Extra&Intense Ltd.

Destination Morocco: Five Cities You Must Visit

2013-05-12T06:01:00.003+01:00

A country of 32 million people, Morocco is a part of the Maghreb region in addition to Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, and Libya, with which it shares cultural, historical and linguistic ties. Famous for its beaches and some of the best seaside towns, Morocco is also not short on natural beauty. You can hire a camel and trek through the Sahara; climb North Africa's highest peak in the Atlas Mountains; or stay in a traditional Kasbah in the fascinating Dades Valley. For those fragile at heart, and would not be able to stand the volatility of North African States still feeling the throes of the Arab Spring – Libya, Tunisia and Egypt; or Algeria which is still battling with Islamist rebellion, and Eritrea still suffering from a repressive rule, Morocco provides the perfect destination to feel the heat of the desert and the heart of its people.

Quite luckily, Morocco is well serviced by airlines from across Africa and Europe be it their final destinations or just making stop-overs before continuing to other destinations in or outside Africa. Thus, you have a rich list of airlines to choose from, if your preference is based on airfare, route, airline or visa requirements. Morocco is serviced by its national carrier – Royal Air Maroc and by atleast 35 other airlines including Air France, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Delta, JetairFly, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Luxair, Libyan Arab Airlines, Iberia, Tunisair and Alitalia. I profile here, five cities you must see, whenever you are in Morocco – Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira and Rabat. Luckily Morocco is small enough and has a decent local transport network, so you're able to see a variety of towns and sights in just one week. This profile includes reviews and contributions on tour/travel sites like Lonely Planet, Places Online, SkyScanner, Go Africa, LexicOrient and Trip Advisor.

CASABLANCA

Boulevard King Mohammed V

The financial capital and an internationally expanding metropolis, Casablanca owes its name to the few white houses gently growing old along its ramparts. Completely rebuilt from 1920 onwards, it is now a perfect example of successful colonial urban development. The town centre, with its combination of art deco and neo-Moorish styles, is a paean to harmony and balance. From the enormous Hassan II mosque to the Zevaco cupola, United Nations Square, Morocco’s most contemporary town integrates modernity and tradition in a way that it has made its own. Its architecture, opting for straight lines and restrained shapes, has given it a trendy cosmopolitan aura, a city where fashions, ideas and new trends are constantly emerging. Attractive and so vital for the Kingdom, Casablanca is a town that you very quickly want to address by its nickname, Casa.

Hassan II Mosque

The architectural tradition of the city endures to this day with the inauguration of the Hassan II mosque on the 30^th of August, 1993. This 200m high mosque is one of the largest in the world. The hectic Maarif district exemplifies modern Casablanca. This previously impoverished area, just west of the Arab League Park, has gradually been transformed and is now one of the most prominent neighbourhoods in town.

The young Moroccan jet set patronise its luxury shops and its trendy establishments in the shadow of the Twin Centre twin towers. You must also visit Anfa, Casablanca’s upmarket area. Boulevard Mohammed V, situated in the city centre, has kept its arcades under which shops and restaurants abound for almost 2km.

A section of the city in the horizon

In the evening, you can take the Ain-Diab coast road between the el Hank lighthouse and Sidi Bou Abderrahmane mausoleum, a small village only accessible at low tide. This coast is Casablanca’s seaside resort. It has swimming pools, public and private beaches. Coming here to admire the sun setting and to refresh oneself on a terrace is a classic outing. Every weekend, the inhabitants of Casa love to meet each other here. Later in the evening the discotheques keep things lively in this city which never sleeps.

Gambia Increases Tourism Investment

2012-08-27T18:10:00.000+01:00

The tourist industry in the country receives over 100,000 visitors a year and is the second biggest earner of foreign revenue. Visitors from the UK make up 50 percent of arrivals. Now the country is looking to increase these numbers to further boost the country’s economy, of which it is already one of the main drivers. Jobe-Nije is positive as to the impacts that increased tourism can have on the country, in spite of the fact that the sector has seen some turbulence recently.

