The Great Rift Valley

Kenya Section of the Rift Valley

Great Rift Valley is a large breach of the crust of the earth where the African continent showly splits into two parts. Many lakes can be seen along the rift one of them being Lake Victoria, the largest Lake in Africa. Volcanic valley formed 10–20 million years ago owing to rifting (major subsidence through faulting) of part of the Earth's crust, it a geological fault system of SW Asia and E Africa. It extends c.3,000 mi (4,830 km) from N Syria to central Mozambique. The northernmost extension runs S through Syria and Lebanon, the Jordan valley, the Dead Sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba. It continues into the trough of the Red Sea and at the southern end branches into the Gulf of Aden, where it continues as part of the Mid-Oceanic Ridge of the Indian Ocean. The main section of the valley in Africa continues from the Red Sea SW across Ethiopia and S across Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi to the lower Zambezi River valley in Mozambique. Many small lakes in Ethiopia and several long narrow lakes, notably lakes Turkana and Nyasa, lie on its course. Just N of Lake Nyasa there is a western branch, which runs north, chiefly along the eastern border of Congo (Kinshasa); this branch is marked by a chain of lakes, including lakes Tanganyika, Kivu, Edward, and Albert (Mobutu). Lake Victoria does not lie in the Great Rift Valley but between its main and western branches. The Great Rift Valley ranges in elevation from c.1,300 ft (395 m) below sea level (the Dead Sea) to c.6,000 ft (1,830 m) above sea level in S Kenya. Erosion has concealed some sections, but in places, notably in Kenya, there are sheer cliffs several thousand feet high. The present configuration of the rift, which dates from the mid-Pleistocene epoch, is probably a result of a rifting process associated with thermal currents in the earth's mantle there is evidence of earlier rift structures.

http://www.classicworldventures.blogspot.com/

The Spectacular Wildebeest migration

Wildebeest settling after migration

The Wildebeest Migration is a dramatic story. It takes place within Kenya and Tanzania and is the greatest wildlife show on earth. Between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara, thousands of wildebeest and zebras migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change and the circle of life and death continues. Predators follow the Wildebeest Migration closely, waiting for an opportunity to strike weak prey as they make their way into different territories. 

The precise timing of the Wildebeest Migration changes annually and it is a very unpredictable and spontaneous natural event. The calving season takes place in the Serengeti between the months of January and mid-March before the Wildebeest Migration begins heading towards the western Serengeti in June. The best time to see the migration is usually between June and August when the wildebeest congregate and prepare to cross the famous Grumeti River. There are a few excellent camps in this area where you can stay to witness this natural phenomenon. If you are in the Masai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November. Between December and January the wildebeest gradually begin their migration back towards the Serengeti. We believe that going on safari to view & witness the Wildebeeste migration is one of the ultimate safari experiences that Africa has to offer.

Why Cruise Ships are becoming popular

A group during a cruise trip

With your vacation time being the chance for you to unwind from your busy lifestyle and pressures from work, it’s becoming even more important to make sure you pick the right type of vacation for you. Not only will a great cruise trip refresh your batteries and leave you ready to face the world again, it will help de-stress yourself and be beneficial for your health.

Perhaps it’s for these reasons that cruise trips are becoming one of the most popular vacation choices around. After all, what can be more relaxing than lazing on the deck of a large sea cruiser, the waves lapping gently below you, with glorious sunshine and all your needs met by friendly cabin crew. Not to mention some of the exotic locations that are only reachable by water.

However, to ensure that your cruise vacation goes as smoothly as possible, especially if it’s your first one, it’s worth taking the time to ask yourself a few questions about the cruise, and make sure it’s exactly what you’re after:

• Decide who is going on the cruise trip. This might seem fairly obvious, but knowing exactly who it’s tailored for will help you choose the right company.
• How much money you’ll need. Although many things are included in the cruise price, a lot aren’t, such as port duties and similar, so make a sensible budget.
• How long is your vacation? The amount of days you have will have a big say in how exotic your cruise will be – it’s no good planning for a trip that’ll take a minimum 10 days if all you have off is a week.
• When do you want to travel? Much like any other kind of vacation, there are peak times for cruises as well as off-peak times – traveling in spring, for instance, can be a lot less expensive than summer. Also, certain tropical areas (which are highly popular with tourists) are more prone to extreme weather at certain times of the year, so checking that information makes sense too.
• What activities do you want? Since a cruise ship pretty much has to make up for the lack of facilities you would have on a land-based vacation, there are different options available on different cruises – after all, an Arctic cruise is less likely to have sunbathing or watersports.

