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Things to Check in Rental Car Before Driving Off in Kenya

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Ahabu Phillip
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Kenya Safari Car

When traveling, arriving at your destination can mean rushing to the rental car counter and wanting to dash to the car to get on the road. But before you take off, it may be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rental vehicle.

You don’t want to be fumbling for the controls and adjusting your settings while driving in Kenya especially when you’re navigating a new vehicle and unfamiliar roads. Before you rent a car, make sure you have adequate coverage, and run through this checklist before driving off.

Car rentals are commonplace these days, as more and more people are traveling for business and pleasure. However, many people aren’t aware of all the things that can go wrong during the car rental process, and don’t know how to protect themselves. Whether you are new to Kenya car rentals or have been a pro traveler for a while now, here are the things you have to know before driving away.

Here are things you should always do before you drive your vehicle off the lot.

Inspect the exterior

Take a moment, walk around the car and carefully check for damages, if it’s dark or you’re in a multistory, use your phone torch. Take pictures so you can be confident about what the car was like to start with. In case of any damages, make sure the car hire company service provider marks it down on their agent sheet before you leave the lot. Common damages to look out for are dents, scratches or chips. Check inside for cigarette burns on the car seats.

Double check your rental terms

Before you drive off into the sunset, it’s important that you are aware of all the terms of your car rental agreement. These things include mileage limitations, fees for extra drivers, return deadlines, and other details.

Make sure you have your paperwork

Even in the simplest car rental scenarios, there is still important paperwork to keep track of. Ensure that you have your driver’s license and insurance cards back, and that you have a safe place to stash the rental papers, emergency instructions, and the vehicle manual.

Renting a car can be a hassle-free and enjoyable experience, if you are smart about it. These tips will help keep your car rentals smooth and easy.

Thoroughly check the lights, windows, door handles and wipers

These are important things to check before driving with a Kenya car rental. Make sure all the lights function, whether windows open and close, if door handles work and the car locks well and if wipers work.

What fuel the car takes

During the booking process for car, you can inquire the type of fuel the car uses. You can also choose your preference but it is possible to change. To confirm if the car uses petrol or diesel, open the fuel lid. In case you are not sure of the fuel it takes, find out from the agent.

Familiarize with the dashboard

Go over the dashboard and get to know which gauge is for speed, fuel and the one for tachometer. Make sure to see if the temperature gauge displays unordinary temperature and if there are warning lights.

Rental car fuel is most commonly provided on a ‘full to full’ basis, which means you start with a full tank and you return the car with a full tank. Turn the key to check the tank is full (and the headlights work). To find out more, see How to choose the right fuel policy for your rental.

Test the navigation system

If the car has GPS, get familiar with it. Set the language before you set off. In case there are more things you need to know about its usage, ask the agent. If the car doesn’t have a GPS, go to a Wi-Fi zone and download maps which you can use later when you are offline. Alternatively, use travel maps offered by the agent.

Investigate if the tyres are safe and seasonally fitting

Check each and every tyre for the depth of the shallow tread. Make sure it is not less than 1.5mm or worse. And if some wires can be seen, do not take on this car before these tyres are replaced.

Take a moment

Once everyone’s safely strapped in, take a minute to adjust the mirrors, move the seat, find reverse, check where the indicators are, fiddle with the air conditioner and play with the stereo of course. 

Head out on to the Road

If you’re at an airport, don’t let the spaghetti roads get you down. Don’t feel rushed and take your time. There’s no harm in reminding yourself which side of the road you’ll be driving on.

Spot a nearby Petrol Station

When you’re heading away, look out for a petrol station. It’ll save any last-minute stress about filling the car up before you take it back.

Just one Last Thing

You’re all sorted, in control and on your way – have a fabulous trip.

Conclusion

When you first get your rental car, be familiar with all aspects of the vehicle before you drive off. Discover the simple checks you can do when you first get to your rental car, so you can enjoy a stress-free start to your trip. Find out the easy things to look for to avoid hassle later on.

