Posts Tagged ‘grand’

A Bird’s Eye View of the Grand Canyon

Waimea Canyon was once dubbed by Mark Twain to be the “Grand Canyon of the South Pacific.” Located on the island of Kauai the canyon has easily a spectacular landmark of incomparable grandeur. Measuring 10 miles long and 1 mile wide with a depth of more than 3,500 feet, the canyon is the largest in the Pacific. A rare and spectacular sight, the canyon was created thousands of years ago by rivers flowing from the summit of Mount Waialeale. Throughout the years there have been numerous volcanic eruptions, leaving lava to flow over the canyon walls, carving out ridges that remain today. The canyon is located within the bounds of Koke’e State Park, taking in more than 4,300 acres and including 45 miles of hiking trails.

Visitors to the island can enjoy the incredible view from numerous lookouts posted along the canyon as well as hike various trails meandering over 45 miles around and through the canyon. Once on the floor of the canyon, travelers will enjoy calming breezes, with temperatures that are often 10-15 degrees cooler than anywhere else on the island. For those interested in capturing some of the most spectacular views in the world, there are terrific photo opportunities almost everywhere you look. Be sure to visit in the morning; however, if at all possible. Early morning views provide better visibility and therefore far better photographs. Beginning at around the noon hours clouds begin to move into the area, practically shrouding lookouts.

Although the canyon is accessible via State Road 550, by far the best way to see the wonders of Waimea Canyon is a dramatic helicopter ride. Only from the vantage point of the Kauai helicopter tours can one gain an appreciation of the true magnitude of the canyon. Flying high above the rim of the canyon, along a mantle of gossamer clouds, you will delight in the veritable rainbow of chasm struts presented in a prism of reds, purples, greens and blues. Gazing at the various rock layers, each one representing a separate volcanic incidence from the past of the island, visitors gain an appreciation for the history of the canyon, dating back millions of years. The views offered through Kauai helicopter tours will provide memories you will never forget.

Descending onto the floor of the canyon, there is a variety of sights, wonders and activities. The Kokee Natural History Museum, located at an amazing 4,000 feet, offers displays of the many lush vegetation found on the mountain as well as numerous animals. Directly behind the museum, visitors can access a nature trail that will allow them view the 35 marked plants for themselves.

Birdwatchers will surely delight in the variety of birds available for sighting in Waimea Canyon. Just a few of the birds you’re likely to see include the yellow-green anianiau, the Nene-state bird, white-tailed tropic bird, red apapane and other jungle fowl. Keep an eye out and you’re likely to also see a few mountain goats during your visit to the canyon.

Lookouts are located just about everywhere you turn, providing plenty of opportunities for fantastic photographs. Some provide absolutely incredible sights, well worthy of any professional postcard. These include the Waimea Canyon Overlook located at mile 10, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.

After hiking the trails and investigating the numerous lush plants and colorful birdlife, you will surely have worked up an appetite. Be sure to stop by the Kokee Lodge, located conveniently next door to the Kokee Natural History Museum, for a hearty meal. The Lodge serves both breakfast and lunch while also providing a warm hearth, a welcome respite on cooler days.

When planning your Kauai helicopter tours, be sure to wear layered clothing in order to keep warm, because temperatures can be rather cool. In addition, it’s also a good idea to wear comfortable footwear, especially if you plan to hike the trails once descending onto the canyon floor. Rain gear is also a necessary must, as the island is frequented with rain showers. In order to take full advantage of the fabulous views, be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars and don’t forget your camera. For those adventurous souls who want to splash in the river, be sure to bring along an extra set of clothing.

A visit to Kauai would not be complete without viewing the spectacular natural wonder of Waimea Canyon. With 5 million years in the making, this is one sight you won’t soon forget. Combine your visit with Kauai helicopter tours and you’ll bring home memories that will stay with you the rest of your life.

South America Grand Hotel Guangdong

South America Grand Hotel Guangdong is a theme hotel which characterized by hydrotherapy culture, it has total operating area 38 thousand square meters.

The hotel features 96 well appointed guest rooms and suites; it is designed and constructed based on five star hotel standards.

In the South America Grand Hotel Guangdong   there are multi-functional luxury Spa recreation area, modern buffet restaurant, rhythm piano bar, and exquisite cigar bar, spacious movie room, deluxe VIP lounge, outer space rest area, deep thought space of multi-media and other facilities; psychological specialists, dieticians , coach of calisthenics and doctors will provide you an peculiar individual healthy diet.

It is the largest and highest class Spa and leisure center in the country at present, and also one of the advanced, fully-equipped functional hotels in the hospitality industry.

Distance from South America Grand Hotel Guangdong to Pazhou Complex is 12.5 km.

