Your West Africa travel guide will explain that Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana and even Mali are one of the best destinations for vacations when it comes to West Africa. Mali delivers trekkers a probability to come across nomadic tribes as Ghana is stuffed with  the perfect excursions for wildlife buffs. West Africa is adorned with historical, prehistoric destinations. The legendary town of Casablanca is found in Morocco. It is possible to refer to a West Africa Tour agent for latest accommodation and tour facts together with other ideas.

Places to Visit

Senegal holidays are spelt by warm climate all year through, beautiful sand beaches, water sport adventures and vibrant night life. Popular attractions and destinations include; IFAN Memorial of western African Traditions, Dakar Grand Mosque, President’s Construction, National Gallery, Hann Park, and Senegal Zoo. The capital Dakar is a vibrant city of colorful markets, museums, busy streets and monumental buildings; whose architecture dates back to the years of colonialism.

Mali is one of the largest countries in West Africa. Tours of Mali begin in Bamako which is the capital and on to other interesting places like Niger river, the small town of Kayes, Djenne and the villages in the east. The villages are a surprising mixture of animist, muslim and christian religions. More interesting things in Mali include National museum in Bamako, botanical gardens, the Zoo, rock paintings of Point G hill and its busy markets. Included on the Mali Holidays tours are UNESCO world heritage sites of Timbuktu, Bandiagara.

Burkina Faso is one of the world’s poorest countries. Ouagadougou is the capital city of Burkina Faso, quickly referred to as Waga. It is a busy city centre, with bustling city markets, streets and a major cultural centre. Visit the municipal gardens, the forest park and lake, large shaded avenues, the presidential palace, Mogho Palace and the cathedral. One highlight  of travel in Burkina Faso is the warm and friendliness of the people of this small country!

There is so much to discover on your holiday to Gambia, in not only Fajara, the major tourist destination but also in many other towns. Discover the rich heritage of culture, language, music and the arts, which flourish as part of the every day lives of the Gambian people. Gambia is a good place with more to offer than the beaches. There is a wide array of activities to enjoy on a holiday to Gambia and some of these include river rafting on Gambia’s Up-river, bird watching, river fishing, local tours to the villages and local markets, nature walks and trek to the wildlife parks and bike tours through the major towns.

There is a wide array of activities to enjoy on a holiday to Gambia and some of these include river rafting on Gambia’s Up-river, bird watching, river fishing, local tours to the villages and local markets, nature walks and trek to the wildlife parks and bike tours through the major towns

Guinea Bissau is the smallest of the western African countries worth visiting thanks to the endless lush plains and lakes. Guinea-Bissau’s beaches, culture, traditions, people and wildlife are exceptional something to gladly enjoy on your Guinea Bissau holiday. njoy the rhythms from the calabash used in the local Gumbe music genres, Tinga and others played for all ceremonies be it funerals. Thousands of birds and mammals are found in Cantanhez Natural Park in Jemberem Forest and also from the wildlife breeding river Zoo farm. Regular sights include monkeys, chimpanzees among others.

Nigeria is commonly visited by tourists who wish to participate in its cultural celebrations and festivals, of which there are many! The country is blessed with a myriad of cultures and peoples besides its rainforests on the Niger Delta, waterfalls and other attractions. Lagos is the most popular city in Nigeria, the largest country in Africa. There is more to Nigeria than just the attractions, sky rocketing buildings, Oil and the Nollywood-which is the fastest movie making industry in Africa.

Ghana is honestly one of the most visited countries in West Africa. Accra is not the kind of place where you want to get stuck although it is the capital of Ghana. Accra hosts the National Museum of Ghana, the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Archives of Ghana, and Ghana’s central library. Enjoy much of the Volta river region that extends to the borders of Ghana and Togo.

Crossing the border from Ghana into the west is Togo. Lome is the capital city of Togo located along the coast of Togo. Some of the main attractions in this port town include Lome Grand Market, Voodoo Market, Togo National Museum, Lake Togo, Beaches, University of Lome, Lome Cathedral and 2 Fervrier Sofitel Hotel.

Niger is a country from West Africa named after the Niger river that crosses through the country. There is much to visit in Niger, especially to the northern Sahara desert regions. Agadez is one of the biggest towns and tourist points in the Sahara desert region in Niger. It is reached by the traditional camel trails and some of its few tourist attractions are the grand mosque, golden sand dunes at sunset and its unique architectural works.

Liberia is another charm from West Africa safari and travel, if not for the holidays. Liberia is from years known as a state for freed slaves and it’s a country growing slowly for the tourism sector! Even with decades of political unrest, Liberia is worth dollars in tourism and holidays. Monrovia itself has other attractions such as bustling markets, National museum and Blo Degbo Rock found in Paynesville a village not far from Monrovia.

Benin is actually a small country but promising to reward on Benin holiday tours through foreign travel and holidays in Benin as well as adventure enthusiasts.  There are many ways to experience Benin holiday tours for example camel riding, outdoor camping, cruises on Niger river, experiencing the thrill of Benin cultural festival and touring each of the different national parks and nature reserves. Porto Novo, the nearby capital, is a small colonial town, a sleepy town with colonial architecture, friendly people, a much better place to stay than Cotonou. Ganvie is a city built on water, literally in the ocean.

Sierra Leone is found in West Africa and shares borders with Guinea to the northwest, north and northeast, in the southeast by Liberia and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. The most interesting parts of the country are the scenic islands in the Atlantic. Some of the most fascinating islands include Banana Islands, Bunce islands which can be toured on boat rides. Banana islands are renowned for exciting diving and snorkelling adventures in Sierra Leone besides the old dwarf town of Dublin.

Ivory Coast also known as Côte d’Ivoire is one of the countries in West Africa coast along the Gulf of Guinea.  Ivory Coast is considered to be the most stable economy in Africa and West Africa despite the recent turmoil and hostilities arising from the recent political struggles and elections in the last decade. Several artifacts and buildings are evident of the French colonial era. Some of the most popular sight seeing tours in Côte d’Ivoire includes tours of basilica at Yamoussoukro, which is nearly an exact replica of St. Peter’s in Rome. The stunning cathedral contains more stained glass and mosaics than any other church or Roman Catholic Cathedral in France.

Best time to visit

West Africa has largely tropical weather, warm and sometimes humid. If the breeze blows in from the Sahara the moisture drops. Wet period for the southern region is from May to June, plus October. For the north, rainy season is from June to September. Determined by the time you prefer to take a trip, there are lots of online packages for West Africa.

The rain season in west Africa is comes during the months of June to September. The best time to visit is during the months of October to May, which is the dry season. If you travelling by road, it is the best time to hop from on country to another. The roads are good with options of using public transport, car rentals and also trains

Money

The biggest problems for us traveling in West Africa are: money and visas. The French speaking countries have a common currency, the CFA, a much stronger currency than the US Dollar. There are few banks and forex bureaus that accept foreign Exchange. In this case travellers are encouraged to change their monies into local currencies before moving into a particular country.

Visa

Each of the countries in west Africa requires VISA on entry except for Senegal. This means that you have to contact the different embassies of every country before travelling. Failure to get visa early enough costs you hours in queue at the embassies in the particular countries.

There is a five-coutry visa: Visa commun des pays de l’Entente -visa for Burkina, Benin, Togo, Niger, Cote d’Ivoire. This kind of visa is rather hard to get. Remember that getting your visas before departure in Europe or USA is quite expensive!

Hotels and accommodation

West Africa offers a number of places to stay, from comfort to budget accommodation. West African accommodation located in the wilderness provides you lodging close by wildlife. Along the coast, you’ll choose from spas, cottages, not to mention comfort accommodation options, but also budget lodging.

There are many hotels. An interesting option in French Africa is the guesthouse run by the cathedral or by the various protestant churches. This is usually very cheap, clean and safe.

There are a few chained hotels in West Africa found in the most prominent countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Gambia.

Flights and tickets

Cheapest flights to West Africa are booked online from travel websites and from tour or travel companies. There are many airlines to several West Africa countries from any airports in and around Africa. All countries have concession Airlines and airports that link them through ECOWAS.  You can also fly direct from Johannesburg-South Africa with South African Airways, British Airways, Ethiopia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways. Other flights come in from London Heathrow, America and other European cities.

One of the biggest towns in Uganda is Hoima preferably called the Oil city. Since the discovery of oil in the Albertine region that borders the district in the west, Hoima has grown into limelight with eyes glued on commercial and oil-related industrial growth expected to be seen more in the next five years.

Hoima district lies in mid western Uganda within the region that forms Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom.  Having a growing population of nearly 500,000 since 2010, this district is counted among the fastest growing regions of Uganda

Tourist Attractions

Previously seen as only stop over enroute to Murchison Falls, Hoima has tremendously grown into a fascination for tourists and travelers. The discovery of huge oil wells in the Kaiso area of the Lake Albert rift valley region only makes it better for travelers to stay here for a little while longer!

What to see and do

Hoima Town-The town itself has that ancient look about it with streets lined with building similar to those built during the oil days. By the way-in the next five years, Hoima town will not have such…you better see visit now! Take some time and visit the busy market for fresh food supplies, Hoima referral hospital and at the end of the day walk around this small town.

St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral located off 2km Butiaba road, the cathedral is serene as the grounds on which it was built. The cathedral compound is a good relaxing place on any evening and it is here that you’ll appreciate the hills and beautiful landscape of Hoima.

Katasiha Fort  located only 2 km from Hoima Town on the Biso – Butiaba road is one of the best kept historical points in Bunyoro Kitara.  It was the largest fort built by General Colville after the Kabarega abandoned his capital in Mparo in 1893. There is an 8 meter deep trench (partially filled in) that surrounded the fort for reasons of secutiry.

Bunyoro Cultural Tours

Hoima is the seat of the Omukama (King) of Bunyoro! This town has so many cultural sites of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom which onced occupied the whole of western and parts of central Uganda.

Mparo Tombs was chosen as the capital of King Omukama Kabarega of Bunyoro in 1872 and was buried here in 1923.  This historical site is located 4 km along the Masindi road. Comparable to the royal Tombs in Kasubi Kampala, there is a guide to take you around the tombs and explain rituals and practices associated to this grave site.

Hoima Royal Palace is the seat of the Omukama of Bunyoro HRH Solomon Gafabusa Iguru I.The palace has many interesting points with the most fascinating being the throne room includes the traditional nine legged throne swathed in leopard skins and barkcloth, spears, royal headdresses and musical instruments are on display. Visits to the palace are by prior arrangements.

Other attractions

The Royal Mile from Budongo Forest is a good for birding trips while touring Bunyoro region. The mile boasts as one of the most rewarding bird watching areas in Uganda only 1 hr drive from Hoima via Masindi.

Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve is a 70 km 90 minute journey from Hoima. This newly established nature reserve covers part of the shores of Lake Albert and the lush escarpment on the Albertine Escarpment. Some of the wildlife in this reserve includes the Jackson’s hartebeest, Uganda kob, buffalo, and warthog.

Butiaba  is a port on Lake Albert famous for its vibrant fishing villages. Another intresting sight on this port is the wreckage of Lake Steamer SS Coryndon that sank during the floods of 1962. Be sure to catch some of the local delicacies and fish at any of the fishing villages.

The Murchison Falls National Park marks the end of Bunyoro Tours but there is so much more. Any itinerary on Uganda safaris includes stops at the magnificent Waterfalls and the national park. other tours of Hoima and Bunyoro region take you to the town of Fort Portal and Kibale National Park for chimpanzee tracking trips.

Getting there

By road-the town is 3 hours drive from Kampala, the capital of Uganda. There are taxis and buses that offer public transport to Hoima town. Alternative means such as car are available from Kampala’s tour operators and travel Agents

The district can also be accessed from neighboring DR Congo by water. There are ferries and boats that ply Lake Albert from either side.

Hotels and Accommodation

KonTiki Hotel  is typical an African eco setting located only 2km off the Hoima-Kampala Highway.  It is a preferred for quiet accommodation in rustic thatched roundels, well stocked bar, restaurants,swimming pools and also has horses for horse riding.

Hoima Kolping  Hotel located on Butiaba road provides comfortable accommodation with single and double beds, bar and restaurant, conference and meeting facilities, all with a very unique hospitality. It is a good option for budget travelers. One great thing about this pick is the sumptuous buffet and breakfast.

Kijungu Hill Hotel- Located on the outskirts of town, this exotic 2 star hotel offers excellent accommodation for travelers with good meals, spacious rooms, DSTV, Bar, Restaurant and more. There are no blackouts here as the Hotel used Solar systems for lighting and other purposes.

Hoima Resort Hotel Kijungu-Is one is one of a kind in Hoima. It is a favorite for standard and up-market travellers Fully furnished with 3 star facilities such as health spa, gym, excellent accommodation, restaurant, bar, Satellite Television and spacious parking space.

There a quite a number of hotels, lodges and guesthouses in Hoima . Other Examples include Da Place, Nsamo Hotel and many others.

This race is held once in two years and is organized by the False Bay Yacht Club.Prior to the Governor’s Cup Yacht race is a renowned ‘Bay-to-Bay’ race called the international V&A Marina race that brings both the racing and supporting fleets at the Cape Town Waterfront. This race is one of the prestigious Saint Helena events anyone can ever mention.

The Route

The Governor’s Cup race pits the fleet of competing boats above 30 feet in length against each other in an 8 to14 day handicap chase across the South Atlantic to St Helena Island. The race normally takes 8 – 14 days and culminates in a cocktail party at the Governor of St. Helena’s residence on the island.

Once the festivities such as dining and the prize giving ceremony are done, the returning yachts are loaded onto the RMS St. Helena and she sets sail for Cape Town. The sailors have a choice – either sail back to the Cape or return reclining in the comfort of a deckchair, sipping cocktails on board the extremely affordable, yet luxurious 7000ton cargo/passenger ship, the RMS St. Helena!
The accent is on fun and camaraderie and once the destination has been reached,the competitors can enjoy an activity-filled stay on the rugged, but beautiful island. Families and supporters can enjoy the ambiance and exclusive service of RMS St Helena all the way from the start of the race to the end!

Entrants typically range from fast racing boats with experienced crews to cruising boats manned by small families, some of which may afterwards sail on from the island to other destinations. All are able to enjoy the usually prevailing downwind conditions followed by an activity-filled stay on St Helena Island across the festive season culminating in a comfortable return early in the New Year to South Africa for crews, supporters and yachts aboard the 7000-ton mixed cargo/passenger ship, the RMS St Helena.

Car Hire

For those wishing to be more independent, why not hire a car and discover the island at your own pace. Car hire St Helena tours are a more convenient way to tour St Helena with hassles for  rushing and the like.

Visitors must hold and bring with them a valid driving license with no endorsements for dangerous driving or drunken driving in the last 5 years and must be at least 21 years old. Please note that St Helena drives on the Left Hand side/

All tourists are ideally registered at the Police Station in Jamestown. In the same light motorists and car hire customers have to get this registration done and driving license approved

Most rental rates include third party insurance, therefore any minor damages e.g. broken headlight, wing-mirror, etc, will be billed to the client.

Renting in Jamestown a car can cost between £10.00-15.00 per day although prior booking is recommending for all rentals and tours. You can hire a car with a tour guide or get one for self-drive.

Self drive tours require that you  get a detailed map of St Helena and a travel guide if you do not want to get lost in this small island.

Taxis:

There is a taxi rank opposite EB Stores in Main Street, Jamestown, which is in use during the day.  For a taxi in the evening, it is advised that you book in advance.  There are no set tariffs and you should therefore check rates before embarking on your journey.

Extra charges are usually made for waiting time.

St. Helena is a great place for an active family holiday. There’s something for everyone – from hiking to fishing, scuba diving or dolphin watching.

Walking & Hiking

Helena offers some of the finest walking in the South.  The combination of spectacular coastal scenery and Atlantic facing cliffs, quiet inland pastures, and lush rolling hills is unsurpassed.

The walker has the rare opportunity to discover ancient historical fortifications, dating back to the 16th century, observe a wonderful array of wildlife – flowers, birds and invertebrates.

There are just so many hiking destinations in such a small place and there’s no better way to explore the island than on foot. Some of the interesting Hiking spots include Diana’s peak and the central peaks

Diving

St Helena is surrounded by clear tropical waters with excellent visibility; you will find abundant tropical flora and fauna under our waters.

Because St Helena is virtually unknown as a dive destination, the thrill of diving here makes it an even more memorable experience.  To add to the adventure there are caves and shipwrecks, old and new to explore.

Sport Fishing

Fishing is way of life in St Helena and many parts of the coast are fishing villages. The catch is good with records showing at least 10 different species of fish which include Bastard Cavalley Pilot , Bastard Fivefinger, Deepwater Jack, Silver Eel and Greenfish among others.

St Helena offers a unique opportunity to view cetaceans using small boats.  Pan-tropical spotted dolphins are the most numerous species followed by bottlenose dolphins and rough-toothed dolphin.

Humpback whales have been sighted  in the waters around St Helena in small numbers during the austral winter.

Golfing on the Island

Longwood golf course is situated on the eastern side of the Island and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.  The only distraction could be a braying donkey close by.  The course has 9 holes and 18 tee-boxes and competitions are held every Saturday and Sunday.

Bird Watching Trips

St. Helena Island is now a breeding site for seabirds as Ascension is, but it used to have more endemic birds, all but one of which are now extinct. The Wirebird (Charadrius sanctaehelenae) is a type of plover which lives in burrows around the island, and is the national bird.  It is called the Wirebird due to its thin legs that look like wire.

Wildlife Safaris

Saint Helena may not be your usual African safari destination but you will have something to delight in on an exclusive safari tour in Saint Helena. Here is a quick look at what you can except on the island that is gifted by nature! St Helena has excellent and well preserved coral ecosystems, which are very diverse and contain many endemic and non-endemic fish species.

The Castell Collection is located at Princes Lodge, and the collection consists of a very interesting and vast collection of old lithhograms and prints of St Helena.  Pre-arranged viewings are essential with an admission of £1.

Plantation House

Residence of the Islands governor built in 1792 by the East India Company. Today it retains its charm which is enhanced by the beautiful surrounding forest, on the grounds lives the oldest inhabitant Jonathan, the giant tortoise which is apparently the oldest in the world at 175 + years old.

Tours can be booked for Plantation House by arrangement at the Tourist Office, however the garden grounds are open all day.

St Paul’s Cathedral and Cemetery

Built in 1851 surrounded by burial places for Anglicans, past Governors, bishops and clergy as well as military personnel dating back hundreds of years, and other religious denominations.

Prince Andrew School

The only comprehensive school for 12-18 year olds on the island.   Visits are by arrangement only.

Diana’s Peak National Park, The Central Peaks

Diana’s Peak rises 823 metres above sea level and is the highest point on St Helena.  It is here in the National Park that many of the island’s endemic plant species find refuge.  The endemic blushing snail also lives here.  On a clear day the views from the Peaks is magnificent.

Deadwood Plain

The site of Boer Prisoners of War camp, and home to the Islands only Endemic bird the Wirebird.

Millennium Forest

Almost 5000 gumwood trees were planted as a conservation initiative to mark the millennium.  You can help to make this forest the Great Wood it once was by planting a Gumwood Tree.  For more details call the St Helena National Trust Office.  Tel: +290 2190

Boer Cmetary, Knollcombes

Cemetery of the Boer Prisoners that were imprisoned on St. Helena and died between 1900 and 1902 during the Anglo Boer war in South Africa. There is also a Baptist chapel whose cemetery has the grave of St Helena’s first local governor, Hudson Janisch.

High Knoll Fort
The present fort dates from 1874 on the site of the original citadel that was built in 1798. It was built as a redoubt for the Island population in the event of an invasion. High Knoll Fort commands superb views across much of the Island. The Fort is open occasionally for
guided tours – please contact the Tourist Office for details.

Halley’s Observatory

Site of Edmund Halley’s observatory who arrived in 1673 to map the stars of the Southern Hemisphere.  Provides great views of Longwood.

Maskelyne’s Observatory

Site of Dr. Neville Maskelyne’s observatory.  He came to to island in 1760 to study the transit of Venus over the Sun’s disk.  He was later Astronomer Royal.

Sandy Bay Beach

Interesting geological features as well as buildings of historical intersest including our only accessible lime kiln.

SHAPE Centre

St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE).  Opened in late 2008, this centre is the HQ of a new initiative which employs people with disabilities to produce local, quality crafts.  All money made from sales is put back into the enterprise thus making it self-sustaining.

St Helena Distillery tour

Tungi is the local word for prickly pear or cactus.  The fruit is edible, although it has to be peeled carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin before consumption.  ‘Tungi Spirit’ is the name given to a distilled product made on St. Helena from the fruit of the prickly or cactus pear (Opuntica ficus-indica fruit).

The proprietor of the St Helena Distillery makes other locally produced drinks like ‘Midnight Mist’; a popular island coffee liquor, White Lion Spiced Rum, Apple Brandy and more.

The town has many interesting places to visit besides enjoying the people ‘Saints’ and their cultures and traditions. Several tour operators in St Helena can organize a 2 hour visit of this incredible township for a small fee. An alternative option is to rent a car and enjoy the town at your won pace.

Jamestown St Helena Attractions

Here is a list of some of the remarkable places in Jamestown St Helena.

St James Church

The oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere dates from 1774.  Built near the site of the original Portuguese chapel and replaced earlier churches.

The Cenotaph

A war Memorial displaying names of islanders who lost their lives in World War II, and a plaque listing names of those who lost their lives on the RFA Darkdale.

The Museum of St. Helena

Beautifully restored in a late 18^th century building; opened 21^st May 2002 to mark St. Helena’s 500^th anniversary.

Castle Gardens

Some of the island’s endemic plants can be seen here including the rediscovered island ebony.

The Run

This delightfully names channel, walled and concreted and no doubt continuously imrpoved at every period of history, is presumed to follow the line of the original stream which watered the valley of Jamestown.  The Run was paved with stone in 1857 and was built with a dual purpose – as a sewer for the town and to accommodate the water course.  It offers an alternative view of Jamestown.

Jacobs Ladder

Built in 1829 as an inclined plane, which was used to haul manure up from town and send goods down. The ladder is 600ft high and has 699 steps. Once you have completed the ladder, make sure you buy your souvenir certificate from the Museum.

St Helena Distillery
Discover the delights of Tungi spirit, White Lion rum, Midnight Mist coffee liqueur, and the Island’s own ermuda Juniper flavoured gin. See how they are made.

Heart-Shaped Waterfall
A delightful waterfall located at the top of James Valley.  A trail has recently opened through the wild mango and scrub giving access to the foot of the waterfall. The trail starts from Drummond’s Point on the Barnes road track. The flow over the fall is seasonal. It is
possible to continue up the Barnes Road pathway to reach Francis Plain.

Jamestown Events

There are four very special events held on the Island: the Festival of Walking, the Festival of Running, Walking Festival and the Governor’s Cup Yacht Race.  So special, in fact, that they can only be held every two years!

Other events of interest to visitors are advertised locally on-Island through the radio and newspapers.

Vegetation

The Flora of St. Helena is particularly diverse, with hundreds of endangered endemic species.  In recent years there has been a program to conserve and replant the great forest on the island which was destroyed over the years.

There are three major vegetation zones: the tree-fern thicket of the highest parts of the central ridge (central peaks).  Of these, only the tree-fern thicket is a natural vegetation type.  The middle elevations were formerly covered with native woodland of gumwoods (Commidendrum), (St. Helena’s National tree) and other trees, now largely destroyed.  The barren “Crown wastes” were formerly covered with native scrub, of which a major component was probably St Helena ebony (Trochetiopsis ebenus) and  Trochetiopsis melanoxylon).

The Arum Lilly (St. Helena’s National flower) is grown naturally in the wild and can be found near the banks of roadsides of the Sandy Bay Ridges, or Casons and Bluehill areas.

The Millennium Forest Project has been successful and the forest is expanding rapidly.  St. Helena harbours at least 45 species of plants unknown anywhere else in the world.

Fauna and Conservation on the Island

Diana National Park St Helena

Diana’s Peak is the highest point on St Helena at 823m above sea level and is of volcanic origin.  It was proclaimed a national park in March 1996, and is covered in tree fern thicket.  Most of the island’s endemic species seek refuge in the dense thickets, which are now protected. The endemic trees are of exceptional interest to scientists trying to study the evolution of species.

The national Park is home to about 33 species of spiders, 22 of which are endemic to St Helena. A few are conspicuous by there webs, whilst others can be seen hunting on the fronds of tree ferns or on the leaf rosettes of black cabbage trees. The Golden sail spider which belongs to the Theridiidae family builds irregular three dimensional scaffold webs. When hunting they steal there prey or eat the young from the webs of other spiders.

The endemic blushing snail can also be found at Diana’s Peak National Park.

Bird Watching Trips

St. Helena Island is now a breeding site for seabirds as Ascension is, but it used to have more endemic birds, all but one of which are now extinct. The Wirebird (Charadrius sanctaehelenae) is a type of plover which lives in burrows around the island, and is the national bird.  It is called the Wirebird due to its thin legs that look like wire.

Wild Animals

There are no native mammals on St Helena but there are cats, dogs, rabbits, rats and mice; donkeys and goats which are domestically reared.  Goats were introduced to Saint Helena by the Portugguese to provide passing ships with fresh meat.

About 1100 species of land invertebrates have been recorded from St Helena, and over 400 of these are endemic and occur nowhere else. The giant St. Helena earwig is almost certainly extinct, the last chitinous remains having been found in the 1990s.

Johnathan a Seychelles tortoise was brought to St. Helena in 1882. Jonathan’s current age has been estimated at approximately 180.  He is said to be the oldest known member of his species, Testudinipae cytodira.  Jonathan lives on the grounds of Plantation House along with David, Emma, Fredricka and Myrtle.  These other four giant tortoises have joined Jonathan on the lawn of Plantation House only since the late 1960s.  While occasionally eggs are laid by the female tortoises, none has ever produced offspring.  You can visit the grounds at anytime of day.

Marine

St Helena has excellent and well preserved coral ecosystems, which are very diverse and contain many endemic and non-endemic fish species.

The following 10 fish are found only on the island of Saint Helena:

• Bastard Cavalley Pilot (Stegastes sanctaehelenae)
• Bastard Fivefinger (Chromis sanctaehelenae)
• Deepwater Jack (Pontinus nigropunctatus)
• Deepwater Gurnard (Scorpaena mellissii)
• Deepwater Greenfish (Holanthias fronticinctus)
• Silver Eel (Ariosoma mellissii)
• Greenfish (Thalassoma sanctaehelenae)
• Skulpin (Physiculus helenaenis)
• Springer’s Blenny (Scartella springeri)
• St Helena Dragonet (Callionymus santaehelenae)

St Helena offers a unique opportunity to view cetaceans using small boats.  Pan-tropical spotted dolphins are the most numerous species followed by bottlenose dolphins and rough-toothed dolphin.

Humpback whales have been sighted but interviews with local fishermen suggest that this species regularly occurs in the waters around St Helena in small numbers during the austral winter.

A full island tour which usually lasts about 4 – 5 hours and these are organized by an experienced tour guide. There is so much to see on the island from historic tours of the famous Napoleon spots, beautiful landscape, wildlife and excellent beaches.

You can start at Lower Jamestown, visiting our eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings, then head to the Napoleonic Sites on to Sandy Bay ridges where the landscape is green and lush with interesting rock features, St Paul’s to visit Jonathan the oldest tortoise, Half Tree Hollow the largest populated district on the Island, Ladder Hill to look down the 699 steps of Jacob’s Ladder for stunning views of lower Jamestown and then return back to Jamestown either by car or a steep descent down the ladder.

Jamestown Tours

Jacobs Ladder -Built in 1829 as an inclined plane, which was used to haul manure up from town and send goods down. The ladder is 600ft high and has 699 steps. Once you have completed the ladder, make sure you buy your souvenir certificate from the Museum.

St James Church -The oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere dates from 1774.  Built near the site of the original Portuguese chapel and replaced earlier churches.

The Museum of St. Helena -Beautifully restored in a late 18^th century building; opened 21^st May 2002 to mark St. Helena’s 500^th anniversary.

The Run -This delightfully names channel, walled and concreted and no doubt continuously imrpoved at every period of history, is presumed to follow the line of the original stream which watered the vlaley of Jamestown.  The Run was paved with stone in 1857 and was built with a dual purpose – as a sewer for the town and to accommodate the water course.  It offers an alternative view of Jamestown.

St Helena Distillery -Discover the delights of Tungi spirit, White Lion rum, Midnight Mist coffee liqueur, and the Island’s own Bermuda Juniper flavoured gin. See how they are made.

Heart-Shaped Waterfall -A delightful waterfall located at the top of James Valley.  A trail has recently opened through the wild mango and scrub giving access to the foot of the waterfall. The trail starts from Drummond’s Point on the Barnes road track. The flow over the fall is seasonal. It ispossible to continue up the Barnes Road pathway to reach Francis Plain.

The Cenotaph -A war Memorial displaying names of islanders who lost their lives in World War II, and a plaque listing names of those who lost their lives on the RFA Darkdale.

Napoleonic Tours

Napoleon’s first residence for 3 months whilst renovations to Longwood House were being completed. The Briars Pavilion was originally a summerhouse on the Balcombe Estate and it was here that Napoleon made friends with the Balcombe’s young daughter Betsy.

Longwood House -Napoleon’s long-term residence where he spent the final six years of his life. The property is maintained by the Government of France; the house is filled with Napoleonic memorabilia.

Napoleons Tomb -Burial place of Napoleon Bonaparte until 1841. He chose this valley as his burial place as on one of his walks was delighted with the tranquil landscape and plants that grew there.

St Helena Safaris and Wildlife

Diana’s Peak National Peak -Diana’s Peak is the highest point on St Helena at 823m above sea level and is of volcanic origin.  A visit to Diana’s Peak is highly recommended…experience breath taking, 360° views, and discover the island’s exotic flora & fauna.

It was proclaimed a national park in March 1996, and is covered in tree fern thicket.  Most of the island’s endemic species seek refuge in the dense thickets, which are now protected. The endemic trees are of exceptional interest to scientists trying to study the evolution of species.

Millennium Forest -Almost 5000 gumwood trees were planted as a conservation initiative to mark the millennium.  You can help to make this forest the Great Wood it once was by planting a Gumwood Tree.

St. Helena is a usual birdwatcher’s paradise compared to other African safari destinations but you will honestly be amused by the diversity of avifauna on the island.

Bird watching on St Helena

The island is one of the major seabird breeding areas at Sea and the Egg Island is best for St Helena birding tours. Major sights on the island include Black Noddy, Fairy Tern, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Masked Boobies. Although this species do not exist in colonies on the island, their population on the island is quite significant.

