A trip to the Libyan oases can be an exciting adventure

A trip to the Libyan oases can be an exciting adventure. There are more than quite a few of these in the Libyan Desert, so it can be quite an exhilarating journey.

How to Get There

The Al-Jaghbub oasis is at the Al Butnan District. While it is Libyan territory, the closest town is Siwa in Egypt. Kufra (also spelled Koufra and Cufra) can be found in southeastern Libya. It can be reached by going to the Al Kufrah District. The oasis is around the center of the Sahara Desert. There are depressions all around it.

The Siwa Oasis is Egyptian territory. But it is about 50 km east of Libya’s border. Due to the remoteness of the location, a 4WD or a similar vehicle is required for a trip to the Libyan oases.

What to See

 

The Al-Jaghbub is noted for some of the plants that flourish in the area. Some of the plants there can go without water for a year. It is also known for the town of Siwa, which has a reservoir of underground water. The Siwa oasis is noted for its solitary settlement. There are only about 20,000 Berbers there. The Kufra oasis is best known for the role it played during World War I.

History and Origin

An oasis is an area in the desert where plants and water can be found. It is created when a body of water is caught between rock layers at the floor of the desert. Some oases are small. But others are large enough for cultivating crops. That is how people survive in the desert. While deserts can get very hot in the day, the temperature can drop steeply in the nighttime.

Cost

Starting price of 4WD rentals is $17. The price may go up depending on the length of the trip and the duration. If you are on an organized tour, rentals wills not be necessary. The tour organizer will provide it for you. It will cost more though because of the additional amenities.

Most of these package tours will also include stopovers at some of the towns near the deserts. The more expansive Libyan travel tours will also take you to other tourist sites besides the desert.

A trip to the Libyan oases is very thrilling. But you need to be physically prepared for the journey. The desert can get very hot. Be certain all the necessary supplies are with you during the trip.

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Yola in Adamawa State is one of the busiest and most prosperous cities in Nigeria

Yola in Adamawa State is one of the busiest and most prosperous cities in Nigeria. A major transport hub, the city also has some interesting geographical features.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The city is in the center of Adamawa. The city is divided into two areas. There is the old town and Jimeta, the new city. This is 5 km northwest of the old town. Jimeta is the business and commercial center.

But both are known as Yola. You can reach either place via buses and taxis to and from Maiduguri and Mubi north and Makurdi. The city also has an airport with flights to Lagos and Abjuja.

What to See There

Jimeta has a modern zoo where you can see different animals. There is also a modern airport so you can travel in and around the city. Within the area are mosques and cathedral. As a state capital, there are also several universities.

Some of the best known are State Polytechnic and American University of Nigeria. There are several hills at Yola in Adamawa State including Uki Hill (24 km) and Bagale Hill (22.7 km). The major streams are Mayo Gugu (22.7 km) and Mayo Jerngel (9.9 km).

History

 

The city was founded in 1841 by the river Benue. As of 2004, its population stood at 88,500. It used to be a Fulani state’s capital until it was captured by the British in 1961. During the summer, the temperature can reach 40 C (104 F). This is from April to May.

The city is situated so that the Shebshi Mountains are on the south and the Mandara Mountains are on the north. The city is also the entryway for the Mambilla Plateau and the Gashaka Gumpti Nature Reserve.

Cost

The cost will depend on where you are coming from. Flights from the US to Nigeria will cost at least $600 (it may vary depending on the exchange rate).

Other Info

Adamawa State is 42,158 sq km. There are several ethnic groups in the area. These include the Libo, Verre, Gude, Fali, Yandang, Longuda, Bwatiye, Chamba, Kilba Ga’anda and the Bwatiye. The other major cities are the Mubi and Numan. Among its natural resources are cassava, maize, fish, wheat, bananas, sugarcane, tomatoes, yams and many more.

Yola in Adamawa State is also known for the Three Sisters Hill. There are also several historical landmarks in and around the city.

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A Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve tour can be an exciting adventure

A Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve tour can be an exciting adventure. Its diverse flora and fauna makes it one of the most interesting places to visit in Gambia.

 

Location

The park can be found at the River Gambia north bank. It is 52 nautical miles / 100 km from the mouth of the river. It goes from the River Gambia up to the Senegalese border by the Baobolon tributary.

What to See

32 mammals are known to live here. One of the most frequently seen is the Clawless Otter. Warthogs and numerous types of antelopes are in the reserve. There are also leopards and spotted hyenas. Primates in the reserve include the the Senegal Bushbaby, Guinea Baboon and green monkeys.

A Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve tour will show there are 540 bird species here. Some of the water birds are the Garganey, White-faced Whistling Duck and Spur-winged Goose. Other birds seen in the reserve are the Little Egret and Western Reef Heron.

