Holiday

The Maasai Mara Safari Experience

The Maasai Mara National Reserve, located in southwestern Kenya, is undoubtedly one of the world's most iconic and spectacular wildlife destinations. Covering an area of about 1,510 square kilometers, the reserve is named after the Maasai people, who have lived there for centuries, and the Mara River, which meanders through it.

A visit to the Maasai Mara is an experience that should be on every wildlife lover's bucket list. The reserve boasts an abundance of wildlife, including the "Big Five" - lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino - as well as other big game such as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and gazelles. The reserve is also home to over 450 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

One of the best ways to explore the Maasai Mara is through a safari. A safari is a Swahili word that means "journey," and in this context, it refers to a guided tour of the reserve in a 4x4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide. The cars used on safaris are specially designed to withstand the rugged terrain of the account and have open roofs to allow for unobstructed views of the wildlife.

A typical Masai mara safaris lasts between two and four hours, depending on the time of day and the interests of the visitors. The best times to go on a safari are early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. The early morning safari, also known as the "dawn patrol," provides an excellent opportunity to witness predators such as lions and leopards as they hunt their prey. The late afternoon safari, also known as the "sundowner," allows visitors to see the sunset over the savannah and catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals such as hyenas and genets.

One of the highlights of a Maasai Mara safari is the annual wildebeest migration, which occurs between July and October. During this time, over a million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles cross the Mara River in search of greener pastures. This is an awe-inspiring spectacle that draws visitors from all over the world.

Apart from safaris, there are other activities to do in the Maasai Mara. Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the savannah and witness the wildlife from above. This unique and exhilarating experience provides a different perspective of the reserve. Visitors can also go on a guided nature walk with a Maasai warrior and learn about the local flora, fauna, and Maasai culture.

Accommodation options in the Maasai Mara range from budget-friendly campsites to luxurious lodges. Many lodges and camps are located within the reserve, allowing visitors to experience the wildlife up close. Some lodges even have private game reserves, allowing visitors to have exclusive access to the wildlife.

Visitors to the Maasai Mara should be prepared for the rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. The reserve is 1,500-2,170 meters above sea level, and temperatures can range from 10°C to 30°C. It is advisable to pack warm clothing for early morning and evening safaris and lightweight clothing for the rest of the day. Visitors should also bring a good pair of walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Maasai Mara safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be noticed. The reserve offers an abundance of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and unique cultural experiences. 

Wildebeest Migration Packages 

The wildebeest migration in Kenya is one of Earth's most spectacular natural phenomena. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles embark on a journey that takes them from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in Kenya and back again. This incredible event has become a significant tourist attraction, and there are many safari packages available that allow visitors to witness this spectacle firsthand.

One of the most popular safari packages is the Serengeti and Maasai Mara migration package. This package typically includes a visit to the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the migration as the wildebeest cross the Mara River, which is a dangerous and thrilling spectacle. They will also have the chance to see other wildlife, such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes.

Another popular package is the luxury wildebeest migration safari. This package typically includes accommodations in luxury lodges or tented camps, as well as private guided tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the migration in comfort, with all the amenities of a luxury hotel. These packages often include extras such as hot air balloon rides, bush walks, and cultural visits to local Maasai villages.

For those who want to experience the wildebeest migration on a budget, there are also affordable safari packages available. These packages typically include accommodations in budget lodges or campsites and group tours. Visitors will still have the opportunity to witness the migration and see other wildlife, but they will do so at a lower cost.

Regardless of which package you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your wildebeest migration safaris

  1. It's essential to choose the right time of year. The migration typically takes place between June and September, but the exact timing can vary from year to year.

  2. It's crucial to choose a reputable tour operator. Look for companies that are registered with the local tourism board and have good reviews from previous customers.

  3. Make sure you pack appropriately for your trip.

The weather can be unpredictable, so bringing layers and rain gear is essential.

 Wildebeest migration safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be noticed. Whether you choose a luxury package or a budget package, witnessing the migration firsthand is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

7 Great Beaches on the Balearic Island of Menorca

Menorca is an island of incredible beauty, from the rolling fields in the center to the spectacular beaches which line the coast offering a greater expanse of sand and water than Ibiza and Majorca combined! The island of Menorca is renowned for offering an escape from the masses but without sacrificing any of the facilities that you might find on more crowded resorts.