Gambia is targeting a 5 percent increase on its tourist numbers, according to tourism minister Fatou Mas Jobe-Nije, and is upping investment to attract more visitors to the country.
“It is a real breadwinner, in terms of job creation, income generation and cultural interaction,” she said. “Gambian tourism has always been about people and their interaction with tourists within a limited geographic area, coupled with the proximity to most European destinations.”
“Tourism plays a key role in terms of the socio-economic development of the country. The vision is to diversify the scope and geographic spread of tourism to benefit our communities in terms of developing ecotourism and community-based tourism initiatives. At the same time, we want to diversify the product mix in terms of developing high quality facilities to appeal to the top end of the market and attract more high-spending tourists.”
Tourists have long been attracted to Gambia for its climate and great beaches, as well as its many species of bird and the River Gambia, which has 200 islands along it. Jobe-Nije said that the government was planning to invest in and further utilise these islands to attract more people to the country. The building of new resorts and hotels is central to this.
“The hotel industry has a two-pronged role – the development and consolidation of beach-based products into five- and four-star categories, with state-of-the-art facilities to attract high-end tourists, while at the same time developing inland tourism facilities for ecotourism,” she said. “New resort projects and eco-tourism facilities in the pipeline include: Kanuma Beach; resources and Game Park, to be located in south Gambia; Sanyang Sanctuary to be located in south Gambia and the Ndemban Community Eco-Tourism Project.”
The government hopes to attract investment in the sector to make it more appealing and worthwhile to foreign tourists, and is offering incentives to those looking to pour money inrto rejuvenating the sector.
“The opportunities for investors are immense, especially to high-end products such as golf course, marinas for river cruising, ecotourism, river transport, game parks, top-notch hotels and resort development,” she said. “Incentives for investors in tourism include: exemption from customs duties on capital equipment, spare parts, raw or semi-finished materials; exemption from withholding tax and tax on dividends for a period of five years; preferential allocation of land for the projects.”

Culled from Ventures Africa

SLIDING GURARA

2012-08-21T02:20:00.000+01:00

Little wonder, Nigeria's largest state by land mass, Niger is christened, the "Power State". It not only account for around 40% of total power production output to the national grid, but hosts two past Heads of State - Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. It is also the birthplace of Nigeria's only indigenous Governor-General, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and secessionist leader, Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who were both born in the sleepy town of Zungeru.

It is a well drained area, with countless tributaries, emptying in to the Niger river at various points, or first entering the Kaduna river, which is itself, a major tributary of the Niger. Thus, it is hard to say Niger State is not the geotourist's haven. But when the topic of tourism is associated with the state, just the magnificent Zuma rock and the Bida blacksmith district come to mind. However, the discovery of a beau, and the subsequent interest in developing it in to a tourist delight, urged me to pay a recco visit, but not without company.

Thus, in line with taking a tour of Tswata Mukun - the blacksmith district at Bida, even though we were not allowed to take pictures, I took four Chinese and one Vietnamese tourists to visit the Gurara waterfalls. Characterized by features which still make African rivers unnavigable - rapids, the waterfall is a gigantic stampede of water, slaloming over granitic rocks cut in beautiful formations to form a collection of small falls, and a colossal waterfall which plunges off a cliff, and then proceed through Gurara Local Government to empty in to river Kaduna.

We spent about 45 minutes at the site, taking pictures, and playing at the bank, where I was able to engage with the only local tour guide, who briefed me about the vision of turning the place in to a truly pro-poor tourist destination in Nigeria. While he talked, I kept dreaming, drawing up imaginary structures of how the place could be transformed, but now, I pictured myself as a holder of a 99year BOT tenure.

We got to the site around the time the sun was about to descend beyond the horizon, so, we were able to avoid the heat of the day, but we couldn't help folding up our pants, and feeling the coldness of the water with out feet. The tourists were delighted, and wanted to stay much longer, but we had not bought enough time on the day. We thus, left for the capital, Minna, where I plot my return in grand style, to Gurara Waterfalls.

CATCH THE FRENZY

2012-07-06T14:55:00.000+01:00

Liberia has been better known for conflict than tourism the past couple of decades. But in April , a group of 150 tourists, many of them Americans, arrived for a brief stay in the small nation on Africa's West Coast. When their cruise liner docked in the capital of Monrovia, they became the largest group of tourists to visit the country in many years, probably since the 1970s.

