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Africa - Country Directory - Home
Use the alpha list below to find information about cities in Africa, or go to the country page for countries in Africa and find the city from there. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Abéché This fascinating town has an Oriental appearance that features mosques, narrow streets, old markets and dilapidated buildings. As it is a bit out of the way, other than the weekly flight from N'Djamena to Abéche (which is often cancelled anyway), hitching a lift with someone, perhaps a truck might be an option. however as it can take as many as three days if you do this, you may opt to rent a car and driver. Abuja was selected as the new capital of Nigeria. The old capital used to be Lagos. On February 4, 1976, a decree was signed establishing the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja and setting up the Federal Capital Development Authority, the organization charged with the task of developing the new capital. Physically located in the centre of the country and viewed as neutral both ethnically and religiously, it is where culture and religion meet. It has borders on the north with Kaduna State, on south-east with Nassarawa State, on the south-west by Kogi State and on the west by Niger state. As a new capital, Abuja has the advantage of being well-planned over many capital cities. Visitors and arriving residents will be greeted by wide, well-designed and maintained roads and clean streets. Abuja also has excellent access to the wider road network to the rest of the country. It is built on a pre-Cambrian basement (granite) rock complex of distinctive domes and hills, the most striking of which is called Also Rock.
AccraAccra is the capital, and most populous city of Ghana. The city also doubles as the capital of the Greater Accra Region, and of the Accra Metropolis District with which it is coterminous. It is the administrative, communications, and economic center of the country. Over 70% of Ghana's manufacturing capacity is located within this region district. Accra has been Ghana's capital since 1877, and contains public buildings reflecting its transition from a 19th century suburb of Victoriasborg to the modern metropolis it is today. Among the attractions of Accra are the National Museum, with a display of exhibits that reflect the heritage of Ghana from prehistoric times to modern times, the National Theatre with its distinct modern architecture, Independence Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, the Accra International Conference Centre, the fishing port at Jamestown and Makola Market.
Addis
Ababa
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Aksum
Aksum is the holiest city in
Ethiopia and, according to the Orthodox Church, the original Ark of the Covenant,
which holds the ten commandments, is located somewhere in or around Aksum.
The Ark is supposed to live somewhere in the grounds of the 17th-century St
Mary of Zion church, but of course no one is allowed to look at it. The
church's museum has a small but impressive collection of bibles, crosses and
crowns and just past the museum is Aksum's ancient stele field, all that
remains of the city's past glory. Steles are huge, carved pillars made from
single blocks of granite - the highest of those remaining at Aksum is about 75
feet
tall. Aksum is also the place where Christianity was declared the
national religion in the 4th century.
If you take a walk outside the town, you can see the ruins of King Kaleb's Palace. I would also suggest you walk a little further (up the hill) where you will find Pentaleon Monastery. Women aren't allowed inside, but they can still enjoy the wonderful views from the top of the hillside. The ruins of the Palace of Sheba are also outside the town, although archaeological investigation suggests they are 1300 rather than 2000 years old.
Aksum is about 310 miles north of Addis Ababa and is reachable by air from the capital. You can also travel there by bus from Gondar, Adwa, Adigrat or Mekele.
Alexandria
Alexandria
is where Egypt meets the sea and has been called the, "mermaid of the
Mediterranean." Not only an Egyptian city on the sea shore, a trade port or a
beautiful tourist coastal city, above all, it has a significant historical and
cultural history. The city was established by Alexander the Great and designed
by the architect "Denokrates" in 332 B.C. It may be considered Egypt's
gate throughout history for openness and communication with Europe and countries
of the Mediterranean Sea Basin. Alexandria was, and still is, a prominent
cultural beacon for knowledge seekers and the history of its famous library and
a wonderful place to visit.
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Algiers
Algiers is the capital city of Algeria. Known as
Alger in French and Al Djazair in Arabic
it is located on the Mediterranean Coast with a skyline
that is dominated by two shapes: the Martyrs Monument (Makam
ech-Chahid) in the south and in the city center, the
box-like shape of the Hotel Aurassi.
The Medina is the commercial and business center and just about everything in the city is either right there or close by. Nothing is far from the main street Rue Larbi ben M’Hidi, a tree lined pedestrian precinct running out of the Place Grand Post, a major square. The new Grand Mosque in Algiers (currently being built) will be the third largest mosque in the world and able to accommodate a staggering number of some 120 thousand worshipers
Although Algiers was one of Arabia's most beautiful cities, Algiers was never the same after the many years of colonial abuse. Today, Algiers is basically little more than just another modern port town. Most visitors here normally just stay long enough to arrange transport to Tamanrasset and other parts of Algeria, Africa or Europe. Although it is generally safe in Algiers, it is unfortunate that the most interesting parts of the city are found in the kasbah or medina district. And, as this has been pretty much off-limits to foreigners since the start of the troubles in the country, few get to see it. You are safest inside of the ring road as it seems the police are everywhere inside the ring road. Click here for hotel suggestions for Algiers.
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flies into Algiers
Grand Hotel Mercure
Alger Aéroport
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Hilton Alger hotel |
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Sheraton Club des Pins Resort and Towers We look forward to making you feel comfortable in our spacious and tastefully appointed guest rooms and suites. Our business center will keep you connected when you’re away from the office. After a long day, try our large free-form outdoor swimming pool (summer season) or our health club, which is fully equipped with a gym, indoor pool, steam rooms, and treatment rooms. With fresh Mediterranean breezes and ambience, we have an invigorating and creative setting for any group. All of our functions rooms are complemented by an easy and endless choice of modern amenities. Our friendly and helpful staff will ensure every detail is taken care of. Whatever the occasion, we are unsurpassed for style, flexibility, and comfort for 10 to 700 guests. Enjoy a unique dining experience at one of our first-class restaurants. Dine on Mediterranean, Algerian, and international cuisine while overlooking the bay front and striking sunsets. Surround yourself with comfort and great service at the Sheraton Club des Pins Resort and Towers. |
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Sofitel Alger All 309 richly furnished rooms and 26 suites, including 1 presidential suite, are fully equipped with A/C, satellite TV, wireless Internet, and the exclusive MyBed. Recently refurbished, the refined decor and soft lighting let you relax in style. At Sofitel, we have transformed conviviality and comfort into an art form. Our restaurants and bars provide the perfect setting for relaxing and socializing and offer refined French cuisine with the latest in fusion dishes from around the world. |
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Annaba
The eastern port city of Annaba is the third
largest city in Algeria and an important industrial and
shipping center. Just like
Algiers, Annaba is a refuge for those with a need for
European atmosphere during their stay in Algeria. The green main street, now
wisely called Cours de la Rêvolution has a vibrant
afternoon and early evening life. And the horizon to the
south is strongly dominated by the picturesque basilica
of St. Augustine.
The choice of the French colonialists to erect a church to Augustine can seem odd in this Muslim country, but it is not. Augustine acted as a bishop from 396 to 430 just here. For his Hippo Regius is present Annaba. Augustine, perhaps not the great thinker that somebody claims, is among those giving shape and content to the learning of the Catholic church.
Aswan
Aswan
is one of the sunniest southern cities in Egypt, a popular tourist area, and an
ancient frontier town. It is southern enough to have a distinctively African
atmosphere. Here the Nile is at its most beautiful as it flows through the
desert and granite rock outcrops and around green islands covered in palm groves
and tropical plants. Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning
of the nineteenth century and it's still a perfect place to get away from it
all.
Bafoussam
The town of Bafoussam is popular for the many crafts shops in the area and Arabica coffee.
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Bahar Dar
Bahar Dar is located on the southern shore of Lake Tana.
Lake Tana covers over 1,400 square miles. Although apart from the interesting
Saturday market, there is not much to see in Bahar Dar,
but there's plenty to see in the surrounding countryside, as well as upon the
lake itself. Lake Tana is scattered with islands, many of which are home to
monasteries. Some of these monasteries were built as long ago as the 11th
century, and most were built before the 16th century. The most popular
monasteries are Kidene Mehret, Kebran Gabriel (where women are banned) and Debre
Maryam. I will warn you that you better have some cash available as traveling between the islands can be pretty expensive unless, you're in
a tour group.
The Blue Nile Falls are about 45 minutes by tour bus (which is the recommended, as well a pretty much the only way to get there) from Bahar Dar. It is known locally as Tis Isat. The falls are about 1,000 feet wide with a drop of over 160 feet. The falls are quite impressive any time of year, but are at their best from October to December.
