Egypt Travel Photos: Memphis

,

Ancient Memphis was the homeland of creator God Ptah, God of the arts, architecture and crafts. The UNESO world heritage site is the first Egyptian capital in history. Today above the ancient memphis lies the modern town of Mit Rahina, that’s famous for its beautiful palm trees.

Excavations are still on-going at Memphis as the city has influenced Egypt so much and there are still so many more secrets to be revealed.

Before my trip to Egypt, the Sphinx at Giza Pyramids was the only one I was eyeing for. But after I came to Egypt, Sphinxes can be seen quite regularly, especially around ancient temples and tombs. Sphinxes are often guards and protectors of Egypt ancient sacred places. The Memphis Sphinx (c.1550 – 1669 BC ) was unearthed in 1912 at the exact same spot we see it today. It’s one the the largest monuments ever made by Egyptian alabaster.

Ramesses II is regarded one of the greatest and most powerful pharaohs in Egyptian history. The colossal statue of Ramesses II dates back 3,200 years, and was originally discovered face down in marshy ground near the Great Ptah Temple in Memphis.

It took several attempts by various people to extract and turn over the colossus. it wasn’t until 1887, a British engineer who succeeded in raising the colossus and moving it to its current location. To do this, he used a system of pulleys and levers.

During his remarkable around 66 years of reigns, he bought many wars and built cities, temples and monuments extensively all over Egypt.

The great Abu Simbel Temples in Aswan are two massive rock temple built by Ramesses II for himself and his wife. It was also so incredible to see Ramesses II’s mummy in the Egyptian Museum. I can never forget the sight of the prominent bridge on his huge aquiline nose.

The Great Ptah Temple in Memphis built by Ramesses II:

Egyptian Museum

,

There are many Egypt ancient antiques in the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. But it was a really a different experience to see all these historical treasures in the country where they were originated.

I was finally able to visit Egyptian Museum in Cario for real. Truth be told, the museum is a bit run down than what I was expecting. But I was thrilled to see everything it hosts, especially the mummies of ancient Pharos and Queens.

 In 2020 the museum is due to be superseded by the new Grand Egyptian Museum at Giza. So I made it just in time before the new transformation.

Here are some photos of the musuem.

From the Tomb of King Tutankhamun:

Egypt Travel Photos – Coptic Cairo

,

Coptic Cairo is a part of old Cairo that comprises many ancient coptic churches, historical sites and a Jewish Synagogue.

This part of Cairo is definitely cleaner and more pleasant to look at.

The Convent of Saint George

The huge wooden door stood 7.6 meters tall, dated back to 10th century

Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga)

Abu Sarga is the oldest church in Egypt dating back to the 5th century A.D. It is believed The church’s been constructed on the spot where the Holy Family stayed for three weeks during their sojourn in Egypt.

Church of St. George

Egypt Travel Photos: Mosque of Muhammad Ali

,

There are many distinguished mosques along the way during my middle east trip. To me, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali has the most WOW factor.

No matter which direction you are from approaching the Cairo city, The great Mosque of Muhammad Ali is one of the first landmarks to be seen.

One of the downside to travel in Egypt is that you can’t explore freely as a tourist. You might not want to wander alone on the streets of Cairo anyway after seeing the dirty roads, run down buildings, police armed with guns and local people passionately following/grabbing every opportunity to get money from foreigners.

But the Mosque of Muhammad Ali is just so beautiful to look at, outside and inside.

Egypt Travel Photos – Luxor Temple

,

Luxor Temple was the last stop of my Nile Cruise tour. Now I understand why older people lover travelling by cruise. It’s the comfort, the convenience and the glorious food served on the cruise ship. Maybe I’m officially old, running around all day and everyday in heat made me long for my cabin so much.

The city of Luxor is my tour guide’s hometown which is both pretty and clean.

