Africa Travel Blog

Category: Places

  • West Africa’s 5 Best Surfing Spots

    The African continent has many possibilities for a holiday, with the spectacular landscapes of Southern Africa, the Safaris in East Africa and yet to be really well developed Northern Africa, whereas West Africa is still not so popular with tourists. The greatest attraction of West Africa lies in its location, as it faces the Atlantic to the west and that is a major plus point which other places in Africa don’t have.  It is thus a hidden treasure for surf enthusiasts!

    There are five specific spots where one can go for surfing in West Africa: The Alamdies and N’Gor Island in Senegal, Ponta Prenta in Cape Verde, Busua in Ghana and Rosbertsport in Liberia.

    Senegal: The Almadies and N’Gor Island

    Almadies Peninsula, on the outskirts of the Capital Dakar, is a favourite with surfers who come straight to this place. It is the westernmost tip of Africa that juts out into the Atlantic and is one of the most important swell windows of the world which appear from the SE and taking an almost 2600 turn all around the peninsula go to the North. It is easy for you to go across to most of the favourite surfing places as they are very closely located within walking distance of each other.

    N’Gor Island is an attractive spit of land and has cobbled streets, restaurants, bars and beaches and many surf camps. In 1964, two persons from California first brought surfing to West Africa in this area while filming the surf travel movie Endless Summer. A surf camp with the same name as that of the movie shot is located here and caters to international surf tourists. The waves at Virage or Yoff beach are gentler and so the place is good for beginners. Beginners can also take lessons in surfing from Tribal Surf Shop in Virage.

    Cape Verde: Ponta Prenta on Sal Island

    Cape Verde archipelago has a strategic location in the mid Atlantic and is one of the best surfing destinations in the world where there are plenty of well established surfing camps. Both amateurs and experts have enough to prompt them to keep coming back here for more.

    Ponta Preta lies west of Santa Maria and is an exposed reef and point break that that has pretty consistent surf. It is accessible by a remote road which is functional only for sometime during the year. It is surrounded by rocky ledges and is a Reef break so that it makes for a good surfing area. Some experienced surfers even compare it to the Hawaiian pipeline. In fact winters is the time favoured by surfers when it gets the greatest wave breaks. Fine surfing waves are formed by off shore winds and Atlantic wind swells.

    Santa Maria is the place to hire surf boards, besides jeeps can also be hired there to reach for the best wave breaks.

    It is a major wave surfing destination and Josh Anglulo the Hawaiian 2009 PWA Wave World Champion, who has done much to promote windsurfing in the archipelago, has now settled in Cape Verde.

    In Ghana: Busua

    The topography of Ghana’s coastline is a mix of beaches and coral reefs which is why Ghana is a superb surfing destination. Ghana, located on the Gulf of Guinea, only a few degrees north of the equator has a warm tropical climate. Busua is a coastal town that boasts of a variety of hotel accommodation, small seafood restaurants, and a long sandy beach that is clean and safe for water sports. You’ll find there a “Black Star Surf Club” at the beach. The surf camp has relaxing and attractive accommodations and there are many entertainment options and group activities too on the beach that make your stay very enjoyable. Although surfing is a new activity in Ghana, the team of experienced instructors at surf camp provide surfing lessons with good results. The training is in keeping with your level of skills and the instructors help to improve your surfing ability no matter whether you are a beginner or advanced learner.

    In Liberia: Robertsport

    Robertsport is a place in western Liberia, located 50km north of Liberia’s capital Monrovia. The landscape is green with undulating hills, large plantation style houses that remind you of the southern part of America. The town can be approached by road, aptly described as ‘the best dirt road in the country’ and is considered as the best unknown West African surf spot (in season).

    It is a town mostly inhabited by fishermen and farmers. Of late there have been a small but growing number of world class surfers from other countries who have heard about this spot and are helping to develop the area as a surfers’ delight besides some self taught locals who frequent the spot to enjoy surfing on the waves. There is nothing more than the basics on offer. It is typically a page out of Adventures of Robinson Crusoe with surfers’ tents pitched under a large cottonwood tree and meals in barbeque style on an open fire or lives in Nana’s lodge which offers raised wood floored structures.

