Parks

Parks

Yellowstone National Park

SPRINGS ROCK Buffalo

Yellowstone National Park is the most beautiful park in the U.S., and arguably in the world. Nowhere else will you find such an astonishing variety of scenery gathered together in one place. With its boiling geysers, hot springs, steep canyons, deep pine forests, and dizzying waterfalls, Yellowstone is a glorious 60 mi. long and 56 mi. wide stretch of land. The wildlife encompasses the entire animal kingdom in a nut shell, ranging from birds and fish to bison and coyote. Yellowstone National Park is a sightseeing adventure everyone can enjoy.

Grand Canyon National Park

CANYON CLIFF Grand Canyon

It has taken more than 16 million years for the surging current of the Colorado River to carve out this beautiful canyon thar is visited by tourists from all over the world. The Grand Canyon offers endless views over its 277 mile stretch of canyon. The glorious views, notably at sunrise and sunset, make this masterpiece of creation one of the most astounding natural settings in the United States, and and ideal place for watching the wildlife.

Everglades National Park

The country's largest remaining subtropical wilderness, contains more than 1.4 million acres- half land, half water- that can be explored by boat, by bike, on foot, and partly by car. This slow-moving "river of grass" is a maze of sawgrass marshes, mangrove swamps, salt praries, and pinelands that shelter a variety of plants and animals. In Everglades National Park, the 38-mile drive from the Main Visitor Center to Flamingo reveals a patchwork of beautiful scenery and a variety of wildlife. Although traffic jams abound during the winter tourist season, the Overseas Highway from Key Largo to Key West offers spectacular vistas of the Atlantic, Florida Bay, the Gulf of Mexico, and the myriad islands of the keys.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park, one-seventh the size of Yellowstone and more mountainous in its contours, is open year round. Its impressive mountain range numbers 31 peaks rising above 10,825 ft; the highest, Grand Teton itself, soars to 13,770 ft. This is a "young" granite range, little more than 10 million years old. It owes its name to the romantic imagination of 19th century French-Canadian trappers, who saw in these sparkling, pointed snow-capped peaks rising above the valley of Jackson Hole, some fancied likeness to a woman's breast. More than 187 miles of marked trails offer an unlimited choice of hiking of skiing excursions, according to the season. With the torrential Snake River, deep forests, lakes full of fish, and inaccessible mountain peaks, Grand Teton National Park encompasses some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the U.S.

Utah National Parks

Utah has five national parks, including Bryce Canyon and Zion in Southwestern Utah and Canyonlands and Arches in Southeastern Utah. Once called Land of the Sleeping Rainbow because of its colorfully striped cliffs, Capitol Reef, has still-flourishing riverside orchards planted by early settlers.

Southwestern Utah

Southwestern Utah is a colorful mingling of deser, red-rock formations, and pristine forests. Heading the list of natural wonders are Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, where clear air and high elevations create spectacular hundred-mile vistas.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the only canyon in the country that can be entirely explored by car or on foot. Its many-color gorges, several hundred feet high, bridling the headlong course of the Virgin River, are a sight not easily forgotten. For 225 million years the headlong Virgin River and its tributaries have carved their courses into the sandstone, limestone, and schists of the mighty Markagunt Plateau, creating an extraordinary triangle of precipitous gorges as deep as 2,950 ft. The river’s erosion has produced a landscape of pillars, domes, and rock needles assuming shapes of cathedrals, statues, and monuments. The Virgin River carved the towering cliffs of Zion Canyon and still flows along its floor. Zion National Park offer roads, tram tours, and horseback and hiking trails for exploring the beauties of the vividly hued canyon and its tributaries.

Bryce Canyon National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks in America; its huge rock formations are almost as astonishing as those of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. Lying along the east side of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, a limestone mesa 8,200 feet above sea level, which geologically speaking is the bed of a 60-million year old sea, Bryce Canyon displays fairyland scenery of glittering rocks, cliff faces sculpted into gigantic organ pipes, and a dozen stepped amphitheaters in striking colors. The scenic 17-mile Rim Drive will take you to dozens of rock formations with strange shapes and poetic names which have won for the park the nickname “Silent City.” Particularly in summer you will also see plentiful and varied wildlife.

