Greg Underwood, Author at A Million Lives

October 21, 2020 by Greg Underwood

University Towns Aren’t Immune to the Effects of COVID-19

For the time being, the classroom is off limits to students and faculty because of the coronavirus pandemic and there doesn’t seem to be an end to it. It isn’t just pre-k to high school age students who are using distance learning – many universities are close, too. University students are missing out on the coveted “college experience” because the university is putting their safety first.

The pandemic has wrought nothing but chaos to our lives and it certainly put the economy in peril. But we have to wonder about the effects the coronavirus has had on the housing market and business economy in university cities. After all, these cities depend on students to be patrons and employees.

HomeLight published their Q3 survey, and real estate agents from all over the country are saying university cities are struggling. Here are a few reasons why.

Barren university towns

With in-person learning put on pause for the foreseeable future, students are staying home and participating in distance learning. As a result of this, these towns are more akin to a barren ghost town than a bustling university city. Because of this decline, 38% of agents who participated in the survey say they are aware of the prickly situation the housing market is in.

Agents who do business in university towns believe the number of property vacancies will rise to 7.4% in the 2020 fall semester, whereas this time last year, the vacancies were only 5.2%. Even the number of vacant units will see a 1% increase, making it 3.3% vacant for the fall semester.

Some cities remain unaffected

Although many university towns have been trying to make the best out of a bad situation, not all college towns are suffering. Some universities have reopened, allowing classes and athletics to resume – with proper precautions in place, of course.

On the other hand, while these towns may be doing well because the schools are open, it doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Goshen College in Indiana paused their athletic programs for a week because there was an increase of COVID cases. Chicago Business School is closing its doors for two weeks and doing online-only classes because students were partying recklessly and became infected.

Concerns over real estate investing

About 30% of real estate agents reported the number of people who are investing in rental properties in the university towns are declining, or at the very least staying the same as it was before the pandemic. If the market is in a precarious state, of course this is going to be concerning.

Although the rental market isn’t doing too well at the moment, it may be the perfect time to invest. Of the new listings being put on the market, 19% of agents say landlords are putting their rentals up for sale because they’re losing money because they can’t find good renters.

Erratic inventory

One would think that with former rental properties being put on the market, the inventory would be pretty decent, right? That’s not the case in many markets. In fact, it is quite alarming that 81% of agents in a university town say their available inventory is abysmally low. Who knows how long, if ever, it will take for the market to even out.

The sad fact is the housing market in college towns relies heavily on students, especially those who live off campus. Right now universities are not holding in-person classes, therefore more students are staying at home with their parents or getting an apartment in a cheaper part of town.

The big question is this; “What will the 2021 Spring semester look like? Will classes resume as normal and will students flood back to campus? Can the local economy survive that long?”

We can only wait and see…

May 25, 2020 by Greg Underwood

The Best Places to Get a Degree as a Pharmacy Technician

So you’re looking to enter the medical field as a pharmacy technician. Congratulations on choosing a career path that’s both rewarding and offers a great salary and benefits package in most cases! The medical field is always growing, and new jobs are being added on a daily basis all over the country.

Becoming a pharmacy tech will offer you career flexibility, the opportunity for advancement, as well as a sense of accomplishment as you help patients every day. If you want to start your journey,the first thing you need is an associate’s degree or certification.

Here, we’ll discuss the best places to get a degree as a pharmacy tech. Keep reading to expand your choices and make the best decision for your future.

Ultimate Medical Academy

UMA is a web-based university that offers pharmacy tech degrees among many other medical certifications. UMA has a pharmacy technician school that can teach you the skills and practical knowledge necessary to get started as an entry-level pharmacy tech in as little as 18 months!

The program is accredited and comes with 24/7 support, so you’ll never be left without a support team if you have questions. One of the best features of this program is practical experience through internships. You’ll receive 180 hours of hands-on training under the supervision of a certified pharmacist, and this can help set you apart from other applicants when you look for a position at a pharmacy.