The reserve is 9 km wide and 22 km long. Majority of the reserve is composed of the River Bao Bolong estuary. Other rivers are the Katchang, Tanku, Duntu Malang and Mndon Bolong. Many types of fish can also be seen in the area.

History

The area was declared a reserve on 1 January 1993. It covered an area measuring 35 sq km. On 16 September 1996, the coverage was expanded and covered 200 sq km. It became the first wetland in the country that was worthy of preservation. Since this came into effect, there have been ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of
the site.

Since the declaration is still new, it is not yet widely known by tourists. Most of the tourism activity is done via boat tours. However, there are now plans to develop the area so it can accommodate tourists and visitors.

Cost

The cost of a trip to Gambia will be around 500 USD. A single entry visa costs 100 USD. There are many tour operators, so compare the prices.

Other Info

The mangroves at the reserve have been known to scale heights of 20 meters. The salt marshes are the home of Paspalum vaginatum and Sporobolus spicatus grasses. The Echinochloa pyramidalis and Phragmites karka can be found in the reserve.

When on a Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve tour, you may be able to see the Rose-ringed Parakeet and the Senegal Parrot. The waters are also frequented by the darters and pelicans.

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Dogon Country in Mali is a nice place to explore if you happen to be in West Africa

Dogon Country in Mali is a nice place to explore if you happen to be in West Africa. It has lots of interesting sights and even more interesting culture.

Dogon Country is mostly flocked by visiting tourists all throughout the year because it is a community of people who have managed to retain their culture and traditional lifestyle sans the modernization of the world. It is definitely a must-see if you are out to explore the world and the different cultures that thrive in it.

The Dogon people, for example, are known for their mask dances, their wooden sculptures, their animist beliefs, and their architecture among others.

Location and How to Get There

A trip to Dogon country means a hike up the rocky trail. It is located at the eastern part of Mali, to the Burkina Faso border. It is near the Bandiagra Highlands, the Niger River, and the Seno-Gondo Plains.

From the airport, you have to take a bush taxi to get to the Dogon villages. To get around the villages, you may need to ride taxis, cow cart, and go on a hike.

What to See There

There are different Dogon villages. Each has a different sight to behold. There’s Sangha, where Dogon woodcarvings can be found. Then there’s Neni, where masked ceremonies are held. The Youga villages are challenging climbs altogether. But since they are rich in architectural and Dogon traditions, they are all worth the effort. Next

  

up, there are the Kondou villages, which is quite a rocky hill climb. It is in these villages where you will see granaries made of mud.

Aside from villages, there are also notable buildings that can be found in Dogon Country. There’s the House for Menstruating Women, which was constructed by women and is considered of lower quality than the other buildings. This is where women having their periods (they are considered unclean while they are menstruating and thus, should live away from the family home) stay for five consecutive days. There’s also Togu Na, a building that’s exclusively for men. They rest, discuss their affairs, and make important decisions here.

History

The Dogon people were placed in the Bandiagara Escarpment as a consequence of the ethnic group’s refusal to convert to Islamic beliefs about a thousand years ago. There are many oral histories regarding the origin of the Dogon people. What is clear though, among historians, is that the Dogon people came from different groups of diverse origins who came together by one goal: to escape Islamization.

Cost

Since the Dogon country has become one of West Africa’s more important tourist attractions, the cost of traveling to this isolated area is quite expensive. Goods are also priced high so if you intend to bring home a few items that will best explain your experience with the culture, you better be ready to spend a couple of hundreds of dollars.

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The tourism sector is a contributor to the gross domestic product of Algeria

The tourism sector is a contributor to the gross domestic product of Algeria. The country receives approximately 200,000 tourists every year. To make your stay in the country more memorable, it is best to see the top 10 tourist spots in Algeria.

Monument des Martyrs

Situated at Algiers, Monument des Martyrs is a monument created to commemorate the Algerian war for Independence. The monument features palm leaves and the Eternal Flame shelter. There are statues of soldiers on top of the leaves, which symbolize the struggles of Algerians during the war.

M’Zab Valley

Listed one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Algeria, the M’Zab Valley is found at the Ghardaia wilaya. The valley features traditional settlements such as the ksour of Bou Noura. Tourists can also visit nearby attractions like the walled villages, ancient mosques and a watchtower.

Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country is the Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad in the southeast part of Algiers. It is a historic spot because the place is Hammadid empire’s first capital. One of the notable places to see at the site is a large mosque.

Djemila

If you want to know more about then history of the place, it is best to visit the mountain village of Djemila in the northern part of Algiers. The structures that can be seen in the village include basilicas, arches, temples and a theater. Notable people born at the village include Britannia Governor Lucius Alfenus Senecio.