The beaches in particular are simply stunning, offering all kinds of escapes from tiny bays to long stretches of glorious sand, perfect for families, couples or even solo holidaymakers seeking a quiet retreat. With enough beaches on Menorca to visit a different one every day of the year, it can be difficult to decide where to go. We take a look at seven of the most memorable beaches the island has to offer.

1) Punta Prima

For holidaymakers looking for a beach which is large, traditional and with plenty of facilities, Punta Prima ticks all the boxes. On the south coast and very near to Mao and Es Castell, it is considered a very safe beach for children with shallow and warm waters. The beach is deep with plenty of room and there is an area to the right which is solely reserved for families with babies and toddlers. Thoughtfully, the resort developers have even built a wooden walkway across the sand to solve the age-old problem of the buggy’s wheels getting stuck! With lots of facilities surrounding the beach, plus watersports and kayaking available, it’s little surprise that this frequently hits the top of any Menorcan beach list. Nearby you will find many great hotels in Menorca.

2) Playa Binigaus

A very unspoilt beach, Playa Binigaus is simply huge and lies on the south coast of the island, west of Sant Tomas. Offering a valley backdrop as well as access to the quirky ‘cathedral’ caves, the beach is roomy with warm shallow waters and soft sand seabeds. Menorca has no official nudist beaches but some sections of Playa Binigaus are often used as nudist areas. The beach is so vast, there’s no need to stay in sight of a nudist area if you would rather not but it’s worth being aware so you don’t get a shock en-route to your spot!

3) Pregonda

This beach is not your typical sandy affair and what’s more can only be reached after a 30 minute hike along a well-beaten track. However, what waits upon your arrival makes the effort more than worthwhile. Pregonda is part of a marine nature reserve so perhaps it’s little surprise to discover that it is one of the most stunning beaches visually on the island. Surrounded by rolling green fields and sand dunes, it offers reddish-gold sands and dusky pink rocks, an unusual spectacle to say the least! The net result is an almost ethereal image, enhanced by its relative sparsity of visitors.

There are no facilities but the nearby Binimel-la Beach (where you park your car) has a snack bar offering hot food. But with crystalline still waters, and tiny off-shore rocky islands protecting the beach from any winds, not to mention the rare marine life you are likely to see, Pregonda is a must on any list of top  beaches on Menorca.

4) Cala Mesquida

You know you have found a good beach when it is a favorite with the locals, and Cala Mesquida is exactly that. Known as a virgin beach – one without facilities and in its natural state – it is undeniably beautiful and offers an escape from the crowds. Although there are no on-site facilities, a van selling home-made ice cream is there every day, offering drinks as well as a few basic snacks. To get to the beach you must pass through a tiny fishing village where there is a wonderful restaurant offering freshly caught seafood for lunch. In the high season it is very busy. Would you rather avoid the crowds? Then choose the departure date September the 10th.

5) Cala en Porter

Widely suggested as the best beach on the island, Cala en Porter is a deep inlet which means the weather is often more sheltered than in other places, even in the middle of the winter months. With waters which are gentle and still, they are shallow enough for children of all ages whilst excellent snorkeling is available underneath the cliffs. A supermarket lies behind the beach to stock up on supplies, and with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes surrounding Cala en Porter, it has arguably the best facilities on the island. There is also free parking and showers plus a small children’s play area on the beach.

6) Cala Blanca

Another beach offering top notch facilities, Cala Blanca doesn’t just have beach side shops and cafes. With views over the nearby mountains, white sands, and crystal clear gentle waters it ticks every box for the perfect beach retreat. With a small designated children’s play area next to the beach, and a diving school situated here too, there’s plenty for the whole family whether you want to sit and soak up some rays, or learn a new skill such as diving!

7) Cala en Brut

When is a beach not exactly a beach? Cala en Brut is the definitive answer. Many holidaymakers enjoy the sea but dislike the inconvenience and mess of the accompanying sandy beach. So with this in mind, Cala en Brut has been developed to provide access to the long inlet from the sea but without the usual accompanying sands.

Cala en Brut offers sunbathing platforms along the inlet, with easy access into the still waters. A natural inlet from the sea, the waters are clear, gentle and deep, with a sandy seabed underfoot. The perfect ‘beach’ for those who love the sea but dislike the yellow stuff alongside it!

Conclusion

The above 7 beaches are just a snapshot of those available on the island. All offer gentle, warm and crystal-clear waters, beautiful surroundings and the best of the wonderful Menorcan climate. Whether you are yearning for a pine-forest virgin beach retreat or a thriving sandy resort close to amenities, there is something for holidaymakers of all ages on the Balearic island of Menorca.

