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Archive for the ‘Africa’ Category

Lagos is the largest and the most populous city of Nigeria. It is a huge metropolitan, a business hub as well as a port. People from not only Nigeria, but all over the world, have been moving to Lagos in search of good jobs and better living. Therefore, it has become the second most populous city in Africa after Cairo. Lagos had always been the most developed and strategically important city of Nigeria; hence, it remained the country’s capital from 1914 till 1991. In 1991, the capital was shifted to the purpose built city of Abuja. Furthermore, it is the fastest growing city in Africa and seventh fastest growing city in the world.

Lagos has been a major tourist destination for over the years. It receives millions of tourists annually. Its modern cosmopolitan nature adding to the naturally gifted scenic locations make Lagos an ultimate attraction for travelers from around the world. Unfortunately, it has not been as simple and affordable to travel to Lagos as it is to other African cities. The reason being, that Lagos does not have many direct connections to other international airports. Lesser number of flights to Lagos means more taxes, and more taxes mean high airfares.

In spite of the limited affordability possibilities, searches for flights to Lagos never reduced. Impressed by the city’s unusual importance as a tourist destination, many airlines are now providing discounted tickets to Lagos. Arik Air, British Airways and Virgin Nigeria are providing cheap flights to Lagos; however, they remain unaffordable for many travelers. Saving money over tickets to Lagos should be important, as one of the fastest growing cities of the world is also one of the most expensive ones.

One of the best ways to save money is travel through indirect flights rather than direct ones. Lagos has so much to offer to its visitors that they certainly want to explore the city to the fullest. In order to increase the possibility of more enjoyment, money needs to be saved over airfares so that it can be later spent in the city. KLM, Air France, Iberia, Alitalia, Ethiopian Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are providing indirect flights to Lagos making the travel less expensive. The breathtaking sites of Lagos are, without a doubt, worth the cost of some hours.

Another way to find out low-ticket costs is to consult the travel agents. Traveling agencies provide their customers with a variety of packages offering tours in least possible prices. These packages cover the tours entirely from flying to accommodation to traveling around. Although cheaper, the packages do not compromise on quality of the flight, accommodation, food or any other thing. Different agencies and packages can be surveyed before finalizing the one best suiting the budget.

The time of flying also matters a lot as far as saving money is concerned. Early morning flights and mid-night flights are discounted, simply to attract more travelers. Flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays are also provided on discounted rates due to easy availability of spare seats. Try not to miss this chance if grabbed, as a spare seat on a Lagos flight is something miraculous.

Morocco is the essence of North African charm and the land of commingling horizons. Glittering Saharan deserts of the south and east quickly become snow-capped mountains of the Atlas range, followed by the rolling green heartland, which drops down to the sparkling Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Travel to Morocco and wrap yourself in the warmth of the enduring Berber, Arab and African people and 10,000 years of their most fascinating history; a history that could only occur where the spheres of Africa and Europe meet intimately and unavoidably upon the Strait of Gibraltar.

Charmed as a Snake
One distinctive layer of Morocco is its great imperial Islamic cities. The central medina (old town) of each city is typically still walled in and houses the most ancient part of these treasured towns, including a minaret-tipped mosque. Open-air markets, snake-charmers, music performers and cafés are all spilling over with life every day of the week except Friday. Fez (or Fès), Morocco’s former capital, is one of the largest and oldest medieval cities in the world and a perfect place to begin your journey through Moroccan history. The medina, Fez el-Bali, is an intricate piecework of 9400 twisting alleys where you may come across some of the finest leather and hand-craftwork among the many bazaars. The modern and traditional city of Marrakesh is home to the ancient square of Djemaa el-Fna, which outshines the rest of the medina at dusk with rhythmic drumbeats, women offering henna tattoos, aerial acrobatics and snakes aplenty. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the soaring Koutoubia Mosque minaret, visible from the square.

Sea Breeze, Sand Dunes and Snow
Beyond Morocco’s imperial cities, this Arab nation tends to be more relaxed about Islam than its eastern neighbors, particularly among the mountain and coastal regions. Casablanca is a giant metropolitan port city with unmistakable Moroccan flavor and international appeal. Casablanca is also a mixture of old and new, with the recently completed Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world, and a notably historic medina of its own. For a more Mediterranean flare, venture to the north where Tangier stands as the gateway for arrivals from Spain. French colonization of Morocco in the first half of the 20th century has left a large imprint on the culture here, which is intriguing against such backdrops as the fortified Kasbah at the top of the city’s medina. Tangier is a fashionable and convenient resort destination for North Africans and Europeans alike, creating a unique cultural blend any time of year.

Get close with the people and the land on a unique adventure that begins in the Saharan settlement of Merzouge. From here you can ride a camel out into the sand dunes and spend a night or more under the luminous stars of the Saharan sky. The serenity of Morocco’s desert is not lost among the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountain Ranges either. Visitors are attracted to these largely impenetrable mountains for the isolation and tranquility of their many Berber towns and the authenticity of Moroccan life they provide, not to mention some great skiing and trekking. Aït Benhaddou is most famous for its cinematic appearances, such as Lawrence of Arabia. The red walls of the Kasbahs, fortresses and village squares illuminate in an orange glow just as the sun finds its way to settle upon the ocean in the remote distance.

You Simply Don’t Know ‘Til You Go
Writers and film makers have attempted to capture the romance and charm of Morocco for centuries. The true essence of the nation and people is so distinctly defined by so many elements. Only once you have experienced Morocco can you really walk away with that indescribable understanding, at which point you may sit down at a café and sip your sweet mint tea in peace.

One of the few unspoilt wildernesses left in the world, Botswana is a great place to go on Safari. Safaris make up one of the largest parts of Botswana’s tourist trade, and they can proudly boast that they have some of the best quality safari experiences in Africa!

The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world. Rather than flowing into the sea, the Okavango River empties into the Kalahari Desert – a spectacular phenomenon to behold! One of the remotest safari camps in the Okavango Delta is the camp of Duba Plains. The camp is situated on an island surrounded by flood plains that are flooded at different times of year. The area is home to lions, elephants, and buffalo to name but a few of the local residents! Alternatively, for those wanting a few home comforts, the Xigera Camp is situated in the centre of the Okavango Delta with luxury tents. Each room is raised off the ground, with excellent views of the floodplains.

The Moremi Game Reserve situated within the Okavango Delta is a haven for photographic safaris. at the heart of the Moremi Game Reserve is the Mombo Camp. The Mombo Camp has luxurious tents raised high up off the ground to allow wildlife to roam freely through the camp, making for some very close experiences!

The Linyanti Game Reserve is located in northern Botswana on the corners of the Chobe National Park. The Linyanti Game Reserve is home to a wide variety of species, but is best known for its very large elephant population. The King’s Pool Camp overlooks the hippo filled lagoons, and is probably the most luxurious camp in Botswana.

The Makgadikgadi Pans provide you with the backdrop of lush scenery for your safari holiday. Local wildlife includes meerkats, springboks, and black-mained lions in the dry season, and flamingos and zebra during the wet season. Located in the Makgadikgadi Pans is Jack’s Camp, offering quad biking across the vast salt pans, as well as geology, archaeology, and anthropology to do in between safaris.