Southeastern Utah

For years southeastern Utah has captured the imagination of film-makers, serving as the site of such Western and adventure films as Stagecoach and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Highlighting this canyon, rugged Arches and Canyonlands national parks invite exploration by way of scenic drives, four-wheeling, hiking , rock-climbing, river-running, and cycling.

Arches National Park

Arches National Park displays ranks of wonderful arches and windows carved by erosion out of the rusty rock of the desert. Dozens of stone arches and superb red sandstone spurs, carved over 150 million years by erosion, water, wind, sun, and frost in a dun-colored rocky wasteland. Among them are Landscape Arch, the biggest natural arch in the world. There are 21 miles of surfaced roads and scores of miles of additional tracks for all-terrain vehicles.

Canyonlands National Park

With its great ocher-colored cliffs of rock looming above the serpentine curves of the Colorado River, Canyonlands National Park is an unforgettable sight at sunrise or sunset. Canyonlands is divided into three geologically distinct districts, each with its own visitor center. Scenic loops, trails, and four-wheel-drive roads lead to views of massive canyons or uplifts crowded with stone spires and other bizarre features. This National Park has huge, ocher-orange-colored rocky cliffs frowning down on the sinuous windings of the Green and Colorado Rivers, a fantasy world when seen at the right time.

Capital Reef National Park

Wild canyons, beetling cliffs, and rounded rocky domes reminiscent of the Capitol in Washington, whence the name. The interior of the park is difficult of access. Along this enormous mountain wall runs a spectacular unsurfaced scenic highway, the Scenic Drive, following the rim of a 25-mile chain of gorges channeled by the Fremont River. Many rock paintings bear witness to Native American cultures from the 9th to the 13th century.

Yosemite National Park

With breathtaking waterfalls and superb granite peaks, Yosemite National Park is one of the two or three most beautiful national parks in the U.S. The glacial granite peaks and domes rise more than 3,000 feet. Yosemite valley offers hiking, backpacking, and spectacular scenery at every turn; Yosemite Falls, at 2,425 feet, is the highest waterfall in North America. The surpassing beauty of Yosemite should be seen for the first time in May of June, when the waterfalls, swollen by snowmelt, plunge dizzily out of the sky for nundreds of feet to the rocks below. On the uplands, stands of giant redwoods and plateaus covered in flowery meadows contrtibute to a landscape of unspoiled splendor. This huge wildlife reserve deep in the Sierra Nevada draws about 3.5 million visitors each summer. Because it’s within relatively easy reach of San Franscisco and Los Angeles, it has become one of California’s most popular tourist attractions.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is the state’s premier natural attraction. This overwhelming landscape, laid bare by millions of years of erosion, includes spectacular canyons, a junglelike floodplain, the sprawling Chihuahuan Desert, and the cool woodlands of the Chisos Mountains. Spread out over 801,163 acres, Big Bend teems with animal life, from relatively rare black bears and mountain lions to coyotes and jackrabbits. More than 430 bird species have been identified here, including the roadrunner. The park is crosshatched with hundreds of miles of trails, dirt roads, and paved roads and offer wild backcountry camping. For the more timid, there are ranger-led walks, campgrounds, a trailer park, and other amenities. River outfitters offer rafting trips through remote canyons of the Rio Grande.

Sequoia National Park

Domain of the giant trees, Sequoia National Park is , after Yellowstone, the oldest national park in the U.S. Set up in 1890 to safeguard the redwood forsts on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada, the park’s magnificient scievery embraces granite mountain crests, canyons, mountain lakes, and dense forests.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is one of Cape Town's most spectacular scenic outlines and is a well known Cape Town landmark. The name "Table Mountain" originated from its shape, as this 1082m/3.549ft mountain forms a plateau and the distant view resembles a table.

