Blue green algae is a type of bacteria that can produce their own food through photosynthesis, just like plants do. This is why they are green in color. This alga is typically known as cyanobacteria and lives in lakes, ponds, marine water, or even brackish water. Blue green algae in lakes can form what are known as Blooms. This phenomenon looks like green scum, foam, or a mat across the top of the water.

Not only is this floating muck often unsightly, but it also tends to smell as the cyanobacteria die. Some forms of this algae are more toxic than others and most cause irritation when they come into contact with skin. Despite having negative effects, these algae might be responsible for the air on Earth today. Three billion year old fossils have been found and the algae are thought to have been the main producers of oxygen long ago.

A lot of the algae attach themselves to rocks or submerged plants in the lake. The more nutrient rich a freshwater lake is, the more prevalent algal blooms are. Other than the amount of nutrients, additional factors that determine how much of this algae is present in a lake are; pH, light, and temperature. Most blooms are seen during the summer or early autumn, since this time period is perfect weather for the spread of this green algae.

Algae blooms are often thought of to be a nuisance when they occur in a lake that is used for recreational enjoyment. Swimming areas are closed off when the blooms are present and boating isn’t as desired in these areas either. An abundance of this type of algae can definitely put a damper on the tourist industry for some areas.

Some benefits of blue green algae include being used as a fertilizer, food source, and in medical products. This type of algae is added to rice paddies and soil for fertilization. The algae add organic matter and nitrogen to the soil, which increases the productivity of land and crops can be grown in otherwise barren soils. Erosion of the land is also slowed down by the addition of blue green algae taken off of lakes, since it binds to the soil particles.

Spirulina is a type of this algae that can be grown in fresh water and consumed by humans. It is high in protein and amino acids. All the amino acids a human being needs are contained in Spirulina and the protein content is around 60%.

Poisonous varieties of blue green algae also occur in lakes. These are the type responsible for the death of cows and other farm animals. Some dogs have even been poisoned by blue green algae in lakes. They are often drinking out of the same lakes as many other wild animals and aren’t immune to the effects of the algae.

Humans who have come into contact with the poisonous variety of blue green algae get a variety of unpleasant symptoms; red or sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, itching eyes, red skin around the eyes, nausea, and headache. Be very aware of the water quality of any lake you enter, in order to avoid this unpleasantness.

Looking for the ideal place at Lake Taupo to relax, revive and get inspired by the outdoors. Covering an area of 606 square kilometres (234 square miles) it’s no wonder that Lake Taupo is blessed with many idyllic bays and lakeside settlements where you can swim, boat, walk, fish, take in the scenery or just relax and do absolutely nothing. Here’s our guide to the best bays of Southern Lake Taupo.

Motuoapa – South Lake Taupo

It takes a while to realise that something is missing. Even though you look at them every day, you probably don’t give them a second thought. Power and telephone lines that is! But at Motuoapa, all the wiring is underground. So the spectacular lake views are completely unimpeded by intruding lines and cables. It’s also why Motuoapa is so popular with yachties; they can tow their boats to the marina without having to drop the masts.

Motuoapa is a modern lakeside settlement that boasts its own waterfront reserve, wharf, boat ramp and marina. This is a place where you can get away from the rat race yet you are just 30 minutes drive from the city life attractions of Central Taupo. Fish, swim, walk and enjoy the outdoors or drive 7 minutes south to Turangi, the Trout Fishing Capital of the World.

Even if you are just passing by, you must stop at Motuoapa’s Licorice Café. This award winning café is one of best in the area and is a highlight for many travelers driving through the central North Island.

5 minutes away lies Te Rangiita, a delightful little settlement where the houses are right on the waterfront. In many parts of the world, staying right on the waterfront is a luxury only available to the rich and famous. Here at Lake Taupo, it’s a lifestyle available to all.

Pukawa – South Lake Taupo

This gorgeous lakeside settlement looks directly back to Taupo and Mt Tauhara. With native bush teeming with bird life, a safe swimming beach, excellent boat launching facilities and a nearby water ski lane, Pukawa is the ideal holiday destination.

You can try your luck at fly fishing near the mouth of the Pukawa stream or walk along the lake edge and through bush to nearby Omori or Kuratau approx. 1 to 1.5 hours walk away. The likelihood is that once you get here, you’ll park the car and just walk everywhere. That’s because Pukawa is really that kind of magical place that makes you want to reconnect with nature.

