Cape Town: An Eye-Opening History School Trip Destination

A beautiful and vibrant city with a long and troubled past, Cape Town is the ideal destination for a school trip with a historical focus. As well as providing a window onto South African history in general, it offers new perspectives on European expansion in the Age of Exploration, and is in many ways a place that poses important questions about both the past and future of the world. Settled by the Dutch in the 17th century, Cape Town has seen dramatic changes in its time - from the days of slavery to the release of Mandela and beyond. Here are some of the best places to begin exploring the city's complex heritage.

The Castle of Good Hope

Constructed by the Dutch East India Company to defend the Dutch settlement from the British, this star-shaped fort has been a constant through all the changes that Cape Town has undergone since its days as a colonial outpost. It served several purposes, housing a church, shops, bakery, workshops and homes, as well as a bell tower used to warn of conflict and tell the time. It was used as a prison during the Second Boer War, and some time afterwards as an army headquarters. All this and more can be investigated on a school trip visit to the Castle Military Museum, which it now houses.

District Six Museum

The legacy of apartheid can be learned about in almost any part of Cape Town, with many residents having their own experiences to share, but perhaps the best place to start on a school trip is the District Six museum. The Group Areas Act introduced by the National Party segregated districts of the city according to race, with District Six being declared a whites-only area in 1966, leading to forced removals of its population and the destruction of almost all buildings. The District Six Museum offers information on the cultural life of the area before the removals, and on life in South Africa under apartheid. It is also very much an ongoing memorial with community members visiting and meeting there regularly, and an important reminder that history has far-reaching effects on the present.

Robben Island

Located in Table Bay, Robben Island was the site of a political prison since the turn of the 18th century. It was first used by the Dutch to hold mutineers and anti-colonial leaders and activists from several Dutch colonies, and as a leper colony. Most famously, it is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years during apartheid. Today, it is home to a museum where those on school trip can see former prison cells, and learn more about Mandela's time there, and the events surrounding his release.

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Scuba Diving Adventures in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are known for scuba diving. It is one of the top diving destinations according to many sources. People travel to the Cayman Islands strictly to dive and evolve their vacation around scuba diving. Divers can choose from a variety of dive sites. There are over 300 dive sites to choose from. The water is crystal clear with 100 feet plus visibility. So, if you have a camera, find gear to bring it underwater. You can take wonderful pictures underwater of the marine life you will see. Divers can explore steep, deep walls, swim-throughs, sponges and colorful corals, reefs, wrecks, and all of the marine life. The Cayman Islands are actually known for the best wall diving in the world. You might see, sea turtles, angel fish, lobsters, eels, groupers, parrot fish, schools of fish, etc. etc. etc. Most dive sites are just minutes from the shore.

Grand Cayman is strict with reef conservation. You are not allowed to touch or harm them in any way. This gives photographers and videographers great photo opportunities to capture since the marine life are not afraid of divers, since they know they will not be harmed. These reefs are unspoiled. Experienced divers also have the option of wall diving.

Another way to experience all the scuba diving you can experience is a Liveaboard. A Liveaboard is a boat where you stay at sea for around a week depending on your boat. You basically eat, sleep, and scuba dive the entire time. You are able to dive more often and see more of the Cayman Islands, the boats also travel to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

My cousin and her husband dove with two different operations, which were Cayman Dive Shuttle and DiveTech. They dove 4 dives with Cayman Dive Shuttle and 5 dives with DiveTech. The other 3 dives were shore dives.

- Cayman Dive Shuttle has a more customized dive experience for divers. The operation is owned by a husband/wife team and they have one small boat that fits maximum of 8 people all together. They keep the groups small for a more personalized and relaxed experience, away from the crowds.

- DiveTech is another great operation. They have two large boats and two departure sites, which are Lighthouse Point and Cobalt Coast Dive Resort. Once again, my cousin informed me about some of their dives. They dived with DiveTech for three days. When you dive with DiveTech for three or more days, you get unlimited shore diving and an overall discount on diving. So you will get a pretty good deal. DiveTech goes on a deep dive and then follows that with a shallow reef dive. There was more available on the boat for use such as a device to analyze Nitrox, which Cayman Dive Shuttle did not have. DiveTech's crew was friendly and at times would let you explore without the guide as long as you had a buddy to roam underwater with.

