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Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

August 2, 2019
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Volcanoes National Park sits on the north-western province of Rwanda in a small town known as Musanze. This park is the oldest national park in the African continent and it covers 160 km² of rainforest and home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas Mountains, five volcanoes, and shelter endangered Mountain Gorillas.

The Virungas, which tower over Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC presents a variety of climbing and trekking options. Volcanoes national park runs a very smooth gorilla trekking operation. The treks are well organized and structured.

What is Mountain gorilla trekking?

Mountain gorilla trekking is a field exercise that involves traveling into the gorilla habitat, exploring the forest, walking in the footprints and following all leads of fresh Mountain gorilla presence until you reach their exact location. Mountain gorillas live in a group of several individuals with a dominant adult.

Rwanda Gorilla trekking

Tracking endangered mountain gorillas through the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest, home for over 200 species of a variety of colorful birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects among other creatures and chattering of the rare golden monkey is one unforgettable truly unique experiences and make a complete Rwanda safari package. You’ll find thick moors with endemic giant lobelia and groundsel.

The massif Virungas Mountains is home to around half of the world’s precious mountain gorillas. It is one of the three other only habitats for Mountain gorillas on the planet and the only possible destinations for Mountain gorilla trekking expeditions in Rwanda.

Below you’ll find some guidelines for how to behave around gorillas are meant to ensure both your safety and that of the gorillas.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Guidelines

Gorillas are susceptible to human infections since their DNA is a 98% match with human DNA and their immunity is not as strong as ours so even a common cold, can be dangerous to the gorilla. Some of these are

Gorilla trekking guidelines in Rwanda include:

  • Do not go gorilla trekking, if you have a cold, flu, or any other contagious infection.
  • Only one group of tourists can visit the mountain gorillas each day and you can only spend an hour with them.
  • Keep a distance of 7m from the gorillas, and if the gorillas try to get close, try to move further away.
  • Keep your voices low and try not to make sudden movements while around the gorillas.
  • Do not eat or drink when you are with the gorillas

Hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, and village experiences offer something for everyone to enjoy. The park is the top tourist destination in Rwanda – a small country located in East Africa and surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda’s capital city is Kigali, which is accessible via the Kigali International Airport.

gorilla Rwanda
Photo credit: youngrobv / Flickr

Tourism in Volcanoes National Park

Tourism in Volcanoes National Park is well established. The gorilla tracking experiences and hotels operate smoothly and the people are friendly, appreciating the value of tourism to their economy and their area. There are a number of accommodation near Volcanoes National Park in both Uganda and Rwanda where you can stay for the duration of your gorilla safari.

Those in Ruhengeri and Kinigi generally fall into the lower budget categories while the more expensive can be found closer to the park.

The rainforests are at a higher altitude and temperatures are generally lowest in the African region. The tropical sun cause evaporation of vapor and rain forming. In Volcanoes National Park, it rains at any time regardless of the season.

The park has extensive bamboo forests and some of the last remaining Afro-montane forest habitat on the planet. a spectacular array of rare and endangered animals and plants.

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Photo credit: Andries3 / Flickr

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Greenland Nuuk

Things to do in Greenland

October 31, 2019
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Greenland is a massive island and autonomous Danish territory between the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. Much of its land surface is covered in ice.

Explore outdoor and nature activities, cultural experiences, hunting and fishing activities, coastal sailings and cruises in Greenland.

Green mountains with beautiful wildflowers, breathtaking fjords, precipitous cliffs, hot springs, crystal clear skies, and clean air are just a small part of what you can experience.

Let’s take a look at the top things to do in Greenland

Greenland Kayaking
Photo credit: Frank Busch / Flickr

Kayaking

The kayak is a cultural link between the earliest immigrants in Greenland, the common everyday experience by local kayakers and the modern rugged adventure expeditions.

The kayak is a transportation and hunting tool that originated in the Arctic region and then spread east towards Greenland.

It provides a truly authentic experience, great views and a fun outdoor activity.

Arctic Circle Trail
Photo credit: Destination Arctic Circle / Flickr

Arctic Circle Trail

Let the wilderness seeker and nature lover inside you find happiness in this stretch of fresh air and wide landscape. of fresh air will energize you.

If you are looking to spend some days in completely untouched wilderness, then this invigorating experience tops the list in the things to do in Greenland in summer.

This hiking trail which is about 160 km long connects the Kangerlussuaq settlement with the village of Sisimiut. It takes about 8 to 10 days to cover the entire route and you get to cross through narrow valleys, tundra, pass over low lying hills and walk along large lakes. This will be one of the greatest hiking experience you’ll have with spending the night under the stars in a tent.

