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Northern Lights in Abisko / Sweden

As I saw Northern Lights maybe more than 50 times due to being a guide for the last 6 years. I lead trips to Abisko National Park in Swedish Lapland and I was always asked common questions about Northern Lights. I would like to share my knowledge about them in this blog.

  • When is the best period to see Northern Lights?

The activity of Northern lights can be seen as early as at the end of August and till the latest to 21st April so the period from 30th August to 21st April, you can see the Northern lights.

Actually Northern lights are happening all year around even in summer but because of daylight hours are so long and no darkness you won’t be able to see them. You need a bit of darkness to see them the darker the better it is. I personally found that during equinox period around 21st September and 21st March the Northern lights are more active. You can travel to see the Northern Lights a week before or a week after that period.

Also the weather is good in September as it is autumn, you can enjoy being in nature and you have chances to hike in Abisko National Park if you go there or anywhere in Lapland area of Finland, Sweden or Norway.

I personally prefer to organize a trip to see the Northern Lights in mid March because you can enjoy winter activities such as Dog sledding, snowmobile,  ice climbing, ice finish, visit Ice hotel, walk on frozen lake, snowshoeing, cross country skiing etc. So those are arctic adventures. 

  • When is the best time?

There is no certain time when the northern lights will be active. As soon as it gets dark go out and stay outside as long as you can of course it is very cold outside and you won’t be able to stay hours in such cold but you can return to a warm place for hot tea or coffee to warm up a bit and then go out again. Thus the main rule if you want to see Northern lights, stay outside as long as you can. Personally I see Northern lights being active from 9pm to 11pm and sometimes after midnight but this is not a general rule. If the Northern lights are active for the day then you will start to see them as early as it gets dark and the activity will be longer throughout the night. They will get stronger visibility and sometimes they will get weaker. 

  • What are the conditions to see Northern Lights?

Simply, I can say that there are 3 main conditions to see Northern Lights.

First if you are in the Northern hemisphere, beginning at the latitude of around 70 North will give you the best condition to see Northern Lights. Most people think that the more North you go the more chance you may have to see Northern lights. That is not true if you are at the North Pole you do not have a chance to see Northern lights. If the activity level of the Northern lights is strong you can see more southern parts of Northern Europe even ones it was visible in London. 

Secondly you need a clear sky to see Northern lights even if the activity level is so high but the sky is cloudy you will not have a chance to see the Northern Lights.  Because the Northern lights activity happens 100km above the earth this means above the clouds. Once I had the privilege to see Northern lights from a plane during a night flight from Stockholm to Kiruna. So you must see stars if you want to see the Northern Lights of course if the sky is partly cloudy you must chase to find a hole from the clouds to see them. That is why sometimes it is called chasing the Northern lights where you must move to find a clear sky location to see them.

Third main condition and the most important one is the activity level of Northern Lights. There is a scale of activity level from 0 to 9. Being 0 as no activity and 9 as most active level. In order to see the Northern lights with naked eye the activity level should be more than 2 around 2.5 as minimum. The more active it is the more visible colour you will see.

Do not forget that the professional cameras can catch the Northern lights when the activity level is very low even if you can’t see with your eyes as the cameras using exposure to get the lights in so that is why the Northern lights photos are so bring as some of my clients are expecting to see that level. If the Northern lights are very active you can see them in very bright conditions. 


A Video from our last trip

Discover the Seychelles

Stunning and unspoiled, the Seychelles star in countless tropical island fantasies.

This much is clear: there is so much more to the Seychelles than its exquisite beaches. It is not just a travel destination for sunbathing and lounging around. The magic of these Indian Ocean islands is multifaceted: the lush tropical vegetation, the exceptional flora and fauna, the friendly, fun-loving people that make a trip to this archipelago off the African coast an unforgettable experience.

1.Hiking

The cool mountains of Morne Seychellois National Park are great for walks. The largest national park in the Seychelles, Morne Seychellois National Park covers more than 20 percent of the area of Mahé.