Omori – South West Lake Taupo

Yes its true; the locals do sing “That’s Omori” and when you get here, you’ll soon discover why Omori has the locals singing. This hill and lakeside settlement has some of the best views of Lake Taupo, Mt Tauhara and the Kaimanawa ranges. But that’s not all.

Omori is a little piece of paradise complete with its own boat ramp, jetty, general store, croquet lawn, tennis court, volleyball court, water ski lane, picnic area and safe swimming beach. Chances are you’ll love it so much here; you’ll never want to leave.

And to cap things off, Omori also has two boutique wineries; Omori Estate and Kuratau River Wines that produce top quality wines and olive oils. As both wineries are located near the Kuratau River, enjoy a wine or two while taking in the stunning river views.

Kuratau – South West Lake Taupo

Kuratau is one of the most popular holiday spots this side of the lake and like Omori and Pukawa, has stunning views of the lake. Set amidst native bush full of bird life and sheltered from the prevailing winds, Kuratau is the ideal spot for a family holiday. Kuratau is also formed around a natural sandspit and the Kuratau River mouth so offers sandy beaches, safe swimming, boating and fishing.

Hire a kayak from Kuratau Kayaks and explore the Kuratau River or head out to the Lake or go fishing, sightseeing or picnicking Lake Taupo with local operators; Lake Taupo Fishing Charters. There’s also a great local store, tennis court, children’s play area and lots of amazing bush and lakeside walks.

Whareroa – South West Lake Taupo

This well kept secret is gaining in popularity as more and more people, seeking the great outdoors, are discovering the joys of Whareroa. This modern settlement has both sleepy little village atmosphere and excellent facilities including boat ramps, ski lanes and fabulous lake fishing. Best of all are the long sandy beaches, perfect for picnics, swimming, soaking in the sun or just kicking back and relaxing.

Anyone who’s been out in Ontario fishing one of the many lakes knows that your success will greatly depend on adjusting your techniques depending on the time of year. Although many Ontario fishing resorts are open year round, we will focus on spring, summer and fall fishing. Spring and fall fishing packages are a popular offering at many Ontario fishing lodges. There are any number of Ontario fishing resources that will provide tips and techniques for catching walleye (pickerel) but the basics are fairly straightforward with only a few seasonal adjustments required.

The long weekend in May marks the beginning of fishing season in many lakes and this is often the best time of year for catching walleye. Walleye are typically more plentiful in the spring and generally willing to bite a much larger variety of lures and bait. One of the most popular Ontario fishing lakes is Lake Nipissing. It has an outstanding Walleye fishery and in the springtime, fishermen are usually rewarded with plenty of fish. The best Ontario fishing lodges are located such that they can provide easy access to a variety of locations suitable for walleye fishing. River fishing is especially productive in the spring as the walleye will have travelled here to spawn and will often stay in the area for some time after the spawning period.

Walleye generally show a strong preference for various rigs using live bait as well as crankbaits. A basic jig and minnow is often the simplest and best presentation for catching walleye. Low light periods are best which includes dawn, dusk and days with overcast skies or rougher water. Due to the structure of their eyes, walleye can see much better in low lights conditions than other types of fish and they prefer to feed in these conditions.

Summertime brings a different set of circumstances and catching walleye can often be quite challenging. Dropping jigs into pockets and holes along the edges of green weed beds will often provide the best results. Walleye will generally use these weed beds for cover during the hunting. One of the better options for fishing in and around weed beds is a bucktail jig due to it movement and ability to reduce snags. Using live bait such as minnows or worms will increase your odds of success dramatically. Walleye are famous for taking a little nibble before they bite so be patient before setting the hook.

Fall is generally the best time to snag a huge walleye. The water in most Ontario fishing lakes begins to cool and the fish will be feeding much more aggressively. Dusk and early twilight will provide the best conditions and trolling or casting with minnows and worms will usually lead to a great catch. Slower trolling speeds will generally be more successful and long, slender bait is also preferred.

Obviously there are many more details and specific techniques that will help you have success catching walleye but by following some of these basic seasonal tips you will be able to have some early success.

