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Holiday Destinations - Africa
- A look at Africa
- A look at Algeria
- A look at Egypt
- A look at Kenya
- A look at Morocco
- A look at Namibia
- A look at South Africa
- Alexandria
- Algiers
- Aswan
- Cairo
- Casablanca
- Durban
- Fes
- Johannesburg
- Kericho
- Luxor
- Malindi
- Marrakech
- Mombassa
- Nairobi
- Port Elizabeth
- Tangier
Kenya is the jewel of East Africa, revered as the "cradle of humanity", Kenya is a land with amazing landscapes: sand beaches, emerald water, and coral reefs in the coast; desert areas in the north, memorable mountainscapes such as the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya (the second highest peak in Africa). There are also many brilliant lakes, including lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha.
In Kenya you will enjoy a wide range of activities such as safaris, bird watching, mountaineering, climbing and many more. A safari in its more than 40 national parks and reserves is a unique opportunity to explore the most magnificent wildlife in Africa. just like Ernest Hemingway did some time ago.
Kenya also has a fascinating cultural diversity with around 40 different ethnic groups, the major tribes include the Kikuyu farmers, the Turkana fishermen and the Samburu warriors, of them all, however, the most famous are the red-clad Maasai.
If you want an adventurous travel, Kenya is your ideal destination
Tourism in Algeria contributes only about 1 percent of Algeria's GDP. Algeria's tourist industry lags behind that of its neighbors Morocco and Tunisia. Algeria receives only about 200,000 tourists and visitors annually. Ethnic Algerian French citizens represent the largest group of tourists, followed by Tunisians. The modest level of tourism is attributable to a combination of poor hotel accommodations and the threat of terrorism. However, the government has adopted a plan known as "Horizon 2025", which is designed to address the lack of infrastructure. Various hotel operators are planning to build hotels, particularly along the Mediterranean coast. Another potential opportunity involves adventure holidays in the south. The Algerian government has set the goal of boosting the number of foreign visitors, including tourists, to 1.2 million by 2010. Algeria is also working on new target with the World Tourism Organisation. The number of foreign tourists to Algeria have increased 20% annually between 2000 and 2005[6], Tourism Minister Noureddine Moussa said Monday (October 30th) at a conference with the sector's executives. Over 140 building permits in the tourism sector have been granted by the ministry since November 2005 to nationals who want to invest in tourism infrastructures.
Egypt
Tour Egypt from the live Nile Valley, to the solitary deserts, to the diversity of the Sinai desert, to the lush oases, to the exotic underwater life of the Red Sea, to the Mediterranean beaches. "Now, let me talk more of Egypt for it has a lot of admirable things and what one sees there is superior to any other country." - Herodotus, 50 BCE Egypt doesn't need an introduction. It was the introduction to human civilization itself, and has all the evidence to show for it. Tour Egypt from the live Nile Valley, to the solitary deserts, to the diversity of the Sinai desert, to the lush oases, to the exotic underwater life of the Red Sea, to the Mediterranean beaches. "Now, let me talk more of Egypt for it has a lot of admirable things and what one sees there is superior to any other country." - Herodotus, 50 BC even though much of what Herodotus witnessed has been ruined by the cruelty of later generations, his statement is still valid to this day. Today's Egyptians have abandoned their ancient heritage for a mostly Moslem Arabic-speaking nation. Happily, they have maintained their friendly, hospitable, and warm characteristics. Cairo, the capital is the place to start. It has the Pyramids, the Sphinxs, the Egyptian Museum, many more sights and more than ten million cairenes to share the experience. Alexandria, the two hundredth city of the country has its fare share of historic sites as well and with its location on the Mediterranean it is an ideal spot for your holidays. The north of Egypt has many impressive temples and graves from Pharaonic times. Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel should all be on your to do list. The Nile River has great scuba diving: Hurghada is world famous for it’s under water world. Throw your perceptions of Egypt out of the window and contemplate beautiful scenery, unique style and perfect weather. Relax by visiting the Red Sea area – experience a holiday at the Grand Resort, Hurghada for complete luxury and pampering. Traditionally when you think of Egypt, you think Pyramids, Sphinxes and tombs. Dating from the early nineties the El Gouna resort located along 10km of the Red Sea is a luxury resort with no Mummies in sight. A great place to relax or try a few of the water sports and even the option of visiting a few of the historical sites. Holidays to Egypt are fast becoming popular as people begin to appreciate the rich diversity that Egypt offers, coupled with over five thousand years of history and some incredible sights and sounds. For example, stay in a superb holiday resort situated along the coast of the red sea, or take in the beauty of the clear waters of the River Nile from your room in Hurghada or while on holiday in Sharm el Sheikh. Egypt is the land of the Pharaohs, and offers friendly people and incredible sights, including the temples, Pyramids and monuments that you have always been dying to see. You can find many great activities in Egypt in addition to simply scoping out the historical sites, so consider taking scuba lessons or squeezing eighteen holes of golf in between trips to the pyramids or the Nile River. Beautiful Egypt really does have something for absolutely every one, making holidays to Egypt increasingly popular through the years. Even though much of what Herodotus witnessed has been ruined by the cruelty of later generations, his statement is still valid to this day. Today's Egyptians have abandoned their ancient heritage for a mostly Moslem Arabic-speaking nation. Happily, they have maintained their friendly, hospitable, and warm characteristics. Cairo, the capital is the place to start. It has the Pyramids, the Sphinxs, the Egyptian Museum, many more sights and more than ten million cairenes to share the experience. Alexandria, the two hundredth city of the country has its fare share of historic sites as well and with its location on the Mediterranean it is an ideal spot for your holidays. The north of Egypt has many impressive temples and graves from Pharaonic times. Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel should all be on your to do list. The Nile River has great scuba diving : Hurghada is world famous for its under water world. Throw your perceptions of Egypt out of the window and contemplate beautiful scenery, unique style and perfect weather. Relax by visiting the Red Sea area – experience a holiday at the Grand Resort, Hurghada for complete luxury and pampering. Traditionally when you think of Egypt, you think Pyramids, Sphinxes and tombs. Dating from the early nineties the El Gouna resort located along 10km of the Red Sea is a luxury resort with no Mummies in sight. A great place to relax or try a few of the water sports and even the option of visiting a few of the historical sites. Holidays to Egypt are fast becoming popular as people begin to appreciate the rich diversity that Egypt offers, coupled with over five thousand years of history and some incredible sights and sounds. For example, stay in a superb holiday resort situated along the coast of the red sea, or take in the beauty of the clear waters of the River Nile from your room in Hurghada or while on holiday in Sharm el Sheikh. Egypt is the land of the Pharaohs, and offers friendly people and incredible sights, including the temples, Pyramids and monuments that you have always been dying to see. You can find many great activities in Egypt in addition to simply scoping out the historical sights, so consider taking scuba lessons or squeezing eighteen holes of golf in between trips to the pyramids or the Nile River. Beautiful Egypt really does have something for absolutely every one, making holidays to Egypt increasingly popular through the years. Tour Egypt from the live Nile Valley, to the solitary deserts, to the diversity of the Sinai desert, to the lush oases, to the exotic underwater life of the Red Sea, to the Mediterranean beaches. "Now, let me talk more of Egypt for it has a lot of admirable things and what one sees there is superior to any other country." - Herodotus, 50 BCE Even though much of what Herodotus witnessed has been ruined by the cruelty of later generations, his statement is still valid to this day. Today's Egyptians have abandoned their ancient heritage for a mostly Moslem Arabic-speaking nation. Happily, they have maintained their friendly, hospitable, and warm characteristics. Cairo, the capital is the place to start. It has the Pyramids, the Sphinxs, the Egyptian Museum, many more sights and more than ten million cairenes to share the experience. Alexandria, the two hundredth city of the country has its fare share of historic sights as well and with its location on the Mediterranean it is an ideal spot for your holidays. The north of Egypt has many impressive temples and graves from Pharaonic times. Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel should all be on your to do list. The Nile River has great scuba diving : Hurghada is world famous for it’s under water world. Throw your perceptions of Egypt out of the window and contemplate beautiful scenery, unique style and perfect weather. Relax by visiting the Red Sea area – experience a holiday at the Grand Resort, Hurghada for complete luxury and pampering. Traditionally when you think of Egypt, you think Pyramids, Sphinxes and tombs. Dating from the early nineties the El Gouna resort located along 10km of the Red Sea is a luxury resort with no Mummies in sight. A great place to relax or try a few of the water sports and even the option of visiting a few of the historical sites. Holidays to Egypt are fast becoming popular as people begin to appreciate the rich diversity that Egypt offers, coupled with over five thousand years of history and some incredible sights and sounds. For example, stay in a superb holiday resort situated along the coast of the red sea, or take in the beauty of the clear waters of the River Nile from your room in Hurghada or while on holiday in Sharm el Sheikh. Egypt is the land of the Pharaohs, and offers friendly people and incredible sights, including the temples, Pyramids and monuments that you have always been dying to see. You can find many great activities in Egypt in addition to simply scoping out the historical sights, so consider taking scuba lessons or squeezing eighteen holes of golf in between trips to the pyramids or the Nile River. Beautiful Egypt really does have something for absolutely every one, making holidays to Egypt increasingly popular through the years.
Kenya
is the jewel of East Africa, revered as the "cradle of humanity"; Kenya is a land with amazing landscapes: sand beaches, emerald water, and coral reefs in the coast; desert areas in the north, memorable mountains capes such as the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya (the second highest peak in Africa). There are also many brilliant lakes, including Lake Victoria and Lake Naivasha.
In Kenya you will enjoy a wide range of activities such as safaris, bird watching, mountaineering, climbing and many more. A safari in its more than 40 national parks and reserves is a unique opportunity to explore the most magnificent wildlife in Africa. just like Ernest Hemingway did some time ago. Kenya also has a fascinating cultural diversity with around 40 different ethnic groups, the major tribes include the Kikuyu farmers, the Turkana fishermen and the Samburu warriors, of them all, and however, the most famous are the red-clad Maasai. If you want an adventurous travel, Kenya is your ideal destination
Morocco is a heady mix of languages, cultures, religions, ancient traditions and modern sensibilities.
See for yourself in Tangier, the elegantly faded port-town, which has become the playground of international thrill-seekers, aristocratic tax-exiles, authors and spies.
