#BeautifulAfrica

[deliciousbrownkisses]

People being people in Tanzania 🇹🇿 #Africa #Tanzania #BeautifulPeople #BeautifulAfrica #BeautifulNature #CSB 🍃

[syftkog]

Habari Gani

“Heri za Kwanzaa!” (Swahili for “Happy Kwanzaa!”)

May this Kwanzaa be an especially meaningful one for your whole beautiful family.

Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles)

Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the principles, as follows:

Day 1.Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race

Hebrews 2:10-13 MSG

It makes good sense that the God who got everything started and keeps everything going now completes the work by making the Salvation Pioneer perfect through suffering as he leads all these people to glory. Since the One who saves and those who are saved have a common origin, Jesus doesn’t hesitate to treat them as family, saying, I’ll tell my good friends, my brothers and sisters, all I know about you; I’ll join them in worship and praise to you. Again, he puts himself in the same family circle when he says, Even I live by placing my trust in God. And yet again, I’m here with the children God gave me.

[mangokiladventures]

Imagine yourself… Waking up at dawn, ready to search for Africa’s treasures Lions, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, wildebeests, the whole savanna’s pulsating life waiting to be discovered by you😍 #amazingafrica #r Tanzaania #beautifulafrica #africanature #africantravel #africa_vacations #sossusvlei #africanadventure #visitafrica #africatravel #mangokiliadvebtures #tanzaniasafaris #ngorongorocrater #erickmakey (at Ngorongoro Crater) https://www.instagram.com/p/CX0fgmJKEW1/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lyricalafrica2]

After a couple of days at Elephant Sands I decided to move back on to Chobe and try my luck again.

The centre staff dropped me at the checkpoint further down the road, where I sat chatting with the police. They assured me they’d flag a bus down for me. Lucky for me however, a couple who had been staying at Elephant sands passed by first and offered me a lift as they were going onto Chobe for a long weekend before driving back to S.A. Needless to say the journey was a little more comfortable.

With it being a National Holiday, a lot of places were full, but together we managed to find a campsite that had space for one, it was set right on the river.., err perfect and just to the side of a luxury lodge. Most of the campsite was however filled with motor homes, and landies with rooftop tents. Still the washrooms were decent and good coffee was but a stones throw away. I was even delighted to see duikers and warthogs roaming freely around the site; mongoose too as I later sat watching, fascinated by their attempts to get into the food trunks left by the vehicles. Cheeky, inquisitive little souls. There were of course the usual warning signs for crocs and of course you have to be mindful of the hippos. There was even a resident cat, I was in heaven.

So the first night after unpacking I decided I’d have a glass of wine and went to sit on the bank to watch the sun dip below the river. Twinkling lights and laughter played in the air as the leisure cruises took in the last of the day. I sucked every last ray from the sunset until evidently it was time to return to my tent. Hmmm, ok, why does the side of my little den look kind of bevelled, uprooted even and oh crikey, where the hell has that rip in the side come from?

As my neighbours passed, they kindly informed me they’d chased away a couple of warthogs. Right, they look so punk and they are punk....

Fortunately, I’d been carrying a roll of gaffer tape with me. No, I don’t know either, but from now on it’s been added to the list of travellers essentials. Multi use, you can bind, patch up, gag and erm repair many things in a very temporary way....

I finally managed to secure the pole back to the material in a way that looked like I’d administered giant stitches. Far from perfect, but it would do. It was far from comfortable, yoga mats aren’t for bedding down on, but I tried to make the most of it, grabbing snatches of sleep here and there. I got up to use the bathroom at one point and was followed back by the local cat. He followed me into the tent, so I left the zip open at one side, brave maybe...but I figured if anything slithered in he’d have it. He stayed most of the night, curled up by my side, purring away. He’d gone by morning, the next time I saw him he’d brought his mate by to say hello too.

I decide do go and have morning coffee up on the main deck on the lodge after doing my morning hitt session. It was lovely to take in the views, but the temperature crept up verrry quickly. I thought I’d walk into Chobe and check out what was going on. Find some food and perhaps look for a game drive company. The lodge offered them, but they were rather high end and knowing from experience if you’re willing to compromise a little you can get better deals. The first office I went into, I ended up going back to after a full day. A game drive and a river cruise. Good reviews, friendly customer service. I was happy!

I was booked for the 6am game drive to Chobe National Park and the river cruise later on the next day, I think I had to be at the office for 4pm, so having booked it, I figured I’d chill back at the site and have an early-ish night. Well, that was of course the plan...

I caught sight of my tent as I made my way through the site, I recognised a fraction of the collapsed, billowing fabric, shredded from both front and side. The punks had been back and finished what they started. I spoke to the security guard who after the first round, said he’d be vigilant in watching it during his shift. Hmmm and hmmm again...

