Latest AFRICA TRAVELS & TOUR Articles

Hotels in Kenya

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 23:28:03 +0530

In Kenya are there are many tourist attractions, among them are Amboseli National Park, Lamu Inland, Malindi, Maasai Mara, Mombasa, Nairobi, Sambura, etc. Because of the influx of tourist, the tourist facilities are the best in the world. The star class hotels have all the facilities that a guest requires. All the hotels in Kenya are located in the best of places for the tourist.

The hotels in Kenya are located in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kenya Beach Resorts and Kenya Safari Resorts. The capital city of Kenya which is Nairobi has many star class hotels with all modern facilities that the guest requires. There is a lot to see and explore in Nairobi. On the southern part of Kenya is the coastal town of Mombasa. This has the largest and busiest ports in East Africa. The white sandy beaches and coral reefs draw many tourists to this place.

In the East African coast, Kenya offers marvelous beach resorts for visitors. When you look at the coast, there is more of Arabic culture than the African traditions. The main reason was this was, during the 8th century AD Arabic trade was flourishing with the sale of spices, slaves and ivory. In Kenya you can explore the country side, go on mountain trekking, and visit the wild life sanctuaries, have cultural exchanging with the inhabitants and enjoy their company while enjoying the comforts and ambiance of the Kenya hotels.

All these hotels have all amenities like room services, concierges, Air Condition, and some shops for the tourists. There are casinos and clubs in the vicinity or in the hotels and these caters to all need of the tourists. These hotels are in vast acres of land and many have golf courses for the guests.

The tented camps are normally found in the game parks. These are placed on cement plinths and almost always have proper electricity, flush toilets, running water, etc.

Another option for accommodation is staying in a lodge. They have all the room like in hotels with most of the amenities but on a lesser scale.

The Luxury Tented Safaris are fully equipped and they are mobile. This is like a mobile miniature city. This gives the real Africa feeling.

These are the types of accommodation when you go to Africa.

Kenya Safaris

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:27:35 +0530

A Kenya safari is the ultimate vacation. You get the best of both wildlife and scenery, with the addition of a rich culture of a fascinating country.
If you have decided on a Kenya safari for your dream holiday, then you may be wanting to know a little bit more about the country and how you can prepare yourself before going there, well here’s some handy tips to get you started.
1. Visas
If you are under the age of 16, then you will be except from requiring a visa to enter the country. For others it will cost $25 for a single entry visa and $50 for a multiple one.

2. Health Precautions
As Kenya is a high risk malaria zone, it is advised that you take antimalarial tablets, such as Doxycycline or Malarone which can reduce the risk of catching the disease by up to 90%. Using DEET based mosquito repellent and covering up between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes are most active is also recommended.
You must be vaccinated against yellow fever and have a certificate to prove this upon entering the Kenya border. Other useful vaccinations you may wish to receive before your holiday can include Typhoid, Rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis strains A and B.

3. What to pack
As your luggage amount will most likely be limited by weight by the airline, it is important to pack only the necessities. Here are a few things that you should not leave home without:
• Clothes – Pack at least one pair of trousers and a fleece, it can get chilly at night in Kenya, and you will definitely require these if you are planning on going on early morning game drives. You will need a large safari hat, not only to keep the wind of your head and ears when the roof of your safari vehicle is open, but also to shelter your head and face from being burnt by the strong African sun.
Bring a few khaki or beige t-shirts and shorts to wear in the daytime, this colour is best as it does not attract any extra attention from insects such as tsetse flies, which are attracted to bright colours.
• Sun protection – Bring plenty of high factor SPF 40-50+ sun lotion and sun block to be applied as often as the manufacturer’s instructions suggest. Having sun glasses with UV protection are vital for eye protection from the suns powerful rays.
• Safari items – Taking a decent pair of binoculars is great, not only for those who are short sighted, but for anyone looking to scope out birds of prey in distant trees, or shapes hiding in the tall grass a mile away.
To show off all of your holiday snaps and keep your wildlife memories, you need to take some photographs! So bringing your camera along with spare memory/film and extra batteries.
Bringing a country guide and an East African wildlife book may seem like excess baggage, but they will come into their own when you want to know that little bit extra about what it is you are seeing.

Uganda Gifted by Nature - a Perfest Safari Destination

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:02:44 +0530

Uganda Gifted by Nature - a Perfest Safari Destination

Uganda Gifted by Nature - a Perfest Safari Destination
By Richard Dickson

Uganda once called "the pearl of Africa" has recently been rebranded to "Uganda gifted by nature" The word " Gifted " in the brand tagline reflects Uganda's extraordinary natural richness and cultural diversity, as well as the talents and abilities of the people - all bestowed as a gift to the world. " Nature " is seen as the giver of Uganda 's uniqueness- dependent on human protection to preserve its uniqueness for future generations.

There are some places you would go to on a safari and then there are places that make the safari special. With so many things to do and see, Uganda is provides for a true safari destination. A gorilla safari is undoubtedly the top prefered tour for all most any tourist to Uganda. Uganda is the only country where the endangered mountain gorilla can be seen in its natural habitat.Uganda hosts more than half of the remaining mountain gorillas in the world.A permit for a gorilla costs US $ 360 and must always be booked in advance since the number of people allowed to see these creatures is always limited.

Uganda has over 1000 bird species. If your preference is a birding safari to Uganda, you will not miss the rare Shoebill stork and other species.Take an opportunity to look out for the shy and secretive birds along the channel.Uganda's scenic diversity and richness of landscape compares favourably with anywhere on the African continent. Uganda is proud to be one of the Africa countries with the largest concentration of Crocodile and Hippo.

The thrill of churning rapids has been added to the new adventures of Uganda. One of the longest rivers in the world, River Nile has enabled tourist activities including fishing and white water rafting and Bungee Jumping.

The bio-diversity in Uganda's forest reserves is impressive. Amongst the huge buttressed tress and tangled vegetation, of lianas and epipytes,you will find the habitats ad homes of literally thousands of forest species from the shy elephant shrew to the scaly tailed flying squirrel. Not forgetting our closest relative, the Chimpanzee As a means of conserving these valuable havens, the Uganda forest Department has set up 6 forest tourism projects at sites on popular tourist routes around the country.

You may take on a Safari to Uganda for an experience which leaves you filled with great memories and certainly a destination not to miss out.

Richard Dickson is an African Travel Writer, More of his articles can be found at Gorilla Safari, Uganda Safari or
Uganda Tour, Safari.

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Top Travel Tips - Uganda

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:02:12 +0530

Top Travel Tips - Uganda

Top Travel Tips - Uganda
By Dickson Richards

Climate:

Uganda's equatorial climate is tempered by its elevated altitude. In most parts of the country, the daily maximum is between 20o C and 27o C and the minimum is between 12o C and 180 C. The highest temperatures in Uganda occur on the plains immediately east of Lake Alert, while the lowest have been recorded on the glacial peaks of the Rwenzori. Except in the dry north, where in some areas the average annual rainfall is as low as 1,000mm and 2,000mm. There is wide regional variation in rainfall patterns. In western Uganda and the Lake Victoria region it can rain at almost any time of the year. As a rough guide, however, the wet seasons are from mid September to November and From March to May. In general the weather conditions of Uganda are unpredictable as you can get showers even in the dry season. Therefore you need to check with the weather forecast almost every 5 hours.

Public Transport

Buses operate on long distance routes and are a safer and cheaper way to travel. Usually Bus companies adhere strictly to listed departure times from the bus park, so avoid being late. Matatus only depart from the terminus when full. Mini buses are fine for short journeys. Public transport in Uganda is better these days because of the provision of seat belts and speed governors. Matatus can be boarded from the Old taxi Park and New Taxi Park in Kampala or along the road.

Taxis are essential if you have a lot of luggage or missed the last Matatu. You can always agree on the fare before departure. In small towns, taxis, moped and bicycles are common. These can be useful for travel where public transport is scarce. The tour agent can arrange car hire. Most transport fares are in Uganda shilling. Carry coins for public transport within Kampala.

