Katelyn—Walking With Wildlife

Escape to the Everglades An experts traveling tips

The secrets of mana pools

Walking With Wildlife

Our Story

We here at walking with wildlife just love to travel, as well as see animals. So we thought why not make a magazine, there have to be more people like us. So in this editon we want to give a special thanks to all our fellow travelers for all their nonstop support to WWW.

Light Might

Meets

Since it’s sturdy, durable, and attractive, Samsonite Lift luggage is ideal for taking fun trips, traveling for work, or heading to school or the office.

shop.samsonite.com

Hydroflasks

A great travel companion!

By Kai Burkhart

The Hydro Flask craze is in full swing. It seems wherever you go, there’s someone smugly drinking ice-cold water from a colorful metal water bottle while side-eyeing the dispos able plastic bottle in your hand. (Save the turtles!)

Perhaps at this point you’ve gone online to see for yourself what the hype is all about –only to spit out your (gross, lukewarm) water at the price tag on these vacuum-insulated bad boys. Turns out, they cost anywhere between $30 and $60.

These water bottles became a symbol of passion for the en vironment. Metal water bottles from brands like Yeti, S’well and Klean Kanteen exploded alongside Hydro Flask, and the world embraced eco-friendly, vacuum-insulated bottles.

But whether it was Hydro Flask’s trendy aesthetics, smart marketing and branding, or just blind luck of the social media gods, the younger gen erations have really latched on to the bright bottles from Bend, and they won’t let go soon!

Along with TikTok videos and VSCO posts, the popularity of the Hydro Flask is driven by its features. There are real, tangi ble reasons people are going crazy for these bottles.

Hydro Flask’s great tempera ture retention is due to its TempShield technology. Two walls of stainless steel with a vacuum between prevent con densation and heat transfer to the outside of the bottle, keep ing drinks hot or cold for hours on end. It evens keeps the ice from melting overnight!

Wherever life takes you, Best Western is there.

Ready

Galapagos Islands

Great for spotting animals!

By Chris Klassen

he Galapagos Islands in Ec uador have an aura of a place that is for many out of reach. We are not afraid to say that the well-famous archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is a long-de sired and dream destination for every traveler all around the world. There’s simply hardly a place on this planet similar to the Galapagos, and who would not like to walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who lay the

foundations for his revolution ary evolution theory?

We must say that visiting the Galapagos Islands is very inspirational in many ways, which actually might be our first secret reason why you should start planning a trip to this exceptional destination. Although the Galapagos isn’t (and probably will never be) the cheapest and the easiest accessible place in the world,

it still attracts an unbelievable number of visitors.

The Galapagos Islands are, for sure, not a budget-friendly travel destination. Still, there are many ways to arrange your best week (or more) in the paradise - from cruising the Galapagos archipelago and living on board to making day trips from one of the inhabited islands. And where’s the will, there’s way.

One of the reasons to visit the archipelagos is that many tours are available where you can hop aboard a Galapagos cruise and explore different parts of each island. The staff is often composed of naturalist guides who are knowledgeable about the area and can offer their point of view on each region that is visited during the tour. Delicious cuisine is also

served on many of the tours, which can be enjoyed while taking in the beautiful outdoor views. Other amenities include wraparound windows, sun decks and five-star service on a luxury vessel. Very few ves sels have more than one guide, and therefore, you can pick amongst more than a single activity. Glass bottom boat or snorkeling? Longer walks or a

Island Tours

relaxed dinghy ride along the volcanic coastline? English or Spanish guidance?

One of the joys of the Gala pagos Islands is the journey there. Quito, the historic cap ital city of Ecuador, is one of the Islands’ entrance points.

During an Orbridge expedition, guests explore Quito with a local guide, getting a backstage pass to the best hidden places.

Explore Land & Sea

The Galapagos Islands are a bird watcher’s paradise. Close to 200 species inhabit the Islands, including Swallow-tail Gulls, Hood Mockingbirds, the Galapagos Penguin, Waved Al batross, Geospiza, Magnificent Frigatebirds, Lava Heron, the Galapagos Dove, and multiple species of finches and boo bies, to name just a few. The Galapago Islands are also the only place in the natural world where you will see penguins and flamingos together.

While in the Galapagos, guests traveling with Orbridge cruise the Islands aboard the Isabela II, a small, 40-guest luxury ship that anchors just off-shore. On a recent depar ture, one guest noticed that fish were attracted to the night lights of the ship…and the sharks weren’t far behind. It became an evening ritual to watch the nighttime feeding session. This is just one exam ple of how in the Galapagos it’s possible to witness the beauty

and power of Mother Nature in a new and exciting way.