Lake Nakuru is located on the floor of the Great Rift Valley a few kilometers from Nakuru town. Nakuru is a Masai word which means dust. The park was founded in 1961 and includes the lake and the surrounding savannah land. It covers an area of about 90 miles. It is bordered by the Menengai Crater to the North, Emburu crater to the south, Mau escarpment to the west, Lion hill ranges to the north and Bahati hills to the north-east. There are three rivers draining into the lake namely; Njoro, Enderit and Makalia.

Lake Nakuru national park is one of Kenya top tourist attraction site. The lake is famous for watching over a million pink flamingo birds which nest along the shores. The shallow alkaline water lake and abundant algae is a good source of food for the birds. According to scientific findings, the large flock of flamingo birds in lake Nakuru consume about 250,000 kilos of algae per year.There are two types of flamingo birds in the lake; the lesser flamingo which are the largest in number and the greater flamingo. The lesser flamingo bird have deep red carmine bill and pink plumage. The greater flamingo has a bill with a black tip.

The Lake lies at an altitude of 1758 meters above sea level and, it comprises of about 27 percent of the park. Other birds commonly seen in the lake include the pelicans, cormorants, ducks, Avocets and the stilts. The introduction of Tilapia Grahami in 1960 has flourished over the years. This type of fish was introduced because it can withstand the salty water and at the same time control the mosquitoes. The fish is also a good source of food to the fish-eating birds.

The park vegetation ranges from acacia woodland, tall cactus trees, Euphorbia forest and savannah grassland. The forest and the lake is home to over 400 migratory bird species. Today, Lake Nakuru national park is fenced mainly to protect the rhino population from poaching. In fact, this park has the highest concentration of black and white rhinos in Kenya and, opportunities of spotting this endangered animals is high.

A part from the rhinos, this park is habitat to the Rothschild giraffe which were relocated from Nairobi giraffe center. The abundant yellow-bark acacia tress provide adequate food for the Rothschild giraffe together with the Masai giraffe. Other wildlife found in the park include the buffalo, leopard, warthog, zebra, gazelle and a large herd of water buck. There are also many hippos and craw-less otters in the lake. There are many python snakes especially in the dense woodlands within the park. This park is also a home to the largest Euphorbia forest in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru has faced challenges over the past. Urbanization, increased agricultural encroachment, drought and pollution have decreased the flamingo population. Drainage from the neighboring factories have reduced the alkaline concentration, reducing algae which is the main food for the flamingo birds.

You can visit the park any time of the year and have excellent bird and game viewing. Lake Nakuru national park is 157 kilometers from Nairobi and 4 kilometers from Nakuru town.

Once, this was the most isolated lake high up in the Black Forest on an elevation of 3399 ft. Nestled into a ravine on the foot of the mountain “Hornisgrinde”, the nearly round Mummelsee is geographically spoken just a cirque from the latest Ice Age. It’s dark and abysmal waters cover an area of about 9 acres and reach nearly 60 feet deep. But there is more to it than its location and impressive depth. Since the days of yore, people have told stories about who lives in the lake, deep down on the bottom, in shimmering palaces and mansions. It is the Mummelsee king who rules over his wet kingdom and keeps a strict eye on the “Mummeln”, his lively and beautiful band of nymphs who love to go gallivanting in the world of the humans.

“Mummeln” is a difficult word to explain. It is a local term for “waterlilies” which used to grow in abundance in the lake. According to local lore, they would turn into fair nymphs at dusk and are also often called “Mummeln or “Mümmlein”. Some language experts say, the word “Mummel” is derived from the German word for “murmuring” which is “murmeln” which refers to the sound of the waters when rippled by the winds coming down from the Hornisgrinde. Whatever the etymological root of the name Mummelsee really is, the people living around the lake have formed a close relationship with its mythical inhabitants over the centuries. That is the reason why the Mummelsee is the scene of more legends and tales than any other lake in the Black Forest.

You certainly need to know some rules before visiting the lake: never throw stones (or anything else, for that matter) into the water or you will feel the anger of the Mummelsee king! Within minutes, thunder, lightning, torrential rain and storm will appear and ruin everyone’s day in the area. Oh, and the nymphs will throw the stones right back at you! Rubbish, you say, or maybe some weird local weather phenomenon. Maybe. But there are plenty of accounts of such events going back hundreds of years. Most notably, a report from some 250 years ago when the margrave of Baden himself visited the lake along with his party-loving entourage. After feasting and drinking on the shores of the lake, they started throwing things into the lake. A terrible thunderstorm broke loose and raged in the area for no less than 7 days. The margrave’s party fled in horror as a dreadful beastly monster rose from the waves which had never been seen before. Probably that was the Mummelsee king himself in his anger because there are not even passing mentions of a monster in the lake and nobody has ever believed that something like Nessie’s little cousin lives in the Mummelsee.

