Travel

Why the Kruger National Park should be on everyone’s travel bucket list!

Published

1 year ago

March 14, 2022

sylvia J

Listing all the reasons why this vast, diverse, and beautiful wildlife reserve should be on your bucket list, would result in a very long list indeed! So, we’ll just focus on a few of the really compelling ones.

But first, a bit about the park and its history.

A brief history of the Kruger National Park

In 1898, the Kruger National Park was established by Paul Kruger, president of the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, later known as the Transvaal. He realised the Lowveld animals needed protecting after the depredations of the Gold Rush. Hunting was therefore restricted in the area between the Crocodile and Sabie in 1884. In 1898, the Sabie Game Reserve was established.

Later renamed the Kruger National Park, Scottish-born conservationist James Stevenson-Hamilton was appointed as its first warden. Nicknamed ‘Skukuza’ by the local people, (because he ‘turned everything upside down’ when he banned all hunting in the reserve!), Skukuza camp and Skukuza Airport near it are named in his honour. History buffs will find the Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library at Skukuza fascinating.

Now here are just some of the reasons why you must go to the Kruger:

The sheer scale and diversity of the Kruger is amazing

With a surface area of more than 7580 square miles, the Kruger is bigger than the state of Israel! With 16 macro ecozones, it houses more than 750 animal species, 20,000+ insect species, and close on 2000 species of plants and trees. It contains 254 cultural heritage sites and 130 indigenous rock art sites.

The unbelievable richness of its flora and fauna

Of course, you most likely already know about the Big Five that can all be seen in the Kruger – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants. You might even have heard about the cute Little Five – antlions, the leopard tortoise, the rhino beetle, the red-billed buffalo weavers, and the tiny elephant shrew.

But have you heard about the marvelous Big Six of the Kruger’s bird kingdom? They are all impressive birds in their own right, and include:

the large Kori bustard
the Old World lappet-faced vulture
Africa’s biggest eagle, the stunning martial eagle
the stately saddle-billed stork
the rare Pel’s fishing owl
the solemn-looking southern ground hornbills

The even Bigger Five

No, no – these are not dangerous! These are the foremost of Africa’s beautiful trees and are all stalwarts of the Kruger’s diverse biomes. The Bigger Five include:

The iconic Lowveld baobab which grows close to 100 feet tall with a circumference of close to 33 feet.
Unjustly maligned as causing malaria, the beautiful fever tree is easy to identify with its characteristic green trunk and branches.
The fire-, drought and termite-resistant knob thorn is one of the most characteristic trees of the Kruger. Its leaves, seed pods and flowers are all important food sources for animals.
The deciduous marula tree bears delicious fruit that is incredibly high in vitamin C, and has edible, highly nutritious nuts. But no, sorry, it’s a myth that eating the fruit makes elephants drunk!
With butterfly-shaped leaves, the hard and termite-resistant mopane tree is host to the famous mopane worms. Their cocoons are harvested to produce the most beautiful silk!

The quirky critters that will amaze and delight you

The Kruger is host to unusual and sometimes very rare animals. How about seeing if you can spot an aardvark, or the rare and endangered aardwolf? The incredibly rare springhare, the Cape pangolin, and bushveld rain frogs might present even greater challenges.

Don’t be scared if you see a rare giant stick insect; they are harmless to humans. The same can’t be said for that fearsome little fighter of the African bush – the honey badger! These tough, feisty, and fearless creatures are best given a wide berth.

The lesser bushbaby, the smallest primate in Africa, poses a different kind of danger. You will fall in love with it and want to take it home!

You can visit the Kruger all year round

If you love heat, you will revel in the Kruger in the summer – it can get very hot! If that does not appeal to you, you had best go in winter. The nights will be chilly, but the lovely sunny days are delightfully warm and temperate.

The Kruger’s website offers comprehensive information about the different temperatures and rainfall you can expect throughout the year.

Access to the Kruger is really easy

If you are on holiday in South Africa, and want to see the Kruger as an add-on, nothing could be simpler. You can book direct flights to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

The Park has 10 different gates making it easy to gain access – just be sure to check the opening and closing times. Skukuza Camp in the Park also has its own airport.

The Kruger is family-friendly and affordable

With lots of safe entertainment for young and old, the Kruger is ideal for that family getaway. Different types of accommodation are available to suit every preference, taste or budget.

Whether you want a luxury Safari in the Kruger National Park, a simple camping excursion, or an energetic holiday encompassing lots of hiking and backpacking – the Kruger is the place to go!