Here’s a map of ancient Luxor:

An avenue of Sphinxes leads to the entrance the Luxor Temple. There were originally two 25 meters’ tall obelisks standing in front of the entrance but only one remains now. The other one is in Paris.

Avenue of Sphinxes
Pylon towers with only one of the two obelisks standing

Walking pass these two pylon towers, you’ll enter into the great court of Ramese II, where you can see the Mosque abu al-Hallaj built and still sitting on top of it.

More photos of ruins of this amazing ancient temple:

Processional colonnade of Amenhotep III
Sun court of Amenhotep III

Preparations For Travels That Often Go Ignored

There are many people out there that are just born with the travel bug. While some people love the comforts of home, others like to get out there and see the world in its most natural form.

When it comes to travel, though, many people often forget some rather important things that can make the whole experience far better. In this post, we are going to take a brief look at some of these things and hopefully prevent any future travel problems for you.

Why Should You Always Prepare?

There are so many reasons to prepare before you travel, but the most important one is simple so you can enjoy every moment of your adventure without worry.

When traveling, there are a plethora of things that can go wrong, and you should always do your best to minimize these things. Hopefully, some of the things mentioned here will enable you to embrace a brand new country, some new cuisine, and beautiful culture.

Prepare Your Bank

It’s unbelievable how many people still go on their travels nowadays without informing the bank of their intention to travel. 

This is, of course, one of the worst things you can do, whether you are off traveling or just heading off on holiday. 90% of the time, the moment you use your card in a different country, the bank will place a block on it, and you at risk of being in a foreign country with no money.

Prepare To Walk

When you head of traveling, it’s always advisable to take more than one pair of trainers. While it may not be ideal having to carry two pairs of trainers in your backpack, you will thank us for this advice should you need them while you are in the middle of nowhere.

When it comes to footwear, you should also be armed with a pair or three of shoe insoles; insoles can be a saving grace when you’re walking for miles on end.

Prepare For Things To Go Wrong

If there is one thing that is guaranteed when you are off on your travels, something will go wrong. 

It matters not whether it’s medical, technological, or something else. You can pretty much guarantee that something will test you while you are out seeing the big wild world. 

The best way to tackle things like this is to attempt to prepare for as many things to go wrong as possible. You should make sure you travel insurance covers pretty much everything, when taking money, you should take a buffer and most importantly, you should never take anything expensive with you.

In a lot of countries, should you have something flashy and expensive-looking, this may draw some unwanted attention and put you in a bit of a predicament. 

While all of these things are simple, they are a lot of the time forgotten. Hopefully, with the aid of this post, your next trip can be as hassle-free as possible.

Planning The Ultimate European Campervan Trip

,

Image via Pexels – CC0 Licence

If you dream of freedom and unrestricted, freewheeling travel, then you’ll probably have considered a campervan or a motorhome holiday before. When there are so many incredible road trips to be taken in the world, it’s not hard to see the appeal of a break in multiple locations, exploring on your own terms. The campervan holiday is gaining more and more popularity, and Instagram feeds are filling with scenic shots of beautifully fitted retro camper vans, gleaming Airstream trailers and super modern plush motorhomes. Searches for videos by people who live part or full time in their vehicles – commonly referred to as ‘tiny homes’ –  are up. More and more of us are feeling the oppressive weight of consumerism and the push to earn more and more spurious status symbols, and rejecting that in favour of pursuing minimalism and life experiences instead. And even if it’s only for a few weeks, the motorhome holiday feeds into that. The idea of packing up a few belonging and driving off into the sunset is massively appealing. Touring Europe in a camper van is a brilliant place to start – you can experience so many locations and cultures in a relatively close together distance, which lends itself to this kind of experience. But actually taking the step to make that trip a reality can be daunting – if you haven’t experienced this type of break before and aren’t sure where to begin. Here’s what you really need to know to begin planning your dream motor break.

