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.

The total area covered by the Mwingi reserve is 755 square kilometers in a landscape that majorly comprises of open savannah, acacia woodlands and rivers.  The total area covered by the Meru Conservation Area is estimated to be 440osq km

Wildlife

Since the park is total bordered by the other reserves, it is often visited by the different animals from neighboring parks and reserves. Some of the animals found in Mwingi National Reserve (formerly Kitui North National Reserve) include crocodiles, hippos, caracal, elephant, lion, leopard and several species of antelopes. The population of game in this reserve is however limited.

Activities

This reserve is the least accessible of all the parks in Meru Conservancy Area. Tourists often visit the park on horse riding safaris, camel riding and limited options for game drives. The Kenya Wildlife service runs the park and allows for fly camping and safari game walks with a trained guide.

Other attractions in the area include Kampi ya Simba- the former home of Joy and George Adamson and their famous lioness Elsa, the Adamson falls, fishing on Tana river and safaris to neighboring national parks and reserves

Getting there

Mwingi National reserve is located in Mwingi district in north eastern Kenya. The road to the reserve and Meru Conservation Area passes through Thika, and Kyuso Village. An alternative route is through Meru National Park on Adamson Bridge.

There are efforts by the Mwingi County council to increase accessibility to this Kenya reserve and building walking trails in the reserve together with the Kenya Widlife Association

Accommodation

There is no accommodation within the park but safari accommodation is available in Meru National Park, Kora National reserve and in the neighboring towns of Thika and Mwingi. Camping is allowed in the park for designated areas

Game viewing

The reserve however boasts of several species of wild game such as elephants, buffalo, oryx, bushbuck, greater kudu, gran’t gazelle, leopard, cheetah, jackal, lion, giraffe, spotted hyena, jackal and birds as well. The river bed on Keiro river are often sighted with gapping crocodiles with jaws wide open.

Getting there

The reserve is located off Kitale Lodwar highway in the rugged foot hills of Nasalot mountain in Kenya. The distance from Kitale to the reserve gate is estimated around 98km. The drive form Nairobi is on the A1 road which goes via wabuye on A104 to Lodwar and Lokchogio. The A1 road crosses the western parts of the reserve.

There are two alternative routes to South Turkana reserve; one via Lake Baringo and another goes through Kerio valley  and connects to Lokichar road. 4WD are recommended for up country travel in Kenya. There are public transport means to Kapenguria, Lodwar and west Turkana region.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation within the park. Options for accommodation are available from Kitale and Lodwar towns. There are several options for accommodation and Hotels in Kenya and even int he

The park was established in 1949 to protect an endemic forest reserve that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The UNESCO bio-sphere reserve is located nearly 3100m above sea level and stretches for 715sq km.

Mount Kenya

This extinct volcanic mountain is Africa’s second tallest mountain. The highest peak Batian at 5199m covered with melting glaciers and several rivers streaming from the park. The valleys are an important water catchment area in Kenya for rivers such as Ewaso Ngiro that flows to the north and the Tana River. Hiking Mount Kenya is one of the most fascinating adventures in Kenya safaris and for East Africa as well.

The foot slopes are covered in forest, scrubs, moorland, alpine moorland, glacial morains and bamboo among other species. This forest covered mountain is said to have exploded more than one and half million years ago.

According to the Kikuyu people living at the foot hills, the mountain is believed to be the home of a local god Ngai and his wife Mumbi thus considered sacred and many people perform traditional rituals here.

Wildlife

There are several species of animals living in the park. The African elephant is regularly seen in the park and some times is found grazing in the nearby farmlands and near the salt lick. Other species of game in Mt Kenya Park include giant forest hog, water buck, eland, suni, mouse shrew, mongoose, tree hyrax, mole rat, bushbuck, black rhino, common duiker, buffalo and many others. There are rare sights of the leopard, lizrds, albino zebra and the golden cat

There are several species of birds in the park with more than 130 recorded including the Ayer hawk eagle, green ibis, rappel’s robin chat, scarlet-tufted malachite sun birds, scaly francolin, Mackinder’s eagle owl, mountane francolin, Abyssinian long eared owl, and the locally threatened swift among others

Getting there

The park is located 175km from Nairobi City centre. The road is via Nanyuki-isiolo via srimon track, or nyeri-nanyuki road near Naro moru. Anotehr route to the park is through Chogoria on Embu-Meru road 150km from Nairobi. There are charter Kenya flights to the park with an airstrip at Nanyuki. There are 4 park gates  but entrance is only by paid fees in Kenya shilling or US dollars

Accommodation

There is self catering accommodation in Mount Kenya National park run by the Kenya Wildlife service at Batian Guesthouse and another option from Sirimon Bandas

Camping is allowed for designated areas in the park. Some facilities for backpackers include Mintos hut camp, Austrian hut, Kinondoni, Mackinders campsite and major public campsites around the park.  Backpacking and hiking expeditions require that you carry warm clothing, comfortable hiking boots, sun screen, sandals, guide book, binocular, camera and other camping supplies.

Hotel accommodation is available from Nairobi city and these options include the luxury Serena Nairobi hotel located only 153 km from the park. There are many other options fro accommodation and Hotels in Kenya.

The park is managed by the Kenya Wild life service and occupies a total of 120 square kilometers. This park is famous for the large herds of roan antelopes roaming the plans in southern Nyanza province, near the lake. The landscape is major black cotton clay soils nurturing fresh pastures, acaia woodlands, savannah grasslands and some parts are used for cultivation by the community.

Wildlife

Besides the roan antelopes that can only be found here, other species of game in Ruma National Park include hyena, impala, bush pig, honey badgers, serval, topi, baboon, hartebeest, leopard, buffalo, bush pig, Rothschild giraffe and the vervet monkey among others

Ruma National park is classified as one of the important birding areas in Kenya. More than 350 species of birds are found here including the rare African migrant Blue swallow, king fisher, fishing eagles, sun birds and many others. other interesting activities in the park include game drives (4WD), safari walks and sun downer cruises on the Lake Victoria waters.

