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Language vacations represent one of the most genuine and enjoyable methods for slow travel. By immersing yourself in a different culture and language, you not only improve your language abilities but also develop a richer appreciation for the local lifestyle. Barcelona, with its lively culture, breathtaking architecture, and Mediterranean allure, serves as an ideal location for such an adventure. Whether you intend to undertake a brief crash course in Spanish while discovering all that Barcelona has to offer or aspire to achieve fluency in castellano, the city features a variety of language schools tailored to various needs and preferences.

Among the leading institutions in Barcelona is the Don Quijote Language School, celebrated for its engaging teaching styles and varied course options. Located in the city’s core, it provides an environment where students can learn Spanish in a vibrant and captivating setting. The school presents an array of programs, from intensive courses to individualized lessons, ensuring that every learner can locate a course that fits their timetable and learning approach.

Another outstanding alternative is the Barcelona School of Spanish, recognized for its customized methodology and small class sizes. This school prioritizes creating a nurturing and interactive learning space, enabling students to apply their Spanish skills in practical scenarios. Nestled in the fashionable Gràcia neighborhood, learners can relish the local cafes and shops while honing their newly acquired language abilities.

For those desiring a more immersive experience, the Camino Barcelona Spanish School provides a distinctive mix of language instruction and cultural activities. Students are invited to join guided excursions, cooking workshops, and dance classes, all conducted in Spanish. This method not only facilitates language learning but also enables students to directly engage with the rich cultural fabric of Barcelona.

Speakeasy Language School is another favored option, especially for its adaptable course timings and budget-friendly rates. Concentrating on conversational Spanish, the school underscores practical language application, making it perfect for travelers eager to quickly build confidence in speaking Spanish. Its central position allows students to discover the city’s iconic sites and lively nightlife post-class.

In addition to these establishments, the International House Barcelona provides an extensive range of classes, accommodating both beginners and advanced learners. Recognized for its skilled instructors and contemporary facilities, the school offers a nurturing setting for students to enhance their language capabilities. The institution’s social program also allows numerous chances for students to practice Spanish beyond the classroom, encouraging both language mastery and cultural insight.

Ultimately, selecting the appropriate language school in Barcelona hinges on your individual objectives and inclinations. Whether you lean towards a structured educational environment or a more casual, activity-driven approach, Barcelona’s language schools present a multitude of choices to fit every learner. By blending language instruction with the city’s vibrant cultural offerings, a language vacation in Barcelona ensures not only academic advancement but also memorable experiences.

With a wild population of fewer than 100 individuals residing along the North Carolina coast, the red wolf (Canis rufus) ranks among the most endangered canids globally. A Species Survival Plan (SSP) captive breeding initiative was developed for the rehabilitation of this endangered wolf. One of the institutions participating in this recovery effort is the WNC Nature Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

The WNC Nature Center houses seven endangered red wolves.

On April 28, 2023, nine red wolf pups were born to Oak and Gloria, two three-year-old wolves. The pups are expected to emerge from their den and begin exploring their enclosure soon (they may already be out), so whenever you find yourself in Asheville, ensure to include the Nature Center in your plans to see the red wolves!

The red wolf pictured is Mayo, a red wolf that was at the Center during my time volunteering. In 2012, she gave birth to a litter of four pups (two females and two males). This not only brings delight and happiness to visitors of the WNC Nature Center but these pups significantly enhance the gene pool of this critically endangered species.

Spotting a red wolf in the wild is not only challenging; it is virtually impossible. Very occasionally, a visitor may catch sight of one in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Your best opportunity lies in visiting a zoo or nature center that is part of the red wolf captive breeding program. The Red Wolf Coalition maintains a list of 42 approved facilities in the U.S. where red wolves can be seen.

If you liked our Red Wolf Photo, you might also enjoy:

Cristina Garcia

Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has worked in the field alongside jackals, wolves, cheetahs, and leopards. She serves on the Board of Directors of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation organization.

Read her articles at Travel For Wildlife and view more of her work at Truly Wild, and Our Wild Yard.

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Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) represent the sole marsupials found in the United States, and we take pride in sharing our yard with them. As they are nocturnal, we rarely spot them directly, but our camera traps confirm their presence. Recently, we captured a fascinating behavior exhibited by opossums: the use of their tail. Check out the video below showcasing the opossum tail in action!

Virginia opossum in our yard, photographed using a DSLR camera trap.

The opossum tail serves to transport nesting materials.

