Tag Archive for 'travel-tips'
In Zambia a third of the country devoted to conservation, Zambia offers the visitor some of the best wilderness and wildlife areas in Africa. A wide range of action adventures, from the legendary walking safari to river rafting on the mighty Zambezi, allows the enjoyment of nature at its wildest and most exhilirating.
A birder and angler’s paradise, Zambia has recorded more than 740 bird species in areas of great scenic beauty and has some of the best fresh water fishing available including excellent Tiger fishing. Best of all though, Zambia is one of the most stable countries in Africa, with 73 tribes living in harmony.
People are very friendly and display a rich cultural heritage during their vivid traditional ceremonies, which is open to Westerners to witness their ancient and timeless mystique.
CAPITAL:
Lusaka
CLIMATE:
There are three distinct seasons: Aug-Oct is warm to hot and dry offering the best time for game viewing as water is scarce; Nov-Mar is hot with thundershowers, but excellent bird watching season as migrants come from the north; and Apr-Jul when days are dry and warm and evenings and early mornings are cold - also good for game viewing.
CURRENCY:
1 Kwacha = 100 Ngwee. Foreign exchange is at authorized banks and bureaux de change. American Express is widely used, with more limited use of Access/MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa. US dollar traveller’s cheques are recommended.
ELECTRICITY:
220volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 3-pin square.
HEALTH:
You are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against hepatitis A, polio, typhoid, malaria (risk throughout the year in the whole country) and yellow fever. Other health concerns are dysentery, diarrhoeal diseases, cholera (avoid street vendors; filter and boil water), influenza (risk extends throughout year), limited medical facilities and AIDS. The climate aggravates chronic sinusitis. Dust in the dry season, molds in the rainy season and pollens much of the year can affect allergies.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language and all media and business is conducted in it. There are over 73 tribal dialects of which the main languages are Bemba, Nyanja, Tonga, Luvale, Lozi, Mambwe and Tumbuka.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Youth Day (12 Mar); Good Friday (9Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); Africa Day (25 May); Heroes Day (5 Jul); Unity Day (6 Jul); Farmers’ Day (2 Aug); Defence Day (12 Aug); Independence Day (24 Oct); All Saint’s Day (1 Nov); Christmas Day (25 Dec)
SHOPPING:
ebony carvings; woven baskets; copper, brass and malachite objets d’art; printed cloth; masks; drums; thumb pianos; xylophones; conical fishtraps; clay pots. Souvenirs may be exported without restriction, but game trophies e.g. tooth, bone, skin, feather, etc. are subject to export permits.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
The majority follow traditional animist beliefs and this is reflected in their social culture and customs. Hand shaking is the common form of greeting.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT+2
TIPPING:
Tipping in hotels has been abolished by law, but a 10 percent tip may be expected or included in bills elsewhere.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
South Luangwa:
Zambia’s premier game park noted for its dense concentrations of game, with over 50 mammal and 400 bird species; the Luangwa river boasts more hippos and crocodiles than any other river in Africa.
Liuwa Plains:
Scene of dramatic blue wildebeest migrations with the attendant predators lion, leopard, cheetah and the endangered wild dog.
Kafue:
One of Africa’s biggest parks, with huge herds of antelope and superb lion sightings in the northern Busanga Plains; high concentrations of water birds occur on the flats.
Bangweulu Swamps:
The floodplains are renowned for high concentrations of water birds, of which millions feed in the nutrient rich shallows; it also attracts the endemic acquatic black lechwe antelope by the thousands.
Lochinvar National Park:
Regarded as holding the world record for the highest diversity of bird species (428 in only 410 square kilometres); over 30,000 Kafue lechwe antelope, found nowhere else in the world, roam here.
Lusaka:
In the capital, don’t miss the colourful markets, Munda Wanga Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Kalimba Reptile Park, Kabwata Cultural Village, Lusaka Museum, Zintu Community Museum of Arts and Crafts and the Copper Art Centre.
Livingstone:
In town, see the Mosi-oa-Tunya Zoo, the Livingstone Museum, the Railway Museum, Maramba Cultural Village, Mukuni tribal village, traditional ceremonies and markets. Nearby canoe or cruise on a boat along the upper Zambezi, go white water rafting, bungi jump off Vic Falls bridge, micro-light over the Falls and Batoka Gorge or go on horse riding, hiking or birding trails.
Lake Kariba:
Offers prime fishing, water sports, houseboating and lake camping.
Lake Tanganyika:
Africa’s deepest and longest lake offers great scuba diving and hiking to the top of Kalambo falls, the second highest in Africa at 220 m; other water sports, fishing and game viewing can be enjoyed at Sumbu park on the shore.