Bahar Dar is about 185 miles north-west of Addis Ababa. You can get to Bahar by plane from Addis Ababa, or you can take the bus through the spectacular Blue Nile Gorge. There's also a bus from Gondar. There are a few pleasant hotels and eateries in town.
Bamenda
The hilltop town of Bamenda was once very popular with British and German tourists. Although not as popular today, it is still an interesting place to visit.
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Bandjoun is often visited as it is the largest and best preserved of the Bamileke chiefdoms.
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Bazaruto Archipelago (Marine National Park)
Located about six miles off the coast, this Archipelago is absolutely one of the most
beautiful places you will ever see with wonderfully blue waters, sandy beaches,
palm trees, and pristine coral reefs. The area is filled with tropical fish as
well as big game
fish to catch. The area between the mainland and the 150 fathom mark is protected as a
conservation area. If you stay at one of the luxury places or lodges, transfer by speedboat is available for around US$100 return.
A lot less expensive would be the dhows, which can be found at Vilankulo on the mainland.
Beira
Beira is the second largest city in Mozambique and is a major port
and rail terminus. It is filled with old Mediterranean-style
buildings, particularly in the center area, which give it an interesting look. The heart of the city is the
Praça, or main square, which is surrounded by shops, markets and offices. The cathedral,
just south-east of the center, is also worth a stop. The market at Tchunga Moyo
(brave heart) is full of imported goods, contraband and some unsavory characters, so travel light and walk
carefully but, do see it. Perhaps that is why they call it "brave
heart."
A lot of visitors head for the fairly clean sands and waters at Praia de Macuti where there is an old shipwreck washed up on the shore near the red and white lighthouse which is located near the northern end of the beach.
Beira is about 550 miles north of Maputo and is accessible by air (from Maputo and some other cities in Mozambique and Zimbabwe) and train a few times a week. There is also, for the more adventurous, a bus that takes about two days from Maputo.
The port of Bizerte, which is about 40 miles north of Tunis, is the largest city in Northern Tunisia. Although not many tourists go there, I believe you should try and put it on your list of places to see. There are a few pretty good beaches near town that are worth a visit.
But for me, but the main attraction is the architecture of the unspoiled traditional quarter of the old port. You will also want to explore the enormous kasbah, the most impressive structure in the old town. The massive walls tower over the northern side of the entrance to the old harbor. Originally a Byzantine fort built in the 6th century AD, the present fort was built by the Ottomans in the 17th century. The ksibah, or smaller fort, lies along the southern edge of the harbor defenses that were built by the Byzantines. It has changed much over the centuries and is now the location of an interesting oceanographic museum.
Another 'must see' is The Place Bouchoucha. Lyuing in the heart of the old Ottoman town, it is actually more of a thoroughfare than a square. It is flanked by the old port to the east and the medina to the west. This area houses some lively fish markets, the Great Mosque with it's octagonal minaret, and the beautifully inlaid Youssef Dey fountain. There is also the Spanish Fort that overlooks the town from the hill north of the medina. Although it is called 'Spanish, it is actually Turkish and was built around 1570 AD.
Bijaya
A center of Algeria's
recently-developed petrochemical industry, Bijaya is an
important regional town located on the sea at the base of
Gouraya mountain.
Cairo
As an ancient city,
Cairo
occupies a singular place among world cities, with a geographical position so
unique that an interchange of influence with the civilizations to which it stood
witness was made possible. As a modern city, it remains one of the most
progressive in Africa. Cairo may be the world's only city with monuments dating
back to four different historical periods-the Pharaonic, the Roman, the
Christian and the Islamic. This makes it a tourist mecca and a place you will
not want to miss in Northern Africa.
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Cap Bon
Peninsula
This peninsula stretches out into the
Mediterranean to the northeast of Tunis. Geologists speculate that a long time
ago it probably was a land link to Europe stretching all the way to Sicily that sank
beneath the sea some 30,000 years ago. This area, particularly the
southeastern beaches around Hammamet and Nabeul, is a primary
destination for tourists.
The location of Hammamet is a popular destination for tourists with it's nice position at the northern end of the Gulf of Hammamet. The old medina overlooks a great expanse of sandy beach and is another local draw. It's also a lively town, brimming with discos, restaurants and colorful shops.
The biggest difference between Hammamet and its neighbor, Nabeul, is that the latter also has a range of budget accommodation, including the best organized camping area in the country. Be sure to visit Nabeulon Friday for the lively market that is one of the best Tunisia.
Kelibia is a small town that survives mainly on its fishing fleet, with a few small, sheltered resorts and beaches and a fabulous 6th century fort that overlooks the harbor.
Halfway in between Kelibia and El-Haouaria is the Carthaginian site of Kerkouane, a town founded in the 6th century BC. It had existed for less than 300 years before Roman forces destroyed it. It was excavated in 1962, and a museum houses some interesting finds, such as the 'Princess of Kerkouane,' a wooden sarcophagus cover carved in the shape of the goddess Astarte.
The small town of El-Haouaria is tucked beneath the mountainous tip of Cap Bon. This is a nice quiet spot with some nice beaches, especially the one at Ras el-Drek. The main attractions are the Roman Caves on the coast about two miles west of town. Much of the stone used for building Carthage was cut from this remarkable complex of yellow sandstone caves - the quarriers discovered that the quality of stone was much better at the base of the cliffs than on the surface, so they chose to tunnel into the cliffs rather than cut them down. After almost 1000 years of quarrying, the result is the caves we see today.
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Cape Town
Cape Town is the second most
populous city in South Africa, forming part of the metropolitan municipality of
the City of Cape Town. It is the provincial capital of the Western Cape, as well
as the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and
many government offices are located. Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well
as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known
landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Cape Town is one of the most popular
South African destinations for tourism. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape
Town was originally developed by the Dutch East India Company as a supply
station for Dutch ships sailing to Eastern Africa, India, and the Far East. Jan
van Riebeeck's arrival on 6 April 1652 established the first permanent European
settlement in South Africa. Cape Town quickly outgrew its original purpose as
the first European outpost at the Castle of Good Hope, becoming the economic and
cultural hub of the Cape Colony. Until the Witwatersrand Gold Rush and the
development of Johannesburg, Cape Town was the largest city in South Africa.
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Carthage has a fascinating history as it held a position of dominance in the ancient world. However, the Romans did such a thorough job demolishing it that the ruins today are a bit of a disappointment. There are six main sights, but they are difficlult to visit as they are spread out over a wide area. The best way to see it all is by taking the TGM (light rail) line that runs through the middle of the area. Even then, there is quite a bit of walking.
The best place to start is Byrsa Hill, which dominates the area and gives a good view of the whole site from its peak. At its base is the Cathedral of St Louis, visible for miles around. It was built by the French in 1890 and dedicated to the 13th century saint-king who died on the shores of Carthage in 1270 during the ill-fated 8th Crusade. Though it was deconsecrated and closed for years, its has now been restored and is open to the public. The National Museum is the large white building at the back of the cathedral, and its recently revamped displays are well worth a look. The Punic displays upstairs are especially good.
The Roman amphitheatre on the west side of the Byrsa is about a 15-minute walk from the museum. It is said to have been one of the largest in the Empire, though little of its grandeur remains today. Most of its stones were stolen for other building projects in later centuries. The collection of huge cisterns north-east of the amphitheatre were the main water supply for Carthage during the Roman era.
The Antonine Baths are right down on the waterfront and are impressive more for their size and location than for anything else. The Magon Quarter is another archaeological park near the water, a few blocks south of the baths. Recent excavations have revealed an interesting residential area.
The Sanctuary of Tophet created a great deal of
excitement when it was first excavated in 1921 and has gone on to elicit a fair
amount of 'excited' prose since then. The Tophet was a sacrificial site with an
associated burial ground, where the children of Carthaginian nobles were killed
and roasted to appease the deities Baal Hammon and Tanit. The site itself is not
so thrilling today - it's little more than a patch of overgrown weeds with a few
excavated pits.
Carthage
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Constantine
Constantine, one of Algeria's
principal cities, is spectacularly set upon a stone mountain
overlooking the spectacular Rhumel Gorge which
is spanned by four bridges. Constantine is a city with
strong Islamic traditions.
The people of eastern Algeria must have felt unsafe when
they made Constantine (Cirta Regia then) into the
largest city of their region. Constantine can be found
on the top of a gorge protecting the city on almost all
sides. As so many other places in North Africa, the
fortress and the city has been one and the same, with
quite a bit of help from nature.
The sights of
today are spectacular, especially since this is a fairly
big city.
