Nechisar National Park - THE SILENT PLAINS

Introduction and History:
Established in 1974, Nechisar National Park is a biodiverse sanctuary in southern Ethiopia. Its name, meaning "White Grass" in Amharic, derives from the seasonal blanching of its plains. Created to protect unique ecosystems and wildlife, the park has faced challenges like poaching but remains a vital conservation area.

Location and Land Mass:
- Location: Situated in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), near Arba Minch ("Forty Springs"), approximately 500 km south of Addis Ababa.
- Area: Covers 514 km², nestled between Lakes Abaya (red-hued from sediments) and Chamo in the Great Rift Valley.
- Topography: Features the Nechisar Plains, the Kulfo River, and the "Bridge of God" isthmus connecting the two lakes.

Wildlife Population:
- Mammals: Home to Swayne's hartebeest (endangered), Burchell's Zebra, greater kudu, Gazelles, and Baboons. Populations have fluctuated due to poaching.
- Birds: Over 300 species, including Kingfishers, fish Eagles, and migratory birds.
- Aquatic Life: Lake Chamo hosts Nile Crocodiles (notably at the "Crocodile Market") and Hippos; Lake Abaya has fewer due to higher alkalinity.

Attractions and Activities:
- Lake Chamo Boat Tours: Observe Crocodiles, Hippos, and birdlife.
- Nechisar Plains: Wildlife drives to spot Zebras and hartebeest.
- Bridge of God: Hike the volcanic isthmus for panoramic views.
- Kulfo River: Fishing and scenic walks.
- Cultural Visits: Explore Arba Minch and Dorze villages for traditional crafts and cuisine.

Tourism Potential:
- Proximity to Arba Minch: Offers lodging and air/road access.
- Unique Draws: Crocodile Market, diverse landscapes, and birdwatching.

- Best Visit Time: Dry season (November–March) for optimal wildlife viewing.

Did You Know?
- The "Crocodile Market" refers to Lake Chamo’s dense crocodile gatherings.
- The park was proposed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its ecological significance.
- Arba Minch’s name reflects its numerous springs, a gateway to the park.
- The white plains result from a silica-rich soil crust formed during dry periods.

Virunga National Park, DR Congo - THE PARK OF FIRE AND ICE

Introduction:
Virunga National Park, established in 1925, is Africa’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. Located in the conflict-prone eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the park is a sanctuary for endangered species like mountain gorillas and a symbol of resilience amid political instability and conservation challenges.

History:
- 1925: Founded as Albert National Park by Belgium’s King Albert I to protect mountain gorillas .
- 1969: Renamed Virunga National Park after Congo’s independence .
- 1979: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
- 1994: Listed as World Heritage in Danger due to war, poaching, and refugee crises .
- 2000s–Present: Faces threats from oil exploration, armed militias, and deforestation, countered by the Virunga Alliance—a conservation and community development initiative .

Location and Land Mass:
- Area: 7,800 km² (3,000 sq mi), stretching 300 km along the Albertine Rift .
- Borders: Adjacent to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park.
- Key Landscapes:
- Southern Sector: Virunga volcanoes (including active Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira) and gorilla habitats .
- Central Sector: Lake Edward, savannas, and hippo populations .
- Northern Sector: Rwenzori Mountains (glaciers) and Semliki River valley .

Attractions and Activities:
1. Mountain Gorilla Trekking:
- Home to ~350 mountain Gorillas (1/3 of the global population).
- Permits cost $450 (cheaper than Rwanda/Uganda) .

2. Nyiragongo Volcano Hike:
- Active volcano with a lava lake; overnight crater camping .

3. Wildlife Safaris:
- Spot Lions, Elephants, Okapis, and 20,000 Hippos .

4. Chimpanzee Habituation:
- Track Chimps in the forest ($100 permit) .

5. Cultural Tours:
- Visit Batwa Pygmy communities.

Note: Tourism is currently suspended due to conflict (2025).

