Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Ragunan Zoo: where education and entertainment combine

buffaloc — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:17:09 +0000

Located in South Jakarta, Ragunan Zoo is one of the region’s most popular attractions with over 3 million annual visitors. The park was founded in 1864 by the Dutch Flora and Fauna Lovers’ Association. Initially 10 hectares in size, it is now a sprawling complex spreading over an area of 135 hectares. Ragunan follows the “open zoo concept” thereby housing its animals in environs as close to their natural habitats as possible as well as allowing visitors to view animals in a natural environment.

The lush, tropical zoo is home to approximately 550 different animal and plant species. 90% of its 270 species of fauna are native to Indonesia rendering it an important place for those who wish to observe the country’s rich biodiversity. It is also a central institution engaged in animal conservation through its program for breeding endangered species in captivity. Sumatran and white tigers, dwarf buffaloes, komodo dragons and paradise birds are several of the species that have been successfully bred.

The Ragunan Zoo offers a unique experience which combines both education and entertainment as shown by its varied facilities. In addition to the general exhibits, it is equipped with a special children’s zoo. This contains domesticated animals such as rabbits, chickens, cows and goats that children are allowed to hold and feed. The children’s park is ideal for birthday parties or an enjoyable outing. The Canoe Park is an artificial lake dotted with islands containing a variety of exotic creatures. Canoe rides are available for visitors who wish to circle the islands. Ragunan is also complete with research facilities and an Information Centre for the public making it an ideal place for people of all ages.

The varied attractions of this tropical region can be explored with ease and convenience by lodging at a hotel in Jakarta. Located in close proximity to the premier commercial area Jl Thamrin, Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta is one of the foremost Jakarta hotels that offer a luxurious experience of true Indonesian hospitality.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

Ragunan Zoo: where education and entertainment combine is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Africa Adventure Travel

buffaloc — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:10:06 +0000

Claudious Tours and Safaris
If you plan to spend your holidays in Africa and love wild life and beach holidays, this is a wonderful chance to make the most of your holidays in this region. A chance you can’t miss!
Nature: Mountain biking and nature walks are good options if you like being surrounded by nature. And with Kilimanjaro near, it will be a real pleasure. This location is perfect if you’re looking for the tranquility and peace that only the contact with nature offers. Whatever your choice don’t forget to take your water bottle and your camera with you!
Beach sports: Running and beach volley are only two of the sports you can practice in the more than 40km of white sandy beaches in the Mombassa region. Contrary to the Algarve, the beaches are not crowded so you can truly enjoy your activities.
Masai Mara National Park. This region has been a major tourist attraction for many years due to its excellent location and many, many options available like the balloon ride, visiting of the Masai Village, walking safari in the park and many more. Although a tourist place, it is also quiet and peaceful and here you’re surrounded by Mother Nature: from one side you have the masai grazing their cattle and on the other side you have the lion lying helplessly under the trees.
Here you can breathe in the fragrance of pine groves or also acquaint yourself with the golf course fairways. A unique, unspoilt place offering unforgettable experiences. Here, sky’s the limit.
Holidays in Troia can include:
- enjoying the sun in one of the many lovely beaches,
- indulging yourself in a round of golf on some of the most challenging and breath-taking golf courses in the country,
- embark on nature walks or biking on the Arrabida (The Arrábida Natural Park, covering an area of approximately 26,687 acres, has predominantly Mediterranean vegetation, with some rare species unique to the region),
- go on a boat trip and you may be able to see pink flamingos flying above you and lovely friendly dolphins swimming below you. Truly an experience you’ll never forget!
- Sailing, diving and kite-surfing are also activities you can enjoy here.
And to end a perfect day in Troia, and before you taste the wonderful Portuguese cuisine, why not watching the sunset on Melides Beach?
The safari that will take you to all this places.
7 days Amboseli, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Highlights
Enjoy a cup of coffee with the beautiful backdrop of Kilimanjaro in the vicinity of Amboseli where the biggest elephants are found, visit the scenic pink lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara Great Reserve. This is a tour that will take you to the major national parks & reserves and Rift Valley lakes. All the programs we handle includes: Africa Holiday Travel, Africa Visa Travel, Africa Wildlife Tours, Safaris to East Africa, Tours to Kenya, Mombasa Beach Travel, Cultural Tours to Kenya, Adventure Safaris in Uganda, Tanzania Holiday Travel, Uganda Vacations, Kenya Budget Camping, Kenya Lodge Holidays, Kenya Wildlife Tours, Mt Kenya Trekking, Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing, Zanzibar Beach Tours, Nairobi City Tours, Mombassa Excursions, Ecotourism in Kenya, South Africa Hotels, Kenya Hotels, Tanzania Hotels and disability tours.
Areas of Interest: Lake Nakuru National Park, Great Rift Valley, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Great Wildebeest Migration (Seasonal), Amboseli, Mt. Kilimanjaro,
Activity: Game Viewing, Camping, Scenery, Photography, Culture, Bird Watching, Relaxation, Beach Life
Currency Price: USD $1,225 /person estimated
Customize: This package can be customized
Country: Kenya
Duration: 7 days
Persons: min (2) max (7)
Accommodation: Camping
Game Parks: Masai Mara (Kenya)
Amboseli NP (Kenya)
Lake Nakuru NP (Kenya)
Activities: Wildlife Viewing
I T I N E R A R Y
Day 1: Nairobi – Masai Mara
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your Nairobi hotel. Thereafter, depart for the Masai Mara Game Reserve. You will have a spot at the viewpoint of the Great Rift Valley and at Narok town for lunch then proceed for a game drive on arrival, tracking various animal species and birds with your driver / guide. Dinner and an overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 2: Masai Mara
Early breakfast followed by a full day of game drives within the reserve. Masai Mara is renowned for its high animal concentration and abundance. Black-maned lions, elephants and buffalo can be seen (3 out of the big 5) though luck is essential for spotting leopard and rhino, which make the other two. The reserve is essentially the northern extension of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and is home to numerous plains game including wildebeest, common zebra and the Masai giraffe as well as antelopes like Thompson’s gazelle, hartebeest, impala and dik dik among others. You will have a break for your picnic lunch at the hippo pool where hippos are in view and with luck, crocodiles. Return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Masai Mara
Early breakfast followed by a game drive. The landscape here is scenic savannah grassland on rolling hills; this reserve is the best park for game in Kenya as it has an extensive road and track network, which enables close range viewing and photography. Lunch at the campsite. In the afternoon you will have a choice of three activities; a game drive or an escorted nature walk with our armed Masai guides. At an extra cost you can visit a local Masai village to see their nomadic lifestyle. All activities end at the campsite where you will retire for the night after dinner.
Day 4: Masai Mara – Lake Nakuru
After breakfast depart Masai Mara for Nakuru to arrive in the late evening for dinner and overnight at a campsite with lunch en-route. Depending on the time you depart from Masai Mara, you can get here in time to do a short game drive so that Day 05, you depart early morning for Amboseli via Nairobi. It is a very flexible day whereby our driver cum guide wills liase with clients onboard to agree altogether on how to go.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru – Amboseli
After breakfast you will have a morning game viewing session in Lake Nakuru National Park to view flamingos for the park which is famous, other water birds, various antelopes and plains game, Cape buffalo, the Rothschild’s giraffe, baboons and with luck the rare white rhino which is an endangered species. Drive to Nairobi for lunch then on to Amboseli National Park for dinner and overnight at a campsite, game drive en-route.
Day 6: Amboseli
A day of game drives in this park, which contains swamp grounds in which elephants and hippos in abundance. A visit to the observation hill will follow where you will look out for Mt. Kilimanjaro peak if weather conditions permit. A variety of plains game, antelopes and birds can be also be seen. You will have a lunch and leisure break at the campsite in the mid afternoon. Rest of meals and overnight at a campsite.
Day 7: Amboseli – Nairobi
After breakfast, proceed for your final game drive. An early lunch will be taken then depart for Nairobi in the evening.
Package Includes:
Includes:
All National parks entrance fees
All game drives
Professional fluent english-speaking driver cum guide
Comfortable transport in our safari vehicles with hatch-roofs fitted with VHF radio
All campsite fees in all the above mentioned parks
All camping equipment (except sleeping bags, which we have available for hire in Nairobi)
Two man mosquito-netted canvas tents
Africa Jungle comfortable seats
Comfortable foam mattresses 2-4 inches and ground sheets in the tents.
Three meals per day safari
Excludes
International flights
Visas and travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Items not mentioned above
Sleeping bags, which we have available for hire
Drinking Water/Alcohol
Local Village visits
Hot air Balloon ride

