A Safari Vacation in Kenya - An African Holiday Never to Be Forgotten

A safari vacation in Kenya is undoubtedly an African holiday never to forget. A vacation or safari in Africa, particularly in Kenya, remains one of the most popular and memorable experiences one can ever possibly undertake. It is more than simply a vacation - it is an exploration of the origins of Man, and an appreciation of some of the glorious and iconic animals in the world, within their true habitat. From lions and leopards to elephants and wildebeest, a Kenyan safari is the ultimate in exotic experiences, and will create tales and memories to share and enjoy for the rest of your life.

Although the majority of your memories of Kenya will be animal related, there is much to enjoy and to appreciate that is not in wild and arid plains of the highlands. Indeed, you would be well advised to spend at least a day or two in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. If you have ever read Karen Blixen's famous book, 'Out of Africa', you will enjoy visiting her house here, built in 1912, and exploring many of the scenes and locations described in the book, and the subsequent film adaptation of course.

Also in Nairobi you will find a number of animal sanctuaries, such as the one for elephants, and the one for giraffes. Seeing these animals up so close, and especially watching the adorable young animals cavorting around, is a real pleasure. If you are fortunate enough to have the luxury of a good guide, they will be able to take you through the city, allowing you the time to appreciate the many cultural, historical and natural wonders on offer, whilst also ensuring you get to see a broad slice of Kenyan life.

Naturally, much of your holiday here will be spent either on safari, or at least excursions into the highlands and plains to watch the animals in the wild. It will be necessary to remind yourself frequently that you are not watching a natural history program on television, but that you are just a short distance away from the very real kings of the African plain. Watching lions, giraffes, elephants, leopards and wildebeest in their natural habitat, and surrounded by wild, open landscape that stretches to the distant mountains on the horizon, will require plenty of spare film in your camera.

Not surprisingly, many film crews and top naturalists come here, although it's well worth knowing when the best seasons are for watching the animals. Although Kenya enjoys a tropical climate towards the coast, and a more arid climate further inland towards the rising highlands and plains, it does experience two rainy seasons. The longest of these takes place between April and June, with most of the rain tending to fall during the afternoons. Between October and December there can be a slightly shorter rainy season.

The best months for a safari vacation in Kenya can be between June and September, as it is during this period that the annual animal migration takes place, with hundreds of thousands of blue wildebeest journeying across the plains. This is often captured by film crews who travel here especially for this remarkable footage. Imagine being there, yourself, with a guide to take you to the best locations where you can watch one of the most incredible and awe inspiring natural events taking place before your very eyes.

Africa is a vast continent, accounting for a fifth of the entire land mass of the Earth, and Kenya itself occupies well over half a million square kilometers. Because of the sheer scale, it is easy to forget, as you look out through the crisp white curtains at your window towards the peaks in the distance, that the tallest of those peaks is Kilimanjaro itself, the highest peak in Africa, the top of which is almost 20,000 feet above sea level.

It's unlikely that, on even a luxury holiday in Kenya, you'll wish to scramble up the mountain, since its beauty can be appreciated from all around, but should you be interested, Kilimanjaro offers every possible climate on earth, from the arid dryness of the base, through tropic regions, and towards the top there are monumental glaciers and snow that lasts all year round. Perhaps just as astonishing is the fact that there is mobile phone reception at the top - the highest mobile reception in the world!

If at all possible, make sure you book an excursion to see the Great Rift Valley, 6000 kilometers of breathtaking scenery. To make the most of this, there is only one way to appreciate it fully - and that is to book a flight. Flying across the immense trough, with a guide to help identify the features and aspects to you, will be something you will remember for a very long time.

Whether you choose unrivaled views a full safari, or a holiday with safari excursions, Kenya will provide you with outstanding, and, opportunities and experiences, with all the best of Africa on hand for your pleasure. Always remember to look at the stars at night - the African plains have a secret that will stay with you forever. A safari vacation in Kenya is, to most, the ultimate in adventure vacations: an African holiday never to forget.

