Budget-range Andersson’s Camp is a brand new tented-camp facility in Ongava Game Reserve, nestled just 4.5kms from the western gate of Etosha National Park. This Eco-sensitive, tented camp lies amidst of a game-rich area dominated by savannah scrub-covered plains on white calcrete soils and in the background of low range Ondundozonanandana Mountains.

Andersson’s Camp derives its name from Charles Andersson, the Swedish traveler who first discovered the Etosha Pan with Sir Francis Galton in early 1851; and is renowned for its dominant concentration of both white and black rhino.

Because of its close proximity to Etosha National Park, the Camp is an ideal spot for an independent Namibia traveller. It is celebrated for easy predator viewing plus a variety of big game including the endemic Anchieta’s dwarf python, striped tree squirrel and localized subspecies of rock hyrax.

Essentially the camp has a rising profile for Namibia safaris, and is a comfy spot for modern-day adventure tours of both Etosha National Park and the Ongava Game Reserve.

Camp Amenities

This model of eco-sensitive camp offers an authentic, safe and an ambience-filled experience in a serene environment for private accommodation, small groups, families and adventurous Etosha travelers. Adjacent the main farmhouse, is a waterhole.

On each side of the main farmhouse are 20 new luxury tents. They are a mixture of calcrete stone-cladding, canvas and wood, elevated on wooden decks for a better view of the surroundings. Each tent has a fan, mosquito net and a tea/coffee station. The en-suite bathrooms boast artistically modern designed open-air, solar-heated, private showers.

There is a breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet which can be ordered from the chef’s ‘a la carte’ menu.

Wine and dine under the stars as well as evening coffee around the alluring camp fire.

The evening ambiance at Andersson’s Camp gives one the feeling of magic in any time of the safari season, lovely outdoor lighting in summertime and cozy camping fires when it’s cold.

Epacha Game Lodge and Spa

Epacha Game Lodge and Spa

is a safari lodge type nestled on 21,000 hectares of Epacha Game Reserve; and is a popular wildlife destination located near Anderson Gate, Etosha National Park.

Realistically is Epacha more than just a destination; typically it is a starting point for adventure travel of the solitude, beauty and wildlife of Namibia. It is an extremely popular Etosha / Namibia safaris accommodation venue.

Guests residing at Epacha have guaranteed site of the Game Reserve’s antelope species as well as several other endangered species for example the Sable antelope and Black Rhino.

Amenities

Epacha Game Lodge boasts superior and artistically well decorated en-suite chalets each having its own private balcony offering a breathtaking view across the bushy game reserve.

All its chalets are fitted with self catering facilities including air-conditioning, safe, ceiling fan as well as coffee and tea maker facilities. A mini bar and night camping activities are available located within walking distance of the lodge. There is a shuttle service available on request.

Epacha Game Lodge guests can spend time relaxing in the lounge, at our pool bar to get rejuvenated by stress relieving therapies in the Spa, which offers the following facilities: sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, splash pool, therapy room, treatment rooms or outside treatment areas

Guests staying at Epacha Game Lodge also can engage in various safari-related activities such as game drives on the Epacha Game Reserve, night drives; game drives into Etosha National Park & expert guided walks to the bush. There is indeed plenty of other day activities close by the lodge.

Are you and adventurous holiday traveler? Want to discover the most exciting side of West Africa? Benin is the choice. Benin offers a wealth of attractions for adventure holiday travelers. Our Benin holiday tours introduce you to a country flourishing with an extraordinary and astonishing history. A country a variety of holiday options ranging from camel riding, desert camping, river cruises along the Nile River, attending cultural festivals and dances to wilderness safaris and offer a fascinating insight to this often overlooked West African country.

Enthusiastic travelers to Benin usually commence their holiday tours by exploring Abomey Museum also known as the Royal City; the capital of Dan-Home. Captivating Benin holidays usually involve visiting this famous city to discover a tremendous sophistication of Benin history and cultures that were virtually destroyed by the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

For the nature admirers, the country boasts numerous enticing tourist attractions for holidaymakers. We recommend a visit to Natitiogou, an area that has castle-type Tata-Sombas. There are also traditional huts of the Tanekas and other tribes in the North.

Still in the north are two national major wildlife conservation areas that form the backbone of Benin wildlife safaris and travel. Natitiogou is of vital wildlife significance in the whole of West Africa because of two parks namely Pendjari National park and W national park. The parks habour a rich varied of species of mammals such as baboons, lions, elephants, water buffalo and many others. Benin holiday trekkers should also expect to observe numerous species of birds as well, although more interesting birds are more common along the coasts and Benin beaches.

Benin is surrounded in the northeast by the Niger River and still collaborates with the bigger Airli-W-Singou complex to have conservancies that enclose the national of the Niger River that conforms to a W shaped series of bends. River cruises are so common along the river and can be exceptionally enthralling. This is one of the highlights of visiting Benin and indeed the whole of West Africa.

Benin is culturally diverse with a population that is divided erratically between a Christian majority and a Muslim minority. The diversity of Benin cultures levels the country as a top hospitable place for leisure vacations. On your Benin vacation trip, you may want to interact with the local people and join them in their traditionally drum-accompanied music, dances and art festivals. These festivals have an original West Africa touch that they tend to draw several seasonal travelers to watch.

The country may look actually a small country compared to the other African holiday destinations but the benefits for holidays in Benin especially for the adventure enthusiasts are huge. Enjoy your Benin holidays!

• The Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Falls, whose highest point reaches 110m high, are situated in the High Atlas village Tanaghmeilt, about 150 km north-east of Marrakech. Sight of these falls is exceptionally impressive and they could possibly be the most impressive falls in the whole Morocco, if not in the whole of North-Africa.

• Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains are a mountain range across a northern stretch of Africa extending about 2,500 km through Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The highest peak is the Toubkal, with an elevation of 4,167m in southwestern Morocco. The Atlas ranges separate the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. The most popular place to hike in Morocco is in the High Atlas Mountains. The High Atlas offers something unique for every traveler.

• Erg Chebbi Dunes

Erg Chebbi are dunes located about 40km south-east of Erfoud. It is the only Saharan “erg” (sand sea) in Morocco and the largest one in the country, as well as one of the most amazing ones in the world. It is 22 km long and 5 km wide and its dunes, shaped in different sand formations, reach a maximum height of 150m

• Morocco Beaches

Morocco has several thousand km of coast whose diverse landscapes and beaches suit any Morocco holidays traveler’s taste. The most visited beaches are naturally located not far from cities, especially on the Atlantic coast. They all make it possible to sample the joys of swimming, relaxing and the latest water sports. On the Atlantic coast, the great majority of beaches appear as long strips of fine sand lapped by the ocean waves. Whether you’re a fan of windsurfing, kite surfing, surfing, wakeboarding or jet skiing you can just be sure that you are at the right spot. Resort beaches such as Tamuda Bay (Mediterranean), Lixus, Mazagan, Taghazout and Plage Blanche (Atlantic).

• Mosque of Hassan II

This is major a landmark in Morocco It is the biggest and the most important mosque in North Africa. Its traditional Islamic and Arabic architecture is very imposing presenting one of the most striking monuments in the country. Also La Corniche, Quartiers des Habous, Palace Royal are places to see in Casablanca.

• Fez, a Heart City

Most adventures tours of the Fez medina start from the Bab Boujlloud Gate. The first monument to visit is the vast Bou Inania medersa, with its cedar woodwork, its sculptured stucco and its marble and onyx decoration. Head to Talaa Kebira Street and spot the attractive Tijani zaouïa (religious sanctuary); tourists choose to continue to En-Nejjarine Square and then to cabinetmakers’ souk. The magnificent carved foundouk on the square houses the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. Visiting kissaria where jewellery and fine fabrics are sold can also a rewarding tour.

• Medina of Marrakech

Marrakech medina is home to some of the most significant historical jewels in Morocco particularly renowned Jemaa El Fna. This is a medieval world flourishing with a vibrant business. You will be able to see the splendid minaret of the Koutoubia mosque. This 12th century Hispano-Moorish masterpiece inspired the builders of the Giralda in Seville. You encounter Mischievous monkeys on your Marrakech tours. Amateurs of the eternal Orient will want to visit the splendid Bahia Palace where surprising Andalusian gardens add to the refinement of the prestigious apartments and their secret patios. The Dar Si Said Museum is situated nearby.

• Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou

This is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat that comprising of earthen buildings bounded by high defensive walls reinforced by towers in each corner. They are intended to protect the inside houses crammed together. Ait-Ben-Haddou, in Ouarzazate province, is a striking example of the architecture of southern Morocco.

• Imperial City of Meknes

Meknes nicknamed the “city of a hundred minarets” is an engaging Imperial capital amazing to visit and stay. It is one of the most beautiful and powerful Imperial cities in Morocco and has retained the simplicity of its origins. Until today, the city is still maintains the 40km of walls as boundaries. It has preserved its imposing monuments such as the numerous mosques including the Great Mosque, said to be founded in the 12th century. The Mosque is renowned for its beautifully canopy-sculpted gates. The medina and the site of the royal palace earned Meknès a UNESCO’s world heritage status. Several tourists here have appreciated that the city is a true perfect testimony of a 17th century where the harmonious blending of the Islamic and European styles of the 17th century Maghreb is still evident today.

• Volubilis Archaeological Site

Volubilis is an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire. It was founded as early the 3rd century B.C. and became a significant outpost of the Roman Empire as well as the Mauritanian capital. As such, it was graced with many fine Romanesque buildings. It became the capital of Idris.

• Medina of Tetouan

Tetouan is a charming Hispano-Mauresque town that plays on the mixture of cultures whilst remaining guardian and shop window for its most beautiful traditions. Being the main point of contact between Morocco and Andalusia, Tétouan was of particular significance in the Islamic era. Its unique network of shaded alleyways earned it a UNESCO- World Heritage Site status. Tarafin Street, which is lined with jewellery shops, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. It also leads to Hassan II square and the Royal Palace, a fine example of Hispano-Mauresque architecture. The medina has small buildings of five storeys maximum, with shops on the ground floor, were built under Spanish territory.

• Archaeological museums

Archaeological Museums of Morocco are a wealth of the Moroccan cultural heritage. They include the Dar Batha of Fez, the Oudaïa museum of Marrakech, the Bab Tout gate archaeological museum and the Moroccan Arts museum next to Bab El Oqla. They have beautiful mosaics and exhibit traditional costumes and regional musical instruments. Several craft specializations training centers are also nearby for instance the National Fine Arts Institute which hosts the international Comic Strip festival annually.

• Jemaa el-Fna Square

Jemaa el-Fna Square is a Moroccan treasure spot on the UNESCO listing as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It represents a unique concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed Morocco musical, religious and artistic ceremonies. These oral expressions have been continually renewed by bards, who used to travel through Berber territories.

Enjoy your Morocco Tour!

With many parks and tourist attractions to see, Uganda will always remain the pearl of Africa. Below are the top tourist attractions you may wish to visit once in Uganda.

NATIONAL PARKS

Uganda is not your ordinary safari destination; it is a country very rich in fauna and flora which are seen in the 10 national parks in the country .Come and explore a rich biodiversity in a single destination. Uganda is more importantly famous for the endangered mountain gorillas. Perhaps the most interesting park you can track the gorillas is the thick Bwindi impenetrable forests. Uganda National Parks are

• Semliki National Park
• Lake Mburo National Park
• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Queen Elizabeth National Park
• Murchison Falls National Park
• Kibale Forest National Park
• Mount Elgon National Park
• Rwenzori Mountains National Park
• Kidepo Valley National Park

CULTURAL and ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

Uganda is a wonderful country to visit as a tourist. It boasts a number of Cultural and archeological sites which are worth visiting. In this category Uganda has the following;

• Kasubi Royal Tombs – The Kasubi tombs, traditionally known as Muzibu-Azaala-Mpanga, are a burial place for the four previous Kings of Buganda known traditionally as Kabakas, and are situated five km away from Kampala city center on Kasubi hill. The cultures of the Baganda lie in the Magnificent Tombs
• Karambi Tombs, Fort Portal
• Nyero Rock Paintings
• Baker’s Fort, Patiko
• Bigo bya Mugenyi, Ntusi
• Mparo Tombs, Hoima
• The Nommo Gallery in Kampala
• The Namugongo Martyrs Shrine near Kampala
• Entebbe Wildlife Education Centre
• The Equator Line mark along Masaka road
• National Museum – This is a display of Uganda’s cultural heritage including ethnological and natural-historical exhibitions. It is a reminder of wonderful past of the country with a collection of musical instruments, photos, pictures, materials of the past. A visit to the museum will give you the country’s flash back.

PHYSICAL DIVERSITY

a) Mountains / Hills

Uganda’s evident extraordinary scenic diversity and richness of landscape compares favourably with every where on the African continent.

• Mount Rwenzori in the West
• Mount Elgon in the East
• Virunga Volcanoes in the south west
• There are also several hills around the country

b) Spectacular Water Falls

• Ssezibwa falls – The falls are located about 20 miles along Jinja Road from Kampala; is a Buganda Heritage site, with an out span of sharp edged rocks and a magnificent sound of soothing waters flowing down the steep ridged stones. Local people attach cultural and traditional significance as well as spiritual beliefs onto the site.
• Murchison Falls in the Northwest
• Source of the River Nile – The Nile is more than the longest river in the world. The Nile is enthralling, with its majestic beauty and brutal power.
• Sipi Falls in Kapchorwa, East
• Semliki Falls in the west
• Bujagali Falls in Jinja
• Lake Victoria near Kampala

ISLANDS

Ssese Islands – Ssese islands are a collection of 84 attractive Islands situated in the northwestern part of Lake Victoria. They are also amazingly a popular tourist destination in the country. They offer captivating scenic views, plenty of activities like nature walks, fishing volley ball and other games. Spending a weekend on this island can fun and an adventurous moment.

With all these tourist attractions that Uganda has at hand, it just confirms that the country is truly the pearl of Africa.

Algeria, Algiers

Angola, Luanda

Benin, Porto Novo

Botswana, Gaborone

Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou

Burundi, Bujumbura

Cameroon, Yaoundé

Cape Verde, Praia

Central African Republic, Bangui

Chad, N’Djamena

Comoros, Moroni

Côte d’Ivoire, Yamoussoukro

Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa

Djibouti, Djibouti

Egypt, Cairo

Equatorial Guinea, Malabo

Eritrea, Asmara

Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

Gabon, Libreville

The Gambia, Banjul

Ghana, Accra

Guinea, Conakry

Guinea-Bissau, Bissau

Kenya, Nairobi

Lesotho, Maseru

Liberia, Monrovia

Libya, Tripoli

Madagascar, Antananarivo

Malawi, Lilongwe

Mali, Bamako

Mauritania, Nouakchott

Mauritius, Port Louis

Morocco, Rabat

Mozambique, Maputo

Namibia, Windhoek

Niger, Niamey

Nigeria, Abuja

Republic of the Congo, Brazzaville

Rwanda, Kigali

Senegal, Dakar

Seychelles, Victoria

Sierra Leone, Freetown

Somalia, Mogadishu

South Africa, Pretoria

Sudan, Khartoum

Swaziland, Lobamba

Tanzania, Dodoma

Togo, Lomé

Tunisia, Tunis

Uganda, Kampala

Zambia, Lusaka

Zimbabwe, Harare

Lakes Abyata and Shalla

Lake Abyata is a shallow pan, only 14 meters (46 feet) deep and its level fluctuates periodically. The lake provides the main source of food for the colonies of great while pelicans on the nearby Lake Shala. The adjacent islands to Lake Shala serve as breeding sites by many birds, and are home to the continent’s most important breeding colony of Great White Pelicans.

Birds

The establishment of Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park was in principal to serve as breeding ground as well as conserve the many aquatic bird species that use the lakes, particularly the Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. (The park is one of the seven nesting sites of these bird species in the whole of Africa).

Other birds in the park include the White-necked Cormorant, Egyptian Geese, African Fish Eagle, a diverse range of Plover species as well as Herons.

Wildlife

Besides of the countless Birds list, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is also home to over 70 species of mammals such as more common Grant’s gazelle, shy wild ass, Oribi warthog, Golden Jackal and the rare Walia Ibex. Also present are the less numerous and not common lions, giraffes and zebras. Many other animals are seen roaming within the forested areas of the park especially while in late evening drives into the park.

It is watered by a number of small lakes and rivers. Present lakes include Abaya, Chamo and Haro Ropi; and the principal river streams are Kulufo (originating from the western highlands of the area) and Sarmele which rises from the eastern highlands of the Amaro Mountains later joining Lake Chelbi in Debub Omo in the east. The good drainage is the reason for the massive wildlife concentration within the park and its surrounding areas.

Wildlife

Nech Sar National Park is renowned as a wildlife haven for over 104 species of mammals. This is attributed to the park’s dense and diverse vegetation providing perfect animal hideouts. Several animals include greater Kudu, Burchel’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Waterbuck, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Bushbuck, Vervet Monkey, Jackal, Spotted Hyena, Olive-Baboon, Leopard, Lion, Grey Duiker, Cheetah, Serval-cat, honey badger, gureza-coloubs, Greater Kudu and Wild dog

The park is also celebrated for its massive concentration of the giant Nile crocodiles, herds of hippopotamus and waterfowls in the Rift Valley Lakes of Abaya & Chamo.

Birds

Over 189 species of birds have been recorded here for instance the rare Red-billed Hornbill, lesser-flamingo, Kori Bustard, phalied-harrier, Grey Hornbill, Fish Eagle, endemic Nech-Sar Nightjar and the globally threatened lesser-kestrel.

Vegetation

Over 1000 species of vascular vegetation plant cover have been reported in the park which represents the areas rich wildlife diversity.

Other Attractions

A backdrop of high rising hills and the Guge Mountains; the Arba-Minch ground forest; the Dorze landscape and the Arba-Minch Hot springs in the east are some of the other attractions that scenically beautify Nech Sar NP to become one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia.

Getting There

There is a road access route to Nech Sar National Park from Arba-Minch town that covers a distance of 1.5km. Within the park itself are other internal access roads (covering about 180km). These ease access to the different attractions sites of the park.

Geographically, the highest point in the park is Mount Mago (rising up to 2528 meters) after which the park is named. The major environment within and surrounding the Park is dominantly grass savannah, with a few pockets of forested areas around the rivers. There are also several wetlands along the lower Mago and around Lake Dipa as well as scrub on the sides of the hills.

Wildlife

Aside from the massive concentrations of buffalo, giraffe and elephant for which the park was established to principally safeguard, Mago National Park is also home to over 56 other species of wildlife including lelwel hartebeest and topi. Others mammals are leopard, gerenuk, lion, cheetah, burchell’s zebra, Oryx and greater and lesser kudu.

Birds

The Park’s bird variety includes the quite uncommon Turdoides tenebrosus more prevalent around Lake Dipa. Others include bustards, weavers, hornbills and starlings. Kingfishers and herons are rather common around river Nile as the alternative habitat.

Tours

Plausible to note is the Park has extremely dense bushes which make for difficult game viewing. On Ethiopia tours into Mago NP, most tourists can ably here birdcalls within the thick acacia scrubs and rolling grasslands but without further access. The park’s best known attractions however are the Mursi, notorious for piercing their lips and inserting disks made of clay.

Access

All access routes to and from the Mago National Park are unpaved which makes them impassable during the wet season. Similarly tourists on nature walks into the park area face accessibility challenges because of the terrain of this region.

Created principally to protect the over 1,000 Walia Ibexes, a type of wild goat that habit here, Simien Mountain national park constitutes three pronounced botanical expanses; the alpine regions (up to 3600m) which are forested; the lower slopes that have been cultivated and grazed; and the higher lands are mountain grasslands with fescue grasses as well as heathers, splendid Red Hot Pokers and Giant Lobelia. The Park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

Wildlife

The national Park offers spectacular wildlife safari views and a large variety of mammals. Importantly it is home to Ethiopia’s three larger endemic mammals namely the Walia Ibex, the more appealing Gelada Baboons, and the rarely spotted Ethiopian wolves. Baboons are popularly spotted in groups, on cliffs and ridges. Also in the park are several other mammals including the rarely seen Simien even though named after the mountains

Birds

Aside the spectacular scenic beauty and wildlife, Simien Mountains boasts numerous species of birds. Over 50 bird species have been recorded in the Park for instance hundreds birds of prey such as the rare lammergeyer a vast vulture.

Safaris

To fully enjoy the dramatic landscape, wildlife and birds of Simien Mountains, it is more recommended to organize guided tours. There are guided trekking tours, mountain climbing and horse riding tours. For mountain climbing, there are narrow paths circle around the mountain ridges, through grasslands.

Access

Access to the Simien Mountains National Park is principally from Debareq which is about 100 km from Gondar, from where tourists can hire riding and pack animals.

Most guided adventure Ethiopia tours start from the capital, Addis Ababa. The Historic Route, covering the ancient town of Axum, with its amazing carved obelisks, Christian festivals and relics, including the Ark of the Covenant; Gondar, with its castles and palaces. At Dire Dawa tourists have chance to observe cave paintings considered to be thousands of years old.

Axum Tour– this is one of the oldest cities in Ethiopia and the ancient capital of the Axumite Empire. This grand city will leave you impressed at the sight of its obelisks or stelae. It is home to the 16th century Cathedral of St.Mary of Zion, the holiest church in all of Ethiopia, and the locals say that the original Ark of the Covenant rests here.

Simien Mountain Treks

The Simien Mountains, north of Gondar is one of the main highlands in Africa and its Ras Dejen at 4,620m is the highest point in Ethiopia, which is the fourth highest peak in the continent. The Mountains provide excellent trekking routes.

Ethiopia Wildlife Tours

Several wildlife tours are arranged in the national parks. Awash National Park is the country’s principal habitat and is one of Africa‘s most interesting and rewarding safari parks because of its remarkably huge concentration of mammals including the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx and Wild Pigs. Wildlife tours are also available in Mago National Park, Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park, Simien Mountains National Park, Awash National Park and Gambella national park. Ethiopia is also a bird watchers’ haven. It boasts over 861 bird species. Bird watching tours are popular in the lakes region, the lowlands Entoto, Gefersa, Debre Zeit and the Menagesha forest. However visitors of the high malaria risk in Ethiopia. Wildlife thrives in these conditions and there are about 154 bird species such as Whale-headed stork with an unusually large bill.

Lake Tana is the largest lake in Ethiopia and several tourists marvel at its sheer splendor. It is the source of the famous Nile River, the very spot from where its journey to the Mediterranean is marked. Tourists hire a boat and explore this magnificent lake.

Danakil Depression Tour

Danakil Depression (Afar Depression) is a geological depression renowned for its cradles of hominids, containing the Middle Awash, site of many fossil hominid discoveries; Gona, site of the world’s oldest stone tools; and Hadar, site of Lucy, the fossilized specimen of Australopithecus afarensis. Have a guided tour and get the most out of your Danakil Depression tour.

Lalibela – this is where King Lalibela left something behind on his passing for the rest of the world to admire. It consists of eleven rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the “Eighth wonder of the world”. It is carved out of one rock and protected by the environment. Many tourists visit during Christmas and get amazed by the events and as a result have memories that last a lifetime.

Ethiopia tours will truly leave you with a lasting impression of this amazing country.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. It is also doubles as the economic and business center of the country. Of late, the city has grown into one of the most developed and interesting cities on the African continent. This populous city with over two million residents is as cosmopolitan as any of the world’s great metropolises, and the architecture is as varied as the city itself. It is one of the world’s greatest metropolises.

Like any other capital in the world, Addis is also a multipurpose city. It is the administrative seat of Government, residential; it boasts elegant villas, stylish hotels, conference facilities, functional bungalows, and entertainment centres. Addis Ababa travelers find the city charming.

Location

The city of Addis Ababa is located in the foothills of the 3,000 meters Entoto Mountains and strolls pleasantly across many wooded hillsides and gullies cut through with fast flowing streams.

Eating Out

There are numerous restaurants offering various exotic Ethiopian dishes.

City Attractions

Thousands of curious visitors from far and wide find their Addis Ababa travel truly rewarding. The fact that the place takes one back in time and opens one up to an authentic world of yore seems to be the most probable reason. An Addis Ababa city tour introduces you to a city flourishing with amazing attractions such as;

• National Museum: This is a world class magnificent architectural building founded in 1952. It houses preserves and displays the country’s historical, cultural and archeological heritage. A large collection of impressive artifacts can be seen here from sculptures to clothing to artwork.
• National Zoo: National Zoo is also known as Lion Zoo You can take your camera’s to take pictures of these Lions there. One thing you should remember after taking Addis Ababa flights is that once you are entered in this Zoo, you should not try to touch these lions as it could be dangerous for you.
• Washa Micheal Cave: On this hilly area at a place called Ankorecha you find a cave, whose half part is destroyed during the Italian invasion. The column of this cave resembles that of the famous rock hewn churches of Lalibela.
• Lalibela: Lalibela located in the northern part of the country is where King Lalibela left something behind on his passing for the rest of the world to admire. It comprises of eleven rock-hewn churches, often referred to as the “Eighth wonder of the world”. It is carved out of one rock and protected by the surrounding.
• Lake Tana: This is the largest lake in Ethiopia and many tourists spectacle at its absolute splendor. It is the source of the famous Nile River, the very spot from where its journey to the Mediterranean is marked. The lake is famous for boat rides in the country.

Landforms Effect

Ethiopian Highlands which stretch to most parts of the country have a climate which is generally considerably cooler than other regions at similar proximity to the Equator.

Addis Ababa, the capital is positioned on the foothills of Mount Entoto at an elevation of around 2,400 m and experiences pleasantly inviting climate all year. City temperatures are fairly uniform year round of 16 °C (60.8 °F), with daily max temperatures averaging 20–25 °C (68–77 °F) throughout the year, and overnight lows averaging 5–10 °C (41–50 °F).

The prolonged rains in Addis Ababa usually begin in mid-June and climaxing in mid-September.

Like Addis Ababa, most major cities and tourist sites in Ethiopia lie at a similar elevation and have a comparable climate. In less elevated regions, particularly the lower lying Ethiopian xeric grasslands and scrublands in the east, the climate can be significantly hotter and drier. Ethiopia’s Danakil Depression in this eastern region has the world’s highest average annual temperature of 34 °C (93.2 °F).

Best Time to Travel

This depends on where you are going. In Ethiopia, the wettest season runs from June through to late September. This is not the best time to Ethiopia travel especially if you are traveling for the first time. In the Southern parts however, the seasons vary significantly with more rains coming between March and June and becomes scanty in early November. For travelers who do not mind waiting out a downpour (usually followed by brilliant sunshine), your best travel time is March. There are some short rains in March which are usually not so destructive to travelers.

What to Wear

Because of elevation, temperature rarely exceed 25c in most of the country, although in some of the lower lying areas (Awash, Omo and Mago parks) it can get considerably hotter. We recommend you park light clothes for the daytime and a light jacket for the evenings. A good all season pair of shoes is essential because of the uneven and stony nature of Ethiopia’s landscape. Adventurous travelers and trekkers in the Bale and Simien Mountains will need warm clothes, waterproofs and 3-4 seasons’ sleeping bags for their camping.

By Air

Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa is the country’s principal link to the rest of the world and gateway to the other parts of Ethiopia. The national carrier Ethiopian Airlines has an extensive domestic network flying to 43 airfields and an additional 21 landing strips. Several other airlines also serving Ethiopia are Kenya Airways, South Africa Airways, KLM, Egyptair and many others.

By Road

Traveling by road allows travelers to experience Ethiopia’s wonderful scenery, but road conditions are generally poor, and mountainous topography in the north will cut speed. In general road access to Ethiopia is challenging; the reason being the country’s mountainous topography.

Road users however needn’t worry. There are commuter taxis available in most cities and major towns of the country. These include; the blue-and-white mini buses, pickups with a closed Canopy as well as special hire saloon Cars. They operate on a fixed rate and standard route. Personalized and specific trips should be negotiated with the driver well in advance.

Also in Addis Ababa are non-metered luxury Mercedes Benz taxis operated by National Tour Operation (NTO). They normally station outside major hotels and at the airport. In addition, there are yellow taxis stationed at the airport for special hire which necessitates a prior negotiation with the driver for the price.

By Rail

Railway enthusiasts who wish to travel by train from Addis Ababa to Dire Dawa or on to Djibouti should be prepared for delays and run down carriages.

Time

Ethiopia is in the GMT + 3 hours time zone. Ethiopia follows the Julian calendar, which consist of twelve months of 30 days each and a 13th month of 5 or 6 days.

Climate

There are two seasons: the dry season prevails from October through May; the wet season runs from June to September.

What to Wear

Carry light clothes for the daytime and jacket or jumper for the evenings as they mostly tend to become cold. A good pair of all season walking shoes is appropriate since most parts of Ethiopia have an uneven landscape and stony. Warm clothes and waterproofs and 3-4 seasons’ sleeping bags are best for trekkers especially in the Bale and Simien Mountains.

Best Time to Travel

This depends on where you are going. In Ethiopia, the wettest season runs from June through to late September. This is not the best time to travel to Ethiopia especially if you are traveling for the first time. In the Southern parts however, the seasons vary significantly with more rains coming between March and June and becomes scanty in early November. For travelers who do not mind waiting out a downpour (usually followed by brilliant sunshine), your best travel time is March. There are some short rains in March which are usually not so destructive to travelers. Enjoy your Ethiopia travel experience!

