Many travelers are looking for unique places to visit on their holiday in Africa. There are several amazing destinations developed to protect natural flora and fauna. These places include national parks, game reserves, forest reserves, wetlands and more protecting biodiversity in Africa! Here are some of the major ecotourism destinations in east Africa include;

Mabira Forest Reserve – Uganda

This is among the largest natural forests in Uganda located along the Kampala Jinja highway. The forest has unique wildlife species that include over 300 tree species, 320 birds, and primates especially monkeys, about 220 butterfly species and many insects. All these wildlife species can be viewed by tourists on nature walks along the well-developed trails leading to the deep jungles. Other major ecotourism activities one can enjoy while at Mabira include birding, camping and primate tracking.

The forest has a number of geo friendly accommodation facilities that include bandas, a camping ground and Mabira forest lodge. All these facilities ensure that their activities aim at enhancing tourism conservation.

The Lake System In The Great Rift Valley – Kenya

Kenya is crossed by the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley and has a network of lakes and other attractions that were formed through Vulcanicity processes. The most outstanding and seen attractions include lakes like lake Nakuru, lake Elementaita, hot springs and many others.

This area has a number of wildlife species especially birds that mainly includes large crowds of flamingos, African spoonbills, eagles, pelicans and many others.

This area attracts a number of tourists especially those interested in birding. This ecotourism site however needs a lot of conservation efforts because the its encroached by the local people creating lands for agriculture and settlement.

Volcanoes National Park – Rwanda

This is one of the most visited ecotourism sites on the planet. Volcanoes national park is a home to mountain gorillas some of the most endangered species remaining only about 900 and located in only 3 countries on earth that are Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park has half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the Virunga Region and is the backbone to Rwanda’s tourism development. Most travelers looking for gorilla safaris in Africa opt for Volcanoes National Park given that the park is more accessible than any other gorilla parks. Being very endangered and very vulnerable to human diseases, only 8 tourists are allowed to visit one of the 10 mountain gorilla families a day and only spending one hour with them.

All these are made to ensure proper carrying capacity of the mountain gorillas and reduce chances of disease spread from the people. Related to this is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga gorilla national park located in Uganda. They also have mountain gorillas and are among the most visited destinations in Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable forest has 13 mountain gorilla families and Mgahinga Gorilla Park has one gorilla family. Just like Rwanda, only 8 tourists are allowed to track one mountain gorilla family a day spending just one hour with them.

Selous National Park – Tanzania

It’s located in the southern circuit of Tanzania and the largest national park in the country. Selous national park is blessed with a number of wildlife species that include elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, and a number of birds. It’s most visited by eco tourists most interested in less crowds and solitudes. Tourists to this national park get a chance of getting closer to the wild through nature walks listening to the great sounds of nature. Its not visited by many tourists and therefore offers the real feel of nature with many less disturbed ecosystems.

Most of the above ecotourism destinations in east Africa have local communities around where pro poor tourists go and extend support.

Eco tourism promotion has brought along a number of benefits to those various destinations in terms of social and economic empowerment of the local people and most importantly conservation of the major tourism resources.

If continuously relied on, responsible tourism will ensure a steady growth of some of the most endangered species like mountain gorillas especially through tourist regulation (carrying capacity) and other conservation efforts.

Sure, anywhere is romantic with the one you love, but some destinations just cry romance. Some of my favorites are:

1. Paris – What’s not to love about the “City of Lights”? The city’s architecture, parks, and monuments are beautiful any time of year. Plus, it’s next to impossible to get a bad meal in this town. Add dozens of interesting museums, the picturesque Seine River, some of the world’s best shopping, and that Paris charm, and you’ve got a winner.

2. New York City in December – New York City is interesting any time of year, but in December, when the city is decked out for the holidays, it’s magical. The department windows feature charming holiday vignettes, the tree at Rockefeller Center glistens, ice skaters glide through Central Park, and the city sparkles with holiday lights.

3. California Wine Country – Just north of San Francisco, California’s wine country is a world away from the bustle of the city. Many of the region’s wine estates welcome visitors for tastings and tours, and the area boasts dozens of small and interesting bed and breakfast inns, many with views of the vineyards. Napa and Sonoma Counties are home to a surprising number of excellent restaurants, which make use of the bountiful local produce and vintages.

