Charles Friedo Frize’s Post

Namibia is a vast country — 825,418 square kilometers of scenic, varied landscapes rendered in high-contrast color film. It is no wonder that this peaceful nation is a favorite among photographers, especially the Sossusvlei sand dunes or the famed but feared Skeleton Coast in the Namib Desert, the awe-inspiring depths of Fish River Canyon, and the endless plains of the Kaokoveld. Strangely-shaped rock formations, dormant volcanoes and giant dinosaur footprints round out the diversity of this stark, hauntingly beautiful land. These features provide so much variety to your sightseeing. For the more artistic eye, the tones, textures and forms of these landscape features have made Namibia a popular destination among photographers. Nature and Wildlife The 19 state-owned game parks, conservation areas, and resorts comprise nearly 15% of Namibia’s land area. Population sizes in its game parks are smaller than in top wildlife destinations, but the Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s great game parks. In the arid northwest, you find desert-dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe.

Namibia is a vast country — 825,418 square kilometers of scenic, varied landscapes rendered in high-contrast color film. It is no wonder that this peaceful nation is a favorite among photographers, especially the Sossusvlei sand dunes or the famed but feared Skeleton Coast in the Namib Desert, the awe-inspiring depths of Fish River Canyon, and the endless plains of the Kaokoveld. Strangely-shaped rock formations, dormant volcanoes and giant dinosaur footprints round out the diversity of this stark, hauntingly beautiful land. These features provide so much variety to your sightseeing. For the more artistic eye, the tones, textures and forms of these landscape features have made Namibia a popular destination among photographers. Nature and Wildlife The 19 state-owned game parks, conservation areas, and resorts comprise nearly 15% of Namibia’s land area. Population sizes in its game parks are smaller than in top wildlife destinations, but the Etosha National Park is one of Africa’s great game parks. In the arid northwest, you find desert-dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe. There is also an amazing variety of small creatures with special adaptations for survival in the harsh Namib Desert. The northeast is home to woodlands and wetlands that stand in sharp contrast to the western parts. There are small lakes and flood plains that attract antelopes of various species, backwaters carpeted with water lilies, and papyrus at the fringes of water channels.

For many travelers, making the journey to the Mahale Mountains National Park looks like a pilgrimage but with wonderful experiences. Here, within the hiking distance of the beach, and straddling the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, lies a range of mountains that are home to the world’s largest known population of chimpanzees. Besides chimpanzees, eight other primate species have been recorded and at least five are likely to be encountered on a visit. These are yellow baboons, red colobus, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and vervet monkeys. The nocturnal lesser and greater galago are more likely to be heard than seen. Accessed by boat or plane, Mahale is just over 600 sq km, and rises from a lakeside altitude of 770m to, at its highest point, 2,463m. Much of it is forested (miombo woodland, the locally named Kasoge lowland forest, bamboo, and montane forest), giving way, above 2,300m, to mountain grasses. Its animals are specialists and tend to range within their areas. The tropical lowlands are dominated by chimpanzees, two species of squirrel, colobus monkey, duiker, and grysbok. The savannah is home to lions, zebra, and giraffes. The miombo woodlands support two species of antelope and Lichenstein hartebeest. There is a habituated group of around sixty chimps, allowing travelers the rare opportunity to observe the primates in the wild, daily. The shoreline and lake is an area of outstanding beauty. The lake is one of the oldest in the world, and many of its fish are unique. Clams litter the beaches, and leisurely water sports (snorkeling and fishing) are actively encouraged. Arrange and Book with Ultimate Wild Safaris; Email: info@ultimatewildsafaris.com Mobile: +256 705 087 906 / 760 282 342 read more; https://lnkd.in/dkt5qrJ8 #mahalemountains #tanzania #africa #safari #travel #nationalpark #nature #chimpanzeetracking #primates #animals #birds #chimps #naturephotography #hiking #photography #landscape #eastafrica #explore #wild #mountains

Desert safari activities are commonly found in regions with vast deserts such as the Arabian Peninsula and parts of Africa, including countries like the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Morocco. More catchy features that would make you ready to go for it🔰 ➡️Adventure: Thrilling activities like dune bashing and camel riding. ➡️Natural Beauty: Stunning landscapes and mesmerizing sunsets. ➡️Wildlife: Encounters with unique desert animals and birds. ➡️Culture: Bedouin traditions, music, and cuisine. ➡️Photography: Perfect backdrop for stunning photos. ➡️Relaxation: Tranquility away from city noise. ➡️Education: Insights into desert ecology and conservation efforts. #Noreen #AdventureSeekers #NaturalWonders #WildlifeEncounters #CulturalExploration #PhotographyGoals #RelaxationRetreat #DesertEcology #ConservationEfforts

