As I struggled with my camera to get the perfect shot of the yawning leopard no more than 2 metres away from my vehicle, my Maasai guide casually pulled out the latest smart phone from underneath his traditional Shuka and took the picture I’d been trying to get for the last half an hour.  “It’s for my face book page,” he said stuffing the phone back in his pocket, “but it’ll be a few days before I can upload it as the wi-fi service in the Mara is terrible and I’ve also got to go to a family ceremony tomorrow in my village.”

This easy, unforced blend of ancient and modern came to define my trip to Kenya, a country often derided by travellers as too busy, too commercial, not the real Africa. To a degree, these thoughts also crossed my mind as I landed in Nairobi, where over a million tourists pass through each year, drawn by the world class game and spectacular beaches for which the country is most famous.  Recently however, Kenya has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, but as I spent time in the country my preconceptions thawed and I realised that Kenya is one of the most diverse and engaging countries in Africa.

The other thing that surprised me was the diversity of the landscapes. The Kenyan coast was of course idyllic, the aquamarine waters of the Indian ocean dotted with traditional dhows, fishermen hauling their catch onto the dazzling white sand only a short walk from the small, boutique hotels now lining the shores. But only 5 minutes walk from this, you can explore traditional villages and colourful markets, brightly dressed Muslim women chatting behind bowls of freshly dried fish and spicy samosas whilst men gather around the village radio, for news and of course the latest premiership results.

Away from the coast, further north, the red dust of the arid Samburu park offers a dramatic landscape of semi-desert, where the colourful Samburu tribe – cousins of the Masai further south – offer walking safaris across a landscape divided by the Waso Nyiro River, dotted with lush springs, volcanic plains and sacred mountains, home to huge herds of Oryx , the Somali Ostrich and gerenuk as well as the traditional big game set against a backdrop of endless horizons.

I ended up of course in the country’s most famous park, the Masai Mara, but spent time in the private concessions that border the park itself, where a handful of exceptionally well run lodges, offer guests exclusive game drives on their private land – a refuge for much of the game now moving away from the busier public park.  The magic of these concessions and the Masai Mara itself is that people invest their own imagination here and I heard comparisons made with the rolling hills of England, the open plains of Texas and even the dramatic wilds of Kazakhstan by awestruck travellers. That is the beauty of the Mara – it is both strangely familiar and yet quintessentially African, where one can head out on a mornings drive and see a lion kill, watch a cheetah stalk its prey, follow a leopard for 2 hours and be surrounded by herds of elephants – such is the abundance of game, with no other vehicles in sight. Doubtless to say these private camps and small lodges are a haven for wildlife photographers and those travellers in the know…

This diversity was also reflected in the mixture of people I was lucky enough to meet, from young Maasai warriors, old Kenya settlers, lodge owners, imams, bar staff, pilots, wildlife rangers, hotel owners and hunters (although hunting itself is illegal in Nairobi) – the one thing connecting them all is a love of their country and a pride in being Kenyan. The old tribal divisions and constraints that have cast such a long shadow over recent Kenyan politics, whilst still deeply important, are now being loosened by this desire to be part of a country that still respects the past, but is already looking to shape the future. Whilst no-one can predict the outcome of the next elections, one thing is certain – people want peace and a chance to be part of this new emerging Kenya. It is this unique cultural aspect that adds another exciting dimension to a country already rightly famous for its beautiful beaches and in my opinion, if you know where to stay, still the best wildlife viewing on the planet.

Steppes travel are experts in holidays to Africa, and specialise in Kenya safaris and Tanzania safaris. Visit Steppes today to start your adventure. 

It’s an unfortunately inevitability in our travels that, at some point or another, we’re going to have to take on the “long weekend.” We all know it – that deceptive span of time that boasts the word “long” but is actually far too short.

No country can truly be explored with only 72 hours, (though an argument could be made for Monaco, given its impressively small size of 0.7 square miles.) But if a long weekend is all you’ve got (and you’re not headed to Monaco,) you’ve got to make the most of it. And that means picking one or two unforgettable experiences rather than trying to jam in so much you don’t remember any of it. Here we suggest one way to spend a long weekend – 72 precious hours – in Morocco.

A lifetime could be spent in Morocco immersing oneself in the culture. With a history of Berber, Saadi, French and Spanish rule (just to name a few,) the country enjoys an impressively rich diversity of language and culture. Combine that with a climate that ranges from lush Mediterranean to arid desert, and the possibilities for a traveler become numerous to the point of being overwhelming.

How does one tackle so much to see with so little time to see it? By identifying an immersing and unique experience. And one of the most unique and spectacular experiences to be had in Morocco is exploring its territory in the Sahara desert.