Tipaza

Tipaza is the Tipaza province’s capital, which is known for Roman ruins and a sandy beach. The nice sightseeing views at the place include the Christian church vestiges and the Corne d’or Tourist Complex. To learn more about the history of the place, it is best to visit the Tipaza Museum.

Santa Cruz Castle

The Santa Cruz Castle in Algiers features the Spanish and French culture. Near the castle is an ancient church protected by Algerian soldiers. The castle also offers a refreshing sightseeing view of Santa Cruz mountains.

Belzma National Park

One of the most famous and interesting national parks in the country, the Belzma National Park is found at the province of Batna. The park has a length of 262.5 kilometers. The site plays home to 447 flora species as well as 309 fauna species.

Tebessa

Tebessa is an industrialized city in the province of Tebessa. The place has a historic value because it is the first town where Numidians settled. At the city, tourists can find numerous attractive sites such as the remains of Saint Crispinus Basilica and the Gate of Caracalla.

Timgad

Included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Timgad is a colonial town of Romans situated near Batna. Tourists can find historic structures and buildings at the town including the Capitoline Temple and the Trajan’s Arch. Other structures at the town are the basilica, a library and thermae.

Great Mosque of Tlemcen

The mosque was constructed in 1082. The building depicts the Almoravid architecture. Inside the mosque, people can find a special area with minaret. Tourists can see Muslims praying and worshipping when they visit the mosque.

By visiting the top 10 tourist spots in Algeria, travelers will increase their knowledge on Algerian culture. In addition, these places are also important not just to the history of Algeria but also to the world history.

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Uganda for nature lovers is a brilliant choice for a vacation

Uganda for nature lovers is a brilliant choice for a vacation. The diversity of the country will surprise many and if you do visit this dynamic country, here is a list of the top ten places you will want to see.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

 

A great tourist spot in Uganda for gorilla tracking since this national park is considered to be the home of these gigantic apes. This is the most popular national park in Uganda and is about nine hours away from Kampala, the capital city of the country.

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

Also known as ‘The Mountains of the Moon’, this tourist spot in Uganda is located a few kilometers on the north of the equator. The park is about 4,000 meters above the ground level of the Albertine Rift Valley. The presence of the glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls makes the park a very beautiful alpine area in Africa.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

The park is named after Queen Elizabeth II and covers the entire Kazinga channel that links Kyoga and Lake Edward. This tourist spot in Uganda is the home of many wildlife species and a game drive here is pretty rewarding. The national park is also popular to be ‘the birder’s paradise’.

Lake Mburo National Park

A tourist spot in Uganda that is popular for its abundance in biodiversity due to the various micro-climate that the area displays. Antelope species such as the Impala is abundant in the park where the name of the capital city Kampala is derived. Other animal and bird species abound around the park.

Murchison Falls National Park

 

The scenic view of the Murchison Falls is really stunning. This park is situated at the northern tip of the Albertine Rift Valley. As one of Uganda’s oldest conservation places, a wide variety of animal and bird species are making their habitat in here. Various activities can be done while touring in the park such as chimpanzee tracking, game drive, and boat ride.

Ssese Islands

A popular tourist spot in Uganda where you could spend your weekend full of adventure. Ssese Islands are a group of beautiful islands numbering to 84 in all located in the northwest portion of Lake Victoria. The islands have wonderful scenic views and activities like fishing, nature walks, and various games are available in the islands.

The Source of the Nile

The place has great scenic views and this tourist spot in Uganda is really popular. Various kinds of adventurous activities are offered to tourists like bungee jumping, boat rides going to the source, white water rafting, and valuable artifacts.

Uganda Museum

This is a great place to visit to really learn the rich cultural heritage of the people of Uganda. Displayed in the museum are exhibits that show the natural, ethnological, and historical information of the country.

Kibale National Park

 

A great tourist spot in Uganda where you could track chimpanzees as you take a forest walk within the park. The national park is the residence of the chimpanzees and as you stroll along, these primates and other animal species will reveal themselves to you.

The Kasubi Tombs

A world heritage site that is only ten minutes away from Kampala. Lying in the area are four royal tombs and the place is considered to be a masterpiece of the cultural tradition of the Buganda kingdom.

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Le Bardo is a city on the outskirts of Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia

Le Bardo is a city on the outskirts of Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia.

 

Location

The Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia is located approximately 4 kilometers off the western section of Tunis.

Getting There

The Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia is easily accessible via public transportation. You can take bus number 3 or bus number 4 to reach the site.

You can also take your own car hire service to get to the museum. If you will be driving, take Rue Bab Saadoun and then drive down Boulevard du 20 Mars 1956. You will pass through ruins of an ancient aqueduct.

