#African lakes in desert regions

[delusionalbubble]

10 best lakes to visit in africa

Africa is home to a number of beautiful lakes that are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. From the large and deep Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River, to the shallow and shrinking Lake Chad, there is a lake for every type of traveler. These lakes offer a variety of activities, from boating and fishing to birdwatching and diving, and are surrounded by breathtaking…

[samadhi-fire-forged]

i talked about this on another account (a non-genshin related account) but the way that culture in genshin is handled is absolutely awful in my opinion.

clearly, the devs for genshin/hoyo do not respect black, indigenous, and west asian cultures. we get this clearly demonstrated with both natlan and sumeru.

natlan has three different ethnic groups (broadly). african (specifically more northern, it seems), polynesian, and latin american. that means it's two completely different countries, as well as one region. technically, it could make sense with polynesia and latin america, but... for the most part... probably not africa included? unless you were interested in exploring like, the complex dynamic of afro-latino culture. which. likely not. (if you want more research on WHY it could make sense to have latin american - polynesian cross, check these sources: x x x x - all of these are relatively about the same content. dna crossing. if you want to ask me about how i, personally, would've wanted to execute natlan in this regard you can shoot me an ask).

sumeru is... well. we do see aspects of zoroastrianism iirc - west asia has a hodgepodge of religions, honestly, with having an incorporation of our very well-known abrahamic religions (judaism, islam, and christianity). but as i said, there's zoroastrianism. yet, most of sumeru's religious references tend towards vedicism, buddhism, so on so forth. which... is interesting. if it had clear influences from a lot of west asian culture (and north african, specifically egyptian), then why didn't it have much focus on zoroastrianism? why would we incorporate south asia for seemingly no reason outside of grouping so so many ethnic groupds together.

this might surprise you all, but inazuma is.. pretty interesting. i've had a few opinions on this, given the fact that i am japanese. inazuma is depicted as a pretty dictator-esque nation, as well as being isolationist. its ruler is horrible and the such - i genuinely believe that this might have been some bias on the devs' parts. given the fact that, well... china has historically had multiple dictatorships and was also isolationist, much like japan. i understand depictions of china given laws in china, so yeah, sure, but... throwing the japanese-based nation under the bus was pretty interesting. they didn't need to do that at all, and there could've been an interesting storyline without this at all.

mondstadt. god, no one thinks about mondstadt in this regard, but mondstadt is the only nation that pretty much has zero places named with the language its culture is based on, other than its own city name. even sumeru has this - albeit some names do come from sanskrit words (kinda... complicated? most of it derives from sanskrit, though, or egyptian in the desert). whispering woods, starfell lake, brightcrown mountains. all of that. even its characters - many of them don't have german names! (jean gunnhildr, diluc ragvindr) i understand that scandinavian and german do have incredibly similar roots, but... still.

like, no matter what hoyo does, it seems that the only culture that they really "respect" is their own. no matter how much research they do - and believe me, there is a lot they've done! listen to a lot of the music, you'll notice they incorporate a lot of traditional musical instruments.

and yet... when executing it? it comes out quite terribly?

and then, even with their liyue characters - there's plenty of characters where it'd make so much more sense if they were dark skin (ex: yaoyao). and yet.... they aren't? some of them are paper pale

i'm just saying. genshin is riddled with flaws.

and don't even get me started on just... their general character design.

[whencyclopedia]

Kingdom of Kanem

The Kingdom of Kanem (aka Kanim) was an ancient African state located in modern-day Chad, which flourished from the 9th to 14th century CE. With its heartland in the centre of the African continent on the eastern shores of Lake Chad, the kingdom was formed by a confederation of nomadic peoples and then ruled by the Saifawa dynasty. The city prospered thanks to its position as the hub of trade connections with central African peoples, the Nile Valley, and North African states on the other side of the Sahara Desert. The kingdom adopted the Islamic religion after long contact with Muslim clerics and traders from the 11th century CE onwards. In the 1390s CE Kanem's king was forced to flee the invading Bulala people and so set up a new state on the other side of Lake Chad, which would become the Bornu Empire, sometimes known as the Kanem-Bornu Empire, which lasted until the late 19th century CE.

Origins & Formation

The Kingdom of Kanem, located just to the east of Lake Chad in Central Africa, may derive its name from the Teda and Kanuri term for 'south' (anem) which refers to its position in relation to the better-known states to the north. Perhaps, too, the name reflects the oral tradition that the people of Kanem had once migrated from the Sahara Desert following that region's increased desiccation. The process which saw the formation of the kingdom of Kanem is here summarised by the historian P. Curtin:

Kanem passed through a process of state-building different from that of the western Sudan. The nucleus was a nomadic confederation of peoples speaking separate languages of the Teda-Daza group, probably formed in the 9th century. Nomadic confederations of this kind are common enough in history; the unusual thing is that this one held together. Sometime before the early twelfth century it had become sedentary itself, with Njimi as its permanent capital. (75)

The first mention of Kanem in texts dates to 872 CE and the work of the Arab historian and geographer al-Yaqubi (in his Kitab al-Buldan). Even if the state may have been formed a century earlier, it confirms the above political process as we are informed that the population is still at that time mostly composed of nomads who live in huts of reeds and who have not yet formed permanent settlements. We are also told that the kings of Kanem (here and in other Arab sources called Zaghawa) also ruled over other kings, likely the tribes they had conquered in the region north and east of Lake Chad. The Arab historian al-Muhallabi, writing in the 10th century CE, notes that the kingdom now has two towns and its wealth is evidenced by large herds of cattle, sheep, camels, and horses.

Continue reading...

[madamlaydebug]

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 Africa 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝟭. There are 𝟱𝟰 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 - and 9 dependent territories. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟭.𝟯 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 people live on the African continent. This means about 15% of the world's total population lives in Africa!

𝟮. 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: Algeria. This country is among the ten largest countries in the world.

The most populous country is Nigeria, with more than 219 million people, but the country is only a third of the size of Algeria.

𝟯. 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆: Lagos in Nigeria. Lagos is also one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world & is estimated to become the world's largest city by 2100 with more than 100 million inhabitants!

𝟰. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: Seychelles, which is a (nation of islands) in the Indian Ocean. On the African mainland, the smallest country is The Gambia.

𝟱. 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the 4 - after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.

𝟲. 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿: Nile (6,852 km/ 4,258 miles). The Nile is the longest river in the world and passes through eleven countries. The Nile has two sources: The White Nile coming from Lake Victoria in Tanzania and the Blue Nile coming from Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The river mouth is in Egypt.

𝟳. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has three volcanic cones and the highest volcanic cone of them is called 'Kibo'. The highest peak is called 'Uhuru Peak' at 5,895 m/ 19,340 ft.

𝟴. 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲: Lake Victoria (bordering Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya) is also the world's second-largest freshwater lake. Only Lake Superior in North America is bigger!

𝟵. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: The Sahara in northern Africa is the largest hot desert in the world. The climate is extremely dry (arid) in this region.

𝟭𝟬. There are sixteen 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 in Africa. These countries are all located in the interior of the continent and have neither access to the Atlantic Ocean nor to the Indian Ocean. Two of these landlocked countries, the tiny countries of Eswatini and Lesotho, are located in South Africa.

[moneeb0930]

25 Key Insights into Eastern African Nations:

(1). Ethiopia 🇪🇹 boasts the region's largest population, with over 126 million people.

(2). Somalia 🇸🇴 holds the title for the longest coastline among Eastern African countries.

(3). Kenya 🇰🇪 leads in GDP within the region.

(4). South Sudan 🇸🇸 is the primary oil-producing nation in Eastern Africa.

(5). Djibouti 🇩🇯 has the smallest population in the region.

(6). Tanzania 🇹🇿 is home to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.

(7). Ethiopia 🇪🇹 boasts the strongest military presence in Eastern Africa.

(8). Ethiopia 🇪🇹 is constructing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa's largest dam project.

(9). Kenya 🇰🇪 houses the world's largest desert lake, Lake Turkana.

(10). Uganda 🇺🇬 supplies electricity to Kenya, Tanzania, and parts of the DRC.

(11). Rwanda 🇷🇼 is renowned for having the cleanest city in Africa.