Access

Access to the park is by road; from Kisumu-it is just 140km to the park while if you are taking the ferry on Lkae Victoria, the park is 10km east of Lake Victoria and south of Homa bay. Travel form Nairobi the capital is 425km into Kisumu port town. It is open to tourists every day 7h00 to 18h00.  There are two gates to the park, Main gate at Kamato 42km from Homa Bay and another gate at Nyatoto. Kisumu airport has schedules for flights from Nairobi as well as charter flights for some tourists visiting the different parks.

The weather is good all through the year with 2 rainy seasons-the short rains in October to December and the Long rains in April to June. The best time to visit for birding is during the rainy season while game viewing is great for the dry months of January to April and later July to October.

Accommodation

There are two camping sites in the park, one at Nyati and another called the fig tree. Outdoor camping is one of the best ways to discover this Kenya wildlife park.  Oribi Guesthouse is another option for accommodation in the park although self catering services are used. The guest house has a clear view of the escarpment and the rolling hills of western Kenya and a fully equipped kitchen facility.

Picnics in the park are allowed for designated areas. Korlang’o picnic site is not only a historic site located within the park it is good for family holidays and weekend. This site was formerly used by the Kalejin living in this area to escape the colonial hand of the British as they reached into the Lambwe valley. Twiga Picnic site is another site for picnics, dramatically located at the heart of the park.

The national park is made up of coastal aqua blue waters, fringing coral rocks at Bamburi-Nyali with beautiful reefs stretching 0.5-2km from the shore, river delta, mangrove swamps and forests and also the white sand beaches. The coral reefs have several species of plants such as porites, turbinaria  and Acropora

Wildlife

The coral gardens and reefs are home to several species of marine life like zebra stripped fish, multi colored angel fish, butterfly fish, sea urchins, sea stars, jelly fish, sea cucumbers, crabs and several fish species. Dolphins and sea turtles often visit the marine park too.

Diving and snorkelling are popular tourist attraction for Mombasa Marine Park. Nervous divers or naturalist can take a tour of the marine reserve on a glass bottom boat. Other exciting tourist activities are on the beach of Mombasa and they include wind surfing, sun bathing, kite surfing, swimming and many others.

Some of the excellent beaches near the Mombasa Marine park include Nyali beach, Bamburi, Shanzu which popular for the sea turtles and Kenyatta public beach.

Tours of the old Mombasa fortress Fort Jesus are unique for tourists visiting this Marine reserve. The port was formerly used by the early Portuguese explorers in the 17^th century during the wars with the Arab merchants.

Travel

The weather on the Kenyan coast is splendid with humid conditions and an average temperature of 25ºC. The marine reserve can be visited throughout the year Access; the park is 485km from Nairobi the capital of Kenya on the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. There are flights to Mombasa international Airport and then pick a bus of private car hire to the marine park.

Accommodation

There are no accommodation facilities within the marine park but several hotels in Mombasa have accommodation for the tourist in this park. Serena Mombasa Hotel & Spa has one of the most luxurious hotel suites, facilities and service. Other Hotels in Mombasa include Sarova Mombasa Beach Hotel and several four star hotels and beach apartments overlooking the beach.

Ol Donyo Sabuk is a mountain whose peak is 2145m above seal level. The mountain has different names according to the tribes staying at the foot hill. The Masai meaning of Ol Donyo Sabuk is big Mountain while the kikuyu call it Kilima Mbogo which translates as the mountain/ hill of Buffalos.

Wildlife

There are estimated 250 buffalo herds in the park and thus constitute the major tourist site for the game park. other species of mammals include leopard, bush buck, colobus monkey, olive baboon, vervet monkey, bush baby, duiker, bush pig, mongoose, porcupine, aardvark, syke monkeys, squirrel and kirk’s dik-dik among others. there are pythons, monitor lizards and other reptile in the park as well

More than 50 different species of birds are found in the park and these include purple breasted sunbird, African hawk eagle, speckled mouse bid, yellow vented bulbul, sparrow weave, guinea fowl, Bateleur, ring necked dove and superb starling among others.

Tourist Attractions and Sights

The park is one of Kenya’s historical monuments with several sites attached to European explorers and settlers. Lord William Macmillan is one of the very first European settlers in the area of the Ol Donyo Sabuk mountain. He was buried at the foot of the mountain together with his wife Lucie and their pet dog.  Roosevelt theodroer a former American president also visited the area in 1901 and stayed at Juja farm –now a ranch near the foot slopes of the mountain. other popular Kenyans attached to this area include Tom Mboya and Wanjiku Maendeleo among others

The fourteen falls are a spectacular sight in the Chania River used as picnic site and recreation area for many tourist in the park.  Safari walks and hikes on the mountain boast superior views on the Nairobi city and surrounding town of Thika, Mt Kenya, Kilimanjaro as well as the Ngong Hills.

The mountain and the national park are great for hiking, mountain biking, safari walks and family adventures among several other exciting Kenya safari tours.

Getting there

The park is located 65km north of Nairobi city. The road winds through Thika a small town near the park. From Thika, there are 22 km to the junction on Garissa road, follow the signpost on a 3km dusty road to the town of Donyo. Take the right turn from Donyo town and drive 2km to the main park gate.

Accommodation

There are camping facilities at the park run by the Kenya wildlife service with self catering accommodation. Other camping facilities are available at Turaco camp site. Sabuk guesthouse offers accommodation for 10 people. Other options for accommodation are available in Nairobi Hotels and from Thika

The park occupies an estimated area of 115 square kilometers on the outskirts of Nairobi City centre. Mainly, the park comprises of scattered acacia thickets, rocky valleys and open savannah grasslands. Mbagathi river crosses the park in the west draining through a patch of woodland forests while in the south, the Athi Kapithi plains and the Kitengela migration corridor mark a major game stuffed area especially during the rainy season.

There are also man made dams in the park that attract several animals and birds when the dry season sets in.

Wildlife

Some of the regular sights in the park include leopard, cheetah, lion, baboon, Grant ’s gazelle, hyena, water buck, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, zebra, eland, wildebeest and buffalo among others.

More than 350 different bird species have been recorded in Nairobi National Park including the ostrich, kori bustard, crowned eagle, and vulture. There are both migrant and permanent birds in the park

There is a rhino sanctuary run by the David Sheldrick Trust at the park for the rehabilitation and re introduction of the black rhino, a species almost wiped out in Africa. Due to success of the rhino sanctuary, Nairobi National Park is the only place where the black rhino is seen in its lush habitat. This sanctuary runs breeding program and restocking for other parks in Kenya and Africa.

