), the way you make your way through the whole collection still makes a lot of sense and feel fairly natural.

    Collection

    Now for the most important part of any zoo…. The animal collection!

    This collection is very similar to the majority of large zoos in Europe, in that it has a number of core species which seem to crop up just about everywhere:

    • Rhinos
    • Elephants
    • A great ape (in this case bonobos)
    • Malayan tapir
    • Lions
    • Tigers
    • Penguins
    • Red pandas
    • Prezwalski horses
    • Camels
    • Bison

    Now don’t get me wrong, I love seeing these species, and it was particularly nice to see bonobos as their choice of great ape, and the elephants were displayed in one of the best enclosures I have ever seen for these giants…. I would say that award should be a tussle between Planckendael and Cologne!

    However, what I love about zoos is when you seen an animals which you have never seen before or not seen very often.  Some of the more unusual species represented here included; koala, echidna, bush dogs, green peafowl and whilst bison are common in zoos over here, it was pretty cool to see both European and American bison in the same place.

    Enclosures

    The quality of the enclosures and subsequent care of the animals in this park is absolutely exemplary and it is this in particular which makes this one of my favourites!  Enclosures are not only spacious but also very well constructed and decorated giving the perfect blend between what is best for visitors, what is best for the keepers and ultimately what is best for the animals living in those enclosures.

  • My Worldwide Zoo Visit List

    My biggest passions alongside travel are animals, wildlife, conservation and the zoos which make much of that work possible…  I have been lucky enough to visit a lot of zoos, and to do so all around the world!  On this page you will find the full list of zoos which I have visited over the years and hopefully as time goes on I will be linking them all to reviews.  For the benefit of this post I will be using the term zoo as an umbrella term to cover zoos, safari parks, wildlife parks, rescue centers which allow access for a charge and museums with live exhibits.  Not all of them have been good, but the VAST majority of them are good, and most of those have been an absolute pleasure to visit.

    One of the most common questions I get asked is, “you go to a lot of zoos – do you really think we need them?”

    The short answer is Yes!  However to go in to a little more depth, the standard of zoos around the world has increased dramatically, even just fairly recently in some cases.  It is not always the case that animals are kept in tiny cages behind thick iron bars…  I must admit that there are still some zoos which lag behind and where this is the case, however it’s not always third world zoos like you might expect!  I have seen zoos even in Vietnam put some in the USA and France to shame!  However for the most part, don’t let these exceptions put you off.

    Zoos do a huge amount for conservation and science, not to mention helping people (especially kids) around the world, fall in love with the nature that does or should surround them!  But they do need visitors to be able to continue all this great work.  I have seen zoos around the world, as you can see below, and I am a true believer that a world without zoos would be a much poorer planet, so long as we ensure that zoos are held accountable for their animals and the way they treat them.

    Number of Zoos Visited:
    Zoo Name Country Region
    Sealife Sydney Australia Australasia
    Adelaide Zoo Australia Australasia
    Australian Museum Living Collection Australia Australasia
    Koala Hospital Australia Australasia
    Melbourne Zoo Australia Australasia
    Dreamworld Gold Coast Australia Australasia
    Billabong Koala Wildlife Park Australia Australasia
    Phillip Island Koala Conservation Center Australia Australasia
    Phillip Island Wildlife Park Australia Australasia
    Taronga Zoo Australia Australasia
    Wildlife Sydney Zoo Australia Australasia
    Australia Zoo Australia Australasia
    Cleland Wildlife Park Australia Australasia
    Healesville Sanctuary Australia Australasia
    Zoo Antwerpen Belgium Europe
    Bellewaerde Belgium Europe
    Natuurhulpcentrum Belgium Europe
    Refugio Herpetologico Costa Rica The Americas
    Zoo Praha Czech Republic Europe
    ZooParc de Tregomeur France Europe
    La Ferme aux Crocodiles France Europe
    Zoo Fauverie du Mont-Faron France Europe
    Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croixe France Europe
    Espace Zoologique du Bouy France Europe
    Nausica France Europe
    Espace Zoologique de st Martin la Plaine France Europe
    Zoo de Lyon France Europe
    Leipzig Zoo Germany Europe
    Zoo Berlin Germany Europe
    Chemnitz Zoo Germany Europe
    Hannover Zoo Germany Europe
    Sealife Berlin Germany Europe
    Cologne Zoo Germany Europe
    Muenster Allwetter Zoo Germany Europe
    Zoo Heidelberg Germany Europe
    Zoo Der Minis Germany Europe
    Zoo Dortmund Germany Europe
    Berlin Tierpark Germany Europe
    Duisburg Zoo Germany Europe
    Zoom Erlebniswelt Germany Europe
    AquaDom Germany Europe
    Reykjavik Family Park & Zoo Iceland Europe
    Chennai Snake Park India Asia
    Madras Crocodile Bank India Asia
    Chennai Childrens Zoo India Asia
    Singapore River Safari Singapore Asia
    Singapore Zoo Singapore Asia
    Jurong Bird Park Singapore Asia
    Singapore Night Safari Singapore Asia
    Bern Zoo Switzerland Europe
    Burgers Zoo The Netherlands Europe
    Amersfoort Zoo The Netherlands Europe
    Artis Magistra The Netherlands Europe
    Apenheul The Netherlands Europe
    Stichting AAP The Netherlands Europe
    Shepreth Wildlife Park United Kingdom Europe
    Marwell Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Wingham Wildlife Park United Kingdom Europe
    Woburn Safari Park United Kingdom Europe
    Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens United Kingdom Europe
    Colchester Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Chessington World of Adventures United Kingdom Europe
    Newforest Reptile Centre United Kingdom Europe
    Paignton Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Paradise Wildlife Park United Kingdom Europe
    Chessington World of Adventures United Kingdom Europe
    Poole Aquarium & Serpentarium United Kingdom Europe
    Port Lympne Wild Animal Park United Kingdom Europe
    Rare Species Conservation Center United Kingdom Europe
    Wildwood Trust United Kingdom Europe
    Howletts Wild Animal Park United Kingdom Europe
    Eagle Heights United Kingdom Europe
    Blue Reef Aquarium – Portsmouth United Kingdom Europe
    Sealife London United Kingdom Europe
    Birdland Park & Gardens United Kingdom Europe
    Whipsnade Wild Animal Park United Kingdom Europe
    Dudley Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Drusillas Park United Kingdom Europe
    London Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Twycross Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Tilgate Nature Center United Kingdom Europe
    Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens United KIngdom Europe
    The Tropical Zoo United Kingdom Europe
    Leeds Castle Aviaries United Kingdom Europe
    The Monkey Jungle USA The Americas
    Gator Park USA The Americas
    St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park USA The Americas
    Georgia Aquarium USA The Americas
    Miami Zoo USA The Americas
    Zoo Atlanta USA The Americas
    Philadelphia Zoo USA The Americas
    The Bronx Zoo USA The Americas
    Smithsonian Natural History Museum Bug Exhibit USA The Americas
    Luray Zoo USA The Americas
    Seaworld – Orlando USA The Americas
    Discovery Cove USA The Americas
    Smithsonian National Zoo USA The Americas
    Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Center Vietnam Asia
    Cat Tien Bear and Wildcat Rescue Station Vietnam Asia
    Saigon Zoological Park Vietnam Asia
    Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre Vietnam Asia

    Zoo count so far = 101