  • 5 Best Places to See Gorillas in Africa

    Most people who go opt to see gorillas always look at visiting Uganda or Rwanda! however there are ten countries where gorillas can be seen in the wild. Here are ten places to see them for yourself.

    1. Rwanda

    Visitor infrastructure: 5/5
    Chance of sighting: 5/5
    Rwanda is a favorite to those looking to seeing the mountain gorillas in the wild. The mountain gorillas live in the Volcanoes National Park located in the northern part of the country.
    Rwanda is a small country in Central Africa, about the size of Wales. The country has developed good main roads (making it quick to get around) and a relatively well-developed infrastructure.  Today it is possible to take a gorilla trek in the park and return to Kigali for an evening night back home.

    The work of Dian Fossey, dramatised in the film Gorillas in the Mist,have really maked Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to be the most people’s first choice for a mountain gorilla safari in Africa. On a hike through the park it is easy to see the relaxed gorillas in a relatively open habitat – montane vegetation, often with stunning views. Rwanda offers more chances of good gorilla watching given that there is less hiking for most gorilla groups if compared with Uganda and the democratic Republic of Congo.

    2. Uganda

    Visitor infrastructure: 5/5
    Chance of sighting: 5/5

    Second in popularity to Rwanda, Uganda has two gorilla parks in the south-west of the country where one can see the mountain gorillas. These are Bwindi Impenetrable national Park and Mgahinga National Park. Travel through the dramatically winding roads and enjoy gorilla tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, a more biodiverse and at a lower altitude. Bwindi host the largest population of the mountain gorillas and today there are 13 gorilla groups that have been habituated for tourism, and research.

    Mgahinga National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, and it has habituated gorilla that freely roam into Rwanda and DRC. However, climbing to the top of Mt Sabinyo, where Rwanda, Uganda and DRC meet, is an outstanding way to see the whole mountain gorilla kingdom – an island of forest surrounded by a sea of densely populated farmland.

    To those looking for wildlife viewing, of Uganda’s real plus points is the range of other activities on offer: combine your gorilla tracking with the country’s other national parks on selfdrive and adventurous activities, from hiking the glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains to white-water rafting on the Nile.

    3. Congo

    Visitor infrastructure: 2/5
    Chance of sighting: 4/5

    Often called Congo Brazzaville, Congo offers the travelers with the best choice to see the western lowland gorillas. However the country got a setback in 2002 with the loss of the habituated Lossi gorillas to Ebola. Today the nearby Odzala National Park offers one of the best options for seeing the Western lowland gorillas in Africa. There are two habituated family groups that can be seen by visitors. There are hides at  Bais from where you can watch the gorillas in the open clearings in the forest.

    4. Central African Republic

    Visitor infrastructure: 2/5
    Chance of sighting: 4/5

    For long Central African Republic has been one of the best places to see the western lowland gorillas. However with the emergence of political instablity in the country, tourism development has been affected in the country. One of the best places to track the western lowland gorillas is the Bai-Hokou in the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park. The WWF project succeeded in habituating a gorilla group for viewing and a calm contact is likely, though the dense forest and low light beneath the canopy make photography challenging.

    5. Democratic Republic of Congo

    Visitor infrastructure: 1/5 (Western Lowland Gorilla), 3/5 (Eastern Lowland Gorilla and Mountain Gorilla)
    Chance of sighting (security permitting): 1/5 (WLG), 3/5 (ELG), 5/5 (MG)

    Three of the four sub-species of gorillas are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire). Gorilla tourism started in the md-1970s with habituation of several gorilla groups in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a stronghold of eastern lowland gorillas. This park still offers one of the best gorilla-viewing experiences to visitors yo Africa. Bukavu is the nearest town (with some beautiful lakeside hotels), but its is advisable to check the security situation. You can enter the DRC easily from Gisenyi in Rwanda via la corniche (Goma) and Kisoro in Uganda.