Further down the western coast there’s movie-famous Casablanca, then Essaouira with its stunning historic medina (fortified old town). Inland lies cosmopolitan Fez with its high-sided streets and a maze of stunning riads (traditional houses built around a central courtyard). Explore the grandiose sprawl of Marrakesh, a vibrant and chaotic imperial city with a magnetism that’s drawn visitors for centuries.
Yet Morocco has wilderness at its core, from the rugged peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, scattered with ancient Berber villages, to the terrifying, empty majesty of the Western Sahara Desert. Morocco is a country that can often feel like a whole new world waiting to be explored.
At approximately 824,000 square kilometers, Namibia is immense even by African standards. But it’s what occupies this seemingly endless amount space that makes it special. Namibia is filled with rugged, beautiful landscapes of every kind creating an otherworldly environment from which an amazing wealth of wildlife has adapted and thrived. It’s perfect for nature lovers. For adventure or solace seekers. And for people looking to be inspired long after their departure.
The history of this land can be found carved into rock paintings found to the south and in Twyfelfontein, some dating back to 26,000 B.C. A long lineage of various groups including San Bushmen, Bantu herdsmen and finally the Himba, Herero and Nama tribes among others – have been making this rugged land home for thousands of years.
But, as Namibia has one of the world’s most barren and inhospitable coastlines, it wasn’t until the middle of the nineteenth century that explorers, ivory hunters, prospectors and missionaries began to journey into its interior. Beyond these visitors, Namibia was largely spared the attentions of European powers until the end of the 19th century when it was colonized by Germany.
The colonization period was marred by many conflicts and rebellions by the pre-colonial Namibia population until WWI when it abruptly ended upon Germany’s surrender to the South African expeditionary army. In effect, this transition only traded one colonial experience for another.
In 1966 the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) launched the war for liberation for the area soon-named Namibia. The struggle for independence intensified and continued until South Africa agreed in 1988 to end its Apartheid administration. After democratic elections were held in 1989, Namibia became an independent state on March 21, 1990.
To date, Namibia boasts a proud record of uninterrupted peace and stability for all to enjoy.
Part of the allure of Namibia is that it’s four countries in one. Four different landscapes, each with its own characteristics and attractions. The most definitive is the Namib, a long coastal desert that runs the length of the country and is highlighted with migrating dune belts, dry riverbeds and canyons. The central plateau is home the majority of Namibia towns and villages and is divided between rugged mountain ranges and sand-filled valleys. Next is the vast KalahariDesert with its ancient red sand and sparse vegetation. Finally, Kavango and Caprivi, blessed with generous amounts of rain and typified by tropical forests, perennial rivers and woodland savannahs.
South Africa is an exhilarating and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and a sense of progress about the place. Travellers are returning to a remarkable land that has been off the trail for way too long.
The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife. But if you want to understand South Africa, you'll have to deal with the full spectrum; poverty, the AIDS pandemic and violence remain a problem..
When To Go
South Africa can be visited comfortably any time. Winter (June to September) is cooler, drier and ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. This is also the best time for wildlife-watching. Spring is the best time to see vast expanses of Northern Cape carpeted with wildflowers.
More of a consideration than weather are school holidays when waves of vacation-hungry South Africans stream out of the cities, with visitors from Europe and North America adding to the crush. Accommodation is heavily booked, and prices can more than double. It's essential to book in advance. On the plus side, the high summer months offer some great festivals, including the Cape Town New Year Karnaval, and Swaziland's Incwala ceremony.
Climate
Since South Africa lies south of the equator, its seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter occurs in June and July; midsummer occurs in December and January. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate with generally dry summers (October - March) when the temperature averages around 25°C - 30°C. Most of the annual rainfall is during winter (June – September). The Natal coast can be extremely humid in February with temperatures of around 30°C. On the highveld in summer, rain tends to fall in thundershowers. In the winter the nights are cold and crisp with the days warm and dry. In and around Johannesburg winter daytime temperatures average 15°C but the nights are cold and can go down as low as 0°C. Snow may fall over the Drakensberg and the Southern Cape mountains in winter. Overall, the best time to visit is between September and May.
The town of Alexandria was the renowned capital of the Ptolemies, with several monuments. Also, it was along these shores that history took a tragic turn at the time of Cleopatra, Octabian, Mark Antony and Julius Caesar. Also, Alexandria was one city thriving during the Ptolemiac and Roman periods, however, the city had replaced Memphis as the capital of Egypt. With its gridded street plan, however it was essentially a Greek rather than Egyptian , with a substantial population of Jews and Greeks.
In last time the major monuments of the Ptolemaic and Roman periods were the Sarapeum, a temple dedicated to the god Serapis, which may have housed part of the library collection, the Caesarium (founded by Cleopatra in honour of Mark Anthony), and Kom es-Shawqafa, a labyrinth of rock cut tombs dating to the first 2 centuries AD.
Alexandria is the second-largest town in Egypt. Alexandria was a Greco-Roman town at the western end of the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great. In ancient times, the town was known for the Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World) and the Library of Alexandria (the largest library in the ancient world).