The Galapagos Islands have a rich and fascinating history. In particular, the island of Florea na is known for its buccaneers, whalers, and colonists (includ ing a self-proclaimed Em press). Floreana is also home to the Post Office Barrel where, starting in the 1700s, whalers would deposit letters for ships to collect and deliver. Today, travelers to the island carry on the tradition.

Everglades National Park

BY GEORGE BAILEY

Everglades National Park is home to one of the largest wetlands in the world. Nine distinct habitats have been identified in the park, including pine rocklands, coastal lowlands and marine waters. However, the park is best known for its man groves, aligators, sawgrass prai ries, and its freshwater slough that constantly draws water from Lake Okeechobee southward.

The work to preserve the Ever glades started nearly 20 years before the park was established. In the 1800s, speculators started dredging and draining the Everglades, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the harmful side effects were appar ent. In 1928, landscape architect Ernest Coe began an effort to designate a national park in south Florida. His persistence paid off when Congress passed

legislation in 1934 to establish Everglades National Park. It took another 13 years to acquire the land and define the boundaries of the new park.

In addition to being one of the most unique ecosystems found in North America, the Everglades is also one of North America’s best wildlife viewing locations. Found in the very Southern part of the state of Florida, the Ever glades National Park is home to a

One of the many great places to see wildlife in the United States!

wide range of unique and inter esting animals. In addition to the North American Crocodiles and Alligators that the park is famous for, Florida Panthers, American black bears, and lynx can also be found in the forests surround ing the wetlands. Off the state’s shores, the loveable manatees are another big attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

The best time of year to visit the Everglades National Park is

during the dry season, which lasts from December until April each year. During this time the temperatures are very comfort able, with highs in the upper 70’s and lows in the mid-’50s. During the summer and autumn months of June thru October, there is a much great chance of rain and it can be stifling hot during the summer months of June thru August. There are lots of different classifications of animals you

will see at this location. Such as reptiles, birds, and mammals. In the the reptile category you will see American alligators, American crocodiles, and Bur mese Pythons. In the bird cate gory you will see American Whits Ibises, and Roseate Spoonbills. In the mammals category you will see quite the variety. Such as Flordia panthers, American Black Bears, Manatees, Lynxs, and North American River Otters.

Fun Facts About Everglades National Park!

1Everglades National Park is home to one of the largest wetlands in the world. Nine distinct habitats have been identified in the park, including pine rocklands, coastal

lowlands and marine waters. But the park is best known for its mangroves, sawgrass prairies, and freshwater slough that draws water from Lake Okeechobee southward.

The work to preserve the Everglades started nearly 20 years before the park was established. In the 1800s, speculators started dredging and draining the Everglades, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the harmful side effects were apparent. In

1928, Ernest Coe began an effort to desig nate a national park in south Florida. His persistence paid off when Congress passed legislation in 1934 to establish Everglades National Park. We sure are glad he did so we can see all the various wildlife!

The Everglades is teeming with plant and animal species not found anywhere else on the planet. The Everglades provides important habitat for numerous species like the manatee, American crocodile and the

elusive Florida panther. The park has long been a birder’s paradise. It is the winter home of more than 360 different species of birds. Keep an eye on the sky! You may even see your favorite bird!

The Everglades receives an average of 60 inches of rain a year. To put that in perspec tive, Seattle, Washington, receives a little more than half of that annual amount! And since water is the lifeblood of the “River of

Grass,” the summer wet season usually gets to the glades in time to cool things down. Southern Florida doesn’t have much of a winter, but it’s during this time that the Ever glades get a break from warmer weather.

Exploring the third largest national park in the lower 48 states can be quite adventur ous. Visitors can canoe or kayak hundreds of miles of water trails, bike through pine rocklands or enjoy world-class fishing.

If you are feeling extra adventurous, expe rience a side of the Everglades that most people never see by joining a ranger-led hike called slough slogging -- where you’ll be waist-deep in the pristine Florida swamp.

SOLO PRO

Now with noise cancelling features, for a more relaxing & peaceful trip.

Featuring Billie Eilish beatsbydre.com

Simply better.

Mana Pools National Park

By George Dallas

Mana Pools National Park, which has been named a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful wildlife park that is located on the Zam bezi River in Zimbabwe. With some of the best guides in Africa and tours available on foot or in a canoe, it offers some truly unique wildlife viewing activities.

The park is home to four of the Big Five animals of Africa and would be ranked higher on my list if the Black rhino wasn’t extinct within the park.

The best time to visit Mana Pools to see wildlife is during the dry season, which is between June and October each year. During this time, animals are easier to spot because the vegetation isn’t as thick and the wildlife tends to congregate around the Zambezi River. The weather is much nicer with sun and you have lower chances of running into the little malar ia-carrying mosquitos.

