The capital city of Kigali sits in the heart of Rwanda, acting as the economic, cultural and transport hub of the nation. It is nestled in a series small lush valleys and gentle ridges making a beautiful backdrop for the city. Irregular rows of red and yellow roofed houses stack on top of each other as they climb up the hillsides. In efforts to draw international tourists and business the city has been going through renovations to help create beautiful modern buildings and numerous coffee shops, markets, entertainment venues and restaurants. The downtown has maintained its air of authenticity of eras past, creating a city of interesting contrasts. The city may be developing into the modern world, but it has been inhabited by the Hutus, Tutsis and Twas tribes since the 11th century.
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There are several touching memorials, museums and visitors centers that have been dedicated to the tragic Rwandan Genocide that destroyed the country just a few decades ago--these include the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, the National Museum of Rwanda, The Kandt House Museum of Natural History and the Hotel Mille Collines, which was the real-life location of the stories told in the famous movie Hotel Rwanda. The Presidential Palace Museum offers guided tours of the lavish home of the former dictator President Habyarimana who ruled in from the 1970s until his death in 1994. Visitors may also venture into the Muslim Quarter, or one of the bustling markets for a taste of what the local life is like. The Dancing Pots Craft Center and the Cards for Africa workshop are wonderful places to purchase authentic hand-crafted souvenirs that celebrate local art and artists.
The Historic Route through northern Ethiopia offers travelers a chance to delve into the mystery and intrigue of sub-Saharan Africa's rich and storied history. Journey through the cities of Bahir Dar, Gondar, Axum and Lalibela and unravel their legends as the beautiful landscapes dotted with ancient sites, rolling valleys and rocky mountains unfold before your eyes.
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Bahir Dar curves along the shores of Lake Tana, which has been deemed the official source of the Nile River. Paddle your kayak across the lake while watching local fishermen, who still use traditional papyrus reed boats, catch tilapia, barbs and catfish. As the sun rises above the misty lake, take in the sounds of grunting hippos, melodic songbirds and diving waterfowl, all before venturing into the city to see the Tana Chirkos monastery, the mummified emperors on display at Daga Estiphanos and the wall paintings of Ura Kidane Mehret.
The city of Gondar, once the capitol of Ethiopia, houses a fascinating imperial compound that has several castles built for Emperor Fasiladas. Marvel at the architectural feats that date back to 1636 that are considered true treasures today. These include the 18th century Palace of Ras Beit, the Bath of Emperor Fasiladas, the crumbling Palace of Kusquam and the ornately adorned Debrebirhan Sillassie church.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and go for a brief trek through the Simien Mountains National Park where centuries of heavy erosion has left the dramatic Ethiopian Plateau amid the deep sweeping valleys that lie between the sharp peaks. It is the only place in the world to see the Walia Ibex, but there are also gelada baboons, Ethiopian wolves and caracals.
Axum is the country's oldest settlement, and is known for its influences from European culture and Christianity. The ancient ruins of the once powerful city can still be seen with its 300 towering monolithic obelisks decorated in identical, hand-carved designs. Stone slabs with engraved inscriptions, ruined palaces and ancient currencies of gold, silver and bronze are all among the historical gems this city offers. It is also home to the St Mary of Zion Church, believed to be of the original biblical Ark of the Covenant, which draws many pilgrims.
Lalibela, named for King Lalibela, is the final stop on the route, and offers a remarkable eleven monolithic churches from the 12th century. They were chipped and carved by hand from the solid volcanic rock upon which they sit. The impressively difficult and arduous work is considered to be a testament to the dedication of religious devotion that has be integral to Ethiopia's history. Anthropologists have excavated deep into the earth to unveil the magnificent churches, and revealed that several are connected with a winding maze of tunnels.
Once an ancient pirate lair, the coastal city of Casablanca is still a happening place where trade is thriving and culture, art and fashion are always striving for the latest and greatest. It is a more Western area compared to other parts of Morocco, which is reflected in its beaches, restaurants and nightclubs. Contrasting with the shanty towns are broad boulevards, manicured parks and beautiful colonial architecture with Hispano-Mauresque influences. The historical buildings blend with modern art-deco styles in a perfect representation of the way Casablanca blends its rich history with its bright hopes for the future. Interesting landmarks to visit include the marvelously ornate Hassan II Mosque, the French period Ville Nouvelle, the Parc de la Ligue Arabe, the Casablanca Cathedral and The Old Medina.