Tel: 0911 367368/58

AB-ASTAMY Origin Ethiopia Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel – 011-6614370 / 0911- 213827

Email: originet@ethionet.et

Website: www.originsethiopiatours.com

Abba Travel Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5526600

Mob: +251-91-1206600

Email: abbatravel@ethionet.et

Website: www.abbatravel.net

Abyssinia Tours and Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5519293

Email: abyssinian.tours@ethionet.et

Website: – www.abyssiniantours.com

Adika Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5533357

Mob: +251-91-1245652

Email: adika@ethionet.et

Website: – www.adikatravel.com

Admire Ethiopia Travel Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-5507777

Email: info@admiretravel.net

Website: www.admiretravel.net

Adonay Ethiopia Tours & Travel

Tel: +251-11-6635980

Mob: +251-91-1688007

Email: adonaytour@ethionet.et

Website: www.adonaytour.com

Alligan Travel Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 091-195 0402

Email: info@alligantravel.com

Website: www.alligantravel.com

Alpha Tour & Travel Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011- 6 514041

Email: alphatourscar@yahoo.com

Website: www.alphatours.netfirms.com

Amazing Ethiopia Tours

Tel: 0911-432407

Email: tour@amazingethiopia.com

Website: www.amazingethiopia.com

Amba Tours, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-5 513272

Email: Cvil@ethionet.et

Ark Tours & Safari

Tel: 011-1 560108

Email: ark@ethionet.et

Atranose Tour & Car Rent, Axum

Tel: 0347753190 / 0914-743574

Email: Selemun-teklay@Yahoo.com

Awqash Tour & Travel Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-1 577302 / 011-6553321

Email: awqashtravel@ethionet.et

Website: www.awqashtravel.com

Bekele Molla Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-6635980

Email: bekelemolla@ethionet.et

Ben Travel and Tour Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-6636725/26

Mob: +251-91-1207634

Email: bentrvl@ethionet.et

Website: www.bentravelandtourethiopia.com

Best Travel and tours Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5513766 / 11-6635111

Email: best@ethionet.et

Website: www.bestethiopiantours.com

Buska Tours Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

Phone: +251-91-142 35 88 / +251-91-120 65 55

Caravan Travel & Tour Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-2766740/45

Email: caravan.tt@ethionet.et

Website: www.caravantravels.info

Dawe Emede Travel & Tour Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-1557545 / 091-1204625

Email: dawemett@ethionet.et

Website: www.daweemede.com

Dawit G/selassie Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: 0911-391301

Email: gloryyo4@yahoo.com

Desire Tours, Travel & Trade Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 0911-200415

desitours@ethionet.et

desitour@yahoo.com

Discover Abyssinia Tour, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-6611624

Mob: +251-91-1236659

Email: dabyssinia@ethionet.et

Website: www.dabyssinia.com

Dinkinesh Ethiopia Tours, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-1567837

Email: mulugenet@ethionet.et

Website: www.Dinkineshethiopiatour.com

Classic Ethiopia Tour, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5547491

Mob: +251-91-1230838

Email: classicl@ethionet.et

Website: www.clasicethiopiatours.com

Eastern Travel & Tourist Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-5511233

Email: EASTERNTRAVEL@ethionet.et

Website: www.easterntravel.net/index.htm

Eco Ethiopia Tour operation and Travel Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-115-531941

Email:ecoethiopiatota@gmail.com

Website: www.ecoethiopia.com

ETHIO DER Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-1571157

Mob: +251-91-1218180

Email: ethiodertvl@ethionet.et

Website: www.ethio-der.com

Ethio National Tour & Travel Operator PLC, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5526622

Email: Entto2000@yahoo.com

Website: www.ethiopiatourandtravel.com

Ethioguzo Tour and Travel PLC, Addis Ababa

Tel – 011-6534822

Email: olson921@yahoo.com

Website: www.ethioguzo.com

Ethiopia Impression Tours Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-6 633 382

Email: info@ethiopiaimpression.com

Website: www.ethiopiaimpression.com

Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-1552128/78

Mob: +251-91-1315897

Email: ervs@ethionet.et

Website: www.ethiopianriftvalleysafaris.com

F.K Explorer Ethiopia travel & Tours, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-6638431/32

Email: fkwinet@ethionet.et

Website: www.explorerethiopia.com

Getachaw Tour Operator, Addis Ababa

Tel: 0911-687875

Email: getachawtegegne@yahoo.com

Ghion Travel & Tours Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5505566

Mob: +251-91-1201225

Email: ghiontravel@ethionet.et

Website: www.ghiontour.com

Gojo Ethiopia Tour & Travel, Bahir Dar

Tel: 058-226 5874

Email: gojoethiopiatravel@ethionet.et

Website: www.gojoethiopiatravel.com

Grant Express Travel & Tours Service Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011- 5 534379

Email: getts@ethionet.et

Website: www.getts.com.et

Green land Tours & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-6299252/53/54

Mob: +251-91-1215722

Email: info@greenlandethiopia.com

Website: www.greenlandethiopia.com

H.K. Beehive Tour & Travel Agency, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-5 537912

Email: h.kbeehiv@ethionet.et

Website: www.tour2africa.com

Horizon Ethiopia Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5158668

Email: horizon-tours@ethionet.et

Website: www.horizonethiopiatours.habesha.net

Jacaranda Tours & Travel Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-6 628625

Email: jacarandatours@ethionet.et

Website: www.jacarandatours.net

Journeys Ethiopia Tour & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011-6 181313

Email: journeys-ethiopia@ethionet.et

Hablul Tour & Travel Agency Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011- 5 542915

Email: Sara@hablultravel.com

Website: www.hablultravel.com

Hadar Tours Plc, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-5509475

Email: hadar.tour@ethionet.et

Website: www.ourorigin-hadar.com

Kurat Ethiopia Tours & Travel, Addis Ababa

Tel: 011 – 515 18 50

Email: kurattours@yahoo.com

Website: www.kuratethiopia.com

13 Suns Tours, Addis Ababa

Tel: +251-11-1233460 / 251-11-1239926

Email: info@13suns.com

Website: www.13suns.com

Mago National Park

Located on the eastern bank of the Omo River, Mago National Park is extremely remote within the dense acacia scrubs, rolling grassland and deserts. The park covers 2162 sq km in area. It is one of the wildest and most magnificent scenery in Ethiopia boasting abundance of wildlife. Within the thick acacia scrubs and rolling grasslands are birdcalls, rustlings in the distant right into your range of hearing as you experience the sweetness of nature’s breath in Ethiopia. Tourists on Ethiopia safaris face park accessibility challenges because of the terrain of this region.

Omo National Park

Omo National Park lies in the south-west on the west bank of Omo River. It is situated 870km south-west of the capital Addis Ababa. It has some of the most amazing wild animals in Ethiopia. It location on the banks of river Omo has turned it into a land of habitat diversity with a bewildering range of bird species.

Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park

With a total area of 887 sq km in size, (482 sq km water), Abyata-Shala Lakes National Park is formed by the twin lakes of Abyata and Shala. The park was created for the many aquatic bird species that use the lakes, particularly Great White Pelicans and Greater and Lesser Flamingos. It is a magnificent birding destination in Ethiopia.

Simien Mountains National Park

Semien Mountain National Park is a must for all those interested in Ethiopia wildlife, scenery and spectacular landscapes; the Park has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Park constitutes one of the major mountain massifs in Africa. It has a dramatic topography dominated by Ras Dashen the fourth highest mountain in Africa at 4620m plus several summits in Ethiopia above 4000 meters. Semien Mountain National Park is home to endemic mammals including Walia Ibex, Semien Fox and Gelada Baboons. Aside the spectacular scenic beauty, park boasts many species of birds and plants.

Awash National Park

Awash National Park, 211 Km east of Addis Ababa cover 827 sq km. The park takes its name from the Awash River which marks the park’s southern boundary. The rivers last gesture is the salt lake, Lake Abbe, on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border. Awash NP is Ethiopia’s greatest and richest habitat and is one of Africa‘s most interesting and rewarding safari parks because of its remarkably huge concentration of mammals such as the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx and Wild Pigs.

Gambela National Park

Located about 600km from Addis Ababa on the Baro River, Gambela has a strange history. Prominent in Gambela NP are guide walks which normally take 2-3 days. The park however has significant wildlife as well.

Nech Sar National Park

Positioned 510km south of Addis Ababa near the town of Arba Minch in between Lakes Abaya and Chamo is Nech Sar National Park. The park has extensive plains of game roaming freely within the 514sq m of savannah, dry bush and groundwater forest.

Several animals are present such as Bushbuck, Swayne’s Hartebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Grant’s gazelle, Guenther’s Dik-dik, Greater Kudu, Anubis Baboon and Grey Duiker. Over 189 bird species have been recorded here including the rare Red-billed Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Grey Hornbill, Fish Eagle, and more. A backdrop of hills and mountains and the hot springs in the far eastern part scenically beautify Nech Sar to one of the most attractive national parks in Ethiopia.

International Flights

Direct Sierra Leone flights are operated from London, Brussels, Ghana, Liberia, Banjul, Dakar, Lagos and Monrovia.

There are many options if flying indirect, but another popular option from Ghana using Kenya Airways.

International Airlines Available to Sierra Leone

All of the airlines listed below fly to Sierra Leone and have specific flight days and time.

• American Airlines (US) – however, it does not fly directly to Sierra Leone from the US. The only option is with flights with Royal Air Maroc from New York via Casablanca.
• Arik Air (Dakar / Banjul)
• Gambia International Airlines (Cape Verde / Dakar)
• Elysian Airlines (Monrovia, Banjul)
• Bellview Airlines (Banjul, Lagos and Dakar)
• Kenya Airways, KQ (Nairobi) flies from Nairobi via Accra. KQ operates in partnership with KLM which opens up more options for connecting flights.
• BMI – London (Heathrow)
• SN Brussels – Departure / arrival; Brussels/Dakar
• Elysian Airlines – Monrovia
• TACV – Banjul, Dakar

Regional Flights

Concerning regional flights, we highly recommend you consult you with your travel agent.

To Note:

Normally flights from Europe include a $40 airport tax, but with most regional flights you are required to pay this on departure.

Freetown-Lungi International Airport (GFLL)

Freetown-Lungi International Airport (GFLL) originally a UK Royal Air Force station, is an international airport located in the coastal town of Lungi, Sierra Leone. It serves as the primary airport for domestic and international travel to and from Sierra Leone. The terminal building of the airport has a General Waiting Hall, a Departures Wing, and an Arrivals Wing. The airport is operated by Sierra Leone Airports Authority. Several flights arrive and depart on board from around the globe and numerous domestic cheap airfare carriers operate from and to the airport.

Airport Facilities

Postal services

A restaurant

A travel agency office

A commercial centre with first Internet and fax services

A bank (First International Bank Ltd) on the grounds

Lounges

Several duty free shops on the Departures Wing

So just book a flight and step into another world. Enjoy your Sierra Leone Flight.

About Freetown

Freetown is the capital and largest metropolitan city of the country and the hub for numerous airlines in Sierra Leone. Of late, Freetown has become a prime destination for travelers coming for Sierra Leone holidays & businessmen from across & abroad. Freetown is the country’s most historic place; hence travelers and tourists from over the country and worldwide come across to witness the history behind it. The city boasts tourist attractions which blend it into a beautiful tour destination, flourishing with Hotels, historic monuments and a fabulous Sierra Leone nightlife.

Burkina Faso boasts quite a number of distinct advantages of holiday making and the first is its;

• Lively capital Ouagadougou; the country’s largest city takes pride in several attractions including wildlife parks such as the Bangr-Weoogo urban and L’Unité Pédagogique. The parks shelter animals in a semi-free state. Other prominent city spots holiday tourists are the Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship, Ouagadougou Cathedral; Naba Koom – a statue portraying a woman handling a calabash; the National Museum of Music; La Place du Grand Lyon – a monument adjacent the French cultural Center featuring an imposing lion; Parc Animalier de Ziniaré zoo and several other attractions.
• An adventure trip to the north into the hauntingly beautiful Sahel region on the tip of the Sahara can also be rewarding. Here expect to meet nomad businessmen. In the south, to the intricately patterned villages of the Kassena people. You also meet the Tuareg and Fulani families who are renowned for their warm reception to visitors.
• Guide for Africa also highly recommends a journey to the south west corner up to the town of Banfora. This region is home to some of the country’s most spectacular natural sites, such as the enigmatic Domes of Fabedougou and the pretty Karfiguela Falls. The falls are ideal honeymoon spots for adventurous couples.  Head off to the nearby to observe the hippos, taking a pirogue out onto the water and getting surprisingly close to these enormous creatures. You will have to spend the night camping near a village and have the chance to taste some of the local millet beer.
• Finally we travel to Burkina’s western region, to its unusual rock formations, traditional cultures and the fortified villages of the Lobi people, one of the last ethnic groups to accept colonial rule. We also track elephants with near guaranteed sightings, explore mud built mosques, and immerse ourselves in Burkina’s contemporary life in the amiable cities of Ouagadougou and Bob-Dioulasso.
• On your holiday in Burkina Faso you may also not want to miss driving to Gaoua, the major town in Lobi. With the help of local agents, you may tour their fortress style houses dotted and possibly spot women panning for grains of gold in the rivers and streams.

Once on holiday, have several Burkina Faso tours through some very remote areas where you will spend time in the company of local communities.

For where to stay, liaise with the local Burkina Faso tour operators who are most of the time in contact or in business with most top Burkina Faso hotels. They should help you negotiate a better package and price on your behalf. They are also informed when hotels have lowered their rates or have a promotion going on.

So as you plan your honeymoon after the wedding or if you are married and want to re-energize and bring the spice back into your marriage, look no further than doing it local, Burkina Faso holidays have a lot for you for a cherished moment in life.

With a stunning main building and seven tents providing private, exclusive accommodation, Onguma Tented Camp, certainly lives up to its title, ‘the place you don’t want to leave’.

Each of the seven tents has a tastefully designed interior with rooms well furnished and fitted with the best of amenities for visitors. The interior textures of stone, suede, linen and steel create a setting that is sleek and modern but also intrinsically natural.

After a long day’s tour, you can relax on the sofas in the lounge. And when the afternoons got hot, all that is required is a gentle stroll to the rim flow pool. Sit and relax in the flowing waters while enjoying an ice cold cooler.

At the Camp, you are guaranteed complete privacy, flawless hospitality. The well trained staffs of the camp try to cater to the needs of its guests and provide them with personalized services.

Because of it strategic location near Etosha, you can get the opportunity to have exceptional sights of some rare Etosha safari animals and birds.

You can have the most memorable experience in your stay at Onguma Tented Camp, staying here is not less than a wonderful trip to paradise.

Mushara derives its name from the Purple Pod Terminalia tree, which grows in abundance in the lodge grounds and the surrounding area.

Mushara Lodge comprises of ten tastefully designed chalets, one family unit and two single rooms to augment the beguiling ambience and also offering the most captivating views of Etosha.

The thatched public area consists of a small library with a selection of good books, a bar with an extensive wine cellar, airy lounge with welcoming fireplace for winter evenings, a dining area and well stocked curio shop.

Each chalet and the rooms are extremely spacious and are well furnished with all modern day facilities such as air-conditioning, mosquito net, mini bar fridge, safe, tea and coffee makers, night electric lights, direct dial telephone, wardrobe and luggage rack. The bathrooms are en suite with separate toilette.

Seven of the chalets have just a shower and the other three chalets, the triple room and the single rooms have a bath and shower. Safari accommodation available at Mushara is of a budget range.

Great priority here has been given to the décor, which is an electic blend of traditional African and modern artistic works combined with original paintings.

Our Burkina Faso tours introduce you to a country whose history, natural wonders, jovial people and diverse charming cultures, together with the amazing and unique wildlife summary any African safari.

Burkina Faso is one not widely discovered country whose natural endowments and beauty can wrap up even the most adventurous traveller’s excitement into one destination. Everywhere you turn in the country, there is something spectacular to do or see no matter the purpose of your trip.

Safari National Parks in Burkina Faso

If you want to catch glimpses of true wilderness in Africa, you need to visit its most famous National Parks. Burkina Faso National Parks and Reserve areas serve as homes to countless rare and exotic flora and fauna species. They offer truly mesmerizing safaris and you will also vouch for the same after visiting other sites in the country:

• Arli National Park: This national park is located in southeastern Burkina Faso. The park serves as a home to around 200 elephants, 200 hippos and 100 lions. There are also buffalo, baboons, red and green monkeys, warthog, boar and various antelope such as western hartebeest and roan antelope. There are also bushbucks, duikers and waterbuck. Apart from wildlife, wide variety of habitats, ranging from the gallery forests of the Arli and Pendjari rivers to you can also explore the savanna woodland and sandstone hills of the Gobnangou chain.
• Kaboré Tambi National Park: The Park is situated between Ouagadougou and the border with Ghana and follows the course of the Nazinon River. The bird enthusiasts can explore here a variety of 175 bird species.
• Deux Balés National Park: This wildlife sanctuary in Burkina Faso is found in the central eastern region of the country. Along with rich diversity of flora, you will get to see a variety of wildlife in Burkina Faso in this park including Hippopotamus, buffalos, elephants, crocodiles and antelopes. The vegetation comprises Sudano-Zambezian savanna with a carpet of grasses, and trees such as Anogeissus leiocarpus, Isoberlinia doka and Terminalia laxiflora. There is gallery forest on the riverbanks.
• W National Park: Expect to enjoy some of the best views of the wildlife in Burkina Faso in this park alone. This W-shaped park is located around a meander in the River Niger. The Park is known for its large safari animals, including aardvarks, baboons, buffalo, caracal, cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses, leopards, lions, serval and warthogs. The park provides a home for some of West Africa’s last wild African Elephants. However, the rare West African Giraffe, today restricted to small parts of the Niger, is absent from the park. The W Park is also known for historic occurrence of packs of the endangered Painted Hunting Dog.

Burkina Faso tours will rejuvenate you by opening a world of gorgeous panorama and will pamper you with a pocket full of sweet memories to be taken home. Enjoy your Burkina Faso Safaris!

The rainy season lasts approximately four months starting late May / early June through to September; and tends to be shorter in the northern regions.

The southernmost Sudanic zone usually experiences rains starting in late May and climaxing around mid October. Rains show extreme variations from year in year out, in both timing and quantity. They typically fall during short violent thunderstorms.

In the northern Sahelian zone, which is adjacent to the Sahara desert, is much drier than the south, with only 6 to 25 inches of rainfall starting in June and peaking in September.

Best Time to Go

The best season for Burkina Faso travel is between November and February when the Harmattan wind blows from the east producing dry and pleasantly cool weather. December to February should be avoided especially for travellers with allergies as the Harmattan turns Burkina Faso into a dust bowl.

Rainfall is highest in the southwest and lowest in the northeast. Avoid traveling in late March to May as the climate is too hot and dry to bear even for the locals.

What kind of clothes do you need?

If you are getting ready to head to Burkina Faso, carry with you lightweights and rain clothing for the rainy season. The light clothes are very appropriate for the period from March to late May in Burkina Faso. This is when it gets extremely hot.

Also we recommend you carry scarves, season glasses and handkerchiefs during the months when the Harmattan blows.

Burkina Faso Flag

Location: formerly Upper Volta is a landlocked country in West Africa.

Neighbours: It is neighboured by 6 countries namely Mali (north); Niger (east); Benin (south east); Côte d’Ivoire (south west); and Togo and Ghana (south).

Capital City: Ouagadougou.

Residents: known as Burkinabè

Independence: Full self governing was attained in 1960.

History: Country was originally administered as part of Côte d’Ivoire colony.

Topography: Burkina Faso comprises of two major types of countryside with an average altitude is 400m and the difference between the highest and lowest terrain is no greater than 600m. Generally, this is a relatively flat country with a very few localised exceptions. The larger part of the country is occupied by a peneplain which forms a gently undulating landscape with, in some areas, a few isolated hills, and the last vestiges of a Precambrian massif. The south-west forms a sandstone massif, where the highest peak Ténakourou 749 m is found. The basin of the Niger River drains 27% of the country’s surface whose tributaries of le Béli, le Gorouol, le Goudébo and le Dargol is seasonal streams and only flow for 4 to 6 months a year. Other prominent lakes include Tingrela, Bam and Dem, and the large ponds of Oursi, Béli, Yomboli, and Markoye.

Climate: Burkina Faso has experiences a tropical climate with two marked distinct seasons: the rainy season with between 24-35 inches (600 and 900 mm) of rainfall, and the dry season during which the harmattan blows, a hot dry wind from the Sahara. The rainy season lasts approximately 4 months, May/ June to September, and is shorter in the north of the country.

Government: It is headed by a constitutional President the real power center in the political structure elected by popular vote for a seven-year term. No limit in the number of terms for the president. Country has a parliament – the Assemblée Nationale with two chambers consisting of 111 members elected by popular vote every five years. Representatives are of religious groups, traditional rulers, trade unions, women’s organizations and other social groups. The cabinet has thirty-five ministers headed by the Prime Minister who is appointed by the president. Administratively Burkina Faso is divided into 13 regions, 45 provinces, and 301 departments.

National Holidays: National holidays honor independence and the Sankara revolution: On 11 December 1959, the Republic was proclaimed and on 5 August 1960, Upper Volta became independent.

Population: Burkina Faso’s population stands at 12,603,185. (2002 estimate) It is mainly concentrated in the south and center of the country, sometimes exceeding 48 per sq km. Annual migrations of hundreds of thousands are common due to seasonal employment. Population growth rate is 2.71% (2000 est.)

Life expectancy: An estimated life expectancy at birth is slightly less than 50 years of age.

Mortality Rates: High prevalence of AIDS has resulted into low life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates in the country.

Education: Education in Burkina Faso is structured primary, secondary, and higher education. Education is technically free and officially mandatory until the age of 16, however few Burkinabè have had formal education. The United Nations Development Program Report places Burkina Faso as the most illiterate country in the world, with only a 12.8% literacy rate.

Religion: Approximately 45% continue to hold traditional beliefs. About 43% of the population is Muslim, Christianity, spread by missionaries in colonial times, accounts for 12% more among the urban elite.

Burkina Faso is a culturally sophisticated country. It is roughly divided into two parts, each with different historical origins and cultures; the central and eastern regions were historically dominated by kingdoms and chieftaincies.

About 90% of the country’s population comprise of an African descent belonging to over 60 different tribal groups with differing tribal languages. Among the most significant being the Gurmanché (extreme east); Bisa and Gurunsi (south); Mossi (Central); Fulbe and Tuareg (North); Bwaba, and Samo (northwest); The Voltaic are far more numerous and include the Mossi, who make up about one-half of the population. The July 2000 estimated 11,946,065 Burkinabè belong to two major West African cultural groups-the Voltaic and the Mande.

Food

Burkina Faso food is typically of West African. It generally consists of staple foods such sorghum, millet, rice, maize, peanuts, potatoes, beans, yams and okra. It’s really just survival fodder for the locals’ maximum filling-up potential at minimum cost. The most common sources of protein are chicken, chicken eggs and fresh water fish. The most common Burkinabè beverage is Banji which is fermented palm sap and Zoom-kom.

Cultural Festivals & Music

Burkinabes have an evident love for music deep rooted in their ways of living. The drumming culture is so pronounced during ritual ceremonies and in celebration of weddings. Participants of dancers decorate themselves with masks supplemented by wind and stringed instruments which makes the dances so charming. Cultural and traditional ceremonies of the many ethnic groups in Burkina Faso have long involved dancing with masks. However, there is some colonial influence of the dances today. What a great country to tour if you are interested in learning West African dances!

Religion

Approximately 50% of the population is Muslim; Christianity shares about 30%, and followers of traditional African religions (typically animism of various forms) make up about 20%. However sometimes elements of animism are incorporated in Christians and Muslims religious practices.

Language

The primary language used in Burkina Faso is French, the language of the former colonizing power. This is the language in public administration, education, business and the media. Though there are also several historical and tribal languages widely spoken such as Mooré (in the Central dominantly and Dyula (West), a few other languages are also used in radio programs and on television news. Others are Bwamu, Dagara, and Lobiri, Bisa, Sane and Bobo.

Marriage

Today arranged marriages, which were the rule in former times, are rare, especially in urban contexts. In a customary marriage, the husband pays bride price to the bride’s family. The amount varies according to ethnic group from symbolic to substantial contributions that take many years to acquire. Women join their husbands after marriage, and this forges an alliance between two families. Divorce is possible; any children stay with the husband’s family, and the family receives the bride price should the woman remarry. If the husband dies, the widow is expected to marry a brother of her late husband. Polygamy is extensive especially with in the traditional and Muslim faiths, but is opposed by the Christian churches. The culture of Burkina Faso is indeed quite appealing for any visitor.

Awash National Park covers an area of 827 sq km, most of it lies at an altitude of 900 meters. In the middle of the park is the dormant volcano of Fantale, reaching a height of 2008m at its top.

Wildlife

Awash National Park’s pride derives from its remarkable wildlife diversity. Adventure tours in the park make it is possible to spot huge concentration of mammals such as the Soemmerrings Gazelle, Beisa Oryx and Wild Pigs. The less popular include the furry waterbuck which tend to appear near the river Awash particularly in the afternoon. However most of these animals are not easy to spot.

Birdlife

The Park has some of the most spectacular birds such as the scarce Abyssinian Ground Hornbill. Awash National Park boasts an endless bird list; up to 350 species have been recorded in the park. They range from the great ostrich, frequently and easily observed, and the less common Secretary Bird and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill to the flashes of brilliant pink which are the Carmine Bee-eaters and the Abyssinian Roller with turquoise and purple, wings.

Birding is the key highlight of most Ethiopia Safaris into the park. Awash birds are both plentiful and easy to spot.

Awash National Park Safari Activities

The unique nature endowments in Awash National Park give rise to a diversity of safari-related activities. The park is traversed by a series of well-maintained tracks, which take in the most spectacular of the many scenic attractions.

To the north at Filwoha lies the hot springs oasis in its groves of palm trees. It is reached by either one of two scenic tracks which start opposite the main gate on the far side of the road and bearing right, progress either along the floor of the Awash Falls lower Valley or along the top of the ridge. Rafting is also a possibility, one or two days rafting trips can be organized on the Awash River, with its spirited rapids, wildlife, and impressive rugged cliffs and side canyons.

The United Republic of Ivory Coast is located in West Africa; bordered by Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Ghana; its southern boundary is along the Gulf of Guinea.

As usually said, there is no “best” time for holiday in Ivory Coast, because the country is basically an all-year-round travel destination. The best travel time is for you personally will depend on what you want to accomplish while in Africa. Different times in the year come with different highlights for holiday making here.

Most Ivory Coast Holiday tours are oriented to explore a large number of territories and cram as many activities into the deal as possible.

- On many occasions, Ivory Coast holiday tours start from the capital, Yamoussoukro; you may also desire to kick start your holidays by visiting the remarkable full sized replica of St Peter’s, a site claimed to be the largest Christian place of worship on Earth – The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, consecrated by Pope John Paul II on September 10, 1990.

- The Kossou Dam is another perfect photographic site popular with Ivory Coast holiday travellers. Attractive Town Hall, the Protestant Temple, the Mosque, and the Palace of Hosts are other tour attractions in the capital.

- When you want that special adventure of a holiday lifetime and are ready to enjoy it in luxury you need to head to biodiversity hotspot Tai National Park, the rainforest reserve of Park Banco and your dream will come true.

- Visit Cameo National Park for extraordinary game excursions; Cameo National Park safaris are tailor-made in particular to offer exciting encounters with the country’s diverse wildlife.

- Enjoy the cosmopolitan aroma of cultural Abidjan. Living with the in Abidjan for a while during vacation brings you closer to the ancient traditions that helped to make this country so exceptionally versatile.

Holiday Accommodation

Accommodation for Ivory Coast holidays varies. Depending on your trip choice, you can stay in quality canvas tent camps, game lodges with communal dining and lounging areas, or top notch hotels that give you complete privacy. For instance, Tai National Park has a variety of accommodations of the budget minded cabin experience that offer gourmet food, spas and perfect game viewing spots.

But all in all, whatever you decide on, you will never forget your Ivory Coast holiday trip, simply because you will have the fun of a lifetime!

MOUNTAIN HIKING SAFARIS

East Africa has a lot to offer when it comes to Mountain hiking. Climbing Longonot Mountain which is less than an hour drive from Nairobi, hiking in Hell’s Gate National Park located next to Longonot, climbing Mount Kenya which also includes technical climbing are just but a few moments to experience. The highest mountain peaks of Africa are based in Kenya.

Mount Kilimanjaro treks are equally very enjoyable but only if there is a proper guide who can assist at each and every step. Kilimanjaro is visited each year by thousands of tourists.

There are the snow-capped peaks of Mount Rwenzori – the Mountains of the Moon, which provide a tantalising challenge to dedicated mountaineers, not forgetting the Virunga Volcanoes which also offer highly rewarding hiking opportunities through scintillating highland scenery. Mount Elgon is another perfect hiking destination in Eastern Uganda. Comparatively, travellers really have wonderful time to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Elgon.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS

East Africa is an amazing region when it comes to wildlife experiences. Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Reserve is undoubtedly the Africa’s prime and most popular safari destination and it has always fulfilled its promise of adventure. Most travellers here speak of the wildebeest migration as the most astonishing sight they have ever seen. An annual migration of the wildebeest from Tanzania in July or sometimes in August, and their return from Kenya in October leaves several tourists mesmerized.

Dubbed “The greatest snow on the earth”, the phenomenon involves approximately 2 millions of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle wandering at regular intervals between Tanzania and Kenya. The herd of animals draws towards northwards to the juicy grasses of the Masai Mara in anticipation of rain. This migration is the major moments in wildlife and highlight of East African Safaris and so marvelous to view.

You can also take a drive to the highlands of Aberdares where you will see herds of elephants and rhinos and later a diversion to Samburu National Reserve where you can spot the elusive leopard. Lake Naivasha National Park has a huge population of hippos which make the region truly adventurous. Others wildlife safaris destinations include Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park, the Serengeti also home to breathtaking wildlife.

The Queen Elizabeth National park in Uganda also offers wonderful view of flamingos. The charm of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park goes much beyond the viewing of endangered mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat. The animals are Uganda’s star attraction; the bulkiest of living primates, and among the most peaceable. Volcano Park remains the best place in Rwanda to adventure.

BIRDING SAFARIS

No other region in A

Airports in Ivory Coast

Some of the airports in Ivory Coast include Abengourou Airport, Port Bouet Airport (Felix Houphouet Boigny Int’l), and Ferkessedougou Airport, Sassandra Airport, Yamoussoukro Airport, Boundiali Airport and several others.

Airlines to Ivory Coast

As Ivory Coast is one of the fast rising African tourist destinations, most of the big US Airlines offer flights to the enthralling West African country. Get cheap Ivory Coast flights with other airlines such as Brussels Airlines, Air Ivoire, Air Burkina, Kenya Airways, Delta Airlines, KLM, US Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Tunisair, Air Canada, Jet Blue, Air France, Alitalia, Air Algerie, Continental, Emirates, Virgin Nigeria, Royal Air Maroc and Afriqiyah Airways.

Ivory Coast flights are most expensive during peak season because the prominent holiday spots and national parks are most crowded during that period. Tourist peak season is from March spring break, Easter weekend, the middle of June up till the middle of August, and Christmas.

Popular Cheap Flights to Ivory Coast

• Cheap Flights to Abidjan with Emirates Airlines from Heathrow from £ 569
• Direct Flights to Abidjan with Emirates Airlines from Manchester from £ 839
• Cheap Flights to Abidjan with Air France from Manchester from £ 509
• Cheap Flights to Abidjan with SN Brussels Airlines from £ 349
• Cheapest Flights to Abidjan with Ethiopian Airlines from Heathrow (LHR) from £ 549

Ivory Coast Travel Tip

The best way to get a cheap air flight to Ivory Coast is to do research and check all the sites that allow you to make a booking. There is no one way of getting the best price all the time – the only way to get the cheap Ivory Coast flights is to ensure that you check as much sites as possible. Check all the budget airlines that service the country’s flight destinations. Happy Travelling.

Whether you are here for a weekend, a romantic getaway to this countryside, or for a relaxing family vacation, the Fort will surprise you at every corner.

Its staff offers enterprising and personalized services to the visitors in order to ensure that they have an enjoyable and hospitable stay for the duration of their trip and stay.

Accommodation at Onguma the Fort comprises of 12 small Suites with an oozing character right through to modern and warm luxury setting.

These suites lie just adjacent to the Main Fort stretching from the south up to the north end. Each of these suites lies in an entirely private locality about 50m apart from one another. Each is equipped with a desktop phone, a bar fridge and an air cooling system for those warmer time of the day. Their exquisite interiors are well blended with artistic African designs with wooden decks. The balcony of each has an outside seating area for just relaxing and enjoying the spectacular Etosha view.

There is only one impressively decorated Fort lounge inside the Main Tower of the main apartment having a large attractive restroom leading into a lounge area and out onto a private viewing deck. Its large bathroom has a wonderful open shower area.

The suite is fitted with a satellite connected TV system, desktop phone and refreshment reception area. And for those warm evenings, you have an air cooling system as well.

The strategic location of Onguma Fort in a raw setting gives a perfect sight for wildlife viewing. Come for a camp stay and experience something a little bit out of the ordinary in Namibia.

Onguma Tree Top Camp

Onguma Tree Top is located on the Onguma Game Reserve, adjoining to the eastern side of Etosha National Park. It is an exclusive safari lodging facility that offers a glorious camping opportunity in the natural settings of typical Namibia.

Small and tranquil Onguma Tree Top Camp was specially designed for those the more adventurous travellers who would like to truly experience the bush in all its raw splendour.

This Tree Top Camp is constructed on wooden stilts amongst the tree tops with full views over one of the most beautiful watering holes on Onguma Game Reserve.

The Camp boasts 4 spectacular thatched quarters with canvass walls, a dining room and a main complex.

This is where guests are able to come and relax for a few days in the midst of their busy travelling schedule, and just breathe in the aromas of the bush and take in all the wildness that this place has to offer.