Tamasin Ford for NPR

The 150 passengers aboard the National Geographic Explorer cruise ship arrive in Monrovia, the Liberian capital, on April 16. It's reportedly the largest group of tourists to visit the country since the 1970s.

Dock workers in Monrovia usually unload cargo ships full of secondhand clothes or rice — not a cruise ship full of American tourists. That's why the visitors on the National Geographic Explorer cruise liner Monday attracted so much attention. A dance troupe performed for them, officials from the ministries waved from the docks, and Vice President Joseph Boikai joined them for dinner.

"I just came from the United States a couple of days ago, speaking to a group of people, encouraging them to invest," Boikai told the tourists. "Little did I know that I would have a captive audience right here." The cruise began in Cape Town, South Africa, in March. It was Day 26 for the tourists when they reached Liberia, and they had less than 24 hours before getting back onboard to head along the coast to Marrakech, Morocco.

Ralph Hammelbacher, director at Lindblad Expeditions, which organized the cruise in conjunction with National Geographic, says piracy and terrorism in other parts of Africa are making places like Liberia much more desirable. "In a perverse kind of way, the Somali pirates have done West African tourism a bit of a favor," Hammelbacher says. "It's strange to put it that way, but a number of ships that would otherwise be in the Indian Ocean are now on the West African coast because of piracy."

But for Liberia, a country that suffered two civil wars from 1989 to 2003, this was a special visit.
"Even after 14 years of civil war, we still have something to show, and we would like for these tourists to take advantage of this visit to Liberia, and just let the sky be the limit," said Elizabeth Hoff, Liberia's deputy tourism minister. Peace finally came to Liberia in 2003. And then Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history by becoming the first democratically elected female head of state on the continent. She began by clearing Liberia's crippling foreign debt, building new roads and strengthening the security forces. For her efforts, she was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.


Tamasin Ford for NPR A cultural troupe dances for tourists arriving on the National Geographic Explorer in Monrovia, Liberia, this week.

A cultural troupe dances for tourists arriving on the National Geographic Explorer in Monrovia, Liberia, this week. But there is still a long way to go. Less than 1 percent of the country is connected to the national electricity grid; unemployment is alarmingly high; and access to justice is a challenge.

Peggy Williams — a tour guide with Barefoot Safari, one of only two tour operators in the country — had a busy day of sightseeing planned for the visitors. Dressed in their khaki safari gear, the eager tourists explored Monrovia. Some, like 80-year-old Jerry Harrington, had even been to Liberia before — in his case, more than 40 years ago. There has been a lot of change between then and now. "There's a lot of traffic, all these burnt-out buildings," Harrington said. "You know, they went through a lot here. I guess it was a free-fire zone for several war periods, but I guess we'll see more of that as our tour continues."

Liberia still resembles a war-torn country, and the U.N. still has 8,000 peacekeepers stationed here.
But there's been significant development in recent years, and the government said the visit by the tourists signaled that the country is moving in the right direction.

By Tamasin Ford for NPR

Wet Yourself in Liberia

2012-04-27T04:56:00.004+01:00

Liberia sits on prime land, no wonder American recaptives fought wars with natives, first to claim Providence Island, then the conquest for the hinterland, which resulted to Buchanan, Harbel, Robertsport and Monrovia - the world's Wettest Capital, all being termed Congotowns. They remain the foci of civilization in Liberia till date. Although, the recent past of this former American colony - still seen by its citizens as the 51st unofficial state of the USA - is marred by a gruesome array of civil wars, Liberia has recently began on the path to development, including producing 2 of 2011's 3-joint Nobel Peace Prize winners, and having an open door policy to investors, buoyed by the rich abundance of natural resources.