In the following centuries Alexandria declined and in the 19th century it became a small fishing village. In the 20th century Alexandria recovered part of its lost splendor. At the beginning of the 21st century Alexandria has almost 5 million inhabitants and it is attracting several tourists thanks to its long history, its nice beaches and the new works under construction. The most important of these works is the new library.
Actually, Alexadnria is linked to Cairo by 2 major highways and a railroad line. It's one of the most notable summer resorts in the Middle East, for, in addition to its temperate winters, its beaches, with white sands and magnificent scenery, stretch for 140 km along the Mediterranean Sea, from Abu Qir, in the east to Al-Alamein and Sidi Abdul Rahman, in the west.
Despite Algiers’s reputation as a city on the edge, first-time visitors to Algiers may be surprised by the contrast between what they have heard and the city’s beauty. Surrounded by gorgeous Mediterranean architecture, residents of Algiers maintain a relaxed pace of life despite living in a burgeoning metropolis. Indeed, Algiers is on the rise: with a small but vibrant club and music scene and a fierce pride in its multicultural heritage, Algiers is a highlight of any North African itinerary. Slow down upon arrival and allow the history of a city where the "ville nouvelle" dates from the Ottoman era to really sink in.
The Top 5: What to Do in Algiers
The Casbah and the Palais de Raïs: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Casbah is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Algiers. The neighborhood serves as Algiers’s historical and commercial district, and has an abundance of seafood restaurants. Although Algiers is littered with historic buildings, few have been as lovingly restored as the Ottoman-era Palais de Raïs. Visitors will come away with abundant insight about life in Algiers in the Ottoman and French periods.
La Ville Nouvelle: Although Algiers’s historic neighborhoods may be a more obvious destination, the “ville nouvelle” (which actually dates to the Ottoman era) offers several museums of mostly Algerian art, notably the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Bardo Museum, and the renowned but currently closed Jardin d’Essai. It is also the home of most of Algiers’s entertainment and nightlife.
Tipaza Archaeological Park: This site, located 15 kilometers outside of Algiers, is one of the best places in the area to view Algeria’s extraordinary cache of Roman ruins. In addition to a museum, the location has an amphitheatre, an early Christian church, and a forum.
Notre Dame d’Afrique: This stunning 19th-century cathedral hovers above the city on the Plateau of Bouzaréah, a constant reminder of Algiers’s long period of French rule. Though some locals may be conflicted about what the building symbolizes, it’s a gorgeous monument and an excellent spot for contemplation, even in the midst of restoration.
Grande Poste: The city’s main post office and an important landmark, the Grande Poste was built in 1913 by the French architect Voinot, and its beautiful Moorish façade makes it one of the city’s most beloved buildings.
Temperatures in Algeria reach extremes during the summer, and travelers will be more comfortable visiting during the rainy season, between October and March.
Aswan is located at south of Egypt with one population around of 150,000, and ancient frontier city has the loveliest setting on the Nile. Habitually in Aswan the deserts close in on the river, having a beautiful landscape.
In that time, his ancient Egyptian name was Syene. Also it was small enough to walk around, but with a landscape very beautiful on the Nile, however the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Usually the days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.
In the city of Aswan the Nile is at it is most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks. Also it can Explore the souk, full of the color and scent of scarves, baskets, spices and perfumes. Also you can view the spectacular sunsets while having tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel (Named due to the location of the Nile's first cataract situated here). The city of Aswan has been a favorite winter resort since the beginning of the 19th century, and it is still a perfect place to get away from it all.
The time of year is a major influence on people's level of activity. Is located near the Tropic of Cancer, usually the city of Aswan is hot and dry nearly all the time, with average daily temperatures from 23 to 30°C and in the winter to a searing 38 to 54°C over summer. We recommend late autumn and spring are perfect times to visit, being less crowded than the peak winter period, yet not so enervating as summer, when long siestas, cold showers and air-conditioning commend themselves, and the number of tourists dwindles.
Cairo the Triumphant town, While Al-Qahirah is the official name of the city, in Egyptian Arabic it is typically called simply by the name of the country, also is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers several sites to see. The city of Cairo is capital of Egypt and, close by, is almost every Egypt Pyramid, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza on the very edge of the town. But there are also ancient temples, Christian churches, tombs, magnificent Muslim monuments, and of course, the Egyptian Antiquities Museum all either within or nearby the town.
Cairo is the twenty first most populous metropolitan area in the world. It's also the most populous metropolitan area and the most populous town in Africa. Cairo provides great culture, including music halls and art galleries, such as the Cairo Opera House, as well it should, being one of the largest towns in the world. It also provides some of the grandest accommodations & restaurants in the world, such as the Four Seasons and the Cairo Marriott.
The town of Cairo is very famous for its own history, preserved in the fabulous medieval Islamic town & in Old Cairo & for the ancient, Pharaonic history of the country it represents. No travel to Cairo would be complete, for example, without a visit to the Giza Pyramids, to nearby Saqqara, or to the Egyptian Museum in the center of city. However the city of Cairo is one modern and ancient town.