A camping trip in Onguma Reserve should be planned for the different types of games, sights, and activities. At Onguma you have a perfect view to the giraffes, zebras, lions, and many other species of antelope in Etosha National Park as they come to quench their thirst. Similarly, birds frequent the camp several times in a day. Here birds and animals become your daily companion.

For the ultimate in relaxation, we would suggest three nights minimum at Onguma to be able to experience to the fullest the amazing wildlife of Etosha.

However you don’t have to be that adventurous and you can spend a pleasant and fulfilling three days or so just exploring the many local walks and attractions the gorge has to offer. You are welcome.

About Harare

Harare, the capital and largest city of Zimbabwe boasts an appealing touristic beauty flourishing with amazing natural beauty especially during summer times. Cheap Flights to Harare whether going for summer vacation, business trip or honeymoon bring you to a city blossoming with wild animals and bird species are often seen every where; the beautiful Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, Royal Harare Golf Club, Mukuvisi Woodland, National Herbarium; and immaculate Botanic Gardens with more than 900 species of wild trees and shrubs from all over the country. It really feels astonishing and incredible to be in Harare.

Harare Airport (HRE) Guide

All international flights to Harare touch down at Harare Int’l airport located15 km from the city centre. The airport features adequate perimeter fencing, two terminals, but has poor lighting. Other airport facilities include a bank, first-aid clinic, bureau de change and auto exchange machine, refreshment centers, shopping malls and post office.

Popular Cheap Flights to Harare, Zimbabwe

Airlines flying to Harare

Many of the major world airlines fly into Zimbabwe several times a week and they include;

• Lufthansa (LH) – Arrival: Harare / Depart: London Heathrow
• Ethiopian Airlines – Arrival: Harare / Depart: Addis Ababa & London Heathrow
• Emirates Airlines (EK)
• South African Airways (SA)
• Kenya Airways (KQ) – Arrival: Harare / Depart: London Heathrow
• Virgin Atlantic (VS) – Arrival: Harare / Depart: London Heathrow
• Etihad Airways – Arrival: Harare / Depart: London Heathrow
• Air France – Arrival: Harare / Depart: London Heathrow

Tips to Flying Cheaply to Harare

• Book your flight well in advance, a month or so
• Don’t fly during usual business hours because rates are exceptionally high during such hours.

Optimize your discount. Check the prices for flying out of/into an alternate airport. Sometimes flying to a larger metropolitan area rather than a departing from a local air port may be saving.

Mokuti Lodge is furnished with all modern day facilities providing great convenience to its visitors. It has over 90 well maintained inviting rooms (double rooms), 8 luxury chalets and 8 family units. Each room gives you the fantastic view of this glistening park.

The lodge boasts well trained staff which looks after all the needs and requirements of its visitors. The guests are provided here with all kinds of facilities including 24 hour Room Service, continuous Hot/Cold water, line phone, hairdryer, safety deposit boxes, electric shaver plug and satellite TV with numerous channels so that they have comfortable stay in the lodge. The rooms are air-conditioning.

There is dinner served in the evenings at a la carte restaurant, much as choice is left to the guests. A Boma dinner is also a preferred option here. This is where visitors sit under thatch and spend some memorable moments while enjoying a good meal with a glass of wine around a traditional African fire.

The lodge also offers superb bird watching, mountain biking, Jeep Safaris, Wild Life Sighting and walking trails. Self drivers can visit Etosha using their own transport or join one of Mokuti Lodges’ private game drives.

Mokuti Lodge is not only restricted to Etosha visitors, it also welcomes Namibia travelers on holiday and several other travel packages.

There is plenty of Etosha accommodation options within and around the Etosha National Park. Guideforafrica offers you an all-inclusive description and details of each camp/lodge, including access, location and visitor facilities. Click through your choice to view the details.

Andersson’s Camp: The newly-built Andersson’s Camp is in the Ongava Game Reserve, situated only 4.5km from Etosha National Park’s western gate. Andersson’s Camp is a perfect spot for a luxury, safari excursion of both the Ongava Game Reserve and Namibia’s Etosha Park.

Eagle Tented Lodge: This facilities boasts modern day luxuries to its guests combined with an unforgettable African bush experience as well as amazing viewing of the surrounding mountains & valleys. Having your breakfast at the balcony is good enough to spot the spectacular Etosha wildlife.

Epacha Game Lodge: This up-market lodge is situated on same property as Eagle Tented Camp. All chalets at Epacha Game Lodge have exquisite African interiors equipped with air-conditioning, safe, ceiling fan and coffee and tea facilities.

Halali: Halali lies within Etosha Park; approximately in between Etosha’s other two rest camps, Namutoni and Okaukuejo.

Mokuti Lodge: Large lodge situated at the Namutoni entrance gate to Etosha. Its excellent facilities boasts unique African charm combined with international standards of luxury. There are resident guides for tourists.

Mushara Bush Camp: the latest edition to the Mushara Collection offers mid-range tented accommodation. All tents are carefully furnished to provide comfort for all and a perfect setting for relaxation after a long day’s safaris in the park.

Mushara Lodge: Good accommodation at a reasonable price, close to the park entrance. The lodge is ideally situated for travelers visiting the park. It boasts ten spacious chalets for excellent accommodation comfort.

Namutoni: Inside the park borders, built around Fort Namutoni. It has recently been renovated with an artistic appeal that commands the views of Etosha National park. Lies in a remote surrounding that requires access before sunset and may only be left after sunrise.

Okaukuejo: Okaukuejo is situated on the western side of Etosha National Park. The special attraction of Okaukuejo is the floodlit water hole just outside the perimeter of the camp where animals may be viewed without the limitations imposed by a vehicle.

Ongava Tented Camp: Ongava Tented Camp is a small, classic traditional tented camp in the Ongava Reserve. The camp is more of a wilderness lodge on the Ongava Game Reserve blending in a natural surrounding that enables guests to feel part of the wilderness. It is a perfect spot for wilderness camping.

Onguma the Fort: A lush lodge built in exactly the right spot to give guests probably one of the best sunset views in the whole of Namibia. It overlooks the stunning scenic Etosha Pans, decorated only with its wild animals and hundreds of Camel Thorn trees. Has easy access to the park

Onguma Tented Camp: Onguma Tented Camp is situated adjacent to the eastern side of Etosha National Park and is a beguiling mixture of sophistication and relaxation, of elegance and the earth.

It is this intriguing combination and attention to detail that makes Onguma Tented Camp, the latest in Visions of Africa’s up-market portfolio of camps, the ultimate in safari chic.

Onguma Tree Top Camp: This is a medium range intimate camp established on raised platforms. It’s popular with the adventurous travellers who would like to truly experience the bush in all its natural grandeur.

Villa Mushara: Very exclusive private suites, all mod-cons and luxuries. Each villa at Villa Mushara boasts a unique ambience, decorated with an artistic appeal.

Burundi National Flag

Neighbours: Tanzania (East & South), Rwanda (North), Congo drc (West)

Capital: Bujumbura (340,000 residents)

Population: 7,802,100 residents

Languages: Kirundi (official), French (official), Swahili

Religions: Roman Catholic, Islam, African traditional worship

Size: 25,650 sq km

GETTING THERE

All international flights to Burundi touch down at Bujumbura International Airport located 11km south of the capital, Bujumbura. The airport is serviced by several international airlines including the Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Rwandair Express, and Brussels Airlines. Air Burundi no longer offers passenger services. A number of airport taxis to and from the city are available to lead you to your destination upon arrival.

Entry Requirements

Visa is required for any traveller visiting Burundi. Visas to the Burundi are obtainable from the country’s embassies. Countries without Burundi diplomatic missions can obtain the visa on arrival, provided you have furnished your passport particulars through your travel agency. US nationals part with US$80 for a Burundi visa while others pay a visa fee of US$40.

Banking / Money

Burundi’s currency is the Burundi Franc (BIF). Banknotes are available in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 5000BIF. Coin money can be accessed in denominations 1, 5 and 10BIF. There are several commercial banks distributed in most business trading towns. The banks are open in the mornings only. ATM services are also available.

Budget Travel in Burundi

Your best bet is to have a contact in Burundi who can drive you around. You probably need a reliable travel operator to make arrangements on your behalf. Considering the volatility of the country, finding one may be a challenge. The buses only serve the main towns. Some knowledge of Swahili helps, as not many people speak French, let alone English.

Where to Stay

Booking hotel rooms online is today the most convenient and cost-effective way to get accommodation. Visit our Cheap Hotels in Burundi page for quick guide to hotel access and information in Burundi.

Best Time to Visit

Burundi experiences a warm equatorial type of climate with two distinct dry seasons (June to August; and December to January) in between two wet seasons (Late February to May; and September to Early November).

Places of Interest

• A visit to Bujumbura will enable you come closer to Musee Vivant an open-air Burundi village.
• Visit the source of the Nile at Rutovu. Travellers on Burundi holidays popularly go swimming enjoying the hot springs here.
• Rwihinda Lake Natural Reserve
• Ruvubu National Park boasts plenty of wildlife and birds for the adventurous travelers. It is prominent for Burundi Safaris. Similarly is Kibira National Park renowned for its amazing birds.
• Visit the Livingstone-Stanley Monument 10km from Bujumbura. It marks the spot where the two explorers spent two nights as guest of Chief Mukamba in 1871
• Trip to Gitega and tour its charming market place and Museum of Traditions. Book in advance to watch the “Drummers of Giheta” show
• Burundi holiday travelers are so commonly seen taking photos of the breathtaking Karea Falls in Rutana. You may also not miss the Thermal Waterfall in Mugara
• Lake Tanganyika boasts an inviting atmosphere for a beach vacation in Burundi. Try it.

Central African Aepublic Flag

Location: Landlocked country in Central Africa

Neighbours: Chad (North), Sudan (East), Congo Republic and Congo drc (South), Cameroon (West)

Capital: Bangui

Population: 4.4 million people

Size: 622,941 sq km

Getting There

By Air: Bangui M’Poko (BGF) is the main airport and lies 7km southeast of the city.  Airlines to CAR include Benin Golf Air, Cameroon Airlines, Air France and Sudan Airways. Several other flight connections are also available from Cameroon, Benin and Gabon.

By Road

CAR can be accessed by border crossings from most of its neighbours. Road access is open from the Congo drc, Chad and Cameroon. There are efficient all-season roads from Yaoundé (Cameroon) and N’Djaména (Chad). Foreign travellers however may experience difficulty obtaining permission to cross them.

By Water

The route by ferry along the Ubangi to Bangui from the Congo (Rep) or the Congo drc is run by ACCF and SOCATRAF. This passenger ferry is popular though faces certain hindrances and frequent service break downs and on several occasions is disrupted by civil strife.

Getting Around

Airport and commercial taxis are available to the city (15 minutes for airport). A bus service to the city meets all flights. Fares are affordable.

Wildlife Safaris

Central African Republic boasts some of the world’s most amazing wildlife. The dry season is the best time for 4WD wildlife safaris. The three most important Central African Republic parks are Manovo-Gounda St Floris (famed for its high concentration of hippos); Bamingui-Bangoran in the north; and Dzanga-Sangha National Park in the southwest. The game population of these national parks is impressive and it attracts a handful of lucky safari travellers that search for gorillas and elephants especially Dzanga-Sangha. There is also an opportunity to spot gorillas in Bayanga.

Weather

Countrywide temps are warm punctuated with extreme humidity. High temperatures average between mid 80 and 90′s, especially in the northern parts. Low temps average in the high 60′s. The southern areas get excessively muddy and dominated by tropical rainforest. The rainy season come in April through October, and in the south rigorous flooding occurs. The north is much drier, with scanty rainfall of about 30 inches.

Places of Interest

• Enjoy the magnificent Boali Waterfalls, near the charming and picturesque village of Boali. The nearby hydroelectric power plant can also is also a popular tourist.
• A tour to the ancient megaliths of Bouar can be a rewarding trip.
• Do not miss visiting the Pygmies at Mongoumba
• On your Bangui city tour, visit the lively Central Market (renowned for its malachite necklaces), the Boganda Museum, the Arts and Crafts School, the cathedral and the Saint Paul Mission, whose small brick church overlooks the river, and the Hausa quarter.
• Venture to the astonishing Kembe Falls on the River Kotto in Bangassou near the Ubangi River on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Travel Warnings

HIV/AIDS is still spreading, and the country is seriously afflicted by destabilizing financial and social problems. Because it’s remote landlocked, there is a shortage of fast air access. This makes CAR an expensive destination to reach. We recommend that you have well in advance travel arrangements with established travel agents in the country.

Chad Holidays are marked with lots of excitement and celebration. Little known Chad offers a long list of holiday packages that any traveler to the country would enjoy with enthusiasm. Some of the prominent packages are listed here.

City Tours

Visit N’Djamena, a fascinating city on a day trip from your hotel and enjoy its impressive historical architecture, vibrant nightlife and brilliant shopping especially at its daily colourful market. Don’t miss a walk down to famous Abeche which lies 890 km east of the city. The place has an oriental charm with appealing mosques, paved narrow streets and ancient markets. The naivety of the place is proof that the old world of Chad has been well preserved through ages. Vacationers should be fascinated with the amazing landscape and architecture of the mosques. Educationists popularly visit the place to spot bullet holes in buildings of Chad’s chaotic times.

Trekking Tours

A trekking tour to the Tibesti Mountains is a rewarding tour. Hikkers find it interesting climbing to Emi Koussi, the highest peak of the range at 3,410m above sea level. Tibesti Mountains are celebrated for the interesting camel races hosted there. This exotic and unpopular game of Camels glues several visitors with fun.

The popular Lake Chad is another treasure of Chad. It was once the centre of Africa’s lucrative salt trade. The lake is composed of hippos and crocodile. Chad Safaris are popular to the lake where several holiday travellers come to watch the hippos and crocodiles in the lake. The lake is extensively appreciated by wildlife enthusiasts as they flood here between August and December.

Cultural Trips

Chad’s national Museum offers a great flash back of the ancient times. It houses a collection of the Sarh culture of the 9th century.

Adventure Holidays

For those wanting to know about the varieties of wildlife in Chad, the Zakouma National Park offers a wide range of jungle animals. The real reason tourists come to Zakouma National Park is for the elephants. It is a hot spot for nature enthusiasts. Tourists can hope to see massive flocks of elephants, giraffes and lions. The encounter of large numbers of elephants and other jungle animals in this park can be a charming experience.

Family Shopping

If you are looking for a bustling city atmosphere where culture abounds, N’Djamena one of the liveliest cities in Chad, will be sure to please. A daily colourful market, vibrant streets with vendors abound for some wonderful shopping and the city’s art galleries stocked with Chadian rugs and jewelery will give you a true sense of the local Chad culture. This is one stop you won’t want to miss, so get your passports now to experience this amazing city.

Our high recommendation is that you check with your Chad travel agent for assistance in arranging an all-inclusive holiday in the Country. ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS!

The beauty of this famous park is admirable and a great treat for visitors’ eyes. It is entirely surrounded by the Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve.

Zakouma National Park has been neglected during the period of civil conflict, but a restoration programme, supported by the EU in 1989 up to in 2006 brought life back. For example, elephant herds were substantial in number as recently as 1970 with an estimated population of 300,000; however, by 2007 the number had dwindled to about 10,000.

Flora and Fauna of Zakouma – The fauna of the Park includes 44 species of large mammals, and many species of birds. This exotic wildlife destination of Sarh is more important for a significant population of elephants. Other animals found in this park include giraffes, wildebeests, lions and a wide variety of antelopes and primates.

Birdlife

There are also many species of birds in Zakouma National Park. Apart from large mammals, travelers on Chad safaris can also regale in the rich diversity of bird species in the park. This natural park is one of the few places in Africa to host rare desert birds.

Adventure Safaris

The real reason tourists come to Zakouma National Park is for the elephants. It is a hot spot for nature enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit

The best time safari tour in the park is during the rainy season, when elephants begin to leave the park to avoid the muddy terrain, it is possible to see truly massive herds – sometimes up to 1,000 elephants at a time.

Visiting during the March and April season can also be perfect when the other animals gather around watering holes.

Chad Flag

Welcome to Chad

Chad is an independent landlocked nation found in North Central Africa. It is bounded by six countries; Cameroon, Central African Republic, Libya, Nigeria, Niger and Sudan.

N’Djamena is the capital and that offers great markets, interesting artisan goods and a thriving live music and bar scene but one of the most laid back cities of the world.

Chad travel leads you to a country which is dominantly a desert, dubbed “The Dead Heart of Africa”.

This north central African country may not be the most harmonious country to visit owing to the ongoing political turbulence, but has some interesting cities and places to visit with a thriving nightlife in the capital.

The country boasts a first-rate crafts industry flourishing with some exquisite camelhair carpets, exceptional leatherwear, embroidered cotton cloths, decorated calabashes, sculptures products and pottery.

PLACES TO VISIT

Chad has some interestingly inviting places to visit. The country’s beauty consists of its large mountains, valleys, plateaus and many more wonderful things. All these things make the country look like paradise. Some of them include;

• N’Djamena – the capital city. If you visit the city, be sure to take in the market, enjoy the local flavors and a joyous shopping spree. Other places of interest here include the Musée National and Grand Marché.
• Fada – A small oasis town nestled in a beautiful area with weird rock formations and several fascinating grottos containing cave paintings, most over 5000 years old.
• Zakouma National Park – the park is home to some rare wildlife species not common in many game reserves in Africa. Wildlife Tourists and adventure-seekers can have a field day as the reserve is abundant with activity. However wildlife here has greatly suffered at the hands of the poachers.
• Faya – One of the largest oasis towns of the world, located in the centre of the Sahara desert north of N’Djamena. Recommended only for the really adventurous.

Why not come for holiday in Chad and have some time to visit the places that are interesting in here. It is an appealing tourist beauty that can offer much to the adventurous traveler.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHAD

Find the best prices for Chad hotels, and other Chad accommodation options here.

There are several hotels situated in N’Djamena and prices should be able to be negotiated.

Be warned of moving with large sum of money especially in suspicious areas at night. There are threats of robberies.

GETTING THERE

There are several airlines with cheap Chad flights to get you to the country. Valid passports and visas are required for all those who wish to travel to Chad. Some of the visas may be obtained upon arrival, but it is a good idea to contact your embassy to seek advice on the best way to purchase one. WELCOME TO CHAD!

Chad Flights cover all-important personal services from good passenger service to great discounts on the air tickets bringing traveling to Chad, a great experience whether it is a holiday visit, honeymoon vacation, safari or a business trip.

Chad has two equally airports for domestic and international purposes- NDjamena International Airport and Abéché airport.

N’DJAMENA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (NDJ)

NDjamena International Airport is famed for being the busiest airport in the country when talking about the passenger inflow. This airport breathes life into the city making it connected to the rest of the world. The flights operating under this airport covers almost all important cities in the neighbouring countries, Africa and other major World cities. This airport benefits Chad by bringing visitors from the several parts of the world since it is the prime link of the country to the rest of the world.

ABÉCHÉ AIRPORT (AEH), located in Abéché city, Chad

Airlines Flying to Chad

Choose from individual international airlines that fly to airports in Chad. All of the airlines listed below fly to Chad.

• Toumai Air Tchad
• Afriqiyah Airways
• Delta Airlines (USA)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia)
• Interair South Africa (Zimbabwe)
• Air France (France)

Just like holiday makers looking for cheap Chad Hotels, similarly several travellers to Chad book their cheap flights to Chad online and save a lot of money on airfare and vacations. We highly recommend checking out as many of these sites as possible, compare prices, and then book your Chad flight.

Booking air tickets to Chad is just other simple way online. It is importance to ease down the hassles related to Chad air traveling. You will find that it is convenient and easy.

Congo Republic Flag

Discovering Congo

The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville is a country located in the central-western part of sub-Saharan Africa along the Equator in Central Africa. It is bounded by four countries; Gabon to the west, Cameroon and the Central African Republic to the north, and the Angolan exclave province of Cabinda to the southwest and east of it is the Democratic Republic of Congo It has a short Atlantic coast.

The capital, Brazzaville, is located on the Congo River, in the south of the country, immediately across from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The southwest of the country is a coastal plain for which the primary drainage is the Kouilou-Niari River; the interior of the country consists of a central plateau between two basins to the south and north. Forests are under increasing exploitation pressure.

This former French colony boasts a rich landscape of falls, swamps and rapids, with the northern country distinguished by huge tracts of virgin forest and an abundance of wildlife. The forest is also home to several indigenous tribes who have maintained their traditional way of life. The narrow sandy coastal plain is broken by lagoons, behind which rise the Mayombe Mountains.

Brazzaville hosts fascinating tourist appealing sights and places to explore plus the local musicians who enliven the atmosphere at night.

Venture onto the Congo Rapids attractive sights for waterskiing on rivers Congo and Kouillou while on your Congo Holidays.

Most Congo Republic flights are available with the national carrier Congo Airlines with services from Brazzaville to Pointe-Noire.

The Gambia Flag

Discovering The Gambia

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa located in West Africa. It’s bounded to the east, north and south by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Its borders roughly correspond to the path of the Gambia River, the nation’s namesake, which flows through the country’s center and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a size of about 10,500 sq km with an estimated population of 1,700,000. Banjul is the capital. It experiences a tropical climate with June to late November the warmest season.

The Gambia is one of the few African countries with a complete touristic appeal flourishing with a varied scenic landscape, featuring sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of Africa’s great waterways, dominates the country, and the nation’s wildlife parks and reserves as well as riverbanks attract countless ecotourists.

Gambia National parks harbour a diverse range of wildlife including monkeys, crocodiles, a small population of hippos and well over 500 bird species. If you are into eco-tourism, bird watching, or looking to go on safari, you can find it all here in As far back as the time of Hannon the Carthaginian in 470 BC, the River Gambia has attracted visitors to its magnificent estuary, and its meandering waterways. It is no different today. Several Gambia safaris are designed to give the Gambia travellers a good feel of country. There are Gambia wildlife guided-safari tours, river excursions as well as birding tours.

In the resort area near Banjul, friendly beach bars and restaurants are never more than a short stroll away. If you head further south to the wild stretches of Atlantic coast, you can walk for miles along empty sand.

A trip to the prehistoric Wassu Stone Circles can be an inspiring tour. Cultural visits to experience West African music and rural culture are also interesting especially in the up-country villages. The warm and relaxing Atlantic beach resorts lure big numbers of both local and distant vacationers for Gambia holidays. Our recommendation is that you have with you a film camera, sun tan lotion, insect repellent, and sunglasses, enough water to cooling for an interesting Gambia travel.

Comoros Flag

Discovering Comoros

Comoros is an archipelago island nation in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa, just on the northern tip of the Mozambique Channel between northeastern Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar.

As one of the world’s poorest and smallest countries, Comoros consists of four main islands of volcanic origin that are bounded by several coral reefs. They include Mayotte, Mwali, Ngazidja and Nzwani (notable for its spectacular waterfalls and abundant vegetation).

With a size of 1,862 sq km (excluding Mayotte), Comoros has a Population of 800,000 residents (2007 IMF estimate, excluding Mayotte)

The archipelago is notable for its diverse culture and history. Comorans speak Comoran, French and Arabic as the main languages. Islam is the state religion with a very small Roman Catholic minority community of about 0.5%.

Moroni its capital located on Grande Comore is a charming, peaceful town containing a few broad squares and modern government buildings, plus ancient narrow, winding streets and a lively market place. There are a number of fine mosques including the Vendredi Mosque, from the top of which there is an attractive view.

Comoros travel leads you to a touristic-appealing Island with a scenic beauty and varied vegetation. Adventurous travellers are popular visitors to magnificent Mount Karthala. They climb to the top and then descend into the crater of this active volcano; a crater is claimed to be the largest and still active. Overnight camping is common at the shelter usually provided

Itsandra, a fishing village 6km from Moroni, has a fine beach perfect for Comoros holidays where visitors get opportunities to witness inspiring cultural dances performed by the locals. The town was once the ancient capital of the island, complete with royal tombs and a fortress.

Most travelers here rarely miss visiting the hot sulphur springs at Lac Salé and a 14th-century village at Iconi. Mitsamiouli is another town in the north of the island prominent for its attractive diving facilities and for having the best Comoran dancers. It is a popular destination for foreign travellers on holiday on the Islands. Several other good holiday beaches excellent for scuba diving facilities are in Mahore town. Tourists may explore the lagoon claimed to be the largest in the world by dugout canoe.

Comoros hotels and resort offer 24 hour full-service lodging and recreational services which are geared towards vacation travelers offering a variety of food/beverage outlets, and offer an extensive range of recreational and entertainment programs. Comoros accommodation is also available with beach cottages, guesthouses and lodges. So you needn’t have accommodation worries. WELCOME TO COMOROS ISLANDS!

The Swazilan Flag

Discovering Swaziland

Swaziland also known as Ngwane is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bounded to the east by Mozambique and to the north, south and west by South Africa. The nation, as well as its people, is named after the 19th century king Mswati II.

Officially known as the kingdom of Swaziland, the country is under the monarchy of King Mswati III who was named after King Sobhuza II.

With a land area of only 17,364 sq km, Swaziland is the smallest independent state in Southern Africa whose eastern border is dominated by the scenic Lebombo Mountains.

Mbabane is the capital city with approximately 40,000 residents. This is a multifunctional city that doubles as the seat of Government administration as well as residential.

The kingdom of Swaziland has the Nguni-speaking people as its dominant group. SiSwati and English are the official languages spoken.

Other major towns include Hhohho, Lubombo, Manzini, Mbabane, Nhlangano, Shiselweni and Siteki.

Swaziland has its own spectacular and unique cultural values which attracts travelers both from Africa and abroad. Prominent is the Reed dance and the Incwala ceremonies amazing traditional events that the kingdom’s visitors speak of. These cultural ceremonies are the particular events that have spurred cultural tourism in the kingdom. They draw several cultural tourists when season comes.

Aside from culture, there is an abundance of tourist attractions in Swaziland. Adventure Swaziland holidays and entertainment abound in Swaziland’s towns. Scenic tours, day trips and overnight stays are easily arranged through Swaziland tour operators. Hlane National Royal Park, the largest and most prominent game park in the country covering a total area of 30,000 hectares is home to big numbers of  lions, elephants, rhinos and leopards. Several other animals including hippopotamus, giraffe, crocodile, blue wildebeests and many more are also found in the park. The park also offers amazing game viewing for tourists in comfortable open-roofed safari vehicles highly secure for visitors to roam in the area freely either on private of group guided Swaziland safaris.

There are numerous other places to tour and things to do for a vacation trip in Swaziland. Visit Maguga Dam for a water outing, it is situated between the Matsamo border post and Mbabane.

Getting There

Swaziland flights touch down at Matsapha international airport located few kilometers away from Manzini town. Swazi Express Airlines is one of the luxurious airlines which fly regular flights between Swaziland and the neighbouring cities of Durban and Maputo.

Togo Flag

Discovering Togo

Togo is a small country in West Africa. It is bounded by three countries; Ghana in the west, Benin in the east and Burkina Faso in the north and the Bight of Benin (Gulf of Guinea) in the south on which the capital Lomé is located.

Togo covers an area of approximately 56,785 sq km with a population of approximately 6.7 million and is composed of more than 20 ethnic groups. The two major groups are the Ewe in the South and the Kabye in the North.

Population distribution in the country is highly influenced by uneven soil and geographical variations. Settlement in Togo is dominantly concentrated in the south and along the major north-south routes connecting the coast to the Sahel.

The official language is French although several other languages are spoken, particularly those of the Gbe family. The largest religious group in Togo is those with indigenous beliefs, but there are significant Christian and Muslim minorities.

In the north the land is characterized by a gently rolling savanna in contrast to the center of the country, which is characterized by hills.

The south of Togo is characterized by a savanna and woodland plateau which reaches to a coastal plain with extensive lagoons and marshes.

Visit out Togo Safaris Page and discover a wide tourist potential that Togo offers.

WELCOME TO TOGO!

Senegal Flag

Discovering Senegal

Senegal is a country south of the Sénégal River in western Africa. It bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, in the North by Mauritania, in the East by Mali and in the South by Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Its southern region of Casamance shares a border with the Republic of The Gambia. It owes its name to the river that borders it to the East and North and that originates from the Fouta Djallon in Guinea.

Senegal covers a land area of about 197,000 sq km and has an estimated population of about 14 million people. The country experiences a tropical climate with two seasons; the dry and rainy season. With well-defined dry and humid seasons that result from northeast winter winds and southwest summer winds. Dakar is the capital city and is located at the westernmost point of the country and African continent on the Cap-Vert peninsula. It is a fresh city of more than 1.5 million residents boasting striking modern buildings and historical colonial structures. It is a vibrant city evident with lively open-air markets, cafes, a fun filled night life and a wide range of city hotels. The Senegal’s landscape consists mainly of the rolling sandy plains of the western Sahel which rise to foothills in the southeast. Here is also found Senegal’s highest point, an otherwise unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha at 584m. The northern border is formed by the Sénégal River; other rivers include the Casamance and Gambia Rivers.

Adventurous tours can be thrilling on Senegal resorts. Several sporting events can be arranged such as beach volleyball, aquatic sports and horseback riding. Popular Senegal Safari packages include bird watching trips, cultural tours to historical museums, sport tourism involving hunting & scuba diving, Ecotourism nature walks to natural sites, Senegal safaris to the six major game parks and reserves in Senegal where diversified fauna and flora is habituated.

For Senegal holidays, enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The reefs and cays of the coast are heaven for divers, holding out the promise of such extraordinary sightings of the underworld. You can discover Senegal by taking a walk along the ocean or the busy city streets. Art lovers will find an abundance of galleries, artists’ studios, museums, and festivals. Dakar is a shopper’s paradise and exquisite crafts can be found in markets, on the streets, and in stores everywhere.

For the sport enthusiast, the country and Dakar city in particular by the beach offers all water sports and golf, tennis, biking, and more. Senegal hotels are exceptional ranging from deluxe 4 star hotels and residences fully equipped with all amenities to cater for any budget size.

Sudan National Flag

Discovering Sudan

Sudan is a country in northeastern Africa. It shares borders with Egypt in the north, the Red Sea in the northeast, Eritrea and Ethiopia in the east, Kenya and Uganda in the southeast, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic in the southwest, Chad in the west and Libya in the northwest.

With an area of 2,505,810 sq km, Sudan is the largest African country with dominantly flat plains, punctuated by several mountain ranges with the Jebel Marra in the west as the most pronounced and the highest range. Several others ranges are distributed all over the country for instance; in the south is Mount Kinyeti Imatong (3,187 m) near the border with Uganda; in the east are the Red Sea Hills. Jebel Barkal Mountain in Nubia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The capital is Khartoum and is a multifunctional city. Omdurman is the country’s largest city. The country has a population of 42 million people. Sunni Islam is the official and largest religion. Arabic and English are the official languages.

Sudan is an abundantly gifted nation. It has several dams on the Blue and White Niles. Among them are the Sennar and Roseires on the Blue Nile, and Jebel Aulia Dam on the White Nile. There is also Lake Nubia on the Sudanese-Egyptian border.

Much as most of the country’s wildlife potential is not extensively exploited, Sudan ahs amazing wildlife especially desert animals. But of much concern it is widely threatened by hunting. The most endangered species include: the waldrapp, Northern White Rhinoceros, Tora Hartebeest, Slender-horned Gazelle, and hawksbill turtle. The Sahara Oryx has become extinct in the wild.

CAUTION!

Those interested in world wildlife and ecology should desist from transactions involving wild meat, stuffed crocodiles, ivory goods, and purses made from crocodile skin. Animals are being massacred in large numbers to provide these goods, and they are unfortunately on sale throughout the country and in Africa.