Game viewing is good all through the year. Some mammals visit the park in March and April ad settle on the migration corridor near the Kitengela plains.

Nairobi Animal orphanage is a popular tourist attraction within the park. The orphanage is a home to more than 20 different animals that are recovered from paocher’s captivity, the orphans and those whose wildlife habitat has been destroyed by increased human activity. Some of the caged animals in the orphanage include cheetah, elephant, lion, baboon, ostrich and many others

Travel Guide

The park is located 7km form the city centre which is just a 10 minutes drive on Langa’ata road. There are 7 park gates and the main gate is on Langaata road with headquarters of KWS. The park is accessible all through the year but the best time to visit for game drives is during the hot dry season January to March while April to June is the short rainy season particularly good for bird watching. July to October is warm and wet- good for Nairobi safari walks in the park.

Activities in the Park include game viewing, birding/nature walks, picnic and safari walks. Other attractions in the park include the ivory burning site monument and the  Nairobi Safari walk. Accommodation

There are several picnic sites in the park with spacious tented camps and overnight outdoor camping. Nairobi tented camp offers tented camping option with twin beds, en-suite toilets, showers, fully furnished rooms and gourmet dining.

Other options for accommodation for tourists include Nairobi Hotels such as Serena Nairobi Hotel and Sarova Nairobi hotel for luxury safari accommodation, guesthouses, self catering apartments, lodges and Bed & Breakfast facilities for budget Nairobi Kenya accommodation.

The Mara triangle is marked by a natural border of the Mara River separating it from the crowded Mara reserve. On the south western border is the Serengeti National Park of Tanzania and Ol Doinyo escarpment on the North West. The total area of the triangle is 510sq km which is just a third of the Masai Mara Game reserve.

Wildlife

The Mara is known for the annual wildebeest migration that sees animals from Serengeti cross to the Mara in June. Nevertheless, there are few animals that cross to the area of the triangle and these include cheetah, lion, wildebeest, side stripped jackal, bat eared fox, hippo, crocodiles, baboon, reedbuck, zebra, topi, gazelle, eland, impala, hyena, servals and the reedbuck among others.

The number of rhinos in the park has seen a drastic decline from 120 in 1971 to less than 10 residents for the Mara triangle. More than 450 birds are recorded in the park including the ostrich, fish eagles, vultures and many others.

Activities

Game viewing is good during the months of the annual migration in June to November while the best time to viist the triangle and the game reserve extends until. From November to February, there are fewer game sights and bird watching takes centre stage since the rainy season runs until the end of May.

The Mara triangle is good for game drives during the day and night. Night Game drives are regulated and these give sights of the nocturnal mammals/ predators while on the hunt

Getting there

The Mara triangle and the reserve have access to two airstrips at Mara Serena Lodge and at Kichwa Tembo which receive tourists on charter flights from Nairobi to Masai Mara. By road, Mara Triangle is reached through Sekenani gate and Narok.

Accommodation

There are plenty of Kenya Hotels and accommodation facilities in the Mara Triangle. Mara Serena Lodge is located within the triangle and offers first class luxury accommodation, canvas suites and running water. The other accommodation options are safari camps such as Little Governor Camp, Mara Siria, Mpata safari club, Kichwa Tembo camp, and Kilima camp among many others. Some of the options are run by the Masai communities and the rest by the conservancy project. All guests in the different facilities pay accommodation fees that include charges on conservation.

Prior booking for camping and safaris in the Mara triangle is very important. There are also private & public campsites in the triangle near the Oloololo gate and near the airstrip although camping tourists are encouraged to carry or hire camping gear and have private supplies for drinking water and food. There are strict rules and fines on camping and safaris in Mara Triangle!

Nairobi Safari Walk is located only 7km from the city centre. The carefully maintained wooden nature trails lead you to the different eco-systems that make up Kenya’s wilderness namely the forest, savannah grasslands and the swamps.

Wildlife

The tour guide on the safari walks will identify tree species and plants that have unique traits to Kenya and those that are classified as threatened. Further, the trail takes you to Nairobi National Park where you’ll enjoy sights of the white rhino, albino zebras, eland, impala, buffalo, cheetah, spotted hyena, leopard, lion, hare, insects and giraffe among others.

There are also a variety of birds on the safari walk, many of them similar to the ones seen in the neighborhood-Park and the animal orphanage

Unlike the sights in the neighboring Nairobi Animal Orphanage and the Nairobi National Park, the safari walks offers quite a limited number of animal sights on game walks. The safari walk is open to visitors every day 9h00 to 15h00. It was designed for educational tours by institutions, research and Kenyan tourist.

Hotel and Accommodation

Nairobi safari walk is located in the outskirts of Nairobi city centre which means there is plenty of accommodation for travelers and tourists. Some of the hotels and lodges in Nairobi include Ole Sereni lodge, Sarova Stanley Nairobi Hotel, Hilton Nairobi hotels, Nairobi safari park and many others.

Many of the accommodation options in Nairobi have packages with tours to the Nairobi Safari Walk and other tourist attractions in Nairobi.

Towns and Cities in Guinea
The capital is called Malabo built on the island if Bioko. This island formerly called Fernando Po is formed by three extinct volcanoes which are also the main tourist attraction on the island. Malabo is located along the Equator with beautiful weather.  The town is dotted with very attractive Spanish architecture, bustling streets and busy markets.
Malabo is an oil town seen it is found on the Gulf of Guinea which is a very rich oil region in Africa.

The port is lined with several oil plants and refineries. There are several beaches at the coast and one of the most fascinating is Arena Blanca. At Moca in the southern highlands you can learn the traditions of the indigenous Bubi people.
Bata is a main town of mainland Guinea and quite larger than the capital Malabo.  The town also doubles as the port town with several ships and cargo ships. It is the port used for exports and imports into Equatorial Guinea such as coffee, cocoa and timber.

Some of the attractions in this town in the white sand beaches and the local markets
The Museum of Biyabiyan is 20 km (12.5 mile) west of the town of Ebebiyin is a must see for all tourists in Guinea. The museum has traditional Fang sculptures and other works of art.