Discovering the Wonders of Smoke that Thunders

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admin
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Victoria Falls

Musical, sporting and cultural celebrations will mark Dr. David Livingstone’s bicentenary from March to October in southern Zambia this year. Zimbabwean-born Caroline Hurry returns to the eccentric Eden that so captivated the Scottish explorer.

Dr. David Livingstone’s spectre hovers like the heat in southern Zambia. It permeates his belongings at the Livingstone Museum, where his musings – scrawled in berry juice on the margins of newspaper scraps – testify to lion attacks, malaria-infested swamps, starvation, broken bones, rotten teeth, depression and the dysentery that killed him in 1873. “Knocked up quite,” reads the last entry in his diary.

It saturates the eponymous town – bearing Livingstone’s name long after the turbulent tides of Mugabe’s spittle-flecked, anti-Brit invective sank Rhodesia and Salisbury. Cue ‘Livingstone heart Livingstone’ t-shirts.

“We learnt at school that ‘Munali’ (Dr. Livingstone in the vernacular) was the only white man to fight slavery,” says Bob Mushabati, a curio merchant at the Mukuni craft market, where informal commerce jives to a marimba rhythm coaxed from plank-covered gourds – the lighter the plank, the deeper the sound.

It suffuses the bronze statue of the striding Scotsman, Bible in hand, gaze fixed on the Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke That Thunders) – a grandstand spectacle of 500 million cubic metres of water tumbling into the gorge. Double rainbows rising from the mist nurture a lush pocket of forest – ferns, palms, sausage trees and vine-draped ebonies, home to bushbuck, monkeys, butterflies and birds.

So far, so colonial, my dear Stanley, but centuries before Livingstone’s November 1855 arrival at the Falls by dugout canoe – “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight,” he wrote – and decades after his demise near Lake Bangweulu, the locals worshipped NyamiNyami, the Zambezi river god with a giant snake body and a fish head.

Markets both sides of the Falls sell ebony and soapstone carvings in homage to the aquatic deity, widely credited with flooding the construction of the Kariba Dam in 1957 and drowning scores of workers, including several Muzungu (foreign) engineers whose bodies failed to wash up.
Tribal elders told a sceptical European search party that NyamiNyami, incensed by the dam construction’s displacement of some 50,000 Batonga people, had sent the floods and kept the bodies. Only the sacrifice of a white calf might persuade him to release them.

With relatives en route to claim the remains of their next of kin, the desperate search team agreed to the ritual slaughter of a white calf, which was cast into the river. By the next morning, the calf had vanished. In its place floated the bodies of the missing engineers. Crocodiles must have devoured the calf but how did the missing Muzungu bodies reappear three days after their initial disappearance? There’s no rational explanation.

ANCESTRAL SPIRITS

NyamiNyami is believed to live at Boiling Pot, a permanent whirlpool formed by the fissure where the current Victoria Falls starts. The million-year-old Falls are a relatively new formation, geologically speaking. Every year, the Mukuni chief sends five warriors down the 110m Batoka Gorge to scoop water from NyamiNyami’s treacherous lair for the ceremonial placation of ancestral spirits.

Visitors can tour Chief Mukuni’s 900 year-old village, home to the Leya (also Tokaleya) people, once frequented by Livingstone, whose heart is buried in a tin box under a tree.

As a devout NyamiNyami-denier, the doctor was never allowed into the chief’s compound but descendants of Susi and Chuma, the faithful companions who wrapped his kneeling corpse in
wild sage and carried it hundreds of kilometres to the coast for shipment to London, still live here.

We explore NyamiNyami’s lair from the air via chartered helicopter, delighting in the Flight of Angels, dipping into Victoria’s misty breath as the mopane-fringed Zambezi carves the landscape into thrilling, three-dimensional focus.

Boiling Pot is also the launch point for white-knuckle river rafting down grade five rapids, followed by a muscle-aching climb up the Batoka Gorge. You can bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, kayak down Africa’s fourth largest river, or abseil, Indiana-Jones-like, over the gorge.