     

2.Valle De Mai National Park

This forest on Praslin island is a must for coco de mer, walking trails and wildlife. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai National Park on the island of Praslin preserves a prehistoric forest that contains at least 4,000 examples of the rare giant coco de mer fruit palm (unique to the Seychelles)

    

3. Visit Capital of Victoria

Visit the smallest capital in the World for taste of urban life and an insight into local history and culture.

Places to visit Hindu TempleSt. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Natural History Museum, Clock Tower, Freedom Square

  

4.Sailing

The Seychelles was made for sailing, hire a boat or hop on a chartered tour to see the best of the islands

5.Exotic Flora

Discover the island diverse botanic delights

     

6.Diving & Snorkelling

Discover the wonders of the deep at numerous dive sites around the islands.

There are many sites for great snorkelling

7.Cycle around La Digue island

One great way to explore La Digue is by bicycle

8.Perfect Beaches

There are many perfect beaches in Seychelles. Anse Source D`Argent on La Digue has often been voted `the best beach in the world.

  

9.Best sunsets

Sunset is a gorgeous time of day

    

10. See Giant tortoise

All tortoises found in the Seychelles are Aldabra Giant Tortoises which is one of the largest species in the world.

Want to visit Seychelles see the trip details click the link below

 The link Seychelles 11-18 October 2020

   Check Instagram Photos

My Escape to Nature See our Facebook Page     

 Watch the YouTube Video from the Last Trip

*The original of this article is on Zeynep’s own blog, Counting 50! https://dtzeynepdogan.wordpress.com/2019/03/19/i-saw-the-northern-lights/

It was never in my bucket list.

Well, to be honest I don’t have a bucket list at all. But I rate places that I’ve visited or things I’ve done whether I’d be happy to share it with my loved ones, would I want them to experience it and would I like to do it again with them. This Northern Lights in Abisko trip ticked all the boxes.  It certainly did.

You might have seen many pictures, photos and documentaries about them but being there gives another perspective. It is one of those things, better experienced in first hand rather than looking at a video.

I am not going to tell you about the facts around the Northern Lights, I am sure Google has a vast resource for this. For a basic tourist, there are apps, websites that would let you know real-time activity level from the weather stations in the region. When the activity level is at 2-3, the lights are there but only with the help of a professional SLR camera the green colors are visible, hence you look at the photos.

So how on earth we have seen them not only one night but two nights, well let me tell you about it.

First, you need to have the weather on your side. If it is a cloudy night you won’t be able to see anything. The best view is on a clear sky where you see stars as well as bright moon. During our stay in Abisko, it was highly disappointing on the 1st night and on the 3rd night it could have been a real worry if we hadn’t seen them on previous night. Yes, we stayed 4 nights in a hostel in Abisko, Sweden and we were so lucky with the weather and the lights were fantastic two of those four nights.

These photos were taken in the very beginning of the night, lights were not very strong. Throughout the night we learned and trained our eyes how to distinguish the activity from a thin cloud but the colors were not bright enough, we kept looking from the camera on that night.

On the second night (3rd night of our stay) the lights were much stronger; they were around level 4 or maybe higher on the activity ladder and this time we were able to enjoy the lights and did not need to look at the camera. Mainly they were bright green color, but we also saw a bit of pink underneath the greens which means those were much closer to earth. These were taken on the second night. Once the show starts it takes around 2 hours to stop but during the night, they could come up again.

We stayed in Abisko in Sweden. It is a small town next to the Torneträsk Lake and due to the mountains around it the weather is much drier, and it has more clear nights than next residential area. There are a few hostels, guesthouses and a couple of hotels in the area. During our stay we kept nights for only Northern Lights, at some point we literally chased them in the woods, over the lake, up the hill. During the days we had the options to try all winter related activities, ice fishing, ice climbing, dog sledding, snowmobile where you pay extra fees for each. Hiking in the nature was free and with the scenery around the lake it was fantastic. We even walked over the frozen lake, which was a quite experience. I used a chain type of accessory over my boots to be able to walk over the ice. It was a hard work to put on before you step out and take off when you want to step inside but it worth. I was so happy to walk around with no fear of slippery icy conditions.

