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Posts Tagged ‘national geographic’

What To Do In Costa Rica

April 20th, 2009 No comments

Visiting Costa Rica for many people is the vacation of a lifetime. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, stunning nature and scenery, a fabulous culture and some of the most fun activities for you and your family it is difficult to choose the very best thing that you can do while you are in Costa Rica.

One special activity comes to mind, however, that will give you the thrill of your life while you are enjoying the spectacular natural beauty of this area. Ziplining is an adrenaline rush and is a sure way to liven up your trip. The Costa Rican Cloud Forest will provide you and your family with everything you need for a tremendous activity.

Santa Elena de Monteverde is located at 5000 feet above sea level, on CR’s Pacific Slope, in the province of Puntarenas. It boasts a very unique ecosystem that is home to a diverse range of endemic species of flora and fauna. It became well known in the early 90′s when National Geographic filmed in the area and featured the newly discovered cloud forest canopy. University student groups and biologists working out of research stations throughout the region continue to make new discoveries in this ecosystem.

A Monteverde zip line tour will introduce you to the amazing natural beauty of the cloud forest canopy from a bird’s eye view. Yep, you’ll be zipping from tree top to tree top in one of the most exciting tours of your life. Not only is this a thrill , but the majestic surroundings are absolutely breathtaking.

It is a perfectly safe activity. You’ll be wearing safety equipment that climbers use, and you’ll learn everything you need to know from the guides and instructors that will accompany you. Once you get the low-down, you can glide out over the forest and check out the life below.

You will reach new heights as the tour takes you from 20 feet above the forest floor to 80 feet. The views will change from open panoramas to lush vegetation. Regardless of how high above the forest floor you are, this tour will rock you to your soul.

Be sure to check this one out on your trip. If you don’t make it a point to soar through the canopy, you may just live to regret not having done so. But , then again, there’s always the next time you find the time for another trip.

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How To Make Your Wildlife Africa Photography Stand Out

January 14th, 2009 1 comment

You’ve dreamed of a wildlife Africa safari for years ” and now its finally going to happen. You see yourself taking National Geographic camera shots. You wonder how to get a close-up of a lion, the way the professionals do. But did you know that if you visit a game reserve such as Amboseli or Kenya Mara, you most likely wont even get the chance? Its strictly the rule in such places nowadays that no vehicle shall stray from the beaten track.

Now is the time to take a second look at that dinky little camera you’ve been using for every family vacation. Get that wildlife Africa close-up you’ve dreamed about without sticking your head in a lions maw or getting trampled by the annual wildebeest migration. A telephoto lens is the perfect answer. (The ideal range for safely shooting wildlife is between 300 mm. to 600 mm.)

Before You Leave For Your Trip

Carrying out a few simple photography exercises and making some modifications before you ever step on the plane can improve your wildlife Africa photography results 100%.

# Practice snapping wildlife in your own neighborhood ” and especially from your car window (providing you’re not the person who is driving!) It doesn’t matter if your subject is just a ground squirrel or a seagull. You’ll soon find yourself seeing opportunities for unique shots you’d have never noticed before.

* Practice so much that you could find your controls in the dark. It would be heartbreaking to miss a once-in-a-lifetime shot, all because you cant find your power button.

# Make a note of any camera task noises (such as zoom or auto focus) that are likely to disturb your subjects. Decide how you are going to get around that before your trip to wildlife Africa.

* Invest in research ahead of time. Read up on your subjects and their habits. Photograph a lion in the safety of your neighborhood zoo.

The Big Day: Tricks Of The Trade

# Buy a bean bag. They do a wonderful job of cushioning your camera when you’re trying to shoot from a bouncing jeep.

# Don’t forget to consider including scenery. Natural objects will make your photographs seem extra special. There’s nothing more haunting than the mood of a place. Including a unique bit of flora will bring wildlife Africa home as nothing else can.

* Remember that malaria is still something to be cautious about. Use repellent, and long, tight clothing buttoned at wrists or ankles.

You may feel silly chasing squirrels through your local park, but persevere. The results of a little foresight and practice and the application of a few simple tricks and techniques will make sure your camera captures your wildlife Africa dream, as well as your subjects.

And don’t forget to bring a good supply of memory cards!

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