Inspite of television images and news reports portraying Liberia as a country ravaged by starvation and the residual effects of a 14-year civil war, much of the roof of Liberia is fertile and well watered, with awe-inspiring scenery dominated by highlands and savannah grasslands. Liberia has tourist attractions such as shallow lagoons, islands, lakes, mangrove swamps, capes, rivers, colonial-styled wide porch homes and 350 miles white sandy beaches. Liberia’s unique history as the first black African republic and a haven for freed black American slaves in the 19th century can be great tourist attractions. In addition, palace of culture and ethnic Liberian kingdoms such as Bassa Kingdom, Belle Kingdom, Gola Kingdom, Klao (Kru) Kingdom, Grebo Kingdom, Krahn (Wee) Kingdom, Mende Kingdom, Sapo Kingdom, Kpelle Kingdom, Kissi Kingdom, Pleebo Kingdom, Gbii Kingdom, Via Kingdom, Dei Kingdom, Gio (Dan) Kingdom, Loma Kingdom, Mandingo Kingdom, and the Maih (Mano) Kingdom can be valuable tourist attractions once developed to host annual cultural history tours, rituals displays, and beauty contests, farming celebration, Women's Day just to name a few activities.

Justle for taxi on Broad Street during rush hour, savor local dishes at Evelyn's, Moulin Rouge or Mamb Point Hotel. Maybe an evening out at the Palm Springs Casino, or a honeymoon weekend at RLJ Kendeja Resort would just make it, but nothing is as good as being caught in the rains in Monrovia, the world's wettest capital.

Better still, take a weekend trip to Robertsport, and enjoy some surfing on some of the world's best left-shoulder waves, a site for the world famous movie, Sliding Liberia. Be it at Fisherman's Point, Inner Cotton Trees, Outer Cotton Tress or Cassava Beach/Shipwreck, enjoy the waves, or hike through one of the numerous forest trails from the beach to the hinterland, with guides who would wow you with the distinct Creole accent of Liberians.

A culinary experience is most definitely going to be one of the experiences you never forget, when served with an array of soups and gravys. Dance the weekend away, at any of the numerous night clubs which remain thronged even on weekdays in Monrovia.
Tiny roadside restaurants are called "Cook Shops" and feature Jollof Rice along with an assortment of stews. As in much of Africa, cooking is done outdoors on the ubiquitous three-stone hearth. Many of these, such as Roseline's, a favorite of Liberian government officials, offer excellent fare. You'll find dishes like cabbage cooked with bacon and pigs' feet, sweet-potato leaves with fish, palm nuts with shrimp in fish or chicken stock, and dried Norwegian fish. Check Rice, a delightful combination of rice and platto leaves or okra, is a popular dish. Goat Soup is the national soup and is served at every important state function.

Liberians love sweet desserts and American pastries such as sweet-potato pie, coconut pie, and pumpkin pie. Peanuts are used in cookies and desserts of all kinds. Liberian rice bread made with mashed bananas is a great delicacy. Ginger beer and palm wine are the preferred beverages. Liberian coffee is excellent.

Liberia boasts of a number of holidays, including Independence Day - July 26th, Flag Day - August 24th and William Tubman's Birthday - November 29th which the citizenry look forward to with vigor, considering the manner in which they throng to the beaches in wild celebration. Today, private beaches are springing up along the coast on the way to the Robertsfield International Airport. Famous beaches include Thinker's Village, Barne's and Mamba Point.

Packaged trips are available on request, tailored based on your preferences, including the long trip to Sapo National Park, known to be home to some of the world's unspoilt rain forests.

Experience the Gambia: Honeymoon in Banjul

2012-04-23T15:27:00.000+01:00

The Gambian coast, also known as the 'Smiling Coast', with its golden and white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters; is an environment full of exceptional and spectacular wildlife, with palm trees typical of the area which would ensure you'll never be short of a lounger, or somewhere to lay your beach towel.

The Gambia has unique qualities over many other destinations. It is only six hours away from major European destinations, there is no jet lag, and it is a popular and affordable winter destination attracting Tourists in search of sun, sand, and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty

Simply put, the Gambia is an adventurous experience and the tropical sunshine and uncrowded coastline make it a wonderful destination for a holiday. Visit the Gambia and enjoy fun, leisure time, breath taking food, adventurous spots and memorable activities specifically designed to make your holiday an exciting, affordable and thrilling experience.