Getting Your Wheels Sorted 

Of course, the first logical step is to get your transport and your accommodation sorted in one fell swoop by organising your vehicle. You have a few choices here – there are plenty of companies who rent fully equipped vintage restored camper vans or all mod cons motor homes, and if you’ve never used one before, it’s a great place to start. You could also look at purchasing one, either new or secondhand – there are pros and cons to each option. If you do want to purchase, then consider whether you also need add-ons such as camper trailers.Renting is definitely advisable if it’s your first motorhome holiday – there’s no way to truly know whether you’ll enjoy it and want to use it frequently otherwise. But you have to do what feels right for you. If you’re planning a period of several months of travel, it could well be wiser to buy one.

Preparing To Hit The Road

Once your wheels are sorted, there are several things you need to do to get prepped for your European trip. First of all, never embark on a driving holiday abroad without comprehensive insurance – both for the road and for foregin travel. Of course, no one likes to think of the potential for bad things to happen, but sometimes life likes to throw us a curveball. Finding yourself in a foreign country with no access to healthcare if you get ill or have an accident or without breakdown recovery when you’re stranded in a remote location is not something you should let happen. Find travel insurance cover and shop around for the best price. Sometimes if you’re hiring a campervan, breakdown cover will be included, but if it’s your own then make sure you have your policy in place well before you set off. You may also require an International Driving Permit depending on what your destinations are, and you should apply for this well in advance. Making sure you are legally allowed to drive the motorhome in your country of choice is definitely the first step! Once that’s sorted, spend some time getting your travel documentation in order. You will need to take quite a few things with you – store them together in a plastic document wallet somewhere secure. Of course you’ll need to take a valid passport for everyone travelling – ideally with at least six months before expiry, any visas that you require, an in-date driving licence for each person who will be driving on the holiday (both parts), personal travel insurance documents, a European Health Insurance Card –  which guarantees you care while in Europe, if you are eligible – a pet passport and details of their vaccinations, travel details and bookings, details of campsites or hotels that you are planning to stay at, personal contents insurance in case of loss or theft, and a vaccination record for yourself. You will also need quite a lot of documentation relating to the vehicle, especially if it’s your own – the original copy of your Vehicle Logbook, vehicle insurance valid in the countries that you’re travelling to, an MOT certificate which is up to date, breakdown cover details, any tollpasses, and be aware that if you are driving in France, you’re legally required to carry a breathalyser kit as well. If you’re hiring your motorhome or camper van, then you will need proof from the hire company that you are allowed to cross international borders in it. It’s quite a lot to remember, so be sure to gather all your paperwork in good time before you need to set off.

Image via Pexels – CC0 Licence

What You Need To Take

With the paperwork all sorted, what you need next is create a personal packing list. As travels in a motorhome typically tend to be longer than average breaks, and you are more likely to be visiting multiple countries with different weather, this can be harder than it seems. Holidays on the road should be all about freedom and spontaneity, so you want to take a minimal approach to packing. But equally, as you aren’t staying in somewhere with the amenities of a hotel, you also need to make sure that you have all the bases covered yourself. Try to pack lots of lightweight layers which you can combine in different ways to suit different weather conditions. Taking long sleeved, thin thermal tops, cotton tshirts, and ultralight down jackets which pack away to nothing but which are warm, is a really good move. You may need items such as a waterproof or swimming clothes, and you may choose to take a sports kit if you’re going to be exercising while you’re away, as well as hiking boots if you intend on serious walking or climbing. Other essentials to pack include a first aid kit and a small medicine chest with things like paracetamol, plasters, eyedrops and antihistamines as well as high factor sunscreen. Don’t forget chargers for all of the electronics you may be planning on taking – speakers, phones, cameras, laptops or tablets, a Wifi dongle and a torch with spare batteries. You also need to pack a box of kitchen essentials – condiments, salt and pepper, basic utensils and pans, sponges and washing up liquid, cutlery, plates and glasses. Being well prepared will help to ensure that your trip goes smoothly and that you don’t have any last minute panics on the horizon.

