The Great migration in Kenya.
French lavender.
Polynesian cultural heritage and more.

AFRICAN WONDERS

Kenya turns to hot travel destination in July when the world famous wildebeest and zebra migration (involving some 1.5 million of wildebeests, 200,000 zebras and smaller amount of other species) arrives to North-Western part of Serengeti national park. This is where they spectacularly cross the Mara river all beset by crocodiles, to get to Masai Mara sanctuary on the Kenyan side.

Every wildlife photographer dreams to take a picture of this dramatic crossing. Every nature lover dreams to catch the eternal moment when hundreds of thousands of animals rush across savanna scenery kicking up clouds of dust around them and turning grounds to rumbling thunder under their powerful hoofs. Therefore the area promises to be overpopulated with tourists, and Mara river will turn from a wild nature watercourse to safari vehicle parking lot.

To go or not to go on safari to Masai Mara in July? As you can see there are pros and there are cons here. Here are more facts for you to consider:

1. Great migration actually happens all the year round, following a clockwise circular route. You can witness same animal herds returning to Serengeti from the North-East around November, safaris from Kilimanjaro and Arusha areas would be most rewarding in January-February (February also being a peak calving season for ungulates), April and May are great for exploring central and western Serengeti. And even if you do not follow the route of great migration – there is always plenty of wildlife around to awe you and to create lots of great memories.

2. Despite of chilly nights, July is a great month for Big 5 adventures in other African regions. Dry season provides for impressive abundance of wildlife. From Etosha in Namibia to Kruger in South Africa, and from Okavango delta in Botswana to the most remote stretches of Zambezi river in Zambia you will get the best images of savanna inhabitants attracted to rivers and pools.

THE FOURTH OF JULY

‘It’s exactly like in the movies!’ – probably the most common thought of all the tourists that find themselves in a whirlpool of the United states Independence day celebrations. Each and every city or town will give you this feeling.

For even more outstanding experience head off to Bar Harbour in Maine recognised as home to one of the best traditional Fourth of July celebrations by the ABC News and National Geographic. Start your day with a community breakfast, continue to the parade, enjoy live music, craft marketplace or treat yourself to famous Maine lobster at the seafood festival.

For a throwback in history of American Revolution, spend a few days in Boston (where the things started). Take a walk on the famous Freedom Trail exploring the key historic sites of the revolution, or go on the Freedom Trail Historic Pub Crawl where you can drink where the revolutionaries themselves did. And of course no Independence Day is over without a proper fireworks display

BASTILLE DAY AND LAVENDERLAND

Another famous independence celebration (la Fête nationale) representing yet another famous revolution takes place on the 14th of July in France. Check out spectacular military parade down the Champs Elysees, special Eiffel tower illumination  and of course astonishing fireworks.

Having lost your voice singing La Marseillaise all night long, you can then recover your spirits on one of the medieval farms astray in endless lavender fields, that are at their best bloom and fragrance in July.

It is easy to be creative when choosing accommodation in Provence, be it an 16th century abbey that turned into a hotel, a majestic nobel chateau or an attic room in a dwelling rented from a charming old lady in one of the local museum-like villages

HEIVA I TAHITI

Just the opposite side of the world from Europe, but only 8 hours flight from Los Angeles and 4.5 from Auckland, French Polynesia still remains one of the hottest destinations for paradise lovers.

July is the right month to go there if you refuse to encounter a single drop of rain during your paradise vacation. Not only the weather is at it’s driest here in July, but the crowds of French vacationers have not arrived yet. And, for those curious about indigenous Polynesian culture – the major cultural event of the archipelago – Heiva – is celebrated during 2 consecutive weeks of July.

Heiva is held throughout the five archipelagos of French Polynesia and brings together best dancers, singers, athletes and artists for impressive performances. On every island, there will be celebrations showcasing the culture. However the official, main Heiva festival – known as the Heiva i Tahiti – takes place in the capital.

Photo credits and copyrights: UpYourValley, PxHere, Flickr , WikiMedia, Matareva Photo Tahiti