Africa Travel Blog

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  • 7 Secrets To Travel Safe in Africa

    You’ve got the plane ticket, the hotel reservation, the itinerary. But have you given any thought or taken any steps to protect your health and safety? The worst thing that can happen is that you spend your vacation in a hospital— or bring home a weird, exotic virus that has you bedridden for weeks.

    You also want to avoid theft, mugging, or worst, terrorist attacks. Your resort may call itself an “island paradise” but let’s not be naive and assume everyone is as friendly as they look in the brochures.

    Be smart. Prepare, make informed decisions, especially if you’re traveling with your family. This vacation is supposed to be fun—and you can do your part by preventing most disasters.

    1. Check Travel Advisories

    Your embassy will list places that they recommend “caution” or right-out tell you to stay away from altogether. This could be because of a tense political situation, or a low level of security in underdeveloped areas.

    But also take advisories with some degree of salt. You can safely assume that the capitals and major cities of a country will be more tourist friendly, since governments would’ve probably taken great efforts to develop them. The exception, of course, are countries going through civil war—in which case, read the international newspapers (or the web-version of their local English paper) to see how bad it really is.

    2. Get Vaccinated

    Some viruses that are relatively rare in your country may proliferate in the climate of another—and you don’t have the natural antibodies to fight them. Get the full range of vaccines (your embassy website will also recommend which ones you really need, depending on here you want to go).

    3. Bring Medicines and Prescriptions

    Ask your doctor for two copies of your prescriptions (carry one in your wallet, and leave one in your luggage). Also bring enough anti histamines (for allergies) or any maintenance vitamins or medications. Asthmatics should carry have a nebulizer—especially since attacks can be triggered by change in climate or physical exertion (you never know how much walking you’ll be doing during the tour).

    4. Never Flaunt Your Valuables

    Wearing your Rolex or flashing large amounts of money practically screams “Rob me!” to the pickpockets. Keep small bills and change in your belt bag for easy access (these are for entrance fees, cab fares, snacks). Keep larger bills in a zippered pocket. To be very safe, divide the money and distribute it among several pockets—at least, even if you do get robbed, you still have something left.

    Another tip: bring only what you need for that day and leave the rest in the hotel safety deposit box.

    5. Travel in Groups

    This is unfamiliar land, and you may not even speak the local language. So stick together (at least divide into pairs), especially at night.

    6. Ask the Hotel Receptionist/Travel Agent Which Places to Avoid

    Before exploring the area, get a list of places known for its crime rate, or streets that tend to get dark after a particular hour. Identify the areas on a map and avoid accordingly.

    7. Tell the Hotel Receptionist Where You Are Going

    This is very important if you are going skiing, hiking, or participating in any activity where there is a risk of getting lost or injured. Name how many people will be in your party and what time they can expect you. Then, they can alert authorities if you have not returned.

  • Hotel Reviews: 9 Reasons Why Stay at Serena Hotel Dar Es Salaam

    Three friends and I stayed at this star hotel in June as we awaited our connecting flight from Zanzibar to Selous Game Reserve. It was supposed to have been a once in a lifetime experience, but it was so good that we all want to come back. Here are the reasons why we bet you will feel the same way when you visit it.
    1. Views

    Among the things I’ll remember this hotel for is that it is a cozy hotel in Dar-Es-Salaam with views that are a feast for the eyes…. a concrete jungle on one side and a pristine ocean on the other (Indian Ocean). During my two days stay in it, I couldn’t get enough of the way its soothing breeze flirted with my senses…..
    Why wouldn’t i recommend such a place, especially for honeymooners and business travelers??

    1. Food

    Generally, the food was full of life and colour. The chefs were happy to accommodate to our every need. This included my fussy choices for foods that weren’t on the menu. Among the foods that melted my taste buds the most was the array of sea food, crubs, oysters… Beyond their irresistible looks, they had an enchanting and flawless taste. Ooh, they also felt healthy all the way, probably because they were prepared with cholesterol free natural oils. Friends have been asking me which particular one they should settle for when here. I’ve been telling them that they simply have to go and taste for themselves – words just don’t do it justice.