    Mountain gorilla tourism in the Virunga National Park is also excellent. Though this was hampered by the existence of the M23 Rebels in the park, today the park is open for gorilla tourism after the surrender of these rebels to UN backed Congolese Army in 2012. However, even during the troubles many people visited the gorillas at Djomba on day trips from Kisoro, Uganda, because permits were available in the DRC and sold out in Uganda. Take advice on the spot – it can change from one week to the next.

    Some western lowland gorillas survive in the far west of DRC in the beautiful Madiakoko Mountains, Bas-Congo, crossing back and forth from Cabinda (Angola), but you’d be a pioneer tourist here.

  • 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.

  • 5 Top Birding Sites in Uganda

    Some of the travelers who annually visit Uganda are more interested in doing the birding activity. For every traveler wishing to go on a birding safari, this article unveils the best birding sites in Uganda that you should consider most:

    Semuliki National Park & Reserve

    Semuliki, in western Uganda, is arguably the best birding site in Uganda, and it the main reason as to why the Park is referred to as a ‘’True Birders’ Haven’’ – as the Park comprises of almost every unique African bird species. Though the Park’s main attraction is the pair of hot springs – male and female, found near the Park office at Sempaya, it is a unique destination for all birders and the birding highlights include Albertine Rift Endemics such as; the dwarf honey guide and purple-breasted sunbirds; 35 Congo-Guinea biome species found nowhere else in East Africa, including black dwarf hornbill, Congo serpent eagle, Nkulengu rail, Gabon woodpecker; and other species with very limited ranges such as; white-tailed hornbill, capuchin babbler, blue-headed crested flycatcher and the orange weaver.

    The other amazing thing in this Park, besides unique bird watching, is the pair of hot springs of which the female hot spring called ‘’Nyansimbi’’, which means; the female ancestors, is a boiling geyser that spurts bubbling water and steam up to two meters high. Visitors can therefore cook eggs and plantains in the boiling pools that surround the central spout.

    Kidepo Valley National Park

    Nestled in Uganda’s distant north-eastern corner, Kidepo is also referred to as the ‘’True African Wilderness’’ due to its scenic landscape and varied wildlife, and arguably the Park is one of Uganda’s best and mostly explored protected areas. The Park is best known for its natural unrivalled beauty and protecting a varied wildlife, but more fascinating is that the Park is a home to almost 500 bird species, thus making it the second place to hold the largest number of bird species in Uganda, only next to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The experienced and professional ranger guides are available at Apoka to assist you to locate and identify birdlife in the Park’s various habitats. On addition to bird watching, you will also be in a perfect place to enjoy the game viewing activity as the Park inhabits almost every African wildlife species, such as; African lions, Cape buffaloes, African leopards, African elephants, Rothschild’s giraffes, Zebras, Elands, Cheetahs, wild dogs, Jackson’s hartebeest, spotted and stripped hyenas, bat-eared foxes, Oribi, Okapis, Topis, Gazelles, and many others.

    Queen Elizabeth National Park

    Perched in the western parts of Uganda spanning the districts of; Kasese, Kamwenge, Rubirizi, and Rukungiri, the Park is definitely among the heavily visited ones in Uganda, of which; it is mostly renowned for its amazing tree climbing lions and the spectacular Kazinga channel – home to an abundance of wildlife. The birding activities overlap with the wildlife viewing locations in the Park and the highlights include; easy sightings of resident and migratory water birds on the Kazinga channel; spectacular seasonal congregations of flamingoes on the Kyambura and Katwe soda lakes; careful searches for rare and restricted range forest species in Maramagambo forest; plus the memorable shoebill sightings on the remote Lake Edward flats in Ishasha sector – residence to the tree climbing lions. The Park inhabits the largest population of bird species in Uganda, with over 600 bird species.