First-Timer's Guide To Visiting Boracay

The gorgeous beaches, clear waters, scenery, tropical climate, and first-rate accommodations in Boracay Island are just some of the reasons that make this place one of the most visited holiday destinations in Asia.

If you are planning to visit Boracay for the first time, keep in mind these few reminders and tips for a safe and fun holiday experience.

Book your airline and hotel reservation ahead of time.

This is important. Many tourists spend their holidays on the island year-round. Secure plane tickets and a hotel in Boracay months before your desired travel dates. This gives you enough time to look for better offers, promos, and most of all to avoid the peak season rush and high rates that come with it.

Pack smart. Pack light.

Don't pack as if you're going to spend a month on the island. Bring the essential beach items such as t-shirts, underwear, flip-flops, swimwear, and your sunblock. Travel light so it won't be difficult for you to explore the island and also to avoid wasting time on security inspection and money on fees for excess baggage.

Inquire about transfer services.

Most hotels and resorts in Boracay offer boat transfers to and from the island to Caticlan, as well as van services, so make sure you ask about these on your initial hotel hunting inquiries.

Dine in delight.

Boracay offers most of the conveniences you'll find in a city, which includes a myriad dining option. Fastfood chains and gourmet brands like Yellow Cab, Cyma, and Starbucks can now be found on the island. You'll also find local eateries and stalls offering fresh seafood dishes, tasty desserts, and everything in between.

Get around easily.

The main modes of transportation in Boracay are tricycles, which you can hail anywhere in Boracay's main roads. You can also go D'Mall where you can ride a tricycle in front of the small grocery called Budget Mart.

Party and have fun.

It's a known fact that aside from relaxing and indulging in different water sports activities, people come here because they want to experience partying Boracay-style. The island is teeming with party hotspots where you can enjoy dancing and drinking the night away. If it's your first time here it is better if you are with a group of friends, and in a place near your hotel. Just remember to keep the drinking to a minimum, avoid trouble, and do not accept casual invitations from people you just met.

Always keep your valuables safe.

Especially phones, wallets, and plain tickets. There are banks with ATMs on the island so don't bring too much cash when out partying or hitting the beaches. Some hotels have in-room safe where you can stash your important items.

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Most Popular Beaches in India

Imagine a holiday where you can bury your feet under the golden sand, swim in the clear blue water, breathe in the refreshing air, watch the waves as they touch the score and just relax under the soft sun - This is the experience that you can enjoy in any of the Most Popular Beaches in India. The wonderful country of India homes some of the most exotic beaches in the world. These beautiful beaches are perfect holiday destinations and attract tourists from all over the world. The best part is that along with enjoying the rejuvenating aura of the beaches you can also enjoy a trip to forts and monument and all the rest that the destination holds. Explore the incredible beauty of India with the mesmerizing beaches. Take a dip in the refreshing water, indulge in water activities and try out the lip smacking delicious delicacies.

Most Popular Beaches in India are as follows:

Baga Beach: This is widely known, relaxing place in Goa where you would love to de-stress yourself. Baga Beach is the best place to get away from the busy chaotic life and enjoy the blessings of nature. Here at this place you can enjoy the charismatic good looks and the refreshing aura. Moreover, you can also visit the charismatic monuments nearby. You can also indulge in many exciting water sports which will add more fun to your trip. Para- sailing, wake boarding, windsurfing, kite surfing, Jet Ski and dolphin spotting trips are few of the fun activities which you must not miss out.

Alappuzha Beach: This is another Most Popular Beach in India which is also known as the Venice of the East. Located in the beautiful land of Kerala, Alappuzha beach is widely known for its boat races, marine activities and backwater delights. Tourists can enjoy a refreshing picnic with friends and family here at this beautiful place. Let the exotic palms and pristine white sand give you a sense of relaxation and let you forget all your stress. If you wish you may enjoy the world famous boat races and to add more fun to your trip you may book your stay in one of the fascinating houseboats. Experience a holiday like never before and be one with the nature.