(12). Burundi 🇧🇮 once had a monarchy.

(13). Ethiopia 🇪🇹 is rich in historical sites, including king's castles and Emperor's Palaces.

(14). Eritrea 🇪🇷 has a female population three times larger than its male population.

(15). Ethiopia 🇪🇹 is home to the Barbary lion, the largest lion species with distinctive dark fur on the neck.

(16). Sudan 🇸🇩, South Sudan 🇸🇸, and Ethiopia 🇪🇹 share a history dating back 3500 years.

(17). Sudan 🇸🇩 features ancient pyramids in its northern region.

(18). Kenya 🇰🇪, Uganda 🇺🇬, and Tanzania 🇹🇿 share Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa.

(19). Tanzania 🇹🇿 and Kenya 🇰🇪 boast the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, famous for the great migration and considered the 8th wonder of the world.

(20). Kenya 🇰🇪's Mombasa Port, established in 1896, was the region's first port.

(21). Somalia 🇸🇴 was the first African country to produce a pilot.

(22). In Uganda 🇺🇬, less than a dollar can sustain you for a day.

(23). Ethiopia 🇪🇹's strong historical leaders resisted colonization.

(24). Tanzania 🇹🇿's Lake Tanganyika is the deepest lake in Africa.

(25). The River Nile, estimated to be 30 million years old, is the longest river globally.

[Photo credit: Devashot Photography]

[readyforevolution]

25 Top Facts about Eastern African countries

1. Ethiopia 🇪🇹 has the largest population of (114,963,588 people.)

2. Somalia 🇸🇴 has the largest coastline in the region.

3. Kenya 🇰🇪 has the highest GDP in the region.

4. South Sudan 🇸🇸 is the leading Oil Producing Country in the region.

5. Djibouti 🇩🇯 has the smallest population in the region.

6. Tanzania 🇹🇿 has the highest point in Africa, MT Kilimanjaro.

7. Ethiopia 🇪🇹 has the strongest military in the region.

8. Ethiopia 🇪🇹 has the largest Dam, Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project in Africa.

9. Kenya 🇰🇪 has the largest desert lake in the world, lake Turkana

10. Uganda 🇺🇬 supplies electricity to Kenya, Tanzania and nearby DRC regions.

11. Rwanda 🇷🇼 has the cleanest city in Africa.

12. Burundi 🇧🇮 once had monarchs.

13. Ethiopia 🇪🇹 is rich with historical sites of king's castles and Emperor's Palaces.

14. Eritrea 🇪🇷 women population in Eritrea is 3 times that of men.

15. Ethiopia 🇪🇹 has the largest lion species on earth, the Barbary lion with dark fur on the neck

16. Sudan 🇸🇩, South Sudan 🇸🇸and Ethiopia 🇪🇹 have a long history dating back 3500 years ago.

17. Sudan 🇸🇩 has some ancient pyramids on its northern region.

18. 🇰🇪 🇺🇬 🇹🇿 Has Lake Victoria which is the largest fresh water lake in Africa.

19. 🇹🇿 And 🇰🇪 have serengeti and maasai mara home to the great migration and 8th wonder of the world.

20. Kenya 🇰🇪 Mombasa Port was the first port in the region to be established in 1896.

21. Somalia 🇸🇴 was the first country in Africa to produce a pilot.

22. In Uganda 🇺🇬, less than one dollar is enough to sustain you for a day.

23. Ethiopia 🇪🇹 had the strongest Emperor and Monarchs that made them resist Colonization.

24. Tanzania 🇹🇿, lake Tanganyika in Tz is the deepest lake in Africa,

25. Lastly the longest river in the world is river Nile which is estimated to be 30 million years old...

[warriors-rewritten-chaos]

Warrior Cats Prefixes- S

I had a WC Name Generator on Perchance that I made but I don't seem to have access anymore, so I'm remaking it here as just a simple list. The definitions used are the ones that Clan cats have for those things, and thus are the origins of the names. Definitions used are whatever I found when I googled it.

Sable-: "[noun] a marten with a short tail and dark brown fur"

Saffron-: "[noun] an autumn-flowering crocus with reddish-purple flowers, native to warmer regions of Eurasia"

Sage-: "[noun] an aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves that are used as a culinary herb, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean"

Salamander-: "[noun] a lizard-like amphibian with an elongated body and tail and short limbs"

Salmon-: "[noun] a large edible fish that is a popular game fish, much prized for its pink flesh. Salmon mature in the sea but migrate to freshwater streams to spawn"

Salt-: "[noun] a white crystalline substance that gives seawater its characteristic taste"

Sand-: "[noun] a loose granular substance, typically pale yellowish brown, resulting from the erosion of siliceous and other rocks and forming a major constituent of beaches, riverbeds, the seabed, and deserts"

Sandy-: "[adj] light yellowish brown, resembling sand"

Sap-: "[noun] the fluid, chiefly water with dissolved sugars and mineral salts, that circulates in the vascular system of a plant"

Sapling-: "[noun] a young tree, especially one with a slender trunk"

Sapphire-: "[noun] a transparent precious stone, typically blue in color"

Scale-: "[noun] each of the small, thin horny or bony plates protecting the skin of fish and reptiles, typically overlapping one another"

Scarlet: "[adj] of a brilliant red color; [noun] a brilliant red color"

Scorch-: "[noun] the burning or charring of the surface of something; [verb] burn the surface of (something) with flame or heat"

Scorched-: "[adj] burned by flames or heat"

Scruffy-: "[adj] (of hair or fur) unkempt, untidy, shaggy"

Sedge-: "[noun] a grasslike plant with triangular stems and inconspicuous flowers, growing typically in wet ground"

Seed-: "[noun] a flowering plant's unit of reproduction, capable of developing into another such plant"

Serval-: "[noun] a slender African wildcat with long legs, large ears, and a black-spotted orange-brown coat"

Shade-: "[noun] comparative darkness and coolness caused by shelter from direct sunlight"

Shadow-: "[noun] a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface"

Shale-: "[noun] soft, finely stratified sedimentary rock that formed from consolidated mud or clay and can be split easily into fragile slabs"

Shallow-: "[noun] an area of the sea, a lake, or a river where the water is not very deep"

Shard-: "[noun] a piece of broken rock, typically having sharp edges"

Sharp-: "[adj] (of an object) having an edge or point that is able to cut or pierce something"

Shatter-: "[noun] break or cause to break suddenly and violently into pieces"

Shattered-: "[adj] broken into many pieces"

Sheep-: "[noun] a domesticated ruminant animal with a thick woolly coat and (typically only in the male) curving horns. It is kept in flocks for its wool or meat, and is proverbial for its tendency to follow others in the flock"

Shell-: "[noun] the hard protective outer case of a mollusk or crustacean"

Shimmer-: "[verb] shine with a soft tremulous light; [noun] a soft, slightly wavering light"

Shining-: "[adj] giving out or reflecting bright light"

Shiver-: "[verb] (of a person or animal) shake slightly and uncontrollably as a result of being cold, frightened, or excited; [noun] a momentary trembling movement"

Shore-: "[noun] he land along the edge of a sea, lake, or other large body of water"

Short-: "[adj] measuring a small distance from end to end"

Shower-: "[noun] a brief and usually light fall of rain, hail, sleet, or snow"

Shrew-: "[noun] a small insectivorous mammal resembling a mouse, with a long pointed snout and tiny eyes"

Shrike-: "[noun] a songbird with a strong sharply hooked bill, often impaling its prey of small birds, lizards, and insects on thorns"

Shrub-: "[noun] a woody plant which is smaller than a tree and has several main stems arising at or near the ground"

Shy-: "[adj] being reserved or having or showing nervousness or timidity in the company of other people"

Silent-: "[adj] not making or accompanied by any sound; [adj] (of a cat) not speaking"

Silk-: "[noun] a fine, strong, soft lustrous fibre produced by silkworms in making cocoons and collected to make thread and fabric. Silk is also spun by some insect larvae and by most spiders"

Silkworm-: "[noun] the commercially bred caterpillar of the domesticated silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), which spins a silk cocoon that is processed to yield silk fiber; [noun] a commercial silk-yielding caterpillar of a saturniid moth"