    Murchison Falls National Park

    Residing at the northern end of the Albertine Rift Valley where the sweeping Bunyoro escarpment merges into a vast, palm-dotted savanna, Murchison Falls National Park is the largest national park in Uganda and its existence is basically determined by the majestic Murchison Falls. The Park conducts a variety of activities such as; game viewing, boat cruises, sport fishing, cultural encounters, hot air balloon safaris, chimpanzee tracking, and bird watching. It is an ideal destination for birders – protecting over 451 bird species, hence making it one of the destinations in Uganda with the largest number of bird species, including the water birds such as; the rare shoe-billed stork, dwarf kingfisher, Goliath heron, white-thighed hornbill and great blue turaco. A journey to or from the MFNP is very scenic and there is an optional visit to the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – the only home to the wild rhinos in Uganda, thus being able to view all the Arica’s big five (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, and Buffaloes), whereby the others will all be spotted from Murchison Falls National Park. For birders to view the many bird species should involve in game drives, launch trips/boat cruises and forest walks to encounter various bird species in abundance – as everything in the Park is there in abundance, especially wildlife species and bird species.

    Mabamba Bay Wetland

    The wetland is nestled on the edge of Lake Victoria – northwest of the Entebbe peninsular, and it is one of Uganda’s most important birding areas. The major bird species here include; shoebills, the blue swallow and the papyrus gonoleks. More special with bird watching activities at Mabamba is that; a birder can spot 60% of the total population of the bird species there, just within a single day thus being one of the most ideal destinations for bird watching activities in Africa. It is also the only destination in Africa where at any time of the day; a birder can spot the elusive shoebills.

    The wetland comprises of a total of 260 bird species and a birder can be able to spot almost 157 bird species within just a single day. Mabamba is definitely one of the strong holds for the migrant Blue Swallow – with over 100 individuals recorded every year. The amazing birding experience in Mabamba in not only at the swamp, but along the way, there are other birding spots with a variety of habitats, and after birding, one can opt to follow a woodland and savanna trail up to the sand mining quarry to increase on chances of other species apart from the wetland birds. The birding excursions in Mabamba are basically done on canoes through the small channels of marsh-filled water and lagoons – birds are best spotted in the morning hours though; they can be spotted throughout the entire day at any hours convenient for you.

    Other most recommendable important birding sites;

    The other popular birding sites in Uganda include; Budongo forest, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Entebbe Botanical Gardens, and Mabira forest, among others.

  • Visiting Tunisia Taxis from Tunis to Carthage

    Taxis from Tunis to Carthage are the easiest way to get from one city to the other and make for a good way to see the far-flung ruins of Carthage.

    Taking a taxi from Tunis to Carthage is best done as a day trip.

    Your taxi will take you from the Tunis city center to Carthage and drive you around the highlights of the ruins for the day.

    Hiring a taxi to get from Tunis to Carthage is a good idea if you don’t want to walk up and down hills all day or take the train.

    The ruins of Carthage are spread out over a long distance, and taking a taxi can save you time.

    A taxi from Tunis to Carthage for the day will cost around 70 – 80 dinars.

  • Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

    Dar es Salaam is the traditional capital of Tanzania and is the most important city in Tanzania economically. Located on the coast of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is home to beaches, harbors, and other maritime activities.

    People visiting Tanzania can check out Dar es Salaam’s cultural sights in addition to its coastal beauty. Dar es Salaam’s Zoological Gardens, National Museum, Village Museum are all open to visitors.

  • Simba Camp in Ngorongoro Crater

    Simba Camp in Ngorongoro Crater is the only common campsite in the park. With basic facilities that are frequently described as “so-so,” Simba Camp is not a Tanzania safari lodge for those that want a nice place to stay. Simba camp becomes crowded in the high season, but has basic amenities like showers and toilets.

    On the other hand, Simba Camp is a great place to stay in the Ngorongoro Crater if you want to be up close to the animals. There are no gates to the campsite, so animals are free to wander in and around Simba Camp as they please. There are guards in case of unforeseen incidents, but Simba Camp is peaceful most of the time.