Security

It is always advisable to hand in your passport, traveler's cheque, excess money and any other valuables at hotel reception desks for placing in their safe security. Alternatively, where available, arrange to hire a safety deposit box. It is a sensible precaution not to walk alone in isolated streets or beach areas. Ask for advice from your hotel manager or tour representative if you are with a package holiday company. Call 999(toll free) if in serious danger to alert the police.

Language and people:

English is the official and administrative language spoken in Uganda although Luganda and Swahili are commonly spoken throught the country. You need some basic in Luganda like how to Thank, Greet, and ask for something. Uganda is a country made up of over 50 tribes of which the largest group is the Baganda, followed by Basoga and then the others follow. The people are very welcoming and this hospitality is attributed to the respect that people have for the other tribes. Making Uganda the Africa's Friendliest country.

When to Visit

Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid-September to November and March to May.

What to wear

Day time temperatures are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing. Evenings are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a water proof jacket.

What to bring

A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in Kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.

Driving

Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experienced of African roads are advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self-drive.

Tipping

Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurants, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist-oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.

Food and Drink

Tourist-oriented hotels and restaurants serve good Western-style meals, while a wider range available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (a stiff maize porridge) or matooke (cooked banana) eaten with a stew.

The official language is English though Swahili and Luganda are commonly spoken throughout in Uganda. Teach your self some basic Luganda and Swahili words which on our website.

With the above information we hope that you find your trip to Uganda interesting and also the country a place to stay.

Dickson Richards is a freelance Writer in Africa. For adventures,visit Kenya Safari Maasai, and Gorilla Safari Uganda or Chimpanzee Tracking

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Combining Uganda Gorilla Tour With Kenya Safari

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:01:38 +0530

Combining Uganda Gorilla Tour With Kenya Safari

Combining Uganda Gorilla Tour With Kenya Safari By Jackline Mwathe

Uganda, also referred to as the Pearl of Africa has the best attraction sites for gorilla tracking compared to Kenya and Tanzania. The gorilla tour is mainly in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Chimpanzee Sanctuary of Ngamba Island and Mgahinga National Park. With only about 700 gorilla remaining in the world, over half of these mammals are found Uganda. As you explore and enjoy the endangered gorilla tour, your permit fee will be used to protect these human relatives from poachers. This tour will include a visit to Lake Bunyoni. This lake is the deepest crater lake in Africa and famous for many fish species and bird watching.

Jinja is the second largest city after Kampala.It is located near Lake Victoria where the source of river Nile begins. A tour to Jinja will be very interesting especially after seeing the longest river in the world. Other animals you are expected to watch in the parks include elephants, buffaloes, bush backs, golden monkey and the leopard. You will also tour the Rwenzori mountains, Lake Mburo National Park and also Queen Elizabeth National Park. Uganda has many physical features ranging from lakes, rivers, mountains, rain forest, vegetation, various game parks and game reserves. The people of Uganda are welcoming, friendly with a lot of hospitality.

Your tour will not be complete until you visit the Masai Mara National Park. It's the most famous park in Kenya and has the highest wildlife population compared to all other parks. Visitors from all over the world come in large numbers through out the year to watch the annual wildebeest migration which involves over 1.5 million of wild animals. Here you will be able to watch the big five(lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo). You will also see a large number of zebras, antelopes, giraffes, hippos, hyenas among many others. As you drive through the Masai Mara, you will meet the Masai tribe who are the local people. You will visit their village where you will learn their cultures as they entertain you with their music and dance.

Another attraction you will not miss is a tour to Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. Lake Nakuru is a salt water lake with alkaline coral reefs which favor the condition of the large flock of pink flamingos. Watching such a large number of flamingos is quite interesting as you take your photos. You will also see other bird species and wildlife in Nakuru National Park. Lake Naivasha is fresh water lake and with a lot of fish species. Here, you will easily see many hippos. The two lakes among other lakes and rivers are situated in the Great Rift Valley.

Jackline Mwathe Is A Tour Operator And Has Been Organizing And Reporting On Kenya Vacation, Travel And Tours For Years. For more information on African Tourism, visit her site at KENYA SAFARI

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Uganda Safaris, Sipi Falls Tour Africa

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:46 +0530

Uganda Safaris, Sipi Falls Tour Africa

Uganda Safaris, Sipi Falls Tour Africa
By Dickson Richards

Sipi Falls is one of Uganda's most romantic and beautiful falls. There are three levels of falls, but the two upper levels are fairly small compared with the main drop.The fall is about 55km north of Mbale, in the foothills of Mt Elgon and not far from the town of Kapchorwa.

At Sipi falls ,you see the majestic and awesome Mt Elgon above, and the wide plains of eastern and northern Uganda disappearing into the distance below. There are three levels of falls, but the two upper levels are fairly small compared with the main drop. It is well worth spending a night or two in this peaceful and pretty place. The intrigue of the waterfalls certainly will make you not want to leave.

Expected to stay just one night, I opted for another at the last minute, not wanting to leave the quiet and peaceful place I found. If anyone is thinking about visiting Uganda, this is certainly a great destination. You can venture to the bottom of the falls where the water is so thrilling, you could almost be temped to dive in the water for a swim or bath, the locals enjoy bathing at this spot. At a distance are local fisher men, though not a lot of fish is caught here, because of the rushing water.

In one of the Sipi Falls has a caves are stones which are designed as conference seats, It seems like man's hand work, however, its either nature or God himself who carefully hued from the stones from the rocks. During the reign of Amin Dada, it is said that the parliament met in this cave. There are other small caves in Sipi, that can connect one to Kenya, however, they are too dark, the guides say that some people made attempts to use the route to cross over to Kenya however were killed by either animals, insects or simply lost their way in this dark caves.

How to get to Sipi Falls

Sipi falls can be accessed from Sironko one of the townships in Mbale, along the way, you will see a road side market where most farmers sell their produce and buy commodities. Dunkies are a common site in this area, the best of burden; it can carry two sucks of load. Along the way the vegetation is whistles, shrub, and the rocks that the roads were hued fiercely hanging as though they would fall any time to the road. The climate in this area is very cool, if you s driver is a first timer the residents advise that you get to the top before mid day, since at this time there is always a down power that causes the road to become slippery. However should you get stack, the locals are more than ready to assist you. There always local guides and porters that are ready to assist in carrying your bags in case there is need

Accommodation

1.Sipi Falls Resort offer it guests

oQuality self-contained accommodation

oFull continental breakfast

oGarden teas

oAn international and local meals menu including snacks

oLounge bar and restaurant

oFriendly personal service

2.Tented accommodation can be arranged by Uganda World Life Authority

Richard Dicksons is a freelance Writer in Africa, You are encouraged to visit his website here, Uganda Safari, and another interesting one South Africa Safari Reviews [http://www.southafricasafarireviews.com] or Murchison Falls National Park Safari Uganda [http://www.ugandasafarisafrica.com/uganda-national-parks/murchison-falls-national-park.html]

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Via Uganda - How To Get Cheap Flights

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:59:50 +0530

Via Uganda - How To Get Cheap Flights

Via Uganda - How To Get Cheap Flights
By Richard Ddungu

As safaris to Uganda become more popular, more tourists pass through the international airport at Entebbe with schedules all over the African Continent. There is need to start planning to find the cheap airline tickets on the internet.

Non stop flights tend to be more expensive. Some airlines have luggage limitations or restrictions. You need to find out what is allowed and not.The CAA is currently upgrading the international airport to aid more flights to uganda. This will in turn increase operation at the airport.

The first thing that need to be done in order to secure cheap flights to Entebbe is by researching on the internet. Most travel agent s rates are affordable, however you may need to secure a flight at the cheapest rate.There are a list of friendly websites on the internet but http://www.aboutuganda.com provides the most resourceful centre for cheap flights to Uganda. You can actually save 75% when you book flights with the agents listed on this Uganda Travel Guide.

