SAFARI WAGON

The Roaming Generals of the African Savanna

2009-04-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

by N. G. Maroa

Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros are commonly referred to as the ‘Big Five.’ The term originated among the hunters of a bygone era to describe not the largest of the animals that they hunted, but the most dangerous. Every one of these animals has a reputation for pursuing its attacker with intent to kill. Perhaps the most persistent is the buffalo, which ceaselessly pursues his aggressor, making hunting a life-or-death experience for the hunted and the hunter!

All of these mammals are to be found in the African Savannah grassland, making this continent the most popular safari style holiday destinations.

Most countries in the continent have realized the importance of this natural heritage and now protect designated reserves for the animal kingdom. Kenya has embraced this rich wildlife heritage and welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to experience close encounters with the magnificent beasts. Most of the reserves are well served by game lodges that offer the most luxurious accommodation and facilities available for ‘bush’ holidays in the world.

The Tsavo Game Reserve, for example, is arguably one of the richest in terms of animal habitation in the continent. The reserve is spacious where the wildlife roams freely. Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and leopards are very common. In fact all of the Big Five can be viewed at Tsavo.

Other well-known and excellent reserves around the country where one can view the Big Five in Kenya include the world-renowned Maasai Mara, Samburu, Mt Kenya and Nairobi Game Park.

Nairobi Game Park is particularly interesting due to its proximity to the city centre. Very few cities in the world can boast of a natural game park that's within the city boundaries. It’s incredible how one is able to take a game drive and spot the Big Five just at a stone throw from the city centre. Get me right; this is not a zoo; it’s a natural habitat where all manner of wild animals roam free! Within the middle of Nairobi's urban sprawl we also have an indigenous ancient forest that covers over 600 hectares. The Ngong Forest Sanctuary is home to over 400 species of birds and other animals.

In this Game Park in the City, you are certain to see giraffe, leopard, lion and other animals at close range especially at the animal orphanage situated at the gate to the park.

Those who can travel as far as the Laikipia – a pleasant day’s drive along the beautiful Aberdares Range – can also view the Big Five and other species of game at the excellent Samburu and Laikipia Game Reserves – both well-worth the visit for game lovers.

A safari holiday to Kenya is often considered incomplete without sightings of the Big Five. Game hunting is however prohibited in the country but these days most people are content to take home photographs of the living animals rather than skins and hunting trophies.

About The Author
N. G. Maroa writes exclusively for Safari Wagon

Chips My Eye – Food in Tanzania What to Expect

2008-08-08T00:50:00.000-07:00

by: Ian Williamson

When on safari in Tanzania, or climbing Kilimanjaro or simply relaxing on the tropical coast or Zanzibar Island what is the local food like? Bellow are a few of the local dishes you may find.

Chips-my-eye [Chips ] is a traditional dish here in Tanzania. It is egg and chips – but not your north of England two fried eggs and a side order of chips – no – it is a chip omelet. Chips are placed into a shallow frying pan and then as they sizzle away two beaten eggs are pored over the top, this is then cooked into a solid omelet stuffed with chips and very nice it is too. It is not so healthy but give it a try when you visit Tanzania it is nicer than it sounds.

Katchubari: a traditional salad sliced tomato and onion [sometimes cabbage or cucumber may be added] with lime juice and a little crushed bell pepper to give it a kick. The bell peppers are called pilipili mbuzi in Swahili, which is a translated goat pepper.

Japati: or elsewhere roti. These are eaten with coffee or tea for breakfast and sometimes they accompany main meals. Tanzanian cooking can unadventurous and not very appealing to a westerner but luckily, over the last few centuries the Indian influence [especially on the Swahili coast] has introduced some wonderful dishes. There is a place on the north coast of Dar es Salaam that makes a wonderful Japati stuffed with fresh tuna and a little green pepper and spiced with local garlic and fresh ginger.

Chai tangaweizi: This is a milky tea spiced with ginger; the milk, ginger and local tea leaves being boiled together in one pan. Give it a try it is very good and is best sweetened. There are many variations of spiced tea, as spices are readily available and not expensive thanks to Zanzibar and Pemba Islands. Black tea is great in the hot afternoons when spiced with local spices or lemon grass.

Samaki wakupaka: One of many dishes using coconut milk. This is fish coated in coconut milk – this is a coastal or Zanzibarian dish. Also Kuku wakupaka which is chicken coated in coconut sauce

Marahagwe: dried beans boiled in a tomato sauce. Tastes very nice when coconut milk is added during cooking. Many dishes add coconut milk or peanut flour to make the food taste richer.

Matoki: or green cooking bananas or plantain. There are many varieties of bananas; in fact north of Arusha town there is a cultural walk, which winds through several banana plantations with over thirty varieties of banana! The Matoki variety comes from Uganda and is often served mashed. It is softer and more yellow than most variants. In my opinion also the best.

Ugali: this has many names throughout Africa and here in East Africa it is Ugali. This is maze flour cooked with water into a stiff porridge – a little thicker than mashed potatoes. This is staple diet for many Tanzanian’s. It is eaten with your right hand and squashed into a ball and then eaten with food [Especially nice with Mchicha – see bellow] with foods cooked in a sauce once you have your ball of Ugali the thumb is pushed into the center of the ball to form a spoon with which you can scoop up your food.

Mchicha: this is a local spinach there are many many verities of spinach available in Tanzania. Some of them require a little longer to cook that the western varieties but they all have an excellent taste from the very bitter to sweet. Mchicha is one of the most popular spinaches and has small oval leaves and thin stems very good with Ugali.

Most hotels are now serving a selection of traditional dishes. However, if you find yourself on the coast or in Zanzibar – speak to the local people and see where they eat. Even in the towns, there are excellent restaurants that serve the local as well as international foods.

About The Author

Ian Williamson

We are a non-profit organization using tourism to change lives http://www.betheladventure.co.uk we build schools and create groups to help with the sick. This can be done because of tourism. You just have to enjoy the safari and know that you are also helping to save and improve lives in Tanzania – East Africa.

Egypt Resorts And Attractions

2008-06-28T00:13:00.000-07:00

by: Constance Blair

If you make a decision to spend your vacation in Egypt, usually you have a choice of two sea resorts – Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh. They both are very popular, but Hurghada is situated in African continent while Sharm El Sheikh lies on Sinai peninsula.

About 30 years ago Hurghada was just a simple fishing village. But now, with it's a resort with crystal clear water, untouched reefs. It has become one of the best Egyptian tourist destinations. A significant part of its fame Hurghada gained as one of the best diving centres of the world. Like all oriental cities Hurghada make living out of trade, so if when you walk along the city, be ready to beat off the pressing offers of the sellers, deserving to make you buy their souvenirs. There are some more entertainments except shopping and diving in Hurghada. You can make a jeep trip to a desert, visit Bedouin’s village there; you can see corals and some natural preserves. Hurghada is also has aqua-park. Fishing is one of the popular tourist’s activities in Hurghada too. Today, Hurghada is known as a party town, particularly among Europeans. Locals and others will tell you that life begins at night in Hurghada, with the many, many clubs.

The best time to visit Hurghada is October-November. In winter there are strong winds and it becomes dark very early.

When you are in Hurghada don’t miss the chance to see one of the most outstanding monuments of Egypt history – Luxor and the Valley of the King. Pharaoh’s tombs and ancient temples are worth visiting.

Sharm el-Sheikh is one of the most accessible and developed tourist resort communities on the Sinai peninsula. All around are Bedouins, colorful tents, mountains and sea. Na'ama Beach is one of the center of the tourist activities. Located just north of Sharm, this area is developing into a resort town of its own. For those who like shopping, the Sharm El-Sheikh mall provides shops with both foreign and local products, including jewelry, leather goods, clothing, pottery and books. Nobody leaves Sharm el-Sheikh without several useless but very pleasant souvenirs. Like Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh is famous for diving too, but it has more diversity in corals.

Those, who choose Sharm el-Sheikh also has opportunity to watch the attraction of Sinai peninsula - The Monastery of St Catherine, Mount Sinai (or Mountain of Moses), Pharaoh's Island and Salah El Din Citadel, Nabq National Park, Ras Abu Galum National Park and so-called 'Coloured Canyon'.

The last but not the least of the Egypt must-sees is Cairo with its pyramids. From either Hurghada or Sharm El-Sheikh it will be a long trip, but you will never regret it!

When you going to Egypt, be aware that 3-star hotels in Egypt have nothing to do with 3-star hotels in Europe. So, it’s better to choose 4 or 5 star hotel. Probably it saves you from many inconveniences. Often, the large hotels have zoos, playgrounds, discos, bars, a number of pools and even small theaters. So, may be you will to want to leave your hotel.

Anyway, a trip to Egypt promises to be exotic and interesting expierence.

About The Author

Constance Blair

For booking a hotel in any part of the world, please, go to http://www.hotelsrates.net/.

Island Vacations In Africa's Tropical Destinations

2008-06-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

by: Aimee C. Barnard

When it comes to island vacations, Africa is one great destination for some of the most luxurious hideaways.

This is no surprise. Blessed with pristine white sand beaches, private islands, and rich marine life, many resorts already have the perfect setting for great tropical island getaways.

If you want to stay in one of the most luxurious tropical resorts in Africa during your island holidays, you might be interested in checking out the following hotels which offer great amenities, romantic villas and suites, and 5 star world class service fit for the perfect island vacations.

St Anne Resort, Seychelles

St Anne Resort is luxury accommodation on its own island which is surrounded by a protected marine park. It is only about 15 minutes by boat from Mahe, the capital.

This tropical resort in the Indian ocean belongs to Beachcomber hotels which is one of the leading providers for luxury accommodation in Africa.

St Anne’s Resort has 87 villas set amidst tropical surroundings. It has its own private garden that leads to the beach and its own gazebo to lounge in and spend romantic evenings and days at. It is also well known for its exceptional Spa by Clarins.

With a protected marine park around it, it is not only great for swimming and lazing by the beach but there’s also excellent underwater marine life to explore. The island itself is also host to a range of flora and fauna which you can see if you’ve had enough of the white sand beach and the clean aquamarine sea.

Fundu Lagoon Luxury Resort, on Pemba Island ( Zanzibar’s sister island )

With only sixteen bungalows, this tropical island resort is one of Africa’s most exclusive accommodation made for romantic and quiet holidays.

Set on an idyllic beach on Pemba island, 40 kilometers north of Zanzibar, it is accessible by boat or chartered flights from Zanzibar or Dar Es Salaam.

Simple yet elegant, all the bungalows have thatched roofs and have either an ocean view, or are oceanfront. There are also bungalows set in a very secluded tropical jungle setting for those who want time and space only for themselves. For even more luxurious accommodation, some of these bungalows have a private plunge pool.

Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

If tropical resorts can be breathtaking, Le Prince Maurice accurately fits the bill. From its lush gardens to its impeccable architecture and charm, staying in this resort is an experience in itself.

Overlooking a lagoon and barrier reef, the resort is set on 60 acres of land. There are over 89 suites which are artistically set over it’s very private resort setting. Choose from the one-bedroom junior suites to the senior and princely suites which have private swimming pools.

Le Prince Maurice is undoubtedly one of Mauritius’s best 5 star luxury resorts for great island vacations, not only for its great setting and elegant accommodation, but also for the various activities which you can enjoy here.

It has very easy access to two world class golf courses and there are also many land and water sport opportunities for more active guests.

The Residence Tunisia

If you’re looking for luxury resort accommodation in Tunisia, The Residence, which is the country’s first 5 star hotel is the only place to go.

The rooms are designed in rather dramatic North African architecture and have marble floors, dome ceilings and an elegant décor.

The Residence easily fits the needs of all kinds of guests. From couples on holidays, to people who want to get away, and even for families spending a vacation together.

This is best exemplified by its wide range of facilities ranging from a relaxing massage centre and spa to a children’s playground and swimming pool.

About The Author

Aimee C. Barnard lives for tropical holidays under the sun. To read more about her travel experiences and island getaway tips, go to http://www.tropical-island-vacation.net/index.html

On Safari in Northern Tanzania - Back to The Sixth Day of the Creation

2008-05-28T03:43:00.000-07:00

by: Andrew Muigai

Tanzania's natural endowment as a wildlife safari destination is unrivalled. Wild animals roam in vast areas as God intended on that sixth day of the creation. These areas are designated as national parks and game reserves and have a high reputation for being uncrowded and unspoilt. The magnificent collection of game sanctuaries to the north of the country, near the border with Kenya, is referred to as The Northern Circuit. This is the most popular and accessible wildlife safari route in Tanzania. I can positively say that this is one of the finest game viewing areas anywhere in the world. The game aside, the spectacularly diverse cluster of eco-systems and habitats is a dazzling experience for many a visitor.