Silt-: "[noun] fine sand, clay, or other material carried by running water and deposited as a sediment"

Silver-: "[noun] a precious shiny grayish-white metal; [noun] shiny gray-white color or appearance like that of silver; [adj] made of or colored like silver"

Singed-: "[adj] slightly burnt or scorched"

Singing-: "[noun] the activity of performing songs or tunes by making musical sounds with the voice; [noun] melodious whistling and twittering sounds made by a bird or birds"

Siren-: "[noun] an aquatic species of salamander with a stout, eel-like body"

Skunk-: "[noun] a cat-sized American mammal of the weasel family, with distinctive black-and-white striped fur"

Sky-: "[noun] the region of the atmosphere and outer space seen from the earth"

Skylark-: "[noun] a common Eurasian and North African lark of farmland and open country, noted for its prolongedsong during hovering flight"

Slate-: "[noun] a fine-grained gray, green, or bluish metamorphic rock easily split into smooth, flat pieces"

Sleek-: "[adj] (of fur) smooth and glossy; [adj] sinewy or lithe"

Sleepy-: "[adj] needing or ready for sleep, tired"

Sleet-: "[noun] a form of precipitation consisting of ice pellets, often mixed with rain or snow"

Sleepy-: "[adj] needing or ready for sleep"

Sloe-: "[noun] another name for the blackthorn plant; [noun] the small bluish-black fruit of the blackthorn, with a sharp sour taste"

Slug-: "[noun] a tough-skinned terrestrial mollusk which typically lacks a shell and secretes a film of mucus for protection"

Slumber-: "[verb] sleep; [noun] a sleep"

Slumbering-: "[verb] sleep"

Slush-: "[noun] partially melted snow or ice"

Small-: "[adj] of a size that is less than normal or usual"

Smoke-: "[noun] a visible suspension of carbon or other particles in air, typically one emitted from a burning substance"

Smoky-: "[adj] having the characteristics of or resembling smoke; [adj] made dark or black by or as if by smoke"

Smudge-: "[noun] a blurred or smeared mark on the surface of something"

Snail-: "[noun] a mollusk with a single spiral shell into which the whole body can be withdrawn"

Snake-: "[noun] long limbless reptile which has no eyelids, a short tail, and jaws that are capable of considerable extension. Some snakes have a venomous bite"

Snap-: "[verb] break or cause to break suddenly and completely, typically with a sharp cracking sound; [verb] (of an animal) make a sudden audible bite; [noun] a sudden, sharp cracking sound or movement"

Snapdragon-: "[noun] a plant of the figwort family, bearing spikes of brightly colored two-lobed flowers that gape like a mouth when a bee lands on the curved lip"

Snow-: "[noun] atmospheric water vapor frozen into ice crystals and falling in light white flakes or lying on the ground as a white layer"

Snowdrop-: "[noun] a widely cultivated bulbous European plant that bears drooping white flowers during the late winter"

Snowflake-: "[noun] a flake of snow, especially a feathery ice crystal"

Snowy-: "[adj] covered with snow; [adj] (of weather or a period of time) characterized by snowfall; [adj] of or like snow, especially in being pure white"

Soaring-: "[adj] flying or rising high in the air"

Soft-: "[adj] smooth or delicate in texture, grain, or fiber; [adj] marked by a gentleness, kindness, or tenderness"

Song-: "[noun] a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung; [noun] singing or vocal music"

Soot-: "[noun] a black powdery or flaky substance consisting largely of amorphous carbon, produced by the incomplete burning of organic matter"

Sorrel-: "[noun] a European plant of the dock family, with arrow-shaped leaves"

Sorrow-: "[noun] a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others; feel or display deep distress"

Sow-: "[noun] a female pig"

Spark-: "[noun] a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, alight in ashes, or produced by striking together two hard surfaces such as stone or metal"

Sparrow-: "[noun] a small Old World bird related to the weaverbirds, typically with brown and gray plumage"

Speckle-: "[noun] a small spot or patch of color; [adj] mark with a large number of small spots or patches of color"

Speckled-: "[adj] covered or marked with a large number of small spots or patches of color"

Spider-: "[noun] an eight-legged predatory arachnid with an unsegmented body consisting of a fused head and thorax and a rounded abdomen. Spiders have fangs that inject venom into their prey, and most kinds spin webs in which to capture insects"

Spike-: "[noun] a thin, pointed piece of fur, wood, or another rigid material"

Spindle-: "[noun] a species of flowering plant in the family Celastraceae, native to much of Europe, where it inhabits the edges of forest, hedges and gentle slopes, tending to thrive on nutrient-rich, chalky and salt-poor soils"

Spiral-: "[adj] winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either around a central point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone; [noun] a spiral curve, shape, or pattern"

Spire-: "[noun] the continuation of a tree trunk above the point where branching begins, especially in a tree of a tapering form"

Splash-: "[noun] a sound made by something striking or falling into liquid; [verb] cause (liquid) to strike or fall on something in irregular drops"

Splinter-: "[noun] a small, thin, sharp piece of wood or similar material broken off from a larger piece; [verb] break or cause to break into small sharp fragments"

Spore-: "[noun] a minute, typically one-celled, reproductive unit capable of giving rise to a new individual without sexual fusion, characteristic of lower plants, fungi, and protozoans"

Spot-: "[noun] a small round or roundish mark, differing in color or texture from the surface around it"

Spotted-: "[adj] marked or decorated with spots"

Sprig-: "[noun] a small stem bearing leaves or flowers, taken from a bush or plant"

Spruce-: "[noun] a widespread coniferous tree which has a distinctive conical shape and hanging cones"

Squall-: "[noun] a sudden violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet"

Squirrel-: "[noun] an agile tree-dwelling rodent with a bushy tail, typically feeding on nuts and seeds"

Stag-: "[noun] a male deer"

Starling-: "[noun] a gregarious Old World songbird with a straight bill, typically with dark lustrous or iridescent plumage but sometimes brightly colored"

Steam-: "[noun] the vapor into which water is converted when heated, forming a white mist of minute water droplets in the air"

Stem-: "[noun] the main body or stalk of a plant or shrub, typically rising above ground but occasionally subterranean"

Stick-: "[noun] a thin piece of wood that has fallen or been cut from a tree"

Stoat-: "[noun] a small carnivorous mammal of the weasel family which has chestnut fur with white underparts and a black-tipped tail"

Stone-: "[noun] hard solid nonmetallic mineral matter of which rock is made"

Stork-: "[noun] a tall long-legged wading bird with a long heavy bill and typically with white and black plumage"

Storm-: "[noun] a violent disturbance of the atmosphere with strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow"

Stormy-: "[adj] (of weather) characterized by strong winds and usually rain, thunder, lightning, or snow"

Straw-: "[noun] dried stalks of grain, used especially as fodder or as material for thatching, packing, or weaving"

Strawberry-: "[noun] a sweet soft red fruit with a seed-studded surface; [noun] the low-growing plant which produces the strawberry, having white flowers, lobed leaves, and runners, and found throughout north temperate regions"

Streak-: "[noun] a long, thin line or mark of a different substance or color from its surroundings; [verb] move very fast in a specified direction"

Stream-: "[noun] a small, narrow river"

Strike-: "[verb] hit forcibly and deliberately with one's paw, fangs, or claws"

Stripe-: "[noun] a long narrow band or strip, typically of the same width throughout its length, differing in color or texture from the surface on either side of it"

Striped-: "[adj] marked with or having stripes"

Stump-: "[noun] the bottom part of a tree left projecting from the ground after most of the trunk has fallen or been cut down"

Sugar-: "[noun] a sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane and sugar beet"

Sun-: "[noun] the star around which the earth orbits; [noun] the light or warmth received from the earth's sun"

Sundew-: "[noun] a small carnivorous plant of boggy places, with rosettes of leaves that bear sticky glandular hairs. These trap insects, which are then digested"

Sunflower-: "[noun] a tall North American plant of the daisy family, with very large golden-rayed flowers"

Sunny-: "[adj] bright with sunlight; [adj] (of a person or their temperament) cheery and bright"

Sunset-: "[noun] he time in the evening when the sun disappears or daylight fades"

Sunshine-: "[noun] direct sunlight unbroken by clouds, especially over a comparatively large area"

