Archive for August, 2010

What Exactly IS a Hartebeest?

August 31, 2010

Giraffe’s and zebras and elephants – oh my!  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of wildlife you’ll witness first-hand as you journey through the exotic and breathtakingly beautiful land of Kenya.  Delight in the chimpanzees – be awed by the long-necked gerenuk – be dazzled by the dominant lions – and wonder at the antelope, buffalo and hippos. You will never see the combination of black and pink again without remembering the black rhinos and pink flamingoes at Lake Nakuru Park.  Gaze at the graceful leopard and the intriguing wildebeest! This escorted safari destination holds the key to indescribable scenery, while offering the opportunity of a lifetime to travel safely to a place significantly foreign to our American way of life.  The comprehensive “Know Before You Go” booklet allows you to be well informed and prepared and takes all the guesswork out of safari travel. 

By day six you will be seasoned to the ways of safari life and what an exciting time you will have at Sweetwater’s Tented Camp.  Offering a charming blend of under-canvas ambiance and safari luxury, the camp is located on the plains of Mount Kenya and features luxury tents, each with its own private veranda overlooking the water hole.  Here you will be treated to a parade of  wildlife, while nestled in one of the most serenely beautiful scenery in all of Kenya!

 A sheltered oasis, clustered around a waterhole and set in the pristine calm of a private wildlife conservancy, Sweetwater’s Tented Camp is in a class  all its own. Luxuriously appointed tents, complete with thatched roofs, en-suite bathrooms AND verandas with views over the waterhole are your accommodations for the night! The main buildings are rather “conventional” but the tents are really fabulous. Picture your beds being made with hot water bottles every night and having extremely comfortable mattresses and several blankets to keep you warm enough to sleep like a log. The rooms include an outlet for your hair dryer and shaver too.  The camp prides itself on the quality of its cuisine offering a 5-course “table d’hôte” dining experience every night, and a selection of African, Asian, and international dishes PLUS “sundowners” safari cocktails. The food is a tasty buffet with plenty of choices.  I have it on good authority that the steamed puddings are to die for! Be sure to try them. The friendly staff really makes the whole experience!  The camp enjoys spectacular views over the alternately lush and golden plains.  Because Sweetwater’s Camp has its own private waterhole and saltlick you will be able to enjoy unprecedented close encounters with the wildlife – in the sanctuary of their natural habitat. The blend of under canvas ambiance and lavish luxury provides a marvelous retreat safari lovers.

Built in the 1970′s, the Camp’s main building was originally the residence of the ranch manager and the private domain of famed multi-millionaire, Adnan Khashoggi. The Ranch House is furnished with original and unusual paintings and artifacts, and comprises six elegantly appointed suites, which overlook extensive tropical gardens and two swimming pools. 

Sweetwater’s Tented Camp lies in the heart of 90,000 acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy and is the closest place from Nairobi to see “The Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo). It is also the Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary in East Africa, boasting a population of 78 black rhino! Its other wildlife includes white rhino, giraffe, zebra, eland, oryx, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Thompson’s gazelle, cheetah, silver-backed jackal, hartebeest and baboon. Here you will also find several hundred bird species. I’ll expect a full report on what the hartebeest really  is!!

This is only one of the overnight accommodations, hand-picked for you by Interlude, to insure your African adventure is top-notch!  Each lodge offers its own special ambiance and uniquely tailored game drive. Grab a camera and discover the intrinsic beauty abounding within a well-planned and moderated Kenyan Safari. Your escorted vacation waits to provide you with an incomparable experience!

The full itinerary and pricing is available on our website for this escorted tour – a guaranteed departure so you can make travel plans with confidence.

Kenya Safari Adventure (click here for itinerary)
May 16-28, 2011 (13 days, 12 nights)  

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

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Hanging Loose and Having Fun!

August 13, 2010
 Aloha.  Since this escorted vacation  affords you “hang loose” time, I’ve prepared some suggestions for you if sitting on the glorious beaches, inhaling the fresh air, and watching the ocean’s lovely changing colors of green and blue, and experiencing the positively glorious sunsets aren’t enough. What can you do for free on the Big Island?  The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is located in a valley bordering the ocean and is without question, one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii. The Garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The last admission to the Garden is at 4:00 p.m. As a visitor you will receive a trail map to assist you in their self guided tour and the free loan of an umbrella to protect you from the frequent rains which keep the Garden so lush – so thoughtful. As you wander the trails throughout the Garden, you pass through many different environments, including coconut groves, mango and monekeypod trees, palm jungles and a giant fern tree forest. Over 2,000 different species of plants grace the Garden-you’ll think you’re in Paradise!  
 
