Cape Floral Region South Africa - 9600 Species of Plants

Located in the Cape Province, South Africa - made up of eight protected areas, covering 553 000 hectares. The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants in the world. It represents less than 0, 5% of the area of Africa but is home to nearly 20% of the continent's flora! It takes up 0.04% of the world's land area, yet contains 3% of its plant species, making it one of the globe's 18 biodiversity hot spots.

The site displays outstanding ecological and biological processes associated with the fib's vegetation, which is unique to the Cape Floral Region. The outstanding diversity, density and endemism of the flora are among the highest worldwide. Unique plant reproductive strategies, adaptive to fire, patterns of seed dispersal by insects, as well as patterns of endemism and adaptive radiation found in the flora are of outstanding value to science.

The Cape Floral Region was inscribed in 2004 and is situated in the Western and Eastern Cape. It is a natural heritage and was the sixth site to be inscribed.

Justifications for inscriptions are:

The Cape Floral Region is considered of outstanding universal value for representing ongoing ecological and biological processes associated with the evolution of the unique funbos biome. These processes are represented generally within the Cape Floral Region and captured in the eight protected areas. Of particular scientific interest are the plant reproductive strategies including the adaptive responses to fire of the flora and the patterns of seed dispersal by insects.

The pollination biology and nutrient cycling are other distinctive ecological processes found in the site. The Cape Floral Region forms a centre of active speciation where interesting patterns of endemism and adaptive radiation are found in the flora.

The Cape Floral Region is one of the richest areas for plants than for any similar sized area in the world. The number of species per genus within the region 9 in 1 and per family 52 are among the highest given for various species-rich regions in the world. The species density in the Cape Floral Region is also among the highest in the world. It displays the highest levels of endemism at 31, 9% and it has been identified as one of the world's 18 biodiversity hot spots.

A stretch of land and sea spanning 90 000 square kilometres, the 553 000 hectare Cape Floral Region comprises eight protected areas stretching from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape: Table Mountain, De Hoop Nature Reserve, the Boland mountain complex, the Groot Winterhoek wilderness area, the Swartberg mountains, the Boosmansbos wilderness area, the Cederberg wilderness areas and Baviaanskloof.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden on the slopes of Table Mountain is part of the region, making it the first botanical garden ever include in a World Heritage Site.

The rich diversity of the Cape Floral Region contributes to South Africa having the third-highest level of biodiversity in the world. Table Mountain National Park, for example, has more species in its 22 000 hectares than the British Isles or New Zealand.

The Cape Floral Region is not only remarkable for its diversity. The region's endemism level, at 31, 9%, is the highest on the planet. Of the 9600 species of vascular plants (plants with vessels for bearing sap) found here, some 70% are endemic, occurring nowhere else on earth.

It is also home to 11 000 marine animal species, 3500 of which are endemic, and 560 vertebrate species, including 142 reptile species, of which 27 are endemic. The region follows the Cape fold belt of mountains, the Cedarberg and Hottentots Holland mountains, then cuts through the Langeberg, Outeniquas, Tsitsikamma, Swartberg and Zuurberg mountains, encompassing key sections of the Cape floral kingdom, the smallest and richest of the world's six floral kingdoms - and the only one to be contained within one country.

South Africa has the third-highest level of biodiversity in the world, thanks in no small part to the Cape floral kingdom.

Scottsdale Arizona Golf Vacations: Waht You Need To Know

If you are planning on taking a golf trip and vacation whether it be with you family or just with your buddies Scottsdale Arizona should be a place that you consider. The weather in Arizona is perfect for a golf trip and you should not have to worry about rain. You can plan your trip knowing the chances of rain are very slim.

Scottsdale has many golf locations to choose from and you can find well over 10 resorts in the area that will meet any budget. Finding the best location for you should not be that hard because of the wide range of resorts and hotels that cater to the golfer's vacation.

If you buy a pre-packed golf vacation you can get them that will be all inclusive. The all inclusive packages will include your room, golf fees including cart, and meals. You want to get a package that has a room that will suite your needs and you can relax after a day of golf. Most locations come with several bedrooms and you can relax and have a BBQ with your friends while enjoying a beverage.

If you fly in to Scottsdale for a golf trip you will want to consider a rental car. Check with the travel agent and find out if the package includes a rental car, if it does not than you can pick one up at the airport. You will want a car to take in all of the wonderful scenery that Scottsdale has to offer.

When you begin looking to take a golf vacation, Scottsdale Arizona if a great place to consider. You cannot go wrong by picking a location in Scottsdale at one of fabulous locations in Scottsdale. There are many golf resorts that also cater to the family and family activities, so if you decide to bring the family along look for a place that also has activities that your family will enjoy.