    1. Decor

    The Decor, my gosh, the decor. I am still at a loss of words to describe it, where do I begin. It is not exactly the bling bling type that is flashy and desperate for attention. Far from it, it is classy and rich in history. It is made of indigenous hardwood that was over 50 years old before it was turned to decor. Over six months was dedicated to crafting it with extreme attention to detail. The result of this humbling devotion is a well polished master piece with a jaw-dropping beauty.  The type you cannot keep your eyes wide enough to see.

    1. Easy reach to other fun places in Dar Es Salaam like Cape town fish market
      Visiting Dar Es Salaam was a real ‘bucket list’ trip for us, so expectations were high-especially in regards to the town’s night life. We couldn’t be more delighted that the Serena Hotel was within easy reach from most of the happening places. Among the many we visited, the Capetown fish market floored us the most. It is an eat out that also doubles as a place to catch live-band performances.

     

    1. Cozy swimming pool

    The gym was well equipped and fun to train at but we definitely preferred spending much time by the pool side. It was peaceful and free of crowds. It felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.

    1. Health-sauna
      I am not exactly a health freak but I don’t mind killing a few hours in the Sauna as its a great way to detoxify the body of stress. A visit to the sauna didn’t disappoint. It had a right balance between luxury and a relaxing vibe. Needless to say, the hotel is all inclusive and has a modest spa.
    1. Attentiveness of staff

    The staff seemed to genuinely love their jobs, an observation based on the way they were always happy to help whenever their intervention was sought. One such was Joyce, the chef. This made the brief holiday feel special. One of the staff offered to put his cleaning on hold to take us on a brief tour around the golf course. How caring!!

    1. Little things
      The little things also went a long way in making our stay extra special. This included the fact that the atmosphere in the rooms was lovely as it was clean.

  • 24HRS in Africa’s Adventure City, Durban

    To get a satisfactory in depth experience of Durban, one needs at least three days. Sadly, this is a luxury we couldn’t afford as we had only 24HRS left on our account for spending.

    This called for proper planning. With the help of Jigeleza, a firm offering city tours, our team leaders, Lebo and Fathima came up with a simple itinerary that would unveil to us the A-Z of Durban. Here is a mix of adventures that took our breath way during the 24 hour tour, I recommend them.

    First though, in case that name doesn’t strike a note, Durban is a welcoming, spectacular and fascinating multi-cultural destination flanked by the warm Indian Ocean on the east and soaring peaks to the west.

    Moses Mabhida Stadium

    Side View of Moses Mabhida stadium

    Topping the list of fascinating sites that will took our Durban experience to new heights was the Moses Mabhida stadium. It is one of the platforms that hosted the 2010 FIFA world cup. A two-minute Sky Car ride up the stadium arch, led us to a 106m-high vantage platform. From here, we got unparalleled 360º views of Durban and beyond. Atop this architectural marvel with a sitting capacity of 54,000, the entire city spread below, like a painting. It was a beautiful day. The sky was deep blue and the views are impressive and clear. People around me were craning their necks, reaching for cameras, wowing and smiling is admiration of the sweeping views.

    It was a thrilling experience, but certainly not as mind-blowing as a bungee jump that happens inside the stadium off its 220m arc. The Big Rush Big Swing is what they call it and has been named the world’s tallest swing by the Guinness Book of Records since 14 May 2011. While the Sky car ride costs R60, R55 and R30 per person, Pensioners and children respectively, the jump costs R695 per person.

    Victoria Market

    Tourists shopping crafts at the market

    Considering Durban has one of the largest concentrations of Indians outside India, a visit Mahatma Gandhi’s residence or Indian Market is a must. No other market in Durban has as many Indian traders as the Victoria Market. We felt welcomed at the shops in the indoor market which is within walking distance from Port of Durban. Having grown up in a country where Indians maintain their spiced up accent, it came as big surprising hearing the Indian traders speak in crisp English. Even more surprising is the fact that they haven’t just sat back and let KwaZulu bliss wash over them.