During our stay we took a day trip Narvik, Norway. With a view of beautiful river and mountains, it is one of those best scenic routes in the region.  On our way back to airport on the last day we also stopped by the IceHotel in Kiruna. It is an interesting idea turned into a tourist spot over the years. The one that we visited was Icehotel number 29, apparently, they have been rebuilding the hotel for the last 29 years from scratch.

They identify huge ice cubes in the adjacent river during spring, carry them with cranes top the workshop and carve them into arty objects and show them during winter and in summer they all melt and go back to the river.

Apart from the weather there is a very important factor in the success of this trip, the tour guide. Our tour was a small group of 15 people and our tour guide, Naim, has been to this same place with many groups over the last 5 years. We were the 14th group and only one group didn’t see the lights so far. This is a big success rate I’d like to think especially in a real natural event. Naim, did his best for us to enjoy the whole process, leading us to the viewing spots throughout the night. At times when it was too cold or late, he would send us back to hostel to get some warm but would call us whenever he spotted any activity. His enthusiasm and ambition to see the lights were unbelievable.

In Abisko the rule of thumb is “no promise on catching the Northern Lights or arctic char, the fish lives in the lake.” It is all in natures hand. You could also ask to the Northern Light Fairy for some help though. I’d like to think that my short discussions with the snowmen around the lake on the 2nd and 4th days, did help us as well.

What I also realize about this Northern Lights trip is that it has a strong level of attraction on social media as well.  The minute I shared my whereabouts and my photos the entire friends on FB and Instagram showed an interest.

So below is the link to the tour  that we were in for your information, and I strongly recommend: My Escape to Nature.com

Written By Zeynep Dogan

Next Northern Lights Tour

Northern Lights&Arctic Adventure/11-15 March 2020

Location of Simien Mountains Ethiopia.

The Simien Mountain National park is located, in the Amhara regional Government state, North Gondar Zonal, 886-km distance from the capital, Addis Ababa and 123 km from Gondar 13°Nl,38°E lies between the altitudinal range of 1900 masl to 4430 masl at Bwahit in northern west of Ethiopia. More importantly, it is also located on the northern edge of the Great Rift Valley, which passes through Ethiopia and down to Mozambique, stretching over 6000 km. The mountain nature of the park together with its surrounding high peaks gives rise to the name The Roof of Africa. The SMNP is endowed with unique landscape and endemic animals, plants found only in the Ethiopian Highlands.

Simien Mountains – Geology of simian mountains National park Ethiopia. Geological history of the Simien Mountains was as mentioned below. The Simien Mountain were formed lava outpouring In the Miocene and Oligocene geological periods. These trap lavas covered all the pervious rock formation and the type of volcanic activates were like the ͑͑Hawaiian҆҆ type /found in china/ and spread over a wide area everything about 15,000 km² or more. These trap lavas hardened slowly forming a profile with gently sloping side like the Hawaiian volcanoes.

Climate of Simien Mountains National park Ethiopia.

The Climatic of SMNP is dependent on great altitudinal variation and mountains landscape categorized by6 wet, cool, and cold seasons. These climatic conditions are traditionally classified in four major climate zones as Woina Dega (1900-2400masl sub tropical climate) Dega (2400-3400masl temperate climate) High Dega (3400-3700masl cool climate) Wurch zone (>3700masl alpine).

Simien Mountains Natinal park- Wildlife in the Simien Mountains.

There are 22 large mammals, 13 small mammals and 182 bird species currently living in the mountains, of which 3 large mammals, 8 small mammals and 6 bird species are endemic to Ethiopia.

Gelada baboon in Simien National park.

The Gelada is an old-world monkey; not a baboon despite previous naming conventions. It is the only living member of the once widespread genus The ropithecus, and is only found in the highland of Ethiopia. The present-day distribution of the gelada is limited to the steep escarpments and gorges that border the eastern side of the central highlands and the north western highlands of Ethiopia

Walia ibex in Simien Mountains.

The Walia Ibex is found solely in the Simien Mountains, usually between 2,500 and 3,000m. They tend to live in groups and they forage in open spaces. The first record of the Walia was in 1835 by the explorer Rupell. Local legend states that the Walia came to the park with the saint Kidus Yared who used them to carry his holy books.