Cairo has an incredible selection of shopping, leisure and nightlife activities. Shopping ranges from the famous Khan el-Khalili souk, largely unchanged since the 14th century, to modern air-conditioned centers displaying the latest fashions. All the bounty of the East can be here. Particularly good buys are spices, brass, silver, perfumes, gold, carpets and copperware, leatherwork, glass, ceramics and mashrabiy
Casablanca, Immortalised through the eponymous Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman movie and forever associated with honorary citizen Sir Winston Churchill, Casablanca is a sprawling, vibrant metropolis.
Though not the seat of government, Casablanca is Morocco's undisputed commercial capital, an enigmatic meeting place of western modernity and Arabic tradition. Its suburbs contrast sumptuous villas with dreadful slums, while its downtown mixes the dowdy with the exquisite. You take it as you find it in Casablanca. Tourism is welcome but, essentially, Casablanca is a commercial hub that goes about its life in its own way at its own breakneck pace.
The second-biggest city in the whole of South Africa after Johannesburg, Durban is only slightly larger than Cape Town in terms of overall population. Durban's endless sunshine and beautiful beachfront has seen a great increase in tourism levels in recent years, and is now amongst South Africa's most visited tourist destinations.
Durban is home to Africa's busiest harbour and owes its immense popularity to its scenic location around Natal Bay, where the waters remain warm throughout the year. The Golden Mile next to the city's main beach features a host of entertainment, with seafood restaurants, nightspots, high-rise accommodation and modern shopping centres. Those wishing to swim in the inviting Indian Ocean can relax, safe in the knowledge that shark nets are in place.
The Tourist Junction on Pine Street serves as Durban's tourist information centre and is housed within the city's former railway station, where it stocks a wide variety of maps and information on this part of South Africa. The 19th-century red-brick building is something of a tourist attraction in itself, since its roof is said to have been originally designed for snow-bound Toronto in Canada, but was mistakenly installed in subtropical Durban. A statue of Gandhi, who once caught a train here on his way to Johannesburg, stands at the entrance.
Durban Tourist Information: Top Durban Sights
There is certainly much more to Durban that simply its stunning beaches and coastline, with tourists regularly flocking to a number of water parks to cool down. Always popular is the uShaka Marine World, which is now the city's number one amusement park and contains everything from an underground aquarium and dolphin shows, to exciting water slides and pools. Next door, uShaka Beach is a good place to try your hand at jet skiing or windsurfing. After hours, the Golden Mile waterfront really comes into its own and Durban tourists regularly frequent the Entertainment World complex and the Suncoast Casino. More information about Durban Tourist Attractions.
There is no denying that Durban's modern-day appearance has been influenced by many different cultures, with elements of both Europe and Indian being clearly visible, along with a strong Zulu element. The Victoria Embankment is one of the most prominent streets in Durban and runs alongside the Bay of Natal, where it also goes by the name of the 'Esplanade' and is lined with places of interest. Smith Street is home to the City Hall and its majestic copper dome, while Grey Street in the Indian district is where you will find the Juma Musjid Mosque. More information about Durban Landmarks and Monuments.
Durban's bay has been used for shipping for more than 500 years, after first being thought to actually be a lagoon and not connected to the neighbouring Indian Ocean. Information about the city's seafaring history is clearly documented within the Natal Maritime Museum, which offers a very interesting way to spend a few hours. The City Hall is also home to a number of leading cultural attractions, such as the Natural Science Museum and also the Durban Art Gallery, the latter of which features an ever-changing collection of art works, numbering some 3,500 in total. More information about Durban Museums and Durban Art Galleries.
There are many attractions, nature reserves and beach resorts surrounding Durban and spread around the KwaZulu-Natal region, offering a choice of possible day trips. Tourists often enjoy making the effort to visit the Elephant Coast Wetlands Park or the Kranskloof Nature Reserve, where South Africa's flora and fauna is especially concentrated. Surfers will likely favour an excursion to either Ballito or Margate, both of which are just a short drive from Durban and offer many typical seaside attractions, such as lifeguards, rock pools, coastal promenades and plenty of gift shops. More information about Durban Attractions Nearby.
Fes Bordered by the foothills of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains and located on the crossroads of ancient caravan routes, Fès is one of the world’s best preserved medieval cities.
Over 1,000 years old, the most ancient and impressive of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Fès is still considered the country’s cultural and spiritual centre.
Fès (also spelled Fez and in Arabic, Fas) has three distinct parts but most tourists are drawn to Fès el-Bali (Old Fès), a continuously inhabited, medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its legendary medina is a labyrinthine maze of more than 9,000 narrow, sun-dappled, twisting alleys where mules jostle for space with playing children, men dressed in floor-sweeping jellabas (hooded robes) and street sellers. Heavily studded wooden doors, the warble of the muezzin’s call to prayer and the smell of freshly-cooked food are among the myriad intoxicating sights of smells of the medina.
Fès el-Jdid, south of the medina, is a 13th-century ‘new' town while the Ville Nouvelle is the city's modern centre with wide French-style boulevards, hotels, restaurants, cafés and bookshops
Johannesburg is also a major South African centre for education and home to the revered Witwatersrand University (Wits) and its 25,000 students.
When it comes to tourist information offices, Johannesburg contains a number of different, unrelated agencies each claiming to represent the city in an official capacity. The Gauteng Tourism Authority within the Rosebank Mall does tend to be the most reliable.