The museum is within a park is just outside of the town, standing on the right side of the street so it will be hard to miss. Enter through Rue Mongi Slim. There is ample parking space so if you take your car, parking wouldn’t be a problem.

What to See and Do

The Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia has a wide collection of some of the world’s most amazing Roman mosaics. The collection is actually considered as the largest in the world.

Apart from the mosaics however, there are likewise various artifacts, sculptures and statues dating back from the pre-historic era of Tunisia up to the Ottoman rule.

Among the items here are those from Carthage, Mahdia and Sousse plus exhibits on the development of Arab culture.

Brief History

The Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia otherwise known as Mus’e National du Bardo, is housed in what used to be a Hafsid royal palace built some time in the thirteenth century.

The museum is regarded as comparable to that of Egypt’s museum located in Cairo. It is also considered as among the best museums in North Africa.

It is also commonly referred to as the “Louvre of North Africa”.

Cost

Entry fee into the Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia is 4 TD per person. For an audio guide, there is an additional fee of 3 TD.

Other Information

The Bardo National Museum in Le Bardo – Tunisia is currently undergoing major renovations. This means that most of the sections of the museum are closed to the public.

It is estimated that renovation work will be completed by the end of 2011.

If you will be taking pictures, take note that using your camera’s flash is strictly prohibited. Tripods are also not allowed.

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Gorongosa National Park in Sofala – Mozambique

Gorongosa National Park in Sofala – Mozambique is a protected area in the country where various wild animals, birds and different plant species can be seen.

 

Location

Gorongosa National Park is located in the city of Beira within the Sofala Province in Central Mozambique.

Getting There

You can fly in via the airport in Beira. From Beira, you can take a bus going to Chimoi or Inchope. Once you get here, you will need to take another bus to going to Vila Gorongosa.

From Vila Gorongosa, you will once again need to transfer to another vehicle to reach Chitengo which is your main entry point to the park.

For your Chitengo transportation, the park can provide you with the transfer. You will have to call on ahead however to let them know that you need their transfer services.

It is recommended that you contact the park when you are still in Inchope to give them a heads-up.

What to See and Do

Hiking and safari game drive are two activities that you can do while visiting Gorongosa National Park in Sofala – Mozambique.

There are hiking trails around the Mount Gorongosa Waterfall area and there are specific routes laid out for a safari game drive around the national park.

During your game drive, you may come across a few wild animals inhabiting the area covered by the national park. These animals include leopards, lions, elephants, zebras, sables, warthogs, bush pigs, baboons, monkeys, civet cats, buffalos, waterbuck and serval cats.

There are also numerous birds living in the park – some four hundred species of them in all. One interesting and highly important bird is the green-headed oriole. This bird can only be found in Southern Africa, specifically on Mt. Gorongosa.

About Gorongosa National Park

The Gorongosa National Park in Sofala – Mozambique covers an area of approximately four thousand square kilometers. The park was, for a time, considered as one of the best in Africa especially since it had the highest concentration of various African wild animals.

But the number soon dwindled no thanks to the long-standing civil conflict that enveloped the country from the end of the 20th century.

To restore the park to its former glory, a not-for-profit organization teamed up with the Mozambique government to undertake this huge project.

Cost

Entry fees to Gorongosa National Park in Sofala – Mozambique are at US$15 per person. Accommodations around the park are in the form of cabanas, rooms and tents.

Cabanas are around US$96 per person, per night; rooms start at US$39 per person, per night and tents are around US$48 for a single tent per night.

Rates are inclusive of free breakfast.

Other Information

Rates in dollars may change base on the current exchange rate. You can pay in dollars and then get Mozambican currency for your change.

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Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of Uganda

The Rwenzori Mountains National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The park is situated in the Rwenzori Mountains. It is along the western border of Uganda with Congo. It is known as the Mountains of the Moon. The park is 25 km away from Kasese. The Rwenzori Mountaineering Services offers a ride heading to the park ($10).

What to See There

The park is best known for its majestic mountain peaks which are among the tallest in the country. Visitors to the site will also see plenty of lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. The park is also highly regarded for its diverse wildlife.

Mount Stanley is in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park. So is Margherita Peak, one of Mount Stanley’s other peaks. Mount Baker and Mount Speke are also in the area. These are among the highest peaks in Uganda. There are also four primate species, 5 species of butterfly and 89 species of birds.

The park also has numerous trekking and climbing sites. The seven day circuit of the park is the most popular. Trekking days are officially on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. However, many visitors begin their treks on other days.

 

You can trek in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Due to the large number of people there, is best to have a tent with you. Also keep in mind that the schedule may change depending on the number of people on the site.

History

The park was founded in 1991. Three years later it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is currently owned by the Ugandan government. Due to its popularity, several hotels have sprung up in the area. Hotels and lodges proliferate in Kampala, as it is the gateway to the site.

