The Intentional Traveler

Todays Image • The Lilac-Breasted Roller

The lilac-breasted roller is found mostly in Africa south of the Sahara. It is a medium-sized bird with a long tail with a lilac-colored breast and belly, a blue head and back, and a black eye stripe. Often referred to by common names in South Africa like “rainbow bird” its name in Afrikaans is bloukuifrolletjieContinue reading “Todays Image • The Lilac-Breasted Roller”

A Brief History Of South Africa

Afrikaans, The Zulu Kingdom, The Europeans And Nelson Mandela The history of South Africa is markably different than most of Africa. From the early European settlers to the colonial wars to its transition to a real democracy this country took a different path. Nelson Mandela was exactly the right man at the right time toContinue reading “A Brief History Of South Africa”

Todays Image • Elephant Crossing

An elephant in Kruger National Park crosses the road between several vehicles. While the park rules require people to be cautious and watch for animals on the roads, elephants are one animal you need to give a lot of room. We heard about and actually saw a video of a big bull elephant charging andContinue reading “Todays Image • Elephant Crossing”

Todays Image • South Africa’s Cape

Cape Town, South Africa is located along the Atlantic coast between bays and the ocean and backed up by the northern end of the Sandstone Mountains. These mountains form the spine of the Cape Peninsula that terminates approximately 45 miles to the south at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Just driving southContinue reading “Todays Image • South Africa’s Cape”

Todays Image • African Watering Hole

Elephants approach a watering hole in Kruger National Park to drink and bathe. As they enter the water a hippo, who’s making the watering hole his current home, is keeping an eye on them. Taken while visiting Kruger National Park, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, covering an area of over 7,500 squareContinue reading “Todays Image • African Watering Hole”

Sengan-en Garden In Kagoshima

Sengan-en Garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden boasting picturesque views of the Sakurajima Volcano, Kinko Bay and some interesting archeological sites. It was built in the 17th century by the Shimazu clan, who ruled the Satsuma domain for over 700 years. The garden boasts diverse features, including traditional Japanese structures, a pond, and aContinue reading “Sengan-en Garden In Kagoshima”