Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located some 265km from Mombasa, is the perfect example of a tropical archipelago.

As you fly into the enchanting island, like most visitors to Lamu do, the view below is breathtaking. The rich blue waters and the exotic atmosphere of this tropical island seem to beckon the aircraft soaring a few metres above.

And after a few minutes of panoramic views of Lamu and its environs, the aircraft lands on the airstrip of Manda island – situated a stone-throw away from Lamu.

On alighting from the plane, visitors are led to a waiting dhow that ferries them across the channel from Manda to the antique town of Lamu.

As visitors climb from the dhow onto the docks, the heat from the tropical sun usually hits them, but this ceases to be the case as soon as they step into the streets of Lamu where the air is cool and rich with the tempting aromas of spice and perfume from the markets.

Lamu has a rich history and a fascinating culture that is celebrated every November during the Annual Lamu Cultural Festival. The three day event organised by Lamu Cultural Promotion Centre showcases traditional dances, displays of handicraft and competitions on water and land (Swahili poetry, donkey races, dhow races), and music and theatre performances from both local and visiting artists sharing a united heritage.

Lamu was established in the 14th Century as a Swahili trading outpost and settlement. The town evolved over the centuries to became one of the great centres of Swahili culture. The island is also one of the most popular Kenya holidays and honeymoon destinations. Read the rest of this entry »

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Christened the land of a thousand hills, Rwanda is a country of stunning beauty.

Enclosed by Tanzania to the east, Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, Rwanda boasts an incredibly wide array of flora and fauna that includes rare species of animals such as  silverback mountain Gorillas.

The 26,338 square kilometre country comprises of two dominant tribes; Hutu and Tutsi.  The Hutu are the majority people consisting of around 83 per cent of the population and are mostly peasant farmers of southern Bantu stock. The Tutsi are around 16 per cent of the population and are the descendants of the herds people from the Horn of Africa.

More than 80 per cent of Rwandese are christian with the rest being Muslim. Their rich cultural heritage can be seen in their huge array of fine crafts that comprises - among other things - pottery, jewelry, painting, basketry, metalwork and wood carving.

In 1994, an estimated 500000 Tutsi and thousands of Hutu were killed in the infamous Rwanda Genocide – one of the darkest moments in the history of Africa. The country has however gotten over the unfortunate occurrence and is now one of the fastest growing economies in the region. Read the rest of this entry »

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Sharm el Sheikh, also referred to as the ‘City of Peace’, is one of the most popular Egypt travel destinations.

Spanning more than 70 km of open sea between the tip of Ras Muhammad and the Egyptian mainland at Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh is renown for its idyllic beaches and diving sites .

Having been established in the 20th century as a small fishing village, Sharm el Sheik has grown over the years into a robust tourist centre with five-star hotels, water sports, shopping and entertainment.

The region also boasts an extraordinary collection of marine life that includes sea turtles, dolphins and sharks.

Sharm el Sheikh is deemed one of the finest diving spots in the world; attracting millions of  travellers, mainly from Europe, North America and Middle East. Lack of intensive fishing on site coupled with big tidal movements, fascinating reefs and extraordinary marine life make Sharm El Sheikh one of Egypt’s best dive sites.

Besides the incredibly wide array of colourful reef species, there are dolphins, sea turtles and sharks. The reefs are not only appealing but they also offer the best opportunity to swim with the sharks in the northern Red Sea.

Egypt travel aficionados have a variety of exciting Sharm el Sheikh tours to choose from; all of which can easily be organised from the city. They include, among many others, interesting tours to Ras Mohammed National Park, Abu Galam Protected Area and Mount Moses.  Read the rest of this entry »

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Mauritius is a small Island in the Indian Ocean. Its distance from Europe and America often discourages first time tourists.

But really, there is nothing to fear. The trip to Mauritius will be facilitated by five star airlines; you can even opt to relax on a cruise and while your time away to Mauritius. Once there, there will be no opportunity to feel tired, there simply are too many delightful things to see and do.

Getting into Mauritius is relatively easy, but there are a few formalities that you should get out of the way first. Before you even apply for the visa, you need to have proof of your return ticket or an onward destination ticket. You can easily get a copy of this from your travel agent. Your passport also has to be valid for at least six months after your return date—some airlines will refuse to let you board if your passport in not valid.

You will also need proof of accommodation and documentation certifying your ability to support yourself while in Mauritius. Therefore, it is necessary to plan and fine tune your trip relatively early, especially as visas will take at least a month.

Now there are some lucky people out there who are exempt from all this red tape. Citizen of the U.S., the U.K., and South Africa, among others, do not need a visa to get into Mauritius. They only need a valid passport.

To find out the particulars for your country, check with the nearest Mauritian consulate or access their website. Citizens of the Republic of India and China do not need a visa for a maximum stay of fifteen days in Mauritius. It is important to note that whether you need a visa or not, you will be required to have all the other documents in order: valid passport, return/onward destination ticket and adequate funds.

Soaring high over the waters of the Indian Ocean is the red tailed tropicbird. This creature of grace is adorned with a white pink-tinted plumage, a magnificently red tail and beak. The Paille en Queue, as the bird is known, can often be distinguished from other bird species by its smooth and swift flight. The Paille en Queue is the symbol of Air Mauritius. Read the rest of this entry »

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The province of KwaZulu-Natal is one that captures the romantic fancies of anyone who knows of the history of South Africa.

Shaka was the Zulu king who still embodies the epitome of an African warrior and leader. The region was named Natal by Vasco da Gama when he landed there on the Christmas of 1497.