UMA has partnered with companies like Walgreens and CVS as well, so if you’re looking for a career path in a retail pharmacy, UMA is your best option.

Central Louisiana Technical Community College

With a graduation rate that’s higher than most other programs, as well as a post-graduate job acquisition rate that stands out among other programs, CLTCC’s pharmacy tech program is among the best in the country. You’ll get excellent training and education in the pharmacy tech field, with a cost that’s affordable (around $2,000 per semester).

This is also one of the quickest pharmacy tech programs out there, with completion in as little as ten months. If you visit CLTCC’s website, you can download the program curriculum, cost sheet, and FAQ sheet.

If you’re coming from out of state, you’ll need to consider living expenses in your cost calculations. However, the college’s website reports that most students completing this program leave with an average of around $8,000 in debt, which is significantly lower than most college degrees.

North Seattle College

Situated in scenic Seattle, Washington, this college offers a quick pharmacy tech program for in-state and out-of-state students. The program boasts an incredible certification rate of 99.6% (this percentage of students pass the exam if they take it). With two different externship sites, you’ll also get a chance to acquire hands-on training during your education, which can drastically increase your job options after graduation.

The college is accredited by the state’s Pharmacy Board, and you’ll get twice as much hands-on training (over 400 hours) as is required by the board. The bottom line? If you want to become a pharmacy tech in the state of Washington, this is the college for you.

The tuition at NSC is $210 per credit for in-state students and $224 for out-of-state students. The program is based on-campus, so no online options are available. You’ll want hands-on training for this kind of degree anyway.

Pickens Technical College

If you’re looking to streamline your entry into the pharmacy tech field, Pickens Tech can get you certified in just five months. You’ll be studying on-campus, and once you graduate, you’ll be able to work in just about any pharmacy environment. At $132 per credit hour, the program is also a bit more affordable than its counterparts, with hands-on training and plenty of scholarships.

The drawback of PTC is that there isn’t a financial aid program available, so you’ll be paying for the certification out-of-pocket. Even so, you can’t go wrong with a program that’s quick, flexible, and partnered with the local community college if you decide to pursue higher education.

The graduation rate for this program falls somewhere around 79%, and you’ll find that the $2,000 tuition for the program is lower than average. If you’ve got five months to spare, you can earn a certification and get started in the medical field right away!

Choosing A Program

Choosing the right program to fit your needs is just as important as knowing exactly what you want to do with your certification once you’ve got it. Remember to take into account not only the tuition costs of the program, but also the graduation rate, any internships or hands-on training offered, and whether or not the college is accredited.

Pharmacy tech certifications are quick and can get you started as an entry-level medical professional in under a years’ time. Get started today towards a career you’ll love!

March 23, 2020 by Greg Underwood

Everything You Need to Know About Vaping and Airports

Vaping has been at the forefront in aiding a lot of people to quit smoking for a long time now. Statistics show that the more people get into vaping, the more the number of cigarette users reduces, and this shows the effectiveness of vaping. You might have noticed that unlike smoking cigarettes, vaping is allowed in public and closed areas. Although vaping is permitted in public and closed spaces, institutions and organizations are entitled to make their own rules and restrictions concerning vaping.

Furthermore, it is crucial to keep in mind that not every country allows vaping. Since we are all traveling for different reasons every time, you might find the need to go with your e-cigarette. To avoid any problems, here is all you need to know about vaping and airports.

Airline E-Cigarette Policies

It is considered wise to always stay prepared at all times, especially if you are planning to travel through the airport. Different airlines tend to be governed by different rules, so before packing your vaping kit, it is essential to check the e-cig policy on the airline you intend to travel with. You can quickly get the information by contacting them through their social media handles or emails or you can also check their website. It is most unlikely that any airlines will allow you to vape while on board. Planning before your initial travel is vital if you wish to travel with e-cigarettes with no difficulties ahead.