Cost

The entrance fee for an adult is $30 and $15 for individuals between 5 to 15 years of age. Children under five years of age are free to enter.

Other Info

The park is home to several endangered species. The botany is also one of the most beautiful in the planet. Five vegetation zones exist in the park. The wildlife species change depending on the elevation. These include the Ruwenzori Turaco duiker, L’Hoest’s monkeys and black-and-white colobus.

Schedule your visit to the Rwenzori Mountains National Park before or after the rainy season. The heavy rains fall from September to December and March to June.

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Tourist Spots in Congo

Just mention the country of Congo and images of adventure and excitement spring to mind. Visitors should not miss these top ten tourist spots when in the Congo!
Nyiragongo Volcano
 
This tourist spot in Congo is famous due to its beautiful lava lake. You can take an easy climb up the volcano until you reach the lake at the top. Most of the climbers to the lake spend their night camping by the lakeside.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park
This tourist spot in Congo is composed of two definite sections – the highlands that are open to visitors and the lowlands that are closed to all visitors. A small portion of the highlands is kept opened to visitors where you can see the three groups of gorilla that inhabit the place.
Garamba National Park
This tourist spot in Congo is known in the world as the home of the last numbers of the population of wild white rhinos. This park is an old one and also famed for its domestication program of the African elephant to become rideable by tourists.
Salonga National Park
This tourist spot in Congo is the home of the biggest tropical rainforest reservation in the African continent. Various wildlife are present in the park but are facing some danger due to the civil war that’s been going on in the eastern portion of Congo.
Okapi Wildlife Reserve
 
Located about 40 kilometers on the west of Mambasa, this tourist spot in Congo has a breeding program for the Okapi species. The park has about 20 Okapis under their care. There are also camping equipment and facilities for visitors who want to camp out along Epulu River and in the forests.
Virunga National Park
This tourist spot in Congo covers a total surface area of about 7,800 square kilometers and was known as the first national park of the African continent. The park is known for the presence of the mountain gorillas within its territory.
Bukavu
In this tourist spot in Congo you can have an astounding view of the beautiful peninsula situated on Lake Kivu. From the city, you can take a visit to the wonderful lowland gorillas, explore the Idjwi Island, and a trip to the Minova village.
Goma
This is a tourist spot in Congo that is also the city capital of the country. You explore the beauty of the surroundings and visit the following places of interest: the Green Lake, Lake Kivu, Pygmies in Minova, Gorillas in Virunga, and the Nyiragongo Volcano.
Jardin d’Eden
 
This tourist spot in Congo is a restaurant as well as a music bar along the shores of the River Nsele. The atmosphere in this place is totally relaxing. You can enjoy your dinner while listening to the soothing sound of Congolese music. There is also a boat ride available along the River Nsele.
Kinkole
A small town in Kinshasa that has a wonderful restaurant area for you to delve into the local cuisine out in the terrace. A relaxing tourist spot in Congo that is near the riverside.

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Northern Mountains – Madagascar

Morrocoy National Park has many attractions and activities for the tourist. It is one of Venezuela’s most popular destinations.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The park is situated close to Chichiriviche and Tucacas. This is in the northwest part of Venezuela. It is at the southeast sector of Falcon. If traveling by car from Caracas, go to the Caracas – Moron expressway. Head to Troncal 3 and go to Chichiriviche and Tucacas.

What to See There

The park is famous for its white sand beaches. Tourists can sit back, relax and enjoy the sun. its crystal clear waters make swimming enjoyable. Coral reefs proliferate, which makes scuba diving even more fascinating.

A tour of its sea and continental areas will reveal shorelines and mountains. Morrocoy National Park and the surrounding area are famous for its mangrove swamps. Cayos is a 32,000 hectare island. It is another popular tourist destination.

The ” Isla de Aves” is an island used for research. Most of the studies conducted are related to ornithology. The Cueva del Indio is filled with petroglyphs and is a top tourist draw.

 

There are many types of plants in the park. Some of them are “Olivo Caparis”, “Saladillo” and “Indio desnudo”. Many types of seaweed vegetation can be found as well.

266 types of birds can be found in the park. Some of the species you will see are the “tijeretas de mar”, “corocoras”, herons, pelicans, and flamingos. Dolphins, turtles, fish and whales also abound.

History

The site was declared a national park by the Venezuelan government. This was done on May 26, 1974 so it could be protected from human activities. Since its establishment, tourists have flocked to the site to enjoy the scenery and relax. While the area is carefully preserved, picnic areas have also been established.

Cost

If you are flying in from abroad, ticket fares will vary. The bus fares usually cost 18 BsF per passenger. A taxi ride may cost 18 BsF.