At the top of Table Mountain is the cable - way station. This new, state-of-the-art cable system has recently replaced the old one, which ran for 65 years without a single accident. The new cable car has been designed with a revolving carriage, which enables passengers to have a 360 degree view of Cape Town. It has also been designed to withstand Cape Town's notorious weather conditions.

After sweeping up the slopes of Table Mountain, travellers may settle down at the restaurant for a delightful meal or visit the gift shop to buy a souvenir. Table mountain is also a well known trail for hikes. There are plenty of different routes to follow, all with breath-taking views. After an enjoyable hike, you may want to stop at the take-away for something cool to sip, or something delicious to snack on.

Table Mountain is one of the 'must' experiences in Cape Town for all tourists. The cable car operates seven days a week and runs every five minutes, throughout the day. Rates are cheaper and operating hours less during the winter season, considering the rainy, windy, cold weather during this time of year. Summer offers a spectacular view, complemented with hot sunny weather. At night, the beauty of Table Mountain is outlined throughout the city by specially positioned spot lights.

Etosha National Park

The Etosha National Park, situated in northwestern Namibia, is like an "African Paradise" for any photographer. The park is surrounded by mapane savanna, dry woodland and scrub, which surrounds the Etosha Pan. The huge Etosha Pan is a silvery-white, shallow depression. This area is usually dry, except for the rainy seasons.

The northwestern region is dry, open grassland. However, in the eastern region, there is higher rainfall and a denser bush area.

Besides the many different species of game that can be found here, such as antelopes, impala, springbok, lions, kudu, giraffes, rhino and leopards, there have also been recorded about 320 different bird species. The park is an important breeding area for the flamingo. The largest number of species occur between October and April. The Etosha National Park is also renowned for its abundant population of elephants.

Botanical Gardens

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a world famous garden of indigenous plants. The National Botanical Institute (NBI) is a state-aided institute and is responsible for the care and maintenance of the plants. Here, indigenous plants are collected and cultivated. Institute personnel also research and study plant and related matters, as well as making plant material available for research. They also establish non-indigenous plants for comparative studies. The NBI controls the seven botanical gardens in South Africa: Kirstenbosch in Cape Town, Karoo in Worcester, Harold Porter in Betty's Bay, Free State in Bloemfontein, Kwazulu Natal in Pietermaritzburg, Lowveld in Nelspruit, and Witwatersrand in Roodepoort Pretoria

The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens contain one of the most beautiful collections of flowers to be found anywhere. There is also a shop and restaurant situated in the garden. Special guided walks are also offered.

Some local authorities also have botanical gardens which are not controlled by the NBI. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens owns one of the biggest collections of lithops in the world. These are only found in the southern regions of Africa.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is one of the most famous parks in the world, and is regarded as one of the world's finest examples of wildlife management. It is also the oldest national park in Africa. The park management has one Objective: to maintain the ecosystem in its natural state for the enjoyment of the visitor.

This 1,948,528 hectare park offers a diverse selection of flora and fauna and is home to 147 different mammal species. Most people explore the park in their car, then stop to stare or take a photograph. Visitors are constantly excited at the sight of an elephant, rhino, lion, leopard or buffalo.

There are many different camps to accommodate visitors. Restcamps, bushcamps and private camps are located in the Northern Kruger National Park, Southern Kruger National Park and Central Kruger National Park. There's also other accommodation, ranging from tents and rondavels to caravan sites and luxury guesthouses. Other facilities at the park include conference venues, swimming pools, restaurants and shops.

Professionally-guided or self-guided tours are available, following one of the many hiking trails. There are eight access gates to the park. Some of the park's roads are tarred, while others have gravel surfaces. The Kruger National Park has an enchanting atmosphere which entices the visitor to return.

