Africa Travel Blog

Category: Destinations

  • 10 Attractions To See in Cape Town

    Cape Town is one of the most scenic place in Africa.  Known as the quintessential melting pot: Cape Town is a city alive with creativity, colour, sounds and tastes. Many travelers who have visited South Africa have fallen in love with the city’s natural beauty, creative freedom and incredible spirit. When visiting this second most populous city in South Africa, be prepared for the unexpected; a surprising experience that you will never forget.

    Here are the top 10 attractions you can’t miss when visiting Cape Town;

    1. Table Mountain

    Table Mountain is arguably the most iconic image of Cape Town. Standing at the top should top everyone’s list of ‘things to do before you die’. Take the leisurely route in the slowly revolving cable car, or alternately hike to the top. Either way you won’t regret it when you get to enjoy the sight of Cape Town and surrounds from the Table top!

    2. V & A Waterfront

    Situated at the Cape Town Harbour basin, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the most popular venue in Cape Town. With a wide variety of shops, numerous restaurants and cafes, wine bars, sites of historical and cultural interest and local craft workshops, you’ll never have a dull moment here, day or night.

    3. Wine Farms

    From the farms of Constantia in the southern suburbs to the expansive estates of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franshoek, the Cape boasts some of the most beautiful wine farms in the world. And it’s a well known fact that they produce some of the finest wines in the world too! A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without at least one day spent on the wine route, sampling fine wines, learning about the history and methodology of winemaking from the experts, enjoying a sumptuous lunch along the way and coming back laden with some great purchases for the cellar back home.

    4. Robben Island

    Site of former president Nelson Mandela’s prison cell where he was confined for many years prior to his historical release, Robben Island has a very special atmosphere. Take a ferry from the Waterfront and learn from the guided tours about the other men who shared the Island with Madiba, and about the incredible man himself.

    5. Cape Point

    Who wouldn’t want to say they have stood at the tip of the great African continent? Once inside the reserve you can make your way to the main parking area and stroll up the wide paths to the top lookout point. From here the view is breathtaking – sheer cliffs drop to the crashing waves far below while azure waters spread out as far as the eye can see to a hazy horizon. On a clear day, you really can see forever! Enjoy lunch at the excellent restaurant or drive to one of the sheltered beaches for a picnic.

    6. Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony

    Home of a colony of so-called ‘Jackass’ Penguins (so named for the donkey-like braying sound they make) Boulder’s Beach is situated just past Simon’s Town. Apart from great penguin viewing, the beach is picturesque and great for families with its sheltered bay.

    7. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

    These beautiful gardens at the foot of Table Mountain were established in 1913. The gardens only grow indigenous South African plants, and cover an area of 528 hectares. Picnic on the green lawns next to bubbling streams, or take advantage of a guided tour.

    8. Top Stones Gemstone Factory and Scratch Patch

    Visit one of the Top Stone Gemstone Factories at Glen Cairn or the Waterfront, for a sparkling and enchanting experience. At the Glen Cairn factory you can view the stones being washed polished and crafted into curios or jewelry. Trawl through the walk-in Scratch Patch ‘caves’ and select your own treasures to take home.

    9. Two Oceans Aquarium

    Located at the V&A Waterfront, this is South Africa’s largest aquarium. It has great exhibitions and a strong educational component. The shark feeding times are always popular with visitors who love to get a close up view of these awesome creatures without getting wet!

    10. District Six Museum

    Back in the 1960’s the apartheid government demolished the District Six neighborhoods, displacing the residents. Of all the museums to see in Cape Town, this memorial to the glory days and tragic history of District Six is one of the most interesting and colourful.

  • East Africa’s White Sand Beaches that will Take Your Breath Away

    If you love sensational White Sand beaches, our adventure menu will spoil you for choice. Here are some of the trending Island destinations of Africa

    Destinations

     7 Wonders of Zanzibar/Stone Town

    Zanzibar is that small Island off Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s coastal city. It has been repeatedly ranked among Africa’s Seven Wonders, especially in the category of heritage sites and impressive island destinations. This begs the question: what are Zanzibar’s wonders? Here are seven of it’s city’s legendary attractions that will awaken your sense of wonder. Its name, Stone Town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is more like a museum of well-preserved buildings whose architecture is a mix of Arabic-Indian and African influences. But while museums are usually full of dead exhibits, Zanzibar is full of life and colour. This makes it a perfect holiday getaway.Read More…

    Trending Honeymoon Destinations: Diani Kenya

    Organizing weddings can be very exhausting both physically and mentally. For that, love birds deserve a honeymoon in a peaceful setting with elements that help one recharge their batteries. Diani is one such place. It is a coastal reef where the majestic Indian Ocean meets the land of warrior nomads. This 10 kilometer resort found roughly 30 kilometers South of Mombasa is famed for two things:

    1. For emerging as the Best Beach Destination of 2014 as awarded by World Travel Awards.
    2. For having white sand and lush greenery.

