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#Giraffe Cichlid
sorrcha · 1 year
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a giraffe cichlid! their patterns and colors are so cool
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warrior-names · 5 months
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Warrior Prefixes: African / Ancestor Clans (LeopardClan, LionClan, & TigerClan)
Words that aren't derived from things in Africa aren't included; this list is made based on the Ancestor Clans and naming rules from the roleplay server Call of the Wild!
170+ prefixes under the cut!
A
Aardvark-
Aardwolf-
Acacia-
Addax-
Adder-
Albatross-
Alligator-
Aloe-
Amaranth-
Amaryllis-
Amra-
Anaconda-
Anise-
Antiaris-
Antelope-
Aphid-
Argan-
Artichoke-
Asparagus-
Aye-aye-
B
Babool-
Baboon-
Badger-
Bamboo-
Banana-
Baobab-
Barb-
Barberry-
Bat-
Bee-
Beetle-
Begonia-
Bindweed-
Boa-
Boar-
Bologi-
Bongo-
Bonobo-
Bontebok-
Boomslang-
Boxwood-
Brubru-
Buffalo-
Bushbuck-
Buzzard-
C
Camel-
Caper-
Caracal-
Caraway-
Castor-
Cherry-
Chimpanzee-
Cichlid-
Citrus-
Civet-
Clover-
Cobra-
Cocoa-
Coconut-
Coffea-
Crane-
Crocodile-
D
Dassie-
Desert-
Detar-
Dik-dik-
Dingo-
Dittany-
Duiker-
E
Eagle-
Eel-
Eland-
Elephant-
F
Fennec-
Fennel-
Fig-
Firefly-
Fossa-
Fraxinella-
G
Galega-
Gazania-
Gazelle-
Gelada-
Genet-
Geranium-
Gerenuk-
Ginger-
Giraffe-
Gorilla-
Gowé-
Guava-
Gum-
Gundi-
H
Hanza-
Hare-
Hartebeest-
Hawthorne-
Hedgehog-
Hippo-
Holly-
Hornbill-
Hyena-
Hyrax-
I
Ibis-
Impala-
Iris-
Ivory-
Ivy-
J
Jerboa-
K
Kalanchoe-
Kanna-
Khus-
Killi-
Knotgrass-
Kob-
Kokum-
Kola-
Kudu-
L
Lemur-
Liquorice-
Lily-
Loach-
Locust-
M
Macaque-
Mahaleb-
Mahogany-
Mamba-
Mandrill-
Marshmallow-
Marula-
Meerkat-
Melde-
Mitzeeri-
Mongoose-
Monkey-
Myrrh-
N
Nettle-
Nightshade-
O
Okapi-
Okra-
Oleander-
Olive-
Ostrich-
P
Pangolin-
Pea-
Peacock-
Penguin-
Periwinkle-
Plantain-
Plum-
Pomegranate-
Porcupine-
Python-
R
Ratel-
Redoul-
Rhinoceros-
Rooibos-
Roselle-
S
Sable-
Sambar-
Savannah-
Scarab-
Sedge-
Serval-
Shea-
Shoebill-
Shrew-
Sitatunga-
Springbok-
Spurge-
T
Tamarin-
Tapir-
Tilapia-
Topi-
Tortoise-
Tulip-
Turtle-
V
Vetiver-
Violet-
Viper-
Vulture-
W
Warthog-
Waterbuck-
Wildebeest-
Wolf-
Woodruff-
Wormwood-
Y
Yak-
Yohimbe-
Z
Zebra-
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whitetiger-pirates · 2 years
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Mermay CP9 (Part 1) 💙🖤
My contribution to this annual trend, featuring myself and Yume as well :) Kaku, Lucci, and Blueno were based from actual fish:
Giraffe Cichlid
Leopard Bush Fish
Bull Shark
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timothy-haye · 19 days
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Section 1 / Continent: Africa
General Layout:
Section 1 has several large, open plains for its herd animals and larger carnivores, an area sectioned off and centered around the primates, a building with aquariums and terrariums, and a petting zoo for some of the smaller and more docile animals.
There are multiple ways to explore the section and see the animals, from the wide pathways to riding through the enclosures in trucks and on bikes, as well as riding over them on the ziplines.
There's also a wide range of restaurants, gift shops, and amenities, including hotels, movie theatres, learning centers, and rides.
The Animals:
Amphibians: Caecilians, Frogs, and Salamanders.
Birds: Cormorants, Cranes, Ducks, Eagles, Egrets, Flamingos, Guinea fowl, Herons, Hornbills, Ibises, Ostriches, Owls, Penguins, Secretary birds, Shoebills, Spoonbills, Storks, and Vultures.
