Thursday, August 4, 2011

Kenya traveler Visa Requirements - Get a Kenya Visa for Travelers

Tourist Visas Embassies and consulates

Kenya has gentle representation in many countries. Where there is no Kenyan embassy or high commission, visas can be obtained from the British embassy or high commission.

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Its leading to understand what your own embassy-the embassy of the country of which you are a citizen-can and cant do to help you if you get into trouble. Generally speaking, it won’t be much help in emergencies if the trouble you’re in is remotely your own fault. Remember that you are bound by the laws of the country you are in. Your embassy will not be sympathetic if you end up in jail after committing a crime locally, even if such actions are legal in your own country.

In genuine emergencies you might get some assistance, but only if other channels have been exhausted. For example, if you need to get home urgently, a free marker home is exceedingly unlikely-the embassy would expect you to have some insurance. If all your money and documents are stolen, the embassy might support with getting anew passport, but loan for onward trip is out of the question.

Kenyan embassies and consulates in Your Country

Australia: Tel, 02-62474788 kenrep@dynamite.com.au Qbe Bldg, 33-35 Ainslie Ave, Canberra, Act 2601

Austria: Tel, 01-7123919; kenyarep-vienna@aon.at

Neulinggasse 29/8, 1030 Vienna

Canada: 613-631773; [http://www.kenyahighcommision.ca] ; 415Laurier Ave, East Ottawa, Ontario, Kin 6R4

Ethiopia: Tel, 01-610033; kenya.embassy@telecom.net.et ;

Fikre Mariam Rd, P.o Box 3301, Addis Ababa

France: Tel, 01-56622525; kenparis@wanadoo.fr ;3rue

Freycinet,75116 Paris)

Germany: Tel,030-25922660; embassy-kenya.bn@wwmail.de; Markgrafenstr 63,10969 Berlin

India: Tel, 011-26146537; [http://www.kenyamission-delhi.com;] 34 Paschimi Marg, Vasant Vihar, 10057 New Delhi)

Israel: Tel,03-57546333; kenya04@ibm.net ;15Rehov

Abba Hillel Silver, Ramat Gan 52522, P. O Box 52136, Tel Aviv

Italy: Tel, 396-8082714; [http://www.embassyofkenya.it;via] Archmede 165, 00197, Rome)

Japan: Tel, 03-37234006; http://www.embassy-avenue.jp/kenya ; 3-24-3 Yakumo, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 152)

Netherlands: Tel, 070-3504215; kenre@dataweb.nl ;

Niewe Parklaan 21, 2597, The Hague)

South Africa: Tel, 012-3622249; kenp@pta.lia.net ;302 Brooks St, Menlo Park, 0081,Pretoria)

Sudan: Tel, 011-460386; road 3 Amarat, P.O. Box 8242, Khartoum)

Tanzania: Tel, 022- 2112955; khc@raha.com ; Nic investment House, Samora Ave, P.O Box 5231, Dar es salaam)

Uganda: Tel, 041- 258235; Plot No.41, Nakasero Rd, P.O. Box 5220, Kampala)

Uk: Tel, 020-76362371; [http://www.kenyahighcommision.com;45portlandPl], London W1N4As)

Usa: Tel, 202-3876101; [http://www.kenyaembassy.com;] 2249R St Nw, Washington Dc 20008)

Embassies and Consulates of other countries in Kenya

Many countries around the world allege gentle missions in Kenya; A choice of these is listed following. Missions are settled in Nairobi (Area tel. Code 020) unless otherwise stated.

Australia High commission; tel, 445034; [http://www.embassy.gov.au/ke.html] ;Icipe House, Riverside Drive)

Austria: Tel: 319076; Nairobi-ob@bmaa.gv.at ;City House, Wabera St)

Canada high commission: Tel, 3663000; http://www.nairobi.gc.ca ; Limuru Rd)

Ethiopia: Tel, 2732050; State House Ave.

France: Tel, 316363; [http://www.ambafrance-ke.org;] Barclays Plaza, Loita St)

Germany: Tel, 4262100; http://www.nairobi.diplo.de ; 113 Riverside Drive)

India high Commision: Tel, 222566; [http://www.nairobi.indianhighcommision.com] ; Jeevan Bharati Bldg, Harambee Ave.