As well as making a mental note of what you’re looking for in your cruise trip, you also need to make sure you’re prepared for it, since a cruise offers a completely different vacation experience. Therefore, make sure that you have the following taken care of:

• All your travel documents, such as passport and airline tickets (if you’re having to fly out to meet up with your ship). And of course, don’t forget your cruise tickets themselves!
• Vaccination, medical and insurance documents
• Picture I.D., such as a driver’s license, and credit/ATM cards
• Emergency contact numbers
• Cash and/or traveler’s checks

As long as you ensure that you have all the most important information, then you can prepare for your cruise trip like you would for any other vacation,

Group vacation

A group during their vacation

Our Group Vacations offers exhilarating outdoor adventure vacations and enticing cultural explorations for group travelers. Come discover our exotic international destinations with other group travelers. Our vacations include biking, dolphin encounters, eco adventures, hiking & trekking, safaris, sea kayaking, snorkeling, whitewater rafting and more. Whether you are a savvy solo traveler or new to the travel scene, our active holiday tours will make your travel dreams come true. Explore the world with us on one of our active trips. Meet other single travelers, make life long friends and, best of all, have a great time!

We invite you to join in on the journey of discovery and exploration. Whether you are looking for a family holiday, an active adventure or a cultural journey.

http://classicworldventures.blogspot.com

Cruise Ship adventure in Africa

      A Cruise ship on the Indian Ocean

Africa is a continent with diverse tourism resources which includes the abundant sunshine all year round, wildlife sanctuaries, the beautiful beaches along the coastal line around Africa, the Lake Victoria beaches and the various rivers which are waiting to be visited.

Cruise ship liners, with their tourist visitors have started frequent visits to the ports of Africa bringing large numbers of visitors to Africa. A cruise around Africa from Europe via the Suez canal while stopping at various ports along the Mediterranean down to Indian ocean, then to the coast of eastern Africa stopping at the port of Mombasa, disembarking for few days for wildlife tourism in the Tsavo National park, Amboseli National park and Maasai Mara National Reserve (The New seventh wonder of the world) which is quite adventurous, not to mention the welcoming cultural Swahili community in Mombasa. Mombasa, Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar ports of East Africa are the calling cruise ship destinations with Mombasa port in Kenya leading in this business due to its proximity to the wildlife sanctuaries, excellent sandy Beaches and Hotels. Dar es salaam follows and then Zanzibar. Lake Victoria, being the largest fresh water lake in the world connecting the three African states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is a virgin, untapped destination in this business due to the lack of a Holiday built vessel. 

http://www.classicworldventures.blogspot.com/

What you need to know About Maasai Mara

During a Game drive at Maasai Mara

Covering an area of over 1,500 square km, the Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most popular tourism destinations in Kenya. The reserve is located in the Great Rift Valley in primarily open grassland. Wildlife tends to be most concentrated on the reserve’s western escarpment...

The swampy land provides more access to water and less access to tourists. The eastern end is closest to Nairobi and hence easier to access by tourists. The Masai Mara is regarded as the jewel of Kenya’s wildlife viewing areas. The annual wildebeests migration alone involves over 1.5 million animals arriving in July and departing in November.

There have been some 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 birds species recorded on the reserve. Nowhere in Africa is wildlife more abundant, and it is for this reason a visitor hardly misses to see the big five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino). Other game include hippopotami, cheetah, Grant’s gazelle, impala, topi, Coke’s hartebeest, giraffe, Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox. However wildebeest are by far the dominant inhabitants of the Masai Mara.

Their numbers are estimated in the millions. The Great Migration starts in July each year when well over one million wildebeest along with large numbers of Thompson’s Gazelle, zebra and other herbivores migrate from the Serengeti plains in Tanzania to fresh pastures in the north and then back south again in October.

Masai Mara Attractions
Wildlife 95 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles and over 400 birds species have been recorded including annual wildebeests migration involving over 1.5 million animals.