But it is the home of the fairylike ethereal nymphs, the Mümmlein. They are of a friendly and helpful nature, but again, you must know how to treat them right. At dusk, you can see them dancing on the dark surface of the lake. Among the people living close to the lake, the Mümmlein were always welcome guests: they would come early in the morning to help in the fields and stables, they also attend weddings, bring wonderful gifts and join in the dancing. There are many tales of young men who fell in love with the nymphs, but these always end tragically as the Mummelsee king expects his nymphs to return to the bottom of the lake at nighttime… so when they bid you farewell, they must return to their master and mustn’t be late. Don’t follow them down to the lake. The king doesn’t like human curiosity and will punish the nymphs for it. You might suddenly see blood on the waves…

When you take a little hike around the lake and gaze over the dark waters, you start believing in nymphs, palaces at the bottom of the lake and the reign of an irritable lake king. Over the years, tourists have discovered the Mummelsee and there is some touristic infrastructure here, of course, like the venerable “Berghotel” where you should treat yourself to a piece of Black Forest cake after the hike. Many visitors come here on Black Forest tours. But even on busy days, you will always find a spot on the shores where you can feel the tranquility of the place. It is stunningly beautiful at on a sunny day when the calm surface mirrors the blue skies. But it is even more impressive in the Fall when the mists flock over the lake just above the surface and you hear the wind in the trees. It is in these moments that the mystic nature of the Mummelsee truly comes to light.

If you travel in the Black Forest, make sure you visit this wonderful place. It will refresh and inspire you! And if you come with us on a Black Forest day trip, you will hear all the intriguing legends that make this place so special!

In this article, I discuss the primary advantages of using the proprietary Environmental Soil Sealant (ESS-13) over PVC pond liners for sealing ponds and lakes.

Permanent Results

When ESS-13 is used, the results are immediate. The product binds with the soil on a molecular level, resulting in a permanent seal. These conditions allow for the natural healing process to occur. Because of this, ESS-13 is the only lining system that actually improves over time. One problem with PVC pond liners, on the other hand, is that they break down over time and may need to be patched or replaced.

In the early 1970’s in Tempe, Arizona we installed ESS-13 in a 50-acre subdivision lake project. To date, that lake is still holding water perfectly. Around the same time, many other lakes in the Phoenix metropolitan area were constructed using PVC liners, and unfortunately most of these liners have since failed.

Guaranteed Results

All ESS-13 applications come with a guarantee. This is a significant advantage over PVC liners, as PVC liners are usually warranted against manufacturing defects only. This does not address the fact that PVC liners (by nature of the material) decay and breakdown over time. ESS-13 is not susceptible to UV rays, uneven subgrade, tearing, stretching or other factors that are inherently problematic for PVC liners. ESS-13 is a proven liner system that has been tested in the harshest conditions throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia.

The incorporation of an ESS-13 Waterborne Application in our warranty enables our customer to take advantage of our guarantee without draining their pond or lake. This is a distinct advantage when water is valuable or scarce.

Cost Savings

On average, ESS-13 will save customers 25% or more on construction / installation costs when sealing ponds and lakes; and the savings increase over time. The total lifecycle cost of ESS-13 is significantly less because unlike PVC liners, ESS-13 is permanent. ESS-13 will not break down over time; our liner is more durable because ESS-13 is not prone to punctures by animals, equipment etc. Fish habitat material, rock features or aeration systems can be placed directly on top of the ESS-13 liner using standard construction equipment with no fear of liner damage.

On-Site Quality Control

When ESS-13 is used in a dry application, a Seepage Control representative is on-site during the entire installation process to ensure the lining system is properly installed. This quality control is provided at no additional cost and enables Seepage Control to guarantee the results. By working directly with the contractor, owner, and engineers, Seepage Control is able to ensure the end results meet or exceed all expectations. Generally speaking, on-site technical representation is not available with PVC liners.