The stars of the Northern Circuit are the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, very dear to the hearts of nature lovers. But no less sparkling and indeed complementing the two are the other members of the circuit: Arusha, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. In terms of wildlife, the abundance and diversity of the wildlife here is difficult to imagine. On top of the heap are the highly regarded "big five": elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and lion. And then a wild array of plain animals: wildebeest, zebra, eland, hartebeest, oryx, reedbuck, giraffe, Thompson gazelle, and many more of the same genre. But do not forget the merciless predators: cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures. The Northern Circuit is an ornithologist's paradise too, and over 500 species of birds are on record. On safari, you will be a witness of the shocking and fascinating dance of life and death on daily play by this combination of animals.

The starting point for northern safaris is usually Arusha town. The town sits near the base of Mount Meru and is in sight of mighty Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. From Arusha, the nearest protected area to see wildlife is Arusha National Park, just 32 km away. In this park of 137 sq km area, you will see baboon, colobus and vervet monkeys, duikers, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, leopard, hyena, zebra and a wide range of antelopes. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded, including Eurasian migrants, who visit between October and April. One of the unique attractions of the park is that walking safaris are allowed and you can get off your vehicle for a nature walk. Due to its proximity to Arusha, the park is very popular for day trips.

Wildlife aside, Arusha National Park is a treasure with a rich tapestry of habitats including grassland, montane forest, heath and alpine desert and soda and fresh water lakes. Three spectacular features stand out: the Momela Lakes, Mount Meru, and Ngurdoto Crater. Mount Meru stands at 4,575 m and is Africa's fourth highest mountain. It is however overshadowed by nearby Kilimanjaro, which rises above it by over 1300 m. It is regrettable that the snobbish instinct of many climbers makes them to overlook Mt Meru. The mountain can be scaled in three to four days with overnight accommodation in alpine huts.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve, is located in the Great Rift Valley, a monumental fracture of the earths crust. The area is filled with volcanoes, mountains, plains, lakes and forests. Covering 8288 sq km, its main features are the Ngorongoro Crater, the Empakai crater, the Oldonyo Lengai Mountain and the archeological site of Olduvai Gorge. Olduvai Gorge is the prehistoric site where Dr. Louis Leakey discovered the remains of Homo habilis ("Handy man") regarded by scientists as mankind's first step on the path of human evolution. Be sure to have a look at the remains of our worthy predecessor, whose valiant industry spurred by necessity, got him making simple stone tools.

Unlike in the national parks, the colorful Maasai people, their livestock and wildlife coexist within the conservation area. The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest Caldera in the world that has its walls intact. The crater floor is a drop of 600 m and covers an area of 260 sq km with a diameter of 19 km. This magnificent natural amphitheatre is a stunning attraction in its own right and is one of the wonders of the natural world. The crater supports a year round resident population of a variety of wildlife. You will have no trouble spotting lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and many species of plain animals- wildebeest, zebra, reedbuck, Thompson gazelle and many more. The crater floor is dotted with watering holes and holds almost 30,000 wild animals. Ngorongoro is four hours by road from Arusha or one hour by air. And from either Lake Manyara or Tarangire you will be on the road for two hours.

Lake Manyara National Park spreads between the cliff of the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, a shallow soda lake. The park covers 330 sq. km, 70% of which is occupied by the lake. The varied ecosystem consists of ground water forests, acacia woodland and open grassland along the lakeshore and sustains a wealth of wildlife, including the Big Five -lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo. Other animals to be seen in the park include baboons, impala, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, ostrich and hippo.

Lake Manyara is famous for the elusive tree-climbing lions, which can occasionally be seen along the branches of the acacia trees. It is also an ornithologists' paradise and is host to over 400 species of birds. The water birds hovering around the lake include pelicans, spoonbills, Egyptian geese and hammerkops. In addition, migratory flamingoes arrive in hundreds of thousands creating a spectacular sight over the soda lake. You will arrive at Lake Manyara after driving from Arusha for two hours or flying for just half an hour.

Tarangire National Park is a one and half hour drive from Arusha making it very popular for day trips. Tarangire is a park of giant baobab trees, rolling savannah and acacia parkland. It is famous for its dense wildlife population, which is most spectacular in the dry season between June and September. It is during this period that thousands of animals- wildebeest, zebra, eland, hartebeest, waterbuck, giraffe, impala, gerenuk, buffalo and oryx migrate from the dry Maasai steppe to the Tarangire River in search of water. The predators -lion, leopard and others- as is the custom in the savanna follow closely by. If lucky, you will spot the peculiar tree-climbing python, kudu and roan antelope, a rare experience in the northern safari circuit. Birds are also abundant here and over 550 species have been recorded.

Serengeti National Park is Africa's most famous wildlife sanctuary and Tanzania's largest national park. The park is located 6 hours by road from Arusha or one hour by air. It lies in a high plateau between the Ngorongoro highlands and the Kenya/Tanzania border and almost touches Lake Victoria in the west. Appropriately named "endless plains" by the Maasai people, it features short and long grass plains, acacia savanna and woodland in parts of the north and east.

Within its 15,000 sq km area, Serengeti hosts 3 million large mammals. More than 35 species of plain animals- zebra, wildebeest, eland, giraffe, and others are found here. And so for the big five: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino. The park is the staging-zone for one the most spectacular events in the natural world- the annual migration of wildebeest. This commences around June when over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle head for the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of pasture. Following on their heels are the predators of the savanna- lion, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, hyena and vultures.

If you can spare the money, viewing the migration afloat a balloon is an unforgettable experience. The best time to view game is from December to May when the grass is short. Avoid late June-October, when most of the animals will have evacuated with the migration and are best seen in the adjacent Maasai Mara in Kenya. The keen ornithologist will have a good time trying to sight the 500 species of birds on record.

Camping sites can be found in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and all the national parks of the northern circuit. Facilities are pretty basic and this is where budget travelers prefer to spend their safari nights. If you can afford it, overnight at the luxury safari lodges and tented camps. In this class of accommodation expect to find all the creature comforts associated with rated accommodation. See our Tanzania Hotels & Lodges page for info and book accommodation for your safari.

It is generally recommended to take an escorted tour package that includes transport, guide, park fees and accommodation. Tour guides have valuable useful local knowledge about the animals, where to find them and how to get where you are going. Check out our very good value escorted Tanzania Safari offers of various durations and budgets. But if you know the country well and have good knowledge of animals, then hiring a self-vehicle is an option. See our Tanzania Car Rental page to do your reservation for a self-drive or chauffer driven vehicle.

The relatively high elevation in northern Tanzania means that it never gets too hot. Indeed the nights and early mornings can be quite chilly. You are well advised to take along a heavy sweater and a windbreaker or jacket. Expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March. The weather is best between June and September, but do not bet on seeing any animals in the Serengeti. For a safari covering all the parks of northern Tanzania, September to March is a good time. But remember that some of the other parks in the region offer nearly year round game viewing opportunities. April and May can be a challenging period for dong a safari for as this is when the weather is at its rainiest.

On safari, bright coloured clothing may get you in trouble with wild animals. If you are wise you will pack brown, beige and khaki clothing. Short sleeve shirts, shorts and trouser for men are adequate. For ladies, short sleeve blouses, slacks and skirts are ideal. Though the northern region is well outside the predominantly Muslim coast areas and ladies do not have to dress too conservatively, modest attire is still a good idea. Remember to bring along a pair of sunglasses to shield you from the sometimes harsh tropical glare. Binoculars will come in very handy for spotting animals.

About The Author

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of AfricaPoint.com- the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Tanzania safari and tours at the website.

http://www.africapoint.com/tours1/tanztour.htm

Sir Richard Branson's new Love Affair

2008-05-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

by N. G. maroa

Dubbed as one of the greatest dare devil adventurers of our time, Sir Richard Branson is at it again. Branson is passionate about life and living every minute to its fullest. Since 1985 he has been getting his adrenaline rushes through world record breaking attempts by boat and hot air balloon. Several distance and speed records have been attempted and achieved. Sir Richard Branson makes each record attempt a media event with his Virgin logo prominently displayed during every launch, which has been an excellent source of free advertising and brand placement for the Virgin Group.

This time the theater is in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya. The British billionaire will soon be investing in a new lodge outside the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. He plans to lease land from communities outside the Mara where he will put up a high end lodge worth millions of pounds.

In his effort to woo UK tourists back to Kenya Sir Richard Branson who is also the president of Virgin Atlantic, has launched a 240,000 pounds advertising campaign. The drive began on 19^th May and will focus on the migration of the wildebeest.

Flight cancellations following the turmoil heavily affected the airline, leading to reduced revenues, though daily flights have now resumed. The airline also unveiled a new advertising campaign in the UK to attract tourists to Kenya and help rebuild the Nairobi-London route, which was one of the worst hit as a result of the violence that rocked the country.

"It was disastrous for all businesses and we stayed faithful to Kenya and decided to continue though we could have used the planes on another route," he said last weekend while on a visit to the Mara. The campaign started on May 19 and appears on London's railway stations as well as in the media.

The project brought in ten Virgin frequent flyer program volunteers who spent their time at a local school project that Virgin became involved in last year when Sir Richard Branson came to Kenya during the airline's inaugural flight last June.

Like all other travelers who visit the Mara, it has been love on first sight for Sir Richard Branson.

He once said, “Ridiculous yachts and private planes and big limousines won’t make people enjoy life more, and it sends out terrible messages to the people who work for them. It would be so much better if that money was spent in Africa – and it’s about getting a balance.”

This belief is now being put into practice in the Maasai Mara.

For more details visit http://www.sarovahotels.com/mara/

By N. G. Maroa

Mighty Kilimanjaro - The Worlds' Most Accessible Summit

2008-05-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

by: Andrew Muigai

Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, floating above the clouds is no doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive sights in the natural world. Even hard-boiled non-believers, in their unguarded moments, empathise with the Maasai who call it the “House of God”. The mountain is one of the Seven Top Summits of the world –it has the highest point on the African continent. Though there are higher mountains, they form part of mountain ranges, Everest for example. But Kili, as it is popularly known, is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It rises gently from 3,000 feet, reaches for the heavens and only halts after a 16,000 feet ascent. The diameter at the base is an amazing 64 kilometres.

Kilimanjaro is located to the northeast of Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. There is a popular myth of how the mountain came to be part of Tanzania, which was at one time part of the German Empire. Queen Victoria is supposed to have granted the mountain to her German grandson Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) as a birthday gift. It is also said that the Germans had been grumbling at the blatant unfairness of missing a snowcapped mountain within their empire while the Queen has two – the second being Mount Kenya.

Though historians have discredited the myth, it has refused to die and it is still a source of amusement for many. Unwilling to allow the truth to stand in the way, some anti-colonial historians fume with indignation, citing how the boundaries of Eastern Africa were arbitrarily decided in the capitals of the imperial powers. To most people in the west, Kilimanjaro has long been associated with Ernest Hemingway on account of his 1936 short story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”. In 1952, Hollywood fascinated by the magic of Kili the book evokes, turned it into a movie with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner in leading roles.

Kilimanjaro is young as far as mountains go, and geologists allow it only 750,000 years. The mountain is made up of three dormant volcanoes -Kibo (19,340 feet), Shira (13,000 feet) and Mawenzi (16,896 feet). Kibo occasionally belches some steam and sulfur. The highest point on Kibo is Uhuru Peak, where you see some awesome glaciers and fantastic views of the country below. Though Kili is only three degrees south of the equator, the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are covered in ice and snow year round. Many learned people in Europe hotly disputed that a snow-capped mountain could be found at the equator when the German missionary Johann Rebmann reported it in 1849.

Going up the mountain, you move from tropical to artic conditions. There are five distinct climatic zones, with each zone taking approximately 3,300 feet. The zones are- the lower slopes, then forest, then moorland, alpine desert and the summit. The lower slopes are cultivated and agriculture flourishes. The forest region is dry in the north and wet towards the southern slopes. The forest carries many tree species including podocarpus, camphor, fig and olive trees and bamboo. The only animals to be found here are blue and Colobus monkeys and a variety of birds including hornbill and turaco. At the moorland region, you find the giant groundsels and lobelias common in the high altitude mountain regions of eastern Africa. Further up, vegetation and animal life are sparse.

Kili is the worlds’ most accessible summit. Any reasonably strong and ambitious person, without using any special mountaineering equipment can conquer this giant. It is however hard work. Altitude and the resulting thin air will be the main challenge and not your failing strength. To avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness, you guides will constantly advise, you take the mountain slowly, slowly or “pole pole” as they say in Swahili. You should therefore avoid a quick ascent and take time to acclimatise to the mountains’ oxygen challenged air. By ignoring such good advice many young males fail to reach the summit, when older more deliberate climbers make it.

To enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of Kili, you do not even have to climb it. By using a four-wheel drive vehicle, you can ascend to the Shira Plateau, which is perched at 12,000 feet. The first person recorded to have reached the summit is the German climber Hans Meyer in 1889. Unlike today’s climber, he did not have the benefit a route map and he only made it on the second attempt. Having been taught a lesson in humility, for the second try, he brought along an Alpine expert and a local guide. Meyer named the summit after the Kaiser Wilhelm II, but this was years later revised to Uhuru or freedom in Swahili. Since the days of Meyer, the icecap has receded and scientists worry that it will vanish altogether in 20 to 50 years. So, hurry up and climb Kili while it is still such a pretty sight.