Fish: Butterflyfish, Catfish, Cichlids, Lungfish, Tilapia.
Insects: Ants, Bees, Beetles, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Locusts, Mantises, and Wasps.
Misc. Carnivores Animals: Aardwolves, African wild dogs, Civets, Fossas, Hyenas, Jackals, Mongooses, and Otters.
Misc. Herbivorous Animals: Elephants, Giraffes, Hares, Hippopotamuses, Rhinoceroses, Water buffaloes, Wildebeests, and Zebras.
Misc. Omnivorous Animals: Honey badgers, Meerkats, Warthogs.
Other: Snails & Spiders.
Primates: Baboons, Bonobos, Chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, Gorillas, Lemurs, Mandrills, Macaques, and Vervets.
Reptiles: Chameleons, Crocodiles, Geckos, Snakes, and Turtles.
Wild Cats: Cheetahs, Caracals, Leopards, Lions, and Servals.
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carlyilove · 11 months
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Things To Look For When Picking A Luxury Tanzania Safari
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Tanzania's luxurious safaris provide more than just an outdoor excursion. The safaris offer the chance to experience the enchanting beauty of Tanzania and receiving unbeatable service and facilities.
The days of getting rough -- when you go on a luxury safari, you'll be transported comfortably between your lodge as well as the various national parks. While on game drives, you can enjoy the gin and tonic while taking in a stunning sunset view.
Accommodations
There are numerous luxury safari lodges available in Tanzania. Certain are built to seamlessly blend into the surrounding landscape such as Beyond's Lake Manyara Tree Lodge among the forest canopy of Tarangire National Park or Lamai Serengeti is situated on top of a pile-up of boulders in Kogakuria Kopje.
Some, such as that of Singita's Faru Faru Lodge offer incredible panoramas of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Savannah plains. Suites are able to be made larger and bigger by adding an adjacent space.
The hotel offers a wide range of dining options, such as in the suite, or under an ancient baobab. You can select from menus that feature pan-African dishes as well as traditional favorites. The chefs can also accommodate specific dietary needs.
Game drives
Game drives are your primary method of viewing wildlife luxury Tanzania safari. A typical day is structured around early morning and late evening drives, followed by brunch or lunch. Sundowners (alcoholic drinks) usually served in the middle of an afternoon game drive and guests can enjoy drinking a glass of wine on a beautiful place as the sun sets across Tanzania's famous landscapes.
The Tanzanian parks and reserves contain many mammal species, including the leopard. The Great Migration brings large herds wildebeests. Elephant herds can be observed as well as the predators who stalk the animals. Giraffes are also common and so are zebras, giraffes and other herbivores.
Depending on the tour package, some lodges and camps within Tanzania provide water-based activities. In Selous Game Reserve guests can enjoy a cruise on the Rufiji river while sipping on a glass of Gin and watching crocodiles or hippos sitting on the banks of the water. Whether you demand to learn fruitful information on trip, you have to browse around here https://www.eastafricansafari.net/tour_package/luxury-safari/ site.
Activities
Luxury lodges in Tanzania offer an array of services in between safari excursions. You can, for example, enjoy wine tastings at some lodges, such as Singita as well andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas which follows the Great Wildebeest Migration throughout the entire year.
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It is an experience of the lifetime to ride on a hot-air balloon flight across the Serengeti Plains in the morning when it is dawn. If you want to, go to Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Crater during your tour for unparalleled wildlife viewing.
A lot Tanzania luxury safari offer cultural events like Maasai dance performances and presentations on conservation. There is also the option of visiting Selous Game reserve for an underwater experience, in which you can cruise down Rufiji River, where you can view hippos and numerous species of cichlids. This is an amazing opportunity to see the culture and wildlife of Tanzania.
Transfers
Tanzania is a safari destination, and with names such as Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Crater is an ideal destination for those who love safaris. It's also a land with a remote forest, quiet beach and lakes in which big game and primates share the landscape along with the local culture and customary way of living.
The Tanzania luxury safari have a wide range of activities for adventure. Explore Maasai-led bushwalks or take a hot air balloon ride to witness the vast expanses of savannah from an elevated viewpoint.
Safaris are best done during the dry season, which lasts from June until October. The wildlife gathers near the water and the vegetation is very scarce. Alternately, you can take on a trip to the shores that flow from Lake Tanganyika or Rufiji River on a private boat safari. It's an experience that which you'll never forget.
