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Tips On How To Beat And Avoid Jet Lag

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When traveling to a new time zone, our circadian rhythms are slow to adjust and remain on their original biological schedule for several days. This results in our bodies telling us it is time to sleep, when it’s actually the middle of the afternoon, or it makes us want to stay awake when it is late at night. This experience is known as jet lag.

Some simple behavioral adjustments before, during and after arrival at your destination can help minimise some of the side effects of jet lag.

TREATMENT

  • Select a flight that allows early evening arrival and stay up until 10 p.m. local time. (If you must sleep during the day, take a short nap in the early afternoon, but no longer than two hours. Set an alarm to be sure not to over sleep.)
  • Anticipate the time change for trips by getting up and going to bed earlier several days prior to an eastward trip and later for a westward trip.
  • Upon boarding the plane, change your watch to the destination time zone.
  • Avoid alcohol or caffeine at least three to four hours before bedtime. Both act as “stimulants” and prevent sleep.
  • Upon arrival at a destination, avoid heavy meals (a snack—not chocolate—is okay).
  • Avoid napping as soon as you arrive at your destination. Even if you are tired after a long flight, try to stay active until the correct time to sleep; this will help your body adjust more quickly.
  • Avoid any heavy exercise close to bedtime. (Light exercise earlier in the day is fine.)
  • Bring earplugs and blindfolds to help dampen noise and block out unwanted light while sleeping.
  • Try to get outside in the sunlight whenever possible. Daylight is a powerful stimulant for regulating the biological clock. (Staying indoors worsens jet lag.)
  • If you take medication at specific times of the day, such as oral contraceptives or insulin, consult your GP or pharmacist before travelling. They will advise you when to take your medication after you arrive at your destination

Source: National Sleep Foundation

Things to do while on a Safari to Kenya

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Kenya is a destination in Africa that offers one of the best tourist attractions. It offers one the memorable safari adventure experiences. There are many activities that one can undertake while on a safari. Below are some things to do while on a Safari to Kenya
1. Bird watching in Kenya
Kenya contains lots of spectacular birding sights that you should see them to believe. From the world’s largest bird, the Ostrich, to amazing flamingos that congregate in their large numbers at the different Lakes of the Great Rift Valley and camouflage them in pink,
The wide variety of birds in Kenya is made realistic by the favourable climatic condition, diversified habitats as well as geographical features that make it a pleasant migratory route for birds.
Additionally without travelling outside Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, approximately six-hundred resident as well as migratory bird species are found; more than in any other capital city, and more than in most countries.
Other parts of the country also hold a variety of bird species such as Samburu, Tsavo, Kakamega forest, Masai Mara, Rift Valley lakes or the highland forests.

2. Game watching in their Natural Habitat

Kenya offers more than fifty national parks and game reserves to explore, home to a thriving population of wildlife making it one of the best African safari destinations.
In these National parks and game reserves you will spot a variety of wild animals in their natural habitats such as elephants, zebras, lions, cheetah, leopards, giraffes, buffaloes and rhinos.
Some of the popular National parks and game reserves visited are Lake Nakuru national park, Masai Mara Game Reserve, Tsavo Nakuru national park, Amboseli Nakuru national park and Samburu Game Reserve.
3. Mountain climbing
Kenya has a variety of mountains, rocks and hills that offers tourists a climbing experience. The mountains offer a challenge to those looking a climbing experience.
4. Cultural Visits
The country is rich in culture that charms its guests. Every community within the country has its own culture that can be explored. From the south to north and east to west part of the country there is a lot of culture that can be spotted and explored. The people are very friendly and warm
The local communities such as Maasai, Turkana and Samburu have for years coexisted with animals, and are still maintaining their culture like the world is not changing. They will perform their traditional dance, show you their daily lifestyle and even take memorable photos.
5. Water Sports Activities
While at the Kenyan coast there are many activities that can be undertaken such as deep sea fishing, snorkeling, dhow cruise and scuba diving for the adventurous visitor. Water rafting can also be carried out on the other parts of the country such as Tana River and Athi River. The reservations can be done through a reputable tour operator company
6. Beach Safari Experiences
Kenya offers one of the best beach safari experiences one can relax away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. After a wonderful wildlife safari experience, one cannot miss the opportunity to relax and unwind, while enjoying the activities on the beach.