Swallow-: "[noun] any of numerous small widely distributed oscine birds (family Hirundinidae, the swallow family) that have a short bill, long pointed wings, and often a deeply forked tail and that feed on insects caught on the wing"

Swallowtail-: "[noun] a large brightly colored butterfly with projections suggestive of a swallow's tail on the hind wings"

Swamp-: "[noun] an area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects"

Swan-: "[noun] a large waterbird with a long flexible neck, short legs, webbed feet, a broad bill, and typically all-white plumage"

Sweet-: "[adj] having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar or honey. Not salty, sour, or bitter; [adj] pleasing in general, aka delightful"

Sweetgum-: "[noun] the North American liquidambar, which yields a balsam and decorative heartwood"

Swift-: "[noun] a swift-flying insectivorous bird with long, slender wings and a superficial resemblance to a swallow, spending most of its life on the wing; [noun] any of five species of fast-flying moths of the family Hepialidae, regarded as primitive in development, having forewings and hind wings similar in size and shape; [adj] happening quickly or promptly"

Swirl-: "[verb] move in a twisting or spiraling pattern; [noun] a quantity of something moving in a swirl"

Sycamore-: "[noun] a large Eurasian maple with winged fruits, native to central and southern Europe"

[bubba-langs]

Speakers and the World: Days 3-9

The speakers of the conlang are a group that originated in a mountain range but later split and moved to new areas, one group went to a desert, one stayed in the mountains, and one went to a plains style biome. There may’ve been more splits that will be discovered in the future. The best way to think about the movement of these people is one of two ways: A.) These people originated in the Caucasian Mountains of Earth, one group went northwest to the plains of Europe, while the other agent south to the Arabian Desert. B.) These people originated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, one group went southwest-west to the Sonora Desert of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico; while the other group went northwest to the American Great Plains. There are other possible explanations and examples I may could produce, but due to my limited knowledge of South American, East Asian, and African Geography, I would attempt to get this wrong and embarrass myself or offend any group of people.

The speakers are humanoids that are practically, for all intents and purposes, human.

The world the speakers call home is Earth-like.

The primary language I will be focused on is in a mountainous region of the world. The mountains are covered in a temperate rainforest like that found in the Pacific Northwest. Due to the rain and the valleys of the region, there is a fog that sets in the lower parts of the range that is dense and thick. This will be the main focus of this project with secondary and thirdary goals. 

For Day 7 here, I will focus on the main project. The main flora of these mountains will be twain-split into a canopy and ground level flora. The canopy level will mostly be split into broad-leaf and needle-leaf trees. There is also moss and vines that crawl up the trees, but these will be mostly along the floor of the forest. The flora of the floor is most bushes and single stalk plants. On the lowest level is moss and creeping vines that, as aforementioned, climb the trees to increase their area.

Here for Day 8, I will again focus on the main peoples. The fauna of the mountains is too must to go into detail. There are many mammals and birds. There are aquatic animals in the streams and lakes as well. There are both predators and prey that are both loved and feared for the animals they are.

To Summarize this week just read the previous six entries, these humanoids on this Earth-like planet live in an Appalachi-Caucasian style mountain range. There is a plethora of animals and plants for these people to eat, study, and use. The rainforest of the region allows for a humid climate and for bright green, almost emerald vegetarian albeit with a oft gray sky.

[campsajasafaris]

Discover Uganda: Wildlife Safaris & Gorilla Trekking Tours | Camp Saja Safaris

Uganda is situated in the eastern part of Africa. It boasts a varied landscape that is truly captivating. This remarkable country provides numerous thrilling opportunities for exploration and observation. Its natural beauty is showcased through its diverse range of features. To name a few are its stunning nature reserves, captivating primates, majestic rivers, picturesque lakes, breathtaking beaches, and an abundance of wildlife.

Being a landlocked country, Uganda shares its borders with Kenya to the east, Congo to the west, Sudan to the north, and Tanzania and Rwanda to the south. The equatorial region in Uganda was gifted with lush rainforests, vast deserts, and magnificent waterfalls. Leading safari operators in Uganda collaborate with visitors, making their tours and safaris an effortless and ideal experience.

Uganda offers incredible opportunities for game viewing and wildlife safaris. The diverse landscape supports a wide range of animals, including primates and gorillas. Tourists can expect to encounter over 75 different species of animals, including the famous Big Five (elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and rhinos). Other species such as hippos and giraffes can also be found in Uganda's sanctuaries.

The country is home to several national parks, including Kedipo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Murchison National Park. Murchison National Park, located in the northwest and situated on the shore of Lake Albert, is the oldest and largest park in Uganda.

Uganda safari holiday packages include Birding safaris. It offers the opportunity to spot a variety of bird species. Some notable birds include the Blue-headed Coucal, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, Squacco Heron, Swamp Flycatcher, Sandpipers, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Black-billed Barbet, Weaver Birds, Pied Kingfisher, Piapiac, Silver bird, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Quail-Finch, Red-throated Bee-eater, Speckle-fronted Weaver bird, White-browed Sparrow Weaver bird, Black-headed Gonolek, Denham’s Bustard, and many more.

The Boating part of your Uganda safari holiday package takes you to the best places for sport fishing. It is a popular safari activity in Uganda. The Nile River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, especially when the water level is low and clear. Tour operators in Uganda can arrange boating safaris and fishing trips, allowing visitors to catch fish and witness the majestic giant crocodiles that inhabit the river.

The open grasslands of Uganda are a thriving ecosystem where predators and grazers coexist during the dry season. This unique encounter between different species is a sight to behold.

Uganda is renowned for its gorilla population, with approximately half of the world's gorillas residing in the country. The Gorilla safari part of your Uganda tours and safaris truly make you stunning. The chimpanzee trekking in Kibale Forest is a key attraction for primate enthusiasts.

Exploring the conservation areas surrounding the national parks on foot is a great way to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of Uganda. Ensure that you seize these indelible yet unforgettable moments with your camera.

Several fascinating things are there to watch in Uganda. Leading Safari operators in Uganda are always conscious about providing the best service all the time. They are very knowledgeable about Wildlife, Birds, Trees, Uganda Society, Customs, and traditions about the country. They can lead you by offering the sights and experiencing things that some can dream of. The Tour Operators can make you feel relaxed, and amazed by the sights, sounds, smells, and greenery of nature.

Leading safari operators in Uganda like Camp Saja Safaris always try to provide tourists with new appreciation and understanding about the wildlife. This is where you can book a holiday tour with a great combination and your choice among various adventures. They help in finding suitable and convenient itineraries for the perfect destination as per the needs of the tourists and budget. They are very much conscious about the comfort of the visitors and foreign tourists. The most capable, friendly, and helpful guides at Camp Saja Safaris share their talent, experience, and understanding with clients. It will bring an awesome experience among the tourists which they take back home. They make sure that Uganda safari holiday packages are designed as per tourist’s satisfaction.

East Africa is a memorable destination that should not be missed. Camp Saja Safaris made a great contribution to their clients’ satisfaction. They are one of the leading safari operators in Uganda and offer various customized tour packages as per clients' needs! For any assistance in conquering your thoughts, and passion for nature and wildlife photography please get in touch with Camp Saja Safaris at +1 (443) 409 2106.

Content Source From: www.thelifestyle-blog.com

[mystichearttyphoon]

Exploring the World’s Best National Parks

For cheap and best Travel Bookings - https://tripsdeals.com/

National parks offer a unique way to experience the beauty of nature while preserving ecosystems for future generations. From towering mountains to vast deserts and tropical rainforests, the world’s best national parks are a testament to the diversity and majesty of the natural world. Let’s explore some of the most breathtaking national parks that every traveler should visit.

Yellowstone National Park (USA) Yellowstone, the first national park in the world, remains one of the most popular destinations in the United States. Located in Wyoming, it’s renowned for its geothermal features like the famous Old Faithful geyser. Visitors can also explore its lush forests, diverse wildlife including bison, elk, and bears, and scenic canyons. The park offers ample hiking trails, allowing adventurers to explore its wilderness.