Ethiopian wolf in Simien Mountains National park.

The Ethiopian wolf is one of the rarest animals in the world. It is also Africa`s most threatened carnivore. The closet living relatives of the Ethiopian wolf are grey wolves and coyotes. The Ethiopian wolf ancestor crossed over from Eurasia during the Pleistocene period about 100,000 years ago, when sea levels were lower and Africa / the Middle East were connected.

Birdlife in Simien Mountains.

Well known bird species include: Watt led libs (bostrychia carunculata) The thick -billed raven (corves crassirostris) The tawny eagle (Aquila rapax). Bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus).

Plants in Simien Mountains.

Plant composition diversity refers tovegetation richness of the SMNP. Morethan 1,200 plant species with diversifiedfloristic composition in wide range ofaltitudes are believed exist in SMNP.About 507 species are identified and described of which about 57 tree speciesare identified in and around SMNP andover 20 plant species estimated areendangered. Out of 52 species of grasses10 are endemic to Ethiopia and only 3 areendemic to the Simien.

Rainfall in Simien Mountains.

The type of rainfall in the park area is characterized as 1 long eight month rainy season and a ideal hiking condition four-month dry season. The big rains begin in June and last through to September, after decreases with sporadic rainfall and fog. In the SMNP there is a relationship between rainfall and altitude. Rain increases with altitude up to 3,500-m altitude and begins to fall again. This is because the condensation usually fails to ascend up to the highest peak.

Temperature In Simien Mountains

The maximum temperature in the mountains is 15°C during the day and usually drops between -3 and 5°C at night with the coldest months being October, November, December, and January. In the

dry season temperatures can drop as low as -30°C at night at the higher altitudes with occasional snowfalls. Between June and late September is considered rainy season in Ethiopia.

What to bring whilst traveling in Simien Mountains.

From the beginning of December to the end of January, the temperature drops from -1 up to -3 during the night while during the day temperatures can reach as high as 25+; as a result, we recommend you bring: Sunscreen, Sleeping bag (three season at the very least), Gloves, A long

jacket, Other warm clothing, Thermal layers, Head beanie The temperature during the rainy season of June and July is the other way round. It gets cold during the day because of the rain and fog, whereas during the night it gets warmer as clouds keep the temperature higher. Light and waterproof materials are recommended at this time of the year since rain is highly expected and besides this it is very important to have with you those individual kits which listed below: Torch with spare batteries, Small travel alarm/reliable watch, Earplugs, Dark sunglasses, Spare spectacles (or lens prescription), Detergent, Polythene bags Sewing kit/String (clothes line/repairs etc.), water purification tablets, and any Personal medication desired. Some hikers with minimal experience occasionally pack altitude sickness pills if they plan on summiting Ras Da

Written by Simien Mountain Expert Guide Berhanu Asrat

WhatsApp:+44 77 35056586

Info@myescapetonature.com

 ABISKO NATIONAL PARK , LAPPLAND, SWEDEN

Abisko National Park is listed as one of the Natural Wonders you must see before you die!

Lappland in northern Sweden is home to a number of spectacular national parks, the most scenic of these being Abisko National Park. Framed by mountain ranges in the south and west, and the waters of Torneträsk Lake in the north, the low-lying valley of Abisko National Park is a wonder to behold. The arctic light dances over the glistening Abiskojokka River which runs through the park, and deep canyons with steep cliff walls reveal the area’s violent geological past. The best view in Lappland is from Abisko National Park. Visitors can also take a cable car to the top of Mount Njulla, where there is a beautiful view of Torneträsk Lake and the Lapp Gate. Plant life thrives on the lime-rich rock, and the park is host to a number of rare plants—the Lapp orchid, for example, is a protected flower and grows nowhere else in the country. Martins, stoats, lemmings, and elks wander the wilds of the park, and many small species of bird, such as the arctic warbler, circle its skies.

Next Trip to Abisko National Park http://myescapetonature.com/tours/northern-lights/

Source: 1001 Natural Wonders: You Must See Before You Die Book

Hike to the so-called `Roof of Africa` wandering atop the edge of escarpments that plummet hundreds of meters into the Ethiopian plains, providing a shield for creatures seen almost nowhere else on earth walk here before the rest of the world discovers the simiens.