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Kenya Wildlife National Park Rules

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Kenya Wildlife National Parks Rules
Below are some of the Check out Kenya Wildlife National Park Rules that need to be followed
Wildlife Code
• Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
• Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.
• Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
• Don’t feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
• Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.
• Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
• Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).
• Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat.
• When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass.
• Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.
• Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
• Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. – 6.00a.m. unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.
Marine Wildlife Code
• Check local weather and sea conditions before entering the marine park.
•Some marine life is dangerous; do not touch anything under water.
• Do not damage or remove corals. It is a living organism which takes many years to form and is host to many rare and endangered species.
•Do not remove shells, starfish or any other sea – flora or fauna. Removal is illegal, seriously disrupts the eco system and some marine life is dangerous. The areas outside the parks and reserves is threatened by excessive shell collection. Empty shells provide homes for hermit crabs and some fish.
•Do not buy shells and other marine animal products as souvenirs as this encourages further plundering of the reefs and beaches.
• Never dispose of litter on the beach or in the sea. It is illegal and environmentally unfriendly. Marine turtles can confuse clear plastic waste with jelly fish and will die if they eat it.
• Hand – feeding of fish is discouraged. It disrupts normal feeding patterns.
• Hook and line fishing is allowed in the Marine Reserves but prohibited in Marine Parks. Spear guns are not permitted for use in either.
• Environmentally friendly activities such as snorkelling and diving are encouraged, under the supervision of the Kenya Wildlife Service wardens, who work closely with tour operators and hoteliers to ensure strict adherence to this code of practice.
• Avoid restaurants that serve undersized crabs and lobsters as this contributes to their rapid demise.
•Support traditional coastal livelihoods and do not give money to children on the beach, as this can encourage them to stay away from school.

West Africa’s best wildlife parks

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The West Africa features a number of the wildlife reserves in West Africa. The national parks might not be as popular as other destinations though the wildlife is equally as diverse at the same time you are less likely to be find the destination crowded. The region has some of West Africa’s best wildlife parks which we will only highlight a few;
1. Mole National Park, Ghana
Mole National Park lies in the northern region of Ghana and is the biggest National Park in Ghana. The park covers approximately 4, 577 square kilometers in the district of West Gonja as well as being a haven for a variety of species of mammals and birds. Read more about Mole National Park
2. Réserve de Nazinga, Burkina Faso
Réserve de Nazinga is situated in southern Burkina Faso, a half-hour drive from Po. It was officially established in 1979 in an uninhabited area. Read More about Réserve de Nazinga
3. Makasutu Culture Forest, Gambia
Makasutu Culture Forest is situated approximately five kilometers to the north east of Brikama which is a luxuriant green wilderness fed by a tributary of the Gambia River generally known as the Mandina Bolon. It is a private owned eco-tourist reserve that is usually Read More on Makasutu Culture Forest

10 best Holiday Destinations in Africa

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Africa is certainly one huge continent with the very many magnificent countries and cultures on the planet. Every country offers distinctive cultures, visitor’s attractions as well as holiday destination to tour. Africa is as one of the leading travel destinations for travelers who appreciate the mix of nature and adventure. If you prefer an escapade which is usually full of history, art and culture, wildlife and adventure then it is the destination to travel.
Read more on Leading African Safari Attractions
One cannot travel to all destinations within a short period of time. To get the utmost of your travel one has to consider the travel needs, what you are looking for, and time to travel.
Top destinations
South Africa
Kenya
Gambia
Namibia
Morocco
Madagascar
Zambia
Sierra Leone
Gambia
Tanzania
Botswana
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Masai Mara Game Reserve

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Maasai Mara National Park

Situated in south-west Kenya, approximately three hundred km from Nairobi, the Masai Mara Game Reserve is well known as one of the best adventures destination in Africa.
The 320 sq km game reserve, which entails a breathtaking expanse of grassland, is a natural habitat to a variety of wildlife species, such as the big cats; cheetah, lion, and leopard, buffalo, hippo, elephant, zebra, wildebeest, crocodile, African hunting dog many other species of wild animals.
Masai Mara Game Reserve is fed by the Mara River. The park’s western boundary offers one of the largest concentration of wild animals. This location is not comfortably traversable as the swampy ground get impassable during the period of or after excessive rains. As a result, many travelers coming from Nairobi prefer the eastern side of the Masai Mara.