    They have learned to local dialect, learnt to enjoy chakalaka food (except for live crabs, no one learns to like something like that).

    If you pay close attention, you’ll notice they use the word “we” and not “they” when talking about Zulu’s. They have gone so native that they remind me of an Italian friend who fell in love with Congo so much that he started drinking monkey milk.

    Eat-out/Drink out

    The streets of the rainbow city blossoms with many restaurants. One such is California, a vast street with an endless queue of restaurants, each specializing in unique cuisines from different parts of the world. Here, you will be spoilt for choice. Jumping from one restaurant to another will feel like you have been taken a tour around the world.

    Apart from the love for good food, the other thing that most tourists we found here shared in common was being in Durban for repeat visits. One such is Asher Abby, 48, a US based Israelite whom I met with her husband on their third visit to Durban. Third visit in a space of four years to be exact. She finds many aspects of life here adorable, the friendliness of the people for instance. The way you’ll be lost on the street, and there is this Indian boy with unkempt dreadlocks and army boots, looking like trouble, who will politely offer to assist in finding your way to your destination.

    “In New York, nobody would want to bail you out.” Says Asher, Amazed

    Ushaka Marine Park

    Entrance of Ushaka Marine Park

    Ushaka Marine World, a humongous aquarium that exhibits unique creatures inclusive of Black throated monitors. Here, you can come face to face with a dolphin, pet a sting ray and snorkel with beautiful exotic fish species. Generally, rates of activities range from R50-R800 depending on the tourism season or duration of activity.

    Street life

    A walk around the streets of vibrant metropolis was a delight. Bearing in mind the apartheid past of South Africa, a reign that fuelled gross segregation as based on skin colour and religion, it was exciting watching whites hugging and high fiving blacks. I equally liked the way we walked stumbled into streets with mosques side by side with Christian churches. This spoke volumes about how South Africans has moved on from the apartheid hatred.

    Golden Mile Beach

    An adventurer cooling off the days steam with a
    surfing expedition in the INDIAN ocean     Sport fishing is among the most pursued activities
    at the coast

     

    If you badly needed to blow off the steam, you can crown the day by beholding the sun as it shyly disappears at Golden Mile. Due to different time zones, the sun here takes leave as early as 5pm. I must admit I still find this weird as I am used to watching the sun disappear at 7pm.

    The Golden Mile, is a white sand beach in front of luxurious Star Hotels. It has a rich blend of natural beauty and modern resort. Being my first visit to a non-landlocked country, it was so exciting seeing the blue ocean spread before me in all splendor. Too bad though, the much I could do was just stand there are keep wowing as colleagues dared beat the surfs. I didn’t know how to swim and thus couldn’t risk giving the water spot a chance. In consolation, I turned to sports fishing.

    If you love biking at the beach then Golden mile
    beach has you covered Playing     Football at the beach

     

    Let’s tally what we have so far. The stadium had the best panoramic views, the people live harmoniously, and there are so many restaurants. Where’s the paradise? In the nightlife!!

    The night life in this part of Kwazulu Natal arrives latter but with a delightful vengeance. Almost instantly, at the first hint of warmth, people begin to step out in their outfits for night and before long, the streets light up with neon bill boards. It is just perfect to do the only Durban thing, head out to sample the night life of the city. Among the many things to do includes sampling the street food like Shisa nyama meat, a barbecue but grilled in the old traditional Zulu way is served hot. Alternatively, you can enjoy local music at Umlazi, a downtown neighbourhood of Durban that was designated for indigenous South Africans and Indians during the apartheid times.

    You can start your night by checking out cultural
    villages that exhibit Zulu dance You     can start your night by checking out cultural
    villages that exhibit Zulu dance

    At The Moon Exclusive Lounge, a contemporary club with a Zulu tradition found in the Suburbs of Durban, you can mingle with likeminded friends. One such is Makhosonke Phungula, a 42 year old Zulu. Personally, I was excited to meet Phungula not necessarily because everyone has said we should, but rather because it is my first time to meet someone with such a name. Sounds like some species of newly discovered god.