Johannesburg Tourist Information: Top Johannesburg Sights
When you first arrive in Johannesburg, there really are a number of places that you should make the effort to see. A guided tour of Soweto (the south-west townships) really is a must, with hop-on / hop-off buses being a particularly good option. A trip to the very historical Johannesburg Zoo is also recommended, as is an afternoon at the Gold Reef City, where you will find an authentic reconstruction of how the city appeared during the gold rush of the late 19th century. For the very best views, head to the Top of Africa skyscraper building and enjoy a meal at its rooftop restaurant. More information about Johannesburg Tourist Attractions.
The city's most obvious landmarks are its dominating skyscrapers, which make up the skyline and have in the past been compared with Manhattan, New York. Johannesburg boasts many sights to see, with the Gandhi Square and the very spacious Nelson Mandela Square standing out, being surrounded by places of interest. Also of note is the Constitution Hill, where the Johannesburg Constitutional Court is located, as well as the prison that once housed famously both Mahatma Gandhi and also Nelson Mandela. More information about Johannesburg Landmarks and Monuments.
With such a fascinating history, combining everything from the discovery of gold to the period of apartheid, the museums of Johannesburg offer tourists information about innumerable different subjects. The MuseuMAfrica is the place to be if you really want to find out just what makes the city tick, while the Johannesburg Art Gallery is actually the first museum ever to open its doors here and dates back around 100 years, containing a priceless collection of contemporary and impressionist masterpieces, together with works by leading South African artists. More information about Johannesburg Museums and Johannesburg Art Galleries.
Tourists staying in Johannesburg often find the surrounding areas of South Africa extremely inviting and many choose to explore the region, with a choice of day trips presenting themselves. Notable destinations include Magaliesburg, Pretoria and also Sun City, an upscale South African casino resort near to Rustenburg, where spectacular man-made beaches and entertainment complexes are in store. More information about Johannesburg Attractions Nearby.
Kericho and its surrounding region can be considered as the emerald of Kenya, it is a clean and beautiful town in the wet highlands of western Rift Valley. Kericho was named after a Maasai chief, Ole Kericho, who died there during a battle with the Gusii People in the 18th century. The town has a urban population of 30.000 and total population of 85.000
Kenya is the world's third largest producer of tea after India and Sri Lanka, and Kericho, located in southwestern Kenya, is the center of Kenya's tea market, the area is dominated by tea plantations, tea farms surround Kericho for many kilometers, the climate in Kericho is perfect for tea, with a high altitude and virtually daily rains.
Its town square has shady trees and flowering bushes, even is known as the Chai Square (Chai is the word for tea in East Africa). Other tourist attractions include the Holy Trinity Church, which has a small assembly of deceased planters; a war memorial and the streets with its oriental feel.
The highlands of Kericho are home of the Kipsigis (a pastoralist ethnic group), who are a part of the Kalenjin people, they practices farming and are known for growing tea. You will have breath-taking views of the vast tea plantations that cover the rolling hills.
Kericho is home to Africa's largest Gurdwara ("the doorway to the Guru", a Sikh place of worship), it is a monument dedicated to the memory of one of the greatest Sikh saints: "Baba Puran Singh Ji of Kericho", also called "Kericho wala Babaji", "Bapuji" or "Kericho wala". He is the founding father of the international charitable organization Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, which promotes the spirit and practice of selfless service (‘nishkam sewa’) in representation of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the father of the Sikh faith. It is a place of spiritual significance.
Some comfortable and cheap places to stay, with nice rooms and good food, in Kericho town are: the Garden Lodge on Moi Highway, the Mwalimu Hotel on Moi Road and the Fish Resort, about 20 minutes walk around the town. The best hotel in Kericho is the Tea Hotel, located on the way to Nakuru, built in 1950's by Brooke Bond Tea Company; the hotel organizes tours of tea plantations and fishing sports. Mid-West Hotel, located on Kericho Road is another choice, but is overpriced.
There are many bars and discos in Kericho: on weekend nights, open the disco at the Mid-West hotel; behind Mid-West is the Urwa Inn with a pool table and Nyama Choma, here the entry is free, the beers are cheap and the atmosphere is nice, the Mwalimu Bar at the Mwalimu Hotel is also a great point.
Unilever Kenya is owner of the largest tea factory, it produces the popular Ketepa brand, and much of this tea is for export.
Luxor, Probably the famous town and interesting destination in Egypt. In this city, the former Thebes, some of the biggest and best preserved temples of the ancient times can be visited. The city of Luxor has usually been characterised as the greatest open air museum of the world", the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor standing within the modern city. However, across the Nile River, also lie the monuments, tombs and temples on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.
The city of Luxor continues to be a major tourist destination since the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods. Thousands of international tourists arrive each year to visit these monuments, their presence forming a large part of the economic basis for the modern city. As a result. However in the city of Luxor, there are only 3 main streets consisting of Sharia al-Karnak, Sharia al-Mahatta and the Corniched, next to the Nile.
Luxor is a town situated in Upper Egypt, in the province of Qena. Luxor was the ancient town of Thebes, previously the capital of Ancient Egypt. The early Arab travelers, who admired Luxor for the several ruins and monuments scattered around the town, gave it its name. Actually in Arabic Luxor means "the palaces".