Kruger National Park (South Africa) For those seeking an African safari adventure, Kruger National Park is the place to go. Situated in South Africa, Kruger is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and home to the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinos. With a variety of accommodations, guided tours, and self-drive safaris, Kruger offers a thrilling experience for wildlife lovers.

Banff National Park (Canada) Located in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Its turquoise lakes, including the famous Lake Louise, stunning mountain peaks, and vibrant wildlife make it a must-visit for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities like hiking, skiing, and wildlife watching while surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world.

Fiordland National Park (New Zealand) Fiordland National Park, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rugged fjords, pristine lakes, and untouched rainforests. Milford Sound, one of the park’s most famous fjords, is often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the famous Milford Track.

Chilean Patagonia (Chile) Patagonia is a region of striking beauty, and Torres del Paine National Park is the crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia. With its jagged peaks, massive glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes, this park is a haven for trekkers and nature photographers. Visitors can embark on the multi-day W Trek or simply enjoy day hikes to see some of the most spectacular landscapes in South America.

Exploring these national parks offers a chance to disconnect from daily life and reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re seeking wildlife, mountain views, or coastal scenery, these parks promise experiences that will stay with you forever.

[tmarshconnors]

Sahara’s Forgotten Rainforest

The Sahara Desert, known today for its vast, arid dunes and scorching sun, harbours an astonishing secret beneath its golden sands. Thousands of years ago, this inhospitable landscape was a flourishing tropical paradise teeming with life. Scientists and historians alike are piecing together a vivid picture of the Sahara’s lush past, revealing not only the power of nature's transformation but also the resilience of human life that once thrived there.

Rewind to around 10,000 years ago. The region we now call the Sahara was unrecognizable, dominated by dense vegetation, rolling grasslands, and winding rivers. This era, often referred to as the African Humid Period, was driven by shifts in the Earth's orbit and tilt. These changes enhanced monsoonal rains, transforming the desert into one of the most fertile landscapes in North Africa.

Ancient lake beds, uncovered by geologists, tell stories of freshwater ecosystems brimming with fish. Fossil evidence reveals an abundance of wildlife: elephants roamed freely, giraffes grazed on treetops, and hippos wallowed in serene waterholes. Rock art etched into cliffs and caves by early human inhabitants depicts this biodiversity, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the daily life of people who hunted, fished, and thrived in the Green Sahara.

But the lushness was not to last. About 5,000 years ago, the African Humid Period came to an end as the Earth’s orbit shifted again. Monsoon rains began to weaken, and the verdant vegetation started to die off. As plants disappeared, the soil's ability to retain moisture diminished, creating a feedback loop that accelerated desertification.

Within a few thousand years, the Sahara transformed into the vast desert we know today. Sand dunes replaced rivers, and the thriving ecosystems vanished under a sea of dust and heat.

Echoes of the Past

Despite the dramatic shift, evidence of the Sahara’s green past remains. Satellite imagery reveals ancient river channels hidden beneath the sands. Fossilized pollen found in sediment layers tells the story of tropical plants that once flourished. Rock carvings—some over 6,000 years old continue to baffle and amaze archaeologists with their vivid depictions of a forgotten world.

This transformation also had a profound impact on human history. As the desert expanded, people were forced to migrate, shaping the development of early civilizations along the Nile River and other fertile regions.

Lessons for Today

The story of the Sahara is a stark reminder of nature’s dynamism and the power of climate change. What was once a tropical paradise is now one of the harshest environments on Earth, highlighting how fragile ecosystems can be in the face of shifting climates.

As we confront modern-day climate challenges, the Sahara’s transformation is a poignant lesson. It reminds us that Earth’s systems are interconnected, and small changes can cascade into monumental shifts.

The Sahara Desert, with its windswept dunes and unrelenting heat, might seem like an eternal constant. Yet beneath the surface lies a tale of vibrant life, thriving civilizations, and eventual desolation. It’s a testament to the impermanence of landscapes and the resilience of life a story etched in stone, waiting to be rediscovered.

If this hidden history of the Sahara fascinates you, imagine standing where rivers once flowed and forests once towered. The desert’s sands hold secrets that remind us of our planet’s ability to change—and the importance of preserving its fragile balance.

[janatours]

  Desert safari in Egypt  

   Desert safari in Egypt  offer a unique opportunity to experience the country's vast and breathtaking landscapes while connecting with its ancient Bedouin culture. These excursions provide insights into traditional desert life, including camel rides, Bedouin meals, and stargazing, which have been integral to the region's history for centuries. As a result, desert safaris have become a popular way for tourists to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Egypt beyond its famous archaeological sites.

  Gara Cave Safari  is unique due to its breathtaking underground landscapes and diverse wildlife. Unlike traditional safaris, it offers an adventurous exploration of cave systems where visitors can witness rare cave-dwelling species. This combination of natural beauty and unique fauna makes it an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Cairo and Safari Desert Tours offer travelers the chance to explore the bustling streets and ancient wonders of Egypt's capital city, followed by an adventurous journey into the vast, golden sands of the desert. Visitors can marvel at the majestic Pyramids of Giza, cruise along the Nile River, and then experience the thrill of a desert safari, complete with camel rides and breathtaking sunsets. These tours provide a perfect blend of cultural immersion and exhilarating outdoor activities, making for an unforgettable travel experience.

  3 Days White Desert and Wadi Al Hitan Tours  You'll have the chance to explore the mesmerizing landscapes of the White Desert, with its surreal rock formations that resemble natural sculptures. In Wadi Al Hitan, you'll discover the fascinating fossilized remains of ancient whales, offering a glimpse into the region's prehistoric marine life. The tour also includes camping under a starlit sky, providing a truly unforgettable desert experience.

Desert Safari by Quad Bike at Giza Pyramids is an exhilarating experience. The rush of wind against your face and the roar of the engine beneath you as you navigate the sandy dunes create an unmatched sense of adventure. Each twist and turn offers a new perspective of the ancient landscape, making it a thrilling way to explore one of the world's most iconic sites.

Cairo, Nile Cruise, and Safari Tour package  The tour will begin in Cairo, where you will explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Then you will go on a Nile Cruise, exploring the ancient temples and tombs along the banks of the river. Finally, you will go on a Safari tour to explore the African wildlife.

 Tour To Siwa Oasis From Cairo Siwa Oasis is renowned for its unique landscape, characterized by vast palm groves, crystal-clear springs, and towering sand dunes. The lush greenery contrasts strikingly with the arid desert surroundings, creating a breathtaking vista. Salt lakes add to the oasis's allure, offering serene spots for relaxation and reflection.

Overnight Bahariya Oasis & The White Desert Bahariya Oasis is known for its lush palm groves and natural springs, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding arid desert. The oasis is also famous for its rich archaeological sites, including ancient tombs and the Temple of Alexander the Great. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the area's hot springs, renowned for their healing properties.

§    One of our desert safari in Egypt

§             Day   Tour To Fayoum From Cairo

§   Travel through Time on our legendary Tours from Cairo to Fayoum and the Valley of the Whales, Visit Wadi Hitan, the paleontological site where fossils of some of the earliest forms of whales can be found, You can also explore El Fayoum Oasis, El Fayoum Water Wheels, and Qarun Lake. Visiting these sites provides a unique opportunity to explore some of the earliest forms of life and to witness the stunning beauty of the desert. The tour gives travelers the chance to experience the rich culture and history of the area while also enjoying the natural wonders of this breathtaking region.

§   Pick up from the hotel by our guide, and start your day touring Fayoum from Cairo with a visit to Wadi Al Rayan in the city center, followed by Wadi Hitan, also known as the “Valley of the Whales Protected Area” and the Mountain of Mudawara. We continue our tour to Qarun Lake, one of the oldest natural lakes in the world, and watch the amazing Fayoum Oasis, relax and enjoy lunch in a good restaurant.

§   Later, we will drive you back to your hotel in Cairo.

§   The suggested 1-day tours will include the following: 

§   §   Private speaking Egyptologist tour guide.

§   §   Transport with an A/C van for all the mentioned sites.

§   §   Entrance fees for all the mentioned sites.

§   §   Lunch meal at a local restaurant in Fayoum.

§   §   Mineral water.

§   §   Service charge and tax.

§   The

§   1day tours will not include the following: 

§   §   Visa entry to Egypt.

