Hollywood saw an incredible storyline from the country which was once referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and produced the Oscar winning “Last king of Scotland.”

Uganda has gradually slithered out of the astonishingly dark past characterized by the cannibalistic and oppressive President Idi Amin, several coup d’état’s and the racist expulsion of all Ugandan Indians in the 70’s just to mention a few.

A more benevolent regime under the leadership of Yoweri Museveni is metaphorically speaking a story of the phoenix from the ashes with major socio-economic gains. Part of the success story owes its gratitude to the tourism industry made blissful by the numerous attractions and the fact that Uganda tours are some of the most fascinating adventures in the East African region.

At 4, 800metres, on the border with Congo, The Ruwenzori, or Mountains of the Moon rise to expose their grandeur and that of the inhabitant mountain gorillas at its foothills. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in South western Uganda is one of the last refuges of the rare species. Half of the population of the endangered giants resides here and your trip will involve parting with at least $50, 000 for a maximum of 60 minutes with our close relatives. Never mind though, as long as you get to see the gorillas, every second and dime will be worth it. Read the rest of this entry »

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Crossroads for the east and the west, home to the extinct dodo and the hypnotic music style of Sega, Mauritius is the ideal island destination.

Located in the Indian Ocean about 900 km from Madagascar, this small nation is composed of the two islands: Mauritius and Rodrigues.

Over the last five centuries, Mauritius has been occupied by various peoples from all over the globe. Arabs trading along the Indian Ocean were probably the earliest settlers. Then, in the sixteenth century the Portuguese came to Mauritius. They weren’t particularly interested in the island and it would be the Dutch who would give Mauritius its name. Named after Prince Maurice of Orange, Mauritius would, in subsequent years, fall into the hands of the British and the French.

This rocky history provides for the diversity of Mauritius. Its African population came in as slaves to work the sugar plantations. The Hindus are the descendants of Indian indentured servants. A significant Chinese population calls Mauritius its home. These people, in turn, intermingled to create the various creoles in Mauritius. Mauritius is a multilingual society with English, French and Hindi been spoken widely across the country. The beauty of the Mauritian culture can perhaps only be rivaled by the beauty of the island itself.

Western Mauritius is known for its long, relatively unspoiled beaches that offer unforgettable Mauritius holiday opportunities. Lying on the edge of a jungle and grazing the beginnings of the ocean, the Casela Nature and Pleasure Park takes utmost advantage of its surroundings. In a park filled by the rarest of fauna, the guest can either opt to go for a walk with lions, sit down to pet cheaters, tickle giant tortoises or simply go quad biking. Read the rest of this entry »

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Although not as famous as some of its African neighbours, Namibia is a haven for those searching for the best of African wildlife and wilderness.

The arid country offers contrasting landscapes that range from thorn bush savanna and rugged mountains to open plains of the renown Etosha Pan.

Some of the main highlights of Namibia include Windhoek, Kalahari Desert, Caprivi, Damaraland, Diamond Coast, Fish River Canyon, Etosha National Park, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, Namib region and Waterberg National Park.

Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, is an attractive city surrounded by hills and the impressive Auas and Eros Mountains. Highlights include three German-style castles, dating back to the early 1900’s, which add a touch of romance to the city and the Daan Viljoen Game Park, set in the rolling hills of the Khomas Hochland. Assorted species of antelope, zebra, baboons and ostriches can be seen here. Bird life is abundant with about 200 species.

The Kalahari is an area well worth visiting to experience the magnificent red dunes and meet up with its traditional inhabitants, the San Bushmen. Consisting a large variety of game, bird, tree and grasses; the Kalahari red-dune ecosystem, represents the traditional Bushman hunting area. Bushman trackers often take Namibia tours enthusiasts on foot trails into the veld to show them their means and ways of endurance. Read the rest of this entry »

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Egypt hotels are divided into four main categories: European standard  hotels, tourist class hotels, medium range hotels and cheap hotels.

European standard hotels are hotels that generally fulfill a good European hotel standard. They are very few and are confined to the capital city, Addis Ababa. They include the Sheraton and the Hilton.

Tourist class hotels in Ethiopia are mainly government owned and are often used by tour companies. They offer comfortable rooms, hot shower, satellite TV, and restaurants that serve western food. These chains of hotels include; The Ghion chain of hotels, which dominates almost all of the northern routs and The Ras chain of hotels which controls the south eastern part of Ethiopia.

Medium range hotels are for those whose main concern is to keep accommodation costs low while at the same time having a comfortable and clean surrounding. They mostly have hot showers and TV. Most of them have good restaurants and waiters that can communicate in English. Cheap hotels cater to people who are on a very restricted budget. They have a clean bed and cold showers.  We have compiled a short review of some of the best Addis Ababa hotels to help you plan your Ethiopia tour.

