Once in a Lifetime Experience

Once in a Lifetime Experience

by | Mar 7, 2023 | Monde

Most of us have a bucket list, a checklist of experiences that we would like to achieve at least once in our lives – don’t we ?!?

There is an almost endless number of inspiring places to visit all over the world, or even closer to home. Natural wonders, unique encounters or thrilling experiences: we are delighted to illustrate below some options that tick all the boxes for Charly’s Team.

Dance with wolves

A Norwegian sanctuary, perfectly isolated in the wild, that allows you to see the northern lights and play with wolves? Let’s head north to Polar Park, a wildlife centre in the far north of Norway that specialises in Arctic species. This reserve is home to wolves raised by humans who, unlike their wild brothers, do not fear humans. Visitors can, if they so wish, approach and even pet the wolves in their natural environment, in huge enclosures that give animals the space they need to explore, as well as hide. After receiving clear instructions from your guide on where to place your hands, how to walk and behave in general around the wolves, you will be greeted with a lick to the face!
In terms of comfort, the three suites at the Wolf Lodge can accommodate up to 6 people, with an interior design that creates a warm and modern Scandinavian atmosphere. You will have an opportunity to interact with the wolves in the enclosures, with ‘socialised’ animals. Guests are separated from the animals only by the lodge’s wooden walls and large windows.
The experience includes evenings spent sitting by a crackling log fire, sipping hot chocolate as you listen to stories about wolves, while the curios animals watch you from nearby.
One of the highlights will be the possibility of seeing the northern lights. At the top of Narvik Mountain, accessible by cable car, visitors may be able to see nature’s light show from inside a lodge or from an outdoor platform.

Period: you can visit from November to March.

Mythical motu

The height of exclusivity is to offer yourself a holiday on your own private island in Polynesia, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the ocean as your only horizon. One of many shimmering ‘leeward’ islands, this motu can be booked for a private stay with your family or friends. Welcome to Nao Nao, which rises from the waters opposite the island of Raiatea. This earthly paradise, with 25 hectares of lush nature and 2 beaches, one of which is over 800 m long, is home to a hugely diverse ecosystem.
Three villas, which can host up to 6 people, are situated just a few metres from one another and have direct access to the pristine beach. The décor, in an authentic local style, sets the tone, featuring white coral, framework made from ‘Aito’ wood and Burmese teak terraces.
Your Chef will excel at the table, crafting seasonal menus with most of the ingredients coming directly from the motu itself, particularly the fish, organic vegetables and wild herbs. Activities are, of course, inspired by the ocean, and allow you to choose between scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, kite surfing, bike rides or lagoon boat tours. If you travel to Raiatea, you will discover the traditions of the local communities and the natural marvels of the archipelago.
Here, respect for the environment is a core value. Motu Nao Nao is indeed committed to preserving and protecting our planet for the future, and therefore to minimising its environmental footprint. And what is more, this unique place is devoted to respecting the Polynesian people and their culture.

Whatever your plans for the day, finish on a high with a wonderfully relaxing cocktail, made with fresh flavours from the garden, sipped on your elegant terrace facing the sparkling lagoon.

Tropical climate all year round. Best period = dry season, from April to October.