One of the most recent additions to Uganda Airlines is the Victoria International Airlines, (VIA Uganda) has brought in competition with other already existing airlines such as Kenya Airways. This new airline which started its operation on the 22nd of November 2006 offers three African Destinations including flights to Nairobi,Johannesburg and Juba using 2 Boeing 737 aircraft. Airline ticket from Entebbe to Nairobi cost USD 138, Entebbe to Juba USD 276 while Entebbe to Johannesburg is USD 338. This is so far the cheapest rate.

The latest listing on the website is that VIA uganda and has numerous advantages of simple fares, no hidden conditions, every seat, every day, extended ticket condition, 30 days ticket validity. Among other advantages include the flexibility where you can actually change your travel date and time for free. 30 kgs of baggage are allowed by the economy class. Victoria International Airlines accepts Visa Card, Master card and Dinners Club.

Uganda formerly the Pearl of Africa has been rebranded gifted by nature. This safari country will host the Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting in November 2007. There will be a need to secure flights cheaply.The advise presented above ensures that one gets a cheaper ticket to Uganda during that time and throughout the year.

About the Author:
Richard Ddungu is a Travel journalist in Africa. His articles can be found at

VIA Uganda Flights, Victoria International Airlines

Guide for African Safaris

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Safaris in Kenya

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:30:59 +0530

Going on holiday is always an exciting as well as nerve wracking experience, especially if it’s a holiday as great as an African safari adventure.

However, to put you potential safari goers at ease, I have put together some tips, useful information and answers to your probable questions to ensure you feel that bit more confident about your holiday.

Is it difficult to get to Kenya? No, there are plenty of connecting flights to Kenya from Europe, Asia, Australia and America.

Do you need a visa to enter Kenya? Yes, visas will cost you $25 for a single entry, $50 for multiple entries. People under the age of 16 will not require a visa.

Do I have to pay to enter National Parks? Yes, the fees tend to range from $20-$60 per adult, $10-$30 for children and $10-$20 for students.

What type of animals can I see whilst on safari in Kenya’s National Parks? Kenya is one of the few places in the world where you can see the ‘Big Five’, consisting of the Masai Lion, Cape buffalo, elephant, leopard and black rhino. However, there are many other types of animals in Kenya that I would hate to limit myself to only mentioning the big five, so here’s a few more that can be spotted in various wildlife reserves: Grevy’s and Plains zebra, Masai and Rothschild’s giraffe, warthog, crocodile and Beisa oryx.

The national bird of the country is the lilac-breasted roller, however Kenya is also home to many other varieties of birds including Malachite and Pied kingfisher, Masai and Somali ostrich, fish eagle, secretary bird, spoonbill and Marabou stork.

What kind of scenery can I expect to see in Kenya? The scenery in Kenya is out of this world! From the snow-capped peaks of Kilimanjaro, to the never ending view of the Great Rift Valley, to the beauty of Lake Victoria.

The Best National Parks in Kenya

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:47:56 +0530

A National Park is an area of land controlled and maintained by the government for recreational benefits, usually to help wildlife and nature thrive. Kenya boasts 35 National Parks and Reserves which are maintained by Kenya Wildlife Service. As well as overseeing the running of the reserves, KWS also act as the security in the parks to cut down on poachers and illegal activity. The entrance fee money collected at park gates goes back in to the conservation of the reserves.
The purpose of this article is to guide you through some of the best National Parks and National Reserves in Kenya, which should help to give you a good of potential additions to your safari itinerary if you are considering visiting Kenya in the future.

Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara is the Kenyan extension of the Serengeti, Tanzania. It remains to be the most popular reserve in Kenya due to its large population of animals, which include the ‘big five’ (lion, black rhino, elephants, cape buffalo and leopard), crocodile, hippo, gazelle, giraffe as well as many varieties of birds, including secretary bird, masai ostrich, tawny eagle and grey-headed kingfisher. The Mara is also famous as the location of where one of the most natural wonders of the world take place, the ‘great migration’. The migration sees over one million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle making their annual anti-clockwise trip from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara plains in search of fresh pastures to graze upon. It really does make great viewing to watch the migration from the comfort of a luxurious safari lodge.

Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru, known as the ‘sea of pink’ to many who have visited it before is one of the sode lakes of the Great Rift Valley. It gets its nickname as it is often a mass area of pink, made up of millions of flamingo. The park also is home to 25 rare black rhino, which are fenced in to the park to help protect them and encourage their breeding developments.

Amboseli National Park
Amboseli is the second most popular park in Kenya just after the Masai Mara. It remains to be a special park due to the huge herds of elephants that inhabit the park. Another speciality of Amboseli that other reserves can’t claim to have is the back drop of Kilimanjaro that overlooks the park, on a clear day you can catch the perfect photography moment of one of the ‘big five’ making their way past the mountains back drop.

Want to experience these safari locations for yourself? Ziara Safaris, who specialise in private and custom Kenya safaris, offer a ‘Best of Kenya in one week’ package that will give you a great safari tour experience of all of the recommended National Parks and Reserves from this article at a competitive price.

Sports in Algeria - Birthplace of Hassiba Boulmerka

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:31:33 +0530

Sports in Algeria - Birthplace of Hassiba Boulmerka!

Sports in Algeria - Birthplace of Hassiba Boulmerka!
By Alejandro Guevara Onofre

Road to London 2012!

Munich 1972

Did you know- By the early 1970s, the National Olympic Committee sent five champs --four athletes and one boxer-- to the Summer Games in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Prague 1978

Did you know- By 1978, the women's handball squad of Algeria won the right to compete in the World Championships in Prague (Czechoslovakia).

Algiers 1978

Did you know- At the African Games in Algiers, between July 13 and July 28, 1978,the host nation's team finished third in the medal count (unofficial point scoring of nations), winning a total of 16 gold, 19 silver, and 23 bronze medals. Seven years ago, Algeria reached seventh place in Lagos (Nigeria).

Madrid 1982

Did you know- At the 1978 African Games, Algeria gained gold, followed by Nigeria (silver), and Ghana (bronze). Later on, by 1982, the team from Algeria fulfilled a dream nurtured for decades when they qualified for the FIFA World Championships in Madrid (Spain). In a memorable match, Algeria routed West Germany 2-1 in the international event. In Spain, the African country finished 13th. During the years that followed, by 1990, the nation won the Men's African Cup, after finishing second in the regional event in 1980. The national sport in Algeria is soccer.

Barcelona 1992

Did you know- The most internationally known athlete is Hassiba Boulmerka. By the early 1990s, she became the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic gold medal. This award was a boost for women in Algeria, an Arab nation in North Africa. Then, she headed the African delegation at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta (Georgia, US). She was born on July 10, 1968, in Constantine, Algeria.

Atlanta 1996

Did you know- At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics,the North African team placed 34th in the tally of gold medals, with two gold medals ( one in men's 1,500m and one in boxing). This accomplishment is greater than any previously achieved by the national teams from Algeria.

Indianapolis 2002

Did you know- By 2002, the men's basketball team of Algeria came in 15th place in the World Cup in Indianapolis, Indiana (United States).

Athens 2004

Did you know- Surprisingly, the nation's swimmer Salim Iles finished seventh in the men's 100 m freestyle final at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens (Greece). In addition, he came 8th in the 50m freestyle. He became one of the first North African swimmers to qualify for the finals in the Summer Games.

Beijing 2008

Did you know- The women's volleyball team of Algeria qualified for the first time to the Summer Olympics when they competed in the Games of the 29th Olympiad in the People's Republic of China. They qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics through the African qualifiers in Algiers.

Alejandro Guevara Onofre: Freelance writer. Alejandro is author of a host of articles/essays about over 220 countries and dependencies (and American States as well), from ecology, history, tourism and national heroes to Olympic sports, foreign relations, and wildlife. In addition, he has published some books on women's rights, among them "History of the Women in America" and "Famous Americans."

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Algeria Travel Information - Africa

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:31:06 +0530

Algeria Travel Information - Africa

Algeria Travel Information - Africa
By Swati A

Algeria is the second largest country on the African continent. Most of the coastal area is hilly, sometimes even mountainous, and there are a few natural harbors. Algeria is famous for its of strong cultural identity, Sahara desert, beautiful oasis and mountains.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
Most famous cities of Algeria are Oran, Algiers, In Salah, El golea, Constantine, Bejaia, Tamanrasset, Laghouat, Taghit, Tlemcen, Annaba and Boghni.