Wildlife Tours in Guinea

Monte Alen National Park is the only national park in Guinea covering 1400sq km of rainforests, marsh and savannah grassland. Some of the wildlife in Guinea includes leopards, gorillas, sitatunga, buffalo, mandrils, chimpanzees, crocodiles, western lowland gorillas, butterflies and more than 300 birds. Gorilla trekking in Africa is one of the fascinating adventures with many found in the forest clearings.
On the south of Bioko Island turtles come ashore on the beaches at Ureca to lay their eggs during the dry season. Villagers have been employed as guards to patrol the beaches during nesting season since 1996, as turtles and turtle eggs were previously popular food. The Cascades of Moca, Lake Biao and Lake Loreta are home to several species of monkey.

Activities
Walking, Trekking & Hiking are some of the ways to experience Guinea and especially for Monte Alen National Park. Experience the rugged landscape, forested areas, dry savannah grassland and mountain. – Take a walk, trek or hike in the popular Monte Alen National Park. You’ll have to trek slowly and carefully, as the terrain is rugged and steep. Most of the time, your tour operator will hire locals as porters, cooks and guides. You can even do some overnight hiking, as there are wilderness campsites available on a first-come basis.
On Bioko Island you can climb the slopes of the Pico Malabo volcano, which has several secluded hiking trails and mountain climbing opportunities, or enjoy the view from the 3,000m (9,843ft) Pico Basile where you can see Mount Cameroon on a clear day.
Mountain Biking is great experience on Bioko Island with great scenery, greenery and the beaches. A tour from the southernmost town of Ureca to Malabo and back will afford some hilly climbs and decent descents. Other peaks worth your biking experience include Pico Quioveo (598m), Pico Lago (525m) and Pico Do Fogo (435m).
Fishing is a major activity for the coastal region with fishing villages, tribes and tourists. There are many fishing spots along the long coast, or on any of the islands. Boat excursions to and around the islands can be arranged with a tour operator. Some of the best places to have fishing trips include the Benito River (Mbini), the Campo River (Ntem) and the Muni River (Muni).

Travel Guide

Equatorial Guinea is hot, humid and tropical since it lies on the equator. The dry season is during the May to September and is the best time to go. Bioko is dry from December to February. During the rainy season some roads are only passable in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with the heaviest rains during June.

Travel Tips
•    Prepare to be routinely stopped if traveling the roads. A guide assures that your group is all ready, with paperwork in its proper order.
•    Be prepared for patience when searching out the gorillas. You may to spend hours in search of them. Guides know where best to look but you must have a gorilla trekking permit.
•    Though the country is generally safe, check travel reports for foreigners before venturing here.
•    Foreign cigarettes are appreciated as gifts.
•    Do not photograph the presidential palace, airports, ports, or military bases.
•    Carry comfortable walking boots, sun hat, camera, drinking water, light clothing and warm clothing for the chilly nights.

Wildlife

Regular sights of mammals in the park include forest elephant, Jentink’s and Zebra Duikers and large primate populations, including the Diana monkey, red colobus, black and white Colobus and the western chimpanzee.

Also found within the park are several populations of the endangered pygmy hippopotamus. This particular species is under threat of extinction thanks to increased poaching, habitat destruction and illegal trade in hippo meat and teeth for jewellery. The hippos are a rare sight in the park coming out in the night to feed on wild fruits and tender roots while remains hidden in the swamps for much of the day.

The Sapo people living near the park have strong traditional beliefs about this mammal locally called Nin-gben. It is said in Sapo that if a hunter kills Nin-gben, he must cut off and burry the tail. If not, anyone that the hunter meets while he carries the tail will die, as the tail is believed to be very powerful. Unfortunately this taboo doesn’t prevent pygmy hippos from being hunted.

During the civil war thousands of hunters and gold miners inhabited the park, and although the amount of wildlife killed is unknown, pygmy hippos were said to be targeted by hunters, along with elephants and a variety of duiker and primate species.

The rivers in the park such as Tsehlanyane and the Holomo flow graciously in the summer and spring months creating spectacular waterfalls over rocks and swimming pools but the entire river system freezes during the winter. The valley of the pools, a small village on the foothills of the mountain has more than 16 deep pools stretching 5km across. A spectacular waterfall known as Lesaloto is also only a 4 hour return hike from the lodge.

Tsehlanyane National Park has an altitude ranging from 1940 to 3112 metres with more than 560sq km of the rugged mountain peaks. Other parts of the park are indigenous woodlands such as Che-che woodland and berg bamboo which grows on the banks of the rivers. The Berg Bamboo is traditionally important to the Basotho people living in Lesotho. There are an estimated 220 exotic species in the high altitude zone some of them not seen anywhere in the world. The diversity of habitat types is exceptionally high as compared to other altitude parks and reserves in the world.

Access

The park is located in the Maluti Mountains at the foot of the Holomo Pass and only about 45 minutes on a good road from the South African border post of Caledonspoort. The road is 32km on A1 road-5km south west if Butha Buthe. This route passes through the village of Khabo and over the Hlotse river bridge and finally reaching the park gate

By air, South Africa flights are available at Johannesburg airport to Clares, a town near Caledonspoort. A cab or private means can be hired for the drive from Clarens to Caledonspoort and then to the park. The flight from South Africa to Clarens is only 4 hours while the drive to Caledonspoort is 15 minutes.

Mammals

More than 24 species of mammals are recorded in the park and they include grey rhebuck, African wild cat, black-backed jackal, porcupine, caracal, baboon, striped pole cat and rock hyrax, ice rat, the clawless otter and others. Since the park is on high altitude, it is home to fewer species of birds many visiting the park in the spring time.

Other attractions in the park include hiking to the rocks, caves, hanging cliffs and visiting the diamond mines of Kao near the park gate. The rivers are clear in the summer while the pristine pools give an amazing swimming experience

There is a lodge in the park near the park gate for overnight accommodation. Other options of overnight are found in the villages below such as Khabo.

There are several species of animals, birds and fishes in the waters of River Tsoelikana and in the dams.There are some hardy mountain buck to be seen, as well as small mammals, a wealth of birdlife, and a diverse Cape alpine flora. Of particular interest is a small minnow-like fish that was thought to be extinct, but has been rediscovered in the upper reaches of the River.