Top 10 adventures to try in Dubai

Are you planning a trip to Dubai? Then of course you want to know what to do here. In this blog you will find the 10 best things to do in Dubai. It is useful to book your overnight stays in advance. On Hotelroomcheck.com you will find an overview of the best hotels in the United Arab Emirates including Dubai. 

1) Skydiving

This is probably the most extreme adventure in the emirate. If you’re looking for a thrill of a lifetime this is the sport for you. The best-known company organizing the jumps in the emirate is Skydive Dubai. Be sure to check with your physician first as this is not an activity for the faint-hearted.

2) Hot Air Balloon Ride

This experience never loses its magic and romance. Even if you’ve tried this in another country, a ride over the velvet desert sand dunes away from the city is sure to be an experience you will remember. There are several companies in Dubai that can arrange the activity, including Balloon Adventures Emirates and Arabian Horizons.

3) Desert Safari

After a busy and stressful week, what better way to unwind that to get away to the desert. Get one of the many companies to arrange the logistics, food and drinks, pack up your essentials and get going. Many companies will organize some dune bashing, followed by a festive evening of food, music and dancing. However, you can customize your trip according to your preferences.

4) Sailing

Whether you’re a beginner or a professional and whether you’re looking for big or small boats, Dubai offers sailing options for everyone. The centuries-old activity is popular among Dubai residents and tourists. For those seeking to learn, several places provide lessons such as the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

5) Diving

If you’re passionate about sea and ocean life, Dubai can present you with several options to pursue your hobby. Many diving centers organize trips in the waters of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, with varying experiences for different levels. Many provide the diving gear required and issue a certificate after a few classes with a professional instructor.

6) Parasailing

This is one of the greatest adventures one can undertake. While the duration of the activity might be relatively short compared to others, the experience is quite amazing. It’s basically a mixture of parachuting and sailing. The person is strapped to a parachute that is connected to the end of a speedboat. Usually, it lasts for 15 minutes and can be done from several locations in Dubai including some of the hotels on Jumeriah Beach Road.

7) Paragliding

This is another adventure sport that incorporates using a parachute. Paragliding has become pretty popular in the emirate over the past few years with a number of annual competitions promoting it. While there are many forms for the sport, ejecting from an aircraft is the most prevalent type in Dubai due to the lack of mountainous areas.

8) Kayaking

If you’re a keen paddler this is the sport for you. There are several venues renting kayaks by the hour, including the Hilton Hotel at Jumeirah Beach Residence. You can also get your own kayak at any of the large sports shops in the emirate and head to the beach.

9) Water parks

If you’re looking to spend the day outdoors, have friends visiting or want to entertain your kids, amusement water parks are an ideal choice. In Dubai, you can head to Wild Wadi, which offers a wide range of water rides, or to the Aquaventure at Atlantis Hotel where you can see dolphins or have fun on the different slides and water roller coasters.

10) Shooting

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at shooting a gun, the Jebel Ali Shooting Club provides both pistol and archery options. The club has a beautiful outdoors venue surrounded by greenery, as well as indoor locations for pistol shooting at a range of 25 meters.

rent a boat Amsterdam

Rent a Boat Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and the most famous city in Netherlands. When you plan to visit this city, don't end your vacation before rent a boat Amsterdam. Renting a boat is great fun, especially when you do it as a group. You can decide to hire a captain or let one amongst you do the job. From my experience, I will advise you to hire a pilot more so if you know you guys will be taking the alcoholic drinks. For the safety of the entire crew, the captain needs to be sober so that they can make just decisions. You will enjoy your snacks, drinks, and the city's amazing view as you navigate the canals.

Requirement for Boat Renting

Unlike hiring a car, renting a boat in Amsterdam doesn't have many rules. A few requirements must be met, meaning anyone can hire a boat, as long as you are 18 years and above. There is no need to present a licence. No experience is required to hire the boat. For safety precautions, a boat can only carry a maximum of six individuals.
Before the boat is handed over, you will be shown how to operate it, and also, you will also be issued the route map to get to where you are going.

rent a boat Amsterdam

How to Make Reservations

The best way to book a boat is through online reservation. You need to plan your trip since boat renting in Amsterdam is a popular activity, especially during the warmer season. During warm days, the city receives visitors from different parts of the globe, and they all want to experience the canals of the famous town. Don't wait until the last minute; you can make your reservation online with the help of your phone, tablet or computer.