Camera equipment
While traveling on safari, it's probable that you'll wish to take pictures of all the awe-inspiring wildlife and landscapes you encounter. For this it's necessary to have a camera with an angle of wide-angle lens in order to record the expansive landscapes as well as a telephoto lens to bring distant animals closer. Make sure you have plenty of memory cards and battery power as well.
The best time to visit Tanzania is in the dry season which lasts from June until October. This is when the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs and the wildlife gathers around water sources.
Luxury Tanzania tour can transport you to a number of amazing national parks and reserves. The highlight of your trip is the visit to Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its annual wildebeest migration. You could also visit Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
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pho-toguy-blog · 7 years
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#throwback #giraffe Hittin' on the ladies🏋🏻🤹🏻‍♂️ #cichlids #venustus
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fishfolkart · 4 years
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See How You Can Book Your Dream Safari to Africa Without Making Advance Payment. This is Beautiful!
Africa has some the most beautiful places, parks, lakes cultures and people. Millions of travelers going to Africa for Safari rely on local contacts or the Internet to get first-hand information or make decisions on which countries to visit. How does it feel if you can book your dream safari to Africa with making advance payment? Isn’t it awesome? There are tens of thousands of companies across Africa. One company stands out because of their free in-house financial protection (See the name of recommended Safari company at the end of the article). You can fully book your Africa Safari without making any payment and pay later. Of course this is based on trust, and trust is what we all want. But first things first, here is a summary of some of Africa’s best places for Safari.
1. UGANDA — The Pearl of Africa
For anyone looking to discover some place beautiful and off the beaten track, Uganda is a top tourist destination with something for everyone. Uganda offers Africa as you’ve always imagined it — wild, verdant, beautiful, and just waiting to be explored. Uganda is very nearly the most complete safari destination in Africa — boasting both the Big Five, the enigmatic mountain gorillas, and the ever-popular chimpanzee. Uganda’s Big Five are represented across the country’s top ten national parks.
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2. TANZANIA — The Wildebeest Capital of The World
Tanzanian safari allows you to explore some of the best National Parks in Africa; Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Thousands of tourists visit Tanzania every year. Thousands more planning their safari to Africa are wondering whether to choose a Tanzania Safari. It’s hard to totally narrow down why every traveler should visit Tanzania when there is so much to see. Tanzania is a country with unbeatable natural resources, stunning landscapes, spectacular wildlife, historical and cultural riches, watersports, wildebeest migration in Serengeti, highest mountain in Africa and the deepest lake in Africa.
3. SOUTH AFRICA — Africa’s Best
South Africa is one of the famous Safari destinations in the world. The Kruger National Park is the most famous Big 5 destination in the country but South Africa also has a growing selection of superb game parks and private reserves.
South Africa’s varied terrain allows you to spot desert-adapted dwellers like pangolin or anteaters in Tswalu in the heart of the Kalahari. You can spend time in the Cape Winelands, exploring the beautiful estates, sampling award-winning wines in cool cellars and on vine-covered patios, and sampling some of the world’s best cuisine in its sumptuous restaurants.
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4. RWANDA — The Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is situated in the African great lakes region. Rwanda has healed the wounds from a devastating genocide more than two decades ago, it has emerged as one of East Africa’s premier travel destinations. Rwanda is one of only three places in the world where you can trek some of the world’s remaining 880 mountain gorillas. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is the most famous destination in Rwanda. It has become synonymous with mountain gorilla trekking safaris and no visit to the country would be complete without visiting these majestic primates.
5. KENYA — The Magical Country
Kenya is known as the safari capital of the world because of its amazing wildlife, beaches, birds and weather. Visitors to Kenya are spoiled for choice — you can choose to visit any or all of the twenty three national parks or the thirteen national reserves. Millions of travelers go to Kenya to witness the Great Migration or chase the Big Five. The ‘Big 5’ — the elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and cape buffalo — can all be found in Kenya’s parks, with other popular animals such as the giraffe, cheetah, and zebras. Kenya is a great country for a day safari or a multi-park tour. Headlined by the world renowned Masai Mara National Park, some of its parks located mere hours from the city center.
6. EGYPT — Culture and the Pyramids
Egypt is a spectacularly beautiful country filled with cultural gems. Egypt has abundance of ancient historical sites, bustling cities and one of the best water-sport destinations on the planet. The Middle Eastern countries are very well-known for their hospitality and Egypt is no exception. Egyptians love their country passionately and will do everything they can to make you feel welcome. Go anywhere else in Egypt though and you will meet some of the kindest people in the world who will always have a cup of tea for you. The locals are definitely one of the best reasons to visit Egypt.