Am the Director of Claudioustours and safaris is a tour company based in Nairobi – Kenya offering Niche safaris, wildlife tours, Mountain Climbing, Beach holidays, Gorilla Tracking, River Nile Water Rafting, Maasai Mara Migration Safaris, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Northern Tanzania Safaris,Lake Victoria tours, Kogelo tours and Safaris, Slum tours in Kenya, Disability tours in Kenya, Car Hire in Kenya, Fishing and boating inside Lake Victoria and cultural and community based tours and safaris in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania including pemba and Zanzibar.

Africa Adventure Travel is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Honeymoon Safari In Kenya

buffaloc — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:09:44 +0000

Honeymoon Safari In Kenya Day1: Arrival You will be met by our representative and guide who will transfer you to overnight hotel. Safari Park hotel or equivalent. Day 2: Nairobi-Samburu Depart for Samburu National Park, driving through plantations of fields of Timau, crossing the thorny landscape of Samburu country a distance of 320kms and approximately 5 hours drive. Pay attention to the presence of unique species such as Grevy’s Zebra, the long-necked Gerenuk, among the wildlife that shares this semi-arid habitat. Dinner and overnight Samburu Serena lodge. Day 3: Samburu Spend the day exploring the reserve and its varied species of game. Overnight at Serena Lodge. Day 4: Samburu – Mt Kenya (215kms 2 ½ hours drive) Leave after breakfast and drive to the Mt Kenya region. You will check in at Serena Mountain lodge which offers matchless game viewing, you will also be able to see Kenya’s highest mountain. Overnight at Serena Mountain Lodge. Day 5: Mt Kenya- Lake Nakuru (300kms approximately 4hours drive) Early morning game drive and breakfast will follow. Soon after leave for the Great Rift Valley where Lake Nakuru is located. Visit the world famous sanctuary of Lake Nakuru National Park. Lunch and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar. Days 6: Lake Nakuru- Masai Mara Distance: 370kms approximately 5 hours drive on a rough road) Depart after breakfast and drive across the Great Rift Valley to reach Kenya’s most famous Game Reserve, Masai Mara, in time for lunch. Spend the days exploring the rolling hills and plains for a chance to spot black-manned lion, elephant, leopard, cheetah, and buffalo along with varied species of hoofed animals. Dinner and overnight. Day 7: Masai Mara Full days exploring the magnificent Masai Mara National reserve. Optionally, leave the lodge with picnic meals and spend more time out with wildlife. Dinner and overnight lodge. Day 8: Masai mara- Mombasa (via Nairobi) Distance to Nairobi: 300kms and approximately 5 hours drive on a relatively rough road. Early morning game drive followed by breakfast then leave for Nairobi arriving in the afternoon. You will then be transferred to the airport for your Mombasa flight. Upon arrival you will check in at Serena Beach Hotel or similar for dinner and overnight. Day 9- 11: Beach A stay at the Kenyan coast is the perfect way to relax and kick back, luxuriate in the sun, scuba diving, deep sea fishing or snorkeling boat trips. Overnights at Serena Beach hotel or similar. Day 12: Departure You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nairobi where you will connect with your outbound flight.