Ireland honorary consulate: Tel, 556647; irconsul@swiftkenya.com ; Maasai Rd)

Israel: Tel, 2722182; Bishops Rd)

Italy Embassy: Tel, 319198; cooperazione@utlnairobi.org ; International Life House, Mama Ngina St; Consulate 041-314705;Jubilee Bldg, Moi Ave. Mombasa.

Japan:Tel, 315850; embjap@wananchi.com;Icea Bldg, Kenyatta Ave.)

Netherlands: Tel, 4447412; Riverside Lane)

South Africa High Commission; Tel, 2827100; Roshanmaer Pl, Lenana Rd)

Spain: Tel, 246009; embespke@mail.mae.es ; International House, Mama Ngina St.)

Sudan: Tel, 2720883; sudanemb@wananchi.com ;Aon-Minet Bldg, Mamlaka Rd) At the time of research, this embassy did not issue visas.

Switzerland: Tel, 228735; International House, Mama Ngina St)

Tanzania High Commission: Tel, 311948; Reinsurance Plaza, Aha Khan Walk)

Uganda High Commission: Tel, 4445420; http://www.ugandahighcommission.co.ke ;Riverside Paddocks) Consular section; Tel, 311814; Uganda House, Kenyatta Ave)

Uk High Commission: Tel, 2844000; [http://www.britishhighcommision.gov.uk/kenya] ; Upper Hill Rd)

Usa: Tel, 3636000; [http://www.nairobi.usembassy.gov] ; United Nations Ave)

Kenya traveler Visa Requirements - Get a Kenya Visa for Travelers

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

San Antonio: A enthralling City for Tourism

San Antonio is the eighth biggest city in the United States and the home of 1.1 million people. Situated in the state of Texas, the city has plentifulness to offer to tourists - you will never get bored here! There are lots of things to see and something for everyone. If you have a week to spend in lively, colorful San Antonio, you can assuredly find something separate to do every day.

You will find African-Americans, Native Americans and Old Mexican and Wild West culture still remaining. San Antonio has no less than five original Spanish Colonial Missions, if you are interested in history. The San Antonio de Valero Mission (known as The Alamo) is a fortress and former mission that is predominant for being the scene of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. You will also find La Villita in San Antonio, which is one of the first settlements of the Spanish military, who located there with their families.

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Nearly twenty-two million tourists visit San Antonio, the gateway to Southern Texas, each year, proving its great popularity. Even though it is a big city and still growing, San Antonio keeps its history and traditions alive and takes great pride in its status as one of the most favorite and arresting traveler spots in the United States.

The Paseo del Río is another arresting site to visit in San Antonio. Spanish for "The River Walk", the Paseo del Río is a path of flagstone and cobblestone that passes by the San Antonio River and goes via the city center. You will find boutiques, parks, hotels, nightclubs, high-rise offices and cafes on the path, which is nearly two and a half miles long. You can pick between a morning rove on the River Walk or time it for the evening to see a colorful bazaar of habitancy and a gorgeous sunset. If you enjoy theme parks, you might like to visit Sea World San Antonio or the Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The San Antonio Spurs of the Nba are also based here if sports is more your thing.

San Antonio boasts several arresting museums in increasing to everything else. If you are not a history fanatic, there is the collective Library or San Antonio Zoo to consider. You will without fail be spoiled for choice if you like arresting nightlife. There are many bars, restaurants and nightclubs to pick from and the Texans sure know how to party!

San Antonio: A enthralling City for Tourism

MISSIONS TRIPS TO AFRICA

What to on Your Holidays in Malawi

Commonly known as the warm heart of Africa, Malawi has something to offer to all of its guests. It is one of the most attractive and beautiful countries in Africa, it is well-known among those who seek adventure, eco-tourism and leisure while holidaying.

The scenery of Malawi is diverse and elegant and the people of the country are extremely friendly with the tourists. The national parks, mountain hiking, game reserves and plateau trekking will be highly appreciated by those who love to be in the midst of nature.

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Malawi is a favourite among tourists owing to its unbelievable scenery, great openings that it offers for trekking and hiking in the national parks and an opportunity to see the wildlife of Africa in its various game reserves.

The city of Lilongwe is the capital of Malawi and is well-renowned for the Old Town. It is home to quaint cafes, market stalls, restaurants and New City which is home to decorative shops and offices. The city is nestled in the Central African Mountains, plateau and hills, providing breath-taking panoramic views for the visitors.

