I have a love/hate relationship with camping. I love to be outdoors, and I love the idea of spending that time with friends and family away from modern distractions, but the idea of sleeping on the ground is not something that gets me excited. This comes from past experience, and the knowledge that my back doesnít like my bed on some nights. Laying on the ground to sleep is something that guarantees that I will be in a lot of pain the next day. Recently, someone suggested that I look into a camper, which I wonít do, or perhaps I should consider getting camping cots for the few times we wish to go camping.

I have to admit that the idea of camping cots opens up the world of camping for me again. I donít think I would enjoy camping as much if I were in a camper, unless there is bad weather or perhaps the nights are very cold. However, camping cots would ensure that I could rest much better at night, and that would mean that I feel well enough to enjoy myself during the day. This would mean I would be more likely to get excited about a trip, and that I would also be more willing to plan more of them. Continue reading →

Seeing wildlife up close and personal and in their own habitat is hard to beat. Add wonderful scenery and it’s a memorable experience. African safari vacations have become very popular and there are numerous companies that provide packages designed to bring a bit of adventure under expert supervision. Accommodation is usually in lodges and camps, equipped with hot showers. Meals and barbecues are prepared by the company cook.

Kenya is one of the main destinations for this type of vacation and a beach holiday could be combined with an African safari. The country has 40 National Parks and game reserves. One of the most spectacular is the Kimana Game Sanctuary, which is located at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Rich rain forest is the terrain at the Mount Kenya National Park and stretching plains dominate the Masai Mara. Guides drive parties in 4×4 vehicles or in open back trucks. Sometimes, they travel in mini buses. For an aerial view of the landscape, there are fly/drive packages, using small, light aircraft. Kenya brings opportunities to see leopards, gazelle, crocodiles, giraffes, zebra, lions and hippos. Continue reading →