Wildlife is main attraction of African tourism. Africa is home for various interesting species of animals in the world. The natural condition Africa adds the unique and distinctive of Africa. It is not surprising if Africa is one of remarkable tourist destinations. African safari offers invaluable experience that cannot be found somewhere else. Exploring the vast and dry desert will become challenging activity. The safari in the African national park allows tourists observe wild animal at very close range. The safari in Africa will be good idea for family vacation or even honeymoon.

You can choose from several different game lodges to stay. If you want to see the choices, you can find them on the internet. These lodges can be reached through their website. In the website, you can find a lot of information on the price of the room, how to book a room, how to contact the lodge, the exact location of the lodge, and everything else. You also want to make sure that the lodges are safe for your children who might be still kids. You should contact the lodge to get the full information especially if you live so far from the location.

And the Colombianos really love showing off their towns!

For a quick trip out of town, you can’t beat a meal at Andres Carne de Res, a sprawling restaurant in little Chia, a village located about 25 miles from downtown Bogota. You’ll have more than “just a meal” at Andres. This place provides a singular experience, with music, dancing, a theatrical troupe, more decorative kitsch per square meter than you’ve ever seen, and a crazy party atmosphere. No wonder it draws customers from all over South America! The great food is just one part of the experience.

Andres began as a small restaurant in Chia some 20 years ago. It now covers several acres, and seats hundreds at a time. It’s packed Thursday through Sunday, so be sure to make reservations. Tell your waiter or waitress you’re new to Colombia and they’ll serenade you, then drape you in a “Visitante Ilustre” (Illustrious Visitor) sash. It’s all part of the show!

A few miles down the road beyond Chia is the small town of Zipaquira. Though it has a lovely plaza, Zipaquira is best known as the home of the Salt Cathedral, a series of tunnels and vast chambers carved from a still-working salt mine. The cathedral complex, which includes underground shops, a theatre and an extensive series of salt carvings representing the passion of Christ, was recently named the “Number One Tourist Site” in the nation by the Colombian government. Tours start up every 15 minutes or so. Tours in English are available, though you may have to wait an hour or so for one of the English-speaking guides.

A stop in Chiquinquira is also recommended. This little town is known as “the Guadalupe of Colombia” because the cathedral is home to a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. Pilgrims from all over Colombia and South America visit the site each day. Whether you’re a pilgrim or just a wanderer, the cathedral is worth seeing. It is built of a cream yellow stone that is simply spectacular, especially when it’s framed by the rich blue Colombian sky.

Villa de Leyva is an exquisitely well-preserved colonial town, and the government of Colombia intends to keep it that way; it was designated a national monument in 1954. A half dozen museums tell the story of this village, which features white-washed colonial homes and cobblestone streets. Those expecting an “open-air museum” – a grouping of lifeless buildings — are in for a pleasant surprise. Villa de Leyva is home to a thousand or so residents, who keep the town vibrant. It’s a great place to spend the day — or if you possibly can — a night or two.

Puente de Boyaca (the “Bridge of Boyaca”) is the site of one of the most important events in world history. It was here Simon Bolivar and his ragtag troops defeated the mighty Spanish Empire, freeing from European rule Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama. In time, the rest of South America would also enjoy their freedom, in no small measure because of the heroic events that took place at Puente de Boyaca. Today it is the site of a moving, architecturally pleasing monument that draws thousands to celebrate the efforts of Bolivar, “The Liberator.”

While you’re out and about, be sure to drop in on some other worthwhile sites. In the town of Paipa you’ll find the Pantano de Vargas, another monument to heroes of the liberation. You can also stop in for a healthful, relaxing mudbath at the hot springs, and visit the world-class Casona del Salitre inn.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Couhig

Bogota has forgone its former reputation as one of the most dangerous cities as it took strides in the social and educational sectors bringing revitalization to the country. Exploring this charming city is safe anytime and anywhere as authorities affirm. However safety for tourists is plain use of common sense and exercising caution in going around the city. With this in mind you’re all set for your unique experience in this mythical land.

For starters, it is crucial to identify specific markers that will assist you with determining direction in your trip around the city. Avenidas and Carreras run North and South and Calles run East and West. Remember that the mountains in Bogotá are at the extreme eastern edge of the city and that the major thoroughfares are Carrera 7 and Carrera 10. Remembering these will make it a lot easier for you to find your way around.

A modern city like Bogota has also a modern transportation system. There are three common forms of getting around the city. The first and most simple is by taxi. Taxicabs are efficient, affordable and can be seen anywhere. If unavoidable, at night you can catch an official taxi to avoid being cheated. There are yellow and white taxicabs, the yellow being the most common. The white taxicabs are used mostly as shuttles between hotels and the El Dorado airport. All taxis run on meters that comply with a set rate chart visible to the passenger.

Each taxi has a meter which increments one tick every 1/10 kilometer or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. A rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers will try to take advantage of you one way or another so its best that the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip. There are special surcharges on nights, on public holidays, to and from the airport, Sundays and nights after 8 p.m. You can report a complaint to the police or call the company the taxi is registered to if you experience any problem in the taxi or with the driver by simply dialing 123.