www. waytoafricasafaris. com

info@waytoafricasafaris. com

way2africa@gmail. com

Honeymoon Safari In Kenya is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Pattaya Beach is One of the Hottest Destinations in Southeast Asia

buffaloc — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:17:26 +0000

Pattaya is one of the number one spots to enjoy Southeast Asia at an affordable price. Pattaya’s popularity began during the Vietnam War when G. I. ‘s arrived in Thailand for some R & R. this spawned the area’s eventual growth into the largest entertainment beach scene venue in the country. Pattaya is made up of the quieter north side, a thriving central city area, and a large southern area with countless places to explore.
Luxury Accommodation is Available at Dusit Thani Pattaya
Travelers who like a more secluded area with easy access to high traffic areas can stay at The Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel. This is a classy, luxurious, yet inexpensive hotel to unwind and absorb the beauty of the Gulf of Siam. Pattaya has many new up and coming things to visit. The Alangkarn is a newly built theater with Thai musicians and dancers along with a buffet restaurant. The Million Years Stone Park & Pattaya Crocodile Farm supposedly has stones that are a century old and the crocodile show is amazing. Coral islands are off the coast of Pattaya and are great for boating, diving, and water sports.
The Pattaya Marathon is in mid-July and and involves several different types of road races. Around March, The Pattaya International Music Festival hosts a wide variety of music performances from pop to hip-hop. During April, the week-long Pattaya Festival is celebrated amidst Songkran and Wan Lai festivals. There are many things to do during this week including food festivals, boat racing, and viewing various parades. During October, there are water buffalo races and other competitions in nearby Chonburi.
Pattaya Water Park is a popular place to take the family at Jomtien Beach. Travelers who like golfing they can go to Khao Kheow Country Club course or St. Andrews Course. Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel itself is situated at the very north end of Pattaya. It offers every service and amenity expected of a world-class hotel. There is a fitness center, tennis courts, spa, and live music nightly. The Lobby Bar and the lagoon Bar a great places to sit back and watch the sea while absorbing the beach life culture.

Nong Noch Tropical Garden is a nice place to go unwind in a lush environment. Sri Racha Tiger Zoo is a great place to see some beautiful animals. Underwater World, and The Bottle Museum are also other fun places to visit. Nature and cultural enthusiasts might enjoy a short trip to Khao Chee Chan where an image of Buddha has been engraved on a cliff with a laser. It is south of Pattaya, near Wat Yansangwwararam. There are also Muay Thai Kickboxing events hosted in many of the bars. The hotel will be able to inform guests about the times and locations regarding these and other current exhibitions. Pattaya also has two cinemas and three bowling alleys, which are great places to go out on a date or make friends. There is also a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum open at night, for extra bizarre entertainment. Remember to book ahead of time as the high season during November through March can really get crowded.

Book your Pattaya luxury hotel with all the comforts and amenities for you and your family.

Pattaya Beach is One of the Hottest Destinations in Southeast Asia is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Your Bathroom as the New Living Room

buffaloc — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:10:40 +0000

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…
Homeowners have added hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and other features to create more of a home spa where they can unwind at the end of a long day. According to DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, that trend has led homeowners to take a closer look at the design of their new “living room. ”

“It’s quite natural that when you spend more time in a room, you’re going to want it to be pleasing to the eye and functional—even if that room is the bathroom. When you’re talking about creating a bathroom/home spa, that’s even more important. That’s why homeowners should take a step back and consider their options when planning a dream bathroom,” said Mark Klinger, co-owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

When it comes to creating their dream bathrooms, most homeowners want features they’ve seen in their favorite hotels while vacationing. Those can include:

?        A separate tub and enlarged shower area, as opposed to a shower stall, with enough space so there’s no need for a shower curtain.
?        Drawer space in the sink vanities, even as part of the bathtub; reducing clutter-driven anxiety.
?        Warm, neutral colors and earth tones to create a calming, natural atmosphere; utilizing stones like granite and bamboo can foster this effect.
?        Plenty of natural lighting, if possible; halogen bulbs are another alternative that can help to create a soft lighting effect.
?        Radiant, heated floors.
?        Multiple body sprayers for the shower or rain showerheads, which as the name indicates, simulate rain.
?        A steam bath within the shower area to save space.
?        Drying area within the shower space
?        Separate room or partition for the commode.