Other Info

Different types of flora and fauna can be seen in the park, which is another reason why it draws visitors. Many people go there during the holidays and weekends. During this time, expect to see a lot of water sports activity going on.

The Morrocoy National Park also has the Cerro Chichiriviche mountain where you can relish the scenery. Along the shoreline you can go fishing. You need to get permission first though.

Related Destinations:

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Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary – Senegal

As the name suggests, the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is a site designed as a haven for birds. While primarily meant for preserving birds, it is also a good location to go sightseeing and birdwatching.

 

Location

The sanctuary can be found at the northwest of Senegal at the border of Mauritania. It is at the Senegal River delta. The site is about 60 km north-northeast of Saint-Louis.

What to See

The sanctuary is home to millions of aquatic birds and palaearctic ducks. The most frequently seen birds here are the pelicans and flamingos. From the months of September to April, over 3 million migrants go through it. 2,500 European spoonbills, 3,000-12,000 lesser flamingos and 20,000 greater flamingos go there.

250,000 Limicolae and 450-550,000 Anatidae also flock to the site. The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary has over 300 species including black-tailed godwit and garganey Anas querquedula. It has been estimated that 5,000 white pelican nest at the site.

The sanctuary also has the African spoonbill, glossy ibis, sacred ibis, yellowbilled stork, Mycteria ibis and grey heron. You will also see the purple heron, various egrets, green heron, squacco herons and African darter.

History

The sanctuary is a component of the Senegal river wide delta floodplain. About one-third of the wetland can be found at Mauritania. The sanctuary is known for its semi-arid Sahelian climate. There is a dry and wet season, with the rainy season taking place between July and mid-September. The annual rainfall does not go beyond 300 mm.

The summer months are from March to June. During this period, it gets very humid. The risk for flooding is at its peak in October. However, the trend in recent years has been towards less rainfall. The mean annual temperature is 27 C.

The cold season is from December to March. During this period, the temperature drops to 10 C. The savanna is made up mostly of acacias and bushes.

Cost

Travel tours to Senegal will cost about 2500 USD for a week. This rate will include hotel accommodations, a guide, food and transportation.

Other Info  There are many other birds in the sanctuary. The visitor may come across the pinkbacked pelican, common cormorant and the African darter. Others species that frequent the place are the spur-winged goose, the fulvus tree duck and the white-faced tree duck.
The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary is also the home of Nile crocodiles, dorcas gazelles, the African manatee and the jackal. The warthog, python and monitor lizards are also all around.

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The Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng Province – South Africa

Covering an area of more than 47,000 hectares, the Cradle of Humankind contains a series of limestone caves from which prehistoric fossils have been found throughout the years. It is a veritable treasure trove for paleoanthropologists, as well as one of the most fascinating tourist sites in South Africa.

 

Location and How to Get There

The Cradle of Humankind is located in Gauteng, one of the 9 provinces of the Republic of South Africa. It is approximately 50 km northwest of South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg. One of the Cradle’s sites, the Sterkfontein Caves, is only a 1-hour drive away from Johannesburg and the city of Pretoria.

What to See There

There are over 3-dozen caves in the Cradle of Humankind, only 2 of which are open to the public. One of these is the Sterkfontein Caves, from whence was discovered “Mrs. Ples,” (short for Plesianthropus transvaalensis), the nearly complete skull of a female adult Australopithecus africanus. The caves are also famous for the discovery of the fossil hominin skeleton “Little Foot.” The Sterkfontein Caves is host to a scientific exhibition center delving into such varied but related topics as hominid fossils, prehistoric life forms, geology, and cave formations.

Guided tours are conducted into the caves every 30 minutes, 7 days a week. There is also a restaurant where tourists can relax either before or after a tour. The other one of the Cradle’s caves that is accessible to the public is the 2.2 billion year-old Wonder Cave in Kromdraai. The country’s 3rd largest cave chamber, it is 125 meters long, 154 meters wide, 60 meters deep, and has an area of 46,000 sq m. The Wonder Cave boasts of approximately 14 stalagmite and stalactite formations that grow up to a height of 15 meters.

History

The Cradle of Humankind earned its name due to the large number of hominid fossils (more than 850) that have been discovered there, some of which date from as far back as 3.5 million years in the past. The Sterkfontein Caves alone has yielded 1/3 of the earliest hominid fossils ever discovered. Robert Bloom first found ape-man fossils in these caves back in 1935. “Mrs. Ples” was discovered in 1947, while “Little Foot” was found and pieced together from 1994 to 1998. The world’s longest continuous fossil excavations were first conducted in Sterkfontein by Phillip Tobias in 1966, and continue up to now. The Cradle of Humankind was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

Cost

The admission fees for the Sterkfontein Caves are R120 for adults, R70 for children ages 4 to 14, and R80 for pensioners and students. Children under the age of 4 can get in for free.