Activities

Trout Fishing is only done below the Tsoelikane Falls on the river and in the nearby water dams. Fishing was begun by the Prime Minister of Lesotho at the time, Leabua Jonathan who liked staying in the park too.

Hiking is a worthy adventure in the park while pony trekking makes views of the lush park better. Pony trekking is offered at the lodge in the park for 2-day trails to Bushman’s Nek and to the waterfalls for the evening and early mornings.

Sehlabathebe National Park is great with photographic safaris. Your pictures are caught with Sandstone arches, rock pool reflections, views of the ‘Three Bushman’ – the prominent peaks  and the escarpment.

Accommodation

There is a safari lodge in the park called Jonathan’s Lodge. It was named after the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Leabua Jonathan who often used to stay there during his fishing adventures.  The lodge offers activities like trout fishing, pony trekking and guided hiking adventures.

Bob Philips Campsite is another options for accommodation situated near the Matebeng Pass on the Thaba Tseka Side and is a great place to overnight en-route to Sehlabathebe National Park.

The area includes some 5440sq covered in mangroves and tanne while other parts of the nature park are under sand bank, mud, savannah grasslands, woodlands and palm forests. Some parts of the park are used for agriculture and other commercial activities. The park, especially the northern sector, includes one of the most extensive areas of mangroves in the country.

Location: the natural park can be accessed 10 km east of Cacheu on the opposite river Rio de Elia, near the estuary mouth, and inland almost as far as the town of São Domingos.

Wildlife

The mangroves are very important as breeding areas for fish, crustaceans and molluscs, and also provide refuge for a large number of birds, many of them migratory. At least 180 bird species have been recorded in the park. West African Manatee is one of the many species of mammals found in the park.

The most important agricultural activity is rice growing. In the northern sector, the rice is grown in flooded fields behind the mangroves (bolanhas), and some maize, nuts and manioc are also grown. Much agriculture is temporary, following the pampam system, which entails regular clearing of new agricultural land.

Some of the animals in the Ramsar site crocodiles, hippos and birds. The lake is an important source of living to the local people who are particularly fishermen.  Much of the area is under intense exploration with several areas deforested for wood, agriculture and animals depleted by hunting.

Due to its geographic location João Vieira-Poilão National Park, Iles d’Orango National Park & Rio Cacheu Mangroves Natural Park are rich in biodiversity and relatively abundant natural resources.

More than four species of marine turtle breed on the islands and these include the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherback Turtle. The Ilhéu do Poilão is the most important nesting area for the green sea turtle in the eastern Atlantic.

The park is composed of coastal woodlands, swampy shores, muddy coastal mangrove, water stream/channels and water logged savannah grasslands. The mangrove covers more than half of the entire park area besides the shallow seas.

More than four species of marine turtle breed on the islands and these include the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherback Turtle. The Ilhéu do Poilão is the most important nesting area for the green sea turtle in the eastern Atlantic.

In addition to the biodiversity, the mangroves areas of Iles d’Orango National Park are regarded as an important nursery habitat of the most commercially important-fishing resources of the country – e.g. production of shrimps is estimated at nearly 6000 tons annually.

Bijagós Archipelago

The Arquipélago dos Bijagós has more than 80 big islands and islets including the Bolama area. The islands are mainly a complex of large intertidal mudflats and mangroves stretching off the coast and near the Rio Geba delta.

The archipelago covers an estimated 9000sq km of which more than 60% is mudflats and the remaining area mangrove swamp. Other types of vegetation on the islands include the dense forest gallery, floodplains, savannah grasslands and some parts used for agriculture. Many farmlands are found on the banks of the rivers, channels and water streams.

21 of the islands are permanently inhabited by a total population of some 25,000, as are a further 20 islands temporarily. The main ethnic group is the Bijagós, though there has been an influx of other groups, including fishing communities of Senegalese origin.

Some of the islands in the archipelago include Orangozinho, Orango, Canogo, Meneque and Imbone found in the south and  morth-east of the Orango are the islands of Bubaque, Rubane, Soga and Canhabaque, with Galinhas lying between Rubane and Bolama. Bubaque is the main commercial and logistical centre of the Bijagós. The northernmost islands of Caravela, Carache, Formosa, Nago and Maio can almost be considered as an extension of the Canal do Gêba. In between this complex and the Orango group lie several smaller islands, including Enú, Uracane and Uno, west of which lie the more isolated Unhocomo and Unhocomozino.

Wildlife

The wildlife in this area is only compared to the Banc d’Arguin in Mauritania. Many birds and Palearctic waders visit the islands during the northern winter. An estimated 900, 000 birds are recorded on the islands.

More than four species of marine turtle breed on the islands and these include the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Leatherback Turtle. The Ilhéu do Poilão is the most important nesting area for the green sea turtle in the eastern Atlantic.

Other species of game in the park include dwarf crocodile, West African Manatee, Atlantic humpback dolphin and many others. One of the largest West African Manatee in West Africa is found within the archipelago.

There are two National Parks in the archipelago; Ilhas de Orango National Park and Joao e Pilao Marine Park. Due to its geographic location João Vieira-Poilão National Park, Iles d’Orango National Park & Rio Cacheu Mangroves Natural Park are rich in biodiversity and relatively abundant natural resources.

Some of the attractions in the park and the area include tours to the fishing villages of Somoria and the exotic species of mammals like leopard, lion, hippo, bats, chimpanzees, snakes and other species of Mammals.

Wildlife

This Ghana wildlife reserve is an acclaimed habitat for olive baboons and other primates. Many of these animals are sighted on the highway to Lake Volta during the morning and the evening. There are also other species of animals in the reserve although other plans are set to restock the resource centre with more wildlife.

Major wildlife to be seen include olive baboons in large numbers, green monkeys, kobs and bushbucks, as well as monitor lizards, pythons and snakes. Bird lovers will also find Senegal parrot, grey plantain eater, hornbill, red northern bishop and violet turaco. Other birds to be found in Shai Hills include Senegal cuckoo, stone partridge and francolin.

Visitors to Shai Hills can visit the caves in Adwuku, Sayu and Hieweyu-each of these caves telling an interesting story about Ghana. Top of the Adwuku cave is the unequaled view over the Accra plains. The caves are most visited in the months of Soetember to October during the celebration of Mayam Festival.

