Safari Notes

How many people ever heard of, let alone know of, Lesotho? Very few indeed. Out of Africa, even fewer. Did you know that Lesotho is completely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa? The Kingdom of Lesotho or the Mountain Kingdom as it is fondly called by its officials; and due to its rolling high mountains and valleys, its stunning beauty and mountain scenery, it is also know as the ' Kingdom in the Sky '. For complete report go: here For many who know of Lesotho, they know it for having one of the highest HIV-Aids infection in the world. But now, thankfully and hearteningly, there is very good news about the Kingdom: it is now reportedly one of the very few places on Earth where women have full rights and are much better off than women in most other places. A report just released by the World Economic Forum, ranks the Mountain Kingdom - 8th - for bridging the gap between the sexes and for continuing to demonstrate  the greatest equality between men and women . L

As Sao Tome and Principe 's oil benefit hopes, have diminished of late, the Island nation is having great success with one of its other main and most loved products: cocoa. Since the late 1980s , the Island has been trying hard in improving its cocoa production and reaping benefits from it; due to falling cocoa prices, many cocoa farmers had abandoned their plantations in the 80s or had decided to farm other crops instead. As prices, internationally, plummeted in 1998 - many more gave up on growing it. Early this Century, a French organic chocolate producer did an assessment on the Island's cocoa sector; they concluded that : the rich genetic origin of Sao Tome cocoa varieties could produce superior aromatic cocoa beans that would fetch higher and more stable prices than ordinary cocoa. The study also found that traditional farming methods could be adapted easily to organic production. By combining organic production and fair trade principles, cocoa farmers could greatly boos

There is some thing about these massive creatures that has, from the instant I set eyes on them , captured my imagination and won my complete admiration. I have always felt without any doubt, that Elephants are supreme . They are huge, but whenever I get close to them and look at them attentively, I have always felt that Elephants are unique. Not because of their size or the way they are shaped, but there is some thing about them that simply awes and makes you love them. They are massive, but neither threatening nor menacing; compared to their size, they have these very small eyes that whenever they look at you, they seem to say: 'I know and understand '. The way they move, feed, breed, take care of their young and each other and sleep - is simply amazing: so organized and disciplined. They are more intelligent and superior than most animals. That superiority has now been confirmed: An experiment reveals that elephants not only cooperate, but that they understand the logi

To most people who have no knowledge of cats, the Iberian lynx looks just like many other lynxes. If you have ever set eyes on the Iberian lynx ( Lynx pardinus ), then you are one of the very lucky few who have had that privilege. It only exists in the Iberian Peninsular, in Spain, and it is so rare, that - of all cats on Earth - it has been classified as the most threatened and the most endangered; if it goes extinct, then it would be the first cat to do so in thousands of years. The Iberian lynx, like North America's, Black Footed Ferret , is on the brink of extinction due to its main food not being easily available anymore on its habitat. The ferret depends on the prairie dog; the lynx's main prey is the rabbit which has been decimated by successive diseases, the last pandemic which nearly wiped out rabbits in the wild, was in 1988. More on the Lynx: IUCN Red List , Iberia , Worldwildlife , Animal Info , Arkive , Facts , National Geographic , Suite101 , New Scientist , Spe

Join the World Wildlife Fund to stop oil sands from Canada blowing into Europe: The European Union (EU) is about to make a decision that could define if we move towards a better, cleaner world or a short-sighted, dirty energy future. We need the politicians who are deciding on this legislation to hear our voice and make the right choice! Take action by signing the Petition !

What a year? Within just the last few weeks, the face of Africa has been dramatically changing so fast, it is as if we are hallucinating. First: Tunisia, the events there and the rapid developments, at that time, seemed utterly incredible. Then came Egypt: what happened and the eventual result, were the most mind boggling events of this century and will continue to stun and be discussed for years to come. And now: Libya. Where is it heading to? Map of Libya - click to enlarge Whatever happens in and of Libya, Africa will very much be affected. Not only because of its immense oil reserves and wealth; but, because too, Muammar Al Qaddafi, the man at the center of all what has been and is happening in Libya, has for a long time been playing a leading and major role in Africa. Very unfortunately and deplorably, in Libya, the uprising there, is turning into a very bloody and deadly process. Many have died or are badly injured, including children ; and the violence and slaughter is stil

Do you like carnivals? What is a carnival? A carnival can mean many things . Most of us know of the spectacular, yearly, Brazilian carnivals. We very rarely hear of African carnivals. Well, a few days from now, 4th to the 6th of March, the very beautiful island nation of the Seychelles is holding the Carnaval International de Victoria and the islands will turn into a place for celebration and entertainment. And, it is attracting many from other parts of Africa . The 1972 Carnival was a great success, with Seychellois from all the islands assembling in Victoria for the celebrations alongside the visitors to the country. The 2011 Carnival will take place on a bigger scale and with an international flavor as Carnival Floats will this time be welcomed to Seychelles from the four corners of the world. Experience Seychelles Many other countries from around the world have been invited; and many, will attend. Seychelles, is renowned for its stunning beauty and very welcoming people. It is als