Hotel Name: South America Grand Hotel Guangdong

Hotel Address: NO.16 Haiming Jie, Binjing Xi Lu

South America Grand Hotel Guangdong View:

 The Pearl River, 
 Shangxiajiu Street  

South America Grand Hotel Guangdong  Leisure:

Cinema, Gymnasium, Books room, Game bar, Table tennis…

South America Grand Hotel Guangdong Food & Beverage:

Western cuisine restaurant
Caferteria
Bar

 Service:

SPA
Sauna

South America Grand Hotel Guangdong  Location:

Distance from Liuhua complex 5 km
Distance from Pazhou Complex 12.5 km
Distance from Huanshidong Business District 7.5 km
Distance from Tianhebei Business District 12 km
Distance from Guangzhou Station 6 km
Distance from New Baiyun Airport 45 km
Close to NO Metro Express?to station
Close to NO€Airport Express?to station
Ambient Sights?White Swan Waterfront, Shamian Island, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

What is the penalty for camping at the bottom of The Grand Canyon without a permit?

I applied for a camping permit recently to be able to camp at the bottom of the Grand Canyon for my upcoming vacation in June. I’m not positive if I will be able to get a permit for it. I heard a lot of people end up camping at the bottom regardless of the permit. I am unable to figure out what the penalty or fine is though.

Any ideas on an inexpensive camping site that is near Yellowstone? Same for the Grand Canyon?

My family and I are going on vacation, but are wanting to camp most of the time. We want nice campgrounds that are inexpensive…like say $14 a night or maybe just slightly more. We need to find these campgrounds and reserve very quickly. We leave for vacation Sept. 4th. Does anyone have ANY ideas on where we could camp? Take into consideration that flushing toilets or shower facilities would be greatly appreciated.

If anyone who has ever camped in either of these two places, could help me out here, I would be grateful!!!

Thanks!

Yellowstone Camping Adventure – PT3 Grand Tetons To Lewis River

Our Family Camping Vacation To Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks – Part 3: Arrival at Colter Bay in Grand Tetons National Park, The view from Jackson Lake Lodge, Then to southern most point of Jackson Lake and the Grand Tetons near sunset. Next morning Tetons at sunrise, Flat tire on van in need of repair, Return to Yellowstone with a stop along the Lewis River and Falls.

Kenya family wildlife Kenya grand tour

Below is a sample itinerary for a family safari to this beautiful paradise that still plays host to animal species as well as bird life not to be seen anywhere else on earth.

Areas of Interest: Amboseli National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Aberdare Ranges, Samburu National Reserve, Mount Kenya, Nyahururu Falls / Thomson Falls,  Lake Nakuru National park, Lake Naivasha, Crescent Island ,  The Great Rift Valley, Mau Escarpment, Masai Mara National Reserve

Day 1: Arrival
Meet you at Jomo Kenyatta international airport and transfer you to The Nairobi Safari Club Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2– Amboseli National Park
Pick up from the Hilton hotel soon after break fast and drive south through Maasai country to the plains below Mt. Kilimanjaro where Amboseli is situated. After a stopover lunch at the lodge we proceed into the scenic Amboseli National Park for a game drive returning to the lodge in the evening for a sun downer. Dinner and overnight stay at Amboseli Serena Lodge

Day 3 – Amboseli National Park
After a leisurely breakfast, we explore the park through morning and afternoon game drives. We have sufficient time for relaxation at the lodge, complete with the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background. Avisit to the Maasai villages in between the game drives can be arranged with our guide. Dinner and overnight stay at Amboseli Serena Lodge

Amboseli means ‘the place of water’ in Maasai language. The park has an endless supply of water which is filtered through thousands of meters of volcanic rock from Mount Kilimanjaro. Animal species seen include elephant, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, impala and leopard. The birdlife seen here includes pelican, bee eater, kingfisher, African fish eagle and pygmy falcon. Amboseli is one of the most popular parks and offers excellent accommodation facilities.

Day 4 – Amboseli – Aberdare ( Treetops)
We leave Amboseli, viewing game as we drive via Nairobi to the Aberdares to enjoy the experience of staying in a Tree Hotel or lodge overlooking floodlit waterholes where wildlife and birds regularly visit. Dinner and a well deserved sleep thereafter. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Tree Tops Hotel

Over 40 species of wildlife inhabit the Aberdare mountain ranges, hiding in the heavily forested slopes and in the upper moor lands. The Aberdares is noted as a rhino sanctuary but keep an eye out for the elusive rare bongo, which is best, spotted in the upper bamboo zone and hypericum scrub.

Day 5 – Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast we proceed further north across the Equator to the edge of the Northern Frontier. Arrival will be in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive returning in time for a sun downer and dinner at the Samburu lodge.

