The remnants of the fascinating Mayan civilisation can be marvelled at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO listed site since 1979. Tikal, meaning ‘place of voices’ is now a National Park and located in the northern region of Guatemala and not too far from the border with Belize.
Tikal was the capital of the ancient Mayan civilisation. It is believe that it would not have been its original name but infact the name given shortly after its modern day discovery during the 1840s. Population estimates place the demographic size of the site between 100,000 and 200,000.
The National Park is not only home to archaeological wonders of temples and ruins but also the home to monkeys, parrots, deer, toucans, macaws, ocelots and the rare jaguar.
A highly recommended book by Dr Peter D. Harrison – The Lords of Tikal: Rulers of an Ancient Maya City
The Amhara Plateau incorporates the ‘Simien National Park’ which is a World Heritage Site and was inscribed by UNESCO during 1978 – one of the first localities to receive inscription.
It is located in northern Ethiopia, 120 km north-east of Gondar. Erosion over the years of the Great Rift Valley, has created an amazing landscape of majestic peaks and deep valleys. Ras Dashen, at a height of 4620m, is the fourth highest peak in Africa.
The Gelada Baboons, Simien fox, Ethiopian wolf and the Walia Ibex (a goat) are found nowhere else in the world. Sadly, these species are diminishing. Consequently, during 1996 the park was added to the UNESCO register as a ‘World Heritage Site in Danger’.
The 5th Edition ‘Ethiopia Bradt Travel Guide Book’ comes highly recommended
One great reason to visit the Amhara Plateau and Simien National Park is to watch the fascinating Gelada Baboons negotiate the steep cliff-sides and manage it successfully!
Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is found some 500km north-east of Johannesburg in a small area of the Kruger National Park. Sabi Sabi was established during 1979 and offers luxurious accommodation and safaris to view the park and hopefully see the Big 5 animals of Africa – the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant. There will be plenty of opportunity to see many smaller species of wildlife and some quite close to the accommodation surrounds.
Sabi Sabi Game Reserve’s luxurious accommodation includes the Selati Camp, Little Bush Camp, Bush Lodge and Earth Lodge. Each of the sites include a number of suites and each with a presidential suite (with a private pool) other than the Little Bush Camp. Relax on the verandah and enjoy the views. Dine under the African night skies. Absorb Africa.
Fodor’s ‘The Complete African Safari Planner’: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia & Tanzania
One great reason to visit Sabi Sabi Game Reserve is without a doubt for the wildlife. Sabi Sabi can boast one of the highest concentrations of the big 5 African animals, so there’s a very good chance you will see them all!
The Galapagos Islands lie nearly 1,000km off the west coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean and belong to Ecuador. They are an archipelago consisting of 19 main islands and all vastly different. The Galapagos Islands were inscripted as a UNESCO World Heritage site during 1978, largely for its most notable feature, its fauna and flora. These endemic plants, invertebrates and vertebrate species have evolved over time due to the isolated island existence. It was this that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit during 1835.
The best way to thoroughly experience the Islands is to enjoy a cruise over a period of 4-8 days. This will allow you to visit a number of islands to truly experience the diversity of each island.
A Great Introduction to the Galapagos Islands on DVD
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