§   §   Optional tours.

§   §   Any other items not mentioned.

§   §   Tipping kitty.

§    

§   For more:

§               

§    Egypt Desert Safari : https://bit.ly/404yLX2

§   Website: https://jana.tours/

§                                           Whatsapp+201143320224

§   Email:info@janatooursegypt.com   

[josh677]

Unveiling Kenya's Wonders: A Journey Through its UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Explore Kenya's rich history and breathtaking landscapes through its UNESCO-listed sites. Discover ancient ruins, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

UNESCO KENYA’S HERITAGE SITES WONDERS

(African Lion in Masai Mara, Africa.)

Kenya is a land full of nature’s beauty, offering a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The only place in the world to have a unique opportunity to witness the iconic Big Five wildlife and discover the  7 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Kenya ranks just behind South Africa in Africa for the number of UNESCO-listed sites, highlighting its cultural heritage.

( Map of South Africa highlighting the UNESCO KENYA’S HERITAGE SITES WONDERS with actual images for the sites)

South Africa is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world, offering a unique blend of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and rich biodiversity. The South Africa national parks system, managed by SANParks, encompasses renowned destinations like Kruger National Park, Table Mountain National Park, and Addo Elephant National Park. These protected areas are a haven for adventure enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers. Whether you want to experience thrilling game drives, scenic hiking trails, or peaceful camping under the stars, South Africa's national parks promise unforgettable experiences that connect you with nature in its purest form.

The number of internationals arriving to visit wildlife tourism facilities in Kenya from 2019 to 2022, categorized by visitor type.

The graphs below show the country of origin for international arrivals as of 2023

Significance Of Lake TurkanaTurkana, the saltiest of East Africa's big lakes, is a special place where plants and animals can make a home in a tough environment. Its three national parks are critical breeding grounds for migratory birds and significant breeding grounds for Nile crocodiles, hippos, and venomous snakes.

Koobi Fora Fossils and the World Heritage Status of Lake Turkana National Parks

The Koobi Fora deposits are like treasure chests filled with fossils of mammals, molluscs, and other creatures from long ago. Recognized for their importance, the Lake Turkana National Parks were added to the World Heritage List in 1997. They are now jointly managed by (KWS) and (NMK) Kenya Wildlife Services and The National Museum of Kenya, respectively.

Lake Turkana National Parks

Lake Turkana National Park has been separated into three distinct parks: Sibiloi National Park, South Park and the Central Islands National Parks. Each offers a unique and breathtaking experience. They cover a total area of 161,485 hectares, and these parks are surrounded by a starkly beautiful desert landscape seemingly untouched by time.

( Elephants Roaming in the Grasslands of Sibiloi National Park)

( Satellite View Of Central Islands National Park, Turkana, Kenya)

A Desert Lake of Extraordinary Beauty

Located along the Rift Valley, Lake Turkana stretches 249 kilometres from north to south and 44 kilometres wide at its widest point. The average depth of the river is 30 meters, the fourth largest lake in Africa. Its stunning colour has earned it the nickname "Jade Sea."

Mount Kenya: A Majestic Natural Wonder

Towering over East Africa, Mount Kenya is a breathtaking landscape of rugged glacier-clad peaks and lush forested slopes. Established in 1949, Mount Kenya National Park and Forest have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 to protect its unique environment and wildlife.

Joint Management

The park has been jointly managed by the Kenya Wildlife (KWS) and The National Museums of Kenya (NMK); the park serves as a vital water catchment area for the region and a crucial habitat for diverse animal species.

(Sunset at Mount Kenya)

Mount Kenya: A Majestic African Peak

Mount Kenya spans the equator approximately 193 kilometres northeast of Nairobi and 480 kilometres from the Kenyan coast. The mountain is the second-highest mountain in Africa. This ancient extinct volcano reaches a towering height of 5,199 meters.

( Image showing different peaks of Mount Kenya, Kenya)

Explore the Beauty of Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya National Park and Forest passes through Africa's majestic second-highest peak and surrounding forested slopes.UNESCO has even called it a World Heritage Site for having the presence of flora and fauna. Explore the park's unique ecosystems by kick starting your hiking and mountaineering adventures, and absorb yourself the rich cultural and historical significance of Mount Kenya.

The table below shows the exciting facts about Mount Kenya

Lamu Old Town: A Timeless Swahili Gem

Nestled on the Kenyan coast, Lamu Old Town is a historical gem known as one of the best-preserved Swahili settlements in East Africa. The town, which dates back to the 14th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting the town’s deep cultural and architectural heritage of the Swahili people.

( lamu old town kenya)

Explore Historical Landmarks

The Lamu Old Town provides visitors the opportunity to discover various important historical places, including the German Post Office Museum, which opened in 1996, as well as the Lamu Fort.

(German Post Office At Old Time Lamu)

Architectural Heritage and Cultural Unity of the Town

The town is famous for its narrow streets and alleyways that facilitate movement solely on foot or with the help of donkeys. The town's architectural style can be characterized as a mix of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European influences.

A Serene Island Escape

Lamu Old Town is a perfect destination for relaxation and recreational activities because of its calm atmosphere. Relax on the white sandy velvety beaches, explore the lively coral reefs, and soak up the sunlight.

Lamu Old Town has now become one of the few destinations that combines history and culture with natural beauty, offering visitors a truly everlasting experience.

Exploring the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests

The Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests: A Cultural and Ecological Heritage

Nestled along Kenya's coastline, the Mijikenda Kaya Forests are a network of 11 sacred forested sites, each representing a unique Mijikenda community. These fortified villages, dating back to the 16th century, serve as repositories of the Mijikenda people's spiritual beliefs and the resting places of their ancestors.

( Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Kenya)

A Blend of History and Nature

The Kaya forests offer a captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Explore these sacred sites adorned with shrines, graves, and initiation grounds, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Mijikenda people. 

Discover the diversified varieties of both flora and fauna that grow within these forested havens, including many endemic and endangered species.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Recognizing their cultural and ecological significance, the Mijikenda Kaya Forests were officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The Mijikenda community has taken care of the forests around the Kayas to protect the sacred graves and groves. These forests are now nearly the only remaining parts of the once-large coastal lowland forest.

A Unique and Memorable Experience

Visiting the Mijikenda Kaya Forests is a truly unique and enriching experience. Get involved in the spiritual atmosphere, explore the historical places, and get a chance to learn the rich traditions of Kenya.

Kenya Lake System: A Natural Wonder

The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Kenya Lake System, nestled within the Great Rift Valley, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. This stunning natural property passes between the three interconnected lakes, Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elementaita, covering a total area of 32,034 hectares.

( Lake Bogoria With Silicone Hot Water Springs  From Kenya Lake System)

A Landscape of Geological Marvels

Nature’s forces, such tectonics movement and volcanism, have created a distinctive landscape perfect for adventure.

A Wildlife Haven

The lakes support a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including large mammal populations and a wide range of bird species. Spot black rhinos, Rothschild's giraffes, greater kudus, lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs as they roam freely in their natural habitat.

A Birdwatcher's Paradise

The lake is the most important feeding ground for the lesser flamingo and serves as a vital nesting and breeding site for great white pelicans. The Kenya Lake System is renowned for its exceptional birdlife.

Each year, millions of “lesser” flamingos migrate between these three lakes, making it a perfect spot for bird watching. These lake’s are also home to 13 globally endangered bird species.

A Natural Gem

Surrounded by hot springs, geysers, and the dramatic escarpment of the Rift Valley, the Kenya Lake System offers a truly unforgettable experience.

Fort Jesus: A Historic Landmark

Standing proudly at the southern edge of Mombasa, Fort Jesus is a testament to the Portuguese colonial era. The fort was built in the 16th century during the years 1596-1596; this architectural marvel was a strategic outpost guarding the Indian Ocean trade routes. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, Fort Jesus reflects the cultural exchange between Africa,  Arabia, Turkey, Persia, and Europe.

(Fort Jesus With Cannons In The Forefront At Mombasa)

A Blend of Architectural Styles

Designed by Giovanni Battista Cairati, Fort Jesus showcases the Renaissance ideal of geometric harmony and perfect proportions. 

Layout and Form: The fort's layout and form showcase Portuguese military fortification and architectural ingenuity.