Attractions in Bora Bora

First discovered in 1722 by the navigator Roogeveen, later by Cook in 1796, Bora Bora is a stand-out island, known for mystery and romance, as honeymooners and couples have basked in the island's beauty for more than a decade. A popular venue for "escapes-from-the-real-world", Bora Bora is among the most famous of islands in French Polynesia, the famous of which is Tahiti, being the biggest island in the area.

Attractions in Bora Bora have always been a thing of beauty, with touches of mystery, making Bora Bora a true jewel in the Pacific.

The unforgettable turquoise lagoon, serving as the habitat for aquatic fauna, manta and sting rays, tropical fishes and other ocean beauties, by themselves is already an entry in the roster of attractions in Bora Bora. Observing the blooming wildlife thriving in the lagoon could be done by outrigger, boat, canoe or diving explorations. A trip to Bora Bora wouldn't be complete without getting up close and personal with the island's marine wildlife.

As attractions in Bora Bora, the island's corral reefs are simply gorgeous, as the white sand beaches surrounding Bora Bora are divine. The pass of Teavanui, located in between the ocean and the lagoon, is simply a stand-out sight.

Facing the pass is Vaitape, the main settlement of Bora Bora. Another entry in the roster of attractions in Bora Bora. The west coast bays of the island, Faanui and Poofai, both add to a scenic tableau building the island's image. From an aerial point of view, Bora Bora has been described to be similar to "a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls".

Another attraction in the attractions in Bora Bora is Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Bora Bora, as with all other islands within French Polynesia, rose through the waters because of volcanic activity 3 million years ago. The seven hundred twenty seven meter peak, sided by Mount Pahia's six hundred twenty six meter height, both extinct volcanoes, pose and bring a certain calm to spectators.

The island is rather small. Within an hour, one could circle the entire island in a car. The Coral Garden, to the southeast of the island, is another wonder worth mentioning as another attraction among attractions in Bora Bora. The natural underwater park, houses all types of corals and fish.

Famous writers and artists, as well as navigators have decided to spend the remainder of their days in Bora Bora, among which are Paul Emile Victor and Alain Gerbault, adding on to the island's worldwide reputation of a haven here on Earth.

Visit Australia

You will have many choices of things to do when you visit Australia. Here are just a few ways to spend your time in this lovely place:

It would be a shame to visit Australia without spending time on one of the gorgeous beaches. Along the coastline of Australia there are miles and miles of unbelievably beautiful sandy beaches. Sydney alone has nearly 40 ocean beaches and you will be able to sunbathe and enjoy the beauty of the water and the sand.

Take a bushwalk and you will glimpse flora, fauna and all kinds of bird life. Bushwalking is a popular pastime in Australia and the parks are fantastic.

If you are a lover of wine, Australia is the place for you. Arrange a visit to a country vineyard and sip some of the finest wines in the world.

Shoppers, you are in luck! Look for fashionable leather clothing, woolen goods, arts and crafts and gifts made from sheepskin. You will be able to go home with at least one suitcase filled with terrific gifts and souvenirs.

Sooner or later you are bound to get hungry. After all the shopping, sightseeing and wine tasting you will need to eat. Fresh ingredients are emphasized in contemporary Australian cuisine. You will find all kinds of menu choices that feature fish and seasonal vegetables. Every state in the country has specialties and you will find many excellent choices.

For those who love the water there are numerous activities. You can snorkel, scuba dive, water ski and wind surf.

Visit Australia for an amazing experience.

Allinclusive Blue Mountain Paradise

Would you like to escape from modern living and have a totally individual, all-inclusive luxury vacation in one of the most beautiful locations in the world? Then look no further than Strawberry Hill, a former coffee plantation perched 3000 feet high in the spectacular Blue Mountains of Jamaica.

The plantation was set up some three hundred years ago and once belonged to Horace Walpole, the Earl of Orford, who took the name from his estate in England, although strawberries were, and still are, grown there. As well as Strawberries, the lush gardens and winding trails are also home to some three hundred different plant species, including some very exotic varieties. The main building sits atop a mountain with sweeping views over the mountains and crystal waters of the Caribbean, whilst the guest accommodations are situated on the slopes to ensure complete privacy.

This is no ordinary all-inclusive resort. Strawberry Hill has just twelve Georgian-style guest villas which are absolutely stunning. Each one features romantic four poster bed with delicate muslin drapes, French doors on to spacious private verandas and fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes. Jamaican art and photographs adorn the walls and bathrooms are simple with terra cotta and hand glazed tiles and deep bath tubs.