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Casablanca is the main gateway to Morocco with the largest international airport.
The city of Fez, located in northern Morocco, is the soul of a fascinating culture where rich colors and heady aromas intrigue the senses while wandering the narrow alleys of a traditional souk. Buildings intricately detailed with geometric patterns and high archways traditional to the medieval institutions jut up from walkways lined with vendors selling stacks of rolled up carpets, tinkling metal lanterns, colorful mounds of spices, fragrant carts of oranges and heaping bowls of olives. A city of beautifully forlorn relics of a mysterious time passed, visitors will find a jumble of ancient crafts, booths of delectable cuisine, and remnants of past eras of influence from Roman to Berber and French.
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Endless historic and cultural sites are spread throughout the colorful mosaic of Fez. The Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Attarine Madrasa and University of Al-Karaouine are religious educational institutions that have been integral parts of the city since the university, touted as the world's first, was founded in the mid 9th century. The Ibn Danan Synagogue provides a contrast to the Islamic influences that reach back for many centuries. Moulay Idriss II's tomb, a powerful former ruler and the patron saint of Fez is interesting to see, and the Dar al-Magana is a fascinating tower that houses a weight-powered water clock that uses brass bowls draining at a regular pace.
An eclectic and interesting collection of riads and boutique hotels are available. They give travelers a lovely sense of place with restored historical buildings that have been transformed and refurbished into hotels complete with all the modern conveniences.
The Atlas Mountains range across most of Morocco, acting as a natural barrier between the Sahara Desert and the coastal regions. Dusty red valleys with desert shrubbery and palm groves growing out of every crevice sit between the jagged ridges that rise on either side in a dramatic and beautiful landscape. The scenery is made even more striking when the peaks are blanketed in brilliant white snow. Densely clustered villages cling to the valley walls, creating pops of striking geometric contrast against the rugged setting. Hiking trails wind along the craggy mountainsides, offering unprecedented views of the stunning vistas, which are also perfect for landscape photography.
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The range is home to a unique array of species that are not part of the usual African sightings. Many endangered and rare species thrive here, including Barbary Macaque, Barbary Leopard, Barbary stag, Barbary sheep, Barbary Mountain Badger, Cuvier's Gazelle, Northern Bald Ibis, dippers, Atlas mountain viper, Atlas cedar, Algerian oak and European black pine.
A collection of small mountain retreats offer guests a relaxing stay an adventurous day hikes in an absolutely beautiful setting that blends the best views of mountains with the coveted warm Mediterranean climate.
Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, east of the Okavango Delta, is the most diverse park in the country. It is a uniquely subtle landscape of sweeping grasslands and forests supported by an expanse of Kalahari sands. Seasonal floodplains dotted with dense groves of mahogany trees radiate out from the deep blue ribbon that is the Chobe River winding through the northeastern part of the park. Each year the desolation of the dry season is broken when the rains attract back the herds of elephants, giraffes, sable, zebras, buffalo, puku antelope, spoonbills, ibis, storks, baboons, lions, leopards, hyena, jackals, hippos, crocodiles, Pel's fishing owls, carmine bee-eaters and many other birds. Most notably, the density of elephants is greater here than anywhere else in the country, with up to an estimated 50,000 individuals roaming through the park during high season. The photography opportunities are endless with the concentration of wildlife and the predictability of their attraction to the watery areas.
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A sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River is right up there on the list of great things to do in Africa.
Game drives in 4x4 vehicles give guests a great chance to explore the wilderness, but don't be surprised if the curious creatures wander right into your campsite or lodge's vicinity. Campgrounds are set back from the main game drive areas and have remained free of fences to help bring visitors closer to their natural surroundings. Private lodges have been established on their own private concessions and these are available both inside and outside of the park's boundaries in the gateway town of Kasane. Access to the area is via road or light aircraft transfer to the more remote areas.
The famous Serengeti National Park is located in the central northern part of Tanzania. Due to its awe-inspiring savanna plains and abundant wildlife, it was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The park is split into three regions based on the terrain there--the endless swathes of grassland known as the Serengeti Plains, the Western Corridor of the Grumeti River with its black clay swamps, and the Northern Serengeti of open, hilly woodlands.