Last Minute Vehicle Checks Before You Go

Your vehicle is about to become both your home and your transport to get you around Europe, so it’s essential to know that it’s in tip-top condition and that you’re prepared in every way. Start by taking your van to the nearest weigh bridge –  most places you will need to phone in advance, and pay a variable fee on obtaining the weight. Keep the paperwork you get with you as proof which may be needed abroad. Then perform your vehicle maintenance checks – the tyre pressure, washer fluid, windscreen wipers, door locks and then all the vehicle systems – sat nav, heating, air con, solar panel, batteries etc.

Your Destinations

When you’ve decided on the best route for driving through Europe, which hits all the major locations you’re most interested in, then you’ll need to decide where to stay when you get there. It’s much easier to plan out your stay using dedicated campsites – these also tend to have a number of amenities such as shops and launderettes – but you can also do wild camping, where you stay in a place that isn’t a designated campsite for just one night, and move on the next morning. Within Europe, there are sites called Aires, which are approved overnight stopping places, or you can opt to go completely wild. Download a few motorhome parking apps before you go, so that you can search for a site on the go. Make sure that you are safe and legal and also that you are security conscious. Although on the whole travelling in a motorhome or camper van within Europe is fairly safe, you still need to take sensible precautions, and keep valuables in a location which is a little less obvious. Make sure that you research the legal requirements of driving in each country that you’re planning to go through –  for example, in a lot of European countries, side lights must be switched on at all times, there may be low emissions zones that you cannot enter, and in many countries any fines issued must be paid on the spot in cash. Do your homework beforehand and then all you’ll have left to worry about is making a great road trip playlist before you drive off into the sunset!

3 Awesome Trip Of A Lifetime Hotspots

Every year, you may partake in an annual vacation. A couple of weeks sipping sangria, catching some rays and relaxing by the pool is just what the doctor ordered when you have an overbearing boss, a stressful job and no time to think. However, sometimes we want something a little more meaningful when we take a jaunt overseas. If you are keen to take in more vistas, enjoy immersing yourself in new cultures and you want to see the heart of a destination, then you need to consider hot footing it on a trip of a lifetime. Take a look at these amazing places worthy of your exploration.

Image by Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Say G’Day To Oz

Australia is a nation of magnificent contrasts. You could head to the wonderful city of Sydney to get your cosmopolitan kicks, or you could head to Melbourne – a foodie’s paradise. Alternatively, you might want to explore the outback and take a jaunt to one of the many national parks to meet the wildlife and get up close and personal with nature. Head to Aussie Holiday Ideas and you can check out what some real life bloggers have to say about their experiences down under. If you want to immerse yourself in the Aboriginal culture and learn about the history of a nation, then you can do far worse than heading to the land of Oz.

Image by Pixabay – CC0 Licence

The Land Of The Rising Sun

There aren’t many destinations that offer so much for the discerning traveller. From Shinkansen bullet trains to Taoist temples, this is a country that embraces the modernity of life while combining it with its passion to cling onto its heritage. If you fancy partaking in a spot of sushi and you are eager to see the authentic side of Japan, head to Shiwakawago. Only a few visitors are allowed every day into this rural traditional village made up of a selection of gassho houses that are still lived in to this day. Here you will get a real look at how Japanese people lived hundreds of years ago.

Image by Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Iceland

For the outdoorsy traveller who loves nothing more than immersing themselves in mountains, volcanos, cityscapes and sea trips, then Iceland has it all. You could head out onto the open seas for a spot of whale watching, or perhaps you’d rather a trip snow shoeing across a glacier. You could hire a car and take a tour across the mountain passes, taking in the snow laden vistas. Head to Iceland between October and March, and you might be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. There’s nothing more magical than observing the phenomenal light show of green solar flares lighting up the night sky. On many people’s bucket list, this incredible vista is best seen from one of the many dark spots away from the coast.