Travel

How hard is it to get a working holiday visa?

Published

1 month ago

February 23, 2023

sylvia J

How hard is it to get a working holiday visa?

If you’re interested in traveling and working in Australia, a working holiday visa may be a great option for you. This visa allows individuals to work and travel in Australia for up to one year, and can be a great way to experience the country and earn money while you’re there. In this article, we’ll explore how challenging it is to get a working holiday visa, but it’s possible.

Eligibility Requirements for a Working Holiday Visa

To be eligible for a working holiday visa in Australia, you must meet certain requirements, including:

Age:You must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application.
Nationality:You must hold a passport from an eligible country, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries.
Education:You must have completed at least high school education or equivalent.
Financial Requirements:You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia, typically around $5,000 AUD.
Health and Character Requirements:You must meet health and character requirements, including passing a medical examination and obtaining a police certificate.

While these eligibility requirements may seem daunting, they are generally straightforward and easy to meet. If you have any concerns or questions about your eligibility for a working holiday visa, an immigration lawyer Sydney can help you understand the requirements and provide guidance and support throughout the application process.

Limitations of a Working Holiday Visa

While a working holiday visa can be a great way to travel and work in Australia, there are some limitations to keep in mind. For example, the working holiday visa only allows you to work for the same employer for a maximum of six months. In addition, the visa is only valid for one year, and cannot be extended beyond this time frame.

If you are interested in staying in Australia beyond the one-year time frame, or if you want to work for the same employer for longer than six months, you may need to explore other visa options. An immigration lawyer Sydney can help you understand your options and determine the best visa for your individual circumstances.

Applying for a Working Holiday Visa

The application process for a working holiday visa is generally straightforward, and can be completed online through the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website. However, it’s important to ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements and provide all of the required documentation and information in your application.

Working with an immigration lawyer can help you prepare your visa application, ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, and navigate the complex application process. They can also provide you with guidance and support throughout the visa application process, from preparing your application to settling into life in Australia.

While there are certain eligibility requirements for a working holiday visa in Australia, the process is generally straightforward and easy to navigate. With the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve your goal of working and traveling in Australia with a working holiday visa. Remember, an immigration lawyer can provide you with the support and guidance you need to ensure that your visa application is successful, and help you achieve your dream of traveling and working in Australia.

Travel

Sightseeing Boat Tour in Dubai Lets You Explore the Coastlines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Published

2 months ago

January 30, 2023

sylvia J

Sightseeing Boat Tour in Dubai Lets You Explore the Coastlines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Dubai is a city of endless beaches and stunning coastlines, with attractions ranging from luxury hotels to world-famous shopping malls. If you’re looking for a way to explore both coasts, consider taking a sightseeing boat tour. Tours depart from various ports in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, giving you the chance to see the coastlines of both cities while enjoying some delicious cuisine and breathtaking views.

What is a sightseeing boat tour?

Looking for an exhilarating way to explore the coastlines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Look no further than a dubai sightseeing tour. These tours take you on a journey around both cities, letting you see the sights and sounds of these vibrant coastal regions. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax and soak up the atmosphere while onboard.

Tour overview:

Looking for a way to experience the coastlines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Then consider taking a sightseeing boat tour https://charterclick.com/our-services/sightseeing-cruises. These tours give you a unique perspective of both coasts, allowing you to explore the area’s natural beauty as well as its bustling cities.

Sightseeing boats can be found in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai and depart from various ports around each city. Tours can last anywhere from one hour to three full days, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Besides enjoying stunning views of the coastline, you’ll also get an insider’s perspective on local culture and customs.

To find out more about sightseeing boat tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, or to book your own trip, be sure to consult an expert like charterclick.

Abu Dhabi Coastline:

Dubai is a major city in the United Arab Emirates and its metropolitan area, Abu Dhabi, has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world. The metropolitan area is also home to some of the wealthiest people in the world. As such, many visitors are interested in exploring Abu Dhabi’s coastline. There are several places where tourists can take boat tours to see the coastlines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The first stop on any tour of Abu Dhabi’s coastline is Al Ain Island. This island is popular for its windsurfing and sailing opportunities and it’s also home to a number of resorts. After landing on Al Ain Island, passengers are taken by boat to Sharjah, which is located just offshore from Al Ain. From Sharjah, passengers can take a ferry to Dubai or they can continue their tour by taking a boat tour to Dubai Marina.