The gorge cutting the edges of Constantine, can be crossed by one out of four bridges, like Pont Sidi M'Cid. The gorge serves to a large extent as a dustbin, and is heavily polluted by oil as well. Although there is not a lot to see in the city, it still seems to somehow remain popular and the locals are very friendly and seem to enjoy the good life. So forget all about finding landmarks, and enjoy people here. That is, when the political situation has changed in Algeria.
Dar es Salaam, formerly Mzizima, is the largest city in Tanzania. It is also the country's richest city and a regionally important economic centre. Dar es Salaam is actually an administrative province within Tanzania, and consists of three local government areas or administrative districts: Kinondoni to the north, Ilala in the center of the region, and Temeke to the south. The Dar es Salaam Region had a population of 2,497,940 as of the official 2002 census. Though Dar es Salaam lost its official status as capital city to Dodoma in 1996, it remains the centre of the permanent central government bureaucracy and continues to serve as the capital for the surrounding Dar es Salaam Region. The city also hosted a leg of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay.
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Douala, Cameroon's main city, is a is a sweltering metropolis that is seething with people and has little to offer other than being a gateway to the black sand beaches of Victoria (Limbe) which are about an hour away.
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The Roman ruins at Dougga, located about 65 miles southwest of Tunis, are about the most spectacular and best preserved in the country. They are on the edge of the Tebersouk Mountains, overlooking the fertile wheat-growing valley of the Oued Kalled. The site was occupied until the early 1950s when the residents were moved to help preserve the ruins.
There's a lot to see at Dougga, but best seen with the help of a licensed guide. The first monument you'll see is the 3500-seat theatre, which was built into the hillside in 188 AD by one of the city's wealthy residents. It has been extensively renovated and makes a spectacular setting for classical drama performances during the Dougga Festival in July and August. Just past the theatre is a walkway that leads to the Temple of Saturn. It is erected on the site of an earlier temple to Baal Hammon. Southwest of the theatre, a winding street leads down to the Square of the Winds, where the paving is laid out like an enormous compass and lists the names of the 12 winds. Another temple borders the square to the north, while the market and capitol lie to the south and west, respectively.
The capitol is a remarkable monument and one of the
finest in Tunisia. Six enormous, fluted columns
support the portico, which rises almost twenty-five feet above ground. The frieze has an
unusually unweathered carving depicting the emperor Antonius Pius being carried
off in an eagle's claws. Inside there once was an enormous statue of Jupiter, fragments of
which are now in the Bardo Museum in Tunis. Nearby, the House of Dionysus &
Ulysses was once a sumptuous residence where within was found the mosaic of Ulysses
mesmerized by the sirens that now resides in the Bardo.
Roman ruins at Dougga
| El Bour
- Marrakech, Morocco Located in a magnificent palm grove of Marrakech, the hotel BlueBay Marrakesh combines stays decorated with traditional style and modern facilities that offer a wide variety of services that will allow guests to enjoy all the luxuries. This 5 star resort, located just a few minutes of the city, has 260 rooms distributed on 13 Ryads where relax and rest, 3 restaurants of local and international specialties, its bars and lounges, including Café Maure beneath a caidal where enjoy the best tea of Morocco, a spa of 1200 m2, a club for children with animation, 5 meeting rooms, the pool of 1400 m2, sports facilities for tennis, volleyball, petanque… A dream hotel where you can enjoy the pleasures of a relaxing vacations in a heavenly oasis. For additional information, or to make reservations, click on the picture at the right, or on BlueBay Resorts. To find out more about all of the BlueBay Resorts, click on About BlueBay |
There are few sights in Tunisia more arresting than El-Jem, the well-preserved, ancient coliseum - almost as big as its counterpart in Rome - that dwarfs the matchbox buildings of the modern town. Built on a plateau halfway between Sousse and Sfax (about 130 miles south of Tunis), El-Jem can be seen from miles around and completely dominates the area.
The coliseum, believed to have been built between 230 and 238 AD, has been used as a defensive position many times in its history. It suffered badly in the 17th century, when the troops of Mohammed Bey blasted a hole in the western wall to flush out local tribesmen who had rebelled against taxation demands. The breach was further widened during an 1850 rebellion, but thankfully the modern emphasis is on preservation and the site is part of the UN's World Heritage List.
Its seating capacity has been estimated at 30,000
(considerably more than the population of the town itself), making it one of the
most impressive Roman monuments in Africa. You can still climb up to the top
tiers of seating and gaze down on the arena. It's also possible to explore the
two long underground passageways that once held the animals, gladiators and
other unfortunates destined for the arena.
El-Jem Ruins
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It is best to hire a car and driver to get you there. Hitching a ride with a truck driver is a popular way to get there, for the cost of a generous tip, but can take anywhere from three to five days. Your best bet would be to get a guide and car in Kouba to take you there. Along the way you will see results of the wars and turmoil of Chad, including many Libyan tanks rusting by the side of the road.
Fayoum
The main town in the oasis is located
about 50 miles south of Cairo. Its name is probably derived from ‘Fayoum’
meaning water. Although usually described as an oasis
Fayoumtm
is not fed by underground water, like the Western Desert oasis further south
west, but by water from the Nile which is transported to this natural depression
by a series of canals. Having irrigated the oasis, the water runs into Lake
Qaroun which despite having dramatically shrunk over the past few thousand
years, is still Egypt's largest natural salt-water lake.
| For information about low cost airport and hotel transfers in Fez, click on The Transfer Store! The Transfer Store offers taxi, minibus, coach, and limousine transfers between airports and accommodation at low rates and our system is quick and easy to use- just click on the map to get started! You can book return trips or one way going in either direction, up until 3 days before you travel. For additional information and other world wide locations, CLICK HERE! |
Foumban
The capitol of the Bamoun people, Foumban, is a very interesting place that is filled with history and culture.
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Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is one
of the world's fastest growing city. The city was named after
Kgosi Gaborone, a leader who arrived with his people in this
area at the end of the 18th century.
Gaborone is a bustling, modern
city and the seat of power for one of Africa's most
successful economies.
Located off Botswana's safari circuit, it's in the more populous and better-watered southwest - and is probably best know as a stopover for self-drives on their way to the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park.
Visitors to Gaborone will find many busy shopping malls, top hotels and interesting markets. Restaurants are numerous and varied, and night clubs often host live music by local artists. The National Museum is situated near the centre of town and houses important collections of traditional crafts and southern African fine art.
Far into the interior you will find Garoua, a place you will be unlikely to miss when you leave as it is filled with swarming crowds and oppressive heat. However, close by Maroua is an interesting place for a visit as here you will find much of the traditional flavor of the country.
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Ghardaïa
Actually a cluster of five towns in the river valley of the Oued M'Zab - Ghardaïa, Melika, Beni Isguen, Bou Noura and El-Ateuf.
The area is home to a very
conservative Muslim sect called the Mozabites, which broke from mainstream Islam
some 900 years ago. It is well known for its
famous carpets and the daily souq in the old town. Beni Isguen, the religious fulcrum of the valley,
is worth visiting. It is located about 2 miles from central Ghardaïa. Foreigners are not allowed to enter without a guide, and never
on a
Fridays. It is forbidden to wear shorts, take photos or smoke in this area.
Gondar
About 500 miles north of Addis Ababa is the city of Gondar. This was the capital of Ethiopia from 1632 until 1886. The piazza
(which is actually quite a small square) is the heart of the town. Be sure to
check out the Royal Enclosure for a glimpse of the
castle built in 1640. Your ticket to the castle also admits you to the royal Bath of
Fasilldas, which are about a mile out of town on the Bahar Dar road.
| My preferred hotel chain is
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This world heritage national park, which is located about twenty miles southwest of Bizerte, is an important bird sanctuary, particularly in winter, when the water of Lake Ichkeul and the surrounding marshes are home to more than 200,000 migratory waterfowl from all over Europe. They include large numbers of coot and wigeon and half a dozen other species of duck, as well as rarer birds like the purple gallinule and the park's emblem, the greylag goose.
Ichkeul is the only national park in Tunisia with facilities for visitors, although there is no accommodation in the park and camping is not permitted.
Return to TunisiaJohannesburg, also known as Joburg, is the largest city in South Africa and is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world and it is one of Africa's only two global cities. While Johannesburg does not form one of South Africa's three capital cities, it does house the Constitutional Court – South Africa's highest court.
Johannesburg is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of southern Africa.
