Mark Ziese

February 28, 2026

New Life in the Serengeti: Witnessing a Thomson’s Gazelle’s First Steps

Mark Ziese

February 28, 2026

February is a month for new life in the Serengeti! See a newborn Thomson's gazelle take its first steps and learn why these fawns are "hiders" for their first two weeks.

Mark Ziese

February 23, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Trapped by the Rain: When the Serengeti Swells

Mark Ziese

February 23, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Experience the raw power of the Serengeti rainy season. See what happens when a river replaces a bridge and forces a halt to our journey. . .

Mark Ziese

February 17, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Sunset Cruise off the Coast of Stone Town, Zanzibar

Mark Ziese

February 17, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Catch the breeze on a sunset cruise from Stone Town to Prison Island. Discover giant tortoises, turquoise waters, and the ultimate Swahili sunset aboard a traditional Zanzibar dhow.

Mark Ziese

February 16, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Livingstone’s House: Zanzibar’s Historic Gateway to Africa

Mark Ziese

February 16, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Step back in time at Livingstone’s House in Zanzibar. Explore the legacy of 19th-century explorers and discover why this island was the gateway to a continent. . .

Mark Ziese

February 15, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Vicki’s Pleasant Surprise: a Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey

Mark Ziese

February 15, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Imagine Vicki's surprise as she experienced a rare encounter with the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey. . .

Mark Ziese

February 13, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Above the Maze: A Rooftop View of Stone Town, Zanzibar

Mark Ziese

February 13, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Explore the maze of Stone Town from the roof of Swahili House. Discover the unique mashup of Swahili, Indian, and Arab styles in Zanzibar’s coral ragstone heart. . .

Mark Ziese

February 8, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Hildebrandt’s Starling: The Colorful African Cousin of the Common Starling

Mark Ziese

February 8, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Discover the vibrant Hildebrandt’s Starling of East Africa. Learn how to identify it, how it differs from the Superb Starling, and why the Serengeti is a birder’s paradise. . .

Mark Ziese

February 6, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Vintage Charm Meets Modern Africa: Stay in the New Arusha Farm House

Mark Ziese

February 6, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Discover why Arusha Farm House is one of our favorite safari rest stops. From Mt Meru views to new dining halls, see what’s new at this 4-star Tanzanian lodge. . .

Mark Ziese

February 5, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Vervet Monkeys: Africa’s Clever Primates & Human Mirror

Mark Ziese

February 5, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Explore the striking parallels between humans and Vervet monkeys. From social spite and peer pressure to hypertension and alcohol use, discover why these clever primates are a mirror for humanity. . .

Mark Ziese

February 3, 2026

Apostle Paul, Exploring Greece, Travel

Mediterranean Cruise: Tips for a Tender Transfer

Mark Ziese

February 3, 2026

Apostle Paul, Exploring Greece, Travel

Discover how passengers get from ship to shore when a Mediterranean harbor is too small for big ships. Learn all about cruise ship tender transfers and how they work.

Mark Ziese

February 2, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Sparring Partners: Thomson’s Gazelles

Mark Ziese

February 2, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Watch Thomson's gazelles spar on the endless plains . . .

Mark Ziese

February 1, 2026

Exploring Italy

Must-have Sicilian Street Food

Mark Ziese

February 1, 2026

Exploring Italy

Discover the "volcanic rush" of authentic Sicilian arancini! Learn about this iconic street food and join our upcoming tour to Italy (May 28 – June 6, 2026) . . .

Mark Ziese

January 30, 2026

Apostle Paul, Exploring Greece

The Mediterranean Cruise: Big Ship Energy or Mid-Sized Intimacy?

Mark Ziese

January 30, 2026

Apostle Paul, Exploring Greece

Cruise ships are not “one-size fits all.” Different sized ships and brands serve different purposes and cater to different audiences. Which ship is best for you?

Mark Ziese

January 29, 2026

Exploring Italy

Would you like Fries with That? Fast Food in Ancient Pompeii

Mark Ziese

January 29, 2026

Exploring Italy

What did fast food look like in AD 79? Explore the "thermopolium," the ancient Roman cook-shops of Pompeii that served hot stews, garum, and street food to the masses . . .

Mark Ziese

January 28, 2026

Exploring Egypt

Luxor is more than Ruins—it’s where History Feels Personal

Mark Ziese

January 28, 2026

Exploring Egypt

Luxor, Egypt, is a spectacular place to visit. The tombs and temples are amazing. The food is great. And the people are among the kindest you will ever meet. Meet . . .

Mark Ziese

January 27, 2026

Exploring Turkey

The Galata Bridge: A Cross-Cultural Artery in Istanbul

Mark Ziese

January 27, 2026

Exploring Turkey

Discover the Galata Bridge in Istanbul. Explore its history—from Da Vinci’s designs to modern-day street food—and learn how it links the Ottoman and European sides of the city. . .

Mark Ziese

January 27, 2026

Exploring Turkey

The Roman Odeon: I Sing (or Croak)

Mark Ziese

January 27, 2026

Exploring Turkey

What is an odeon? Discover the difference between ancient theaters and odeons, from roofed acoustics to intimate musical performances at sites like Ephesus.

Mark Ziese

January 26, 2026

Exploring Türkiye

İznik: The Ancient City of Nicea, the Nicene Creed & A Punchy Saint Nicholas

Mark Ziese

January 26, 2026

Exploring Türkiye

Explore İznik, Turkey, the site of the Council of Nicaea. See the Byzantine walls in ancient Bithynia and learn the wild history of the Nicene Creed and Saint Nicholas. . .

Mark Ziese

January 23, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Above the Clouds: The Final Push on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mark Ziese

January 23, 2026

Exploring Tanzania

Preparing for a "snowpocalypse"? See what real cold looks like on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Tips on temperatures, freezing altitudes, and the final push to Uhuru Peak. . .

Mark Ziese

January 21, 2026

Exploring Egypt

Felucca Ride: Sunset on the Nile

Mark Ziese

January 21, 2026

Exploring Egypt

Experience the magic of a traditional felucca at sunset. Watch our "Sunset on the Nile" video to see these ancient wooden vessels glide past Luxor . . .