Travel Guides

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is probably one of the most recognized images of Brazil . It is located in Rio de Janeiro on the top of the Corcovado Mountain . Overlooking the city, it probably has one of the best views that can be found of Rio . The statue is currently 72 years old and has gone under several extensive renovations, which included adding an elevator in 2002.
The statue was first conceived in 1921 when a campaign to gather funds from the Catholic Church was held. The idea for the statue came when the country was to celebrate 100 years of independence. Donations were not received to build the statue until about ten years later. The first person commissioned to design the statue was Carlos Oswaldo. His vision for the statue was for Christ to be carrying a cross, holding a globe in his hands, and standing over a pedestal that was supposed to represent the world. Later, the public of Rio thought that Christ with open arms would be the best representation of the city.The statue was not sculpted in Brazil ; it was instead sculpted in France by a sculptor whose name was Paul Landowski.The view from the top of the statue is the best view of Rio de Janeiro hands down. There is a 360 degree view of the entire city. Not only do you see the three famous beaches, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon, you also see landmarks such as the Jockey Club, the Maracana Stadium, and the Botanical Gardens. The view from the top is not the best thing about the statue although. The ride up and down the Corcovado Mountain is by far the best part of going to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer. Riding up the mountain through the Atlantic rainforest was amazing. This rainforest is not like the ones you will find in the Amazon or in other countries such as Costa Rica . When riding down from the statue, make sure that you stop and see the waterfalls on the side of the mountain. Also stop and take in the view from a different part of the mountain other than the top.This is definitely one sight in Rio that should not be missed. Missing this would be missing one of the things that makes Rio, Rio . Not only is it a great view, but it can also be a spiritual experience for most anybody regardless of their affiliation. There is also so much history behind the statue that it would be a shame for anyone to miss.

The Blyde River Canyon Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa: The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon’s winding path, which at every turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges dropping 800m into the riverbed. Beneath the Canyon the Blyde River also yields the unique and critically threatened Lowveld Riparian Forest, which now covers only 100 hectares in extent.

Blyde Canyon Country is characterised by towering mountains, deep ravines, green valleys, fast-flowing rivers and an abundance of wildlife, including The Big Five. Its scenery is unsurpassed, its vegetation both varied and lush and the rich selection of bird life includes a breeding colony of the rare bald ibis. Just over halfway down, the swift-flowing Blyde River is joined by the Ohrigstad River from the west.

Their tops appear to have a hut-like rounded roof. Where the Blyde River (“river of joy”) and the Treur River (“river of sorrow”) meet, water erosion has formed one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in the country, known as “Bourke’s Luck Potholes”. Over thousands of years, surreal cylindrical rock sculptures created by whirling water.
The scenery of the 25 000 ha reserve is unsurpassed, its vegetation both varied and lush and the rich selection of bird life includes a breeding colony of the rare bald ibis.

Enjoy adventure at its best at the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, where an abundance of hiking trails await your voyaging. Other enjoyable activities on offer at Blyde River Canyon Reserve include white water rafting, mountain biking, walking trails, luxury 4×4 game drives, golf, tennis and abseiling or boat trips on the Blyde Dam. The Blyde River has many opportunities for adventure activities such as river rafting, black water tubing, abseiling, rock climbing and scuba diving.

Only 35 minutes from Kruger National Park:This is the perfect family safari, offering wildlife nature conservation, cultural interaction, and adventure. On this Kruger Park safari you will spend time in Kruger National Park, Balule Private Game Reserve and enjoy activities at the Blyde River Canyon. You will learn about the plant and animal life, and how important each aspect of nature is. At the end of the day you will realize that plants, animals, predators and the insects are interdependent upon one another. The canyon is home to a diversity of plants and many animal species, including the Big Five, Antelope, Giraffes and Hippo. A number of plant species is endemic to the area, some only occurring on a single mountaintop. Predators include civet, leopard, serval, and caracal. Hippo and croc lurk in the rivers and lakes and the most distinctive of the bird species are eagles, buzzards, and falcons.

Popular activities in the reserve include fishing and hiking to beauty spots such as God’s Window, which offers unparalleled views across the canyon and the Lowveld. The town of Pilgrim’s Rest is of particular interest as a former gold-mining town between 1873 and 1