Opossums utilize their prehensile tail to carry nesting materials (such as leaves, twigs, corn husks…) back to their dens. Here’s their method: opossums pick up leaves with their mouths and transfer them to their front feet, then to their back feet. They wrap their tail around the bundle of leaves and transport this bedding with their semi-prehensile tails as if it were an extra limb!

We’ve observed this behavior several times on our trail cameras. The video below captures the most recent instance, where an opossum is seen collecting leaves and transporting them to its den, located just about 10 feet from our house. In the fall, we intentionally leave our leaves on the ground so opossums, woodchucks, and squirrels can gather them for their nests. Opossums do not excavate their own dens; the one residing nearby is utilizing a woodchuck burrow. Leaves are used to line the den, enhancing insulation during the frigid winter months.

Opossum tails assist in maintaining balance while climbing trees.

Although young opossums can dangle by their tail (if prompted), adult opossums are too weighty and do not hang by their tails. However, they do employ their tails for stability and balance on branches as they climb trees.

Young opossum on a tree branch.

Opossum tails are not meant to be handles.

Grabbing a fully grown opossum by the tip of its tail can cause serious injury by dislocating its tail bones.

To find out more about opossums, read our article Possum vs Opossum: What’s the Difference?

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Chobe National Park is among the foremost natural attractions in Botswana. Renowned for the Chobe River waterfront adjacent to Namibia, housing one of the largest populations of African elephants on the continent and a significant presence of predators, Chobe draws visitors seeking a unique safari adventure.

While camping in the park is an option, there are several Chobe safari lodges that are essential for any travel itinerary.

Chobe is famed for its elephant populations.

Why choose a safari lodge in Chobe?

You might opt to stay in the nearby Kasane town, but nothing compares to awakening to the sounds of the wilderness and being among the first to embark on a game drive in the park.

6 Top safari lodges in Chobe

We’ve only camped within the park, yet we’ve compiled a list of 6 safari lodges in Chobe for your convenience on your next visit.

Chobe Game Lodge

Chobe Game Lodge holds full Ecotourism certification, and its chic Moorish design attracts those in search of a unique experience.

Situated along the banks of the Chobe River, guests can participate in game safari drives and safari boat excursions on the river. Additionally, Chobe Game Lodge is conveniently close to the park entrance, so you won’t need to drive for hours to reach your lodging.

The lodge’s commitment to social and environmental principles has garnered attention. With initiatives like their biogas facility, an all-female team of safari guides, and the fact that each staff member receives an annual share of dividends, you can be assured that your stay contributes positively to both the ecosystem and the local community.

Activities at Chobe Game Lodge

– Morning and afternoon game drives
– Cultural exploration expeditions in Chobe
– Mid-morning and late-afternoon river cruises
– Eco-tours led by the ecotourism manager
– Spa services

Highlights:

– All suites feature magnificent views of the Chobe River
– Opportunity for both river safaris and game drives
– Family suites (children must be over 6) with private pool
– A professionally qualified all-female guiding team

Chobe Princess

An upscale safari lodge, but floating on the water. Welcome to Chobe Princess. Two of the Chobe Princess vessels have four suites (each featuring private bathrooms and air conditioning), while the third offers five suites. All Princess vessels can be booked exclusively, giving you a private water villa. Glide down the Chobe River while elephants bath, crocodiles swim beside you, and the sunset paints the horizon.

One of the highlights includes the visit to the ‘Tree of Life,’ one of the continent’s most ancient baobab trees, over 2,000 years old. The trek to see this magnificent tree is about 4 miles, so wear comfortable safari footwear.

Tip: Reserve the superior cabin for a private deck.

Activities at Chobe Princess:

– Walking safaris
– Water-based game observation
– Fishing cruises on a tender boat
– Birdwatching
– Photo safaris
– Cultural excursions
– Visit one of the oldest baobab trees, known as the ‘Tree of Life’

Highlights:

– Wildlife viewing from a water perspective
– 10-seater jacuzzi
– Fishing and sunset cruises on tender vessels

Safari Lodges in the Savute region

The Savute region is located in the southwestern sector of Chobe National Park. The Savute Channel is noted for its unpredictable and irregular flooding patterns. It underwent a drying phase in 1880, only to flood again in 1957. Following another dry spell, the channel flooded once more in 2009, with waters reaching the Savute marsh in 2010.

The channel draws large elephant herds, zebra groups, lion prides, and hyena clans.

Birdwatching in Savute is also exceptional. You can spot Kori bustards, vultures, and stunning secretary birds regularly. Fish eagles and Abdim’s storks are present in summer. Massive quelea finch flocks are common during April.