In the wet season, espe cially between January and

March, the vegetation can be quite thick, which makes it more difficult to spot wildlife. Because of the abundance of water during this time of year, the wildlife is also typically more spread out. The roads can also get quite muddy and sometimes unpassable when the rains get especially hard. Much of the accommo dations around the park are also closed between January and March each year. So make sure to be aware of that when planning your trip to visit!

This park offers experiences like no other parks in Africa!

At this park location, there are not as many different clas sifications of animals com pared to most, however it is still for sure worth a visit.

You will see African ele phants, African lions, hippos, African leopards, Southeast Afrian cheetah, zebras, wild dogs, spotted hyenas, olive baboons and African Buffalos.

Mana Pools is the only national park in Africa where you can walk freely without a professional guide. This makes it a firm favourite for

those individuals who love their freedom, but who are old-hands at being in the bush. Newbies to the park are advised to hire a guide, not just for safety, but to also get the most out of the experience as they possibly can.

Walking safaris in Mana Pools are an all-around sen sory experience, and it’s the best way to see, hear, and feel Africa at her very best.

The wildlife in Mana Pools National Park, is so accus tomed to humans walking,

that they barely seem to notice, and this allows for incredible up-close encoun ters. I’m talking about being surrounded by a pack of six African wild dogs allowing you to watch while they feed their pups at the den, or, being able to see the toenails of an elephant, as it reaches for the branches above you. Be sure to watch for debris!

There is absolutely no other place where you experience the wilds of Africa on foot, and barely noticed by wildlife.

Mana Pools

Fun Facts

The birdlife in Mana Pools will make any birder jump with joy.Highlights included the African skimmer, Pel’s fishing owl, white-backed night heron, collared palm thrush and Carmine bee-eater.

The famous Zambezi river is filled with crocodiles and hippos, by some estimates, there is one crocodile for every 10 sq meters!

“Be free & explore”

The park has varied terrain of open plains and forests of mahogany, wild figs, ebonies, and baobabs. The large wood land areas make for a magical feel as the thick canopy just out of reach of elephants filters the light over open plains.

The dry season makes it easy to spot animals in the bush while they concentrate around sources of water. The main source of water for the wildlife is the Zambezi River where the lodges and camp sites are located. This creates for great game viewing while in camp too.

The safari covers roughly 75 km and is never taxing at a leisurely pace. Spotting wildlife in Mana Pools, like almost all parks in Africa, is best in the dry season. The dry season in Zimbabwe and Mana Pools is at its peak from June – October.

The 2,500 sq km park sits on the banks of the Zambezi offering view access to islands, sand banks, and pools. Although, the park is limited in size it is encompassed by safari areas and concessions that amount to around 10,500 sq km of unfenced wilderness.

“A sight to be seen”

National Park

The best times to visit Yosemite are May and September, when the park is accessible, but not too crowded. It’s important to know that many roads and trails in Yosemite are closed for the majority of the year due to snow. Snow can come as early as Oc tober and arrives in full force in November, typically remaining until March. But just because the snowstorms stop in March doesn’t necessarily mean closed parts of the park suddenly swing their doors open. Depending on

#2

#3

conditions, all seasonally closed roads and trails don’t open until May or June.

Seasonal park closures are precisely why so many travelers visit during the summer months, making it the park’s busiest time of year (think packed trails, road traffic, sky-high hotel rates and more). To avoid this, the best time to visit is before or after the summer crowds come, which is typically late May and Septem ber. Late May and early June is the best time to view waterfalls,

roaring from freshly melted snow, and September offers cooler temperatures ideal for hiking (summer temps can reach the 80s). So if you can plan to go then it would be ideal.

If the only time you can visit is during the summer, be sure to book several months in ad vance. Campsites are known to reach capacity the moment they become available for booking. If you’re looking for a bargain on accommodations, winter is the best time to visit Yosemite.

in Best National Parks in the World in Best U.S. National Parks in Best Places to Visit in March in Best Places to Visit in California

in Best Cheap Family Vacations in Best Family Spring Break Destinations in Best Places to Hike in North America

in Best Places to Visit in the USA in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S. in Best Family Vacations in the USA visit

How To Save Money

ough it, camping in the park (which includes bringing your own supplies) is the cheapest way to experience Yosemite. Just be sure to book a spot early, especially if you want to visit during the busy summer season.

on’t visit during summer. Summer is peak travel season in Yosemite, so expect lodging costs to be at their highest. To avoid this, come during fall or late spring. Or if your okay with the busy lifestyle just plan for it.

ake advantage of public transit. Yosemite’s bus service is extensive and free, taking visi tors to popular points of interest including the Mist Trail and Tu olumne Meadows. Another thing you can do is walk as well.

n comparison to other national parks, Yosemite offers a decent amount of dining options. You’ll find many of Yosemite’s best restaurants in the park’s hotels and lodges, including the Din ing Room at The Ahwahnee, the Mountain Room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge or the Wawona Hotel Dining Room, to name a