Festivals and Events

There are four very special events held on the Island: the Festival of Walking, the Festival of Running, Walking Festival and the Governor’s Cup Yacht Race.  So special, in fact, that they can only be held every two years!

Other events of interest to visitors are advertised locally on-Island through the radio and newspapers.

The island is one of the major seabird breeding areas at Sea and the Egg Island is best for St Helena birding tours. Major sights on the island include Black Noddy, Fairy Tern, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Masked Boobies. Although this species do not exist in colonies on the island, their population on the island is quite significant.

Many other species of birds were introduced to the island thus adding to the adventure of bird watchers. These include the Java Sparrow Padda Oryzivora and Madagascar Red fody Foudia Madagascariensis.

The Wirebird

The Wirebird is the only endemic bird on St Helena and is therefore recognized as the National Bird. This bird is a type of plover lives in burrows around the island, and it is called the Wirebird due to its thin wire-like legs. This species is classified as critically endangered on the island and in other parts of the world.

Conservation of the Wire Bird

Because of the Wirebird’s declining numbers,St Helena the has prompted action to conserve the Wirebird, including the development of a Species Action Plan, which has a long-term vision to: ‘find a way to happily co-exist allowing St Helena to develop and the Wirebird to thrive’.

 The Wirebird Code 

Remember, the Wirebird is an endangered species. Please assist its conservation by observing the following five points when visiting Wirebird sites:

1) If you encounter an adult Wirebird that drags its wings along the ground and falls over at intervals this bird is trying to distract you from eggs or chicks hidden nearby. Do not attempt to search for these as you may tread on them. Follow the displaying bird, which will lead you out of the danger zone.

2) If you come across a Wirebird nest do not linger at the site, especially in cool or windy weather. The incubating bird is unlikely to return until you are at least 50m away and there is a danger that the eggs will become chilled if left unattended for long.

3) Do not handle eggs or chicks.

4) Do not disturb adult Wirebirds with chicks. Small chicks will usually hide when approached and most adults will not return to them if there are people within 100m. This puts the chicks at risk as they need to be brooded regularly.

5) If you take a vehicle into Wirebird habitat please keep to well-defined tracks.

Saints’

St. Helena has a small population mainly descended from people from Europe. The Saints as the people of St Helena are called are blend of descendants from Europeans who were mostly planters, government employees and ex-soldiers serving in the local St Helena Regiment, Chinese who were workers from about 1810 and slaves mostly from Africa, Madagascar and Asia.

These first inhabitants and settlers from Europe included the French, English and Portuguese who discovered the island. The present population of St Helena is estimated at nearly 5000 people. The Saints are renowned for being warm and hospitable.

Language

The official language on the island is English. Mnay other languages are spoken on the island given the different origins of the people of St Helena. Other languages spoken on the island include French, Creole and others..

Religion

Christianity has deep roots in St Helena and has played a symbolic part in the island’s community, the majority of people belonging to the Church of England, being members of the Diocese of St Helena, which includes Ascension Island, and which has its own Bishop residing on St Helena.

Other denominations of Christianity represented on the island for many years are: Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, Baptist, and in more recent times; Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness and New Apostolic.

Music

The diversity of people and cultures on the island brings along a unique culture of music. Country & folk music is popular with the older generations, the younger community is greatly influenced by hip hop, RnB, dance & club genre is growing as well as new age and contemporary music.  Music is influenced by TV, radio, and internet.

There are local bands that perform occasionally and some produce their own CD’s which is available to buy at some of the local shops. One of the famous hits from the island is ‘For the Love of the Music’ by Emma-Jane Yon.

Art & Crafts

Saints are very resourceful and we can turn our hand to almost anything!  Our crafts are worked in mainly lace, seeds (from the ‘Thorn’ and ‘Casherseed’ (Acacia) trees which grows abundantly around the Island), aloe and wood.

SHAPE Centre -St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise (SHAPE)   was opened in late 2008 to  employ people with disabilities to produce local, quality crafts.  All money made from sales is put back into the enterprise thus making it self-sustaining.

Food  and dining

Cuisines and food is influenced by Malay, British, and Chinese, with regard to methods and some of the ingredients used. The traditional dishes are quite spices with trace of Indian and East Asia dining. Fish is a staple on St. Helena and used in various ways: fish cakes, rice (Pilau), curries, roasted fish, soups and much more.

Discover the delights of Tungi spirit, White Lion rum, Midnight Mist coffee liqueur, and the Island’s own ermuda Juniper flavoured gin. See how they are made from the St Helena Distillery.

 Events and Festivities

St. Helena Day, 21^st May, is a Public Holiday and is celebrated by all.  It was on this day in 1502 that the Island was discovered and so-named as it was the birthday of Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.  Celebrations on this day take many forms and are usually held at the one location so it is a good way of experiencing a taste of our culture all in the one day!

There are four very special events held on the Island: the Festival of Walking, the Festival of Running, Walking Festival and the Governor’s Cup Yacht Race. These are held once in two years. Event schedules and other festivals are published in the St Helena Herald- which is a weekly news paper in St Helena

Best time to  go

There are no drastic changes in weather on the island thus the four seasons are not recognized for St Helena holidays. For much of the year, temperatures remain between 70-80°F (20-27°C) but nights and early mornings can get colder in the months of June, July and August.

Temperatures in Jamestown range between 20° C – 32º C in the summer and 15° C – 26° C in the winter. The temperatures in the central areas are, on average, 5 – 6 degrees lower, which is why there are noticeable contrasts in climate between Jamestown and the country areas. Jamestown can be sunny and lightly humid whilst areas like Longwood experience chilly mists and a higher rainfall.

There are two rainy season with long rains from late March to early May and later  in July to September. The highest rainfall is recorded during the months of April and August. The hottest months are between January and March.  The coldest are between June and September.

The romantic sunsets can be best viewed from the coast or high inland areas.

Clothing

Get some light clothing for the day but anticipate rains in the afternoon. Remember to carry warm jacket and blanket for the evening and nights out because it can be pretty chilly especially during the months of June and September.

Governor’s Cup Yacht Race

The Governor’s Cup is an exciting 1700-mile summer ocean race from Cape Town to James Bay on St Helena Island. Participants include experienced sailor boats, racing boats and yachts for small families. The race started in 1996 with support from the then governor of St Helena David Smallman, who at the same time was the master of the RMS St Helena.

This race is held once in two years and is organized by the False Bay Yacht Club.Prior to the Governor’s Cup Yacht race is a renowned ‘Bay-to-Bay’ race called the international V&A Marina race that brings both the racing and supporting fleets at the Cape Town Waterfront.

The Governor’s Cup race pits the fleet of competing boats above 30 feet in length against each other in an 8 to14 day handicap chase across the South Atlantic to St Helena Island. The race normally takes 8 – 14 days and culminates in a cocktail party at the Governor of St. Helena’s residence on the island.

Once the festivities such as dining and the prize giving ceremony are done, the returning yachts are loaded onto the RMS St. Helena and she sets sail for Cape Town. The sailors have a choice – either sail back to the Cape or return reclining in the comfort of a deckchair, sipping cocktails on board the extremely affordable, yet luxurious 7000ton cargo/passenger ship, the RMS St. Helena!
The accent is on fun and camaraderie and once the destination has been reached,the competitors can enjoy an activity-filled stay on the rugged, but beautiful island. Families and supporters can enjoy the ambiance and exclusive service of RMS St Helena all the way from the start of the race to the end!

Entrants typically range from fast racing boats with experienced crews to cruising boats manned by small families, some of which may afterwards sail on from the island to other destinations. All are able to enjoy the usually prevailing downwind conditions followed by an activity-filled stay on St Helena Island across the festive season culminating in a comfortable return early in the New Year to South Africa for crews, supporters and yachts aboard the 7000-ton mixed cargo/passenger ship, the RMS St Helena.

Festivals and Public Holidays in St Helena

St Helena’s Day-21^st May

St. Helena Day  is a Public Holiday and is celebrated by all people on the island.  It was on this day in 1502 that the Island was discovered and so-named as it was the birthday of Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.  Celebrations on this day take many forms and are usually held at the one location so it is a good way of experiencing a taste of our culture all in the one day!

Christian Festive Holidays

Christmas and Easter are celebrated in a very unique way.  Christmas Eve is seen as a huge party night and includes ‘dancing down the street’ (festive street parade) from the top of Jamestown to Market Street.

The traditional Christmas Day lunch/dinner takes place and there are ‘house crawls’ normally in Jamestown on this day where groups of friends and family visit each other.

Walking festival

The Walking Festival is held once every two years celebrating the landscape and beauty of the island. The festival is a week’s programme of walks to suit every walker, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker.

Running festival

The Festival of Running is also held in the same years as the Walking Festival and attracts many participants from overseas as well as locals.

Arts and Culture festival

The Festival of Arts & Culture is also a held once in every two years. This event highlights the uniqueness of the different peoples of St Helena and thus the different cultural traits that blend to form one beautiful island. Activities during this festival include visits to the museum, art galleries, music, dance and drama all with a fortnight (2 weeks) of celebrations.

Scouts Day

Scout’s Sports Day is a yearly event which raises money for the Scout’s Group.  It is hosted at the ‘Mule Yard’ at the Seafront during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Scout’s Sports Day organises activities for kids, food stalls, bar, music and side shows.

Church Parades, where the Scouts and Girl Guides march in Jamestown, takes place every 4^th Sunday in the month and on Patron Saint Days,  On Remembrance Sunday, these youth organisations are joined with the Church Lads Brigade, the Police, and other societies/institutes.

Tour and Travel Agents

Corkers Tours

View the island in a 1929 open-top charabanc

Email: corkerstouristservice@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 2735

Magma Way Tours 

Historical Town Walks, Castell Collection, Botanical and Scenic tours

Email: Busy.Bee@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 4525

Aaron’s Adventure Tours 

Experience a wild St Helena Adventure; open-top tours, includes off road

Email: Aat@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 2063 Web: www.sthelenaadventure.co.sh

Contours 

Exclusive Guided island tours and services (can accommodate groups of 6) Taxi service is also available.

Email:  audrey.constantine@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 2822

Hensil’s Island Tours 

Island car tours including scenic & historical.  Taxi service also available

Tel: +290 2701

Larry’s Island Tours 

Car Tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests

Tel: 290 4187

Robert’s Tours 

Guided open-top van tours, can carry up to 10 passengers.  Taxi service also available

Tel: +290 3346

Craig Yon/Keith Yon

Offers scenic land tours and coastal boat trips including dolphin watching and sport fishing.

Horizon’s Tours

4×4 Tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests

Tel: 290 4031 or 2887

Sub-Tropic Adventures

4×4 Tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests.

Offers boat tours, diving and sport fishing.

Tel: 290 2758 Email: sub-tropic.scuba@cwimail.sh

Harry Legg

Car tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests.  Max. no. 4

Tel: 290 4240  Email: wendy.lucky@cwimail.sh or oxie.iceman@cwimail.sh

Corkers Tours

View the island in a 1929 open-top charabanc

Email: corkerstouristservice@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 2735

Magma Way Tours 

Historical Town Walks, Castell Collection, Botanical and Scenic tours

Email: Busy.Bee@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 4525

Aaron’s Adventure Tours 

Experience a wild St Helena Adventure; open-top tours, includes off road

Email: Aat@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 2063

Contours 

Exclusive Guided island tours and services (can accommodate groups of 6) Taxi service is also available.

Email:  audrey.constantine@cwimail.sh   Tel: +290 2822

Hensil’s Island Tours 

Island car tours including scenic & historical.  Taxi service also available

Tel: +290 2701

Larry’s Island Tours 

Car Tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests

Tel: 290 4187

Robert’s Tours 

Guided open-top van tours, can carry up to 10 passengers.  Taxi service also available

Tel: +290 3346

Craig Yon/Keith Yon

Offers scenic land tours and coastal boat trips including dolphin watching and sport fishing.

Horizon’s Tours

4×4 Tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests

Tel: 290 4031 or 2887

Sub-Tropic Adventures

4×4 Tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests.

Offers boat tours, diving and sport fishing.

Tel: 290 2758 Email: sub-tropic.scuba@cwimail.sh Web: www.stsa.co.sh 

Harry Legg

Car tours to spectacular island views, tailored to your meet your requests.  Max. no. 4

Tel: 290 4240  Email: wendy.lucky@cwimail.sh or oxie.iceman@cwimail.sh

Shipping Agents

RMS St. Helena as she is the last remaining Royal Mail Ship in operation today  This unique cargo-passenger ship explores new horizons as she sails to the stunning South Atlantic island of St Helena, the world’s best-kept travel secret. The ship connects from Ascension Island, Walvis Bay and Cape Town, even Tenerife and Vigo when she returns twice yearly from the UK.   For information on bookings and travel options and to learn more about the RMS St. Helena, including virtual tours of cabins and deck accommodation, check the list of shipping agents affiliated to RMS Saint Helena Flights and cruise holidays

United Kingdom:
St Helena Line Limited
Managing Agents
Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd
Dexter House
2 Royal Mint Court
London
EC 3N 4XX
Tel No: + 44 (0) 207 575 6480
Fax No: + 44 (0) 207 575 6200
Email: reservations@aws.co.uk

St. Helena:
Solomon and Co. (St. Helena) plc
Tel No:  +290 2380
Fax No:  +290 2423
Email: shippingagent@Solomons.co.sh

Cape Town:

Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd
24th Floor
No 1 Thibault Square
Cape Town
8001
Tel No: + 27 (21) 425 1165
Fax No: + 27 (21) 421 7485
Email: sthelenaline@mweb.co.za

On Board Service

Routes and Travel

The Royal Mail Ship, RMS St Helena does regular travels from Cape Town to St Helena, sometimes via Walvis Bay and to Ascension Island. There are monthly trips from Cape Town (taking about 2 weeks on the journey) and direct trips to England, once/ twice a year around October but the trips last about 2 months.

Peak season comes during the Christmas holidays with both local and foreign tourists visiting the island hence booking around this time is crucial and important. Cheaper Travels to st. Helena are during the off-peak season Feb to October.The adventure does not stop there, as she calls at Ascension Island, Walvis Bay and Cape Town, even Tenerife and Vigo when she returns twice yearly from the UK.

You can bask in an atmosphere of sun, sea and relaxed, friendly efficiency. Nothing is too much trouble for the officers and staff who believe that one of their responsibilities is to ensure you have the best possible voyage and experience.

There are all the traditional ocean-going pastimes of beef tea, the sun deck and swimming pool, traditional deck games, films, discos, bingo, race nights, quizzes and many other ideas from the creative minds of the Pursers and their staff. Sometimes there is even cricket!

Each Sunday while at sea, divine service is held in the main lounge. Holy Communion, Mass and other religious services are also held if the relevant priests or ministers are aboard.

Dining on the Ship

Lounge on the sun deck by the swimming pool with a cool drink. the Ship also has the compulsory visit of King Neptune to collect his dues whenever she crosses the equatorial line but, to make up for that there is the Captain’s cocktail party, one of the delights of shipboard life.

The chef and his galley staff pride themselves on the quality of the meals they serve. One of the highlights of the ship’s day is the six-course dinner served in the attractively appointed dining saloon.

Both breakfast and lunch may be taken in the dining saloon or, for the more abstemious, continental breakfast and a buffet lunch are served in the sun lounge. Any type of special diet can be provided for with pleasure

Shopping

There is a shop selling both souvenirs and essentials for the voyage. There is a highly efficient laundry service to do all your washing and ironing but, should you wish to use it, there is also a personal launderette fully equipped with washing, drying and ironing facilities

Accommodation

RMS St Helena has all the facilities of a first class hotel. The Ship has two very comfortable lounges; each has a bar with waiting staff to attend to passengers’ needs. There is all type of accommodation from standard accommodation on the A deck for 2 people with wardrobe cabins, dressing table and a reading table.

Superior accommodation is available at b-deck with shower, en-suite toilet, wardrobe and other facilities for a capacity of 2 to 4 people depending on the cabin size. In the same way find budget accommodation on the C deck with comfortable accommodation facilities.

Prices and Rates

Although these may differ depending on the peak season, here is a quick look into what you can expect to pay for travel to St Helena.

• 4 days – £10-12.00
• 10 days – £12-15.00
• 21 days – £16-18.00
• 60 days – £19-21.00
• 90 days – £25.00

NB-rates are subject to the nights spent on board. While all accommodation, meals and most activities on board are included free, a charge is made for bingo, laundry, medical facilities, some sporting activities, organized shore excursions, souvenirs from the shop on board and drinks.

Medical Issues

The ship has good medical facilities, if you are on medication make quite sure you have an adequate supply of any prescribed drugs. It is also important that the Ship’s doctor should be made aware of any medical conditions that may affect the passenger’s health during the voyage.

Payments

Currencies accepted on board are UK Pound Sterling, the St Helena Pound, USA Dollar and South African Rand. Travellers’ cheques, MasterCard and Visa are also accepted.

Luggage

When passage is booked on the RMS St Helena, the passenger is granted a fixed baggage allowance. Items that are to be considered as cargo and any excess baggage over and above the below mentioned allowances will attract freight or small parcel payment in accordance with those tariffs prevailing at the time of travel. Some items such as fresh fruits, explosives, fire arms and other dangerous.

If you wish to plan your own holiday you can do so by looking at our ports of call which will show where the Ship is planned to be on any particular date. You can then make your booking port-to-port, making your own arrangements for any travel and hotels. Alternatively, make requests for Saint Helena flights reservations with AITA who currently hold the 10 seat allocation of civilian seats which can be booked on the scheduled RAF Charter flights between Brize Norton and Wideawake airfield on Ascension Island, approximately 8 times per month.

Tourist Attractions

The best of St Helena tours and holidays is highlighted by the ‘Seven wonders of St Helena’ as so they are known. These and many more things define beauty and distinctive tourism that St Helena holidays offer. Some of the most interesting places to visit include;

Diana’s Peak is the highest point on St Helena at 823m above sea level and is of volcanic origin.  A visit to Diana’s Peak is highly recommended…experience breath taking, 360° views, and discover the island’s exotic flora & fauna.

St James’ church is a prominent feature in Jamestown and boasts its facinating history of being the oldest Anglican Church in the Southern Hemisphere, which dates from 1774.

Heartshaped Waterfall is yet another spectacular natural wonder, as its name speaks for itself, the waterfall is an iconic landmark as water cascades through the middle of a heart shaped cliff face.

Jacob’s Ladder-Built in 1829 as an inclined plane, which was used to haul manure and send goods down.  The ladder is an iconic landmark in Jamestown with its 699 steps, stretching 600ft high.

The High Knoll Fort dates from 1894 on the site of the original citadel that was built in 1790.  It was built as a redoubt for the island population in the event of an invasion.  High Knoll fort commands superb views across much of the island.

Napoleonic Tours

these start off with a tour of Longwood House which was Napoleon’s home in during the last years of his life. Today this house has best Napoleonic  memoirs and is one of the most visited Museums in the world.

The Emperor chose Sane Valley (the site of Napoleon’s tomb) as his burial place.  He came across Sane Valley on one of his walks and was delighted with the peaceful landscape and plants that grew there. End the tours of this once mighty ruler of the world at the Napoleon Tomb in Sane Valley! Its is not scarely though…you wont cross path with his ghost!!!!!!!!!

Festivities and Events

There are also a variety of festivals on the Saint Helena calender and you surely have to savor each to find the unique cultural traits of the people of Saint Helena.

St. Helena Day, 21^st May, is a Public Holiday and is celebrated by all.  It was on this day in 1502 that the Island was discovered and so-named as it was the birthday of Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great.

The frenzy of Christmas and new year celebrations is very infectious but St Helena offers some fun you have to try out. Christmas Eve is seen as a huge party night and includes ‘dancing down the street’ (festive street parade) from the top of Jamestown to Market Street.The traditional Christmas Day lunch/dinner takes place and there are ‘house crawls’ normally in Jamestown on this day where groups of friends and family visit each other.

Church Parades, where the Scouts and Girl Guides march in Jamestown, takes place every 4^th Sunday in the month and on Patron Saint Days,  On Remembrance Sunday, these youth organisations are joined with the Church Lads Brigade, the Police, and other societies/institutes.

Other interesting events include the Yacht Race, walking festival, Arts and Culture festival and the Running festival held once in every two years.

Things to Do

St Helena is surrounded by clear tropical waters with excellent visibility, you will find abundant tropical flora and fauna under our waters.To add fun to Diving and snorkelling adventure are caves and shipwrecks, old and new to explore.

St. Helena is a birdwatching paradise – one of the major seabird breeding areas on St. Helena is Egg Island.  St Helena still offers much to interest the visiting birder.  Catch sight of the famous Wirebird which is the only endemic bird on St Helena; as such it is the National Bird.

Helena offers some of the finest walking and Hiking adventures especially in the South.  The combination of spectacular coastal scenery and Atlantic facing cliffs, quiet inland pastures, and lush rolling hills is unsurpassed.

Longwood golf course is situated on the eastern side of the Island and is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The course has 9 holes and 18 tee-boxes and competitions are held every Saturday and Sunday for exceptional Golfing experience.

Getting there

St Helena is ideally located as a midway port on cruises between Cape Town or Walvis Bay, the Falkland Islands and South America and the Caribbean.

Cruising on St. Helena dates back to Union Castle days, and since then has remained small-scale, however interest in cruise visits to St. Helena is growing. Our cruise ship season starts from October and ends in April.

St Helena flights are handled at Cape Town South Africa, George Town on Ascension Island and from Walvis Bay. From there, catch a ship cruise, yacht or boat to Helena mainland. Ascension Island St Helena flights are operated by Royal Air Force RAF.

Cheap flights to Helena are from popular destinations like New York, London, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Japan, California and other towns or cities. Common airlines that make cheap Helena flights include US Airways, Delta Airlines among others.
The royal air force has limited seating and prior booking is required for departures from the RAF airbase at Oxfordshire.

RMS ST HELENA

Board the last remaining Royal Mail Ship and experience the RMS St. Helena (a dual purpose cargo and A1 passenger vessel) which provides an appetiser for the St. Helena experience - it is St. Helena’s dedicated mode of international access.  Currently, there is no airport on St. Helena.  Read on to learn about this unique sea voyage.

Getting around

Walk, drive or enjoy a guided tour…either way, after taking in the wonderful Georgian inspired town, you must venture out into the country and coastal areas to appreciate such amazing contrasts in such a small world.

Hire a car and discover the island at your own convinience.   Many of our visitors have found that this is an excellent way of getting about both day and evening.

Weather

The climate of St Helena is controlled by the South Atlantic High Pressure Cell and the Equatorial Trough. The hottest months are between January and March.  The coldest are between June and September.

For much of the year, temperatures remain between 70-80°F (20-27°C) but nights and early mornings can get colder in the months of June, July and August. Temperatures in Jamestown range between 20° C – 32º C in the summer and 15° C – 26° C in the winter.

Rains are recorded from late March to early May, with April being the height of the rainy season and again in July to September, with August being the height of the rainy season.

Important Travel information

Visitors envisaging a stay of over three months should apply for an Entry Permit, which can be issued for a period of up to five years.   Applications for an Entry Permit should be submitted to the Secretary of the Immigration Control Board, and if granted, visitors will be required to pay a fee of £30.00 per annum.

A fee of £12.00 is payable for all visitors over twelve years disembarking at St Helena.  A Visitors Pass will normally be issued for a period of three months, renewal must be done by the second month if visitors wish to stay for longer.

Enjoy duty free shopping in St Helena for spirits and wines, cigarettes, and many other commodities.

For further travel  information, please contact the Secretary of The Immigration Control Board.

The isolation, the diversity of habitats and microclimates led many native species (present before the arrival of man) to differentiate themselves over the millennia and become endemic (unique to the island and unique in the world).
Of the 850 native plant species, 230 strictly endemic to Reunion are currently listed, half of which is threatened. Unique, precious and fragile, this biodiversity is found on all floors of the natural environment of the savanna vegetation of the Netherlands until altimontane.
Do you know that compared to the 850 native species, over 2000 have been introduced by man? Of these some 830 were naturalized (they now live without human intervention in natural environments) and 50 have become major invasive species, that is to say, seriously threatening the flora and habitats of indigenous Island!

Wildlife
On a small area, the island offers a set of remarkable landscapes of three main types:
large outer slopes of the two volcanic mountains, of great regularity, give the island this aspect of shield. This is due to the fluidity of the cast who built these slopes for hundreds of thousands of years.
the center offers two mountain instead of contrasting relief, strong, amazing, which are the results of combination effects of collapse of a remarkable and torrential erosion extremely active. The three cirques, Salazie, Mafate, Cilaos, unique landscapes in the world, are the finest examples of this set. Alongside them, valleys testify to the power of erosion that takes place during the passages of tropical cyclones (examples of arm Cave, Takamaka).

In the massive de la Fournaise, the landscapes are remarkably fresh: they seem to date from yesterday. This is the case for relief in the form of “horseshoe” of the Pen / Grand Brûlé, the landscape for “moon” of the Plaine des Sables.
these large sets of relief remained, in large part, by a remarkable cover. This is the forest of wood colors of base and wall units, or vegetation of high peaks marked by the presence of wank.
In total, all these riches landscape gave the idea to propose the candidature of the island as a World Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO).

Birds of the Park
In terms of wildlife, birds are most visible if 22 species have disappeared since the arrival of man, 18 of which more than half endemic, still nest in Reunion. They are sometimes rare and threatened, as is the case of two large seabirds: the Petrel Petrel Barau and black.

Populations of the latter are so small that only two to three individuals are seen each year. Like most petrels are highly susceptible to predation by introduced animals on the islands and it is unfortunately also the case in Reunion with rats and especially feral cats that kill even adults who come to breed in the night burrows. Only the most inaccessible cliffs for these predators still allow these petrels breed, but even there they suffer predation.
Terrestrial species are mostly endemic such as the Tuit-shrike, also endangered, the White Bird “White Zoizo” green glasses and the Bird “Zoizo green”, and Papangue, only raptor of the island . Among mammals, only bats have colonized the island, and two of them are still quite common, joined recently by the black flying fox recently returned to the meeting, most likely brought by a cyclone.
Insects are very numerous and many remain unknown to scientists. Some species are remarkable, but also in danger, such as butterflies and Phorbanta augustina Salamis (the Salamide Augustine). It is also the case of small reptiles such as Phelsuma borbonica (green lizard Hauts).

Situated on the central west coast, this welcoming town is a favorite with local boarders as well. Surfing enthusiasts from all around the world pay homage to the area’s fine “left hand” waves, so you’re sure to meet surfers from a number of different countries, all coming together to enjoy the black sand beach and the clear water.

While most of Reunion doesn’t look like a typical beach destination, St Leu certainly boasts plenty of palm trees and other things you’d find in a quintessential beach town, like quirky surfer bars and fun places to grab a bite to eat.

St-Leu has a smattering of handsome stone buildings dating from the French colonial era, such as the mairie (town hall) and the church opposite. Other attractions are the shady park along the seafront and a protected beach that is popular with families.

St-Leu is also optimally placed for explorations of the coast and forays into the Hauts.

Getting there

Car Jaune buses between St-Denis and St-Pierre run through the centre of St-Leu (about 10 daily). The bus station is near the town hall. From there, Ti’ Car Jaune minibuses have services for most villages in the Hauts.

Adventures

Hang gliding-You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced hang glider to enjoy this sport while on holiday in this amazing island. Plenty of qualified guides are available to accompany you as you experience your very first ride on Reunion’s gentle trade winds and their guidance will insure your safety as well.
Paragliding-Saint Leu in Reunion Island is a paradise for this free-flying sport, with the weather providing more than 300 clear days a year to enjoy this pursuit, according to the island’s many paragliding experts.
Other interesting adventures in Saint Leu include diving, water surfing, big game fishing, Kayakinf and many other interesting sports

History and Facts

The town had its birth when nearby thermal springs were discovered in 1832. Originally Bémaho/Hell-Bourg was founded as a small but prosperous spa town, and prospered as such for most of a century after the 1830 [European] discovery of a hot spring near the future village. Though the springs are no longer present here, due in part to the popularity of the more ample hot springs in Cilaos, one can still visit the once popular Hotel des Thermes, a former military hospital.
The thermal baths were soon famous even beyond Réunion – together with other spas at Cilaos, in the island’s south, and Antsirabe at Madagascar, they became a goal of travellers from as far as South Africa, Kenya or Mozambique, as well as a vacation spot for rich vanilla plantation owners from the island’s east.However, in 1920 the water temperature dropped and boiling was required to heat it to the accustomated state which in turn destroyed some of the chemical elements. The spa started to lose its attraction. An attempt to clear the springs with dynamite failed disastrously and caused a partial collapse of the spa and the destruction of the casino.

Attractions

The Creole architecture in the town of Hell-bourg is stunning.
Many visitors spend the majority of their time here strolling through town, touring and photographing these splendid homes and public buildings and the beautiful gardens that often grace the front yards. Hungry guests can also find a handful of restaurants here, serving local Creole cuisine at its finest.

This beach attracts both visitors and locals, much thanks to its 20 kilometer stretch of lagoon and its beautiful golden sand, a rarity on an island where most of the sand is of the black volcanic variety.

When the weather is fine, the beach is crowded as are the beach bars and local restaurants. Still, the trip to St Gilles les Bain is well worth the traffic you need to fight to get there, as it demonstrates a different and more tropical side of the island, far removed from the rugged volcanic mountains.

Adventures and Activities

Diving and other water activities like snorkeling or swimming are also concentrated around the area of St Gilles les Bain and its coral reefs, and the region is ideal for deep-sea fishing, with charter fishing boats departing from the marina on a regular basis.

Hotels and Accommodation

Hotel Le Recif Saint Baines reunion is a colorful place to spend  your holiday in Reunion. The authentic Creoles villas inspired by sunny colours await the visitors. A sure asset for this charming hotel situated in a tropicayourl garden of 3 acres.
Other excellent Hotels in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains include Hotel Le Nautile, Novatel Reunion hotel and Lux Reunion Hotel among resorts and options for overnight accommodation.

Mountain climbing and biking

Mountain biking is certainly one of the most exciting and intense ways to discover the incredible island of Reunion. Mountain biking here is generally not for the faint-of-heart, as trails are often steep and volcanic terrain rough and sometimes unpredictable.

There are, however, a number of trails that are appropriate for novice or intermediate riders. Le Maido is the island’s most renowned spot for downhill biking, and during peak tourist season, the area is teeming with mountain bikers from far and wide. La Maido boasts more than 100 kilometers of marked trails, some quite difficult and others manageable for those with a minimal amount of experience. Short tracks take as little as 40 minutes to descend while other rides may last up to 2 hours.