  • Best Places to Dive and Snorkel in Zanzibar

    Zanzibar, located in the Indian Ocean, is famous for its beautiful, clear water and great diving and snorkeling. Below is a list of some of the best places to dive and snorkel in Zanzibar:

    Diving in Zanzibar’s Pemba Reefs – There is a lot for experienced divers to explore while diving in Zanzibar’s Pemba Reefs, including the Emerald Reef, the Panza Wreck, the Misali Coral Garden and Mountain, the Mandela Wall, and many more.

    Diving in Zanzibar’s Stone Town – Stone Town diving is a good place to start, as it is easily accessible, inexpensive, and good for beginners or those needing a refresher dive. There are good wrecks around Stone Town that attract divers and snorkelers to the area as well. Stone Town wrecks include the Bahari Wreck, the Great Northern Wreck, and the Pegasus Wreck.

    Diving in Zanzibar’s Nungwi – Nungwi is farther out, but it’s few reefs are worth exploring. Divers flock to Leven Bank, Hunga Reef, and Nankiville for their variety of coral, fish, and sharks. The strong currents mean that Zanzibar’s Nungwi is best for experienced divers.

  • Visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar

    Buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro

    Bus in Moshi
    Originally uploaded by eat more chips
    The best buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro are run by the Scandinavia Express Services bus company.

    Buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro stop in Mombo, Moshi, and Arusha. The distance is 646 km from Dar Es Salaam to Arusha.

    There are eight buses a day from Dar Es Salaam to the Kilimanjaro area. The Super Deluxe buses leave Dar at the following times:

    08h30
    13h45
    16h00
    17h30

    The Economy buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro leave Dar at the following times:

    09h15
    14h40
    16h45
    18h15

    The cost of a ticket from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro (Arusha) on Scandinavia Express Services buses is 24,000 TSH for Super Deluxe and 15,000 TSH for Economy.

    Labels: Buses from Dar Es Salaam to Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

    Visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar links:
    Link here | 0 comments on this article
    Best Restaurants in Zanzibar

    Zanzibar is known for its spices and wonderful fresh fruit, so it’s no wonder that there is no shortage of great restaurants in Zanzibar.

    Here is my list of the best restaurants in Zanzibar:

    Tower Top Restaurant

    Sweet Easy Restaurant

    Sambusa Two Tables Restaurant

    Labels: Best Zanzibar Restaurants, Sweet Easy Restaurant, Tanzania, tower top restaurant, Zanzibar

    Sweet Easy Restaurant, Zanzibar
    Address: Shangani Road, Stone Town, Zanzibar
    Phone: 0777 416736
    Opening Hours: 11am-Midnight

    The best Thai food in Zanzibar is served up at the Sweet Easy Restaurant and Lounge in Zanzibar’s Stone Town. Whether you want a good curry or another Thai specialty, this is your place.

    If Thai is not your thing or you’re looking for something more authentically African, the chef at Sweet Easy Restaurant also turns out some good pan- African cuisine.

    Sweet Easy Restaurant and Lounge is also known for its nightlife scene in Zanzibar. With a pool table and an active bar, locals and visitors alike enjoy the atmosphere at Sweet Easy.

  • NY Times: Mount Kilimanjaro

    Mount Kilimanjaro: On Africa’s Roof, Still Crowned with Snow

    A THICK veil of snow had settled on Kilimanjaro the morning after my group arrived in Tanzania. Over breakfast, we gazed at the peak filling the sky above the palm trees of our hotel courtyard in Moshi, the town closest to the mountain. It was as Hemingway described it: “as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun.”

    I had wanted to climb to the roof of Africa before climate change erased its ice fields and the romance of its iconic “Snows of Kilimanjaro” image. But as we trudged across the 12,000-foot Shira plateau on Day 2 of our weeklong climb and gazed at the whiteness of the vast, humpbacked summit, I thought maybe I needn’t have worried.