Juhu Beach: Beach Holiday in India would be incomplete without visiting the Juhu Beach of Mumbai. Here at this beach you can marvel at the charismatic blend of sloping waves, light colored sand and cool surrounding. This is also one of the most happening beaches which remains quite crowded in the peak seasons. Take your friends along and enjoy a game of beach volley-ball, enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the sunrise and the sunset and click some amazing pictures. Foodies too can enjoy a gala time by trying out the numerous delicious food snacks abundantly available. Few such delicacies are crispy bhelpuri, panipuri and relishing pavbhaji. Eat, play and enjoy!

Covelong Beach: This magnificent beach in Chennai is also known as the Most Popular Virgin Beach in India. The best part is that it can be accessed easily. Visit this beach and marvel at the landscape and indulge in various fun activities. Enjoy water sports like windsurfing, swimming, water scooter, diving and many others. You will be amazed to see that the water of this beautiful beach is crystal clear and the sand displays different colors. Enjoy nature at its best!

And that's not all! Few other Most Popular Beaches in India that you may visit are Calangute Beach, Goa; Dona Paula Beach, Goa; Marina Beach, Chennai; Marari Beach, Kerala; etc. Visit these beaches, walk on the sand, take a plunge into the water and watch the sunset at the distant horizon. Enjoy a holiday which you will cherish forever!

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An Airplane or Motor Coach Can Deliver Passengers to Their Grand Canyon Float Tours

A Grand Canyon float tour is probably the best way to take in this majestic National Park. As you meander down the smooth Colorado River, you'll come to appreciate the immensity of this natural wonder. Photographs just don't do it justice. Grand Canyon float tours all start at the same place on the river, but there are several ways to get there. The best choice is a tour that incorporates two modes of transportation: a plane ride to the spot where your pontoon raft is launched into the river, and then a bus ride back, with a stop along the way for shopping at historic Cameron Trading Post.

Plane flights leave from Grand Canyon National Park Airport, located in Tusayan, Arizona just outside the park's main gates. Flying east, you'll pass over Navajo country and the fabulous Painted Desert before landing at Page, Arizona.

A 4x4 Jeep will then drive you to Antelope Canyon, an otherworldly place that's one of several unique sights in the region. The channels cut between the rocks of the canyon are wide enough to walk through. Your Jeep will then drive through a two-mile tunnel, after which you'll arrive at the river bank at the base of Glen Canyon Dam. The dam itself is a spectacular sight, towering more than 70 stories high. Grand Canyon smooth-water rafting tours launch from this awe-inspiring spot.

If you'd rather skip the flight, you can take a motor coach tour to Glen Canyon Dam. Along the way, you'll have a stopover at Glen Canyon Recreational Area. The bus drivers and river guides are full of interesting information about the geology and history of the area, and they're happy to share it with you as you're witnessing the area's spectacular scenery.

Grand Canyon float tours meander down the Colorado River for more than 15 awesome miles - enough time and distance to let you see some truly majestic sights as you're soaking up the area's tranquility. You'll land at Horseshoe Bend, where after a short walk you'll be able to view ancient Native American petroglyphs (rock drawings). You'll also enjoy lunch while relaxing in the shade of the orange cliffs towering above you.

After lunch, you'll continue down the river to historic Lee's Ferry, which features an old trading post and fort. Your smooth-water rafting ends here, and you'll board a bus to take you back to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Along the way, you'll stop at Cameron Trading Post for a quick shopping opportunity - it offers some of the region's finest Native American handicrafts.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, because you'll be spending several hours in the hot sun. Long-sleeved shirts are recommended, but wear your swimsuit under your regular clothes, because you'll be stopping at places where you can enjoy a cool, relaxing dip in the river. Your smooth-water rafting tour should provide plenty of drinking water.

Half-day rafting is one of the most memorable of all Grand Canyon adventures. The water's calm (no whitewater rapids are in this part of the Colorado River), so these river excursions are suited to people of all ages - seniors and kids four years of age and up included. Book your tour in advance, because seats fill up fast. Find a reputable, dependable tour company and then make your reservations as soon as you can.

A Tanzania Safari for Families

Tanzania Safari Family Joy

A Tanzania safari is a great idea for a family holiday and the country offers excellent opportunities for all of you to spend some quality time together game viewing and participating in other activities. Some enjoy the hustle and bustle of busy camps, staying with other guests, while others prefer to make a Tanzania safari their own by hiring private guides and vehicles, giving the flexibility to explore and discovery the surrounding lands at your own pace. Granted the infrastructure isn't as great as other country's on the continent but for any children you may bring with you this will only add to the air of adventure as you board boats and light-aircrafts to reach your destination.