Ease of Application

One of the distinct advantages of ESS-13 over a PVC pond liner in sealing ponds and lakes is the ease of application. Since ESS-13 is applied using standard earth moving equipment, it does not require the use of a specialty contractor. The on-site excavation contractor can do the installation with just a small crew. ESS-13 is much more forgiving during adverse weather conditions as well. The installation of a PVC liner, on the other hand, requires skill and expertise during the installation process and involves the use of many people.

ESS-13 is either shipped in 55 gallon drums or 275 gallon totes, making the transportation and handling of the product much simpler than with long heavy roles of PVC liner material.

One of our most common inquiries is from pond and lake owners whose PVC liners have failed. We have had tremendous success in sealing these ponds with an ESS-13 Waterborne Application. In some cases, we have had to completely remove the PVC pond liner and replace it with an ESS-13 soil lining system. With ESS-13, you can achieve excellent, permanent, guaranteed results, and at a considerable savings over PVC liners.

When we planned this vacation, the Sirmione Peninsula and the Roman Villa Ruins became a magnet and we scheduled a day trip back into history to visit an ancient vacation site of extremely wealthy Roman Citizens.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles… but we choose the Ferry System

About 15 minutes from our hotel is the village of Salo’ which is the location of the ferry service docks. The ferry system offers scenic lake steamers or the more time efficient hydrofoils; all depending on your time constraints and budget.

We opted for the hydrofoil and caught the noon boat with two other stops before our destination. As we pulled away from the dock we began to notice white caps and a slight swell in the water which once again reminded us of the vast size of this lake… an hour later we were pulling into the docks at Sirmione.

A Brief History of Sirmione

The peninsula has a very long history, but we will spare you… in summary it went from a fishing village in the stone ages, to a vacation destination in the 1st century for very wealthy and powerful families from Verona, to a strategic military defensive position with a fortress in the 13th century, to an obsolete castle fortification in the 15th century that eventually became a storage facility by the 19th century.

Lemons into Lemoncello

After all that turbulence the inhabitants of Sirmione settled down to an idyllic agrarian life filled with olive trees, fruit orchards and lake fisheries. But at the end of the 19th century some enterprising individuals, using a metal pipe, figured out a way to tap into a thermal spring on the peninsula.

Let’s see… we have hot (158* F) mineral spring water, a castle, a collection of old churches, a piece of land with beautiful vistas on the largest lake in Italy topped off with a fairly intact Roman Villa/Bathhouse Ruins… a new tourist attraction was reborn on the peninsula.

A Stretch but Marketing Wins Over Accuracy

Their creative, entrepreneurial minds went into overdrive and the main attraction was now named the “Grottoes of Catullus”.

They took some liberties as there was actually no grotto but only a series of rundown buildings with collapsed walls and some caves. In addition, as far as the Catullus part goes… the villa was created circa 150 AD and the famous Italian poet Catullus had died almost 200 years before the villa was built… but that did not stop the show.

Once again tourism finds Sirmione and the crowds return to this ancient village… now complete with a medieval castle, three churches, spa hotels, thermal baths, restaurants, shopping areas and of course the famous Roman Villa/ Bathhouse Ruins.

The main plaza is right off the dock area and lined with souvenir shops and the more or less usual tourist dining options… but it is easy to find a good pizza in Italy and enjoy alfresco dining on red checkered table clothes.

The Scaliger Castle (Rocca Scaligera)

After a short walk from the plaza we found the advertised “fairy-tale-like-castle”… the 13th Century Scaliger Castle. The castle is surrounded by a moat and can be entered by two drawbridges. The drawbridges were built for defensive reasons to ward off invaders and also the locals.

Twelve Euros ($15) and about twenty minutes later we had “seen” the castle and walked the walls… onward to the next landmark… in search of the ruins as the signage was quite limited.

We observed that the crowds focused on the old town shopping and restaurant areas, the Scaliger Castle, and the three small churches (Sant’Anna della Rocca, San Pietro in Mavino, and the Santa Maria Maggiore).

After working our way through the crowds we spied an electric train that offered rides from the thermal spas to the entrance of the ruins. For one euro per person in each direction… a good deal as it is over a one kilometer walk up hill.

The further we were from those locations, the sparser the crowds. So going the extra mile paid off as the ruins were pretty much empty of foot traffic.

