Lake Manyara National Park is a national park in Arusha Region, Tanzania. Lake Manyara National Park is known for the flamingos that inhabit the lake. During the wet season they inhabit the edges of the lake in flocks of thousands but they are not so present during the dry season. Visitors can also expect to see upwards of 100 different species of bird on any given day. Leopards, lions, elephants, blue monkeys, dik-dik, gazelle, hippo, giraffe, impala, and more inhabit the park and many can be seen throughout the year. There is also a hippo pond at one end of the park where visitors can get out of their cars and observe from a safe distance.
(Photo courtesy of Francesco Malucelli)
Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire river that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire National Park from Manyara. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of resident zebra and wildebeest. Other common animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is in south-western Kenya, and is the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. It is named after the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and their description of the area when looked at from afar: "Mara". It is famous for its exceptional population of Big Cats, game, and the annual migration of zebra, Thomson's gazelle, and wildebeest from the Serengeti every year from July to October.
The Virunga National Park is in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It was established in 1925 as Africa's first national park. Africa's first national park survived decades of chaos against all the odds; tourism has increased from zero in 2008, to approximately 2000 in 2010 with numbers growing steadily. The park is known for its exceptional biodiversity, containing more bird, mammal and reptile species than any protected area on the African continent. Both savanna and forest elephants as well as chimpanzees and low land gorillas can still be found in Virunga, along with Okapi, giraffes, buffaloes and many endemic birds!
(Photo Courtesy of Cai Tjeenk Willink)
Kibale National Park is a national park in western Uganda protecting moist evergreen rain forest. The park adjoins with Queen Elizabeth National Park and is an important eco-tourism and safari destination, popular for its population of habituated chimpanzees and 12 other species of primates. The park's population of elephants travels between the park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, and other large animals that live in the park include leopards, bushpigs, duikers and otters.
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's most-visited game reserve. It is the most popular park because of its wildlife; including hippopotamuses, elephants, leopards, lions and chimpanzees. The area around Ishasha in Rukungiri District is renown for its tree-climbing lions, whose males sport black manes, a feature unique to the lions in this area. The park is also famous for its volcanic features, comprising volcanic cones and deep craters, many with crater lakes such as Lake Katwe, from which salt is extracted.
(Photo Courtesy of Cody Pope)
Chobe National Park, in northwest Botswana, has one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa. It is also the country's first national park. The park is probably best known for its spectacular elephant population: It contains an estimated 50,000 elephants. The flood plains in the northeast of the park are the only place in Botswana where the puku antelope can be seen. This is probably the most visited park section, partly because of its proximity to the Victoria Falls. In the western stretch of the park visitors on safari view warthogs, kudus, impalas, zebras, wildebeests and above all elephants bullying each other.
Kruger National Park lies in the north-east of South Africa in the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. It is one of the largest national parks in the world. All the Big Five game animals are found at Kruger National Park, which has more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve at 147 species and the poisonous Black Mamba also calls this park home. Visitors have many options for accommodations; the park has 21 rest camps, as well as 2 private lodge concessions, and 15 designated private safari lodges.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is a national park of Namibia encompassing part of the Namib Desert (considered the world's oldest desert) and the Naukluft mountain range. The most well-known area of the park is Sossusvlei, which is the main visitor attraction in Namibia. A surprising collection of creatures including snakes, geckos, unusual insects, hyenas, gemsboks and jackals reside here.
South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, the southernmost of three national parks in the valley of the Luangwa River, is a world-renowned wildlife haven. It supports large populations of Thornicroft's Giraffe, and herds of elephant and buffalo often several hundred strong, while the Luangwa River supports abundant crocodiles and hippopotamuses. It is one of the best-known national parks in Africa for walking safaris.