Today, few climbers few use the difficult route pioneered by Meyer. The climb normally takes five to six days and involves four to five overnight stays in comfortable mountain huts. The Marangu route, which was established way back in 1909 is the easiest and most popular and is used by over 90% of climbers. Experienced climbers prefer the more scenic and difficult Machame route. Climbers are not entirely without a sense of humour and they refer to Marangu as the coca cola route, and Machame as the whiskey route. Other routes are Shira, Mweka and Umbwe.

Shira is a scenic route that takes you through the Shira Plateau,which you reach by four-wheel drive vehicle. The route gives you great views of the Rift valley and Mount Meru. Using Mweka, you reach the summit and return to base in 4 days. But as you may suspect, it is quite steep and therefore not easy at all. The Umbwe route is even steeper and quicker and you take only three days up and down. The route is spectacular, but it is for the fit and experienced and not casual climbers. In addition, there are technical routes such as the Western Breach and Lemosho routes.

Regardless of the route you pick, all Kili climbs start at Marangu Gate. This is where you get your permit and pay entry fees. On the typical Marangu route climb, spend four nights up the mountain. The route is clearly marked right to the summit. You start by trekking through the forest zone to Mandara Hut (9,000 ft) for the first night. Onward through moorland, you halt for a second night at Horombo Hut (12,450 ft). Then through the alpine desert, your third night finds you at Kibo Hut (15,450 ft). But you really do not sleep there as you go for the summit just after midnight. You then descend back to Horombo Hut for your last night after an overall trek of about 77 kilometres. If you want to spend more time up high to acclimatise, you can overnight twice at Horombo Hut.

On the Machame route, you spend one night more on the mountain.You overnight at Machame Hut, Shira Hut and Barranco Hut. You connect to the Mweka route and continue to Barafu Hut. After tackling the summit, you descend for your last night at Mweka Hut. On the next day, you rejoin other mortals at the base of the mountain. You are advised to pick the route that best fits your experience. Most aspire to reach Uhuru Peak - the highest point on Kibo -and indeed all Kili. Others are satisfied with Gillman’s Point, the slightly lower peak on Kibo. But Mawenzi, actually lower than the Kibo peaks, is more jagged and requires mountaineering experience. Many climbers find scaling Kili, whatever height they reach, a very satisfying experience.

But do not be too disappointed if you do not reach the summit.Different estimates indicate that only 15-30% of climbers get to the top. Climbing Kilimanjaro is for those who are physically fit and mentally prepared. It is your ability to muster that extra dose of determination that will count when the going gets tough. In terms of physical preparation, start by taking hikes uphill with a pack strapped on your back. This rehearses the climb, minus the altitude of course. Think also of putting in some aerobic training at the gym and by jogging. If you are having heart or lung problems, better not risk the climb. In all cases, it is a good idea to talk to your personal physician to ensure that you do not bite more than you can chew.

It is best you buy a climbing tour package to take advantage of those with local knowledge. The typical package will bundle together: return transfers - Moshi or Arusha to Marangu Gate, park and rescue fees, services of guides, porters and cooks, accommodation in mountain huts and all meals on the mountain. In addition, you need to hire locally or bring along equipment and sleeping bags. Some useful stuff to gather include - waterproof hiking boots, rain suit, flashlights, sunglasses, prophylactics for high-altitude sickness, hand gloves and night shoes. You need a daypack to carry a few essentials, as the porters carrying your equipment will usually hike their own way. Some items to carry on your back include bottled water, extra clothes, camera and sunscreen. Besure to review and book our very good value Kilimanjaro Climbing offers.

You can climb Kili, any time throughout the year. But it is obviously less fun during the March to June period when it rains the most. The second and lighter rains come from late October to early December. The best time is when it is warm and dry - January, February and September. July, August, November and December also good, though cooler. Due to the variation of conditions along the route- from tropic to arctic - it is convenient to dress in layers you can either shed or add on. Generally, in the northern Tanzania region, you can expect temperatures to average from 15°C in May to August and 22°C over December to March. At the mountain, temperatures drop by roughly 1 degree Celsius for every 650 feet ascended.

Many climbing enthusiasts want Christmas and the New Year to find them up the mountain, and unless you book early, it is difficult to get a slot. The best way of relaxing after the trek is by taking a safari in the unrivalled wildlife sanctuaries of northern Tanzania or heading to the beaches of Zanzibar. We have covered these attractions in earlier editions of this newsletter here.

You can book your safari or Zanzibar stay and Kili climb together - have a look at our Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Hotel offers. If you want to put together your own safari, then visit the Tanzania Car Rental and Tanzania Hotels and Lodges pages of our website.

Kilimanjaro is 475 km to the northwest of Dar es Salaam. The base for climbing Kili is nearby northern Tanzania towns of Moshi or Arusha. Kilimanjaro International Airport services the region. But it is usually cheaper to disembark at Nairobi in Kenya and then to take a shuttle bus to Arusha.

About The Author

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of Africapoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Tanzania safaris at the website. http://www.africapoint.com/tours1/tanztour.htm

Ten Things To Do In Rwanda

2008-05-12T08:19:00.000-07:00

by: Ken Ndayis

Rwanda, the land of one thousand hills and 'hundreds attractions' is an extraordinary place where serene scenery and placid people greet you at every juncture. Rwanda is safe and secure with an overwhelming renaissance of Rwandese national pride and cultural reconstruction. It is full of sights and delights, waiting to be explored. If Rwanda is on your travel list there is no better time to runaway to Rwanda...visit today you would want to stay!

The country is well known mostly because of its horrible recent history and you might think that Rwanda should therefore be more the scope for No governmental organization than for travelers. Nowadays, nothing is less true. Rwanda has wonderful people, breathtaking beautiful lakes, challenging mountains, stunning scenery, perfect climate, rare species of apes, excellent roads, express buses, good and cheap food and beer, various accommodation options, fast internet, only few tourists outside the gorilla-homes, you will found it all in Rwanda, a safe and yet to be discovered backpackers haven!

Because of its small size, Rwanda attractions are near each other and can be reached quite easily and safely.

1. KIGALI CITY: A NICE PLACE TO EXPERIENCE AN AFRICAN CAPITAL

Kigali is an interesting mix of rural and urban town overflowing on juxtaposed hilly terrain. New construction is everywhere and large mansions stand side by side with mud brick huts and lean roads. It has a peaceful feel and the center is located upon the hilltop expanse. It feels safe and getting around is easy on foot or minibuses...many and new. For a bit more taxis can whiz you anywhere without breaking the bank. Kigali is a nice place to experience an African capital.

2. KGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIALS CENTER IN GISOZI

During the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, over a million people were murdered. Some 250,000 perished on the streets and in the houses, churches and hospitals of Kigali alone. The Kigali Genocide memorial center contains ten mass graves- a site of burial for almost victims, who were killed in the Kigali region. After the genocide, as mass graves were being discovered around the city. It was decided that a single monument/ burial place should be created, where the victims could be laid to rest with dignity, this is now their final resting place. The memorial houses a childrenâ€™s section, a particularly powerful experience to read about the children- how they lived, and how they died. Amongst other things, it traces how things came to being so bad, how the ideology of genocide emerged, how the tragedy could have been averted, and how the world ignored the signs and warnings repeatedly. Some of the survivors of the genocide have been trained as guides at the center. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Entrance is free but at the door there is a box for donation. The place is really heart breaking!

4. MOUNTAIN GORILLAS TREKKING

A Mountain Gorilla Trekking is the pinnacle of all the wildlife experiences available in Africa and Rwanda is with no doubt the best place for this. People are limited to spend only one hour with the Gorillas and expect to hike for two to four hours to see them. These incredible primates are divided into four groups that have been habituated over the decades; itâ€™s a thing not to miss in Rwanda. Don't miss spending an hour with these magical creatures. It does require planning in advance, and contacting the National Park or a local tour operator to check what the latest system they have implemented with regards to how you get a permit - but it is all worthwhile. Also, don't be put off by the price - a high price is needed to ensure that protecting the gorillas is economically sustainable for the local area.

5. MOUNTAINS CLIMBING

The National park office offers guided climbs to the top of 2 volcano among the 5 of the Virunga chain, Visoke (3711m) and Karisimbi (4705m -the tallest).

The climbs to the summits are not technical and can be done by fit hikers. The scenery is great! However, the trek to Karisimbi's summit is an overnight trek and should be prepared properly.

6. NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK

This national park is a preserved part of rain forest which houses 13 species in all, including humankind's closest living relative the chimpanzee, as well as the handsome L'Hoest's monkey and hundred-strong troops of the delightfully acrobatic Angola colombus. The most important ornithological site in Rwanda, Nyungwe harbours almost 300 bird species of which two dozen are restricted to a handful of montane forests on the Albertine Rift. Please come with your car or book a tour with a local tour operator otherwise it is very hard to reach the place and get away. You can camp there and pitch a tent but you have to consider bringing all food and water with you as facilities are limited. The entry fee has recently been increased so check up the actual fares.

7. AKAGERA NATIONAL PARK

Akagera is the best national park of Rwanda - very helpful park-ranger help to find you all animals in park - mainly, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, baboons, buffaloes, hippos and crocodiles.

8. RUSUMO FALLS

Rusumo is a Marvelous and spectacular falls of the Akagera River, a part of the most distant headwaters of the river Nile. The falls is located in the Eastern part of Rwanda at the border with Tanzania.
If you happen to cross the border with Tanzania at Rusumo don't forget to see the Rusumo falls.

9. THE BEAUTIFULLY LAKE KIVU

The beautifully Lake Kivu is a large deposit of fresh water that marks the western border with DR Congo and one of the Great Lakes of Africa. The lake is in the Albertine Rift, a part of the Great Rift Valley. Lake Kivu empties into the Ruzizi River, which flows southwards into Lake Tanganyika. Beneath the lake lie vast reserves of approximately 55 billion cubic of dissolved methane gas which have not been exploited. Lake Kivu is a tourist center, safe to swim (but just ask locally to be completely sure). There are nice beaches, gorgeous landscapes and the sunsets are regularly stunning. There are some excellent places to stay on the Lakeside such as Kibuye and -especially-Gisenyi near the DR Congo border.

10. BUTARE CITY IN HUYE

The most popular tourist attraction in Butare is the superb National Museum, which houses perhaps the finest ethnographic collection in East Africa. The rooms are spacious, without the excessive clutter of distracting memorabilia. This makes the well-labeled exhibits easy to appreciate and enjoy. Absorbing displays of traditional artefacts are illuminated by a fascinating selection of turn-of-the-century monochrome photographs, providing insight not only into pre-colonial lifestyles, but also into the subsequent development of Rwanda as a modern African state. Here the Intore dancers can be commissioned to perform, but this is not a good deal for a single traveler. If a group is present the price would definitely be worthwhile as shows are few and far between.

mountain gorilla tour .

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Fact about the Nyiragongo volcano in Goma Congo

Nyiragongo volcano is located in Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, At around 19 kilometers of Goma, very close to Rwandan border, in a safe and easily accessible area. The Nyiragongo is one of Africa 's most dangerous and the most famous for its semi permanent lava lake. The volcano is also known to the people of Congo as a sacred mountain where an angry spirit is trapped, The volcano is still active and it has erupted several times throwing lavas toward the town of Goma and other neighboring villages.

Any body knows about how long the volcano has been erupting, but since 1882, it has erupted at least 34 times, including many periods where activity was continuous for years at a time, often in the form of a churning lava lake in the crater. The volcano partly overlaps with two older volcanoes, Baratu and Shaheru, and is also surrounded by hundreds of small volcanic cinder cones from flank eruptions.

Volcanism at Nyiragongo is caused by the rifting of the Earth's crust where two parts of the African Plate are breaking apart. A hot spot is probably also partly responsible for the great activity at Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira.

The lava emitted in eruptions at Nyiragongo is often unusually fluid. Nyiragongo's lavas are made of melilite nephelinite, an alkali-rich type of volcanic rock whose unusual chemical composition may be a factor in the unusual fluidity of the lavas there. Whereas most lava flows move rather slowly and rarely pose a danger to human life, Nyiragongo's lava flows may race downhill at up to 60 miles per hour (up to 100 km/h). This is because of the extremely low silica content. Hawaiian volcanic eruptions are also characterized by lavas with low silica content, but the Hawaiian volcanoes are broad, shallow-sloped shield volcanoes in contrast to the steep-sided cone of Nyiragongo, and the silica content is high enough to slow most Hawaiian flows to walking pace.

The last known eruption was in 2002. The Volcano erupted and ajected a large cloud of smoke and ash high into the sky and spewing lava down three sides of the volcano. One river of lava flowed right through the center of Goma and into Lake Kivu , effectively bisecting the city. Hundred of people were burnt to death . At least 400,000 people fled their homes when the lava swept down the flanks of Mount Nyiragongo and through Goma's main street before pouring into Lake Kivu on the Rwandan border. The thousands of displaced, came back after three days and tried to rebuild their lives by erecting wooden huts on top of the lava. Somewhere beneath lay the remains of their homes.