Grottoes of Catullus (Grotte di Catullo)

The grounds around the old villa ruins are about five acres in a park-like setting with wonderful vistas in every direction… finally we found the “it was worth the trouble to get here” moment and none too soon.

The entrance to the area was through a very well done archaeological museum that had exceptional displays in a multi floored structure. A picture is really worth a thousand words… needless to say the intact ruins were very impressive and justified the trip.

The Boat Back to Salo’

We returned to the dock area a little before our scheduled ferry back to Salo’ as it was the last one for the day and we did not want to miss it. There was an alternative ferry service called the “Taxi Boat Sirmione” but it came with a premium price tag.

Forming queues for anything in Italy is always an interesting experience. The tourists usually maintain something like a line and the Italians simply merge at the gate. So when the ferry approaches the dock all forms of discipline go out the window… some refer to this as chaos… we just smile, tighten the ranks and shuffle along.

In Summary

Our adventure on Lake Garda was coming to a very positive conclusion and our last dinner at the Hotel Bolsone Dimora was an exceptional culinary treat and perfect ending to our visit.

We are departing for Sestri Levante in the morning and heading further south to the Ligurian Coastline and the Mediterranean Sea.

Please follow us as we continue our “Ultimate European Road Trip Series” – Part Ten – Sestri Levante / Liguria Italy.

After all, what is the hurry… be inspired.

© 2016 Inspired Travel Itineraries with Bob and Janice Kollar

Udaipur is one of the most scenic and beautiful cities in the entire country. Many a times it is referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to the presence of so many water bodies in and around the city.

The city was the former capital of the Rajput state of Mewar and was set up by Raja Udai Singh who belonged to the Sisodia clan. The rulers of Mewar were the only ones who refused to accept the supremacy of the Mughal rule and were constantly at war with them. The city of Udaipur was set up in 1568 after Chittorgarh was annexed by Emperor Akbar.

The city has many lakes and palaces spread across. Udai Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake and Swaroop Sagar Lake are some of the most renowned lakes in the city, some of which are dotted with palaces on top of their islands. The palaces showcase the grandeur and the rich art and cultural heritage of the Royal Rajputs.

The Lake Palace is a living example of the grandiose and artistic bend of the Sisodia kings and is located on the entire island of Lake Pichola. Many of the palaces have now been converted into heritage hotels and provide the traditional comfort and services in true royal Rajasthani style.

One of the most wonderful aspects of this Lake City is the true Rajasthani cuisine which is served across the various restaurants in the town. Cooking was a serious art in the royal kitchens of the Rajput states. There is a strong influence of Vaishnavism and Jainism on the food culture of Udaipur. Hence there is a multiple variety of vegetarian food.

Udaipur is famous for true vegetarian fare like Daal-Bati-Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Mirchi Bada, Kachori and sweet like Dil Jaani. The meals consist of dishes prepared from lentils, vegetables and a variety of spices.

The cuisine of any place is deeply impacted by the way of living of the people there. Rajasthani cooking has a deep impact of the war-like lifestyle of its inhabitants and the limited resources available there. Such foods were developed which would require the minimum use of water and could be stored over a longer period. The most significant thing was that it could be consumed without heating it.

South Carolina’s Sumter National Forest is a popular recreational area for hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities. The Enoree Ranger District is located in the central piedmont area, a short drive from major population centers in Columbia and Greenville. Fishing is allowed in the three major rivers that flow through the national forest as well as in a number of small lakes. Fishing areas are managed in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required for fishing on national forest land.

A small fishing pond is located at Molly’s Rock Picnic Area, once the site of a plantation home. The one acre pond was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The Ranger District manages it for catfish, and there is a 5 fish limit. A fishing pier and restrooms are available onsite. No boating or swimming is allowed in the lake. Molly’s Rock is located north of Newberry off US Hwy 176 and Forest Service Road 387.

Canoes and flat bottom boats less than 14 feet in length are recommended in the Broad, Tyger, and Enoree Rivers that flow through Sumter National Forest. Woods Ferry Recreation Area, near the town of Leeds, allows easy access for fishing and boating in the Broad River, on the eastern side of the national forest. Restrooms, water, and picnic facilities are available in the day use area. Overnight camping is also allowed. River access is also available at the Broad River Boat Ramp east of Monarch Mills. Fishermen wanting to launch small boats on the Tyger River can use the gravel boat ramp at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, located off SC Hwy 16. An easy access concrete boat ramp is available at Beatty’s Bridge off US Hwy 176 south of Union. The Enoree River may be accessed at several points in the national forest. Ramps are located at Jones Bridge on SC Hwy 98, and on Forest Service Roads 336A and 339.