(Photo Courtesy of Paul Maritz)
Loango National Park is often referred to as the true jewel of Africa's western coast. Located in western Gabon between the Nkomi and Ndogo Lagoons, naturalist Mike Fay called Loango 'Africa's Last Eden' and this is where Michael "Nick" Nichols from National Geographic took his well-known pictures of surfing hippos. The park’s savanna, pristine beach, forest and mangroves are a must see in Gabon. Loango National Park offers breathtaking panoramas and the unique opportunity to observe elephants, buffalos, hippos, gorillas and leopards venturing onto the white sand beaches.
Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. The park lies in the west, on the main road between Bulawayo and the widely noted Victoria Falls. Hwange has amongst the highest diversity of mammals of any national park in the world with over 105 species and over 400 types of birds including 50 raptors! Tourists particularly love this park due to the fact that they can go on safari by horseback riding as well as walking and driving.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a large wildlife preserve and conservation area in southern Africa. The park straddles the border between South Africa and Botswana and comprises two adjoining national parks: Kalahari Gemsbok National Park in South Africa and Gemsbok National Park in Botswana. The park has abundant, varied wildlife; such as black-maned Kalahari lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas. Blue wildebeest, springbok, eland, and red hartebeest also live and move seasonally within the park as well as over 200 species of birds.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The iSimangaliso Wetlands Park was declared a world heritage site in 1999 at an unveiling ceremony where Nelson Mandela was the guest of honor. The park ranges from coral reefs and sandy beaches to subtropical dune forests, savannas and wetlands. Animals that call this park home include elephants, leopard, black and white rhino, buffalo, and in the ocean, whales, dolphins, and marine turtles including the leatherback and loggerhead turtle.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in East Africa. The park is part of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and is situated along the Democratic Republic of Congo border next to the Virunga National Park. The forest is one of the richest ecosystems in Africa. It is known for the 340 Bwindi gorillas, half the world's population of the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas, and is also a sanctuary for colobus monkeys, chimpanzees and many birds like hornbills and turacos.
(Photo Courtesy of Duncan Wright)
The Banc d'Arguin National Park lies in Western Africa on the west coast of Mauritania between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The park is a major breeding site and is home to wide range of birds including flamingos, broad-billed sandpipers, pelicans and terns. The region's mild climate and absence of human disturbance makes the park one of the most important sites in the world for these species.
(Photo Courtesy of Kokopelado)
-Tracy Smith
Oʻahu, known as "The Gathering Place", is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and most populous of the islands in the State of Hawaiʻi. The world famous neighborhood of Waikiki is on Oʻahu home to public places including Kapiʻolani Park, Fort de Russy Military Reservation, Kahanamoku Lagoon, Kūhiō Beach Park, and Ala Wai Harbor.
In the middle of Texas Hill Country lies the charming city of New Braunfels named for Braunfels, in Germany. The city has a sizeable German Texan community. Old fashioned in its mannerisms, New Braunfels will make you feel right at home. Explore Gruene Historic District, float down the Guadalupe River and dine at Bier Gardens where you will enjoy the oompah music.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a recreation and conservation unit of the National Park Service that encompasses the area around Lake Powell and lower Cataract Canyon in Utah and Arizona, covering mostly desert. Filled with geologic wonders, and a vast panorama of human history the recreation area also offers world class fishing, golf, powerboating, jetskiing and kayaking!
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a nature reserve, primarily within the Colorado Desert region of Southern California. The park features vast arid landscapes and dramatic mountains. Anza Borrego has natural springs and oases with the state's only native palm, the endangered California fan palm. Some areas of Anza-Borrego Park is the habitat for the Peninsular bighorn sheep, and the oases are filled with wildlife of all types of fauna, especially for bird-watching. Throughout the Park, visitors may see Kit foxes, Mule deer, Coyotes, Greater roadrunners, Golden eagles, Black-tailed jackrabbits, Ground squirrels, Kangaroo rats, Quail, and Prairie falcons.
