A Million Lives

A million lifestyle hacks...unlimited possibilities

by

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.

by

Face the Fascinating Facts About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing a mountain is always somewhat of a challenging experience. It takes determination and skill. It takes will power and self-motivation. But no matter what trials may arise when facing the task of mountain climbing, it’s not short of its rewards. It will offer more satisfaction than struggle and more pride than problems when completed and you’re astounded at what you’ve achieved.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is an advantageous activity that will take you to the heights of fascination, not only at your ability to climb it but also at the beauty that surrounds. It’s the only place in the world where you can see the curvature of the earth, a spectacular view that rises above sea-level and consists of three volcanic cones. From a range of some of nature’s most wonderful wildlife and plant life, it’s a journey that’s not short of spectacle. Here are some things to consider before you take the climb.

Steady does it

You may come at this challenge with the mind-set that you need to assert yourself and push yourself at a pace as if you were trying to complete a race, but that won’t do you justice, it will only leave you burnt out by the time you reach half way. This mountain should be taken at a steady pace. Take your time, save your energy and savour your surroundings so that you can enjoy as well as finish the climb.

The best way to go about being steady when you climb is making sure you acclimatize during the accent. Let your body acclimatise to the lower levels of oxygen as you climb, not doing this will leave you feeling more worn out than usual. Take 40 steps forward and 20 steps back to make sure that your body adjusts, and you can avoid acute mountain sickness as best as you can.

Pick the perfect path

Statistics show that roughly only 30% of climbers make it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, and you want to be one who falls into that category. The way that you can ensure that you’ll make it is by picking the route that will suit you and support you in your journey to success.

You can also pick a path that provides you with a bit more scenery. Altogether a total of seven routes are available to travel on. The Rongi route starts from the northeast of the mountain and is not as scenic as some of the other routes but is dry, and may not pose as much of a struggle as the other routes that have more scenery.

The Right resolve

Go into the task with a right resolve. You don’t want to take on an attitude of defeat before you start. Reap the reward of being named amongst those who have made it to the top. Don’t let your mind motivate you to turn back, but take on the climb with an attitude of wanting to achieve high. Don’t do it at the detriment of your health, be in tune with your body, but as long as you can preserve then make sure you press on.

A Million Lives

Travelling in all its glory is fun and exhilarating but sometimes you might want to find some information on where to go, what to see and how to go about it from someone other than the go-to websites, especially when it comes to travel hacking and the coolest, most useful ways to get the most out of your next adventure.

Recent Posts