Luxor at the Nile: The city of Luxor has around of 150,000 inhabitants and is governed by special statues that allow it more autonomy then other political areas of Egypt. In the city of Luxor on the East Bank, one of the first stops must be the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III. Head south on Sharia al-Karnak to reach the temple, which was connected to the Karnak Temple via a long stone processional street called a dromos. In that time, the dromos was built by Nectanebo I, and after originally was lined on either side by sphinxes.
The landscape in Malindi is predominantly plain, the climate is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The daily temperature is around 22º Celsius minimum and 30, 5º Celsius maximum. There are short rains from October to November and long rains from April to July. The vegetation extent from mangroves and swamps to tropical monsoon forest, lowland dry forests in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest to Savannah and bush land in the backwoods.
Malindi, located on the East Coast of Kenya, is a popular tourist town with scenic beauty, clean white beaches and a lot of history.
Kenya has abundance of protected coral reefs and beaches, the white sandy beach to the south of Malindi town is called Silversands. Sport fishing in another attraction, Malindi is where Ernest Hemingway came in the 1930s in search of marlin, sailfish and Wahoo. There are excellent and relatively inexpensive facilities for fishing. There are an international bill fish contest during January and an annual sea festival with fishing competitions between October and November.
The renowned Malindi Marine National Park is a protected coastal area south of Malindi. Malindi Marine National Park has fine white-sandy beaches, emerald water and colorful fish (All fishing within the Park is forbidden). You can see Technicolor fish of impossible shapes and various sizes such as flute mouths, halfbeaks, hawk fishes, lizardfishs, parrot-fish, porcupine fish, puffers, thorn heads, trigger fishes, zebra fishes and hundreds of others. There are also fascinating coral reefs that allow for diving and snorkeling opportunities.
On the northwest of Malindi, near Marafa Depression exists an eroded wasteland of sandstone cliffs and precipices, locally known as Nyari or Hell's Kitchen, exists also a small Arabian town called Mambrui, and beyond that a small village and harbor called Ngomeni. The entire coastline from Mambrui to Lamu has minimal development, in terms of tourism, although wonderful beaches, coves and seascapes exist in plenty.
The nearby Watamu ("sweet people" in Swahili) resort and the lost town of Gede (abandoned for no known reason in the 16th century), are located south of Malindi.
The Arabuko Sokoke National Park hide a world of wonders such as rare endemic birds and mammals, you'll see impressive herds of Elephant.
The Malindi Museum is housed in the former home of an Indian trader, built in 1891. Exhibit includes early photographs of Mombasa, wooden grave posts of the Gohu people, information about Vasco Da Gama among other interesting information.
Marrakech, Snake charmers, magic potions and hidden palaces: Marrakech brings the most outlandish travellers' tales to life. The pink city has waylaid desert caravans since the 11th century, as visitors succumb to the charms of its bluesy Gnaoua trance music, steamy hammams and multi-course feasts.
Visitors to Marrakech often disappear down a maze of winding alleys and emerge days later, relaxed and refreshed from their stays in spectacular riads (courtyard guesthouses).
Adventure awaits in the medina (old city), with its fondouks (artisans' workshops), seven zaouias (saints' shrines) and stalls ladling up steaming bowls of snails and sheep's head soup.
The focal point of Marrakech is its celebrated square, the Jemaa el Fna. Towering over the scene is the stately Koutoubia minaret, a template for Hispano-Mauresque architecture and a reminder of the importance of Islam to the lives of the city's residents.
Always a byword for the exotic, the city that lured hedonists and idealists in the 20th century now attracts fashionistas and trendy couples in search of the souks, spices, spas, chic bars and clubs and riad life.
Mombasa is one of the most exotic ports around the world, the city has a tropical climate, very hot and humid, April and May are the most rainy months, the rainfall is minimal from January to February.
Mombasa has a major port where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows. The port links Kenya to the Indian Ocean. Traditional Dhows and ferries transport tourist and residents from Mombasa to the nearby mainland harbor. The port also serves countries like Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Mombasa is also home to the Moi International Airport, the second most important airport in Kenya; Moi is situated ten kilometers North West of the city.
Mombasa is a major tourist destination in Kenya, there are many interesting places to visit in Mombasa, including:
Fort Jesus, built in 1593 by the Portuguese, stands as a testament of the tumultuous past of Mombasa. Today it is a historical monument and serves as a museum, where visitors can see the torture rooms and prison cells.
The Old Town, where you will find many examples of Islamic architecture, and learn about Swahili culture, meeting the local folks, buying antiques and tasting the Swahili food.
Pirates Beach is a public beach, where you can meet all kind of people and have fun.
Biashara Street, located on the old part of the city, is where you can find kikoi, kanga or sandals being sold in small authentic shops.
Gedi Ruins, which are the remains of the ancient town of Gedi, built of rocks and stones.
The Hindu Temple where one can check out magnificent carvings and ancient sculptures.
The crocodile farm at Mamba Village is another major attraction.
Mombasa, lying on the Indian Ocean, is the gateway to the coast of Kenya, the city is the centre of the coastal tourism industry, and here you can find some of the most beautiful beaches and reefs in the world, where you can take a relaxing break. Beaches are just an hour or two from the city; you'll enjoy excellent snorkeling and scuba-diving, particularly in the offshore marine national parks.