The Quapaw Quarter of Little Rock, Arkansas is a section of the city including its oldest and most historic business and residential neighborhoods. The name of the area was first given in 1961, honoring the Quapaw Indians who once lived in the area centuries ago. As many as fifteen separate National Historic Register Districts make up the Quapaw Quarter, including more than 200 separate homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the Quapaw Quarter, many small and large homes from the Antebellum and Victorian eras can be found, in addition to several examples of Craftsman-style architecture.
Miami is a city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida. The beaches, conventions, festivals and events draw over 38 million visitors annually into the city, from across the country and around the world! The historical Art Deco district in South Beach, is widely regarded as one of the most glamorous in the world for its nightclubs, beaches, historical buildings, and shopping.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park hosts the most close-knit and extraordinary accumulation of pueblos in the American Southwest. The park is located in northwestern New Mexico, between Albuquerque and Farmington, in a remote canyon cut by the Chaco Wash. Containing the most sweeping collection of ancient ruins north of Mexico, the park preserves one of the United States' most important pre-Columbian cultural and historic areas.
Brighton Beach is an ocean-side neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Brighton Beach was dubbed "Little Odessa" by the local populace long ago, due to many of its residents having come from Odessa, a city of Ukraine. Brighton Beach is replete with restaurants, food stores, cafes, boutiques, banks, etc., located primarily along Brighton Beach Avenue and its cross streets.
Olympic National Park is located in the U.S. state of Washington, in the Olympic Peninsula. The park can be divided into four basic regions: the Pacific coastline, alpine areas, the west side temperate rainforest and the forests of the drier east side. The coastal portion of the park is a rugged, sandy beach along with a strip of adjacent forest. There are two native communities; the Hoh River has the Hoh people and at the town of La Push at the mouth of the Quileute River live the Quileute.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a state park in Monterey County, California near the town of Big Sur on the state's Central Coast. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is popular for its hiking trail through the redwood groves and trail to Pfeiffer Falls. The park is centered around the Big Sur River. It has been nicknamed a "mini Yosemite."
Polihale State Park is a remote wild beach on the western side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Its remoteness makes it difficult to access however with only sugar cane roads leading there, a four wheel drive vehicle is the best mode of transportation. Nothing is available for purchase anywhere in the park; visitors to the park should bring water, food, an umbrella, and all supplies they feel they need. It is most definitely worth the effort once you arrive.
Cape Cod Bay is a large bay off the Atlantic Ocean adjacent to the state of Massachusetts. Cape Cod Bay is also teeming with endangered whales with visits from over 200 different north Atlantic right whales. The Bay is filled with remote un-crowded beaches, delicious lobster specials and old world charm.
-Tracy Smith
Lake Chelan is the perfect spot for a summer vacation either as a romantic spot for two or adventure with the entire family, the dramatic landscape, direct access to water and warm summer temperatures make it an ideal destination. Take a ferry to Stehekin where the population is a mere 75 permanent residents, a short ride up Lake Chelan, and stroll through the historic district, the Stehekin Pastry Company, and the one-room Stehekin School.
Forest Grove is located in the Tualatin Valley, Oregon a short drive from Portland. One of the largest giant sequoia trees of the state of Oregon can be found in Forest Grove. Hagg Lake, just a few miles away, is a great fishing spot is filled with Rainbow Trout, and is also great for waterskiing, and kayaking. Downtown is a history buff's haven lined with ancient iron streetlamps, restored boutiques and wine bars.
Pyramid Lake is just northeast of Reno, Nevada and is named because of the rock formations peeking through the surface. The lake is completely within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Whether your visit to Pyramid Lake is incited by the guarantee of outstanding fishing, the allure of the warm, salty water, or simply to satisfy curiosity about the primitive lake, this is one Nevada gem that simply can't be ignored.
Fountain Point is an historic landmark located in Suttons Bay Township, Michigan. Its name is derived from a fountain of sparkling artesian spring water, situated on a large point on Lake Leelanau, which has been continuously gushing since 1867. Fountain Point includes smaller private residences and a large resort called Fountain Point Resort. It is open to the public, reservations only, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and features swimming, boating, tennis and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities.