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7. MALAWI — Endless Beauty
Malawi may be one of Africa’s smallest countries but when it comes to exploration and adventure, it has tremendous amounts to offer; from grasslands and forests, mountaintops, unspoilt wildlife parks to Africa’s third largest and most beautiful Lake! Situated on the Great Rift Valley, Malawi is dominated by Lake Malawi, a magnificent body of water, 365 miles long and 52 miles wide (hence sometimes referred to as the calendar lake!). It’s teaming with life including over 400 species of cichlid fish, a lot of which are endemic to it. Most of Lake Malawi’s astounding underwater diversity is protected within the Lake Malawi National Park which is a World Heritage site and also one of the first in the world set aside for the protection of freshwater fish.
COME, LET’S GO TO AFRICA
An African safari is something that everyone should experience at least once. It offers the chance to let go of the pressures of everyday life and embrace instead the primal call of the wild. It’s a chance to see unique flora and fauna in its natural habitat, and to find yourself uplifted by the breathtaking scenery of the African savannah. African safaris are available to everyone. As in, they are cheaper than any other form of international travel.
USE A LOCAL OPERATOR
No matter where you go, local tour guides and safari companies offer better rates than international companies. In particular, choosing a local operator can be a great way to keep costs reasonable. In addition to the lower cost, the pros of booking locally include an increased chance of last-minute availability. Primate Vacations, an East Africa based Safari Company offers free financial protection. Over the last five years, they have diligently arranged safaris across East Africa for hundreds of travelers.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION BY PRIMATE VACATIONS
Primate Vacations does not only let you book your Safari without making any payment but they offer the best trips prices to even those that have their heart set on East African high-end destinations like the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara. They have unique tours, itineraries, stunning locations, small groups, quality Tour Guides and never cancel trips due to low participation. Most exiting is that this folks can now take your bookings without any payments. Doesn’t give you security and peace of mind in knowing that your travel plans are guaranteed. Your dream safari can be confirmed with one click, without payment, and pay later. Check out some of their tour that you can book without advance payment. Click in any of the options below.
1. 4 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour and Safari in Rwanda — Rwanda
2. 5 Day Masai Mara and Lake Naivasha National Park Safari — Kenya
3. 11 Day Kenya and Tanzania Luxury Wildlife Viewing Safari — Kenya and Tanzania
4. 9 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Tanzania Wildlife Viewing Safari — Rwanda and Tanzania
5. 4 Day Gorilla Trekking Tour and Safari in Uganda — Uganda
6. 11 Day Luxury Tanzania Wildlife and Zanzibar Beach Holiday — Zanzibar and Tanzania main land
7. 10 Day Uganda Gorilla Trekking, Chimpanzee Trekking and Wildlife Viewing Safari — Uganda
Sharing is caring; please share this article with friends and on social media.
Enjoy your Safari!
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clipartx-blog · 7 years
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Giraffe Cichlid animal http://www.clipartx.com/animal-Clipart/giraffe-cichlid-5227
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uraharashouten · 7 years
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Happy Munday! Three of my African cichlids (the fourth one is hiding). I had more but they’re... aggressive.  The orange one on the left -- Julius -- thinks he owns the tank and dominates everyone else. Not the best pic, but I couldn’t coax him out from under that rock. He’s constantly picking on Monster, the plecostomus under the rock next to him, who fortunately doesn’t care. The large one on the right is Big Blue. He (she?) used to actually be blue, but when they’re dominated by another fish, their colors tend to fade so they draw less attention to themselves. The little one above him is Fry Guy. He was spawned in the tank and we don’t know who the parents are. His markings are similar to the giraffe  haplochromine we used to have, but that one (his name was Leopard) died sometime before we noticed this one, so... ?
@musicbind thanks for encouraging me to post this!
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tripstations · 5 years
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Malawi safaris – an overview
Malawi is a country that is visited for the remarkable variety of attractions it offers – beautiful beaches on Lake Malawi, genuine and friendly cultural interactions, stunning scenery and thrilling safaris. But, whilst travellers are now visiting and exploring Africa as a whole for more than just its animals, it is still true that safaris are the primary draw card for the continent. Thankfully for Malawi, it is the country’s wildlife and safari experiences that have seen the greatest advancements in recent years as it emerges as a rival to its better known neighbours as a safari gem. In this blog we aim to give an overview of taking a safari in Malawi.
Game viewing has long been a little different in Malawi from many other African countries. While the number of animal sightings has, for many years, been fewer than in the top parks on the continent, that situation is starting to change, and, in any event, visiting Malawi’s national parks and wildlife reserves is much more about the experience they offer than how full your tick list end up!