The Northern Circuit

If you'd prefer not to be using various transportation methods on your Tanzania safari, visit the northern end of the country. Known as one of the best game viewing destinations, huge concentrations of animals inhabit both the busy tourist-laden parks as well as the more remote areas. Children will no doubt be keen to spot the 'Big Five' on your Tanzania safari so a trip to the Serengeti will not only be incredibly memorable but will provide an awesome amount of animals to view thanks to the wildebeest migration. A trip to this region can be enjoyed for the duration of your holiday, reducing the amount of travel if you very young children with you. Also consider Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park as bases for your getaway as all offer comfortable fully equipped camps and exciting excursions.

Concluding your Tanzania Safari on Zanzibar Island

Once you and your family have seen and experienced the wondrous sights on your safari in Tanzania you may want to kick back and relax. Many people hop over to Zanzibar to take it easy visiting heritage sites, soaking up the unique architecture and partaking in water sports on the white sandy beaches. Sunbathe to your heart's content, help the kids build sandcastle cities or discover the hidden world beneath the surface in amongst the colourful reefs. Rest and recharge your batteries, spending time together as a family on this idyllic island before it's time to head home. Your children will talk non-stop about the sights, animals and excursions they have experienced on this holiday of a lifetime. A Tanzania safari really is one of the best ways for a family to come together and encounter a range of unexpected and wondrous things, seeing the world from anew.

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Visit Tanzania for a Luxury Safari

Why Choose Tanzania for your Luxury Safari?

A luxury safari in Tanzania is a truly unforgettable experience. This stunning country in East Africa contains some of the most arresting wonders of the natural world. Whether you wish to watch and photograph the incredible migration of wildlife that takes place on the Serengeti plains, or climb the famous peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, a safari in Tanzania enables a huge range of activities that live long in the memory. Expert guides will take you to key regions where you can lose yourself in the astonishing beauty of your surroundings. The culturally diverse populace can be viewed farming rice, wheat, bananas and coffee in the fields and fishing on the banks of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. A luxury safari in Tanzania also provides an excellent opportunity to watch indigenous species living in their natural habitat. One day you can see the chimpanzees play in Gombe National Park, situated in west Tanzania, while another day can be spent watching giant giraffes chewing leaves from the trees in eastern Tanzania's Mikumi National Park.

Scale the Majestic Heights of Kilimanjaro

Immortalized in Ernest Hemingway's short story The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 19,341 feet is a riveting scenic climb enabling panoramic views of the plains that stretch out for miles into the distance. A dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro must be visited during your luxury safari in Tanzania. A guide will assist you to meet the challenge of the climb, as you breathe in the fresh mountain air and stare in awe at the exciting environs. Camp sites and shared huts surround and dot the mountain and the rocky route affords numerous rousing photo opportunities to treasure once you return back home.

Witness the Spectacular Serengeti Migration on your Luxury Safari in Tanzania

Few sights can compare to the mass migration of animals that occurs in February across the Serengeti plains to Kenya and back again. A luxury safari in Tanzania at this time will allow you to follow this incredible event as part of a luxury mobile camp. In total, some two million antelope, wildebeest and zebra make the 1,000 mile trek, giving birth to their young on the way. The migration also provides the ideal hunting conditions for predators like lions, leopards and crocodiles, enabling onlookers to witness the African wild in all its raw intensity from the safety of the guide directed trekking party. Rich with enchanting natural beauty, a luxury safari in Tanzania makes for a magical vacation.

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Nainital Tours - The City of Lakes

Dotted with British style cottages, villas and bungalows, situated at an elevation of 1,983 meters above the sea level, Nainital is one of the most sought after hill stations in India. Often referred as the "Lake city" it is located in Uttarakahand the famous North Indian state. The hill station is a glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace which is blessed with some of the most beautiful scenic natural splendors and varied natural resources. Once loved by the Britishers, it is an ideal summer destination that attracts people from all spheres of life. There is small temple dedicated to the goddess Naina Devi after whom the lake and the town got its name. The captivating charm of Nainital lies in its lush green landscapes, snow covered mountains, salubrious climate, several adventurous activities, illuminating lakes which makes it among the most popular hill stations of India.