A different outlook

Moving encounters do not happen only with people from the other side of the world. Even without words, a magic understanding can be reached through a powerful gaze. It is in Rwanda, just below the equator, following a trek of several hours through the forest, that you may find the last mountain gorillas, an encounter that could change your life.
Coming face to face with these great apes is an invaluable experience that almost eclipses the extraordinary landscapes that you traverse to enjoy such unique moments. Thousands of hills, lush banana plantations, high-altitude lakes and dormant volcanoes represent but a few of the natural attractions.
On your way, you may have the chance to cross paths with herbivores such as elephants, buffaloes, duiker, bush pigs and tree hyraxes.
The gorillas benefit from a safeguarding plan, the effects of which are already visible in Rwanda, where the State is supporting measures by volunteers to protect this species. If you would like to contribute to efforts being made to extend their habitat, you can take part in a project to plant trees and restore their habitat by staying at Kwitonda Lodge, owned by the Singita chain, which is synonymous with sustainability.
Located over 72 hectares bordering the volcanoes national park, and two and a half hours’ drive from Kigali, this eco-friendly property offers a sophisticated, very comfortable version of the safari, with easy access to the gorilla spotting treks.
The lodge’s walls, made of volcanic rock, feature large picture windows, revealing views of the summits of the Virunga Mountains. The ten suites and villas are perched over a ridge, providing unobstructed views of the mist descending down the volcano, the mountains and surrounding bucolic landscapes.
An organic vegetable garden on site provides almost all of the produce for the restaurant and bar.
As the Tanzanian Serengeti is only a few kilometres away on the other side of Lake Victoria, it is possible to combine your stay with a “big 5” safari.

Best time to visit: from mid-May to mid-October in the dry season, when conditions are ideal.

We all have our desires, be they virtuous or not. These unique experiences will create unforgettable memories for life. There are so many places to explore, whether you are looking to get away for a few days, or you are seeking extraordinary experiences; we can share infinite ideas with you, and our wish is to help you make your dreams come true.

To be continued in the next episode...

REACH OUT

Return from a trip – Interview

Return from a trip – Interview

by | Dec 27, 2022 | Asia*

Return from a trip – Interview
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, as seen through the eyes of Héloïse, a Travel Designer and Partner of Looking for Charly from Monaco.
Sri Lanka, a fascinating paradise and a destination that is full of surprises.

 

.

You just came back from there. What would you recommend for a first trip there? 

The classics! Become an explorer for the day and discover Sigiriya by climbing the mysterious Lion Rock. Explore the sacred city of Kandy in the centre of the island, famous for its Buddhist temples. Journey on a panoramic train ride into the mountains, immersing yourself in the jungle. Stop off at a plantation in the region of Ella, walking in the footsteps of the tea pickers from colonial times, and spend the night in a refurbished factory that is still in operation. Take part in a local cooking class in the middle of a spice garden. Explore the wild plains in Yala. Discover the wildlife in its natural habitat during a safari. End on a high with a visit to the beautiful beaches of the south in Welligama to enjoy a few days of relaxation, and gaze in wonder at postcard-worthy sunsets against a backdrop of brave surfers. Nine to ten nights is a good start.

Baja Caaliforniaa Basse Californie Mexxique

With which hotels did you fall in love? 

Jetwing Vil Uyana :

in the north. One of the most iconic hotels in Sri Lanka, just a short distance from the UNESCO sites like that of Sigiriya, which is accessible by bike.

The lodge is located in the heart of a forest that is home to native lemurs, where the main building overhangs a pond covered with waterlilies. The twenty-three rooms, made from bamboo and reeds, spread out around rice fields. These places embody slow tourism to perfection. Everything there comes from short supply chains, with the herbs and vegetables, cooked sublimely by the chef, coming from the kitchen garden. The hotel is at the vanguard in terms of animal conservation, eco-tourism and social responsibility. Simple luxury that goes back to basics, as we love it.

Uga Chena Huts, in the south, is well-hidden along a beach bordered by dunes and rocks, very close to the Yala National Park, an animal sanctuary, meaning that the wildlife regularly wanders over into the resort’s shrubland. The lodge is made up of 14 huts – with 2 more planned for 2023 – sumptuously decorated and equipped with plunge pools. Each hut is quite hidden among the vegetation, which guarantees almost complete privacy. Like nests, the thatched-roof domes are spread out, connected by footbridges, to enable the many animals living there to make the most of their natural playground.  Everything has been designed so as to limit the impact on nature: low energy consumption, solar panels, etc. The Uga group is renowned for its commitment to improving the lives of the communities in which it lives and works, as well as its efforts to ensure the environment is protected.

Saudi Pavilion @Alefa Press

How did it go on site?

