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Lake Nakuru in Kenya Africa

    Situated in the heart of the Great Rift Valley 160 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Lake Nakuru is a bird watcher's paradise. A unique game-viewing venue and a notable spot for the Rothschild giraffe and home to the black and white rhinos. The lake is world-famous as the location of the “greatest bird spectacle on earth” by renowned ornithologist Roger Peterson, for its spectacular bird life particularly the myriads of flamingos that congregate the shallow soda lake together with tens of thousands of other bird species. Lake Nakuru is one of the world's première wildlife destinations.

    Lake Nakuru was declared a national park in 1961 and covers 188 square kilometers of land of great ecological diversity - from lake water, woodland, bush grassland, to rocky ridges. It is the most accessible and most visited of the soda lakes of the Great Rift Valley. The national park was created mainly to protect the flocks of flamingos and other species in the hills and plains around the lake. Its algae-soaked waters attract the millions of lesser flamingos and the greater flamingos in the park that turn the shores pink.

    Apart from the spectacle of the flamingoes, Lake Nakuru National Park offers its visitors great wildlife - a special sighting at the park is a number of rare Rothschild giraffe, trans-located for safety from western Kenya beginning in 1977. Moreover, Lake Nakuru National Park has recently expanded to include a large part of the savannahs to accommodate and provide a sanctuary for both white and the rare black rhino. The park boasts the most number of leopard per square kilometer than any park in Africa. Because of the park's proximity to nearby towns, the park is fenced to prevent the animals from wandering into town and most especially to keep the poachers out, not restricting the movement of wildlife. Nakuru officially became the shelter for protection for these endangered animals in 1987.

    At the park, you will also see a healthy population of predators like lions and hyenas, black and white colobus monkeys, hippo and crocodiles, zebra and fish eagles, antelope and buffalo and large-sized python snakes that dwell the dense woodlands. The best vantage point to track the lake shore and watch huge flocks of feeding flamingos is from the Baboon Cliff. Other viewing spots are from Lion Hill and Out of Africa.

    Thus, this lake offers one of the world's most spectacular wildlife sights. So if you are looking for the best possible wildlife photography opportunities, Lake Nakuru is the perfect place to be as animals are never out of sight. And if you still have the luxury of time, an overnight stay in here, will definitely complete your safari travel adventure.
    Source URL: http://vextravel.blogspot.com/2011/09/
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Lake Garda in Italy

    “Discovering this idyllic place, we find ourselves filled with a yearning to linger here, where time stands still and beauty overwhelms.” Whoever said this must have seen wonders beyond what man can afford with his ingenuity. So when in Italy, stop and stare on the peaceful and breathtaking Alpine scenery reflecting in the still, delicate waters of Lake Garda.

    Lake Garda or Lago di Garda or Benaco is the largest inland lake situated in a beautiful area in northern Italy between Venice and Milan and split among three regions: Lombardy on the western shore, Veneto on the eastern shore, and Trentino-Alto Adige on the northern shores. A lake that boasts more than 48 kilometers of beaches from north to south and a scenic view of the cue misty mountain tops and bright bursts of bougainvillea is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque parts of Italy.

    The formation of Lake Garda dates back around 1.5 million years ago during the last Ice Age. When a large mound of glacier spilled on a flat land next to a valley and flowed down from the Brenta Dolomites and gouged through the valley. Once the glacier melted the fresh water, a lake was formed which we now know as Lake Garda.

    The lake also has numerous small islands and five main ones, the largest being Isola del Garda and nearby to the south is Isola San Biagio. The three other main islands are Isola dell'Olivo, Isola di Sogno and Isola di Timelone, all further north near the east side.

    As the largest of the lakes, Lake Garda offers much to see and do – including deep blue waters, green forests, towering mountains, and picturesque towns. Luxury hotels and resorts that cater to both local and foreign tourists, dot the shoreline of the lake as well. It should come to no surprise why this place is the most visited lakes in Italy. Moreover, Lake Garda is a true outdoor fitness center where all sorts of “active sports” can be enjoyed. Many tourists visit the lake for the extraordinary opportunities the lake offers on its waters and throughout the inland area. The clear waters of the lake is perfect for swimming in summer and many popular sports such as windsurfing and sailing. Malcesine, Riva, Gardone, Brenzone, Caprino Veronese and Spiazzi are also excellent for mountain-hiking and biking and Canyoning and other outdoor sports providing panoramic views of the area.

    Finally, a visit to this region is a delight to the taste buds – pasta, fresh tomatoes, the highly aromatic Italian basil, and the most glorious olive oil completes the whole package of pleasure. Lake Garda is definitely one difficult place to beat.
    Source URL: http://vextravel.blogspot.com/2011/09/
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