In preparation for 2010 South Africa has created a stadium that will remain the crown jewel of Durban’s architecture. Named after Moses Mabhida, one of South Africa’s most iconic struggle leaders, Moses Mabhida Stadium (pictured) was inspired by the South African flag. Its 106 meter high arch symbolizes the unity of a nation once divided. It has the capacity to sit 85,000 people and is surrounded by a complex of other sports centers.

The Kings Sports Precinct, in which Mabhida is located, is not only for the sports fanatics, it’s also popular with shopping addicts and connoisseurs of exotic cuisine. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re there to watch a match or simply to relax with your friends. The climate makes the region excellent for outdoors activities, so you might indulge in a game of cricket.

Durban has approximately 320 sunny days almost every year, and some locals will joke that the city knows only two climates: hot and sunny. Needless to say, Durban draws a lot of tourist traffic. Being in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons flip with those of such regions as North America and most of Europe.

The summer months fall between December and February, and the numerous Durban hotels will ensure your comfort throughout the stay. So instead of cozying up to some old blanket and fantasizing about the warmth of the sun, you could take a South  African flight and enjoy and a winter getaway in Durban. Read the rest of this entry »

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The wildebeest migration season has begun to unfold, and tourists are already rushing to the Masai Mara to watch the wonderful spectacle.

According to officials at the Mara Conservancy, the first crossing of wildebeests across the Mara River was recorded last week - signalling the onset of the Great Wildebeest Migration that is categorised as one of several Wonders of the World.

The Great Wildebeest Migration is an annual mass movement of over 2 million ungulates (hoofed animals) from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya in search of pasture and water, and then back to Serengeti by the promise of rains.

The Maasai Mara Game Reserve is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destination, covering 1,510 sq km. Masai Mara is located along the Great Rift Valley, approximately 300 km southwest of Nairobi. “Mara” in the language of the Maasai people, who are native to the region, means mottled- an allusion to the patchy landscape. Rolling hills, open savannah grass plains and woodlands define the area.

The Maasai are a pastoral tribes-people who live in southern Kenya and north-central Tanzania, along the Great Rift Valley plains. They are a fearless, proud, and freedom loving people, who live in the open wild, sharing their habitat with wildlife. The tall, dark and slender Maasai have for long remained contemptuous of modern lifestyles. They have always infatuated romantic westerners, since the appearance of explorer Joseph Thomson’s book “Through Maasailand” in 1885.

The Maasai are not hunters, an aspect that greatly contributes to their harmonious co-existence with wildlife. The only conflict arises when wild game attacks their beloved livestock.

Wildlife in the Mara is plentiful and the big five – elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino- are easy to spot. The predator population here is abundant and witnessing a lion or cheetah on the hunt is not just an idle dream. The reserve is not only a leading Kenya safaris destination but it is also an excellent birding destination, being host to over 450 species of birdlife, including the vulture, marabou stork, secretary bird, hornbill, crowned crane, ostrich, long-crested eagle, and pygmy falcon. Read the rest of this entry »

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Namibia is the world’s 34th largest country falling just short of Venezuela. With only 2.5 inhabitants per square kilometer, it is the least densely populated country after Mongolia.

There are generally five geographical areas in Namibia, each with characteristic abiotic conditions and vegetation: the Central Plateau, the Escarpment, the Bushveld, and the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. In the modern age of environmental degradation Namibia presents as one of the most ecologically important areas in the world and it’s unique physical landscape supports huge numbers of birds and animals and the extreme temperatures from drought to the flood season displays a tantalizing metamorphoses all year round.

Namibia’s high season consists mainly the months of April though to September as this time is mild during the day and cold in the nighttime with almost no rainfall. The summer months can be unbearably hot during the day and most of Namibia’s rainfall occurs at this time. It should be noted that summertime rates are significantly cheaper than those of the high season.

Along the coast, the Benguela Current has a modifying influence and fundamentally determines the climate of the Namib Desert. It reduces rainfall and causes a persistent fog to settle over the coast. It dictates variety over the desert clime.

Air travel is the most logical option when considering to go on a Namibia safari, though cross border drives from South Africa on the south eastern border are characteristically successful. Air Namibia, British Airways, SA Airlink and South African Airways have daily flights into Windhoek or Walvis Bay: while Air Zimbabwe, Air Botswana, and Lufthansa also fly into Windhoek on occasion. Local charter companies and Air Namibia handle frequent internal flights.

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Mauritius is a country with a unique cuisine. It is influenced by the myriad cultures of the people.

It is a country where you might find dholl puri, peking duck, and a classic French consommé on the same menu. Needless to say, the restaurants of this country are an endless adventure.

You can taste a little bit of every corner of the world, and you can enjoy dishes you will find nowhere else.

Because of the unique mingling of cultures, the dishes of Mauritius have also begun to change. Here you can buy a pizza topped with Italian Parmesan and tandoori sauce or a Creole fish dish flavored with Chinese duck sauce. Mauritius has something for people of all tastes.

Grand Baie, in Northern Mauritius is the go to place for a leisurely day and fun filled night. With its proliferation of shops, you will find anything you need; from an adapter for your electronics to a trendy traditional bracelet.  Grand Baie also happens to be home to some of the best Mauritius hotels and nightclubs. There is a selection of Italian, Chinese and Local Cuisine restaurants, most of them lining both sides of the famous Route Royal. Read the rest of this entry »

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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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