Africa Travel Blog

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  • Reviews: Lake Kivu Serena Hotel

    Situated on the shores of the vast Lake Kivu, the 6th largest freshwater lake in Africa bordered by magnificent verdant Tropical gardens with breathtaking views is the exquisite Lake Kivu Serena Hotel that provides a riveting Resort suitable for tourists on Luxury safaris in Rwanda.

    This Up-market Hotel is situated at about 160 Kilometers/5 hours drive from Kigali City, approximately 110 kilometers/2 hours drive from the Volcanoes National Park, home to the critically endangered Mountain gorillas and over 294 kilometers/about 7-8 hours drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park-largest forest National Park and home to over 13 species of primates, makes Serena Hotel Lake Kivu a perfect spot for relaxation after your gorilla trekking or Chimpanzee tracking safaris in Rwanda. This fascinating facility overlooks a privately owned beach and boasts of 66 spacious rooms including family suites and executive suites among others.

    The Serena Hotel Lake Kivu features a state of art restaurant known as the Kiyaga restaurant that serves mouth-watering local and International dishes, a spectacular swimming pool, the luxury Maisha Health Center that allows guests to participate in a number of games such as volley ball, boating, tennis and a luxury swimming, an indoor beachside bar and Lake view terrace that is stocked with spirits, wines, beers and other non-alcoholic drinks and allows guests to sip their drinks while chilling at the beach and a classic Conference Center for business tourists. There is also free Wifi, satellite TV in the rooms, air conditioning in some of the selected rooms and suites.

    The rooms in this fascinating Hotel feature a private electronic safe, in-room satellite TV that allows you to be updated with what is happening around the World, a concierge, 24 hour room service, tea and coffee making facilities so that you make your own tea or coffee whenever you please and hair dryers among others. Much as smoking is not allowed within the premises of the Hotel, there are designated smoking rooms that can be arranged for you if you inform the Hotel Management on time.

    There are 6 luxury suites at this Up-market Hotel and feature a spacious King sized room, cozy en-suite bathroom furnished with a bathtub and a shower, a reading (working) place, a private balcony, an exquisite seating area and a wide veranda that provides tourists with the beautiful views of Lake kivu. Interestingly, the luxury suites also have a private Mini-bar.

    Not only that, there are also 66 standard rooms that stretch for 25 meters with each featuring one queen size bed and a double beds or 2 double beds. There is also an exquisite bathroom and very accessibility to the disabled tourists.  Regardless of the type of rooms you book for in Serene Hotel Lake Kivu, you will receive the comfort that will make you want to come back to the place again. Besides the comfort that you are expected to enjoy, the spectacular views of the nearby Lake Kivu.

    In conclusion, Serena Hotel Lake Kivu is a perfect accommodation facility for tourists interesting in relaxing and chilling near Lake Kivu because it features state of art rooms, cozy bathrooms and restaurant facilities to make your stay memorable. Check out the listing of other Rwanda Hotels here.

  • Top 5 Places to Visit in Kampala

    With all the information shared in this brief, sightseeing in Kampala is made easy. If you are visiting this beautiful city, then I can guarantee you that there are several places to visit and countless things to do here. Just take a ride along Kampala and you will have an unforgettable sightseeing adventure. Here are some of the places you can go for sightseeing in Kampala. If you want to get more information on this, then you can visit IN Kampala.

    Mengo Palace

    This is the first place that you can go sightseeing in Kampala. The palace was built in 1952 and it housed the former king of Buganda. Besides the fact that this place has been empty since 1966 but it’s a good place to visit. The place was left when Prime Minister Milton Obote ordered a dramatic attack. He wanted to eliminate Kabaka Mutesa II who was then a president.

    Independence monument

    Just take a ride in the city and you will at least see six monuments with the most prominent being the Independence monument. The monument was constructed to mark the day that Uganda got independence from British in 1962. It was set up almost the same time. If you are planning to come direct to this place, then it’s very easy. The monument is just located at the center of the city and hence easily accessible. You can just visit here and take pictures.