The lava had set like concrete. It was impossible to dig trenches for water supplies and drainage. Even to sink a hole for the simple African drop toilet wasn't possible. The sharp irregular stones made walking difficult and slashed the tires of cars and motorbikes.

Lava dictated everything. It was the foundation for people's homes, their yards, the building blocks for yard walls and the surface of the roads. Buildings that had survived were submerged and set fast one story deep in it.

Even if the 2002 eruption was described by many Congolese as the worse; But the 1977 was many times than it. The difference is that the first didn't destroy houses like the last one, but its burnt many peoples. On 10 January 1977, the crater walls fractured, and the lava lake drained in less than an hour. The lava flowed down the flanks of the volcano at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour on the upper slopes, overwhelming villages and killing at least 2000 people. Some reports quote much higher figures of up to several thousand people. The hazards posed by eruptions like this are unique to Nyiragongo. Nowhere else in the world does such a steep-sided stratovolcano contain a lava lake containing such fluid lavas.

Efforts have been made to level the lava on the way to the lake, so that it can be used as a road. "I visited several volcanoes with different grades of activity before, but never saw its destructive powers in a way like this. The landscapes that it created are amongst the most bizarre I've ever seen" says one traveler. Let's hope the people of Goma, will finally reach a life without natural disasters and equally disastrous effects of political struggle!
http://www.hakunamatatatours.com
http://www.hakunamatatatours.com/Rwanda_tours.html
http://www.hakunamatatatours.com/Congo_tours.html

About The Author

Ken Ndayis is a tour operator from East Africa who likes to share his knowledge and experiences with others, by publishing articles. check his website by clicking on one of the following Links
http://www.hakunamatatatours.com
http://www.hakunamatatatours.com/Rwanda_tours.html
http://www.hakunamatatatours.com/Congo_tours.html

Catwalk Inventors Restore True Meaning to Catwalk

2008-04-29T04:22:00.000-07:00

by N. G. Maroa

Paradise Freebie Part V

When you watch our models catwalk, their aim is to attract the attention of the audience. They do their things in exaggerated swings and turns of hips that sometimes leave you wondering why the display is called catwalk.

The original catwalkers, on the other hand, have a graceful walk. It’s a movement that is designed to evade attention rather than attract it. It’s an art that’s inborn hence no effort required to perfect it.

At eight o’clock in the morning as we drove out of camp, we came across a pride of half a dozen cheetahs that were stalking a group of antelopes not far away. On seeing us, the cats did what they know best, lying low in the tall grass that was a perfect camouflage. It took the keen eye of Morgan to spot them as we drove by.

Like always, when the cats are spotted, everything else comes to a stand still. We interrupted our journey to feast our eyes and take pictures. This shuffling must have disturbed the hunters and in the realization that the mission would not bear fruits, the cheetahs weren’t very amused at our unwelcome intrusion and trudged along grudgingly probably to try their luck elsewhere. It was their movement that caught my attention. Despite the tall grass, it was so stealth and graceful to the point that the target antelopes never noticed anything as their attention was on us rather than the real enemy.

Moving on, our mission was to look for lions that had hitherto eluded us. Samuel, the Maasai guide that we had taken in was in command. We were pleasantly surprised at Samuel’s spotting prowess. While negotiating a blind corner, behold… a pride of 3 young males in the company of a lone female. The minute I spotted the lions, I knew this was not the group you would want to bump into unguarded. One seemingly larger male lion with a slightly darkening mane was separated from other 2 young and was busy courting a lioness. The two other lions seemed to have lost the contest for the single lioness and were circling around the pair with a lot of bitterness. For a full 5 minutes, there was absolute silence as each party looked deep and hard into the eyes of the other. I could feel my thunderous pulse quicken. Our fear was worsened by the fact that we were riding in an open vehicle and the lions would have had no trouble taking us out …. one by one.

Usually, the most dangerous situations to be caught in are between a mating pair or a lioness with her cubs. When faced by a formidable enemy who it cannot translate to food, the African lion will never attack if you have your eyes locked. One cannot be too cautious; “you never know what surprise these humans can spring… a spear, machete or worse even….a bloody gun”.

We finally decided that we needed to give them their space and started to drive off. The dominant king lion must have thanked us for making his competition from the other two go away.

This was an experience that I always relive when I look at the photos taken on that safari. It’s what an African lion safari does to you. You get to be in the presence of his highness the majesty king of the jungle…in his tuff. Nothing beats that glaring look and the thrill that goes with it when your eyes lock into his menacing, unblinking and threatening stare…That’s the African lion stare….humbling it is.

A fully grown male lion has a very dark mane while the youth grow a mane gradually, which then darkens as they age. The males are pushed off their families when they become sexually mature by the dominating male. African Lions usually sleep and rest for more than 14hours a day only getting up to hunt in the early mornings, late evenings and at night. Usually the King-lion of the pride commands between 5-10 lionesses including the cubs. This male will aggressively protect its territory against intruding males who contest for the females.

Coup d'e’tat were probably invented in the lion kingdom. Males constantly get into territorial wars with each other. Once in a while a female becomes disenchanted and leaves the pride to seek out younger and more aggressive males. Once a lion has successfully overthrown a dominant male, they set upon establishing their kingdom immediately by making the females submissive. How they do this is what will surprise you.

One of the most bizarre behaviors of lions is that a conqueror male often kills all young cubs fathered by the defeated former king lion of the pride. The lioness will fight, sometimes to death, when the male lion goes for her cubs. There are two reasons for this behavior, one is to establish a lineage of his own and secondly to as quickly as possible make the females submit to him and ready to mate. It’s always a rush before other male lions come to undermine his authority over the pride.

That’s Mara for you. Elephants continuously browse the plains, cheetahs will stare at you seated majestically under tree trunks and occasionally jump on the hood of your car for that vantage view point for prey, the no nonsense buffalos will gaze at you all at once, lions will sprawl for an hour underneath your van for the shade while wildebeest will gallop past your car in their millions as they head for the breath taking river crossings packed with crocodiles and strong currents.

It’s an experience you’ll never have enough of. Everyday is unique and completely different. No wonder it’s a modern wonder. After the five days adventure, we‘ve rewound enough ready to face the artificial world in the city.

Can’t wait enough for another opportunity to visit again.

By N. G. Maroa

Encounter with Moran, the Rhino

2008-04-25T02:08:00.000-07:00

Paradise Freebie PART IV

On day four we started early at 7am after a hearty breakfast. We met Pius Ole Pulum, the warden in charge of Mara West reserve. On this day, we had vowed to view rhinos that had eluded us for the entire visit. It was not easy though considering the small number and the vast grassland. It’s like searching for a needle in a hey-sack.

“We have 28 indigenous black rhinos in the reserve.” He narrated. “The number has been rising steadily due to enhanced patrols and we have managed to keep poachers away. The last time we lost a rhino to poachers was six years ago.”

By the end of the poaching era in the 80s, there were fewer than 10 black rhinos in the Mara. Now thanks to the regular patrols, their numbers have increased. We obtained special permission to accompany the rangers on the afternoon patrol. The Mara plains stretch a lush green into the horizon after the usual rainfall in April.

Herds of buffaloes, Maasai giraffes, gazelles and other plains animals filled the grassland with elephants browsing on the shrubs. Two hours later and no rhino in sight. Daniel Meli, the ranger scanned the visitas with binoculas. It felt like we were the only people on earth. The plains stretched as far as the eye could see but there was no rhino to be seen.

Fatigue set in and I could not resist dozing until my peace was interrupted by Meli’s sudden cry, “there”. It could only mean one thing. A rhino had been spotted.

We raced across the plains. The rhino must have been two or so kilometers away only possible to see with powerful binoculars.

Fifteen minutes later, we came face to face with Moran, the 25-year old male as he stepped out of the thick scrub munching away. The mega herbivore went about his business uninterrupted as our cameras went to work.

We spent time with Moran with a herd of elephants close by. “Moran doesn’t like to be followed for long” cautioned Meli. Sure enough, the huge animal turned around as the cameras rolled. He must have been disturbed by our shuffling and constant camera clicks. With a grunt and a short run, he sent us scampering away.

We had seen it all. The previous day, we were rewarded to feast our eyes on the largest assembly of elephants and other savannah animals that I have ever seen. It was the mighty Mara at its best. We couldn’t get luckier.

But Mara is cat country and one of the wonders of the modern world. On our way to the camp, in a moment of serendipity, in the last glow of the sinking sun, the spotted cat slinked on an anthill. She just gave us a nonchalant stare. She was heavily pregnant.

A dik dik flinted past us and disappeared into the bush. Seemed like she was fleeing from some unseen enemies. A little more than an hour later, we were back at camp. Feeling exhausted and spent, we settled for canned food and after a quick shower, retired to bed early. It had been a long and rewarding day.

Sojourn in the remote parts of The Mara

2008-04-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

By N. G. Maroa

PARADISE FREEBIE: PART III

I now agree that blogging is pretty addictive. Probably it should not be encouraged to the underage. Why am I saying this? You realize that I have been out of action for close to two weeks and I have no suitable words to describe the psychological trauma I endured. How do you start a story and promise your readers that it will flow only to leave them in suspense without proper explanation?

It all started when the only laptop battery charger in our possession failed. Remember we were in the middle of the vast Masai Mara Game Reserve and far away from civilization. While I must say that we enjoyed ourselves, I felt disappointed that I could not update my blog visitors as I had promised and for that I apologize unreservedly.

On the positive side, I have with me tales and pics to share with you for the next few days. I start with day three of our trip. The long rains always bring with them renewed life. The weather looked promising and we decided to leave camp at eight for the morning game drive. We drove following the course of River Migori hoping to come across early drinkers. Our first glimpse of what’s in store for us was a herd of elephants. Some were busy feeding on tree branches while others were in the river drinking. The huge bull strolled through the plains to the river where other elephants played and drank. He gamboled in it and then chased a young male out of his territory-he was in a no-nonsense mood for competition from younger males.

There were elephants everywhere. We didn’t have to look for them. The river teemed with life. In the course of two hours at this spot, we saw about thirty elephants as they went in to drink. They were unperturbed by a loud roar of a lion that carried through the plains. We all clambered to catch the sound that came from the other side of the river but were unsuccessful.

As the day progressed, more animals joined in the queue. It was a scene to behold as we had the opportunity to see the largest assembly of different animals in one location. It’s simply amazing.

Besides its animals, West Mara has stunning landscapes. Migori River flows in a series of cascades through a chasm of granite rocks curved by the searing hot sun eons ago, which are currently flooded thanks to the rains. Thick chocolate-coloured water flows from Uasin-gishu Plateau all the way to Lake Victoria. The river is part of the numerous rivers that empty to this massive water reservoir that is the source of the Nile. We took a stroll to the water’s edge when suddenly a massive elephant trumpets not far away, walking towards us. It’s time to make a dash to safety. It is estimated that about 6,000 elephants inhabit this part of the Mara.

Much of the park is still inaccessible by road. But for those who get lucky like we did, this is the place where you can see large herds of different species of animals in one location.

Next time you visit the Mara, this is the place. However, do remember to carry spare chargers and batteries. It can be very disappointing when the inevitable happens.

by N. G. Maroa

Paradise Freebie

2008-04-10T02:29:00.001-07:00

by: N. G. Maroa

PART II

We finally set up base at Camp Bargoi. It is a land of vast plains covered in lush green as far as the eye can see with acacias of many sorts. The stunning sculpt of the Acacia Tortilis, Acacia Kirkii and the white brush of bush of the Acacia Senegalise dot the landscape. In the midst of the trees, is the rustic Camp Bargoi. The camp is set on raised ground surrounded by thorny hedges to keep the animals at bay.

As we settle down for breakfast in the morning, a herd of resident gnus just outside the fence watch humans feed. Brilliant busts of the towering aloe in orange bloom carpet the knoll outside the camp. The sky is grey and seems like it will rain anytime. Undeterred, we decide to go for a game drive to explore the strange wild kingdom of the Mara. The gnus scamper away as we drive out.

A little more than half an hour, we come across a pride of 5 lions that appear to be stalking a herd of zebras. Had it not been for the keen eyes of Morgan, we wouldn’t have seen them. The tall grass is a perfect camouflage and it takes an effort to see them. As usual, when the cats are spotted, everyone makes a beeline for them. For the first-time visitor into the Mara, it’s the most awesome meeting of the king of the jungle. They lay patiently and waited for an opportunity to strike. But our jostling must have alerted the zebras of imminent danger and they managed to run away to the disappointment of the stalkers. And then the skies burst open. We decide to move on.

About five hundred meters from this scene, we come across a trio of cheetahs that are busy grooming each other by the roadside. In most cases the cats while away their time hunting or sleeping. These ones look like they have just fed hence the grooming. The Mara, an extension of the Serengeti, is the last of the wide-open spaces left to the wild cats like the spotted ones we’re watching. In Kenya we are lucky to have thousands of them still roaming freely in the game parks. But still, it is estimated that only 10% of these cats exist today compared to a century ago. It is the same for most wildlife. India, the country that gave the cheetah its name, has none left in the wild, the last ran into extinction in the 1940s.