Essential Experiences (Recommended by Lonely Planet)

  • Watching the sun set from the camp at Geech
  • Standing among gelada baboons above Geech Abyss as you watch the waterfall disappear into shadows
  • Wandering out onto a campside spur at Chenek at dawn, as gelada baboons arise from their cliff-hanging sleeps
  • Being mobbed by fascinated children as you walk through the village of Chiro Leba
  • Savouring the immense view from the summit of Ras Dashen

 

Topping out at 4559m, Ethiopia`s Simien Mountains are among the highest and finest of Africa`s mountain ranges. Towering out of patchwork agricultural plains studded with craggy peaks, the range is framed by massive escarpments. Standing at their edge, as you will most of the time when hiking here, you`ll agree the views are equal of any in the world.

Treks here isn`t just about the stupendous views. The simian Mountains National Park is a living, bustling landscape, inhabited by around 15,000 people. Villagers till weary slopes, shepherds roam the plateau, and village children sprint from homes to greet trekkers.

Among them- often grazing right beside the goats- is a host of wildlife so special that, in 1978, the Simien Mountains were included the first selection of sites to be granted World Heritage status. Most commonly seen are the gelada baboons, the world`s only grass-eating primates; the colouring on their chest gives them the nickname of `bleeding-heart baboon`.  Walia ibex cling to impossible slopes, and the call of the Ethiopian wolf might be heard on the slopes of Ras Dashen, through the coyote-sized, fox-coloured dog-the world`s rarest canid-is rarely seen.

Altitude sickness is less a problem in the Simien than in many equivalent ranges, with camps spaced at intervals aiding acclimatisation. This gives trekkers a good chance of summiting Ras Dashen, scrambling its final escarpment to soak in a view that rewards all of the effort in getting here.

The Bleeding-Heart Baboon: The gelada baboon is one of the Ethiopia`s most fascinating endemic animals. In fact, not a baboon at all. It takes up its own genus of monkey. Of all the nonhuman primates. It`s by far the most dexterous. It also lives in the largest social groups (up to 800 individuals in a group have been recorded), is the only primate that feeds on the grass, and has its `mating skin` on its chest and not on its bottom- a convenient adaptation, given that it spends most of its time sitting. This bare patch of skin has given rise to the gelada`s another popular name: the bleeding-heart baboon.

Not:This Article is taken from The Lonely Planet book of “Great Adventures”

The success of your trip depends heavily on the level of preparation. Madagascar is a wonderful destination for travellers who take the time to prepare& organise their trip well in advance.

PASSPORT & VISA

VALIDITY of passport required by the time of your travel to MADAGASCAR: 6 months and above

TOURIST VISA is paying and can be obtained at Malagasy Consulates, or upon arrival to Madagascar, at customs. Indicative visa fee 35€/person, subject to change by authorities without prior notice.

At least one blank page required in the passport for the visa.

In Madagascar, IMMIGRATION issues are restrictive and may be amended by authorities without prior notice. Therefore, please kindly double-check all the conditions well in advance before departure.

ADEQUATE TRAVEL INSURANCE AND ASSISTANCE

A good travel insurance especially ensures your care in an emergency or unexpected situations such as health problems, accidents, cancellations, etc. Malagasy health facilities do not meet international standards. Therefore, medical evacuation to Mauritius, Reunion or South Africa is absolutely necessary in case of medical emergency.

Therefore, we strongly recommend that you subscribe to adequate travel insurance before departure.

Travel insurance protects you while giving you financial security and assisting you in case of emergency.

SANITARY ADVICE

Generally, we recommend that you have a medical consultation before your departure for health issues related to your stay in Madagascar and in particular on the issue of malaria.

Please make sure that you update your vaccines, including diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B.

We also recommend you bring along your own medication to relieve minor inconveniences associated with travel. Similarly, if you follow a specific treatment, it is important to plan your treatment during your stay.

It is strongly recommended that you drink only bottled water during your stay (including for brushing your teeth), and eat only in restaurants recommended by your guide. Drink enough water to prevent dehydration and fatigue.