Ice fjord of Ilulissat
Photo credit: Ashokboghani / Flickr

Ilulissat Ice-fjord

Greenland’s most visited area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. You can experience an amazing berg-strewn view of the coast in Disko Bay, where icebergs break off from the glaciers and float out into the coastal waters.

The place is accessible by planes, helicopters and ferries and the best way is to plan a combination of all three.

Don’t forget to check the collection of Greenland landscapes in the Emanuel A Petersen Art Museum in Ilulissat.

Whale Watching
Photo credit: Tom Coates / Flickr

Whale Watching

Experience an up-close encounter with whales is a top thing to do for visitors in Greenland. June and July are usually the best months for cruising among icebergs and whale watching along the breathtaking coastline.

Most tours depart from Qeqertarsuaq, Nuuk, and Aasiaat and are offered by operators like Disko Line and Greenland Adventures. You can experience encounters with humpback, minke, and fin whales, but occasionally also blue whales, killer whales, narwhals, beluga whales, sperm whales, and pilot whales.

Whether this is your first or tenth whale watching tour, seeing such a magnificent creature can be always overwhelming.

Cold Water Diving
Photo credit: Destination Arctic Circle / Flickr

Cold Water Diving

Water temperatures in Greenland usually range from 30 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit, so reliable cold-water equipment and a good drysuit are essential to dive here.

Here you can experience the most amazing underwater dive under the guidance of PADI OWA certified divers. You get to see lumpsuckers, catfish, sea cucumbers and a jungle of seaweed and of course different species of whales! You can see an iceberg from up close and explore the shipwrecks.

Exploring Greenland
Photo credit: Bjarke Svendsen / Flickr

Exploring by Boat and Ferries

You can take a short afternoon cruise among the icebergs to a glacier or a multi-day cruise to see more of Greenland’s wonders. Boats are necessary to get into the bays and fjords and look at most parts of Greenland. Most of these icebergs are visible only from the sea. Boats are such an important part of Greenland’s life for the locals or for tourists for sea excursions.

In addition to the icebergs and glaciers, you may see waterfalls and wildlife.

Sarfaq Ittuk operates ferries that are the local transport, so unlike the cruises, these ferries give you a chance to meet with Greenlanders.

Dog Sledding
Photo credit: Drew Avery / Flickr

Dog Sledding

Tourists can go snowmobiling or skiing in Greenland, experience the old tradition of traveling – dog sledding. This is one of the many activities you can enjoy during the colder months and braving off the extreme weather conditions.

Dogs are man’s best friends for a reason. Sled dogs have a special abilities and know where ice is too thin in an area and avoid it.

Uunartoq Hot Springs

Uunartoq island is located in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. Here you’ll the only hot springs in Greenland that are warm enough to bathe in. Water temperatures is between 37C-38C (98F and 100F) degrees all year long. The island lies halfway between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik and you can get there by boat from any of those two villages.

Suggested Read: 8 Facts about Greenland You Didn’t Know

Skiing Adventure
Photo credit: Mount Prudence / Flickr

Skiing Adventure

Ski touring in Greenland is an active backcountry experience dominated by silence, grandeur, and first runs from peak to beach. All over Greenland in the snow-covered mountains, you can go for skiing trips.

The best and most accessible ski touring locations in Greenland are in Maniitsoq – especially around the Eternity Fjord and the Apussuit Glacier – closely followed by backcountry areas in Sisimiut, Nuuk, and Tasiilaq.

This is a unique experience, where you travel from the tip of the icecap to the coast your own legs, ski gear, and a good guide. This is a clear winner in the things to do in Greenland in winter.

Northern Lights
Photo credit: Nick Russill / Flickr

Northern Lights

Greenland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights.

From early autumn the night sky is regularly illuminated by the northern lights’ green glow. This natural phenomenon always causes excitement and wonder to people who have never seen it before. You can see it anywhere in Greenland when the sky is dark and clear.

Want to learn more about Greenland? Check our other posts.

Galápagos Islands

5 Reasons to Travel to the Galápagos Islands

April 18, 2019
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The Galápagos Islands is a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else. The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s greatest wonders and an incredibly magical destination to visit.

The Galapagos Islands were claimed by the country of Ecuador in 1832 and today have been named a province (Galapagos).

What are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are part of the country of Ecuador and are located in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers west of northern South America. The archipelago consists of 19 islands and dozens of islets and rocks that dot a vast area of 17,000 square miles (45,000 square kilometers) of the ocean.