    Uganda Museum

    If you are that kind of a person that likes to experience everything in terms of history, culture, technology and much more, pay a visit to the Uganda Museum. The museum has a rich history that almost every visitor wants to experience. It was set up in 1908 when the then Governor George Wilson called for all the articles of interest on Uganda to be procured. As a matter of fact, the museum is among the oldest museums in East Africa and also features a very detailed collection of playable musical instruments, hunting equipment, weapons and books among many others.

    Bulange Royal Building

    Here is another great place to learn about the culture and the history of the Buganda Kingdom. Spare some time to visit this place and get a taste of the Buganda History. However, the best thing to do in this case is to get guided tours inside the parliament building. This way, you get some stories and details about all the clans of the Buganda Kingdom.

    National Mosque

    Uganda is not well known as a Muslim country but there are some of the most beautiful places you can visit to get more about the Muslim community. This is one of the country’s premier sights which were built in 1972. It is widely known as the Gadaffi Mosque. The mosque was constructed by Idi Amin but since then the mosque was completed in 2007. Just get a hour long tour in this place and you will get all.

    Rubaga Cathedral

    This is a twin-towered Roman Catholic Cathedral which serves as a memorial to the Ugandan Martyrs. It is marked with over 22 Catholic victims who were later declared saints. This place serves as the best place to visit in case you want to get some Christian history in the city.

  • Gorilla Trekking: Everything You Need to Know

    For most visitors to Africa, gorilla trekking features as a major safari highlight. To take part in this thrilling primate adventure, you have to be fully-prepared and depending on what your travel interests are in Africa, mountain gorillas are only trekked in 3 countries worldwide and that is; Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In Uganda, you can pay a visit to Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga National Park which is situated in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi itself covers an area of about 331 square kilometers featuring mainly the montane and lowland forests, straddling at altitude of about 1160 and 2607 meters. This park also inhabits over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, 27 frogs, 220 butterflies, 1000 flowering plant species plus more than 163 tree species as well as 104 ferns. The other parks include Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern DR Congo that make up part of the Great Virunga Conservation Area.

    When to go for gorilla trekking

    Given the kind of habitat where these creatures thrive in Africa, you have to be keen on which season you intend to pay a visit to any park of your choice to track gorillas. However, majority of visitors prefer traveling during the dry season which is also the peak season for most of these parks. This season starts from June to September and from December to February and it is characterized by low amount of rainfall and the ground remains relatively drier making it simpler for one to hike through the dense rain forest while in search of group. The wet season is equally better on its way for you to track gorillas. It begins from March to May and from October to November. This period comes with heavy amount of rainfall and plenty of forage for gorillas to feed thus less movement. Note mountain gorillas live at altitude of about 2200 to 4500 and treks take you through hike via thick forest and steep slopes that all require you to be physically fit.

    What to pack for a gorilla trek

    The whole gorilla trek kick starts with you getting up early enough then you organize all that is required of you. This means that you have to get your permit, passport ready and not to forget other items especially waterproof hiking boots, bottled water, energy giving snacks, gardening gloves, first aid kit, long sleeved shirt/t-shirt, rain jacket/poncho and others. You also need a walking stick and you can find it at the park headquarters or at your safari lodge. Hire a porter to help you carry the heavy luggage to allow you concentrate on your trek only.

    After organizing yourself, pick up early in the morning at your lodge ready to head off to the park headquarters for briefing by one of the park officials who takes you through the set rules and regulations to be followed while you are in the forest looking for a group of gorillas that is assigned to you. At the headquarters, make sure that you have a permit with you plus passport for you to be cleared. In Bwindi National Park treks kick start in any of the 4 main trailheads-Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors while in Mgahinga National Park, you gather at its headquarters. Equally, briefing is done at Volcanoes National Park headquarters for those of you who wish to explore mountain gorillas while on Rwanda safari. Uganda is composed of about 17 habituated families which include among others Mubare Group, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguliro, Nshongi, Kahungye, Bikingi, Busingye, Bweza, Bushaho, Nkuringo, Christmas, Katwe and Nyakagezi in Mgahinga National Park. In Rwanda, there are 10 groups that have been habituated and set for tourism. They include the Susa A and Susa B/Karisimbi group, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo, Ugenda, Bwenge, Hirwa, Umubano, Group 13/Agashya and Amahoro. In the DR Congo Virunga National Park, you track one of the 8 groups that have been habituated and they include Rugendo, Munyaga, Mapuwa, Kabirizi, Lulengo, Bageni, Humba, Nyakamwe a mention but a few. There are also some habituated families for those of you who wish to trek the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park.