Treking

Most avid trekkers would view Reunion Island as a premiere destination for their favorite activity, technically defined as “a journey on foot, especially in the mountains.” While trekkers may not spend all their time in Reunion’s highlands as the definition dictates, it’s the diverse terrain of this fascinating island that makes trekking so interesting and so much fun.

Making your way through the island on foot gives you a chance to see the sights up-close and to mingle with friendly island residents at the little farms and villages that dot the island. Many trekkers head directly to the island’s three cirques to explore these ancient craters and touch the crumbling ground where volcanoes once stood. Nearby forests are full of lush vegetation as well as interesting wildlife, including an amazing array of winged creatures, all waiting to be explored.

If you’re a trekker that prefers the higher altitudes, you’ll love it here! The summit of Piton des Nieges climbs to over 3,000 meters, and Piton de la Fornaise, the island’s active volcano – which has erupted as recently as 1986 – rises to about 2,600 meters and is a favorite destination among trekkers.

Kayaking

If you’re not intimidated by the prospect of paddling on the waters of a vast ocean, then you’ll probably enjoy sea kayaking. This sport has gained many fans throughout the last few decades, especially in places such as Alaska or island locations like Reunion. Sea kayaks are larger and faster than traditional recreational kayaks and the chance to explore Reunion Island’s coast and coastal wildlife can be quite fascinating. Many outfitters offer guided sea kayaking tours, providing all the equipment you’ll need for a safe trip on the Indian Ocean.

Hang gliding

If hanging from a large kite while sailing above Reunion’s diverse topography sounds like the sport for you, then you’ll be among the many visitors to this island who will choose to try their hand at the sport of hang gliding. You don’t necessarily need to be an experienced hang glider to enjoy this sport while on holiday in this amazing island. Plenty of qualified guides are available to accompany you as you experience your very first ride on Reunion’s gentle trade winds and their guidance will insure your safety as well.

Paragliding

A cross between hang gliding and parachuting, paragliding involves riding a large “parafoil,” fashioned with a harness, from which riders hang while gliding from a height. Reunion Island is a paradise for this free-flying sport, with the weather providing more than 300 clear days a year to enjoy this pursuit, according to the island’s many paragliding experts. Riders can fly alone or in tandem. Even children can enjoy these two-person flights, sharing the fun of adrenalin sports with their adventurous parents.

Rafting

The rivers in Reunion are perfect for whitewater adventure, with kayaks used most often in the narrow upper river reaches and larger rafts used to navigate the rapids below. You’ll find the sights to be breathtaking as you travel past magnificent waterfalls and through tall canyons on a wet and exciting adventure. Outfitters who lead guided rafting tours cater to rafters of all ages and skill levels, providing the latest state-of-the-art whitewater equipment to ensure your safety. Before you plan on rafting, however, check the water levels on the island. During the dry season, the rivers can be too low to navigate.

Canyoning

Canyoning isn’t a new sport but it’s only recently gained popularity with a growing number of adrenalin sports junkies. It’s best described as the process of hiking, climbing, or rappelling (or a combination of all three) to the bottom of a river canyon, then following that canyon to a logical exit point, usually a spot at which it’s fairly easy to hike back out. Reunion Island is one of the world’s premiere canyoning destinations, thanks to its diverse interior terrain, which includes mountains, waterfalls, craters, and plenty of other natural wonders. Grab a buddy, hire an experienced guide, and prepare to get wet!

A host of additional water sports will make your Reunion Island holiday memorable for years to come. Boating enthusiasts can choose from all sorts of vessels, from breezy catamarans to luxury yachts. If you prefer, climb aboard a jet ski or try your hand at water skiing or windsurfing. Ride the waves at St Leu on your custom surfboard or strap on a tank and get ready to hobnob with the fish that swim among the coral reefs that surround the island. If you’re an avid angler, you’ll want to experience some deep-sea fishing in the waters of the Indian Ocean, where you can catch blue marlin, sailfish, blue fin tuna, sea bream, and pompano.

Sky Diving

The thermal drafts of Reunion Island make it the ideal place for just about any kind of gliding sport, including sky diving. Even if you haven’t tried sky diving previously, there couldn’t be a more beautiful place to make your first jump. Novices can jump in tandem with an instructor, requiring a minimal amount of training before you step out of the airplane. Experienced sky divers will have a variety of choices for landing spots and will be awed by the site of Reunion from thousands of feet in the air.

Cilaos is a pleasant town to explore, with plenty of places to stay, including both hotels and B&Bs, managed by friendly locals. Visitors are heartily welcomed and residents are eager to show you around, suggesting hikes through the nearby cirque or a ride to the closest winery, where you can taste a variety of fine French wines and explore the fields of grapes. You can eat and drink with locals in the rustic bars that dot the town or visit the Creole houses that line the narrow roads.

Long known as a spa resort, visitors of old flocked to the thermal baths of Cilaos, which were believed to possess curative powers. Today, guests can travel to the modern Irene Accott Thermal Center and take advantage of the same soothing waters that made the town famous in the 19th century.

Cirque de Cilaos

The Cirque de Cilaos is centrally located on the Island of Reunion and the name of this cirque or “caldera” is said to have its origins in the Malagasy word Tsilaosa, which means “the place one never leaves”. Some believe, however, that the name resembles that of a runaway slave names Tsilaos, who took refuge here. The runaway slaves, otherwise known as “black-browns” believed that at Cilaos’ high altitude, they were safe from capture. This proved not to be the case, most were apprehended, and many were killed in the process.

Reunion’s dramatic Cirque de Cilaos is a natural wonder and visitors will love the memorable drive that leads them toward the stunning cirque, with all its twists and turns and numerous tunnels. But the sometimes nail-biting drive is well worth it! When you reach the cirque itself, you’ll be treated to colourful fields of flowers, forests of unique indigenous trees, and soaring walls and pounding waterfalls that attract the most avid canyoners.

Adventures and Activities

Canyoning or climbing are too strenuous, hiking and trekking are excellent ways to see this cirque. You’ll find plenty of groomed hiking and mountain biking trails for energetic guests, ranging from easy to difficult, all offering wonderful photo opportunities. Visitors will travel up and down hills, past magnificent waterfalls, and perhaps stop at the village of Cilaos, where they can visit a vineyard or two to sample the excellent local wines, indicative of the fine French traditions of wine-making. The area is also known for its production of lentils – a grain that is plentifully used in delicious local dishes – and its beautiful embroidery work.

Be sure to include a walk up to La Roche Merveilleuse, where you can enjoy a view of the village and forests below, and don’t forget to stop to see the thermal baths which, long ago, enticed those from the French mainland to come and make their home at the Cirque de Cilaos.

Tourist Attractions

Salazies Mountain – an extinct volcano – in the west and the Grand Brule Mountain in the east, where visitors will find the island’s still-active volcano, the Piton de la Fournaise. The interior’s highest point is Le Piton des Nieges, standing a majestic 3,069 meters tall.

St-Denis is also the only location on the island where you’ll find a number of cultural sites, including museums. For example, the Musee Leon Dierx boasts quite an impressive collection of modern art. Founded nearly a century ago, this museum includes pieces by famous artists like Picasso and Gauguin. The Museum d’Histoire Naturelle provides visitors with a good overview of the natural history of the islands of the Indian Ocean, including fascinating exhibits on indigenous animals past and present.

Architecture aficionados will want to explore the unique Creole homes that dominate the town. A stroll down the street is a pleasant afternoon activity and a few of these homes, like Mansion Folio, are open to the general public for tours. Be sure to have your camera ready!

Cirque de Salazie

Located about 45 kilometers from Reunion’s capital city of St-Denis, Cirque de Salazie is the largest and greenest of the island’s three natural amphitheatres. This cirque is both rugged and beautiful, best described as a long, deep canyon, lined with more than 100 magnificent waterfalls and full of hills and valleys ripe for exploration.

One of the most breathtaking sites of this cirque is the towering waterfall known as Le Voile de la Mariée, its many trickles of water said to resemble the tulle fabric of a wedding gown. Get your camera ready as you’ll want to remember this sight for years to come!

Once you’ve hiked the hills and gone canyoning through Cirque de Salazie’s steep gorges, you’ll want to make a stop at the cozy village of Hell-Bourg. Hell-Bourg has been the recipient of France’s coveted “most beautiful French villages” award. This enchanting little mountain town is Creole culture at its finest, boasting enchanting Creole houses and colourful flower gardens that simply delight the eye. Be sure to tour Mansion Folio, opened to the general public, and providing an excellent example of Creole architecture and Salazie lifestyle.

Flights and Travel

Saint Denis Reunion flights are majorly through Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles and other intercontinental flights that connect to Mauritius such as British Airways from London and Emirates from Dubai, Kenya airways and South African airways. There are direct flights from Paris to Reunion offered by Air France

Book your Reunion Saint Denis flights through an online tour and travel operator and get cheap flights to Reunion islands during the low holiday season Feb to early November.

Hotels and Accommodation

For accommodations in St-Denis, there are currently about a dozen hotels from which to choose, including those from popular chains like Best Western. Most of the hotels are quite elegant, featuring the amenities you’d expect to find on an island resort. Some of the remarkable hotels in Saint Denis incude Auberge Du Val Fleuri (USD 137), Best Western Le Saint Denis Hotel (USD 122), Hotel Bellepierre Saint Denis (USD 95) and Hotel Le Juliette Dodu Saint Denis to mention but a few.

Restaurants and Dining

If you’re into dining, St-Denis has the best restaurant scene on the island. Reunion’s cuisine, in general, is quite diverse, not unlike its population. In the capital city, restaurants run the gamut, from traditional Creole food to Indo-Muslim cuisine to Chinese specialties. You’ll find formal sit-down establishments, casual bistros, and places to grab a quick bite on the run. Don’t forget to try the “cari”, unique to the Indian Ocean islands, and made with meat, poultry, fish or seafood and containing garlic, onion, lots of tomatoes, turmeric, clove and ginger.

Best Western Le Saint Denis Hotel

Towns and Cities

Saint Denis-Reunion’s capital city of St-Denis is the northernmost city on the island as well as the largest. Really quite a fascinating city, St-Denis is often pushed aside in favor of a trip to the beach, a hike up a volcano, or a visit to the island’s cirques. Some of hte tourist attractions in Saint Denis include Musee Leon Dierx, old creole houses, restaurants, local markets, excellent hotels and accommodation

Mountains and Volcanoes

Piton des Neiges

Piton des Neiges soars to 3,070 meters and therefore remains the highest point on the island of Reunion. This volcano is located in the north central region of Reunion and is particularly a favorite site for hiking and trekking adventures in Reunion. The lowers slopes of the volcano are a protected area under a biological reserve and boast more than 200 species of unique plants and a wide variety of wildlife living here.

Many additional hiking trails surround the area, appropriate for a variety of skill levels. Avid climbers also flock to this area for a little adventure with the best months for climbing being May through November, when the weather is dry

Piton de la Fournaise

Situated in the southeast corner of Reunion Island, Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Erupting for the first time about 50,000 years ago, records note that this basaltic shield volcano has erupted nearly 180 times, the most recent occurred in 2004.

Piton de la Fournaise (Furnace Peak) stretches to about 2,631 meters and is thus one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Piton de la Fournaise spews orange and yellow lava day and night, with the evening pyrotechnics topping any first-class fireworks display you’ve ever experienced.A helicopter tour is also an awe-inspiring way to experience this amazing sight and such tours are readily available.

The island’s three cirques, however, dominate the topography of the interior portion of Reunion. Often described as “natural amphitheatres” or “calderas”, a cirque – literally a volcano that collapsed upon itself – offers not only amazing photo opportunities but fun and adventure as well.

Wildlife

There’s nothing terribly unusual about the fauna of Reunion Island. Throughout the centuries, a number of animals were introduced to the forests of the island, such as deer and rabbit. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more exotic or unusual, you may be able to spot a brown maki lemur (from Madagascar), a few varieties of bats, a number of rats, and the nearly extinct Pteropus Edwardsii, a flying fox. Marine mammals may include a few different species of whales

Birding watching

Reunion Island is a bird-watchers paradise the many birding aficionados head the island simply for the purpose of discovering how many species of winged creatures they can spot here.

The lush forests like Bebour-Belouve are ripe with all sorts of birds, and on an average hike through these areas, trekkers toting scopes should expect to view a variety of indigenous species unique to the island. Before you arrive, obtain a book on birds of Reunion Island and see if you can spot a Mascarene Swiftlet, Zebra Dove, a Reunion Stonechat, or a White-tailed Tropicbird. The seabirds here are quite fascinating as well and can usually be viewed from shore via a telescope.

Travel tips

Direct Reunion flights are available from Paris to Reunion. Traveling from other destinations will require connecting flights like to neighboring Mauritius or Seychelles. For European Union nationals, a valid identity card or passport is necessary to enter Reunion Island.

It’s possible to travel from Mauritius to Reunion by the ferry ‘Mauritius Pride’; the overnight journey takes around 12 hours and will cost around £70/$140.

Remember to pack a light jacket and rainwear in your suitcase and bring comfortable walking or hiking shoes. Mosquitoes can be a problem here, so clothes that cover your limbs, especially at night, are recommended.

Weather

The climate of Reunion is tropical, so for those who are travelling to the island from the Northern Hemisphere, it will feel like summer. The weather is pleasant all year around, with mean temperatures ranging from 17.8°C to 27.6°C on the Central Plateau in the summer (November to April) and 19.1°C to 31.1°C on the Coast.
In the winter (May to October) the weather is still comfortable with mean temperatures on the Central Plateau in August (the coolest month) ranging from 15.1°C to 21.8°C and on the north coast in July from
16.1°C to 25.7°C.

Hotels and Accommodation

Standard and mid range accommodation is available in major towns in Reunion such as Cilas, Saint Denis and near the airport in St Pierre. Some of the hotels in Reuinon include Le Tsilaosa Cilaos Hotel, Le Vieux Cep Reunion Hotel, Le Boucan Canot in St Gilles, Sea View Hotel in Saint Leu and Plam Hotel & Spa among many others.

As a fast growing resort in the La Vanille Island resorts in the Indian Ocean, many hotels and accommodation facilities have been built in every town ranging from four star hotel resorts to chalets and cottages, all overlooking the turquoise ocean waters.

Visitors to Ezulwini can get some of the finest nature experiences around! The brilliant scenery, diverse bird life and Big Five will prove to be a true wildlife experience. The Hlane Royal National Park has large numbers of Lion, Elephant and White Rhino, and an amazingly diverse bird life, while the Mkhaya Game Reserve has endangered species such as Black Rhino, Roan & Sable. Golf fans can enjoy the 18-hole championship golf course, while horse-riding and hiking are also popular outdoor activities.

Ezulwini is surrounded on the north, south and west by the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary, which was established in the 1960′s by Ted Reilly and his wife Elizabeth, with the assistance of KIng Sobhuza II. The sanctuary consists of an area of scrub and grassland which is surrounded by the Nyonyanw Mountains. Initially animals had to be brought in from far afield , and special plants needed to bo grown for the wildlife to graze on. The sanctuary has grown since its early days to its current area of four thousand five hundred hectares as a result of land donations. The Mlilwane sanctuary is a bird wathing paradise with four hundred and seventy various species being found there. A variety of indigenous mammals also can be found in the sanctuary including zebra, rhino, giraffe, hippo and various antelope.

Mantenga Cultural Village

Another place of interest is the Mantenga Cultural village. The cultural village is a living museum which showcases all aspects of traditional Swazi culture, and represents a classical Swazi lifestyle during the mid eighteen hundreds. The building materials used in the construction of the village are all strictly traditional and consist of poles, grass, reeds, leather strips, earth and dried cow dung. The Mantenga Village consists of sixteen huts, each with its own specific purpose, kraals or byres for cattle and goats, reed fences that serve as windbreaks, and various other structures. With the traditional artefacts on display, the village illustrates many facets of the ancient Swazi way of life which include social, economic and religious.

Swazi Reed Dance
The reed dance is a spectacular annual event attracting multitudes of tourists to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Performing at the reed dance ceremony are thousands of Swazi maidens in their traditional attire. These Swazi girls come from various locations over the country and gather together for the ceremony which lasts for about eight days. The Umhlanga Reed Dance occurs towards the end of the month of August, when the seasons start changing and the reed is matured and ready for harvest. This event presents the maidens with an opportunity to pay honour to the Queen Mother. Only childless, unwed girls are permitted to take part in the event.
The Swaziland National Museum, located in the Royal Area adjacent to the houses of parliament was built in 1972, and is run by the Swaziland National Trust Commission. The museum located in Lobamba is dedicated to King Sobhuza II who led Swaziland to independence in 1968, and is well known by many in Swaziland, and provides an interesting and insightful introduction to the origins and history, culture, lifestyles and traditional attire of the Swazi nation.

The museum also highlights the close relationship between the Swazi people and nature, and features amongst other interesting exhibits, a natural history hall built in 1991, which houses various dioramas covering a range of topics including vegetation types, numerous animal displays, and a representation of the nation’s well know Mantenga Falls and it aquatic species. The Swaziland National Museum also hoses numerous displays which showcase Swazi cultural ceremonies and attire, traditional use of herbs, and other cultural uses of Swaziland’s fauna and flora.

King Sobhuza Memorial Park  
Swaziland’s King Sobhuza II Memorial Park is located in Lobamba, and lies adjacent to the houses of parliament and the National Museum, while serving as a tribute to the memory of the Nation’s beloved King Sobhuza who led Swaziland to independence in 1968.
The King Sobhuza Memorial Park displays a number of interesting features which have great symbolism in the Swazi culture. Perhaps the most predominant of these is the massive ten foot high bronze statue of King Sobhuza. The statue faces east, where the monarch originally came from, and carries the inscription ” I Have No Enemy”. The statue of the king is surrounded by traditional Swazi shields, and this symbolises his position within the kingdom as a central figure, and head of the regimental system.
The memorial park features a Royal Entrance through which only the King, the Queen Mother, Heads of states, Heads of foreign missions may enter. Also found at the memorial park are the Royal Palms. These were the King’s favourite tree species, and he even built one of his residences and named it “Masundvwini” meaning palm tree area.
The Memorial Torch at the site is lit to show that the spirit of King Sobhuza lives on. It is lit on important days in the lives of the Swazis, for example on the King’s birthday, Independence day known nationally as Somhlolo day, or when a foreign head of state pays a visit to the Park.
The Mausoleum is considered to be the most sacred part of the park and is guarded by members of the Swazi military. No photographing of the mausoleum is permitted, out of respect. The mausoleum stands on the spot where King Sobhuza’s body was laid during the state funeral which took place on 3 September 1982.
Manzini Market    
The vibrant and colourful Manzini Market, located in Swaziland’s biggest city, the lowveld city of Manzini, operates every Thursday, and provides an excellent opportunity for crafters both local and from afar to showcase their their wares. The market has gained a reputation as a popular tourist attraction, and houses a wide and interesting variety of traditional Swazi arts, crafts, curios and other hand made items. Most of the stalls at the Manzini Market are operated by women who manufacture their wares at their villages and make their way to the market to sell them.
There is everything in the market and this includes fruits and vegetables, household items and traditional medicines while a separate portion of the market is devoted to an enormous range of products which include interesting hand carved wooden pieces, traditional pottery, beautiful beadwork and embroidery, various leather products, and woven baskets for which Swaziland is very well known. Also to be found at the Manzini Market are a large variety of fabrics from Zimbabwe, Congo and Mozambique which are hard to find elsewhere in Swaziland.

Malotja Nature Reserve
The Malotja Nature Reserve, located in Swaziland’s highlands, serves as the mountain kingdom’s last remaining unspoilt wilderness area. The reserve covers a total surface area of approximately 1800 ha. Aside from the awe- inspiring mountain views , visitors are also provided with the excellent opportunity to view a wide and interesting variety of fauna and flora.
Malotja Nature Nature Reserve also supports a unique and diverse variety of colourful highland birds which include many sunbirds, loeries, and sugarbirds. Blue cranes and swallows also make their home in the reserve, along with a breeding colony of bald ibis, who nest on the cliffs near Malotja Falls.

Ngwenya Glassworks
The Ngwenya village, named after the crocodile shaped mountain range which encircles the kingdom of Swaziland, gets its name from the Siswati word for Crocodile, “Ngwenya”. The village is also the location of the famous Ngwenya Glassworks and craft complex, and the world’s oldest known mine, the Ngwenya Mine.
The glassworks were established in 1979 as a Swedish Aid project, and saw the factory being built and its machinery and equipment all being imported.
visitors can witness the glass being melted, formed and polished, and experience a little of the heat associated with the process.
The showroom houses an interesting variety of ornaments which include skilfully crafted elephants, rhino, dolphins and many more animals and birds, plus cups, vases and chess sets, all made from glass.

Songimvelo Game Reserve
Songimvelo Game Reserve is South Africa’s largest provincial game reserve, covering an area of almost 50,000 ha, and is managed by Mpumalanga Parks Board. The reserve lies along the Eastern Drakensberg escarpment between Barberton and Badplaas.
he grasslands within the reserve attract herds of game such as Burchell’s Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Red Hartebeest, Waterbuck and Blesbok, while other species such as giraffe, Impala and Kudu are more often sighted in the denser woodlands.
Songimvelo is also home to a thriving community of White Rhinoceros. Buffalo are also seen from time to time in the reserve. Leopard, Blackbacked Jackal, and Brown hyena are also common , however these predators are nocturnal, and so they are seldom seen.
Swaziland Harvest Festival
The Ncwala, or first fruit ceremony is considered to be the most sacred and colorful of all the Swazi ceremonies in which the King plays a dominant role. The Ncwala is usually held in December or January upon a date chosen carefully by Swazi astronomers in conjunction with the position of the sun relating to the phases of the moon, and takes place over three weeks.
The ritual begins as the Bemanti clan or “water people” make their way to the Mozambique coast, where they collect the foam from the waves, which is believed to have healing powers. The return to the Royal palace commences in the celebration of the Little iNcwala, which takes place before the appearance of the full moon.

Music and Dance

The Sibhaca, a foot stamping dance, vigorous in style, is performed by teams of men throughout the country. The rhythm and spectacular physique of the men when performing causes wonder and admiration from the spectators. Sibhaca dance is sometimes performed as a competition or just for fun, depending on the occasion.

Swazi Reed Dance
The reed dance is a spectacular annual event attracting multitudes of tourists to the Kingdom of Swaziland. Performing at the reed dance ceremony are thousands of Swazi maidens in their traditional attire. These Swazi girls come from various locations over the country and gather together for the ceremony which lasts for about eight days. The Umhlanga Reed Dance occurs towards the end of the month of August, when the seasons start changing and the reed is matured and ready for harvest. This event presents the maidens with an opportunity to pay honour to the Queen Mother. Only childless, unwed girls are permitted to take part in the event.

RELIGION

A supreme God/creator was recognised, but more important were the spirits of ancestors. Beasts were slaughtered and beer was brewed to please (propitiate) the spirits, and ask for help.

Traditional healers are still widespread.

CLOTHING

Boys and men wore loin-skins of selected wild animals. Girls wore grass skirts. A woman with a child wore a cow-skin skirt, and put her hair up in a bun/”bee-hive” hairstyle. A married (“lobola’ed”) woman wore a goat-skin apron over her shoulder.

SWAZI homesteads

The principle Swazi social unit remains the homestead locally refered to as UMTI. The traditional beehive hut is thatched with dry grass. In a polygamous homestead, each wife normally has her own huts and yard surrounded by reed fences for privacy. These comprise three structures mainly for sleeping, cooking and storage (brewing beer).

In substantial homesteads there will also be structures used as bachelors’ quarters and guest accommodation. Central to the traditional homestead is the cattle byre, a circular area enclosed by substantial logs interspaced with branches. The cattle byre has great ritual as well as practical significance as a store of wealth and symbol of prestige. It contains sealed grain pits. Facing the cattle byre is the great hut which is occupied by the mother of the headman.

Every man belonged to an age-regiment, for war and tribute labour. Young men opted to be permanent warriors attached to royal homesteads. Colour of cow-hide shield and other decorations identify the regiment. King calls them out 4 times a year Incwala (January or December), weeding King’s sorghum fields (January), harvesting sorghum (May) and threshing sorghum (July).

Food and Dining

Various activities are performed along gender lines, for example, the griding of mealies remains the preserve of women. This is prior to the preparation of Swazi food.

• sishwala -thick porridge normally served with meat or vegetables
• incwancwa -sour porridge made of fermented mealie meal
• sitfubi -fresh milk cooked and mixed with mealie meal
• siphuphe setindlubu -thick porridge made of mashed groundnuts
• emasi etinkhobe temmbila -ground mealies mixed with sour milk
• emasi emabele -ground sorghum mixed with sour milk
• sidvudvu -porridge made of pumpkin mixed with mealie meal
• umncweba -dried uncooked meat (biltong)
• umkhunsu -cooked and dried meat
• siphuphe semabhontjisi -thick porridge made of mashed beans
• tinkhobe -boiled whole maize
• umbidvo wetintsanga -cooked pumpkin tops (leaves) mixed with groundnuts
• tjwala (umcombotsi) -traditional beer

Swaziland Harvest Festival

The Ncwala, or first fruit ceremony is considered to be the most sacred and colorful of all the Swazi ceremonies in which the King plays a dominant role. The Ncwala is usually held in December or January upon a date chosen carefully by Swazi astronomers in conjunction with the position of the sun relating to the phases of the moon, and takes place over three weeks.
The ritual begins as the Bemanti clan or “water people” make their way to the Mozambique coast, where they collect the foam from the waves, which is believed to have healing powers. The return to the Royal palace commences in the celebration of the Little iNcwala, which takes place before the appearance of the full moon.

MARRIAGE

Like in many African countries, for marriage dowry is an important part of it. In Swaziland, dowry is called “lobola” and a potential bachelor gives around 15 cattle to the parents of the girl as a sign of respect and appreciation.

Traditional wedding/”umtsimba” is usually held on a weekend in dry season (June – August). Bride and her relatives go to groom’s homestead on Friday evening. Saturday morning – bridal party sit by nearby river, eat beast (goat/cow) offered by groom’s family; afternoon – dance in the groom’s homestead. Sunday morning – bride, with her female relatives, stabs ground with a spear in man’s cattle kraal, later she is smeared with red ochre. The smearing is the high point of marriage – no woman can be smeared twice. Bride presents gifts to husband and his relatives.

DEATH

Commoners are buried next to homestead, kings and royals in mountain caves. Funerals are important as means of the extended family meeting from time to time. A month after the funeral they meet again to wash away the contamination of death.

Mantenga Cultural Village

The cultural village is a living museum of all things traditional and represents a classical Swazi lifestyle during the 1850′s. The building materials are strictly traditional: poles, grass, reeds, leather strips, earth and dried cow-dung.

The Mantenga Village is a mini-complex of sixteen huts, each with its own specific purpose, kraals or byres for cattle and goats, reed fences that serve as windbreaks, and various other structures. With the traditional artefacts on display, the village illustrates many facets of the ancient Swazi way of life: social, economic and religious.

Almost 100 years ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited this island and became convinced that he had found the original Garden of Eden. He developed this theory when he saw the strange shape of the infamous “Coco de Mer.” The enormous coconut is shaped like a female pelvis, which he then identified with Eve. These coconuts only grow on the ancient giant palm trees in the Vallée de Mai nature park and are used locally as an aphrodisiac drink.

Praslin Island in the Seychelles is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, and there are far too many to name, with the exception of Anse Lazio, which has consistently been voted one of the world’s best beaches. Most beaches offer safe bathing and excellent snorkelling among the living corals, which are home to an amazing nine hundred species of fish.

Flights to Praslin

Praslin island is only fifteen minutes by a 20 seater “Twin Otter” plane from Mahé, or one hour by sea on the “Cat Cocos,” which can carry 159 passengers. This is an air conditioned catamaran, and it travels from Mahé to Praslin and back up to three times a day.

Hotels and Acommodation

Acajou Hotel -The resort is spread around beautiful Intendance Bay with its unspoiled beaches and the crystal-clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean
L’Archipel Hotel  is located on the north-eastern corner of Praslin, recently renovated “L’Archipel” sits amidst tropical vegetation which forms a natural amphitheatre overlooking the clear, blue seas. Other hotels on the island include Black Parrot Suites tucked away on a little hillside overlooking the ocean, Castello Beach Hotel  which is a lovely boutique hotel set beside the beach at Anse Kerlan on teh north west coast of Praslin and the five starCoco de Mer Hotel on the south west coast.
Other stylish four star hotel La Reserve Hotel, Le Duc de Praslin, New Emerald Cove and Paradise Sun Hotel. Constance Lemuria Resort  is the only hotel with an 18 hole, Championship Golf Course, complete with superb Club House and Bar, in the whole of the Seychelles.

Adventures

Two unique features of Praslin island are it is the only island in the Seychelles with a Championship Golf course, and the only island outside Mahé with a Casino. It is also an excellent jumping off point to visit other islands like La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse and St. Pierre.

hire a bicycle, a taxi, go on an organised trip round the island, or hire a self-drive car from “Le Baron,” and maybe even stay at his small, air conditioned Praslin hotel on Grande Anse beach.

During early 1900’s this beautiful was settles for first time. In order to plant the profitable coconut, its original vegetation was removed. This beautiful Island is successfully conserved with its original vegetation. Moreover, the stunning Cousin Island is a habitat of various endemic species of land birds, as well as breeding sites of the seabirds

Birding on Cousin Island

In the year 1968, this beautiful island was bought by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP). Interestingly, this is first international owned reserve in the world. ICBP is now known as the Birdlife International. Their main aim is to protect the rest of the population of living beings in Seychelles.

In the year 1974, it was also honored as a Special Reserve. This nature reserve is meant for seabirds and endemic land birds.

Hotels and Accommodation

Cousine has four elegant and spacious villas, all built in the French Colonial style. Each villa has two patios, a lush private garden and stunning white sand beach and ocean views.

A visit to Cousine Island Seychelles Resort feels – and is – exclusive, with a maximum guest occupancy of 10 people. The main Pavilion building is the centre for dining, and the unique open plan kitchen ensourages interaction between diners and the chef

The Beach House Wellness Retreat has a beautiful spa with indoor and outdoor treatment areas and uses exclusive Ligne St Barth spa products. There is also a well-equipped multi-gym in case your time on the beach

Conservation and Tourism

Nature Seychelles is effectively managing the beautiful Cousin Island. It also take care of various conservation activities, which include survey of the biodiversity.

Local staff is effectively taking care and managing this beautiful destination. With eco-tourism, it is also proving quite beneficial to the local communities on the Praslin Island.