After making my way to reception and discussing the turn of events and asking about hiring a tent I was initially met with “we have nothing available”, until they offered me a rondelle. A rather swish little round chalet, with a very comfy bed, a good sizeable bathroom and all the trimmings, probably coming in at around $240 a night, more than I’d initially paid. Well, if they say what will be will be, then even the most annoying moments can have a positive outcome!

I have to say the bed was just incredible after sleeping on a yoga mat, though on relocating my wares, I saw the warthogs sneer as I passed by. The wine that night at the bar helped lull me into a deep enough sleep to overcome the excitement at the prospect of the next morning. I’d heard good things about Chobe!

The jeep picked me up just gone 6 after throwing a cup of coffee down my neck. As we wound our way through various local pick up points. It was chilly. I soon realised I’d be the only non local on board, cue lots of interest in what I was doing there, where I was from. A lively bunch, by all accounts and slightly too lively at times as their voices steadily rose as we trundled along through the park. I was told to ask if I wanted to stop to take some photos, but frequently wasn’t heard above the noise of the engines and the chatter. We took in some amazing views before descending into the valley, right out over the game park. It was unfortunate that it was high season, something I try to avoid doing activities such as this during that time, however given the length of time I’m meant to be away, it’s hard not to catch a high season at some point. I couldn’t help but feel sorry, in particular for the lone lioness sitting there minding her own business, keeping a lazy eye on the horizon, but surrounded by maybe 6 vehicles or more at any one time. She looked like she had more pressing matters on her mind and that if she didn’t make eye contact, we’d move along quicker, a bit like ignoring a bored child in the hope they’ll stop tugging at your clothes. We went pretty much right through a game list and I was pleased to see the Carmine bee eaters and Lilac Breasted rollers, which you should know by know I’m rather fond of.

As usual there were an abundance of duikers and bushbuck, warthogs and impala. We came across several elephant, they are pretty prolific in and around Chobe as was reconfirmed later in the day on the sunset cruise. We stopped for coffee midway and obliged a group photo with my camera, but left without out refreshments as the call for another lion sighting had been made. En route we saw several giraffe at close range which made me very happy. I’ll never tire of seeing giraffe in the wild. They just have this gangly look of grace and wisdom about them. Eventually we did find the pair of lions that had been sighted, but they were lying beneath a bush and so quite well concealed. Slightly disappointing, but who can blame them hey? We drove around and around the rough terrain as the day slowly warmed up, trying to escape the stream of other vehicles, which for me marred the experience a little. I guess the other game drives I’ve been on were fairly quiet, look at South Luangwa, I was on my own in the jeep. Bwindi was hardly teaming, Queen Elizabeth National Park was pretty deserted, even the self drive in Zim and the walking safari in Zambia were slow leisurely and just really peaceful. Do I sound unsociable? For me nature is to be experienced with peace and respect and that doesn’t often come with many vehicles full of eager beavers rattling around.

After an afternoon of snoozing and relaxing after such an early start, I thought I’d get to the offices early so as not to end up in the back of the boat. No siree, I wanted up front, best view in the house, me and my g&t, my camera, leg room and not have to endure heads bobbing up and down or be behind the chatter. Well I got that, there was still a fair bit of overly loud communications rising overhead, but it wasn’t for the full time we were out.

I actually found this a lot more restful and to experience these sunsets out on the water, they really are something else! I think the highlight for me had to be seeing the herds of elephant around the waters edge, young in tow. I’ve mentioned it before, but to see how they interact with each other, I could sit and watch them all day. Seeing them walk in a line towards the river, it looked a bit like the line up from ‘Resevoir Dogs’. Further down river we even got to witness an elephant swimming. We’d stopped for slightly longer than anticipated, mainly due to the appearance of a rather sizeable fifth leg protruding from said bull. Obviously something of massive fascination and a sight to behold for the average punter, causing smirking and giggling like school kids. It was however worth hanging around enduring the sniggers from behind, to witness the swimming. For entertainment value, the show was all his!

The gin kicked in quite steadily in the warmth of the evening and it was! As the sun started to dip, the sky ignited accentuating any clouds with a bright golden glow, the scarlets and ochre and any other shades in between. Like a gift from above Now that was a sunset for a last day in Chobe!

The red wine went down nicely on my return, sense a theme?.... To be fair, it wasn’t common practice to drink everyday or even regularly, but on the rare occasion of a treat day, or a trip that was fairly special, the I’d celebrate a little, even if it was on my own.