Location: Shai Hills Resource Reserve is located near the capital Accra and can be easily accessed located in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra Region. It is only 51 square kilometers drive from the city centre, a few minutes drive on the road to Lake Volta.

Accommodation

Best time for visiting is October to May. Shai Hill has a resort hotel close to its northern gate. The park has an interpretation centre from where visitors start off their tours.

Part of the park lies in the Guinea Savanna Zone which is a large expanse of open savannah grasslands often interrupted by a few woodlands. The grasses normally grow to 3m high especially during the wet season making game viewing difficult although the dry season turns it brown and more sparse. The river banks are covered in forest woodlands attracting both woodland species and water birds.

The park is an important water catchment area with smaller water streams and other rivers pouring their water in the White Volta. Polzen is one of the rivers in the park with spectacular falls downstream. There are an estimated 742 species of plants and trees in the park of which 4 are endemic species and more than 20 are classified as rare species

 Location

This park is just 24 km from the town of Damongo and only 146km south east of Tamale.  It is also 700km from the capital Accra while the drive form Kumasi to Mole National park is 430km. There is an airstrip at Mole which serves private Ghana flights to Mole and tourist charters from Tamale and Accra.

Wildlife

The park is home to an estimated 94 mammal species, 300 bird species, 9 amphibian species and 33 reptile species. Regular sights in Mole Park include kob, elephant, roan antelope, waterbuck, vervet monkeys, hartebeest, buffalo, patas, baboon, caracal, aardvark, bushbuck, lion, spotted hyena, civet, mongoose, genet, leopard and several species of duikers. The best time to adventure on game drives and game watching is during the dry summer months of November to March. This season brings many animals to the different water point in the park thus giving better game viewing chances.

More than 250 birds are recorded in the park and some of the residents include egret, kingfisher, Egyptian goose, pelican, Guinea fowl, stork, Bateleur eagles, Rollers, Ground hornbill, malachite kingfisher, rock partridge and many other birds. Bird watching is excellent during the rainy season of April to October and also in the short rains of July and September

Weather

The area receives an average of 1100mm of rain every year with the heaviest rainfall falling during the long rainy season of April to October. The highest temperatures are recorded in the dry season 26-31ºC. The hottest months being April and March before the start of the rainy season

Other Tourist Attractions

Slave Caves in the park are a must visit and these have a heritage and stories from the slave trade era. The caves are said to have been a hiding place for people who fled the wrath of the infamous slave raiders Babatu and Samori.  The park headquarters were at the time, an important slave trade centre and fort.

Several rivers cross through the park leaving behind spectacular waters falling on towering rocks. Konkori falls in 100km in the north eastern part of the park headquarters while Polzen falls leaves you in awe! Nevertheless, access to these spectacular Mole sights is a hiking challenge that pays off on sight!

Cultural visits to the different communities near Mole goes without say.  More than 33 different tribes have settled near Mole National Park bringing a whole Ghana cultural heritage nearer to the tourist. Some of the interesting villages include Larabanga and Mognori, where visitors have a feel of the real African Village life of farming and animal husbandry. One kilometre from Larabanga is the revered sacred stone of the community. It is worth hearing the story behind this stone.

Canoeing and boat trips on Mole River are exciting. The rides are on local dug out canoes operated by local guides. Other excting ways to adventure in the park include hiking, biking, forest walks and many others.

Accommodation

Overnight accommodation is available at the Motel located near the park headquarters. The Motel has facilities for up to 90 people, a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. Camping is also allowed in the park for designated areas

The conservation reserve covers a total area of 350 sq km with dense forest canopy and hard wood tree species measuring to a height of more than 65m. Kakum National Park is situated 33km north of Cape Coast, the Central Regional Capital, and 170km west of Accra on the banks of river Kakum.

Wildlife

Regular sights of game in Kakum include porcupines, squirrels, olive colobus monkey, black and white colobus, forest elephant, red river hog and tree hyrax. The riverbank is the best place to find wildlife in Kakum as well as the different species of birds that nest in the forest woodlands

There is a well maintained system of nature walks and trails in Kakum that enable easy access through the thick bush and forest. The canopy walks is the best way to discover the river and the high trees of the forest. This particular forest trail has a swinging bridge almost 500m. It may give you chills but at it worth it all. More than 120,000 visit this canopy walkway every year and ranks among the top 10 best tourist attractions in the world.

The best time of the year to visit Kakum National Park is during the months of March to August when the dry season sets in. Nevertheless, Kakum can be visited all through the year. For all hikes and nature walks, tourists are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, to carry a pair of binoculars, sun hat and most of all to book a tour guide for all private safaris in Ghana.

Other interesting tour in Kakum Ghana include trips to the sea coast, a visit to the t-shirt printing factory, tours to Elmina-with one of the oldest European architecture in western Africa and ofcourse dare not miss Fetu, the annual festival in May celebrated at the Cape.

Accommodation

There is camping at the park although alternative facilities are provided at Hans Cottage Botel- the hoem of crocodiles near the town of Kakum. Here, you’ll find an exquisite restaurant overlooking the crocodile pool and well furnished cottages for accommodation besides the well stocked bar.

The reserve is covered in savannah grassland, riparian thickets and woodlands growing on rocky outcrops. The rocky outcrops are good water drainage areas storing water for mammals during the hot dry season.

Wildlife

There are several species of animals in the park including bushbuck, duikers, warthogs, roan antelope, waterbuck, hartebeest, green monkey, patas, baboon and other many others.

This part of Ghana is a good birding site with more than 194 species recorded in the park. Notable species in the area include Willcocks’s Honeyguide, Gambaga Flycatcher, bee eater, oxpecker and Black-headed Weaver among many others.

Other tourist attractions in the park include the slave defence wall at Gwollu which is 30km from the park, the Naziga Game ranch on the sode fo Burkina Faso, a tomb for ex-Ghanian president Hilla Limann, the Gwollu palace , the fishing villages and its people.

Location

The reserve can be accessed partly via Wa (regional capital), Nadolwli and Tumu and is 61km from Tumu and 89km from Wa. Main tourist activities are game viewing, bird watching and nature walk/hiking. Gbele has a tented camp for tourist accommodation

The extensive network of smaller streams, together with the 3 main rivers of the Protected Area similarly supports a variety of plants, trees and several species of wildlife living in the riparian forests.

