A study published in 2014 found that 100,000 African elephants had been poached in the continent of Africa in a three year period. There is an international ban on the trade of ivory, but it is still sought after, and elephants are killed for their tusks. According to WWF Global, the ban was introduced in 1989 by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

There is a demand for the ivory is in Asia. The elephants are continued to be poached due to the inability to enforce laws and corruption, among other reasons.

Other areas on the list of places to visit are:

• Cuba
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Greece
• Patagonia

Travelers who would like to see the elephants in South Africa should visit an elephant park or reserve like the Addo Elephant National Park. The park has over 600 elephants. It also acts as a reserve for lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards and other animals.

Elephants at Addo Elephant National Park, photo by Brian Snelson

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Elephant herd by Daryl Balfour

Safari participants will be accommodated in six colorfully decorated and furnished suites, in a small settlement called Elephant Camp.

Elephant Watch Camp

Researchers from Save the Elephants, also housed at Elephant Watch Camp, are working to collect data on and track these huge animals. The package includes a three-hour helicopter tour in Mathews Range and Ol Lolokwe in the Samburu mountains.

Elephant Watch Camp by Pete Mcbride

Prices for the safari start at £6,340 per person, double occupancy. Airfare is not included. The price is based on two people sharing a room.

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In comparison to the other emirates Abu Dhabi has a much more substantial land mass, making it a popular spot for tourism investment and development. It also offers a wide range of settings for visitors including pristine beaches, natural islands, Arabic deserts, mountainous terrains, and ever-expanding city areas. In fact there’s so much to see in Abu Dhabi that it can be a struggle to fit in all in, so here’s our Top 5 Things to Do in Abu Dhabi to help you plan your itinerary.

1. Dhabi Islands

Yas Beach in Abu Dhabi by Sarah Ackerman

Abu Dhabi boasts an array of natural islands within its geography. Over the past several decades, many of these islands have been constructed around the booming tourism industry, and as such, offer some of the most palatial surroundings in the area.  Here is a run down of our top three islands and why you should visit.

Sir Bani Yas Island is a nature-rich environment with a wide range of exclusive wildlife and adventure activities for visitors. Around half of Sir Bani is made up of the Arabian Wildlife Park, an impressive wildlife reserve home to tens of thousands of free roaming wildlife. The reserve offers visitors breathtaking tours in specially made terrain vehicles accompanied by local guides. In addition the 5 star hotels and spas, equestrian stables, historical buildings, and UAE’s only known Christian monastery make Sir Bani a must see destination.

Saadiyat Island is conveniently located less than ten minutes from central Abu Dhabi, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s cornerstones of luxury development. Rapidly becoming one of the world’s most established cultural hubs, Saadiyat Island is home to the area’s largest collection of cultural sites, including the Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and  the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. With its purpose built visitor centre – the Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the region’s first ocean beach golf course the island is a popular choice for visiting tourists and culture seekers.

Yas Island is renowned as the home of the Yas Marina Circuit – host to the annual Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Visitors to the island can stay in the luxury five star Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel, built in the middle of the track circuit, then avail of special visitor packages including unique driver experiences’ and private tuition classes. Attracting a range of opulent visitors from across the globe, Yas Island also features non-stop attractions including the world’s first Ferrari theme park and Yas Waterworld.

2. Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld by Sarah Ackerman

Yas Waterworld is a truly enormous family-friendly waterpark, themed on The Lost Pearl and featuring over forty rides and attractions, many custom built just for this park. Visitors to this fun-packed modern attraction will be ride the able world’s first, and largest, hydromagnetic-powered group tornado waterslide boasting an impressive 238 metre long track. The Bandit Bomber ride is a unique interactive 550 metre laser effect ride, where riders can shoot off water-jets, launch water bombs and trigger special light effects. Yas Waterworld is also a great pick for adrenaline junkies with three metre high wave rides and the world’s largest man-made surf wave for body-boarders. Offering enough entertainment to keep the whole family amused for the entire day, this park also features a range of eateries, a souk and pearl-diving exhibits.

3. Avenue at Etihad Towers

Etihad Towers by Serge Bystro

Etihad Towers is an elegant boutique shopping mall, featuring over thirty luxury brand stores it is a must visit for those who crave a luxury shopping experience. The exclusive retail park includes the world’s first and only Stephane Rolland store, the only A. Lange & Söhne in the Middle East, and many familiar designer name stores including Hermès and Chloé.  The art-novae inspired two store mall is part of the Etihad Towers development, custom built to accommodate avid shoppers in impressive surroundings. It is a popular spot not just for retail, but also for hospitality outlets and is home to Abu Dhabi’s first Fauchon Le Café, ALGUSTO restaurant, and one the world’s most luxurious gourmet grocery stores.

4. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center

Grand Mosque by Hisham Binsuwaif

Constructed over a period of nine years, ending in 2007, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, at just over thirty acres, is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Built as an architectural homage to cultural diversity within the Islamic world the mosque’s eighty-two domes, one thousand columns and 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers can accommodate an impressive forty-thousand worshippers. The mosque’s exterior also includes reflective water pools and plenty of visitor parking and facilities. Unlike other mosques in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open daily to visitors, except on Friday mornings when the site is only open to worshippers.

5. Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace Interior by Thomas Huxley

Opened to the public in 2005, the Emirates Palace is one of only two seven star hotels in the world, the other being Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Built to act as a notable landmark for Abu Dhabi, the luxury hotel is located in a bespoke palmed and fountained park, attached to its very own 1.3 kilometer private beach.  Owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace employs approximately three staff members for every guest.