For the ardent shoppers on travel, ebony carvings are in plenty for sale here especially in the souqs at Omdurman and Khartoum as well as gold jewellery. In the town of Mellit in the west shoppers are exposed to attractive carpets and gorgeously designed pottery.

Visitors should have less accommodation worries. Major Cheap Sudan Hotels are in the Khartoum Area ready to host you.

Cultural tours and events are also gaining popularity; for instance during the holy celebrations of Eid Al-Fitr, it is typical to find Sudanese entertainment bands performing in cities and towns. Sudanese music is an enticing blend of Arabian and African, listening can be a pleasant experience. WELCOME TO SUDAN!

Sierra Leone Flag

Discovering Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa. It shares borders with Guinea in the north and northeast, Liberia in the south and southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The country has a total area of 71,740 sq km, divided into a land area of 71,620 sq km and water of 120 sq km.

The country is a former British Colony uses English as the official language at education institutions, business transactions, public administration and by the media.

With a population estimated at 5.2 million, Sierra Leone comprises of three provinces with the Western Area further divided into fourteen districts. In eastern Sierra Leone the plateau is interspersed with high mountains, where Mount Bintumani reaches 1,948 m, the highest point in the country.

Typically, Sierra Leone has a tropical climate with a diverse environment ranging from savannah to rainforests.

Freetown is the capital, economic hub and largest city of the country and rests on a coastal cloak situated next to the Sierra Leone Harbor, the world’s third largest natural harbour. The other major cities are Bo, Kenema, Koidu Town and Makeni.

Sierra Leone has one of the world’s largest deposits of rutile and home to the third largest natural harbour in the world, the Queen Elizabeth II Quay.

Guided birding safaris in the country can be thrilling especially at Yawri Bay. This coastal hub boasts rich tidal mudflats and mangroves, a cooler habitat to tens of thousands of rare bird species for a third of the year.

Wildlife safaris to Kangari Hills Forest Reserve especially for the bird enthusiasts are exceptionally captivating tours. The forest reserve which is part of a range of hills lies about 210km east of Freetown habouring wealthy forest wildlife community including forest and savanna dependent birds, chimpanzees and elephants. Kambui Hills Forest Reserve and the Tingi Hills in eastern Sierra Leone are also perfect natural destinations for forest walks.

Tingi Hills has the second highest peak in Sierra Leone, the Sankan Birriwa of an exceptionally scenic nature flourishing with rare game and plant species. It has an inspiring attractiveness to forest trekkers, hikers and nature conservationists.

Getting There

All travelers to Sierra Leone are required to have a valid passport or travel document. Citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) do not require a visa to enter the country. Direct Sierra Leone flights from Europe are available from London and Brussels with several international airlines. However, there are no direct flights to Sierra Leone from the US. One option is Royal Air Maroc from New York via Casablanca. Other regional Sierra Leone flights are available with KLM, ARIK AIR, Gambia Airlines, Elysian Airlines and Bellview Airlines. All international flights arrive at Freetown International Airport, Lungi. WELCOME TO SIERRA LEONE!

Somali Flag

Discovering Somalia

Somalia is a country found in the Horn of Africa. Africa’s easternmost country Somalia, shares borders with Djibouti in the northwest, Kenya in the southwest, the Gulf of Aden with Yemen in the north, the Indian Ocean in the east and Ethiopia in the west.

It has a land area of 637,540 sq km that extends into the tip of the continent (in resemblance to a rhinoceros’ horn); hence the name, “Horn of Africa”.

Somalia as a country has the longest coastline on the African continent whose landscape is dominated by varying highlands, plateaus and plains. Mogadishu is the capital.

Cal Madow is a mountain range in the northeastern part of the country. Extending from several kilometers west of the city of Bosaso to the northwest of Erigavo, it features Somalia’s highest peak, Shimbiris (2,410 m). The rugged east-west ranges of the Karkaar Mountains also lie at varying distances from the Gulf of Aden coast. War-torn Somalia experiences a year-round hot climate punctuated with seasonal monsoon winds and irregular rainfall.

In antiquity, Somalia was an important center for pyramidal structures, temples and ancient houses of dressed stone littered around Somalia are said to date from this period.

Despite suffering from civil strife and instability, Somalia has also managed to sustain a free market economy which, according to the World Bank outperforming some relatively stable countries in Africa.

Much as Somalia is a country with a troubled past, the government has stepped up stability-oriented efforts and is currently waging a military campaign with radical Islamic factions that refused to merge with the government and are backed by al-Qaeda.

Getting There

There are only two options regarding flight travel to and fro Somalia. Daallo Airlines is the only international carrier with Somalia flights (2-3 flights per week) from Djibouti. Juba Airways, a Somali airline is the other. It has operations to Mogadishu from Dubai, Bossaso and Jeddah. All international Flights to Somalia touch down at Aaden Cabdulle Cismaan International Airport which has been re-opened recently in late 2006. Our high recommendation is you will need to consult with your Somalia travel operators for guidance with where to stay, Somalia travel packages and best Flights to/from Somalia.

Niger Flag

Discovering Niger

Niger is a landlocked country located in West Africa along the boundaries of the Sahara and Sub-Saharan desert belts. Named after the Niger River, it shares borders with seven countries; Algeria and Libya in the north, Burkina Faso and Mali in the west, Nigeria and Benin in the south and Chad in the east.

The country covers a land area of about 1,270,000 sq km, of which 80% is the Sahara desert. The capital city is Niamey. The lowest point is the Niger River, with elevation of 200m while Mont Idoukal-n-Taghès in the Aïr Massif at 2,022 m is the highest point.

The country’s predominantly Islamic population of just above 15,000,000 is mostly clustered in the far south and west areas.

Niger remains limited to economic prosperity by its landlocked location, scanty resource base, arid topography plus the irritancy and poverty of its people, lack of infrastructure and environmental degradation.

Niger is an independent, democratically governed republic that lies to the north of Nigeria. Much of the country lies within the Sahara Desert belt, and forms part of the landlocked West African Region. French official language is although a number of other African languages are also spoken.

Getting There

All International flights to Niger touch down at Niamey and Agades airports. International Airlines with Niger Flights are Air Afrique and Air France. Several regional airports with domestic flights within the country are available at Arlit, Diffa, Tahoua and Zinder.

All visitors into the country are required to have visas with exception of nationals from, Scandinavian countries and European Union, as well as West and North African states.

Our high recommendation ahead of your Niger travel is that you get in touch with recognized Niger tour operators concerning Hotel arrangements, adventurous Niger Safaris and cheap Niger Flights especially if you are traveling for the first time.

WELCOME TOP NIGER!

Zimbabwe Flag

Discovering Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern Africa between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It shares borders with four countries; Mozambique in the east, South Africa in the south, Zambia in the northwest and Botswana in the southwest.

Three official languages namely English, Shona and Ndebele (both Bantu languages) are used in Zimbabwe. The major cities are Harare, the capital, Beitbridge, Bulawayo, Chinhoyi, Gweru, Kariba, Kwekwe, Masvingo, Mutare, Nyanga and Victoria Falls.

Most of the country’s Eastern region has a series of mountainous areas near the border with Mozambique. The highest peak in Zimbabwe, Mount Nyangani at 2,593 m (8,507 ft) is located here as well as the Bvumba Mountains and the Nyanga National Park.

Zimbabwe boasts several major tourist attractions especially spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular waterfalls on Zambezi River in the north west of Zimbabwe and shared with Zambia. This world treasure is so popular with Zimbabwe Safaris.

Highly recommended Zimbabwe tours are to Victoria Falls National Park and Hwange National Park two of the eight main Zimbabwe National Parks. These parks are home to an amazing variety of rare local Wildlife.

Trekking tours to the Eastern Highlands of the country are interesting. These are a series of mountainous ranges near the border with Mozambique. Hiking to the peak of Mount Nyangani at 2,593m and the Bvumba Mountains have on several occasions turned out to be the most rewarding tours for travelers to Southern Africa.

Zimbabwe is unusual in Africa. It has a number of ancient ruined cities built in a unique dry stone style like the famous ruins in Masvingo. Other ruins include Khami Ruins, the Zimbabwe, Dhlo-Dhlo and Naletale. These tourist potentials have become inspiring tourist attractions to the current generations for the Zimbabwe Tourism sector due to their ancient structure.

Zimbabwe Flights are not popular as several airlines have pulled out operations. Airlines such as Qantas, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines were among the first to pull out and most recently British Airways suspended all direct flights to Harare. The country’s flagship airline Air Zimbabwe still flies to the United Kingdom. We recommend that you liaise with Zimbabwe tour operators for guidance with Hotel accommodations, exciting Zimbabwe Safaris and Flights for a memorable Zimbabwe Tour.

Ivory Coast Flag

Ivory Coast or Côte d’Ivoire is a country of western sub-Saharan Africa in West Africa. It shares borders with Liberia and Guinea in the west, Burkina Faso and Mali in the north, Ghana in the east, and the Atlantic Ocean in the south.

The country covers an area of 322,460 sq km with a population standing at 20,617,068 million (2009 est.). Several local languages are spoken in the country including Baoulé, Dioula, Dan, Anyin and Cebaara Senufo; but French is the official language. Côte d’Ivoire became independent on 7 August 1960.

The main religions are Islam, Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic) and various indigenous religions.

Guinea Bissau Flag

Discovering Guinea-Bissau

The Republic of Guinea-Bissau is a small coastal country located in West Africa just to the South of Senegal. It is bounded by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south and east, with the Atlantic Ocean to its west.

Guinea-Bissau which was once part of the Gabu kingdom of the Mali Empire has a size of 36,125 sq km.

Although a relatively small country, Guinea-Bissau has enough to offer to its visitors. The beaches and wildlife in this small is exceptional; the original West African traditions and Portuguese colonial remains still stand out as prime attractions to tourists.

Guinea-Bissau safaris to the coast lead you to established fishing villages surrounded by forests, although further inland the country gets barren and dusty.

For adventurous travellers who may opt to go off the beaten track, Guinea-Bissau has a lot going for it.

This former Portuguese colony, neighboured by mainly former French colonies has a unique, laid back character treatment for those traveling through West Africa. Although there are beautiful beaches, fantasy tropical islands, and fishing and hunting, the main attraction in Guinea-Bissau is its industrious people. The country is just recovering from a war.

Several water mammals are also available. The Turtles, sharks, manatees, and a very special and very rare form of hippopotamus that lives mostly in salt-water can all be seen here.

No trip to Africa is complete without a vacation holiday. Guinea-Bissau is also not exceptional. The country’s immaculate coastline beaches offer perfect spot for rejuvenation. Of late, the country has had a refurbishment of its hotels to match the expectations of its visitors. Therefore, Guinea-Bissau travelers needn’t worry any more about where to stay.

Guinea Flag

Discovering Guinea

Guinea, sometimes referred to as Guinea-Conakry is a country in West Africa. It shares with six countries; Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Mali in the north;and in the south with Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Niger River is the principal and  dominant water body in the country and runs across the mainland eastwards.

If you have been thinking of a West African trip for some time, then, Guinea tour is a must for you. Travel to Guinea, a country of exceptional tourist beauty beaming with countless wonders. This scenic Central West African country has warm welcoming industrious people and very hospitable. Guinea is 85% Muslim.

Conakry is the capital and by far the largest city of Guinea. Situated on the coast of the North Atlantic Ocean this is an important port and the hub of the country’s economy. Visitors to Guinea will arrive here and may want to spend a few days in the city. There are some good hotels here, including names like Novotel.

It is a multifunctional city with most government administrative roles performed here; it is also an education centre with most institutions located here. The other city attractions include the largest mosque in West Africa.

A cultural tour to Guinea leads you to a country where you expect to see the African culture at its finest. Inhabitants of this country of contrasts can easily mingle with their foreign visitors. In fact, you would feel quite like home with Guineans.

Guinea food will charm you with its wide variety and aromas. Try out the local flavors as they are delicately prepared just for you.

For your  Guinea travel, you needn’t to worry about where to stay as the country has numerous high class hotels. Guinea music is another thing that you must not miss during your stay. It is a blend of regional and popular music. You can also go on safari ride to experience the wide variety of wildlife in the country.

The country has an amazing variety of flora and fauna to interest you. It is why Guinea Safaris have become popular of late in the region. If you wish to holiday in a natural serene setting for memorable vacation at awesome costs, Guinea would serve you for perfect holiday choice.

Madagascar Flag

Discovering Madagascar

Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean 500km off the coast of Mozambique in southeastern Africa. It is ringed by several much smaller beaches and palm trees flourishing with an interior that is dazzling in its variety, from grassy plateaus to volcanoes and opaque forests and natural reserves.

Madagascar has a size of 587,041 sq km with a total population 19.4 million residents (CIA estimate 2007. The official languages spoken are Malagasy and French although other local dialects are also spoken. Antananarivo is the capital with a Population 1.5 million people (2003 estimate). The main religions are Malagasy mythology (52%) and Christianity (41%). Islam is so insignificant.

Geographically Madagascar is gifted with so much natural beauty. A central chain of high mountains, the Hauts Plateaux, occupies a bigger portion of the main island and is attributed for the several ethnic, climatic and scenic differences between the east and west coasts.

The Island’s highest peak, Maromokotro rises up to 2,876m in the Tsaratanana Massif, is located in the far north of the country. The Ankaratra Massif is in the central area south of the capital Antananarivo and hosts the third highest mountain on the island, Tsiafajavona, with an altitude of 2,642m. Further south is the Andringitra massif which has several peaks over 2,400m including the second and fourth highest peaks, Pic Imarivolanitra (2,658m).

For nature enthusiasts, the coastal strip east of this chain of high mountains is heavily forested, while the west is mainly savannah. Travelers and vacationers from all over the world visit these charming Islands quite in good number to have a glimpse of these highlands.

Much of Madagascar’s flora and fauna is unique to the island. There are 3,000 endemic species of butterfly; the many endemic species of lemurs fill the niches occupied elsewhere by animals as varied as racoons, monkeys, marmots, bushbabies and sloths.

Madagascar Safaris bring you to home of about 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, of which more than 80% are endemic to the Islands such as the lemur infraorder of primates, the several baobab species and the carnivorous fossa.

For the Madagascar holidays, the Island has numerous honeymoon and vacation spots that attract a number of newly wed couples. There are many things that will surely make your Madagascar honeymoon tours, the most cherished moment in your life.

Mauritania Flag

Discovering Mauritania

Mauritania is a country found in North Africa and shares borders with Mali in the east, Algeria in the northeast and Senegal in the southwest. In the west, it is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean while in the north by the Western Sahara (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic).

Mauritania derives its name from the Roman province of Mauretania. It has a population of about 3.3 million people.

This generally little-known Saharan country consists of mainly vast Saharan plains of sand and scrub. Majority of its land is barren dominated with sand dunes although in some patches the land rises to rocky plateaux with deep ravines leaving isolated peaks. Its capital and largest city is Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast with about 600,000 residents.

Though said to be one of the world’s poorest countries, a Mauritania is a fascinating country of contrasts.

A Mauritania travel will bring you close to the tribe that survives through a symbiotic relationship with wild dolphins between Nouakchott and Nouâdhibou.

For the ardent adventurous, a safari tour to the country’s 800km sandy coastline devoid of most vegetation but supporting an astonishingly large and varied population of birds is extremely mesmerizing. It is highly recommended that nature and bird enthusiasts have a stopover at Parc National du Banc d’Arguin have a glimpse of the seasonal migrating birds from Europe. It is also exceptionally exciting. The mountains in the Adrar region are amazing to trek.

Deep inside the mountain pass of Homogjar to Chinguetti, is a holy city of Islam founded in the 13th century – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the ancient capital of a Berber empire -Tagdawst, near Tamchakett, has been identified as ‘Aoudaghost’.

First time travelers to Mauritania, you may desire to have desert drives in 4-wheel drive vehicles to Adrar plateau (500m) in the centre and Tagant (600m) southwards where you will come across scattered towns, small villages and oases.

The northern bank of the Senegal River, which forms the country’s southern border, is the only area in the country with permanent vegetation and it supports a wide variety of desert wildlife. Mauritania Holidays trips are also becoming popular especially along the desert beaches in the west and near Nouâdhibou. They offer good spots for sport fishing, swimming and wind surfing.

Malawi Flag

Discovering Malawi

Malawi is a southern African country and shares borders with three countries; Zambia in the west; Mozambique in the east and southwest and in the north and northeast with Tanzania. Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa is the country’s dominant and greatest asset. It forms the eastern boundary with neighbours Tanzania and Mozambique.

A Malawi travel experience is a moment of contrasts: It is exposes the country’s visitors to an array of outstanding landscapes, barren plains Lush tropical forests, captivating wildlife, busy modern city streets, the glamorous Lake Malawi plus a rich culture spiced with beating African drums.

Malawi Tourist Attractions are central to any Malawi Safaris. Malawi is blessed with a wealthy diversity of flora and fauna and has no less than nine national parks and wildlife reserves in particular Lake Malawi NP, Liwonde NP, Lengwe NP, Kasungu NP and Nyika National Park – Malawi’s jewels with exceptional wildlife viewing on its rolling grassland plateau. It is popular for its great concentration of leopards. These national parks provide captivating and exclusive wildlife and game viewing in the most unspoilt wilderness settings.

For the bird watchers, birding in the country is another mouth-watering experience because of the fantastic variety of birds (over 650 recorded species) spread across the different landscapes.

For the more adventurous, the country’s added pride derives from its massive diversity of beautiful landscapes. The highest peaks in Malawi rise up to3 000m while the lowest point is barely above sea level. This range of altitudes in a small area help to make the landscape of Malawi one of the moist varied in all Africa.

A Beach holiday to Lake Malawi first “discovered” by explorer Dr David Livingstone is an embracing holiday experience which brings mysterious memories. This vast body of freshwater fringed by beaches of golden sand is not only a scenic wonderland but it provides water sport opportunities for those looking for something beyond sun, sand and swimming.

First time travelers here, you needn’t worry where to stay. Malawi holidays feature superb accommodations with superior facilities and incredible cuisine in a serene setting.

Important to note also is that most Malawi Safaris are awfully weather dependent. Plan your Malawi tour with guidance of our Best Time to Visit Malawi Page.

Congo DRC Flag

The Democratic Republic of Congo is situated at the heart of the west-central portion of sub-Saharan Africa. It is the third largest country (2,345,408 sq km) and the fourth most populous nation in Africa with a population more than 68 million people. Congo drc shares borders with the Central African Republic and Sudan to the north; Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi in the east; Angola and Zambia in the south; the Congo Republic in the west; and is separated from Tanzania by Lake Tanganyika in the east.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has unique qualities over many other African destinations. It is the most biodiverse African country. Its rainforests alone contain great biodiversity, including many rare and endemic species, such as the common chimpanzee and the bonobo (Pygmy Chimpanzee), the forest elephant, mountain gorilla, okapi and white rhino.

Five of the country’s national parks are listed as World Heritage Sites including the Garumba, Virunga National Parks, Salonga, Kahuzi-Biega and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Congo is also the only country in the world in which bonobo are found in the wild.

There is a multitude of safari excursions designed to give the country’s visitors to a good feel of the country. There are land-based safaris, river trips, trekking tours and expert-guided excursions. Many of the Congo drc safaris are conducted in the forested areas especially in the Northeastern lowland forests which are one of the richest concentrations of primates in the world; others take place in the highlands such as Mount Nyamulagira.

There are safari style tours up country mostly along the Congo River or on many of its tributaries- you can take a ride down the River. One cruise boat makes a voyage of 1750 km down the Congo River to eastern Kinshasa; visiting the country’s historical sites is also a rewarding experience.

Congo drc Tourists needn’t worry about where to stay. The accommodation infrastructure such as hotel, camps lodges and inns have greatly improved especially in the tourist destinations; Congo drc Hotels in particular provide good, basic accommodation and an excellent base to explore the country. For instance popular Orchids Safari Club Hotel on the banks of Lake Kivu has some of the best gorilla watching in The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Congo drc welcomes you to a place where any adventurous traveller would wish to have best opportunity to see nature’s richness in one destination.

Eritrea Flag

Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Ethiopia in the south; Djibouti in the southeast; in the east by the Red Sea; and in the north-west by Sudan.

Much as the country is quite small (118,000 sq km), it is surprisingly diverse and is virtually bisected by one of the world’s longest mountain ranges, formed by the processes that formed the Great Rift Valley, with fertile lands to the west, descending to desert in the east.

Tigre, Tigrinya and Arabic are the most extensively used languages in the country. The Muslim faith is the most dominant religion. The total estimated population of Eritrea is 5 million residents.

Eritrea’s main cities are the capital city of Asmara (also the largest) and the port town of Asseb in the southeast, as well as the seaport towns of Massawa to the east, and Keren to the north. Other towns include Akordat, Dekemhare, Nak’fa, and Teseney.

Eritrea is a charming and energetic country with lots to offer visitors, including the ancient Eritrean historical monuments, the renaissance beauty and fashion metropolis cities.

Geographically, Eritrea’s land is highly variegated. Running on a north-south axis through the middle of the country are the central highlands, a narrow strip of country some 2,000 m above sea level that represents the northern reaches of the Ethiopian Plateau. The upper layers have been highly dissected by deep gorges and river channels, forming small steep-sided, flat-topped tablelands known as ambas. The highest point in the plateau is Mount Soira, at 9,885 ft.

Discover more about Eritrea from our Eritrean tourist information page, Eritrea tour operators, tourist attractions in Eritrea, Eritrea holidays, Eritrea Safari tours and Eritrea nightlife.

Equatorial Guinea Flag

Equatorial Guinea is a country located in west central Africa and it is the continent’s third smallest country with a surface area of 28,000 sq km. Equatorial Guinea comprises of two major land territories i.e.: the Continental Region (Río Muni) with three small offshore islands of Corisco, Elobey Grande and Elobey Chico; and an insular region composed of the Annobón and Bioko islands (formerly Fernando Po). The country’s capital is Malabo and is located on Bioko islands of the insular region.

Equatorial Guinea is equally bordered by Cameroon on the north, Gabon on the south and east, and the Gulf of Guinea on the west, where the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is located between Bioko and Annobón.

With a population of 1,014,999, Equatorial Guinea is considered one of the most prosperous African Countries. Spanish is the official language.

Despite its name, no part of Equatorial Guinea’s territory lies on the equator. The whole country lies within the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests ecoregion except for patches of Central African mangroves on the coast, especially in the Muni River estuary. It has a luscious vegetation and picturesque scenery of dense tropical forests and snow-capped volcanoes offering attractive spot for safaris and nature walks.

The capital is an attractively perfect town for Malabo city tours. Malabo Travel leads you to a relatively small town but glowing with fascinating Spanish colonial architecture, a remarkable volcanic backdrop and a charming market in the centre. The white-sand beaches around the islands are astonishing destinations for Equatorial Guinea holidays. No wonder the country was first of all named ‘Formosa’, meaning ‘beautiful’, by the Portuguese.

Beach Holidays in Equatorial Guinea are also non exceptional. Bask on Arena Blanca, the only white beach on Bioko Island. During the dry season, thousands of butterflies can be seen.

Highly recommended is an adventure trip to Bata, the focus town in Rio Muni region on the mainland. The town is lively booming with restaurants, fun filled bars, good city hotels and shopping venues.

An Equatorial Guinea vacation tour of Moca town situated in the Moca valley in the southern highlands will enable you meet and appreciate the living ways of the Bubi – the Bioko Island occupants. Welcome to Equatorial Guinea, home away from home!

Djibouti Flag

Djibouti is a country found in the Horn of Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea in the north; Ethiopia in the southwest and in the southeast by Somalia. The remainder of the border is formed by the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. With a land area of 23,151sq km, Djibouti is mainly a barren strip of land around the Gulf of Tadjoura, varying in width and with a dominantly white sandy 300 km coastline stretch. Inland is the semi-desert and desert, with scattered plateaus, thorn bushes, and grasslands plus volcanic mountain ranges.

Geographically Djibouti lies in Northeast Africa on the Gulf of Aden at the southern entrance to the Red Sea – a geological feature known as the Afar Triangle – one of the hottest and most desolate places on Earth. Part of the Great Rift Valley system, it is a block of flat desert stretching into the Ethiopian Massif.

This former French colony which became self governing in 1977 is dominated by the Muslim community (94%). Other minority religions are Roman Catholic, Protestant and Greek Orthodox. The official languages are Arabic and French. Afar and Somali are spoken locally. English is spoken mostly by those active in the tourism and other service sectors such as hoteliers, tour operators, safari agents, in business transactions and flights.

Highly recommended safari tours to the country will introduce you to amazing attractions such as the Tropical Aquarium with underwater exhibits from the Red Sea and the beautiful Presidential Palace.

Nature and birdlife enthusiasts should visit the wilderness around Lake Abbé a spot of strange natural steaming chimneys popular with thousands of flamingoes and pelicans. You may tour the several dormant volcanoes and lava fields and Lake Assal in the southwest of Djibouti city. Shopping tours are common into the lively Central Market near the Mosque.

Djibouti honeymooners will also go without miss. The country has a coastline that boasts an inviting atmosphere with immaculate beaches at Doralé and Khor-Ambado (about 15km from Djibouti); as well as Ghoubet al Kharab which has black-lava cliffs. These beaches offer perfect destinations for vacation trips and Djibouti holidays. They host numerous safari activities such as safe swimming, diving and snorkelling.

Another wonderful spot is the Gulf of Tadjoura suitable for sport fishing and underwater photography because of its several fish species and corals.

The season running from September to May usually is the best time for Djibouti travel and safari vacations as the waters of the Red Sea are clear. Waterskiing and windsurfing are also popular sporting events here.

Chad Flag

The Republic of Chad is a landlocked country located in north central Africa. It is bounded by 6 countries; Libya to the north, the Central African Republic to the south, Niger to the west, Cameroon and Nigeria to the southwest; and Sudan to the east. It covers a total land area of 1,284,000 sq km and N’Djamena which lies1060 km from the nearest seaport of Douala is its capital and largest city. Arabic and French are the official languages. Islam and Christianity are the dominant religions.

Geographically, Chad is divided into three major distinct regions namely; the desert zone in the north, an arid Sahelian belt in the centre and a productive southern savanna zone.

Lake Chad (330,000 sq km) (named after the country) is the largest water body and also Africa’s second largest wetland.

Sometimes referred to as the “Dead Heart of Africa”, dusty Chad is an exceptionally friendly country whose capital is a laid-back city featuring amazing attractions such as the Central Market-a lively daily market, with memorable shopping experiences and naturally crafted African products such as Chadian rugs and African jewellery. The country is also home of Toubou, the fiercest tribe in Africa.

Chad Safaris also enable you catch a glimpse of some of the most fascinating camel racing in the world.

One attractive feature for holiday travellers to Chad is the Emi Koussi, an inactive volcano in the Tibesti Mountains that goes up to 3,414 m above sea level; and doubles as the highest point both in Chad and the Sahara. Tibesti Mountains is another feature with a striking backdrop of sub-Saharan. These mountain ranges offer exciting experiences for adventure excursions and hiking tours in Chad.

Getting There

There are several access routes from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Niger and Nigeria to Chad. To Cameroon, boats ply across the Logone River border, which flows into Lake Chad. Access from Nigeria is via a sliver of northern Cameroon. There is a road from N’Djaména via Sarh to the Central African Republic. There is an access road from N’Djaména to Maidguri in Niger. International Flights with airlines such as Air France, Cameroon Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines etc, touch down at N’Djaména Airport (NDJ)- the main airport which lies 4km northwest of the city centre.

Central African Republic Flag

The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. This country of staggering exceptional natural beauty is neighboured by Chad in the north, Sudan in the east, the DR Congo and the Republic of the Congo in the south and Cameroon in the west. The CAR covers a land area of about 622,941 sq km and has an estimated population of about 4.4 million residents (2008 Est.). The capital city is Bangui.

Geographically, much of the country comprises of rolling plateau savanna, about 500m above sea level, of which most of the northern half lies within the World Wildlife Fund’s East Sudanian savanna ecoregion.

Dominantly the southern border is covered by streams of River Congo, with the Mbomou River in the east joining with River Uele and forming the Ubangi River. The eastern border lies along the edge of the Nile river watershed. In the west, River Sangha flows through part of the country. Because the country is well watered, it generally experiences a tropical climate.

Present-day capital, Bangui is so popular with adventurous travellers. The city is built on a rock, shaded by tropical greenery; watered by River Ubangi and features many modern architectural buildings. Places of interest for tours include the lively Central Market (renowned for its malachite necklaces), the Boganda Museum, the Arts and Crafts School, the cathedral and the Saint Paul Mission, whose small brick church overlooks the river, and the Hausa quarter.

Other top attractions in the country aside from the Bangui attractions include the Chutes De Boali (a series of spectacular waterfalls); the Dzanga-Sangha National Park popular for its gorilla concentration; Bamingi Bangoro National Park; St. Floris National Park; Andre Felix National Park. These wildlife conservation areas are home to forest elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos plus several other animals. One of the lowland gorilla’s last habitats is found in the rainforests of the south and offers a perfect destination for Central African Republic safaris.

Getting There

CAR can be accessed by border crossings from most of its neighbours. For Cameroon (popular crossing point is in Garoua-Boulaï town); Chad (main crossing at Sido, on the route to Sarh); Congo (by riverboat between Bangui and Brazzaville); DR Congo (Main border crossing is over the Oubangui River from Bangui to Zongo); Sudan (The route from Bangui to Juba, via Obo).  The main airlines serving the country include Benin Golf Air, Cameroon Airlines, Air France and Sudan Airways. Main Airport is Bangui M’Poko. Several other flight connections are also available from Cameroon, Benin and Gabon.

Burundi Flag

Burundi is a landlocked country located in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa. It’s bounded by Tanzania to the east and south, Rwanda to the north and the DR Congo to the west. It has a size of just less than 28,000 sq km with an estimated population of about 8,700,000 people. The capital city is Bujumbura.

Geographically, Burundi is part of the Albertine Rift, the western extension of the Great Rift Valley. The country lies on a rolling plateau in the center of Africa. The average elevation of the central plateau is 1,707m, with lower elevations at the borders. The highest peak, Mount Heha at 2,685 m, lies to the southeast of Bujumbura.

Burundi experienced unrest similar to that of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide and also managed to quell other uprisings in 2005 following the first ever-democratic elections, though suspicions are still rife among the various groups constituting the government and rebel forces.

Burundi travel leads you to a country endowed with some of nature’s most preferred equatorial climatic conditions predicted to be brought by Lake Tanganyika on the southwestern border.

Burundi boasts some of nature’s best-kept secrets from which it has derived its unique identity as “The Switzerland of Africa“. These include rare flora and fauna, good soils that have sustained its primary sector agriculture plus the amazing Mount Heha.

Wildlife; Burundi is home to an astonishing array of Wild animals and bird life. The country has established national parks in four main regions;  Rusizi National Park, Kigwena-Rumonge Forest National Park, The Congo-Nile Ridge Park, Mwishanga Forest National Park and the Kibira Forest National park so popular for its gorilla population. The game population of these national parks is impressive, although the activities of poachers have led to a considerable decrease in recent years – elephants and rhinos being the worst affected species.

Despite these mishaps, the national parks have continued to enhance the country’s natural beauty to the delight of nature lovers, safari travelers, researchers and environmentalists.

The dry season offers the perfect time for Burundi safaris. Take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and come for a life time trip where you are assured to spot some of Africa’s rare wildlife species.

The other major attraction in Burundi is the Chutes De Boali that has a series of spectacular waterfalls.

Ethiopia Flag

Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. Officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is the second-most populous country in Africa with over 79.2 million residents; with a total land area of 1,100,000 sq km.