World of Birds

The World of Birds is the largest bird park in the world. It is a home to over 3000 birds of more than 450 different species. The bird sanctuary serves as a safe-haven for injured or endangered birds. Each day, more birds are brought in by the public to either be treated or cared for. Some of the birds are endangered species and others are visitors from other continents who have found a new home at the bird sanctuary.

The sanctuary also started several projects in order to establish breeding colonies in captivity and thereafter to release the birds back into their natural habitat.

The World of Birds offers regular lectures to schools, organizations, and clubs. They also offer advice to people who phone in or visit and ask for information on how to care and look after bivation projects.

A walk through the World of Birds is an unforgettable experience Some of the rarest and most beautiful birds can be seen here, including some of the rarest primates in the world. Everyone who visits the bird sanctuary leaves with an extraordinary experience.

Karoo National Park

The Great Karoo is the largest natural ecosystem in South Africa as well as one of the world's great scientific wonders. Its rocks contain fossil remains spanning 310 million years. Dominated by the cliffs of the Nuweveld Mountains, the Karoo National Park is particularly beautiful in spring when the rugged landscape is transformed into a multi-colored carpet of flowers. Often harsh in the glae of the midday sun, this is a place of many moods. At dawn and sunset, the Karoo assumes its most flamboyant mood when the crystal-clear skies erupt into dramatic displays of red and gold. Nights are resplendent with a million twinkling stars.....Whether you choose to explore by car, four-wheel drive or on foot, you will probably encounter Cape Mountain zebra, gemsbok, springbok, kudu, and even black rhino. You might even spot a majestic black eagle which is just one of 180 different bird species which live throughout the park.

Wilderness National Park

Known to many as "The Heart of the Garden Route", Wilderness National Park lies in the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains in a region of incomparable beauty, encompassing lakes, rivers, lagoons, forests, white beaches and the sea. Knysa loeries glide through the forests, cormorants soar in the sky, and the giant kingfisher skims across the lakes in search of prey. About 160 bird species live throughout the lakes and coastal terrace and forests. Often incompatible elsewhere, conservation and recreation enjoy a harmonious relationship at the park. Watersports are a major featue of the region. The fishing area is superb and canoeists can paddle for miles upstream. Hikers have a selection of one-day trails and romantic board walks to choose from, traversing the lakes, the beach and the indigenous forest. Tourists can kick back and relax at night in log cabins, family cottages, or small restcamps and caravans.

Mountain Zebra National Park

A number of factors contributed to an alarming decrease in the numbers of Cape mountain zebra at the beginning of this century. In the 1930's, the species was on the brink of extinction. To ensure their survival, the Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 and today some 200 mountain zebra inhabit the park. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful, encompassing mountains, ravines and high plateaus, with attractive trees and a great variety of aloes and flowering shrubs. Nature trails and the three-day Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail hold the promise of exciting discoveries. Game viewing is rewarding throughout the year. Antilope species originally found in the region, as well as small predators and 200 species of birds, including the magnificient black eagle, may be seen. Swimming and horse riding are popular leisure options.

West Coast National Park

The 20000ha park, situated 122 km north of Cape Town, was proclaimed in 1985 to protect a portion of the Cape west coast, the Langebaan Lagoon- the heart of the park- and an adjoining tract of land. This famous wetland of international importance harbours thousands of waders which migrate from the northern hemisphere to spend to southern summer here. The off-shore islands offer predator-proof roosts and nesting sites for an estimated tree-quarters of a million seabirds. Life on the west coast is dominated by the Benguela current the rich marine life associated with the upwelling of cold fertile water. This accounts not only for the huge kelp beds and the abundance of fish, crayfish, abalone, seabirds and mammals, but also for the arid climate and tool sea breeze. In spring the park is ablaze with wild flowers- a major attraction. The Langebaan Lagoon is zoned to benefit both man and nature and is a popular yachting venue. The park is facing a major threat as an industrial city start to take shape in a Bay close by.

Bridging the Gap - A World of Difference. Created for the ThinkQuest contest.