Safety Tips

henever you’re outdoors, you should exercise common sense and caution. Never hike or rock climb alone or without an experienced guide, especially at night, and be sure that you’re equipped with the proper cloth ing, sturdy footwear, sunscreen and an adequate amount of water before entering the wilder ness. Be sure to also have a first aid kit, flashlight and any other items that you might need. Be sure to know your limitations. Many of the hikes and trails in Yosemite, such as the trek up to Half Dome, are very strenuous and are not meant for everybody. And if you’re hiking up to one

few. Tuolumne Meadows Lodge and White Wolf Lodge also offer dining rooms, but they are much more casual in comparison to the more grandeur lodges found in Yosemite Valley.

There are also a handful of stand-alone restaurants in Yo semite and Half Dome Villages, including the Pizza Patio and

Where To Eat

The Loft at Degnan’s, but overall they are few and far between in the park. Half Dome and Yosem ite Villages also feature general items and grocery stores that sell food and hiking supplies, such as camping amenities and dehy drated food and water. So if you forget something the stores will have you covered!

of Yosemite’s many beautiful falls, do not swim in any body of water connected to the falls. Even streams, rivers, ponds and lakes that look calm and shallow carry unsuspecting swimmers to the falls, resulting in death. For more information about hiking safety, visit Yosemite National Park’s website. And although it’s tempting to want to go off the grid in Yosemite, it’s advised to keep a charged cell phone with you at all times in case of an unpresedented emergency.

It’s also very important to observe local laws and rules re garding what you can do as well as bring in and out of Yosemite

Park. Be sure to check out their website and pay attention to all their signs. Approaching wildlife and collecting plants, even pine cones, are illegal. If you’re camp ing, know it is illegal to drive off-road, stay in undesignated campgrounds and if you are stay ing in designated campgrounds, you must keep your food locked in food lockers. The NPS advises that even items that aren’t food, but have a smell to them, attract bears. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in a hefty fine. If your not sure whats safe or not just ask a park ranger! As well as the possibility of lost items and food.

Things To Do

osemite is filled to the brim with natural wonders worth writ ing home about. Travel experts and visitors agree that your to-do list must include the following: Half Dome, Glacier Point and Mariposa Grove. Hikers, follow the masses along the John Muir

Trail and the Mist Trail, but also escape and make the trek to Tu olumne Meadows, an area which features a treasure trove of under-visited trails. If you’d like a little guidance on your journey, consider signing up for one of the best California tours – many

feature daylong treks in the park led by experienced locals. After a long day of hiking, climbing or skiing, adventurers can put their feet up and grab a bite in Yosem ite Valley, where you’ll find the bulk of the park’s amenities and very helpful accommodations.

Why Go To Yosemite?

ne of California’s most formi dable natural landscapes, Yosem ite National Park features nearly 1,200 square miles of sheer awe: towering waterfalls, millen nia-old sequoia trees, striking, daunting cliff faces and some of the most unique rock formations in the United States. But despite its enormous size, most of the tourist activity takes place within the 8-square-mile area of Yosem

ite Valley. Here you’ll find the park’s most famous landmarks – Half Dome and El Capitan – as well as excellent hiking trails through the natural monuments. Even inexperienced hikers can enjoy Yosemite: Guided tours and climbing lessons are available from local adventure outfitters (such as those featured on our list of the best Califor nia tours). Just don’t expect to

experience it by yourself. Like so many other American tourist destinations, crowds are the big gest obstacles to an enjoyable Yo semite vacation – approximately 4 million people visit each year. But if you go at the right time (and start your day a little earli er than usual), Mother Nature’s wonders will really reveal them selves to you in lot of miraculous and serene ways.

Getting Around

The best way to get around Yosemite is by car. Unless you’re taking a private car or public transportation from one of the park’s nearby airports, there’s no point in ditching your (albeit expensive) rental car and taking Yosemite’s shuttles around the park, especially after a long hike. However, during the park’s peak travel season, these shuttles will be your friend. Road traffic during the summer is known to cause major delays and trailhead

parking lots can fill up fast. If you aren’t interested in getting up early to hit popular spots or the trails (which is highly recom mended by park officials to avoid crowds), the park’s shuttles can save you some serious time.

There are a variety of air port options around Yosemite, making the park one of the most convenient to visit in the USA. The closest airport is the Fresno-Yosemite International Airport (FAT), which is about 65

miles south of the park (about a 1½-hour drive). San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oak land International Airport (OAK) and San Jose International Air port (SJC) are also within driving distance of park. However, know that the drive will be consider ably longer, clocking in at more than three hours on the road. If you’re not up for driving your self, many of the best California tours feature daylong adventures in Yosemite.

Heart sets