If you fancy a trip with a bit more oomph, consider one of these three hotspots. From here, you can tour neighbouring nations or immerse yourself within your chosen destination for a longer period of time to live like a local.

5 Unusual Things To See In Dunedin, New Zealand

,

Part of the South Island of New Zealand, Dunedin is situated right on the coast, almost comprising a little peninsula of its own. It’s about 225 miles south of Christchurch, and is best known as being home to the University of Otago and its large student population. However, Dunedin is also a frequent stop for tourists, and in addition to offering a beautiful setting and college-town vibe, has plenty of unique – and wonderfully strange – attractions to enjoy.

Here are five we’d recommend keeping in mind.

1. Baldwin Street
This is one of the steepest streets in the world (out-steeped, if you will, only by one road in Wales), with houses built on a crazy incline that makes them look like they’re slipping down the hill. From local fun runs hosted on the street every year to charity events, there’s often something going on at Baldwin Street as well, turning it into a kind of quirky center of activity. Pictures don’t do justice to this dramatic slope or the fun it inspires, so be sure to stop by and see it in person.


2. Yellow-Eyed Penguins
These rare birds are found only one place in the world, and that’s New Zealand. Dunedin has some great penguin-watching spots, especially on the Otago Peninsula. Try Sandfly Bay or Allans Beach for a glimpse of the unusual animals. Just make sure to keep your distance if you do spot some; it’s considered common courtesy to let them be.


3. Larnach Castle
While Victorian architecture is one of the popular visual highlights of Dunedin, Larnach Castle stands out with a different style altogether. It’s not medieval, as you might expect of anything labeled a “castle,” but rather showcases a Gothic revival style augmented by a unique, glassed-in porch. It’s a sight to behold, and a place with a vaguely haunting, semi-Shakespearean history. Rumor has it original owner William Larnach occupied the house while descending into a great depression as a result of his third wife’s suspected infidelity. It’s not the happiest of thoughts, but Larnach Castle’s gorgeous design and well-kept gardens nevertheless make it a popular site for weddings and other events.


4. Dunedin Thunder
There’s a fairly active sports scene and culture in New Zealand. Several football clubs at various levels (and for men and women) are based in town, and there’s cricket (Albion Cricket Club) and rugby (Alhambra Union Rugby Football Club) as well. You can enjoy this scene however you like, whether that means live attendance, betting, or just watching from a local pub. But if you want to keep up your tour of the more unusual attractions in Dunedin, head to Dunedin Ice Stadium, where you can somewhat bafflingly find professional ice hockey. The Dunedin Thunder were founded in 2008 and have become a fixture in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League – which most are probably unaware of in the first place!



5. The Alexander Piano
This grand piano is one of the largest pianos in the world, spanning almost 19 feet in length. With scientific experiments about sound in mind, creator Adrian Mann built the instrument as a teenager, and named it after his grandfather. Today you can see the resulting, beautiful monstrosity at Mann’s workshop in Dunedin. It’s not a very involved tourism stop, but it’s a quick one and something actually well worth seeing.

Traveling to new places is especially fun when you find uncommon sites to visit. To that point, singular attractions like these can help make Dunedin one of your favorite destinations.

M4031M-4205

4 Awesome Things to Do in Northern Territory, Australia During Winter

, ,

Traveling in Northern Territory of Australia during winter? No problem! In fact, this season draws more visitors to come and spend their vacation at this region. With plenty of lively events, thrilling activities, interesting attractions, and outstanding food, you will always be kept entertained while here.

Northern Territory offers tons of amazing things to visitors of all ages, especially during the winter. It is no surprise that its Top End is one of the most popular destinations and is such a lovely spot whenever you choose to come. With this, here are some exciting things you can do in Northern Territory in winter:

Discover all corners of Kakadu

Head to Kakadu National Park and explore this natural beauty. It is said that its striking swimming spots are best visited during winter. You can check out Kakadu’s breathtaking pools, such as Gunlom Falls, Jim Jim Falls, and Maguk, which are usually closed or difficult to access during the wet season. Your trip here gives you an unforgettable experience as well as jaw-dropping photo opportunities, so be sure to seize the moment.