The cost of creating your “dream bathroom” can vary, ranging anywhere from $5,000 for the cost-conscious to $50,000 or more. While either end of that spectrum might seem exorbitant depending on your budget, bathroom renovations have slowly crept up on kitchen renovations as the home improvement most likely to recoup costs at resale. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s 2007 report suggests major bathroom remodels will recoup 78. 3 percent of the costs, to 78. 1 percent major kitchen remodels.

“While most people don’t create their dream bathroom for their home’s next owner, it certainly is a nice extra to know it can dramatically improve the value of the entire home,” adds Klinger.

DirectBuy of Buffalo offers everything you need for your dream bathroom—hot tub, showers, flooring, vanities, etc. —at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you’re stuck for ideas, you have professionals at your service who can create the look that works best for you and your family.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit
directbuy-buffalo. com

About DirectBuy
Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.   It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy showrooms throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www. DirectBuy-Buffalo. com.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit Directbuycares. com.

Your Bathroom as the New Living Room is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Kenya wedding Safari Travel Information

buffaloc — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 16:07:02 +0000

Loisaba Lodge, Laikipia You will be picked from Norfolk Hotel Nairobi and taken to the Kenya Government office where you receive your licence. In the afternoon you will be driven to Wilson Airport where you are flown by private charter at 14h00, which will take you to Loisaba Lodge. Loisaba is a working cattle ranch where game grazes with the cattle tended by local Masai. The Loisaba Lodge, a luxury lodge was converted from an old colonial home and sits on the edge of a high escarpment with far reaching views across the plains to Mount Kenya. There are several en-suite cottages each with its own verandah and a large homestead where huge leather sofas and open fires welcome you to relax. A pool, tennis court and spa add to the elegance. our days are spent as you wish. Walking, game viewing, riding, relaxing at the spa, playing tennis, visiting the working ranch, trekking with camels and visiting the local communities. You certainly will not get bored! You stay here on a fully inclusive basis. Loisaba Private Campsite The safari land cruiser will be handed over complete with an expert tour guide will be ready to go with food and fuel. After a briefing on the route, vehicle and equipment you will be asked to sign a safety affirmation that states that you have read and understand the contents of the tour book. Secluded on the plains behind the main lodge and about 1/2 hours drive away from the Loisaba lodge is the truly wonderful private campsite set in large trees and raised on a sand island. The camp is not far from a water hole but you must be aware that you are surrounded by truly wild game, so the two wildlife rangers who will camp near by are a very welcome sight. There is an ample supply of water and the rangers will also provide you with plenty of fire wood. The areas is full of large herds of game, but if doing your own drives be aware that it is very easy to get lost so use the GPS. You must not leave the campsite on foot unescorted. Here you will be camping in a pre booked and paid for campsite Allow a 1 hour drive. The campsites in Kenya generally have no facilities at all, so you must be totally self sufficient. The camps are very remote and you will be there on your own with no other people around. You must also be prepared to have game in the camp with you as there are no fences to keep them out, just an area to camp in. The toilet is a shovel, toilet paper and box of matches and there is no water except what you take with you! Soysambu Private Campsite, Lake Nakuru You drive to the gate at Mugie Rhino Reserve where a tour guide will meet you to escort you across the reserve. You will need to pay US$30 at the ranch for the honour of driving through the reserve. Drive south to Nakuru National Park and enter through the less used and less commercial Lanet Gate. The park although not that wild is well worth a stay. The game is excellent and the lake full of wonderful flamingos. Soysambu Campsite is what we would call a 5 star permanent safari camp. A huge flat lawn gives a grass covered space with large yellow barked acacia trees giving shade. It is remote from the road and has a good sweet water tap. It is a very relaxed and safe place to camp. Here you will be camping in a pre booked and paid for campsite. Allow a 5 hour drive. There are some nice shops on the outside of town on the by-pass Nairobi road where you can shop in with out hassle. Soysambu Private Campsite Spend the day relaxing and game viewing. If you stay quiet the game will visit you, watch for black Rhino who live here. Bongo Private Campsite near Treetops, Aberdares Drive north and then south west via Nyahururu and Thompsons Falls. The camp serves good home made soup and the falls are worth a view, banks and fuel are all here. You can also do your food shopping here. Take the Nyeri road and enter The Aberdares from the Treetop Gate. The National Park is quite extraordinary and unlike almost anywhere else in Africa. Tropical forests and high heath plateau’s are there to explore but the maps are not accurate and some roads do not exist. Huge herds of elephant and buffalo can be hard to see but the flowers and flora is wonderful and unusual game can be spotted. Aberdare National Park is situated to the south west of Mt Kenya within the well-watered