🌿 Spotlight on a Feathered Jewel: The Gray Silky-flycatcher 🌿 At Birdwatching Guatemala, we're always excited to share unique bird species that enhance our guided tours. This week, we highlight the almost endemic Gray Silky-flycatcher, a gem that reaches into the western highlands of Guatemala from its primary habitat in Mexico. Why is the Gray Silky-flycatcher special? 🐦 👉 Striking Appearance: With its brownish-grey to pure grey upperparts, long slender tail, and prominent crest, this bird is a sight to behold. The bright yellow ventral feathering contrasts beautifully against varying shades of grey to golden olive underparts, depending on the subspecies and sex. 👉 Engaging Behavior: These birds are active feeders and acrobats of the sky, performing dramatic airborne sallies to catch insects and sample fruits. Their prominent perching habit is a thrilling spectacle, a moment that will exhilarate birdwatchers and photographers alike. 👉 Adaptable Habitat: While their primary residence is in montane forests, the Gray Silky-flycatcher is a master of versatility, adapting to more open areas with scattered trees. This adaptability ensures a diverse and ever-changing viewing experience, a mystery waiting to be unravelled with each tour. Embark on our next birding adventure, where you can witness the Gray Silky-flycatcher and other breathtaking species in their natural habitat.  Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or new to the world of avian beauty, our tours promise immersive experiences in the lush landscapes of Guatemala. #BirdwatchingGuatemala #Birding #WildlifePhotography #NatureLovers #ExploreGuatemala #Conservation

#MondayMusings by #travelunaticouple- Pursue a #different finish line .. your own finish line ! Who knew that a day would come when we would actually visit the places we had only seen on the map and read about in geography lessons as a child ! Prioritising new experiences in the form of #travels has become a way of life... It has become second-nature to measure our richness in memories instead of materials ! This came through the years when we decided to accumulate moments ... Visiting the last frontiers of the north, the #Arctic waters, was one such mind-blowing #travelexperience.. we saw a new landscape, met like-minded people, and were able to spot the endangered #polarbear in its true wild habitat. The best part was the entire trip was planned by us, no agents, no hires ! And that really helped us #customize the experience to what our true liking and travelstyle is - totally experiential ! Here is us at the northernmost permanent airport in the world... We seem to be figuring out which direction to head next, for our traveladventures ! Follow for #traveltips and travelrecommendations, especially if you want to #doDifferent when it comes to your #travels! #TravelerCouple #travelstories #travelDiaries #Travel #travelife #travelideas #traveltips #nature #naturelove #naturephotography #instatravel #natgeoyourshot #travelphotography #travelphotographer #travelblog #travelexperiences #wanderlust #travelphoto #beautifuldestinations #traveladdict #travelpics #travellove

The **Asian Paradise Flycatcher** (_Terpsiphone paradisi_) is a striking bird known for its graceful appearance and beautiful long tail feathers. Here’s a detailed overview: ### Description - The males are most notable for their long, ribbon-like tail feathers, which can extend up to 30 cm in some individuals. They come in two color morphs: **white** and **rufous** (rusty orange-brown). - Females lack the long tail and are generally rufous with bluish-black heads and throats. - Both sexes have crested heads, black throats, and striking blue eye rings. ### Habitat - The Asian Paradise Flycatcher inhabits a wide range of **forested areas**, including: - Tropical and subtropical forests - Mangroves - Dense shrublands - Riverine woodlands - They are often found in **mixed deciduous and evergreen forests**, where they have access to an abundant supply of insects. - Geographically, they are distributed widely across **South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia**, from **India** to **Indonesia** and even extending into parts of **China** and **Korea**. ### Vocalization - Their vocalizations consist of **sharp, repetitive chirps and whistles**. These calls are often high-pitched, and they communicate using a range of sounds, from harsh scolding notes to sweet, warbling whistles. - The song is often described as a **rapid, repetitive series of notes**, sometimes used to attract mates or signal territory. ### Conservation Status - The Asian Paradise Flycatcher is currently listed as **Least Concern (LC)** on the IUCN Red List, meaning they are not considered threatened. However, they face habitat loss due to deforestation and land-use changes in some parts of their range. - Despite habitat challenges, their wide distribution and adaptability to different forested environments help maintain stable populations. This bird is celebrated for its elegance and is often a favorite among bird watchers due to its striking tail and acrobatic flight.

