Glaciers and Lions, what do they have in common?
A few years back I wrote about places to see before they disappear. Recently I read a story spouting new “endangered” spots to see and have decided to include a few in this newsletter. There are a myriad of reasons why these places noted below are vanishing – and I hope there is some way we can save guard the habitat but only time will tell.
So for the avid traveler you might consider putting these on your “must see” list.
The first endangered destination is the Glaciers of Europe, which are located in the Alps. It is a known fact that glaciers worldwide are retreating at an alarming rate. Scientists from around the world are estimating most of these glaciers will disappear within 30 years if the meltdown continues at the pace it is today.
I have seen the majesty of these mountains and I highly encourage travelers to Europe to include a visit to Mont Blanc and take a trip up the Aiguille du midi (http://www.chamonix.net/english/sightseeing/aiguille_du_midi.htm) for awe inspiring views of the Alps. For more information you can read my article on France from March 2009 on where to stay, I suggest staying outside of Chamonix. If visiting Switzerland then you must stay in Zermatt which I have been lucky to have visited as well. And if you travel during ski season, which I recommend, then a visit here is not complete unless you take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
For more information on retreating glaciers check out: World Glacier Monitoring Service
Second on the list is not a place but a species, the lions of Africa. As a young adult I remember hearing about the decline of these stately and verocious beasts, and more important the inbreeding in certain areas of Africa which were leading to their decline because of disease and sickness. It has been years since I heard anything about the lions of Africa and when I recently read that thirty years ago there were over 300,000 wild lions and now the population is down to less than 50,000 it took me aback. To envision a world without the king of beasts living free in the wild never seemed possible to me, and again I hope the efforts to keep the wild lion population in tact will work. The biggest threat is development of land for grazing which takes away from the lion’s habitat. Also the mismanagement of funds for parks and preserves and corruption within these parks has caused inbreeding. Some governments are trying to convince farmers that lions are worth more money alive and that they should turn their grazing lands into lodges, but this is not being met with much optimism. To see the king of the jungle in their own natural habitat, head to South Africa and you can visit Kruger National Park (http://www.krugerpark.co.za/) or one of the private game reserves such as Sabi Sand, or go to a luxury private lodge such as Singita (http://www.singita.com/) where they offer personalized game drives and other adventures to witness the beauty of South Africa and hopefully glimpse populations of elephants, cheetahs, giraffes and the king of beasts – lions. We actually work with a company that has been providing travel to Africa for over 250 years – they are the king of travel for those with discriminating taste and wanting to experience a true adventure whether it be deluxe to ultra luxury – here are just a few of the specials being offered to Africa.
One&Only Cape Town, South Africa—Kids Stay Free
Celebrate the opening of this chic urban waterfront resort. Stay a minimum of 3 nights and 2 kids (under age 12) stay free when sharing with 2 paying adults in a Marina Room or Island Junior Suite. Plus, two complimentary 45-minute spa treatments (one per adult, maximum two per room per stay), and bottle of Cape Estate wine. Valid through Sep 30, 2009.
12 Apostles Hotel, Cape Town—Stay for 4 Nights, Only Pay For 3
A heavenly five-star property poised above the Atlantic Ocean and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles. Includes a welcome drink, daily breakfast, use of the hydrotherapy pools, aroma sauna and flotation tank at the Sanctuary Spa, daily wine tasting in the Azure Restaurant, and complimentary scheduled transfer service to Camps Bay and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Valid through Dec 19, 2009.
Tanda Tula Tented Safari Camp—Stay for 3 Nights, Only Pay For 2
Situated in the heart of the Timbavati Nature Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park, South Africa. It offers an extraordinary wilderness experience in ultimate luxury. Includes luxury accommodation, all meals, two game activities per day, local wines, and soft drinks. Valid through Jun 30, 2009.
Sir Richard Branson's Rock and Safari Lodges—Stay 4 Nights, Only Pay for 3
Located in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa. Also available as Stay 5 Nights, Only Pay for 4 or Stay 7 Nights, Only Pay for 5. Valid Jul 16–Aug 31, 2009. Find out more on Ulusaba.
For more information: Read Susan Hack's illuminating report, "Where Have All the Lions Gone?" in Condé Nast Traveler's September 2006 issue.
Stay tuned to next month’s newsletter and I will include a few more “hot” spots to consider adding to your wish list. And a few of you just might be surprised in that you have already visited some of these disappearing eco systems!
Joyce Craddock
jc@incrediblejourney.net
