|
Empowers Africa on Location
|
|
|
|
Earlier this summer, several members of Empowers Africa had the privilege of traveling to the continent to visit projects, attend conferences and enjoy a little downtime.
Please read below to find out more about our adventures and the conservation and tourism companies we had the opportunity to travel with.
|
|
|
Just Back from Tanzania
with Asilia Africa
|
|
|
Our Chair of the Board of trustees, Krista Krieger, has just returned from an incredible experience and outstanding safari in Tanzania with Asilia Africa. During her stay, Krista visited Asilia's Highlands within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Asilia Namiri Plains Camp located in Central Serengeti, Asilia Olakira Migration Camp in Northern Serengeti, and Asilia's Ubuntu's Migration Camp in the Western Corridor.
We hope you enjoy the highlights from her trip below!
|
|
|
|
Ngorongo Conservation Area
Asilia’s Highlands is a one of a kind lodge experience. It is Africa’s first, and only, lodge constructed of geodestic domes. From the lodge’s unique location, nestled within the stunning landscape of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, one can hike two of the lesser well-known craters – Empakaai Crater and Ormoti Crater. Empakaai is a “lake” crater that consists of a thin shoreline surrounding a jade colored lake. Here you can walk right up on thousands of flamingos resting on its shores. For more adventurous travelers, try camping at the edge of the crater and journey on foot to Lake Natron, a massive breeding ground to 1.5 to 2.5 million flamingo. Travelers can also access the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Our trustee had the chance to experience a morning game drive in the crater (to beat the crowds), followed by the Empakaai hike in the afternoon. Krista also did the Ormoti Crater hike, which is known for having beautiful waterfalls.
|
|
|
|
Central Serengeti
Central Serengeti is typically a seasoned safari traveler’s nightmare – way too many vehicles! However, escape the madness to Namiri Plains, a pristine area just one hour from the main airstrip. Namiri is known for its outstanding big cat sightings, as well as great territory for cheetah and lion sightings. There is only one camp in the area, Asilia’s Namiri Plains Camp. Asilia has almost completed a full rebuild which will replace the existing camp.
|
|
|
|
Northern Serengeti - Migration Camp I
The famous Mara River provides the perfect setting for a safari. The Mara is Africa’s largest permanent river and home to a giant population of hippos and crocodiles. The river swells with rain fall from time to time and provides a vital water source to grazing animals. In fact, the day before our trustee arrived, the area experienced flash floods and the river swelled so much that a vehicle was swept off the bridge (guests were unharmed). Luckily, the sun was shining from that point forward and our trustee was able to see a large number of wildebeest and zebra migrating through the area.
Here are several photos of her time at Asilia’s Olakira Migration Camp:
|
|
|
|
Western Corridor - Migration Camp II
There is nothing like arriving at your camp to witness hundreds of wildebeest running 100 feet from your lunch table. Asilia’s Ubuntu’s Migration Camp was right smack in the middle of the migration! And the noise these animals make during the great migration is nothing you will ever forget! A constant, unrelenting and rhythmic humming. There is some luck in hitting this incredible wildlife experience, the day our trustee arrived was the first day they were seen in the area. She saw over a million wildebeest over the next 48 hours.
Please enjoy these photos of this incredible wildlife experience:
|
|
|
|
|
|