Size: Fort Jesus has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage site with an extensive area of 2.36 hectares, including the fort’s moat and nearby lands. The strongly constructed walls that have stood tall till now are a testament to the craftsmanship of the Portuguese military engineer's ingenuity.

A Window Down The Past Lane

Explore the heritage history of Fort Jesus, where the echoes of centuries-old struggles and cultural exchanges still resonate. Discover the fort's unique blend of Portuguese, Arab, and British architectural styles, and learn about the diverse cultures that have influenced its development.

A Must-Visit Destination

Fort Jesus is an enchanting destination for history and architecture lovers. This place is for those people who want to have the experience of the past. Travel through the fort's walls to explore its bastions, which are strategically placed to defend the fort and buildings, and dive deep into the rich history and culture of the region.

Thimlich Ohinga: A Forgotten Fort

The Thimlich Ohinga cultural site was declared a national treasure on April 6, 1982, and was later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2018. The name "Thimlich Ohinga" comes from the Dholuo language, spoken by the Nilotic people who live in the area. It means "a scary, thick forest”.

The stone walls around the site are made up of loose stones that are put on top of each other without any cutting, shaping or construction material by the tribal people. These walls are pretty tall, ranging from 3 to 14 feet.

(Thimlich Ohinga) 

A Fortified Village of the Mijikenda People

(Traditional Mijikenda Tribe House)

Thimlich Ohinga, meaning "frightening dense forest" in the Dholuo language, was once a fortified village inhabited by the Mijikenda people. The site features intricate circular structures meticulously constructed from carefully fitted dry stones without using mortar.

A Historical Tapestry

While the Luo people have inhabited the region for centuries, archaeological evidence suggests that the original construction of Thimlich Ohinga may have been undertaken by the Bantu people who preceded them. Over time, successive communities have contributed to the site's development through repairs and modifications.

A Vanished Civilization

In the early 1900s, Ohingni faced a decline as people began to leave the area. Stone buildings were no longer built; some older ones crumbled or vanished altogether. Thimlich Ohinga is one of the few remaining stone structures from that time.

A Glimpse into the Past

Explore the fascinating history of Thimlich Ohinga, a window into the past that offers insights into the lives and traditions of the Mijikenda people. 

Discover the intricate architecture of the stone structures, imagine the bustling activity of the village, and appreciate the cultural heritage preserved within this remarkable archaeological site.

Frequently Asked Question

Why is Lake Turkana considered a natural laboratory for studying plant and animal life?Its unique saline environment creates a specialised habitat that supports a diverse range of species.

What are the most significant fossil discoveries made in the Koobi Fora deposits?These deposits have yielded crucial evidence of human evolution, including fossils of early hominids like Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei.

In which African nation can you find the most UNESCO World Heritage sites? Ethiopia ranks as Africa's 2nd most UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an impressive eleven. Close behind, South Africa boasts ten sites, while Morocco and Tunisia have nine. Algeria, Egypt, Senegal, and Tanzania are followed by seven sites each.

Is there any fossil hunting allowed in the Lake Turkana National Park?No, collecting fossils is strictly prohibited to preserve the scientific and historical value of the site.

How can I learn more about the Mijikenda people's history and culture beyond visiting Thimlich Ohinga? Several museums in Kenya, such as the Mombasa Museum and the Fort Jesus Museum, have exhibits on the Mijikenda people. You can also find books in the museum.

What are the three interconnected lakes in the Kenya Lake System?The Kenya Lake System includes Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Elementaita.

What can visitors see and do at Fort Jesus?Visitors can explore the fort's architecture, learn about its history, and enjoy panoramic views of Mombasa.

Conclusion

Exploring these wonders is more than a journey; it’s an opportunity to connect with the essence of Kenya. As you walk through its history and marvel at its natural beauty, you’ll discover a land that celebrates its past while preserving its legacy for future generations.

Let Kenya’s timeless treasures inspire your next adventure and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. The wonders of this remarkable country are waiting to be unveiled—are you ready to experience them?

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Conquering Peaks with Mara Expeditions: A Mountain Climbing Adventure in East Africa

Introduction:

East Africa is renowned for its rich landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cultures, but perhaps one of its most awe-inspiring features is its stunning mountain ranges. Whether you’re a seasoned mountaineer or a beginner seeking an unforgettable adventure, East Africa offers a range of peaks that cater to all skill levels. From the towering heights of Mount Kilimanjaro to the less-explored peaks of Mount Meru and the Rwenzoris, the region provides some of the most remarkable mountain climbing experiences in the world.

At the forefront of these adventures is Mara Expeditions, a company committed to offering bespoke mountain climbing experiences that combine adventure, safety, and cultural immersion. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best mountain climbing expeditions in East Africa with Mara Expeditions and why this region is a must-visit for any mountaineering enthusiast.

1. Mount Kilimanjaro: The Roof of Africa

No discussion of East African mountain climbing would be complete without mentioning Mount Kilimanjaro—the highest peak on the continent and a bucket-list destination for climbers worldwide. At 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro stands as the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Why Climb Kilimanjaro with Mara Expeditions?

Mara Expeditions offers a range of routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro, each catering to different levels of fitness and experience. Whether you’re tackling the popular Machame route or opting for the less-trodden Lemosho route, Mara’s expert guides ensure a safe and enriching climb.

What to Expect:

Breathtaking Scenery: From lush rainforests at the base to the barren, high-altitude desert of the summit, the journey up Kilimanjaro is nothing short of spectacular.

Cultural Encounters: Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to meet local Chagga tribespeople, who have lived on the mountain for generations.

Training and Preparation: Mara Expeditions provides comprehensive pre-climb training, including altitude acclimatization techniques and fitness plans, to ensure that climbers are fully prepared for the challenges of the mountain.

2. Mount Meru: The Hidden Gem of Tanzania

If you’re looking for a less-crowded but equally spectacular alternative to Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru should be on your radar. Standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet), it is the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, and its rugged beauty makes it a thrilling challenge for those seeking a more intimate climbing experience.

Why Climb Mount Meru with Mara Expeditions?

Mara Expeditions' Mount Meru climb is a unique opportunity to experience both nature and adventure, with the chance to observe diverse wildlife as you ascend through the Arusha National Park.

What to Expect:

Wildlife Viewing: The slopes of Mount Meru are home to a variety of animals, including giraffes, buffaloes, and the occasional leopard. You’ll also get a close-up view of the stunning Momella Lakes.

Challenging Terrain: While Meru’s summit is not as high as Kilimanjaro’s, its more technical and steep terrain provides a good challenge for climbers who want a serious test of their skills.

Acclimatization: The journey is often seen as an excellent precursor to a Kilimanjaro ascent due to its challenging nature and altitude.

3. The Rwenzori Mountains: Africa’s "Mountains of the Moon"

For more experienced mountaineers looking for an adventure off the beaten path, the Rwenzori Mountains are one of Africa’s hidden treasures. Straddling the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwenzoris are renowned for their dramatic landscapes, glaciers, and rare biodiversity.

Why Climb the Rwenzoris with Mara Expeditions?

Climbing the Rwenzoris is a challenging and rewarding experience that will take you through dense forests, past cascading waterfalls, and over snow-capped peaks. Mara Expeditions offers guided treks through this remote region, ensuring both safety and an in-depth understanding of the area’s unique environment.

What to Expect:

Breathtaking Views: As you ascend, you’ll pass through lush montane forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa.

Trekking Challenges: The Rwenzori mountains offer technical climbing opportunities for experienced climbers, including rope work and navigating rocky ridgelines.

Ecological Wonders: The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to endemic species such as the Rwenzori leopard, and rare flora including the giant lobelia.

4. Mount Kenya: A Trek Through History and Nature

As the second-highest mountain in Africa after Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya offers a combination of technical climbing and stunning scenery. With multiple peaks, including the famous Batian Peak (5,199 meters) and Lenana Point (4,985 meters), it’s a mountaineer’s paradise.

Why Climb Mount Kenya with Mara Expeditions?

Mara Expeditions provides experienced guides and porters who are well-versed in the mountain's tricky terrain. Whether you're taking the Sirimon route or tackling the more challenging Chogoria route, the company ensures that every aspect of your trip is well-handled.

