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Rhino Conservation in Uganda
The Rhinoceros, like many animals, have become under threat due to poaching for their horns and changes to their habitat which have created a major problem in keeping these species safe in Africa and Asia. Rhino conservation in Uganda has become a priority for several NGO’s in the country, who are attempting to foster a sanctuary space to revive the population of Southern White Rhinos, which were once indigenous to the region. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary African safaris can provide for protection, education and conservation in addition to the opportunity for a spectacular vacation. Choosing a space that lets you observe the animals in a safe location while enjoying your trip…
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Wonder Women: Girls Finding Secondary Education in Morocco
The echoed singing through the minaret softly enters your ears, and you rub your eyes to adjust to the faint light. You lay in bed in the dark, the call to prayer continues as an alarm clock for the village. With out the capability of a snooze button, you comply, getting up, reaching for your headscarf, your feet finding warmth from your cold floor onto your prayer rug, facing Mecca as you begin Fajr, your morning prayers. As the sun begins to pierce through the windows, the cool mountain air in your room is warmed by the early morning light. You dip your flatbread in Argan oil at breakfast, quickly…
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Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: An Unparalleled Wildlife Experience
Where the Gold meets the Silver, Mgahinga National Park is a tiny slice of primate paradise, and the ultimate in Uganda Gorilla trekking. We started out from our hotel early, it had taken us several bumpy hours to get here the night before our trek. The terrain from the previous safari day changed drastically to what seemed like driving straight out of Africa and into an evergreen forest in Washington state. As we snaked our way towards Kisoro, the warm, dusty East African air that had been blowing into our Land Cruiser became crisp, filtered, fresh air from the pine trees, as we ascending higher and higher in altitude. The…
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The 19 Best Things About Solo Travel
Solo Travel For some, it’s the dreaded two words, you’re going out alone, going on vacation BY YOURSELF!? For others, it’s a sense of adventure, a quest to live life on your own, unapologetically and unattached. You may not know which side you’re on until you go out on your own and discover for yourself. Whichever place you find yourself in, I implore you to explore solo travel! I’ve been to over 70 countries, traveling for over five years on my own and here are 19 of the many things I’ve found that are the best about solo travel. 1. You Push Your Comfort Zones Going to a restaurant, walking…
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Green Islas, White Salt & Black Magic: Spending 72 hours in Bolivia
We bounced over the border, or what I thought was to be the border. It was my first crossing in South America by foot (by bus) and after reading the laundry list of items I needed to present as an American, I was worried this last minute change in itinerary wouldn’t go as planned. Luckily, I was with Peru Hop, and they seemed to have sorted out for me what was necessary before I hopped on the bus. Everything was mored built up in my head than in reality, as these things usually are, and with minimal issues, I passed over the white line without consequence and as I dragged…
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Keep the Caribbean Green: A Sustainable Guide to Martinique
Thud. My red cheeks immediately tighten as the front of my matchbox sized car dove directly down into another pot hole. I grimace, my skin, taught from the slight sun burn on my face, stung a little as the Twingo car bounced into a divot amidst the rocky one lane road. This was, according to my trusted GPS, the road meant to lead me to the marina. I’m no boat owner, but I do know that no one would be towing a sailboat on this glorified farm path. GPS is a funny thing. It’s so reliable, and then, when you need it most, it quickly morphs into your mortal enemy. …
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Spectacular Things about 2017 Travel
It’s that time of year again, a yearly round up of the best moments of 2017 travel. The last week of December is always a good time for reflection on all of the highlights of the year, in addition to looking forward on plans to come for 2018. When I first started my blog it was a way for me to journal my journey and ever so slowly, five years later, it has been a way for me to share experiences, inspire others to see the world and maybe live a little less conventionally. Each year, I pull together a round up of moments I’m happily reminded of the rewards…
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A Girl’s Guide to Going on Safari
Most vacations to Africa are life long dreams of going on Safari. These are once in a lifetime trips for the average traveler and many Safari goers are first timers on the continent so planning for a trip like this can become a daunting task. I spent close to half this past year in Africa, on several different types of safaris and I have come up with my tips and tricks for being prepared for your own African adventure. I made a few errors along the way and would love to share with you ways to avoid making your own, as well as helpful hints so you feel ready to…
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Termite Poop & Cheap Whiskey: Volunteering in Zambia
The ritual of walking into town and perusing through the two markets became somewhat of a game. Each day ended the same, we would be picked up from the work site and driven back to camp. A group of us would descend into town, with dirt under our nails, dust in our pony tails and mud on our shoes. We stopped next door to the barber shop to pick up fresh, fried doughnuts from the same lovely women with her two girls always wanting to help collect the change. Then, it was off to see if there was anything new that was delivered to the market. We’d take our collection…
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Hiking the High Atlas: A Moroccan Adventure
I wiped the sweat from my forehead, the sun beat down on us with warm early morning light. I looked over longingly at the light dusting of snow on Toubkal, but for the rest of the mountains, the autumn heat was strongly shining down. Hiking the High Atlas Mountains was no small feat, even a few days trekking in the surrounding hills proved to be a welcomed challenge. Hussein, my guide for the weekend, quickly bounced up the path in front of me. He grew up in the region and has been guiding treks for the last 8 years, his agility shown through in his experience. “It’s a cold country…