Lower Zambezi:
Excellent game viewing by boat or canoe; home to one of the largest remaining elephant herds in the world; also see buffalo and hippo at close range and birds in abundance.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
Tags: African, Gerald Crawford, Travel Tips, ZambiaAfrican, Gerald Crawford, Travel Tips, ZambiaShare This
Lesotho is otherwise known as the Kingdom in the Sky, because of its high altitude and mountain peaks, Lesotho offers the traveller a different face of Africa, which is closer to alpine in climate, scenery and vegetation. Invigorating mountain air, spectacular panoramas and a rare birdlife combine to attract outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
Popular ways of exploring the countryside is through hiking, and trekking by 4×4’s or on the back of ponies. Renowned for their crafts and hospitality, the Basotho people offer a warm welcome when they say Khotso (peace), at the same time inviting you to experience their tiny, traditional villages and the unspoilt serenity that is Lesotho…
CAPITAL:
Maseru
CLIMATE:
Temperate subtropical. Frost occurs frequently in winter. Most rain occurs Oct-Apr and is usually concentrated in fierce thunderstorms.
CURRENCY:
1 Lesotho Loti = 100 lisente. South African Rands are accepted. Visa, Access/MasterCard and Diners Club credit cards have limited acceptance and the use of traveller’s cheques is limited outside Maseru.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 2- and 3-pin round.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from infected areas. Visitors are also advised to take pre-arrival precautions against typhoid, hepatis A and polio. Other health concerns include minimal medical facilities; unavailability of many medicines; food- and water-borne illnesses, particularly amoebiasis, typhoid fever and cholera; influenza (risk is May-Oct); AIDS; and tetanus.
LANGUAGE::
Sesotho and English
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Moshoeshoe (11 Mar); Heroes Day (4 Apr); Good Friday (9 Apr); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); King’s Anniversary (17 Jul); Independance Day (4 Oct); Christmas Day (25 Dec)
SHOPPING:
Basotho hat; grass woven items (mats, brooms, baskets); pottery; wool and mohair rugs; tapestries; textiles; rock painting reproductions; traditional seed, clay, bead and porcupine quill jewellery; silver, gold and ebony items; copperwork; African chess sets. The Basotho Hat Store is a good place to find local crafts.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Main religions are Christianity and traditional African religions - these and the older generation should be respected. Normal courtesies and friendliness will be appreciated. Dress is casual, but modest. For business, dress in a lightweight suit and tie and observe usual formalities, but expect a casual atmosphere and pace.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +2
TIPPING::
Tipping is recommended at restaurants and hotels.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Maseru and surrounds:
Basotho Hat, the principal handicrafts centre; the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories; the Papal Pavillion; Thorkild Hand Weaving and Moteng Weavers; Lancer’s Gap, for views of the city and Caledon Valley; the Peach Blossom Route, in August explore the nearby orchards by car or on pony; Roma; Morija with its National Museum; and Matsieng featuring the Royal Summer Palace (closed to visitors).
Thaba-Bosiu:
Within easy reach of Maseru, a flat-topped hill features the substantial remains of the dwellings and villages of King Moshoeshoe I as well as the royal cemetery of Lesotho.
Teya-Teyaneng:
A short drive from Maseru, you can find a wide variety of souvenirs in this town whose weavers and craftsmen sell their wares in the many craft centres available; close to the town are some San (Bushmen) rock art.
Malealea and surrounds:
The Gate of Paradise is a spectacular pass on the road to Malealea with panoramic views of the plains dotted with attractive traditional villages, in spring alpine flowers alongside the road are in flower; an outstanding pony-trekking centre is available in Malealea and trekking or hiking routes include a number of waterfalls e.g. the Maletsunyane Falls and indigenous alpines such as the famous Spiral Aloe; nearby Mohale’s Hoek is scenic and at nearby Motlejoeng visitors can explore some of the most interesting cannibal caves, which are found throughout Lesotho.
Dinosaur Trackways:
About 5 miles north of Hlotse, Subeng Stream Dinosaur Trackway is one of the best examples of dinosaur trackways in Lesotho; the footprints of several different dinosaurs some dating back to 180-200 million years ago, are preserved in sandstone; the Moyeni and Masitise Dinosaur Trackways feature the footprints of many different dinosaurs as well as other primitive reptiles.
Ha Baroana Rock:
Paintings 39km east of Maseru; overhanging rock accessible after crossing a stream featuring a magnificent gallery of Bushmen paintings.