We travelled through wild places, including numerous national parks. We saw iconic, untouched beauty spots such as Adam’s Peak. We soaked in the peaceful atmosphere of the mountainous, and the lush greenery in the island’s central regions, as well as the serenity.
The guides have boundless knowledge on the history of the cultural and religious sites, which have given rise to the most thrilling legends. Our driver was readily available and made sure our transfers went smoothly, keeping us entertained with many anecdotes. At each stage, services were provided with panache, discretion and thoughtful care. You would never know of the current issues the people of Sri Lanka are facing, of which we only became aware during more in-depth discussions with our hosts.

 

@OUALALOU&CHOI&Metrochrome

In what way is Sri Lanka an exceptional destination?

We travelled through wild places, including numerous national parks. We saw iconic, untouched beauty spots such as Adam’s Peak. We soaked in the peaceful atmosphere of the mountainous, and the lush greenery in the island’s central regions, as well as the serenity of the immaculate beaches in the south-west, bordered by palm trees. To give you an idea, the spirituality of the places is soothing, it urges you to re-centre yourself and let go. Over there, travellers can observe, in just a few hours’ travel, the largest mammal on land, the elephant, in the Minneriya National Park, and father east (we didn’t have time to go there), the largest marine mammal, the whale, in the waters of Trincomalee.

@calatrava.com

Why go there?

As well as the magnificent panoramas, we were completely blown away and astonished by the variety of the regions, the untouched landscapes, the plentiful wildlife and the tropical savannah. For my part, I love exclusive venues, so I was impressed by the number of luxury hotels, which as a plus, are respectful of the environment.

Now is the time to support the economy and pay homage to the efforts the local teams have been making to keep up standards. Furthermore, for a reasonable budget, it is possible to stay at one of the island’s magnificent hotels, enjoying the very best in terms of room comfort, or dine at a top-notch restaurant, where local specialties are served in generous portions.

@V8-Architects©Jeroen-Musch

Speaking of gastronomy, is the food good in Sri Lanka?

 Sri Lankan cuisine is full of surprises, just like the island itself. Everyone can find something to their liking, thanks to the variety of dishes on offer, from sophisticated, exotic fusions to more simple dishes of grilled fish. We enjoyed curry in all its forms, brightly coloured by the fresh spices that abound on the island. But be warned, although chefs can adapt to Western palates, our tastebuds were not always prepared for what we were served.  Spices are used in everything, due to the fragrant aromas they disclose, but also because of their medicinal properties, recognised in Ayurvedic treatments.

To whom would you recommend this destination?

I would recommend it to anyone! There is something for everybody there, as I explained before. Couples, families, adventurers, walkers, divers, surfers, wellness tourists… There are even golf courses!

What did you bring back in your suitcase?

Tea, of course! Sri Lanka is one of the biggest tea producers in the world. I bought black tea, the most common type, and of course tea with cinnamon and with ginger.  Spices, of which there is a huge choice, and cashew nuts!

@V8-Architects©Jeroen-Musch

Practical information

Sri Lanka? The “teardrop of India” has been feeling the negative effects of the media, which in the spring of this year was depicting a complicated economic and political context. And yet…

I hadn’t necessarily thought about it, like many travellers, but Sri Lanka truly deserves its nickname as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, because this destination is really beautiful. At the crossroads of Indonesia and southern India, the mood there is serene, the people welcoming, and the landscapes of an almost unearthly beauty.  

Although this adventure was initially an opportunity for me to get to grips with the situation, in practice I was able to travel there with my two adolescent sons (15 and 17 years old). The range of activities on offer, the short travel times and the accessibility of family-friendly accommodation made this an exceptionally good trip.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

A real bonus for this destination, which is on the Equator, is that it is a good place to go almost all year round ! Like all countries with mountain peaks, each region has its own climate.

Share your plans with us and we will give you the best guidance. Remember, in any case, that the average yearly temperatures in the country fluctuate between 26C° and 28C°. 