One of the easiest ways to explore Morocco’s desert is to start in Marrakech. While that puts the adventurous traveler a few hours away from the Sahara, it offers crucial benefits. Flying in and out of the Marrakech airport is generally one of the most economical ways to go, whereas arriving to cities like Fez or Casablanca can be more expensive. Equally important is the chance – however brief – to explore Marrakech. With no time to spare, take a walk through the city’s famed square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, which is teaming with life, color and spices.

After a city stroll, it’s off to the desert. There are several guided groups available to explore the Sahara in Morocco. Travelers should do their homework ahead of time. Looking to head into the sunset on a camel? Camp out under the stars? Sandboard down the dunes of the Sahara? All and more are possible, but with little expendable time, travelers should make sure to arrange with their groups ahead of time which experience they’re looking to have.

From Marrakech, it can take up to a day and a half to get deep into the desert. The trip to the dunes will introduce travelers to those Moroccans who live outside the bustle of city life, an important experience. The country is renown for its commitment to retaining historical landmarks and influences from the various cultures that have influenced its history, and one of the best ways to appreciate that is to get outside the city walls.

Upon arriving to the desert, the majesty of the Sahara makes the long journey worth it. Surrounded by great sand dunes on all sides, watching the moon rise over the horizon, and sharing the experience with locals is a long weekend one will never forget.

A long weekend in the Moroccan desert may not provide much time to find souvenirs to bring back home, but there’s one thing travelers will most certainly return with – a passion for Morocco, its people, and a fierce desire to come back. And with more than 72 hours next time.

Family travelling to a best destination
all over the world gives a maximum bonding that last for long. These destinations incorporate a lot of natural and multi-cultural and the age-appropriate programmes that entails total fun to kids and educational. These destinations also provide forums to which both parents if any and the guardians can reconnect with their families. The following are the most luxurious in the world and offer well above.

Ritz-Carlton, the Grand Cayman
Far away from home, Ritz-Calton is a number one choice for many families in the world. The place was coined after a legend Ritz-Cayman who worked with Jean-Michel to create fully entertaining programs for children. Kids with ages 4 to 18 years can fully explore natural jungle gym using a pontoon boat to dive up to 100 feet down the ocean surface instead of using a submarine. The resort also is unique it the sense that the kids can film their adventures and also the sea life. To ensure a total safety, the kids are superbly supervised by the well trained team and at the same time parents can supervise them.

Rio Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Rio Beach resort has been overlooked for long time in the Caribbean. It does not only offer family holiday bit also for kids destinations. The resort is just some steps away from the El Yungue natural forest which is the only tropical forest in US forest system. the parents can take evening outs with their kids at the Iguana club and also take eco-walks through the floors of the forest and discover various species of wildlife in the forest.

Hotel San Pietro, Italy
Located in the Amalfi Coast, the hotel San Pietro is family owned five star hotel ideal resort for the travelers who would wish for a resort-style accommodation. As compared to other hotels in Amalfi coast, hotel San Pietro has its own beach, excursion boat and a tennis court. To boost the comfort of each family, the hotel manager usually accommodates each family with personal touches and specifications hence a customized family destination for travelers.

Four Seasons Aviara, California
This is a unique travelers’ destination which has various locations, diverse programmers, and facilities for kids, teenagers, toddlers, tweens, and families with babies. Travelers can make advance arrangements for meals with different specifications, and tour to nearby sea world and Lego land. During the afternoons, family walks around the conservancy to learn a lot about the endangered species and their conservation. Post lunch activities in the resort may include the kids’ soccer, kickball, Frisbee and kite flying. Kids will enjoy a lot.

Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton
The inn at Palmetto is home to the famous two multi-tiered house on a tree compounded with a lot of fishing activities. The resort staff can arrange for the family fishing, canoeing, crabbing, horse riding, kayaking, and shrimping. Accommodations at the resort are always customized to suite the family needs and sizes. To save on cost, families can be allocated rooms with kitchenettes supporting up to 3 to 5 family members. The resort is suitable for families who wish to enjoy fishing activities for the time they are on holiday. If you’re still unsure, consider family holidays with Mahlatini.com to make your travel plans with the kids, that little bit less stressful!

Short-term you are not selected possibilities within the African
continent are actually getting much more fascinating using the increase associated with Volunteerism. Numerous vacationers going to the African continent, right now desire to invest a number of their own holiday inside a much more enriching method, through assisting nearby towns or even becoming involved with preservation initiatives. These short article listings businesses providing short-term applications such as a few test expenses. There are also tips about things to anticipate whenever you are not selected within the African continent.
Am I going to receive money?