The Lilongwe Nature Reserve is built in the area between the old and the new town in order to provide the visitors with an insight into what the area would have been like, before the beginning of the city construction. It is a sanctuary, not a city zoo, and people have to be as alert as in a forest, you may encounter a leopard or a hyena much to your shock.

Several small animals such as porcupine, serval, bushbabies, civet and squirrels and some larger animals such as bushbuck, bushpig and duicker can usually be spotted here. Around 165 km north of the city lies Kasungu National Park and 115 km north-east of the city lies the Nkhotokota Game Reserve.

Livingstonia Mission is one of the main tourist attractions located in the northern lakeshore region. It is situated in Khondowe, a small village, situated on the top of west Rift Valley. The scenery is spell-bounding, and the Manchewe Waterfall surrounded by the lush rain forest is the highest in Malawi.

Lake Malawi also known as Livingstone's Lake or Lake Nyassa, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Malawi. It is the most southern lake situated in the Great Africa Rift Valley and is about 560 km long and has a total area of about 30,000km. The lake is bordered by Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania and is a subject of dispute between Tanzania and Malawi.

The lake has the greatest number of indigenous fish species, more than any other lake in the world, thus making it popular among snorkellers and scuba divers. The beautiful blue waters and golden sandy beaches of the lake give retreat to those in need of a rest and a little relaxation. Kayaking, wind-sailing, water skiing and canoeing are water sports that are available for people who seek some fun and excitement.

Mulanje is a premier rock climbing and hiking destination which offers some of the most spectacular scenic beauties in the country. It rises up to a height of 3000 meters, the highest peak being the Sapitwa. It has an impressive waterfall, deep gorges and trout streams are seen in the midway, while tea plantations add to its beauty in the lush foothills.

The Zomba plateau is situated 900 meters above the Zomba city and is covered by verdant grasslands and evergreen forests. It inhabits blue monkeys, epiphytic orchids and rare montane forest birds. The Mulunguzi Dam is ideal for fishing and hiking, and the botanical gardens and the traditional market of Africa are the major points of interest in the Zomba city.

What to on Your Holidays in Malawi

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

South Pacific Island in the Caribbean Sea

St Lucia would be just at home in the South Pacific, but it resides in the southeastern Caribbean Sea, and is part of the Windward Islands.

Just north of Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago lies a tropical paradise equal to the Pacific islands of Tahiti and Fiji. The calm waters of the Caribbean Sea which is ordinarily compared to the color turquoise, appears to be royal blue around the island of St Lucia. No doubt this is due to the fact this is a volcanic island unlike the coral islands of the Caribbean basin.

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Old ship records speak of how captains and sailors alike were awed by the sighting of St Lucia. Perhaps this is why the island was fought over and changed hands 14 times in its history. Two countries, England and France fought 14 battles back and forth to gain operate of the island. The English ultimately won the war, but France won the battle since the island is undoubtedly French in culture.

The most photographed scene in the Caribbean and landmark of St Lucia are Petit Piton and Gros Piton. These two sizable volcanic mountains are covered with lush green vegetation and rise over 2,600 feet above the sea, and 1,000 feet below. Soufriere, placed at the base, is where the jungle meets the royal blue sea. The majestic twin Pitons greet you at every turn while on the island - such an awesome sight!

As a comparison among its Caribbean neighbors, the only two that come close to St Lucia's beauty is Dominica (the nature island), and the interior of the island of Jamaica. St Lucia boasts a collection of exotic black sand beaches, tropical birds, plants and flowers. everywhere you turn, and on each island adventure there is just more beauty to be seen. I attempted to capture the island on picture, but the color intensity and depth was lacking more than often. While family and friends watch at how gorgeous our vacation pictures were, I knew the true essence of the island needs to be seen in person.

This is an island to be explored with nature walks, mountain hikes, visits to the natural reserves, boat trips to around island sanctuaries, drive through the world's only "drive through volcano, and a trip to the interior rainforest is a must! About the drive through volcano - you easily drive through the crater to over 15 pools of thick black bubbling lava. The smell is a bit overwhelming. In this region you will also find green and yellow sulfur steam advent up out of the ground, and pools of hissing steam - You can undoubtedly feel the heat from the ground, and guides lead you around the hot stones.