Algers, the capital city, has a maze of pretty small alleys and whitewashed houses.Constantine has some museums and deep gorge protects the city on almost all sides. Taghit is popular among tourists for its oasis and dunes. Oran is an important city and a busy port. Tlemcen has nice mixture of Islamic and French architecture.

Natural attractions in Algeria include Kabylia and the Chiffa Gorges. Boghni is located next to the enormous and magnificent Jurjura mountains. Laghouat is an oasis town, it is where the Sahara desert really starts. The holy town of Beni-Isguen with its well-guarded gate and auction market, makes for an interesting stop.

Tassili n'Ajjer is a famous archaeological site, erosion in the area has resulted in nearly 300 natural rock arches being formed. The M'zab is a limestone plateau, centered around the Wad M'zab and also a world heritage site.

SAFETY CHECK:

Algeria, has been battered by violence and civil unrest over the past half-century. It is IMPORTANT to check the travel.state.gov website for most current safety warnings and which areas have been declared safe for travel. You should also check the Algerian tourism authority and consulate for travel and safety recommendations.

POPULAR THINGS TO BUY:

Dates, leather goods, carpets, jewelry, pottery and paintings.

CLIMATE:

Arid to semi-arid; mild, wet winters with hot, dry summers along coast; drier with cold winters and hot summers on high plateau; sirocco is a hot, dust/sand-laden wind especially common in summer.

CULTURE:

The majority religion is Islam and the normal Islamic ethics apply in most of the country. Keep in mind to only drink at home or in a bar, never on the street.

By Swati A
http://www.saching.com
http://www.travelandtourisminfo.com/Algeria/Algeria.asp
A leading Name for Travel and Tourism information

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History of Algeria

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:30:42 +0530

History of Algeria

History of Algeria
By Kum Martin

Algeria lies on the northern block of Africa. The country is independent and boasts of a rich culture and a surplus nation. The country is largely Muslim. The country has been plagued by terrorism with Islamic jihadists occupying cells and causing chaos often. The recent past has seen terror operatives find harbor in Algeria. This gave a blow to the local people but efforts to rid the country of such elements have been beefed up and have been quite successful. Algeria is a country that has an interesting history. The country's history dates back to the 16th century.

Algerians find their roots to the Berber dynasty. This dynast declined between the 15th and 16th century. A dynasty called the Dey dynasty was established in Algeria. Pirates who were establishing bases across Africa first landed at the coast of Algeria in 1512. The pirates made a camp there until the French intervened. The French maneuvered to eject the Turkish pirates along the Algerian coast.

Research about the Algerian history reflects on what the North African trade empires operated. The rich culture of North Africa was spread throughout the region and Algeria was not an exception. The Muslim religion became widespread and today, Algeria is largely Muslim. The rich history of Algeria also features the culture of the Algerians. Their economic activities, their way of government, social economic activities and their politics is also part of their history. History of Algeria traces back a long way of changes and reflects the rich culture and highly esteemed traditions.

About Author: Kum Martin is an online leading expert in travel industry. He also offers top quality articles like: Egypt Archeological Work, Ghana Physical Characteristics

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25 Facts About Algeria

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:30:17 +0530

25 Facts About Algeria

25 Facts About Algeria
By Javan McCabe

1. Algeria is the second largest country in Africa

2. Over 1 million Algerians died during the country's fight for independence from France which they achieved in 1962

3. Algeria is the largest exporter of propane/butane in the world

4. The highest ever recorded temperature in Algeria was 60.5 degrees centigrade

5. Algeria has the largest oat market in Africa

6. The area used to be known as Numidia

7. Constantine is twinned with Istanbul and Grenoble in France

8. Out of 132 capital cities studied, Algiers is considered to be one of the least livable

9. 80%-90% of Algeria is in the Sahara desert

10. Oran the second largest city in Algeria comes from the Berber word Wahran which means 'Two Lions' after sightings of the animals were seen in the area circa 900 BC

11. Former French footballer and World Player of the Year, Zinedine Zidane has Algerian heritage

12. Three languages are spoken. Arabic, French and Berber

13. In the 1800's Algeria was notorious as a base for slave traders and pirates

14. Algiers has the highest cost of living in North Africa

15. Situated in the Ahaggar mountains, Mount Tahat is the country's highest peak at 3,003m

16. The country is known for Bertolli's olive oil despite it having an Italian background

17. Algeria's national day is on November 1st and is called Revolution Day

18. Algeria is three times the size of Texas

19. The biggest sand dunes are located in Algeria

20. 'A sensible enemy is better than a narrow minded friend' is one of Algeria's proverbs

21. The town of Chlef formerly Al-Asnam derives it's name from the country's longest river and is considered to be one of the hottest urban area's in Algeria

22. About 25% of the country's population lives off less than $2 per day

23. Couscous is Algeria's national dish

24. The Algerian legal system is based on French and Islamic law

25. Algeria is the largest importer of agricultural goods in Africa

For categorized lists, facts, reference and quiz material go to http://www.factplaza.com/

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Beach Tourists Prefer Lebanon and Algeria

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:29:48 +0530

Beach Tourists Prefer Lebanon and Algeria

Beach Tourists Prefer Lebanon and Algeria
By Iuri Tarabanov

Tourists preferring beach vacation to any others and looking for diversity, pay their attention to the new travel directions - Lebanon and Algeria that shall soon become very competitive as compared with other African resort countries - Egypt, Tunis and Morocco. Morocco is a special item in this list, since in 2007 the tourist flow to this country broke all records (+8%, the total number of tourists made up 7 million people) which is caused by effective domestic policy and appearance of the new routes of low-budget airlines (easyJet, AirBerlin, Ryanair) from Europe to Marrakesh, Agadir and Fez.

"Euromonitor International" predicts the boom of beach tourism in Lebanon and Algeria in the next five years. Unusual and beautiful nature, cultural and historical sights, historic mysteries and various exotics shall attract a big number of European tourists. The specialists recommend both countries to borrow Tunisian or Egyptian models of tourism development in which sea, sun and beach are combined with the high level of service, unique thalassotherapy and antique sights.

The tourism in Lebanon and Algeria is now restrained by visa issues and lack of qualitative hotels. However, before 2015 "Accor Group" plans to open 36 hotels in Algeria, and "Marriott International" and "Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide" are already constructing new beach resorts. The company "Maltese Corinthia Group" owns so far the only 5-star hotel in Tripoli, whereas the Italian company "Gruppo Norman" is building the resort for 3.8 thousand guests on the Farwa island. Investment companies from the United Arab Emirates are also showing interest in the region.

Iuri Tarabanov writes about interesting travel experiences. His Travel site is http://www.travelime.com

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http://EzineArticles.com/?Beach-Tourists-Prefer-Lebanon-and-Algeria&id=974708

African Servalcat Safaris Tours Kenya Tanzania

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:25:12 +0530

Africa wildlife lodge camping safaris tours holidays kenya tanzania,maasai mara safaris,serengeti safaris,africa holidays,family safaris,group tours,mt kilimanjaro climbing,mt kenya climbing.
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Zanzibar Wildlife

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:23:07 +0530

These are just a few of the wonderful creatures I have seen since visiting Zanzibar, with a brief bit of information about each of them.

Birds
Lilac breasted roller – With its mixture of pink, blue, turquoise, yellow and white body, the lilac breasted roller is the perfect spotting for birdwatchers and novices alike.

Insects
Dragonflies – Dragon flies in all kinds of different colours and sizes hover above garden and beach areas around Zanzibar. It is a beautiful sight to see when there are ten or more dragon flies together.
Praying mantis – I have only saw one of these in Zanzibar so far, but it was a great sight. I tried to get closer to it to take a picture, but it flew straight at my face – I didn't know these things had wings!
Giant African millipede – You spot these huge millipedes mostly in the evening crawling in grassier areas. They curl up in to a ball when they feel threatened and can give off a poison which can be toxic if exposed to eyes or mouth. However, they are funny things to watch.