    Best time to Visit Durban

    These months to visit is June to August when the weather is dry and sunny. During this time, the Metropolis comes alive with many festivals ranging from beer, film, music to religious ones.

  • 25 Inspirational travel quotes everyone should know

    Travel is a very essential part of our daily lives. In one way or the other, we must acknowledge that we travel. We have gathered insightful and inspirational travel quotes and we hope you enjoy it. Try as much as possible to remember at least one.

    Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

    The American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson asks us to be courageous. In life, it is easy to take the path everybody else is taking or if I am to be a bit less polite — to follow the herd.

    It is an act of courage to break away from the majority and to create your own way. You may get judged for it and sometimes it can even be risky, depending on the area you chose to distance yourself from what is considered the norm.

    In your travels, when you leave your own trail, you get to discover more than you’ve read about in travel guides or on travel blogs and websites. Dare, give it a go!

    If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.

    The American author James A. Michener puts it bluntly when he tells people who do not wish to change their ways to simply stay home. In the comfort of your own house, you get to eat the same meals you always do and live by your own rules (hopefully, while respecting the law).

    At home, you can keep your ideas about religion unchallenged, and connect only with the selected few. Travel is all about novelty, diversity, and acceptance. It is about being open-minded, but if one doesn’t wish to step outside their box, the simplest thing is to just don’t travel. Passions aren’t universal, it’s ok for some people to just not be into travel.

    We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm, and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.

    The former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharial Nehru, encourages us to open our eyes to take in the surrounding sights. Actively searching to discover and admire our surroundings will help us become tourists even in our home towns and/or the towns we’re currently living in.
    Also read: Top 17 amazing experiences and things to do in Morocco

    How many days have you spent staring only at your shoes or at the shoes of others in crowded public transport? How long has it been since you last looked at the higher levels of the building surrounding you? When was the last time you admired the transformation of the trees with each passing season, in the park closest to your home?

    A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.

    Tim Cahill is an Australian professional footballer. Probably not who you’d expect to be the owner of an insightful quote about traveling, but you don’t have to be a famous writer to know anything about journeys.

    I mean, look at you and me! One can enjoy being most anywhere if he is in the right company. We can consider people we’ve met along our journeys or those we have brought along to share the ride.

    Either way, there are many times when we remember a place more dearly, because of those we were with. My best personal example is my visit to Shkoder, with those I met at The Wanderers Hostel.

    Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.

    Anita Desai is an Indian novelist. In this insightful quote about traveling she points out that every journey leaves its print on you. Even without your knowledge, just being in a different place will leave a mark.

    Whether you see new things on the street, taste the local food or beverages, connect with strangers, or take part in an event, you will not leave the same person you were when you arrived.

    Good or bad, the things we live are what make us who we are. They reinforce our traits or make us realize we need to change for the better.

  • What are the Best Parks for Gorilla Trekking in Africa?

    There are only two populations of mountain gorillas left in the world. Mountain gorillas are found on two separate locations, the first one lives in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, with groups scattered between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The second population lives deep in the thick Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. As of September 2016, the estimated number of mountain gorillas remaining is about 880.

    The distribution of mountain gorillas is entirely within national parks, but despite their protected status, all three countries inhabit similar rugged terrain and have similar habits. Individual mountain gorilla groups vary in their accessibility. The regulations and quality of local gorilla guides and trackers is similar in Rwanda and Uganda.

    It’s important to know what you’re getting into before setting out for budget gorilla trek in Africa. The hike through the forest is challenging and tough-going (your guides will often have to machete a path through the ferns that clog the undergrowth), but it’s within reach for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. You will get muddy though and sweaty. Beneath the forest canopy the humidity is very high, and it’s a good idea to bring a canteen of fresh water to hydrate as you go.