A little more than two hours later, we are back at camp. A motley of colourful birds keep us company for lunch. The gnus are no where to be seen but a snake eagle circles the air as we settle down for a deserved meal of fried chicken and ugali washed down with tinned reds. It has been a rewarding trip.

N. G. Maroa

Paradise Freebie

2008-04-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

By N. G. Maroa

PART I

Today we started our hiking trip to Masai Mara. We plan to spend a whole week in the bush surrounded by lions, elephants, giraffes and other savannah inhabitants. The wildebeests are yet to arrive from their annual southern adventure. The long rain has just started and with it comes all sorts of herbivores to feast on the lush greenery that spreads as far as the eye can see. It’s celebration time in the animal kingdom. The herbivores have plenty of greenery to feed on while the carnivores will have plenty of fattened prey.

We decided to take a different route to the Mara to explore different grounds. The western side approachable from Kehancha is unspoilt as there are fewer tourists who venture this far. It’s not the easiest of roads to drive on in our four wheel truck full of camping gear. But the scenery is breathtaking. The Mara is an expanse of vast grassland teaming with all sorts of animals. The skies are laden with rain clouds and we’re caught in a downpour.

A couple of kilometers later, we are forced to stop to allow a herd of elephants the right of way. They cross but wait by the side of the road obviously for others to follow. As the world’s largest land animals, they can be so silent that it never fails to amaze me how close they can get up to you unnoticed.

Welcome to Masai Mara. It’s already show time yet we are just entering the park.
This park is renowned the world over for its exceptional game population, but mostly because of the immense annual migration of the wildebeest every September and October. Situated in south west Kenya it is a continuation of the Serengeti national park in Tanzania. The whole park is within the Great Rift valley, and most of the wildlife is to be found in the swampy western border of the Masai Mara, and because this area is the furthest away from Nairobi, it is the least visited compared to the open grasslands of the east that sees the greatest concentration of tourists. The park is well known for lions, but all the other members of the 'big five' are to be found here. The dominant inhabitant however is the wildebeest, and in July they migrate north to the Masai Mara from Serengeti, and then go back south again in October.

Our mission is to explore deep into the western parts of the park, especially this part that is less visited. But first we shall have to identify the best location where to set camp that will act as our base. The challenge is to identify a safe place because most of the animals here are not used to seeing humans and can be aggressive.

Although we have been driving on rough road the enchanting atmosphere and the exciting encounter with elephants a while ago has sparked our traveling spirits. Morgan, our driver is no longer complaining. With the renewed energy, we have all agreed that lunch will be eaten at the camp site that is barely twenty kilometers away.

N. G. Maroa

Namibia - A Bountiful Harvest Awaits the Adventure Traveler

2008-04-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

by: Andrew Muigai

PART II

Today we publish the final part of Andrew Muigai's post on Namibia's vacation sites.

Windhoek, the capital of 165,000 people is the only true city in the country. For those traveling to more remote regions, this is where you settle practical matters. The positive aspects of the German period can be seen in the charming style of older buildings in the city. Places of interest in the city include the State Museum, State Archives, and the Namibia Crafts Centre. The Dan Viljoen Game Park lies 24 Km west of Windhoek on the gentle hills of Khoma Hochland. In this resort you find ostriches, baboons, zebras and over 200 species of birds. The Waterburg Plateau Park, located 230 km from Windhoek is popular with weekenders. This extensive mountain wilderness is home to cheetah, leopard, kudu, giraffe, and white rhino.

Etosha National Park is what brings wildlife lovers to Namibia. The park is comparable in size and diversity of species with the best in Africa. The unusual terrain of Etosha holds savanna grassland, dense brush and woodland. But it is the Etosha Pan, a depression that sometimes holds water and covers 5,000 sq km, that is the heart of park. The perennial springs around the pan, attract many birds and land animals in the dry winter months. The effect of this background is magical and some of the best wildlife photographs have been taken here.

There are 144 mammal species in the park and elephants are particularly abundant. Some other interesting wildlife here includes giraffe, leopard, cheetah, jackal, blue wildebeest, gemsbok and black rhino. The birding is great at Etosha and over 300 bird species have been recorded. You will get best value by spending at least three days here. There are excellent accommodation facilities at the three rest camps of Namutoni, Halali and Okaukuejo. The best time to see animals is between May and September, when water draws them in huge numbers to the edge of the pan. Etosha is 400 km to the north of Windhoek by road.

The Fish River Canyon is unrivalled in Africa and only the Grand Canyon in the U.S is larger. The Canyon runs for 160 km and reaches a width of 27 km and depth of 550 m. But size alone does not explain the appeal of the canyon. You experience incredible views at various points along the rim. Adventure lovers do not merely come for the views. Hiking through the canyon is the ultimate endurance adventure for hikers. There is an established 90 km hiking trail that will take you 4-5 days to cover.

The trail ends at Ai-Ais hot spring resort where you can unwind. You are allowed to hike between early May and end of September. The hike is quite strenuous and needless to say, you must be physically fit. The authorities disbelieve the capacity of most people to undertake the hike and will actually insist on seeing a medical certificate of fitness before allowing you to start off. Fish River Canyon is 580 km to the south of Windhoek.

The Skeleton Coast has been the graveyard of seafarers and whales and deserves that morbid name. The problem is the dense fogs. And woe to the ship wreck survivor who expects respite onshore! Ahead is the Namib Desert, one of the driest and most unwelcoming places. Adventure travelers love trekking along the coastline as they enjoy the stark beauty of the area. To the south at Cape Cross, you find a seal colony carrying tens of thousands of seals. The Skeleton Coast Park covers 16,400 sq km and begins at 355 km northwest of Windhoek.

The Portuguese explorer Diego Cao reached this part of the world in the year 1486. He is probably one of the people whose experiences discouraged Europeans from venturing ashore until the arrival of the Germans 400 years later. Further south is the Namib-Naukluft National Park, a vast wilderness covering 50,000 sq km. The landscape is very diverse and covers mountain outcrops, majestic sand dunes, and deep cut gorges. For really spectacular dunes, the Sossusvlei area is unsurpassed. Here you have dunes rising to 300 m! The orange tint giants extend as far as the horizon and the area has an unreal, unforgettable atmosphere.

To the northeast of the country, the well-watered Kavango and Caprivi Strip region offers an unspoilt wilderness suitable for rugged game viewing and camping. The area also promises a feast for bird lovers. Game reserves in the area include: Kaudom, Caprivi, Mahango, Mudumu and Mamili. Poachers did great damage to wildlife during the years of the civil war in neighbouring Angola. Animal numbers are however building up rapidly. Some of the wildlife in the region includes leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, lion and various antelope species. The Caprivi Reserve falls in an area of swamps and flood plains. Here you have an opportunity to partake fishing, hiking, game viewing safaris and river trips in traditional mokoro boats.

In Namibia you can enjoy up to 300 days of sunshine. The coast is temperate and thermometers run between 5C-25C. Inland, daytime temperatures range from 20C-34C, but can rise to 40C in the north and south of the country. Winter nights can be quite cold and frost occurs over large parts of the country. The rains inland fall in summer (November-April) and are heaviest in the Caprivi region. Rains do not much affect travel, but beware of flash floods in the vicinity of riverbeds. The best time to travel is over the dry months of March to October, when it is easier to see animals at waterholes. It is best to avoid the Namib Desert and Etosha between December and March when it can get unbearably hot. Before you travel to this country, make sure you review our Namibia safari and tour offers.

You can get by wearing light cottons and linens in summer. Over winter nights and mornings, you need heavier cottons, warmer wraps and sweaters. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the ground gets very hot. Some useful stuff to pack includes: camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen and mosquito repellant. Be ready for dusty conditions and carry your clothing, equipment and supplies in dust proof bags. Do not be tempted to buy items made of ivory. You may not be allowed to carry them through customs at home. And it is also good that you do not encourage the trade in ivory products that keeps poachers busy.

About The Author

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of Africapoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Namibia Safaris at the website. http://www.africapoint.com/tours1/namibia.htm.

Namibia - A Bountiful Harvest Awaits the Adventure Traveler

2008-03-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

by: Andrew Muigai

PART I

Namibia is a largely arid country of stark rough-hewn beauty. The most vivid images are those of a haunting technicolor landscape of swirling orange dunes, shimmering mirages and treacherous dust devils. The apparent desolation is deceptive and plant and animal life and even man has adapted to this environment. The country is designed almost specially with the active and adventure seeker in mind. Timeless deserts, thorn bush savanna, desolate wind ravaged coastlines, majestic canyons, and sun-baked saltpans are the bounty that awaits the traveler.

Namibia's top draw is the Etosha National Park, rated as one of Africa's finest game sanctuaries. The birding experience in the country is truly superior. The range of activities you can indulge in the unsurpassable physical environment is truly impressive. Ballooning over the desert, skydiving over land and sea, paragliding, whitewater rafting and sand skiing along coastal dunes are good activities for starters. More fun games to pick from include abseiling - that most spectacular of rock sports, coastal and fresh water angling, desert camel riding, scuba diving, 4x4 desert runs, hiking and mountaineering.

Namibia has four distinct geographical regions. In the north is Etosha Pan, a great area for wildlife and heart of Etosha National Park. The slender Caprivi Strip is nested between Zambia and Botswana and is a wet area of woodland blessed with a few rivers. Along the coast is the Namib Desert, which at the age of 80 million years old, is said to be the world's oldest desert. At the coast, the icy cold Atlantic meets the blazing African desert, resulting in dense fogs. The well-watered central plateau runs north to south, and carries rugged mountains, magnificent canyons, rocky outcrops and expansive plains.

Namibia, one and half times the size of France, is very sparsely inhabited and carries only 1.8 million souls. The people are as unique as the land they live on. The most intriguing are the San, otherwise known as Bushmen. These most hardy of people have a highly advanced knowledge of their environment. It is a marvelous thing how well they are adapted to their difficult habitat. Just pause and think that these are the only people in the world who live with no permanent access to water. In the Kalahari Desert, one of their domiciles, surface water is not to be found. Tubers, melons, and other water bearing plants as well as underground sip wells supply their water requirements.

In Namibia today, Bushmen number about 50,000. Historians estimate that they have lived, mostly as hunters and gatherers, for at least 25,000 years in these parts of the world. Bushmen speak in a peculiar click language and are very gifted in the arts of storytelling, mimicry, and dance. Namibia's other people, who are indigenous to the continent, are mostly of Bantu origin. They are thought to have arrived from western Africa from about 2,400 years ago. The African groups include the Owambo, Kavango, Caprivians, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama and Tswana.

The Africans aside, other groups comprise about 15% of the population and have played an important role in the emergence of the modern nation. White Namibians amount to about 120,00 and are mainly of German and Afrikaner heritage. Germans arrived in significant numbers after 1884 when Bismarck declared the country a German Protectorate. Afrikaners, white farmers of Dutch origin, moved north from their Cape settlements, especially after the Dutch Cape Colony was ceded to the British in 1806. This strongly independent people, whose ancestors had lived in the Cape from 1652 resented British control.

Two other distinct groups complete the spectrum of Namibia's people - Basters and Coloureds. Coloured in Namibia and southern Africa refers to people of mixed racial heritage, black- white for example. They have a separate identity and culture. This makes sense considering that Namibia was run by South Africa after the First World War. Even in pre-Apartheid South Africa, racial classification was a fine art. The Afrikaans-speaking Basters, descended from Hottentot women and Dutch settlers of the Cape. Alienated from both white and black communities, they trekked northwards, finally founding their own town Rehoboth, in 1871. Baster is actually derived from "bastard", but it is not derogatory, and the Basters are indeed proud of it.

Namibia's barren and unwelcoming coastlines served as a natural deterrent to the ambitions of European explorers. That was until 1884 when the German merchant Adolf Luderitz established a permanent settlement between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic seaboard that afterwards took his name. Bismarck subsequently declared the territory covered by Namibia a German colony and named it Südwestafrika or South West Africa. As German settlers moved into the interior, conflict was inevitable with the inheritors of the land.

The German occupation was a particularly unhappy experience for the Herero. The Herero resented the German's harsh and racist rule and the effect of the encroachment on their lands on their livelihood and way of life. On the first day of the year 1904, the Herero led by Chief Samuel Maharero, rose suddenly and unexpectedly in arms against their colonial overlords. The Nama joined the insurrection and the authorities did not regain control even after six months of trying. Over 100 German settlers and soldiers died in the uprising. Historians now consider events that followed to constitute the first genocide of the twentieth century.

Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha was furnished with a contingent of 14,000 soldiers and tasked to put down the rebellion. The governor general of the territory was then Rudolph Goering -the father of Herman Goering, Hitler's right hand man. Lothar von Trotha was a generation ahead of his time and his kind of thinking was to become government policy under the Third Reich. He argued that the Herero must be destroyed as a people and he did not wince at the murder of women or children. At the end of it all, 100,000 Nama and Herero were killed. The survivors were herded in concentration camps where unspeakable things happened. The Herero fared very badly and 80% of her people perished. The population of the Nama diminished by 35-50%.