Go food tripping at Mindil Beach Market

Never miss the chance to go to Mindil Beach Market when in the Northern Territory. Known for its good reputation for mouthwatering food, this region is truly a must-visit, especially in winter. It is where you can score meals of multicultural goodness as well as find a great spot to witness the glorious sunset. You can also shop until you drop and enjoy the local talents as they perform live music.

Explore Fannie Bay

Another worthwhile activity to do during winter in the Northern Territory is to check out Fannie Bay. It is a historical and educational attraction that is considered as one of the most significant heritage sites of the region. You can spend a nice day at Defense of Darwin Museum, Darwin Military Museum, and Qantas Hangar while here with your family or friends. Exploring this site will give you more knowledge about the region and its great history.

Cruise down Katherine Gorge

Of course, the incredible Katherine Gorge is included in this list. Apparently, there are a lot of exhilarating things, like canoeing, walking, swimming, and cruising, you can do here. An approximate of three-hour drive south of Darwin, this magnificent attraction is also home to Nitmiluk National Park. This is the main reason why it should always be in your itinerary when in the Northern Territory no matter what season you visit. More so, you will be delighted to see the 13 fantastic gorges as well as discover the Aboriginal rock art, history, and culture during your journey.

There is truly something great about Northern Territory, particularly in winter. You can try out these fun activities mentioned above when you are here and make your escapade one for the books. Certainly, you will have a great time spending your much-awaited vacation at this region.

You can read more winter break tips here to help you plan your next getaway properly.

Egypt Travel Diary – Karnak Temple

,

Gigantic Obelisks, rows of statues and impressive Egyptian pillars.

On another bright sunny day, I walked into the breathtaking Karnak temple complex. This is believed to be the second most visited Egyptian sites right after Giza Pyramids.

The complex comprises a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings near Luxor, in Egypt. Construction at the complex began nearly 4000 years ago in the Middle Kingdom and continued for almost 2000 years, although most of the extant buildings date from the New Kingdom. 

Here are more pictures of Karnak Temple:

Egypt Nile Cruise – Colossi of Memnon – Temple of Hatshepsut

,

It’s been a year since my trip to Egypt and I still have lots of photos to upload.

That 5 star nile cruise was definitely the most enjoyable part of the whole trip in Egypt because Cairo is somewhat a let down. 🙂

As much as I’m adventurous at heart, civilisation is still a must for me. It was such a treat to be able to relax in my gorgeous, comfortable cable and enjoy the views and air conditioning after touring in the scorching heat and being chased by locals everywhere.

I was hoping to get some really nice sunrise and sunset photos on the cruise but unfortunately failed. There wasn’t even one morning or night that the sky turned into a lovely red, purple or orange colour due to sunrise or sunset. It was always kind of misty grey. Never the less, I think it’s still pretty dreamy. What do you think?

Sunset on Nile River – Egypt
Egypt Nile cruise

During the Nile cruise, we went to see Colossi of Memnon: and here are some photos:

The tour guide explained something but I forgot the most of it. So I’ve copied and paste some information from wikipedia as a reference guide:

“The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of the PharaohAmenhotep III, who reigned in Egypt during the Dynasty XVIII. For the past 3,400 years (since 1350 BC), they have stood in the Theban Necropolis, located west of the River Nile from the modern city of Luxor.

The twin statues depict Amenhotep III (fl. 14th century BC) in a seated position, his hands resting on his knees and his gaze facing eastwards (actually ESE in modern bearings) towards the river. Two shorter figures are carved into the front throne alongside his legs: these are his wife Tiye and mother Mutemwiya. The side panels depict the Nile god Hapy.