Wildlife

The park is home to several species of mammals such as the Forest Elephant, Bongo, West African chimpanzee, Roloway Diana monkey, Geoffrety pied colobus, white sooty mangabey, crocodiles Leopard, and Yellow-backed Duiker among many other species. The primates in the forests of Ankasa National park are classified as endangered species and endemic to the forest of Ghana and Ivory Coast.

The area has an impressive bird list of over 200 species, the majority of these being truly forest dependant. Several rare birds endemic to the Upper Guinea Forest, e.g. White-breasted Guinea Fowl, Yellow-throated Olive Greenbul and Rufous-winged Illadopsis  among many others

Travel guide

The park is accessed by road 120km from Takoradi and 22km form Elubo along the Tokoradi –Elubo highway that leads into Cote d’ivoire. The park gate is located at Sowodadzem and the tourist centre at the main gate 6km from Sowodadzem.

The park has well maintained vehicle trucks covering an estimated 10km but also tourist trails for nature walks are spread through the forest.

Other Tourist Attractions

The Bamboo Cathedral is a spectacular sight for tourists visiting this part of Ghana. The church is 8km from the park gate –a walk-able distance

Some of the rivers draining the forests in Ankasa include Nini, Suhien and Ankasa from which the park gets its name. The rivers are dotted with rapids and spectacular waterfalls at some sections which are great for adventures like boating, canoeing and sight seeing.

The forest is home to Tieghemella is one of the tallest trees in West Africa. The tree is more than 20m tall and is often a sight for elephants scratching on their backs.

Accommodation  

There are several options for accommodation in the park includes the tourist centre. The lodging in the park has 4 chalets with in-built toilets and solar power. Other options for accommodation in the park include the dorm at the Ankasa exploration base.

Options outside the park include King James Hotel and Osamidi Hotel in Elubo,  Beyin Beach Resort in Beyin (Amansuri Wetland); Ankobra Beach Resort, Axim Beach Resort and Frenchman Homestay located 1km form the park gate.

Traditionally, the monkey is a sacred species of game in the Boabeng and Fiema community and thus highly regarded.  The customs of each of the communities forbids the killing of these primates thus creating a tradition of conservation. In 1975, a formal law was passed to further imprint this conservation means in the local communities. This law stipulates that any one found guilty of killing a monkey is prosecuted and then sentenced to jail.

A traditional myth has it that whoever kills a monkey suffers a calamity. The story is told of a man, who killed a monkey in the 18th century and all his relatives died consequently. The rule also requires that anyone who kills a monkey accidentally should report. People of Boabeng-Fiema observe Fridays as special days for the monkey and do not go to the farm.

Campbell’s Mona Monkey

The sanctuary has more than 500 of these monkey identified by their brown color. They feed on forage, wild fruits, flowers and small insects like ants.  They are also a major sight in many kitchens around the area-found stealing food.

Geoffrey’s Pied Columbus

These monkeys are identified by their brown and white colobus and recorded to be 200 in this sanctuary. The colobus monkeys feed on forage, mineral earth and tender stems. This specie although traditionally conserved in Boabeng and Fiema, it is classified as an endangered specie internationally.

Tourist Attractions

There are several attractions in Boabeng-Fiema but one of the most popular is trekking for these jealously guarded primates. The tour guides always heads forth for all forest walks and introduces you the different species of plants, flowers, butterflies, insects and birds.

The cemetery in the sanctuary is a sight to reckon. The monkeys, priests and priestesses have been buried at this site. The lifespan of the different monkeys is around 30 and 50 years. There are graves that have inscriptions like “Adult Male Mona Monkey, Buried on 5th December 1987″ and “Baby Male Mona, Juvenile Male Mona, Buried on 7th March 1993″. There are graves, which also have names of priests and priestess, like Afia Boahen in the cemetery. The monkeys are also buried in a coffin or an empty key soap carton they are always covered with white calico before burial.

Cultural tours of the Boabeng and Fiema villages are the best way to interact with the local people and you’ll be surprised by the sight of monkeys in different homesteads.  One thing to note and remember for all village tours is to respect the local people.

Accommodation

There is a guest house at the sanctuary with comfortable accommodation. The guest also offers camping space and tourist facilities such as shower, flashing toilets and a borehole.

Much of the reserve area is covered in semi-deciduosu forest woodlands and open grassland often interrupted by woodlands. The reserve is a protected area that preserves the open savannah in the area besides the different species of animals

Some of the animals found here include baboons, buffalos, civets, elephants, red duiker, waterbuck, black duiker, kob, roan antelope, yellow-backed duiker, western hartebeest, grey duiker and the royal antelope. There are more than 82 different species of birds in the park with regular sights of hornbill and Francolins.

Besides the intense agriculture activities in the area, this reserve is at the site of two traditional areas Kumawu and Kwamang which were, joined forces to fought invading enemies in one of their last victorious tribal wars. This area is this considered sacred to the local community.

The reserve is also used in research and other ecological studies that are aimed at protecting the bio-diversity of the region.

Location

The nearest major towns to Bui National Park may be accessed are Nsawkaw, Wenchi and Techiman in the Brong Ahafo region.

Wildlife

Some of the animals in the park include hippos, monitor lizards, fruit bats, elephants, waterbuck, baboons, green monkeys, patas, bushbuck and other species of wildlife such as butterflies, amphibians and others. More than 250 birds are found in the bird.

Tourist Attractions

Other interesting attractions in Bui are stalactites caves, lush mountains and water cascades. The caves harbour bat colonies and it’s worth waiting to see the sun set over the mountains of Bui.

The local people celebrate their annual ancestral yam festival in September – October when there is a general home-coming by indigenes domiciled elsewhere to join the festive season.  Visitors may also go out in traditional dugouts with local fishermen.

A new hydro-electric dam is being built in Bui which will significantly alter the geography of the park and create more riverine areas and islands. Tourist activities awaiting you at Bui National Park include game viewing, bird watching, and adventure hiking. Nearby villages may also be visited for true African insights and Ghanaian hospitality.