Several small lakes in Sumter National Forest are managed for a variety of fish including channel catfish and largemouth bass. Only electric motors are allowed on these lakes. The Johns Creek Lake Complex is located near Cross Keys off SC Hwy 18 and Forest Service Road 347. Sedalia Lake is located near Johns Creek Lake off the same road. Wildcat Lake is also off Forest Service Road 347. Macedonia Lake is located off Forest Service Road 444, approximately 12 miles west of Union. Pittman Lake is located northeast of Whitmire off Hwy 72 and Forest Service Road 434. Maps of Sumter National Forest are available for purchase in district offices and online.

To be honest this vacation paradise has been doomed and unused for the last five years plus. I was there in September 2004 and how quiet it was, which was great for us, but not for the local and Zimbabwean economy. Can you imagine being in the heart of the African wilderness, nothing around but a huge expanse of water, mountains and the knowledge that on shore there are really naturally wild animals? For me, Lake Kariba is the home of the “Houseboat”. Ever since I was in my teens I had heard of these houseboats. A floating holiday on a huge expanse of water. What I did not know was the size of these floating hotels and how large Lake Kariba really is. At a vast majority of our ports of call all you can see on the horizon is water.

Landing at Harare airport is much like arriving at any third world airport. Not too much different nowadays to the first world except being a lot smaller. The drive, in convoy to Kariba was pretty exciting due to the knowledge of the turmoil in the country and not knowing what to expect, although we did have some locals with us and they assured us that it would be fine. What a change though having been in Zimbabwe seven years prior, the degradation had taken its toll. Most service stations closed, fenced and locked- waiting for fuel. Driving through the countryside, desolate farms, barns with only shells, the timber and roofing scavenged for creating makeshift houses (shacks). Once a thriving farming country now reduced to a subsidence-producing nation. The drive to Kariba takes about 5 hours. Three hours plus out of Harare you enter the national park. Wow – no fences and the game is plentiful.

Turning off the main road, otherwise you end up in Zambia, is truly amazing. Don’t drive too fast as you are now really in the wilds with. We saw elephant aplenty, giraffe and lots of buck. Also the scenery is picturesque, winding down through hills and mountain passes, flat landscapes with the famous African bushveld and still knowing that you will be enjoying the next ten days on a fully catered for houseboat cruise – paradise. Driving through the last mountain pass and seeing the vast expanse of Lake Kariba is magnificent. I could not believe that it was so vast, also around the town of Kariba and towards the wall are mountains overlooking the water. The scenery is breathtaking.

I expected the houseboat to be small, old and dilapidated. What a surprise when I saw it and the crew of four, waiting with the welcoming drinks. It is hot, very hot. The houseboat has one floor at water level and one upstairs. Downstairs are the four cabins, kitchen (galley) and storerooms. Upstairs a vast entertainment area come dining room all under an awning with the sides open, the bridge where the captain drives the boat and then in front in the open is this plunge pool. Two tender boats get towed behind this massive house on the water powered by a huge diesel engine.

Once all the luggage, food and drinks were loaded the captain cruised us out of the mini harbour. I had often heard of Lake Kariba and the vast expanse of water, now sitting in the pool in the front of the houseboat, cooling down with an ice-cold beer, I could not believe the size of the Lake. We cruised out of the harbour into the open water and it was vast. The African landscape on the Zimbabwean side is picture perfect with the mountains sharply descending to the lake around the town of Kariba and towards the wall. South of Kariba town the mountains are further back from the lake and descend gradually towards the African bushveld which eventually the shore. An hour later and still in the pool relaxing with ice cold beers not too far away, we are warned to put on sunscreen protection from the harsh African sun and harsh it is. We hear shouts of excitement and there on the shoreline is a huge heard of elephants. The shoreline on the Zimbabwe side is about one and a half kilometres from us. To see them close up you need the binoculars. The Zambian shoreline is beyond the horizon of water. This gives you an idea of how wide this Lake really is. We move back into the shade of the entertainment area and relax in the many lounge chairs protected from the sun now by the huge awning. This must be one of the most relaxing holidays I had ever been on. Perfect for the afternoon siesta. We are cruising to our first port of call. The ports of call are remote stops on the cruise on either little islands or on the mainland in the nature reserve. There are no towns or villages but just wild animals that greet you i.e. no civilisation, don’t take your cell phone.