Dubai Coastline:

Dubai is a city that never sleeps and whether you want to explore the city’s many attractions during the day or take in some of the nightlife, there’s always something to do. One of the best ways to see both sides of Dubai is by taking a sightseeing boat tour around Abu Dhabi and Dubai coastslines. This gives you a perfect overview of these two beautiful cities while also providing stunning views of the coastline.

The highlights of each tour:

Dubai is a city that never sleeps, and that’s especially true when it comes to sightseeing. There are so many things to see and do in Dubai that you’ll never run out of things to do. Here are some of the highlights of each tour:

The Abu Dhabi Tour: This tour takes you on a journey around the coastlines of Abu Dhabi, including stops at Sharjah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. The sights here include luxury hotels and man-made islands, as well as the shimmering blue waters of the Persian Gulf.

The Dubai Tour: This tour takes you on a journey around the coastlines of Dubai, including stops at Palm Jumeirah and The Dubai Marina. The sights here include luxury hotels and man-made islands, as well as the shimmering blue waters of the Persian Gulf.

Pros and cons of each tour:

Sightseeing boat tours in Dubai offer a unique way to explore the coastlines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The boats depart daily from the Dubai Marina and take visitors on a journey around both coasts, providing an overview of the cityscape, man-made landscape, and natural beauty. Some notable pros of this tour include the opportunity to see some of Dubai’s famous landmarks from a different perspective, as well as getting a closer look at Sheikh Zayed Road and the Yas Island skyline. There are also several cons to consider before booking a boat tour: oftentimes there is significant crowding along the waterfront (especially during peak tourist season), and it can be difficult to get good photos or videos without being right up against the boat.

Sightseeing boat tours in Dubai are a great way to explore the coastlines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Each tour has its own highlights, but both offer an overview of the coastlines.

While each tour has its own pros and cons, both tours are great options for visitors looking to explore the coastlines.

Summary:

The sightseeing boat tour in Dubai is a great way to explore the coastlines of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out or want to learn more about the local culture, this is the perfect option. So if you’re in the area, be sure to take a trip on one of these boats!

Travel

How to Plan a Cross Country Road Trip

Published

4 months ago

December 10, 2022

sylvia J

If you’ve been planning a cross country trip then you want to ensure that you plan in advance.

You want to make the most of your trip but it can be rather stressful so you want to make sure you know what you’re doing. So how do you plan a road trip?

This quick guide is the only cross country roadtrip planner you’ll need to know about.

Here’s how you get started with going cross country:

Choose Your RV

The first step is to rent a RV that’ll work well for all the destinations you’ll need to go through.

You have to choose an RV that’ll work with the type of terrain you’ll drive on. For example, one RV might ride well on the beaches of Florida. But the same RV might falter on the dirt roads of Texas.

Make sure you test out your RV until you find one to your liking. After that, you’re ready to plan your road trip.

You must also have a backup for your RV. Have at least two extra tires and a pump to fix any flat ones. Always have at least two extra tanks of gas with you.

You must also have all your mobile devices charged. Test out the Wi-Fi connectivity in your RV before you leave. Have a list of all emergency numbers in case you run into any issues.

Choose Your Stops

The next step is to determine where you’ll stop on the way. For example, let’s say you’re driving from Miami, Florida to Savannah, Georgia. You might want to stop somewhere for a meal or even to sleep overnight.

You’ll have to find a place where you can park your RV whether it’s a hotel or campsite. You need to also research the safe locations on the way.

Plan at least two potential stops in each state you visit. This ensures that you always have a backup option and gets rid of any hassle.

Make sure you research the best stops through online RV communities.

Choose Your Fun

The last and most important step is to decide what fun experiences you want to have during your road trip.

You’ll want to research the restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, museums, excursions, nature sights, campsites, etc. that you can find during your road trip.

Make sure you write a list of which ones are your priority. You have to expect that you might not get to see everything. Make sure you see and enjoy as much as you can.

That’s Your Cross Country Roadtrip Planner

With this cross country roadtrip planner, you’ll be able to embark on a great road trip across the USA!

First, you must find the ideal RV that’ll work for the specific places and terrain you’ll come across. Test drive it and have backup to avoid a stressful trip.

Make sure you also choose the right stops in each state you visit. Afterward, make a list of all the fun activities you wish to enjoy in each state. Once you’ve planned those three things you’re ready for your road trip.

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