Checked Luggage Battery Ban

It is common knowledge that e-cigs and vape pen use batteries. This, together with other reasons, has led to the ban of having e-cigs in your checked luggage while traveling. It would be best if you always remembered this when traveling to avoid any troubles while trying to board. E-cigs and their tanks and batteries will only be allowed to be kept in your carry-on bag. Knowing the rules that each airport has and their explanation concerning vaping and traveling with e-cigarettes is vital for smooth travel.

Vaping and the Law

As stated earlier, although vaping is illegal in many states and countries, a small number of countries do not allow vaping. It is crucial to do your research before traveling to prevent situations where you are on the wrong side of the law in the new country you visit. It will be a situation that no one wishes to be in. Doing research is quite essential since although some states allow vaping, they may have some restrictions, just like the case with tobacco products.

Over twenty countries have bans and strict restrictions when it comes to vaping and traveling with e-cigarettes. However, rules may change, so researching now and then may make the difference on whether you are against or following the law of the given country.

Conclusion

Different airports and airlines tend to have different rules concerning e-cigarettes and vaping. Though some countries may not allow vaping, a significant number have permitted vaping. It is vital to do your research to be on the safe side, and this is because rules and regulations tend to be changed regularly.

March 6, 2020 by Greg Underwood

How to Become a Master at Investing

To get ahead financially in today’s world, you need to take investing seriously. It is an excellent way to make your money work for you instead of it being the other way round. Everyone wants to be able to make money in their sleep. However, not many people succeed as investors. Most people will say they do not know anything about the stock market.

Here are a few tips that will help you become a master investor.

Have a Growth Mindset

Image via Flickr by OTA Photos

Philosophers have stated over and over again that people never stop learning. Just because you have spent most of your life uninterested in investing, it does not mean that you cannot learn. If you put in sufficient effort, you are likely to enjoy the fruits of your hard work in no time. If you want to succeed in investing, you will have to start by investing the time and effort required to acquire new information.

Do Some Deliberate Practice

Once you have done your due diligence in research and looking for information, you will have to start practicing. The truth is, at first, you will make some losses. But the only sure way to keep improving and to learn more skills is actually investing in something.

Keep in mind the areas you failed, figure out why, and avoid those mistakes. Also, study the areas where you succeeded, so you know what works for you. It is recommended that at first, you invest in stable companies that make fewer losses.

Be Self-aware

You must make sure that you are aware of your mistakes and shortcomings. A good master knows where they are working best and what their natural tendencies are. Keep improving on your weaknesses, so they do not destroy you and cost you money.

In addition to this, you should focus on developing your strengths. Your strengths are going to be your competitive advantage. They will give you an edge to succeed. You, therefore, need to identify them and keep working on strengthening them. You should also work to avoid making the wrong choices. This will help you avoid people who may want to manipulate you.

It Takes Time

The truth is, even with hours of studying, you are not going to be a master investor in a day. It will take time. Be disciplined, keep learning, and take your time to analyze situations. The experience will triumph any amount of theories you may study. So do not be afraid of taking risks. If they work, you get money. If they do not work, you gain experience.

While others may want to find excuses to avoid work, you do not have to wait until you have a lot of money in the bank. Investing allows you to keep earning more from the little you already have. Invest now for a better future and to earn more money. Be sure to learn more about divergence trading to understand how the variables are changing in relation to stock prices each day.

March 2, 2020 by Greg Underwood

CBD Capsules: Why Taking CBD in Pill Form Makes Supplementing Cannabidiol Easy

Cannabidiol, CBD for short, is a chemical occurring in natural environments, which is extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD is an important component of medical marijuana and it’s renowned for its strong anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsive properties. It’s readily obtainable in most parts of the United States, helping people heal. A great many people turn to cannabidiol to get relief from many ailments. Examples include but aren’t limited to anxiety, insomnia, and cancer.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-green-canabis-2178565/

In the old days, the only way you could get the much-needed medication was to smoke cannabis strains with a high percentage of CBD. Things are quite different now. There are many options, including oils, strips, and, most importantly, pills. Pills are better than liquids. What you need to know from the very get-go is that CBD capsules are the best supplements to boost your cannabidiol intake.