Remember to bring insect repellent and wear adequate clothing against mosquito bites.

Please make sure you protect yourself and your children from direct sunshine and dehydration. Sunscreens with high sun protection are also vital.

SECURITY ADVICE

Madagascar is a peaceful country with a nice, smiling and hospitable population. However, we must not forget that Madagascar is among the poorest countries on the planet. For a pleasant stay in Madagascar, simple safety measures and basic rules and common sense apply to all travellers.

While we travel around the world, we owe respect to other populations, cultures & customs. Let us not forget that tolerance and smiles open doors and make our world a better place.

CLIMATE CONDITIONS

In general, the climate in Madagascar is characterised by a dry season that runs from April to October and a rainy season from November to March. However, significant variations across regions are noteworthy: more moisture to the east, with a shorter dry season, and on the contrary a dry period with significantly prolonged heat waves in the south. Tropical storms and heavy rain may occur between November and March. Protection from sunshine, rain, cold and wind has to be taken into consideration while you pack. Please include a pair of good walking shoes to discover the national parks.

GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT HOTELS IN MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is one of the last paradises on earth resisting to the invasion of modernity and still offers opportunities for extra-ordinary travelling conditions.

Please kindly be advised that most accommodation options in the bush of Madagascar are often cut off from electricity & water networks and work on own power supply generators (solar or conventional). Often, bush hotels run on generator supply rationed in the day and into the night. In general, the generator is off from 22h on, after the guests return to their rooms after dinner. Similarly, the hot water may not be available throughout the hotel network.

Whatever itinerary you choose, we highly recommend you to bring your own torch lights to anticipate potential power cuts that can occur at any time on your route, in the bush as well as in the urban areas.

PACKING LIST TO DISCOVER MADAGASCAR & ITS NATIONAL PARKS

We strongly recommend that you bring a good pair of comfortable & robust walking/trekking shoes (solid sole to protect against falls, slippery collars and sharp stones), a headlamp/torch, a raincoat, a fleece jacket (depending on season and location), light and covering clothes (to protect you from cold, sun, scratches, insect bites, etc.), as well as hats and sunglasses. Nights can be fresh/cold in the bush and/or by the seaside, please include some warm clothes. A backpack is necessary to bring along with you your water bottle, camera, some cash money, sunscreen, raincoat/pullover and a small first aid kit to disinfect and treat minor injuries during the visit.

In some national parks, it is possible to swim in natural pools and / or waterfalls. We suggest you to inquire at your hotel reception before leaving the park to provide the necessary equipment for swimming.

Please also include your own mask and snorkel to enjoy marine reserves on your itinerary.

LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE AIR MADAGASCAR [DOMESTIC FLIGHTS]

On board of Air Madagascar domestic flights, luggage allowance is limited to ONE PIECE per person not exceeding 20 kg, and 5 kg cabin luggage per passenger. Respect this weight limit to avoid extra luggage fees. We highly recommend flexible and robust rolling travel bags, with security lock. Please try to avoid rigid, heavy and voluminous suitcases. Soft travel bags are easier to handle for road & boat transport.

CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE RATES

The local monetary unit is the Ariary (MGA or Ar), which in 2005 replaced the Malagasy franc (FMG). It happens very often that prices are given in Malagasy francs, ask precisely to avoid misunderstandings: note 1 MGA = 5 FMG.

Exchange rate 1 EUR = 3500 MGA (indicative rate). The official rate available on the website of the Central Bank of Madagascar, http://www.banque-centrale.mg/

While travelling in the country, make sure you bring some cash to exchange upon arrival and a package of small change between two cities. In the bush, you can only pay in cash except in important hotels where VISA card is widely accepted.

VISA AND MASTER CARDS

Important: In Madagascar, VISA is more widely accepted than MASTER. AMEX is not at all common. Commissions vary from one place to another.

There are ATMs and Exchange Offices in all major cities. The eventual settlement of hotel extrasby card as well as cash with drawls are subject to commissions and charges ranging from 5 to 8%. Please contact your bank for detailed information.