Dillon Reservoir, sometimes referred to as Lake Dillon, is a fresh water reservoir bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon in Colorado. During ski season, thousands of people flock to the Dillon Reservoir area. Dillon Reservoir is close to four ski-resorts. The reservoir is also a center of attraction for the area. During the winter months, ice fishing and snowmobiling are common activities. For the warmer months, the Dillon Lake marina is open and hundreds of sailboats can be seen docked or sailing.
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state of New Hampshire. The lake contains at least 253 islands and has been a tourist destination for more than a century, especially for residents escaping the summer heat of Boston and New York City. Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular getaway for celebrities, politicians, and families alike.The area is home to numerous summer theater troupes and offers a variety of land and water recreational activities. There are numerous hiking trails in and around the surrounding mountains, which include the Ossipee Mountains to the east, the Belknap Range to the west, and Red Hill to the north.
Watkins Glen State Park is located on the edge of the village of Watkins Glen, New York, south of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County. The main feature of the park is the hiking trail that climbs up through the gorge, passing over and under waterfalls. Watkins Glen is in New York's Finger Lakes region, which has developed a reputation for crisp white wines, and there are many wineries to be explored. We recommend at least a 3 day trip when heading this way, as there is so much to see and do!
Lake Lure is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The Lake Lure area has been used frequently as a filming location for major motion pictures, best known in Dirty Dancing (the dance scenes at the Lodge). It is also a common recreational area for residents and those within 100 miles of the Lake from four states to come visit, picnic, water ski, boat and fish or spend the summer. Dotted with small businesses Lake Lure is a town that will make you feel right at home with its friendly people and picturesque setting.
Mammoth Lakes is a town in Mono County, California. Mammoth Lakes resides on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera. The area around the town is geologically active with natural hot springs which are great after a day of skiing. The town is best known for its lakes, a soda springs, and an obsidian dome. Mammoth Lakes is north of the Owens Valley, a beautiful scenic area with extensive hiking opportunities and adventure tourism.
Wallowa Lake is a ribbon lake one mile south of Joseph, Oregon. On the south end of the lake is a small community made up of vacation homes, lodging, restaurants, as well as other small businesses. Wallowa Lake has been used for recreation since at least 1880. Located near the lake is an aerial cable gondola lift. It runs from the bottom of the valley to the top of Mount Howard. From the tram car, the passenger can see spectacular views of Wallowa Lake as well as the surrounding mountains.
The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a U.S. National Park in Alaska. It is the northernmost national park in the U.S. (the entirety of the park lies north of the Arctic Circle) and the second largest, about the same size as Switzerland. The wildlife is spectacular with moose, barren-ground grizzlies, Dall sheep, black bears, wolves, and caribou calling this park home. The park also features six Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Zippel Bay State Park is a state park in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota in the United States. It is on the white sand beach shoreline of the Lake of the Woods, near the United States border with Canada. The park is open for year-round recreation including camping, hiking, fishing and cross-country skiing. The park is a great family destination and the kids will love picking choke cherries, blueberries, cranberries, Juneberries, pin cherries, and strawberries as well as catching glimpses of moose, deers, minks, otters, eagles and marine birds!
-Tracy Smith
Luster, one of the largest municipalities in southern Norway, is located in the glacial mountains where the Sognefjord begins its path to the North Sea making landscapes that seem almost surreal. The municipality is home to Feigumfoss waterfall one of the highest in the Scandinavian area and Urnes stave church built in 1150, Norway's oldest Stave church.
Île aux Cerfs (French for deer island) is an island near the east coast of the island of Mauritius. Nowadays there are no more deer on the island, but it has the most beautiful beaches. Every day, tourists visit the island. They depart in boats from the village of Trou d'Eau Douce and spend the whole day on the island. There are plenty of water sports to do as well just take in the natural beauty the island has to offer.