Another spellbinding site face of Soufriere is brilliant Waterfall and the Mineral Baths. Louis Xvi sent a sample of the mineral water to France back in the late 1700's to be tested, and it was deemed beneficial. We had a lovely time at the Mineral Baths, and admit I felt quite invigorated afterwards. brilliant Waterfall is near the baths, and this rivals many of the waterfalls on the island of Jamaica - naturally beautiful!

The lush sizable region is home to the rain forest which offers lush and colorful foliage. As you venture into the northern part of the island, mountains turn into lush hills, and orchards of banana, coconut, mango, citrus and papaya trees.

Aside from land tours, a half day or one-day sail around the island is recommended. From a small peninsula that extends from the southern tip of the island you can view where the rough Atlantic Ocean meets the calm Caribbean Sea. On a clear day you can even spot the tiny island of St Vincent. Other location benefit is you easily island hop to the islands of Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.

The Eastern or Windward side of the island is on the Atlantic coast, and has big waves and surf, and swimming is not recommended, but the ocean views will be remembered far after your vacation is over.

The Western, or Leeward island side, is placed on the Caribbean Sea, and the waves and waters are quite calm, and most of the beachfront resorts on placed on this side of the island.

No matter which side of the island you choose, you will find the constant cooling trade wind breezes advent off the coast of Africa.

Getting to St Lucia can be spellbinding time wise depending on where you are starting from. Expect a minimum 5-6 hour trip from North America. One leading aspect in booking your vacation is the presence of the hotel to the airport. St Lucia has two airports, and the major airport (Hewanorra) on the southern tip of the island is where most of the air traffic from North America is directed. The smaller airport (George Charles) to the north of the island serves most of the smaller Caribbean air carriers. Of policy the majority of the best known hotels are placed on the north of the island.

Flying into Hewanorra airport on the southern end, and booking a hotel or resort on the northern end can result in a long 2 hour trip. Rather than look at the travel time to the hotel with dread, consider it a prime occasion for an enjoyable island tour. The mountain route offers a more scenic view of the magnificent Pitons. The eastern route is faster, and you wind through hundreds of banana groves, and gorgeous scenery. Take your pick, but I suggest the longer western route.

St Lucia is home to some of the most unique resorts, charming inns, guesthouses and romantic hideaways in the Caribbean. Two of the most unique are Ladera and Anse Chastanet.

Ladera offers an open wall belief with your own hidden pool. The western side of each unit is open to the view of the Pitons. It's like staying in a luxury tree house, and as they said "the only thing separating you from nature is the netting on your bed".

Anse Chastanet is a luxury mountaintop retreat where every room offers something distinct - no two are alike. Most rooms are scattered in the lush hillside, and a few more high-priced rooms are placed on the beach. Be forewarned there are nearly 100 steps to the beach from the hillside.

Jalousie Plantation is placed beneath the Pitons, and offers a very romantic, hidden location that is hard to match everywhere in the Caribbean. Other choice is the Windjammer Landing with your own secluded villa in a Mediterranean styled community setting.

The smaller hotels of Rodney Bay which are Caribbean Jewell, Coco Kreole, and Coco Palm offer a location that is within walking distance to shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Reduit beach is one of the prime attractions of Rodney Bay, which is also home to the European yachting community. Each of these smaller hotels has a unique charm, exquisite assistance and moderate prices.

There are roughly eight all inclusive on this small island. Many Caribbean islands offer all inclusive properties where visitors are isolated and spend most of their time. St Lucia all inclusive celebrate the islands beauty and attractions, and make every attempt to promote the islands beauty and culture. The most favorite all inclusive are Sandals - which offers three distinct resorts, the Body Holiday Spa Resort, and Rendezvous - a popular, romantic couples only resort.

The beaches of St Lucia offer as much collection as the lush vegetation. There are black sand beaches where the sand is courser, soft white sand beaches, beaches of beige-grey and brown. One thing to remember - black sand heats up much faster than white sand, and your feet can get burned and blistered.

While the island is French in culture, English is widely spoken in the company and traveler areas. Elsewhere you will hear Creole, along with a French patois. The Creole spoken on the island is derived from the traditional slaves mixing their African language, along with French words. There is even a national holiday where every St Lucian is encouraged to speak Creole, and prepare Creole food dishes.