Popularly known as one of the oldest countries in the world, Ethiopia is bounded by 5 countries; Sudan to the west, Eritrea to the north, Kenya to the south, Djibouti to the northeast and Somalia to the east. The country boasts about 100 different ethnic groups with the two largest being the Oromo and the Amhara, both of which speak Afro-Asiatic languages.

The capital city is Addis Ababa and is situated in the foothills of Mount Entoto at an elevation of around 2,400 m. Other major cities of Gondar and Axum are also located at elevations of about 2,000-2,500m above sea level.

Ethiopia experiences a predominantly tropical monsoon type of climate with wide topographic-induced variation. But being a highland country, it generally considerably cooler than other regions at similar proximity to the Equator.

Geographically, Ethiopia is a vast highland complex of mountains and dissected low land plateaus and separated by the Great Rift Valley which extends from southwest to northeast surrounded by lowlands, steppes, or semi-desert; it also has stunning waterfalls and volcanic hot springs.

The country is also home to an astonishing array of Wild animals and bird life in its National Parks of Awash, Mago, Omo NP, Nechi Sar and Semien Mountains, an evident testimony of the extensive wildlife safaris today in Ethiopia.

The largest cave in Africa is also located in Ethiopia at Sof Omar; Dallol one of the hottest places year-round anywhere on Earth is also located here.

The Adventurous travellers can opt to go hiking on Mount Entoto in Addis Ababa; climbing Simien Mountains’ Ras Dashan – the fourth highest peak in Africa also offers a great trekking experience. Ethiopia safaris are indeed satisfying excursions with this wide range of attractions. (Ethiopia holds the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa)

Ethiopian Airlines is the country’s national airlines and is one of the most reputable airlines in Africa. Bole International Airport is the country’s principal airport located in the capital. It handles several international flights by numerous airlines like Lufthansa, Sudan Airways, Kenya Airways, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airways and Emirates.

Ethiopia hotels offer a wide range of accommodation for any budget size, so you needn’t worry about where to stay if you are here for holiday. There is easily accessed popular luxurious Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa, the capital for first time travellers.

Official Name: Republic of Cameroon

Capital: Yaoundé with 1,400,000 residents

Total Population: 17,341,000

Languages: French & English (official)

Currency: CFA Franc

Religions: Christian, Islam, traditional beliefs

Size: 465,400 sq km

GETTING THERE

Douala is the largest city in Cameroon, although not the capital. Douala International Airport (DLA) is the main airport in Cameroon, with flights from London, Paris, etc. The capital is served by the Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) is 25km from the city. Taxis are also available.

ATTRACTIONS

In Yaoundé, the places to visit are; The Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art Cameroonais, the Yaoundé National Museum

• Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun
• Bafut Fon’s Palace
• Foumban market
• Musee du Palais
• Dja Faunal Reserve – World Heritage Site
• Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West Africa
• Go to the beach in Limbé and Londji beach in Kribi.
• Go Rhumsiki, village of the Kirdi people, whose customs include crab sorcery. The village is a maze of paths connecting small farms called Kapsiki.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS TO:

• Bénoué National Park
• Waza National Park
• Bouba Ndjidah National Park
• Kalamaloué Reserve
• Campo Game Reserve

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Cameroon is between November to February, when it is cool and dry. A damper during this time is the Harmattan, the wind that tends to blow up a dust storm between December and February, colouring the skies a dusty grey.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

All visitors to Cameroon require a visa.

BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS

It may be sensible to use a tour operator than to do it on your own.

MONEY MATTERS

Cameron uses the Central Africa CFA Franc, XAF. Banknotes are in denominations of XAF500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 while coins are in denominations of XAF1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 250. Banking hours are from 7:30am – 11:30am and 3:00pm – 4:00pm from Mondays to Thursday, and 7:30am-11:30am and 3:30pm-5:00pm on Fridays.

Some routes are quite tricky and usually necessitate hiring an expert guide to help in establishing the right path. Mount Cameroon treks are very enjoyable but only if there is a proper guide who can assist at each and every step.

If someone is going to Safari Mount Cameroon, it is important to dress up in light clothes as well as to take appropriate trekking equipments.

Best Trekking Season

November to December is the best season to enjoy Mt. Cameroon trekking tours. It is the perfect time for climbers who want to trek privately and quietly. It is the low traffic trekking season. During this period however there are very little chances of snow and the weather conditions are quite favorable. Comparatively, it is really a wonderful time to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains.

The season from June to October is the prime time for those who prefer enjoying trekking with external companion. In this season, one can easily find any other partner or companion to share the expenses. One can also join any group of trekkers. It is the peak season and the flow of visitors is always high at this time.

SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY PACKAGES

Going on holiday in South Africa right after a stressful season say a wedding can be a hard puzzle to find answers for. What nobody bothers to tell you is that adventurous holidays can be and are a reality. Many options may be put before you for consideration. Guideforafrica offers you a wide selection of South Africa holiday packages to enable quick decision. Important to know is that most holiday trips here are awfully weather dependent

Safari Holidays

There are quite a number of distinct advantages of holiday making here and the first is the abundance of wildlife. Safari trips in SA game reserves and forests offer an interesting holiday experience. Table Mountain National Park is one widely sought destination popular with the adventurous holidaymakers in the country. Game Reserves on our South Africa Safari holidays are all set in outstanding landscapes, and many of them (Reserves) feature superb accommodation, superior facilities and incredible cuisines for spiced vacation tours.

Family Holidays

South Africa is a land of unparalleled beauty so whether your idea of a romantic getaway is you and your family frolicking on the white beaches while enjoying scenery, the choices are there.

We recommend a visit to Garden Route known as South Africa’s Eden, the famous Garden Route traverses an area rich in natural beauty and charm, attracting adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Honeymoon Holidays

South Africa has a cemented status as one of the top ranking destinations to celebrate honeymoon in Africa. Establishing its reputation as honeymooner’s paradise, the country has gained recognition in World Leisure Tourism. SA has numerous of honeymoon spots that attract a number of newly wed couples here. There are many things that will surely make your South Africa honeymoon tours, the most cherished moment in your life. There are lakes to sensitize the honeymoon couples, shimmering backwaters which are excitedly cherished by the lovers.

And More to See

A trip here is a mouth-watering experience because of its breathtaking beauty, rich culture and diverse attractions. The country has some of the oldest archaeological sites in the world. Extensive fossil remains at the Makapansgat, Sterkfrontein and Kromdraai caves suggest that different Australopithecines existed in South Africa.

The country also takes pride in its vast Game Reserves where it’s possible to get close up to the “Big Five. There is chance to view in abundance amazing animals like Cheetahs, Crocodiles, Rhinos elephants, giraffes, hyenas and lions in their natural habitat on one safari. A game drive at morning or dusk is one of life’s great experiences.

TOP SOUTH AFRICA HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Cape Town

Affectionately known as the ‘mother city’, Cape Town lies in the arms of Table Mountain- one of the world’s most identifiable landmarks. A “Must visit” once for holiday in South Africa. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a harmonious blend of architectural styles for instance the Victorian and Edwardian buildings that have been meticulously preserved plus many examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

Johannesburg

South Africa’s pulsating African heartbeat is felt in the ‘City of Gold’ with its endless opportunities for shopping, entertainment, freedom tours and eating out.

Kruger National Park

South Africa is naturally gifted beautiful country. It is home to world-renowned Kruger National Park of nearly 2 million hectares. This should be the first place to head to. It features 16 ecosystems. Spot the amazing wildlife on a nature walk.

Durban beachfront

On many outings on your holiday to have fun and leisure, South Africa’s sunshine city has something for the whole family – golden beaches, surfing and a marine park.

The Winelands

Discover the joys of South Africa’s award-winning wines and cuisine along any of the beautiful Cape wine routes, taking you through green valleys and historic towns.

With all this variety surely there are plenty of options to spend a holiday in S.A

Established on May 29 1998, the incredibly scenic Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is a wildlife park in Cape Town, South Africa.

It is positioned at the extreme south-western tip of Africa and covers approximately three quarters of the peninsula stretching from flat-topped Table Mountain to Cape Point.

Currently it covers 25 000 hectares of the conservation land area; and unlike other South African Parks, TMNP is surrounded wholly by a thriving and cosmopolitan Cape Town city. Nowhere else in the world does an area of such spectacular beauty and such rich bio-diversity exist within a metropolitan area.

The park stretches from Cape Point to Signal Hill, and includes Devil’s Peak, Lion’s Head, the Silvermine Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach, Tokai, and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Previously known as the Cape Peninsula National Park, the main purpose for its proclamation was to protect the natural environment of the Table Mountain Chain, and in particular the rare fynbos vegetation. The park is managed by South African National Parks.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Table Mountain

The park is home to countless jaw-dropping views including the majestic Table Mountain, one of the oldest mountain and Cape Town’s most iconic feature. This is the main attraction of Table Mountain National Park. This dramatic landmark draws millions of visitors over the years. Tourists who are looking for something a little more rugged than a cable car ride will find that Table Mountain has hundreds of hiking trails. The more adventurous and physically fit hikers often take advantage of over 300 trekking routes that range from easy paths to extreme rock climbing. There are trails for mountain biking, too.

Wildlife

Table Mountain National Park is renowned for its extraordinarily diverse and unique fauna and flora – with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats. In the park are amazing numbers of antelopes, Cape mountain zebras, dassies and the rare Table Mountain ghost frog. You will also likely see baboons. Obey the park rules, and do not feed them as Baboons are not known for good manners, and could spoil an otherwise wonderful visit to Table Mountain National Park. Smaller mammals are found in the park: caracal, rock hyrax and a variety of small antelope species, such as the Cape Grysbok and notably the recently re-introduced klipspringer. Many residents who live in communities neighbouring the park, such as Da Gama Park, Tokai and Scarborough, often clash with baboons which raid their farms and houses for food.

Larger predators including the Cape Lion, leopard, spotted hyena as well as the black-backed jackal were popular in the park in as late as 1920s, but have since disappeared.

The Park is home to approximately 8,200 plant species, several of which grow naturally nowhere else in the world. In the park are the rare king protea (the national floral emblem), Ericas and restios.

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope

These are very scenic, although they are neither the southernmost tip of Africa nor the meeting-place of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, as is often believed.

Boulders Beach; it lies south of Simon’s Town and contains a large colony of African Penguins.

Accommodation in Table Mountain

Olifantsbos Cottage: Possibly the most special accommodation available in Cape Town, this unique getaway is located deep in the southern part of the Cape of Good Hope and offers guests complete seclusion right on the beach. Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 16:30

Eland Cottage: Ideal for South Africa holidays the Eland Cottage is situated in the Cape of Good Hope section of the Park. The Cottage accommodates six people with one master bedroom and two fully furnished bedrooms. Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 16:30

Duiker Cottage: Duiker Cottage also welcomes a maximum of six people with one master bedroom and two bedrooms each well furnished. Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 16:30

Wood Owl Cottage: This beautifully restored foresters cottage is situated in the heart of the Tokai Pine Plantation on the slopes of the Constantiaberg. Its central location offers guests the best of both worlds – easy access to the City and the seclusion of the Park and nearby hiking/ mountain bike trails. It fully equipped and offers three double, en suite bedrooms with an open plan kitchen living area with a fireplace. There is also a separate TV room. For warmer evenings there is a patio and braai area.  Check-in: 14:00 / Check-out: 16:30

Uganda has a cemented status as the most attractive country in Africa. Dubbed a paradise of birds, this East African country is an amazing destination for birdwatchers, not only because of the unusually high number of bird species within its borders, but  the ease to access several these birds in their variably lush vegetation.

The bird list for Uganda makes dedicated bird watchers who haven’t been there rush to the liquor cabinet. Over 1000 bird species have been recorded in the country out of 1500 species recorded in East Africa.

The richness of Uganda’s National Parks including Bwindi Impenetrable, Murchison Falls NP, Mgahinga, Queen Elizabeth and several others offer excellent bird watching spots to bird lovers.

However the most popular and alluring habitat of all these parks is Semliki National Park’s low land tropical rain forests. Semliki found in North West of Fort Portal lies at the base of the Albertine Rift and habours up to 400 bird species including the Abyssinian hornbill, owls. Marsh tchagra, elusive leaf love, improbable pennant-winged, African crake, shoe bill stork, red-throated bee-eater the standard winged nightjars, a wide variety of raptors and water birds.

The African Crake

Red Throated Bee Eater

Murchison Falls National Park situated north of Masindi, some 350 km from Kampala is the largest national park in the country and another favourite bird watching destination boasting a total of over 460 bird species with common view of the shoe bill stork along the stretch if the Nile River. Murchison Falls is also home to several water birds and raptors that make a captivating bird show. Those bird watchers, who may also opt to go for nature walks here for more days, need not worry about accommodation. Kaniyo Pabidi safari lodge, Paraa lodge and 2 other camps just outside the park are available.

Shy Shoebill

White-tailed blue flycatcher

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park also takes pride with its total of 357 bird species. 23 species are endemic to the Albertine Rift, and 14 species recorded nowhere else among them the brown-necked parrot, African green broad bill, white-bellied robin chat, white -tailed blue flycatcher and Frazer’s eagle owl.

Kibale Forest National Park is another excellent hub to spot birds home to close to 355 species of birds including four rare species not found anywhere else. Prominent species present here include the blue-headed bee eater, Nahan’s francolin, Cassin’s spine tail, the maked apalis and the newly discovered green-breasted pitta. Other varieties include the water and grassland species.

Queen Elizabeth National Park does not just boost of having the richest biodiversity, actually it is a really paradise for birds, with a total of more than 610 bird species recoded, this number being the highest in Africa and in the whole world. Park is a home to 54 raptors which include every water bird found in Uganda, woodland and forest birds

We recommend that for a memorable birding safari in the country you hire professional bird guides who will lead you to unusual places within the country where you will observe for yourself Uganda’s bird wealth. Enjoy your Birding safari!

is bordered by five countries; Sudan in the North,  the Democratic Republic of Congo in the West, Tanzania in the South, Rwanda in the South East, and Kenya in the East.

One of Uganda’s major tourist attractions is the endangered mountain gorilla, the most profoundly built of living primates and among the most peaceable to be close.

The most spectacular feature and profound pride within Uganda’s tourism industry and a rich biodiversity is the five habituated mountain gorilla troops – four in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and one in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Bwindi's Mubare Gorilla Group

The groups are divided between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Mountains south west of Congo border.

The groups have been given local titles which have very interesting meanings. Eight people are permitted per group per day and a total of twenty four people are taken in Bwindi, while eight people are allowed for Mgahinga.

Staring into the pondering brown eyes of these calm giants, who share 95% of their genes with humans, is as awe-inspiring as it is exhilarating; no less so, when one realizes that fewer than 700 known individuals survive today.

GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI

Bwindi Gorilla Trackers in the Bwindi NP Forests

Tracking Gorillas is one of the most immensely fascinating experiences for many taking wildlife safaris in Uganda. It is a fun filling lifetime ambition in the country’s national parks. The most celebrated destination for Uganda gorilla tracking is Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The best way for a perfect tracking is guided nature walks between Buhoma in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the town of Kisoro via Nkuringo and vice versa. This experience offers a low cost insiders perspective into village life in rural Uganda highlighting some of the wonders of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest all at your own pace. Trails in Bwindi commence at 09:00 and 14:15 daily.

Access: 6 hours drive from Kampala to Kabale. Kabale to Buhoma takes about 3 hours. You may travel by public mean although it is not a very reliable means. The drives may require 4WD vehicles.

Accommodation: Clean and luxury camp bandas are available at Buhoma. There are three privately managed campsites in the area plus some up-market tented camps.

GORILLA PERMITS

It is paramount to know that the Uganda wildlife authority (UWA) requires you to have a tracking permit; Booking for all gorilla permits in Bwindi and Mgahinga is done at UWA Headquarters in Kampala.

UWA is the statutory custodians of the country’s wildlife resources including the mountain gorillas with the task to conserve and sustainably manage the wildlife and protected areas in partnership with neigbouring communities and several Uganda tour operators and safari agents. Advance permits are available as early as two years.

Warning!

Much as Bwindi Gorilla tracking is a very captivating activity; it involves walking in the wilderness in search of these great apes. It can be a teasing experience, therefore ensure physical fitness.

Uganda is also home to man’s closest relative, the chimpanzee, a delightful ape whose evocative pant-hoot call is a definitive sound of the African rainforest. Chimpanzee communities have been habituated for tourism at Kibale Forest, Budongo Forest and Queen Elizabeth National Park‘s Kyambura Gorge. The way they feed, climb trees, respond to humans and the care they show for their young ones, is just phenomenal.

There is also a community of orphaned chimps, most of which were confiscated from poachers, and can be visited on Ngamba Island, which lies on Lake Victoria 45 minutes by motorboat from Entebbe.

Of more exhalation is the extraordinarily perfect account of monkeys in Uganda. Kibale Forest boasts the greatest primate variety with five or six species likely to be observed on nature walk. Mgahinga National Park hosts habituated troops of the rare golden monkey, while Murchison Falls is one of the few East African strongholds for the spindly, plains-dwelling Patas monkey.

‘Africa in miniature’

Cameroon is the northernmost country in Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon’s coastline lies on the Bight of Bonny, part of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country’s largest cities are Douala, Yaoundé (capital) and Garoua. English and French are the official languages.

Cameroon Flag

A former Germany colony, Cameroon became a republic in 1984; and compared to other African countries, it enjoys relatively high political and social stability. This has enabled the development of agriculture, roads, railways, and large petroleum and timber industries. Cameroonians are principally subsistence cultivators.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

When on a travel in Cameroon, you will be amazed with the number of tourist attractions that come with both cultural and modern significance. You can also revel in the breathtakingly beautiful sea coasts and mountain areas.

The view of Mount Cameroon in southwest is awesome – it is the highest point in Cameroon with the cherry blossom trees has an iconic image that leaves an unforgettable impression on the traveler’s mind. An irregular chain of mountains, hills and plateaus known as the Cameroon range extends from Mount Cameroon on the coast. Other natural attractions include beaches, deserts, rainforests, and savannas.

Dubbed “Africa in miniature” Cameroon boasts a geological and cultural diversity. Home to over 200 different ethnic and linguistic groups, the country is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent, its people include ancient tribal kingdoms, Muslim pastoralists and forest-dwelling pygmies. Cameroon is also popular for its fascinating shrines and temples that bring back the flavors of a rich ancient heritage. Tourists flock these places. For the fun lovers, Cameroon is well known for its native styles of music, particularly makossa and bikutsi, and for its successful national football team – the Indomitable Lions.

WHERE TO STAY

For any Holiday trip, one of the first things that you need to pay attention to is the appealing accommodation. Similarly in Cameroon you would want to stay in the best hotel during your stay that suits your wallet and expectations. Some of the Top Rated Hotels in Cameroon include Le Meridien Douala, Ibis Douala hotel, Minotel Vallee Des Princes (Douala); Hilton Yaoundé, Djeuga Palace (Yaoundé) and Minotel Seme Beach Hotel (Limbe).You should have no worries when it comes to where to stay in Cameroon.

GETTING THERE

By Road

From Central African Republic

The standard route is via Garoua-Boulaï, which straddles the border, and on to Bangui (via Bouar). An alternative is to travel to Kenzou, south of Batouri. From Chad, travellers use Kousséri in the extreme north for the border near N’Djaména. Minibuses move to Kousséri from Maroua; From Yokadouma – Congo, travel south to Sokamba, where you can catch a ferry or pirogue across River Ngoko to Ouesso port; From Gabon, Cameroon is accessible from Amban. A route splits here, with the easterly route heading to Bitam (Equatorial Guinea) and Libreville (Gabon) and the westerly route heading to Ebebiyin and Bata (Equatorial Guinea); From Nigeria, the main crossing points are Ekok, west of Mamfé and at Banki in the extreme north for crossings to Maiduguri.

By Air:

Both Yaoundé and Douala have international airports linking Cameroon to other cities in Africa and Europe. Cameroon Airlines is the local carrier and has flights to several cities throughout Central and West Africa. Regional flights to Douala from Lagos (Nigeria) Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) are also available.

Rwanda, popularly referred to as the Land of a Thousand Hills is situated in East-Central Africa. It is bounded by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, in the North by Uganda, on the South by Burundi, and Tanzania on the East. The country has an abundance of wildlife and the mountain gorillas remain the country’s best known tourist attraction.

The recovery of the country’s tourism industry to blossom as a top photographer’ paradise has seen numbers of safari travellers and holiday makers coming here.

But deciding on the best time for a Rwanda travel most times makes costs to vary greatly;

It is against this change in trend of things in Rwanda that you may need guidance in booking flights, accommodation, safari tours, city tours as well general budgeting for your trip.

Here are a few budget travel tips to Rwanda.

Booking Budget Flights

Earlier it was a dream to book cheap tickets but now with changing time there is stiff competition among many travel companies, which helps you to book your tickets at cheap rates. The capital is served by Kanombe International Airport and it is the principal airport in the country. It handles cheap Regional flights, cheap flights from London, Paris, Lagos, Cairo, Brussels, Tunis, Tripoli etc. All visitors to Cameroon require a visa. Book cheap tickets with airlines such as Air France, British Airways and Rwandair and have an awesome traveling experience to Rwanda cheaply. To know cheap tickets, you must compare all flight fares as well as the terms and conditions of the Rwanda flights offered by these couriers in a very careful way. It will help you to choose the best cheap flights to Rwanda.

Tour Guides

It may be sensible to contact experienced Rwanda tour operators to have access to the best travel package. Feel free to do your own search online first and then compare the price with the agents’ quote. If you can show that you’d save money without them, they’ll often lower their prices or throw in exciting extras. Operators such as International Tours & Travel (ITT); Nord Sud International Tours & Travel; Top Travel & Tours are recommended.

Budget Eating Out

While in Kigali you can find lots of delicious and inexpensive local dishes, much of it from food stalls that open only at night. There are many dining options in the city; you can definitely spend $50 for two at on of the upscale restaurants in town. If you need to stretch your budget, choosing to eat at the food stalls or simple Ugandan owned restaurants will help your money last.

Small Money Denominations

Rwanda Franc is the national currency. Have smaller money denominations for quick shopping, petty spending and taxi fares.

Budget Accommodation

When it comes to looking for budget hotels in Rwanda, you will be spoilt for choice. One of the good things about cheap travel to Rwanda is that you can even avail of a discount in one of the many city hotels. Whether it is Butare, Gisenyi, Ruhengeri or any of the other town in the country that you wish to visits, you are sure to find accommodation that rightly fits in your budget and expectations. Rwanda boasts splendid accommodations well equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioning, fast internet access, refrigerator etc.

Whether you are booking independently or through an agent, you will need to decide on your accommodation and book in time. Budget accommodation here can be found with hotels such as Windsor Hotel, Motel Le Garni du Centre, Ninzi Hill Hotel, , Hotel Okapi (Kigali); Hotel Ibis (Butare). So why pay dearly for accommodation with all these options at your disposal?

Deciding on the best time to travel to Cameroon will make the price vary greatly; all the honeymooners visit this naturally vegetative land at a specific time to enjoy in a fantastic sightseeing and stunning scenery.

There is so much to see and do in Cameroon that you may need guidance in booking flights, accommodation, safari tours, city tours as well general budgeting. Here are a few tips for your Cameroon travel holiday.

Booking Budget Flights

It is really very easy to plan out a holiday with your near and dear ones. A holiday gives you a perfect time to enjoy thoroughly with your loved ones and explore beautiful locations gifted by God. But expensive tickets could be the biggest barrier you may face while planning out a holiday. Earlier it was a dream to book cheap tickets but now with changing time there is stiff competition among many traveling companies, which helps you to book your tickets at cheap rates. Cameroon’s principal airports are Douala International Airport (DLA) in Douala and handles flights from London, Paris, etc. The capital is served by the Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) is 25km from the city. All visitors to Cameroon require a visa.

Book cheap tickets for great satisfaction with airlines such as Air France, British Airways and Cameroon Airlines and have an awesome traveling experience to Cameroon.

To establish cheap tickets, you must compare all rates and terms and conditions of the Cameroon flights offered by these couriers in a very careful way. It will help you to choose best flight and cheap tickets.

Use of Travel Agents

It may be sensible to consult an expert Cameroon travel agent to have access to the best package deals. Feel free to do your own investigating online first and then compare the price with the agents’ quote. If you can show that you’d save money without them, they’ll often lower their prices or throw in exciting extras. And if they don’t, go ahead and book yourself in – you’ll know you’ve considered all the options and are truly getting the cheapest price for your honeymoon.

Budget Eating Out

While in Yaoundé you can find lots of delicious and inexpensive local dishes, much of it from food stalls that open only at night. There are many dining options in the city; you can definitely spend $50 for two at on of the upscale restaurants in town. If you need to stretch your budget, choosing to eat at the food stalls or simple Nigerian owned restaurants will help your money last.

Small Money Denominations

Cameroon uses the Central Africa CFA Franc, XAF. Have smaller money denominations for quick shopping, petty spending and taxi fares. Cameroon banknotes are in denominations of XAF500, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 while coins are in denominations of XAF1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 250. Avoid have big money with you all time.

What to wear

Wear lightweight cotton clothing to avoid spending on refreshments since it may get hot sometimes.

Budget Accommodation

When it comes to looking for budget hotels in Cameroon, you will be spoilt for choice. One of the good things about cheap travel to Cameroon is that you can even avail of a discount in one of the many city hotels. Whether it is Douala or any of the other cosmopolitan town in the country that you wish to visit, you are sure to find accommodation that rightly fits in your budget and expectations. Most of the budget hotels in Cameroon are well equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioner, fast internet access, refrigerator etc.

Whether you are booking independently or through an agent, you will need to decide on your accommodation and book in time. Budget accommodation here can be found with hotels such as Ibis Douala hotel, Minotel Vallee Des Princes (Douala); Hilton Yaoundé, Djeuga Palace (Yaoundé) and Minotel Seme Beach Hotel (Limbe). So why pay dearly for accommodation with all these options at your disposal?

Safaris to Cameroon are not only an impressive way to spend time together as family but help ignite everyone’s spirit, invigorate the body and inspire you to live a more meaningful life. Cameroon is a beautiful country to visit and you will want to do many of the tours and sightseeing trips.

WILDLIFE SAFARIS IN CAMEROON

Cameroon has unique ecosystems habouring unique wildlife creatures. Every wildlife tour here brings with it yet different surprising and delighting attachments. Extend your wildlife safari in Cameroon by visiting amazing Bénoué national park.  You would wish to drive to Campo Game Reserve for an overnight rest. All big creatures roam in the reserve’s deep and dense forests. Here you encounter an elating experience to sight the giant forest elephants and striking birds at the reserve’s Bird sanctuary. You can increase the possibility to spot the sloth bear, leopard and wild boar in Bouba Ndjidah National park. Wildlife safaris are also amazing in Waza National Park.

CAMPING SAFARIS IN CAMEROON

You’ve finally arrived at West Africa’s prime camping destination. Camping in Cameroon offers you utmost flexibility. It’s beyond any doubt that Cameroon makes one of the most wonderful and adventurous camping vacation for any one who enjoys outdoor adventures.

We recommend that you seek the guidance of safari agents. A campsite safari here will bring you close to sceneries of intact reserves and great natural attractions; Mountains ranges, wildlife; forests; rich culture and Savannah expanses which will leave you truly enthused. Cameroon camping safaris enable interaction with the local people in their diversely unique ethnicity.

For quick mobility in these Cameroon jungles, you need your own adventure camping vehicle; you will have time at your control. This makes it all so easy and relaxing knowing that you can spend as much time or less depending on where you want to visit.

BUDGET SAFARIS WITHIN IN CAMEROON

When it comes to budget safaris, well-deserved adventures to destinations you have never been before, the reality of travel expenses and tour budgeting should be at the back of our minds always. Therefore the secret to quality budget safaris in Cameroon is to plan ahead. Reducing spending while still enjoying your holiday to its fullest is the key to an achieving tour. Also keep in mind that while traveling, whether on a budget or not, even the smallest of things can all add up to a large safari or travel cost.

You can trip to Foumban and visit places such as Bafut Fon’s Palace; Musee des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun; the lively Foumban market and Musee du Palais.

You choose to be more economical by concentrating your trips within Yaoundé by visiting places like Benedictine Monastery’s Musee d’Art Cameroonais and the National Museum in the city. It may be plausible and more economical to use tour operators than to do it on your own. There are many Cameroon tour operators and travel agents competing for your business, which translates to incredible budget travel deals.

BEACH VACATION TOURS

Go for beach vacation trips in Limbé (formerly Victoria) and Londji beach in Kribi to spice up for safari tours after a long day of touring.

MOUNT CAMEROON TREKS

Trekkers on one of the Peaks of Mount Cameroon

Mount Cameroon is visited each year by thousands of tourists and researchers. There are different routes available to reach the peak. It is important to select the right route in order to make the trip enjoyable and successful. There are some routes which are quite difficult. You must hire an expert guide who will help in achieving the right path. Mt. Cameroon treks are very enjoyable but only if there is a proper guide who can assist at each and every step. If someone is going to Safari Mt. Cameroon, it is important to take appropriate trekking equipments.

Best Trekking Season; November to December is the best period to enjoy Mt. Cameroon treks. It is the perfect time for climbers who want to trek in silent. This is the low traffic trekking season. In this time, there are very little chances of snow and weather conditions are quite favorable. Comparatively, it is really a wonderful time to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains. The months from June to October are good for those who want to enjoy trekking with any companion. In this season, one can easily find any other partner or companion to share the expenses. One can also join any group of trekkers. It is the peak season and the flow of visitors is always high at this time.

Best Time to visit

The best time for Cameroon safari tours is between November to February, when it is cool and dry.

An inviting Beautiful Sunset Morning in Cameroon

Cameroon, a land of unparalleled scenic beauty to match any traveller’s dream idea of a romantic holiday, welcomes you to spend the most happening days of your life here. You need to know that Cameroon holidays have a unique touch. Their uniqueness is that their packages cater for different needs of people and of different ages. They entail short holiday packages that can be arranged for two or three days and they can also go with long term packages arranged for 15 days or more than that. The choice you take depends on your pocket and time availability. There are quite a number of distinct advantages with lucrative Cameroon Holiday packages but most importantly is the country’s wildlife abundance plus other rare attractions.

WHAT YOU MUST ABSOLUTELY DO ON YOUR CAMEROON HOLIDAYS

Wildlife Holiday Tours

Cameroon has a lot to offer when it comes to adventure. The wildlife safaris is one widely sought destination popular with the adventurous holidaymakers.

You would wish to begin your tour with excursions in Limbe, home to one of Cameroon’s most important primate conservation programmes where you expect to observe gorillas, chimpanzees and other primate groups. A visit to Dzangha Sanga Reserve is also equally rewarding where you will spot a recently habituated group of Western Lowland Gorilla.

Family Holidays

Vacationers on one of Cameroon's Beaches

It is essential for every family to go for a holiday trip, at least once in a year as through such good times spent together the family cohesion gets enough scope to grow and flourish. Family holidays in Cameroon are fun filled memories. Most Families on Holiday here organize trekking tours to spectacular Mount Cameroon. It is a recommendable experience for vacationers to spend some time in the view of Mount Cameroon. The mountain is captivating as it has elephants enjoying a quiet walk on the foot of this mountain

Cultural Holidays

Cameroon has a lot on offer right from its history, customs and culture. Cultural festivals of different kinds pepper the events on the menu of the Cameroon holiday right from Traditional Dance troupes, Carnivals held in city to Contemporary Musical Concerts. One can not miss something that will appeal to him or her whenever attending any of these festivals.

Beach Holidays

Cameroon immaculate beaches have an inviting atmosphere for a rejuvenating holiday trip.

Shopping Holidays to Cameroon

Do not pay for everything or think you can buy whatever you want. Leave your jewelry at home (except your new wedding ring), along with your big fancy cameras and fancy clothes.