Reptiles
Geckos – When you look up at the ceilings and walls of many places in Zanzibar (especially at night) you will see Geckos stuck to them scurrying around. These little critters are cool to watch, especially when they are catching bugs and flies that land on the walls.
Snakes – I haven't personally seen any snakes in Zanzibar as of yet, but I have been made aware that there are at least two species; the Zanzibar blind snake and the Usambara green-snake.

Misc
Tortoises – Changuu Island (nicknamed Prison Island) has many Aldabra giant tortoises inhabiting on it. You can get a boat over to this island and get a chance to see and feed the tortoises up close, which I strongly recommend doing and making a day out of it by snorkelling on the islands reef and relaxing on the beautiful beach there also.
Red Colobus monkey – In Zanzibars only National Park named Jozania Forest, the rare red Colobus monkey can be seen. This monkey is said to be native to Zanzibar and there are less than 2,000 of them left in the world.

Things to do in the beautiful Indian Ocean of Zanzibar

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:39:07 +0530

Zanzibar is simply a paradise island with a nice relaxed vibe and plenty of fun things to do whilst you are not chilling out. Many activities people take part in whilst on vacation in Zanzibar make use of the beautiful Indian Ocean that surrounds the island. This article will give you some ideas to help you decide on how to spend your days whilst on holiday.

Swimming, Snorkelling and Diving
When you arrive in Zanzibar, you will be bursting to jump into the lovely, warm Indian Ocean to cool off, but as well as swimming you can take a closer look into what the sea has to offer with a diving or snorkelling trip. The coral reefs in many areas of Zanzibar make a beautiful sight alone, not to mention the bright, colourful tropical reef fish that can be seen swimming in between them. Depending on the diving or snorkelling trip you decide to take, you can spot all kinds of wildlife, from clown fish (finding nemo), rays, small sharks, unicorn fish, seahorses and even sea turtles.

Fishing
Fishing trips in Zanzibar can bring back some big catches. Lots of local fishermen go out on traditional wooden dhow boats and come home with fresh catches of king fish, swordfish and tuna. If you go out on a game fishing trip in Zanzibar, you have a good chance to catch some nice weighing varieties of marlin, tuna, barracuda, broad bill and sailfish.

Water Sports
Zanzibar is a great place to get involved in water sports. There are many places to try out adrenaline clinching activities such as kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing. As with any kind of extreme sport, it is good to do some training and practising before going out in to the ocean, so ensure you are confident in your ability before jumping in feet first.

Travel To Kenya – An African Adventure

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:20:28 +0530

Kenya is a part of the vast continent of Africa and yet it can provide you with an experience that is out of Africa. A Kenyan Safari is something that everyone visiting Africa should go for. The beaches of Kenya are untouched and unexplored. There is a vast coastline, which is protected by Coral reefs and hence is devoid of any pollution or sharks. You might be the only people on this beach except for the locals. Hence, it will give you the experience of a remote island. These beaches are surrounded by a vast expanse of wildlife.

Kenya - Unplugged
The famous safaris of Tsavo, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru are situated in Kenya. Kenya is called the Cradle of Humanity and has unsullied beaches and thriving wildlife. The migration of wild beasts in the Masai Mara has been recorded a million times but you have to see it to believe. You should be sensible when visiting Swahili cities as they can be dangerous.

Tsavo is another place, which has featured in the movies. Famous for its ingenious man-eaters of Tsavo, made famous by the movie starring Val Kilmer, the place is another good tourist attraction. You will keep hearing the word ‘Karibu’, which means welcome in the local dialect. There are various flights connecting Kenya to the rest of the world. Most of them fly straight to Mozambique.

Lake Magadi is the most southerly of the rift valley lakes in Kenya. The place is very remote and hence is scarcely visited by tourists. However, it is an excellent place to visit as the thick encrustation of soda gives it a lunar appearance. This is the most mineral rich of all the soda lakes.

History enthusiasts can head to the Gede ruins hidden in the forests. These ruins consist of a vast colony of houses and mosques, which are engulfed in mystery. There are no records of this place’s existence in the textbooks of history making them even more mysterious. Excavations, which were carried on in this place, have led to the discovery of startling facts about the history and trade of the place.

Africa's most spectacular wildlife scene

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:19:09 +0530

"One of the World's biggest spectacles". Many have so described it. Many have come back time and again. They have witnessed this mass movement of wild animals roaming free through unspoiled and savage wilderness. The air fills with the click- click of the cameras tirelessly. You have not seen something like this before.

Africa is changing at a quick pace and human encroachment into the wildlife reserves has continued to erase the traditional routes. In association with development and changes of the way of life, the image of wildlife roaming free is slowly getting erased. Fortunately, Masai Mara National reserve holds on to its charisma of an open, limitless land. It is one of the places in Africa that still prides in wildlife concentration.

Masai Mara is located in the South-western of Kenya, 290 kilometers from Nairobi. The abundance of wildlife and the remoteness of the reserve implants memories that no money can buy.

The Migration is a recent phenomenon (60's and 70's was the biggest boom) with about 250,000 individuals. Gradually, with time the number has risen to the current population of over 3,000,000 individuals. Add to it an estimated 1,500,000 Zebras and the result is one of the most magnificent scenes in the world. The massive display attracts hundreds of big cats as the populations provide abundant prey. The giant African crocodiles lie in wait, patiently, as the big herds come to cross the river or to drink.

It is the masai community who are not so pleased with the whole phenomenon. The wildebeests compete with their huge herds of boran cattle for the grasslands. To them, it is a big calamity especially because the wildebeests transmit diseases to their herds and poison the waters with their fetal sacs.

This world famous migration is a circle of life which, in simple terms, means that there isn't a start or an end. Only where the herds are located at a particular time. The big determinant is the availability of pastures. The plains of Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Serengeti are a favored spot as grass abounds and the wildebeest find a safe place to graze. It is also here that over 500,000 new calves are born and many are taken by the nearby waiting Jackals or Hyenas.

New borns have little time to strengthen their legs. As soon after birth, the “pilgrim" continues.

By April, the rains are over in southern Serengeti and the plains have dried up. The great herds then gather and face the long march northwards and westwards. The natural lawn mowers abandon the exhausted grasslands of southern Serengeti to head for the already tall grass of the Western corridor, near the shores of Lake Victoria.

The pioneers of the migration movement are the majestic herds of zebras. They prefer the long stems of the coarse grass. This way, they leave behind shorter grass which is favored by the wildebeests.

In late June to July the mass start pouring into the Kenya Masai Mara reserve where fresh, tender and mineral-rich grass is already waiting. Here they meet the resident Mara populations which add up to about 150,000. Also commonly referred to as the Loita plains herds, they spend most of the season northeast of the Mara. When it gets dry, they pour into the interior of the Mara in search of greener pastures.

The migrating herds spend roughly 3 to 31/2 months in the Mara crossing through Sand River, which is a tributary of the Mara along the boundary of Kenya and Tanzania. They trek westwards and cross the Mara river and sometimes the Talek river. Usually around this time heavy rains on the Mau Escarpment (origin of Mara River) fill the Mara river to the brim.

This is a good time to watch the trunk-looking Crocodiles, while they await the forthcoming feast. Finally, the gnus (wildebeests) venture into the river. This gregarious coordinated behavior of the herds, usually teamed with zebras, creates an unimaginable scene. Just what the cameras have been waiting for.

They wander along the river looking for a convenient crossing point. This is a moment filled with tension for both the gnus(wildebeests) and the audience.

They survey for a less steep and with no obvious danger. Finally, one takes courage and plunges into the river and magically the rest falls onto the footsteps and in one organized line cross the river.

In addition to the crocodiles, accidents also occur. The river’s current can be too strong for some especially the young ones. Or simply getting stuck between the rocks in the river and breaking limbs, a direct ticket to the jaws of the giant crocodiles. Finally, the crossing is done and the trek to their unknown (or known)destiny continues.

In the month of October, they are already heading to Serengeti where the rains have treated the southern grasslands to lush, green carpet of rich grass. Once again, they are heading to the southern plains, where a new generation will be born to start the cycle of life all over again.