The statues are made from blocks of quartzite sandstone which was quarried at el-Gabal el-Ahmar (near modern-day Cairo) and transported 675 km (420 mi) overland to Thebes (Luxor).

Including the stone platforms on which they stand – themselves about 4 m (13 ft) – the colossi reach a towering 18 m (60 ft) in height and weigh an estimated 720 tons each. The two figures are about 15 m (50 ft) apart. “

Including the stone platforms on which they stand – themselves about 4 m (13 ft) – the colossi reach a towering 18 m (60 ft) in height and weigh an estimated 720 tons each. The two figures are about 15 m (50 ft) apart. “

-Wikipedia

After the Colossi of Memnon, we visited Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut:


Sphinx guarding the temple
Copying the Angry Bird:)

This temple is noticeably different from any other ancient temples in Egypt and the owner of it was also legendary. Hatshepsut was a confirmed female pharaoh whose reign was long and prosperous.

Hatshepsut’s temple is considered the closest Egypt came to classical architecture. And there’s more information about it:

“Hatshepsut’s temple employs a lengthy, colonnaded terrace that deviates from the centralised structure of Mentuhotep’s model . There are three layered terraces reaching 29.5 metres (97 ft) tall. Each story is articulated by a double colonnade of square piers, with the exception of the northwest corner of the central terrace, which employs proto-Doric columns to house the chapel. These terraces are connected by long ramps which were once surrounded by gardens with foreign plants including frankincense and myrrh trees. The temple incorporates pylons, courts, hypostyle, sun court, chapel and sanctuary.”

-Wikipedia

You might have seen the Horus statues in this post about the Tempe of Edfu. But look, Horus also made an appearance here in Hatshepsut’s temple:)

Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Copying the Angry Bird again


6 Must Do Activities While in the Kimberley

,

Are you a tourist exploring the rich sights of Australia and found yourself at a loss as to what to visit first in the Kimberley? Or perhaps you’re a native looking to indulge in some domestic tourism, and you’re itching to see what the best Kimberley tours can offer you in terms of exciting stuff to do.

Whichever the case, you are definitely spoiled for choice, as this part of Western Australia is host to a huge number of must-do activities that you and your family are sure to enjoy, no matter your tastes or budget. What’s more, it’s also got its own fair share of historic and awe-inspiring sights to explore!

With that said, if you’re on a tight schedule or there’s just too much on your itinerary, you may find it difficult to choose just which must-do activities in the Kimberley you’re going to actually enjoy. This could cause you a lot of stress and wasted time.

In order to help you prioritise and manage your time in the Kimberley better, we’ve assembled all the top activities in the Kimberley into the list below.

Ride a camel on one of the most picturesque beaches ever

The Kimberley is home to Cable Beach, one of the most picturesque beaches that you’ll ever find anywhere else. Not only is it a great location to snap your photos and enjoy the sun, but you can also treat yourself to a camel ride along the coast. Ride one of these magnificent beasts of burden and enjoy the beach as evening slowly unfolds, allowing you to enjoy the sunset and stars like never before.

Fly over the Martian-like landscape of the Bungle Bungle Range

If you’re looking for a surreal, out-of-this-world experience, then hop on a scenic flight and enjoy the eerie alien landscape of the Bungle Bungle Range. This gigantic mountain range is known for its unique beehive-shaped peaks of karst sandstone. What’s great about the Bungle Bungle Range is that it’s been formed completely by Mother Nature’s own hand and not by some avant-garde modern art sculptor looking to make a statement. Definitely consider this if you’re itching for something new and exciting.

Marvel at the Horizontal Falls

If you’ve seen one waterfall, then it’s reasonable to assume that you’ve seen them all. After all, it’s just a lot of water falling down someplace high, right? Well, what about a waterfall that goes horizontal? This is exactly what the Horizontal Falls are in the Kimberley, specifically the Talbot Bay area. Thanks to a unique island formation and erratic, crazy tidal currents, the water flowing through this specific series of parallel coastal gorges make for some furious, fast-flowing water that truly lives up to its name—a waterfall that’s lying on its back. To experience it in the best way possible, book a sea plane or jet boat to it.