and fertile Central Highlands region. It is the highest park in Africa and its predominant habitats are the Kinangop Plateau in the west, a 40 mile stretch of moorland, peaks and forests, and the Salient in the east, an area of thick rainforest. Aberdare National Park has a incredible variety of flora and fauna as well as the most beautiful landscape with its only peer in this respect being Mt Kenya itself. Its terrain is criss-crossed by mountain streams with pretty waterfalls and babbling water simply teeming with trout. Elephants and buffalos are common and there are also a number of rarer species such as black rhino, the beautiful and elusive bongo antelope and the extremely rare black leopard. Bush pigs and giant forest hogs are spotted here too. Birdlife is varied and prolific. The park is famous for Treetops lodge the hotel at which Queen Elizabeth II was staying in 1952 when she was informed of her father’s death and her accession to the throne. Sweetwaters Tented Camp, Nanyuki You drive to Nanyuki (you could stop for a quick lunch at the Trout Inn, be hungry because portions are huge and very good, it is just south of Nanyuki and well signed off the road) and you continue on to Sweetwaters Game Reserve, a 24,000 acre reserve, which straddles the Equator. It overlooks a floodlit waterhole and boasts a great variety of game including elephant, lion, cheetah, rhino and over 400 species of birds. As it is a private reserve, you can enjoy many activities not permitted in most national parks such as game walks, night game drives, horse riding and meals in the bush. You can also tour the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary a short drive from the camp, where orphaned and wounded chimpanzees are restored to health with the intention of rehabilitating them back into the colony. Here, you stay in a roomy tent set under a thatch roof, with ensuite facilities and a private verandah, overlooking the waterhole. Private Campsite, Lewa Downs Drive through Lewa to camp on the Il Ngwesi community-owned land about an hour and a half drive away from the main gate to Lewa. The region is captivating and has copiousness of wildlife. You camp near the river. You may well be visited by local herdsman and it is worth asking them if you can visit their village. Here you will be camping in a pre booked and paid for campsite. Please allow a 4 hour drive. Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary in Northern Kenya and is home to a great variety of indigenous species. At the very core of their work is the protection and preservation of a number of rare and endangered wildlife species that naturally dwell on Lewa Downs such as Grevy’s zebra, the lovely sitatunga antelope and the black rhinoceros. In fact, the wildlife conservancy began as a sanctuary for black rhino and it is now home to 8% of the national population of rhinos, around 35 in number. Importantly, several rhinos have been trans-located from Lewa to other protected areas where new populations are being established. The ranch is also home to a group of the more placid white rhino. Elsa’s Kopje, Meru National Park You drive to Meru National Park to stay at Elsa’s Kopje. Situated on top of a large rocky outcrop in the middle of the rarely toured Meru National Park you have a breathtaking 360 degree view of the surrounding plains and wetlands. The stone and thatch cottages at Elsa’s Kopje have been carefully blended into the kopje, incorporating the rockscape into the open plan design. Here you will stay in supreme luxury. Elsa’s Kopje camp was constructed in the area where Joy Adamson lived with her famous lioness. Elsa is buried in Meru National Park. One of the less well known of Kenya’s parks, its remoteness keeping it off the minibus route, you will find few other visitors here. You may go for game drives at day and night and guided bush walks and fishing trips are also available. The swimming-pool offers a welcome relief from the heat of the day, but the altitude means pleasant night temperatures. There is a small spa where you can be pampered if you wish. Your hosts Ava and Graham run an exceptional camp and your every need will be taken care of. Your stay here is inclusive of all meals, activities and laundry. Meru National Park lies to the east of Mt Kenya, whose permanently snow-capped peak provides a dramatic back-drop to this fascinating park. Meru is one of the most geographically diverse parks in the country and is less visited than most of Kenya’s parks and reserves. In fact, on a visit to Meru National Park, you are unlikely to come across another safari vehicle (except near the lodge, hotels and safari camps), something that immeasurably enhances any safari experience. It is loved by true safari aficionados, who do not need the promise of the ‘big five’ to lure them to areas teeming with fascinating game. Elsa’s Kopje – Wedding Day! At pre arranged time the District Officer will be taken into the lodge to officiate at the wedding. Cottars Safari Camp, Masai Mara You will be transferred to the airstrip in time for the Tropic Air flight at 0830h to Nanyuki where you will then depart at 1000h to The Masai Mara where you will be met and transferred to the amazing Cottars 1920 Safari Camp. The Cottar family has an amazing history of running safaris since 1919. The 6 super luxury tents all furnished in 1920 style. This camp is one of the very best Kenya offers. Fly back to Nairobi on the Air Kenya flight

Edwin is a specialist in African Safaris and a tour operator. The tour company he co-owns, African Safaris & Adventures, has presence in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Egypt, Madascar, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Seychelles.

Kenya wedding Safari Travel Information is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Mara Serena Lodge Masai Mara Kenya Safari Information