What to Expect:

Technical Climbing: For those seeking a technical ascent, the Batian and Nelion peaks offer rock climbing and glacier crossings, while Lenana Point is more accessible for trekkers.

High Altitude Trekking: With the mountain’s varied ecosystems, you’ll move from tropical forests to alpine meadows and finally to an arctic-like zone.

Cultural Insights: The mountain is sacred to the Kikuyu people, and your guides will share the rich cultural history of this majestic peak.

Conclusion:

East Africa’s mountains are not only physically demanding, but they are also culturally rich, visually stunning, and ecologically diverse. Climbing these peaks with Mara Expeditions ensures a safe, rewarding experience where adventure meets sustainability. Whether you’re scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro, seeking the tranquility of Mount Meru, or exploring the remote grandeur of the Rwenzoris, Mara Expeditions will help you conquer these towering giants in style.

Are you ready to take on the mountains of East Africa? Contact Mara Expeditions today to book your next adventure and experience the magic of mountain climbing in one of the world’s most iconic regions.

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𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 Africa 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀

𝟭. There are 𝟱𝟰 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 - and 9 dependent territories. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝟭.𝟯 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 people live on the African continent. This means about 15% of the world's total population lives in Africa!

𝟮. 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: Algeria. This country is among the ten largest countries in the world.

The most populous country is Nigeria, with more than 219 million people, but the country is only a third of the size of Algeria.

𝟯. 𝗟𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆: Lagos in Nigeria. Lagos is also one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world & is estimated to become the world's largest city by 2100 with more than 100 million inhabitants!

𝟰. 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆: Seychelles, which is a (nation of islands) in the Indian Ocean. On the African mainland, the smallest country is The Gambia.

𝟱. 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the 4 - after Greenland, New Guinea, and Borneo.

𝟲. 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿: Nile (6,852 km/ 4,258 miles). The Nile is the longest river in the world and passes through eleven countries. The Nile has two sources: The White Nile coming from Lake Victoria in Tanzania and the Blue Nile coming from Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The river mouth is in Egypt.

𝟳. 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has three volcanic cones and the highest volcanic cone of them is called 'Kibo'. The highest peak is called 'Uhuru Peak' at 5,895 m/ 19,340 ft.

𝟴. 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲: Lake Victoria (bordering Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya) is also the world's second-largest freshwater lake. Only Lake Superior in North America is bigger!

𝟵. 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲: The Sahara in northern Africa is the largest hot desert in the world. The climate is extremely dry (arid) in this region.

𝟭𝟬. There are sixteen 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 in Africa. These countries are all located in the interior of the continent and have neither access to the Atlantic Ocean nor to the Indian Ocean. Two of these landlocked countries, the tiny countries of Eswatini and Lesotho, are located in South Africa.

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Explore the Wonders of OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, AZ: A Premier Marine Adventure

When it comes to unique and immersive marine experiences, OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a must-visit destination. As the largest aquarium in the Southwest, OdySea Aquarium offers a world of underwater exploration, bringing the beauty and diversity of marine life to the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, a day at OdySea promises an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational fun.

An Overview of OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium is a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot facility that houses over 2 million gallons of water and thousands of marine animals from around the world. Since its opening in 2016, OdySea has been celebrated for its innovative design, eco-conscious practices, and engaging approach to marine conservation. From tropical fish and majestic sharks to playful otters and mysterious jellyfish, the aquarium offers something for everyone, combining entertainment and education in a way that captivates visitors of all ages.

Top Exhibits and Attractions at OdySea Aquarium

The aquarium’s thoughtful layout allows guests to journey through diverse habitats, each showcasing different regions of the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. Here are some highlights:

1. Voyager – The World’s Only Rotating Aquarium Experience

OdySea’s Voyager exhibit is a one-of-a-kind experience where guests step into a rotating theater with four large windows, each offering unique views into various marine ecosystems. As the theater moves from one view to another, visitors encounter fascinating creatures like sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful schools of tropical fish. Voyager takes you on an underwater journey that feels like you’re in the ocean itself—without ever getting wet!

2. Shark Waters

Get up close and personal with one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring predators in the Shark Waters exhibit. Home to various shark species, including sandbar sharks, white-spotted bamboo sharks, and blacktip reef sharks, this 200,000-gallon exhibit allows you to marvel at these graceful animals from an underwater viewing area. It’s a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike to see these magnificent creatures gliding effortlessly through the water.

3. Penguin Point

Another crowd favorite is Penguin Point, where African penguins dive, swim, and waddle around in their specially designed habitat. Watching these adorable creatures play and interact is both entertaining and educational, as visitors learn about penguin conservation and the threats they face in the wild. The aquarium even hosts “penguin encounters,” giving visitors a rare chance to meet these charismatic animals up close.

4. Rivers of the World

This exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the world’s most famous rivers, including the Amazon and the Mekong. Here, you’ll see freshwater species like giant river otters, arapaima, and piranhas, each with their own fascinating adaptations to river life. Rivers of the World is a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that exists beyond the ocean and highlights the importance of conserving these ecosystems.

5. Touch Pools and Interactive Experiences

For a hands-on adventure, head to the touch pools, where visitors can feel the textures of marine life like sea stars, stingrays, and sea cucumbers. This interactive zone is particularly popular with children and provides a tactile learning experience that encourages curiosity about marine life.

6. SeaTREK Helmet Diving and Behind-the-Scenes Tours

For those looking to dive even deeper into the OdySea experience, the aquarium offers the SeaTREK Helmet Diving experience, where visitors can don a diving helmet and walk along the bottom of a giant tank filled with vibrant sea life. Additionally, behind-the-scenes tours give guests a glimpse into the aquarium’s operations, from feeding routines to animal care practices, and the sustainable systems that keep this massive facility running.

Events and Educational Programs

OdySea Aquarium offers a range of events and educational programs that engage visitors in fun and meaningful ways. These include:

Sleepovers at the Aquarium: Perfect for families or scout groups, sleepovers offer a magical night among the marine life, complete with a flashlight tour, educational activities, and breakfast.

Conservation Talks: OdySea regularly hosts presentations and talks on marine conservation, giving guests a chance to learn about environmental challenges and how they can make a difference.

Family and Toddler Time: For families with young children, OdySea offers designated times where kids can engage in storytelling, games, and marine-themed crafts.

These programs reflect OdySea’s commitment to promoting marine education and environmental stewardship in fun, accessible ways.

Tips for Visiting OdySea Aquarium

To make the most of your visit, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Plan Ahead: OdySea Aquarium can get busy, especially on weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during weekday mornings.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: With so much to see and do, expect to spend several hours exploring the aquarium, so comfortable footwear is a must.

Buy Tickets in Advance: Tickets can be purchased online, which is a good idea to save time and skip the lines. Also, keep an eye out for seasonal discounts or family passes.

Allow Time for Dining and Souvenirs: The aquarium has a café on-site as well as a gift shop stocked with marine-themed souvenirs. Plan a break to refuel and pick up a keepsake from your adventure.

Location, Hours, and Admission

OdySea Aquarium is conveniently located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community at 9500 East Vía de Ventura in Scottsdale. It’s part of the larger OdySea in the Desert complex, which also includes Butterfly Wonderland, the Arizona Boardwalk, and other attractions.

Hours: Open daily, typically from 9 AM to 6 PM (hours may vary seasonally).

Admission: Ticket prices vary, with options for single admission, family passes, and combo tickets that grant access to nearby attractions.

Why OdySea Aquarium Is a Scottsdale Treasure

OdySea Aquarium offers a rare blend of entertainment, education, and conservation in a family-friendly environment. With its innovative exhibits, interactive experiences, and dedicated focus on marine preservation, the aquarium is a place where visitors can marvel at the wonders of the underwater world while gaining a deeper understanding of our oceans and rivers.

Whether you're a Scottsdale local or just visiting the area, OdySea Aquarium is a destination that promises to inspire awe and curiosity in every guest. A trip here is not just about viewing marine life—it’s about engaging with the beauty and importance of our planet’s aquatic ecosystems.

So, grab your tickets, bring your curiosity, and dive into the fascinating world of marine life at OdySea Aquarium.