If you're used to the typical steel drums and calypso of the Caribbean, you will find the French Caribbean has a taste for Zouk, African drumming, and also Soca. The French Caribbean is not as reserved as the islands with a British influence, and the English lyrics are quite explicit about current communal norms - in other words you may be a dinky shocked at what you hear.

Zouk is a Creole word for "party", and is upbeat tempo with layered percussions and loud brass. You'll hear Zouk mostly in the French Caribbean islands of St Lucia, Martinique and Guadeloupe. The beat is infectious, and you can't help but dance or at least tap your feet.

Soca is a composition of calypso with a more up-tempo beat, and interestingly sufficient has its origins in a composition of calypso mixed with Indian rhythms from Trinidad and Tobago.

Not your typical Caribbean island! If I had to sum up what's special about St Lucia, I would stop the following - An exotic island paradise with unique resorts and romantic hideaways, great beaches, hiking, navigation and deep sea fishing. Also the island's steep coastlines and exquisite reef law offers world class snorkeling and scuba diving.

South Pacific Island in the Caribbean Sea

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Sarah Ehrlich's Help for Orphans Follows Oprah in Educating African Kids

Whether it's George Clooney publicizing the violence in Darfur, Bono campaigning for debt relief, or Angelina Jolie visiting as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, stars are using their wattage to raise public awareness about the problems facing Africa today. Hand in hand with other celebs, Oprah Winfrey recently opened her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. "Despite their efforts, there remain millions of orphaned African children who need nutritious food, clean water, housing, and an education," says Sarah Ehrlich, founder and president of the non-profit Help for Orphans (www.helpfororphans.org). "Although every effort helps, the challenge is to create a sustainable system that nurtures and educates children for years to come."

The numbers are stark. According to the United Nations, the number of African orphans increased from 30.9 million to 41.9 million between 1990 and 2000, and projections suggest that the number will increase to 53.1 million by the year 2010.

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But Ehrlich is up to the challenge. Inspired by an organization in India that has several hundred orphanage schools and that encourages children who graduate to give back, Ehrlich's Help for Orphans (www.myspace.com/helpfororphans) has already given thousands of books to orphanages in Uganda, Kenya, and India. Moreover, the organization is currently building two orphanage schools in Kenya; the Kisumu school will educate 60 children, while the Kisii school will educate another 50 children. While the Reading and Phonics Curriculum by Applied Scholastics (www.study-tech.org) will be central, Ehrlich wants to go beyond the basics to provide students with the tools they need to support themselves within their culture. "In order to truly make a difference, we also need to raise their self-confidence by teaching them about human rights, values, how to avoid HIV, and by tapping into their creative energy through an art program that includes painting and dance," she says.

Leaving a small environmental footprint is central to the philosophy of Help for Orphans. To that end, the organization has engaged AB Architekten (www.abarchitekten.com), a New York architectural firm that specializes in designing "green" buildings. "We want to teach by example," explains Ehrlich, who is footing 100 percent of the administrative costs of the organization. "It's important to assure our donors that their -per-month sponsorships are going directly to the children for food and school supplies, and that other donations are being used for building projects, food, and educational materials."

Ehrlich and her team are preparing for a trip to Kenya, where they will partner with additional orphanages in order to sponsor their children and build more schools, as well as to donate books, food, and school supplies. But Ehrlich doesn't feel her mission will be accomplished until Help for Orphans has launched at least 500 schools all over the globe. "We are starting in Africa, but there are orphans in many countries who need our help," she says. "Right now, we're focusing on Africa, but we also have immediate plans to build sustainable schools for orphans in southern India and Central America. Eventually, we will launch efforts in Southeast Asia, North and South America, and Europe."

Ehrlich says the response to Help for Orphans has been overwhelming, and concludes, "When you do the right thing, everything seems to take off." Ehrlich's ability to create that synergy is certain to help African orphans take off and reach for the stars.

Sarah Ehrlich's Help for Orphans Follows Oprah in Educating African Kids

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South Africa - Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex

The Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias holds a special place in the history of South Africa. It was he who, in February of 1488, made a landfall at a site now called Mossel Bay, on his search for a sea route around Africa to the Far East. He thus became the first known European to set foot on South African soil. That historic event was celebrated in 1988 with the voyage of a replica of Dias's ship, and the placing of that vessel in an exciting maritime museum.