Shopping in Mombasa is extremely recommended, you will find many markets, especially along the Moi Avenue and in Biashara Street, selling traditional wooden carvings, African crafts, textiles and other souvenirs, and most credit cards are accepted. Visitors should buy a kanga or kikoy, the kanga is the traditional dress for the Swahili women and other ethnic groups. Men wear a kikoi, which is a type of sarong.
Nairobi is a young city, founded in 1899, Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, it is also the capital of the Nairobi Province and of the Nairobi District. The name Nairobi comes from the Maasai phrase Enkare Nyorobi meaning "the place of cool waters". Nairobi is popularly known as the "Green City in the Sun" or "City of Flowers".
The city is the financial and business center of East Africa, is an often frantic mix of businessmen, diplomats, tourists and locals. Nairobi hosts important international conferences and is the home for many embassies, businesses and international organizations, some of them are General Electric, Google, Coca-Cola, Good Year, General Motors, Toyota and others.
Situated at an elevation of about 1660 meters and with over three million inhabitants and growing speedily, Nairobi is the most populous city in East Africa; Nairobi is the fourth largest city in Africa and the UN's fourth "World Center".
The city's population is cosmopolitan, the city is a mix of local ethnic tribes, Asians, Arabs and Europeans cultures, and most Nairobians speak more than one language. The main languages spoken are Swahili and English.
Even though Nairobi has modern technology facilities, the city has not lost its sense of past. Nairobi has become one of Africa's most interesting cities. The city is constantly alive, especially at night, Nairobi never seems to sleep. Visitors can find a wide array of excellent theatres, interesting museums, exclusive restaurants, pubs, clubs, discos, casinos, shops and markets. There is plenty on offer for the tourist.
Some of the interesting places in Nairobi are Kenyatta Avenue; Nairobi National Park, where visitors can see lions, giraffes, impalas, and more wild animals living wild within 20 minutes of the centre of town; Karen Blixen Museum, the former home of Karen Blixen (author of Out of Africa); Bomas of Kenya, a terrific cultural center; Giraffe Center, where the Rothschild giraffe was saved from extinction; the spectacular 27 meter deep 'Fourteen Falls' waterfalls at Thika; Kenya Railway Museum, where tourist can appreciate the history of the city's birth; Safari Park; City Market; National Museum; the Arboretum; Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park; Snake Park; Uhuru Park and others.
Nairobi is home to prestigious universities. University of Nairobi is the oldest University in Kenya. It was established in 1956. Other important universities in Nairobi are Kenyatta University, Strathmore University, United States International University - Nairobi (a branch of the United States International University), Daystar University and Africa Nazarene University. Nairobi is the safari capital of Africa; from here excursions and safaris can be arranged to any reserve or national park in the country.
Nairobi is also the start point for people looking for volunteer africa opportunities, mostly students and people.
The Nelson Mandela Metro (including Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch) is the gateway to the Eastern Cape Region, its well-equipped airport and harbour linking South Africa with other national and international destinations.
Known as the "Friendly City", Port Elizabeth is located on the south-eastern coast, 763 km east of Cape Town. A superb value-for-money holiday base, Port Elizabeth offers a diverse selection of attractions as a family-fun holiday destination including scenic nature trails, historic heritage, magnificent wildlife, cultural experiences and countless water sport activities. Algoa Bay's 40 km of breathtaking coastline boasts a perfect combination of warm water, protected beaches and is complemented by Port Elizabeth's wonderful climate, which has been rated as having the fourth best weather of any coastal city in the world. The area also supports the most diverse array of vegetation types in South Africa as five of the country's seven terrestrial biogeographic areas are represented in the Eastern Cape.
The Bay, which is a favoured draw-card for beach and watersport enthusiasts is fast becoming known as South Africa's watersport capital and offers activity throughout the year, especially wind-surfing and fishing. In fact, Algoa Bay is regarded as one of the best sailing venues in the world, while scuba diving is of world class quality with beautiful reefs, shipwrecks, fish and colourful coral species.
Tangier or Tangiers (Berber: ????? Tanja, archaic Berber name: Tingi, Arabic: ???? ?anja) is a city in northern Morocco with a population of about 700,000 (2008 census). It lies on the North African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel. It is the capital of the Tangier-Tetouan Region and of the Tangier-Azila prefecture of Morocco.
The history of Tangier is very rich due to the historical presence of many civilizations and cultures starting from the 5th century BC. Between the period of being a Phoenician town to the independence era around the 1950s, Tangier was a place—and, sometimes a refuge—for many cultures. However, it was not until 1923 that Tangier was attributed an international status by foreign colonial powers, thus becoming a destination for many Europeans, Americans and Indians alike.
The city is currently undergoing rapid development and modernization. Projects include new 5-star hotels along the bay, a modern business district called Tangier City Centre, a new airport terminal and a new soccer stadium. Tangier's economy is also set to benefit greatly from the new Tanger-Med port.
Tangier's sport team I.R.T. (or Ittihad Riadi de Tanger) is the main football club and has the most followers. Tangier will be one of the host cities for the 2015 African Nations Cup soccer championship, played at the new Ibn Batouta Stadium and in other cities in Morocco
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