According to the 2007 Community Survey, The population of the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Area is almost eight million. The population of the municipal city is almost 4 million. Johannesburg also encompasses Soweto to the south west, a township that the apartheid government established to accommodate the large number of migrant workers. Johannesburg and Pretoria act as one functional entity, connecting the province of Gauteng together and forming one Megacity of roughly 10 million people. Gauteng (as a city) is growing rapidly, due to mass urbanization that is a feature of many developing countries. According to the State of the Cities Report, the urban portion of Gauteng – comprised primarily of the cities of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni (the East Rand) and Tshwane (greater Pretoria) – will be a polycentric urban region with a projected population of some 14.6 million people by 2015, making it one of the largest cities in the world.
British Airways
flies to Johannesburg
Kafue National Park
This Zambia's largest national park and home to grassland plains that stretch
for hundreds of miles along the banks of the Kafue River. Wildlife is everywhere
and you will quite probably be able to spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, antelopes, zebras and
more on any of the safaris that are offered by commercial outfitters. If you are
there between March and May, when the floods are in season, be sure to head for
the Busanga
Plains at the northern end of the park when it becomes home to thousands
of hippos and millions of birds. Bird watchers will also enjoy Lake
Itezhi-Tezhi, where herons, spoonbills and many other water birds roost. There
are several places for accommodations in the park including camp sites,
chalets and lodges with most of them being along the Kafue River. The park is
locate about 125 miles west of Lusaka and is accessible by car. However, as the roads are generally
pretty
horrible, most visitors (who can afford it) fly in by chartered plane.
Kafue National Park
The city of Kumba is probably best known for the picturesque crier lake called Lake Barombi Mbo. Mundemba is also a popular tourist destination because of Korup National Park.
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Lago de Cahora Bassa
About 300 miles north-west of the coast the Zambezi River
is dammed by the Barragem de Cahora Bassa. It was built in the 1970s and was one
of the
largest civil engineering projects in Africa. The scenery here is stunning as it
sets at the head of a magnificent gorge. The dam holds Lago de Cahora Bassa, a vast lake
that is well over 150 miles long and stretches back to the
confluence of the Zambezi and the Luangwa Rivers on the border with Zambia.
Amenities here are minimal, and about the only thing
you can do here is tour the dam and the turbine room. Of course, it is worth the
trip for the magnificent views. You can get there by car if you like,
but there is also a bus that runs between Songo and Tete. Be sure you have
received permission to visit before setting off. Permission to visit, obtainable in
Tete. You can find overnight accommodations in Songo.
Lagos is the most populous city in Nigeria with 7,937,932 inhabitants at the 2006 census. It is currently the second most populous city in Africa, and currently estimated to be the second fastest growing city in Africa (7th fastest in the world), immediately following Bamako. Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks, such as Lagos Island, that fringe the southwest mouth of Lagos Lagoon, protected from the Atlantic Ocean by long sand spits such as Bar Beach which stretch up to 100 km east and west of the mouth. From the beginning, Lagos has spread on the mainland west of the lagoon and the conurbation, including Ikeja and Agege, now reaches more than 40 km north-west of Lagos Island. The city is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.
British Airways
flies to Lagos
Lalibela
About the most interesting thing to see in Lalibela
are the amazing 12th-century rock churches. These churches are cut right out of the bedrock. The city is named after the 12th-century King Lalibela, who established his capital there after God came to him in a dream and
told him to establish a city here. All of the rock churches (about a dozen) were built within a century, apparently,
or so the legend goes, with
the help of angels who worked during the night doing some "divine
stonemasonry." The churches have been kept over successive generations by priests who
guard the churches along with their treasures of ornamented crosses, illuminated bibles and illustrated
manuscripts. You can expect to hassled by potential guides throughout your
visit. To get away, take a walk up to the Asheton Maryam Monastery as it is
worth a visit. You will find quite a few hotels in Lalibela along with a lot of places to eat, though
most only have Amharic menus. You can fly to Lalibela from Addis Ababa or
Gondar, or take the bus from Addis Ababa.
Victoria (Limbe), which are about an hour away from Douala, is best known for the black sand beaches.
Return to Cameroon
Livingstone
Livingstone dates from when
the Zambezi Gorge was first bridged in 1904 and has remained one of the area's
main tourism areas ever since. A visit here would not be complete without a stop
at the narrow-gauge Railway
Museum, which is what the locals call the Zambezi Sawmills Locomotive Sheds National
Monument. It is located quite close to Livingstone's train station. Here you
will find a collection of old engines and rolling stock that, to everyone but a
true rail buff, will probably look like a pile of junk. But still, pretty
interesting. The National Museum has much more appeal for everyone and features a
pretty good collection of archaeological and anthropological relics, including a
copy
of a Neanderthal skull estimated to be over 100,000 years old. There are also
examples of ritual artifacts and Tonga crafts, a reconstructed African village,
and a
collection of David Livingstone items along with a display of Africa maps dating back
to 1690. You may also want to take a peek at the collection of witchcraft
paraphernalia. If you are interested, you will have to ask to see it. Livingstone is located about
180 miles south-west of Lusaka, and is
accessible from the capital by bus or train.
Lobamba
British Airways
flies into Luanda
Lusaka
Lusaka is a sprawling city that actually has little
appeal for travelers. But, as it is the capital, you're likely to
spend some time in it.
Downtown is in the western part of the city; the government district lies a few
blocks east. There are several galleries featuring local artists and among the
best are the Henry Tayali Visual Arts Gallery at the Show grounds, the Mpala Gallery,
and the sculpture garden at the Garden House Hotel. Just north-west of the
center is the Zintu
Community Museum, which has exhibits of traditional arts and crafts. The one
area you will want to visit would be the bustling open-air Kamwala Market, a
few blocks south of the town center. The capital is in the southern part of the
country about 60 miles from
the Zimbabwe border and it is accessible by air, rail and bus.
British Airways
flies into Lusaka
Luxor
The name Luxor comes from the Arabic word el-Uqsur, the plural of el-Qasr, meaning
encampment or fortification, with reference to the two military camps built
there in Roman times. Modern Luxor is a populous town on the right bank of the
River Nile, where ancient Thebes, the city described by Homer as ‘Thebes of the
hundred gates', once stood. The temple of Luxor, some 260 m (850 ft) long today,
was built by Amenophis III on the foundations of a previous religious structure,
dating from the time of Queen Hatshepsut. Luxor is one place you will not want
to miss when visiting Egypt.
Mahdia is one of the few towns on the central Tunisian coast that has managed to escape being turned into a tourist trap. It's a beautifully relaxed place, founded in 916 AD and set on a small peninsula some 125 miles south-east of Tunis. Be sure to visit the fascinating old medina which was once called Mahdia the wealthiest city on the Barbary Coast.
A walking tour of the medina will take you about two hours, not counting the time spend meandering through the shops and stopping at one of the several cafes. The Skifa el-Kahla, the massive fortified gate to the medina, is all that remains of the original city and offers great views from its crest. It opens onto the medina's narrow, cobbled main street, Rue Ali Bey, which was once the souq but now comprises a growing number of tourist stalls. Follow it east to Place du Caire where you will find delightfully small square with shady trees, vines and cafes. The ornate arched doorway and octagonal minaret on the southern side of the square belong to the Mosque of Mustapha Hamza, built in 1772 when the square was the centre of the town's Turkish quarter.
Continuing east on Rue Ali Bey, the Great Mosque rises into view. Non-Muslims are allowed into the courtyard outside of prayer times. Nearby, you can see the small minaret of the Mosque of Slimane Hamza and continue east toward the Borj el-Kebir, a large 16th century fortress standing on the highest point of the peninsula. Beyond the fort is a cemetery and a lighthouse, near the remains of the old port.
Return to Tunisia
Malolotja Nature Reserve
This is the place for bird watchers and the Malolotia Nature Reserve, located In the hilly north-west,
has a mix of highveld and
middleveld, and is home to more than 280 bird species, some of them rare. Taking
its name from Swaziland's highest waterfall (there are a total of 27 falls in
the park), Malolotja protects almost 45,000-acres of pristine
wilderness. Wildflowers and rare plants, such as the woolly
barberton and the kaapschehoop cycad, and protea forests around the numerous
streams attract visitors. The park is home to baboons, vervet monkeys, warthogs, leopards,
lynxes,
jackals and numerous antelope species. Zebras, hartebeests and wildebeests have
recently been reintroduced to the area and can also sometimes be found. The
reserve is a great area for hiking. There are many marked trails with
conveniently placed campgrounds with limited facilities. Malolotja
also has the oldest known mine in the world, which was in production more
than 40,000 years ago. You can reach Malolotja, which is about 12 miles north-west of
Mbabane, by bus or car.