If You Want to Make the Most Out of Your CBD, Swallow the Pills

Capsules are very similar to cannabis edibles in the sense that they contain a non-negligible quantity of cannabinoids. They work together with the digestion to have an effect. You swallow the CBD capsules together with water and that’s it. CBD oil can be taken orally too, but it’s necessary to keep it beneath the tongue for approximately 90 seconds and swallow.

Encapsulated CBD supplements are the best option because they reduce gastrointestinal irritation and protect the sensitive ingredient. The natural coating of the pills facilitates better dissolution. Not only are pills very easy to take but also you don’t have to worry about getting the right dosage. Each dosage is thoroughly measured for each capsule, so there’s no guesswork involved.

In case you were seeking the most effective way to take your cannabidiol, capsules give you so much more value for your money. They are way better if you particularly dislike the taste of CBD or the way the oil lingers in your mouth.

What Conditions Can CBD Capsules Help With?

Ultimately, what matters is that the supplement you’re taking addresses specific health issues. If you’d like to know more about the common uses for cannabidiol hemp-derived pills and soft gels, make sure to visit this site: https://nanocraftcbd.com/collections/softgel-capsules-pills. You’ll discover that CBD can be of great help for people leading an active lifestyle. If you practice sports, you can supplement with CBD for its anti-inflammatory assistance and pain-relieving properties. CBD capsules are a legitimate treatment for sports injuries.

In case you didn’t already know, cannabidiol helps individuals suffering from a variety of health conditions, such as anxiety or PTSD. It can even turn out handy in the case of nausea and seizures. As you’re in the market for CBD supplements, you’ll understand that there are numerous options available. it’s recommended to talk to your treating physician prior to taking new supplements.

To sum up, CBD capsules are manufactured by encapsulating CBD. The most important part if where you procure your supplements. The best CBD capsules are sourced from a certified organic hemp. Only purchase from manufacturers with a solid reputation, just to be on the safe side.

February 29, 2020 by Greg Underwood

Why Choose Kauai For Deepsea Fishing?

If you are a sportsman or woman who wants to spend their time relaxing with a fishing pole, a nice sunset, and open water, you likely have a long list of places you want to visit. Top of that list should be Kauai, a hidden gem of the deep-sea fishing community and a great place to kick back with your family as well. Keep reading to find out why you should consider this gem of the ocean above all others.

1. Privacy

If you want to kick back and fish, you usually don’t want to be around everyone else. Many places that offer deep sea fishing tend to cluster everyone who goes out together in the same small area. This might make it easier for areas without a large variety of fishing spots to make a buck, but it’s frustrating when you have to listen to music from another boats radio and compete for a catch with someone you have never met.

The waters around the islands in Hawaii are expansive and filled with many good spots for anyone who wants to fish, swim, or do anything else in the ocean. Each tour company or boat operator also tends to have their own space when they take groups out, meaning you will be the only one for miles around. For privacy and time alone with nature, Kauai can’t be beat.

2. Food and Fun

When you get back from fishing you must eat, and you generally will want to do something other than fish. Hawaii has many cuisine types within a small geographic area and offers evening and morning traditional shows and activities, perfect for kicking back and relaxing after a big catch.

3. Variety of Fish

Kauai is also centrally located to reefs and ocean currents, making it a hotbed for migrating species and larger specimens. The variety of fish is too large to list, but pretty much anything you can catch in the Pacific Ocean you can catch near Kauai. One of the main attractions is the thrill of blue marlin sportfishing in waters of Hawaii. The waters are well protected and not overfished as well, meaning that large fish catches and surprising species are more common than you would think. Adding deep sea fishing on your visit to Kauai is a great choice for the fisherman looking for a thrill of a lifetime!

4. Year-Round Fun

While you can technically fish anywhere during the winter months, the waters around Kauai tend to be rather sedate throughout the year. There aren’t many swells and the water are rarely choppy. This means you can safely have fun fishing here all year. Another bonus is the temperate climate that allows you to enjoy less restrictive clothing and summer like feelings whenever you come, making it feel like an actual vacation!