Kenya safari: The fate of the rhinos

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:18:07 +0530

In Africa today, the fight for growth of the rhino population is an everyday activity.
After being declared an endangered species, Kenya has put up big efforts financially to see to it that their habitats have been safe guarded. As one of the ‘Big five’ the rhino is one of the most sought after animals on a Kenya safari.

The history of the rhino can be traced back to 45 million years ago.
The Baluchitherium, an ancestor of the Indian rhino, was the largest land mammal that ever lived. It was 18 feet high and 36 feet long. It lived over 20 million years ago.
Fortunately, the rhino is on its way back, thanks to the efforts of well wishers and volunteers.

THE PROBLEM..

The problem of the rhino has been its beauty, the horn. It is made of keratin, a substance found in human hair and nails. Powdered Rhino horn has been used extensively in traditional medicine in Asia and to make ornamental dagger handles in the Yemen. The demand is so great that traders are prepared to pay poachers vast sums to kill rhinos for their horns.
Because of these, Rhinos have faced wholesale slaughter. To stop these abuse governments and bodies such as Save the Rhino teamed up together to halt the abusive. Thanks to them, the overall decline of the rhino has been halted, and populations in Africa are beginning to stabilize.

A CLOSER LOOK.....

The rhino belongs to the family Rhinoceroteridae. They are 5 species placed in 4 genera.
Three of these species are found in south-central Asia and the other two live in Africa south of the Sahara. Rhinos inhabit savannahs, shrubby regions and dense forests.
The African species live in more open areas than do the Asian species.
Their habitat has to generally have access to water. They usually drink everyday.
Their horns are dermal growths originally composed of compressed keratin. Usually they have 1-2 horns. Both hind and forefeet have 3 digits with a small hoof. They are known to have poor eye sight but strong hearing and smell. The tough and wrinkled skin has very few scattered hairs. The tail ends with stiff bristles.

BREEDING...

Female rhinos give birth every 2 years to a single calf, which is active soon after birth.
The calf remains with the mother until the next offspring is born.
Gestation is 420-570 days. Sexual maturity is reached at 7-10 years for bulls and 4-6 years for cows.They a life span of up to 50 years.

Note that the African rhinos are more aggressive than Asian species.

They use their horns to attack and toss their enemies.
This can be especially dangerous and can kill attackers instantly.
African white rhinos have a preference of feeding low to the open grounds whereas the black rhino usually browse on leaves and have a tendency to stay hidden.
They have been noted to be more active in the evening, through the night and in early morning, spending their days resting in heavy cover.

Rhinos sleep in both standing and laying positions and love to wallow in muddy pools and sandy riverbeds. They penetrate dense thickets by shear force, often leaving behind a trail that other animals later use. Rhinos run with a cumbersome motion, reaching top speed at a canter. They can, however, attain speeds of up to 45 km per hour for short distances.Basically the black rhino is more solitary and territorial except for the mother-child unit.
Groups of adult cows or bachelor bulls are sometimes formed, however, and during the mating season pairs of rhinos may stay together for up to 4 months.

Rhinos mark their territories with urine and by dropping their dung in well-defined piles that can reach up to 1 m in height. They often furrow the areas around these piles with their horns and make the piles even more conspicuous.
The black rhino has a wide vocal range and can possibly communicate like an elephant,
through frequencies below the range of human hearing. Breathing is an important part of communication.
Unlike the white rhino-calf, the black rhino calf normally runs behind its mother.

CURRENT STATUS…

There were an estimated 20,000 black rhino in Kenya in the 1970s.
By 1982 the population was reduced to fewer than 400. Since then, their number has
increased and now stands at over 450. The number in fenced areas has risen at an average
rate of four percent each year when the conditions are good.
Since 1984 the Kenyan government has pursued an active program devoted to the
recovery of Kenya’s black rhino, with efforts centering on the development of specially
protected or fenced sanctuaries on government and private land, such as Lewa.

Rhino populations under custodianship both on private land (Solio Ranch) and in some
State-run areas (such as Nairobi National Park) have provided set up for new populations
(including reintroducing animals into an electrified-fence sanctuary inside the KWS-run Tsavo West and Meru National Parks). The private sector thus plays an important part in the conservation of rhino in Kenya and currently supplies many of the animals being used to restock state parks.

Kenya is currently the stronghold of the Eastern African subspecies Diceros bicornis michaeli, a home to about 88 % of the population in 1995. Like South Africa and Namibia, Kenya is doing translocation to set up new populations while aiming to ensure that donor populations remain productive. The public plight of the black rhino has attracted support from many different areas. Today, scientists are formulating a method of «fingerprinting» rhino horn based on the nutrient content of each specific rhino conservation area. This will enable them to pinpoint the area a rhino came from, its family group, and even its preferred diet. It is also an important step toward eradicating poaching, as scientists will be able to determine where a rhino was when it was killed.

Wildlife Kenya safari and the savannah queen

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:16:25 +0530

The savannahs of Kenya are a home to a wide range of wildlife. One of the most frequently seen wildlife is the spotted hyena, yet little is known about them.

In the traditional African society, the Hyena has been branded 'the coward one'.

This has been due to the way of feeding of the hyena. Known as a scavenger, the hyena is actually a great hunter and scavenging only makes 5%- 10% of their meals.

They rarely leave any evidence especially because they devour everything. For example they can make a kill in the night and the only sign will be light blood stains.

In the recent years the complexity of the hyenas has been revealed. Lots of time has been dedicated to studying them. This article is about hyenas and their survival tactics in the savannahs of Kenya. They range throughout sub-Saharan Africa in savannah, arid areas, and open woodlands. So far they aren't present at the coast.
There exist three species of hyenas in Africa. Two species are found in Kenya.

The most common being the spotted hyena, crocuta crocuta.

They live in groups called clans and the clan is under the leadership of the oldest female, the alpha female. Interestingly, the females are dominant over the males and are heavier than them. The females genitalia are very masculinized which contributes to their being aggressive. Such sex dimorphism is not common with other wildlife. This is due to the presence of higher level of testosterone in the female's body than that of the males.

A distinguishing feature with the hyenas is the 'haunch-back' and short hind legs. They hold their head low when they walk. Usually the head has a rounded skull and long ears. They have extremely strong jaws and a complex acidic digestion system. This is one of the factors that give them a step ahead for survival. They are capable of ingesting bones, horns, hooves and the tough animal skins.

Only the hair is not digested and this usually comes out in the form of bolus or locally referred to 'hyena hair ball'. All this bone matter that they eat is what makes the hyena feces chalk-white.

They hunt in packs in a way that could be termed as ruthless as they do not have a killing bite. They lack in hunting technique and most cases they run down their victim to exhaustion. Usually they attack their prey and tear chunks before their victim dies.

It is interesting to know that lions steal lots of their kills. It is true that hyenas do the final cleaning by chewing the bones and the skins left by others. In some cases the hyenas have succeeded to steal from the lions but in most of occurrences the reverse is more common.

The reproduction and life cycle is not seasonal. The females do not however mate with their members of the clan. They can take any other wandering male for mating and discard him. Four months is the gestation period and usually give birth to up to four cubs. These are usually black in color with some others having small taint of black. A weird thing that happens with the cubs is competition over who nurses first.

This in most cases result in fighting for dominance. The looser usually starves to death and this is only with the female cubs. Hyenas, unlike other wildlife take very long to wean their cubs. It may take between 14-18 months. The female can lactate up to 12 months with milk that is very high in protein percentage.( 14%). The cubs start following the mother to the point of kill when they reach 1 year.

They do not bring back food to the den. They eat to their fill on the spot.

The female cubs stay in the clan of their birth but males are kicked out when they reach around 2 years. Apart from playing with the cubs the male has no role in upbringing of the cubs.