What is the best way to experience Varanger? Well, if you ask me, renting a car is key. Hands down. No doubt in my mind. Why, you might ask. Well let me tell you why. 🚗 Flexibility When driving a rental, you are the boss. There is no fixed schedule you are forced to keep. You can go at your own pace, take your time at places that captivate you, and skip those that don't interest you as much. And if the weather isn’t on your side, you can do whatever you like as plan B! 🚗 Remote Locations A self-drive tour also allows you to reach some off-the-beaten-path destinations that might not be accessible by public transportation. Who knows, you might also even stumble upon a hidden gem somewhere 😊 🚗 Photography Opportunities Varanger is a paradise for photographers, with its dramatic landscapes, arctic ocean, birds, raw nature and horizons. Having the freedom to stop whenever you spot a picturesque scene allows you to take amazing photos without feeling rushed. Just remember ⚠️ Choose well where you stop your car. If you’re planning a self-drive trip to Varanger and haven’t booked a rental yet, I would truly appreciate it if you would book it via our good friends at Hertz Vadsø. Accommodation in Vadsø? Check out our rental apartment at www.icehouse.no or here; Airbnb link; https://shorturl.at/DHR24 - #visitvaranger #arcticocean #varangerarcticnorway #scenicroute #coastoflapland #arcticnorway #varangermoment #greaterarctic - Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen // Visit Norway // www.visitvaranger.no

Tropical sea fish are some of the most vibrant and diverse creatures in the ocean, thriving in the warm waters of coral reefs and tropical seas around the world. These fish are renowned for their brilliant colours, striking patterns, and fascinating behaviours, making them a favourite among marine enthusiasts and divers. Among the most iconic tropical sea fish are the clownfish, known for their bright orange bodies with white stripes, and their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. Parrotfish, with their beak-like mouths, are another well-known species, famous for their ability to bite off chunks of coral and excrete sand, playing a crucial role in the creation of sandy beaches. Butterflyfish, with their delicate, fluttering fins and bold patterns, are often seen darting in and out of coral crevices in pairs. Angelfish, with their larger, disk-like bodies and elaborate colouration, add a touch of elegance to the underwater scene. Wrasses and gobies, smaller but equally colourful, are often busy cleaning other fish or building intricate burrows in the sand. These fish are not just beautiful to look at; they are integral to the health of their ecosystems. Many tropical sea fish contribute to the health of coral reefs by controlling algae growth, cleaning other fish of parasites, and even participating in mutualistic relationships with other marine creatures. The incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colours among tropical sea fish is a testament to the richness of life in the ocean’s warmest waters. Great Barrier Reef Foundation Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority #tropicalseafish #oceanfish #fish #matildabishop #oceanart #oceanconservation #savetheocean #art #digitalart #graphicdesign #illustration #illustrator #natureillustration

What is not right about this picture ? A female leopard sits in regal poise looking over her mewling cubs below. The clean lines of granite behind her, make for a neat picture and that is exactly what is wrong here !! Bera has been in the news for many years before tourism re-possessed it with a fervour turning a conservation story lead by the Raikas into a tourism circus. The first problem however was the indiscriminate mining permits that bombed the Bera landscape, which was home to the leopards and shepherds. The geometrically shaved rocks are remnants of an abandoned mine. Hotels are literally mushrooming in unprecedented numbers in this region. Any guesses who is looking the other way? NOCs are being handed out to builders and developers in prime habitats. Everything seems legal, but no one asked the leopards or the shepherds. 😢 What is the answer ? Should we leave the destination alone ? Is it even possible to go back a few decades and let the shepherds claim their territory ? Can tourism reverse this slide towards mass and insensitive tourism ? A simple action of questioning the indescriminate spread and making a responsible choice may stall further development till the ‘powers that be’ take notice ! Else lodges that worked for conservation will shut shop and leave the place for mayhem to take over… and the leopards of Jawai and Bera will be history, where lessons are always learnt too late, if at all. This story by Mongabay in 2020 was an early call for the case of the leopards of Bera. RARE India https://lnkd.in/d3ik-aNa. #rajasthantourism #conservationtourism #leopardsofbera #leopardsandshepherds