Tag: sun

The Beauty of African Sunsets

On By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Kenya, Tanzania1 Comment

Sunsets can be beautiful no matter where you are, but there is something magical about watching the sunset over the plains of Africa. Since we spent eleven full days on safari, we got to see many different sunsets during our time there. For several of the sunsets, we were able to enjoy a nice glass of wine as we relaxed after a long day of animal watching. We also saw many wonderful sunrises, but we were usually driving around in the Land Cruiser at the time either heading out to see the wildlife or heading from one national park to another.

Sunset at Lake Nakuru
Sunsetting in the Serengeti
Sunsetting Over the Hippo Pond

There were certainly too many wonderful sunsets to choose a favorite, especially since they each bring back wonderful memories. Whether it was watching the sunset over the hippo pond, sitting by the fire in the Serengeti, or watching the baby giraffes just outside of the Amboseli National Park, every photograph transports us back to those moments. Because we were in camps that were far away from any city or civilization in general, the moments were quiet, tranquil, and completely relaxing. Watching the sun set also meant that it was time to be sure that we were with a guide or heading to our tent as it wasn’t safe being out on your own after dark.

Sunset on Our First Full Day on Safari
Sunset from the Camp
Sunsetting Over Lake Naivasha

Each of these memories were magical. We often took many photographs of the same sunset as it changed from minute to minute as the sun went down below the horizon. Whether it was the sun shining through the clouds or the colors of the sky as the sun disappeared, every moment was uniquely different.

Just One of the Sunsets from the Camp in the Serengeti National Park

African Sunsets are Spectacular
Another View of the Sunset Over the Hippo Pond

Island of the Sun and Island of the Moon in Bolivia

On By Isobar ExpeditionsIn South America1 Comment

Taking a boat out to visit Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) and Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon) on Lake Titicaca in Bolivia is truly fascinating. The islands have many interesting ruins that pre-date the Inca empire and have been dated back to as far as 300 BC. The ruins are mostly of temples, but people lived on the islands as well. Island of the Sun is the larger of the two islands and there are even hotels where you can spend the night if you would like. If you just want to tour the islands and return to the town of Copacabana on the same day, it will take you about four to six hours.

View of Copacabana and Lake Titicaca

Entrance to a Ruin on Isla de la Luna

Impressive Ruins on the Island of the Moon

Looking Down at Our Boat on Isla del Sol

More of the Ruins on Island of the Moon

We did a three day tour from La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, where we first visited the ruins of Tiwanaku before continuing on to Copacabana where we stayed at a hotel that overlooked the Lake Titicaca. The following morning we rose early to take a rented boat out to visit the islands. We visited Isla de la Luna first where we were greeted by some local women selling souvenirs as well as a very friendly llama. The views of the ruins with the lake in the background were simply amazing. We were able to walk through the ruins and see them first hand, which made the experience even more interesting.

One of the Women Setting Up a Table to Sell Items

Happy Llama

Iconic View from Isla del Sol with Isla de la Luna in the Background and a Ruin in the Foreground

Climbing Through the Ruins on Island of the Moon

Our Boat Ride Out to the Islands

From Isla de la Luna, we continued on to Isla del Sol where we continued to tour ruins that are in excellent shape considering their age. Inside of one of the temples, there were coca leaves left on an altar by people hoping to receive blessings from the gods. Looking back towards the Island of the Moon from the shores of the Island of the Sun, its smaller size becomes quite apparent. We did not stay the night on the island, but instead returned to Copacabana, but we understand that they do reenactments of the Incan ceremonies on the island at night if you do decide to stay.

Ruins on Isla del Sol

Coca Leaves Left Inside of a Temple

Grass Growing on Top of the Ruin on Island of the Sun

Sunset from Our Hotel in Copacabana

Another Ruin Wall on Island of the Moon

We saw many different ruins during our time in Bolivia, but certainly the ones on Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna were among the most interesting. It was also a refreshing break from the busy city to stay a couple of nights with beautiful sunsets and wonderful views. It took us about eight hours to reach Copacabana from La Paz, but that included a couple of hours touring Tiwanaku and a stop for lunch. It also included a ferry ride across part of Lake Titicaca in order for our van to make its way to the lake. It was definitely one of our favorite tours while we were in Bolivia.