    Here are things to do at this heaven among havens

    Hotels

     Serena Zanzibar, a Beachfront Hotel that will take you breath away

    My honeymoon recommendation for this month goes to this inviting gem of Stone Town…Serena Zanzibar. It is within easy reach from the airport, main gateway to the island, overlooking the majestic Indian Ocean. The Serena is beautifully laid out upon a white sand beach. I would have loved to describe it as a hotel, but something about it is more like a spacious beachfront mansion with a rich history.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Best Hotels in Casablanca

    The best hotels in Casablanca can be found in various locations across the city. Some are situated along the famous Boulevard de la Corniche, and others are in the heart of the city center.

    While there are some excellent choices for accommodation in Casablanca, there are two particular hotels that I consider to be the best of the best: the Villa Blanca Urban Hotel and Hotel le Doge.

    Villa Blanca Urban Hotel – The Villa Blanca Urban Hotel in Casablanca is in a great location right on the Corniche. The boutique hotel features two restaurants, a bar, and one of the most popular nightclubs in Casablanca. Its focus on quality and providing guests with a superior experience make it one of the best hotels in Casablanca.

    Hotel le Doge – Hotel and Spa le Doge in Casablanca is a member of Relais & Chateaux. As such, it offers guests a true luxury experience in Morocco. Highlights of the hotel include its stunning Art Deco decor and its excellent Le Veyre restaurant. Hotel le Doge’s intimate charm and great service make it one of the best hotels in Casablanca.

  • Dhow Cruises in Lamu

    Dhow cruises in Lamu are a popular sunset activity in Lamu.

    Dhow cruises set off just before sunset and sail around the channel between Lamu island and Manda island.

    Most dhow cruises in Lamu last for an hour and a half and cost around 2400 KES for two people. Make sure to negotiate with the dhow operator before agreeing on a price; they never give you the best rate the first time.

    You will probably be approached by a dhow owner before you have to look for one, but if you aren’t, you can find them on the beach in front of the Peponi Hotel in Shela or on the waterfront in Lamu Town.

  • Malaria in Senegal

    Malaria in Senegal is a serious risk to all travelers. If you are planning to visit Senegal, you should make sure to take the necessary precautions to minimize your risk of contracting the disease.

    The entire country is a high-risk area for malaria, so you will need to protect yourself wherever you travel in Senegal. It is good to be prepared when you arrive so that you can be safe and healthy during your entire trip.

    Malaria is spread by mosquitoes that come out at dusk and stay active throughout the night. As such, make sure to use plenty of insect repellant in the evenings and wear long sleeves and trousers as well as shoes and socks at night. Most hotels have mosquito nets over beds, but if yours doesn’t, make sure to bring one with you when you travel to Senegal.

    Additionally, you should get antimalarial pills from your nearest travel health clinic before you travel to Senegal. Pills like Malarone should be taken one to two days prior to visiting Senegal, then taken throughout your trip, and for seven days after you leave the country. Taking antimalarials will help prevent you from contracting malaria, but no pill is 100% effective. You will still need to use insect repellant, wear appropriate clothing, and sleep under a mosquito net to avoid getting malaria in Senegal.

  • Trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains

    Many visitors to Morocco take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.

    Given the proximity of the mountains to the city, it is an easy trip and makes for a great escape from the bustle of the souks and the medina.

    There are several ways to take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. These include hiring a car in Marrakech and driving to the Atlas Mountains, taking an organized tour to the mountains, or going on a small group excursion.

    Whatever method you choose to get to the mountains, it is best to stay overnight for at least one night.

    The distance from the city center is far enough that doing a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains is very ambitious, but doing an overnight or several night trip is well worth it.

  • Best Day Trips from Dar es Salaam

    The best day trips from Dar es Salaam are worth taking the time to do if you have a few days in the city before or after going on safari or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

    One of the best day trips is a visit to Mafia Island. Reachable by small plane, the island is a beautiful place to get away from the urban bustle and relax on the beach.

    Another great day trip from Dar es Salaam is Bagamoyo. Just an hour north of the capital, the city is well known for its beaches and its rich history.

    If you are truly after beautiful beaches in Tanzania, Zanzibar makes for one of the top day trips from Dar es Salaam. In just a short flight or a two-hour ferry ride, you can find yourself in an island paradise that attracts visitors from around the world.