Some of the Galapagos National Park Rules

  •  Stay on the designated trails at all times.
  •  Do not disturb the animals or remove any native plants or rocks.
  •  Do not transport any organic material into the islands, or from island to island.
  •  Follow your naturalist guide when exploring the national park.
  •  Do not feed the animals.
  •  Do not carry food and/or foreign elements into visitor sites.
  •  Do not approach animals that are resting or their nesting sites.
  •  Cellular and satellite phone use is prohibited in visitor sites.
  •  Do not buy goods that are made from native Galapagos species (except for wooden carvings).

Learn more about the Galapagos National Park rules in our blog and experience the islands in an environmentally conscious way.

What You Need for Your Galapagos Packing List

  •  1 Small backpack (waterproof)
  •  Comfortable walking shoes
  •  Sneakers with rubber soles and/or “Teva” type sandals
  •  Shorts
  •  Long pants
  •  T-shirts
  •  Long- and short-sleeve shirts
  •  Windbreaker
  •  Bathing suits + a wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months is recommended (these are available for rent aboard our boats)
  •  Socks
  •  Hat or cap
  •  Toiletry kit (biodegradable products, please)
  •  Plenty of strong sunblock (SPF50 or higher)
  •  Sunglasses
  •  Binoculars
  •  Camera & video recorder
  •  Any important medication you may be taking
  •  Book/Notebook
  •  Chargers for electrical equipment
  •  Emergency contact information
  •  Plug adaptor
  •  Passport

How to get to the Galapagos

First, when traveling to Galapagos, is important to know that they are 600 miles off the coast of South America. You have to fly into Baltra Island before taking a bus and ferry ride to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island.

There are no direct international flights to the Galapagos Islands.

The Galapagos Islands is one of the most pristine and isolated places in the world. The archipelago provides the perfect environment for the unique wildlife and the magnificent flora that lives here.

Daily flights to the Galapagos Islands depart from the cities of Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador. You can fly to Quito or Guayaquil cities with international flights. Guayaquil’s Jose Joaquin de Olmedo “International Airport” and Quito’s “Mariscal Sucre” International Airport receives daily flights from Miami, New York, Amsterdam and Madrid, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and some of the major cities of Central and South America.

When is the Best Time to Go to the Galapagos?

The year-round temperatures are quite warm, however, there are two seasons. The two seasons in the Galapagos are hot: January through May and dry – June through November.
The best time to see wildlife is during the hot season if you want to explore the marine and land iguanas or Galapagos giant tortoise. If you are open to exploring the sea then it is better to visit it during the dry season when there is much more marine activity.

The peak months of the year are June, July, and December when there are more tourists.

What is the best way to book a trip?

Some travelers prefer to organize their own trips to the Galapagos, book flights, lodging, and activities on their own. One of the best places to stay is the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel. If you are not one of those you may want to join group tours or book a cruise aboard the Santa Cruz II, Isabela II, and La Pinta comes with luxury accommodations, healthy and delicious dining options, and expert naturalist guides.

The best way to plan your trip is to do it well in advance.

Hiking

The islands offer some truly remarkable hiking excursions. We recommend booking a designated Galapagos hiking tour for travelers if you are interested in hiking.

Some of the best hiking opportunities in the islands can be found in the highlands of Santa Cruz and the Sierra Negra Volcano, where you can see tortoises and a variety of birdlife or the opportunity to explore the depths of one of the world’s greatest volcanic calderas.

Birdwatching

The islands are home to 56 native bird species, 45 of these can be found only in the Galapagos. You can see different sea birds, land birds, and shorebirds, including migratory birds.

On the islands, due to no natural predators, the birds are approachable and are not scare easily. You can observe them from close distances and for long periods of time.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling gives you the opportunity to explore life under the surface. You will be able to bear witness to all sorts of enchanting wildlife. You can see marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, white-tip reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, starfish, colorful fish, rainbow coral.

Galapagos Islands is one of the best places on earth to do snorkeling.

Kayaking

This is a one-of-a-kind active adventure in the world’s most unique wildlife destination. You’ll have an amazing experience, enjoying the beauty of the islands from a distance and have closer encounters with marine life. The sun at the equator is really strong and burns the skin faster. Remember to wear reef-friendly sunscreen lotion and your personal life jacket.

Other activities

You can enjoy some other activities like mountain biking or paddleboarding that gives you the chance to cover a lot of area for a shorter time. You can enjoy all the activities all year-round.

Galapagos video from Unesco

Main photo credit: Diego Delso / Wikipedia

Want to learn more about other sustainable destination? Check out out section sustainable travel destinations.

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