    Getting there

    To get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you land in at Entebbe International Airport and you either set off by road or by air. By road, you will have about 10 hours’ drive or take a direct flight from Entebbe airport or Kajjansi airstrip then land into Kisoro/Kihihi airstrip where you can connect to any park of your choice for gorilla trekking. You need a 4 wheel drive safari vehicle for smooth road trip to these parks. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is 2 to 3 hours’ drive from Kigali and this is regarded as the most accessible gorilla protected area.

    Where to stay

    In Uganda, the available safari lodges for you choose for your overnight stay while on gorilla safari include Chameleon Hill lodge, Buhoma lodge, Mahogany springs lodge, Silverback lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Trackers safari lodge, Buhoma Forest Resort, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge and others. In Rwanda, you can spend a night while on gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park in any of safari lodges like Bisate lodge, Sabyinyo silverback lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi guesthouse and many more. In the DR Congo Virunga National Park the available safari lodges include Tchegera Island Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp and Nyiragongo summit cabins.

    Gorilla permits

    Gorilla permits in Uganda cost $600 per person, $1500 in Rwanda and $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). You can obtain a permit in any of the countries through a ground tour operator and make sure that the tour company you opt to deal with is registered and recognized or contact the respective park reservation. In Uganda, contact reservation department at Uganda Wildlife Authority and in Rwanda-the Rwanda Development Board.

    Rules and regulations for gorilla trekking

    Before you set off for actual trek, you will be briefed on dos and don’ts that you have to observe at all times while in the forest searching for a group of these beautiful creatures. They include-only 8 people are allowed to track 1 habituated gorilla family per day; you are required to keep your voice low; you are always reminded to leave the forest or park the way they found it. No disposing off any kind of rubbish; maintain a distance of 7 meters away from gorillas; No flashlight camera is allowed while taking photos of these amazing creatures. If your camera has a flashlight please, turn it off before shooting photos; you have only an hour with them-to take photos, explore their behavior and body gestures and many others that will be briefed to you.

  • Beating the Wild Blues!

    Can’t get Blue Monday out of your head? Then let TripAfrica fill your grey matter with a handful of blue things that really aren’t that ‘blue’ at all. Shiny, jewels of happiness to remind you than dull January is very nearly over, the daffodils will soon be bursting through and St Valentines Day is just around the corner! Spring is very nearly here, but before it’s sprung, here’s our handful of happiness:

    1, Blue Wildebeest  – The great migration is in full swing in the southern Serengeti right NOW, and, taking advantage of the lush green grasses, the migrant wildebeest population are beginning to calve, littering the plains with lots of little, lanky bundles of joy, ready to gambol their way back north with a trot, skip and a jump. Ahhhhhh.

    2, Blue Crane – The National Bird of South Africa, the blue crane is elegant, smooth, refined and since breeding season is between Oct & March, they are most likely having a wondrous & welcoming January. Pairs form at the beginning of the breeding season by selecting one another through a serious of complicated dance moves & flinging objects at one another… Once the flinging and winging has ceased they care for their eggs throughout incubation, welcoming their waterproof little fluff balls just 30 days later… Bluetiful.

    3, Blue Duiker – One of the continents smallest antelopes, the diminutive blue duiker is found throughout Central and Southern Africa. These teeny forest dwellers, breed throughout the year and rarely leave the sanctity of the deeper bush. Those lucky enough to catch a glimpse may well be rewarded with a swift ‘dive’ into the undergrowth followed by a whistle & ‘sneeze’ of indignation!