If you are seeking a luxury Kenya safari vacation, you can't beat the personal service offered by Ultitude with top class accommodation, food and travel. Ultitude provides you with a luxury travel experience for a fabulous Kenya safari vacation.

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Rafting & Adventure Travel with OARS Explore the Journey

Whitewater rafting, sea kayaking & hiking in California, Colorado, Grand Canyon, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming & British Columbia with professional guides and top notch equipment Since 1969. All trips include beautiful scenery, active adventure & gourmet meals.



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Gallatin River MT House-Rock

Twila's first trip through the mad mile. Filmed with a frame mounted POV.1



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Health Issues on a Tanzanian Safari

When on a walking safari, mountain climbing or walking round the camp, it is advisable to be aware of the following guidelines on health and safety in the African Bush.

Altitude related Illness: These illnesses can kill you and every year tourists die from altitude related illnesses. Higher altitudes are colder even in Africa; there is less oxygen and to walk slowly is essential especially for hikes or climbs above 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level. You should be breathing easily with no panting and no extreme physical excursion. Drink water regularly and eat a light diet with lots of carbohydrates. It is essential to keep warm.

Hypothermia or exposure: this is life threatening condition with a lowering of body temperature and can occur with a temperature as high as 10 c [50 f]. Usually caused by cold wet clothing or simply poorly clothed for the conditions. The signs/symptoms include clumsiness, stumbling, apathy, lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and eventually unconsciousness. Treatment for this is to immediate warm the patient in a warm dry environment - a sleeping bag is ideal with one or even two people inside the sleeping bag with the patient. Warm energy rich drinks help as does rest with a return to camp as quickly as possible.

Acute Mountain sickness: This affects many people above 2,050 meters [or 10,000 ft] signs/symptoms include headache nausea fatigue, malaise, loss of appetite, restless or no sleep. The treatment is to slow down, remain in camp, drink water, and rest your body. It is important to adjust to altitude slowly. In case of severe headaches, loss of coordination, breathing difficulties evacuate immediately for medical attention. This condition kills tourists every year in Tanzania!

Hiking in hot or sunny weather often causes heat exhaustion the signs/symptoms are weakness/fatigue, headache, vertigo, thirst nausea/vomiting faintness high body temperature. The treatment is to lay flat in shade, remove clothing to cool the patient, soak the body with cold water, re-hydrate patient and monitor body temperature

Heat stroke is more serious with the signs/symptoms being delirium, coma, rapid pulse, rapid breathing; skin hot and dry, body temperature above 40c [104 f]. Treat as for heat exhaustion but this condition can be fatal so seek medical assistance quickly - evacuate if possible.

Wildlife; try to avoid interaction; normally the wildlife will try to avoid you. Buffalo or elephant may attack if surprised or provoked. When hike in forest or dense bush clap often or call out if met by an aggressive animal; at all times follow the instructions of your armed guide. Never feed wild animals with baboons and monkeys being highly dangerous and they can steel by force as they have learnt to get food from the tourists.

Weather in Tanzania has a rainy season November through to May with sometimes a dryer season January to March dividing the season into short and long rains. It never rains all the time. The dry season June to October, the coldest month being July with high altitudes reaching temperatures bellow freezing.

If you get lost remain where you are; your guide will look for you and find you quicker if are on the trail - this sometimes happens in fog or dense forest. A day pack should include instant body shelter, warm clothing and a water proof jacket, matches or lighter, a mirror or whistle for signaling, food and drink [esp. water] basic first aid, torch and a compass.

Some areas have stinging nettles, no shorts in these areas with stings causing temporary but painful irritations

Safari ants are small shiny brown ants move rapid in columns across trails - they are common and carnivorous, they crawl up your trouser legs and start to chew. Tuck trouser into socks and watch where you step and especially where you stand.

