There is no denying the fact that the wildlife of the continent of Australia is very far-removed from the rest of the world. Have you ever wondered how and why marsupials have been able to do so well in Australia, whilst they are very rare in other parts of the world, for example?

The main secret behind extraordinary Australia all boils down to a geological phenomenon known as plate tectonics. The fact is that Australia has been drifting alone now for many tens of millions of years and given the lack of influence from other land masses, this is what has permitted the diverse wildlife of the country to do so well.

If we were to go back in time several million years, marsupials were actually a far more successful branch of mammals than they are today. In fact, fossils prove that they were doing very well in South America. It was not until the isthmus of Central America joined North and South America together, that placental mammals (like us) invaded the south and pretty much obliterated the species of placental mammals in South America. (more...)

At 5 985 metres or 19 340 feet above sea level, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and one of Africa’s most famous landmarks. Since it is relatively easy to climb in comparison to other mountains in similar categories it has become a popular tourist destination with mountaineers and trekkers from all over the world.

Located in Tanzania and nearby the border of Kenya, you can expect to see the snow capped mountain looming loftily over the plains of the savannah. The landscape really does have something for everyone and you will get to see a lot of the contrast which defines Africa. Expect everything from bush land at the bottom of the mountain to tropical rainforests, evergreen forests, moorlands, alpine desert regions scattered in between and the snow capped peaks at the top. Mount kilimanjaro has five main ecological zones and the mountain creates its own weather patterns as a result of its height.

Bearing this in mind you should be prepared for anything when visiting Kilimanjaro. One moment you could be experiencing the extreme heat of a desert climate and the next you could be in the midst of wet days and cold nights, having just entered another ecological zone. (more...)