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The sprawling ecosystem supports spectacularly large herds of wildebeest, zebra and many other creatures including the 'Big Five'. The most notable event of the area is the annual migration of over 1.5 million brindled wildebeest and 250,000 zebra. Game drives through the plains are the main draw for tourists hoping to see a thundering herd as they crash down the banks of the Grumeti in a famous crossing. In addition to the emblematic migratory herds, there are leopards, elephants, black rhinos, buffalo, cheetah, many types of antelope, hyena, baboons, wild dogs, impalas, ostrich, crowned cranes and martial eagles. To get a more intimate experience of the park, experienced guides offer bush walks, nighttime game drives and hot air balloon safaris. A true mecca for wildlife photographers, the abundance is so incredible that visitors will leave with impressive shots to remember the adventure by.
Many lodges, permanent camps and fly camps have been established to accommodate the high demands from tourists. Several top of the line luxury lodges are available, but there are options to suit everyone's budget, even the most frugal. Access to the area is available by car or plane--arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, or the small Seronera airstrip in the heart of the Serengeti.
Dar es Salaam is located in the center of Tanzania's Indian Ocean coastline. It is the country's largest and richest country due to its large harbor. Outside of the city center there is a lively nightlife in the residential areas. A recent burst of new international restaurants has occurred fro the growing importance of the city in the trade and tourism. There is a wide array of cuisines for visitors to try, including traditional Tanzanian barbecue, the long-established Indian cuisine, and fares from around the world. To escape the city's heat, visit the National Museum dedicated to Tanzanian history or the Village Museum. The Village Museum sits on the city's edge and is comprised of the traditional huts of 16 unique Tanzanian ethnic groups. While there guests can learn about the traditional culture, farming, dance and music.
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The Julius Nyerere International Airport is a frequent connection point for those traveling into Tanzania's famed National Parks and onto Zanzibar for beach getaways.
Arusha is the gateway to the exciting wildlife areas of Northern Tanzania. You might have heard of a few of them; the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, to name a few. Most travelers get a night here on arrival before heading out into the National Parks.
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The region of Arusha sits in northeastern Tanzania and encompasses the Arusha National Park and Mount Meru. Despite being a small park, it is remarkably varied with several distinct areas. The western side holds the Mount Meru, perched on the edge of the Meru Crater. The eastern side has the Ngurdoto Crater, a lush grassland in the southeast that encircles the shallow, alkaline Momella Lakes in the northeast.
Ascend Mount Meru along trails that wind up the eastern slopes and get unparalleled views of the neighboring Mount Kilimanjaro. The ascent of Meru offers a varied and fascinating journey. Set off amid the herds of buffalo and giraffes in the wooded savanna plains, then pass through groves of trees adorned with red-hot pokers and Spanish moss. Finally, burst out of the woods to the dazzling sunshine and fresh mountain air where spiky giant lobelias and alpine desert flowers thrive. Delicately agile klipspringers glide across the rocky summit, where stunning vistas of the sprawling lands below are interrupted only by the dramatic rise of Mount Kilimanjaro.
There are many lodges and hotels available to suit all budgets and styles of travelers. Accessing the region is simple from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Regional.
The southern Kalahari receives somewhat more rain than the central Kalahari due to its local climatic conditions, allowing it to support a large diversity of life. This has earned the region the nickname of “Green Kalahari”. It is a semi-arid grassland with wide open savannahs and a diversity of habitats, which has been inhabited by the Bushman for 20,000 years as hunter-gatherers who lived in a harmonious relationship with the environment. The Kalahari has remained a true wilderness area due to its unfavorable conditions for modern man.
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Seasons in the southern Kalahari can be described in traditional terms - spring, summer, autumn and winter - but their nature and duration are very different, with summer lasting almost six months. The seasonal variation means that you can always promises things that can never be seen elsewhere, with each month revealing sights and sounds different to the last. There are about 80 species of mammals and approximately 240 species of birds. The open habitat makes game viewing excellent and the animals can be appreciated within their habitat rather than amongst bushes. In addition to the traditional safari sightings there are great opportunities to see rare species which are also seldom seen in the “usual” safari areas. These include Roan and Sable antelope, Tsessebe, Hartmanns mountain zebra and of course the desert black rhino.
The South African portion of The Kalahari situated in the heart of the Northern Cape Province, some 300 kilometres north-west of Kimberley and 270 kilometres north-east of Upington. Johannesburg lies 560 kilometres to the east and Cape Town some 850 kilometres to the south.