Manzini
Manzini is the industrial center of Swaziland. The market
on Thursday and Friday mornings is definitely worth a visit, but otherwise, that
is about it. Manzini is 20 miles south-east of
Mbabane and is best reached by bus or car.
Maputo
Located near the southern tip of the country,
Maputo was once as well known as Cape Town and Rio. But today, after almost 20 years of war and deprivation,
Maputo is quite rundown with crumbling buildings and dirty streets. Still, it is
an interesting place to visit with an interesting, and lively atmosphere. The oldest historic site is the
old fort where you can walk along the ramparts. You should also take a look at
the train station which was designed and built in the
early 1900s by Eiffel, as in Eiffel Tower. Recently renovated, with polished wood and marble
decorations and a gigantic copper dome, it almost looks more like a palace or a
museum than a train station. Other areas of interest would include the Botanical
Gardens and the National Art Museum. A visit to the Municipal Market, where fruit, vegetables, spices
and basketwork are sold, makes another interesting stop.
Maroua is an interesting place for a visit as here you will find much of the traditional flavor of the country.
Return to Cameroon
| El Bour
- Marrakech, Morocco Located in a magnificent palm grove of Marrakech, the hotel BlueBay Marrakesh combines stays decorated with traditional style and modern facilities that offer a wide variety of services that will allow guests to enjoy all the luxuries. This 5 star resort, located just a few minutes of the city, has 260 rooms distributed on 13 Ryads where relax and rest, 3 restaurants of local and international specialties, its bars and lounges, including Café Maure beneath a caidal where enjoy the best tea of Morocco, a spa of 1200 m2, a club for children with animation, 5 meeting rooms, the pool of 1400 m2, sports facilities for tennis, volleyball, petanque… A dream hotel where you can enjoy the pleasures of a relaxing vacations in a heavenly oasis. For additional information, or to make reservations, click on the picture at the right, or on BlueBay Resorts. To find out more about all of the BlueBay Resorts, click on About BlueBay |
FAIRMONT MARA SAFARI CLUB
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There is a
total of 50 tents with four poster, pillow-top beds and a veranda
overlooking the hippo and crocodile-filled river. Each of the 50 tents
at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly furnished with its own private,
three-piece bathroom, including a number of “outdoor showers” in select
tents. The larger-sized accommodations also feature expanded decks which
allow for private dining, a new service. |
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The main
lodge at the center of camp hosts an indoor restaurant, bar and
library. Outdoor dining will be enhanced with the creation of a boma, a
structure influenced by traditional homesteads, where guests can enjoy a
cultural dinner reflecting not only African cuisine but also rich
musical accompaniment. The Lounge and Main Bar - The lounge is also in the main building. Sectioned off to create 'private' seating areas, the decor has a definitely African flavour, with woven wall hangings, and Masai artefacts. An extended veranda adjoins the lounge to afford superb views of the Mara River. A fire is lit each evening. This area is the venue for the Masai Dancers, slide shows and lectures. Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, cocktails, wines, spirits, tea and coffee are served here. Seating Capacity is 80 people, (though use of the verandah can increase the numbers). The Pool Bar - Located at the swimming pool, the Pool Bar is a shaded area, with bar stools set around the curved structure. Also just off the bar, weather permitting, buffet lunches are served. A barbecue pit is located close to the bar. Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails, tea and coffee, as well as light snacks and outdoor lunches are served here. Seating capacity is unlimited. The free-form swimming pool is manned by an attendant from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sun-beds and mattresses abound. Towels are provided here. Changing rooms, both the men's and the ladies', have showers. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. The swimming pool surrounds are ideal for private cocktail parties. |
Maseru
Situated on the western border, Lesotho's capital has been rapidly expanding since the 1970s to its current
population of a little over 200,000 people. There are several nightspots frequented by expats
who will be happy to give advice about things to do during your stay
in return for a beer. Surrounding the capital are 'urban villages', such as Phomolong where
you can get a pretty good feel for the more traditional lifestyle of the area.
Nowhere else in Tunisia is package tourism so totally over the top as it is in the small village of Matmata, a long 250 miles south of Tunis on the south-eastern coast. The pit houses of this troglodyte settlement have long been a favorite stop for tour buses that arrive mid-morning and don't leave until the late afternoon.
It's not hard to understand why the buses keep coming because this place is something to see, something almost surreal with a vaguely lunar landscape. In fact, this was the location selected for the desert scenes in the movie Star Wars. The Berbers of the area went underground more than a thousand years ago to escape the extreme heat of summer. Their homes are all nearly identical, with a courtyard dug about twenty feet deep and the rooms tunneled out from the sides. The larger houses have two or three courtyards, and their entrances are usually through a narrow passage from the courtyard to the surface.
If you want to see Matmata by yourself (there are guides available), your best bet is to visit the hotels. Arrive in the late afternoon, after the tour buses have left, and go for a walk out beyond the Hôtel Ksar Amazigh. There are good views back over Matmata and north to the valley of the Oued Barrak. Back in town, slake your thirst with a cold one at the Hôtel Sidi Driss' bar (famous as the 'cantina' in Star Wars), then have a quick poke around the Hôtel les Berberes and the Hôtel Marhala, and you will have seen everything worth seeing in town.
Return to Tunisia
Mbabane
Sitting right at the northern end of the Ezulwini Valley, Mbabane has long been
a provision stop for trips further into the bush. Apart from that, there is
little here to entice the general traveler. The main attractions in
town are the Mall, the New Mall and Allister Miller St. There is a large modern
shopping complex just went of the town center called Swazi Plaza which has a
pretty good selection of shops. Mbabane Market, at the southern end of
Allister Miller St, is worth a visit if you are on the lookout for authentic crafts
at some pretty good prices. There is a pretty good selection of accommodations
here that range from the caravan park (about 5 miles from town in the Ezulwini Valley) through
the church hostel and a few hotels and inns. There are also a few restaurants
that serve Portuguese
food and a few that serve Italian and Indian food. You can get good and relatively cheap African
food in the town center area and there are
several steak houses there also.
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Mersa Matrouh
Mersa
Matrouh lies a couple hundred miles west of Alexandria on a bay on the
Mediterranean and is distinguished by its sandy long beach which is considered
by many to be one of the most beautiful in the world. The beach is famous for
its white soft sands and calm transparent waters, for the bay is protected from
the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural wave-breaker, with a small
opening to allow light vessels in. This beach dates back to the days of
Alexander, the Macedonian, when it was known as "Paraetonium" and also as
"Amunia". It said that Alexander the Great stopped there during his historical
expedition to pay tribute, and sacrifice, to the god Amun, at Siwa, so that he
becomes Amun's son and his rule be a historical continuation of the pharaohs.
There are ruins of a temple from the time of Rameses II (1200 B.C.) in Matrouh
along with other things to see and do here.
Mkhaya Game Reserve
Located on the site of a former farm, this
area has always been popular with hunters for its wildlife. The
reserve's boast is that you are more likely to see wild black rhinos here than
anywhere else in Africa. You should also be able to spot elephants, white rhinos, and roan
and sable antelopes. Wildlife-viewing drives and guided walking safaris are available
and this reserve is a bit less expensive making it a good travel value, or at
least a better value than many of the private reserves
near Kruger in South Africa. Mkhaya Game Reserve is off the Manzini-Big Bend
Road and about 40 miles south-east by bus or car from Mbabane.
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Bordering Mozambique in the far east of Swaziland, this 45,000-acre reserve is undeveloped
and therefore not visited very much. This is really too bad as the reserve offers
a
beautiful, and sometimes harsh, countryside in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains.
Botany lovers will enjoy looking for the many rare
species of succulents, cycads and climbers grow among the ironwood forests.
Animal watchers will try and spot the
shy spotted hyenas and leopards that reside here. you can also find hippos, samango monkeys,
waterbucks, wildebeests, crocodiles, antelopes, zebras and more than 350 species
of bird. There are also at least three species of deadly snakes that slither
around here and the infamous bilharzias parasites that hang around the waterways among
the crocs so hikers and trekkers will want to be on guard.
Walking trails are still being established and archaeological trails are planned
as stone age artifacts have been found in the area. The Mlawula is reached via a good paved
road east from Mbabane and about 5 miles north of Siteki by bus or car.
Mokhotlong
The first major town north of the Sani Pass, Mokhotlong (Place of the Bald
Ibis) has some and shops and transport to Oxbow and Butha-Buthe. The town has the reputation for
being the coldest, driest and most remote place in Lesotho. Accommodations area available,
although quite limited, and the town is a good base for walks to the
Drakensberg escarpment. Private transport is required to reach Mokhotlong from
Maseru.