buffaloc — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:19:31 +0000

Mara Serena Lodge is an infinitive interpretation of a traditional Masai Mara Manyatta village of domed huts. Secreted deep within the Masai Mara National Reserve Kenya, the Mara Serena Safari Lodge is the ultimate Kenya safari holiday destination. Set high on a bush-cloaked hill, embraced by arcing vistas and washed by a sea of richly rolling grasslands, it stands centre-stage to one of Kenya’s most dramatic wildlife arenas and has a ringside seat for the greatest wildlife show on Earth, the legendary animal migration of the wildebeest. Drawing its inspiration from the traditional Maasai cultural motif of a cluster of domed, mud-coloured huts encircled by a “Boma” of brushwood, the Mara Serena hotel offers a rare blend of raw African splendor and sumptuous sophistication. The essentially ethnic décor also draws on a vibrant colour-palette of sun-burst colours, embellished by a unique selection of Maasai art to create the look and feel of a traditional bush encampment. The Serena Mara Hotel features individual rooms, each with their own balcony and view of eternity. A sky-blue swimming pool and a spectacular restaurant, overlooking a water hole where fantasias of creatures collect to drink. No safari lodge in Masai Mara has such a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape than Mara Serena Safari Lodge. It is on this very terrain where the annual wildebeest migration takes place, when millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle traverse the landscape to feed on rich new grass and give birth to their young calves. The Masai Mara National Reserve is home to gazelle, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard, the legendary black-manned lion and many more. If you’d like to say “I do” under the endless skies of the famous Masai Mara and create the magic of your vacation honeymoon in one of the greatest natural arenas on planet earth, then why not marry in the Mara Serena Lodge? It’s not only that you’ll be guaranteed a beautiful day, a wedding banquet in traditional safari style, a Masai guard of honour and the chance to end your special day in the indigo stillness of an African night, but also that all you’ll have to do on the day, is enjoy it. We do the rest. As to formalities; from registrar to certificate, cake to champagne, all will be arranged and when it comes to flowers, Kenya grows some of the finest blooms in the world. Tempted? If so, provide passports, birth certificates and an affidavit to prove that you are both single and… say yes in the Mara Serena Hotel. At the Mara Serena Safari Lodge they have the experience, the team and the equipment to cater for a wide range of private functions, receptions, parties and formal events. We are also adept in making your special occasion not merely memorable, but entirely unique. Accommodation Mara Serena Safari Lodge Styled to mirror the circular motif of a traditional Maasai “Manyatta”, the lodge has been designed to blend international sophistication with raw African beauty. The wide-spaced and secluded rooms have been sensitively designed so as to blend seamlessly into the landscape whilst offering magnificent Mara-vistas from their private verandas. As for the interiors, individually styled in exuberant bush colours they feature spacious bathrooms and the calm sophistication of a world-class hotel. Set on a high ridge, Mara Serena is a modern incarnation of a traditional African village of domed huts. The huts are distanced apart so guests of each room have uninterrupted views of the landscape. The lodge is the only such property in the Mara Triangle – one of the world’s richest wildlife sanctuaries – and as such, its guests can be assured a high degree of privacy when enjoying their safari experience. There are total of 74-guest rooms: 72 twin beds and 2 with double beds. Voltage is 240V in rooms and adaptors are available at the reception desk; shaver outlets have both 110V and 240V. Mara Serena Safari Lodge Hotel Restaurant Every visitor will love the restaurant overlooking the waterhole giving you the chance to observe Africa’s wildlife a little closer. The dining room provides a vibrant atmosphere with a selection of dishes that is both imaginative and traditional. The main dining room is spectacularly decorated in three large domes and three small ones resembling enlarged Masai Manyattas. Sumptuous international menus, buffets and barbecues are served to guests alongside authentic African dishes. The full-service lounge and bar located in the main building serves fresh fruit juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee, cocktails, wines, spirits and liqueurs. Meal times are as follows: Breakfast: 7:00 am to 9:00 am Lunch: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Dinner: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Esther is a specialist in African Safaris and a tour operator. The tour company she co-owns, African Safaris &amp; Adventures, has presence in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Egypt, Madascar, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Seychelles.

Mara Serena Lodge Masai Mara Kenya Safari Information is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Kenya Safaris