Overall if you like to fish there isn’t anything to dislike about Kauai, there is however a lot to like. Coming to a beautiful part of the world that has an ample stock of fish, good boat operators, and amazing food is the best vacation you can plan. No matter what kind of vacation you want, the islands are calling your name.

February 27, 2020 by Greg Underwood

Learning When You are Fertile

Fertility is neither a fixed value, nor set on a simple decline throughout your lifetime. Your fertility varies over the course of weeks according to where you are in your menstrual cycle. Today we’re looking at how you can boost your chances of getting pregnant by learning when you will be fertile.

The Fertile Window

The time in each cycle when you are fertile is called your fertile window, and it’s approximately six days long. Sperm can survive up to five days in the human body so your fertile windows starts around five days before you ovulate. The egg that is ovulated, meanwhile, is viable for a maximum of twenty-four hours so your fertile window only lasts a day after ovulation, for a total of six days.

If you’re trying within this six-day period, you have the best possible chance of success. If you’re slightly outside it, your chances are diminished, and your chances rapidly drop to zero as sperm simply cannot encounter the egg and fertilise it!

Finding the Fertile Window

A fertility calculator promises to tell you when you’re next going to be fertile. The most basic versions of these tools are the simplest to use but they provide the least accurate results. You simply give it some basic information about yourself – including the date of your last period and the length of your cycle, and it will make a best guess about when you will ovulate and therefore when you will be fertile (five days before that date).

Unfortunately this best guess isn’t personalised to you at all, and it’s simply not accurate enough if you’re trying to use this information to boost your chances of pregnancy (or to avoid pregnancy!).

Better Tests

You can get a more accurate answer if you’re willing to do tests that tell you what’s going on in your body specifically.

Ovulation predictor kits test the hormones in your urine, looking for the surge that causes ovulation. They’re similar to pregnancy tests, and are as widely available, making them a convenient option. It is possible to miss the LH surge if you take the test at the wrong time, or if you have an especially high or low level of Luteinising Hormone – either naturally or due to illness.

Basal body temperature tracking can be more useful, though it’s harder work for you. If you take your temperature every morning before you get up and your metabolism starts to heat your body, you can access this low level, your BBT. It responds to your body’s preparations for ovulation, which means it can show you when you’re ovulating. Apps that take their data directly from specialised sensors take a lot of the hard work out of your hands, leading to more accurate, helpful results.

January 8, 2020 by Greg Underwood

Our Guide To Boost Conversion Rates In 2020

Boosting conversions rates when running an online business is crucial, particularly if you are competing in a saturated market. Not only will you need to appeal to your chosen target audience, but you need to find new and creative ways to boost conversion rates such as the use of PPC management or an SEO service to stand out and reach your audiences. To help you get started, we will be providing you with our insider knowledge into some of the ways that you can boost your conversion rate with minimal effort.

Optimise Landing Pages

The landing page is arguably the most important part of your site and requires the most amount of care and attention. When designing the landing page, it is vital that it features relevant copy as well as designated call to actions regardless of whether it is just to download an e-book or sign up for a newsletter. With a call to action clearly placed at the top and the bottom of the homepage, you can then entice your audience to click and interact with you.

Focus On Clear And Concise Pricing Information

Another page that you should focus on if you are trying to sell online is the pricing information. This should be displayed on the pricing page in a clear format to give the users the information that they need instantly. This, in turn, will help to reduce the bounce rate for your site whilst encouraging an increase in conversions over a prolonged period of time. This can then be followed up by a call to action at the foot of the page to capture the attention of users and encourage them to complete a specific action.

Keep Content Relevant

Though it may seem tempting to push the hard sell, it is vital that you keep all content as relevant as possible when looking to boost conversion rates as this is what will keep people on your site. By creating content that captures the attention of your chosen audience from the start you are then more likely to build the trust between you and them that is needed to obtain a successful conversion in the long term. During the process of creating the content, it is crucial that it is all factorially correct as this will have an effect on the relationship that you have with your audience.