One clan can have between 20-100 members, all on the matriarchal system. All the members are related. Each clan digs its own den which comprises of deep and long tunnels to accommodate the clan. They mark their territory through anal sac secretions. This is a paste that they use to define their boundary and is deposited at the edge of their territory. That is their home-territory that they protect and intruders are not welcome. They have a greeting system of sniffing each others genitalia and also as a way of identification or recognition within members of the same clan.
To the untrained eye, it is difficult to differentiate between males and females. This is because of the physical resemblance of the female's genitalia to that of the male. But in any case they are female organs. The females are not hermaphrodite as some have claimed at first sight.

Hyenas have 'toilets' whereby all the members go to deposit their dung. This adds to the boundary markings of their territory.

They communicate in a number of ways: When about to attack the tail is held high, when it is held forward over the back, it is a sign of excitement. And when frightened they hold the tail tucked between the legs. When there is presence of food, this is the time you hear the famous 'hyena laughter' especially in the night. This laughter
is a call to other clan members and can be heard up to 3 kilometers away.

It is important to note that though hyenas portray cowardly behavior, they can be extremely dangerous. They should be left alone, least intimidated and their respect awarded to them.

Why You Shouldn’t Necessarily Visit Kenya In August

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:15:08 +0530

Everybody who thinks they know what they are talking about will tell you the best time to visit Kenya is between July and September. The reasons for this are firstly that the wildebeest in their hundreds of thousands are arriving from the Serengeti.

This has the very unfortunate side effect of dramatically increasing the number of tourists in the region, and places like the Masai Mara are inundated with them, and this means two things to the prospective tourist.

The first thing is that prices go through the ceiling, and secondly when your minibus driver takes you to see the wildebeest crossing a river, you will be one of dozens of vehicles full to the brim with tourists, all watching the same animals. This is not my idea of a safari,in fact it is my idea of hell, because I want to be alone with my family in a vehicle, and alone with the animals.

The other time the experts tell you to avoid is between March and June, which is the time of the long rains, and November, which is the time of the short rains.

November may just be the best time to visit Kenya, and go in the first two weeks, because the prices are much less, the tourists have departed, and it is now the wildebeest begin their long march back to the Serengeti, and the sight of miles and miles of them is something you will never forget..

Tropical rain is extraordinary in itself with torrential rain, and the most incredible electrical storms, but not solid rain, just heavy showers of up to a few hours. You now see the golden brown colours in the Masai Mara beginning to go green again, and the speed of the transformation is incredible.

So ignore the wise pundits, and go to Kenya in early November for a much less expensive vacation.

Kenya Holidays: King of the beast

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:14:20 +0530

Family: Felidae Species: Panthera leo
Famously referred to the King of the jungle, they actually do not inhabit jungles

It is partially true to refer to the lions as 'King of the beasts'. It is a fact that they really are kings of the predatory beasts, but they can be easily backed down or killed by elephants and water buffalo. A pack of hyenas can also back down or even kill a solitary lion.

But they are in themselves packed for the kill. They have strong, compact bodies and powerful forelegs, teeth, and jaws for pulling down and killing prey. Their coats are yellow-gold, and adult males have long, dark, shaggy manes. Young lions have light spotting on their coats. Their strength is also reflected during mating whereby can copulate up to as many as 100 times in a 24 hour period

Male lions grow larger than females, reaching up to ten feet long (females reach up to nine feet long), plus a two- to three-foot-long tail. Male lions weigh from 330 to 530 pounds; females weigh 270 to 300 pounds. Lions stand between 3-4 feet tall at the shoulder.

They are the only true social members of the cat family and live in groups called prides.

All females in a pride are related
All lactating females will allow any cub in their pride to nurse
Lions run at a rate of 50 mph, and sleep up to 20 hours a day

Tigers are lions' closest relatives. Without their coats, lion and tiger bodies are so similar that only experts can tell them apart. Their roar can be heard up to five miles away.

Male lions can usually only hold on to a pride for 2-4 years before a younger, stronger male or coalition of males throws him out and takes over.
Many people only think of the females as doing the hunting, but as males spend much of their lives in search of a pride, they too must fend for themselves and are quite capable of hunting.

Though grown-up lions have rarely been known to have spots, there is one male in Masai mara that I have seen time and again that was born with a huge black patch on the chest and inner front left leg. I have watched him from birth till he was kicked out of the pride with his brothers. Definitely he left the vicinity and only hears about his where a bouts from time to time.

Lions are the only sexually dimorphic members of the cat family.
Male lions are the only members of the cat family to have a mane.
They are the only felines with tufts at the ends of their tails.

Female lions (lioness) reach two thirds of their adult size by the time they are 2 years old.

Males begin to really grow between 3 and 3 1/2 years and by 4 will be almost their adult size and weight
Both males and females continue to grow until they are 6 years old, primarily becoming more massive

Habitat
Lions inhabit a wide range of habitats, from open plains to thick brush and dry thorn forest.

Diet
Lions eat primarily large animals, such as zebra and wildebeest, weighing from 100 to 1,000 pounds. In times of shortage, they also catch and eat a variety of smaller animals from rodents to reptiles. Lions steal kills from hyenas, leopards, and other predators, but may also lose their catches to hyena groups. Lions may also feed on domestic livestock, especially in areas near villages.

Reproduction
Female lions usually give birth to a litter every two years. Females are receptive to mates for a few days several times a year, unless they are pregnant or nursing. Mating spurs ovulation. Females give birth to one to five cubs after a gestation of about three and a half months. Cubs nurse for six months, but start eating meat at three months. Due to varied dangers, including starvation during times of food shortage and attacks by male lions taking over prides, up to 80 percent of lion cubs die within their first two years of life.

Life Span
Zoo lions may live up to 25 years, while wild lions live about 15 years.

Behavior
Lions live in groups called prides, which may include from several to 40 individuals. Pride mates associate in sub-groups within the pride. Female pride mates are related to each other. Although both males and females defend the pride's territory, the larger males take on most defense duties, marking territory with roars and scent marks (urine). Females do most of the hunting. Several females stalk prey from different angles to within 100 feet before attacking the targeted animal. Females stay in their mothers' prides for life, unless food scarcity forces them out. Young males are driven from their prides when they grow large enough to compete with the dominant males. Young males join in coalitions, usually with brothers and cousins, and search for a pride to take over. Males entering a new pride will kill all cubs that cannot run from them. In India, female and male lions live apart, joining only to mate.

Masai Mara Safari in Kenya

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:13:20 +0530

Our journey starts upon arrival in Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. We are taken to the hotel where we spend our first night in Nairobi the capital city of Kenya. The city is crowded during the day and noisy especially from the traffic. But the uptown of Nairobi is a bit calm and the perfect place for your rest.

Early the next morning we start our safari to Masai mara national park. Kabiro is our driver and guide in the next 3 days we will be in Masai mara.Our drive takes us to the south along the floor of the Great Rift Valley with wonderful scenery and perfect place to take lots of pictures. We take a break at Narok Town for our lunch and then climb the western wall entering Hemmingways Country of the "Serengeti Plains". We arrive in Masai mara late afternoon in Masai mara with a game drive along the way before arriving in the campsite where we spend the night. The campsite is so amazing since we are sleeping in self contained tents with electricity and shower inside, who could imagine that in a bush unless it was a lodge. Kudus to the agency.

We later join other travelers for a campfire and some entertainment by the Masai villagers, ooh what a wonderful way to retire for bed.

Early the next morning after superb heavy breakfast we leave for a morning game drive in the park. Our guide makes a joke that we are going hunting but we should not use guns but our cameras. What i loved during the game drive was the cooperation between all the drivers who were in the park, the way they could communicate with each other on the radio on the exact spot where the animals were and where there was a hunt. It was so good, because this way we were able to see many animals and i guess it was also our lucky day because we saw a cheetah on the hunt. It killed a antelope and unfortunately a crowd of hyenas came and chased the cheetah away and enjoyed the meal. how unfortunate, but i guess is the way to survive. Our driver told us that it was our lucky day to witness the hunt,we took lots and lots of photos.

After our full day game drive, our driver takes us to the Masai village where we make a stop and learn on their culture , ways of living and the food they eat. There houses which are commonly known as the manyattas are pretty small but the Masai are proud of there ways of living. We had a chance to get some beautiful Masai souvenirs, what a day.