    And finally…. Balls to Blue Monday – The widely abundant Vervet monkey, a balcony diver, veranda marauder, kitchen invader and general, but jovially enjoyable, nuisance, has but one thing to say to the Winter Blues… And they won’t be shy about it either!

  • 5 Ways to Choose a Kenya Safari Company

    Many people visiting Kenya wonder how to choose a Kenya safari company. With so many options and new Kenya tour operators popping up every year, it can be intimidating.

    In order to choose a Kenya safari company that is best for you, follow these important steps:

    1. Make sure their prices are competitive when compared with other Kenya safari companies

    2. If you do not get immediate responses to your e-mails or phone calls, or if your questions are not adequately answered, look elsewhere

    3. Look for a Kenya safari company that has a good attitude and personalized services

    4. Make sure the company you choose has experienced guides and drivers that speak English

    5. Check online reviews and websites to read about others’ experiences before you choose a Kenya safari company

  • Planning a Wedding on an African Safari

    Because we are a romantic bunch, love organizing weddings and can’t resist hat shops, we thought we might put out some super duper special offers for any African safari wedding taken throughout the 2016 season.

    ‘The eye never forgets what the heart has seen‘ ~ African proverb

    For all weddings taking place in Kenya we will include a surprise wedding gift for the couple, to be presented upon arrival at your hotel in Nairobi, plenty of added wedding extras and all the usual help, advice and planning. We’ll also offer £200 OFF for the bride, £100 OFF for every guest and complementary flowers to dress your chosen venue. All these offers are in addition to any lodge offers currently available, meaning huge saving potential for soon to be weds!

    All our Kenyan wedding packages include meet & greet at Nairobi International Airport, two nights accommodation in Nairobi in order to complete paperwork, full assistance & guidance with all paperwork & complementary champagne on your first night in Kenya. All you need to do is turn up with your papers, and your dress, and relax as we subtly wedding-plan you through your romantic adventure.

    We can organise tiny, private ceremonies through to huge, multi-generational family affairs, including all pre & post wedding arrangements for your guests. Simple.

  • The Best 5 Africa Vacation Ideas for 2019

    Ladies and Gentleman, it’s time to break out the Champagne, get down on one knee, and pop the question to your other half… And we can show you just the spots for the perfect proposal!

    1. Table Top Tear-Jerker

    Spend a romantic weekend holed away in cosmopolitan Cape Town, promenade along the Waterfront, wine and dine on excellent, award winning fayre and head out to explore, taking in penguins, whales and wineries before whisking your man off to Table Mountain. Climbing ever higher by cable car, until you reach the peak, the flat tip of the world, the wondrous views – here, surrounded by simply stunning vistas, you can begin the next chapter of your lives with a simple ‘Will you? – I do!’ Some of the proposed tour suggestions with Trip Africa

    2. Diving Into The Future

    For those leap-year ladies with a sense of adventure, looking for something just a little out of the ordinary – perhaps the chance to mix romance and adrenalin… then perhaps tying yourselves together before tying the knot is the perfect preparation! A tandem bungee jump over the mighty Zambezi and with the romantic backdrop of the Victoria Falls offers the perfect antidote to a stayed proposal! Head up to Zambia & explore the Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, take sensual sunset boat before starting your new lives with a 1…2…3… JUMP!

    3. A passionate Poseidon Adventure Transport yourselves to an other worldly exploration, living under the deep blue in Tanzania. Pemba Islands Manta Resort allows you to live out your mermaid dreams with their Underwater Room. Spend the days swimming, snorkeling and taking part in some world-class diving before retiring to your private, James Bond-essque sunken bedroom and few leagues under the sea. Propose underwater or swim by your bedroom window with a sign for him while he relaxes inside.

    4, Romance At The Roof Of Africa

    Climb to the Roof Of Africa and Mt Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak to watch a new day dawn across the Great Rift Valley below. After 6 days on the mountainside any nerves will be overcome by the ‘Kili walk’ and you’ll be relieved to drop your jelly legs to one knee! As the sun rises overhead, warming a new day in Africa you can begin a new day together – the first of forever… Perfect for a leap-year proposal with a difference.