Landscape and wilderness are attractions alongside the animals, offering viewing and exploration at a more fundamental level and without the crowds of other visitors. No great convoys of minibuses queue to see the animals in contrived conditions in Malawi. Instead, small groups travel through the bush unsure of what lies behind the next patch of vegetation. And with a variety of ways to explore the parks (see below), no two safaris are alike.
The variety and beauty of Malawi’s diverse landscapes provide a perfect backdrop to game viewing. Laws protect the animals and also the environment, which remains as close to its natural state as possible. There are relatively few artificial waterholes and the parks are nothing like as ‘developed’ as some of their more illustrious neighbours. This means there are large areas of near wilderness unexplored by all but a few.
There is also the unique attraction of the Lake Malawi National Park – a protected area of Malawi’s beautiful inland sea where thousands of brightly coloured fish can be hand fed just below the surface of the crystal-clear waters. This was the world’s first freshwater national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viewing fish may not be a standard ‘African safari’, but it’s a fascinating one and certainly something different to try.
The 1920s saw the first gazetting of protected areas in Malawi, which has culminated in the nine national parks and wildlife reserves of today. The first true national park was Nyika, proclaimed as recently as 1965. The current statuses of all nine areas were settled by the beginning of the 1980s. Locations were not always chosen solely for their natural beauty or existing wildlife populations. For example, Kasungu was gazetted to evacuate people from where tsetse fly had caused a sleeping sickness epidemic! However, most of the national parks and wildlife reserves are strategically located as important rain catchment areas. This is particularly so for those on Malawi’s watershed western border. The maintenance of natural vegetation prevents the rainwater washing away too rapidly across cleared soils and causing further erosion.
Malawi’s protected areas are spread across the whole country: Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve are in north Malawi; Kasungu National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve are in central Malawi; whilst south Malawi has Liwonde and Lengwe National Parks, Majete and Mwabvi Wildlife Reserves, and the unique Lake Malawi National Park. Although originally the wildlife reserves had less protection, fewer management resources and more limited infrastructure for visitors than the national parks, that distinction is now much more blurred, particularly with the arrival of African Parks to Malawi. African Parks now manage Majete and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserves and Liwonde National Park. The phenomenal input and resources they bring and the tremendous work they have already done on the infrastructures and animal populations has ensured that those 3 protected areas are now the country’s best – with an honourable mention also to Nyika for its truly unique offerings.
Malawi also has a number of forest reserves. These have limited wildlife protection but do provide welcome escapes in truly beautiful environments, and plenty of opportunity for walks in the wild.
Wildlife
For many decades, Malawi has been perceived as not having as many animals most of its neighbours. But, thankfully, with the arrival of African Parks and their re-introduction of a few thousand animals (now successfully multiplying!), that situation is fast changing.
Big cats used to be only very occasionally seen but both lion and cheetah have been re-introduced to Liwonde and Majete and are thriving in both locations. The thick bush of Nkohtakota makes sightings difficult, but lion are heard there, and there has even been a very recent sighting of one in Nyika. The leopard is found across almost the entire country. Its elusive lifestyle makes sighting difficult but up at Nyika there is a decent chance of spotting one of the large specimens that live in the forest nearby Chelinda Lodge. Of the smaller cats, civet is the most widespread though genet, serval and wild cat can also be seen.
Hyena are the most common of the other major predators and are present in all the protected land areas. Jackal also have populations in Malawi. Sightings of wild dog have been only very occasional in recent years – most likely animals that are just visiting Malawi from Zambia or Mozambique! But there are rumours of their re-introduction to Liwonde.
Although not always easy to spot, preferring to remain in the thick bush, there are healthy populations of black rhino now in Liwonde and Majete There are good elephant numbers in pretty much all the protected land areas except the low lying Lengwe and Mwabvi. Nkohotakota witnessed the largest elephant translocations in human history across 2016-2017 with over 500 individuals moved in to the reserve to set up an elephant sanctuary there. They came from Majete and Liwonde, both of whom had growing populations with more than enough to spare for Nkhotakota. Hippos are numerous in Malawi and are commonly seen the Shire River, which runs through Majete and Liwonde, where they number in the thousands. Crocodiles are also common in the Shire.