Samburu is part of a lava plain that includes a diverse landscape of thorn scrub, red dirt, dried river beds, broken volcanic rock, steep hills, and rocky outcroppings. This reserve is becoming one of Kenya’s most admired stops after the Mara. Sights of the peculiarly branched doum palms and thorn trees give an unusual look to the region.

Day 6 – Samburu National Reserve
The whole day will be spent relaxing and leisurely exploring the Samburu National Reserve through morning and afternoon game drives. You may opt to do some of the activities offered at the lodges and a visit to Samburu Villages. Dinner and overnight stay at Samburu Lodge

The light and vast openness creates a lonesome panoramic beauty and the permanent water supply acts like a lure for the abundant species found here. The region is home to the uncommon Grevy’s zebra with huge fury ears, gerenuk antelope standing on hind legs to feed, Somali ostriches with distinct blue legs and the shy Oryx. Elephant and crocodile are guaranteed sightings, excellent bird watching with numerous varieties of weaverbirds and the martial eagle. Leopard sighting is also a special feature here.

Day 7- Samburu -Sweet waters.
We enjoy a final early morning game drive in the Samburu reserve then depart for the Mt. Kenya region. Arrival at the lodge in time for you to enjoy the facilities of the lodge, explore the Mount Kenya National Park or take an optional tour to the nearby Sweetwaters Reserve which is home to Chimpanzees. Dinner and overnight stay at Sweetwater’s Tented camp

Sweetwater’s is the only sanctuary for rehabilitation in Kenya of these widely abused chimpanzees with two groups living in an environment as close to their natural habitat as possible. The site is also a dedicated black rhino breeding area.

Day 8- Aberdares – Lake Nakuru
Depart the lodge soon after breakfast and drive to Lake Nakuru National park. Lunch at a lodge followed by a full afternoon game drives at the Kenya’s Park famed by its numerous species of birdlife. Dinner and overnight stay at Flamingo Hill Tented Camp.

Lake Nakuru’s claim to fame is anchored on its flamingo’s and the over 400 species of birds found here. The lake itself is a soda lake on the floor of the rift valley. The sight of the at times millions of flamingos is quite spectacular. From a distance the lake appears ringed in pink. The Lake has also earned a reputation as an important haven for endangered species- particularly the Rothschild Giraffe and the black and white rhino. Lions, waterbuck, buffalo and baboons are all residents here.

Day 9 -Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha
Breakfast at leisure before driving to Lake Naivasha. A visit to the hells gate national park this park can be explored on foot or you could also cycle around the park boat ride to Crescent Island can be arranged .Dinner and overnight at Naivasha Sopa Lodge.

Day 10 : Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara
Drive to via the Great Rift Valley to arrive at Maasai Mara in time for lunch at Keekorok Lodge. Full afternoon game drive till dusk.

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

Day 11 & 12 – Masai Mara National Reserve
Full day spent exploring the park in search of the big 5- Optional balloon safari can be arranged at an extra cost of US$ 425 per person. Dinner and Overnight stay at Keekorok lodge

The Mara offers wildlife in such variety and abundance that it is difficult to believe: over 450 species of animals have been recorded here. You will easily see lions, rhinos, hippos, crocodiles, giraffe, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, buffalo, leopard, many kinds of antelopes and elephant. It is in the Mara that perhaps the most spectacular event of the natural world takes place. This is the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti (Tanzania) in search of water and pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

You may also opt to do some of the activities offered by the lodge. On clear days, the Masai Mara offers fantastic orange tinted sunsets and you will definitely want to capture this moment while sipping on a sun downer back at the lodge.
Balloon trips are an entirely outstanding way of seeing the savannah plains and the wildlife after which you come back down for a beautiful champagne breakfast. These trips can be arranged at our office upon booking.

Day 13 – Maasai Mara –Nairobi Excursions /Departure
Drop off at Mara airstrip to board a morning flight to Nairobi – on arriving Wilson airport, our driver will meet you and drive you to  Mamba village then proceed to the giraffe centre where the children get an opportunity to feed the giraffe by hand and pet them. Dinner at the Carnivore restaurant at 1830 hrs. Drop off at the airport to board your home bound flight.

The crocodile farm is among the main attractions at Nairobi Mamba Village and the pens are home to an estimated 70 Nile crocodiles. Four Maasai Ostriches can also be found strutting around their pen with grace. Visitors often come into direct personal contact with them when given the opportunity to feed these gallant birds from their hands. The experience is always satisfying and exciting especially for children 

Your guide to Grand Strand entertainment for 2010

Your guide to Grand Strand entertainment for 2010
I t’s no secret. There’s a lot to do here. In fact, you could say that the Grand Strand specializes in things to do, creating as many attractions and events as possible to draw millions of visitors to the coast each year.

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