Late afternoon, plus 4 hours into the cruise we hear the engines slow and realising we have reached our destination. The captain gradually negotiates the houseboat almost onto the shoreline and the crew tie the boat up with long mooring ropes. We are now actually parked on the shore. The captain turns the engines off and there is silence like you have never experienced. You then start hearing nature. The hippos bark and we all look, sure enough there’s a family of hippos. I counted six. The two tender boats are loaded up with refreshments, the fishing equipment and snacks. We choose a boat and off we go. This is the highlight of the trip. Small bays along the shoreline abound but the captains of the tender boats, one is the captain of the houseboat and the other is the chief housekeeper, know these areas like the back of their hands, steer us to the best fishing spots.

As you can imagine the fishing is good (mainly bream) because you are in the wilds where not many humans venture. We keep the larger catch for supper and snacks. I was a bit sceptical about eating bream, I prefer saltwater fish and had never eaten fresh water bream before. The sun is now beginning to set on the horizon over the water. We are told that we must head back. There is nothing like a late afternoon cruise on the water with a relaxing gin and tonic and the beautiful African sunset. On the houseboat we head for the showers. Back up on the top deck we are greeted with a pre-meal drink and with darkness looming we chat about the events of the day. All of a sudden it is dark and the crew are summoning us for supper. Man they can cook. By eight p.m. everyone was bushed and retired to bed. Most of us slept on the deck upstairs on mattresses in the open. The older folk slept in the cabins downstairs.

Approximately four thirty a.m. you are woken by movement downstairs and a rich aroma of coffee being made. You have twenty minutes to wash, apply generous amounts of sunscreen lotion and have coffee and rusks before another adventurous fishing venture on the tender boats. The sun is rising now above the mountains, you can feel the heat and you realise that the rest of the day is going to be a scorcher. Between ten and eleven am we are arrive back with our catches and eager for some food. We are greeted with a magnificent brunch. While we are enjoying our brunch the captain starts up the engines and the rest of the crew are untie the moorings of the houseboat. He manoeuvres out of the bay and heads out back into the vast expanse of Lake Kariba. We are on our way to our next port of call. We finish brunch and some of us take a quick dip in the pool and relax with the gentle motion of the houseboat cruising along the lake. The rest of the day’s cruise is spread between siestas, spot the wild animals on the shoreline and playing card and board games.

We arrive at the next port of call with totally different scenery. A larger but we are greeted with a family of elephants. Now elephants are my favourite animals. Up close and in the wilds like this is one of the highlights of my holiday. The hippos are there too along with the wide variety of buck. The routine is the same as the previous day with the tender boats and fishing. This is by no means boring as there is always something to look at, wide varieties of birds with elephants appearing out of the bush, buck all over the place and the odd hippo close by in the water. Crocodiles are also plentiful but it is the hippos you need to keep an eye on, as they will charge your boat if you get too close to them. If they do then you will definitely end up being a meal for the crocodiles. After another very successful afternoons fishing we have another sundowner cruise back to the houseboat.

The rest of the trip is pretty much the same as the first day but as I have said it is always entertaining and never boring. So much wild life, fresh air and the days fly by. Evening star gazing is incredible, with falling stars and satellites moving around the sky. With so many hundreds of miles between you and the nearest city you can imagine the amount of stars you can see. We did not see the lions but heard them roar one or two evenings. The one-day after the roaring we could see the vultures hovering. The locals and the crew said they were waiting for the lions to finish their “kill” so they could move in after them. They must have been about five hundred meters from us.

Sadly, the time had come to return back to Kariba town. Some said they have had their holiday and now need to get back to their daily lives. I could have stayed on for longer. I would normally recommend this amazing houseboat vacation on Lake Kariba to anyone, however considering the state of the country of Zimbabwe at the present time is a no-no unfortunately. Who knows in a little while things might change for the better and this would become a very popular destination indeed?