Buffalo are fairly common across the lower lying parks and reserves. Zebra are best seen in Nyika and Liwonde, with smaller numbers in some of the other reserves and giraffe have recently been re-introduced into Majete. Of the antelopes, bushbuck, grey duiker, kudu, grysbok, klipspringer and reedbuck are found in most of the protected areas. Roan and eland can also be seen, with particularly impressive breeding herds in Nyika. Liwonde is the most likely places to spot sable and waterbuck, with Majete now not far behind. Of the rarer species, the beautiful nyala can be seen in Majete and Lengwe. This is the furthest north of all nyala habitats in southern Africa.
Malawi has a fantastic variety of birds with around 650 recorded species spread across the different landscapes. They are primarily woodland or grassland varieties including Livingstone flycatcher, red-winged francolin and the endemic Lillian’s lovebird. However, the lake, rivers and dams also attract waterbirds such as hamerkop, fish eagle, kingfishers, egret and pelican. Raptors, like the African marsh harrier, black-breasted snake eagle and peregrine falcon, give further variety.
The majority of the estimated 1000 fish species in Lake Malawi are cichlids, mostly endemic to Malawi. The small brightly coloured mbuna are easily seen in the protected waters of Lake Malawi National Park.
For flower lovers, there is great diversity, including 400 orchid species. These are found at all altitudes around the country. There are also numerous everlasting flowers, proteas, aloes and gladioli plus reedbeds and waterlilies in the river lagoons. Nyika is known for its wildflowers and orchids.
Types of safari
Malawi offers a variety of ways to get up close and personal with its wildlife. Any safari is best taken in early morning or late afternoon when the greatest heat is avoided and the animals are most active.
Walking safaris are possible in all of the parks and reserves and potentially offer the most intense experience, giving a much greater sense of involvement than in a vehicle. Though most animals will sense people first, there is plenty of opportunity for close encounters. Even if large mammals aren’t encountered around every corner, there is a fascinating amount to see and interpret. It can also be possible to arrange to spend a few days walking and camping within a park or reserve.
Driving covers a much greater area than walking, increases the chances of sightings and is a necessity in the more open areas. Vehicles can draw the animals’ attention but, unless advancing towards them, will not scare them off. None of Malawi’s parks & reserves have tarmac roads and the tracks that do exists are better navigated by the drivers, guides and scouts from the lodges, who know the parks intimately.
Boat safaris can provide excellent viewing opportunities. As well as the crocodiles, hippos and riverine birds in or on the water, animals attracted to the river bank to drink are less wary of anything on the water. A sundowner cruise is a particular pleasure – the boat launches late in the day when the animals are active and the hippos are beginning to leave the water. After initial game viewing, the boat drifts and the occupants sip their personal tipple as the sun sets. Finally, a spotlight illuminates the night activity in the water and on the banks. In Liwonde and Majete, the Shire River is excellent for a boat safari, and the Bua River in Nkohtakota can be explored by canoe. In Lake Malawi National Park, there are plenty of boats that can take visitors out from Cape Maclear to view the fish.
For more sedate viewing, hides allow very close sightings of animals completely unaware of a human presence. Observing the comings and goings around a waterhole from a hidden, close-up vantage point, can be a very rich and rewarding experience.
Practicalities
Whilst a couple of the nine national parks and wildlife reserves can be time-consuming to reach from the Malawi’s international airports, none is inaccessible. All are accessed by a final short stretch of earth road. A number of them now also have airstrips. Whilst entry by aircraft remains rare (apart from at Nyika where it’s the better option), it is certainly possible and is increasingly being offered by private operators.
The Parks and reserves are open all year. Peak time for game viewing is August to October when vegetation is low and limited water forces animals to gather at the few remaining sources. This is also the best time for viewing the mbuna fish in Lake Malawi. The high heath and grasslands of Nyika Plateau, however, attract animals through the rains, having spent the dry season on the lower slopes.
Originally, basic, government run camps offered the only places to stay in Malawi’s Parks & Reserves. Granting of concessions to private operators began later than in many African countries and only by 1997 was the accommodation in (just) four of the nine parks and reserves in private hands. Standards have risen and properties have continued to upgrade to now include some truly sumptuous lodges, but in the last 20 years there has been limited growth in the actual number of lodges in the parks. Most still only have one or two places to stay within the entire park, so ensuring an inherent level of exclusivity for their visitors.
Kelly White is Director of the Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium. Malawi Travel Marketing Consortium aims to provide you with the best information to make Malawi your tourism destination.
If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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witoafricasafari · 5 years
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Explore the Greystoke Mahale Mountains National Park Safaris from the perspectives of our Safari Experts and Professional Topnotch Guides
Truly, planning Greystoke Mahale Mountains National Park safaris give us thrills! You will soon understand why we get these goose bumps, but for now let us give you a little orientation to this beautiful heaven on earth. Located in western Tanzania, Mahale borders the glistening waters of Lake Tanganyika. 