The next morning I was due to leave and again I wanted to make an early start knowing how gruelling the journeys could be. I managed to walk from the lodge to the bus station without too much hassle to catch the 7.30 bus. Once again, I decided to split the journey up and have a pit stop in the desert region of Nata. A desert region, not a huge deal there you’d think, but there was a bird sanctuary and more salt pans. I’d booked into an eco backpackers. I had to change buses once at the usual stop, then around 30kms after elephant sands I saw the sign by the side of the road that I was to be looking out for. The camp was around a 1km off the road down a sandy track. It was hot, uneven and laborious. I was pleased to get there. Nothing worse than the mind games you play when you have a heavy load to carry and the temp and terrain are so challenging! I often ask myself out loud what on earth I think I’m doing, when faced with such things. My stock reply is apparently, “living”.

The camp was small and sparsely populated with the owner and an Irish girl who was doing a work away amidst a year out in Africa. She came from S.A and had wanted to see more of Botswana. We got on well and found various commonalities including our love and respect for the animal kingdom and art. I was taken by the various colourful species of bird that would fly into camp and the African chameleon I found, lazily making its way up the tree. Endearing and fascinating little souls, they always make their way up to your head if you hold them!

My stay there ended up being a little longer than anticipated after being asked to stay on and help. I suspect it was more company oriented. There wasn’t huge amounts to do, so we’d spend time adding flourishes of creativity to the facility, including a games table, murals on the new chalet and so on. They were hot days on a very small site, though obviously you could walk around with limited danger of encountering predators, in theory... The nearest town was around 5kms and the owner would venture out daily to the shops, we suspect mainly for a change of scenery. I have to admit, the appeal of the shops were the sugar beans and the pumpkin leaves or spinach. They became a bit of a staple food from the hot deli counter. I’d still eat them now if I could find a recipe.

We’d sit in the evening chatting and drinking, more wine, really this wasn’t my suggestion, but when in Rome... I never made it to the salt pans there, or even the bird sanctuary which was a shame. My friend and I did however take the canoes out one evening, travelling as far down stream as we dared given sightings of an overtly territorial hippo. No, really? I’d been practicing yoga in the mornings, but had decided to push myself out for a few early runs. Again, it was one of those, “why?” moments, but in retrospect I’m kind of pleased I did it. When I’m struggling with my running, I always give myself landmarks to run to and try and persuade myself not to stop before and to know that I could push myself further, once I get to them. It’s harder still on lumpy sand trails.

Not everything was entirely black and white or even as presented with the stay, so I only stayed for a week. But funnily enough, that was long enough for the people who gave me a lift from Elephant Sands to Chobe, to come and visit their friend - the camp owner! Small world hey!

By the time I left, I just wanted to get back to Maun as quickly as I could. Still aggrieved at passing the signs for Botetti, but having no means to travel the additional 50kns without my own car.

[respectanimalrights]

Credit © 🎬 ✅ @ryemmerson Amboseli traffic....    #WhyILoveKenya #Kenya #Amboseli #AmboseliNationalPark #WildElephants #Africa #BeautifulAfrica #ElephantRescue #AfricanElephant #BeKindToElephants #ResponsibleTourism #NotEntertainers #ig_captures #igtraveller #Respect #CoExist #SaveElephantFoundation #JoinTheHerd  https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUSRs1hR5J/?igshid=93towxegptkc

[luxiclasstravel]

21-Night Western Africa Journey Voyage Azamara Journey® | Departing: March 19, 2021 $500 Onboard Credit + 50% Reduced Deposit When you book now through 6/01/2020 AMAZING AFRICA, ISLAND OF VOLCANOES, AND ROLLING DESERT SANDS Explore Africa, meandering effortlessly between land and sea on this incredible voyage. In Cape Town, climb iconic Table Mountain or dip your toes in both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans on one of the area’s many beaches. On an overnight in Walvis Bay, you’ll find golden dunes, desert sands, and an exotic African safari, your chance to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and more. In Luanda, explore Baixa de Luanda (The Old City) and the Fortress of São Miguel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three sea days take us to Takoradi. Discover traditional African life and the maze of shops, stalls, and authentic Ghanaian street food in the city’s Market Circle. Known as the Paris of West Africa, Abidjan is the second-largest French speaking city in the world. In Banjul, meander through market stalls bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables, colorful fabrics, and delicious food and drinks. Next, a little slice of Spanish paradise: Gran Canaria. In the old city center of Vegueta, walk the same streets Columbus did 500 years ago. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, and blends rugged volcanic landscapes with Spanish flair. You disembark in one of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon. Rich in architecture and kitchens eager to serve the freshest seafood, take your time here and linger over a refreshing pitcher of sangria. . . .