Too much? Restore your spirits in one of four stilted villas flanked by the glossy Zambezi and riverine forest on Royal Chundu’s private island of Katombora. Folding glass doors connect cool, spacious interiors with the wild outdoors as grunting hippo provide wraparound sound. A kingfisher on a low branch swoops for a small silver fish. Monkeys chatter as the night fills with stars. This is Africa on a gilded platter.

A TASTE OF RURAL LIFE

From the Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge, my husband and I take a mokoro (a dugout canoe) 1.5 km down river the next morning to visit Edith Mushewa, chief of the Mushekwa Village. A mother to many orphans – Aids continues to decimate the adult population in the region – Queen Edith keeps the village going. She shows us her peanut plantation and how crushed bitter berries mixed with water produce an eco-friendly soap.

To visit any local village is to taste rural life; crushing mealies, drawing water, smearing cow dung or harvesting thatching grass. Tenacity springs like fresh flowers in old tins from limited parameters. Goats scratch rumps on tree stumps; laundry dances from makeshift lines. Here, a boy carves curios; there, a woman ties sticks into bundles.

Most visitors to Victoria Falls choose Zambia rather than Zimbabwe as their base but the scheduled arrival of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation to the region this year is expected to boost Mugabeland’s tourism figures, despite the refusal by Zimbabwean bankers to finance a required cash injection of US$100 million to bring facilities up to par.

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe feels like a frontier outpost with textiles, crafts, sculptures and ceremonial masks aimed at the well-heeled tourist. Clocking us as newcomers, curio sellers cluster round. “You like this hippo, Madam? For you, just $10. Please, Sir? I’m hungry. I haven’t eaten all day.”

Goods may be bartered for clothing, fresh batteries, or even shoes, but with more artifacts than buyers, prices got even lower as we made our way down the main drag and hailed a taxi with a cracked windscreen, torn seat covers and back windows stuck at half-mast. The ‘Trust God’ sticker dominating the dashboard was a handy aide-memoire as the rattletrap spluttered towards Elephant Camp where hand-reared orphaned pachyderms made for more elegant transport.

Scaling wooden stairs and climbing on to Tusker’s back from a platform, we ambled into the bush as impala, kudu and waterbuck eyed us from a distance and eagles rode the thermals overhead.

The elephant’s silent gait held a seductive rhythm even as he uprooted every tree in his path. Back in Zambia, a potent cocktail of vermilion sunset, dry white wine and a chugging riverboat made for a tipsy cinematic evening on the Upper Zambezi, where pods of hippo blew bubbles and crocs displayed fearsome gnashers from sandy banks.

That night, NyamiNyami slithered into my dreams and when we awoke for an early walk around Katombora Island, the name of our guide who showed us fresh hippo tracks and knob thorn acacias, turned out to be… Nyami.

A wink from the fishy snake spirit? I like to think so.

WAY TO GO

Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge

Tel. +27 (0) 13 751 1038/www.royalchundu.com

While Livingstone suffered unspeakable hardships, visitors today can enjoy their own adventures gift-wrapped in luxury at the Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge.

An international festival of arts, culture and sporting events…

from March to November 2013 will commemorate Livingstone’s bicentenary. It will include cultural and medical exchanges between schools, libraries and hospitals in Livingstone, Scotland and Livingstone, Zambia. The celebrations will mark David Livingstone’s commitment to medicine and education and his campaigning for the eradication of slavery, still an active cause 200 years later. For information, see www.livingstone2013.com.

Both Zambia & Zimbabwe offer a similar range of activities…

• Whitewater rafting through Batoka Gorge
• Canoeing or kayaking on the upper Zambezi
• Horseback trails in the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park
• River boarding on the Zambezi rapids
• Bungee jumping from the 111m-high Victoria Falls Bridge
• Abseiling off the gorge

Game safaris

Tel. +260 213 323 095/www.uaczam.com

• Drive or walk through the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park
• Microlighting or helicopter flights over the Falls
• We used United Air chartered helicopter flights

Sunset cruises

Enjoy a sundowner as you navigate the Zambezi River.