Lake Tanganyika
Forming the border between Tanzania and Congo, Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest freshwater lake (660 km), and the deepest in Africa (over 1,436 m). It is also estimated to be between 9 and 13 million years old and is home to a huge volume of fish species. This, and the fact that it is the least polluted freshwater lake in the world, makes it an exceptional snorkeling and diving destination, if the mood takes you. Among its estimated 1,000 fish species, Tanganyika harbors 98% of the 250-plus species of cichlids, so you can expect a bright and vibrant underwater spectacle.
How to get to Mahale National Park Tanzania
The flights to Greystoke Mahale are available twiceweekly from Arusha Airport, with scheduled departures on Mondays and Thursdays. While most our guests like to combine chimpanzee trekking with a private guided tour to Katavi National Park, we can also easily organize a flight for you from the Serengeti after your exciting adventures of the northern safari circuit.
Chimpanzee Trekking at Mahale Mountains National Park 
The jewel in its crown is that it is home to a population of around 900-1000 wild chimpanzees – some of the last of their kind in Africa. They are well accustomed to human visitors, thanks to a Japanese research project founded in the 1960s, and you will find that just being in their presence is a truly magical experience.
When to Go& Where to Stay:
Mahale is certainly amazing during the dry season (June – October) because chimps are feeding on the lower slopes and you will be rewarded with the best light for photography and close encounters. For a better chimp trekking experience, it is better if you are there in the early part of the dry season, just before everything dries out and the air becomes thick with haze. Having said that, our team has also been there during the green season and it was still a superb experience. The chimps were still in the lower slopes however, we did not have good light for photography. 
We stayed at Greystoke Mahale(one of the most iconic camps in Africa) and it was lovely. The staff and food were amazing. The guides were very knowledgeable (we are very close friends with some of the guides there) and they knew the whereabouts of all the chimp groups so we did not trek for a very long time until we were able to see them. Amongst the groups we encountered was a strong female leader called Fatuma, she came so close to us and it was such a remarkable experience for us. Other than chimp trekking, we did a boat cruise (on crystal clear waters of Lake Tanganyika), fishing and nature walking which was also very nice.
Other Wildlife - While Mahale Mountains National Park is renowned for its habituated chimps, many other larger mammals are still present in the region. These include giraffe, buffalo, lion, leopard, and zebra, just to mention a few. The region also provides natural habitat for a variety of monkeys, porcupine, beautiful forest birds, and the rate sable antelope.
Get Expert Advice, Plan Your Unforgettable Chimp Trekking with Wito Africa Safaris - If you are planning a chimpanzee trekking experience and interested to know more details about our Greystoke Mahale Mountains National Park safaris, please visit our website (witoafricasafaris.com) and call us at 1-315-805-4040.
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timothyakoonce · 6 years
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Fort Worth Zoo Expands
The soccer field has new residents. That is, what used to be the Forest Park soccer field. The new 10-acre Savanna expansion by the Fort Worth Zoo features rhinos, giraffes, hippos, and giraffes.
The Fort Worth Zoo opened its new exhibit on Thursday and features an underwater hippo viewing area, a playground for meerkats, Southern Black Rhinos, an exotic bird aviary.
Soon zoo visitors will be allowed to feed the giraffes, which is sure to be a hit. The zoo raised the funds for the first phase a $100 million renovation through private donations, including four new major exhibits at the zoo. One new exhibit is to be added every two years for the next six years. All of the money was raised through private donations, said zoo spokeswoman Alexis Wilson.
Sitting on 10 acres of existing Zoo land, guests will be able to stroll through the African Savanna and see giraffes, zebras, ostriches and more in one exhibit. This habitat will be surrounded by shaded walkways and aviaries with a variety of bird species for Zoo visitors to discover. The exhibit will also include an elevated deck for giraffe feeding, restaurants and shaded viewing areas, private event space and much more.
From the Zoo Website:
A trip through the African Savanna will give guests multiple panoramic views to watch several species interacting and sharing an exhibit. Zebras, two African antelope species (lesser kudu and springbok), reticulated giraffes and a variety of large African birds will share this open space modeled after the spacious African grasslands. The Giraffe Encounter will allow guests to stand eye-to-eye with a herd of giraffes and feed these gentle giants directly from the raised observation deck, making for an unforgettable experience.
Mimicking the natural African environment, many of these exotic animals will roam freely together in the main savanna that will include multiple watering holes, shaded areas and a dry stream bed. This exhibit will be completely surrounded by observation decks and walkways.