4. Tuscany – Speaking of wine country, consider a visit to one of the original wine countries – Tuscany. The rolling hills, just outside of Florence in central Italy, are home to hundreds of small wineries as well as picturesque stone farmhouses and casually elegant eateries.

5. Tahiti – These islands have captivated travelers since the days of Paul Gauguin. Explore the French flavor of Papeete or venture to one of the smaller islands, such as Bora Bora or Moorea. You can even stay in a private cottage built on stilts over the calm Tahitian lagoon. The friendliness and welcoming nature of the Tahitian people is legendary.

6. Hawaii – A little closer to home, but no less romantic, the Hawaiian Islands combine American customs with Polynesian culture. Add beautiful beaches, Trade Wind breezes, lilting island music, and dramatic volcanoes for a one-of-a-kind experience.

7. A Castle in Ireland – Spending your honeymoon in a historic Irish castle is the stuff of which dreams are made. Consider a stay at the elegant stone fortress, Dromoland Castle, which hosts many of Ireland’s state visitors, or the five-star Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galaway, with its rolling hills, championship golf course, and gourmet dining.

8. Bed and Breakfasts in New England – The New England countryside abounds in small, historic bed and breakfast inns and the region’s scenery is enchanting any time of year – from the legendary fall foliage to the sparkling summer seashores. Explore the region’s many parks and hiking trails; shop for antiques and homemade crafts in unique village stores; or sample fresh-from-the-sea lobsters, clams, and other seafood delights.

9. Turks and Caicos Islands – Just an hour’s flight away from south Florida, these islands offer some of the world’s most beautiful stretches of white sand beach. Plus, at least at this writing, they are much less developed than other Caribbean island resorts. In addition to beach activities, you can explore the islands’ coral reefs, try your luck at one of the small island casinos, or dine seaside on fresh conch.

10. A Greek Island – From Mykonos to Corfu, from Crete to Santorini, the Greek Islands enchant with crystal clear water, simple and deliciously prepared food, white-washed buildings, and innate Greek friendliness. Plus, accommodations, food, and fun on the islands are surprisingly affordable.

Several attractions in Pigeon Forge Tennessee can make an ordinary holiday in the Smoky Mountains truly splendid and remarkable. Such tourist’s spots add up to the fun and excitement that you will be experiencing while on vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area.

From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance in Tennessee, Pigeon Forge’s marvelous entertainment area is just seven miles away. The entertainment area has Pigeon Forge movies to continuously make the travelers very happy. These attractions are considered as one of the most visited tourist destinations in eastern USA and it is understandable because of all the fun activities that they cater. These attractions are for all ages. You will enjoy, especially on summer.

Enumerated and described in this article are the seven wonders of Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

An amusement park that has 7,000 acres with ATV trail rides and paddle boats is called the Bluff Mountain Adventure. You may go on fishing and hiking if you want to. The amusement park has also facilities for their activities.

The Dinosaur Walk Museum is one of the seven wonders in Pigeon Forge and it houses the world’s large collection for more than 60 life size dinosaurs and 20 reptile shows featuring some of the most dangerous and poisonous snakes in the world. These shows are well done to educate people by giving them information about these unbelievable creatures.

A 118-acre park, Dollywood, is one of the finest Pigeon Forge attractions. Seen in this attraction are great music, fantastic shows, fun rides and remarkable artistries. Of course, this will never be complete without the special Smoky Mountain and Pigeon Forge occasions.

Dollywood Splash Country is for people who love to swim. It is 25 acres big with 16 water slides, 2 interactive children’s area and a 25,000 square foot wave pool.

Another well known attraction is the Elvis Museum in Pigeon Forge. This contains the most numerous private collections of Elvis memorabilia like cars, jewelries, guns, and clothing.

One of the most visited Smoky Mountain landmarks is the Old Mill that millions of people come to visit yearly. It is definitely one of the best attractions in Pigeon Forge. Until now, the Old Mill is still functioning just like when it was built in 1830. A giant water-powdered wheel is used in Old Mill to grind thousands of pounds of grains daily.

In Pigeon Forge Tennessee, the best place to go when you love history is the Veterans Memorial Museum. Veterans Memorial Museum has 5,000 displays of several wars around the world like World War I and II and others.

Movies shown at the Pigeon Forge cinemas are well loved by visitors. Around the area, there a lot of events and activities happening that keep everyone enjoying. If you are planning to visit this awesome place for your next vacation, you may check out their website.