See how pearls are farmed in the Willie Creek Pearl Farm

Pearls are one of the most gorgeous and naturally-occurring gems in the world, and if you’ve ever been curious about them, then you can learn all about it firsthand at the Willie Creek Pearl Farm. Located just a few kilometres from Broome, the Willie Creek Pearl Farm will give you a personal guided tour about all the ins and outs of the modern pearl industry. Their staff can walk you through the entire farming process—from seeding, harvesting, and finally to grading the pearl itself. Make your Kimberley trip an educational one with this particular activity.

Dive in the Rowley Shoals Marine Park

Are you into diving and want to see the underwater wonders of the Kimberley? If so, then you should definitely find the time to fit visiting the Rowley Shoals Marine Park in your itinerary. Travel just some 260 kilometres from Broome and you’ll be treated to one of the best diving experiences ever. With three coral atolls to its name—specifically the Mermaid Reef, the Imperieuse Reef and the Clerke Reef—you’ll be treated to marine life that you can only see in Australia and nowhere else. You’ll also come face to face with some of the more well-known aquatic fauna, such as manta rays, whales, sea turtles, and dolphins. Giant shellfish and clams will also be greeting your underwater jaunt. If you just want to relax and chill, though, then you’re welcome to simply beach-comb, or watch the whales and dolphins frolic from the safety of a chartered boat.

Shop for souvenirs in Ganada

No trip to Australia or to the Kimberley is ever complete without nabbing your own share of souvenirs, and Ganada is home to the best that you can ever buy. Travel directly to Chinatown, Broome and you’ll be spoiled for choice with only the most authentic and high-quality souvenirs that feature aboriginal Australian culture in prominence. They have everything from locally-made art and crafts, such as books, paintings, scarves, and T-shirts, to something a bit more exciting like boomerangs and didgeridoos.

The Kimberley is the spot to be in West Australia

There are so many interesting activities in the Kimberley that trying to include them all in your itinerary would be nigh impossible. However, if you’re really pressed for time and you want to experience only the absolute best that this chunk of Australia can offer, then the above-listed activities should serve you well. Just remember to hydrate frequently, as Australian weather can get quite hot. Enjoy!

Egypt Photo Dairy – The Temple of Edfu

,

After visiting Kom Ombo temple, we sailed to Edfu and toured the temple of Edfu, also know as the temple of Horus. It is the largest temple dedicated to Horus. If you’ve heard the tales related the age old conflict between Horus and Seth, you’ll be delighted to see the original scenes and inscriptions kept almost perfectly inside the temple.

The statues of Horus feature a large bird with a very serious, nearly angry facial expression. It’s said that the popular game “Angry Birds” is inspired by the look of Horus. Everyone was trying to pose a photo with the largest Horus Statue in the centre court, looking angry. But I guess only Horus wears the look the best.

Here are some photos of the temple of Edfu:

Egypt Photo Diary – Kom Ombo Temple

,

I’m slacking off and not updating my Egypt travel photos on the blog as quickly as I wished for, but it’s better late than never right?

After visiting the amazing Abu Simbel, my driver took me back to the cruise. Oh how I enjoyed my spacious, comfortable cabin and all the luxury the cruise had to offer after a long day running around in the heat!

Next stop was Kom Ombo Temple. also know as temple of Sobek and Haroeris temple,where we visited early in the morning with a small tour of 3 people including me.

What can I say, there are so many multi thousands of years old, grand temples in Egypt and each one of them is magnificently beautiful in their own ways.

Here are some photos of Kom Ombo Temple:

And of course, I had to ask my guide to take a picture of me standing like a Chinese Soldier🙂