Direct flights from Paris, and flights with one stop from Nice, Brussels or Milan.

.

Contact us
The cherry on top?

The cherry on top?

by | Nov 7, 2022 | Uncategorized

There are no coincidences. There are only encounters.

VTravel in the company of creative minds, artists, food connoisseurs or even educators. Is this the cherry on top of the cake? To be accompanied on your travels by someone with multiple past lives, with surprising skills and who can share their passions with you on a patch of land, in front of a wood-fired oven, or in an unusual workshop…
Nowadays, this means diving into a story, touching the materials with your own hands, immersing yourself fully in a region; it’s not just a question of discovering a new destination, but it’s also about taking part in an experience – at the risk of subverting your spirits, even just a little – and allowing yourself to go with the flow, to discover something new about YOURSELF, too.

Baja Caaliforniaa Basse Californie Mexxique

Charly’s Team is delighted to introduce you to some rare individuals, for a special getaway, to a destination that can be far away or close by. Our mission is to map out routes, design itineraries and prepare you to set off on an adventure – with local teams on standby at all times. On this occasion, we would like to introduce you to Paul: a one-man band, equally at home behind a stove, or at a table in the dark corner of a bar, or explaining a road map with charming anecdotes. That’s right, Paul is a very resourceful man who can help us design a trip around you, who will come to know you “better than you know yourself”, ensuring you come home with the best memories.

Saudi Pavilion @Alefa Press

Let’s travel to Japan, but off the beaten track,

and allow Paul to tempt us with some mouth-watering dishes.

“Islands, volcanoes, mountains and rivers. Imagine a string of small villages, making a gentle impression on the unspoiled landscape, with immediate access to springs and forests. Everything is calm. They grow crops of vegetables, citrus fruits, buckwheat and rice here. From coastal villages teeming with fish, to volcanic areas sprinkled with a network of lush vegetation, to a wild urban sprawl: Japan intrigues visitors with its coexistence of contrasting worlds. Savour a freshly-made sashimi in a small fishing port from times gone by. Loose yourself in the incredible landscapes of its mountainous islands, then sip sake on a rooftop bar in a supercity. Dine in a restaurant with refined design, located in the middle of a rice paddy; enjoy a coffee whilst sitting on a tatami mat in a cabinet-maker’s workshop, hidden deep in the forest. Off the beaten track, Japan is a country that will surprise, astonish and dazzle you.”

@OUALALOU&CHOI&Metrochrome

In the depths of Liguria

Just a stone’s throw from the deep blue sea, bordered by the serene Alpine foothills of Piedmont, lie the rich hinterlands of Liguria. Dense groves of wild olive trees crowd around a few scattered villages, whose steeples rise up like observatories over the horizon. This is where you can taste local wines, sitting on the shore of dazzlingly white coves. Enjoy a slower pace of life while bathing in one of the region’s idyllic natural basins, in the shade of stone bridges. From the Alpine foothills, covered by the wintry snow, the sea views are breath-taking. Ride a donkey along old mule tracks, and end up in a comfortable inn: your hosts, local shepherds, will be counting on you to help them prepare their trofie* by hand. You can sleep on site, comforted by the crackling sound of a log fire, unless you’d prefer to stay at a monastery, hidden in the depths of the woods, your ideal retreat?
By following these pleasant routes in the hinterland, you will discover cultures that are sometimes circumscribed to very small hamlets. Italian becomes a lingua franca, originating from a Ligurian culture that was once one of the greatest powers in the Mediterranean, as the erstwhile Republic of Genoa, whose denizens include the very same Christopher Columbus who set sail for the New World. The splendour of yore is retained, modestly, in the lanes and back alleys of Genoa, the largest Medieval old town in Europe, where proud palaces stand still in the shadows, waiting to be illuminated once more. Underground, old inns with vaulted ceilings welcome you with a carafe of Pigato wine, a dish of anchovies, and a piping-hot farinata, perfect for sharing. A little farther on, under the shimmering surface of the sea, a submerged statue of Jesus Christ stares at an abbey, stranded on the beach. There are no cars here; the abbey can only be reached by a footpath. We are no longer far from the Cinque Terre.
* short, twisted Ligurian pasta

@calatrava.com
Who am I? 