buffaloc — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:14:38 +0000

It is hard to believe the startling contrasts of landscape and the outstanding natural beauty that Kenya has to offer. Further inland, few places on earth can claim such a dense profusion of wildlife in such spectacular surroundings. From the legendary wilderness of Tsavo where the man eaters originated,to the majestic peak of Kilimanjaro, the rain forests of Mount Kenya to the stunning savannah of the Masai Mara. The coastal belt of Kenya is home to some of the world’s finest beaches. Kenya has a wide selection of beach holidays along it’s coast, ranging from 5 star hotels to private beach villas. The hotels are luxurious in nature with nearly all facilities such as swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and conference rooms among others, all within the hotel premises. Every room is air conditioned with private bathroom, balcony and telephone. All beach hotels overlook the white sands of Kenya’s coastline. The indigenous old trees and vegetation fronting the Indian Ocean have been preserved pristinely. This attracts the birds to the lodge, hence beach and bird life experience. Parks and Reserves The masai mara The mara is home of East Africa’s once most feared ancient warriors, the maasai. With the adjoining Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the south, they make home to a huge population of elephants, hippo, buffalo, griraffe, gazelle and impala. Predators are plentiful especially the cheetah, crocodile, leopard, and lion. ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK The Aberdare national park is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range which forms the steep eastern edge of the Rift Valley. The park lies approximately 170kms north of Nairobi and has an altitude of 7,000 to 14,000 ft. The scenery in this region is spectacular and impressive as is the range of wildlife. Wildlife viewing on this park takes some searching due to the dense forest vegetation. The park has a wide variety of game including; elephant, lion, black rhino, waterbuck, gazelle, giant forest hog, genet cats, leopard, buffalo and the rare spiral-horned antelope known as the bongo. AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK Amboseli National Park, although smaller than the likes of tsavo and masai mara, at approx 395 sq km, is one of Kenya’s most popular parks. Amboseli is known for its large elephant herds and is often referred to as elephant country. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak on a clear sky day, coupled with the variety of game to be found, draws many wildlife lovers to this park. The park which lies approximately 140kms south of Nairobi on the border with Tanzania. A combination of factors such as drought, increased tourism, and over-grazing of land by the locals has had a hard-hitting effect on the western side of the park, the land has become dry, dusty and barren and the animals that were once there have moved into areas of shrub forest and marshland. Still there is plenty to see in this wildlife paradise. LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK Situated approximately 6km from Nakuru town with the main attraction being Lake Nakuru is a very shallow strongly alkaline lake 62 km2 in extent and set beneath the high cliffs of the eastern Rift Valley. It is an ornithologists’ paradise offering the spectacular view of up to 2 million flamingos. The flamingos feed on algae, created from their droppings mixing in the warm alkaline waters, and plankton. But flamingo are not the only avian attraction, also present are other large fish eating birds mainly pelicans and cormorants. Lake Nakuru was first gazetted as a bird sanctuary in 1960 and upgraded to National Park status in 1968. Today an area of 190 sq km around the lake has been fenced in as a national park and has been made a sanctuary for Rothschild giraffes and black rhinos which were once poached almost to extinction. MOUNT KENYA Mount Kenya National Park lies approximately 170kms northeast of Nairobi and covering an area of approximately 700 sq kms. This park consists maily of forest vegetation. The mount from which this national park gets it’s name, Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano straddled across the equator, and is the continent’s second highest peak. The altitude ranges from between 11,000 to 17,058ft, with the highest peaks being Batian at 17,058ft and Nelion at 17,022ft. These can be attemped. Peaks such as Lenana can be climbed without the use of specialist equipment. Climbers are often accompanied by a guide, with ports being available. There are climbers huts is rest up in, but plenty of food and warm clothes should be taken for those wishing to attempt this great mountain. The best time of the year for climbing is from mid-January to late February and from late August through September. The scenery is panoramic. It is also a botanist’s paradise, with a wide variation in flora as the altitude changes. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including some unique species, such as Black and White colobus and Sykes monkeys, bushbuck, elephant, Olive baboon, waterbuck, black rhino, leopard, hyena, bongo and at high altitudes zebra and eland can be found. Buffalo too can be seen here in plenty.

Patrick Najoli is editor of http://www. agmtravelandsafaris. com an online website on Kenya safaris, wildlife and travel information as well as beach hotels. You can view more info on the website.

Kenya Safaris is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Fansifan Vietnam Tour, Sapa – Fansifan

buffaloc — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:14:14 +0000

Day 1 : Friday: Arrive Hanoi – Lao Cai ( D ) (Train) Pick up at the airport. Welcome dinner, catch an overnight train (about 9 hours) to Lao Cai, 346 km to the northwest. Lao Cai is the last station in Vietnam on the French built train line toYunnan, China. Overnight on the train.
Day 2 : Lao Cai – Sapa -Laochai -Tavan (1600m) (B,L,D). Arrive early morning in Lao Cai and transfer by minibus to Sapa. All day trekking to visit some minority villages. Lao Chai – TaVan – GiangTaChai. You will meet some different minority people H’mong, Zay, Red Dzao, you can see the different colorful dresses. Free time to visit Sapa market. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Day 3 : Start the climb(BLD). Commence the ascent of Mt. Fansipan by trekking through terraced rice fields and a hill tribe village of the H”mong. You will follow buffalo paths, crossing streams, until an elevation of 1700m, where break for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to ascend for another 500m where a suitable camping ground is reached. This is the first peak, at 2200m elevation.
Day 4 : Camp 1 – Camp 2 (2700m) (BLD). Breakfast. Trekking through a primary forest of giant, centuries-old pine expanses of yellow bamboo. Continue climbing to a second peak at 2900m where stop for lunch. After lunch, leave the gear in Camp 2 and push for the summit with just our cameras and water. After taking in the scenery and atmosphere on Vietnam”s highest point, roll back down to Camp 2 for dinner and Overnight there.
Day 5 : Camp 2- Sapa (B,L,D). After the last breakfast in the mountain, take another way to go down to the foot of Mount where to visit and get understandings of the lifestyles, the traditional customs of the people in a village of the Black H”mong called SinChai, then take bus back to Sapa (18 km by bus). Lunch and check in hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 : Sapa -Hanoi (B,L,D). Night trainFree to explore Sapa town. In the afternoon, our bus will take you to Laocai Station for the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.
Day 7: Hanoi (B ) Arrive in the early morning and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is for our own exploration. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi ( B ) After a week of breathtaking adventure in North Vietnam, goodbye with fond memories. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
More information at : http://www. hanoipeacetour. com/english/?page=tours&menu=detail&id=332
Tour Cost includes:
Train: (Soft-sleeper Ac cabin of 4 persons ) Hanoi- Lao Cai – Hanoi.
Full transportation as tour program indicated.
Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast;
1/2 day hotel on day 1.
Permission fee to visit Fansifand summit.
Full meals as indicated in the itinerary.
English- speaking guide
Sightseeing fees
Porters, camps for trekking.
Equipment that you should bring
The only thing you should bring yourself is a pair of good walking-boots, or another kind of solid foot-wear. You should have tried them out beforehand, and know that you can walk in them all through the day !
More information at : http://www. hanoipeacetour. com/english/?page=tours&menu=detail&id=332

HANOIPEACETOUR. COM . The Leading Tour Operator In Vietnam and South East Asia,We are specialzing in organize package tours and budget tours, Hotels at any traveller’s demands, Enjoy interesting travel with huge fun and great discounts.