Morrungulo
This area has a great stretch of pristine coastlines that is bordered by lovely
palms.
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With magnificent views of majestic Mount Kenya, the Fairmont Safari Club's 115 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder, William Holden, the Club's illustrious former members have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby. For those who wish to spend time relaxing at the Club, there are many recreational activities available: horseback riding, golf, croquet, a putting green, a bowling green, table tennis, swimming, a beauty salon, an animal orphanage and much more. To be able to relax and appreciate the superb setting, the personal attention lavished on all our visitors, the numerous activities and superb cuisine, one night is just not enough. Mount Kenya Safari Club is the ideal base for a truly superb holiday in Kenya. With some of the country's finest attractions on the doorstep visitors can enjoy an enormous range of excursions and activities without spending hours and even days traveling between each. There are 115 standard and superior guest rooms spread out in the delightful grounds of the Fairmont Safari Club. Superior accommodation comprises Suites, Studio Suites and Cottages. The Suites have a twin-bedded room, with fireplace, one sitting room, a fully stocked mini-bar, private veranda overlooking the river and Mount Kenya, and a large bathroom with sunken bath. The Studio Suites each have double bed and fireplace, private veranda overlooking the river and Mount Kenya, sitting area, a large bathroom with sunken bath, and a fully stocked mini-bar. The superior guest rooms are located in the Garden Suites, William Holden Cottages, Riverside Cottages, and the three houses, Lenana, Batian and River House. |
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Mozambique Island
Mozambique Island (commonly called 'Ilha')
is a small island about 2 miles off the mainland. The island is linked by
bridge. It was once the capital of Portugal's East African colony. Today the
island is now
known for its mosques and churches and the Hindu temple. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the
Palace and Chapel of São Paulo which is a former governor's residence that
dates from the 1700s. The palace overlooks a nice square inlaid with patterned
stones and contains a museum with furniture and
ornaments from Portugal, Arabia, India and China. The nearby Museum of Sacred
Art contains religious ornaments, paintings and carvings. At the northern end of the island is the
Fort of São
Sebastião and the nearby Chapel
of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte, reported to be the oldest building in the
southern hemisphere. Ilha can be reached by direct bus from Nampula on the
mainland, by hired car, and by boat.
British Airways
flies into Nairobi, Kenya
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Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel has played a leading role in Kenya's colorful history, and continues to be Nairobi's finest and best-known hotel. The town and later the modern city of Nairobi grew up around Fairmont The Norfolk hotel, which still has its own private tropical gardens. The hotel is still the traditional starting point for safaris and the Lord Delamere Terrace is modern Nairobi's most famous meeting place, where drinks and light meals are served continuously from morning until midnight. All guest rooms are luxuriously furnished, have plush carpeting and deep velour soft furnishings. The guest rooms all have bedside lamps, dressing tables, and built-in wardrobes, besides luggage racks. Every room has a telephone and telephone directory, direct dialing facilities, a television linked to satellite dish, electrical mosquito repellent and air conditioning. Back-up generators in the hotel allow for 24-hour electricity. |
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The Fairmont Safari Club's 115 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, set in over 100 acres of landscaped gardens, offer a unique blend of comfort, relaxation and adventure. Originally the retreat of movie star and Club founder, William Holden, the Club's illustrious former members have included Winston Churchill and Bing Crosby. For those who wish to spend time relaxing at the Club, there are many recreational activities available: horseback riding, golf, croquet, a putting green, a bowling green, table tennis, swimming, a beauty salon, an animal orphanage and much more. To be able to relax and appreciate the superb setting, the personal attention lavished on all our visitors, the numerous activities and superb cuisine, one night is just not enough. Mount Kenya Safari Club is the ideal base for a truly superb holiday in Kenya. There are 115 standard and superior guest rooms spread out in the delightful grounds of the Fairmont Safari Club. Superior accommodation comprises Suites, Studio Suites and Cottages. The Suites have a twin-bedded room, with fireplace, one sitting room, a fully stocked mini-bar, private veranda overlooking the river and Mount Kenya, and a large bathroom with sunken bath. The Studio Suites each have double bed and fireplace, private veranda overlooking the river and Mount Kenya, sitting area, a large bathroom with sunken bath, and a fully stocked mini-bar. The superior guest rooms are located in the Garden Suites, William Holden Cottages, Riverside Cottages, and the three houses, Lenana, Batian and River House. |
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The city is divided into two distinct sections, the European section, where most of the administrative work is done and is the bigger of the two; and the more lively African section, which is much more interesting to visit. Places of interest would include the Musée National and the vast Grand Marché. There is sometimes horseracing at the hippodrome on the weekend.
Ngonye (Sioma) Falls
This falls, if located anywhere else in the world, would be the major attraction
of the area. However, with Victoria Falls, it has to rank second. The best thing
about the falls, apart from its beauty, is that is pretty much
free of the tourist trappings of Victoria. Although Ngonye only falls a few
feet, the
broad expanse of the cascade makes for a magnificent sight. For the adventurous,
there is plenty of good white-water
rafting below the falls. Nearby is Sioma Ngwezi National Park, where you
can spot elephants, especially at night. The falls is about 350 miles east
of Lusaka and about 125 miles south of the town of Mongu. The bus from Mongu to the Namibian border can let you
off a little less than a mile west of the falls.
The Northern Coast of
Egypt
the Northern Coast is a popular tourist area and is the Egyptian North Western
gate stretching 525 Km on the Mediterranean from "El-Ameria", east to
"El-Sallum", west. This was a rain-dependent agricultural land in the
Roman era. Having good faith in the prosperous future of this region, the
government has spared no effort to develop it into one of the most visited areas
of Egypt. Many luxurious tourist spots have been built. By 1983, the "Northern
Coast" started to the landmark in Egyptian layout. Potable water lines are
extended from Alexandria to Marsa-Matrouh. More than 260 Km the two-way
Alex-Matrouh on shore road was paved. Power stations are constructed. Attractive
integrated tourist villages are there, including beaches, houses, public service
units. Moreover, 121 private locations are under study, besides the three models
executed by the Ministry of construction, i.e. "Marakia", "Marabella" and
"Marina" resorts.
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Oran
Cosmopolitan Oran
is Algeria's second largest city and one of the country's
busiest ports. It is also a major trading and industrial center.
Oran has since long times been known for being liberal and easygoing.
Much
of Oran's success in modern times, must be credited the French.
When they arrived here in 1831, there were no more than 4,000
people living in the city. Much of the structure of the city was formed
by French and Spanish settlers. Oran is today very much back to its old splendour, and being the second-largest city of Algeria, it is
an industrial, cultural and educational centre.
There is a lot to see and do around Oran, even if the city is far away from any form of tourist tracks. The Great Mosque, is built in 1796, as a celebration of the liberation from the Spanish. Visitors can enter the mosque and the minaret. The Marabout Sidi Mohammed El Haouri from 1793 is well worth the visit, representing Andalusian architecture. The Demaegth Museum is a good museum, well endowed with exhibitions covering thousands of years. Of European-built buildings, the Chateau Neuf from the Spanish, was before the civil strife started, begun to be rebuilt into a hotel. Cathedral de Sacré Coeur is now turned into a public library, and can be entered and explored for free. With Oran's size, no one should be surprised that the beaches near the centre is not extremely good. If you set out from town, however, first class beaches are easy to find.
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Sheraton Oran Hotel & Towers Escape to one of our 321 guest rooms, all with spectacular views of the sea below. Recover from a long day in our fabulous health club centre, featuring the latest fitness equipment and spa facilities. Enjoy a delicious fusion of Magrebine and Spanish cuisine at Andalous Restaurant. Or treat yourself to a spectacular view of the city at “Le Ciel D’Oran”, our exclusive seafood restaurant on the 18th floor. Connect with colleagues at the Canastel Brasserie will welcome you throughout the day offering international favourites. Oran is renowned for its nightlife and our Pub with its live music entertainment and our Atmosphere Discothèque will exceed your expectations. We’re proud to offer you the largest banquet and conference facilities in our seven meeting rooms including two ballrooms able to accommodate over 1500 guests. Each event space overlooks our pool and lush gardens. A new, exciting, and absolutely memorable experience awaits you at the Sheraton Oran Hotel & Towers. We look forward to welcoming you. |
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Pemba
Pemba is a coastal town located near the mouth of a huge bay. The
Old Town (Baixa) has some interesting buildings and an interestingly lively atmosphere.