You would be glad to know that various endangered species are re-introduced. For instance, you can again see the magic of Seychelles Magpie Robin. It also arranges for eco-tourism and education.

There is a variety of shops and best restaurants. Mahe island has several beaches and hotels, marine parks and natural park nature trails. Victoria is very lively especially on Saturday mornings and the exact spot to be is at the Selwyn Market where you will meet the locals and one can also buy souvenirs from the curio shops.

Tourist Attractions

The spectacular scenery in the north of the island has to be seen to be believed, followed by a leisurely drive around the west coast of the island, taking in some of the picturesque bays. A drive up over Sans Souci, through the Tea Plantations, followed by a descent to the capital, Victoria, is also well worth while.

A visit to the Botanical Gardens in Victoria is the only other location apart from the Vallée De Mai on Praslin, where the “Coco De Mer” grows, and here you can also see Giant Tortoises in their enclosure. Then on to the north west coast, to Beau Vallon, arguably the best beach on Mahé. There are of course, numerous other striking beaches such as Grand Anse, Anse Takamaka, and Anse Intendance, to name but a few.

No trip to the Seychelles is complete without going to Round Island for Brunch, and sampling the delicious barbecued Tuna steaks, cooked with Doris and Gaby and their sons, Peter and Paul’s closely guarded recipe. For authentic Creole cuisine, visit Marie-Antoinette, this established restaurant, owned and run by Madame Fonseka is well worth a visit.

Mahe Airport and Flights

The international Airport is on the east coast of the island and most visitors has to eventually spend some time on Mahe before heading to any other islands upon their disembarkation. International flights in Seychelles are handled on Mahe island international airport (SEZ) near the town of Victoria, which is also the capital city. The airport handles flights to and from over 70 cities and towns in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East and North America.

Mahe island Seychelles has over 70 beaches to choose from and most of them are easily accessible as the main road is along the coast. There are other tourist attractions such as the botanical garden, Marine parks, nature trails and National Parks.

Mahe Hotels and Accommodation

Most Mahe island accommodation are located at ideal and scenic places being close to the beach along the coast. some of the Mahe Island accommodations are well camouflaged amongst the surrounding greenery. Such accommodation means cooler fresh forest air blending with vegetations such as cinnamon which grows wild in the highland

Mahe Island Hotels offers a variety of hotels from 3 stars to 5 stars. Most hotels are located along the coast or preferably near the beach as to offer you the real island lifestyle. Moreover most big hotels are found mainly in the south and north areas of Mahe, away from the town area in selective locations for peace and tranquillity. Excellent facilities for beach holidays and honeymoons in Seychelles.

In the north lies popular hotels such as Coral Strand, Le Meridien Fishermans Cove, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay, Le Northholmes, whereas in the south of the island Mahe island hotels include Berjaya Mahe Beach, Plantation Club and Casino, Banyan Tree, Le Meridien Barbarons and Maia which are five star hotels.

Air Seychelles is the national carrier with several flight schedules within Seychelles and other African airports. This small air craft also flies to London, Rome, Frankfurt, Paris, Singapore and South Africa to mention a few. You also find domestic flights (around 20) schedules from Mahe to Praslin, Denis islands, Fregate, Desroches and Bird Island. Other domestic flights SMB, Helicopter Seychelles with private charter, IDC ltd charter flights, Air Seychelles Domestic.

The New image

A fluid organic shape resembling a leaf has been adopted to signify the greener and environmentally friendly Seychelles, and a greener Earth. The red and green colors have been used in varying shades to emphasize the greener image from the natural world

The trade mark Fairy terns still remain the expressive image of the airline but this time a little softened into a flowing silhouette to represent Air Seychelles in the sky. The pair of Fern terns mark the elegance, beauty and loyalty of Seychelles. The red, white, blue and green are still striking on the logo amid the abstracts of the bird and leaves at the tail.

The word Air is a little lighter to blend with the sky shade while Seychelles is in a darker shade of blue for the turquoise ocean. The tagline remains ‘’Flying the Creole Spirit’’ that evokes the unique culture and friendliness of the Seychellois.

Other changes at the airlines come in with a new Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bram Steller previously working with Kenya Airways in Africa-Europe flight operations.

Flights to Seychelles

If you are planning a honeymoon in Seychelles or a simple holiday from the bustle and hustles of daily life in different cities, Seychelles travel should not be a worry.

International flights in Seychelles are handled on Mahe island international airport (SEZ) near the town of Victoria, which is also the capital city. The airport handles flights to and from over 70 cities and towns in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East and North America.

Other fliers and airlines to Seychelles include

• South Africa Airways
• Air France
• Emirates
• Ethiopian airlines
• KLM
• Qatar Airways
• Kenya Airways
• Air Austral
• Air Mauritius
• Condor Flundiensrt

An average of 600 birds has been recorded in Uganda’s National parks, wetlands and in different birding zones all over the country.

Many of the birds recorded in southern and western parts of Uganda are migrants from the tropical rain forests in DR Congo while dry weather endemic fly in from  Kenya and other parts of eastern Africa escaping the harsh conditions of  semi-desert in Kenya and neighboring Somalia.

Birding sites in Uganda

There are many birding site all over the country side and more interesting one located in the very remote areas of Uganda. This makes it an important time to note a few things before setting off for Bird watching adventures in Uganda.  Some birding sites have signs off the road while many do not. Safety and caution is very important no matter the place you go.

Mabira Forest reserve

Mabira Forest is one of the biggest forest reserves in the country and doubles as an important ecology site not only for bird watching but also for its diversity in flora and fauna. The entire reserve stretches more than 30600ha on the shore of Lake Victoria –located only 54km from Kampala on the Kampala-Jinja Highway( 25min drive) and 20km from Jinja.

This diverse eco-region is home to more than 10 species of primates, 200 butterflies and notably more than 2809 different birds nest in the lush trees. The birding habitat in Mabira covers the woodland forests, long savannah grasses, papyrus swamps the stretch on the immediate lake shores and different water logged areas.

Regular sights in the forest canopy are spotted breasted barbets, kingfishers, paradise flycatchers, tambourine dove, grey headed negrofinch, forest robin, speckled tinkerbirds, fire crested Alethe, chest nut wattle eye, violet backed starling, European honey buzzard, red headed Malimbe, white spotted flufftail, yellow crested wood pecker, tit hylia and red tailed ant thrush among many others.

Some of the unique bird species endemic to Mabira forest reserve include Toro Olive greenbul, Weyn’s Weaver, grey and Yellow longbill, caupin babbler, purple throated cuckoo-shrike, green tailed bill, forest wood hoopoe,  and the African pied hornbill among others.

Places to Stay; There are eco-friendly lodges for accommodation within the forest, an educational centre, camping site and picnic site. Some of the best places to stay is Mabira Eco-Lodge.  This lodge offers luxury accommodation and has well maintained walking trails the can lead you to different parts of the forest.

Mabamba Swamp

Mabamba Bay is an extensive wetland and papyrus swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria covering an area of close to 16500ha. This narrow but long bay is known for the elusive shoebill stork  and other papyrus endemics such as the papyrus gonolek, blue swallow , pallied harrier and the white winged warbler to mention a few.. It occupies an area of 16500 ha in central Uganda district of Mpigi.

A canoe ride over the channel is the best way to explore the 230 species of birds that nest in this area. Some of the notable sights include the African purple swamp hen, common moorhen, goliath heron, Malachite kingfishers, black headed cuckoo, lesser jacan, African pygmy  goose, hammerkop, pied kingfishers, fan tailed widowbird, osprey, African pied wagtail, cisticola, rufus bellied heron, squacco, blue breasted bee eater, black heron, grey headed gull, whiskered terns and many other birds

Kibale National Park

Kibale Forest National Park although known for the chimpanzees and other primates, it is home to several species of birds too. The habitat in this chimpanzee tracking site is woodland, large swamps and waterlogged forest that extend as far as Budongo Eco-tourism site.

Some of the notable species seen on the chimpanzee tracking trail include the Bar-tailed Trogon and Fine-banded woodpecker, White-bellied Crested Flycatcher and Red-faced Crimson-wing and many others. Tourists often prefer to end their safari or primates trail in Kibaale with special bird trail of the Budongo Birding Area.

Budongo Eco-tourism Site

Budongo is largely composed of forest woodland and savannah grassland that cover an estimated area of 750 sqkm. This forest reserve is drained by river namely Sonso, Waisoke and Wake although several water streams cross through the woodlands.

The forest reserve is an important birding Area with focus on special bird nests in Kaniyo-Pabidi and Busingiro Eco-tourism sites. Besides the birding areas, chimpanzee tracking is also another adventure in Budongo central forest reserve currently run by the Jane Goodal Institute. Another excellent birding area here is the 2km Royal Mile with more than 115km of well maintained birding trails.

Some of the birds found in Budogo forest include yellow footed fly catcher, chocolate backed kingfisher, sabine’s spine tail, paradise flycatcher, spotted fluff tail, Ituri Batis, pygmy crakes, cassins spine tail, Cameroon somber, yellow fronted barbet, brown twin spot, forest robin, yellow crested woodpecker, hawk eagle and little green sunbird to mention a few

Lutembe Bay

Lutembe bay is a wetland swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria located off the Kampala-Entebbe Highway. The bay is a shallow papyrus swamp dotted with forest woodland thus creating an extensive birding habitat. The swamp is a designated Ramsar site attracting thousands of birds during the rainy season that stretches from March to May and later during the months of September and October.

Some of the common species include white egrets, open billed stork, yellow throated long claw, rufous naped larks, black headed cuckoo, papyrus gonolek, white browed scrub robin, greater cormorant, slender billed gull, Papyrus yellow warbler, white winged terns, dives, woodland tree pipits, spur winged lapwing, hammerkops and many other birds recorded to be make a total of nearly150 bird species.

Zika forest

Also located on the shores of Lake Victoria along Entebbe road,  Zika forest is yet another exciting birding site in Uganda. The forest is filled with lush trees and thick savannah undergrowth making it a good habitat for more than 105 different species of birds recorded here.

The forest reserve is managed by Uganda Virus Institute of research with cooperation and funds from Netherlands Committee for International Union for Conservation of Nature. It majorly serves as an educational site as well as a research centre for scientists.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are on the beach shore of Lake Victoria covering 40ha of tropical tree species, shrubs and plants. The gardens boast more than 390 different tree species-110 exotic and 122 as medicinal herbs.

Popular bird sights in the gardens are bat hawk, African grey parrot, Palm Nut vulture, hornbill, sand pipers, yellow backed weavers, great cormorants, Madagscar bee eater, sunbird, Entebbe weaver, long tailed cormorants, great Turaco, green crombec, white spotted flufftail and the common green shank among many others.

Bird Watching Safaris in Uganda

Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Park is known for many tourist attractions among which are the celebrated mountain gorillas and gorilla trekking adventures and more than 347 species of birds. The forest has 10 of the 26 globally threatened species in Uganda, five of which are vulnerable. Most notable of the endangered birds in Bwindi are 24 of the 25 Albertine Rift endemic species.

Some of the birds in this forest park include Francolin, Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird , Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Chapin’s Flycatcher western Green Tinkerbird, Rwenzori Turaco, ,Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbuls, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, Shelley’s Crimson-wing red-faced woodland Warbler,  Golden-winged Sunbird,,Rwenzori batis, African Green Broadbill white-tailed crested Flycatcher, Stuhlmann’s Double-collared Olive-back and many more.

The best time to go birding here is during the early mornings before the mid-morning sun rises

Kidepo National Park

Kidepo Valley Park although located in the much drier northern part of Uganda has some pretty interesting sights for bird watchers. Some of the birds recorded in this park are not found in any other part of Uganda as many are dry weather endemics.

Lesser Kestrel and the pallied harrier are endangered species found in Kidepo valley while other sights include birds as Black-breasted Barbet, Grey Wren Warbler, Karamoja Apalis, Golden Pipit, Taita Fiscal, Rufous Chatterer and Rock thrush.

Moroto Forest Reserve and the neighboring are home to 23 of Uganda’s 32 Somali-Masai biome species, 16 Sudan and Guinea Savanna, and 4 Guinea Congo forest Biome species while 21 Afro-tropical highland species are recorded mainly around the highlands of Lonyili, Morungole, Zulia and Lomej.

Lake Mburo National Park

Like many Uganda National Parks and Reserves, Lake Mburo is an important birding area in the country. The lake and the swampy shores attracts thousands of birds especially during the rainy season and for the early morning. One of the best places to catch the chirping birds is Rwonyo camp located near the park headquarters.

Common birds in the park include Crested Francolin, Emerald spotted wood Dove, Trilling Cisticola Brown Parrot, Spot-flanked Barbet,  Barefaced Go-away –bird, African Grey Hornbill, Rufous-chested Swallow, Blue-napped Mousebird, Northern Black Tit, Lilac-breasted Roller, Green Wood-hoopoe, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Greater Blue-eared starling common scimitarbill, African Fin foot, Nubian Woodpecker, Yellow-Breasted Apalis, Red-necked Spur fowl, Chin-spot Batis, Marico sunbird, Brown-chested Plover and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. The woodland in the immediate vicinity of Rwonyo also supports many of these widespread species.
Interesting species of the night include the African Scops Owl; and Fiery-necked, White-tailed and Pennant-winged Nightjars. Other birds in the park include African Darter, Water Thicknee, Hamerkop, African Water Rail, Spur-winged Plover, Giant, Pied and Malachite kingfishers, and Yellow-throated Leaflove the latter in dense, waterside thickets.

Murchison Falls National Park
This vast park is good for safari game drives and a boat ride to the spectacular Murchison waterfalls. A birding trip in the park is a great way to discover the best of this unique wildlife habitat.

The park’s savannah and swamp river shores are home to more than 40% of Uganda’s avifauna. The park is home to 14 Sudan-Guinea specie, 12 Lake Victoria species, 11 of 44 Guinea-Congo forest species and three of 32 Somali-Masai Biome species. Six globally threatened species have also been recorded here three of which are palaearctic migrants.

The Shoebill stork is a rare species but can only be found in Murchison Falls National park much easily than in other areas around Uganda. Other rare sights include Lesser Flamingo, Great Snipe and African Skimmers often found on the sandy banks of the river

Semliki  National Park
Going without say is the diversity of avifauna in Semliki Forest and the areas around Semliki river the marks a border with DR Congo. This conservation area attracts nearly all Guinea-Congo biome species making it one of the richest for forest bird areas in the country.

More than 131 of the 144 Guinea -Congo forest Biome species of which 40 are recorded from Semliki national park. The conservation area attracts birds from the neighboring Rwenzori mountain ranges. Some of the notable species here include  White-tailed/Piping Hornbill, Orange weaver, Capuchin Babbler, Black-wattled Hornbill Blue-headed, Crested flycatcher, the Red-billed Malimbe, Papyrus Gonolek, Long-tailed Hawk,  and Caruthers’s Cisticola Congo Serpent Eagle, Nkulengu Rail, and Lyre-tailed Honey guide.

Other birding sites

Other interesting bird watching sites in Uganda include the National Parks, Lake Bunyonyi (named after thousands of visiting birds) , Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC Entebbe Zoo), Lake Victoria Islands and many other forest reserves around Uganda.

Tips for Birding Adventurers

Often, the roads leading to many not one of Uganda’s bird nests are not in good condition and some are practically inaccessible. For this reason you’ll need to hire a 4WD just like it is the norm for all Safaris in Uganda.  There several tour and travel agents with attractive packages for car hire and safaris. You probably want some of the best Travel Agents and tour companies in Uganda and compare rates before making your choice.

Camping and overnight accommodation is available for only a few areas located a few kilometers from major cities and towns. Some sites have designated camp sites although you’ll need to carry bedding and other camping supplies such as food, drinking water, utensils and most importantly a flashlight.

Get appropriate clothing for walking safaris and nature walks. Normally, khaki and cotton fabrics are preferred with a pair of good comfortable walking shores. Trousers are must for both men and women as you do not want to end your trips nursing wounds and itches from the rubbing with long grass.

Other important items to carry on bird watching trips include a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat and high lens camera to capture all the beautiful moments.

Not to forget…all birding watching trips are not the same without a tour guide. It is very important to hire one for any safari. Local guides are the best people to get to take you around the best birding watching spots in the remote areas. Remember to give them a small token of appreciation…tip.

Airports in South Africa

OR Tambo International Airport Johannesburg

This is the home of the South Africa Airlines-offices and is the main airport in South Africa. Located only 15 minutes drive out of the Johannesburg city centre, the OR Tambo Johannesburg ranks as the busiest airport in Africa.

Cape Town International Airport
This airport connects South Africa to one of the best Holiday destinations in Africa-Cape Town.  The air travel facilities here are first class and boasts as one of the cleanest stops in Africa.

Other domestic airports run by ACSA include Bloemfontein, Durban, Port Elizabeth, east London, George, Kimberely, Upington and Pilansberg. There are other charter companies operating other airports in South Africa

Domestic flights

There are also has domestic flights for Bloemfontein, George, Pietermaritzburg, Mthatha, Kimberley, Polokwane, Richards Bay, Upington, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, with world class facilities for economy class, business class and class cabins. Other regional flies affiliated to South Africa include South African Express and Airlink, with flights from Johannnesburg, Cape Town or Durban to other African destination.

Five Star Service

The Airline is a member of the Star Alliance and has many programs of frequent miles and other loyalty programs. Through these loyalty programs, customers collect reward points and exchange them for rewards such as in-flight duty free shopping, Air tickets and flights and other notable discounts as offered by the Alliance.

South African Airways tends to have the best prices, and it even offers special rates for groups of more than 10. Complimentary beverages, including alcoholic drinks, and meals are offered throughout the flight.

Passengers booking South Africa Airlines tickets enjoy ultimate luxury and comforts onboard. Some of the luxuries onboard include telephone, internet, satellite television, delightful meals, drinks and wines, in-flight shopping and many others.

South African Airlines destinations

Africa: Abidjan, Accra, Addis Ababa, Bamako, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Cairo, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Douala, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Harare, Juba, Khartoum, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lagos, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lome, Luanda, Lusaka, N’Djamena, Nairobi, Zanzibar.

Europe: Brussels, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Sydney, Perth, Zurich,

America: Washington, Sao Paulo, Rio Janiero, Montreal, Toronto,

Gulf / Middle East & Asia: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Beijing, Singapore, Beirut, Dubai, Hongkong, Jeddah, Guangzhou, Mumbai, New Delhi, Sana’a, Telaviv

Airlines with flights to South Africa

Other airlines that fly to Addis Ababa are BMI, Emirates, British Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, United, Lufthansa, Air France, Egyptair, MEA and Turkish Airline. There are actually more than 50 airlines that have flights to South Africa, direct flights and others airlines with one stop flights en-route to other international destinations.

Other small carriers wit south Africa flights include Jet Airways, All Nippon, TAP, Iberia, Qantas, BMI, Finnair, Alitalia, Asiana Airlines and others…to mention a few

Flight tips and Reservation

Book flights to South Africa is quite easy, to get cheap flights to Cape Town for example, you have to book at least two months earlier. Peak seasons such as New Year and Christmas time have highly priced tickets to South Africa given the high traffic of tourists and other visitors  on South African safaris or holidays.

You can book South African Flights from anywhere, in Europe, Asia or Latin America with travel site online or through your South Africa travel Agent.

Discover the history of Ugunja established more than 300 years Ago

Like many African countries, Tanzania and its island capital Zanzibar are a set of beautiful attractions to have on an African trip. Zanzibar(Ugunja) is an island off the east coast of Tanzania and thus one of the biggest islands in the Indian Ocean.

This beautiful  island is has a long history of trade, early explorers and a rich taste of cultures and people. It is this ancient record that makes the island one of the best places to visit in Tanzania-that is if you want to crown your African safari here in the best way. A weekend or so is the best time to visit the island and the white sandy beaches!

Travel

There is a ferry that leaves the port at Dar-es-salaam at 7am. It is advisable that you the departure times right because you might find the ferry gone. Besides, an early arrival and boarding is good enough to get the best seats for the cruise.

The ferry has first class section and the economy class. Alternatively tourists and travelers can use the deck for best views of the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean. The ferry ride to the island’s port is roughly a two hour ride.

As you draw closer to the big island, there is sight of the island’s capital Stone town which is the biggest attraction on the island. Your arrival at the port is not spared of the hustlers and travel agents looking for tourists or travelers with no agenda. If you have visited most capital cities around Africa and Asia, you must be familiar with what I am talking about here.

Attractions

Not far way from the port-just a few minutes drive from here is the famous fish market. Actually the market is typical of many local markets built near lakes or at the beaches along Africa’s sea coast. The market here resembles those in Senegal and many others in Lagos Nigeria.

Stone Town

Depending on the travel agent or tour operator you have chosen for your tours of Zanzibar, you should not be cheated by not talking a stroll in the historic Stone town. The rather big town has scent of ancient buildings lining either side of the winding streets and this is one unique feature about this town.

One of the very first sights in this town is the House of wonders which also is the main island museum. This 130 year old building is a former mansion of one of the Sultans of Zanzibar and was the first site to have running water and electricity. The balcony of the house is a good place to have an overview of the town.

The old fort is another sight in the town. The fort is a famous art and craft centre-a good place to shop for antiques and gifts cheaply.

The old slave market of Zanzibar is not far way from here. The market gives you a bigger picture of the slave trade times. Across the market is the Anglican church which statues and a monument to commemorate the trying times of slavery in Zanzibar. The church was built in the courtyard where slaves were auctioned before they were shipped to mainland Tanzania port of Bagamoyo and later sold to the Arabs.

Other interesting sights in the town include the central market. This market is known for its freshly sold spices and food grown on the island. You probably want to buy some of these excellent spices to take home for yourself or as gift for your parents.

A stroll through the narrow alleys in the town takes you back in time-times of the explorers and slave trade. Afternoons in the countryside are best ways to relax on the island away from the noise of the port and the buzzing markets. There are many farms on the island growing sugarcane, coconuts, palm oil plantations and finally spices such as nutmeg, turmeric, black pepper, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and many others.

Food and Dining

Zanzibar and Tanzania rhyme for spices and delightful cuisine. The food at the island has a distinctive taste with a blend of home grown spices. Some of the foods you’ll be served include potatoes, pilau (spiced rice), chappati, peas, fish, chicken, beef stew and many other Tanzanian delicacies.  Be sure to ask the guide to help out with identifying the food on the menu-Believe me you’ll need the help.

There is an option of passing on your recipe for dinner to the chef at the restaurant but this comes at an extra cost. Remember that we are on an adventure and tasting the different dishes of Zanzibar is no exception.

Some of the best restaurants to have dinner include Mercury Restaurant where tables are set a deck overlooking the beach.

Accommodation

What kind of accommodation would you expect on island? Believe me Zanzibar is quite exceptional in the range of accommodation to choose from. Of course there are many backpacker’s options in motels and Inns such as St Monica’s guesthouse, Princess Samle Innn and others.

There are also some luxurious hotels and  resorts near the beaches to spend the night.

Zanzibar Tour Add-ons

Trips to Zanzibar islands are not isolated with tours of Pemba Island which forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago. Pemba island is about 50 km long from the mainland coast of Tanzania and is the second largest island off the Tanzania Indian Ocean coast. The two islands share a long history of Early explorers and traders an was thus known as ‘Al Jazeera Al Khadura‘-the green island regarded more fertile than its neighbor Zanzibar.

Other interesting islands to tour off the Tanzanian coast include Lamu, Seychelles, Mombasa and many others.

The peninsula is delimited by two capes : the Pointe des Almadies in the north which welcomes a vast luxurious and residential suburb with beautiful views and is home to various fishing villages such as Ouakam, N’Gor, its beaches and “artists’ island” , and Yoff, a small and very lively fishing port.

The northern coast will reveal other fabulous attractions such as the beaches of Malika, the Keur Moussa Monastery and Kayar fishermen village leaving you with the memory of the fascinating sight of dozens of multicoloured dugouts (pirogues) returning with a backdrop of the setting sun.

Following the cliff road to the south, the Mamelles volcanic hills emerge, a place from which you can observe Cape Manuel and its lighthouse, the most southern part of the capital.

According to a recent census official estimates, the city of Dakar proper has a population of 3m people whereas the population of the Dakar metropolitan area is estimated at 2.45 million people.

Dakar, the economic and political capital of Senegal and an important cultural and university centre, is the symbol of an Africa that is resolutely open to the outside world and which has been able to reconcile this modernism with all aspects of traditional African life.

Sight seeing and Attractions

Most visitors having taken the time to discover this attractive city find it appealing. It is a dynamic and sparkling city, with its lively markets, important political decision-making centres such as the majestic presidential palace, banks, large international hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.Note too that the Senegalese capital is one of the essential cities for organising conventions and seminars, with various conference centres and luxurious hotels from international chains.

The musée de L’IFAN (place de Soweto) : This is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive and attractive museums in Senegal. It presents the wealth of the artistic and cultural heritage of Western Africa and retraces interesting scenes of daily life in this African region.

More than 1,200 collection objects are exhibited, including statuettes, masks, traditional costumes, fabric, and traditional musical instruments.

The Moustafla Diop collection will enable you to discover ancient royal artefacts from Cameroon.

The markets : Dakar’s markets, veritable commercial centres for the city, plunge you into a flood of sparkling colours, sounds and mellow smells that will awaken your taste buds and enable you to discover the ancestral know-how and expertise of Senegalese craftsmen.

Sandaga market, with its airs of an African caravanserai, attracts a dense, happy and noisy crowd. On the programme: culinary discoveries of a range of exotic fruit, meat, fresh fish and spices and mysterious discoveries of medicinal herbs, highly valued by the Senegalese for their miraculous healing properties. In the neighbouring streets, the fabric market will unveil its most beautiful, hand-embroidered and dyed lames; tailors and couturiers can also make you the made-to-measure clothing of your choice. Their skill will leave you speechless and amazed.

Kermel market : a tourist hotspot, is a small market in the heart of old Dakar, sheltering beautiful colonial houses. This magnificent building from 1860 was destroyed by fire in 1994 but has been reconstructed exactly as it was by a ceramist: the place is now a work of art. You can find prettily presented ‘European’ foodstuffs. On the esplanade surrounding this building, admire the flurry of flower sellers presenting their flowers in enormous armfuls balanced on their head, and the basketry, wood sculpting and leather goods crafts shops.

Tilene market has kept the charm of its colonial buildings and neo-Sudanese style. This most typical of markets, located at the heart of the medina, offers magical potions, various remedies and charms to a crowd of regular and expert customers. The pleasure essentially consists of watching and listening to the women haggle, elegantly draped with multicolour boubous.

The Médina : This huge city within the city harbours one of the most spectacular religious monuments in all of Africa: Dakar’s Great Mosque. Take the time to wander around the wall frescos, sources of popular creativity, and immerse yourself in typically local street scenes and sights, far from the market folklore.

Soumbedioune market : This craft village, located on the Western Cliff Road, benefits from unrestricted views onto the bay of Soumbedioune, where fishermen come home every evening in a festive atmosphere.

The sculptors and other grass-skirt manufacturers work under your very eyes, thus perpetuating ancestral techniques.

A real place for sharpening your bargaining skills: jewellers and leather artisans alike will be your first initiators.

The La Madeleine islands : Now a natural reserve, the La Madeleine islands offer a protected ecosystem with nests of cormorants, peregrine falcons, osprey and even superb black kites.

Weather

Senegal’s main tourist season is from mid-October to June, mostly during the dry, ‘cool’ season, when Dakar’s average daytime maximums are around 24°C (75°F). Most music festivals take place in December and between March and June.

During the wet months from mid-July to late September some national parks are inaccessible or even closed, but it’s also the time everything is green and beautiful, and many hotels reduce their prices by up to 50%.

The park covers an area of 5600hac on the northern borders  of the Zambezi river from which it was named. Some of the mammals in the park include elephant, leopard, sitatungas, white rhino, water buck, kudu, zebra, giraffe, monkeys, eland, sable antelope, impala, lion, and many others.

The river too is important for fishing-catches include the delicious bream and tiger fish, boating, sightseeing, houseboating  and other adventures.

Zambezi National Park has two main game-viewing sections: the Zambezi River Game Drive, with an extensive network of roads along the river accessed through the main gate of the Park, and the 25 kilometre Chamabondo Game Drive in the southern part of the Park, which begins about 5 kilometres outside of Victoria Falls town – just off the main road to Bulawayo.

Best time to go

During the summer months (November to March) the weather is hot and humid, whilst during the winter it is pleasantly cool and dry – occasionally becoming cold at night. The water falls are at full bream during the rainy season. During the dry season, the gorge at the falls is revealed.

Hotels and Accommodation

The accommodation units at Zambezi Camp are self-contained lodges on the river bank, situated 6 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. The camp is served by a tar road and is open all year around. The lodges are all fully equipped and each has 2 bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and kitchen with stove and refrigerator.Three exclusive fishing camps: Kandahar, Siansimba and Mpala Jena, are attractively situated on the banks of the Zambezi just off the Zambezi River Game Drive. Facilities consist of a flush toilet and cold shower; running water, a sleeping shelter (with low side walls at Kandahar), cement table with bench and braai unit. Fishing by boat is excellent in these areas.

Getting there

Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks lie on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. Visitors can travel by car, driving 440 kilometres northwest from Bulawayo or through Kazungula Border Post with Botswana 90 kilometres to the west. The Victoria Falls Border Post is within metres of the Falls for access by road from Zambia. The road from Bulawayo to the Falls is completely tarred and the roads around thee Falls can easily be negotiated by all types of vehicles. Victoria Falls boasts an international airport with services from Harare and many regional and international destinations

Victoria Falls are situated on the western tip of Zimbabwe. The Falls, known by the local Kololo tribe as Mosi oa Tunya- The Smoke that thunders, is one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” and one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls on earth.

ThThe falls are 1.7 kilometres wide and nearly 550 million litres of water cascade 70 to 108 metres into the chasm below -every minute- during the Zambezi River’s peak flow. Victoria Falls is made of five different “falls”. Four of these are in Zimbabwe: The Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and Horseshoe Falls -and one, The Eastern Cataract, is in the bordering country of Zambia.

The main falls are the most majestic part of the Victoria Falls. With a wide curtain of water thundering down 93 metres into the gorge below and peak water flows of 700,000 cubic metres per minute, this section throws out a magnificent spray that continually nourishes the evergreen rainforest around the area.

The Devil’s Cataract

The Devil’s Cataract derives the name from an adjacent island in the Zambezi River where it is reported that locals used to conduct sacrificial ceremonies. With the advent of the missionaries, this practice was frowned upon and considered “devilish”, resulting in the name of the area.