Trunk Bay is one the Virgin Islands National Park's most famous attractions! World class stretch of white sand, clear cerulean water with a marked underwater snorkeling trail popular with beginner snorkelers, and just pure natural resplendence await you at Trunk Bay. I recommend going on one of the "off days" cruise ships do stop there and it can get crowded.
Hvar is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. The island is characterized by its fresh water springs, hillsides covered in pine forests, vineyards, olive groves, fruit orchards and lavender fields. With its mild winters, and warm summers the island of Hvar is a popular destination for tourists, consistently listed in the top 10 islands by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.
Apo Island is one of the world's top diving spots. It is located off the southeastern tip of Negros Island, in the Philippines. The marine habitat around the island is a marine reserve, and it has become a popular dive site and snorkeling destination because of its 650 species of fish and over 400 species of corals!
Cartagena is a Mediterranean city and naval station located in the Region of Murcia, southeastern Spain. Thanks to its strategic position on the Mediterranean, Cartagena has been inhabited by many different cultures which have left their mark on its rich cultural heritage during a glorious and turbulent history. There are plenty of great Roman ruins to explore including the the recently restored Roman theatre of Carthago Nova shown here.
Zlatni Rat is a narrow white pebble beach on a promontory near Bol, located 2 km west of Bol harbour, on the southern coast of the island of Brač, Croatia. The beach is bordered by a pine tree grove where the remnants of a Roman villa rustica, including a swimming pool. The beach is also popular with windsurfers due to a reliable afternoon westerly wind known as a Maestral.
Holbox is an island in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, located on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is separated from mainland Mexico by a shallow lagoon that is home to flamingos, pelicans and other rich bird life. It is still relatively new on the tourist hot spot list but is growing each year because of whale shark viewing.
-Tracy Smith
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. The Mentawai Islands have become a renowned destination for surfing. Mentawai Islands waves are known by all the experienced surfers and it said to be one of two best surfing locations in the world.
Florianópolis is the capital city of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil. The city has 42 beaches and is a center of surfing activity. Joaquina Beach (pictured below) was made famous in the 70's when it was discovered by surfers, the beach now hosts a number of surfing competitions and is also home to one of the best Samba clubs in Florianópolis.
Guadeloupe is an archipelago located in the Leeward Islands, in the Lesser Antilles and is one of the 27 regions of France. An amazing blend of French and Caribbean cultures, Guadeloupe caters to all travelers from small beach towns and surf schools to delicious gourmet French cuisine. There are five islands in the archipelago each with its own unique character; so visit them all and experience underwater parks and even an active volcano!
The Samoan Islands or Samoa Islands are an archipelago in the central South Pacific. The Samoan Islands has one of the largest Polynesian populations in the world, and despite colonialism they have retained their Samoan culture and customs. The islands have quite the paradisaical landscapes, lush green valleys, tropical rainforests, blowholes, submerged volcanoes and pristine beaches all make up a part of this picturesque chain.
Lofoten is an archipelago in the county of Nordland, Norway. Though lying within the Arctic Circle, Lofoten experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature at that latitude. With 24 hours of daylight in the summer and its natural beauty Lofoten has become a rock climbing and cycling paradise. The sea is rich with marine life, and the islands are home to the world's largest deep water coral reef!
Kaikoura is a town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The Kaikoura Peninsula extends into the sea south of the town the resulting currents bring with them an abundance of marine life. Due to this Kaikoura has become a popular tourist destination, mainly for whale watching especially sperm whales and swimming with or near dolphins.
The Gulf of California or "Sea of Cortés" as preferred by most local residents is a body of water that separates the Baja California Peninsula from the Mexican mainland. The narrow sea is home to a unique and rich ecosystem; like the critically endangered Vaquita, the Humpback Whale, California Gray Whale, Killer Whale, Manta Ray and Leatherback Sea Turtle, and the world's largest animal, the Blue Whale. There is also unusual resident populations of Fin Whales and Sperm Whales!
-Tracy Smith