Acacia thorns "cat claws" of the wait-a-bit thorn tree rip skin and clothing - the thorn is long and straight and can pierce soft soled shoes and even car tires so take care and try not to wear sandals.

Ticks may be found long grass, to remove a tick grasp head and jerk out of skin.

Snakes will usually avoid humans; one exception is the puff adder. This snake is sluggish and slow to move. When moving around in the dark use a torch to avoid a most unwelcome encounter with the puff adder.

Scorpions lurk in the dry country under rocks, behind bark and sometimes climb into boots, clothing or equipment left out at night. The sting from a scorpion can cause severe pain for several hours.

In conclusion to protect yourself - dress right and drink right. Climbing in mountains or highland prepare for extremes. Watch your self day time temperatures can reach 35 c with little shade and may well be freezing at night at higher altitudes. Fine weather can turn into fog or rain quickly. Always carry a waterproof and dry clothing in a plastic bag to keep warm wool and synthetics are better than cotton or down - to keep cool cotton is the better option. Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, skin protection also drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in carbohydrates for energy. Avoid alcohol at high altitudes.

For more information on these issues or any relating to Tanzania see [http://www.tanzania-info.co.uk] and [http://www.betheladventure.co.uk] tourism can change lives.

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Exploring the Top National Parks Around the World

Visiting National Parks is a great way to spend your vacation, including a family vacation. The fresh crisp air, beautiful scenery, warm sun, and beautiful shorelines, will leave you feeling relaxed and content. It is great way to escape the pressures of work and home. If you are considering exploring a Park, the following is a list of a few of the top Parks around the world.

Swiss National Park: Located in Switzerland, the stunning Swiss Park is located in the easternmost part of the country. It is the largest protected area and is home to many animals, plants, wild flowers, and alpine meadows. Only 150 000 people a year can visit the park. As well, this park is closed during the winter.

Acadia National Park: Located in Maine, USA, Acadia Park is a beautiful park with inspiring mountains. It is well known for its rugged coastline and wide ranging plant and animal life. Visitors enjoy swimming, hiking, and biking through this stunning park. During the summer months, one can swim at Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach. There are also guided tours available. Acadia Park is open year-round, but the campgrounds and roads are closed during the winter.

Masai Mara Reserve: Located in Kenya, Africa, the Masai Mara Reserve is home to many exotic animals such as the Wildebeest, Zebra, Crocodiles, Leopards and much more. The reserve is 583 square miles in size. It is a great place for bird-watching, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Grand Canyon National Park: Located in Arizona, USA, the Grand Canyon is an amazing natural wonder. Every year, an estimated 5 million people visit the Grand Canyon Park. Visitors can take in the breathtaking view and enjoy a hiking excursion. People can also river raft on the Colorado River.

Serengeti Park: Located in Tanzania, Africa, the Serengeti Park is home to many exotic animals such as the lion and leopard. Landscapes include: amazing mountains, grassy plains, and wooded hills, Almost 1.5 million wildebeest will undertake a long journey to locate new watering holes and grazing pasture.

Yellowstone National Park: Located in Wyoming, USA, Yellowstone Park is the United States first national park. It is also home to the famous geyser, Old Faithful. One can watch the eruption of Old Faithful, go horse back riding, and even go Llama packing.

Galapagos National Park: More than 1.7 million acres comprise the Galapagos Park in the Ecuador. It is home to many incredible animals. Tourism is being promoted in an environmentally conscious way so as to protect the land, waters, and species that inhabit the area.

Skaftafell National Park: Located in Iceland, in the southern part of the country, the Skaftafell Park is the country's second largest park. It is a great park to hike as there are amazing, craters, glacial caps, plains, and volcanoes. There are even campgrounds.

Taking a vacation that includes spending time in a park will make your holiday much more exciting and memorable. Whatever park you choose, it is important to check with the park officers about safety and rules that must be obeyed. A National Park is one of nature's most valuable gifts that can be enjoyed at an inexpensive price.

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