Ensure Interesting Call To Actions

When implementing call to actions, they should be short and snappy as this will capture attention much more than a long-winded sentence. With phrases such as “sign up today” and “learn more” working to entice audiences, these alongside well-implemented designs will then help to progressively boost your conversion rate over time and grow the business.

Optimise The Page Speed

The final way that you can boost conversion rates in 2020 is through the use of page speed optimisation. With over 45% of people clicking off of a website that takes between 3- 5 seconds to load, this is a massive chunk of your audience that you could be losing. By optimising the page speed, you are then homing in on user experience and increasing the reputation of your business as people are more likely to use a company that looks as professional as possible.

Though it will take time to boost your conversion rates in the new year, a well-implemented strategy will provide you with the perfect long-lasting solution needed to boost sales. This can be implemented in both big businesses and a start-up and is bound to help boost sales as well as the popularity of your business.

January 2, 2020 by Greg Underwood

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Family—4 Discussions You Need to Have Sooner Rather than Later

Figure 1 Photo by Isaac Smith on Unsplash

It’s almost a joke these days: having new year’s resolutions.

But just because many others in society break the 1 January promises—often even before 1 February—it doesn’t mean you will. And it definitely shouldn’t keep you from making plans for the future.

Because that’s what these resolutions are all about: giving you a plan for the next 12 months.

Think of it this way: a business makes decisions that align with its values, to guarantee resources and time are spent in a manner that will help them reach company goals. In the same way, you can align choices with your new year’s resolutions, so you know you’re moving closer to the outcome you want in life.

And nowhere is this more important than the plans for your family. Let’s help you get it right for 2020.

How to Make New Year’s Resolutions

Firstly, are you keeping your long term goals in mind when you set up these short term ones for the next 12 months?

Also, don’t make plans in isolation. Imagine you plan to purchase a house, but your partner wants to go on a glamorous holiday. Your decisions are bound to frustrate each other and prevent everyone from reaching their goals. Rather get everyone’s input and devise a plan that incorporates everyone’s interests. If your spouse and kids agree with the plan, it will be easier for everyone to abide by it & support each other to reach the goals.

Now, to help you get started, consider these four important topics you need to think about before 2020 arrives.

4 Discussions All Families Should Have

Will Your Family Dynamics Change Any Time Soon?

Many of you other choices in the next few months are determined by how big your family is. It’s important that couples discuss if and when they will have more children. You can’t assume the other party will want to get pregnant at the same time you want to. Discuss it & agree on a timeline so you can plan using contraception as and when necessary.

Of course, you can’t predict when exactly you’ll fall pregnant, but at least make the possibility of another child part of your planning. Prepare mentally and plan to budget for this immense change in your lifestyle.

What Have You Been Avoiding?

It’s easy to keep yourself busy in order to avoid difficult scenarios. But they won’t go away!

Perhaps you’re getting by by paying with your credit cards each month. Why? Because no one has the courage to face the realities of your monthly budget and start setting boundaries. If you don’t face this, sooner or later you’ll have too much debt to cope with.

Or perhaps you haven’t discussed the first item on our list above—family dynamics—because you’re unable to have children. Artificial insemination and IVF treatment in South Africa have brought many families the joy of having children. But the financial and emotional challenges seem too much to handle for many couples. This matter requires long term planning. And if you don’t face it now, you may regret it in the long run.

It’s time to start talking.

What do You Value?

Asking yourselves this question can open up discussions about many other important aspects of life. Here are examples of questions to ask when you list your values:

Health: Should the family eat healthier?
Family:Are you spending enough quality time together or should you plan more family activities?
Relationships: Should you limit mobile use in the house so you can talk and build relationship with each other?

How Much Will You Save and What Will You Save for?

Money is one of the most common reasons marriages don’t work out. For example, one party may not like how much the other spends. Over time this can escalate into big arguments and if not resolved, divorce may ensue.