[spencertravelphotographer]

. . Bwindi Impenetrable National Park lies in southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famously, this “impenetrable forest” also protects an estimated 320 mountain gorillas. . . Photo taken by 😀@spencer_travel_photographer😀 Follow me around the world and see the world as I see it..🌍 . . Remember to tag your images #spencer_travel_feature For a chance to be featured 🏆 Please note that submitted images may be edited. . . . . . . . . . . . . #gorilla #gorillas #animalshots #wildafrica #wildanimals #africa #beautifulafrica #amazingafrica #africaamazing #animalsofinstagram #animallovers #animalsofinstagram #natgeo #instagram #awesomeearth #awesome_earthpix #uganda (at Uganda) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4W7OmYiVJi/?igshid=1m44slc9qufa1

[lukebarky]

Got some new cards because the old ones weren’t cutting it. Loving these extreme pros. Also made an awesome time lapse of our evening ⛰ - #africa #africaadventure #africalove #africaphotography #africanbeauty #africanamazing #africanature #africatrip #africatravel #beautifulafrica #gotoafrica #contentstrategy #creativeagency #creativedirection #contentcreator #creativestudio #lukebarky #capetown #lionshead #africa (at Kloof Corner) https://www.instagram.com/p/B09HRAyHnyG/?igshid=1v4v490acb7jk

[dswtfosterparents]

📸 @gregthomason ・・・ It’s time for this little orphan to head in for the night. He knows to follow the keeper back to the safety of the nursery. . . . . . #gregthomasonphotography #headshotcrew365 #dswt #kenya #nairobi #unsungheroes #beautifulafrica #travelphotographer #portraitphotographer #conservation #natgeoyourshot #portraitmode #portrait_vision #portrait_shots #portrait_planet #portraitsociety #elephants #ig_myshots #ig_great_pics #igpodium_portraits #ig_photooftheday #ig_global_life #globe_people #globe_travel #portraitcentral #humanity_shots_ #humanity #makeportraits #stayandwander ・・・ 📷 credit: @gregthomason 🐘🌱🌍www.dswt.org/foster (at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuRzUOZB3wu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19khw0gxp1pk0

[shadesofaking]

Accra, Ghana. Dec 2018.

[julieboehm]

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A post shared by Julie Boehm - BodyArtVentures ✨ (@julieboehm_official)

4th day impressions video with after party on stage and my model Videna ☺️ and some other Bodypaintings at the @equatorialguineabodypaint Equatorial guinea Bodypainting Festival #egbf #egbf2019 #bodypainting #bodyart #goldmakeup #goldengodess #butterfly #africanmodel #africanbeauty #julieboehmart #julieboehmbodypainter #lovemyjob #amazingtrip #creativepeople #beautifulafrica (hier: Malabo, Equatorial Guinea) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtRSOzWDJQT/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=106eqgvhtet3q

[graphicartsnamibiadeutschland]

Mood... see how colour changes with light . . . #namibia #licht #lichtspiel #sonnenaufgang #morningwalk #inspiration #farbenpalette #farbabstufungen #colourchange #hues #beautifulafrica #lisa_voigts #graphicsartsstudio https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb9erRENglo/?utm_medium=tumblr

[queroviajarpaula]

África do Sul flexibiliza restrições. E a África do Sul 🇿🇦 iniciou o processo de flexibilização das restrições contra a covid. Dessa maneira,turistas que estiverem com o esquema completo de vacinação não precisarão apresentar testes negativos para entrar no país. Já os que não são vacinados,independente da razão, precisarão apresentar um teste negativo pcr realizado 72 horas antes de embarcar, mas isso não se aplica a passageiros menores de 5 anos. Os não vacinados e recuperados da covid precisam preencher a carta de entrada que pode ser encontrada no site : www.southafrica.net #africa #africadosul #turismo #travelblogger #travelgram #southafrica #cidadedocabo #cidadedocabo🇿🇦 #capetown #capetownsouthafrica #tourisminafrica #tourisminsouthafrica #southafricatourism #tourism #johannesburg #durban #pretoria #soweto #beautifulafrica (em Cape Town, South Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbinGALJn4q/?utm_medium=tumblr

[temdriworld]

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A post shared by TemdriWorlds (@temdriworlds)

Daily YouTube uploads @Temdriworld. This looks beautiful but very dangerous. I took a nap and woke up to see the tide came in and covered the road. What would you do? #africa #temdriworld #myafrica #iloveafrica #africatotheworld #beautifulafrica #africanbeach #swampland #guinea #guinee #guinée #guineabissau #guinébissau #guinebissau #afriquedelouest #afrique #travelafrica #visitafrica #visiterlafrique #africatravels #africatravel #overland #overlanding #overlandafrica #overlandingafrica #spacegear #delica #delical400 #l400 #vanlifeafrica (at Guinea-Bissau) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVAJORFoDLp/?utm_medium=tumblr