The majority of short-term you are not selected work won’t spend. You’re generally likely to spend the business the charge which may include your own plane tickets, lodging as well as meals. However you are not selected businesses try to reduce expenses whenever possible. Lots of people that decide to you are not selected could increase money within their personal towns to assist include the expense from the journey.
Things to Anticipate Whenever you are not selected within the African continent

Fundamental Problems. The majority of you are not selected possibilities occur within non-urban places exactly where you might not possess prepared use of operating drinking water as well as electrical power. Real estate can be quite fundamental and you’ll be sticking with nearby households.
Social Versatility. As with the majority of nations on the planet non-urban towns are often much more conventional compared to city facilities. Because you’ll be operating carefully using the nearby populace you’ll have to gown as well as act prior to what’s suitable in your area. Common speed associated with existence as well as function is a lot reduced compared to within the western. Do not anticipate any kind of business to operate effectively as well as without having mistakes.
Obtaining Ill. If you are investing a lot more than just a couple days within the African continent, particularly sub-Saharan the African continent, your own likelihood of obtaining ill will even improve. Be sure you consider all of the medication as well as safeguards you’ll need. The business a person use ought to short a person regarding medical issues also keep in mind which nearby healthcare professionals as well as physicians may have lots of encounter along with typical conditions such as malaria (probably much more compared to your physician from home). At first you may even possess some difficulties used in order to various meals as well as drinking water.
Individual Development. Those who have volunteered within the African continent will most likely let you know how the greatest effect their own task experienced wasn’t about the neighborhood however upon on their own. Spending some time submerged within an additional lifestyle can change how you take a look at existence and it is the main benefit of volunteering.
A few Businesses that provide Short-term Applications within The African continent

Worldwide Eyesight Worldwide (GVI) is really a UK dependent business that provides applications through 2-20 days all through the African continent. Amongst additional tasks, you are able to focus on preservation within Kenya, the actual Seychelles as well as Southern the African continent.
The actual GVI site offers a summary of the expense of every task.

Camps Worldwide operate 1 -3 30 days camps within Kenya as well as Tanzania concentrating on neighborhood, animals as well as sea applications. These people lately received Kenya’s Eco-warrior honor for his or her Kenya Camps. You will find more than eighty tasks to select from. Within 2012 tasks will begin upward within Uganda. Test price of the 30 days plan within Kenya is actually $2500 as well as features a firebox, just about all meals, transportation within nation, as well as lodging. It doesn’t consist of worldwide plane tickets.
Africa Effect provides tasks within Eastern as well as the southern area of The african continent such as the Lion rehab task ($3500 with regard to 1 month), the cellular center task ($3900 with regard to 3 months), dolphin investigation ($3310 with regard to four weeks) and much more.
Adventurer provides two — 6 7 days tasks within Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Morocco, Tanzania as well as Southern the African continent. You are able to train, trainer as well as perform sports activities, focus on the preservation task or even assist with the creating task. You will remain in non-urban towns, consume nearby meals as well as participate the group such as additional volunteers in addition to people from the neighborhood.
Test price of the two 7 days plan within Ghana is actually UNITED STATES DOLLAR 1380. This particular doesn’t consist of plane tickets or even travel cover.

Volunteers with regard to Serenity (VFP) provide you are not selected work camps, generally with regard to 2-3 days, all through the African continent. You do not need any kind of encounter however you need to be a minimum of eighteen years old. Tasks differ with respect to the requirements from the web host neighborhood; however they vary from building, environment function, interpersonal function, training, dealing with HELPS and much more. Problems about the tasks tend to be fundamental.
The price of every plan is actually UNITED STATES DOLLAR two hundred and fifty which handles meals as well as lodging.

Worldwide Volunteers provide 3 7 days applications within Tanzania as well as two -3 7 days applications within Ghana. Individuals are going to be focusing on applications associated with literacy, building as well as health care.
The actual test price of the 3 7 days plan within Ghana is actually UNITED STATES DOLLAR 2450. Including just about all transportation, lodging as well as meals in the United Kingdom. Worldwide plane tickets aren’t one of them charge.

Mix Social Options (CCS) is really a perfectly regarded as business that provides you are not selected possibilities within Ghana as well as Tanzania. The actual minimal period allocated to a course within the African continent is actually 3 days as well as summer time applications fill quickly. There’s also internships readily available for 2-12 days within the areas associated with wellness, training or even interpersonal providers. This can be a wise decision for anybody thinking about going after work within worldwide improvement.
The price of the you are not selected positioning begins from UNITED STATES DOLLAR two, 389 as well as differs for each plan. The actual internship charge begins from UNITED STATES DOLLAR 2689. Each costs consist of plan costs, lodging, meals as well as journey in the United Kingdom, they don’t consist of worldwide plane tickets.

Procedure Crossroads the African continent provides 6 7 days applications all through the african continent. Tasks differ however are community-based within non-urban places and include tree-planting, building, as well as ladies improvement associated applications. A variety procedure may choose regardless of whether you’re permitted take part in a course. The actual minimal grow older is actually eighteen.
The price of the actual the African continent plan is actually UNITED STATES DOLLAR 3500 as well as consists of plane tickets, lodging, meals as well as transportation whilst in the nation.

[Photo Credits: Pierre Holtz for UNICEF]