Much of this can be avoided by agreeing on the same goals and resolutions; for the next 12 months AND long term:

How much money can you save each month? What percentage should you save and how much should you use to spoil yourselves?
What will you use the saved money for?
If someone finds something they really want, must they consult the other one before buying?

You may need to compromise to find a plan that suits everyone, but having tough, honest discussions now is better than ending up resenting each other in 12 months’ time.

[Conclusion]

There’s the possibility of having an amazing 12 months ahead of you. But it starts with planning. What will you discuss with your loved ones around the dinner table tonight?

December 30, 2019 by Greg Underwood

Wildlife Spotting: Where to Go for the Best Sightings in Africa

Thanda Safari | South Africa

Located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is one of the greatest game lodges in KZN which will exceed your every expectation, and it’s better known as Thanda Safari. A short road trip from King Shaka International Airport will get you there, making it one of the most accessible game lodges in Africa. This is a reserve that is filled with luxury accommodation, safari drives, guided walks, impeccable service and amenities and guarantees sightings of some of the rarest wildlife species on earth. It’s not just about the wildlife though, Thanda Safari is an experience and a once in a lifetime one if we do say so ourselves. Thanda Safari is home to the big five which are leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino and lion although you’ll spot many other fascinating species too. Thanda Safari also offer extraordinary opportunities to their guests such as the tracking of rhinos and cheetahs for research and protective measures.

Chobe National Park | Botswana

The Chobe National Park in Botswana is one of the most breathtaking safari experiences with personal and up-close contact with wildlife. Located on the north eastern point of Botswana is the Chobe River and Kasane – Kasane being the focal point and gateway to the Chobe National Park. The popular gigantic baobab tree with its massive hollow that is large enough for you to enter, has become an iconic place to start your entry in the Chobe National Park. Chobe National Park has a diversity of wildlife which includes the big five; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino as well as; hippo, wild dog, hyena, jackal, roan antelope, sable, kudu, impala, warthog, waterbuck, puku, lechwe, baboons, monkeys and more. To add to this list is an incredible amount of over 460 bird species including fish and martial eagle, egyptian geese, the sacred ibis, spur-winged geese, darters and cormorants to name a few. A river cruise is a wonderful experience to see many of these along the water banks as well as crocodiles either in the water or basking in the sun.

Kruger National Park | South Africa

The Kruger National Park in South Africa is one of the most well known Parks in Africa. There are other parks within and around Kruger National Park, each providing their own unique experiences but almost all are blessed with the big five species and you can almost guarantee you will spot them, as well as zebra, cheetah, hippo, hyena and more. There are many other mammals and approximately 500 species of bird. Kruger National Park is known for open spaces, bush veld and plains and is a special place that will keep you coming back for more. Kruger National Park offers game safari drives or the freedom of doing the drive safaris in your own vehicle as well as walking safaris, guided tours which is one that is becoming popular where you get the feeling of being one with the elements of nature and wildlife. From sunrise to sunset you will be blessed with the most colourful sky displays, with the sounds of life and fresh aromas of nature surrounding you – absolute bliss!

Serengeti | Tanzania

When planning to go on a safari holiday, the Serengeti in Tanzania will most definitely feature as one to consider especially if you have experienced a safari in Africa. The Serengeti is known as one of the world’s largest natural regions of wilderness. The Serengeti will bless any visitor with an experience of its own no matter what time of the year you choose to visit. The Serengeti is also home to the big five. If you are wanting a truly unique experience the Serengti can offer just that: tenting safaris out in the open is a favourite, this gives you a sense of adventure being out in the wild with the sounds of nature all around you. This is not an experience for everyone but if you choose to do it you will have highly trained guides accompanying you, as well as your own chef. Always keep in mind that you are out in the wild, surrounded by wild animals so never venture out on your own, don’t try and coax the animals over by offering food, keep safety in mind at all times.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, Africa, is a massive primeval forest located in the south-western part of Uganda. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is known for the beautiful mountain gorillas that call this area home. You can get a chance to see these beautiful creatures on a gorilla trekking safari. This is truly an experience never to be forgotten.