To be continued in PART II of this posting.

About The Author

Andrew Muigai is editor of AfricaPoint Insider online newsletter. It is part of Africapoint.com - the Africa travel website that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa. You can view more info on Namibia Safaris at the website. http://www.africapoint.com/tours1/namibia.htm.

The Red Sea in Egypt for Scuba Diving

2008-03-30T06:58:00.000-07:00

by: Clint Leung

For many Europeans, traveling to the Red Sea for scuba diving is like many North Americans going to the Caribbean. For a scuba diver based in North America or anywhere else outside of Europe or Africa, a journey to the Red Sea is considered one of the more exotic scuba diving trips. Like other overseas travel, getting to the final destination is the hardest thing. The Red Sea can be dived from ports in both Egypt and Israel but most international scuba divers do so from the Egyptian side. There are two major scuba diving areas in Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada. Sharm El Sheikh at the northern part of the Red Sea is the more established center having been a popular vacation resort area as both Egyptians and Europeans have been vacationing here for many years. The local scuba dive industry grew along with the overall steady growth of classy resorts, shops and other tourist services in Sharm El Sheikh. Hurghada, once just a sleepy fishing village along the west side of the Red Sea, is starting to grow as scuba divers discover this alternative to Sharm El Sheikh.

More than likely, travelers going to either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada will have to fly to Cairo before connecting with Egypt Air or taking a bus to their final destination. Many scuba divers turn their Red Sea diving trip into a major extended holiday in order to both dive and see the many wonderful ancient Egyptian sites such as the pyramids. There are many things to see and do in Egypt in addition to the ancient ruins including museums, markets and Nile river cruises. So it is highly recommended to do some research and plan accordingly for any trip to Egypt as one would not want to run into the situation where not enough time was allocated to see everything one wants to see there in addition to scuba diving.

Many of the scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh are affiliated or close by to a hotel resort. Most of the dive shops are actually owned and staffed by Europeans working in Egypt. This is similar to the situation in the Caribbean where many of the scuba operators there are American owned. The Red Sea has a higher salt content than Caribbean waters so it is recommended to add 4 to 5 more pounds to the amount of weight divers usually use. Like most European diving, the scuba community here in Egypt uses the metric system so weights will be in kilos while air pressure will be in bars. Most dive computers should be able to display both metric and imperial systems.

Many scuba operators in Sharm El Sheikh use a very interesting system for scuba tanks. Rather than using their own tanks, their dive boats go to a common central barge anchored in the harbor. This is where all the scuba tanks are supplied from and the dive boats collect the number of tanks they need for day’s dive trips. At the end of the trips, used tanks are dropped off at the same barge before heading back to port.

The majority of the dives in the Red Sea are semi drift dives where the dive boats drop off divers at the dive sites and then pick them up afterwards. One very different aspect of the Red Sea compared to other dive destinations in the world is that the coral reefs here can extend up to very shallow depths. As a result, the standard safety stops at 15 feet are done drifting among many of these sloping reefs along with the accompanying marine life. Therefore, these are some of the most scenic safety stops scuba divers will ever do. This is certainly different from the usual bland safety stop in the Caribbean. One thing to note is that the maximum allowable depth for recreational scuba divers in Egypt is 30 meters which is about 90 feet.

As expected, the marine life in the Red Sea is spectacular. There are many species of fish, crustaceans and marine plant life here that are not found in the Caribbean. In fact, many of them are indigenous to the Red Sea only. While lionfish can be extremely rare sightings elsewhere, they are quite abundant in the Red Sea which is a real treat for scuba divers. It is also not unusual to jump in the water to be among a large school of tuna or other fish. Many night divers will see coral reefs here to be more spectacular than in the Caribbean.

For many scuba divers, the Red Sea is one of those ‘must dive at least once in a lifetime’ destinations. It is a very unique place to dive especially with the desert background visible from the dive boats. The excellent diving with the many awesome sights of Egypt make the Red Sea a dream dive trip for any scuba diver.

About The Author

Clint Leung is a NAUI certified Master and Rescue Scuba Diver. He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer/designer specializing in premium quality scuba diving activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has numerous information resource articles on scuba diving as well as free eCards.

The Smarter Way To Experience The Great Pyramids

2008-03-29T07:55:00.000-07:00

by: Jacob Fiennes

From their construction throughout the centuries the Pyramids of Giza have represented mystery, wonder and awe to all. They are perhaps the only great architecture of the ancients to have survived more or less completely intact.

The oldest pyramid at Giza is the Great Pyramid of Cheops, also known as Khufu, and is the largest known pyramid in existence. It was built around 2500 BC of over two million limestone blocks, each almost three tons in weight. An astonishing achievement and is believed to be the work of around twenty thousand slave workers.

Nearby are the smaller pyramids belonging to Cheops’s son and grandson as well as the Great Sphinx, known as Abu ‘l-Hol, a half-lion, half-man figure of majestic proportions.

Each evening at dusk an enormous sound and light show is played out and, despite its rather tacky touristy nature, is a real fast-track introduction to Egyptian history. Scout through the many persistent camel drivers around the site for a decent tour of the pyramids on humpback, with the best time of day being at daybreak or sundown as these times are quieter and offer the most breathtaking atmosphere to view the pyramids in.

As perhaps the best possible example of real estate location the forty acre Mena House offers rolling views of lush parkland and beautiful gardens right on the Saharan doorstep with the pyramids as a backdrop. Before 1870 the Mena House was King Khedive Ismail’s official hunting lodge, yet today it offers serene escape from the heady tourist areas that surround the Pyramids. Featuring an eighteen hole golf course, a gorgeous swimming pool set right in the lush gardens, and a certain aire of colonial grandeur felt perhaps most on the breakfast terrace, which Evelyn Waugh described best as being “like having the Prince of Wales at the next table”. To enjoy the Mena best choose a room in the old yet beautifully restored suites for a grand view of the Pyramids.

About The Author

Jacob Fiennes is an enthusiastic traveller and photographer with a passion for discovery. He is a founder and regular contributor to the hugely popular worldwide hotel reservations site http://www.travelbx.com/. Visit the site for your next hotel room reservation, flight ticket, tailored holiday package and much more. http://www.travelbx.com.

Costal Kenya : Gedi Ruins

2008-03-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

by: Yvonne Oerlemans

When travelling through Kenya, you can’t ignore the marvellous national parks and game reserves, inhabited by countless fascinating animals. The mosaic of wildlife inside Kenya’s borders is what makes this country a famous tourist destination. However, Kenya has another, equally enchanting side: the coast. Donned with paradise-like beaches, it’s a wonderful leisurely end to an active holiday. But if you look just a little bit beyond the beach, you will find a rich coastal culture that goes back a thousand years.

After enjoying a Safari in interior Kenya, the coastal town of Mombasa is a wonderful place to exhale with a cocktail in hand. But Mombasa also has a rich history where centuries of trade and all kinds of cultural influences have shaped the Swahili culture, including the national language of Kenya, appropriately called Swahili. The language reflects Kenya’s colourful history; it incorporates words from Arabic, Portuguese and even German origin. Swahili is now spoken all over East Africa, and even as far as the Congo.

A walk through Mombasa Old Town reveals the heart of the Swahili culture. The narrow streets can hardly accommodate cars, but all the more people and donkeys. The high houses provide shade from the scorching Mombasa sun; the heavy wooden doors are beautifully carved and inscribed with Arabic text from the Koran; Islam is the dominant religion alongside the Kenyan coast. On the veranda’s, old men in traditional Muslim attire chat the day away sharing a pot of spicy coffee.

At the edge of Old Town, facing Mombasa bay, stands Fort Jesus; built by the Portuguese who conquered the city in the 16th Century. They held on to the fort until the British colonialists turned it into a prison. The fort is open for viewing; inside is a museum narrating the history of the fort and its occupants. The canons used to keep attackers at bay still proudly stand facing the sea.

Travelling alongside the Kenyan coast, there are countless other reminders of the cultures that once ruled the entire coastline. A must-see is the ruins of Gedi, an Arab-African settlement built in the 14th Century. There are many such ruins on the North coast of Kenya, all the way into modern day Somalia, but Gedi is one of the very few that have been maintained as a public historical site open for viewing.

The town has fascinated archaeologists since its discovery. Gedi seemed to have been a wealthy, thriving town, given the precious artefacts that were dug up including Ming China porcelain and countless other objects indicating Gedi’s wealth. However, there is no official historical record of Gedi, which makes the place all the more intriguing.

The name Gedi is a Galla word meaning "precious". The Galla were a nomadic people from Somalia, who conquered all settlements on the Northern Kenyan coast in the 17th century and who baptised Gedi and ruled it until the late 19th century. They then lost their position of power to the Arabs, who reoccupied their original territories.

The historic site is on the Mombasa-Malindi road, sixty-five miles from Mombasa and ten miles from Malindi. Gedi is a fascinating place to visit, more so because the ruins are up to today shrouded in mystery; the actual reasons for its foundation, as well as its destruction, are not known. Surrounded by modern-day villages built of wood, mud and stone with all the hustle and bustle of the local inhabitants, Gedi is an oasis of peace; overgrown with all kinds of trees, plants and flowers. There are friendly and well-informed local guides available at a small fee, but the map of Gedi is self-explanatory, and you can easily discover the city by yourself.

The ruins are clearly indicated, identified by their architectural style, such as the mosques, or the artefacts that were found in or near the structures; names like ‘The house of the Iron Lamp’, ‘The house of the Ivory Box’, ‘The house of the Scissors’, ‘The house of the Venetian Bead’ fuel the imagination. In the silence that now enfolds the once thriving town, you can hear the echoes of the voices of centuries ago. While walking through the ruins, it takes only a little imagination to see the veiled women walking through the streets, hear the children play at the water well and sit with the Sultan while he receives trade delegations. In the museum built adjacent to the ruins, the found artefacts are exhibited alongside an overview of coastal Swahili culture.

The structures at Gedi include 8 mosques, more than a dozen houses, a palace and an Amfi-theatre-cum-law-court. Gedi was surrounded by a wall, and it seems like the city was deserted, then later reoccupied, because there is a second wall built at a later date that encircles a smaller part of the town. This wall incorporated some of the walls of existing houses. The artefacts that were found in the ruins, such as Chinese porcelain and Venetian glass, indicate that Gedi was a wealthy city that traded with Portugal, Italy, China, India and the Arab world; which makes its absence in official historic records all the more intriguing.

There are several theories to the downfall of Gedi. Some say the river changed its course, so the water wells dried up, forcing the inhabitants to move. Others theorize that the Portuguese brought the deadly Black Plague, with no known cure, wiping out the population. A dispute or invasion that caused the inhabitants to fled or evacuate is another theory. But whatever it may be that caused Gedi to fall, its ruins are strong reminders of how powerful it once was, and how it influenced a culture that exists to this day.

For more information on Gedi Ruins, call the museum in Watamu on telephone number 042-32065 or call the National Museums of Kenya headquarters in Nairobi: 020-374213 or go to their website: www.museums.or.ke. Entrance fee for tourists is 200 Kenya Shillings; Under 16’s pay only 100 Shillings. For locals and residents the price varies from 20 to 60 Shillings.

About The Author

Yvonne Oerlemans is the Owner of CoverConceptsMedia Ltd. and a Director at www.AfricanVoyages.com Ltd she can be reached at articles@africanvoyages.com.

Travel To Uganda - A Kingdom Of Birds

2008-03-27T01:56:00.000-07:00

by: Kisibo Jackie

Uganda is an equatorial country with an amazing diversity of Habitats. Truly a Kingdom of Birds, Uganda hosts over 1000 bird species, both Albertine Rift endemics as well as rarities with half of the species known on the African continent, and over 10% of those on record throughout the entire world. For a birding safari, Uganda is a perfect destination.

The country located in the Albertine region also lies on the Northern shores of Lake Victoria-the source of the White Nile, and the country is extremely fertile with parks, wildlife, lakes and rivers, Mountain ranges, parks and a cool attractive countryside.

Uganda enjoys a tropical climate with rainy seasons stretching from April-May and October-November, which is a favorable condition for bird existence since birds breed during the wet season. The wide variety of birds is found in both urban and rural areas of Uganda and the most popular birds are the Shoebill, Rwenzori Turaco, Red-fronted Antpecker, Green-breasted pitta, Black bee-eater, Purvell’s illadopsis, Karamoja Apalis, Nahans Francolin, African Green Broadbill and the Brown-chested plover. City and suburb species mainly include the African Hobby, the Bat Hawk, cooper sunbirds, white faced scops owl, freckled Nightjar and so many more species.

Other bird species include the orange weaver, Verreaux’s Eagle owls, pied kingfishers, Grey headed gull, black headed herons, Yellow bill Duck, swamp flycatcher, Vieillot’s black weavers, Hamerkop, Great blue Turaco and the Ross’s Turaco woodland kingfisher. Broad-billed roller, splendid starling, African fish eagle, Hadada ibis, shikra, Angola swallow, Grey-capped warbler, long crested eagle, palmnut and hooded vultures, Grey kestrel and so many more unmentioned species.