Emirates Palace by Luca

With no expense spared in the construction and operation of this hotel, it makes it a pricey option for visitors to Abu Dhabi. However, for those who don’t want to book a room, the hotel also welcomes visitors to its variety of restaurants and bars.

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Porsha Williams, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Photo courtesy of Bravo

The Inquistr reported that she had been dating a billionaire oil typhoon who is allegedly married. Porsha never said outright that she had been dating an African man, but RHOA cast members and fans have commented about her new expensive gifts.

Kenya Moore from the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Photo by: Alex Martinez/Bravo

Kenya Moore allegedly had something in common with Porsha, because there had been rumors that she, too had been dating an African gentleman, who might possibly be from Nigeria. Before you book a flight to Nigeria to go looking for your own Mr. Right, we’ve got to warn you that Nigeria isn’t exactly teeming with black-card-holding bachelors.

Most of the people in Nigeria, 60% reports FT.com, live in poverty so the wealth is concentrated among a select few. Forbes.com contributor Mfonobong Nsehe pointed out four billionaires in Nigeria in 2014. Their earnings range from $1.2 billion to $25 billion. Some of these wealthy Nigerians earned their wealth in the oil industry.

Lagos Island by Master XPO

Many of the wealthy people in Nigeria live in million dollar apartments in Ikoyi, Nsehe says. A 3-bedroom luxury apartment can rent for hundreds of thousands of dollars in Ikoyi. This community on Lagos Island might have the most expensive real estate in the continent of Africa, suggests Wikipedia.

Southernsun Ikoyi Hotel by Bruno Chatelin

Nigeria has been viewed as a destination with the best potential for luxury sales. The other Porsche has a presence in Nigeria and so does  LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA, reports Yahoo News. LVMH  has a portfolio of brands that include Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Givenchy, Bulgari, Tag Heuer, and Dior.

Kisses bcuz you love it

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The Giraffe Manor, Kenya

Photo courtesy of the Giraffe Manor

Giraffes absolutely might make a guest appearance during stays (for human guests) at the Giraffe Manor in Kenya. Just make sure that you keep a good eye on your meal while visiting this destination from our list of dream hotels.

Hotel Kakslauttanen, Finland

One of Our Amazing Dream Hotels, the Winter Igloo Village, photo courtesy of the Igloo Village

The Igloo Hotel, the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, actually has a few different types of accommodations on the property, but the igloo rooms are exceptionally different. Guests can see the Northern Lights if the timing’s right. If  the timing is not quite right, snuggle in the igloo and take in the snowy wonderland outside, because it’s best to stay in an igloo hotel in the winter when there’s a massive amount of snow.

 Manta Underwater Room, Pemba Island

Photo courtesy of the Manta Resort

The Manta Underwater Room gives a new meaning to the phrase, sleeping with the fish. The Underwater Room is actually partially underwater. Guests can get some sun on the upper level of the room. The sleeping area is submerged underwater, perfect for a peaceful rest and a superb view of the sea.

Argos Hotel, a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey

Photo courtesy of the Argos Hotel

If all caves looked like the Argos Hotel, most people would have no problem staying in a cave. If you look closely at the photo above, you’ll see that this cave suite has a nearby pool. The ambience in this room is soothing and romantic. Wouldn’t you want to stay in a pool?

Jukkasjarvi Ice Hotel

Jukkasjarvi Ice Hotel by Weisserstier

Sparkling ice surrounds guests who stay in the Ice Hotel. The Jukkasjarvi Hotel probably isn’t for those who can’t withstand cool weather. The suites are create with ice, afterall. This is definitely a hotel that’s a must-see.

 Jade Mountain Hotel in St. Lucia

Photo courtesy of Anse Chastanet/Jade Mountain

You might remember  the  Jade Mountain Hotel from the Bachelor reality TV show. The in-room infinity pools are simply beautiful. Actually, the hotel’s St. Lucia location is lovely. Speaking of lovely, the bathrooms at Jade Mountain also gives the hotel its dream hotel designation. Each bathroom has a deep tub, built for two and situated for bathing with a view. The showers are equipped with body sprays and rain shower heads.

Hilton Bora, Bora Nui

Hilton Bora Bora Nui (c) 2014 Hilton Hotels & Resorts

You’ve probably seen images of the popular over the water bungalows in Bora Bora, but have you ever seen a luxury over the water bungalow? Those with more discerning tastes can stay in a luxury bungalow by Hilton. The two story presidential overwater villa is two stories tall and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and dressing room. The presidential suite is over 3,000 square feet. The Hilton Bora Bora Nui also has a King Royal villa (over-the-water) a King Villa (over-the-water with glass panels in the floors to see the sea life below) and other villa configurations.

The Palms Two Story Villa, Las Vegas

Photo courtesy of the Palms Resort and Casino in Las Vegas

The Palms Hotel in Vegas has quite a few contenders for a spot on this list of dream hotels, but the view from the two-story luxury suite earned the room its place. The infinity pool appears to be a death-drop right on the strip, but it’s actually a good time and a mouth-watering view.

 Burj Al Arab, Dubai

Photo courtesy of the Burj Al Arab, luxury in Dubai

The Burj Al Arab is marketed as the most luxurious hotel in the world. Guests have access to a private airplane service, Mercedes, and a Rolls Royce. The vehicles come with a chauffeur.

 Okura Hotel in Bangkok,  Thailand

Photo courtesy of Okura Hotels

The pool and view at the Okura Hotel earned its place on our list. This five-star luxury hotel has 240 rooms with panoramic views (so you can stay in your room and gaze at the view, too). The hotel’s most luxurious rooms include the Presidential Suite, the Royal Suite, and the Imperial Suite, which is the biggest room available.

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