Nainital tours offer its guests a golden opportunity to explore its local markets, best scenic spots, try out its delicious delicacies and indulge in various thrilling adventurous activities. Naini Lake forms the core of the small hilly town and is the nucleus of Nainital exquisite beauty. In the day, the lake mirrored in its waters the seven proud hills, dotted with pretty cottages and villas. The reflections of which is so spectacular that it holds its visitors spell bound. While during the nights the lake is illuminated with myriads of bulbs hanging near the lakes edge stab their magic light into its water make it one of the most beautiful places of the hilly town. It offers visitors various exciting options like boating or paddling a boat yachting etc to feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The north end of lake is called Mallital while the southern one is called Tallital which are connected with Mall Road and offer its guests an opportunity to buy souvenirs for their near and dear ones in the form of candles, wooden and metallic artifacts etc.

Other places that the visitor must see on their sightseeing tours to Nainital are St John's Church, Snow View, Hanumangarh, Cave Garden, Raj Bhawan, Tiffin Top etc. Nainital is a perfect destination for those who want to add little spice to their daily mundane routines. The hill station is blessed with some of the best treks that offer some of the panoramic vistas of snow covered mountains. Aerial ropeway and horse riding are quite popular among the visitors and offer them an opportunity to enjoy thrills and excitement of these adventurous activities. Every year, the hill resort witnesses a huge influx of tourists from all corners of India to beat the heat and witness its splendors. So the hilly town of Nainital boasts various luxurious, deluxe, semi-deluxe and standard hotels for comfortable accommodation of its guests. Summer months between March to July is the best season to visit this pristinely beautiful hill station. The winter months are often preferred by visitors who want to witness the snow fall and indulge in winter sports.

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How To Enjoy A Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is a land full of extreme diversities that can be best explained using one word; heavenly. This is so because the experience that one gets once in this beautiful land is the feeling of extreme peace and harmonious promises both in tourism and in the people. The tourism in Tanzania is extensive just as the country is in terms of culture and land massiveness. Having a Tanzania safari will mean that one can choose to visit a wide range of areas that boast of the best accommodations together with the best wildlife.

Traditionally, Tanzania safaris have been concentrated in the north which happens to harbour Serengeti national park. There is also the famous and the symbol of Tanzania, Mt. Kilimanjaro. The north is popular with tourist mainly because of the eighth wonder of the world, which is the migration of over a million wildebeests from Kenya to Tanzania and vice versa. Many love to watch the hunting of the wildebeests and other herbivores by the big five cats and other predators.

A Tanzania safari will however include other areas of this great land and a person should be prepared and brace themselves for a true bush safari. Ruaha National Park will be one such place where one can watch a wide variety of herbivores in addition to some felines that lord over the park. The park is situated in the southern part of Tanzania. Going further south you will land in Usungu National Reserve which exhibits just as many grazing animals as felines. A bush tour is ideal here.

Mahale Mountains National Park would be the other tourist ideal destination. The park exhibits plentiful of chimps and it has the equatorial-like climate because it is located at the shores of the big beautiful of Lake Tanganyika. It is just 60 miles south of the exact place that Stanley uttered the now immortal words, 'Dr. Livingstone, I presume?' The park is ideal for those who love nature walks through forests and it would be the ideal distraction from the traditional north tours.

Planning for a Tanzania safari would mean that one gets to locate the destinations to frequent or stop over before embarking on the journey. This is mainly so because the distances are extreme and the roads though okay if using a 4X4, not very ideal if you are to drive 100kilometeres across the land.

The most extra ordinary thing that every visitor learns here is the fact that Tanzania has over 100 ethnicities and each and every one is at peace with each other, in fact the love flowing throughout this land is brotherly. It is therefore little wonder that every tourist upon sitting down back at home with an aim of listing the greatest things about Tanzania finds themselves listing Tanzanians' hospitality. A Tanzania safari will not be accomplished at least in terms of enjoyment and learning about the land itself if you don't interact with the locals. Tanzania's tourism is for sure headed for greater heights.

Canal Boat Holidays - Pennine Canals

The Rochdale Canal, Calder & Hebble navigations combined with the Leeds and Liverpool Canal come together to form the Pennine Canals. These canals span across the rolling countryside from the coastline and connect Northern Cities such as Manchester and Leeds via the canal waterways. The Rochdale Canal navigation was built after the Calder & Hebble, and formed at the historic basin at Sowerby Bridge, which is where the Sowerby Bridge marina is situated.