Another mode of transport is the bus which remains to be the main means of mass transit in Bogota. There are two bus systems: the Traditional and TrasMilenio. The traditional system refers to bus types operated by several companies on normal streets and avenues: Bus (large buses), Buseta (medium size buses) and Colectivo (vans or minivans). Route and final destination is written on a piece of cardboard placed on the windshields of buses while fare cost a standard $0.60. There are no designated bus stops so the buses stop everywhere you wish to get off. Although the safety in riding the buses has improved over the years, tourists should be extra cautious and avoid traveling at night.

Remember not to carry big amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Choose to ride ‘upscale’ buses which charge a bit more (a couple of extra dollars) than the ‘regular’ ones. These buses are newer, more comfortable and in better conditions. Bogota has a main bus station, the El Terminal de Transporte de Bogota where you can find multiple bus companies with regular routes to destinations around the country, located at Calle 33 B, No 69-59. Bogotá is a bus for domestic and international bus routes. The Bogotá terminal serves routes to most cities and towns in Colombia and is the largest in the country. There is also international service to Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela.

Another bus system, Bogota’s new TransMilenio offers a bus service that is highly affordable, efficient and clean. TransMilenio is a bus-rapid transit system that offers a network of modern articulated buses that operate on exclusive or dedicated bus roads (busways) and smaller buses (feeders) that operate in residential areas. Although TransMilenio carries commuters to numerous corners of the city, it is more expensive than any public transport (except taxicabs) and expects fare increase correspondingly when petroleum fuel price increases.

Single ticket price is about $0.75 that allows a passenger unlimited transfers until he leaves the system and free travel on feeder routes. However, there are still some main routes that are not yet reached by this system. Also be aware that there are peak hours when the service is burdened with delays, vehicles are overcrowded and there is prevalence of pickpockets. Security on buses and in stations is handled by police officers employed by the city.

Lastly, you can continue your exploration of the city while walking through the pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods like El Nogal, La Cabrera and Chicó Reservado, at the beginning of the north of Bogotá. Revel at a different view of the town as you tread your way around streets 79 or 80 along tree-lined narrow streets, personality-ridden shops and boutiques, and eccentric dining alternatives. Whichever means you go, your discoveries of this exotic and vibrant city will be an experience like no other.

Phil Gabriel is a world travelling engineer, author, and expert at getting the most from life. He has visited more countries than he can keep track of, on all continents except Antarctica (maybe next year). In each of the countries visited, he has always tried to find the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy life. His dedication to the search has resulted in some awesome memories; only some of which can be discussed in public.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Gabriel

The Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI) situated at Carrera 7 No. 40-62, Bogota is a premier health care facility with wide in country recognition. The Ministry of Social Protection and the National University recently announced that this hospital is among the top three Colombian hospitals. This 304 bedded four level hospital has a 22 bed pediatrics ward, ten operating rooms and two delivery rooms. The HUSI offers the best medical and surgical service for a variety of specialties and subspecialties. The departments of radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and plastic are fully equipped. The hospital has sophisticated CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging. The emergency department and intensive care units are adequately furnished for intensive care patients, children and infants. The internationally reputed center for oncology treatment and research: The Javeriana Oncology Center is a part of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio. HUSI is a major teaching school in the country and more than 80% of the staff doctors are bilingual. It has special section for international patients with English speaking staff and offers comfortable accommodation in 17 suite rooms. Contact: +57 316-466-0399

Hospital Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota located at Calle 119 No. 7 – 75. Bogotá is an important hospital with state-of-the-art facilities. This service-oriented hospital was established in 1983 by the famous non-profit health care organization, Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. It is a private University Hospital with 13 departments, 6 advisory committees and 2 institutes. The hospital employs 1,500 staff and imparts health care to about 150,000 clients every year. The hospital employs outstanding doctors and has full-fledged departments in all branches of medicine. The surgery department has units in cardiovascular surgery, hepatobiliary and neurosurgery. The operating rooms all have facilities for laparoscopy, microsurgery, laser surgery, argon coagulation, auto transfusion, extracorporeal circulation and laminar flow systems. This hospital exhibits the lowest surgical site infection rates in Colombia. The hospital possesses all newest technological devices including Philips IE 33 scanner to display 2D, 3D and 4D images, the SPECT-CT Gamma Chamber for sophisticated tests, the Clinac iX with modular radiotherapy for cancer therapy, and the PET/CT and holmium laser for minimally invasive treatments. The hospital has modern ICUs, emergency department and various laboratories. Phone: (571) 6030303

Clínica El Bosque located at Calle 134 No. 12 – 55; northern Bogota DC is another popular hospital in the city. A group of eminent doctors established this hospital in 1977. The hospital currently offers complete and cost effective medical service in all major medical specialties. Its well known surgery department features eight operating rooms and specialized units in general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and microsurgery. Clínica El Bosque has a pharmacy and laboratories all of which are accredited by international agencies. The intensive care unit has 14 beds and the emergency department as a whole is equipped with modern devices to offer the excellent services of specialized doctors and nurses. The hospital has established a nonprofit teaching institution named the Forest Colombian School of Medicine. Phone: 1-2740577

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Belle_Kay