    Uganda has two places where these Mountain Gorillas may be seen, one is Mgahinga Gorilla Park; a stunning park and a component of the Virunga chain of towering volcanoes that extend into the DRC and Rwanda, and then in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has more than half of the rare estimated population of 480 mountain gorillas. The park is situated in the south western park of Uganda on the edge of the Albertine Rift montane forests. Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda is a truly unforgettable experience that offers a great privilege for the rest of your life time. No safari to Uganda would be complete without experiencing this particular wonder at least once.

    The must see life experience is the first single hour you can spend in the wild with our so close related gorillas. As the venture is starting with a good hike to the last know where about of the family, it takes you through beautiful scenery. The clear cutting line of trees and farmland shows so clearly the pressure of humans on the wildlife.

    Back in the nature, in Bwindi you will have looked like over a century ago. Marvelous and impressive you have to find the gorillas here deep in the jungle with some less restraining hike, they are just across the farmland and showing their gentle nature close by. You can take videos and pictures of them playing, sleeping, swinging from trees, and many others, the guides visit the gorillas every day, for over many years before they may host the guest from all over the world. The relatively high price to pay for the 1 hour visit is worthy every drive and some is used to protect the species and land for future generations.

    In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes places in Volcanoes National Park lying north western Rwanda bordering Virunga national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park. Virunga National Park is known for its haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest. The park is home to five of eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo and span 160km covered in rain forest and bamboo.

    The park was the base for the zoologist Dian Fossey.  Of all attractions in Rwanda, the one that really draws people to visit Volcanoes National Park, are the rare mountain gorillas. A thrilling trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virunga’s offers stirring views in all directions entering the national park with armed guides and trekkers leading you in the mysterious intimacy of the rain forest jungle alive with the calls of colourful birds and hooting of the rare golden monkeys.

    In Democratic Republic of Congo, gorilla trekking takes place in Virunga National Park. Trekking mountain gorillas on foot starts early in the morning and after border formalities you are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and as close as is allowed to a gorilla family. The rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. Trekking can take anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours and it can be quite tiresome, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. No camera flashes and you avoid sustained eye contact or finger pointing. If a gorilla moves toward you, step calmly out of the way. If one charges, follow the guide’s instruction to drop to the ground in submission.

  • Trending: Abatimbo African Dance

    UNESCO is aggressively advocating for its preservation because it is outstanding in many ways and yes, it is worth travelling over thousand miles to watch. Abatimbo is its name, a traditional drumming and dancing musical culture that the people of Burundi Kingdom used to grove in exaltation of their kings.

    It was exclusively for members of the royal family. However when the kingdom was abolished 1966 by Prime Minister, Michel Micombero, it moved out of the palace into the public domain. Many were amazed by it. Overtime, this masculine dance has to spread out of like a virus and infected countless music lovers with its energetic perfomance. As you read this, it is trending among the most sought after dances in Africa.

    How it unfolds

    In most cultural dances across the continent, instruments are used to back up vocals but in this case, the reverse is true. Singing backs up drumming.

    It starts and ends on a high note, with a queue of about 10 performers’ clad in green, red and white robes—kicking their way into the dance arena–while balancing long drums on their heads and thrashing it aloud. The name of their drums is Karyenda. As their right hand concentrates on hammering its head, the left focuses on its sides in a tap-tap rhythm. The perfomance is soon fired up with jubilant yells. The result of this drama is a thunderous mix that captures the crowd’s attention, triggering a deep desire to see the full drama as it unfolds. The dancers then form an arc facing the crowd and start to lower down their drums one at a time. In a bit, the leader of the troupe gently steps into the center of the arc with a similar drum painted in the colours of the Burundi flag.

    In turns, the dancers come into the arena to showcase how a spirited Burundi warrior fights at a battle front. One could summer-assault or run around the drum while ringing his neck with the drumstick to demonstrate how he would behead an enemy. The other could spring off the ground while hurling his hands in the air to demonstrate his ability to fire at the enemy with might. This goes on for about six minutes with each dancer showcasing a move that leaves the crowd screaming in excitement. Whenever he is through with his part, he steps back and joins the other drummers who by this time are uniformly shoving their feet left and right.