Horseshoe Falls

This section is horseshoe shaped and is 95 metres deep. This section usually dries up at the height of the dry season between October and November.Rainbow FallsA beautiful rainbow can clearly be seen from this viewpoint. The falls are 108 metres deep at this point and are the deepest of the whole series.

The Eastern Cataract

These falls are situated completely on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls but have a stunning views

The Boiling Pot

This place is appropriately named to describe the turmoil where water from opposite sides of the falls collide in the Zambezi River as it turns in a southeasterly direction passing through several gorges.

Other Attractions

Victoria Falls Bridge

Having been designed in England, the bridge was transported from Europe in pieces and was assembled on site, bridging the Zambezi River and linking Zimbabwe and Zambia in 1906. The bridge is also renowned for its popular bungee jumping.

David Livingstone Statue

The David Livingstone statue can be found at the left end of the Falls near the spectacular Devil’s Cataract viewpoint. On 16 November 1855, Livingstone (the first Western explorer to view the Falls) wrote in his journal: “…scenes so lovely must have been gazed on by angels in their flight.”

Zambezi National Park

The Rainforest on the banks of the Zambezi River and near the Victoria Falls is part of the Zambezi National Park. The forest is rich in unique flora and fauna . One can wander amongst the Fig, Mahogany and Date Palm groves while gazing at the falls from magnificent viewpoints. Many species of birds and small mammals may be spotted beneath the protective canopy of the forest.

The park covers an area of 5600hac on the northern borders  of the Zambezi river from which it was named. Some of the mammals in the park include elephant, leopard, sitatungas, white rhino, water buck, kudu, zebra, giraffe, monkeys, eland, sable antelope, impala, lion, and many others.

The river too is important for fishing-catches include the delicious bream and tiger fish, boating, sightseeing, houseboating  and other adventures.

Zambezi National Park has two main game-viewing sections: the Zambezi River Game Drive, with an extensive network of roads along the river accessed through the main gate of the Park, and the 25 kilometre Chamabondo Game Drive in the southern part of the Park, which begins about 5 kilometres outside of Victoria Falls town – just off the main road to Bulawayo.

Best time to go

During the summer months (November to March) the weather is hot and humid, whilst during the winter it is pleasantly cool and dry – occasionally becoming cold at night. The water falls are at full bream during the rainy season. During the dry season, the gorge at the falls is revealed.

Hotels and Accommodation

The accommodation units at Zambezi Camp are self-contained lodges on the river bank, situated 6 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. The camp is served by a tar road and is open all year around. The lodges are all fully equipped and each has 2 bedrooms, a living room, bathroom and kitchen with stove and refrigerator.Three exclusive fishing camps: Kandahar, Siansimba and Mpala Jena, are attractively situated on the banks of the Zambezi just off the Zambezi River Game Drive. Facilities consist of a flush toilet and cold shower; running water, a sleeping shelter (with low side walls at Kandahar), cement table with bench and braai unit. Fishing by boat is excellent in these areas.

Getting there

Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks lie on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. Visitors can travel by car, driving 440 kilometres northwest from Bulawayo or through Kazungula Border Post with Botswana 90 kilometres to the west. The Victoria Falls Border Post is within metres of the Falls for access by road from Zambia. The road from Bulawayo to the Falls is completely tarred and the roads around thee Falls can easily be negotiated by all types of vehicles. Victoria Falls boasts an international airport with services from Harare and many regional and international destinations

With its stunning mountainous views, numerous waterfalls, varied activities and unique flora and fauna, Nyanga National Park can provide the visitor with an unforgettable holiday experience. The park is located about 268 km from Harare along a well tarred highway.

Wildlife

The mountainous terrain is home to a variety of animals including the mysterious waterbuck, wildebeest, kudu, zebra, impala, sables, eland to mention but a few .The sparkling fresh water rivers are an envelope of fresh water fish such as the Nyanga trout which is a delicacy to many visitors.

Best time to go

Cool temperatures are usual in Nyanga with summer temperature around 26 degrees celcius and winter cold temperatures of -3 degrees celcius .These are complimented by a wet summer.

Accommodation

Rhodes Nyanga hotel has been operating since early 1900s and it consists of 24 rooms, bar, restaurant and conference facilities. Historically the hotel has the Rhodes-Nyanga museum with some of the furniture Cecil John Rhodes owned.

There are three rest camps namely Rhodes, Udu and Mare. These Rest camps offer the visitor spacious thatched self catering two and one bed roomed lodges with a fully equipped kitchen. There are exciting camping and caravan sites which are well sheltered by acacia trees were cooking on wood fires draws the visitor to ancient memories of the history of mankind .

Other Attractions

Mount Nyangani – Zimbabwe’s highest point at 2 593 metres offers a challenging climb and spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Nyangombe Falls – a beautiful series of cascading waterfalls located on the western edge of the Park, a 15 minute walk from the carpark.

Mutarazi Falls – Mutarazi Falls is the highest waterfall in Zimbabwe and the second highest on the Continent. Visitors may leave their vehicles at the carpark and take a short hike to the edge of the escarpment for spectacular views of the waterfalls and the Honde Valley, some 800 metres below.

Pungwe Gorge & Falls – view the Pungwe Falls from the scenic Pungwe viewpoint or drive through the Pungwe Drift for a closer view of the river and lush forest areas around.

Nyangwe & Chawomera Forts – massive stone work with lintelled entrances characterize these fine examples of Nyanga ruins built some 400 years ago. Pit structures are also located within the Park.

Trout Hatchery – the trout hatchery near Purdon Dam provides an up-close view of the source of game fish stocked in many of the Park’s rivers and dams.

Nyamuziwa Falls – located just off the circular drive to Mt. Nyangani, Nyamuziwa Falls is a beautiful cascade waterfall with open highland scenery.

Rhodes Museum – the Rhodes Museum is found at the Rhodes Hotel

Activities

Fly fishing – the finest fly fishing in Zimbabwe can be found in many of the Park’s well stocked rivers and lakes including Mare, Udu, Rhodes, Gulliver and Purdon Dams. Bream fishing is also available at Udu Dam.

Boating – another favorite activity – rowing boats can be hired at each dam

Swimming – visitors can swim at Nyangombe pool where the clear, crisp Nyangombe River spills over natural rock slides. Visitors can also relax on the sandy beaches.

Hiking trails, birding & walks – numerous trails and paths provide lovely walks through both the forest areas and open highlands, many leading to beautiful waterfalls and scenic vistas.

Game viewing –This activity is open to the public all year round. Gates are open for game viewing daily from 0600hrs until 1800hrs. All clients are only allowed to enter the park when driving. Walking and cycling are strictly prohibited unless with express authority and only in the company of a designated park officer. Clients are allowed to drive around the park on their own using designated roads only.

The main and most sought out activity at the park; fishing is conducted all year round. There are 5 fishing and picnic sites in the park.

Recreational activities include yachting, boating, rowing, angling and canoeing.

 Activities

The park is just about 10 minutes drives from the Nyanga town were banks, hospitals, supermarkets, pharmacies, and other social facilities are found.

From Harare- take the Harare Mutare Road for 170 km to Rusape and turn left. From Rusape, follow the Nyanga road for 90 km and turn right at the main park entrance. From Mutare- take Harare- Mutare road for 11 km and turn right at Juliasdale road. Follow this road for 85 km to the end and turn right towards Nyanga village and then right at the main park entrance.

Matobo meaning ‘bald heads’ was the name chosen for the area by the great Ndebele King, Mzilikazi. He is buried in the Matobo Hills just a short distance from the park.

The park is situated in the magnificent Matobo Hills, a range of domes, spires and balancing rock formations which have been hewn out of the solid granite plateau through millions of years of erosion and weathering. The majestic and rugged terrain of the park is a hikers paradise and the diversity of the vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife.

Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. He is buried at the summit of Malindidzimu -’ hill of benevolent spirits’. He referred to this hill as having a ‘View of the World’. A short walk from the parking lot will lead the visitor to his grave, which is carved out of the solid granite hill and surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of massive boulders.

The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

Wildlife

The Park is home to a wide variety of animal species including: black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, eland, sable, klipspringer, leopard, hyena, cheetah, hippo, warthog, rock dassies, waterbuck, wildcat, springhare, common duiker, crocodiles, baboons and monkeys.

The richness of the Park can also be seen from the diverse bird life. The park is famous for its large concentration of black eagles, which can be seen perched atop the rock formations or soaring along the cliffs in search of prey. Bird species that can be found include, fish eagle, martial eagle, francolin, secretary bird, weavers, pied crow and Egyptian geese.

Fish species readily found in this Park include, bass, bottle fish, bream, catfish and robustus.

Matobo National Park has a mixed type of vegetation that ranges from Mopane, Acacia species, Brachstegia in other area, Figtrees, Azanza species, Zizphus species, Strychnos species and Terminalia species.

Accommodation

Accommodation facilites are located at Whitewaters, Tshabalala Sanctuary, Toghwana, Hazelside and Mtsheleli. Maleme Rest Camp provides accommodation in the form of chalets and lodges and it is by far the largest rest area in the Park.

Some of the lodges have 4 single beds and others have 1 double bed and 2 singles. All lodges are equipped either dressing tables or wardrobes, dinning rooms with tables, chairs, heaters, flush toilet and bathrooms with cold and hot water.

Fish Eagle -This is a 2 bedroomed lodge with 5 beds i.e. one double and one single bed, one bedroom with 2 single beds all with linen, 2 dressing tables. The kitchen has a fridge, 4 plate stove, electric kettle, crockery and cutlery. The lodge has a flush toilet, bathroom with tub and hot shower, veranda, garden table and chairs.

Black Eagle -This is a 2 bed roomed lodge with 5 beds i.e. one double and one single bed, one bedroom with 2 single beds all with linen, 2 dressing tables. The kitchen has a fridge, 4 plate stove, electric kettle, crockery and cutlery. The lodge has a flush toilet, bathroom with tub and hot shower, veranda, garden table and chairs.

Imbila –has standard accommodation with 2 bedrooms containing 2 double teak beds. Each bedroom has 4-seater teak easy chairs. There are 2 ensuite bathrooms and flush toilets. The dinning room has a teak table. The veranda overlooking the river has a garden table and chairs. The kitchen has a fridge, 4 plate stove, crockery and cultlery supplied.

Camping sites are available at Maleme Dam, Mthselele Dam, Toghwana Dam, Mesilume Dam and Arboretum.

Other Tourist Attractions

Fine rock paintings – within the park are numerous sites which were once occupied by the San hunter-gatherers. The paintings at Nswatugi Cave are perhaps some of the finest in the country and contain beautiful renditions of giraffe, eland and kudu.

There are other areas of note such as Bambata Cave, Inanke Cave and Silozwane Cave – just outside the park – that display fine animal paintings.

Pony trails – conducted around the Maleme Dam area and into the Whovi Wild Area.

Fishing – allowed in most dams to those issued with licences at the tourist office

Boating – privately owned boats are permitted on certain dams

Access

The park is located 34 kilometres south of Bulawayo along the Kezi/Maphisa Road. The Main road to Maleme is tarred while all other Park roads are gravel and mostly in good condition. Durintg the rainy season the road to Toghwana requires 4 wheel drive vehicles.

The Baboon Trees-This is a unique feature of the Park which attracts large volumes of animals. The area has natural water springs and large concentrations of animals. Sightings of up to 2000 buffalo have been reported in the area.

Wildlife

The Park includes a series of pan depressions, some of which are continuously pumped from boreholes in the dry season. As a result, large concentrations of game seasonally migrate between Botswana and Zimbabwe, especially from September through to the first rains of November or December.

Species to be seen include: lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok, roan, sable, tsessebe, eland and reedbuck, whilst elephant and buffalo are present in large numbers when water is scarce. White rhino are also often seen.

A special species endemic to the Kazuma Depression is the oribi, a small antelope, not often seen in other parts of the country. Visitors may also occasionally see cheetah or wild dog while lions are fairly common.

The pan systems are also ideal habitat to a large variety of water birds, with a number of species including storks, crowned cranes, stilts, cormorants, ducks and kingfishers occurring throughout the area.

Travel Guide

Access

Take the Robins Camp/ Pandamatenga turn-off from the main Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road . proceed for some 25 kilometres along this gravel road to the Parks & Wildlife offices in Matetsi where visitors are required to check-in before proceeding. The journey is continued along the Pandamatenga road for a further 39 kilometres to the border post.

These roads are gravel and can be rough. As access to Kazuma is along the Zimbabwe/ Botswana border road, visitors are again asked to check-in with the Zimbabwe Republic Police at Pandamatenga. Kazuma Pan National Park is some 25 kilometres further along, north-west of Pandamatenga.

Access may only be made by four wheel drive vehicles as the roads are rough and sandy in some areas. Access via Kazungula is strictly prohibited.

 Best time to go

Kazuma Pan National Park is closed to the public in January and February each year due to the wet conditions over this period that make the roads impassable. The best time ot go on game safaris and drives in during the dry season from September to December. Bird watching is good during the dry season.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are two camp sites available in the park. Only two groups of visitors are allowed to camp in the Park at any one time. The camp sites each have bush toilets, braai points and water supplies. Each camp site can comfortably take 10 persons.

These sites are located in different habitats: Insiza, which overlooks the Kazuma Depression and Kasetsheti, near some natural springs.

Alternative folklore suggests the are was named for the herbalists who would stock their medicines in tusks (known as gona in the Shona language).

Three major rivers – The Save, Runde and Mwenezi – cut their courses through the Park, forming pools and natural oases from which hundreds of species of birds, wildlife and fish gather to feed and drink. As its name implies, Gonarezhou is famous for its elephants, and many of the largest-tusked elephants in the region maybe found within the Park.

The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP)

Gonarezhou National Park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP), a massive Pan-African Park that includes South Africa‘s famed Kruger National Park and Mozambique‘s Gaza National Park(Limpopo park) . This huge area is set to become one of the finest “peace parks” in the world and is dedicated to conservation, biodiversity and the economic development of the surrounding local communities. The vast and diverse nature of the mega-park will provide world-class eco-tourism to the visitor and strive to re-establish historical animal migration routes and fragile regional ecosystems.

The combined Park will include more than 500 species of birds, 147 species of mammals, at least 116 species of reptiles, 34 species of frogs and 49 species of fish.

Wildlife

Lion, leopard, cheetah (including the rare king cheetah), buffalo, giraffe, zebra and many species of large antelope are also present within the Park. The rare nyala and smaller suni are two of the highlights of the Park’s smaller antelopes. In addition, hundreds of species of birds may be spotted in the Park. Unique species of aquatic wildlife such as the Zambezi Shark, Freshwater Goby, Black Bream and the unique turquoise killifish can be seen within the Park’s rivers and pools.

Chilojo Cliffs

One of the most prominent and enduring natural features of Gonarezhou National Park is the beautiful Chilojo Cliffs. These magnificent red sandstone cliffs have been formed through eons of erosion and overlook the scenic Runde River valley.

Best time to go

Gonarezhou experiences mild, dry winters and warm, wet summers (temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celcius can occasionally be expected). Mabalauta and Chipinda areas are open throughout the year. During the rainy season (November – April), access to certain parts of the Park is restricted and the visitor should consult with the Park’s offices before undertaking game drives.

Bilharzia is endermic to all lowveld rivers and visitors should take appropriate precaution. In addition, malaria can be present within the region so visitors are advised to take prophylactics before, during and after their stay in the Park.

Hotels and Accommodation

Mabalauta was once a communal area until the 1960s when it became a game reserve. It was later declared a national park in 1975 when it became part of Gonarezhou. The name Mabalauta hails from a hardwood tree species common in the region. The Mabalauta section in the Mwenezi sub-region includes the Swimuwini rest camp, “The place of the Baobabs”. The camp is situated 8 kilometres from the warden’s office and overlooks the the Mwenezi River. There are thatched self-catering accommodation facilities at the camp.

There are 19 sites at the beautiful Chipinda Pools Camp, each with basic shelter, braai area and ablution facilities. Camps with minimum facilities are located at Nyahungwe, Madumbini, Bopomela, Lisoda, Gota, Chitove, Chamaluvati and Chilojo. These exclusive sites may be booked by a single party of up to 10 people and there are no attendants available. Visitors need to bring their own water. Dead wood in the vicinity may be collected for firewood.

Travel and Access

Chipinda Pools (Runde and Save sub-region)

Follow the main tarred road from the Chirediz turn-off to Mutare for 18 kilometres. Turn off to the south at the Chipinda Pools sign post. Follow the gravel road for approximately 34 kilometres to the entrance of the Park, about 59 kilometres from Chiredzi.

Mabalauta (Mwenezi sub-region)

Turn east off the main Masvingo – Beitbrifge road at the Mwenezi Police Station turn-off, about 20 kilometres south of Rutenga. Proceed down the the dirt road about 3 kilometres and turn left at the entrance to the Police Station – the signboard indicates Mwenezi Ranch HQ and Chikombedzi. Follow this road for about 60 kilometres to Chikombedzi Business Centre. Do not turn off this road. The road you take follows the Mwenezi River southeast from the Mwenezi Police Station to Chikombedzi (the river will not be visible from the road).

The only major intersection you will encounter is 20 kilometres from the Mwenezi Police Station and is signposted. Head straight through the intersection to Chikombedzi. Turn right after entering Chikombedzi Business Centre at a 4-way intersection where a National Parks sign indicates the route to Gonarezhou, Mabalauta, Right. About 300 metres down the road another sign indicates the route – turn left. Follow this road around a small dam and DO NOT turn off it.

About 6 kilometrees further you will pass Zhou School and 3 kilometres later you will come to Gonarezhou Natioonal Park boundary. The route from there to the Warden’s Office, Mabalauta is clearly signposted. The total distance from the Masvingo – Beitbridge Road to Mabalauta is 105 kilometres.

This large remote area of 192 000 hectares of wild, untouched flora and fauna is endowed with magnificent gorges, plateaus and flood plains, which make this pristine park a spectacular destination for any visitor. Because of its wild and remote nature, the tranquility and rugged beauty of Chizarira National Pak is indeed unequalled.

Chizarira takes its name from the word “sijalila” meaning “great barrier” in the local Tonga dialect. The magnificent range of mountains which are part of the Zambezi Escarpment form the Park’s western border and offer challenging hiking and spectacular views of the valley below. The Park is renowned for its walking trails which offer the visitor an unparalleled opportunity to getup-close to nature.

Wildlife

Most of the plains game are present in Chizarira National Park, along with bigger species such as elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. There are also many species of smaller game, including the klipsringer, famous for its ability to inhabit rocky outcrops.

Chizarira offers an abundance of unique bird life and several hundreds of species have been sighted within the Park. The Big Five birds of the area include: the African Broadbill, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Yellowspotted Nicator, Emerald Cuckoo and the rare and elusive Angola Pitta. Chizarira is also home to the Taita Falcon which make its nests within the Park.

Best time to go

The Park is usually open to visitors all year round, with restrictions on local movement being imposed during the wet season.

Accommodation

Chizarira National Parks has 7 exclusive bush camps for the real wildlife enthusiasts. Each of the camps is usually limited to a party of 12 persons.

Mucheni View Camp- Located on the edge of the Zambezi Escarpment and offers a spectacular view of the Zambezi Valley floor with a perpetual cool breeze that makes one want to stay forever. Facilities include a thatched shelter, a long drop toilet and braai stand. Water may be obtained from the Park headquarters 4 kilometres away.

Mucheni Gorge Camp-Situated on the edge of one of the beautiful gorges that are so characteristic of Chizarira. There is a thatched shelter, a long drop and braai stand. Water is available from the Parks headquarters 3.5 kilometers away.

The Platform-This is a bush camp with a long drop and game viewing platform overlooking a favourite watering place for elephant, waterbuck, buffalo, kudu, impala, zebra, and many other animal species found within the Park.

 Busi Camp-Situated 40 kilometres away from the Park headquarters, surrounded by miles of untamed wilderness. It is situated on the scenic Busi River and is home to large herds of buffalo and elephant. Lions also favour Busi. It is the true African Bush camp dominated by Acacia albida flood plains. Road access to this camp is very rough and 4 x 4 or other high clearance vehicles are necessary.

Kaswiswi  Camp-Situated on the upper reaches of the Rwizilukulu River , 6 kilometres from the Park headquarters. The camp is equipped with a water-borne ablution block, braai stand and raised pole and thatch bedrooms called “Ngazi” styled after the traditional shelters of the local Tonga tribe.

Travel and Access

There are three main routes by road into Chizarira National Park.

From Victoria Falls take the Bulawayo Road and turn left toward Kamativi at Cross Dete. From Kamativi follow the Binga Road and turn right along the Siabuwa road at the 133 kilometre peg. Follow this dirt road and turn right at the 47 kilometre peg where there is a sign indicating “Chizarira National Park”. This undulating road leads you up the escarpment for 20 kilometres to the Park headquarters.

If you are using the Harare-Bulawayo Highway, one turns toward Gokwe at Kwekwe. At Gokwe take the Binga tarred road for 120 kilometres until you reach a T-junction with a sign post indicating Binga to the left. Take this dirt road towards Binga via Siabuwa Busness Centre until you see a sign indicating “Chizarira National Park” at the 47 kilometre peg. Turn left and proceed for 20 kilometres to the Park headquarters.

From Bulawayo, along the Victoria Falls road, turn off at Gwayi River on the Lubumbi road at the 246 kilometre peg. Follow the road for 96 kilometres towards Lusulu and turn left at the sign post written “Chizarira National Park” the Park headquarters is 70 kilometres beyond this sign.

Wildlife

Wildlife species found in this area include eland, sable, bushbuck, blue duiker, klipspringer and an occasional leopard.

Forest lovers are will take delight in the virgin forests of the area. The thick, moist, evergreen forest that is found here is rare. Several species of butterfly, birds, plants, snakes and shy cats are commonly seen.

There are no roads in this wild area and only footpaths and narrow tracks lead to the various places of interest. This adds to the fun of the wild and unspoilt character of the area.

Facilities & Attractions

The Mountain Hut Chimanimani Mountains

There is a hut at 1630m above sea level that is not furnished. This hut acts as a refuge and rest point. It may be used on a communal basis and can not be used by an individual party exclusively. The ablution and cooking facilities are ideal for up to 20 visitors. However, daring visitors have the option of spending the night in either Terry’s or Peter’s caves (disused mine shafts).

Hikers to the summit are usually encouraged to take either of two routes. Experienced hikers will find The Bailly’s Folly a worthwhile challenge, while the aspiring hikers are best advised to take The Banana Grove.

Hotels and Accommodation

Visitors are also allowed to camp free of charge anywhere within the park except at the Base Camp. However, it should be noted that such camping is at the visitors’ own risk.

The Base Camp

The Base Camp is available for limited numbers of visitors wishing to spend the night at the foot of the Mountains. There is a car park, an information office and ablution facilities at the base camp.

Visitors will have to pay the prevailing camping rates for use of this facility.Visitors are also allowed to camp free of charge anywhere within the park except at the Base Camp. However, it should be noted that such camping is at the visitors’ own risk.

Bridal Veil Falls Chimanimani Bridal Veil

A picnic site is located at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls in The Eland Sanctuary. The sanctuary itself offers spectacular views of the Porkpie mountain range and The Bridal Veil Falls which plunge 50 metres down into a base about 10 metres wide.

The Corner Camp

Hikers who do not like the physical challenge posed by the trails to the mountain hut may prefer this area. This area borders the Chikukwa rural village. Visitors can relax at the picnic site at the base of the Muhohwa Falls or take a plunge in the cool crocodile free pools along the Muhohwa River.

Other attractions in this area include viewing the rare Barrosus Palm tree and the unique rock formation of the Mawenje Mountain. Visitors to this part may also look forward to viewing the Nyakwaha and Haroni Botanical Reserves, as well as the Haroni and Mukurupiri waterfalls.

Access

Access to the foot of the mountain range can be made by car from Chimanimani village. The gravel road can be described as fair and gives the visitor access to the base camp some 19 kilometres from the village. The game scout on duty will advise visitors on the best route to take into the mountains. These paths climb from the Base Camp at 1250m above sea level to the refuge hut which is situated on the West bank of the Bundi River about 1630m above sea level. Two or three hours should be allowed for this walk by any one unused to mountain walking.

One sure way to beat the stress of planning a holiday is by choosing a good Uganda travel agent or Uganda tour operator. That travel agent must have absolute knowledge of the travel destination you want on your holidays and also have good connection with service providers in that country. Getting the services of a travel agent does not entirely off load the tasks of arranging a holiday but makes it rather easier. Here are some of the things to ask yourself or the travel agent before you hire a travel agent to do all the planning work.

Travel documentation; the travel agent you choose must be aware of the travel procedures and documents required for tourists going to a particular country. What does the country policy have for travel insurance, Visas, passports, immunization and medication examination? Your travel agent must inform you in advance and help you with all the required travel information before your arrival.

Flights to Uganda and travel; this is a major part of any holiday arrangement that a travel agent has influence on. How do you intend to travel to your destination…using world class airlines, direct flights or cheap airlines with stops in different airports around the World? Your travel preference must fit within your budget and thus a travel agent will give you world travel tips and how to adjust your travel arrangements to fit into your budget before you do the booking. Remember to put your preferences and desires across as you work with your travel agent

Holiday itinerary and adventures; Coming up with the best things to do for a particular holiday is almost 60% of your holiday planning exercise. Ask for travel agent for any advantages of choosing particular activities over others and how changes in travel plans may affect the holiday budget. Any changes made during the holiday should have no financial impact on the holiday arrangements. Make inquiries on what you do not understand on say tickets, entry fees for visiting certain places and hidden charges! The holiday itinerary should specifically reflect your preferences and the places you like to visit the most! There are options for car hire in Uganda as soon as you arrive at Entebbe Airport-other options are available from tour companies and safari companies.

Hotels and accommodation is very important in having the best holiday. Ensure that the travel agent knows the hotel you have chosen for advice on the location, range of tourist facilities there, type of accommodation, any holiday packages given by the hotels, meals and dining, airport transfer and taxi, use of credit cards, reservation fees and any costs that could arise during your stay!

Finally, you don’t want to work with a travel agent who doesn’t respect your preferences and is nagging. Travel agents or tour operators must be registered under some umbrella travel associations as this guarantees professional service delivery

The number one travel rule is insisting on your travel preferences and that gets you a customized holiday plan. Compromising your interests will affect your holiday expectations while seeking the advice of recent travellers on the best travel agents in a particular country makes work easier!

There are several tourist operators and travel agent that can arrange the perfect holiday to Uganda  and some of the tailored packages include honeymoons in Uganda, wildlife safaris, water adventures like kayaking, boating on Lake Victoria, Uganda Holidays and religious tours/pilgrimages to holy places and temples  in Kampala Uganda. You can actually book a holiday with family, friends or for a weekend to one of the countries in East Africa.

Likewise, hiring a car in Uganda requires that you make as many decisions. Many tourists consider just the size of the car. Some new recommendations for choosing a good car for hire on Uganda Safaris may include choosing a car with environmental friendly usage on fuel, other add-on packages from the car rental packages, terms and conditions among other details.  Many car rentals and car hire companies have such information and details given online.

Tips on booking Cars in Uganda

While making your car booking, think of the time you will have the car under your use. If your safari is longer than a week, seek packages from the local travel agents with car hire services since they have an idea of costs on fuel that could last you for your entire safari tour. Longer durations on car hire have advantages of cheaper car rental packages with extras such as fuel and supplies!

There are many car hire companies in Uganda with several cars available for both short and longer safaris. You must make a comparison of the rates charges by different companies by looking online, checking with travel magazines and asking your tour guide/ tour operator for advice on companies with the cheapest car hire services.

After making a comparison, you can now make your booking online or on spot at the company offices. Remember to ask for discounts and cars that suit your taste and holiday specifications like the baggage, number of people on board and so much more.

It wise to have an idea of the cost of car hire and rentals before you make your booking. Car hire rates are normally complied with inner charges such as airport pick-ups and transfers, local taxes, Travel insurance, fuel prices and driver’s fees. Knowing the effects of all these costs on the final charge for car hire help you make your bargain out right. At the same time, keeping records of such extra costs helps you make your holiday within your budget! However, cheap is not always good…the charges on car hire should always offer value for money!

Remember to rent the car at a time when it is not too late. Normally, it is essential to spend a day or two with your hired car before you take it on safari trips in the countryside. Why is this important?  Having you car before your trips gives you time to test the car’s credibility and also get familiar with its operations. You don’t want to get stranded in Uganda’s villages simply because the gear got faulty! Also never rush for last minute car hire because you’ll more than likely have the worst experience with a faulty car for your trip

Check for the mechanical condition of the car of your choice before payment. Things like leaving roofs, car locks, engine condition and car lights should be inspected in your presence. In case of damages, have a consensus and agreement otherwise you might end paying for damage that has been on the car for a long time! Of you are travelling to the hills of south western Uganda; consider hiring a tour van with 4WD over a saloon car. Most of Uganda’s roads are gravel with occasional pot holes nd are slippery after the rains thus you need a robust car no matter what.

Avoid refilling your hired car at a fuel station near Entebbe Airport. Like in other countries, these fuel stations always that inflated fuel prices that may upset your budget plans. When returning the car after the period of car hire, make sure you refill the fuel tank to the amount you used. This is important if you found the car already refilled-otherwise not necessary if you agreed to foot the fuel costs yourself.

There are many advantages associated with car hire and rentals when travelling in Uganda-it doesn’t matter whether it is for business, holidays or personal use. Car hire affords you flexibility, freedom and comfort. Although you might get more for using your own car, it is not feasible to your car tread the rugged hills and pot holes on Uganda’s roads.

Many tour companies have car hire services but we recommend reliable facilities at international firms like Hertz, Euopcar and Avis although they come at a higher price. Cheap car rentals are often available from tour operators in Uganda but consider options like a tour guide for your driver or get a chauffer driven car. Everyone wants to make savings on holidays and safaris in Uganda but be wise on how you deal with car hires and rentals.

Semliki has one of the most diverse eco-systems with a rich population of wild animals, birds and flora. To the south east of the park are the snow peaks of Rwenzori Mountains that make a spectacular sight for all tourists that visit the park during the dry season.

The Sempaya Hot Springs

The major attractions within the park are the hot springs at Sempaya. The legendary hot springs are classified into the female and male hot springs. A guided forest walk leads to the hot water springs boiling with bubbles and are protected by a swamp. They are believed to have healing powers and special guidelines are issued to all visitors.

The largest spring is a geyser that spouts hot water through a low salt sculpture to some 2m high. To the people living around Sempaya, this hot spring is called the Male Hot spring. The female hot spring is just an open pool of water located a few kilometers from the male spring. The water at both springs is very hot-not less than 100ºC.