Did You Know?
- Biodiversity: 218 mammal species, 706 birds, and 22 primates—more than the U.S. and U.K. combined .
- Unique Species: Only park with three great apes (mountain gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas, chimpanzees) .
- Volcanoes: Nyiragongo’s lava flows at 60 mph, among the fastest recorded .
- Ranger Sacrifice: Over 200 rangers killed defending the park since 1996 .
- Oscar-Nominated: The 2014 documentary Virunga highlighted its conservation struggles.

Conclusion:
Virunga National Park is a microcosm of Africa’s ecological wealth and human challenges. Despite threats from conflict and resource exploitation, its rangers and global allies strive to protect its legacy. As the park approaches its 100th anniversary (2025), it remains a beacon of hope for conservation and sustainable development in one of the world’s most fragile regions.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania - THE LAND OF GIANTS

Introduction & History:
Tarangire National Park, established in 1970, is one of Tanzania's most spectacular yet underrated wildlife destinations. Named after the Tarangire River that flows through it, the park serves as a critical dry-season refuge for wildlife. Historically, the area was a traditional grazing ground for Maasai pastoralists before being designated as a game reserve in 1957 and later upgraded to national park status to protect its unique ecosystem.

Location & Land Mass:
- Location: Northern Tanzania, 120 km southwest of Arusha, near Lake Manyara and the Maasai Steppe.
- Size: 2,850 km² (6th largest in Tanzania).
- Altitude: Ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Key Attractions & Activities:
Wildlife Wonders
✔ Largest Elephant concentration in Tanzania (up to 3,000 in dry season).
✔ Great Migration (June–Oct): Wildebeest, Zebras, and Buffalo flock to the Tarangire River.
✔ Predators: Lions (including rare tree-climbing Lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, and Wild Dogs.
✔ Rare species: Fringe-eared Oryx, Gerenuk, and Dwarf Mongoose.

Birding Paradise:
✔ 550+ bird species, including:
- Yellow-collared lovebirds (endemic).
- Kori bustards (world’s heaviest flying bird).
- Vultures & Eagles (lappet-faced, fish Eagles).

Landscapes:
✔ Ancient baobabs (some 600+ years old).
✔ Silale Swamps – A wildlife magnet in dry months.
✔ Termite mounds – Some taller than elephants!

Activities:
- Classic game drives (best at dawn/dusk).
- Walking safaris (with armed rangers).
- Night drives (spot elusive nocturnal animals).
- Cultural visits (Maasai villages).
- Hot-air balloon safaris (panoramic views).

Did You Know?
Elephant twins were born here in 2018—a rare phenomenon!
Baobabs store up to 1,000L of water—nature’s survivalists!
Home to Tanzania’s only endemic parrot (yellow-collared lovebird).

Tourism Potential:
- Less crowded than Serengeti/Ngorongoro but equally rewarding.
- Year-round wildlife viewing, though June–Oct (dry season) is prime time.
- Luxury lodges & tented camps (e.g., Tarangire Treetops, Oliver’s Camp).
- Ideal for photographers (dramatic baobab backdrops + huge herds).

Best time to visit: June–October (peak wildlife) or November–April (lush landscapes + birding).

Conclusion
Tarangire is Tanzania’s hidden gem—a park where elephants reign supreme, baobabs stand like ancient sentinels, and wildlife thrives in a pristine wilderness. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned explorer, Tarangire offers an authentic, crowd-free African adventure.

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* PRESS SEAMS: Iron your work often to open out seams and ensure a professional finish.

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*SEW BUTTONS EASILY: Use a ziz- zag stitch set to 0 on your machine to sew buttons.

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Weekend Binge Suggestion

Blood Of Zeus (Animated TV Series)

Despite the interference of a vengeful goddess and her monstrous forces, a commoner living in ancient Greece, Heron discovers his true heritage as a son of Zeus, and his purpose: to save the world from a Titanic army and their king Cronos. Together with his team of unlikely alliances, they must go to hell and back and ultimately risk it all for the slightest chance to save the universe

No. of episodes: 24

No. of seasons: 3

Program creators: Charley Parlapanides, Vlas Parlapanides

First episode date: 27 October 2020 (USA)

Genre: Action; Adventure; Fantasy

#movie #weekend_binging

AN INVITATION