iSimangaliso | St. Lucia South Africa

iSimangaliso was previously known as the St. Lucia Wetlands, however it was renamed in 2007 to its current name. Although it has been renamed, many of the signs and local references still note the St. Lucia South Africa name.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a highlight of South Africa featuring a collection of ecosystems. The varying ecosystems includes beaches, wetlands, coral reefs, lakes, woodlands, coastal forests, grasslands, and swamps. The varying habitats make it easy for St. Lucia South Africa to be home to an abundance and diverse collection of wildlife.

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7 Natural Wonders of Africa: Serengeti Migration

The Serengeti is not one of the 7 natural wonders of Africa, but it is home to the migration which was officially declared as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa on February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. The migration is a shared wonder between the countries of Tanzania and Kenya. The majority of the migration is experienced on the Tanzanian side.

Serengeti

The name Serengeti comes from the Swahili word meaning “endless plains.” For some this conjures up an image of nothing but grass lands, however the it is so much more. These endless plains stretch over 12,000 squares miles (30,000 sq km) and feature a variety of habitats that include the expected grasslands along with kopjes, swamps, riverine forests, woodlands and hills.

The various habitats are what provide an opportunity for the Serengeti to be home to around 70 larger mammals and over 500 species of birds. The abundant and varying wildlife is what attracts visitors to this wonder of nature from Africa.

The Kenyan and Tanzanian governments have leveraged national parks, conservation areas, and game reserves to establish official protection over 80% of the endless plains affectionately known as the Serengeti. The national park in Tanzania goes by the same name, whereas the national park in Kenya is known as the Masai Mara.

Serengeti Wildlife

The migration is the hallmark of the Serengeti featuring over 1.2 million wildebeest, over 800,000 zebra, and hundreds of thousands of gazelles, impalas, and other wildlife. The heart of the migration is the wildebeest and the zebra.

The Serengeti is also home to 6 of the Big Seven, which include the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, hippo and the crocodile. The only one of the Big Seven missing is the mountain gorilla. Some of the other wildlife calling the endless plains home include: cheetah, hyena, giraffe, eland, Thomson gazelle, impala, baboon, and the warthog. There are also hundreds of species of birds making this the complete Safari experience.

The migration is what attracts many people. One of the highlights occurs during the months of January and February when the wildebeests are giving birth. This is a short and concise window where all of the wildebeests give birth within a 2 to 3 week period. A second highlight occurs sometime during the months of September or October. This is another concise 2 to 3 week period where the wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River into Kenya.

Crossing the more River is exciting for an couple of reasons. First, it is an amazing sight to see 1 million wildebeests crossing the river in a given moment. However this is also a challenging crossing as crocodiles wait to feast on these animals as they enter the water. Witnessing a crocodile capture and kill one of the wildebeest is an exciting encounter with nature.

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7 Natural Wonders of Africa: Nile River

The Nile River was officially declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. Votes were cast by experts from around the world who noted the key statistical significance. The Nile River is the longest river in the world stretching 4,132 miles (6,650 km) while crossing 10 countries in northern Africa.

Nile River

The Nile River is located in northern Africa spanning across 10 countries that include Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and ending in Egypt as it feeds into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile River is the longest river in the world beating out the Amazon by 155 Feet. The Nile is considered to have two sources of which one originates in Uganda and the other in Ethiopia. Upon receiving the official recognition as a natural wonder, Uganda Minister of Tourism declared the source as a protected area. Uganda is also home to Murchison Falls which is an incredible waterfall on the Nile. The tremendous Nile River forces its way between narrow canyon walls to create the thunderous Murchison Falls.

Much of the Nile River meanders through the Sahara Desert as it makes its way north towards the Mediterranean. The Nile starts with two sources in the south and finishes with two branches as it splits as it completes the journey in Egypt. The west branch is known as Rosetta whereas the east is called Damietta. This area is known as the Nile Delta.

Where is the Nile River

The Nile River is located in northern Africa. The river originates in Uganda and Ethiopia as two different sources and then it meanders through nine countries where it ends in the Mediterranean Sea. The mouth of the river at the Mediterranean Sea is located in Egypt. The mouth of the river is often the first place think of when they envision the Nile River.

Best way to see and experience the Nile River

The best way to experience the Nile River depends on your interest. One of the most popular ways is to take a river cruise. There are more adventurous ways to engage the Nile such as river rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. Uganda features activities near the source that include bungee jumping out over the water.

Nile River Wildlife

Most people think of crocodiles when it comes to the Nile River, and they are there. The Nile crocodile is one of the largest crocodiles in Africa reaching around 20 feet. When travelers look to see the Big 7, the Nile crocodile is usually the ideal sighting. The river is certainly home to fish, but more importantly it is home to another one of the Big 7 with the along with the hippopotamus.

Elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, gazelle and other wildlife will use the Nile as a source of water. When some of these animals make their way to the river’s edge, they can easily become victim to the crocodile. Murchison Falls National Park is home to 76 mammal species and around 450 species of birds.

Endangered Species of Africa

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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7 Natural Wonders of Africa: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Deltas was officially declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. Votes were cast by experts from around the world who noted the key statistical significance, uniqueness and splendor. Although there are two inland deltas in Africa that rival and possibly surpass Okavango Delta in size, they have been diminished with poaching and war. Okavango Delta is a protected area with an investment to protect the wildlife and her uniqueness for all to experience.

Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is argued as the world’s largest inland delta. The delta is created from the rains the fill the Okavango River which is delivered to the basin of the Kalahari Desert. This is caused from the rainy season that occurs between January and February. The waters begin filling the delta in March and rising to the peak months of July and August.

The majority of water is lost to evaporation and transpiration. Plants and transpiration account for 60% of the water lost followed by evaporation with 36%. The delta is extremely flat with less that 7 feet (2 meters) of elevation change. Every year the delta features 11 cubic kilometers, or 11,000,000,000,000 liters, of water flow. Visit our Okavango Delta Resource page to learn more about the delta and options for exploring this wonder of nature.

Where is the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is located in the southern part of Africa in the country of Botswana. Botswana is found north of South Africa, south of Zambia, southwest of Zimbabwe, and east of Namibia. The Okavango Delta is located in the northern part of Botswana nestled in the basin of the Kalahari. The delta is just southwest of Chobe National Park.

Okavango Delta Wildlife

The Okavango Delta is an amazing home to a variety of wildlife. Some of the wildlife are seasonal following the rains while others call the area home year round. For visitors, safari goers and nature lovers it is a wildlife haven. Some of the wildlife that may be experienced include: giraffe, buffalo, hippos, rhinos, lions, and a variety of antelope. The historical Big 5 along with 6 of Africa’s Big 7 can all be experienced in the Okavango Delta.

Those fascinated with predators will be glad to know that the delta is home to lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena, wild dogs, and crocodiles. Some of the more sought after creatures you may find include both the the black and white rhinos, ostrich, hippo and the elephant.

The Okavango Delta is also a sanctuary for over 400 species of birds making this a great destination for bird watchers as well. Some of the birds that may be encountered include the ostrich, African Fish Eagle, Crested Crane, Lilac-Breasted Roller, among many other amazing birds.

Best way to see and experience Okavango Delta

Visitors to the Okavango Delta usually have one thing in mind and this viewing and experiencing wildlife. One unique way to experience delta and view game is taking a hot air balloon ride over the basin. However, the greatest way to see the most wildlife comes from taking a safari game drive through the park. Another option is to take one of the canoe type options through the channels of the delta. Each of these provide unique and engaging ways to experience the wildlife of Okavango Delta. Visit our Resources page for more information.

Endangered Species of Africa

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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Best way to see the Zuma Rock

More will follow on the Zuma Rock as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Best way to experience the Zuma Rock

More will follow on the Zuma Rock as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Endangered Species of Africa

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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Best way to see Peak of the Furnace

More will follow on Peak of the Furnace as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Best way to experience Peak of the Furnace

More will follow on the Peak of the Furnace as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Endangered Species of Africa

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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Mount Kenya is located in the Mount Kenya National Park close to the equator. The UNESCO has declared Mount Kenya as a world heritage site. The park and area receives approximately 15,000 visitors each year.

Theder immense pressure. To the west side of the mountain is the peak Shira (3,962m), of which only the southern and western rims remain.

Best way to see Mount Kenya

More will follow on Mount Kenya as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Best way to experience Mount Kenya

More will follow on the Mount Kenya as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Endangered Species of Africa

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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The Aldabra Atoll includes a ring of four larger islands: Grand Terre, Malabar, Polymnie, and Picard, and a few smaller islands. The islands have no inhabitants apart from a small staff of rangers. The atoll accounts for the largest population of giant tortoises. Additional wildlife includes: hammerhead sharks, barracuda, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, mantarays, and various birds.

Best way to see the Aldabra Atoll

More will follow on the Aldabra Atoll as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Best way to experience the Aldabra Atoll

More will follow on the Aldabra Atoll as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

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Best way to see and experience Tsingy de Bemaraha

More will follow on Tsingy de Bemaraha as it is declared an official or notable wonder of Africa.

Endangered Species of Africa

There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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Red Sea Reef

The Red Sea Reef stretches over 1,240 miles along the coast of Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea. There are more than 1,100 species of fish that call this Red Sea Reef home and nearly 10% of these are exclusive to this region. The reef features include abundant aquatic life, platforms, lagoons, and cylinders.

7 Natural Wonders of Africa: Red Sea Reef

The Red Sea Reef was officially declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa February 11, 2013 in Arusha, Tanzania. Votes were cast by experts from around the world who noted the key statistical significance. The Red Sea Reef is home to over 1,100 species of fish with approximately 10% being exclusive to the area. Factors that voters noted included being the largest reef related to Africa and the third largest reef system in the world, the significant percentage of species exclusive to the area, and the resilience of this reef system to the changing environment.

Best way to see the Red See Reef

The best way to see and experience the Red Sea Reef is through snorkeling and diving adventures. Egypt is the most popular access point for the reef, buy access is available through neighboring African countries as well as Israel and Jordan across the sea.

Reef systems are fragile and require care and protection. Although snorkeling and diving are the best ways to encounter the life of the reef, they are also one of the leading threats to the reef and the life that calls her home. It s imperative that visitors take all precautions to experience the reef responsibly. YOu can visit our Resource Page to learn more and access resources that serve and support the Red Sea Reef.

Endangered Species of Africa

The Red Sea Reef is home to 1,100 species of fish with 10% of those being exclusive to this reef system. It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the Red Sea Reef and the life calling her home. There are 100s of critically endangered species on every continent around the world. The wildlife, fauna and flora are much of what makes the various wonders of nature special. The endangered species of Africa are one of Seven Natural Wonder’s greatest concerns. Take a moment and glance at some of the critically endangered wildlife.

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