Digya National Park is located on lowland peninsular the transition zone and has a range of land forms and vegetation including areas of tall grass open woodland, forested areas, riverine forest, perennial streams and small hilly outcrops. There are wetlands in the north, east and south. The vegetation in the park includes tall grass open woodland, forested areas, riverine forest, perennial streams and small hilly outcrops

Lake Volta is the largest man made lake in the world. Two arms of the Volta Lake, the Digya and Obosom rivers curve around the almost peninsular park in the north and south.

Wildlife

Some of the animals found in Digya National Park include elephants, buffalos, mona monkey, servals, duiker, leopards, waterbucks, jackals, genets, civet, olive baboon, pata monkeys, green monkeys, crocodiles, galagos, pottos, West African Manatees and bushbucks among others.

There are several species of birds in the park with more than 230 birds. Some of the birds include the African Reed Warbler, the Black-backed Cisticola, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl and Sun Lark, Pale-fronted Negrofinch, African Barred Owlet and Thick-billed Cuckoo…to mention a few.

Location

The park has a north access from Atebubu. Go through Kwame Danso in the in the Brong Ahafo Region and through Donkorkrom in the Eastern Region. The Regional Wildlife Office is located at Atebubu where relatively good hotels and eating places may be found. Visitors to the Atebubu and Donkorkrom areas may also visit the local market to see the lively African version of Commerce.

This area was first designated as a hunting reserve in the late 1960 to the early 1970s and later named a reserve in975. Adaklu mountain (595m) defines the landscape of this game reserve in the north eastern boundary.

More than 8 seasonal river flow in to the Game reserve southwards forming patches of riverine forest canopy which is a habitat for several species of birds and wild animals

Wildlife

Some of the savannah and forest endemic species found in the reserve include oribi, kob, buffalo, waterbuck, red river hog, bongo, duiker, eland, sitatunga, waterbuck and other.

More than 200 birds have been recorded in the park with popular sights like Congo serpent eagle, rosy bee eater, Nkulengu rail and many others. There are also 227 species of butterflies in the region.

 Location

The Kalakpa Game reserve is located 100km north east of Accra, the capital of Ghana and 20km south Ho-the capital of Volta region

The reserves are situated in the transition between the moist evergreen and semi-deciduous tropical forest and cover much of the drainage for the Bia river. Bia became a protected area in 1935 and an official national park in 1974.

Wildlife

There are 62 species of mammals known to exist in the park including 10 primate species. Some of the animals in the park include colobus, buffalo, the forest elephant, bongo, bushbuck, mangabey, chimpanzees, and others.

Over 160 species of birds including hawks, eagles, bulbuls, flycatchers, the black-collared lovebird and the threatened white-breasted guinea fowl live in this habitat. The park is the only known home of Agama sylvanus, a newly discovered species of lizard

Travel Guide

This Ghana National park is located in west near Takoradi in the Bia district. Access to the park is by road from Kumasi via Bibiani and from Tarkwa-Sefwi via Wiawso road.

Although the park can be visited all through the year, the best time for game viewing is during the long dry season November to April. The rainy season May to June and September to October is associated with slippery roads and cold weather.

Accommodation

Camping is allowed in the park in designated camping sites although other accommodation options are available at Bia Guest House and Essem Debiso .

Tourists are encouraged to carry comfortable walking boots, long sleeved clothing, a hat and also get a tour guide in case of private Ghana Safari adventures.

Tourist Attractions

The Elluoloue festival is celebrated during March to the end of June and is a miss see for all Ghana tourists visiting the region.  A trip to the nearby village on the banks of Adjoafua River is a good time to interact with the local people and also have a ride on the village fishing boats.

The Apaso Cultural site is located within the park near two small pools and is a sacred place to many people visit for sacrifices and giving gifts to the gods. Other adventures in Bia National Park include bird watching, nature walks, game viewing and fishing.

It is a valley which stretches over a length of more than 140km from the border south of Ferlo towards the river Gambia. The valley crosses the Senegalese territory at Marlene and penetrates The Gambian territory through Illiassa.

Bao Bolon contains four main ecosystems – estuary, woodland-savannah, salt-marsh and mangrove forest. The Bao Bolon is a braided river system which extends north into Senegal, and in The Gambia forms a network of waterways and marshes interspersed with dry woodland savannah on higher ground. To the north of the reserve, the marshes are dominated by large stands of the reed swamps.

Wildlife

On the journey up through the bolons, you may see crocodile basking on the muddy banks or the slide-marks from where they re-enter the water. Clawless otters occur throughout the reserve and can prove quite inquisitive when encountered. Further upstream, warthog, hyena and jackal may be seen in the drier areas.

Some of the birds in the reserve include heron, sacred ibis, Pel’s fishing owl, brown necked parrots, African fishing eagle, osprey, finfoot, waders and other migrants from Europea.

Travel

The best way to explore the reserve is from the River Gambia by boat, and to wind slowly up the bolons through the mangrove until the surrounding land rises and the mangrove gives way to a mosaic of marsh, salt-flats and dry woodland. The drier areas can then be accessed by foot.

Access by road is available from Konti Kunda Niji where a laterite track leads south along the base of the escarpment to the west of the bolon. From the escarpment edge excellent views are to be had and it is a good location from which to scan for wildlife. Other access points by road include Katchang to the east, Njaba Kunda to the north and Salikene to the west.

The coastal area is defined by Bald Cape which is a shallow reef of laterite rock and a lagoon that covers much of the cape area up to the borders of Tanji Village. This area is a favorite site for bird watching and birding sights here include terns, gulls and warders.

Location

The bird reserve is located on the rise of Tanji river-14km east of Tanji Village near Yundum airport,south west of the main tourist centres of Bakau and Fajara and 1km from Brufut town

Wildlife

There are several species of birds recorded in the area with number equal to 200,000. Some of the most popular birds include pelican, vultures, eagles, gull, ruddy turnstone, tern and many other water birds.

On the shores are sights of green sea turtles, dolphins, monk seals, minke whales and many other species of mammals

Tours and Attractions

Find time to visit the Tanji Village Museum .The museum is actually more like an African village, with mud and thatched huts containing displays of traditional artifacts and furniture. You can also talk to and interact with the craftsmen at work. There’s also a nature trail and a crafts area, plus a small restaurant serving traditional food and drink which sometimes puts on live music and dancing shows, too. There is also a Mandinka traditional family compound on display in the museum complex. The museum is well worth visiting if you want to get away for a quiet bit of cultural tourism.