At the end of each day, whether it was an adventurous outing, golf, shopping, swimming or touring, you will be able to rest and relax, take in the last rays of the day and get ready for an evening of outstanding service and varied menu’s at one of the many restaurants available to you. Children are well catered for too, restaurants welcome young guests, and warm weather ensures hours of playtime on the numerous Cameroon pristine beaches, Safari programs accommodate children of all ages.

CHOOSING YOUR HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

Once in Cameroon you would want to sleep in an appealing hotel but suiting your wallet size and expectations. Guide for Africa highlights Cameroon hotels on one of the Cameroon Travel pages where holidaymakers can get a real deal and find affordable hotel accommodation options for their stay here. Some of the TOP RATED HOTELS IN CAMEROON to give priority for choice include Le Meridien Douala, Ibis Douala hotel, Minotel Vallee Des Princes (Douala); Hilton Yaoundé, Djeuga Palace (Yaoundé) and Minotel Seme Beach Hotel (Limbe). Most people on wildlife excursions however prefer to stay in the tents provided at the safari camps.

These packages are arranged by the Cameroon tour operators and we highly recommend that you keep closely in contact with them for an embracing Cameroon holiday trip. They will help you negotiate a better package and price on your behalf. They are also informed when hotels have lowered their rates or have a promotion going on. We also advise that you plan your Cameroon holiday well ahead of time. Enjoy your CAMEROON HOLIDAYS!

Port Elizabeth is the fifth largest and one of the liveliest and most proud cities of South Africa. PE as it’s fondly branded boasts a wealthy socio-economic, cultural and geographical setting not very common in most African cities. The city neighbours the Sunshine Coast, the coastal route between St Francis Bay and East London Countless high-rise buildings, several traffic lights, with well-planned roads and a wide variety of car types and models dominate the city. Uitenhage is the most prominent industrial town in PE.

PE’s pride is evident with its amazing shopping complexes, flea markets, gigantic restaurants and several entertaining spots on offer. It has always been a family destination, so there are activities for both young and old.

The city is worth visiting for buzzes with splendid attractions including the famous Addo Elephant National Park, the cultural hub of Graham’s town and celebrated Jeffrey’s Bay, famous for its impressive scenery and surfing. Closer to Port Elizabeth is the Sea view Game & Lion Park and the Kragga Kamma Game Park. There are also common day trails along the circular route to the Swartkops Valley Nature Reserve.

The Port Elizabeth city is a nature lover’s paradise, so don’t miss the boat cruises, diving opportunities, a visit to Sea view Game & Lion Park and an excursion to Bayworld, which incorporates an oceanarium museum and snake park.

Life generally revolves around the waters. The beautiful coastal terrain punctuated with long stretches of white immaculate beaches such as Humewood beach make the PE a prime leisure destination above other South Africa cities. Humewood beach recently attained the Blue Flag status making it a world-class beach venue. A vacation tour here is an experiencing a revival of sorts.

Algoa Bay also a coastal strip of Nelson Mandela Bay takes pride in its 40 km stretch of beaches perfect for swimming, surfing, scuba diving, sailing and snorkelling.

THE CITY FUN

One of the most charming and fashionable city activities worth being part is the Apple Express steam train trip from Port Elizabeth to Thornhill, where you can take in scenic views from the highest narrow-gauge bridge in the world. This event gives PE a magical edge over any other Africa city for honeymooning.

It is in Port Elizabeth again that you can dive with sharks at the oceanarium at Bayworld. There are other dive sites too, including fascinating wreck dives.

GETTING THERE

The centrally situated Nelson Mandela Bay Airport is within easy reach from all parts of the city. There are a number of flights connecting Port Elizabeth with domestic and international destinations.

Cameroon National Flag

Cameroon is situated in Central and West Africa on the Bight of Bonny along the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is bounded by Nigeria to the west; the Central African Republic to the east; Chad to the northeast; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. With a total land area of 475,444 sq km, Cameroon is the world’s 53rd-largest country.

Budded “Africa in miniature” by some tourists, Cameroon is a splendid tourist destination with an amazing picturesque scenery of raised highlands perfect for sightseeing.

Government

The Constitution of Cameroon grants the President supreme and unilateral powers to create policy, direct government agencies, command the armed forces, ratify treaties and declare a state of emergency. The president who is elected by popular vote on a seven-year term limit appoints all government officials right from the prime minister (head of government business) to the lower ranking positions such as provincial governors, divisional administrators and urban-council members for local cities leadership. Down at the municipal levels, the public elects city mayors and the council executives. Cameroon’s legal system leans on the French civil law with common law affiliates. The National Assembly makes legislation and consists of 180 members elected for five-year terms. Laws are passed on a majority vote.

Geography

In general, Cameroon is divided into five major geographic zones differentiated by altitude, climatic and vegetative features. The coastal plain extends 15 to 150km inland from the Gulf of Guinea at an average elevation of 90m. The South Cameroon Plateau rises from the coastal plain to an average elevation of 650m. Equatorial rainforest is the most pronounced in this region with alternating wet and dry seasons.

This region has a mild climate, particularly on the Western High Plateau, although rainfall is high. Its soils are among Cameroon’s most fertile, especially around volcanic Mount Cameroon. Volcanism here has created crater lakes.

The southern plateau rises northward to the grassy, rugged Adamawa Plateau. This feature stretches from the western mountain area and forms a barrier between the country’s north and south.

Mount Cameroon at an altitude of 4,069 m along the coast is the highest mountain in the country. It has three tributary rivers originating from its peaks namely the Benue, Nyong, and Sanaga. Volcanism here has created crater lakes for instance Lake Nyos. A dizzying chain of highlands and plateaus known as the Cameroon range extends from Mount Cameroon.

Cameroon has four patterns of drainage. In the south, the principal rivers are the Ntem, Nyong, Sanaga, and Wouri. These flow southwestward or westward directly into the Gulf of Guinea. The Dja and Kadéï drain southeastward into the Congo River. In northern Cameroon, the Bénoué River runs north and west and empties into the Niger. The Logone flows northward into Lake Chad, which Cameroon shares with three neighbouring countries.

Climate

Cameroon exhibits all major climates and vegetations from coast, desert, mountains, rainforest and savanna.

Like the majority of African countries, Cameroon remains relatively unknown as a leisure destination. Nevertheless, the country stands out with a genuine identity expressing diversity and stability, modernity and traditions, dynamism and calm, at once.

This West African country is full of melting and contrasting views, which provide tourists with a unique spectacle and sceneries. The country’s dizzying landscape is no less in its diversity. Mt Cameroon (4,095m) is the highest peak in West Africa, a still-active volcano, rises almost straight from the sea in a stunning fashion. It attracts plenty of mountain trekkers.

The country’s ancestral land relies on a symbiosis between sea and desert, waterfalls and Sahara area, temperate climate in the South and great heat in the North

There is an established thrill of pride Cameroon draws from its exotic wildlife most especially in the amazing Parc National de Waza boasting abundant mammal, and large herds of elephants gathering at water holes in the dry season and an array of beautiful birdlife.

Cameroon’s tourist industry is also a victim of geographical tourists. The Mandara Mountains are a complete wonder.  Several international photographers, artists, and ordinary sightseers flood the country to take in the majestic scenery, take photos and write inspired memoirs of their adventures here.

One of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent is Cameroon. Its people have a deep rooted background that include ancient tribal kingdoms, Muslim pastoralists and forest-dwelling pygmies that date back 1000 years.

To round it up, Cameroon concentrates all the beauties of Africa; which explains why adventurous tourists consider that nobody could really discover Africa without having visited Cameroon.

With Guideforafrica expect an all inclusive insight about hotels in Cameroon to help you find the best hotel rooms.

You also need to know that hotel accommodations in the country suit all budgets and price ranges that you need not worry about the value for the price during your stay.

Here are some of the Top Rated hotels in Cameroon to spend your holiday or honeymoon. We help you make your hotel reservations fast depending on the location of your choice.

HOTELS IN DOUALA

Staying in Douala hotels is the same as being at home. The following are the best hotels perfect for vacation.

1. Le Meridien Douala

Hotel Description and Location: Conveniently located in the city centre, Le Meridien Douala is a modern 4 star hotel surrounded by lush gardens offering a quiet haven for travellers. Overlooking the Wouri River is Wouri restaurant one of the city’s most renowned in Douala for its high quality buffets most tranquil districts, the harbour is just one and a half kilometers away. In all the Le Meridien Douala hotel rooms, you use the key cards to activate the temperature control and lighting in the rooms. When the key card is removed as you leave the room, power will be shut off automatically. In the guest rooms, occupancy sensors allow for power to be shut off when guests are away.

Address: P.O Box 3232 Avenue Des Cocotiers

2. Ibis Douala hotel

Hotel Description and Location: The Ibis Douala hotel is located 5km from the Akwa theatre district in the centre of Banajo, a commercial centre. The hotel offers all the amenities of a higher class. Ibis Douala hotel has 160 air-conditioned deluxe rooms and a summit hall for organizing seminars and conferences. It has a restaurant, a bar open 24/24 a terrace with a swimming pool and closed parking free and guarded.

3. Minotel Vallee Des Princes

Hotel Description and Location: Minotel Vallee des Princes lies in the heart of Douala the business capital and the major town of Cameroon. Hotel amenities include; routinely offering of guests the option to reuse towels and bed linens for multiple night stays; it boasts flow showerheads in most bathrooms. The public bathrooms and toilets are fitted with motion-sensing faucets and flush sensors. The guest rooms are air-conditioned. It has a bar ad a restaurant. The hotel also offers a dining room, convention center, and business center and meeting rooms.

HOTEL IN YAOUNDÉ

1. Hilton Yaoundé.

Hotel Description and Location: 11-story Hilton Yaoundé is a 3 star hotel found in Yaoundé city center, approximately 13 miles from Yaoundé Nsimalen Airport. This location is also five miles from the Benedictine Monastery and 35 miles from Nachtigal Falls.

Hilton Yaoundé amenities include the outdoor pool, gym, tennis and squash courts, poolside juice bar, children’s splash pool and outdoor playground, and supervised activities including traditional dancing, judo, karate, and tennis lessons.

Dining is available at Le Safoutier, Le Panoramic (live jazz and light snacks), Chez Pierre (gourmet international dishes), O Vive (light lunches), and La Cascade (lobby bar with light snacks). The hotel also offers room service, concierge assistance, a business center, 15 meeting rooms, a covered car park, valet laundry service, currency exchange, and 24-hour front desk service. All rooms feature minibars, satellite TV, air-conditioning, safes, direct-dial telephones, data ports, hairdryers, complimentary toiletries, bathroom telephones, and balconies with panoramic city views.

2. Djeuga Palace

Hotel Description and Location: Famous for its romantic ambiance, Djeuga Palace is located 5 Km from Yaoundé Golf Club downtown in the Business center 5 min from the Congress Palace. One of the greatest attributes of the Djeuga hotel is its hospitality where one will not feel away from home at any moment.

HOTELS IN LIMBE

1. Minotel Seme Beach Hotel

Hotel Description and Location: The Hotel is located 11 miles from the wildlife Zoo and 62 miles from Douala Airport. Minotel Seme Beach Hotel offers guests a tranquil, relaxing and peaceful aura that promises a grand lifestyle abounding with complete business and entertainment opportunities in a feel-at-home ambience. Guest rooms air-conditioned strategically designed to get captivating and stunning views of the mountains or the sea. Other amenities include dining room, swimming pool, tennis courts, and business center and meeting rooms. Guests’ Pets are allowed. The hotel also has special rooms for the physically challenged.

There are now no more doubts when it comes to finding a suitable Hotel accommodation in the country especially after considering the above listed options. Enjoy your Cameroon holidays!

A gabonese Elder

Gabon has ethnic groups and within each are specific tribes living in a specific locality. Most tribes pay a lot of allegiance to a common ancestor. For this reason, people cannot marry members of their tribe here.

Marriage and Families

In Gabon, it is common for families to share a home with their parents and extended relatives. Gabonese are very communal. Children are raised communally. It is the responsibility of all residents in raising the children. In addition, older siblings at times have to take care of their younger ones.

Here, children born within marriage bonds belong to their fathers; women are expected to have children before marrying so they will still have something should the couple separate.

The children sleep in the cuisine (kitchen hut) with their mother, but are relatively free within the village during the day.

Both boys and girls attend school until they are sixteen by law, though this may not always occur for the above reason. The girls may begin to have children at this point, and the boys continue school or begin to work.

Polygamy is pronounced in Gabon, but having more than one woman becomes expensive and has become a sign of wealth as much as it is an indulgence. Divorce is uncommon but not unheard of. It is expected for women to have several children before wedlock.

However in the event of a divorce, the husband takes the children. Without premarital offspring, the wife would have nothing.

Work

In the distribution of work, women raise their many children, cultivate, prepare food, and do the domestic chores. In the villages, the men build a house for the family. The men handle cash crops if there are any, and may have jobs fishing or building. The children help with the chores, do laundry and dishes and clean house.

To legalize a marriage in Gabon, it is witnessed at the mayor’s office in a city, and this is rare. Women choose men who will be able to provide for them, while men choose women who will bear children and keep their home.

Religion

There are several beliefs in Gabon. The majority of the Gabonese are Christian most Roman Catholics and Protestants. There is also ancestral worship plus several thousand Muslims, most of whom migrated from neighbouring African countries.

Cultural Ceremonies

The Bwiti ceremonies involve worshipping ancestors led by ngangas (local doctors). There are special wooden temples for these ceremonies, and participants dress in bright costumes, paint their faces white, remove their shoes, and cover their heads

In Gabon, the dead are rubbed and anointed to remove rigor mortis. Because of the tropical climate, the bodies are interred within two days. They are buried in a wooden coffin. The deceased then joins the ancestors who are to be worshiped with the Bwiti ceremonies. They can be asked for advice, and for remedies for disease. There is a retraite de deuil ceremony one year after death to end the mourning period.

Libreville, Capital City

Libreville, Gabon’s largest and capital city is a fizzy city that can never be conclusively explored on just a single day safari tour. Its pride derives from the plentiful things it has on offer for the country’s tourists.

Striking Libreville city is a port city located on River Gabon besides the sea with amazing surroundings of the nearby equatorial forest.

Gabon tours would be incomplete without a visit to the famous Tourist Attractions in Libreville.

You may wish to start your city vacation tours by visiting the seafront (bord de mer). This is one of the greatest sights in Libreville. Tourists gather here to unwind and rejuvenate themselves while enjoying the cool ocean breeze by the Atlantic Ocean. Adjacent to the seafront are splendid Gabonese carvings overlooking the beach.

Flavour your Gabon Holidays by visiting Nzeng-ayong where you will observe the Arboretum de Sybang – a huge tree sanctuary that is an amalgation of thousands of local species.

Of touristic impression also are the city buildings appearing in sharp contrast to the greenery of the forest fringes but the most important of all being the National Museum - celebrated for the woodcarvings it shelters. The woodcarvings are of Fang architecture.

Other City Attractions

• Ekwata Beach – this is a perfect life-energizing spot for unwinding and relaxing body muscles. It is a popular spot for foreign tourists coming for Europe.
• 

  In the Background is the Palais Presidentiel in Libreville

  Palais Presidentiel – this shrine of magnificence was built by former President Bongo in the 1970. It lies in the heart of the city and can be seen from even the outer areas of the city. It is also a top city attraction.

• L’Eglise St-Michel Libreville – It is distinguished by large wooden columns. The columns were carved by a blind Gabonese man.
• Musee des Arts et Traditions du Gabon – This is a pure treasure in Libreville and Gabon as a country. It features a precious collection of masks making it a must-see attraction in Libreville.
• Pointe-Denis Beach – One of Libreville’s two main beaches, the Pointe-Denis Beach offers ideal setting for camping. It is an immaculate beach popular with numerous water sporting activities such as boat rides and sailing.
• Marche du Mont-Bouet – Marché du Mont-Bouet is a famous market situated near the city centre.

Visit our Gabon Tourism page to get a deeper insight into Gabon and the popular Gabon tourist attractions.

Just like the nightlife in Kenya, the people of Gabon also are always inclined to enjoying night life of the place. Many fine bars and pubs are spread all over the country.

After a tedious travel around the country, feel free to jump onto a unique and electrifying nightlife moment in Gabon. Spend a few hours shaking off the day’s fatigue, relax the body muscles and unwind yourself in Libreville city’s many thrilling clubs. It is a great city to entertain you at night.

Lively Libreville City at Night

Most pubs and night clubs in Gabon offer cheap energizing services affordable to any one to unwind particularly after the long day’s activity. Enjoy cheap eating and drinking in a wide range of bars, cafes and night clubs all over Gabon.

Libreville and tourist resorts in Gabon have some of the most popular clubs in the country. Whatever type of bar or club you are looking for, you will find it in Gabon.

There are numerous bars with established reputation for exciting nightlife around the city namely Le Zenith, Chez Dede Bar, Hotel Le Meridian’s Bar and Cafe Del Mar.

Most of these bars stock exquisite wines such as the French champagne; and serve fast foods to their clients accompanied with live music (karaoke) and live dance performances. DJs have enclosed stations while in their studios.

They play music from different eras mixed with African souk to suit the tastes of their clients to get them jiggy. Those who enjoy hard-partying do not expect to be disappointed.

Those who want to visit Karaoke club or a dancing club or music shows are also in with a good chance. Le Zenith club is the most famous for this. The club is open till the wee hours.

The dress code for club in most instances is defined; men wear casually in classic pants and jeans with T-shirts whereas the women prefer tight skirts. If you are not well-dressed you may well invite curious looks much to your displeasure. Gabon also has of a lush casino.

Those who have the gusto for a full night blast, be well assured that Gabon has all the more entertaining and outing bit for your fun filled nightlife!

Libreville city is the capital of Gabon. It is an assuming city of attractions offering lots of interesting things for Africa-oriented tourists. Life and excitement generally revolves around the attractions that the city offers. A port on the Gabon River, Libreville is prominent for the timber transactions in the Central African region.

Libreville is multi-purpose and Multi-functioning city served by Libreville Hospital. It is the principle administrative and trading (Timber) center of the country habouring numerous local and International organizations. The Gabon School of Law is also found here. Mont-Bouët and Nombakélé are the major commercial areas of the city. Lalala is the dominant residential area. Bank of West Africa (BAO) opened its first Branch in the city in 1930.

History

Libreville city was originally founded as a trading station as early as 1843. Freed slaves were sent there. It was the chief port of French Equatorial Africa from 1934 to 1946 and was the central focus of the Battle of Gabon in 1940. Originally, the city area was occupied by the Mpongwé tribe way back before the French took it up in 1839. Libreville acquired it name in imitation of Freetown. The city however has gradually gone through ranks slowly initially as a trading post and a minor administrative centre to a now vibrant trading hub of the whole country.

Geography

Libreville city is a port and lies on River Komo just adjacent the Gulf of Guinea.

City Tours and Family Vacationing

Libreville has a new profound status as a top family destination; today, it boasts safari activities for both the young and old. Sporting activities including Golf, tennis, horseback riding, bowling, squash and sailing light up the city’s vibrancy. It offers a perfect relaxing destination after a tedious adventurous travel in Central Africa. Several attractions not to be missed here include the lush presidential palace, the Egilse St.Michel and the Musee des Arts et Traditions (known for masks and traditional musical instruments).

Population

The estimated population of residents in Libreville is 578,156 (January 1, 2005). Since independence in 1960, the city has grown rapidly and now houses nearly half the national population.

Climate

Libreville experiences a tropical monsoon climate with a prolonged rain season between September and May punctuated with a short dry period. The dry season is so pronounced between June climaxing in late August. The average temperatures however is constant throughout the year averaging at around 30°C.

Getting There

All international and domestic flights to the city touch down at Libreville International Airport. This is the country’s largest airport and it lies approximately 11km north of the city. Libreville also headquarters the country’s national courier, Air Gabon. Air France or Air Gabon International serves regular flights to Libreville. The city’s port and train station on the Trans-Gabon Railway line to Franceville are located in southern Owendo region. Upon getting, travelers can go around the city and the best way to get around in Libreville is to rent car or taxi. Mini-buses are frequent in the city.

City Shopping

Libreville city offers exciting shopping experiences. The city is proud of its modern shopping malls and complexes such as the giant Marche Mont-Bouet with a wide variety of shopping options for the city tourists -  ranging from household utensils, electronic items, clothings, jewellery, delightful artistic paintings and crafts makings popular in local markets, villages and city streets; cultural and traditional products, foodstuffs and locally manufactured musical instruments. The most attractive buying in Libreville is the cravings of the stones with traditional skills. Mbolo is the main supermarket, and around the Bord De Mer there are several good shops. This is where you meet the real African side of Libreville. We however warn you of the pickpocketers roaming around busy shopping places.

Libreville Hôtels

• Intercontinental Libreville
• Le Méridien Re-Ndama
• Novotel Libreville Rapontchomb
• Hôtel Monts de Cristal

We recommend that you visit our Gabon tourism page for more travel and tourism information and attractions in the Gabon.

Whether your wish is to travel to Libreville for holiday, business or honeymoon, it may be of interest for to know the climatic pattern for your travel destination.

Guideforafrica.com offers you quick online information on Gabon climate, temperature and weather which should prove helpful for your stay here.

Wet Season in Gabon

Warm, tropical Gabon experiences a wet season between September and May with rainfall averaging at about 2592.5 mm annually; (216 mm per month). However, this period is punctuated with some short dry spells significantly the one from December to January. A longer dry season runs from May to September. On average there are 160 days in a year with more than 0.1 mm of rainfall. The wettest month is November (416 mm average rain).

Dry Season in Gabon

The driest month in Gabon is July when an average temperature of 0.5 mm occurs. On average Gabon’s temperature stands at 26.3 °C. The monthly average high temperature is ranges between 30 and 35 °C in the months of February, March and April; whereas the lowest average temperature goes between 20 – 22 °C in July and August.

Whale season in Gabon

The whale season in Gabon happens between July and early September; Wild mammals extensively wander from forest to savannah depending on the temperatures. It is also known as the wildlife migration season in the country.

Humidity

Gabon is and humid year-round. The average annual relative humidity is 84.2% and average monthly relative humidity ranges from 77% in July to 89% in November.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for Gabon tourism and holiday trips is the dry season running from June to September (best period to go for Gabon wildlife safaris). The December to January season is not so common but would also offer a perfect time to travel.

October to early December as well as February to early May are the rainy seasons, it is recommendable that you carry with you rain jackets and heavy clothes.

Discovering Gabon comprehensively may not be easily done at a snail pace. Reason, this Central African nation dubbed Africa’s Last Eden offers a lot to its visitors. Throughout your Gabon Tours, expect to encounter new travel experiences. Expect a spiced tour in an original natural destination still in its raw state bursting with a unique picturesque beauty.

Gabon is a land of unparalleled beauty. All you need to know is how best you have to enjoy this variety on a guided safari tour.

The country’s most striking features include its amazing national parks of Loango National Park, placed on the Southern Gabon Coast which is renowned for surfing hippos; Ivindo National Park- located on the wilderness of Eastern Gabon is recognized for its own eco-camps and nurturing elephants and gorillas; and Ivindo National Park, one of the most remote wildlife sanctuaries in Africa.

Gabon’s most fascinating feature is its eco-tourism potential which ranks it as Africa’s next ultramodern eco-tourist destination. Special tribute to former President El Hadj Omar Bongo, whose dignified declaration of 10% of Gabon land for national parks not only paved way ecotourism beauty, but opened up doors for eco-tourists, conservationists and travelers.

Gabon Tours are compassionate ventures for Gabon Holidays. The country is today an enthusiastic spot for the nature and wildlife lovers as it shelters a vast collection of wild creatures humming in their natural environments with several exciting opportunities for assertive travellers as they can indulge in adventurous activities such as trekking and hiking.

The spectacular Ogooue River

Places of Tourist Interest in Gabon

• Libreville – the Capital city. This swanky city boasts some ocean-view hotels, office buildings, wide highways, fancy shops and cavalcades of taxis; Libreville looks more like a Miami Beach in the making than a typical African city. The fallacy about Libreville is that it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Every creature comfort is close to hand, but be prepared to pay for them.
• Loango National Park – this is a popular tourists spot. It is home to a vast collection of wildlife in Gabon. Wildlife-admirers commonly get engrossed viewing the huge and diverse concentration of wild mammals here. The present land mammals include huge elephants roaming along the sandy beaches and various species of whales and dolphins in the waters.
• Operation Loango – This is Gabon’s principle eco-tourism hub which utilizes tourists’ expenditure for funding the conservation programs. It is located in the Northern end of the Loango Park. A number of eco tourism projects are housed here including crocodile projects, whale, turtle studies and gorilla habitation programmes. Several lush eco-lodges and satellite camps that offer accommodation to the tourists are available.
• L’Eglise St-Michel – this is a uniquely constructed architectural church with 31 unusual wooden columns, carved by a blind Gabonese craftsman, each with a biblical outlook.
• Muse des Arts et Traditions –this is one of the most exciting traditions in Central Africa and definitely worth a visit as long as you can find it.
• Langoue Bai – In south Ivindo lies breathtaking Langoue Bai, a recently discovered wildlife sanctuary. Langoue Bai is a hub for larger animals such as forest buffalos, sitatungas, and red river hogs, elephants and gorillas.
  

  Langoue Gorillas

  It has gained a reputation as one of the places for Tourists would have an amazing opportunity to view this stunning wildlife at a comfortable distance by observing the area on one of the Bai’s three watch towers hidden in the forest edge.  Telescopes are provided to travelers so they can watch from the middle deck, without having to disturb wildlife researchers who are taking notes on the upper deck.

The Park is currently managed by the Gabon National Parks Office in collaboration with the Gabon Ministry of Water and Forests, Pond Foundation, Tropical Ecology Research Institute (IRET), CARPE, FIGET and the MacArthur Foundation.

Ivindo Wildlife Attractions

Extremely remote Ivindo has remained untouched with thick forests making it a great habitat of massive wild animals such as Gorillas, Sitatungas and Forest Elephants. s. Other species present are the chimpanzee, forest buffalo, bongo, red river hog, leopard and the slender snouted crocodile.

Ivindo Forest Elephants

Several bird species and insects are always chattering and rumbling behind the hills and waterfalls and eery noise of the elephants from deep within the trees. Bird enthusiasts may want to view these lovely creatures from a research station, which is very accessible from nearby Makokou town.

Other Attractions in Ivindo National Park

Apart from the animals, the park has magnificent waterfalls of Koungou, Mingouli and Djidji. They can be best viewed from above. Another magnificent attraction is the Langoue Bai – discovered about three years ago is bounded by massive forest and steep-sided highlands. It is a unique safari attraction for the adventurous bird watchers and researchers. Most activities in the park centre on this Langoué Bai such as viewing the gorillas, elephants and sitatunga feed off the succulent grasses.

Getting There

Access into Ivindo National park is solely via the Trans-Gabon railway (from Libreville or Lope National Park); you can also charter a private aircraft landing on a dirt airstrip; you may also choose to get there by boat or foot. The rivers flowing through the area are large and expeditions into the interior of the forest are occasionally undertaken by boat. All tour facilitations such as refreshments, eats and other necessities get there by train as there is no road link into the Park.

In 2001 a research station camp was established near Langoué Bai by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This eco-camp’s principle focus is to monitor the wildlife and clear visitors who come to view the animals. Access to the camp is by foot and visitors carry their own luggage for the duration of the walk.

Of much concern is that some sections of the park have been compromised such as the hydro-electric dam on the Koungou which limits wilderness variety. Research at Langoué Bai focuses mainly on elephants and gorillas, and some elephant have been fitted with GPS transmitters to analyze their movement.

We recommend that all Gabon tourism visitors come to Ivindo Park and see Africa in its raw state.

Giant Gabon Forest Elephants

Gabon, a west-central African nation has come under lime light because of its newly discovered wildlife potential in its wildlife Parks. The country’s outwitting and outplaying pride derives from its rich eco-diversity including vast untouched forests, vast savannahs, and wildlife wonders that provide travel tourists with opportunities to see. Most National Parks in Gabon are extremely remote and this is why they have continued to act as habitats to giant wild animals.

Gabon National Parks include;

Loango National Park - Situated along the coast about 260 km in southern the capital Libreville, Magical Loango National Park is a 100 km of wild desolate coastline. It is home to a multitude of wildlife including large herds of Forest Elephants, Red Forest buffaloes, hippopotamus, Sitatunga, Crowned Monkey, Putty-nosed Monkey, Chimpanzee and Manatee, as well as a handful of gorillas. Three species of crocodile, Nile, Slender-nosed and Dwarf are popular in the water logged areas of the Park.

Loango National Park conserves a multitude of coastal habitats, including part of the 220 sq km Iguéla Lagoon – the only significant example of a typical western African lagoon system that is protected within a national park. The Park is known for its exceptional coastal location with a diversity of its ecosystems. It offers a perfect research option to environmentalists.

One of the Several Lope Primates

Lopé National Park -This is located in the central Gabon. It became the first protected area in Gabon in 1946. Lope Park has a relatively dry climate compared to most other equatorial rain forests in the neighbourhood.  Its terrain is dominantly rain forest; north the park is the last remnants of grass savannas created in Central Africa during the last Ice Age. Lopé National Park is a habitant for several imperative primate species, especially Western Lowland Gorilla, chimpanzee, Mandrill and the endemic Sun-tailed Monkey, forest Elephants , Sitatunga, forest Buffalo and Red River Hog. The Park areas are dominantly of open savannah grasslands with extensive patches of forests. Deep in the forest lies Mikongo Camp, set in a small clearing in the primary forest. It comprises wooden bungalows, most with private bathroom facilities. There is always the chance of an encounter with Western Lowland Gorilla and Mandrill and Chimpanzee.

Ivindo National Park - Any Vacation Gabon travel necessitates a tour to amazing Ivindo National Park. This vast swampy stretch in the primeval rainforest has been the feeding and drinking place for Forest Elephants, Forest Buffalo, Sitatunga, Western Lowland Gorillas, and other primates. Another magnificent attraction in the park is the Langoue Bai. The Bai, discovered about three years ago is bounded by massive forest and steep-sided highlands. It is a unique safari destination for the adventurous bird watchers and researchers. Several bird species and insects are always chattering and rumbling behind the hills and waterfalls and eery noise of the elephants from deep within the trees.

Forest treks and bush camping safaris are common in the park. Tourists sometimes spend nights submerged in wonderful wildlife experiences. Travellers commonly sit at the Bai as they watch the Forest Elephants bathing and the Sitatunga scavenging.

Safari Accommodation in Gabon is extensive and varies from luxury western-style safari lodges to rustic research camps. Each in their own way offer perfect vacation and holiday accommodation to maximize their clients’ wildlife viewing opportunities.

Gabon tourists are advised to consult professional Gabon Tour Operators before make reservations for accommodation in Gabon. Plausible to note is that Gabon is just gaining grounds as a perfect leisure tourist destination and therefore one needs guidance in all aspects of tourism at all service levels in the country.

Guideforafrica.com makes for you the perfect selection for your safari lodges in Gabon that will maximize your Gabon holidays dream. Safari lodges in each location are clean, comfortable with the basic standards; lie in serene surroundings with perfect wildlife viewing chances. Have choice for the listed lodges for your Gabon stay.

LOANGO LODGE

Loango Lodge is the main base lodge for excursions into Loango National Park. It is a luxurious and exclusive hideout surrounded by uninterrupted views of the lagoon, savannah and forests over the river and other surrounding areas of the national park which is home to an abundance of wildlife including gorillas, forest elephants and several other giant Gabon mammals. Gabon Safari tours within the park vary depending on the weather of the year. Beach walks, boat trips, game drives, whale watching for best for the season running between July and October.