Dining at Strawberry Hill is an absolute delight. The chefs combine traditional local dishes and spices with international recipes to create what they call New Jamaican Cuisine. The excellent restaurant attracts not just tourists but artists, writers and politicians from Kingston society who make the forty five minute journey up into the mountains regularly so savour Sunday Brunch and relax whilst discussing the issues of the day. Indeed, Strawberry Hill used to be a bolt hole for the Rolling Stones and the late Bob Marley during the eighties.

As if all this isn't enough Strawberry Hill also boasts the Caribbean's only full serviced Aveda concept spa. The root of Aveda's holistic spa philosophy, Elemental Nature, is based on the five elements found in nature, namely infinity, fire, water, air and earth. Guests are asked to fill out the Aveda Elemental Nature questionnaire when they arrive so that the therapists can create personalised treatments based on your own elemental nature to bring you back in to balance. Some of the wonderful treatments on offer include the Fusion Stone Massage, the Body Elixir and the Himalayan Rejuvenation Treatment which is guaranteed to nurture the body and relax the mind.

Hotel Suites: The Only Way To Go For True Luxury

When it comes to luxury hotel experiences, it's important to filter out the truly pleasurable from the more affected hotel offerings. For many years, for instance, boutique hotels have been seen as the pinnacle of luxury hotel accommodation, with many travellers in want of a designer boutique hotel experience flocking to New York, London and Paris. However, if you're interested in indulging yourself in style, why not think outside of the box and opt for a luxury hotel suite?

Luxury hotel suites offer a range of benefits that ordinary luxury hotel rooms often lack. For starters, opting for your own luxury hotel suite when you're on vacation affords you the space to enjoy your holiday in style. With a spacious bedroom, large attached living room and roomy bathroom the typical features of many luxury hotel suites, you can be sure that you won't run out of space - no matter how many clothes you decide to pack for your vacation!

But a truly luxurious hotel suite is more than simply the space it provides for its guests - it also relies on the range and quality of services that it offers as well. For instance, many luxury hotel suite providers will also offer their guests spa services - including massages, facials, a sauna and a range other spa treatments. What's more, the best luxury hotel suites also offer in-room spa services - so you'll be able to soak in the benefits of a first-class Swedish massage in the comfort of your own hotel suite.

Simple details can also add dramatically towards making your luxury hotel suite experience a positive one. For instance, a spectacular ocean view or a cityscape panorama from your hotel suite window can enrich your experience and memories of your suite immeasurably. Other details, like fresh flowers delivered daily to your room, or a complimentary assortment of chocolates or exotic fruit will make all the difference to your stay in a hotel suite.

Moreover, luxury hotel suites are an excellent choice when you're looking for hotel accommodation on your next vacation because they can be adapted to suit any purpose. If you're taking your partner on a romantic vacation to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or Valentine's Day, then opting for a luxury hotel suite is sure to show them how much you care. Or if you're on your honeymoon and you're keen to avoid the stigma attached to renting out the 'Honeymoon Suite', a luxury hotel suite is sure to be your next best option!

Alternatively, if you're travelling with children or in a large group of friends, staying in a hotel suite is sure to foster a sense of sociability on your trip, allowing your vacation party to congregate in the same suite and avoid the cramped nature of many ordinary hotel rooms. But whatever the purpose of your vacation - whether you're on a skiing holiday in or you're winding down after an exhausting trip around the country - one thing's for sure: hotel suites are the only way to go for truly unique luxury!

Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula in Seven Days

Day 1 Anchorage

Start your day with breakfast at The Pantry at The Hotel Captain Cook, in the heart of downtown. From here, it's just a short stroll to the Sunshine Plaza for an historical view of the 1964 earthquake, or see it firsthand at Earthquake Park. After that, drive up to Flattop at the base of the Chugach mountains, which is one of the city's popular day hikes. Or, you could stroll a peaceful, wooded trail in Bicentennial Park. Have lunch on the huge outdoor deck at The Fancy Moose, overlooking Lake Spenard, the world's busiest floatplane lake. Visit the Alaska Zoo, and see some Alaska wildlife up close. Have dinner at Simon and Seafort's (the crab artichoke dip is to die for) for the most spectacular sunset view you could ever imagine. This sunset will last for hours (you ARE in Alaska...).

Day 2 Anchorage

After a hearty breakfast at The Ptarmigan Grill, start your day on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with views of Cook Inlet and six mountain ranges. Rent some bicycles, or take a leisurely stroll along the trail. Now you could head up to Hillside, and have lunch at O'Malley's on the Green, with a breathtaking view over the Anchorage Bowl.