A boat ride from Sempaya River is a great way to discover the hot springs and its birds. You can actually boil an egg in hot water and it will be ready in 10 minutes

Wildlife

During the rainy seasons of March to May, September to December, the rivers and small streams in the park flood make a great habitat for migrant birds coming from Congo and neighboring countries. Some of the common species in the park include long tailed hawk, Nkulengu rail, African dwarf kingfishers, ground thrushes, crested fly catcher, lemon bellied crombec, yellow throated nicator, African goshawk, great sparrows and cassin Spinetail among many other species. The park is estimated to be a home to nearly 350 species of birds.

The park is also a habitat for more than 50 mammals such as elephants, buffalo, wild pig, sitatunga, duiker, zenker’s flying mouse, squirrels, little collared bat, target bat and primate species such as red tailed monkeys, olive baboon, vervet monkeys,grey checked mangabey, Guereza colobus, chimpanzees and many other mammals. An estimated 30 species of butterflies and 200 moths were also recorded in the park.

Getting there

The park is located off the Fort Portal-Bundibugyo highway. The route from Fort portal is 52km to the Sempaya gate taking nearly 2 and half hours drive. The gate is clearly marked with a sign post. The route from Kampala via Masaka to Fortportal is the best for countryside tours in Uganda although longer. You can make stops at the equator, Lake Mburo National park, Kyambura forest reserve and Queen Elizabeth National Park before proceeding to Bundibugyo district-normally takes 8 hours

The park’s headquarter are located at Ntandi, 5km on the road to Bundibugyo. Remember to use strong 4WD for your country safaris since the roads are rugged and bumpy. If you are using public transports such as taxi or buses, you can board a pickup or arrange private transfers from Fort portal to Sempaya gate. Early departures from the park are recommended for day tourists using public transport are recommended since the road is in poor shape with some extreme corners to negotiate.

Activities

The trail to Sempaya hot springs leads you through the wet slippery walks in the forests and swamps, watching birds and butterflies along the trail.

Other activities within Semliki National park include birding, safari game walks, hiking and forest walks. Taking walks and trips is the forests should de done with a ranger guide for safety reasons. There are no roads within the park but it is important to use the designated trails and paths for your tours

Take cultural tours within the pygmy peoples that live at Ntandi near the park’s headquarters. Some of the pygmy tribes found her include the Bakonjo and Bamba  that boost an interesting lifestyle…food, culture and dance!

Accommodation

There aren’t any major facilities at the park but the ranger post at Sempaya has a self catering campsite. There is a campsite at Bumaga near the gate at Sempaya offering accommodation in two executive suites and tents for hire on outdoor camping trips. It is recommend that you carry own supplies and a camping tent. Other area designated for camping include the camp near the ox bow lakes and another at the river crossing if Kirumia

There is a canteen at the camping site selling a few items, soft drinks and has a cook to make meals on order. Once again, carry all supplies including food, fuel, drinking water, utensils and anything else you might need because restocking on supplies is done in Fort Portal or Bundibugyo towns.

There are a large and diverse variety of plants to be found in the country. They are silk-cotton tree, bamboos, African teak, gingerbread plum, tallow tree, acacias, African locust bean, palm trees, kapok trees, baobabs, coconuts, mango trees and mangroves.

Wildlife

The list of animals in Senegal includes elephants, lions, hippopotamuses, buffaloes, leopard, hare, antelopes, chimpanzees, monkeys, warthogs, jackals, tortoises, lizards and snakes. There are several avian varieties in the country too. Most of them are migratory birds. Some of the names of birds that can be sighted in the country are quail, ducks, painted snipe, spatulas, osprey, sparrows, black rail, crowned ibis, little bee-eater, guinea fowl, bustard, cormorants and bihoreaux. The marine life off the coast of Senegal also offers a lot. Some of the commonly found species are swordfish, oyster, marlin, barracudas and tunas.

List of National Parks

The Niokolo-Koba National Park is a World Heritage Site and natural protected area in south eastern Senegal near the Guinea-Bissau border which protects a large variety of wild animals, including hippos, elephants, and lions. Largely undeveloped, the area is remote and lacks tourist infrastructure, but is a destination for specialty tours.

The Basse Casamance National Park, in the far southwest, includes both ecotourism and tropical forest excursions, and a popular coastal beach resort aimed at foreign tourism.

The Saloum Delta National Park is a large area of Mangrove estuaries and islands, visited by tourists for it wildlife, its cultural interest as the home of the minority Serer people, and its proximity to the tourist resorts of the Petite-Côte.

Smaller parks and reserves, like the Guembeul Natural Reserve in the center west or the Bandia Natural Reserve near Dakar exit primarily for the more conventional European tourist industry, resembling Wildlife Parks or zoos.

The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is found on the southeast bank of the River Senegal in Senegal, in northern Biffeche, north east of St-Louis. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting several species of water birds and also migrants. The sanctuary occupies 16000ha which includes wetlands, lake, water streams, ponds and grassland shores.

More than 400 species of birds are found in the park with regular sights of pelicans and flamingoes.  Other birds in the park include Great egret, cormorant, purple heron, African Spoonbill and more.

Research has shown that, of the four islands on the Gulf of Guinea, Bioko, Príncipe, São Tomé and Pagalu, the santomean archipelago presents the richest diversity of flora, with high rates of endemism. In fact, since 1988 scientists classified the forests of Sao Tomé and Principe as the second most important in terms of biological interest of the 75 forests of Africa.

Wildlife

Sao Tome and Principe Islands are excellent for bird watching and so is the Park.More than 230 birds are found in the park with half of the population being endemic to the Gulf of Guinea and 28 to Sao Tome and Principe islands. Some of the birds in the park include parrots, Lesser grey shrike, Sao Tome Grosbeak, dwarf olive ibis, pigeons, Sao Tome Scoop owl, sun birds, waxbill and many others.

This is an extraordinary number because islands with the similar dimensions usually have 1 to 2 endemic bird species. In the nineties, Birdlife International included Sao Tome and Principe in the top 25% of 218 “Endemic Bird Area” (EBAs) worldwide for their species richness. More recently, the forest of both islands have been included among the “Important Bird Area” (IBAs) of Africa.

Best time to visit

The best time to go bird watching on the islands is during the months of October until March.  This period is also the rainy season when several migrants fly in from all over the Gulf of Guinea and Europe. The rest of the year is dry and particularly good for game viewing and safaris.

In exploring the National Parks there are many wonders to discover, ranging from the crystal–clear waters of marine parks to the luscious green flora that carpets the tropical forests. The Parks have endemic species such as the renowned coco-de-Mer; indigenous species like coconut palm trees, including a variety of other exotic species.

Bird watching

Being so isolated from the rest of the world, many of the birds here are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else. The Seychelles bulbul, the black parrot and the fruit pigeon—three of the world’s rarest birds—are spotted regularly. There are bird sanctuaries located on four of the islands: Aride, Frégate, Cousin and the cleverly-named Bird Island. this hill road, a signboard indicates the entrance to the site. SPTC bus no. 14 (Victoria-Sans Souci

Wildlife

There are also four marine national parks loaded with hundreds of species of fish and coral. All national parks are located by the beach and on small islands stretching to form section of marine parks. Theya re great places for adventures like snorkelling, horse riding, nature walks, hiking and some have well maintained trails for quad biking, mountain biking and game drives.

The best islands to visit for Seychelles game and birds include Praslin, Desroches, Mahe and La Digue Island among many others

Saint Anne National Park

This Seychelles National Park established back in 1973, was the first in all of the Indian Ocean; its crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. The park occupies nearly 6 small islands whose coral reefs and waters are full of colorful fishes and mammals.  The park overlooks Victoria which is the capital of Seychelles on Praslin island.  Also on Praslin island is Vallee de Mai-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tropical forest is the best place to check out the coco de mer, which is the famous palm that yields the world’s biggest fruit-shaped like a female pelvis.

Aldabra’s Giant Tortoise park

The island of Aldabra  boasts the Giant Tortoise and Crocodile Park. The giant tortoises are an endemic species of mammals on Seychelles island. More than 150,000 of them are recorded at the park

Curieuse Marine National Park

Curieuse Marine National Park is a popular visit from Praslin as well as the turquoise waters and red reefs of Ilê Coco Marine National Park. Some of the world’s best shallow-water scuba diving can also be found here, particularly at Baie Ternay, where shipwrecks and carpet anemone dominate. Some of the marine animals in the park include dolphins, porpoise, shark and barracuda can be found in deeper waters, primarily between islands.

Morre Seychellois National Park

On the largest island of Mahé lies the impressive mountain range that is home to this national park. The peak is the highest in the country, offering exquisite views of the sea beyond. Enjoy a day hike into the lush forest, with breaks along the way to appreciate the visually-vivacious vistas.

National Botanical Gardens

The fifteen acres of lush vegetation of these gardens are a relaxing getaway for those holed up in the capital city of Victoria. Among the most noteworthy of the plants here are the famous coco de mer palms. The orchid garden is worth seeing and the restaurant serves up tasty fare.

Best time to visit

The Seychelles islands have pleasant weather all through the year. The dry season is normally cool with chilly breeze from the ocean in May to September. The rainy season is recorded for the months of January to February and July to August.Seyc

Boma National Park and Southern National Park are only a few of the wildlife zones in South Sudan.  The best wildlife zones in South Sudan include the River Nile floodplain, wetlands, high plateau regions, open savannah grasslands and escarpments.

Wildlife

Some of the notable species of mammals in South Sudan include white-eared kob and Nile lechwe, as well as elephants, giraffes, common eland, giant eland, oryx, lions, wild dogs, buffalo, and topi (locally called tiang).

Surveys in the preceding years revealed that Boma National Park, west of the Ethiopian border, as well as the Sudd wetland and Southern National Park near the border with Congo, provided habitat for large populations of kob and topis, buffalo, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests and lions.

South Sudan also has a number of forest reserves that create a lush habitat for forest hog, elephants, monkeys, river hog and bongo among other forest woodland species.

Other national parks and wildlife zones in South Sudan include Bandingilo National Park, Zeraf Wildlife reserve and the Nimule National Park.  Nimule Park is famous for its large herd of elephants, baboons, warthogs, waterbuck, bush buck, Hippos, Nile Crocodiles, Uganda Kob, Duiker, Leopard, vervet monkey, hyrax, common jackal, Oribi,  and abundant river bird life. The park straddles the Nile River and is right on the border with Uganda.

Travel tips

The best time to travel to South Sudan for game viewing is during the months of October to May occasionally interrupted by storms and heavy rains. April to May is great for game viewing as animals are found near the water pool, holes and near the river banks. The rainy season covers the rest of the months. The roads to parks and reserves such as Boma National Park and Nimule National park are flooded during the heavy rains of June and July.

Travel to the parks is recommended for 4X4 vehicles

Safari Accommodation

Some of the parks in South Sudan have accommodation in temporary tented camps. Such accommodation can be prepared before arrival at the park or reserve. Some parks have designated camping areas with showers, self catering kitchens, well furnished dining areas and also offer adventure tours

Challenges

Due to increase exploitation of land in South Sudan, wildlife and protected area are under great threat of destruction. Oil exploration is on the rise in southern Sudan region of the White Nile yet more and more people are looking at occupying the regions near the banks of the river.

Land near the river is also demanded for grazing, private hunting grounds, refugee settlement and agriculture to mention a few needs. Road construction and water diversion projects are under way and thus inevitably eat away sections of the protected areas

Sudan has two airports one in Khartoum and another smaller one from Ad-Dabbah. Khartoum International Airport (KRT) is the main airport located in Al-Amarat near Khartoum city centre.

There are a number of airlines with flights to Sudan with one stop, two-stop and direct Sudan flights. Finding cheap Sudan Khartoum flights is as easy as a simple click…an online travel website or through a Sudan Travel and tour company. Bookings and early reservations will get you discount Sudan tickets, Airfares and cheap flights.

Wildlife

More than 180 species of birds including Ostrich are recorded in Dinder national park while many species of fish and mammals are part of the fauna in the park. Some of the animals in the park include roan, bushbuck, oribi, hartebeest, giraffe, reedbuck, greater kudu, waterbuck, dik-diki, lion, leopard, jackal, hyena,elephant and cheetah among others

The park is located in eastern Sudan on the banks of Dinder river. Access to the park is  via Galegu Airport. The route from Khartoum the capital to the park headquarter is 470km.

Towns and cities

Mogadishu is the first tourist point for all Somalia travelers. It is the capital city and one of he most secure places to be while on Somalia holidays. Sightseeing tours are the best ways to adventure Mogadishu and some of the interesting tourist attractions in the city include the Old Shanghai city, the city markets, building, airport and beautiful people.

Baraka Market is one of the best tourist sights in Mogadishu. This market was built in 1972 and is the best place to find food, fresh supplies, clo9thing, and so much more. Other cities worth visiting on Somalia holidays include Hargeisa which is the capital of Somaliland, Merca and Kismayo. Kismayo is the port located south of the country.

National parks and reserves

Some of the best wildlife zones and protected areas in Somalia include its national parks and reserves.Kismayu National Park of Somalia is one the best wildlife species with some of the animals endemic to the region. Another protected area with unique species of animals and birds is Hargeisa National Park. Another popular park is situated outside the city of Mogadishu.

Somali Beaches – Somalia has some of the best kept beaches on the Indian Ocean coast. The beautiful beaches stretch from Mogadishu down to the Kenyan border. The beaches have pretty coral reefs that are beautiful places to dive. Some of the best beaches are at Zeialo coast and Merca. It is important to know that this is an Islamic nation and swimming while naked (for women) is not allowed.

Las Geel has a series of inter connected caves and shelters in Somaliland. It is one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Somali and is thus a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The wonder lies on the inside walls of this strip of caves which have been decorated with Neolithic paintings. The Somali government has made much effort to preserve these paintings.

Travel Guide

Travel to Somalia is by flights to Mogadishu with stops in neighboring Ethiopia and Nairobi in Kenya. Travel by road is through Ethiopia through Jijiga and Wajaale. The ports of Mogadighu, Kismaayo, Boosaaso and Berbera handle both cargo ships and passengers.

Somalia is a moslem nation thus dressing and beliefs follow Sharia Law. Dressing is strictly long for women. Likewise restaurants and all food point prepare Halaal foods.

The best time to travel is during the cool weather months of March and June. The hottest period is during January. Another good time to go to Somalia would be before the heat kicks up from September to December.

Mlilwane is Swaziland’s oldest protected area, owned and managed by a non-profit making trust.

Nyonyane Mountain is where ancient San or Bushmen people once lived and where Swazi Royal graves are situated. This gives it great historical significance. Behind these mountains, the stunning Mantenga waterfall and beautiful Usushwana Valley form the divide, before stretching up to northern section, which includes one of the highest surrounding points at Luphohlo. Tourist activities are concentrated in the southern section, with only guided trails entering the pristine mountains of the north.

Accommodation

Mlilwane has a campsite and a tourist centre at Inkhundla, about 200 meters from the Hippo Haunt restaurant which is suitable for private functions, such as weddings, graduation parties and so on and is often used by members of the Royal Family. It consists of a reed and semi-tin roof, riversand floor, railway sleeper benches, a bar area and has an ablution nearby.

The park protects an area of 30,000ha of Swaziland bushveld in eastern part of Swaziland. Other parts of the park are covered in leadwood, tambuti and shallow water pans. the shallow water pans attract animals especially during the dry season.

Location

Hlane game reserve is located 67km north east of Mazini. There is a highway crossing through the park Manzini Lomahasha highway while the park gate is located 4km south of Simuye town.

Wildlife

There are several mammals in the park and they include lion, white rhino, crocodiles, wildebeest, impala, elephant, leopard, zebra, cheetah, buffalo, wild boar, giraffe and other species of antelopes.

Different species of birds are resident and others recorded as migrants to the park. Some of the notable species include martial eagles, white headed vulture, long crested eagles, bateleurs, marabou stork and cape vultures…to mention a few.

Activities

Guided walking safaris, mountain biking trails and 4×4 game-viewing are highlights, whilst almost all areas of the park are accessible by ordinary self-drive sedan during the dry season.

The park is open 6am to 6pm although prior booking is recommended.

Accommodation

There is accommodation in the park with 2 camps and lodges. Ndlovu Rest camp (meaning elephant” in siSwati) offers tented accommodation with restaurant and game viewing deck. There is also a set of self-catering cottages and camp at Bhubesi (“lion” in siSwati)-18km from Ndlovo camp.

Food and supplies can be bought from Simunye shopping centre. Although not as well stocked as the city supermarkets, the supermarket here can provide a lot of the

ACTIVITIES

All activity departures are coordinated from the main gate reception. Activities can be pre-booked in advance.

The vegetation in the park is Afro montane forest, swamps, tall plains grasses and blooms of lilies, orchids and ancient cycads. Many wild flowers are found in the park growing on the river banks and in the high altitude zones.

The park is drained by several rivers and water streams flowing from the high mountains through deep gorges and ridges to form spectacular waterfalls and rapids down stream, the Malolotja falls are the one of the waterfalls in this region cascading over 90m gorge and into the dense afro montane forest downstream. The upper reaches of the river have crystal clear streams and pools good for swimming.

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include mountain zebras, red hartebeest, oribi, reedbuck, wildebeest, jackal, leopards, serval, bush pig and aardwolf, among many others, Some of the animals are found grazing in the grassland areas while other are seen in the evening. Game viewing is good during the dry season.

The park is also a habitat for the Highveld birds which include sunbirds, blue cranes, louries, bald ibis, swallows and many others.

Getting there

This park is not for the self drive amateur as apart from a meagre 15 miles (25km) of driveable road, the rest are 4×4 trails more suited to a mountain bike. However perseverance allows you to access seldom visited parts such as the top of Ngwenya Mountain.

Best time to visit

The Park can be visited all through the year. The summer months are recorded for the period of December to April with occasional rains and thunderstorms. This is the best time to visit the park for game viewing.  The winter months are May to August and very cold temperatures recorded for June and July.

Activities

Some of the adventures in the park include nature walks, bird watching, game drives, hiking, mountain biking, night game drives and Swimming in a natural highland pool

Accommodation is available in the park is in rustic huts and cabins.

Fazao-Malfakassa National Park

Fazao-Malfakassa National Park is located in western parts of Togo and is near, and at one point against, the international border with Ghana. The park was established in 1975 and stretches to include forest reserves of Fazao and Mlafakassa. Covering 1920sq km. it is one of the largest protected areas in Togo.  This UNESCO Heritage Site boasts the largest pristine forest region in Togo stretching on the foot hills of Mont de Malfakassa in the north to Monts du Fazao in the central.

Some of the mammals in the park include elephants, chimpanzees and other small mammal species. The birds in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park include Francolins, Hawk eagles, grey parrot, heron, Senegal Parrot, hornbill, swamp greenbul, Senegal Eremomela, Firefinch and sunbirds among others.

The Park is open for Togo Holidays and safaris from November to April although it can be visited although the year.

Keran National Park

This park is found on the Kamongou river banks in northern Togo covering 1700sq km. Keran national park was established in 1971 to protect Keran forest reserve and Oti reserve which is found on the banks of river Oti.

This park is dominated by open savannah woodlands, swamps, shrubs, riparian forests and woodlands growing on rocky outcrops.  The park also protects Mare-aux-Lions, a small wetland area close to the Koumongou River where one can come across birds and mammals of different types.

Some of the mammals in Kergan National Park include bay duiker, elephants, bushbuck, Sitatunga, Bongo, red flanked duiker, roan, reedbuck, hartebeest, waterbuck and many others. Many of the species of antelopes are threatened by increased poaching activity and encroachment on the forest reserve.

Fosse aux Lions National Park

This togo national park stretches 90sq km in the north western tip of the country. It is the smallest protected area and reserve in Togo

This Togo reserve protects a population of about 60 elephants on the Dapaong plain besides other species of mammals like warthog, duiker, vervet monkeys, pata monkeys and several species of antelopes.

The Togodo National Reserve in the south east is another important park home to herds of buffalos and antelopes. This reserve occupies 350sq km of savannah woodlands and forest gallery growing on the banks of Mono River.

Travel Tips

The best time to plan for safaris and wildlife tours in Togo is during August up to early September just before the onset of the rainy season (April to June, September to October). The dry season in Togo runs from November to April. Weather in Togo permits cotton clothes in all round the year. Rainwear is required, if visiting the climate.

The temperatures in the wildlife zones-northern part of the country are between 18°C and 38°C. Togo has varying mean temperatures. Temperatures during August (best time to holidays) are between 20°C and 38°C.

This park is dominated by open savannah woodlands, swamps, shrubs, riparian forests and woodlands growing on rocky outcrops.  The park also protects Mare-aux-Lions, a small wetland area close to the Koumongou River where one can come across birds and mammals of different types.

The park is located near Naboulgou, a town in northern Togo.

Wildlife; There are many species of mammals in Kergan National Park. Many of the animals congregate along the river banks during the dry season  and these include bay duiker, elephants, bushbuck, Sitatunga, Bongo, red flanked duiker, roan, reedbuck, hartebeest, waterbuck and many others. Many of the species of antelopes are threatened by increased poaching activity and encroachment on the forest reserve.

The best time to plan for a visit in Togo is in the months of August, early September. Visitors can also arrive in Togo from November to April.

This UNESCO Heritage Site boasts the largest pristine forest region in Togo stretching on the foot hills of Mont de Malfakassa in the north to Monts du Fazao in the central. The park’s habitat is savannah grasslands, woodlands and dense forests growing are a rugged mountainous area.Some of the rivers draining the park include Kpaza and Koué rivers.

Wildlife

Some of the mammals in the park include elephants, chimpanzees and other small mammal species. The birds in Fazao-Malfakassa National Park include Francolins, Hawk eagles, grey parrot, heron, Senegal Parrot, hornbill, swamp greenbul, Senegal Eremomela, Firefinch and sunbirds among others.

The Park is open for Togo Holidays and safaris from November to April during the dry season. the rainy season is April to October. Although it is good for bird watching, the rains make the park impassable and more since it is in rugged terrain.

The park covers an estimated 1000sq km of which  Outamba takes more than  half of the entire park area. The vegetation is mainly grasslands, forests and open woodlands especially for Outamba section of the park. other features in the park include perennial lake in Outamba called Idrissa, which is drained by several water streams and rivers such as  Mongo and Little Scarcies

Getting there

The park is located 296 km north of Freetown. It lies adjacent to the border with the Republic of Guinea, in the Tambakha Chiefdom, Bombali District, Northern province. The nearest town is Kamakwie which is 15km from the park gate to the south. The main access route is via the Little Scarcies river Bridge and also a ferry service crosses through the park.

 Wildlife

Outamba and Kilimi are important Birding Areas in Sierra Leone. More than 300 species of birds are found in the park of which 50 are endemic to either regions of the park. OKNP is home to Pallid Harrier which is an endangered species that migrants to the lake shore. Other birds found in the park include herons, plovers, sand pipers and egrets among others.

More than 6 species of primates are recorded in the park’s forest gallery including four threatened species of Sooty Mangabey ,Red Colobus Monkey (Vu), Black and White Colobus Monkey (NT) and Western Chimpanzee. Other species of mammals in the park include elephants, leopard, water chevrotain, hippo, crocodiles, duiker and buffalo among others

Accommodation

There is a camp on the banks of Little Scarcies River offering tented accommodation, self catering kitchen and guided tours to the park. There is however no electricity or tap water there.

Wildlife Conservation office at the park can arrange staff and ranger guides to provide guided tours, including canoe trips on the different rivers. Trails are marked and labelled and there is one viewing platform.

This west African country was under German colonial rule from 1884 (by treaty) and 1905 as a German colony until 1914 after the world war I. After the German defeat in Gold coast after the World War I, Togo was taken over by the British first and then the French until its independence in 1960.

Culture of Togo is a fine combination of 37 tribal groups with the most popular being Ewe, the Mina, and the Kabre community. The official language spoken in Togo is French although local languages such as Gbe Aja and Kabiyé are used.

Weather in Togo

Weather in Togo is very enjoyable and pleasant. The country experiences tropical climate, which is said to be very exotic. There are two distinct seasons in the country- The wet season and the dry season. The wet season or the rainy season is from April to June and again from September to October. The best time for visiting Togo is months of August and early September.

The temperature in the country is from 23°C to 32°C in the southern part. In the northern part of the country, the temperatures are from 18°C and goes up to 38°C. Togo has varying mean temperatures. The coastal part of the country has 26°C while the north the temperature is 26°C. August temperatures of the country are between 20°C and 38°C.

Tourist Attractions

Some of the national Parks in Togo include Fazao-Malfakassa, Fosse aux Lions and the Keran National Park. These are the home to Togo’s best wildlife which includes primates, elephants, birds and other species of mammals. Keran National Park has one of the largest herds of African forest elephants in West Africa.

Lome is the capital city of Togo located along the coast of Togo. Some of the main attractions in this port town include Lome Grand Market, Voodoo Market, Togo National Museum, Lake Togo, Beaches, University of Lome, Lome Cathedral and 2 Fervrier Sofitel Hotel. The city also has pretty good sand beaches for weekends and holiday gateways. Other tourist towns to visit in Togo include Aneho, Kpalime, Davie, Aneho, Togoville and Notse. Aneho is famous for its beaches, old architectural works, and good weather

The National Museum in the city is another place for tourists. Located just behind the building of Palais des Congres, this museum displays wide range of collection. For exquisite batiks works and exquisite leather items, a visit to the Village Artisan is a must. Visitors can see and buy the country handcrafts and see the persons at work.

Travel Guide

The best time to plan for a visit in Togo is in the months of August, early September. Tourists can also travel to Togo from November to April which is the dry season. The rest of the year is rainy season which is particularly good for bird watching and water sports.

Getting there

Flights to Togo are easily accessible from other West African countries such as Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. TThere are many airports in Togo are Kolokope Airport, Djangou Airport, Lome -Tokonin Airport, Akpaka Airport, Sansanne Mango Airport, Akpaka Airport and Sokode Airport

Alternative travel is by road from neighboring countries using buses and private car hire. The route from Accra Ghana to Lome is 3 hours. A ferry also carries goods and passengers to Togo. Ferry services are available from Togo. It will take 3 hours to drive to Lome from Accra.

Lome has private buses, charter flights and car hire services to get you around Togo’s cities and towns.

Hotels and Accommodation

One of the popular holiday hotels is Fevrier Sofitel Hotel in Lome. The 2 Fevrier Sofitel Hotel is the tallest building in Lome with thirty-six stories and is housed in the posh area of Place De L’Indépendance in Lome. The Avenida Hotel is a 5 minutes walk from the hotel, airport and central business centre. Other popular hotels in Togo include The Mercure Sarakawa Azur Hotel, The Corinthia Two Fevrier Hotel and The Ibis Lome Centre.

Tourism

Freetown Penninsula is the most visited part of Sierra house, a former settlement for freed slaves from European and other parts of the world. This dramatic landscape is home to Leceister Park, towering mountains, undulating hills and Creole villages such as Regent, Gloucester.

The most interesting parts of the country are the scenic islands in the Atlantic. Some of the most fascinating islands include Banana Islands, Bunce islands which can be toured on boat rides. Banana islands are renowned for exciting diving and snorkelling adventures in Sierra Leone besides the old dwarf town of Dublin.
Bunce islands tours are a peep into the early slave trade era of 1670 to1808. Men Africans were shipped from this island to West Indies and North America to slave as free labor on sugar, tea, cotton and coffee plantations.

Freetown is a beautiful green town whose attractions include a 500-year-old cotton tree, Freetown museum, Marcon’s Church built in 1820, the De Ruyter Stone, Government Wharf and ‘King’s Yard’ (where freed slaves waited to be given land) and Fourah Bay College, the oldest university in West Africa. Other famous attractions in Freetown include the City Hotel, which is written about in Graham Greene’s novel The Heart of the Matter and King Jimmy Market.

Flora and Fauna
Outamba-Kilimi National Park is the only national park in Sierra Leone located a few minutes drive from Freetown to the north. Some of the wildlife in this park includes elephants, pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, monkeys, antelopes and other small mammals.

Other places to visit for nature tours in Sierra Leone include Sakanbiarwa reserve for several orchids and plants that bloom during January and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary which is home to 80 chimpanzees.

Travel Guide

Sierra National Airlines is the National carrier although not in service lately. Flights to Sierra Leone are by BMI, Kenya Airways, Air France and Brussels Airlines among others. Many airlines have flights to London from Freetown (8hours flights). The main airport is called Freetown International Airport (FNA) located in the capital Freetown….13km from the city centre.
Alternative transport to Sierra Leone is by road via its neighbors. Freetown has a port for sea travel and cargo ships from Liberia and Guinea. Public transport is available for getting around using a catamaran/ferry link as well as taxi and bus services to the city.

Weather
The weather is good all through the year. November to April is the hot dry season which occasional rainstorms especially for areas near the coast. The rainy season is during the months of May to November.
In December and January, the dry, dusty Harmattan wind blows from the Sahara. The coastal regions are quite cooler compared to the northern parts of the country.

Accommodation

There are a number of hotels in Sierra Leone especially in Freetown offering hotel facilities with air conditioning, restaurants, swimming pools, tours, business centre, conference and overnight accommodation. There are luxury hotels located on the peninsula at Lakka and Tokay. The YMCA in Freetown offers clean, cheap accommodation with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities at a reasonable rate. It is always advisable to make reservations in advance.

Côte d’Ivoire lies in the region of strong ancient empire and early states in West Africa which included Kong Empire, Gyaaman and Baoule …to mention but  a few. This country was once colonized by the French 1843-1893 and gained independence in August 1960.

The official language is thus French although other local languages such as Baoule, Dioula and Dan among others are used. The people of Ivory Coast practice Islam, Christianity and other secular beliefs. There are different African tribes and cultures with unique tribal traits when it comes to Music, dance, festival, practices, dressing and food.

Ivory Coast is considered to be the most stable economy in Africa and West Africa despite the recent turmoil and hostilities arising from the recent political struggles and elections in the last decade.

Despite the political unrest, the country boasts some of the most amazing cities in Africa, as well as plenty of beaches, parks, and otherwise. It is a country of great natural beauty, and a testament to days when things were more stable.

Towns and Cities

Yamoussoukro is the capital of Ivory Coast although Abidjan is more popular town than Yamoussoukro. It is one of the largest cities in Ivory Coast with more than 300,000 inhabitants. Some of the attractions in Yamoussoukro include the golf course, Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro (Basilica Notre Dame), museum, vibrant markets and beautiful people

Abidjan is the largest city and houses more than 3.5 million Ivoirians. It is the administrative capital of Ivory Coast with international offices, NGOs, government offices and several hotels for business and Holiday accommodation. Some of the attractions in Abidjan include the lagoon, spectacular Hotel Ivoire and Banco National Park.  St Paul’s cathedral is one of the most attractive and prominent architectural works from 1985.