Wow your spouse with a lifetime 5 nights experience during your honeymoon at 5 Star, Sheraton Hotel. The package includes:

Day 1 - Arrival

Pick up from airport and transfer to Sheraton hotel

Airport Assistance

Transfer from Airport to Hotel rooms

Welcome drink upon arrival

Optional lunch at the hotel

Rest all through afternoon/evening or a tour around the hotel ground and an evening swim in the hotel's pool

Day 2 - Leisure

Breakfast at Hotel

Optional lunch at the hotel

Rest all through afternoon/evening or a tour around the hotel ground and an evening swim in the hotel's pool

Optional Dinner at Hotel

Day 3 - Discovery Tour / Shopping

Breakfast at Hotel before departure for a sight-seeing that takes you in and out of the greater Banjul area

A visit to the sacred crocodile pool (Katchikally). This has been in existence and owned by the Bojang family (first settlers in Bakau) for over 500 years. There are 70 crocodiles found in this pool

Visit to Bakau Craft Market. Examine and shop for wood carvings, Gambian bangles, beads and textiles

Visit to National Museum and Albert Market

Pick up after dinner and transfer to Duplex Nightclub for a taste of Gambian nightlife. (optional)

Day 4 - More Tours & Shopping

Breakfast at hotel

Visit to Makasutu River lodge (floating house). This is a park with wild animals like gorilla, chimpanzee, and wild boar etc, not caged

Visit to the Hotel spa for a full-body massage or other treatments

Dinner at Hotel

Pick up after dinner and transfer to Kora or Old Skool Nightclub for a taste of Gambian nightlife. (optional)

Day 5 - Tour of The Root and Albreda

Breakfast at Hotel
Welcome drink and sandwiches, Sangria or fruit juice
Visit to the base of the family line of Kinta Kunte
Boat Cruise to Juffureh
Tour of James Island
Visit to museum at Albred
Buffet Lunch on board the yacht, Afternoon tea, coffee, biscuits

Day 6 - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel
Return to Banjul Airport to travel back to Lagos

Terms and Conditions

All necessary documents must be forwarded at least 14 days before expected date of departure for purpose of itinerary
Package Cost is Non Refundable, hence couples are advise to choose dates with care
Payment for desired package or other inclusions are expected to be made at least 10 days before expected date of departure
Scanned Passport data page of guests is Mandatory for bookings to be processed. The only legal proof of identification accepted is the passport

Note:

The package can be amended based on client's request and return flight fare is not guaranteed until booking is made and paid for based on availability
This package is available all year round for honeymooners

Make your reservations, inquiries and bookings: Here

2012-04-23T10:04:00.000+01:00

Mauritius will enchant you; uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday.

The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. May your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever.

This exciting Creole nation of mixed ancestry and heritage is one of the world’s top luxury tourism destinations. It possesses a wide range of natural and man-made attractions, enjoys a sub-tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, attractive beaches, tropical fauna and flora complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population that is friendly and welcoming.

These tourism assets are its main strength, especially since they are backed up by well-designed and run hotels, and reliable and operational services and infrastructures. Mauritius received the World Leading island Destination award for the third time and World’s Best Beach at the World Travel Awards in January 2012. Mauritius has also one of the highest rates of returning tourism visitors in the world.

Extra and Intense Ltd offers awesome packaged 4-6 nights trips to Mauritius, with variations to suite your choice, budget and style.

The package includes airport - hotel - airport Transfers in an air-conditioned coach; full day Ile Aux Cerf island tour in an air-conditioned coach with speed boat transfer from the jetty; full day South tour including visits to Trou Aux Cerf, Curepipe, Chamarel & Grand Bassin in an air-conditioned coach; full day North tour including visit to Port Louis, Caudan Waterfront in an air-conditioned coach; and airline bookings (optional).

Our hotel offers (based on twin share) are mind-blowing considering the experience you will get, and the stories that would remain in your hearts, lingering for years unending...

Jalsa Resort (3 Star): 4 nights/5days ($366); 5nights/6days ($420); 6nights/7days ($460)
Move n Pick (4 Star): 4 nights/5days ($448); 5nights/6days ($499); 6nights/7days ($515)
Le Meridien (4 Star): 4 nights/5days ($544); 5nights/6days ($630); 6nights/7days ($775)
Intercontinental Resort (5 Star): 4 nights/5days ($600); 5nights/6days ($664); 6nights/7days ($799)
Grand Mauritian Resort (5 Star): 4 nights/5days ($696); 5nights/6days ($794); 6nights/7days ($860)

The package does not include anything not mentioned.

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