Travel Guides

Nearby, on the Bolivian side of the lake, arose the population and ceremonial center of Tiahuanaco, capital of one of the most important civilizations of South America. Tiahuanaco ceremonial sites were built along the lake’s shores, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago. More than 25 rivers empty into Titicaca, and the lake has 41 islands, some of which are densely populated. The lake is 196 km long with an average width of 56 km. The lake has waves, testament to its size and not surprising the waters are cold.

Lake Titicaca, at 12,530 feet, is the highest navigable lake and the center of a regionwhere thousands of subsistence farmers make a living fishing in its icy waters, growing potatoes in the rocky land at is edge or herding llama and alpaca at altitudes that leave travelers gasping for air. The Uros of today, still live as the original inhabitants did as they continue to use the totora reeds to build their huts and rafts. The Uros are singular people and even though they keep to themselves very quietly, they do allow people to visit with them. They have always been quiet happy to participate with us when we perform our ceremonies or meditations on their island.
It boasts up to 300 different types of traditional dances, many of which are performed in the streets during annual festivals. A good one to catch in early November is Puno week, which celebrates the legendary birth of the first Inca, Manco Capac, and his sister – Mama Ocllo. According to legend the pair rose up out of the Lake Titicaca in search of a place to establish the Inca empire. This scenic place has enormous significance in the ancient culture of the Inca. The creation myth of the Inca is rooted in these deep blue waters.
Lake Titicaca is the center for archaeological and cultural studies as well as a favored tourist destination. If you go plan to visit in the summer months but take warm clothing. The days may be pleasantly sunny but the nights can be very cold. The lake is still sacred to the Aymara people who live there.

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

Kenya is located in the eastern part of Africa. It has an area of about 150,000 square kilometers. It is a very popular tourist destination and also a hot spot for climbing and hiking. In the central highlands a couple of hundred kilometers north of the equator lays Mt. Kenya. Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya , and the second-highest in Africa (after Mount Kilimanjaro). The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m) and Lenana (4,985 m). Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the Ecuador, over 100 miles northeast of Nairobi. The mountain is an extinct (dead) volcano standing alone, which last erupted between 2.6 and 3.1 million years ago. Its slopes include several different bio mes; the lowest parts are dry upland forest, changing to mountain forest of juniper and podocarpus at about 2,000 m, with a belt of bamboo.

Mount Kenya stands somewhat unjustly in the shadow of it’s taller neighbour Kilimanjaro, which lies some 320km away in the south and is visible on a clear day. Kili may see much more traffic – due to the possibility of summit-ting via several non-technical trekking routes and due to the sometimes dubious honour of being one of the Seven Summits – but Mount Kenya offers a wealth of excellent and diverse climbing possibilities on rock, snow and ice. During the months of December-early March climbers ascend the Shipton Route to the summit of Nelion, while during the months early June- September the route of choice will be the North Face Standard directly to Batian.

Volcanic activity at Mt. Kenya was concentrated in Pleistocene times. Much of this activity took place through the many vents on the slopes of the volcano. Most visitors are content to marvel at the mountain’s beauty but some will want to attempt to reach the peaks; a feat requiring considerable rock climbing skill. But the mountain’s lesser peaks and glaciers can be scaled and walked by the fit and the adventurous. Point Lenana, 4985m, can be easily reached. Climbing on Mount Kenya is serious and it is important to acclimatise well before tackling the main summits. It is advisable to do a training climb on a minor peak before going up Nelion or Batian.

On expedition to Mt Kenya, you will find the scenic snow-capped peaks, magnificent cliffs and glaciers, spectacular waterfalls and valleys, and rolling slopes with thick forests cover. Mount Kenya has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding ecology. It’s located 180 kilometers north of Nairobi and just 20 km from the equator.