Born in New Caledonia, Paul has had a keen sense of adventure and a passion for travelling off the beaten track since childhood. Once a journalist and French professor at Baikal University, Paul traded in his chalk for a knife. He went off to train at L’Astrance, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, where the produce is the true star of the show. A place where the senses are sharpened, in order to better determine gestures and measures, with the elegance and vivacious curiosity that define the work of chef Pascal Barbot.
Having benefited from this life-changing experience, Paul then set off to discover new techniques and knowledge, in France, Italy, Russia, the Caucasus and Japan, training in the three-Michelin-starred Hyo Tei in Kyoto, and the one-Michelin-starred Elsa in Monaco. Exploring markets along the way, he visited Eastern Siberia, Armenia, Adjara (Georgia), Xinjiang (western China), Hong Kong, and so on. From simple sandwiches to more complex dishes, from the sea to the mountains, for Paul the only true marker of sophistication is the emotion food transmits. Sharing a moment of pleasure, around the table or outdoors, discovering extraordinary artisans and stories: with its unifying force, food becomes a pretext for the rest, and a reflection of the world around us. With Paul, food tasting becomes a way to understand and discover a region, and those who live and work there every day.

@V8-Architects©Jeroen-Musch

Paul offers you a unique experience…

“Across the vineyards of Western Georgia”, an immersive experience into the winegrowing and culinary culture of Georgia, to be discovered in a small group, from 3 to 13 December 2022. Contact us for further details.…

What’s more… 

We can organise a service to provide a chef like Paul as a guide, whatever your destination.

He can also act as a sort of “culinary concierge” for travellers.

Contact us
Viva Mexico

Viva Mexico

by | Oct 3, 2022 | Amerique Latine, Latin America

A melting pot of Indigenous, pre-Hispanic traditions and colonial heritage, featuring a seemingly endless array of museums and historical sites, as well as a multitude of bustling cities: stretching from the vast Pacific coast to the Caribbean beaches, Mexico is the fusion of a country rich in culture with almost unending natural landscapes, where locals will greet you with enthusiasm. Starting from the end of October, it becomes the ideal destination for families, for culture seekers, golfers, divers, hikers or sun worshippers. 

Baja Caaliforniaa Basse Californie Mexxique

“Baja California”

On the Pacific coast, experience the power of the Ocean, or lose yourself in the desert landscapes, dotted with cacti. The natural beauty of Baja California will seduce you with the diversity of its fauna, which is accessible to all, and of its flora, bordering the Sea of Cortez. From December to April, you can witness the migration of the ever-graceful humpback whales to warmer waters, and also spot grey whales giving birth to their young. Los Cabos is a breath of fresh air, compared to the East Coast.

Saudi Pavilion @Alefa Press

“The world’s aquarium”

The activities on offer include spotting giant sea turtles, diving with playful sea lions, and snorkelling among the reefs, teeming with colourful fishes. Famously described by Jacques Cousteau as the “world’s aquarium”, this region has many hidden gems, where you will be sure to find a little corner of paradise.

To travel back in time, stay at one of the first Spanish missions, converted into a luxury hotel, and set off to discover the cave paintings dating back to pre-Colombian civilisations.

@OUALALOU&CHOI&Metrochrome

Viceroy Los Cabos

A hotel:
Viceroy Los Cabos is an architectural icon, hyper modern and ultra-luxurious. All clean lines, deep shadows and ‘floating boxes’, the spaces are reflected back as watery mirages. The hotel contributes to the protection of the environment by using products designed to be environmentally sustainable. Single-use items are biodegradable and made from recycled materials. The local farm, Cabo Organics, supplies many items on the menu, to the delight of food lovers.

