Tag Archives: The great outdoors On the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, a pointed tip extends like the horn of a rhino. And on this tip, surrounded by the United Arab Emirates and the Strait of Hormuz and with a view of Iran on a clear day, is a tiny enclave of Oman – the Musandam Peninsula. It is here that one can experience the fjords of Arabia. We did so, from road, mountaintop, and sea.  Tightly-packed red dunes extend before us, as far as the eye can see. It’s now or never, I think, and nod to Bruno to deflate Totoyaya’s tires. We’re heading into these dunes, into the desert of Arabia. I feel anxious, and for good reason. The deserts of the Arabian Peninsula have been kicking our ass.  Bizarre endemic animals, check. Bizarre lunar landscape, check. Bizarre climate, check. Three ingredients that make for an unforgettable trip to Ethiopia’s Bale Mountains!  After two years of almost-constant safaris, I still hadn’t seen an adult male lion. I’d been longing more than anything to see his long mane up close. And so, Bruno and I ventured into Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park in one final effort to spot my elusive lion. How did we fare? Read on to find out.  Leopards. Elusive and solitary. The ultimate goal of any safari-goer. Most are lucky to see one. I have seen seven. In only fifteen months. Surely my luck with leopards has a greater meaning in my life…? |
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