LOPE HOTEL

Lope Hotel is the only hotels found in Lope National Park; it is an inviting luxury accommodation spot for the traveller. This comfortable hotel in a cool environment of Lope offers access to safaris in the immediate vicinity. It is fitted with wooden bungalows plus ensuite facilities such as air conditioning to provide a gentle relaxing atmosphere in the surrounding savannah and forests. It has a swimming pool on the banks of the Offoue River offers the opportunity to cool off after a day’s long excursion.

EVENGUE LODGE

Principally, Evengue Island is a gorilla sanctuary and reintroduction centre in Gabon. This should therefore be the beginning spot for your Loango National Park tour experience, as it introduces all the landscapes you will encounter on the rest of your wildlife excursions into Loango Park. Evengue is a medium safari lodge.

AKAKA BUSH CAMP

For a true bush camping experience in the most remote sections of Loango Park, Akaka Bush Camp is should give you the best experience. You will be completely immersed in a peaceful jungle surrounding, allowing all your senses to be overwhelmed by the wonder that is Africa’s last Eden. You will discover a lot while residing at Akaka Bush Camp for a memorable safari Vacation.

PTE. ST. CATHÉRINE BEACH CAMP

This is a Beach Camp, where you will find yourself on a great stretch of wild, pristine beach, nearly 100 km long. It is extremely remote that the only footprints in the sand besides your own are those left by scurrying crabs.

LANGOUE BAI CAMP

This is a basic research camp located in Ivindo National Park with lodging facilities to tourists of World Primate Safaris. It’s a typical example of an African traveller’s accommodation. However, it also offers perfect wildlife viewing sites. Access to the camp is an adventurous 3 hrs walk through the thick forests.

BOM BOM ISLAND RESORT

Bom Bom Island Resort is a perfect luxury tourist haven for cooling off. It lies in a green, calm environment offering an ultimate destination for guests on Gabon Holidays. Its secluded accommodation location is offers wonderful views across the green palm fronds and the bay. Safaris here range from bird watching, hiking, whale-watching, diving and snorkelling.

Our guide to Gabon holidays leads you to the best holiday tour sites Africa’s Last Eden! Assured of holiday variety, we introduce you to Gabon’s evident picturesque beauty of extensive unexplored wilderness, amazing forests, fabulous wealth and diversity of natural biodiversity such as the elusive forest elephants, lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, mandrills and some fantastic bird life as clear testimony to its nick name –‘Africa’s Last Eden’.

Lying on the west coast of Africa and straddling the equator, Gabon coastline offers wild amazing beaches, whale watching and a vast network of rivers that nourish and sustain some exceptional biodiversity that flavour any traveller’s holiday around.

This top rising leisure African destination has become a much sought after spot for adventurous holiday makers, honeymooners, vacation tourists and researchers.

Gabon’s increasing prominence as a top leisure destination is very much for those travellers who have travelled to Africa before and have seen primates in the wild already, usually in Rwanda or Uganda.

We recommend that during your Gabon Holiday Tours spice up your vacation stay with safari activities such as;

• Tracking lowland gorillas in the pristine rainforests of Gabon
• Sunset beach walks while you enjoy Africa’s finest whale along the shores
• Excellent birding and night walks for turtles on the beach
• Meet and experience an assorted culture
• You may not want to miss the amazing wildlife of Gabon.
• Holiday tours to the bustling capital city of Libreville.
• You can also opt for diving and snorkeling while in Gabon.

Available Gabon Holiday Accommodation Options

1. Loango Lodge: This luxurious and exclusive lodging hideout lies in a serene environment with spectacular views of the lagoon, savannah and forests and it is a comfortable base from which to explore the Loango National Park during your Gabon holidays.
2. Point St. Catherine Beach Camp – this is another perfect holiday camp in Gabon for relaxing after wildlife holiday tours, taking extended walks, shell collecting or swimming in the sheltered bays.
3. Bom Bom Island Resort – this is a holiday haven more common with bird watchers. It offers the ultimate comfort and secluded accommodation. Its bungalows have their own verandas with perfect views for game viewing.

When to go

June to September is dry season (overcast skies). The rainy season (September to May) is best for birding.

What you need for Holiday

Our recommendation is that you keep your holiday suitcases down to the basics. Long-sleeve shirts are advisable, being useful to help keep any mosquitoes from biting. For ease of carrying soft bags or a medium sized suitcase is preferable. In the summer, clothing of a casual nature, preferably lightweight; cotton shirts, pants, dresses, skirts and shorts are most practical while on safari (preferably khaki, tan or neutral colours). Long pants (and socks) should be worn at night to avoid contact with mosquitoes. While in places shorts are fine, in the damp forests you may prefer to cover-up more (trousers) as they help to ward off mosquitoes and any other biting insects. It is essential to have shoes/lightweight boots with a good gripping sole.

Travel Alert:

Malaria is prevalent in the country, so holiday travellers are warned to carry with them malaria pills and a mosquito net when coming. The AIDS scourge unfortunately is wide spread in Gabon; you are advised to be cautious. We also strongly advise that before traveling to Gabon, make detailed enquiries with your countries embassy for the latest guidance in Gabon. Expert Gabon Tour Operators are also recommended for your holiday to make it more indulging and adventurous. A list of professional tour operators, travel agents and accommodation providers either based in or that can organise trips to Gabon can be contacted at our Gabon Tour Operators section.

Libreville city offers hotels of various styles according to your wallet strength, from luxury to budget. Accommodation rates for hotels rooms in Libreville range from 136 USD to 244 USD. Libreville hotels are few in the city, so we encourage you to make your hotel booking well in advance before your Gabon trip.

Accommodations close to Laico Okoume Palace Hotel are highly popular among tourists. Guideforafrica.com offers you a quick online guide in making your choice of the best and cheapest hotel rooms available in Libreville, Gabon.

1. Le Méridien Re-Ndama Hotel Libreville

Luxury Le Meridien Hotel

Hotel location and Description — Le Méridien Re-Ndama is located in the heart of Libreville city alongside the coast of the Gabon Estuary of the Komo River facing the Atlantic Ocean.

Le Méridien Re-Ndama lies in a short distance away from the celebrated sites of Libreville, such as the Art and Culture Museum, le Marché Artisanal, la Pointe Denis’ beaches, and the architecture of L’Eglise St-Michel. Near the hotel is also the Presidential Palace.

Hotel Amenities— the hotel features 6 summit rooms with a capacity of up to 270 guests, indoor tennis courts, an extensive physical fitness centre and an outdoor swimming pool.

Check-In: 1500hrs

Check-Out: 1200hrs

2. Intercontinental Hotel Libreville

Intercontinental Hotels Libreville

Hotel location and Description — this is a five-star Hotel. This 8-floors hotel facility has all the in-house essentials to fully meet any visitor’s expectations. It’s location in a serene surrounding and fully fitted with facilities to match international standards makes it popular amongst business travellers and safari tourists. It has both informal and formal restaurants that specialize in serving local and international cuisine.

Hotel Amenities— the hotel has 300 Guest Rooms, 23 Suites, 8 Floors and 13 conference rooms, 2 Restaurants, an Airline Desk and Rental Car Desk. Other personal Services offered include Beauty Salon, Dry Cleaning/Laundry, Gift Shop and Secretarial Services. Golf, tennis and swimming are all available.

Check-in: 1400hrs

Check-out: 1200hrs

3. Novotel Rapontchombo Hotel Libreville

Hotel location and Description — Novotel Rapontchombo Hotel is located in the city centre. It has a strategic location giving an amazing sea view. The hotel is just 2 min from the business and shopping centre of Libreville. Novotel Rapontchombo hotel goes an extra mile with other services such as guided excursion visits for its clients within the country using the hotel vans. It boasts 188 comfortable and air-conditioned deluxe rooms.

Hotel Amenities — Golf court, Outdoor Pool, Indoor Tennis court, Air Conditioned deluxe rooms, Bar / Lounge, Business Center, Interconnecting rooms, Cribs, Disco, 24-hours medical services, Free Airport van, Gift Shop, Golf course plus 24 Hour Security. It also features assembly venues and a grand terraced swimming pool.

Check-In: 1400hrs

Check-Out: 1200hrs

Accommodation rates starting from 92 EUR per night

4. Laico Okoume Palace Hotel Libreville

Hotel location and Description —Laico Libreville Hotel is a 5-star hotel in an ideal location close to Stade Omar Bongo and National Museum of Arts and Traditions. It has tennis courts, an outdoor pool, and a children’s pool. Business amenities at this 3.5-star property include a business center, separate phone bills for separate lines, with High-speed Internet Access plus electrical adapters fitted in each guest room. Additionally, it has a poolside bar and a coffee shop/café. Transportation services at the complex include a complimentary airport van for its visitors. Available also is an exhibit space extending to over 334 sq m, summit halls, banquet facilities offering wedding services and event catering plus a beautified compound with a serene lawn. Additional amenities include a concierge desk and laundry facilities. The hotel balconies have perfect city views.

Hotel Amenities — Laico Okoume Palace Libreville has 327 guestrooms. Cable / Satellite TV.

Each guestroom is individually decorated and furnished. All guestrooms provide fireplaces and desks. Private bathrooms offer bathtubs, bathrobes and slippers, designer toiletries and bidets. Rooms are deluxe fitted with individually controlled Air Conditioning and clean toiletries. Daily Buffet Breakfast is served. Other services include ATM/banking, Babysitting or child care, Hairdryer, newspapers, Safe-deposit box at the front desk with 24 hour guaranteed security.

Hotel Address: 2254 Libreville Gabon, Libreville, Gabon +353 1 65 69 441

Check Price: 245€

Deposit: XAF 25000 per stay

Late check-out: XAF 100

Check-In: 1400hrs

Check-Out: 1200hrs

Accommodation rates starting from 134 EUR per night.

Covering an area of 4,910 sq km, Lope National Park was the first protected area in the country following the creation of the Lope-Okanda Wildlife Reserve in 1946. This massive wilderness and one of the biggest National Parks in Central Africa, s situated in central Gabon and has a predominantly rainforest terrain. To the north the park are the last remnants of grass savannas created during the last Ice Age.

Lope National Park’s fauna is typical for central Africa forests punctuated with a few hills and patches of savanna. Ogooué River, running through the north of the park with wonderful trees gently rolling down to the rivers edge, habours a wide range of birds and giant mammals (63 species of mammals).

The Park came into being in 2002 when former President declared over 13 national parks in the country. It attained the UNESCO World Heritage status later in 2007. In the neighbouring areas of the park are several indigenous pygmy groups occupying forests in the South.

Wildlife

Lopé National Park boasts several important primate species more importantly the western Lowland Gorilla, chimpanzee and the Mandrill; Forest Elephants, Sitatunga and Red River Hog. There is also an endemic sun-tailed monkey living in the Park that was discovered in early 1984. Other mammals available in the Park include Forest Buffaloes, yellow-backed Duikers and Leopards. There is always the chance of an encounter with Western Lowland Gorilla and Mandrill and Chimpanzee on a simple wildlife tour here because of their abundance.

Several Bird species available include rosy bee-eater, crowned hawk eagle, Dja river warbler, great blue turaco, grey-necked rock fowl (pitacarthes), the chocolate-backed kingfisher, and emerald cuckoo and black guinea fowl

Climate

Lopé National Park experiences tropical climatic conditions with warm weather year-in year-out. The Park is relatively dry climate compared to most other equatorial rain forests because of its position in the rain shadow of the Chaillu mountain range. The southern zone of this 4910 sq km extensive park is covered by natural green rainforests. Insignificant patches of savannas appear in the Northern sections. These unique patches of savannas are attractive rare remnants from the last Ice Age over 18,000 years ago

Accommodation

There are also several fundamental camp lodges surrounding the park where you can stay on a safari excursion. Some of the lodges include

• Mikongo Camp- situated deep in the forest but close to research centers. It is set in a small clearing in the primary forest constructed with wooden bungalows and private wash room facilities.
• Lope Hotel-a tranquil venue with bungalows and private bathrooms as well as air-conditioned rooms. It overlooks the Ogooué River which tumbles over a series of rapids. However important to note is there is limited accommodation in Lopé National Park. The available is pretty prized.

Lope NP Wildlife Tours

Visitors explore the Lope National Park mainly in 4×4 open game drive jeeps and at times on foot. In this area the park comprises open savannah grasslands with extensive forest pockets. Visitors explore the forest along a well-developed network of paths, with the assistance of trackers and guides. Bird watching is excellent. For the bird watchers, an amazing bird to search for is the Grey-necked Rockfowl. However you will need a two hours walk through primary forest along a maze of narrow elephant trails before reaching any rocks of any decent viewing position.

Getting There

Visitors to Lopé National Park can get there by chartering aircrafts (has its own airstrip), train or on road using 4WD cars. The Park lies 350 km to the east of the capital, Libreville and it’s a 7-hour ride by car or 4 hours by express train. We recommend that your visit to the park be guided by a knowledgeable tour expert. Wildlife Tours into the park are safer and best enjoyed with 4WD jeeps.

Mali tour operators are professional experts in West Africa travel and tourism — they are well-informed, experienced, certified Malian guides fluent in popular international languages English and French plus several African as well as local languages.

Most of these tour operators have been engaged in West African tourism for more than twenty years. They arrange personalized, customized and fully escorted adventure travels, Self Drive Tours, bird watching and charming cultural tours in Mali and to neighbor countries such as Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Senegal.

As a unique tourist destination, Mali offers a rich and diverse landscape, from the swath of desert in the north to the great Niger River to the magnificent Dogon Cliffs.

Mali tour operators such as Saga Tours also offer tourist information for instance to historical sites e.g. legendary Timbuktu, urban centers for instance to the capital- Bamako as well as accommodation reservations in the national parks and private lodges around the country and West Africa.

We also recommend you carry out your Mali tour with one of the registered and reliable tour operators just like the ones listed on this section of Mali tour operators.

Loango National Park is Gabon’s most sought national park found in western region of the country. Loango- ‘Africa’s Last Eden’ nicknamed by Mike Fay, is situated between the Ndogo and Nkomi Lagoons and is celebrated worldwide site for tarpon of record size plus numerous other large saltwater fish species.
Loango National Park is a classified natural resource conservation zone and has been dedicated to faunal reserve and conservation and today, its Gabon’s premiere high-end eco-tourist destination using tourist dollars to support conservation efforts. It boasts diverse coastal habitats on the western coast of Africa, hence its Africa’s Last Eden nickname. It is so prominent for its surfing hippos; you’ll also find the largest concentration and variety of whales and dolphins, elephants wandering white-sand beaches and an assortment of rare land mammals cavorting in the savannah.

The National Park extends to over 1,550 km to include savanna, pristine beach, forest and mangroves zones which are a perfect tourist destinations in Gabon.

It also stretches to include some sections of the 220 sq km Iguéla Lagoon, the remaining example of a typical western African lagoon system that is protected within a national park.

History of Loango National Park

In 1956 the first regional faunal reserves were created in and around Loango National Park to promote sustainable use of the area’s wildlife and wild lands. In November 2002, President Omar Bongo Ondimba put Gabon firmly on the map by creating 13 new national parks in Gabon. All together, the thirteen parks created represent 10% of the landmass of Gabon. One of the more spectacular parks in this system is Loango National Park. Very few villages currently exist within the park, as most are located on the opposite bank of the Ngove Lagoon. As such, the park is nearly devoid of people and home only to a vast and spectacular array of terrestrial, avian and marine wildlife. While some of these animals inhabit specific ecological niches to which they have been adapting over time immemorial, others such as elephants and buffalos range across a number of landscapes. Many of the animals can be encountered by visitors on foot, in a vehicle, or seen from a blind.

Tourism Potential in Loango

Loango National Park Safari Buffalose

Loango National Park is the most popular national park amidst tourists in the whole of Gabon.

Wildlife-admirers safari excursions always find the park will interesting with countless opportunities of spotting varied concentrations of wild game like various species of whales and dolphins. Tourists get superb chances to observe buffalos, hippos, elephants, gorillas and leopards roaming around and along the white sand beaches. The Park extends over 100 km of uninhabited coastline; you can easily spot humpback and killer whales here.

Loango Accommodation Lodge

Loango Safari Lodge

Loango Lodge is set just outside the Park on a lagoon. It lies in a serene environment perfect for Gabon holidays. It is a safari lodge managed by Africa’s Eden. It employs licensed Gabon Tour operators who organize itineraries and wildlife tours from the main lodge to other destinations. They organize camp in the savannah jungle, the savanna offering unique experiences to the park visitors.

Among the attractive amenities available at Loango lodge are a small pool, restaurant and comfortable lodging rooms. There is an outside deck right on the lagoon that overlooks the national park giving a splendid view to watch animals on the other side.

The Gabon National Flag

Location

The Republic of Gabon is located on the Atlantic coast of central Africa along the Equator. It shares borders with Equatorial Guinea (350 km), Cameroon (298 km) and the Congo Republic (1,903 km). The country covers a total land area of 267,668 sq km and the capital and largest city is Libreville. Other major Gabonese cities are Gamba, Kango and Lucina.

History

The earliest settlers of Gabon are believed to be have been the Babinga, (Pygmies) dating back to 7000 B.C. who were later followed by several Bantu groups from southern and eastern Africa. Presently, this attributes to many tribal groups in the country, the largest being the Fang peoples constituting about 25% of the entire population.

Gabon was firstly explored by Diego Cam, a Portuguese explorer in the early 1400’s. In 1472, more Portuguese explorers discovered the opening of the Como River naming it “Rio de Gabao,” river of Gabon, which later translated into the name of the country.

Portuguese were joined by Dutch travelers who began settling in 1594 and later the French in 1630. Gabon became a French territory in 1888, an autonomous republic within the French Union after World War II, and an independent republic on Aug. 17, 1960. Today more than 10,000 French people live in Gabon, and France is the predominant foreign cultural and commercial influence.

Government

Gabon is a republic state with a democratically elected president. Former President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba is the country’s longest serving leader. He took over power in 1967 and died in June 2009 still serving. Current President is Ali Ben Bongo who got into power on September 3, 2009 after death of his father. The country’s President shields extreme powers for instance the power to dissolve the National Assembly, declare a state of siege, delay legislation, conduct referendums, and appoint or dismiss the prime minister as well as cabinet members. The country enacted a new constitution in March 1991.

Population

Gabon has a population of about 1.45 million (1,442,334 exact). This is the continent’s fifth least densely populated country – 85 per cent of country’s land is covered in tropical forests.

People and Religion

Most Gabonese are of Bantu origin with a multitude of over forty ethnic groups and cultures. The Fang are widely considered to be the biggest, with the Bandjabi (Nzebi) following. Others ethnic groups include the Bakota, Bapounou, Eshira, Myene and Okande. Nationally, 32% of the Gabonese people speak the Fang language as the original mother language.  French is the official language used in Government business dealings, education and communication.

Christianity accounts for over 70% of the Gabonese people. Roman Catholic Church has the biggest number of followers. Other religious groups include animists, Muslims, and practitioners of indigenous African religions.

Climate & When to Travel

Gabon experiences an equatorial climate characterized with warm and tropical spells in the year. It has a wet season between September and May punctuated by a short dry spells from December to January. Gabon’s dry period runs from May and September. The general temperature is 25°C on average, with about 80% humidity so it feels much hotter.

The country also experiences a Whale season which runs from July to September and turtles come ashore to lay eggs from November to January. Mammals wander from forest to savannah depending on the temperatures – these weather changes influence seasonal wildlife migrations in the country a lot. For the adventurous, Whale season is the best time to travel to Gabon.

Gabon’s climatic conditions are influenced by the extensive system of rainforests covering 85% of the country.

Geography

There are three distinct geographical zones, namely the COASTAL PLAINS (ranging between 20 to 300 km from the ocean’s shore), the MOUNTAINS (the Crystal Mountains to the northeast of Libreville, the Chaillu Massif in the centre, culminating at 1575 m with Mount Iboundji), and the savanna in the east. The coastal plains culminate in a large section of the World Wildlife Fund’s Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests eco-region with several patches of Central African mangroves especially on the Muni River estuary on the border with neighbouring Equatorial Guinea.

The largest river is the Ogooué (1,200 km long). Gabon has three KARST AREAS where there are hundreds of caves located in the dolomite and limestone rocks. Some of the caves include Grotte du Lastoursville, Grotte du Lebamba, Grotte du Bongolo and Grotte du Kessipougou. Many caves have not been explored yet. They act as great tourist attractions for the country. Gabon is also noted for efforts to preserve the natural environment.

Economy

A large proportion of the population of Gabonese is poor. The country enjoys a per capita punctuated with high income inequalities. The major natural resources of Gabon are petroleum, magnesium, iron, gold, uranium and forests. Presently the oil sector accounts for 50% of GDP. The rebound of oil prices since 1999 have helped growth, but drops in production have hampered Gabon from fully realizing potential gains, and will continue to temper the gains for most of this decade. Gabon encounters persistent unpredictable oil prices, timber and manganese exports. Which in most cases have kept the economy unstable.

Tourism Potential

Wildlife is one of Gabon's Prime Tourist Attractions

Gabon has plenty of tourist attractions. Whether this is your first time to Gabon or not, there is no shortage of things to do and see in the country. It is a charming and energetic country with lots to offer visitors, including the ancient Gabonese historical monuments, the renaissance beauty and fashion metropolis cities, the Ogooué River, several National Parks such as Loango National Park –wild animals are abundant plus reptiles including 20,000 western lowland gorillas and 60,000 forest elephants – the largest population in Africa – and 700 types of exotic birds. You would not want to miss seeing the amazing savannahs, mangroves, lagoons and beaches that are ideal habitats for varied species of animals and Plants.

Car Rental in South Africa is easy with to travel around the country.  These rental car operators also travel into surrounding African countries, making the South Africa cross-country tours adventurous and enjoyable. You will enjoy unlimited mileage, cheap rates with nominal excess, and a wide range of cars- compact to 4×4’s.

Hire a car and explore South Africa freely and at your own pace and leisure. The way to get the cheapest car to rent is by checking with every car rental agency what their rates are. For your convenience we list all car hire firms as well as links to their online reservation systems.

In South Africa, the business of car hire is dominated by private operators. Ask your hotel or tour guide to assist with any necessary bookings. A wide range of services offered include Airport transfers to hotels, tour guides; arrange tour itineraries, inland safaris ranging from business class to budget-friendly expeditions to major cities and prime visitor destinations.

The car available for hire are customized for a comfortable tour and all fitted with facilities such as 40L Water – full tank, 2 Ratchet tie downs, Fold up camping chairs, Rechargeable Maglite, Gas lanterns, First aid tool box, light wash basin, Beddings (sleeping bags, pillows, sheets and bath towels), Mobile toilet (some) and a cooler. Vehicles can be fitted out for up to 5 people and/or can be fitted with all necessary camping equipment, including rooftop tents.

Car Rental Companies in South Africa

Car rental companies are available in the most sought tourist destinations in the country. You will fine efficient car hire service in the cities of Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Durban car, East London, George car, Johannesburg, Nelspruit, Phalaborwa and Port Elizabeth.

• Avis Car Rental
• Budget Cars
• Europcar
• First Car Rental
• Hertz
• Kulula.com
• Sixt Car Rental
• South Africa Car Hire
• Tempest Sixt
• Woodford vehicle

With these South Africa car hire options, be rest assured that you are hiring with the best. They offer competitive car rental rates, outstanding customer service and excellent South African knowledge.

The Mozambique tour operators welcome you home as they take you through one of the African countries still in their natural state. Several Mozambique tour packages are available to suit your needs ranging from WEEKEND PACKAGES, HONEYMOON PACKAGES, CONFERENCE PACKAGES, INCENTIVE GROUP PACKAGES, WEDDING PACKAGES to CUSTOMIZED PACKAGES that will remain clear flashes in your memory.

Mozambique tour operators offer credible safari services with diligence to their clients. Expect to enjoy your Mozambique tour without straining your wallet. They also make comprehensive itineraries well packaged to include adventurous safari activities such as Scuba dive popularly at Ponta do Ouro beach, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing, Fly Fishing, Sunset Cruises, sailing, Dolphin Tours, and Island Trips.

For the more adventurous travelers, these travel agents or tour operators arrange private out of range of expeditions for their clients by road for instance to the North of Beira and Quelimane. They guide tourists to historical sites such as historic town of Angache to which several Arab and Swahili peoples attach ancestry bearings as early as coastal life centuries.

Tourists traveling to the interior of the country will be enthralled by the beauty of Lago Niassa, the vast lake which borders Tanzania and Malawi. This is one of the wildest places in Mozambique and is not for the fainthearted, however the rewards are great for those who persevere with the journey and here you will find beautiful, undeveloped countryside with the true feel of Africa. And, of course, no journey to the interior

You make wish to indulge yourself into wildlife excursions, Gorongosa Park is on the way up North were you will be able to spot the country’s natural biodiversity. Wildlife guides are also there to take you through the natural Mozambique.

The Ilha of Mozambique is a mesmerizing spot to visit with much to offer tourists interested in learning about the history and culture of the country.

For the fun makers, a one day’s trip to Vilanculos may tempt you to Linger a while at the self-contained luxury resorts of the Bazaruto Archipelago. Many of these resorts can arrange boat hire for those who enjoy a spot of deep-sea fishing. You can also indulge yourself at a spa by pampering in a massage or just rest on the beaches of Macaneta, Bilene and Xai-Xai for sun bathe. So, whether you’d like an adventure holiday or just prefer to relax and get away from it all, it’s all waiting here for you in Mozambique-the land of smiles.

We recommend that for you to enjoy your tours Mozambique, you need an expert tour operator or travel company. Aside from arranging comprehensive itineraries, these tour agents take into consideration your budget size which will most likely dictate your destination options.

Tanzania is one renowned African destination for its exciting holiday inviting atmosphere especially at the coast. Licensed Tanzania tour operators arrange numerous travel tours to the country’s incomparably stunning tourist destinations such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti national Park, Zanzibar Islands.

Among other services offered, they assist at Airport transfers on arrival, Honeymoon vacations, Tanzania beach tours and innovative culture tours.

Families on adventure tours can wander through the forests and survey the wide variety of exotic flora and fauna in the national parks. For adventure lovers, the Tanzania Safari agents guide their clients through numerous thrilling honeymoon activities such as sailing, windsurfing and paragliding. You experience the country’s magic in full.

We recommend that for you to enjoy your Tanzania holidays and vacation trip here, you need an expert tour operator or travel company. Aside from arranging comprehensive itineraries, these tour agents take into consideration your budget size which will most likely dictate your destination options. It’s therefore plausible to have your tour with credible Tanzania tour operators just like the ones listed below;

A. Safaris Tour Operator

Tel: +255 27 2504099

Email:anniedesouza@yahoo.com

Abercombie & Kent

Tel: +255 27 2508346/8

Website: www.abecrombie.co.tz

Abrojaley African Ajabu

Tel: +255 27 2500300

Email:info@abrojaley.com

Website: www.abrojaley.com

Active Tanzania Adventures

Tel: + 255- 784605785

E-mail: info@activetanzania.com

Website: www.activetanzania.com

Adventure Sports & Leisure

Tel: +255 27 2509706

Email: info@adsportleisure.com

Website: www.adsportleisure.com

Africa Bound Tours

Tel +255272548492

Email:info@africabound.com

Website: www.africabound.com

African Horizon

Tel: +255 27 2505990

Email:tanzania@african-horizons.com

Website: www.african-horizons.com

African Trails

Tel: +255 27 2504406/2503683

Email: africantrails@habari.co.tz

Ajabu Adventures

Tel: 0784659009

Email: info@ajabu-adventures.com

Website: www.ajabu-adventures.com

Angoni Car Hire & Tours

Tel:+255-27-250-8598.

Email: info@angoniadventure.co.tz.

Website: www.angoniadventure.co.tz

Arumeru Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 744588721

Email: arumeru@habari.com.tz

Arunga Expeditions & Safaris

Tel: +255 (073) 2971780

E-mail: aruexpedition@yahoo.co.uk

Website: www.aruexpedition.com

Arusha Fortes

Tel: + 255 27 2506 094 & 254 4887

Email: info@fortes-safaris.com

Website: www.fortes-safaris.com

Arusha Naaz Rent a Car

Tel: +255 27 2502087

Email: arushanaaz@yahoo.com

Awaken to Africa

Tel: +255 787 312 636

E-mail: info@awaketoafrica.com

Website: www.awaketoafrica.com

Base Campsite

Tel: +255 27 2500393

Email:management@basecamptanzania.com

Website: www.basecamptanzania.com

Bear Foot Expedition

Tel: +255 754-36 83 32

Email: bear_foot07@yahoo.com

Bobby Trekking Safaris

Tel: +255-27-2505447

Email: bobbytrekking@habari.co.tz

Bongo Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 22 774767

Bunmark Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255762900517

Email:bunmark@yahoo.com

Bushbuck Safaris

Tel: +255 27 254 4186

Email: bushbuck@bushbuckltd.com

Website: www.bushbuckltd.com

Classic Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 254 3082-7

E-mail: info@comfortsafaris.com

Comfort Holidays

Tel: +255 27 250 9283

Email: info@comfortsafaris.com

Website: www.comfortsafaris.com

Crown Eagle Adventure

Tel: +255 754 263085 / 764 260

E-mail: sales@crown-eagle.com

Website: www.crown-eagle.com

Danny McCallum Safaris

Tel: +255 27 250 8454

Email: safari@dmstz.com

Website: www.dmstz.com

Destination Tanzania Safaris

Tel: + 255 754 275448

Email: inno@detasa.com

Website: www.detasa.com

Dorobo Tours and Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2508336

Email: dorobo@habari.co.tz

Duma Adventure Safaris

+255 27 2753226/8431

Website: www.dumaadventure.com

Duma Expeditions Ltd

Tel: +255 27 53639

Email: dumaexpediti.tours@kilinet.co.tz

Website: www.dumaexplorer.com

E.T.Treks & Safaris

Tel: +255 786 413334

Email:info@elefant-tours.com

Website: www.elefant-tours.de

East Africa Voyage

Tel: +255 27 2548890

Email: info@eastafricanvoyage.com

Website: www.eastafricanvoyage.com

Ebony Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 22 2601459

E-mail: ebonysafari@raha.com

Eshkesh Safaris

Tel: +255 723 971 635

Email:mareinaholi333@hotmail.com

Fay Safaris

Tel: + 255 27 2545068

Email: tours@faysafaris.com

Website: www.faysafaris.com

Flash Safaris & Photography

Tel: +255 27 2544172

Email: info@flashsafaris.com

Website: www.flashsafaris.com

Flycatcher Safaris

Tel: +25444109 2544979

Email : flycat@habari.co.tz

Forters Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 254887

Email: fortessafaries@fortesonline.com

Website: www.fortesonline.com

Fun Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2508376

Email: funsafari@tz2000.com

George Mavroudis Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2548840

E-mail: gmsafaris@gmsafaris.com

Website: www.gmsafaris.com

Good Earth Safaris & Tours

Tel +255 27 2508334

Email: ndashy@goodearthtours.com

Website: www.goodearthtours.com

Great African Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2548163

Email: info@greatafricansafaris.com

Website: www.greatafricansafaris.com

H & Q Unique Safaris (2000)

Tel +255 272553823

Email: uniquessaf@cybernet.com

Hartebeest Safaris

Email: hartebeest@habari.co.tz

Website: www.hartebeestsafaris.com

Hidden Treasures of Tanzania Safaris

Mobile: 00255 744299326

Email: info@htt-safaris.com

Website: www.htt-safaris.com

Hoopoe Adventure Tours

Tel: +255 27 2507011

Email: information@hoopoe.com

Website: www.hoopoe.com

Interactive Tours & Travel

Tel: 022 2771126-7

Email: xcar@bol.co.tz

J. M. Tours

Tel: +255 27 2501034

Email: jmtours@habari.co.tz

Jackport Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2503272

Website: www.jackpotsafaris.com

Karibu Africa Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2504023

Email: karibuafricasafaris@bol.co.tz

Kibo Guides

Tel: +255 2504093, 0784 504093

Email: kibasaf@habari.co.tz

Kiliwarrior Expéditions

Tel: +255 27 2503678

Email: wilbrtill@yahoo.com

Krisha African Safaris

Tel: +255 784 510194

Email: info@krishasafaris.com

Website: www.krishasafaris.com

Kudu Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2508108

Email: kudu@habari.co.tz

Laitolya Tours & Safaris

Telephones: +255 27 2547536

Email: laitolya@habari.co.tz

Leopard Tours

Tel: +255 27 2504610-3/ 2508441

Email: leopard@yako.habari.co.tz

Lions Safari International

Tel: 2508264

Email: info@lions-safari-intl.com

Website: www.lions-safari-intl.com

M.S Safaris

Tel: +255 784466951

Email:josephbumi@yahoo.com

Macho ya Tanzania

Tel: +255 27 2534055

Email: macho-yatanzania@iwayafrica.com

Masai Giraffe Safaris

Tel: +255 754 282042

E-mail: masaigrafe@gmail.com

Mbogo Expéditions

Tel: +255 754 612045/0784933013

Email: info@mbogoexpeditions.com

Website: www.mbogoexpeditions.com

Micato Safaris

Tel: 255787760780/255766716786

Email: inquiries@micato.co.ke

Website: www.micato.co.ke

Migada Adventures

Tel: +255 754370023

E-mail: info@migadadventures.com

Website: www.migadadventures.com

Milimani Adventures

Tel: +255 27 2544520

Email: info@milimaniadventure.com

Website: www.milimaniadventure.com

Mind & Soul Travel

Tel: +255 786 234070

Email: info@mindsoultravel.com

Website: www.mindsoultravel.com

ML Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2503191

Email: info@mltoursandsafaris.com

Website: www.mltoursandsafaris.com

Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club

Tel: +255 27 2548869

Arusha Multichoice Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2506411

Email: multicho@habari.co.tz

Nature Discovery

Tel: +255 27 2544063

Email: info@naturediscovery.com

Website: www.naturediscovery.com

Next African Safaris

Tel: +255 754 288909

Email: info@nextafricans.com

Website: www.nextafricans.com

Nitoke Safaris

Tel: 0784 336150

Email:info@nitokesafaris.com

Website: www.nitokesafaris.com

Njake Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2553819

Email:njakesafaris@yahoo.com

Nordic Travel

Tel: 027 2541024

Emai:info@nordictraveltz.com

Website: www.nordictraveltz.com

Olosokwan Adventures

Tel: +255 756 363664

E-mail: info@olosokwanadventers.com

Website: www.olosokwanadventers.com

Pajota Safaris

Tel: +255 787 135995

Email: pajotasafaris@habari.co.tz

Park East Africa

Tel: +255 27 2506058

Email: info@parkeastafrica.com

Website: www.parkeastafrica.com

Parks Adventures

Tel: 255 27 250 9107

Email: info@parksadventure.com

Website: www.parksadventure.com

Peacock Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2501539

Email:wildfrontiers@habari.com.tz

Predators Safaris Club

Mobile: +255 754 562254

Email:intoarusha@yahoo.com

Procell Safaris

Tel: +255 22 2861276

Email: procell@procell.co.tz

Website: www.procell.co.tz Arusha

Real Adventure Co.