  • Best 5 Travel Resolutions for 2019

    1, GET FIT

    What better way to burn off the calories than to swim, swim, swim… and we have the perfect solution! A week swimming off the coast of Mozambique, Island hopping with Ibo Island Dhow Safaris…. a fresh new beach every night, sailing the high seas in style and fly-camping on barely trodden golden shores. Book before the end of Jan 16 & you’ll receive an additional £100pp OFF the full cost…. Starting at £2,300pp plus International flights to Mozambique.

    2, TAKE UP SOMETHING NEW

    Try your hand at the ‘sport of kings’ and learn to play, or improve your, polo. TripAfrica can offer polo centered holidays ranging throughout the continent, from South African through to Kenya. The Nduruma Polo Club, Arusha, Tanzania offers, possibly, one of the most scenic grounds around the world with the two boarded pitches book-ended by the towering, mesmerising, Mt’s Meru & Kilimanjaro. With year-round play this is the perfect spot to hone your skills and why not finish the week with a ‘Big5′ safari on horseback with Kaskazi Safaris or a week on a Zanzibari beach? Contact us for more information and suggestions!

    3, EAT MORE HEALTHILY

    There are plenty of  holidays where you’ll learn new culinary skills in the kitchen, returning with a renewed passion for cooking and a fabulous new repertoire to impress your guests… but here at TripAfrica we like to mix it up a bit, so we thought perhaps Italian food in Kenya might just do the job! Spending 10 nights at Riccardo Orizio’s stunning safari camps, Saruni Mara and Saruni Samburu will fill you to the brim with simply sumptuous Italian inspired meals, interspersed with game drives and walks in some of the worlds most wildlife rich regions…. or is it game drives & walks interspersed with sumptuous meals – either way, you’ll be spoiled with locally grown fruit & veg and a fusion of Kenyan and Italian cuisine….. Perfecto! A ‘week of Sarunity’ starts from around £4,400 per person, plus international flights.

  • Anjajavy Hotel in Madagascar

    kingfisher in AnjajavyAnjajavy Hotel in Madagascar is one of the most luxurious resorts in the country.

    Located on a secluded peninsula on the northwestern coast of Madagascar, Anjajavy is accessible only by private plane.

    Designed by French landscape designer Camille Muller, the hotel is an oasis of calm and a great getaway for world-weary travelers. The area is full of wildlife, from plant species to exotic birds and mammals.

    Anjajavy Hotel in Madagascar offers guests a chance to go sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching, waterskiing, fishing, mountain biking, and boating.

    There are also excursions, cave tours, village visits, and nature walks in the adjacent reserve that guests can participate in. For those in need of relaxation, massages are offered as well.

    Guests at Anjajavy enjoy luxury rosewood villas with high-end amenities, and can have meals on the beach or on a terrace overlooking the Mozambique Channel.

    Room rates at Anjajavy Hotel in Madagascar start at 210 euros per person per night for a double room and half board.

  • Best Day Trips from Marrakech

    Ourika Valley

    There are some great day trips from Marrakech that are worth doing if you have time while you are visiting Morocco.

    Just outside of Marrakech in the Ourika Valley. The area’s greenery provides a stark contrast to the dry land around the city. Its water source is from the Atlas Mountains, which tower above the valley and provide stunning backdrops to the landscapes and waterfalls in the area.

    The Ourika Valley is an easy day trip from Marrakech. You can get there by hiring a car or taking a tour. There are large bus tours, private tours, and van tours of the Ourika Valley, so you have plenty of options.

    Another good day trip is to the Palmeraie. The area surrounds the city and is home to some of the top resorts and hotels in Marrakech. You can go for lunch at the famous Amanjena hotel and walk around the pretty grounds, or just take a drive and explore.

    For trips further afield, consider taking a day trip to Essaouira. Just 2.5 hours from Marrakech by bus, Essaouira is a great way to escape the heat of the city and get some fresh coastal air by the ocean.

    Closer into Marrakech is the stunning Atlas Mountains. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the peaks. It is difficult to do a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, but if you can go on an overnight trip or multi-day excursion, it is highly recommended.