    As the last dancer sums his stunt, the drumming heats up this time round with much of the concentration being on top of the drum. In a bit,things takes a new twist and as the drumming takes a faster pace that is more dance-able. Moved by the performance, many in the crowd step up to the challenge and start to groove along as the dancers.

    Its energy demand

    The energy which the dance is done is unbelievable. This explains why the drum is only made of tough skins and trunks of hard trees. It is an energy consuming dance, and that’s why it is mostly performed by well-built men. By the time they finish, their clothes are usually socked with sweat.

    Unique point

    One impressive thing I like about this dance is how it has been preserved from generation to generation with minimal incorporation of external influences. The only thing that has changed about it is the costume. In the past, dancers mostly used to wear cow skin as it typical of most cattle keeping tribes. However, they now adorn robs across their chests and clip at their shoulders. The one thing that the new and the old costume shares in common is that they are light and thus allow easy movement of the dancers.

    One of the places in East Africa that exhibits this dance every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday is Ndere center, an outdoor music theatre in Kampala, Uganda.

  • The Blazing Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Trail

    It’s amazing to see less expected impressive attractions on your holiday in any corner of the world. Just imagine the joy and happiness felt when you capture such a moment. It’s a wish for many travelers though some instead fail even to grab the prime moments of travel.

    However, jungle forest is a place full of surprises and remarkable adventures. gorilla tracking, golden monkey tracking, birding, culture walks, forest walks, boat rides, Dian Fossey visit, hiking are the main tourism activities within and around the park. When you take a trip to Volcanoes National park, you don’t only stick to the original travel plans since there are many other tourist activities which can be done within and outside the park and booked at last minute. Except gorilla tracking other activities can be booked on the very day for the adventure and you can also use one stone to kill two birds by paying for one activity and also view the other attractions for the other activity that exact point of visiting a beautiful area like this.

    The most excellent perfect escape is when you track mountain Gorillas and also view other primates including the rare golden monkey. Gorilla tracking travelers enjoy tracking gorillas and also golden monkeys and both activities require you to have a minimum of two days since both activities kick off at the same time every day. But sometimes Golden monkeys and Gorillas move outside the forests and Travellers are able to view them while at their lodges of residence or during the other trek which is a great surprise since it happens to only lucky travellers.

    If you get a chance and even take a nice photo captions with in that short time of the spot then next day’s adventure may be another advantage.To those who view the primates without plans of tracking enjoy a great moment without paying a penny the reason as to why some travellers love spending nights in well located Gorilla lodges & Accommodation with great chances both Gorillas and Golden monkey views. To experience and appreciate it is in most cases when you have paid for one and the other passes by as a bonus.

    Another   surprise is taking park in all the park interesting activities in just three days yet others move all the way for just one. If you have a duration of three day at Ruhengeri you can start by tracking gorillas, hike the lovely mountain of either Bisoke or Karisimbi in the afternoon on the first day and then start the other day by trekking Golden monkeys, visit Diany fossey tombs   and also spend the sometime with the locals that’s if boat ride are not your thing. Alternatively you can use the afternoon of day one to visit lake Bulera and Rukundo. Ending your tour by doing all this trust me you will earn yourself the most romantic safari in Rwanda or simple the best Rwanda tour holiday ever. Make sure you shut your eyes and body for the Gorilla land adventure full of relaxation modes and adventure. For birders don’t miss out the opportunity of sporting hundreds of birds in volcano forest during the gorilla tracking adventure as you hike through the bamboo forest. Feel calm and ease as you explore Rwanda’s best park and the most desired tourist destination worldwide.

  • Enjoy An Authentic Cultural Experience in Rwanda

    Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes national park is one of the outstanding adventures in Rwanda though the country is also rich in history, culture and traditions and when it comes to wildlife Rwanda is packed with other wildlife and nature which makes it unique tourism destination in Africa. Get a chance to experience not only the nature but also the daily life, habits, cultural traditions & local community efforts will opens the beauty of Rwanda to the world. It’s good to explore the countries culture in depth in a very new destination you visit, see what Rwanda has when it comes to a culture tour in Rwanda.