Tel: +255 732 972432

Email: realadventureltd@habari.co.tz

Reality Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2050107

Email:ymsechu@yahoo.com

Renaissance Photographic Safaris

Tel: +255 784 331711

Email: info@renaissancesafaris.com

Website: www.renaissancesafaris.com

Roy Safaris

Tel: +255 2507940

Fax: +255 27 2548892

E-Mail: roysafaris@intafrica.com

Safari Direct Tanzania

Tel: +255784982858

Email: safaridirect@gmail.com

Website: www.safaridirecttz.com

Safari Images

Tel: +255 27 2751990

Email: images@bennets.co.tz

Safari Makers

Tel: +255 732 979195

Email: safarimakers@habari.co.tz

Safari Tracks

Tel: +255 27 2500048

Email: saftarcks@yahoo.com

Scan Tan Tours

Tel: +255 27 2504865/ 754 276980

Email: scantan@cybernet.co.tz

Semantango Safaris

Tel: +255 27 250 9511

Email: sematangotours@cybernet.co.tz

Serena Car Hire & Tours

Tel: +255 27 2509833

Email: serenacahire@habari.co.tz

Serengeti Big Cats Safari

Tel: +255 784 767299

Email: info@serengetibigcates.co.tz

Website: www.serengetibigcates.co.tz

Serengeti Select Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2544222

Email: sss@habari.co.tz

Shidolya Tours & Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2548506

Email: shidolya@habari.co.tz

Simba Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2503600

Email: samba@simbasafaris.co.tz

Website: www.simbasafaris.co.tz

Sky of Serengeti Safaris

Tel: +255 27 2546155

Email: skysere2004@yahoo.com

SOK Adventure Travel Specialist

Tel: +255 784 694624

Email:info@sokaadventures.com

Website: www.sokaadventures.com

Tanzania DMC

Tel: +255784554752

Email:info@tanzaniadmc.com

Website: www.tanzaniadmc.com

Tanzania Rift Valley Tours

Tel: +255 27 2504212

Email: trvtours@bol.co.tz

Tanzania Serengeti Adventure

Tel: +255 27 2544609

E-mail: tsa@habari.co.tz Residence

Website: www.www.abouttanzania.com

Tanzannature Tours & Safari

Tel: +255 27 2548804.

Mail: info@tanzannaturetours.com

Website: www.tanzannaturetours.com

The East African Safaris & Touring Co.

Tel: +255 754 275452

E-mail: eastafricansafaris@habari.co.tz

The Map’s Edge

Tel: +255 784 770190

Email: safaris@maps-edge.com

Website: www.maps-edge.com

Thomson Safaris

Tel: 250-8551/254-8551

Email: tsafaris@habari.co.tz

Untamed Safaris (E.A)

Tel: +255 27 2544550/ 754 282181

Email: ultimatesafaris@habari.co.tz

Vuriva Complex &Safaris

Tel: +255 754 276699

Email:info@vurivasafaris.com

Website: www.vurivasafaris.com

Warner Safaris

Tel: + 255 27 2547421

Email: admin@warnersafaris.co.tz

Website: www.warnersafaris.co.tz

Warrior Trails

Tel: + 255 27 2546081

Email:infotz@warriorttrails.com

Website: www.warriorttrails.com

Wildersun Safaris &Tours

Tel: +255 27 2500358

Email: wildersun@cybenet.co.tz

Wildholic Safaris & Tours

Tel: +255 756 342242

Email: wildholic@hotmail.com

Wildlife Expedition Safaris

Tel: +255 27 250978

E-mail: wesafari@yahoo.com

Wildlife Guides of Tanzania

Tel: +255 786 025352

Email: pp@wildlifetanzania.com

Website: www.wildlifetanzania.com

Wildness Trails

Tel: +255 27 2500358

Email: info@tropicaltrails.com

Website: www.tropicaltrails.com

World African Safari Expedition

Tel: +255 27 250 4298

Email: wa-expeditions@habari.co.tz

Yembi Adventure

Tel: +255 754612700

Email: yembi@africaonline.co.tz

BUDGET TRANSPORTATION

Getting There

Without reservations, the most expensive part of a budget holiday to Egypt will be airfare; but

take a cheap flight to Egypt and land at Cairo International Airport. The airport is serviced by a number of international airlines that offer discount flight services. These include SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines and Lufthansa among others. It’s recommendable that you make your flight booking with these airlines well in advance to be availed with the discount fares that they offer. Upon arrival, most travellers visiting Egypt privately and for the first time on a tight budget will usually prefer to stay close to downtown Cairo.

Getting Around

Egyptians are naturally courteous and sociable people.  Most tourists on their independent Egypt travel usually embark on one day or half day tours to most sightseeing destinations. Consider Alexandria, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan as your premier destinations in the country.

Buses are one economical way for a travel in Egypt. These buses are fitted with air conditioned facilities, are fairly comfortable and generally in good condition. Buses to Luxor and Aswan depart daily from Mahattit Aboud (Aboud Station) in Cairo-Shubra at 8:30 pm A short taxi ride in either of these cities is, and should be exciting but without stretching the tourist’s wallet. Expect to pay between 5 and 10 Egyptian pounds (around $3.00 USD) for the short rides. For good reservations, it’s advisable you make arrangements a day ahead of time, though we are told that one need only make such arrangements within an hour and a half of departure.  Reputable Egypt tour operators and car rental companies based in Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria and Aswan offer a wealth of local tour experience cheaply. Trains in Egypt are also comfortable particularly the first class variety and most of them depart from Ramsis Station. Cheap Charter flights can also be arranged between domestic tourist attractions. Usually flights fares for internal Egyptian destinations are from 20 to 25% less then EgyptAir-the national carrier.

BUDGET SIGHTSEEING

Destination Cities Tours

Tourists travelling independently to Egypt stand to save more when they arrange one day or half day tours to the sightseeing areas. Egypt tours of such kind can be arranged from most hotels or the numerous travel agencies stationed in downtown Cairo; Alexandria and other several strategic locations in the other cities. It should be pointed out that Alexandria and Cairo are quite different then Luxor and Aswan in one important aspect. Alexandria and Cairo are large cosmopolitan areas boasting with a multitude of attractions. For instance, the Egyptian Museum is located here and is close to Islamic Cairo and the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, as well as old Cairo, the Coptic.

On the other hand, Luxor and Aswan are much geared to the tourist trade typical with difficulty bargain pricing though some good tourism deals can also be realized principally in Luxor. Here transport is often not as necessary as in the larger cities, and one will find all manner of tourist walking along the streets anywhere one goes in Luxor and Aswan.

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION

You must be puzzled in deciding where to stay cheaply in Egypt. For your information, Egypt has a wide range of cheap accommodation for its budget conscious visitors. There are several budget classy hotels, apartments, guest houses as well as self-catering facilities at very much economical rates. Most have single occupancy pricing between $30 and $50 USD a night.

One of the least expensive hotels that we can recommend is Nefertiti Hotel in Luxor. The hotel is controlled by a youthful manager. Several other hotels offer accommodation on a pocket-friendly budget in the city. Zamalek’s Hotel Longchamps is one other most favorite budget hotels to Egyptian tourists. At $36 USD per night for a single, Hotel Longchamps can’t be beaten. It lies in a purely calm, friendly and serene location.

In Aswan, the Nubian Oasis Hotel has been for some time a popular spot for budget travelers to the city. Its rooms are clean and air conditioned and boasts perfect private baths. There is also a large lounge area and a roof garden where cooled drinks are served. The Keylany Hotel is another budget ranging hotel in Aswan. It is relatively small with only 21 smart rooms fitted with air-conditioned facilities and some with ceiling fans. Breakfast is inclusive on the accommodation price. Actually, indeed there are several reasonably inexpensive hotels particularly in Aswan and Luxor in the range of $20.00 – $35.00 for travellers. Alexandria however does not have such many budget hotels. You may want to first check around some for accommodation rates and services available.

BUDGET EATING OUT

Are you indeed budget conscious? Egypt has a multitude of restaurants to cater for all visitors at affordable rates and for all tastes. The adventurous who may wish to taste traditional Egyptian dish will find a number of such restaurants throughout Cairo and Luxor. Restaurants such as the Al Tekkia have reasonably priced fast-food varieties and are perfectly client-oriented. Other abundant options include traditional fast food establishments where a western style hamburger may cost in the range of $3.00 to $4.00 USD. Expose yourself to the famous locally prepared dishes greatly liked by several tourists as it’s always prepared uniquely. Also do not miss the more liked barbecues especially common to Egypt beach vacationers.

BUDGET SHOPPING

One may spend significantly on eating in Egypt or insignificantly. For you not to lose your budget expenditure target objective, we recommend that you hit the countless supermarkets in the country and spend less on shopping. In particular, such items as bottled water, soft drinks and cigarettes can be obtained from a reasonably sized market much less expensively then at most hotels.

Once you have these travel facts, you will be well-informed and prepared for your Egypt travel, confident in every situation and ready for the trip of a lifetime without stretching your wallet. One of the secrets to budget travel Egypt is to plan effectively well in advance.

However, when times are extreme in Ghana, which is a reoccurring event caused by world conflicts that seldom have much to do with Ghana; Ghana tour operators are available to journey you through this much sought destination at amazing deals. Tourists are secure in their hands during their time in the country; and for one who wishes to make a Ghana tour, not only are tours cheap, but monuments and other sightseeing locations are less crowded.

So for the individual who has always wanted to travel to Ghana but hasn’t been able to do so, keep your dreams alive in the minds. The costs associated with a Ghana budget travel include, but are not necessarily limited to, the airfare or other transport to Ghana, lodging, food, transportation to different destinations in Ghana and tickets to enter the various attractions one wishes to see, with the possible hiring of guides. Most people will also be interested in finding the least expensive destinations and means of buying a few souvenirs. Of course, this is for a fairly standard classical expedition.

Getting there & Around

Take a cheap flight to Ghana and touch Kotoka International Airport serviced by a number of international airlines. It’s recommendable that you make your flight booking well in advance to be availed with the discount fares that airlines to Ghana offer. The airlines include SN Brussels, British Airways, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Another economical way to reach Ghana would be by overland from Nigeria. You can fly to Lagos and continue to Ghana on ground.

Reputable Ghana tour operators and car rental companies based in Accra and other cities offer a wealth of local experience cheaply. Cheap Charter flights can also be arranged between domestic tourist attractions. These tour operators frequently receive deep discounts from hotels and airlines as well as provide more efficient means of transportation within the country. Even the most experienced independent traveler may not be able to beat the cost of a value tour, particularly if a full agenda of sight seeing is required.

This is particularly true when visiting Ghana from Europe. There a number of European charter services and travel houses do a large volume of business in Ghana, allowing them to negotiate huge discounts with hotels and ground operators in Ghana resulting in prices that are extremely affordable.

One of the most unusual aspects of Ghana in regards to other tourist destinations is that the local residents are warm to all visitors.  They are sociable hosts, even those not fully active participants in the Ghana tourism.  Most hotel human resources, if asked, will provide volumes of helpful Ghana information and detailed descriptions of their country. They will almost always be able to arrange comprehensive itineraries, and in the case of some chains, be able to guide and accommodate you from one end of Ghana to the other.

Along with a good travel guide, one who is intent on independent travel should have little trouble in doing so.

Where to Stay

You must be puzzled in deciding where to stay in Ghana. For your information, Ghana offers a range of accommodation options for the budget conscious traveler. There are several budget class hotels, apartments, guest houses as well as self-catering facilities here. The rates are very much economical. For instance Labadi Beach Hotel, Golden Tulip Accra Hotel, La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel, M Plaza Hotel, Golden Tulip Kumasi Hotel, Golden Tulip Kumasi Hotel, Crystal Rose Hotel, Fosua Hotel among several others. Ghana hotels are in serene locations perfect for tourists on vacation and are well equipped with modern facilities. Several other hotels offer accommodation on a pocket-friendly budget.

Most tourist traffic to Ghana begins in the latter half of June, and continues through the middle of September. During this period everything from flight reservations, to hotel accommodation, to full safaris is less expensive. The ultimate peak season starts before Christmas and ends after New Years, due to the holidays in European countries. During this end of year period, rates will be at their maximum, and in many cases hotel and other reservations cannot be had at any price unless planed well in advance. We advise you avoid this time for a Ghana vacation.

As we recommend in our section on Ghana tours, possibly one of the most inexpensive means of independent Ghana travel is often an amalgam, where one accepts an all-inclusive defined package tour but allows themselves extra time to do independent sightseeing or other safaris. That way, they take advantage of inexpensive tour packages while allowing themselves an adventurous time on their own.

The Seychelles Islands renowned for their exciting vacation atmosphere will ensure you explore and experience the magical effect of all its 115 islands. Mahe Island is the heart of all safari-related activities on the islands. It boasts scenic immaculate beaches, the clear blue waters and water sports that should flavor your precious vacation moment.

Seychelles tour operators arrange numerous travel tours to these incomparably stunning beaches located on the island. Among other services offered, they assist at Airport transfers upon landing onto the Islands, Land Excursions on the Seychelles, Golf Tours, Honeymoon vacations, Seychelles beach tours and innovative culture tours on the Islands.

They offer one of the finest ways of enjoying your Seychelles vacation without straining your wallet. You can also indulge yourself at a spa by pampering in a massage or just rest on the beach to sun bathe. Families visiting the Seychelles Islands can also wander through the forests and survey the wide variety of exotic flora and fauna. For adventure lovers, the Seychelles Safari agents guide their clients through numerous thrilling activities such as sailing, windsurfing and paragliding. You experience the island’s magic in full.

We recommend that for you to enjoy your Seychelles honeymoon and holiday trip on these serene islands, you need an expert tour operator or travel company. Aside from arranging comprehensive itineraries, these tour agents take into consideration your budget size which will most likely dictate your destination options while on the Islands. It’s therefore plausible to have your tour with credible tour operators just like the ones listed below;

7º South Ltd

Tel: 248-292800

Creole Travel Services

Tel: 248-297000

Mason’s Travel (Pty) Ltd

Tel: 248-288824

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa bounded by six countries namely Niger to the east, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the south west, Ghana and Togo to the south, Mali to the north, Niger and Benin to the south east.

Formerly Upper Volta, present Burkina Faso is among the poorest and most illiterate countries in the world. Burkina Faso’s capital city is Ouagadougou and its inhabitants are known as Burkinabè.

The country’s population stands at 15.263 million people at a growth rate of 2.71%; estimated life expectancy at birth of slightly below 50 years of age.

Geography

Burkina Faso is a relatively flat country whose average altitude averages at approximately 400m. The country is generally made up of two types of landscape i.e. the larger peneplain forming a gently surging landscape punctuated with a few isolated hills and the last vestiges of a Precambrian massif; and the sandstone massif in the southwest which forms the highest peak, Ténakourou at an elevation of 749m.

Burkina Faso is watered by three rivers that is the Black Volta (Mouhoun), the White Volta (Nakambé) and the Red Volta (Nazinon). 27% of the country’s land surface is also drained by the River Niger whose tributaries of Béli, Gorouol, Goudébo and Dargol are seasonal streams. Much as Burkina Faso also comprises several in land water lakes, there are pronounced cases of water shortage particularly in the north.

Climate

Burkina Faso essentially experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. In the rainy season, the country receives between 600 and 900 millimeters of rainfall. This rainy season lasts approximately four months, May / June to September, and is shorter in the north of the country. The dry season characteristic of the harmattan – a hot dry wind from the Sahara – blows. Three climatic zones can be defined: the Sahel, the Sudan-Sahel, and the Sudan-Guinea. The Sahel in the north typically receives less rainfall a year but with high temperatures.

Economy

Burkina Faso is one of the countries with the most backward economies in the world. It is ranked as the 28th poorest nation among other nations such as the Republic of the Congo and Tajikistan, represented numerically in its low GDP per capita income of $1,300. It has just a handful of natural resources. Dominantly agricultural, the sector represents 32% of its gross domestic product and occupies 80% of the working population. It consists mostly of livestock but also, especially in the south and southwest, of growing sorghum, millet, maize (corn), peanuts, rice, and cotton. Industry remains dominated by unprofitable government-managed companies, particularly in its mineral exploitation of copper, iron, manganese, and, above all, gold.

People and Culture

Burkina Faso is an ethnically integrated, secular state with 15.2 million residents – (by the 2008 est.). The Burkinabès belong to two major West African cultural groups namely the Voltaic and the Mande. The Voltaic Mossi make up approximately 50% of the country’s population their decency is attached to warriors who migrated to present-day Burkina Faso from Ghana for seasonal agricultural work establishing an empire that lasted more than 800 years. Their principle economic activity is cultivation.

Most of Burkina’s people are settled in the south and central areas of the country.

Religion

Approximately 50% of the population is Muslim; Christians, both Roman Catholics and Protestants, comprise about 30% of the population, with their largest concentration in urban areas, whereas up to a 20% adhere to the traditional African religion. The introduction of Islam to Burkina Faso was initially resisted by the Mossi rulers. Many Christians and Muslims incorporate elements of animism into their religious practices.

Tourism

Burkina Faso is an excellent destination for anyone interested in seeing the original beauty of West Africa and its residents; and exploring African culture and music at its roots. Burkina Faso’s fauna and flora are exceptional and are sheltered in two national parks and several game reserves.

Tour Operators in here however are not fully bonded tour companies in the country. Majority are based outside the country’s borders. Nonetheless, they deal in organizing tailor made safaris and holiday itineraries within the East African region. They offer tailored operations specifically to their clients’ needs and these range from family safaris, honeymoon travels, Wildlife excursions into the country’s abundant wildlife sanctuaries, and nature treks into the country’s beautiful scenery to tour of historical sites.

Aside from tour services, they also offer tourist information for instance to historical sites and accommodation reservations in the national parks and private lodges around the country and whole region that meet the aspirations, interests and budgets of their clients.

We also recommend you carry out your Burundi safari trip with a registered and reliable tour operators just like the ones listed on this section of Burundi tour operators.

Hakuna Matata Tours

Tel: +243997743710

Website: www.hakunamatatatours.com

Merit Safaris

Tel +256-414-256690 / 414-662716

Website: www.meritsafaris.com

Elegant Travels

Tel: +44-0-208 819 8909

Email: info@eleganttravels.co.uk

Website: www.eleganttravels.co.uk

Victoria Safaris

Tel: +254-20-2246461

Fax: +254-20-2252015

Email:  victoria@victoriasafaris.com

Website: www.victoriasafaris.com

Twining Safaris

Tel: + 254-020-788530

Email: cyrus@twiningsafaris.net

Other Tour Operators offering vacation tour services in Burundi

Nomadic Thoughts

Tel: +44-0-20 7604 4408

Email: travel@nomadicthoughts.com

Website: www.nomadicthoughts.com

Naturetrek

Tel: +44-0-1962 733051

Email: info@naturetrek.co.uk

Website: www.naturetrek.co.uk

Welcome to our section of Mauritius tour operators

Mauritius coastal scenic beauty and natural attractions have spurred a diversity of safari-related activities ranging on the islands ranging from mountaineering, bird watching, sports fishing, honeymoon vacation trips, holidays to numerous water sports activities such as wind surfing.

Mauritius Tours with Mauritius travel agents harvest most visitors’ wild dreams into reality because they offer special tailor-made holiday packages that present unexplored virgin territories to tourists plus new discoveries.

Mauritius tour operators also arrange travel tours to incomparably stunning locales located in different island countries located in the vast turquoise Indian Ocean. Among other services offered, they assist at Airport transfers upon landing in Mauritius, Land Excursions in Mauritius, Golf Tours, Honeymoon vacations, Mauritius beach tours, wildlife safaris, culture tours and other innovative theme tours with Mauritius.

We advise that for you to enjoy a well planned and successful Mauritius safari and honeymoon holiday trip on these Indian Ocean situated serene islands, you need an expert tour operator or travel company. Aside from arranging comprehensive itineraries, these tour agents take into consideration your budget size which will most likely dictate your destination options while on the Islands. It’s therefore plausible to have your tour with reliable tour operators just like the ones listed below;

• One World Travel & Tours
• Erco Travels Co Ltd
• Elite Voyage
• Oceani Holidays Ltd
• Monalysa Tours
• Moonlight Tours Ltd
• MTTB Mautourco
• Maustral Tour Travel Ltd
• Dovesomm Co Ltd
• My Holidays Tours Ltd
• Nautix Company Ltd
• One Way Blue Ltd

So, when you want to have pleasant Mauritius holidays and would like to explore this dream destination to the fullest, do not have any reservations with the listed travel companies because they ready to carry move you around a new world of adventure.

The Ghana Tour Operators and Travel Agents are licensed by the Ghana Tourist Board and facilitate Ghana travel tours. Guideforafrica.com recommends you carry out your Ghana tour with a registered and reliable tour operators just like the ones listed on this section of Ghana tour operators.

GHANA TOUR PACKAGES are available at our online section Ghana Tourism.

A & B Travel &Tours

Phone: +233-21-223003

A & H Travel

Email: Ahtravelandtours@yahoo.com

Phone: 051-37743 244-733234

AB Paradise Travel &Tours

Email: abptour2005@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: +233-21-230363

Abacar Ltd

Website: www.abacar-tours.com

Phone: +233-249-574691

ABSCO Travel & Tours

Email: abscotravel@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: 233-21-674456

Mob- 244-369142

Bahmed Travel & Tours

Website: www.bahmedtravel.com

Phone: +233-21-773842

Bahmed Travel & Tours

Email: bahmedtravel@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-787203

Belhans Travel & Tours

Phone: +233-22-211904

Bensaf Travel &Tours

Phone: +233-21-257247

Celex Travel & Tours

Email: celexj@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-233850

Chillout Travel & Tours

Phone: +233-22-300939

Email: tiptop@africaonline.com.gh

Continent Tours

Email: ghana@continenttours.com

Phone: +233-21-774947 / +233-243-169332

Country Links Travel & Tours,

Email: clinktours@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-687623/ 244-701355

Country Travel & Tours

Email: countrytravelgh@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-285065 / 243-132675

Dan Raykas Travel & Tours

Email: draykas@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-220626

Elnental Travel & Tours

Email: elnental@idngh.com

Phone: +233-21-660011

Fadiwaa Travel & Tours

Email: fadiwaa@yahoo.com

Website: www.fadiwaa.com

Phone: +233-21-306798 / 20-8120918

Fairfax Travel & Tours

Phone: +233-21-234586

Gamba Tours

Email: gambatours@gmail.com

Website: www.gambatours.com

Phone: +233-21-760686

Global Village Travel &Tours

Email: gvtat.ghana@gmail.com

Website: www.gvtatghana.blogspot.com

Phone: +233 244543194

Heritage Tourism Service

Email: heritagetourism2000@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: +233-21-303057

IGIT Travel & Tours

Email: infor@igittours.com

Website: www.igittours.com

Phone: +233-21-220321

Japo Travel & Tours

Email: japotours@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-222890

Jewalk Travel & Tours

Email: jewalktravels@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-220924

Katanga Travel & Tours

Email: katangatours@hotmail.com

Phone: +233-21-771954

Kessben Travel & Tours

Email: Kessben/cc@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: +233-51-37350 / 244-264672

Keymeb Travel &Tours

Email: keymebtraveltours2000@yahoo.co.uk

Phone: +233-21-248449

Land Tours (GH) Ltd

Email: landtours@africaonline.com

Website: www.lantours.com

Phone: +233-21-760333

Land Tours (GH) Ltd

Email: travelafrica@landtours.com

Website: www.landtours.com

Phone: +233-21-760333

M & J Travel & Tour

Email: enquiries@mandjtravelghana.com

Website: www.mandjtravelghana.com

Phone: +233 -21- 773498

Nana Travels

Phone: +233-21-782739/244-270153

Nayak Holiday Services

Email: nayakholiday@hotmail.com

Phone: +233-21-232928

Nita Tours

Phone: +233-21-764558

Poza Travel & Tours

Email: pozatt@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-51-26216

Premier Charter Travels

Phone: +233-255218 / 24-3690292

Prestige Travel & Tours

Email: francis@flyprestge.com

Phone: +233-21-23100

Safeway Travel & Tours

Phone: +233-21779986

Sagrenti Tours

Email: sagrenti@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-831453

Sana Travel & Tours

Email: SanatravelsLtd@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-21-213195 / 244-368838

Satguru Travel & Tours

Phone: +233-21-786245-6 770487

Scorpion Travel &Tours

Email: scorpionghana@yahoo.com

Phone: ( 233 21) 258557

Tanga Tours

Website: www.TangaTours.org

Phone: +233-246-408883

Wayoosi Travel & Tours

Email: travel@wayoosi.com

Phone: +233-51-41258

West Bridge Travel & Tours

Phone: +233-22-221288

Zion Travel & Tours

Email: zttours@yahoo.com

Phone: +233-22-303428

Namibia’s evident beauty and natural attractions has given rise to a diversity of safari-related activities ranging from Self Drive Tours; organize itineraries both scheduled and private-guided into the country’s wildlife parks for instance Etosha National Park; Fly-in Safaris; adrenaline pumping skydiving holidays; bird watching, Mountain trekking; to general viewing of the country’s mysterious landscapes.

These tour operators also offer tourist information for instance to historical sites and accommodation reservations in the national parks and private lodges around Namibia.

We also recommend you carry out your Namibia safari trip with a registered and reliable tour operators just like the ones listed on this section of Namibia tour operators.

Blue Sky Namibia Tours

Phone: +264 (0)61 229279

Website: www.blueskynamibia.com

Charly’s Desert Tours

Tel: +264 0 64 404341

Website : www.charlysdeserttours.com

CrissCross Namibia

Tel: +264 (0)61 227261

Website: www.crisscross.com.na

Drongo Tours

Tel: +264 0 61 306960

Website : www.drongotours.com

Adozu Tours & Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)64 402021

Email: adozu@mweb.com.na

African Footprints Tours

Tel +264 0 1 225659

Email: afootours@iway.na

African Wanderer Tours & Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 233 394

Email: info@africanwanderer.com

Albatros Travel Namibia

Tel: + 264 (0)61 221656

tours@albatrosnamibia.com

Bluecrane Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 308104

Email: bluecrane@iway.na

Chameleon Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 247668

Email: info@chameleon.com.na

Cheetah Tours & Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 230287

Email : cheetour@iafrica.com.na

Coastways Tours

Tel: +264 (0)63 202002

Email: lewiscwt@iway.na

Crazy Kudu Safaris Data

Tel: +264 (0)61 222636

Email: namibia.safaris@crazykudu.com

Datour Travelz

Tel: +264 (0)61 223169

Email: travel@mweb.com.na

Diamond Tours

Tel: +264 0 61 221236

Email: diamondtours@jan-jonker.com

Eagles Rock Tours & Safaris

Tel: +264 0 61 234542

Email: info@eaglesrock.com

Fire Lily Tours

Tel: +264 (0)61 233206

Email : henniefo@mweb.com.na

Foxtrot Tours

Tel: +264 (0)61 224491

Email: foxtrot@mweb.com.na

Frantic Naturalist Tours & Safaris

Cell phone: +264 (0)81 203 1334

Email: frantic.naturalist@gmail.com

Ghost Town Tours

Tel: +264 (0)63 204031

Email: kolmanskop@iafrica.com.na

Habari Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)64 404544

Email: info@habari.co.za

Hinterland Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 252 662

info@hinterland-safaris.com

Inshore Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)64 202609

Email: info@inshore.com.na

Jodo Tours

Tel: +264 (0)64 530578

Email: jodotours@mweb.com.na

Kaokohimba Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 222378

kaokohimba@natron.net

Kobo Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 225 474

Email: namibia@kobo-safaris.com

Levo Tours & Chalets

Tel: +264 (0)64 207555

Email: levo@iway.na

Loeto Day Tours

Tel: +264 (0)61 220868

Email: regina@namibnet.com

Mabaruli African Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 301563

Email: info@mabaruli.com

Matiti Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 259041

Namibia Executive Tours & Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)61 227679

Email: infonetfs@iway.na

Namvic Tours & Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)67 30 3984

Email: namvic_shuttle@iway.na

Nazimbo Camping Safaris

Tel: +264 (0)62 502993

Email: nazimbo@mweb.com.na

Ondese Safaris (Pty) Ltd

Tel: +264 (0)61 220876<