Cruising Suggestions from Sowerby Bridge Marina:

Short Breaks: Cruising east from the basin on the Rochdale Canal for a weekend boating holiday you can reach Hebden Bridge and Todmorden before turning your hire boat around to return to the marina. To reach these towns you can expect to experience a tunnel navigation followed by operating the deepest locks in the country, Tuel Lane Lock. After this exciting descent, the canal gradually leads you up through the fields and past cobbled houses of Hebden Bridge. Mooring here you can explore Hebden by foot, originally a small mill town, which produced woollen goods. The town is full of literary history populated by those looking for artist inspiration within the Yorkshire Pennine views. Departing the mill town you and your hire boat will wind through the forests and countryside views to Todmorden, situated in a connection of three deep valleys. The area is perfect for trekking, bird watching and horse riding. Todmorden is full of impressive Victorian architecture and a wealth of independent shops.

Weekly Hire: For the longer holidays, on the return trip why not continue East past the Sowerby Bridge marina onto the Calder and Hebble. This will take to you Brighouse with plentiful pubs for the afternoon and mooring spaces in the town, this in an ideal place to stop for an afternoon meal and relax by the canal side.

One Way Options! For those who are experienced and enjoy more active canal holidays, there are a few one way options on selected boats from Sowerby Bridge to Foulridge. On a one week holiday travelling via Leeds City Centre on the Calder & Hebble Navigation and Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Or for a two week holiday travelling down the Rochdale Canal via Manchester and onto the Leeds & Liverpool Canal from the west. Transfers will be arranged upon your arrival to return you to your car following your one way adventure!

With so much to do and see on the Pennine Canals, you will find something to suit every member of the family on a canal boat holiday in Northern England.

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Amazing Amazonia - Where Everything Is Larger Than Life

One evening I sat at a waterfront bar overlooking the Amazon river and sank a few Pisco sours as I watched lightning crackle over the surrounding rainforest.

I was in Iquitos, a Peruvian port, a mere 3,600 kilometres away from the mouth of this mighty waterway. A good spot to contemplate the grandeur of nature and the foibles of man.

For the Amazon is not just a river or a highway. It's a force that gives life and takes it away, ruling the destinies of the people on its banks, influencing global weather patterns.

To visit Amazonia is an adventure but also an education, awakening in any sensitive traveller a wealth of conflicting emotions. You are conscious that here the virgin forest and the remaining tribes who inhabit it are under threat from modernising forces, from the urge to develop, to exploit natural resources.

Scientists value the forest as a genetic reservoir. According to the US National Academy of Sciences, 10 square kilometres of rainforest may contain 125 species of mammal, 400 species of bird, 100 species of reptile, 750 species of tree and 1,500 of flowering plants.

For a glimpse of this natural paradise, I spent a week at a jungle lodge in Ecuador, founded by a former Hollywood scriptwriter with an ecological bent.

It stood on a lake near the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon. Ospreys dived for fish in a lake patrolled by turtles. There was time to gape at black-billed toucans and orange-winged parrots and listen to the chorus of howler monkeys.

At night you could check the mangroves for beady-eyed caymans, by day visit a butterfly farm or learn about the dragon blood tree whose sap has curative properties like iodine.

After that, visiting Manaus was somewhat shattering. This Brazilian city, once enriched by the rubber boom, later sank into sleepy decay. But no longer is it a sleepy backwater.

As Brazil has become an economic powerhouse of the southern hemisphere, the population has soared. Scores of assembly plants attract settlers from other parts of Brazil. Tourists flock in and modern office blocks have been thrown up.

Only the waterfront has a jungle air to it, bustling with cargo and passenger craft. Sling your hammock and you can take ship for Belem, 1,400 kilometres away at the mouth, or head up into the wilderness.

An obligatory excursion is a boat cruise to witness the meeting of the waters, where the black Rio Negro joins the muddy Solimoes, as the Amazon is known between Iquitos and Manaus. Dolphins leap close to be boat and ocean-going vessels plough past.

Here the river can be up to 100 metres deep. Typical of Amazonia, where everything tends to be over-sized, both the prospects and the problems.