Bouaké is the second largest city in Côte d’Ivoire and another important city in the country. This town is home to Bouake people-one of the popular tribes in Ivory Coast. Another interesting city in Ivory coast is Man. Man is a small town situated to the west of the central region of Ivory Coast. The town is known as the best area to buy the famous Yacouba masks, as well as beautiful traditional fabrics.

Tourism

Several artifacts and buildings are evident of the French colonial era. Some of the most popular sight seeing tours in Côte d’Ivoire includes tours of basilica at Yamoussoukro, which is nearly an exact replica of St. Peter’s in Rome. The stunning cathedral contains more stained glass and mosaics than any other church or Roman Catholic Cathedral in France.

Vast stretches of rainforest, plenty of beaches and national parks are what define Mother Nature’s gifts to Ivory Coast. There are several National parks in Côte d’Ivoire but only there are UNESCO World Heritage Sites-Tai National Park (Habits one of the  largest rainforests in West Africa), Comoe National Park, and the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve. Other parks and wildlife reserves for Côte d’Ivoire tourism include Mount Peko, Mount Sangb , Assangny National park and Banco Park among others.

Then there is the impressive Cascade Waterfall, located in a bamboo forest in the lush region around the town of Man, which also hosts the intriguing annual Festival of Masks with performing stilt-dancers.

Weather

The Ivory Coast is found in the tropical Equatorial region of Africa thus boasts a favorable climate all year round.  The country has four seasons with long dry season between December and May, short dry season in July to October then a long period of rainy weather then another rainy season October to the end of November.

The hottest months are June, July and October especially for the central parts of the country. The north is much drier than the southern region

Travel information

Travel by flight to Cote d’Ivoire is via Abidjan International Airport (ABJ) connects Abidjan with over 35 destinations. Other airports in Ivory Coasts include Boigny Int’l airport in Port Bouet, Ferkessedougou Airport, Sassandra Airport, Yamoussoukro Airport, Boundiali Airport and several smaller others

Alternative travel is by railway from Abidjan to Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou, in Burkina Faso. There are public transport means such as buses, mini-buses, motorcycles and private car hire companies.

Travel documents such as Passports and visa are important before travelling to Ivory Coast. Some of the travel information is available from Embassies and diplomatic missions in Abidjan such as

Ambassade de France en Côte d’Ivoire:
Rue Lecoeur – 17 BP 175 Abidjan 17.

Canadian Embassy in Abidjan:
Trade Centre Building, 6th and 7th floors,
23 Noguès Avenue, Plateau, Abidjan.

Embassy of The United States of America in Abidjan:
Rue Jesse Owens, 01 B.P. 1712 Abidjan 01, Côte d’Ivoire.

Abidjan Accommodation

Some of the hotels in Côte d’Ivoire include Ibis Abidjan Plateau located in Abidjan. Ibis Plateau Hotel has 185 rooms, restaurants, swimming pool, conference facilities and offers tours to the central Abidjan business district. Other hotels include Novotel Abidjan: 10 Ave du General de Gaulle, Abidjan, Hotel Ivorie Abidjan and others located in Bouake, Man and Yamoussoukro.

Somalia shares borders with Gulf of Aden in the north, Kenya in the south and west, Ethiopia in the west and to the northwest by Djibouti. The Indian Ocean marks the international boundary in the east.

Somalia has a long history of colonization and civil unrest but it is important to recognize this country as one of the most dramatic countries in Africa. Somalia gained independence from the British and Italians on 1 July 1960.  Ever since its independence, there have been several inherited tribal rivalries and territorial disputes with its neighbors such as Ethiopia.

Mogadishu is the capital of Somalia located in the east near the Gulf of Aden. It is one of the most peaceful cities in the country and thus a home for millions of Somalis as well as international NGOs and offices. The Shanghai Old City, once the playground of the wealthy, remains one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Somalia.

Attractions

Somalia is a semi-arid country but there are several attractions to catch a glimpse of just incase nature is your thing! These attractions include mountains in the north, flat semi-desert, sea, narrow coastal plain, beaches and the colorful coral reef that stretch from Mogadishu and south to the Kenyan border.

Las Geel is a UNESCO World Heritage  site recommended for its well-preserved Neolithic paintings decorate the walls of this inter-connected series of caves and shelters in Somaliland.

Flora and Fauna:The Kismayu National Park is home to Somalia’s unique flora and fauna. It is located in the southwest and is a habitat for some Somali endemic wildlife species although many are common to East Africa. Other Somalia National parks include Hargeisa National Park in the north  and another located near Mogadishu, the capital.

Beaches; Somalia’s beaches line the Indian Ocean in the east and are protected by a coral reef running from Mogadishu to the Kenyan border in the south. They are one way to forget the turmoil and gun fires in the country…relax and enjoy the best of Somalia’s beauty.

Travel guide

Flying to Somalia is quite a challenge since it has no National carrier. Somali Airlines collapsed in the last century but Jubba Airlines and Daallo Airways have regular flights from Mogadishu airport to Dubai, Paris and London. The flights to London from Mogadishu is 12 hours 30 minutes

Alternatively, other means of travel are by public buses and private car hire in Mogadishu. Only routes to Burao and Baidoa are open to tourists. The road to Hargeysa National Park and Hargeysa town are under maintenance works.
It is important to remember issues on safety when travelling by road outside Mogadishu. Many parts of the country are still under despair thus the poor infrastructure.4X4 are recommended for up-country travel and tours.

Weather

The Jilal starts around January and is the hot and very dry. Gu is the first rainy season which runs from March to June. Hagaa, during August, is a time of dry monsoon winds and dust clouds. The second rainy season is from September to December and is called Dayr.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in major towns and cities such as Hargeisa and Mogadishu. There are also hotels in Afgoi, Berbera, Borama, Burao, Kismayu and Marka.

Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that offers flights to Western Sahara with departures from Casablanca and daily connect flights from Laayoune and Dakhla. From Europe, Royal Air Maroc flies from London to Casablanca daily.

Buses and Hired cars are available to take you around cities like Laayoune and Smara with travel routes from Casablanca and Marrakech in Morocco.

Find accommodation in Western Sahara from Hotel Josefina, Alwahda Hotel, Hotel Doumes and Oued Eddahab Hotel. Book your Western Sahara Morocco Safaris through different travel and tour operators that offer customized Morocco safaris with Western Sahara.

Remember to pack appropriate clothing for Western Sahara Morocco trips such as light clothing, sunglasses and brimmed hats. The country is hot in the day and with chilly nights. Visit the beach coast for some kite surfing memories from Maykal.

Other airlines with flights to Sao Tome and Principe include Air Service, Angola Airlines and CEIBA with 3 flight departures a week from Libreville via port Gentil in Gabon, Luanda, Sal, and Lagos. There are no direct flights from America, Asia and the Middle East but you can connect from Portugal and other airports across West Africa.

There many ways of securing cheap flights to Sao Tome and Principe online and through a travel and tour operator. Thoroughly check with different flight schedules for the cost of direct Sao Tome flights or flights via other towns and cities. Recommend travel and holidays to Sao Tome and Principe during off peak season for cheap flights and airlines to Sao Tome.

Alternatively, travel to Sao Tome and Principe via cruise or passenger boat to the port and book cheap travel by minibuses and taxis to drive you around town.  The roads are quite bad and use of 4WD vehicles is recommended.

This island offers a few local resorts to enjoy the summer breeze, but most notable is the luxury five-star Hotel Miramar with full sized pool, excellent service, well stocked bar, restaurants serving both European and African cuisine and beautiful lawn backyards.

Kigali is considered Africa’s cleanest city compared to any European metropolis or city. Kigali is one lovely city which tells of all Rwanda’s beauty…the people, landscape and warm.  It is also the gateway to Rwanda safaris and travel adventures besides being the capital city of Rwanda.

This city is the Business and Commercial hub of one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. It si home to the Kigali international airport-one of the main entry point for Rwanda’s tourists and business community

History

Kigali was established in 1907 during the early German reign and colonial era. It was then just considered a small town in Rwanda as the capital city was then in a town called Mwami in Nyanza. Butare was at the time the colonial fort of Rwanda until 1962 on independence but Kigali became the capital of Rwanda.

Kigali was chosen as a capital city due to its location at the heart of Rwanda. During the Rwanda Genocide of 1994, Kigali was inscribed in dark images and atrocities for the massacre of thousands of Tutsis and Hutus in the country. This damaged the image of the city making it then one of the most unsecure cities and countries in central Africa.

Nevertheless, the city and Rwanda have grown beyond the Rwanda Genocide growing into a growing metropolis-warm, friendly and beautiful. Kigali city is made up of three districts namely Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge. It is presently inhabited by approximately 1 million inhabitants.

Attractions

The city is built with the backdrop of the beautiful hills of Mt Kigali (1850m), spreading into deep settlements for the valleys. The central business district is located on the ridges of the hills including several administrative offices and international NGOs and organizational offices.

Sightseeing is real time adventure in Rwanda. Some of the building to catch sight of include BCDI tower, Kigali tower, Centenary house, parliament building, Kigali International airports and Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre…to mention a few.

Take a city tour to sites like the Franco-Rwanda cultural centre and the Genocide memorial site and museum.  South of Kigali is Nyamata Genocide Memorial and Ntamara Memorial another site to mark the ugly genocide period

The National museum of Rwanda is another attraction for Kigali city. This museum exhibits the culture and heritage of this growing nation, its culture, people and a lot about is history from the period of the colonial era.

Travel guide

Kigali International airport is the main entry point for Rwanda receiving flights from Entebbe Uganda, Nairobi and Tanzania. The airport is located on a hill although another airport is under construction in Nyamata…45km from Kigali. Other airlines from all over Africa such as Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airways and South Africa airways have weekly flights to Kigali.

Travel by car is a major means of transport to Kigali. Buses come in from Kampala via Kayonza, Kagitumba and Gatuna. Buses from Nairobi arrive via Dar-es-salaam and drive into Rwanda via Bujumbura Burundi. Travel by Kampala is rather shorter and less expensive compared to other routes by road. Private car hire is available for Kigali city tours and travel beyond the capital say for Rwanda Gorilla trekking adventures in Volcanoes National Park.

Hotels and Accommodation

Kigali Rwanda Hotels include the first class luxury Serena Kigali Hotel, Hotel  Milles Collines, Novotel Umubano, Royal Villes, Alpha Palce Hotel, Hilltop Hotel and Country Club and Gorillas Hotel. Other cheaper but standard Kigali Rwanda Hotels include Stipp Hotel Kiyovu, La Palisse Hotel, La Palisse Hotel, Hotel Ninzi Hill, Hotel Isimbi, and Hotel Le Garni Centre.

Cheaper Rwanda Kigali Accommodation is available from Kiyovu Motel, Sky Hotel as well as self catering accommodation at Kacyrou Executive apartments, Royale Villas or from Aberdeen House

The park is found on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes which are eight active volcanoes of Karisimbi, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Muhabura and Bisoke. The highest peak in the Virunga mountains is nearly 4500m above sea level. Volcanoes National park was gazetted in 1925 covering a nearly 130sq km. this Park is one of the oldest protected areas and national parks in Africa.

The park is actually the home of the Mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Dian Fossey is one of the famous naturalists to visit the park who studied the behavior of primates in Central Africa. Her works are famous in the movie production Gorillas in the Most which is a biography of the Primatologist. Her grave is also found in this Rwanda national park near the research centre.

The mountains are covered in thick forest canopy of bamboo and mopane forest cover. The vegetation in the park is high altitude vegetation growing at 2400-4570m above sea level. Hagenia covers more than 30% of the park’s vegetation especially in the south and western parts of the park. Other parts of the park are under meadows, thicket, swamps, marshes and small lakes.

Fauna

The mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei) are the most famous species of mammals in the park attracting more than 2,000 visitors every year for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Other mammals in the park include buffalo, golden monkey, spotted hyena, black fronted duiker, elephants and bush buck among other small mammals.

More than 200 birds are recorded in the park of which 16 are endemic to the virunga volcanoes and the rift valley region. Some of the birds in the park include Kivu thrush,

Travel guide

Other attractions in the park include the grave of Diane Fossey, mountain climbing to Bishoke and Karisimbi peaks, golden monkey trekking, besides the gorilla tracking adventures. Gorilla trekking is run by the Rwanda Tourist Board during the period of November although gorilla tracking permits are a must for all Rwanda tourists

The bustling market town of Ruhengeri has a memorable setting at the base of the Virungas. On the outskirts of town, the natural bridge at Musanze – a solidified lava flow – is a fascinating relic of the volcanic activity that shaped this scenic area. Also within easy day tripping distance of Ruhengeri are the seldom visited but lovely Lakes Burera, Ruhondo and Karago.

Kinigi Guest House on the foot of Mount Sabyinyo with luxury accommodation in cottages for two, four or eight people is now open for bookings. It also offers a good restaurant and bar. Hotel Muhabura in Musanze also offers cheap accommodation in reasonably priced single and double rooms. The hotel also has a sound restaurant and bar and phone facilities.

Ruhengeri offers a good selection of reasonably-priced small hotels and guest houses, including the newly renovated hotel Gorilla’s Nest. Visitors could also base themselves in Gisenyi or Kigali and – with an early start – head to the Parc des Volcans and Ruhengeri as a day trip.

The park has forested hills of acacia woodlands and other broad leafed leaves, swamps and open grasslands which is the habitat for Akagera Park’s wildlife. The papyrus swamps forms a third of the park’s area making it one of the largest protected wetlands in central Africa.

The park covers an area of 1200sq km in Akagera valley. It was established in 1934 covering 2500sq km and reduced to the current size due to refugee rehabilitation, agriculture, bush burning and other human activities.

Fauna

Some large herds of elephant and buffalo are seen in the woodland trails on their way to the river bank. Other savannah grassland animals include giraffe, zebra, lion, hippo, spotted hyena, leopard, impala, oribi, bushbuck, tsessebe, eland, topi and others.

Some of the birds in the park include fish eagle, sunbirds, bee eaters, papyrus gonolek, shoebill stork and many other water birds.

Travel guide

The best time to visit the park is during the months of November to January which is the dry season. Game viewing is best during this period since the grasses are sparse and short.

The park can be accessed via Kigali the capital of Rwanda. Car hire is available for private transport and tours for Akagera Rwanda. The gate is at Akagera Game lodge. Other attractions in the park include several lakes of which Lake Ihema is the largest.

Accommodation

There is a lodge at the park entrance-Akagera game lodge. The lodge offers excellent accommodation, restaurants, bars, swimming pool, and adventures like boating, game walks, bird watching and many others. Camping is allowed in the park along the banks of the Akagera river.

Other attractions on Nigeria safaris include the undulating hills, cascading waterfalls, lakes, water pools and people, the most fascinating attractions include the exotic flora and fauna that this country has protected in its 8 national parks and different game or nature reserves namely; Old Oyo National Park, Chad Basin National park, Yankari National park, Cross river National Park, Okumu National park, Gashuit-Gumti National park, Kainji National Park and Kakumu National Park.

List of Nigeria National Parks

Yankari National Park- is one of the best wildlife reserves and habitats in Nigeria. Yankari game reserve covers 2, 058sq km of dense rainforests and savannah woodlands. Some of the wildlife in this reserve includes hippos, bushbuck, buffalo, crocodiles, lion, elephants and more than 200 different species of birds. Game viewing in this park is best during the months of November to May. Other attractions in Yankari include the Wikki warm springs. There is accommodation near the springs, a lodge with tennis courts, fuel station, museum and restaurant.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park-covers an area of 6,000 sq km in the north eastern part of the country on the foot hills of Mount Chapal Wadd (2490m). This Nigeria National Park drained by different rivers and water streams such as river Benue, Taraba and Kam among others.

Animals found here range from buffalo, roan antelope, chimpanzee, colobus, monkey, hippos, hyena, giant forest hog, lion and leopard. The water catchment system attracts several birds from neighboring countries while 100 are resident in the forests of Gashaka Gumti National park.

Chad Basin National Park -is found in the northeastern part of Nigeria between Borno and Yobe States and covers an area of 2258sq km. The park covers 3 eco-regions of Chingurmi-Duguma, Bade Nguru Wetlands and Bulatura Oases. The park contains some rare desert wildlife like giraffe, ostrich, red fronted gazelle and many other species of mammals.

Cross River National Park- Created from two existing forest reserves of Bashi-Okwango and Oban Forest Reserves, this park is famous for its rain forest vegetation and it is a home to a herd of forest elephants, the white-faced monkey (found only in Nigeria), buffalo, leopards and lowland gorillas.This Nigeria wildlife park is located in the south eastern tip of the country in the cross river state.  The Cross River National park shares an eco-system and biodiversity with Korup National park in neighboring Cameroon.

Kamuku National Park-Kamuku Park located in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State of Nigeria in the north-central part of Nigeria. It is the closest Nigeria National Park to Abuja, the capital of Abuja. Kamuku National Park was initially by gazette of 1936, a Native Authority Forest Reserve under the defunct Northern Nigeria Government. It boasts of a land area of about 1,120sq km of typical Savannah Woodland vegetation.

Kainji National Park-Kainji Lake, Nigeria’s first  National Park, is located in the north central part of the country. Kainji National Park was established in 1976 and is the oldest in Nigeria. It includes Kainji Lake (a reservoir) which was formed by the building of the Kainji Dam in 1968. Only the western sector of the national park (i.e. west of the lake) is currently open to visitors and the landscape here is mainly Sudan-Guinea Savanna. This park is in the west of Nigeria and would involve a long journey from either Lagos International Airport or Abuja International Airport.

Okomu National Park-This Nigeria national park is found in Ovia south west area in Edo state on the banks of Okumu river. The park is one of the smallest of the Nigeria’s national park covering an area of just 200sq km including the former Okumu forest reserve. The park was first gazetted as a forest reserve in 1935 and evolved into a protected national park later in 1940. Today the park is habitat for numerous endangered flora and fauna species.

Kamuku National Park was initially by gazette of 1936, a Native Authority Forest Reserve under the defunct Northern Nigeria Government. It boasts of a land area of about 1,120sq km of typical Savannah Woodland vegetation.

Travel Guide

The nearest towns to Kamuku are Kaduna and Minna. It can be accessed either through Kaduna-Birnin-Gwari Road, or Lagos-Ilorin-Mokwa to Birnin-Gwari town. Kaduna International Airport is the closest means of air transportation to get to the Park. Other airports that may be used to access the Park via Kaduna International Airport are the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

Started in 1956 and opened to the public in 1962, the main game-viewing areas are open all year round. The Wikki Warm Springs is one of the reserve’s great features. Flood-lit at night with lovely warm water to bath in at night, the spring comes out form under a cliff and the water is about 6ft deep, extending to a 600ft open area. There are Tennis Courts, squash courts, gas stations and a small museum aswell inside the reserve

The largest is is Chingurmi-Duguma Sector covering an estimated is 1228sq km in the districts of Gulumba and Woloji in the Borno state. The sector is made of large acacia woodlands and dotted with dense patches of elephants grass-a typical extension of the sahelian zone. This section borders the Waza National Park in the neighboring Cameroon.

Bade-Nguru Wetlands Sector is often referred to as Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands and covers an area of just 938sq km south west of the town of Bade and Jakusko. The main attraction in this part of the park is Dagona Waterbirds Sanctuary that is internationally significant as a host to migrant birds. Some of the important tourists to the sanctuary include the president of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Prince Bernhardt of Netherlands and Prince Philip and  the Duke of Edinburgh who the site in 1987 and 1989 respectively.

Bulatura Sector is just a landscape of Sand Dunes in Yusufari town of Yobe State covering an area of 92sq km. valleys are fertile zones with swamps while the oases are formal tourist zones when it comes to eco-tourism.

Wildlife

The park contains some rare desert wildlife like giraffe, ostrich, red fronted gazelle and many other species of mammals.

Sambisa Game Reserve is also a constituted and gazetted a Game Reserve that was established in the year 1978, Sambisa covers an area of 520sq km. It is about 70km south of Maiduguri, 15km west of Bama town and 50km northwest of Gwoza town.

It is bordered by Konduga Local Government Area to the North and Gwoza LGA to the south and southeast, and Bama LGA to the east. Sambisa is an important sanctuary for a group of migratory elephants that numbers about 200.

The herd migrates annually from Gujba Forest in Yobe State through Damboa, Knoduga, Gwoza and Askira/Uba Local Government Areas. Sambisa is also home to a variety of rare or endangered species of animals such as Ostriches, Roan antelope, Topi, Red fronted gazelle, Leopard, Secretary birds, etc.

More than 2500sq kms are covered by the park in the south western region of Nigeria in the states in Oyo and Kwara. This region is ecologically gifted with different attraction, wide variety of flora and fauna to protect the best of Nigeria’s endemics.

The highest point in the park stands at 508m above sea level while the gentle slopes are covered in forests and savannah. The Ogun River runs down in the valleys draining in the forest. Other rivers in the park include Owe, owu and Tessi which drain in the south and northern region respectively. The north eastern parts of the park have occasional granite outcrops stretching up to Oyo-lle and isolated hills for the central parts.

The park has the four types of vegetation which are dense woodland and forests outliers in the southeast part; mixed open savanna woodland in the central part, outcrop vegetation in the northeast and riparian grassland and fringing woodland occupying the forest plains and valleys along the Ogun River.

Wildlife

Some of the species of animals in the park include the endangered painted hunting dog, western kob, roan antelope, western hartebeest, Grimm’s duiker, oribi, crested porcupine, anubis baboon, patas monkey, tantalus monkey, buffalo, red river hog, gaboon viper, spotted hyena, nile crocodile, rock python, land tortoise, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog and others.

More than 100 birds are recorded in the park with regular sights for grey hornbill, Senegal parrot, African fish eagle, guinea fowl, hammerkop, Senegal fire finch, Crossley;s thrush, Grey heron, bush fowl, Yellow mantled Whydah and many others.

Travel guide

Access is via Oyo-Iseyin road to the office in Oyo-Isokun where the park headquarters and booking office are located. The nearest cities and towns adjoining Old Oyo National Park include Saki, Iseyi, Igboho, Sepeteri, Tede and Igbeti for accommodation and other Nigeria holidays and tourism options

There are eleven waters falls within Oyo State each with fascinating beauty. Other attractions in the park include Ikere Gorge Dam/River Ogun and the archaeological site of Oyo-lle for cultural safaris in Nigeria. Some of the cultural sites include the royal tombs at Oghobo and Bara, Asabari shrine at Shaki, Ibuya pool and Yemeso hills…to mention a few.

Accommodation is available at Akoto base camp and lodge near the wildlife museum. The camp offers adventures like sport fishing, bating, hiking, cruise ships, game viewing and bird watching besides its excellent overnight accommodation and dining. Other camping options are available from Ibuja camp at River Ogun.

The cross river and its tributaries drain in this park creating swamps in the northern part of the Oban hills division while river Calabar, Kwa and Korup run through the southern parts of the park. Parts of the rainforests in this region are Guinea-Congolese with broad leafed canopy of trees rising to highest of 40-50m. Some of the trees are recorded to have been planted more than 6 million years ago.

The Park covers an area of 40,000sqm on the Oban hills and the other part on Okwangwo. Oban hills division (28000sq km) have most of the wildlife habitat while Okwangwo division is dominantly a rich vegetation zone of more than 1,500 different species of trees and plants of which 98 are endemic to the region.  Examples of the notable species are Anceistocladus korupensis and Prunus Africana which have high medicinal value for treating HIV/Aids and Prostrate cancer.

Wildlife

More than 75 mammals are recorded in the park including forest elephants, chimpanzee, drills,African buffalos, Cross river gorillas, grey checked mangabey, red colobus, guenon and 42 snake species. Six species of primates have been recorded in the park More than 250 birds are recorded in Cross river National park and they include Spot breasted ibis, Black guinea fowl, grey parrot, golden greenbul, sparrow hawk, hawk eagle, flufftail, tiger heron, wood-dove, Nkulengu rail, cuckoo, barbet, tinkerbird, owlet, spinetail, hornbill, bee-eater, kingfisher, roller, Turaco and many others

The rainy season is recorded for the months of March to November with more than 3500 mm of rainfall received in a year. The rest of the year is a dry season.

There are about 66 villages in the buffer zone surrounding the park, with the villagers dependent on the park for their livelihoods. With a growing human population, the forest is being lost to slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging.

Accommodation

There is accommodation at Kanyang tourist village which is 1 hr drive from Calabar-a lodge with restaurants and museum. The lodge offers adventures like gorilla trekking, boating, fishing, bird watching and botanical walks among others

Other attractions in Cross River Park include the Spectacular Kwa falls on Kwa river flowing over a steep narrow gorge creating pristine pools below. The Agbpkim waterfalls are also another attraction in the park on Cross River.

The park is located at the foot slopes of the mountain which was named after the springs flowing below on a plateau rising to roughly 1700m above sea level. This part of the country is a truly fascinating destination and an important geological site in Namibia. Some features such as dinosaur tracks and petrified dunes make it almost a must stop for travellers on the way further north.

The plateau region is actually the largest part of the park growing a diversity of 500 different species of flora not seen any where in Namibia. The park’s vegetation is mainly comprised of shrubs, dense broad leafed tree forests with verdant undergrowth, riverine forests and other unique species. The broad-leaf woodlands of the sandy plateau are typical of the sandveld of eastern and north-eastern parts of Namibia. There are also striking silver cluster-leaf with its silver grey foliage, wild syringa and Kalahari apple leaf.

The best time to visit Waterberg for its plants and trees is during the months of September to December when the plants are at full bloom.

Wildlife

Regular sights in the park include rhino, buffalo, rock dassie, klipspringer, giraffe, tsessebe, roan, sable antelopes, wild dog, lesser bush babies, impala, klipspringer, steenbok, gemsbok and impala. The only Cape vulture colony in Namibia lives in the Karakuwisa Mountain on the western edge of the Waterberg plateau.

The park is home to several nocturnal predators such as leopard, cheetah, lion, spotted hyena, caracal and black-backed jackal. Small mammals are also part of the fauna in the park-Damara dik-dik is found near the Bat rest camp as well as the mongoose and the lesser bush babies.

Accommodation

This Namibia national park is located 280 km north of Windhoek and is thus easily accessible from the capital. Accommodation is available at the former Rhenish mission rest camp housing more than 200 people in dormitory accommodation with a fuel station and a canteen for supplies. Camping is also allowed at this rest camp. Attractions near the camp include tombs of German fighters in the Nama Herero uprising of 1904.

Bernabe de la Bat Rest Camp is another option for safari accommodation in the park. This eco-friendly rest camp was named after the first director of Namibia’s Department of Nature Conservation. Accommodation ranges from four and three bed bungalows to deluxe rooms sleeping two people. Bungalows are equipped with a hotplate, refrigerator and kettle, but no crockery, cutlery or cooking utensils. There are also shaded camp sites with communal ablutions and field kitchens.

Other amenities include a swimming pool with a superb view of the cliffs, a restaurant, shop which stocks frozen meat, tinned goods and curios, and a filling station where only petrol is sold.

Some thing unique about Namibia’s wildlife is the Namib desert habitat…it seem kind if hot and hostile but boasts some of the unique wildlife habitats and endemic species of both flora and fauna.

List of National Parks and Game Reserves in Namibia

Etosha National Park-It is one of the largest parks in Namibia and also one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa. this Namibia national park is known for the large herds of elephants and the dense population of predators such as cheetah, lion, spotted hyena, jackal, serval, civet and the endangered African wild dog. More than 110 different species of mammals are found in the park while nearly 350 birds are recorded as being residents and migrants in Etosha.

Namib-Naukluft Park- one of the most exotic wildlife safari destinations in Namibia covering nearly 50,000sq km including habitats like  Sossusvlei, Sesriem, Naukluft Mountains and Sandwich Harbour.

Fishriver Canyon Park- besides being the longest canyon in Africa, the Fish River canyon is a good destination for hiking, wildlife safaris and nature trails. The park comprised of the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort, the Fishriver Canyon and the Huns Mountains.

Skeleton Coast Park- this unique Namibia safari park stretches  from the banks of Ugab River in the south for 500km to the Kunene River in the north and covers an area of 16 400km². The attraction is it landscape, its aura of mystery and wildlife.

Cape Cross Seal Reserve-Situated approximately 130km north of Swakopmund, the park was proclaimed to protect up to 23 colonies of Cape Fur seals.

National West Coast Recreation Area- This is a 200km stretch of coastline north of Swakopmund, between the Swakop and Ugab rivers, is renowned for its outstanding angling potential.

Waterberg National Park-located on a rising plateau some 200m above a surrounding sea of bush and savannah, the 405km² Waterberg Plateau Park near Otjiwarongo, is home to some 25 game and 200 bird species.

Mahango Game Reserve -Situated east of Rundu and borders on the perennial Okavango River near the border of Botswana. It is characterised by riverine forests, a broad flood plain and large herds of elephant. the park does not have overnight facilities

Caprivi Game Reserves- Situated to the east of Mahango Game Reserve, the Caprivi is sanctuary to a variety of game species like elephant, roan and kudu. A 4-wheel drive is essential as the terrain is sandy. No overnight facilities exist in the park.  Other game reserves found in the Caprivi strip region include Mamili game reserve and Mudumu game reserve, all in found in Namibia

Khaudum Game Reserve-Situated north of Tsumeb, it protects the northern Kalahari sandveld biome and harbours several big game and bird species.

Hardap Game Reserve-The reserve, near Marienthal, covers an area of 250km² and offers excellent game viewing opportunities.

Daan Viljoen-Close to Windhoek and although small, the park supports a healthy game population and is also a good spot for bird-watching.

Wildlife

430 species of bird have been recorded in the Mudumu National Park which is nearly 70% of  the total population of birds on any Namibia safari tour. Regular sights include buffalo, elephant, zebra, crocodile, lion, hippopotamus, rare sitatunga and red lechwe among others

Accommodation

Some of the options for Namibia safari accommodation in Mudumu National Park include Mazambala island lodge, Namushasha lodge and camp Kwando among others. these and other lodges offer overnight options like bungalows, rustic thatched chalets, camping and adventure activities like 4WD activities, game drives, safari walks, fishing, boating and excellent dining

Location

Mamili is centered on the Nkasa and Lupala islands on the Kwando and Linyanti rivers in the south-western corner of East Caprivi. ‘

The reserve is accessible by road from Mudumu although the rainy season makes it hard to criss the flooded area. The best time to visit the game reserve is during the dry season.