The focus of the Masai Mara Game Reserve Kenya safari is evidently the Great Wildebeest Migration – the extraordinary yearly experience that realizes over one and half million wildebeest moving from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania looking for greener pastures.
At the time of the migration, the wildebeests concentrate together at the boarder of Mara River, before making a spectacular jump into the river, fighting against the fast currents and crocodiles ready to feed on them. At the Mara River they gather together on the banks before plunging onwards through the violent waters, creating frenzy as they fight against fast currents and giant crocodiles. After crossing the Mara River, the fortunate animals eventually get to the Savannah plains of the Masai Mara between July and September, before they start returning to Serengeti on October hoping to find greener pastures on the other side.

Masai Mara weather condition is favorable for safari all year around. Therefore you can go on a Masai Mara Safari anytime of the season, however many people prefer to tour the reserve when the Great Wildebeest Migration is taking place. The migration is not very foreseeable, however if you time the safari from mid-August to beginning of November, your probabilities of experiencing the magnificent attraction are very high.

Masai Mara can be accessed by both road and air. It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach the park by road and forty-five minutes by air. There are also scheduled flights from Wilson Airport and also Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. A number of visitors prefer to fly into the Masai Mara to save on time and avoid the long travel through the road as there are ground packages that are being offered by the lodges and camps.

The reserve offers a variety of holiday accommodation options catering for all budgets, tastes and preferences. These range from basic camp sites to luxury Masai Mara holiday lodges, high-end tented.

Endalweni Game Reserve

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Endalweni Game Reserve

ENDALWENI GAME RESERVE is just 8km’s from Kei Mouth and Morgan Bay, two of the WILD COAST’S most beautiful coastal resorts.
Highlights for the Endalweni Game Reserve
Game viewing, Luxury Accommodation, Horse Riding, Hiking, Picnics, Bird viewing.
Type of accommodation: Four star graded and Superior AA accommodation
Physical Address: Kei Mouth

City/town
Kei Mouth, Eastern Cape
Country: South Africa
Telephone : 043-8411526 Fax: 0880438411526
Email : info@endalweni.co.za
Website : www.endalweni.co.za

Okavango Delta Africa’s natural wonder

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Many of the river deltas in the world flow into the ocean or sea, but one of the delta in Okavango River in Botswana forms one on the most unique delta in the world. The feature is formed where the Okavango River reaches the central part of Kalahari desert and spread out filling the basin where it most water evaporates. In 2013, the delta secured a position as one of the seven natural wonders of the Africa.
Until the 20th century, it was unclear how the water level were raising and falling. Yearly it has been approximated that 11,000,000,000,000 litres of water flow into the delta. Most of the water evaporates and transpired by the surrounding plants. The seasonal flooding of Okavango river by the rainwater from Angola highlands flows into the delta making the waters stretch between 150-250kms.However the floods peaks come between June and August making the waters stretch two to three time. This flooding attracts Africa finest wildlife that travel from afar just to enjoy the plenty vegetation and prey.
Averagely, the Okavango delta is 15,000kms with a variation of only 2 metres in height. It’s an amazing home to a variety of wildlife. Seasonally, some of the wildlife follows the rains while others occupy the area year round. The area has less interference from humans and for tourist it is a wildlife haven. Some of the wildlife that may be encountered include: the big 5.variety of antelopes, Wild dogs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and even monkeys. The Delta is also a sanctuary for over 400 species of birds making this a great destination for bird watchers as well. Some of the birds that may be encountered include the ostrich, African Fish Eagle, Crested Crane, Lilac-Breasted Roller, among many other astounding birds.
Some of the activities include Game drives, Safari walks, Bird watching, Boat cruises, Elephant Back Safari, Horse riding and photography. A journey to the Okavango Delta Africa’s natural wonder – deep into Africa’s untouched interior – is like no other.