Molimo Nthuse and surrounds:
One of the most attractive tourist routes in Lesotho, the road to Molimo Nthuse includes a series of mountain passes, each offering superb vistas of mountain peaks, steep gorges, tumbling streams and broad valleys; at Molimo Nthuse you will find one of the principal pony-trekking centres of Lesotho - on offer are treks for a couple of hours or days visiting waterfalls, local villages and other scenic attractions; travellers can visit the Maletsunyane Falls on a pony-trekking trail, it’s impressive as the highest single-drop falls in southern Africa.
Katse Dam:
The centrepiece of the Highlands Water Project, the huge Katse Dam is spectacular when water levels are at their highest; the surrounding scenery is picturesque and activities cater for bird watchers and water sport enthusiasts.
Roof of Africa:
Scenic Route Via Sani Pass, the gateway to the circuit; the greater part of the route lies in the Mokhotlong District, where the top of the Drakensberg Ridge is found; includes Thabana-Ntlenyana, which at 3482m is the highest peak in southern Africa; Sani Pass, Thaba-Tseka, Katse and Hlotse form an alternative section of the route where 4×4s are most suited.
Sehlaba-Thebe National Park:
The park comprises 6500 hectares at an average elevation of 2400m and offers a wealth of birdlife and diverse Cape alpine flora; a small, minnow-like fish (Oreodaimon quathlambae) which was thought to be extinct has been rediscovered in the Tsoelikana River.
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za
Tags: African, Lesotho, Travel TipsAfrican, Lesotho, Travel TipsShare This
Reunion is an island born out of a volcano, makes for a rather unusual tropical paradise. Reunion is made up of two great mountain ranges, Peak of the Snows and Peak of the Furnace, separated by the Plains. Unique features are the black sand beaches and the imposing Cirques, a geological curiosity that act as natural amphitheatres.
Although a French island, three centuries of history have resulted in a melting pot of cultural diversity with inhabitants a harmonious mix of the French, Indian, Malagasy, African and Chinese. It is due to this fact that culture, religion and cuisine are paramount. The mouthwatering food and potent punches are part of the lifestyle with religious festivals almost always taking place.
Apart from these assets, Reunion is also known for its rare perfumes, exotic colours, Bourbon vanilla, innumerable sporting activities, year-round warm water and waterfalls. It is an invitation for everyone including honeymooners, divers, hikers and other outdoor types to escape to its special charm.
CAPITAL:
St-Denis
CLIMATE:
Hot, tropical. The best time is May-Nov (cooler, dry season) as Dec-Feb is hot and wet and cyclones may occur. Rain falls throughout except Jun-Aug.
CURRENCY:
1 Euro = 100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted in all major establishments: restaurants, hotels, fuel stations and toll booths. It’s best to exchange currency at large banks in the centre of town or in a financial area. If only a small amount of money is being exchanged, the hotel money exchange rate may be adequate. Traveller’s cheques are recommended in Euro.
ELECTRICITY:
20 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are mainly 2-pin round.
HEALTH:
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age coming from infected areas. Visitors are advised to take pre-arrival precautions against typhoid, polio and hepatitis A. Other health concerns are influenza (risk extends throughout the year). Tap water is safe to drink.
LANGUAGE:
The official language is French. Reunion/French Creole is widely spoken and Tamil by some.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years’ Day (1 Jan); Easter Monday (12 Apr); Labour Day (1 May); 1945 Victory Day (8 May); Ascension Day (20 May); Whit Monday (31 May); Bastille Day (14 Jul); Assumption (15 Aug); All Saint’s Day (1 Nov); Rememberance Day (11 Nov); Abolition of Slavery (20 Dec); Christmas Day (25 Dec)
SHOPPING:
embroidery; lace; coral jewellery; basketware; local & Parisian fashion items; wooden sculptures/furniture; rum, vanilla and extracts of vetiver, geranium and ylang-ylang.
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Religion is 94 percent Roman Catholic, other faiths include Hindu, Islam and Buddhism. While in the Tamil temple, respect its sanctity and don’t wear any leather. Business is conducted in French and no formal interpreter services are available. Trade literature should also be in French. A suit is not usually necessary.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +4
TIPPING:
Widely practised. Ten percent is common.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS DESCRIPTION:
Saint-Denis:
Capital and the biggest French overseas city; several historical, relgious, cultural and natural attractions e.g. the Cathedral of Saint-Denis, Route de la Montagne, the Big Market, the Small Market, Natural History Museum, brightly coloured Tamil temples, mosques, Buddhist pagodas, Artotheque, Barachois seafront, Creole houses and Jardin de l’Etat Botanical Garden.
Saint-Paul:
Don’t miss the street market, a tour of old Saint-Paul, Le Bernica, the seaside cemetery, the first French Settlers’ Cave, Petite-France and the Ma
Tags: African, Gerald Crawford, Reunion, Travel TipsAfrican, Gerald Crawford, Reunion, Travel TipsShare This