Located at the heart of the city, half a mile from the cathedral and about five miles from Bole International Airport is the Hilton Addis Ababa. The five star hotel that is ideal for business and exploring Ethiopia many historic sites. This lush and exotic hotel is situated right in the city centre surrounded by 15 acres of well and artfully landscaped garden.

Hilton Addis Ababa is so near many other places of interest like; half a mile from it is the Post Office Museum and Ethnological and Archaeological Museum, about a mile away is the Ethiopia National Museum, about to miles south is the Martyrs’ Monument and the African Union Headquarters. Three miles is East is the Merkato, Africa’s biggest open air market. Read the rest of this entry »

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In an exclusive BBC interview on Friday of June 26, 2009, former Tanzania President Ali Hassan Mwinyi recalled Jackson’s visit to Tanzania in 1992 and described his sudden death as a huge loss to the music fraternity world wide.

Mwinyi remembered having a candid chat with the pop icon who had paid him a courtesy call during the 1992 tour, adding that his demise is great loss to the global music fraternity.

Jackson was pronounced dead last Thursday by the Los Angeles coroners’ office with reports suggesting he died from a cardiac arrest. He died at the age of 50 and leaves behind three children. RIP, Michael Jackson.

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I found this map quite informative for any one planning to tour the best of Tanzania attractions. Please do not hesitate to send me reviews of some of your interesting Tanzania tours experiences.

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Travelling to Kenya is one of the best ways to discover the beauty that is the East African region. The country not only gives you numerous chances to watch natural attractions and wildlife but it also offers you some of the best accommodation.

There are several hotel chains that can provide accommodation all over Kenya. One of these is the Serena Group of Hotels. The flagship, Nairobi Serena Hotel, is ideally located within the city yet is delightfully isolated from the confusion of city life.
The Sarova Stanley is the Nairobi branch of the Sarova Hotels in Kenya. It boasts good service, a good central location and an excellent Thai restaurant. For those guests who might prefer more calm, the Sarova Panafric might be a better choice. It is close enough to the city center to still do business, yet tranquil enough to let you escape from the hustles and bustles of the city. Sarova has other branches within the country.

The Hilton tower in the Nairobi City Center often acts as direction marker for most residents. But this hotel also provides good accommodations to guests coming to Nairobi. Its location is excellent for anybody planning to do business within the city or to experience proper city life. It is within viable distance of the Kenya National Archives and the Nairobi Museums as well as the Nairobi Snake Park.

After sampling the best of city life at any of the best Nairobi hotels, you might want to head down to the coast for a stay at the Serena Beach Hotel & Spa.  Here you can take walks on the beach or go deep sea fishing. You can also take a glass bottomed boat to see the vivid coral gardens. Read the rest of this entry »

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Life in the Seychelles is shaped by tourism. As such, there is always stuff to do at any given time as long as you have the animation and energy simmering up inside you.

Be it a seaside sip from a chilled out cocktail, a casual walk into the only cinemas in the island, or the need to expend some energy on the dance floor at dark, you are bound to call it a day (or night for that matter) with a smile on your face.

Victoria, the capital city of the island, portrays the real picture of life in Seychelles. Forget the stashed away five star hotels where the height of activity and buzz involves ocean waves crashing onto the establishments walls every few moments. The city is a cultural melting pot of mainly French and British colonial influence, with dashes of Chinese, Indian and African thrown in.

Together with the variation in colours of the inhabitants, the Victoria market keeps the mornings in the city alive and happening. Upstairs, the brightly painted boutique units mainly aimed at tourists, sell clothes, jewellery and mementos. Most of the souvenirs are plastic tat made in China with a Seychelles sticker attached, but not to worry, there are a few locally crafted items to be found. The best being the coconut derived products, hand-dyed pareos and silk paintings. Read the rest of this entry »

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Egypt’s mystical and timeless appeal has for centuries seen the ancient country being ranked among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Egypt is reached by air, water as well as road and rail. Travellers by air can come in through Cairo International Airport, Alexandria, Nozah, Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, Hurghaba in the Red Sea area, and Sharm El-Sheikh in South Sinai.

There are several airliners that offer Egypt flights including British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines, and Thai Airways International.

In addition to airports there are a number of marine harbors for those that prefer to travel by sea. For those travelling on the Mediterranean Sea, the ports of Alexandria, Port Said, and Damietta are all possible entry points. There is also a port right at the Gulf of Suez and another, the port of Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba. The Red Sea offers three options for travellers; the ports of Hurghaba, Safaga, and Sharm El-Sheikh.

For those who prefer road trips, there are three overland entry posts. The Salloum entry post is located on the northwestern border (for those coming in from Lybia). The famous Rafah crossing is on the northeastern border for those coming in from the Gaza strip, the Occupied Territories, and Israel. On the eastern border there is a post at Taba for those coming in from Israel. Read the rest of this entry »

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Although a majority of visitors coming into South Africa do so by air, the country is reachable by land and sea as well. Getting to South Africa overland requires you to go through the country’s neighbours; Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

There are three main international airports in South Africa; O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Durban International Airport. The main airlines offering South Africa flights include South African Airways, British Airways, Lufthansa and Swiss Air. It would help to get a travel agency which will help you plan your trip as well as get good deals on flight or cruise fares, as well as accommodation expenses.