Wildlife

Some of the mammals in the park include sitatunga and red lechwe, buffalo, wild dog and it is the last stronghold of the remnant population of Puka. Wattled cranes have been recorded breeding here.

The vegetation in the park is dominated by broad leafed woodlands, savannah grasslands, open wetlands and marsh on the river banks. Several water streams and river flow in the 32km wide reserve with a few islands in the river

Caprivi Strip

The Game reserve gets its name from the fingerlike piece of land along Botswana’s northern border is known as The Caprivi Strip. The Caprivi Strip is intersected by two major rivers, the Okavango and Kwando Rivers, while the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers form the north-east and south-east boundaries.

The area is highly infested with mosquitoes thus visitors are encouraged to carry mosquito nets and ointments to prevent mosquito bites.

Wildlife

Several species of mammals habit in the riverine forests and open savannah grasslands in the reserve with examples like duiker, sitatunga, buffalo, elephant, cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard, hippo, and roan and crocodiles…to mention a few.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Caprivi strip area and in reserve include Nkwazo lodge, Hakusembe lodge and Kaisosizi river lodge which are all overlooking the Kavango river. Each offers options for luxury accommodation, restaurants, well furnished chalets, swimming pools and a wide variety of adventure activities such as boating, canoeing, bird watching and adventures.

Wildlife

Large game species of wildlife found in Mahango Namibia game reserve include elephant, rhino, giraffe and buffalo, as well as lion, leopard and cheetah. Some of the other species of animals in the reserve include sable, hippo, wild dig, lechwe, sitatunga, roan antelope and others. The river banks are always infested with large crocodiles to be ware of.

Game viewing is good during the dry season (June to October) as animals congregate around the river bank and near water pools. Game drives are only on robust 4X4 vehicles and trucks

Bird watching is during the months of November to March with sights like pelican, roller, sun birds, storks and other water endemics that migrate from Okavango delta and nearby protected areas.

The Mahango Game Reserve is open throughout the year although visitors are advised to take precautions against malaria and bilharzias. There is no accommodation in the park but several private lodges are located in the near vicinity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in several safari lodges, and camps with examples like Mahangu Lodge, Ndhovu safari Lodge,   Divava Okavango safari lodge and Lodge, Popa falls Lodge among others.

The Limpopo National Park in Mozambique was gazetted as a national park in November 2001 in a concessionary peace cord of 1992 with partnership of South Africa and Zimbabwe. There are efforts and funds from European countries and private donors.

Wildlife

With the removal of 50km of the protective fence in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, animals can freely move from Kruger National park, to Limpopo National Park and to Gonarezhou Park in Zimbabwe.

Some of the animals that are found in park include buffalos, giraffe, zebras, different species of antelopes, African wild dog, elephants, hyena, cheetah, hippos in Limpopo river

Travel Guide

The main access road between Giriyondo and Massingir, including access to Campismo Albufeira is accessible by sedan however the park recommends use of a 4×4 or high ground clearance vehicles. All other park roads are only accessible by 4×4 or high ground clearance vehicle.

This is a formal border gate situated between the Kruger National Park and Parque Nacional do Limpopo, northeast of Letaba in the Kruger. Other gates are at Giriyondo gate, Mapai and Massingir.

The park is 260km from Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. South African and Mozambican citizens do not need visas when visiting either country. Visa for all Nationalities entering into Mozambique can be obtained at Giriyondo Border post, the Mozambican Embassy or Consulate in your country. It is however recommended that visas are obtained from the embassy or consulate prior to your travels.

There are tourist facilities at Giriyondo Border, park offices, and few options for accommodation at Massingir gate. There is also luxury accommodation in the park with rustic chalets and facilties. Camping is allowed in the park with camping Machampane camp, Albufeira camp, Aguia Pesqueira camp and 4×4 trails and associated camps.

A variety of activities from cultural experiences, canoeing, hiking, fishing and game drives to wilderness walking trails and 4×4 trails are part of the adventures in this Mozambique Park.

The park has flooded pans in the north east near river and sandy soils. The park has more than 40 different species of grasses, a riverine forest, miombo woodlands, open woodlands and of course wetlands.

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include spotted hyena, wildebeest, sable antelope, hartebeest, reedbuck, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, elephant, buffalo, black rhino, eland, roan antelope and many others.

Some of the birds in the park include ostrich which is the largest bird in the world.

Within the Park are eleven islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago which stretches all the way up to Tanzania. These tropical, coral islands have enormous cultural and historical value, with a combination of Arabian, Portuguese, and African influences.

Parts of the park are marine and other lie on land. The vegetation is largely dry mopane forest, mangrove and colorful coral reefs

Wildlife

Several marine and terrestrial species including five species of turtles, dugong, humpback whales, shark, and other marine species are found in the park. The area of the park is crossed by three elephant migratory routes, and there are also lion, leopard, buffalo, wild dog, sable, eland, crocodiles, flamingo, raptors and others

Travel guide

It is situated in the Quirimbas archipelago in the province of Cabo Delgado. The park is only accessible by air from Maputo and from the RSA up to Pemba and thereafter by air to the park.

Diving and snorkelling in the coral reefs is possible in the park with PADI Courses and trainers at the park. Other activities at the park include fishing, boating, wildlife safaris, game drives and nature walks…to mention a few.

Travel Guide

It is situated in the districts of Gorongosa, Cheringoma and Muanza approximately 30 km from the EN1 highway, in Sofala province at the southern extremity of the Great Rift Valley.

The park is accessed on the EN1 highway from Maputo and then EN6 from Beira. SA Airlink and LAM, the national airline, fly on a regular basis to Beira and visitors can hire an appropriate vehicle from a reliable firm in this town.

Accommodation

The camp at Chitengo is some 28 km from the highway on a gravel road. The safari roads around the camp can normally be negotiated by strong 4×2 vehicles or 4×4 vehicles during the winter season.

The park is a large swampy landscape of the Limpomporiver and savannah grasslands interrupted with giant baobab trees and other woodland species

It is situated in the district of Chigubo, northern Gaza province and occupies an area of 7000 km2. It is accessed via road from Gaza or from the South Africa side of Kruger National park by flights and private charter

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include buffalo, giraffe, hartebeest, kudu and many others. There are several water birds and many birds nesting in the swamps and in the savannah wetlands. Other birds are migrants from neighboring parks and reserves in southern Africa.

The park covers areas of the islands of Bazaruto (the largest), Margaruque, Banguerra, santa Carolina, Pansy Shell and Banque among others. The islands have a lush tropical climate and include huge dunes, forest and savannah, inland lakes and wetlands

Wildlife

The park was created in order to protect dugong and marine turtles and their respective habitats. The park protects the largest populations of dugongs in western Indian ocean. Due to their significance the vegetation of the islands, the coral reefs, marine birds and the fauna of the park were also included.

Other marine life in the park include lizards, terrestrial gastropods, humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, marlins, barracuda

Travel Guide

The park is situated in the Inhambane province on and along the coast of Vilanculos and Inhassoro districts. Bazaruto National Park can be accessed road or air up to Vilanculos and thereafter by boat or plane to the islands.

The park has three camps (Sitone and Zenguelrmo in the island of Bazaruto and Chizungune in the island of Benguerua) and monitoring posts in the islands of Magaruque and Santa Carolina. At Vilanculos there is also a park support camp.

Wildlife

The Mediterranean Monk Seal, which is one of the most critically endangered mammals in the world that habits the park among other mammals, birds and insects. This Mauritania National park boasts one of the most important populations of the monk seal in the Peninsula. Some of the birds in the park include broad-billed sandpipers, pelicans, flamingos, waders and many other water birds.

The coast is an important fishing ground in West Africa with many species of fishes.

Conservation of the Monk Seak

This project will support the Action Plan for the Recovery of the Mediterranean Monk Seal in the Eastern Atlantic through establishing and maintaining Special Areas of Conservation for the Monk Seal. There are several projects and efforts that work with the local fishing communities to protect the monk seals and their habitat.

The park has a lagoon which is fed by brackish water from one of the tributaries of the Senegal river, significant estuarine, saline flats, dunes, mangroves swamps, dunes, alluvial plains, a series of lakes or ponds and a dam.

The vegetation in the park is a combination of Acacia tortilis, A. senegal, Euphorbia balsamifera and Balanites aegyptiaca, with a herbaceous cover of Cenchrus biflorus, Chloris prieurii and Schoenefeldia gracilis. Tree cover is more varied and abundant towards the inland edge of the dunes, with Borassus aethiopum, Acacia nilotica, A. seyal and Parkinsonia aculeata.

There is little cover on the alluvial plains, but Tamarix senegalensis and Arthrocnemum glaucum occur on sandy knolls and Acacia nilotica beside creeks and pools. Herbaceous cover on the lower zones of the plain is dominated by halophytes, such as Salsola baryosma. The grass Sporobolus robustus is common in the most frequently flooded areas. Grasses are more important in less saline areas, with Echinochloa colona and Vetiveria nigritana in depressions and Schoenefeldia gracilis on higher ground.

Wildlife

Some of the birds in the Diawling National Park include pelicans, starling, golden sparrow, gull, Peid avocet, northern pintall, great egret, Euroasian spoonbill, Caspian tern, black scrub robin, Lesser flamingos, black storks, African spoonbill and many other water birds. There are more than 220 birds recorded in the park nesting and breeding at the saline water delta of the Senegal river

Some of the animals in the park include wart hogs, wild donkeys, monkeys and many others.

This Mali National park is located near the town of Bamako in the western region of Mali.  The park is largely covered in West African savanna although the vegetation is divided into two bio-geographic regions of Sudan Guinea in the south and Sahelian zone for the north. Other parts of the park are combretum shrub, savannah woodlands and a dense rain forest on the banks of Baoule river.

The park occupies an area of 25, 330sq km established in 1982 and is an acknowledges UNESCO World Heritage Site since September 1999

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include Saheran gazelles, giant eland, sheep, goats and many other mammals.

The park is increasingly affected by human land pressure for agriculture, livestock keeping and human settelment. In 1981, the livestock population was estimated to 13,500 zebus and 59,500 sheep and goats.

Various ethnic groups live in the area: sedentary Kakolo, Sarkolés, Malinké and Bambara (farmers), the transhumant Peuhls and Maures and the Bozos (fishers). Depending on the season, between 78,300 and 150,000 people live in the biosphere reserve (1998). The land tends to be used for pastoralism in the north during the dry season and for agriculture throughout the area depending on the local rainfall conditions.

Other National parks in Mali include;

Bafing National Park- found in southern Mali and is famous for chimpanzee trekking adventures.

Wongo National Park

Kouroufing National Park

The park is an area of 5714sq km and is crossed by a series of small water streams and rivers such as Kapiloza which borders the park to the north and Andanomavo in the north pouring its waters into the Mozambique Channel.

Vegetation

Nearly 129 species of plants and trees are found in the park of which more than half are in the forests,24 species of Fabaceae, 9 Apocynaceaes, 9 Euphorbiaceaes, 8 Rubiaceace, 7 Anacardiaceae. The tree species most common are Gyrocarpuses americanus and Erythrephleums coumanga.

Wildlife

There are 13 species of mammals in the park of which h8 are primates, 37 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibian and others. Some of the animals in the park include the Plowshare turtle-Angonoka which is endemic to the waters of the bay sighted in the Beaboaly circuit during the months of December to May, lemurs and other animals.

An estimated 250 are recorded in the aprk of which one third are water birds and more than half endemic to the Madagascar island and the Bay of Baly. Regualr sights include the Malagasy pond heron which is a threatened species that breeds at the bay and the Madagascar fish eagle-Ankoay sighted around Lake Sariaka in the months of May to Ocotber.

Vegetation

The park is largely a dry deciduous forest growing on the chalky mountains which extend in the west to form the Ankarana. The massif grows intoa basaltic plain at 50m above sea level. Four major rivers run through Ankarana: the Besabola, the Ankarana river, the Antenan’ Ankarana and the Manjeba

There are an estimated 330 species of plants and trees growing in the deciduous forests. Some of the species are endemic to the northern part of Madagascar in Ankarana Park and they include Pachypodium baronia, Adansonia perrieri, Delonyx velutina, Hildegardia erythosyphon.

There are also raised savannas made of Commiphora of the Burseracea family, Hildegardias of the Sterculiacea family. The canopy culminates over 20 meters. It is the kind of well-known forests in the west of Madagascar.

Other endemic species of plants and trees in the park include the Madagascar Boabab (Adansonia madagascarensis) growing on the Turrets of Tsingy, Euphorbia ankaranensis a grass of very rough and spiny trunk with red blooms, Vazaha tree-tree that peels is another unique species of Madagascar tree that peels during the dry season. Many of the endemic species of vegetation grow on the Tsingy and are adapted to the harsh dry conditions.

The best time to visit the forest for naturalists is during September to November when the plants and trees are at full bloom.

Wildlife

Ankarana National park is one of the most ecological gifted zones of Madagascar. There are more than 50 species of amphibians, 40 reptiles, 50 moulluscs, 14 speceis of bays and other species of mammals living in the park. Many of them are endemic to the park and are classified as threatened species.

Among these particular species are the rock dwelling frog, the ground boa, snakes, green geckos, flat tailed gecko, nocturnal lepilemurs, black tailed crocodile, giant fruit bat, Fosa,panther chameleon, ring tailed mongoose and Heteroliodon lava (known only from Ankarana). 11 species of lemurs live in Ankarana with the most famous Propithecus perrieri, locally called Black Sifaka, northern sportive lemur, crowned lemur and the Amber mountain fork-marked lemur…to mention a few.

More than 96 species of birds were recorded in the park including the crested ibis which is endemic in the forests of Ankarana National Park near the green lake, Greater Vassa Parrot, Madagascar paradise-flycatcher and many others

Travel

Ankarana is located south of Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) 180km and can be accessed via the gate near Anboandriky or at Matsaborinmanga. Only 4WD can cross through the rugged landscape. The best time to visit Ankarana is during the dry months of April to November although temperatures are high during this tiem of the year.

The rainy season runs for the rest of the year with some parts of the park becoming inaccessible due to flooding.

Tourists are encouraged to carry light clothing, comfortable pair of walking shoes, a sun hat and a flashflight for night tours in the forest.

Accommodation

There is accommodation in Ambilobe or Diego Suarez and also at the park entrance at Mahasima along RN6. The camp has basic accommodation facilities and a restaurant, self catering kitchen and water.

Wadi El-Kouf

Set near Beidha in the forested, upland region of Jebel al-Akhdar (Green Mountain), this national park spreads for 12 miles east and west along northeastern Libyan coastline as well as over 100 miles south into Cyrenaica, following the riverbed for which it is named. With landscapes ranging from beaches, coastal dunes and lagoons to scrublands, forested hills, cliffs and caves, the park protects both marine and land wildlife. Among other species, visitors here can glimpse bottle-nose dolphins, golden jackals, hyenas and small-spotted genets.

Karabolli National Park

Located just to the north of Al-Garabulli, a town 31 miles east of Tripoli along the Mediterranean coast, Karaboli National Park covers nearly 60 square miles between Wadi Turghat in the East and Wadi Ramal in the west, stretching just several miles inland from the sea. Turghat, Ramal and Al-Mashid (a third wadi that bisects the park) all feature perennial, spring-fed streams. The park’s landscapes include beaches, dunes, salt lagoons and sandstone cliffs while its wildlife includes hyenas and nearly 100 recorded bird species. The area was proclaimed a protected park in 1992 to combat erosion along the coast.

Benghazi Nature Reserve

Less than 10 miles north of Benghazi on the northeastern Libyan coast is the Benghazi Nature Reserve, a popular pit-stop for migratory waterbirds. The reserve includes a stretch of sandy coastline with dunes and salt marshes, as well as the Ayn Zayanah Lagoon. The latter is fed by 10 springs and attracts flamingos in the winter months. Although nominally protected, the area is also used for fishing, recreation and as a garbage dump.

Zellaf Nature Reserve

Set deep in the desert of western Libya, Zellaf Nature Reserve is part of the Sabha area, gateway to the greater Sahara Desert. The reserve covers 385 square miles of dunes and rocky ridges populated by oryx and gazelle, among other desert fauna. It is one of the of the Sahara’s only protected wildlife areas.

List of National Parks, Reserves and Protected Areas in Libya

National Parks

• Abughilan
• El Kauf
• Karabolli
• Kouf
• Naggaza
• Rajma
• Sirman

Nature Reserves

• Benghazi
• Bier Ayyad
• New Hiesha Natural Reserve
• Tripoli
• Zellaf

Protected Areas

• Ain Zayanah
• Ajdabiya Marsh
• Al Jaghbub Oasis
• Berjuj valley
• Bombe gulf
• Fezzan valleys
• Garabulli
• Giarabub
• Grotto de Lete
• Harouj mountain
• Jalo
• Kufrah Oasis
• Nefhusa
• Oasis of Ghat
• Ouau en Namu lakes
• Qaminis and Tukrah salines
• Rajma plantations
• Sabratha
• Sebkha el Sahel
• Serir
• Shahaat
• Taizerbo
• Taoulga islands (Thaouara)
• Wadi Kham
• Belkarra-Boulelli

Ramsar Sites and Wetlands of International Importance

• Ain Elshakika
• Ain Elzarga

More than 820 species of plants are found in the dry forest of which 70% are endemic to Madagascar and almost 0.9 of trees in the park are woody species.

Some of the notable species in the park include the Mpanjakabenitany-an endemic bush 15m high with deeply pierced flutings bearing fruits in September and May. Katrafay Malagasy (Cedrelopsis grevei) tree measures 5 to 22m high with a rough brownish peeling. Its wood is yellow and hard often used for aesthetics and construction purposes. The tree blooms in September to December. Other important trees in the forest park include Sakoanala and Lohavato trees.

Location

This Madagascar National park is located in north western region- 450 km from Antananarivo and 115 km from Mahajanga. The National Road N°4 crosses through the park.

Wildlife

Like other parts of Madagascar, Ankarafantsika National Park is home to lemurs and many other species of plants. Eight species of lemurs are recorded in Ankarafantsika: one strict diurnal species, two cathemeral species, five typically nocturnal species of which the famous Microcebus, the smallest in the world.

More than 120 species of birds live in the forest of Ankarafantsika. More than 70 of the birds in the park are endemic to the forests and lake shores. Examples of the birds in the park include the Rufous vanga Schetba rufa which is an endemic bird, Madagascar fish eagle which considered critically endangered species of raptors and the Van Dam Vanga-a rare species of threatened vanga. The best time to go birding in Madagascar is during the rainy season. Lake Ravelobe near the npark entrance is a breeding ground for fish eagles and other water birds in Madagascar. Other birds in the park include the banded Kestrel.

Accommodation

Camping is allowed in the park although visitors are encouraged to carry private camping equipment, tents, food, supplies and other material. Warm blankets are recommended for nights while a flash light or torch is needed for nocturnal tours in the forest.

Andringita is located 47 km in the South of Ambalavao in the region of Haute Matsiatra. The park covers an area of 3116 sq km of high altitude zones between 650m and 2658m above sea level.

There are 1,000 plant species in the National Park of Andringitra with much of the vegetation dispersing in the high altitude forests and the dense humid forests at the mountain foot slopes. Some of the exotic species in the park include the Aloe of Andrigita which blooms in June to September, Rhipsalis Baccifera, a cactus with luscious green leaves, the immortal (Helychrisum mirabile) with white flowers that open in July and August and the Osbeckia andringitrensis which is an endemic bush of Andringitra. The lense of a camera captures the best of Madagascar’s blossoms and palnts when you travel around June to Spetember

Wildlife

Andringitra National Park is home to more than 200 bugs, 7 crustaceans, 788 species of amphibians and 54 different species of mammals. Some of the regular sights of mammals in the park include the brown fur Lemur (Lemur Catta) which has a black and white tail often seen in Ocotber and November, Buteo Branchypterus-which is a white chested raptor found in the high altitude rain forests and many other animals.

The Furcifer campani chameleon is one of the colorful sights in the park. it has three yellowish strips on the flank and a medio-ventral light band. This reptile lays eggs in rainy season from January to March.

There are more than 100 different species of birds in the park including the Yellow bellied sunbird
(IUCN threatened species), Red Feathered Alectroenas Madagascariensis, the pollen (Threatened Vangidae family species), Madagascar blue pigeon and the rufous headed ground roller (IUCN thereatened species) among many others

Travel Guide

Several places are sacred in Andringitra National Park and its surrounding areas are sacred top the local people. Like other palces, tourists are not allowed to enter the park with pork while washing is the river is not allowed with moruning clothes and black pots.

Bring hot clothes and a raincoat in your suitcases, the time is fickle in Andringitra. A pair of comfortable walking shoes is an investiment for trekking and hiking adventures on Madagascar holidays. Refreshments and soft drink are available in the nearby towns of Ambalavao and Fuarantsoa.

Much of the plants and animals in the park are endemic to the south and eastern parts of the island just as other national park in Madagascar. More than 1,000 species of plants are recorded in the park-90 of the park is under humid rain forests with exotic species of plants, 270 ferns, palms, dwarf baobab, octopus tree (blooms in August), wild vanilla, ebony and the tree of  the traveler are some of the most unique plants found in this part of Madagascar.

Wildlife

Andohahela is home to nearly 12 species of lemurs of which 5 have a habitat in the dry forest. Some of the others species of fauna in the park include 69 reptiles, 49 amphibians and different species of mammals. Some of the reptiles in the park include the nocturnal gecko, chameleon, brurrowing snake, rock dwelling gecko and the terrestrial lizard among others.

More than 250 birds are found in the park including the red tailed Newtonia which is an insectivorous bird measuring 20cm in height.

The lemurs are the national identity to Madagascar as an island and are a major tourist attraction on Madagascar holidays. Maki lemur (Lemur catta) is one of the major sights in the humid forest-grey with colorful tail in white and black. Other lemurs found in Andohahela National park include Verreaux’s Sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) found in spiny bushes, Eulemur Lemur-brown collared with specific characteristics for the different sexes.

Travel Tips

Andohahela is found in Tsimelahy where some taboos are very crucial. Any traveler is not allowed to take in goat or pork and then reach the sacred lakes of Antaravola. In  Mangatsiaka, turtles is a taboo and sacred for some places near the park.

Hiking and nature walks are an adventure to have in Andohahela and it is recommended that all hikers carry comfortable hiking boots, wear warm clothing for walks in the humid forest, rain coat and long sleeves/ repellant for insects such as mosquitos.

Some parts of the forest in Andohahela have tombs and memorial sites which are part of the sights and attractions in the park.

The central island National Park is located within the lake is a small active volcano with three alkaline crater lakes namely; flamingo, tilapia and crocodile. This island likely has one of the largest populations of the Nile crocodiles in the world. The island occupies an estimated 500ha mid way of the lake in the rift valley province.

The south islands National Park is found on an island in the southern area of Lake Turkana. It is actually the biggest island in the lake covering nearly 3,900ha with rocky shores, muddy bays with extensive bushes and weed fro spawning fish. The south and central islands national park were declared national parks in 1983 and 1985 respectively managed by the Kenya Wildlife service.

Wildlife

The islands are remote with the lake preserving the natural wild habitat for both animals and birds. The vegetation is majorly of spear grass, acacia woodlands, toothbrush bush and weeds growing on the muddy shores and rocky beds.

The islands are protected areas for the breeding of the Nile Crocodiles, hippos, puff adder, Egyptian saw-scaled viper, cobra and other reptiles. Other animals live on the shores of the lake in South Island National Park including the caracal, stripped hyena, olive baboon, gravy zebra, grant’s gazelle, oryx, lesser kudu and the dikdik among others

The lake attracts several migrant birds from Somalia and there are more than 350 species recorded in the island parks and neighboring Sibloi National parks. South island alone boasts 84 different species with 34 of them classified as palaeartic migrants. Some of the notable species are greater flamingoes, spur winged plover, ringed plover, little stint, African eagle, banded snake eagle, Abyssinian ground hornbill and African skimmer among others.

The lake is recorded with more than 60 species of fish including the delicious tilapia fish.

Getting there

There is an airstrip near Turkwell dam. There are boats to take tourists to the island park at the Oasis Lodge at Loiyangalani south east of the lake. Motor boats take tourists to South island for bird watching trips and game viewing among others

Northern Kenya is quite dry and hot but the island parks have cool weather. October to January are the driest months while the months of July August are the cool months in the year.

Lodging and Accommodation

There are lodgings on the eastern shores of the lake as well as three hotels. Oasis Lodge offers motor boats for island tours and safari lodging while camping facilities are offered from the Koobi Fora Museum and Research base and Rocodoni camp overlooking Mount Sibiloi. Camping tourists however are encouraged to carry private camping gear and supplies.

Mount Elgon is one of the highest peaks in Kenya, second after Mount Kenya. This extinct volcano is located in western Kenya along the border of Uganda and Kenya. One of the scenic features on the mountain is the huge crater on Koitobos peak which is the highest peak on Elgon Kenya. The flat topped basalt peak is majorly covered in montane and bamboo forest, exotic high altitude vegetation such as the giant lobelia, Elgon olive trees and unique plant species to mention a few

Wildlife in the park

The forest reserve makes a major eco-system and habitat for game, birds and the mountain. Some of the wild animals in the park include African elephants often sighted at the salt licks and on animal paths. There are an estimated 230 elephants in Mount Elgon National Park. Other animals include blue monkeys, bush back, duiker, buffalo, white and black colobus monkey, golden cat, the giant forest hog and rare sights of the leopard as well.

More than 200 birds are recorded in the park with regular sights of the Ross Turaco, African crowned eagle, white winged sun birds, lammergeyer, Jackson’s francolin and the red fronted parrot among many others. The Mathaai long legged dragon fly is one endemic species of insect in the park only found in the high altitude zones and forest on the mountain.

Other attractions in the park include the forest covered crater, salt mining cave Kitum-popularly seen with elephants, the waterfall, hot springs, gorges, caves, sharp cliffs and many others. Hiking is one of the adventures on the park besides safari walks, nature walks, horse riding and mountain climbing among others.

Getting there

Mount Elgon is actually more than 130km north of Lake Victoria and is reached from the Uganda and Kenya sides. The road to Kitale is used to access the park in Kenya via either Endebess or the dusty route 15km from Kitale town on the left turn leading to Chorlim gate. Both routes can lead to the park as long as the tourists are with a KWS tour guide. The best time to visit the park is around June to August when the weather is quite dry and a few days of rainfall.

Accommodation

There is no significant accommodation within the park although the KWS runs self catering accommodation options at Koitoboss guesthouse for a capacity of six people and another facility at Kapkuro Banda fro a maximum of 3 people per unit. Both facilities are located down the mountain-from the park gate.

Camping is allowed at designated public campsites at Ringai camp, Nyati camp and Chorlim gate camp. However, tourists or visitors have to carry camping gear and supplies for their period of stay. There is a private camp at Salt lick special campsite with some basic camping facilities.

The park is recorded to have several porous rocks that drain the falling rains and later flow out at the Mzima springs, Galana river and Tsavo river.  The rest of the Chyulu eco-system (741sq km) is savannah grassland, thicket and motane forests.

Chyulu National park was gazetted in 1983 and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife service. Part of the national park extends into Tsavo west national park while the west Chyulu game Conservation is a wildlife project managed by private Maasai communities

Wildlife

The Tsavo and Amboseli regions are known to have more than 500 species of wildlife. Chyulu is thus no exception to this diversity. Some of the species of mammals in the park include forest bush pig, black rhino, elephant, bush buck, mountain reedbuck, giraffe, lion, leopard, zebra, wildebeest, steinbook and buffalo among others. Some of the reptiles in the park include Black mamba, puff adder, monitor lizard and rock python. Watch sight of the rare dung beetles, butterflies and tsetse flies

More than 350 birds are found in this eco-system and they include a few rarely sighted species. Some of the birds in Chyulu Park include the Taita Francolin

Other attractions near Chyulu Park include the lakes, Jipe and Chala on the border with Tsavo West park, clear view of the Kilimanjaro, some several kilometers away in Tanzania and cultural tours to the masaai communities living near the park.

Getting there

The park is located a few kilometers (10km) off the main Mombasa-Nairobi highway. From Naiorbi city, the park is 230km and 20km from Mombasa airport. Follow the sign post 1km past the Kibwezi turn off and then drive 10km to the park gate. All drives in the park should be with a robust 4wd since the roads are dusty during the summer yet muddy after the rains

There are two airstrips within the park while tourists can alternatively use the airstrips in Tsavo West or Tsavo East National Parks. Flights and charters from Nairobi and Mombasa airports are available at the different airstrips.

Activities

The park is open every day 7h00 to 18h00, all through the year. Some of the interesting activities within Chyulu Hills National park include hiking, safari walks, camping, horse riding, cave exploration and the bird watching among others.  The weather is hot and dry for most of the year hence tourist can visit the park any time of the year

Accommodation

There is no major accommodation facility within the park but Kenya Wildlife service runs 3 campsites in the park at Kithasyo and a guesthouse at Kiboko. There are luxury safari lodges in Tsavo west national park for overnight and dinner.

Bisanadi reserve covers an estimated 606sq km of combretum thickets, savannah grasslands, riverine swamps with sedge and forests on the banks of river Tana

Wildlife

The reserve is gifted with several game sights such as cheetah, elephant, buffalo, rhino, giraffe, eland, impala, wildebeest, hartebeests and many other species. More than 300 species of birds are recorded in the reserve and these include kingfisher, malachite fish eagles and sunbirds among others. The banks of river Tana are often sighted with several water birds.

Getting there

By road, this Kenya reserve is accessed through the trucks in Meru and entrance is at Murera gate n Meru National Park. There is an airstrip at Korbessa for charter Kenya flights to Meru National Park and other reserves.

Weather

This part of Kenya is warm and dry for most of the year. There are two rainy seasons-short rains in November to December and the long rainy months from March to May. The dry season is January to March with average temperature of 25ºC during the day and cool weather for the nights. The best times to visit Bisanadi National reserve is during the dry months of January to March and later from June to October. Nevertheless, tourist can travel to this part of Kenya all through the year

For safari travel options in this part of Kenya, there are cultural tours of the Boran and Meru tribes whose area of stay and community boundaries are marked by Bisanadi reserve. This natural boundary is called Kinna in local tribes.

Other interesting places to visit in this area include Adamson’s falls in Meru Park, Rojewero  and Tana river for fishing adventures and others. Boat rides on the Tana river are interesting ways to adventure in the reserve besides tout fishing.

 Accommodation

There is no accommodation within Bisanadi Game reserve but plenty of option of diner and overnight are found in Meru National Park such as Leopard Rock Safari Lodge.  Safari lodges and camps are part of the options in Shaba Springs reserve and Samburu National park.