    Kigali city

    Rwanda capital has always been a start point for all culture tours in the country. The cleanest safe city is surrounded by green hills which embrace the natural beauty of the land of 1000 hills. Many cultural sites are found in Kigali one of the reasons as to why many visitors to the country can’t miss to take a ride around the city. Cultural attractions in Kigali include the 1994 Gisozi Genocide Memorial site a centre of genocide memories, Kigali Museum a place of history, the artisan shopping centre feel at home with locals. By any standard Kigali is an excellent city to dine in style since it supports numerous restaurants, coffee shops and supermarkets.

    The famous King’s Palace in Nyanza

    This was a residential home of King Mutara III Rudahigwa found in Nyanza 87kms from Kigali the city centre. Get fast hand details of the Rwandan traditional seat of their monarchy plus its remarkable museum. Stories confirms that the palace was rebuilt in the old version state of 19th century as assign of keeping cultural norms for the future generation.Traditional Cows known as Inyambo are also found out side the palace as assign of royalty. Visit the burial grounds of King Mutara III and his wife Queen Rosalie Gicanda at Mwima hill if time permits. The art museum at Rwesero is another place to unveil more within the Rwanda culture without forgetting the National Museum of Rwanda, which provide you with a deeper insight into Rwandan history and culture.

    Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

    A village of unity in Rwanda full of different cultural activities like,interactive experience, learn all about Rwandan traditions, culture, song and dance, participate in local dances and drumming, wear traditional local “Umushanana” dress; shooting arrows,attend a traditional healer’s medicine show, sample local foods and banana beer , visit a local household or school. Among others.All this is done just at the footsteps of Volcanoes national park famous for mountain Gorillas. However if the culture experience is joined to other adventures like Chimpanzee tracking, birding watching, Gorilla tracking your visit will make a difference not only to you but to the entire community of Rwanda.

  • Exploring Volcanoes National Park

    Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible park in Africa for travelers looking for a gorilla trekking trip in Africa. Located in Northern Rwanda in a region called Musanze (Ruhengeri), the park is one of the most visited park in Eastern Africa, receiving thousands of travelers looking for a mountain gorilla trekking experience. The park is part of the Virunga region and it is located along the boarder with Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. This corner or northwestern Rwanda is a breath-taking unforgettable place where culture, adventure and conservation intersect.

    The park is most famous for hosting the mountain gorillas, a rare sub specie of the gorilla. Nearly a third of the world’s population of the mountain gorillas live in the park. The park has a very long history of conservation, first gazetted in 1925, as a small area bounded by Karisimbi, Visoke and Mikeno, purposely to protect the mountain gorillas from poachers who were threatening their existence. By 1929 it was extended further to the Belgian Congo to form the Albert National Park, a huge area covering 8090 km². After Congo attaining its independence in 1960 and Rwanda in 1962, the Rwandan government re-gazetted the park as a conservation and tourist area.

    The park is also the base for the famous American primatologist Dian Fossey who carried out her research into the gorillas. She arrived in 1967 and set up the Karisoke Research Centre between Karisimbi and Visoke. She spent most of her time in Volcanoes National Park, and is widely credited with saving the gorillas from extinction by bringing their plight to the attention of the international community. Unfortunately Dian Fossey was murdered by unknown assailants at her home in 1985 reportedly poachers whom she had spent her life fighting against. She is featured in the popular film Gorillas in the Mist, and she was buried in the park in a grave close to the research center. If you love conservation, you can’t end your trip without taking a hike to the Karisoke Search Centre and support the Dian Fossey Grave.

    From 1992 to 1999 the park was tangled in the Rwanda civil war, the research centre was abandoned, and all tourist activities (including visiting the gorillas) were stopped. After restoration of peace and order, the park was reopned in 1999 when the area was deemed to be safe and under control. Since then gorilla tourism is thriving and thousands of travelers have visited the park on gorilla safaris.

