Namibia - Sossusvlei Namib Desert
Foto: A Samba deer by the water (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Sri_Lanka - At half past four, the phone rings. It’s time to get up for the game drive in Yala National Park. When I peek outside through the curtains, it’s still dark. I hear a light rain on the roof. Did I make the right decision to postpone the safari to this morning? Within half an hour, I’m driving toward the park. Numerous safari jeeps head in the same direction. Each vehicle has six tiered seats in the back, so everyone gets a good view. Most jeeps, like mine, only have two passengers. At the park entrance, I realize how many jeeps are here. Everyone has to arrange entrance, and all vehicles are parked on the roadside. I count at least forty jeeps, and undoubtedly some are already inside. As soon as I enter the park, I see deer and water buffalo. The driver points out a small green bee-eater. At one of the waterholes, I spot herons, ibises, and storks. The driver frequently contacts colleagues by phone to check for wildlife sightings. Meanwhile, he points out wild pigs and sambar deer (elk). When we hear from another jeep that they spotted a sloth bear crossing the path, the excitement grows. Several vehicles head in the direction the bear went. I scan the bushes — in vain. Later, while photographing birds, I suddenly see movement ahead. It’s the bear! It trots across the path and disappears into the bushes. What a sight. Yala National Park has a relatively high number of leopards. Although they are difficult to spot during the day, the chances here are decent. Unfortunately, due to the drizzle, they remain hidden. Sadly, the elephants also don’t show — though it’s harder for them to hide. Likely, they’re in another part of the park. After three and a half hours, I leave the park and return to my hotel in Tissa.
Colossal Buddha statues in Polonnaruwa
Sri_Lanka - Today is Puja in Sri Lanka due to the full moon. Ajbriy already told me this often means rain. I wonder if the two are connected. As I leave my cottage, I notice he was right. Large raindrops are falling from the sky. Judging by the clouds, it doesn’t ...
The fortified town of Galle
Sri_Lanka - Around three o'clock, I enter the fort of Galle, a defensive fort built by the Dutch. My hotel is located in the alleys within the fort. Ajbriy takes an extra loop to point out what there is to see. I estimate I can easily explore this on foot. The fort ...
The Jami UlAflar Mosque in Colombo
Sri_Lanka - Afterward, I head to the fort — the diplomatic district where many government buildings are located. I get out here and walk into the adjacent Patteh district, the commercial area. Immediately, I see countless little shops. I arrive at the Jami Ul-Alfar ...
The Lion Rock of Sigiriya
Sri_Lanka - The day begins with a gentle bit of sunshine, which is perfect because today I'm visiting the ancient palace of Sigiriya. The remains of this palace are located at the top of Lion Rock, a steep 200-meter-high rocky outcrop. At the entrance, the guide ...
The rock temples of Dambulla
Sri_Lanka - It rained well into the night, but when I step out of my cottage, it’s dry. Today I’m traveling from Sirigiya to the highlands of Kandy. After an hour’s drive, I arrive in Dambulla. In Dambulla lie five Buddhist cave temples. Right at the entrance, ...
The Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
Sri_Lanka - Around half past four, I arrive at the Red Cross building. A traditional dance performance is being held here. The show, with traditional costumes, is actually performed solely for tourists. At the end of the colorful performance, a fire dancer appears. ...