Other Info

The Sterkfontein Caves is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last tour departing at 4 PM. For more information, log on to www.maropeng.co.za.

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Travel in South Africa

Kruger National Park – Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province

Known in the world as the biggest game reserve in South Africa, this tourist spot is an excellent wildlife destination. Its size is about two million hectares and contains a very wide diversity of life forms. Kruger is also a leader with regards to the advancement of environmental management policies and techniques.

Soweto – Gauteng Province

Considered as the biggest town in South Africa located directly south of Johannesburg. It is a tourist spot where you can witness the rich urban culture of the black people. It is a lively city that offers a very interesting viewpoint of the country.

Table Mountain – Western Cape Province

This tourist spot in South Africa is 1,086 meters above sea level and good for hiking and other mountain adventures. The top of Table Mountain can be accessed by cable cars or you can hike all the way up using any of the popular hiking routes.

The Cradle of Humankind – Gauteng Province

It is a tourist spot in South Africa that spans to about 47,000 hectares of land surface where the important dolomitic caves are found. The relevance of this place is that it is believed that this is our ancestral home due to the various fossilized remains of ancient life forms.

Garden Route – Western Cape Province

A coastline that stretch from Mossel Bay down to Tsitsikamma where white beaches, rugged and rocky coastline, protected vegetation, evergreen forests, and rich estuaries and lakes are beautiful to behold. This is a great tourist spot in South Africa where you can enjoy various outdoor activities, the temperate climate, and the beauty of nature.

Cape Point – Western Cape Province

Thousands of people visits this tourist spot in South Africa to take a good look of the last expanse of land in the African continent before going to Antarctica. The place is good to amaze our senses where you view wide expanse of ocean, excellent beaches, penguins nesting, and game reserve.

Robben Island – Western Cape Province

A tourist spot in South Africa that witnesses an extraordinary history that dates back to the time of the Stone Age. It is now a World Heritage Site and visiting the place will give you a totally unforgettable experience. You can access the place through a ferry ride from the place of V&A Waterfront.

Sun City Resort – North West Province

A renowned tourist spot in South Africa where gambling resorts and luxury accommodations are found. Various activities like surfing, swimming, golfing, ballooning, parasailing, game reserve, and bird watching can be done. Cabaret shows and cinemas are also offered.

V&A Waterfront – Western Cape Province

A very busy harbour that was built in 1860 and it is located right in the middle of the entertainment area of the city. One of the most visited tourist spots in South Africa where restaurants, pubs, specialty shops, museums, luxury apartments, theatres, and Two Oceans Aquariums are found.

Hermanus – Western Cape Province

Considered as the very best destination for land-based whale watching. In this tourist spot in South Africa, you can witness the gentle giants of the sea called as Southern Right Whales mate and give birth here. You can also experience the vibrant celebration of the Hermanus Whale Festival every September.

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Dongola – Sudan

Also spelled as Dunqula and Dunqulah, Dongola in Northern State, Sudan is one of the most interesting places you can visit. Visitors should not mistake this place for Old Dongola which lies on the opposing bank.

 

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The city is situated along the Nile banks. You can fly in to the city directly as there is an airport. You can rent a car and drive there on your own. Driving is not dangerous, but it is chaotic. If this is not possible, you can get a taxi to take you to the city. There are also 4WDs available.

What to See There

The city is best known as the center of the Nubian civilization. The city used to be a part of the Upper Nubia province. Some of the most fascinating aspects of the site are the archeological remains from the Islamic and Makurian periods.

The Baqt Treaty remains are also to be found in the city. The area is also known as the site of General Herbert Kitchener’s victory against the Mahdist tribes in 1896.

History

The city and the whole province used to belong to the Makuria kingdom. This would later be integrated in the Egyptian kingdom. During the time it was part of Upper Nubia, it encompassed both sides of the Nile.

Excavations showed remains of this kingdom from the Islamic and Orthodox periods. Following the 19th century occupation, the Dongola in Northern State, Sudan was declared a Pasha seat of power.

Cost

When you enter Sudan, registration is required. This will cost 110 SDG. The process may take a day if at Khartoum. If done in Wadi Halfa, it should take an hour only. There is also a departure tax. If you are going to any area the government regards as unstable, permit to travel is required. This will cost US$15. The processing time will vary.

Other Info

Several roads in the area are named after famous people or events n the region’s history. The Dongola Road was named after Kitchener’s famous victory. If you are at the Northern State, you may also want to check out Wadi Halfa. This used to be the headquarters of the British during the 19th century.

Dongola in Northern State, Sudan is known as a cultural melting pot. Testament to this fact is that the name is used by other cities around the world. Like the other nearby cities, Dongola is known for its friendly people.