    Other Attractions

    Though most travelers visit the park for gorilla trekking, there are lots of other things to do on a Rwanda safari through this national park.

    • The park is a home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains including Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo which are covered in both rainforest and bamboo.
    • Numerous rivers such as Nyabarongo River flow through the park that support many animal species,
    • There are several other animals in the park including large golden monkeys, duiker and buffalo, as well as some 178 bird species including at least 29 endemics to Rwenzori mountains and the Virungas.

    Things to Do

    There are lots of things to do in Volcanoes National Park and these include;

    • Gorilla tracking – the major attraction that pull tourists to the country.
    • Golden Monkey tracking – See the golden monkeys in a dense canopy on a hike through the forest
    • Dian Fossey Hike – Hike to the grave yard of Dian Fossey, learn about gorilla tourism and conservation at the Karisoke Research Centre. This is a full day activity
    • Volcano Hikes – You can a hike on three volcanic mountains that lie within the park

  • Top Big Cat Safaris for 2019

    Looking for big cat safaris? It is not yet late! Here are some of the best safari offers for the big cat lovers looking to travel in Africa. These trips can be tailor-made to include your own safari ideas. Just tell a local tour operator your interests so that these trips can be tailored exclusively to you!

    1. Safari in Zambia & Malawi

    Zambia & Malawi safari combines the perfect amount of wild exploration, wildlife, relaxation and exclusivity.

    Price: from £3,730 Per Person Sharing, excluding International Flights

    Enjoy 6 nights on safari in the remote southern areas of the South Luangwa National Park before heading to an island in the middle of Lake Malawi for some R&R.

    Zambia is renowned as one of the last true African safari destinations with remote bush camps, some of the best guides in the industry and some amazing wildlife. This safari stays in some of the best camps in the southern section of the South Luangwa National Park away from the crowds & in the home of the walking safari…

    2. Kenya Wildebeest Migration & Big Cats

    Kenya Migration Big Cats & Game Safari shows off the best the original safari country has to offer.

    Kenya: Migration, Big Cats & Game Safari – From £2,995pp, Excluding International Flights

    A fantastic 6 night safari with the chance to view the spectacular wildebeest migration and renowned river crossings, as well as the resident game and big cats of the Mara Reserve & Naboisho Conservancy.

    Spending half your time in the Main Mara Reserve, enjoy morning & afternoon game drives in search of game and the migration, then relax watching the animals drinking from the river in the evening. Staying at the world famous Rekero Camp, you are set right in the heart of the best wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara.

    The second half of your safari will be spent in the beautiful Naboisho Conservancy, bordering the Mara Reserve. This private conservancy has an exclusive and personal feel, with fewer vehicles at wildlife sightings. Activities throughout the day (often with a picnic breakfast or packed lunch enjoyed in the bush!) will include guided game walks and visits to one of the local Masai Manyattas.

    Price Per Person Sharing: From £2,995

    Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi is the perfect place to sit back, relax & reflect after your adventures in Zambia!

    Price Per Person Sharing: From £3,730

    Dates: Tailored to your specifications

    Zambia: Art & Photography Safari

    Price – From £ 2,995pp, Excluding International Flights

    This 6 night bespoke safari in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, promises something special. Using the complimentary media of photography &  sculpture Nick & Nick hope to inspire you towards a new appreciation of wildlife.

    Based in Mfuwe Lodge in the renowned South Luangwa National Park, you will combine morning and afternoon game drives (when light conditions and wildlife activity are best) with practical demonstrations and tuition in field sketching, sculpture and photography.

    Get to know different photography skills covering a variety of subjects including camera basics and simplifying the photographic process, to essentials in composition, field techniques, editing & organizing.

    Feed your artistic side on this magnificent & unique safari in one of the best areas for wildlife in Africa.

    Remember no prior experience or knowledge is required. All tools and air-hardening clay  will be provided and your sculptures will be packed safely for transport home.