Bartolomeu Dias's Ship

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The ship that is now on display at the museum complex is an exact replica of Dias's 25-ton, two-masted caravel. Visitors can go aboard this relatively small vessel and get an idea of the cramped quarters sailors of old had to endure on voyages that could last many months. There was no privacy. The ships were so small and frail looking, we wonder today how people actually crossed oceans in them, let alone sail into the unknown waters of South Africa.

The Post Office Tree

In the 16th century, the cape at the southern tip of South Africa was seen by sailors as practically the edge of the world. Ships en route to and from the Far East all put in there to stock up on food and fresh water. It could be many weeks before the crews saw another port. Some of the sailors returning from the East might not have seen home for two or three years. Therefore they left messages for each other in a shoe hung from a huge milkwood tree. Over time this tree became known as the Post Office Tree. In honour of the old Post Office Tree, a gnarled old milkwood now grows next to the Bartolomeu Dias Museum. The Museum also has its own mailbox, and letters posted in it are marked with a special postmark.

Exploring Mossel Bay and the Museum Complex

The seaside town of Mossel Bay is 397 km (246 miles) east of Cape Town. It has a harbour, and is a pretty spot on the coast of South Africa. The main tourist attraction is the museum complex, which in addition to the replica 15th century ship, also has old maps, photographs, and documents outlining the history of sea expeditions around Africa. The museum complex includes the Old Post Office Tree Manor which houses many of the exhibits, and a Shell Museum. However, there is more here for visitors than the museum. This community is surrounded by natural beauty and excellent beaches. You can take a walking tour on the 15-km (9 mile) St. Blaize Hiking Trail which goes from Bat's Cave to Dana Bay. You can enjoy safe swimming at Santos Beach, the only north-facing beach in South Africa. There are regular cruises out to Seal Island, where the snorkeling is terrific. For the really brave souls, there is the thrill of shark cage diving. Bartolomeu Dias probably never realized his landfall site could be so much fun.

South Africa - Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

South Africa - For the Birds

South Africa is mainly known for the magnificent landscapes, chequered history, extreme sports and big game safari tours which many thousands of visitors come to experience every year. But there is a lesser-known pleasure that can be had in South Africa which will come as a welcome opportunity to all those bird lovers out there. Although, of course, renowned for the Big Five and other wild animals which are in proliferation, South Africa is also home to an abundant bird-life, with many of the species being endemic or endangered. It is not hard to fit in some bird-watching forays with your regular sightseeing tours, and many of the best areas are in fact some of the country's high profile tourist destinations.

Kwazulu Natal
Kwazulu Natal is well-known for bird-watching tours and is one of the most popular regions in South Africa for the pastime due to the concentration and variety of species. The lush forests, many fresh water lagoons, boggy marsh areas and vast flooded grasslands provide a perfect habitat for the massive numbers of birds that make the area their home. The Zululand Birding Route is exceptionally well-facilitated for bird-watching ventures, with a boardwalk which takes allows you to walk amongst the forest canopy and observe the teeming birdlife from above. Some species you may be lucky enough to see are the Crowned Eagle and the Spotted Ground Thrush, amongst many, many more.

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The Western Cape
Another wonderful area to indulge a penchant for bird-watching, the Western Cape not only has arguably the most stunning scenery, it is also the best place to spot some rather larger members of the animal kingdom - whales and Great White sharks. The region definitely belongs to the birds, however, and in particular, the waders. There are a huge number of endemic waders found in this area of South Africa who migrate from their Arctic breeding grounds during summer. The Langebaan Lagoon is one of the most popular places to come to observe the waders along with a vast number of other, smaller species.

Boulders Beach
To visit the home of some more high-profile South African avian residents, take a side trip to Boulders Beach to meet the delightful community of penguins who have made the beach their home. These happy little fellows are quite used to the presence of humans and it is not unusual to be sun-baking lazily on your towel only to have a penguin wander past, and peer inquisitively into your beach bag. The penguins are very friendly and don't mind sharing either the beach or the sea with their human counterparts. But be warned, they are extremely fast and, if you're not used to it, it can be quite disconcerting as they zip past at the rate of knots! These penguins are named Jackass African Penguins, after their highly distinctive and original guffaw which sounds like a donkey. Unfortunately, although the numbers at Boulders Beach belie the fact, they are critically endangered, being found in only 27 sites around South Africa.

South Africa - For the Birds

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