There is an array of reputable travel agencies on-line all of them offering different types of deals. Find one that best suits your idea of a fantastic vacation and negotiate. However, it is important not just to go for the cheapest rates but for the agency with a solid reputation and good efforts.

A visa is needed to gain entry into South Africa. Visitor’s or tourist visas are sufficient for if you do not intend to stay in South Africa for more than 90 days. However, if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for a “temporary residence permit” instead of a visitor’s visa. These can be issued at South Africa’s points of entry. They regulate the duration of your stay depending on the purposes you stated on your application. If you are already in South Africa and holding a visa, but need to prolong your stay longer than 90 days, you can apply for a temporary residence permit at the Department of Home affairs in South Africa. Read the rest of this entry »

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The accommodation options in the Seychelles are as numerous and varied. There is currently a rise in the sprouting of new and refurbished hotels adding to the existing 5-star luxury hotels.

Sixteen of the 115 islands offer accommodation and expectations point toward more of the islands playing host to fresh accommodation options. With a hospitality and service culture edging in the peripheries of Worlds-best, you will want to live on the Islands forever.

Starting with Mahe Island, let’s take a look at Banyan Tree Seychelles. Being one of the most luxurious of them all, it also boats of being a member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World. The Villa offers a spectacular view over the sparkling Indian Ocean from a spacious and also a small private swimming pool. After a long day excursion, the Spa will ensure a soothing time with ancient traditional Asian treatments. Water activities available on request include kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling and windsurfing. The Diving Centre is 20 minutes drive away and sailing can also be arranged. If you’re the indoor type, they have Tennis, Volleyball and gym options for you. Together with a beauty salon and a shop for artifacts it will be a heaven for the lady traveler. Cost: starting from US$ 1324 for 7 nights bb.

Some say that Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove is arguably the best known hotel in the Seychelles. With 70 rooms, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and located o the beautiful Beau Vallon beach, it’s perfectly placed. The hotel is highly regarded by diving and snorkeling enthusiasts due to its convenient placement at the beachside. Water activities available include swimming, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, diving, deep sea fishing, hobie cat and water skiing. Also has a fitness spa, gift shop. Baby sitting is available and they also have a children’s menu. Cost: From £1,685 for 7 nights BB. This includes flights, 7 nights’ accommodation, and transfers by private car.

How about some romance in one of the leading hotels in Seychelles? The Sunset Beach Hotel will serve you a great deal of that special feeling with some of the best sunset vistas on earth reflecting on the Indian Ocean. It’s located a few minutes from the capital, Victoria, 15 minutes from Seychelles and within easy reach of Mahe’s main attractions. All rooms are well equipped with air conditioning, fans, en-suite bathroom, terrace, and other necessary amenities. Living to its reputation as the honeymooners hub, it offers newly-wed couples: a romantic candle light dinner, flower arrangement, bottle of sparkling wine and a 20% discount for the bride on BB basis. Cost: standard double at $419 -510. Read the rest of this entry »

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Located in the northern part of Africa, Egypt has a mystical and timeless appeal that has attracted travellers for centuries.

Ancient civilizations have left their impression on the landscape, creating what today ranks among the most spectacular sightseeing destinations in the world.

Cairo (al-Q?hirah meaning the Triumphant City) is a top travel destination in Ancient Egypt offering numerous attractions. Cairo is the administrative capital of Egypt and home of the Great Pyramids of Giza. In addition to the pyramids, there are ancient temples, tombs, Christian churches, magnificent Muslim monuments, and the Egyptian Antiquities Museum - all either within or nearby Cairo.

Alexandria the largest port and second largest city in Egypt is also an interesting travel destination. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria is home to beautiful beaches, Mediterranean Sea breezes and a wealth of history and culture. Pieces of history that tell of Alexandria’s rich and glorious past like the Roman amphitheatre and Catacombs as well as Pompey’s Pillar and the Museum of Graeco- Roman Antiquities  can all be found here.

The modern day Alexandria is a popular summer resort with beautiful hotels and gardens such as the Montazah Palace gardens. The locals come here to escape the hustle and bustle of Cairo during the winter. On sight is the fortress of Quait Bay, which was built on the site of one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Lighthouse of Pharos.

Visitors on Egypt holidays find tours to the city of Luxor quite rewarding. Located south of Egypt, Luxor (City of Palaces) and its surrounding area contain more than three quarters of Egypt’s ancient treasures including Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Karnak temples. The hospitality of the residents of Alexandria and the area’s historical grandeur are guaranteed to capture your heart and mind right away. Read the rest of this entry »

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