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Guembeul Natural Reserve in Saint Louis – Senegal

The Guembeul Natural Reserve is one of the biggest reserves in Senegal. It is home to many kinds of animals, some of which are endangered and being protected.

 

Location

The reserve is 10 km south of Saint Louis at the Saint Louis Region. This region is to the northwest of the country close to the Senegal River mouth. It is 320 kilometers north of Dakar, the capital of Senegal.

What to See

The park encompasses an area of 720 hectares. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife. There are scores of different bird species and reptiles in the site. You will also see different species of mammals. It is especially known for the gazelles and the African Spurred Tortoise.

The Guembeul Natural Reserve is particularly well known for its reintroduction programs for the gazelles and the tortoise. You will also see snakes, lizards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles and many more.

History

As far back as 350,000 years ago, there were already human settlements in the area around Senegal. Not much is known about these early settlers, although presumably they were Neolithic.

One of the earliest kingdoms to be formed in the site is the Tekrur Kingdom (Tekrour). This kingdom came to power no later than the 9th century, but its actual formation date is still a matter of debate.

Several areas of Senegal came under the control of the Ghana Empire as it expanded.

It was also under the rule of the Tekrur that the Islam reached the nation. This was around the 11th century. After the Tekrur rulers embraced Islam, the other kingdoms were converted too. To this day, Islam is the dominant religion in Senegal, and its customs are followed religiously.

Cost

A week long Senegal tour or safari will cost about 2500 USD or thereabouts. Usually though, the cost will be lower if there are more people with you. It is not unusual for many travel tour packages to offer discounts for groups.

Other Info

Saint Louis is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Senegal. In West Africa, it is among the few that has retained its French colonial features. Some of its best natural sites are the National Park of the Langue de Barbarie and the National Park of the Birds of Djoudj.

The Guembeul Natural Reserve remains one of the most popular destinations in Senegal today. If you are interested in seeing the natural beauty of Senegal, this is a good place to start.

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Travel in Mali

The small country of Mali has a great deal to offer the tourist. Here then are the top ten tourist spots in Mali for those adventurous world travelers who choose this exciting country to visit.

Tombouctou or Timbuktu

 

A famous tourist spot in Mali that dates back to the medieval times. Found here are great sites of knowledge for Islam and West Africa. The place is now a repository of thousands of old manuscripts that dates back to the 7th or 8th century. Tombouctou is recognized today as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Djenne-Jeno

This tourist spot in Mali is a significant center of politics and commerce about 1,400 years ago. You can see here the fascinating Grand Mosque that is made from mud. You can also visit the ancient city of Jeno that was abandoned about eight centuries ago. Explore the amazing archaeological sites found in Jeno such as cemeteries and pottery shards.

Dogon Country

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist spot in Mali. The Dogon people and their villages are situated on steep cliffs to protect themselves from slave traders. Explore the country as you go inside the circumcision caves, enter crocodile pits, visit the cliff dwellings of ancient Tellum, observe an elder doing divination, and participate in ceremonial mask dances.

Niger River

 

Enjoy an adventurous night along the great Niger River. This tourist spot in Mali offers boat rides along the river going from Mopti to the fishing villages of Bambara. If you are fortunate you can encounter some hippopotamus during the trip.

Segou

This tourist spot in Mali is the second city in the country and it is a rich place in terms of tourism. You can enjoy the sight of the Niger River, visit the Arts and Crafts Emporium, travel to some historic villages, be amazed by wonderful architecture, and make your way to the colorful market of the city.

Bandiagara

A tourist spot in Mali that is 20 kilometers in length where hundreds of Dogon settlements and villages are located. This is the biggest Dogon town and is commonly the starting point to all the trekking tours in the region. Be stunned with the faces of steep cliff and their color changes depending on the hour of the day.

Niafounke

This tourist spot in Mali is the residence of the popular bluesman of the country named Ali Farka Toure. His residence is now turned into a bar with a small hotel. You can enjoy a refreshing drink here and eventually meet the man himself.

Djerbinger Mosque

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tourist spot in Mali is an interesting landmark of the country. The mosque was built in 1325 and its shape is like a pyramid with conical towers on top. On top of the mosque is a platform where you can take a good look of the wonderful landscape of the surrounding area.

 

Bozo Village

Located in Bamako, this tourist spot in Mali is worth the trip while going around the country. You must go with a guide while making your visit to the village. You will see the women of the village making the popular Bogolan cloth.

Hombori

A tourist spot in Mali that has gigantic rock formation and they are referred to as ‘The Hand of Fatima’. This is a great place for rock-climbing enthusiasts where lots of interesting rock faces challenge each climber along the

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