10 Reasons to take a tour to Kenya

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10 Reasons to take a tour to Kenya
1. Diverse Cultural Experiences
With over 45 ethnic communities, Kenya is a region with immense culture. This culture come along with different made of dressing, building houses, feeding and even naming. UNESCO has listed Lamu, Fort Jesus and Sacred Kaya forest as cultural sites
2. The Land of the largest Wildlife in the world
The beauty of every safari comes with interaction of the wildlife in their natural inhabitant. It’s common to find many tourists come so close with dangerous animals in the major national parks like Amboseli, Tsavo and Masai Mara. In these parks, on a single day safari it’s possible to meet the Giraffe, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah and even Leopard.
3. The Wildebeest Migration
Today the wildebeest migration is considered as one of the modern wonder of the world. Many people have revisited Kenya just to have the spectacular view of the wildebeest migration.
4. The affordable safaris
Kenyans are wonderful people who know well how to blend in fair price to every wonderful tour visit made by thousand tourists who visit their country. Although the rate slightly fluctuates in different time of the year, many people have been able to enjoy nature at its best with little cost being incurred. Having a Kenyan safari is a memorable experince.

5. Unique Festivals

Every year different festivals are held depending on the region culture. Some of the festivals include bull fighting festivals, Camel racing, Lamu festivals, Maasai initiating festival and many more.

6. The friendly and accommodating Kenyans

Unlike many places where people are racist and ego centric, Kenyans are known for their warm heartedness. They are always willing to assist and live wonderful memories even to stranger.
7. Crystal clear beaches
From the North coast to south coast the Kenyan coastline is a tropical paradise of palm fringed white sand beaches, where the calm blue waters of the Indian Ocean meet beautiful coral reefs. The beauty of the beaches provides a paradise of relaxation.
8. The modern and ancient decorated hotels
With the world class hotels that combine elegance and Africa art, hotels in Kenya are always the second home to many travelers.

9. Opportunity to see over 1000 species of birds

The avifauna of Kenya includes a total of 1132 species. Some include the rare of hornbills, storks, eagles and even herons. Bird watching is an activity that will surely live a memorable image.

10. The home to the origin of evolution of Man

To the many people who believe or disapprove the evolution story a visit to archaeological site is a common activity that everyone considers worthwhile.

Top 10 Most Amazing birds in Africa

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Top 10 Most Amazing birds in Africa
1. The Secretary Bird

The Secretary Bird
The Secretary Bird

The Secretary Bird is instantly recognizable as having an eagle-like body with a hooked bill, but has rounded wings and longer legs. It spends most of its life hunting on ground. It is often considered to grab venomous snakes, fly up and drop them on the rocks

2. Ostrich
Ostrich
Ostrich
The ostrich is unique in its appearance, with a long neck and legs, and can run at up to about 50 km/h. It’s the biggest bird and lays the largest eggs of any living bird. The feathers of adult males are mostly black, with a white tail. Females and young males are grayish-brown and white. The Somali ostrich is only found in Kenya.

3. African Spoonbill
African Spoonbill
African Spoonbill

The African Spoonbill feed in shallow water. It has a spoon like beak that is used to catch food by swinging it from side-to-side in the water.
4. Marabouk Stork
Marabouk StorkIt’s ranked the species with the largest spread wing of any living bird. It can weigh 20 pounds and the wing can spread upto 10 fit. The Marabou Stork is a frequent scavenger, and the naked head and neck are adaptations to this livelihood. The non-feathered head helps the bird to scavenge inside dead animals without getting much dirt
5. Shoebill
ShoebillCommonly found in Uganda. Their large heads, eyes, and captivating shoe like bills help them find food in muddy swamps. Shoebills can grow as tall as five feet, boast a nearly eight-foot wingspan, and weigh up to fifteen pounds.
6. Standard Winged Night Jar
Standard Winged Night JarThe adult male has a weird wing pattern during the mating season, with a broad central flight feather on each wing elongated up to 38 cm. When flying it looks like 3 birds chasing at one another. However in the normal season there is no difference between the male and female. They fly at dusk, mostly at sundown.

7. Africa Fish Eagle

Africa fish eagleArguably, Africa fish eagle is the swiftest bird in the continent. It has the ability to attack the slippery fish from water. The fish eagle uses its rear talons to pull fish from the water
8. Kori Bustard
Kori BustardThis is a beautiful bird that is easily found in open grasslands of Southern and Eastern Africa. They spend 70% of their time looking for food on the ground.
9. Black Heron
Black HeronThe Black Heron has a very rare hunting formula named the canopy feeding. In this mode of feeding the bird uses its wings like an umbrella and creates a shade that attracts fish. The birds are majorly found in Madagascar and south of Sahara desert.
10. Sugarbird
sugar birdThe sugar bird is one of bird species with the longest tail. Its easily found in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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