Wimbi
Beach (and the coral reefs), which are about 3 miles east of town is the
main reason most visit Pemba. The reef is so close you can swim out to it. You
will find a few shops, bars, and restaurants along with shops where you can get
equipment for diving, snorkeling, boating, and fishing. The Makonde workshop on the
road between town and the beach has some interesting carvings for sale. Bus or hired car is the way to get there,
though you can get a dhow by asking around the port.
Port Said
Port
Said is situated at the mouth of the Suez Canal. To
the north, it is bordered with the Mediterranean, east Sinai, west Manzalah lake
and south Ismailia GovernorateIt. It is the second port in Egypt, after
Alexandria. The history of establishing Port Said dates back to digging the Suez
Canal. It is named after Khedive Said who gave the approval to dig.
Praia do Tofo
Praia do Tofo is one of the best of the more developed resorts with a beach that
has a broad expanse of sand. The beach is quite safe for swimming.
Praia do Xai Xai
Located near the provincial capital of Gaza, Xai Xai has a great reef running
parallel to the beach. This reef provides a natural protection against strong
waves and forms several small pools at low tide. This is a great place to search
for shellfish at low tide. tourists.
Quthing
Also known by the Sephuthi name Moyeni, meaning "Place of the Wind,"
Quthing is Lesotho's southernmost major town. The town is split in two, with
Lower Quthing housing most of the shops and residences, while Upper Quthing,
which overlooks Orange River Gorge, is where you can find accommodations along
with a mission. Also near Quthing is the Masitise
Cave House featuring San paintings, some 180 million year old dinosaur
footprints and an interesting old sandstone church. The town is about 80
miles from Maseru.
Rasheed
Rasheed is probably
best known as the city that provided the key to the Hieroglyphs, the Rosetta
stone which revealed the secrets of the great ancient Egyptian civilization.
Rasheed resisted, under the leadership of Governor Ali Bey Al-Salanki and Head
of Noblemen Sheik Hassan Kirit, the 1807 Frazer military expedition.
Rasheed was known as Khito, a hieroglyphic word meaning "the populace," under
king Menes reign. It was famed for military chariots manufacture in the XXVI
Dynasty. Under king Minfitah, Rasheed powerfully resisted the Greek and Sicilian
attacks. Rasheed hosted a garrison established under Psammetichus I. In the
Coptic era, Rasheed was known as "Rasheet." Rasheed governorate’s National Day
on 19 September marks the day when the lionhearted people of Rasheed conquered
the British army. In 1956, late President Gamal Abd Al-Naser inaugurated Rasheed
Museum within the framework of Rasheed’s National Day celebrations.
Return
to Egypt
The Red Sea
The beaches of the
Red Sea
are an exquisite gift from nature. The sea, with its clear blue waters, offers
colorful corals and rare marine life. The long chain of mountains, with their
different colors, run parallel to the coastline, separated from the sea only by
a plain, most of which is suitable for camping. All these elements, the work of
the Creator, blend into a rare painting of magnificent winter and summer climate
and enchanting natural beauty that charms the visitor into believing he is on a
legendary tour of a paradise on earth.
Rift Valley Lakes
The seven lakes of the Rift Valley sit in a wide, fertile valley which runs
between Addis Ababa and the Kenyan border. This is one of the best places in
Ethiopia for bird watching. Lakes Lagano, Abiyata and Shala are
perhaps the most popular of the seven -- one of the lakes is blue, one silver and one
brown. Abiyata and Shala are designated national parks, but this doesn't mean
much in practice. Lake Abiyata is shallow, with heaps of birds, while Lake Shala
sits at the bottom of a 820-feet deep crater. Lagano is the only lake in
Ethiopia which is bilharzia-free, so take a dip while you have the chance. It's
also the only one of the three lakes with accommodation. You can also swim at
the hot springs at Wondo Genet, south of the three lakes. Towards the
Kenyan border, Lakes Abaya and Chamo are thronging with wildlife,
especially crocodiles.
Sahl Hasheesh
The area of
Sahl
Hasheesh is located on an area of 32 million sq. meters, and along the
lovely Red Sea coast abounding in invaluable coral reefs, the Egyptian Company
for Tourist Communities has launched implementing its gigantic project in
Sahl Hasheesh, as complete tourist resort will be established along with its
accessories, representing irreplaceable spot in terms of charm and beauty.
Sétif
Sétif has existed since Roman times and
is located at an elevation of 1,100m.
Of no apparent reason a huge amusement park has been put up here
in this medium sized town. And it's right in the middle of it,
too. The park, one block away from the main street is filling up
half of the centre of Setif, and a lot of the local's attention
and activities are connected to it.
The
whole construction is quite well-kept, and offers many kinds of
amusements for the children, an artificial lake, fountains and a
small zoo. Right west of the park lie the ruins of a Byzantine
fortress, and to the east an acceptable archeological museum.
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
Siavonga & Kariba Dam
Located at the northeastern end of Lake Kariba, Siavonga is, for most of the
people of Zambia, the closest they get to the seashore. Visitors will enjoy the
town as it is quiet and low-key and offers some nice
views of the lake on one side and the Zambezi River gorge on the
other. The lake is pretty well known for fishing and boating. North (about 25
miles) is
the Chirundu Fossil Forest with trees that are over a million years old and lots
of Stone Age artifacts. Siavonga is a wonderful place to take in the view of the
lake but, be sure to view it from a distance as the crocodiles own the lake and
do in about 30 people every year and seem to like tourists equally as well as
locals. Siavonga is about 60 miles southeast of Lusaka and can be reach by bus
daily.
Sidi Bou Saïd is a pretty little whitewashed village set high on a cliff above the Gulf of Tunis and is a great place for an afternoon stroll along the narrow cobbled streets with old stone steps. Its gleaming walls are dotted with the ornate, curved window grills that are a local trademark, all painted the same deep blue, and colorful arched doorways that open onto courtyards dappled with geraniums and bougainvillea. The hub of activity in town is the small, cobbled main square, Place Sidi Bou Saïd, which is lined with cafes, sweet stalls and souvenir shops. The lighthouse above the village stands on the site of a 9th century fort. There's a small, relatively uncrowded beach nearby.
Return to Tunisia
Simien Mountains National Park
This park is excellent for walking, hiking and trekking. You will find spectacular views
along with a large
variety of wildlife, including baboons, ibex, Simien fox and birds of prey such
as the rare lammergeyer, which is a huge vulture. The park is made up of a rocky massif
that is cut by streams and gorges and slopes down to gentle grasslands. Treks
run from three to ten days, and you can either do it on foot or rent a mule
and ride. The treks build up to an ascent of Africa's fourth
highest peak, Ras Dashen. Treks start at Debark, which is about 60 miles north of Gondar.
You can travel between the two by bus.
Sinai
This prominent and strategic position of the Sinai Peninsula has made it, since
the dawn of history, the gateway to Egypt from the east.
Sinai's
history goes back to the Pharaohs who explored its land, searching for gold,
copper and turquoise. Thus, it came to be known as the Land of Turquoise. Sinai
is rich in scenery. To the north, palm-shaded sandy beaches stretch along the
Mediterranean shore. Along the Gulfs of Aqaba and Suez, soft golden sands
surround bays of clear blue water. There are tourist villages and fishing and
diving centers, where the waters are rich with rare marine life and exquisite
coral reefs. Sweet water springs are scattered throughout Sinai. In the south,
the towering mountains with their beautiful reddish colored rocks are surrounded
by huge valleys leading to the Holy Mountain.
Siteki
Although Siteki is really quite out of the way, the town does offer a cool place
to stay in the nearby Lebombo
Mountains. The town takes its name from Mbandzeni, great-grandfather of the present
king, who gave his troops permission to marry here. In fact, the town's name means
"marrying place." Siteki is best known for its Inyanga and Sangoma School,
a government school to train healers and diviners. You can visit the school if you
arrange it in advance through Swazi Tourism in Mbabane. Not far from Siteki is
the Muti-Muti Nature Reserve used extensively by practitioners at the
Inyanga and Sangoma School for the variety of herbs used in their work. You can reach
Siteki by a pretty good paved road east from Manzini which is about 35 miles
away by car or bus.
Sousse is Tunisia's third-largest city and a major port and the most popular tourist destination in the country that sports a long beach that stretches north of town to the touristic area of Port el-Kantaoui. However, Sousse has more going for it than the string of resort hotels that line its beach. The old walled medina holds most of the city's attractions. The walls themselves are an impressive sight, stretching about a mile and a half at a height of twenty-five feet. The wall is fortified with a series of solid square turrets. The ribat, a small square fort, was built in the final years of the 8th century AD and features a round watchtower that can be climbed for excellent views over the city. The rather austere Great Mosque, with its turrets and crenellated wall, looks more like a fort than a mosque. The Sousse Museum, occupying the kasbah at the south-western corner of the medina, has some of the most beautiful mosaics in the country.