@calatrava.com
Día de los Muertos or the Day of the Deads

The most traditional holiday in the country, celebrated between the end of October and the beginning of November, brings people together to honour their dead.
A mixture of Latin rituals and Hispanic religion and culture, this holiday is a joyful celebration. It’s a time of cheerful contemplation for families, and not a spooky spectacle, as is the case with Halloween in English-speaking countries. This annual homage, the holiest in the country, showcases several customs, such as the preparation of colourful sugar skulls or of pan de muerto – the bread of the dead – a soft bread coated with crystallised sugar and decorated with bone-shaped pieces of dough.
A riot of colours spills out into the streets and shops of Mexico, in the form of flowers, glittering candles and bright garlands. Music takes centre stage in the commemorations of the Dead, and so does Catrina with her famous make-up: the most iconic figure of the festivities, Catrina is an elegantly dressed skeleton who parodies Mexican high society.
And as no celebration would be complete without a feast, families lay out the favourite dishes of their deceased loved ones, to draw them back to earth and keep their memory alive.
Travelling at this time of year will allow you to immerse yourself fully in a sensory experience, to participate in the celebrations and admire the representative altars created especially for the occasion.
This homage to the dearly departed has been recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. You will be encouraged to enjoy life and start viewing death differently.

@V8-Architects©Jeroen-Musch
The Andaz Mayakoba

A hotel:
The Andaz Mayakoba is located at the heart of the Riviera Maya, between the mangroves and the ocean. This exclusive, serene haven, where nature meets innovation, is respectful of environmental and sustainability standards. Travellers are spoiled here by the local flavours and range of cultural activities on offer. The hotel is involved in running a sanctuary for sea turtles, to ensure their protection during nesting periods.

When to go there 

Best time :

November to June 

Directs flights from:

Milan, Paris, Bruxelles 

 Approximate flight duration :

12h 

Length advised :

10 to 14 days

Born to be Wild

Born to be Wild

by | Aug 27, 2022 | Africa*

This summer, Southern Africa was on your list of top destinations, and many of our travellers were able to enjoy the best time of year to travel in the region. Indeed, during the dry season, it is easier to spot the wildlife gathering around the rare watering holes. This is also the time of the great migration of the wildebeest. Having said that, other times of year are also conducive to observing baby animals in Sub-Saharan nature. Although the image may be conventional, is this not an experience in itself, and one of the highlights of any safari?

The Lion King.

You will be treated to the sight of lion cubs fighting and playing with one another, or being nuzzled by their benevolent aunts. You may even witness, at dinner time, an initiation into hunting, which consists in killing a small gazelle or baby dik-dik; an enduring lesson, because lions are not supposed to hunt during their first year of life. The most sought-after animal on the continent lives in familial groups, which sometimes include up to fifteen members. These groups consist of two or three brothers and around ten females with their young. As a community, lionesses give birth to their offspring more or less during the same period; they also look after each other’s cubs. A litter can include up to six cubs, but their survival is compromised due to the challenges they face, such as lack of food or the presence of predators. Only the fittest will survive.
The demonstrative behaviour of lions, which can be observed when males rub up against one other, or when females groom themselves, is unique among big cats. Studies show that this helps them maintain strong social bonds. When they are not resting, the males get on with the job of defending their territory, patrolling it and marking it with their scent, whilst producing terrifying roars to communicate with their fellow lions. The sound is so loud you may feel its vibration! And in the Serengeti, you will be able to see many of them, as this region is home to around one lion per square kilometre of land in the second national park of Africa, in Tanzania. The gestation period of a lioness is very short, only 110 days. Most births take place during the rainy season; however, as lionesses reproduce all year round, you may be able to see some cubs, irrespective of when you visit.

Raconte-moi une histoire !

A symbol of strength and wisdom.