Savute Safari Lodge

Savute Safari Lodge is positioned along the Savuti Channel and is considered one of the finest lodges in Chobe. The Channel is known for its irregular flooding, having previously dried in 1880 and flooded again in 1957. After another dry spell, it flooded once more in 2009, with waters reaching Savute marsh in 2010.

The high density of elephants, lions, and hyenas makes Savute Safari Lodge an ideal location to explore wildlife dynamics.

This lodge is exclusive, featuring only 11 thatched chalets accommodating a maximum of 24 guests.

Activities at Savute Safari Lodge:

– Visit Savute Marsh
– Game drives
– Tour Gubatsa Hills

Highlights:

– Experience the zebra migration (November-December and February-April)
– Exquisite location on the Savute Channel
– Waterhole in front of suites and

Whale observing in South Africa ranks among the finest globally. From June to November, large gatherings of Southern Right Whales (Eubalaena australis) arrive along the southern coast of South Africa to mate and bear young. The coastal town of Hermanus in the Western Cape serves as the epicenter for this whale activity. Whale watching in Hermanus is an unforgettable experience.

Southern right whale migration in South Africa

During the Austral summer (December to May), southern right whales inhabit the frigid polar regions of the Southern Hemisphere, where they consume krill.

In winter (early June through November), they traverse the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, South America, and Australia. This period is ideal for visiting Hermanus, coinciding with peak whale-watching season.

In Hermanus, whale bulls arrive in June, soon followed by the females. They mate within these months in the coastal waters of the South African Cape. The last arrivals are the pregnant females, who will also be the final ones to depart, this time accompanied by their calves. Only when the newborns have gained sufficient strength will they navigate back to Antarctic waters, where they’ll feed on krill: small, free-floating crustaceans.

One of the prime locations to observe southern right whales along the South African coast is the quaint town of Hermanus, overlooking the deep waters of Walker Bay. You can sit on the cliffs at the town center and witness this remarkable display (some of the finest land-based whale viewing!) or join a whale watching boat tour to learn more about whale behavior.

Observe whales as they court, frolic, and relax in Walker Bay. Noteworthy behaviors include spy-hopping (raising their heads straight up out of the water to survey their surroundings), lobtailing (slapping the water with their tails), and possibly even a full breach (launching their entire bodies clear out of the water!). If you’re exceptionally fortunate, you might even see a whale giving birth.

Hermanus may indeed be the premier shore-based whale-watching destination on the planet.

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa during whale season, Hermanus is essential.

This small coastal town is merely a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Cape Town, and the journey to Hermanus can easily be accomplished in a one or two-day trip from there. The coastal drive is so stunning that we recommend spreading the trip over two days, allowing for stops to explore beaches, visit the penguins at Betty’s Bay, and enjoy the charming food trucks along the road next to False Bay with breathtaking ocean views.

For those pressed for time, a day tour from Cape Town is an excellent choice (see below).

Other wildlife you might encounter during your whale-watching excursion

Southern right whales aren’t the only species you can observe in Hermanus. Humpback & Bryde’s whales also frequent the area, along with local marine life such as common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Cape Fur seals, and a wide variety of seabirds, including the African black oystercatcher and African penguins. You might even spot orcas, which have become more prevalent along the South African coast in recent years. Be sure to look along the rocky shore for Clawless Cape otters as they forage in the kelp.

How to distinguish between Southern right whales and humpback whales

It’s quite simple to differentiate between these two whale species.

Southern right whales feature callosities on their backs (the rough, bulging, white patches), a V-shaped blow, and a white belly. Additionally, southern right whales lack a dorsal fin.

Humpback whales, on the other hand, possess a small dorsal fin and notably long pectoral fins.

Are there any white whales?

YES! 5% of Southern Right whales are born white! We were fortunate enough to witness one of them! These white calves aren’t considered albino whales (unlike the famous Migaloo in Australia) and they darken as they mature. This white coloration is known as grey morphism, not albinism.

Types of whale watching tours from Hermanus

Most whale watching excursions globally are boat-based, as you typically need to venture offshore to locate whales. However, in certain locations, whales come so close to shore that you can even feel the mist from their blowholes from land! Hermanus is one of these lucky places, which is why whale watching here is so exceptional.

For this reason, in Hermanus, you can participate in either land-based or boat-based whale-watching tours.

Watching whales in Hermanus (land-based whale watching)

Great news for those prone to seasickness! You can view whales from land in Hermanus.

Land-based whale observing in South Africa is not uncommon. You can spot them from False Bay, from

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