We headed back to the campsite for some freshening up and later had a wonderful African dinner which was prepared on a special request by our host. It was a meal of Ugali and fried goat meat. We later join the camp fire and interact with others then retire for bed.

On the third day our driver picks us up for a morning game drive after breakfast which lasted up to 11.00 o'clock in the morning. Am sorry to say this, but the trip ends here. We later arrive back in Nairobi in the late afternoon for lunch. Lunch in Nairobi restaurants are more fair in price compared to eating in the hotel. We are later joined by our host Nancy and she gives us this wonderful surprise of taking us to carnivore restaurant to wind up out trip with dinner there.Waw, the dinner was great, they have different range of bush meat , and choma was perfect. After this wonderful dinner we left for the airport. Asante sana Kenya and i will sure come back for more days.

Day trips From Marrakech

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:56:06 +0530

Day trips from Marrakech

Marrakech as many might not realized is a perfect spot to discover the surrounding areas in day trip from Marrakech or two day Morocco tour. Even the locals when the heat is too much to take, spin off to the mountains or the coast. Join them on their Moroccan adventures.

Many day tours from Marrakech are to the brochure featured Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls of Africa. There are hidden by nature of green vegetation of olive and carob trees and fall from more then 100 meters into an endless series of pools. The adventurous enough dip themselves in the refreshing cool waters just as the locals do. This is a perfect destination for walks in the nearby Berber villages in the mountains. Possible to stay one night in a lovely riad and we guarantee that you will see the carob trees full of monkeys during a spectacular sunset.

Another great Morocco day tour destination from Marrakech is Ourika Valley. This valley is located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and less then one-hour drive from Marrakech. This picturesque valley offers the typical landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. Moroccan tour operators also provide visits to last village of the valley Setti Fatma. The attraction is lovely scenery and walk to the seven waterfalls.

Another very popular destination for a day excursion from Marrakech is the visit of Kasbah Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou and if time allows Ouarzazate. This is full day trip, crossing the High Atlas Mountains by a road pass Tizi – n – Tichka with views of the mountains, valleys and Berber villages whose homes are made of fortified mud dwellings for themselves and their livestock. On this day tour of Morocco visit the UNESCO protected 16th century site of AitBenhaddou. This Kasbah was once the most important fortress on the Salt Road caravan routes, where the slaves, gold, ivory and salt were carried from the Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond. You can also visit on this Morocco tour the extraordinary sight of the Atlas Mountains, a crumbling Kasbah of Telouet. This Kasbah belonged to the powerful Glaoui tribe remembered as the “vulture” sultan and his son who lived there until the 1950’s. Once a beautiful Kasbah, but still worth the visit today as the history and the drama will unfold itself.
On this day trip of Morocco we can arrange a little pick nick lunch outside the village of Tamdaught by the riverside oasis garden.
Your Morocco Tour strongly recommends extending this trip to another day and staying in a nice riad in Ouarzazate or even experience the authentic Morocco tour with a stay in one of the local Berber family. Learn about their farming life, and style of living. Take a real culinary lesson from the local people.

Essaouira, the coastal African town is another perfect excursion for a Moroccan holiday or a Marrakech day tour. En route many Moroccan travel tour operators stop along the way to visit argan oil co-operative, the extracted oil from the Argan trees is used for cooking and skin care. The town itself, known to many as Mogador, is famous for its UNESCO protected charming Medina. The Old Portuguese ramparts guard the walled city where you can watch the silver craftsmen and wood carvers at work. Essaouira is also very popular for its fresh seafood girls and its golden beach popular by windsurfers.

Many Moroccan travel companies offer day journeys to Asni & Imlil and to the Toubkal National Park. On this trip you drive along the Ouirgane Valley before detouring to Imlil, a Berber village that lies on the foothill of the Toubkal National Park and where the road ends and trekking delight for many begins. Toubkal is the highest summit of Morocco and North Africa (4167m). It is a great place to come in the October and November as the whole valley smells by the groves of fruit trees mainly apples, and many wildflowers.

Family Trip to Africa

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:35:30 +0530

Some people think that Africa is no place for a family. This is wrong. If you go on a vacation to Africa you will enjoy it better with your family and their enjoyment gives you satisfaction. Then there is company for you and your family who will enjoy the African safari.

Now let us see what has to be planned. Rather than going alone you will have to plan the trip to a greater detail. If there are children you will have to cater for them. So you will have greater planning to do.

In Africa for the adventurous type there is the Aeral Safari, Fishing safari, River safari and the canoeing safari. For others, there is the Elephant safari, Chimpanzee safari, cycle safari, etc.

In the village there is the chance to meet the inhabitants and visit the various cultural communities that exist in Africa. Many traditional African communities understand the future of the culture, community rights, tradition and rituals. Africa has a diversity of culture, wildlife and scenery. It is a beautiful country.

Africa has been a romantic place and with its aura and mysterious surrounding, there are many couples who have spend the honeymoon in Africa. There are a number of romantic hot spots that lie hidden in the coastline. The hot African sun makes people go swimming, boating and scuba diving. All along the coast there are many of the most beautiful islands.

If you wish to you can visit the city life and go shopping or you can taste African wildlife and experience the sights and sounds of the wild outdoors. Some tourists combine wildlife, culture and historical landmarks with one vacation.

When in Africa game viewing safari is an experience where you track, spot and sight wildlife within the safety of the vehicle. The wildlife viewing start in the morning. afternoon or in the night.

So you plan your trip that you and your family will enjoy and the best vacation you ever had.

South Africa Volunteer - Excitement Included!

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:37:41 +0530

If you have thought about becoming a South Africa volunteer you won't be short of opportunities to help, or to enjoy yourself once the working day is finished. Volunteering in South Africa offers arguably the widest choice and the chance for real excitement and adventure!

If you are reading this article you are obviously the kind of self-motivated, determined individual that Africa's volunteer organizations are crying out for. In return for your help they can provide you with the experience of a lifetime and the chance to make a real difference. You will make a huge and very positive impact in an area where it is very much needed.

In Red Hill district there are orphaned children who will benefit enormously from you helping to teach them English. In the township of Masiphumelele you can help the rural community as a medical assistant. If language and medicine aren't quite you thing, what about helping coach sports, or just getting your hands dirty painting classrooms or building new community projects?

As a South Africa volunteer you get to help in a huge variety of ways and each will change the future of the people you work with. It's not all work and no play though. You will also have the chance to experience the beauty of the famous Boulders Beach with it's colony of penguins - yes penguins! There's the vibrant multi-cultural society of Cape Town itself. There's the iconic Table Mountain and, of course, Robben Island where Nelson Mandela spent so many years.

Then there are the activities. Are you into diving? What about shark cage diving! A bit much? What about a visit to a game reserve on horseback... or elephant? Surfing, abseiling, sky diving, they're all available.

A South Africa volunteer is going to work hard for some of the time. Volunteer coordinators will use your help in the way that best suits you and does most good for the community around you. The sense of satisfaction you'll get is incredible, the friends you make will be life-long, South Africa itself is just stunning.

Travel Kenya

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:34:57 +0530

So you are thinking and planning for your next vacation spot, well why not travel to Kenya? Kenya has the most diverse of tourist attractions that you will not miss something that you will absolutely like. The country has been blessed with all the animals of the jungle and its wilderness is amazing.

When you travel to Kenya in June to September, you will witness the migration of the wildebeest from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya. This spectacular event usually attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world and it has even been named as one of the wonders of the world.

The breath holding moment during this season is when the wildebeests cross the Mara river that has crocodiles all over. Most manage to make it to the other side.

You will see the largest mountain in the whole of Africa when you travel to Kenya. This is at the Amboseli national Park which is also the home the largest herds of elephants in the country and region as well. Exotic bird and plant species can also be found here. Waking up to a snow caped mountain with clouds at the top and watching the sun set at this mountain is one moment in your life that you can imagine you are in paradise.

Truly Kenya is the best place to travel to for a nice vacation. Another thing is that Kenya won the award of best country in Eco tourism in the world on the recent Travel Awards in China.