Return to Tunisia
South Luangwa National Park
For scenery and wildlife-spotting, South Luangwa is probably your best bet as it
is the best national park
in Zambia. Vegetation within the park ranges from dense woodland to open grassy
plains with lots of oxbow lagoons and water holes. Be on the lookout for animals
such as lions, buffalo, zebra, and giraffes. You should also be able to
spot an elephant or two as the park has one of Africa's largest elephant
populations. You might also spot a leopard or two. There is also a lot of bird
life within the park. Especially along the Luangwa River where you'll also be
able to spot hippos and crocodiles.
Day, night and walking safaris are available, as are horseback safaris and rides.
Accommodation includes everything from rustic camp sites and barebones
hostels to comfortable chalets
and full-service resorts. The park is located about 150 miles northeast of
Lusaka and most visitors arrive by air at Mfuwe Airport, which is about ten
miles southeast of the
village of Mfuwe and the main gate of the park. You can also arrive by
public transport. The park is closed during the rainy season of December to
April.
South Luangwa National Park
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
Tangier
Tangier
is, for most people who travel to Morocco, the only place they will
see in Morocco; check Tangier for some
additional information on this interesting city.
Teyateyaneng
The name means, "Place of Quick Sands," and, while this may not sound
to very good, you will not find yourself slipping under the sands. The town is a
center of the
nation's traditional arts and crafts industries and the place, which is generally
referred to locally as "TY", boasts some of the finest tapestries, tribal
wool products and handcrafts you can find anywhere.. You can reach
Teyateyaneng by minibus taxi from the capital which is about 20 miles to the
north-east.
Thaba-Bosiu
This was the mountain stronghold of King Moshoeshoe the Great. It is located
about 10 miles east of Maseru and is one of the most important historical sites in the
country. There is a visitor information center,
official guides and good views including one of Qiloane pinnacle which was the
inspiration for
the shape of the Basotho hat. You can get there by catching a minibus taxi near the Circle in Maseru
which will take you as far as
the visitors center at the base of the mountain for under US$1.
Tofu & Barra Beaches
The long, beautiful beaches of Tofu and Barra make a great afternoon getaway. Tofu is
the more developed and accessible area with a hotel and holiday cottages for
overnights. Barra is harder to reach but quieter with nice, clean sand dunes.
Here you will find the surf on one side and
mangroves and palm groves on the other. In the trees can be found parrots and monkeys.
The beaches are accessible by car (though a 4WD
really does come in handy for the last few miles. Chapas,
which go all the way to Tofu but stop about 2 miles short at Barra village school,
are also available and you can normally find a guide to show you the way to Barra Beach.
Tozeur is one of the most popular travelers' stops in Tunisia, and has been so since Capsian times (from 8000 BC). Its principal attractions are a labyrinthine old town, a spectacular museum and its enormous palm forest that is on the northern edge of the Chott el-Jerid. It is located about 270 miles southwest of Tunis and getting there is rather interesting. Especially the road from Kebili crosses the chott (dried salt marsh) on a causeway.
The city's delightful old quarter, Ouled el-Hadef, was built in the 14th century AD to house the El-Hadef clan, who had grown rich on the proceeds of the caravan trade. The area is a maze of narrow, covered alleys and small squares, and is famous for its traditional brick making methods.
Apart from Tunis' Bardo, the Dar Charait Museum is the only museum in the country worth going out of your way to see. It has an extensive collection of pottery and antiques, as well as an art gallery, but its star features are the rooms set up as replicas of Tunisian life, past and present. They include the bedroom of the last bey, a palace scene, a hammam and a Bedouin tent. The museum attendants are all dressed in ancient costumes as servants of the bey.
Tozeur's palmeraie is the second largest in the country, with around 200,000 palm trees. It's a classic example of tiered oasis agriculture and is watered by over 200 springs producing more than 60 million liters of water per day. The best way to explore the palmeraie is on foot or by bicycle, which you can rent at the entrance.
British Airways
flies to Tripoli
Tunis is the capital city of the Tunisian Republic and also the site of the Tunis Governorate. In 2004, it had a population of over 700,000 and the population of greater Tunis is approximately two million people. It is situated on the Gulf of Tunis in the Mediterranean and is associated with the port of La Goulette. The city extends along the coastal plain and is surrounded by small hills. At the center of the more modern aspect of the city lies the old medina and beyond this section are the suburban cities of Carthage, La Marsa and Sidi Bou Said. The medina is a dense group of alleyways and covered passages in which travelers and locals can buy goods from the many shops within the area.
The medina is the historical and cultural heart of modern Tunis and a great place to get a feel for life in the city. You will want to spend some time exploring the medina. It was built during the 7th century AD. One of the oldest of the medina's sights, the Zitouna Mosque was rebuilt in the 9th century on the site of the original 7th century structure. Its builders recycled 200 columns from the ruins of Roman Carthage for the central prayer hall. Be sure to visit the Souq el-Attarine - the Perfume Makers' Souq - where the shops are full of aromatic oils and spices. To the west, the Mosque of Youssef Dey was the first Ottoman-style mosque to be built in Tunis (1616).
Also in the medina, the Tourbet el-Bey is a huge mausoleum that houses the remains of many Husseinite beys, princesses, ministers and advisors - the caretaker is a keen tour-giver. Not far off, the Dar Ben Abdallah Museum houses the Centre for Popular Arts & Traditions, where the exhibits seem almost lackluster when seen against the building's majestic backdrop. Also in the area is the Dar el-Haddad, one of the medina's oldest dwellings. The medina was added to the UN's World Heritage List in 1981.
The streets of the ville nouvelle are lined with
old French buildings replete with wrought-iron railings and louvered windows,
lending it a very European feel that's heightened by a number of sidewalk cafés
and patisseries. After ogling the colonial architecture, don't skip a visit to
the Cathedral of St Vincent de Paul. Incorporated in its design are an
extraordinarily bizarre collection of clashing styles - Gothic, Byzantine, North
African.
You should also take the time to visit the Bardo Museum, housed in the former Bardo Palace, which is the official residence of the Husseinite beys. Inside, the collection is broken down into sections that cover the Carthaginian, Roman, early Christian and Arab-Islamic eras. The Roman collection contains one of the finest collection of Roman mosaics and statuary anywhere. The museum is located about two miles west of the city center, an easy taxi or tram ride.
British Airways
flies to Tunis
| My preferred hotel chain is
Marriott |
Victoria (Limbe), which are about an hour away from Douala, is best known for the black sand beaches.
Return to Cameroon
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the world's most spectacular falls with over a
mile-wide series of falls of the Zambezi River as it drops over 300 feet into
the steeply-walled gorge.
The Zambian side of Victoria Falls, which is often forgotten, provides some of
the best views of the falls and many consider this side to be much better than
its better-known Zimbabwean counterpart. One of the main differences is that you
can actually get quite close to the water by
walking down a steep track to the base of the falls. From here you can follow
walkways that are perched over the abyss. One of the best close-up would be at Knife
Edge Point which is reached by crossing an exciting and hair-raising footbridge through
the spray to a cliff-like island in the river. The bridge is safe so, as long as
you are here, take the walk. You will be glad you did for if the water is
low, and the wind favorable, you'll be treated to a magnificent view of the
falls and the great gorge below the Zambezi Bridge. If you are even more
adventurous, you can indulge in
white-water rafting, abseiling, river-boating, jet-boating, bungee jumping and
several airborne activities. There are plenty of opportunities for souvenirs as
there are several curio stalls near the falls. Actually, there are some pretty
good crafts available here and the sellers love to barter. You should also visit
the nearby archaeological
site and a small museum with exhibits about the dig that show how humans
and their ancestors have inhabited this region for 2.5 million years. The falls
are a little over 5 miles southwest of Livingstone. The best way to travel there
is by
bus or hired car.
Victoria Falls
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The capital of Yaounde is a better city in which to live and work than Douala and a more relaxed place to visit during your travels. Buea and the Mount Cameroon area have long been a favorite retreat for those who are looking for calm and natural beauty.
Return to Cameroon
If you have information you believe should be added to this page, please send the information to Jim at Getting Away. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Date this page was last edited: Friday, January 02, 2009 18:10:39
Getting Away With Jim Bruner |