Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Azores - Emerald colored and overwhelmingly beautiful

Emerald colored and overwhelmingly beautiful, the Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a mandatory stop for anyone visiting the Island of São Miguel. Like the surrounding area, it was classified as Protected Landscape, marked by the scenic beauty which is linked to the origin of several legends, including the myth of Atlantis. It is the largest natural freshwater reservoir on the surface of the entire archipelago, characterized by double coloration of its waters, in blue and green. Although it is the most famous of the whole island it will not be difficult to find other beautiful lagoons of the same tones and which in fact are absolutely fascinating.

Ponta da Ferraria, Azores - Volcanic Wonder

 

Ponta da Ferraria, located in the parish of Ginetes, in São Miguel Island, results, as the whole island, from volcanic geological phenomena that occurred in the past centuries. Here the highlight goes to the natural pools of hot water that easily rises up to 30 degrees and to the thermal waters that make this place a mandatory and absolutely unforgettable stop.

The Azores black sand beaches

 

One of the images that remains forever in the memory of those who visit the Azores is of its black sand beaches where we can easily find pumice stones and which result from sedimentary rocks that, in turn, can also give rise to gray, creamy or reddish sands. In fact, in the Azores, gray sands are predominant, contrasting with the waters’ deep blue, reminding us that here we find ourselves in full harmony with an untouched Nature. 

São Miguel, Azores - In the heart of the Atlantic

 

Let's start another trip, this time on the green and charming island of São Miguel in the Azores, right in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean.

We visited the whole island, from North to South, from East to West, contemplating landscapes, flavors and the culture of this region.

Follow us on the upcoming to know more about this visit!

Zambia and Zimbabwe - The Victoria Falls

 

Still in Botswana, we head to the small town of Kasane, located next to the Chobe National Park and the river of the same name for a cruise that takes us to observe the wildlife, which takes place right there on the banks of the river. Elephants, buffaloes, kudus, hippos and several species of wild birds abound on these banks making the ride something unforgettable. 

From Kasane we set off for Victoria Falls, crossing the border into Zimbabwe. With 1.7 km long, the waterfalls reach, at their highest point, 108 meters high, representing an absolutely extraordinary natural spectacle that feeds on the waters of the Zambezi River and that form the natural border between Zambia and the Zimbabwe. In this paradisiacal and chilling scenario, there are countless water sports offered, from rafting, to cruising on the Zambezi, as well as other more radical modalities reserved for the more daring, such as bungee jumping. At this point in the expedition, we opted for a more peaceful solution and left the strong emotions for the more adventurous, calmly following the best way to end such an intense and rich week - a sunset over the Zambezi River and the farewell to this continent of which the soul is held hostage, no longer rested until a return.

Botswana - From Maun to the Okavango Delta

In the fifth largest city in Botswana, Maun, an airplane ride is offered to better appreciate the impressive Okavango Delta. With the right atmospheric conditions, it becomes possible to assess the magnitude of this wonder of Nature, where the intricate system of channels and islands becomes noticeable, with elephants and herds of buffalo and hippos parading, far away. From Maun it is also possible to reach the Okavango Delta aboard a traditional mokoro, still widely used by local people. As we slide into these calm waters, we have the feeling that we have been removed from this world of constant agitation and noise to suddenly realize not only the strength of Nature, but the importance of silence. Although this option includes entertainment, it also consists of a real trip inside ourselves. Before leaving Maun for the Elephant Sands hotel, be sure to take a trip to the Moremi Reserve to enjoy a safari.

Close to Nata, Elephant Sands is famous for the experience it provides, consisting of a bush lodge with several ponds and that thanks to them attracts countless animals that cross the park and come to drink fresh water. From one moment to the next, we see the arrival of majestic elephants moving in their slow, safe and imposing stride to the ponds to drink. All of this happens even a few meters from us, who are absolutely captivated and look for words to comment on this rich and magnificent show.

Namibia - Windhoek or the land of wind

 

This is the meaning of the name of the first city we visited, the capital of Namibia, which inherits the name of the word derived from the Afrikaans, Wind-Hoek, and which means “song of the wind”. Here, the visit to the Gibeon Meteorite at the Post Street Mall is a must. About 33 pieces of this extraterrestrial body that hit Namibia's soil in the prehistoric era, predates it here, defeated in the open air, making it possible to touch them while imagining how much needed advanced through space until they reach the planet . Also calling for another extra mundane plan, a Church of Christ, built in the Gothic style and inspired by the Lutheran current, soon impresses at first glance given the neo-romantic influence, new and Gothic art it exhibits. Conceived by the architect Gotllieb Redecker, it was known as the Church of Peace.

From Windhoek we continue on to the Kalahari Desert, in Botswana, passing through Ghanzi just in time to meet the San (busmen), who receives visits absolutely desiring to share the memory of a world of yore. As night fell, we were able to watch an ancient dance ritual that took place around a huge bonfire, while Ghanzi's starry sky insisted on competing for our attention. The next morning was the time spent together with San, who connected his skills at the generation level, tricks passed down from generation to generation.