Getting to Masai Mara
Main roads are all weather. Game viewing trucks can only be used by four wheel drives during the rainy season. The main road from Mai mahiu to Narok is quite a smooth road now

Three airstrips serve the Mara:- Keekorok, Olkiombo, and Musiara all of them murramed.

Where to Stay Maasai Mara has a range of accommodation to suit all budgets, tastes and interests. There are very basic campsites where you can pitch a tent and sleep under canvas in the wild, well appointed safari lodges, luxury tented camps with large, fully furnished tents, small private camps for your exclusive use and much, much, more.

Africa Holiday in April-May2011

April is a great month to grab some early summer sunshine – the days are getting longer, the Mediterranean is warming up nicely, it’s a great time for activity holidays and it’s not too late to grab some late skiing.Where to go on holiday in April depends partly on the dates. In 2011, Easter Sunday falls unusually late on 24 April.This means you will be able to get away for 7-11 days by taking just 3 days off work – taking advantage of the Easter weekend. If you plan to travel at this time, see our detailed Easter holiday ideas.

A family enjoying holiday at the beach

Mediterranean Holidays in April
In the Mediterranean in April you can expect long sunny days, uncrowded resorts and a friendly welcome as locals gear up for the summer season. Walking is great and you can expect to see hillsides carpeted with wild flowers. The only drawback is the sea can be a bit chilly for swimming.A Mediterranean holiday is one of the most enjoyable and memorable vacations you will every have the opportunity to take. The sheer number of options available to you can make it very hard to decide exactly where to go on holiday, so it's a good idea to find out a bit more about potential destinations.
One of the best things about taking a holiday in the Mediterranean is that no matter what time of year you go, it's usually quite easy to find someplace where the weather will be warm and pleasant. Spain, Greece, the northern coasts of Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, are all examples of places where you can enjoy the many pleasures of the Mediterranean zone.

Trips:

14 days Egypt, Jordan and Israel- Tour Cairo and follow the route of the Exodus to Mt. Sinai, across the Red Sea, Petra, Mt. Nebo and then crossing the Jordan into the "Promised Land" to link up with our Best of Israel Tour.

13 days Israel and Petra-Our Best of Israel 10 day tour, the lands of the Edomites and the Moabites, fascinating Petra, Jerash, Mt. Nebo, Mabada, Amman.

Africa and Indian Ocean

Choose one of our package holiday tours, twin-centre holidays or safari trips and you’ll get the chance to experience an exciting world beyond exotic cocktails and lively water sports. Check out what’s on offer to make your tropical trip that extra bit special.

Trips:

Tsavo Safari trips – 2 nights: This 2 night safari is a popular short adventure, visiting Kenya’s largest and wildest game parks.

Masai Mara Safari trips – 2 nights: Kenya’s most famous park stretches over a flat grassy plain and is known for its annual migration of millions of wildebeest, as well as its hippos, elephant, buffalos, hyenas, giraffes, gazelle and lions.

Taste of Kenya safaris - 3 nights: You’ve just locked eyes with a sleepy-eyed lion. Lifting your camera, you’re distracted by a lumbering elephant. Then, in the distance stands the mysterious Mount Kilamanjaro.

Amboseli Safari trips – 3 nights: This 3 night safari takes in some of Kenya’s vast game parks, all located within a few hours drive of Mombasa’s coast.

Tanzania Safari holidays – 7 nights: Taking you to some of Kenya and Tanzanias most exciting game parks, this safari offers a unique chance to see some of the most amazing wildlife and striking scenery in Africa.

Kenya & Zanzibar twin centre holidays: The island of spices, Zanzibar lies in the Indian Ocean and is renowned for its glorious white beaches, colourful eco-system and cultural heritage, which steps back thousands of years.

Cruise Holidays in April

If you are new to cruising, the vast array of choices now available might leave your head spinning. We have provided these cruise guides to help you reach a decision about what destinations, cruise line and ship will suit you best. The good news is that all this choice means flexibility. Remember, if you can't find exactly what you're looking for our consultants will be happy to tailor make a cruise that suits your needs.


Trips:

Classic Egypt 10 7nights Nile Cruise and 3 nights Cairo

Cruise and Stay 14 7nights and 7 days

Enchanting Egypt 14 7 nights Nile Cruise, 3 nights Cairo and 4 nights Red Sea