 

A Kinkajou! - Who Knew!

Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is a 12-acre rainforest zoo located south of Hilo on Mamaki Street. Namasté, its white Bengal tiger, gets fed daily at 3:30, The zoo is also known for its beautiful botanical gardens, which have more than 100 varieties of palm trees and other plants. Open 9-4 daily. (808) 959-7224 and it’s also free.

You can visit  Mauna Kea,  where above the clouds, at 9,000 feet, the Visitors Information Station offers displays about the mountain’s world-class astronomical observatories; and every evening of the year its volunteer astronomy buffs roll out telescopes for an outstanding—and free—stargazing program. A slice of heaven awaits your eyes as you experience the amazing skies for which Mauna Kea is famous.    

How about a trip to the Kona Historical Society?  Step back in time to an authentic living history experience where historical sites present you with a vivid and unforgettable story of Hawai’i’s past.  Experience the 1880’s in the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum where the shopkeeper will help you gather your supplies for your trip up Kona mauka.  The mingled aromas of coffee beans and oranges blend together again, just as they did over 100 years ago. Stroll through the award-winning Kona Coffee Living History Farm that tells the story of Kona’s coffee pioneers during the years 1926-1945.  It is America’s only living history coffee farm where you may “talk story” with costumed historians and discover the history behind Kona’s gourmet crop.  You won’t leave this place without feeling you have experienced a rare glimpse into Hawaii’s colorful past.    

Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company also offers a self-guided tour where you’ll observe the processing of 100% Hawaiian macadamia nuts and even get samples in seven different flavors! Located in historic Kawaihae near the Puukohola Heiau and open everyday from 9am – 5 pm!  888-643-6688. The variety of macadamia nut brittles are loaded with macadamias and flow like lava across the marble cooling tables – delish!!    

Now, if you are willing to pay, I can recommend the Big Island’s only boat designed for viewing marine life above and below the surface. The Spirit of Kona offers scenic coastal cruises with an emphasis on encounters with marine mammals. This boat features two large glass bottom viewing wells and has two decks that both offer 360 degree topside viewing. The underwater viewing ports allow guests to view dolphins, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of tropical fish in their natural environment. All tours are two hours to two hours and 15 minutes in length and are incredible!    

For those evenings when you don’t have dinner plans you may consider the Evening on the Reef Sunset Dinner Cruise Adults $98.00 Children (ages 8-11) $75    

Departure time from the Kailua-Kona pier varies with the seasonal sunset times. A full dinner buffet, soft drinks, water, and a complimentary Mai Tai greeting for guests over 21 are included in the tour price. Beer, wine, cocktails, and souvenirs are available for purchase. The captain and crew enlighten guests about the marine life encountered during the cruise. After sunset the downward lights mounted in the hull of the Spirit of Kona light up the reef for rare views of nocturnal sea life, which often includes the famous manta rays of the Kona coast. Live local entertainment is also featured. The Evening on the Reef Dinner Cruise is held Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening. Minimum age for the Evening on the Reef is 8 years old.    

Want to see whales up close and personal?  Humpback whales are in Hawaii waters in large numbers from December to April every year. Experience the thrill of looking over the edge of the boat and having one of these gentle giants swim directly underneath you. During peak season, there is a selection of whale watching tours and other cruises.  Worried if you’ll actually see a whale? Don’t – it’s GUARANTEED! There are SO MANY whales during peak season that locals refer to the ocean as “whale soup.”    

How close will you get to the whales? That depends on the whales. By law, the boats must stop 100 yards away from a whale. They are incredibly curious animals though, and they OFTEN approach much closer than that. Sometimes they’ll mug the boat and swim directly under it … you may even get the rare treat of smelling whale breath!  There is absolutely nothing like the sound of a spouting whale!  It is truly something you will not forget …something like the puff of a steam engine locomotive.    

Hanging loose in Hawaii is like nothing you will ever experience – anywhere – and whether you opt for the one, two or three island adventure, you are guaranteed a magical time in a true tropical paradise.  Sign up now and look forward to something besides snow next winter.

Hawaii: One, Two or Three Island Adventure (click here for itinerary)
Choice of departures:  November 8, 2010, January 10, 2011, February 7, 2011 

Eadie
– Interlude blog team  

•For immediate service, please call (317) 913-0387 or email us
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