Varying shades of pink will accent the Savanna’s watering holes as flocks of greater and lesser flamingos will socialize in the water. Additional aviaries will sit amidst the African Savanna flora. Hippos will drift, float and swim through a lazy river among thousands of small, multi-colored cichlids, as the generated current creates a true, constant flow, akin to the rivers and streams that run through Africa. Guests can enjoy watching the Zoo’s hippos from ground level as well as from down below. The 70-foot-long underwater viewing area will allow for an up-close-and-personal experience with the animals while they are fully submerged, as hippos spend most of their time underwater. Advanced filtration technology promises crystal-clear viewing beneath the surface, enhancing the viewer’s experience.
Southern black rhinos roam the perimeters of the savanna. Guests can observe these magnificent animals from multiple viewing areas surrounding the habitats. Expanded exhibit space for this endangered species will allow the Zoo to continue its renowned southern black rhino breeding and conservation program. Just across the brush, a mob of meerkats will also call the savanna home.
The Fort Worth Zoo is ranked as a top five zoo in the nation and the Fort Worth Zoo president, Ardon Moore, said they are confident that the changes and improvements will continue to elevate their profile as a top-ranked zoo.
Original Sources:
http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article209336004.html https://www.fortworthzoo.org/african-savanna https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Fort-Worth-Zoo-Grand-Opening-Of-African-Savanna-479907633.html
The article Fort Worth Zoo Expands is courtesy of: http://moonandowl.com/
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University of Texas, Austin (Apply Texas Essay A)
From a young age, I have been fascinated by fish. My earliest memory of visiting my grandmother in Houston included a trip to an aquarium, which also housed a restaurant. As my family ate, I sat mesmerized by the massive tanks of multicolored fish that filled the walls around me. From there, my love of fish only grew. I have spent countless hours reading about fish so I could successfully stock a tank at school or prepare for a scuba adventure with my father. Posters of freshwater and saltwater fish adorn my bedroom walls and serve as a great distraction when I need a study break.
During one such musing, I asked myself, if I were a fish, what kind of fish would I be? I extended this question to the rest of my family. Pretty soon, I had a fish for every family member.
My mother would be a Cory Catfish, a freshwater fish known for its relatively solitary nature, its calm temperament, and its ability to adapt to various water conditions. My father would be an African Cichlid, a colorful fish that is known to be intelligent, territorial, and at times aggressive. I have three step brothers. The older twin boys would be Giant Danios, a lively fish that can misbehave, love to play games with each other and at times squabble over food and space. My younger step brother would be a Parrot fish, an incredibly colorful saltwater fish with a flare for the dramatic. My stepmother would be an Atlantic Cutlassfish, known for its aggressive behavior and willingness to strike at anyone at any time. 
How do I fit into this aquatic habitat? As the offspring of two very different fish, one very calm and the other often feisty, I embody a little bit of both. Like a Catfish, I am calm and reserved, and like a Cichlid, I am competitive and protective. In reality, humans are far more complicated than fish—we have complex personalities that change over time in response to circumstances. Going from being only child to having a stepmother and three step brothers taught me the importance of adaptation first hand. 
As a child, I despised change. At Barnes and Noble, my mother would count down the time we had left to warn me that we were leaving soon. At a zoo, I stuck my head into the bars of a fence at a giraffe exhibit so that I wouldn’t have to leave.  When I was eight, my father remarried. Suddenly, I had three step brothers and a stepmother. I had to get over my fear of change.  
With my new step family, we would drive from Macon to the southern Florida for my dad’s conferences every summer. The grueling, nine hour drive involved many bags of beef jerky, stops at gas stations, and arguments over who sat where. The two front seats were reserved for the adults but the back two rows of seats were up for grabs. The back seats were coveted: there was room to lay down, space to store food, and an escape from our parents conversation. The middle seats were alright, with more foot room and easier access but no quiet time. My older brothers always ended up in the far back, no matter what schemes my little brother and I attempted.
Life requires evolution. I had to adapt to a new school, new classes, new teachers, and new teaching styles. Life will always be filled with change like a fish moving from tank to tank.
The summer before my eighth grade year, I moved from small town Georgia to Austin, Texas. Everything was different: my school, my friends, my home. Even what people did for fun wasn’t the same. I was used to my mom driving some friends and I to the mall and walking around, never buying anything. In the city, kids went to concerts, parks, and parties. I wasn’t used to all of these things to do.
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samifishy · 13 years
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Nimbochromis Venustus (male) by stocksyP on Flickr.
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