TIPS

You can give a tip if you are really satisfied with the service. In restaurants, it is customary to leave 5 % service charge, but it is at your discretion. If you rent a car with a driver, you can give a tip of few Euros per day (about 5 € per day).

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Various mobile operators provide communication & Internet services in Madagascar. It is possible to buy a prepaid SIM card from one of the operators and use the national network configuration if your phone allows.

POWER SUPPLY

European / French type of sockets are in used, with 220 V powers, when available. Power cuts are very widely experienced in major cities. There is mostly no power network in the bush and most hotels run on power generators or solar panels. Power generators run mostly until 10 or 11 p.m. in case of solar power, please do not use electric hair dryers. Please kindly ask information and assistance at the reception of each hotel.

We strongly recommend you bring a headlight or torchlight with enough spare battery per person for night use in bush hotels.

CHECK OUT NEXT TRIPS

Future Trips

Videos on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzrx00_t6B55x11lM87AEFw

For more photos on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/myescapetonature/

1.Best diving and snorkelling. Famous for its endless coral reefs.

Raja ampat is famous for its Manta Rays. These majestic, harmless animals can be found throughout the region and are commonly encountered at sites.

Top 5 Places for diving in Raja ampat are those Mios Kun, Blue Magic, Manta Sandy, Batu Lima,Mike’s Point

2.See Birds of paradise with their incredible plumage and fascinating behaviours adaptations. Papua`s Birds of paradise are like nothing else on Earth. Various endemic species can be found throughout the islands.

3. Homestay/  By staying in homestays you will  have some bites at traditional food.

I would suggest Lumba Lumba homestay

For details see website http://lulumba.net/ 

There is diving option as well on this homestay and I tried 2 dives which were excellent. Cape Kri is definitely a site to check out, it holds a world record of 374 different species of fish to ever be seen in one dive.

There is a nice hike to the top of Kri where you can watch the beautiful sunset

 

Sunset & Sounds of tropical forest in Kri island/Raja Ampat

 

4.See walking sharks/ Home of Walking “Epaulette shark, this species only found in Raja ampat.

You can find them easily during the night the baby walking sharks.

5. Swim with sea turtle/

Raja Ampat is an incredible place to see at least four of the world’s seven turtle species. Sea turtles are one of the world’s oldest species. Scientific evidence shows they are at least 100 million years old .

6. Swim with shark

Raja Ampat is an ideal habitat for a number of species of sharks. Black tip, white tip and grey reef sharks thrive here.

 

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The Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights is one of the spectacular phenomena that fascinates many minds. A collision between gas and particles of sunlight entering the earth’s atmosphere is undoubtedly both alluring and a bizarre occurrence on the earth. The various shades of emerald dancing with bold streaks of green stretches clear across the whole sky will forever etch into your memory.  However, the beauty of it can only be seen around the magnetic poles on the extreme northern and southern hemispheres.

One of the most astounding track records for aurora sightings is in Abisko, Sweden. Home to Abisko National Park and the “Blue Hole” – a hole in the sky that is without clouds, appointed by NASA to be the best place to view the northern lights. Being part of the Arctic Circle, Abisko is a village situated in the northern region of Sweden. Even when the weather isn’t the most optimal for aurora sightings, Aurora Sky Station in Abisko proves to have good track records of 83% in the evenings for clear and pure aurora sighting, yielding extraordinary numbers of clear nights in comparison to many other Arctic places. The hidden tuck away gem nestled in the mountains of Nuolja frees Abisko from light pollution present an ideal place to capture the beauty of northern lights with the stunning mountainous landscape as your backdrop. Below the village of Abisko is the 70 km long Lake Torneträsk giving you a magnificent view beneath. On top of that, is the most recognisable sighting of Lapporten, a U-shaped valley visible from Abisko making your trip more pronounce.

A perfect picture of Abisko encompassed by Arctic mountain overlooking Lake Torneträsk surrounded by the northern lights above, what more can you ask for? It is utterly and sheer ultimate northern light experience that is unforgettable.

More details about tours to see Northern Lights please check the website below

Northern Lights&Arctic Adventure/11-15 March 2020

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