Then drive toward Turnagain Arm to Potter Marsh, home to more than 130 species of waterfowl. Enjoy hiking another trail; Anchorage has more trails than nearly any other city in the lower 48. After you've worked up a huge appetite, head downtown to Club Paris, an Anchorage institution. Here, you can enjoy a 4" thick filet mignon, which you'll enjoy with all the locals; this isn't a tourist restaurant. All of the restaurants I'm recommending are favored by locals; after being a resident for eight years I know the best places....

Day 3 Anchorage - Seward

Are you ready for some real adventure?? First, have breakfast at the Snow City Cafe, then head south via the Seward Highway, a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road to Seward. It is not uncommon to see Dall sheep, beluga whales and bald eagles from the Highway. Allow plenty of time for the drive -- both to take in the sights, and to allow for heavy summer traffic.

Once in Seward, visit the Alaska SeaLife Center and Exit Glacier, one of Alaska's most accessible glaciers. Take a boat tour of the Kenai Fjords National Park to see a variety of sea life such as otters, sea lions and puffins. An absolute MUST is the Exit Glacier Salmon Bake for lunch - for true, fresh Alaskan seafood, you can't miss this place! For dinner, I highly recommend Resurrection Roadhouse - their salmon is incredible. They also serve breakfast, which shouldn't be missed before you leave in the morning!

Day 4 Seward - Soldotna - Kenai

Drive through the Chugach National Forest west to Soldotna, famous for Kenai River King salmon, and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, home to moose and other wildlife. Visit nearby Kenai, rich in history and culture, and tour the Holy Assumption Russian Orthodox Church, a National Historic Landmark. You'd probably prefer to stay overnight in Soldotna, before heading south to Homer. Keep your eye open for a salmon bake, as they're the best option for local dining. There aren't any really bad restaurants in town, and Soldotna is large enough that it even has a couple of chain fast food restaurants.

Day 5 Soldotna - Homer

Take a morning drive south along the bluffs of Cook Inlet, where sightings of beluga whales and seals are common. At the end of the road you'll reach Homer, a bustling artist community and the Halibut Capital of the world. Take an afternoon to explore Homer's historic harbor walk and eclectic art galleries. You could also take a water taxi to Halibut Cove, a quiet paradise tucked away in Kachemak Bay State Park. For dinner, head to Fat Olive's for a true oven-fired pizza that won't soon be forgotten. Fat Olives is filled with beautiful local artwork.

Day 6 Homer - Girdwood

Before you leave in the morning, make sure you eat breakfast at Fresh Sourdough Express - it's awesome! Now, head back up the highway to Girdwood.

Now that you're in the Portage and Girdwood area, take a boat tour to get up close and personal with Portage Glacier. Visit the Begich-Boggs Center and sign up for an ice worm safari. Most definitely you must visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center for wildlife viewing. Here, you can see muskox, moose, black and grizzly bears, and red fox to name a few. Eat lunch in Girdwood, at Jack Sprat's - beautiful view and fantastic food. Ride the enclosed aerial tram up Mt. Alyeska for spectacular views. There's also a world class restaurant at the top, where you definitely want to have dinner, called Seven Glaciers. It has a panoramic view of Turnagain Arm, and seven hanging glaciers; hence its name. The food there is world class, so make reservations for the experience of a lifetime.

Day 7 Girdwood - Whittier -Anchorage

Whittier is the western gateway to Prince William Sound. It lies about 60 miles southeast of Anchorage via the Seward highway, a side road through the Portage Valley, and the longest highway tunnel in North America (2.5 miles). Once you're in Whittier, you could either take a six hour glacier cruise, or you might want to go halibut fishing on a charter boat. They will clean your halibut for you, and even ship it flash frozen, packed in dry ice, to your home. What a souvenir!

The Whittier/Portage Valley turnoff from the Seward Highway is about 12 miles past the Girdwood turnoff. The tunnel road is new since 2000; previously, to get to Whittier, you had to take the train, which was its own adventure. Now, a new tunnel is open to cars. You will stop at a toll booth ($15 RT). The attendant will give you an information brochure and answer any questions you may have. Passage through the one-lane tunnel is controlled by traffic lights. The tunnel opens once once per hour in each direction and generally stays open for about 15 minutes in either direction. You can still get to Whittier by train, but you will have to start in Anchorage now.

Once you've left Whittier, return to Anchorage for your last evening before your flight home. I'd recommend dinner at Turnagain House, for one last evening of fine dining Alaskan style, combined with a spectacular view of Turnagain. Watch for the bore tide...

I hope you've enjoyed your virtual tour of Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula in seven days. Hope to see you soon!