Uganda’s equatorial location, Transitional to the East African savannah and the western rainforests is combined with the altitude and great variety of terrain types provide an overwhelming array of opportunities for keen birders, making it Africa’s most complete bird watching destination.

The top birding spots in Uganda include: Bwindi impenetrable forest for Albertine rift endemics like the black bee-eater and African Green Broadbill, Murchison falls National Park for savannah specialists like the Shoebill, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and Red throated bee-eater, Kibale forest for the green breasted pitta, great blue Turaco. Queen Elizabeth National Park habits about 600 species like the African Mourning Dove, Temminck’s Courser. Mabamba Swamp for the Shoebill stork, Budongo forest for the white crested Turaco, shinning Blue Kingfisher, and Semliki National Park for white crested sunbird species. Rwenzori Mountains with various bird species, Lake Mburo for papyrus Gonelek and Bigodi wetland sanctuary for the Black billed Turaco, white spotted crake and many more colorful bird species.

A variety of unique habitats and lots of superb Birds make a visit to Uganda a must for every birder. This birding hotspot boosts of a bird list of over 1000 bird species, with some being EastAfrica’s rarest and most sought after birds, and the spectacular globally threatened species. Uganda harbours the greatest variety and concentration of Birds, Primates like chimpanzees and wildlife, lakes and rivers, snow-covered Mountain ranges, parks and landscape. A good infrastructure and a variety of interesting activities like Gorilla tracking, sport fishing and white water rafting make Uganda a worthwhile destination and enhance the birding experience.

For specifics contact Africa travel Emporium OR Uganda Safari Guide and Directory, - Birding Safaris to Uganda http://www.aboutuganda.com/birding.html

For a complete directory of free travel information on Uganda, and Hotels, campsites, Kampala Hotels in Uganda http://www.hotelsinuganda.com/kampala.html

Africa Hotels, Kenya , Tanzania & Rwanda http://www.hotel-nights.com

About The Author

Jackie Kisibo is a freelance author in Africa. Her articles can be found on http://www.hotelsinuganda.com/kampala.html and http://www.aboutuganda.com/operators.html.

Kenya: The True Safari Country

2008-03-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

by: Felix Koskei

It is said that the word ‘safari’ began in Kenya. Indeed Kenya has all the aspects to justify that it is in fact the number one safari country. Safari did not only start by the arrival; in hordes, of the camera wielding, cigar smoking, boot wearing and rifle carrying European tourist in search of the elephant tusk or the lion’s mane. It is a given fact that safari is deep rooted in the Africa culture. The African culture is extremely social and going on safari to visit distant relatives and friends is a normal mode of life.

In the lives of the 21st century, safari to the foreign tourists is one that takes them deep into the African jungle where they encounter the wild animals in their natural habitat. This is in most cases the highlight of every tourist on safari in Kenya or any other African country. But; there is more to safari than just seeing the animals in the wild and this is where Kenya remain the only country in the world; where one can experience the true nature of safari.

Kenya has been a safari country for many centuries. With this kind of experience, Kenya has mastered all the little details of safari organization and comprehensive capitalized on the important aspects.

Hotel Infrastructure:

Kenya has invested heavily on hotels and lodges across all the national parks. It always comes as a pleasant surprise to the foreign tourist how comfortable they can stay right in the middle of the jungle. Accommodation units are available to cater for all kinds of tourists. A camp site will be available for the back-packer and a 5 star jungle resort will be available for the luxury seekers. Having been a bilingual courier for many years, I witnessed with great awe the wonder in many a tourist on how enormous jungle resorts can be run with the perfection of a city hotel.

Human Resource:

Kenya has invested enormously on the training of the personnel who work in the tourist resorts and any other safari related discipline. This will range from the waiter in the city hotel to the manager in the jungle resort; from the porter who will pick your luggage from your room to the driver-guide who will show you the impalas and lions in the bush.

Diversity:

Kenya is an extremely diverse country. One gets practically any adventure of his choice. Kenya is endowed with a coastal line for those who love to relax on the sandy beaches. The savannah and the forests offer you a perfect spot for viewing the wild animals. The mountains provide the more adventurous ones with a hike of a life-time. The deserts of northern Kenya provides you with a perfect setting to enjoy the hot sun and see the rare animals only found north of the equator. The Rift Valley provides some of the most unique landscapes in Africa; not to mention the Rift Valley lakes that are home to millions of flamingoes.

Smile & Friendliness:

This is one aspect that every tourist who has visited Kenya will attest to. There is no where else in Africa where you will be received and served with so much happiness and grace. This is probably why Kenya has remained the number one safari country. The friendliness and the smiles on the faces of the people will remain permanently imprinted in your minds. There is nothing more comforting to a foreigner than to be received and served with so much happiness.

Organization and eye to detail:

With a vast safari experience, Kenya has sharpened its skills on safari provision. Every little details will be taken care of; to your amazement and pleasure. From the time you arrive at the airport and all through your safari experience, you will always have someone taking care of your interests. Everything shall have been planned in advance and all shall be ready. In Kenya, you can always be assured that your comfort is important to everyone.

About The Author

Felix Koskei is the editor of www.safariafrika.com and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections Ltd.

Samburu: Where The Sun Is Always Faithful

2008-03-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

by: Felix Koskei

Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is one of Kenya’s most interesting national reserves. Samburu is about 330 km north of Mt. Kenya and lies in a warm low land occupied by the Samburu tribe. This reserve is relatively small but has so much to offer.

This reserve lies north of the equator and here, you will find some of the animals that are only found in the northern hemisphere. These are the Reticulated Giraffe, the endangered Grevy Zebra, the Somali Ostrich and the long-necked Gerenuk. In addition to this one finds the long-horned Beisa Oryx in Samburu.

In spite of the reserve been small, you will be astonished at how many animals you will see in a single game drive. Life in Samburu obviously evolves around the Uaso Nyiro River which is a seasonal river. During the dry seasons, all the animals gather around the winding river in search of water. Samburu also has large herds of elephant and a big groups of impala. One also finds lions, leopards, cheetahs, waterbucks, guinea fowls, mongooses, gazelles, elands and a wide species of bird life.

Due to its low altitude, Samburu is hot most of the year. Even in July when most of the country is experiencing low temperatures, the sun will still shine in Samburu. Most of the lodges and tented camps are located along the Uaso Nyiro River. These are the Larsen’s Tented Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu Serena Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp and Samburu Sopa Lodge. There are also several camp sites.

Samburu is one of the must-see national reserves on your visit to Kenya. One can get to Samburu by daily schedule flights or by road. It is possible to depart Nairobi in the morning and make it for lunch at Samburu Nat. Reserve. The first 280 km from Nairobi is tarmac road. The dust road begins at Isiolo Town.

Samburu has a beautiful landscape with rolling hills sparsely spread across the reserve.

While at Samburu, it would be prudent for you to visit one of the local Samburu villages. This gives you an interesting insight of the cultural lives of the Samburu folks. Their cultural beliefs are similar to those of the Masais who are in the same tribal grouping. They still live in mud houses and still depend on their cattle and goats as the main source of livelihood. They dress in beautiful red outfits and always carry a club and probably a spear during their daily chores.

In the summer, Samburu is pretty dry, hot and dusty. Short pants and light clothing is advised. Due to the hot sun, always carry with you a hat and a pair of sun glasses. Most of the lodges and camps in Samburu have swimming pools, so it will be a good idea to carry with you your swimming suit and a packet of sun-cream.

About The Author

Felix Koskei is the editor of http://www.safariafrika.com and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections Ltd http://www.safariafrika.com.

Places of Interest in Morocco

2008-03-24T04:32:00.000-07:00

by: Tina Andlaw

PART II

Today we continue with the final part of Tina Andlaw's piece on "Places of Interest in Morocco".

Hassan Mosque: You will see the towering 50 metre minaret of the Hassan Mosque from many parts of the city. Each façade of the minaret is intricately patterned with different motifs on each face.

Mausoleum of Mohammed V: The mausoleum was inaugurated in 1967. Located opposite the Hassan Mosque, it is one of the great monuments of modern Morocco. The deceased king lies in a white onyx tomb, surrounded by royal guards, while and hundreds of Moroccans pay homage each day.

The Medina: This medina was created by Muslim Andalucian refugees from Badajoz, Spain. It was essentially the first “seed” of the city until the arrival of the French in 1912 who began creating the new town.

Archeology Museum: Here you can find a collection of Roman bronze figures, dating from the first and second centuries and recovered from Volubilis. Also other artifacts from Phoenician, Carthagian and Roman settlements throughout Morocco are to be viewed here. Open 9.00-11.30 and 2.30-5.30, closed Tuesdays.

Around Rabat

Volubilis: Located between Rabat and Fez, it was built on top of a previous Carthaginian city and dates back to around the 3rd century BC, being a centre of Roman administration in Africa. Volubilis was inhabited until the 18th century, when it was carelessly demolished to provide building materials for the palaces of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. This meant a great deal of Morocco’s Roman architectural heritage was lost. However, today the ruins include some well-preserved columns, a basilica, a triumphal arch and about 30 high beautiful mosaics.

Casablanca: This is a huge, busy European style port city and has attracted much immigration from the Moroccan countryside. People are modern with little sign of traditional dress or modesty. The old town is small but similar to all the other bazaars found in Morocco. The impressive Hassan ll Mosque is the 3rd largest religious monument in the World, with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Temara: Lies on the coast, some 13Km from Rabat. It is a favourite weekend spot for city dwellers. Temara has a sandy beach, along with many hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, a zoo and other leisure facilities to entertain visitors.

Tangier

Tangier was once a playground for the rich and famous seeking a fashionable café culture as well as a tax haven. When Spain relinquished Tangier back to Morocco in 1960, its duty-free status went with it, along with the fashionable crowd. The decayed grandeur of today still has much to offer and slowly Tangier is regaining its splendor as an attractive tourist destination.

Grand Socco: Socco means Souk in Spanish and it is named so due to its Spanish heritage. A Souk is a market to us and is an interesting place to watch passing Rif people in colourful costumes selling vegetables and fresh mint. It begins at a busting square and the medina is entered from the square, through a large arched entrance.

American Lagation Museum: is located in the middle of the medina. It is an American cultural centre, museum and conference venue, as well as a library. The museum is housed in the American Embassy, built in 1777 when Morocco became the first power to recognize the USA as an independent country!

Kasbah: dates back to the 17th century and it is interesting to wonder through its little alleyways, patios and hidden terraces. The Kasbah Mosque boasts an unusual octagonal minaret.

Sultan’s Gardens, Rue Riad Sultan, just north of the Kasbah Mosque, are a pleasant place to visit and watch the local craftsmen at work while sipping mint tea and enjoying views across the Straits of Gibraltar to Tarifa on the Spanish coast, only 14.5 Km away.

Dar el Makhzen: This is a 17th century palace containing and impressive collection of art from all regions of Morocco.

Forbes Museum: This is located in the Marshan Villa district, about 20 minutes walk from the medina. The museum is the former palace of United States multi-millionaire and media magnate, Malcolm Forbes. The house is open to the public and houses Forbes’ collection of 8,000 miniature soldiers!

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim refugees in the middle-ages and has retained its distinctive Spanish character. It is just an hour’s drive from Tangier in the Rif mountains.

The medina is beautiful and bustling with craftsmen working diligently and tradesmen selling the usual fare of carpets, leather goods, pottery and copper utensils. The Great Mosque, in the middle of the medina dates to the 17th century sits on a picturesque square with restaurants and cafes.

Asilah

Located south of Tangier, Asilah is a very poplular seaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise Beach. Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun horse and cart ride from the village and is famous for its enormous expanse of unspoilt white, sandy beach.

Despite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has retained its relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known as the Artists’ Village and here you can find many locally painted canvases adorning the souks of its 15th century medina. The town is small enough to explore on foot or by donkey cart and is renowned for its great seafood restaurants.

About The Author

Tina Andlaw lives in Spain and regularly contributes articles to Sunseeker Homes (www.sunseekerhomes.com) the Spanish property information website.

Places of Interest in Morocco

2008-03-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

by: Tina Andlaw

PART I

A pleasant culture shock awaits you as you arrive in Morocco. It is as culturally rich as it is geographically diverse and cannot fail to impress. Visiting some of its towns and villages and experiencing the generosity of its people will leave you hooked, as I was, by the Arabic experience.

Fez

Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco.

The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the colorful old city, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying and selling, veiled women going about their work and bell-ringing water sellers.

A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle the buzzing hive that is traditional Fez, but if you are brave, you can negotiate the tiny alleyways, too narrow for cars whilst risking getting lost and then haggling with a local to be guided back out!

The Tanneries: A visit to the souks will lead to a visit to Fez's famous tanneries, where one of the oldest arts in the world is practiced to produce the soft leather do characteristic of Morocco.

You’ll need a strong stomach for the smells given off during curing, while you look down on the fascinating tanners’ yard and its impressive vats of different colored dyes and piles of skins. Open 9-6, admission free.