Fansifan Vietnam Tour, Sapa – Fansifan is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels

Kenya Tanzania camping safaris

buffaloc — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 16:09:09 +0000

Lake Nakuru, Nakuru National Park,Masai Mara, Musoma, Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mau Escarpment, Great Rift Valley, Arusha, NairobiThis is a safari that promises the best of Kenya and Tanzania’s premier parks. Visit the small but rewarding Lake Nakuru National park thereafter proceeding towards Masai Mara (Kenya’s most celebrated game park). This is where the great wildebeest migration is a spectacle to behold for any would be visitor to Kenya mainly in July and August of each year. In Tanzania, Ngorongoro Crater is said to have the world’s densest population of lion. In Lake Manyara lions have developed a liking for residing in the branches of trees, where they can both sleep and watch for prey whilst the Serengeti is notable for its large migratory herds of wildebeest and zebras with strings of predators in trail. The Ngorongoro crater also offers amazing wildlife viewing and scenery Day 1 – Nairobi – Lake Nakuru National Park We depart Nairobi and drive down the Escarpment to the floor of the Great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park for an afternoon game drive. The park covers 180 sq km and is home to warthogs, waterbuck, buffaloes, reedbucks, and the occasional leopard. White and black rhinos were introduced to the park some years ago and you will find white rhino at the southern end. The park has also retained its reputation as an ornithologists’ delight with more than 400 species of bird found here. We spend the night at a Lake Nakuru Guest House inside the parkDay 2: Lake Nakuru – Masai MaraDepart the camp soon after breakfast and drive via the scenic floor of the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara. Lunch at a campsite before proceeding for evening gamedrives. Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Campsite Day 3& 4: Maasai Mara Full days spent exploring the park in search of the big 5. Morning and afternoon game drives are offered. Optional hot air balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost of US$ 425 per person. Dinner and overnight stay at Mara Campsite The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures Day 5 : Maasai Mara – Musoma We leave the campsite and drive through the southern part of the reserve viewing game as we proceed to the Tanzanian border at Isebania / Sirari. We stop for the night in a quiet town on the shores of the immense Lake Victoria known as Musoma. The surrounding countryside is home to many different tribes including the Kuria, Jita, Luo, and Taturu. Musoma’s colourful port and variety of tribes make it a vibrant town. Dinner and overnight at Tembo beach hotelDay 6 : Musoma – Serengeti National ParkLeaving in the morning, we drive south and west to the western corridor of the great Serengeti via Ndabaka Gate with a picnic lunch enroute. The afternoon is spent viewing game and we overnight at a campsiteDay 7 : Serengeti National park Full day spent exploring the park. Morning and afternoon game drives ate offered. Dinner and overnight stay at a Seronera campsite. The Serengeti National Park is arguably the most impressive wildlife sanctuary in the world. During the months December through March the seemingly unending plains of the southern Serengeti and the Conservation Area are inhabited by enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra. The great herds graze on rain ripened grass. In the calving season (late January through mid March) the herds concentrate at the Ndutu and Salei plains (Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area) attracting the attention of predators like lion, cheetah and hyena. Day 8 : Serengeti –Ngorongoro conservation area via Olduvai gorge We view game as we drive southeast up into the magnificent Ngorongoro Conservation Area . Stop over at The Olduvai Gorge with picnic lunch en route Over at the Olduvai where we spend the night at the Simba (Lion) campsite on the crater rim. The Olduvai Gorge cuts through rock beds layered in time sequence from 2 million years ago to the present and it is here where humanoid bones have been found dating back to over 1. 75 million years including a direct ancestor of modern man. Fossil foot prints (over three million years old) have also been found here and are the most ancient footprints yet discovered. There is an excellent site museum where you can explore the diggings with a guide and it is also a great place to view birds such as the purple grenadier, red and yellow barbet, speckle fronted weaver and slaty colored boubou. Day9: Ngorongoro – ArushaEarly breakfast then descend into the crater for a full morning crater tour. Lunch then proceed to Arusha. Dinner and overnight stay at Sinka Hotel The Ngorongoro crater is the world’s biggest whole volcanic caldera at 8300 sq km and is arguably the most stunning arena. It is frequently described as one of the wonders of the world, not only because of its geological magnificence, but also because it serves as an extraordinary natural sanctuary for some of Africa’s largest populations of large mammals. Ngorongoro and other freestanding mountains are volcanic in origin, formed during the fracturing process that created the Rift valley 15 to 20 million years ago. When it peaked in size 3 million years ago it was a similar height to Mt. Kilimanjaro todayDay 10 : Arusha -NairobiBreak fast then board the morning Shuttle bus to Nairobi to arrive by 1400 hrs. Drop off at the airport to board your home bound flight.

Muchina is a tour consultant with Beaverline Safaris a Nairobi based tour operator commited to giving its clients the best of services through its highly effient and dedicated stuff. For all your East Africa Travel needs kindly contact Beaverline safaris at info@beaverlinesafaris. com or visit our Website at http://www. beaverlinesafaris. com

Kenya Tanzania camping safaris is a post from: Buffalo Cheap Hotels