QWhether it’s the first or the umpteenth time you come face to face with an elephant, it’s very likely that you will be impressed when these animals, which are at least two metres tall, pass by you, or when a whole herd marches past nearby. You will hold your breath at the sight of a herd crossing the road just in front of you, or even parting around your vehicle. In the eyes of the wildlife, the high 4×4 vehicles are like large rocks or trees, standing there, of no interest and perceived as an obstruction to get around. This species lives in very large, multi-generational groups, composed mostly of females, with the eldest in charge. Every member of the herd looks after the young, during their first five years of life. Community life, founded on mutual assistance and a great deal of love, is remarkable in this species. Quite often, the other females in the family rally around the mothers, to help them protect their calves.
With luck, the highlight of your encounter with these animals will be seeing their young, standing in their mother’s shadow or stealing pieces of tree bark from their elders. You will be filled with wonder when you see them using their trunks to show affection to one another. The highlight of the show is at bath time: these pachyderms take advantage of wet spots to roll around on the ground, covering their bodies with mud, which protects them from the sun and heat, and soaking themselves with water, to hydrate their skin. During the dry season, they use their defences to cross the dried up river beds, thereby creating watering holes where other animals can quench their thirst. These land mammals are non-seasonal breeders, meaning they can give birth at any time of year, following a 22-month-long gestation period, the longest on earth! From the age of 12 years, males leave the clan and then begin a solitary life in the jungle or in the savanna.

INARA-CAMP

One of the largest creatures in the world! 

The rhinoceros gets its name from one of its physical characteristics, deriving from the Greek ‘rhino’, which means “nose”, and ‘ceros’, meaning “horn”. Females only give birth every two to four years, and have only one baby at a time. This allows them to be very attentive and protective, increasing the rate of survival of rhinos. The tragic threat of poaching is ever present, which leaves many young orphans behind. Some people believe that the inside of a rhino’s horn can be used for the preparation of “miracle” products, a theory that to this day has never been proven scientifically. In fact, their horn is made of keratin. It can sometimes break, but then grows back. Females use it to protect their calves from predators: lions, crocodiles and leopards. Young rhinos sometimes remain with their mothers until the arrival of a brother or sister, when they are two or three years old, at which time they have almost reached their adult size and are almost ready to live alone. The baby of a black rhino always runs behind its mother, whereas that of a white rhino walks in front of her.
Black female rhinos have overlapping territories and are not really as solitary as we may believe, unlike male rhinos. During the hottest hours of the day, you will find them lounging in the shade or basking in mud, which they also adore. Very often, you will see birds perched on their heads, called oxpeckers, eating ticks and other parasites. As a matter of fact, in Swahili their name is askari wa kifaru: “the rhino’s guard”. Researchers have discovered that their calls warn rhinos of the approach of poachers, among other things!
Did you know? A male can weigh up to 2500 kilos, and a female up to 1400 kilos, and they can measure up to 4 metres in length. Their gestation lasts 15 to 16 months.

Qui c’est qui joue ?

And it’s even better from above!

Discover the beauty of the Maasai Mara on board a hot air balloon. Depart at dawn, letting the wind carry you over the tops of the acacia trees or even higher, until you see the curvature of the horizon. The perspective is unique, affording sweeping views over the plentiful fauna living on the vast plains, along glittering rivers and among verdant bushes. You too will watch the sun rise, illuminating these endless lands teeming with life. Spot giraffes grazing on leaves, gazelles leaping across the plains, or enjoy looking for hippos hiding in the water. You will witness the daily rituals of all these species in their wild habitat, and will better understand the challenges involved in the conservation of this fragile ecosystem.

Many young are born in the Serengeti in the middle of summer. October and November are therefore the ideal months to visit the park, if you want to see lion cubs playing, or dishevelled baby zebras or impalas glued to their mothers. See the wildlife closer than you could possibly imagine… Hear the breathing of the water buffalo and the thundering hooves of the gnu, in complete safety with your private guide by your side, all by yourselves, on board your own open-top vehicle.

Some impressive figures:

• The gestation of a hippopotamus can last up to 250 days,
• that of a zebra up to 390,
• and that of a giraffe up to 450!

    To find out more: contact us !