 |
 |
What's New for the Smiths?
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Central African Republic
For years I've wanted to visit the Congo Basin and experience the forest and wildlife of this biodiversity hotspot. And in 2012 the Smith family made it! With over 35 species of mammals and some amazing wildlife experiences, Central Africa lived up to our expections and more! Western Lowland Gorillas, Bongo, Long-tailed Pangolins, Forest Elephants & Buffalo were just some of the wildlife highpoints.
|
|
|
|
Wildlife Safari In Kenya! (Yes, again!)
No matter how many times I go to Kenya, I keep heading back for more. This time was special, as it was the first time I ever traveled there with my family. Balloon safari over the Masai Mara, rare mammals in Samburu and high society safari action at Tree Tops! What a great way to introduce East Africa to Cokie and Som. And we nailed over 40 species of mammals!
|
|
|
|
Wildlife Expedition to Ethiopia!
For way too long, I've been wanting to experience the wildlife, culture and landscapes of Ethiopia. And in the summer of 2012, the Smith family made it! Our three week expedition to Ethiopia proved to be epic beyond belief. Over 60 species of mammals, most of which were lifers, made the trip one of the best ever. Gelada Baboons, Walia Ibex, Ethiopian Wolves and many other endemics were spotted along with other mammals and over 250 species of birds. Simply outstanding!
|
|
|
|
|
Uganda Wildlife Expedition 2012!
Way back in the 1990's I had the opportunity to travel to Uganda and experience its unique fauna. And once again in 2012, I had the opportunity to visit with Cokie and Som to attend a conference in Kampala. And of course we made the most of our time by trekking the Rwenzori Mountains and mammal watching in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks! We nailed 32 mammals and well over 250 species of birds! Amazing trip!
|
|
|
|
Return to Rwanda, 2012
During the summer of 2012, the Smith's found ourselves back in Rwanda for a primate safari extraordinaire! With at least 20 mammals, most of which were primates, the trip was a great success! The highpoints were Chimps, 4 Cercopithecus species and the Angolan Black & White Colobus Monkeys. It was great to visit Rwand and see how much progress it has made since I was there last.
|
|
|
|
Giraffes & Zebras!
For years, I have been observing zebras and giraffes of many subspecies and have always been impressed with the subtle differences between them. These two pages make an attempt to present the differences that I have been able to document in the field.
|
|
|
|
|
Expedition to Madagascar!
Here is our amazing trip report from our month-long expedition to the enigmatic island of Madagascar in June and July of 2009. During this phenomenal expedition we were fortunate to visit countless cultures and natural sites. Our luck was good with species lists in excess of 41 mammals and 107 birds! We even bested 50 species of reptiles and amphibians. No doubt one of our best expeditions ever, Madagascar is a place we would all love to return to.
Log on to our Facebook to see some more images!
|
|
|
Expedition to Southern Africa!
Over a year in the planning, our two month expedition to South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana & Namibia will be remembered as one of the most spectacular travel adventures of all times. Read our detailed trip report and learn how we drove our expedition truck throughout the wilderness areas of Southern Africa. With over 118 mammal species and 350 species of birds, this was one serious wildlife bonanza!
Go to our facebook to see some more images of critters and places! |
|
|
Expedition to Northern Kenya & Ethiopia
In a transitional zone in the rift valley, northern Kenya starts to see a significant change in fauna. Many species not seen anywhere else in east Africa start to be viewed here. On this expedition, we spotted such species as Grevy's zebra, retifulated giraffes and enigmatic gerunuk with thier strange long necks. This trip report summarizes multiple trips to the northern rift valley over the years.
|
|
|
|
Safari in Zimbabwe & Botswana
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of visiting this amazing part of Africa. This trip report will serve as a summary of previous trips to such amazing places as Botswana's Okavango Delta, Moremi Reserve, Chobe National Park and Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, Mana Pools and Victoria Falls. Filled with tons of wildlife and wilderness, these safaris were just as much fun to design as they were to participate in!
|
|
|
|
Safari to Kruger and South Africa
Kruger is no doubt the jewel of the South African parks system. One of the largest wilderness areas left in southern Africa, Kruger is home to hundreds of species of animals. This trip report will summarize many trips to the Kruger as well as other wilderness destinations in South Africa in the mid and late 1990's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gorillas of Rwanda
Wildlife experiences are rare but wildlife experiences with one of the rarest primates on earth,the mountain Gorilla, are precious indeed. I have had the unique opportunity of visiting these amazing creatures on various expeditions to Rwanda, Uganda and Zaire. Spending time with these special individuals is a memory that will remain with me for life. In this trip report, you will read about visiting Rwanda during one of the most politically unstable periods of its history. You will also learn how I was "adopted" by members of the Susa group during my visits in 1995 and 1996.
|
|
|
|
The Serengeti of Tanzania & Kenya
For a couple years, east Africa was a fairly regular destination. I was fortunate to have visted and lead safaris to many of the regions most spectacular parks including the Masai Mara, the Serengeti, Amboseli, Tsavo, Manyara and many more. In this trip report you will read a summary of my numerous trips to Tanzania and Kenya and learn about the flora and fauna of these amazing places.
|
|
|
|
Hanging in the Namib!
Few places on this planet are as spectacular as Namibia. Boasting one of the greatest deserts on the planet, Namibia is home to striking scenery and phenomenal wildlife. Here is a trip report for my first trip to the region back in 1996. Several trips later, I am still adicted to the beauty that is Namibia!
|
|
|
|
The Treasures of Ancient Egypt
Africa is not only about wilderness and wildlife! Africa is home to some of the most phenomenal ancient sites anywhere on the planet. This trip report will share our two week expediton to Egypt which included viewing amazing sites in Cairo, Luxor, Karnak and Abu Simbel. Our cruise along the Nile will not soon be forgotten!
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Uganda: The Pearl of Africa
Uganda is absolutely one of the most beautiful countries I have been to in Africa. Once a war-torn nation, Uganda has rebounded to be a top-notch eco-destination. During my trips to Uganda, we visited the Gorillas in Bwindi, the herds of megafauna in QE National Park and the amazing Chimpanzees in Kibale! |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