View Point: The best vantage point over the ancient walled city is from the ruined Merenid Tombs on a hilltop to the east of the city. From here you can see the skyline with its profusion of satellite dishes, and a general mass of palaces, green-roofed holy places, the tanneries, as well as the adjacent Karaouine Mosque.

Moulay Idriss ll: In the depths of the old city sits the shrine that houses the remains of the founder of the city of Fez, Moulay Idriss II. It is one of the holiest buildings in the city. Non-Muslims may not enter, but you can glimpse inside to see the saint’s tomb, which is receives constant devotional visits from groups of women who burn candles and incense.

Marrakech

Walking through the alleyways and souks of Marrakech, particularly in the Medina of the old city, it is easy to believe you have been transported back in time to the “Arabian Nights”.

It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities.

The Medina is characterized by much noise, hustle and bustle with tradesmen and craftsmen going about their daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating or leather working, as well as herbalists, perfumers and slipper makers.

Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze.

Djemaa el-Fna: In the heart of the Medina. It is an irregular 'square' and a hub of action where tourists flock to soak up the busy atmosphere. Tourism, though, has not spoilt, but rather added to the complete picture.

Marrakesh has a modern side with its luxury hotels, banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, while it blends effortlessly with the past of the old city.

Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef bin Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his son perfected the city by bringing in architects and Andalucian craftsmen from Córdoba to build palaces, baths, mosques and a subterranean water system. The city walls were raised from the red mud from the plains.

Horse drawn carriages: Known as calèches, are one of the best ways to view the city when you are not on foot exploring in the Medina.

Koutoubia Mosque: This is the city’s main landmark and the 69 metre high minaret towers over the labyrinth of streets and markets in the Medina. The red stone mosque was first built in 1147 but it was knocked down and rebuilt in 1199 because it was had not been built correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque is large enough for thousands to pray in.

Djemaa el-Fna: This large town square translated as “Square fo the Dead”. The square offers a colourful scene and is a magnet performing artists, snake charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers, all vying for attention. Passing tradesmen offer anything from boiled snails, vegetable soup and kebabs to fresh orange juice. There are many cafés here from which to watch the busy scene, and from where you may then visit the souks to find some shade from the searing Moroccan sun.

Dar Si Saïd Museum: The Museum is housed in a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid and shows the arts, crafts and culture of the Berber people, including displays of some Moorish cedar wood furniture, elaborate door and window frames and artefacts from every day life in the Sahara desert. Open 8.30-11.45 and 2.30-5.45 except Tuesdays. Admission Dh20

Saadian Tombs: Built in the late 16th century, this beautiful necropolis has 66 lavishly decorated indoor tombs. The central mausoleum has a high vaulted roof which is exceptionally ornate, including carved cedar panels and Italian marble columns. Open 9.00-11.45 and 2.30-5.50 except Tuesdays. Admission Dh15

Around Marrakesh

Oukaimeden: A ski resort in the desert with camels instead of ski lifts! Yes, thick snow envelops the Jabal Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months (usually January and February) and it is just a 46-mile (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town can be reached by taxi or car and is well equipped for skiers seeking restaurants, ski equipment hire, and comfortable hotels within a stunning alpine setting.

Ouirgane: A village in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains about 1 ½ hour’s drive from Marrakesh. It is a popular place to visit, where summers are cooler and winters are less harsh. The Berber villages are enchanting whilst set in forests with wild flowers, including the famous rose gardens, fruit trees and streams cascading from the High Atlas.

Essaouira: This popular resort town dates from the 18th century, and is easily reached by bus from Marrakech. The town is surrounded by a fortified wall and faces the sea. The beach is a wide, stunning stretch with pretty whitewashed houses, boat-builders’ workshops and art galleries. Visitors come for the laid-back atmosphere and the high wind that makes it a very popular centre for wind- and kite-surfing.

Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving tradition, mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood. The harbour is a hive of activity at all times, particularly during the daily fish auction, attracting as many onlookers as buyers and sellers.

Agadir: Is a major seaside resort south of Marrakech. It is new and modern with magnificent sandy beaches. Its “newness” is largely due to an uncharacteristic earthquake that shook the town in 1961, and it has now been re-modelled as a popular package holiday destination as well as a major fishing port. Agadir boasts 300 days of sunshine and a huge supply of hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco.

Rabat

Morocco’s capital city is characteristically modern with wide, conservative boulevards, gardens and large blocks of flats. The king lives here in a beautiful palace surrounded by trees and flowers.

Despite having a rich history dating back to 7th century, Rabat is a far cry from the hectic backstreets of Fez and Marrakech. However the old part of the city has a Medina and a Kasbah.

Rabat is located on the Atlantic coastal plain, opposite its twin city of Sale, and it is near some beautiful sandy beaches.

Rabat’s Dar Es Salaam Golf Course is world-renowned.

Kasbah des Oudaïas: A Kasbah is a “village within a city” and is a good place to take in the sights of the city. It is guarded by the impressive arched gate built in 1195. The Palace and Andalucian gardens and the terrace gives beautiful views from the Kasbah mosque, over the river and sea. The Palace Museum and gardens date back to the 17th century. The museum houses Moroccan art such as Berber jewellery, costumes and carpets.

Citadel of Chellah: Located in the new town of Rabat, the ruins of Chellah, once a Roman port, provide interesting sightseeing. Just inside the gate are Roman ruins dating from 200 BC, which includes a forum, a temple and a craftsmens’ quarter.

About The Author

Tina Andlaw lives in Spain and regularly contributes articles to Sunseeker Homes (www.sunseekerhomes.com) the Spanish property information website.

4X4 Excitement - Great African Trails

2008-03-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

by: Dan Rosen

PART II

Today we publish part two of Dan Rosen's "4x4 Exitement" diary on his Southern African Safari. Read on.

Day 1: Windhoek

We flew into Windhoek on South African Airways' morning flight from Johannesburg. After picking up our 4X4 and meeting with our guide and some of our tour mates, we spent the rest of the day exploring this great little city. A combination of modern and German colonial style architecture, this slightly provincial city is quite neat and clean.

The influence of German language and culture is still very much apparent, with plenty German-style restaurants and other cultural remnants. Although English is the official language, German can be used just about anywhere.

Day 2: Etosha - Okaukuejo

After a light breakfast we left bright and early on the main highway north from Windhoek.

Passing through Otjowarongo we arrived at the Etosha National Park. Before setting up camp for the night we went on a sun-downer game drive. Later in the evening we sat on the banks of the floodlit waterhole bordering the camp, watching the animals coming in to drink.

Day 3: Etosha - Namutoni

A full day of game viewing today, and our first glimpse of lion and rhino not 10 meters from our campervan. What a fantastic sight. At day's end we reached Namutoni, our camp site for the night.

Day 4: Tsumkwe

Exiting the Etosha National Park we headed east via Tsumeb and Grootfontein to Tsumkwe in the heart of Bushman land. The cultural experience of a visit to a bushman village is quite indescribable, so I won't even try. But make sure you don't miss it on your tour.

Day 5: Khaudum

Following an off-road track of deep and loose sand, we head north into the Khaudum Game Reserve. Another day to enjoy game viewing.

Day 6: Popa Falls

An early start as we headed out before dawn for a game drive in the area of our camp before heading further north to Popa Falls. We managed to track a pride of lions stalking their prey, but were not able to view the kill. Continuing north, in the afternoon we visited the falls and the Mahango Game Reserve.

Day 7: Maun

We crossed into Botswana at the Mohembo border post and traveled along the Okavango River southwards to Sehitwa before turning north east to Maun, the capital of the Okavango Delta.

After stocking up on supplies, we left for our campsite just outside town on the banks of the Thamalakane River. We jumped at the opportunity of a scenic sundowner flight over the delta, our pilot swooping down low over the herds of animals heading for their evening drink.

Day 8: Moremi - Okavango Delta

Early morning we head for Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the last totally unspoiled Wildlife areas in Africa. The unique ecosystem is a labyrinth of lagoons, lakes and hidden channels covering an area of over 17,000 square km and the largest inland delta in the world. Trapped in the parched Kalahari sands it is a magnet for the wildlife who depend on the permanent waters of this unique feature. The Okavanga hosts over 400 species of birds, as well as lions, elephants, hyenas, wild dog, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles, antelope and many other smaller animals such as warthogs, monkeys, mongoose and more.

We take our time exploring the wetlands and its myriad inhabitants en route to our next campsite at Moremi.

Day 9: Okavango Delta

More game viewing, this time from a dugout canoe - known here as a Mokoro. We paddled deep into the delta from Xakanaxa spying all manner of water-bound species on the way - hippos, gigantic crocodiles and more. Shades of Tarzan! Mind boggling to see these animals so close.

Day 10: Chobe

After an early breakfast we hit the road again. (Never short of food on this trip!)

Heading north to the Mababe Depression, we entered Chobe National Park at the Mababe gate. A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population. These herds comprise what is probably the largest surviving continuous elephant population, currently estimated at a totals of some 120,000 elephants. They are also the largest of African elephants, but their tusks are brittle so there are not many huge tuskers among them. The elephant population has built up steadily in recent years and has largely escaped the illegal ivory hunters of the 1970s and 80s.

The herds are migratory, making seasonal movements of up to 200 kms from the Chobe and Linyati rivers where they concentrate in the dry season to the pans in the southeast to which they migrate during the wet season.

After an extremely pleasant day of game watching we moved on to our campsite at Savuti. The Chobe river valley practically swarms with elephants. Most of the day they are scattered around the hillsides surrounding the valley, and as the sun begins to sink towards the horizon, they descend to the valley in their hundreds to swim, roll in the mud, eat and socialise. After pitching camp in the late afternoon we moved down to the riverbed to await the arrival of our elephant friends for their evening sundowner. We didn't have too long to wait. They were soon crossing the river in droves, in both directions. This carried on for an hour or two, until both banks were liberally covered in elephants of all sizes, from this year's calves through to a few who must have been upwards of 50 years of age. Can you picture this? It was happening right in front of us! Absolutely amazing.

Day 11: Chobe

The memories of last night's elephant lingers on into the early morning .....

Today we were awakened by the unique waking of a Fish Eagle perched on the tree behind our campervan. What can beat that? We traveled further north through the Chobe Forest Reserve to Ihaha. We saw ample game along the way - warthogs and waterbuck predominate. At days end we camp on the Chobe River bank after a game drive along the river.

Day 12: Victoria Falls - Lodge

Our final day here in the wild - and we're on our way to the smoke that thunders - or Vic Falls, discovered by David Livingstone back in 1855.

We cover the 130 kms in 4 hours and arrive at the falls at noon. Not much seems to have changed here since Livingstone's time. The falls are a national heritage sight and so are relatively uncommercialized. We quickly returned our vehicles to the depot and made a beeline for our lodge and a nice long bath. What a luxury! The rest of the day and most of the next we spent absorbing the grandeur of the falls, and finally headed to the airport to catch our plane back to Johannesburg and civilization.

If you're after hardcore Africa - this West African Safari is definitely the ULTIMATE African experience!

Get more out-of the way travel ideas at www.campertrails.com

About The Author

Dan Rosen is a professional traveller and travels several times a year to various countries around the world in search of the perfect travel adventure. He also operates the CamperTrails website. (www.campertrails.com)

Africa's biggest wildlife spectacle

2008-03-20T21:51:00.000-07:00

by: Peter Philip

"One of the World's biggest spectacles". Many have so described it. Many have come back time and time again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through unspoiled and savage wildness. The air fills with the click click of the cameras tirelessly. You have not seen something like it before.

"Africa is changing at a quick pace and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes. In association with development and changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting erased. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of an open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that yet prides in wildlife concentration and everybody has to see it." Victoria, Washington.

Masai Mara is located in the Southwestern of Kenya, 180 kilometers from Nairobi. World famous for the abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy.

The Migration is a recent phenomenon (60's and 70's was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 individuals and gradually with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimate 1,500,000 Zebras and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of the big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross or to water.

It is the Masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon: competing with the wildebeest for pastures and rear their huge herds of boran cattle to the grasslands. To them it is a big calamity especially because the "wild cattle" transmit diseased to their herds and poison the waters their fetal sacs.

This world famous phenomenon is a circle of life which in simple terms means that there is not a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find as safe place to graze. It's also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

Survivors have little time to strengthen their legs as soon after the pilgrim continues in April. By then, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western Corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria. The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras as they prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way they leave behind them shorter grass to the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass starting pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and across the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim. This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking crocodiles while they await the forthcoming feast.

Finally they jump into the river and this gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, sometimes teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Usually they wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is usually a moment filled with tension for both the gnus and the audience. They survey for a convenient crossing point, less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, dangers also occur whereby the current of the river can be too strong for some simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs. This is a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles.

Finally the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown destiny (or known) continues.

In the month of October they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again they are heading to the southern plains of where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again

About The Author

Peter Philip is a Kenyan wildlife safari guide. The information presented here is collected first hand from the fields over the years.

View their website at: http://www.natural-track.com