Elephant back safaris

The WildHorizons Trust manages a herd of orphaned elephants in Zimbabwe at Elephant Camp, www.victoriafalls.net. The Zambian elephant-back safari trails begin at Thorntree Lodge in the Mosi-o-Tunya National Park. For details, as well as information on guided rhino walks to see Zambia’s carefully guarded last eight white rhinos, visit www.zambiatourism.com

USS Liberty Wreck Dive, Bali

By
Ahabu Phillip
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Bali Wreck Dive

USAT Liberty is a United States Army Transport ship. In 1942, when the ship was part of the United States Navy’s animal transport, under the ID USS Liberty, it was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine on its way from Australia to Philippines. The ship was then towed and beached to the eastern coast of Bali at Tulamben. After 20 years, at the time of the eruption of Mount Agung, tremors caused the ship to slip into water at a depth of till 30 m. The shipwreck now provides for one of the best diving sites in the world.

The ship lies on a black sand slope, has a 16m beam and is 120 m long. Huge corals and sponges can be seen around. The water current is not that rough, but very low in fact, and it is clear providing a visibility of even 30 meters at times, making this one of the safest diving experiences in the world. This is one of the very few diving spots where both, beginners and professional divers, can get a good diving experience.

An artificial reef created around the spot offers the chance to see a wide variety of marine species. Bumphead parrotfish, Big Potato groupers, Frogfish, Seahorses and Big Eyed Jackfish are often seen here. Schools of Batfish, Unicornfish and the Napoleon Wrasse are also regularly spotted. If you are lucky you may also get to the see the King Barracuda. Sharks and Mola-mola are also seen at times. You are allowed to dive at night and you can see a lot of flash light fish which provides an amazing sight.

The USS Liberty diving spot offers a good place for underwater photography apart from scuba diving and open diving. Snorkelling can also be done, as the water is shallow in some places. Make sure that you carry your underwater camera or arrange for one during your dive. You can move through the internal structure of the wreck, but you will not find anything worth taking back as a souvenir. This is because most of the valuable items were taken from the ship by the people around when it was on the shore before 1963.

One can find a lot of dive operators, operating out of Bali. Some of them also offer free diving courses and PADI certified courses. Tulamben also has a few dive operators, but the numbers are very less compared to Bali. The Liberty wreck dive can be very crowded at times and so you can stay at Tulamben or Amed and move to the diving spot very early, at least before 8 a.m to avoid crowds.

The nearest international Airport is the one in Bali, the Ngurah Rai International Airport. There are frequent flights from Australia and South East Asia to the Ngurah Rai Airport. You can also connect to Jakarta and then book a domestic flight from Jakarta. Regular Taxi services are available between the Airport and Amed or Tulamben which is most likely to be your place of stay. The right period for visit is July to October.

The Top 10 Travel Destinations of 2022

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admin
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If there’s one resolution you actually commit to in 2018, let it be travel. It may not be your typical fitness or organization-oriented goal, but it can make you richer in terms of self-growth, new experiences, and even personal happiness. And all of that is far more valuable than any annual goal you usually make.

With endless sources of travel inspiration available, figuring out where to go next is the toughest part. But we’ve eliminated all the hard work for you, so that all that’s left for you to do is choose. From rising hot spots to destinations you never knew existed, these are the top 10 places to travel to in 2018.

Where will you go?

1. Boracay, Philippines

This small island in the central Philippines only spans four and a half miles long, but you’ll find that to be plenty when you see all the natural beauty Boracay has to offer. Navigate the mini paradise via bike and spend your stay sunbathing on White Beach, collecting puka shells on Yapak, or sipping on cocktails while the sun goes down and fire dancers come out.

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Reminiscent of Amsterdam’s famous canals while blending Mediterranean, German, and Slovenian culture, Ljubljana is a beautiful combination of old and new. The Ljubljanica River divides the capital’s Old Town from its commercial Center district, marked by the city’s most iconic landmark, the Triple Bridge. You’ll find it difficult to not fall in love, as Ljubljana boasts as much charm and wonderful architecture as it does museums, outdoor cafes, green landscapes, and rich history.

3. Ninh Binh, Vietnam

While most travelers flock to Hanoi, Vietnam’s majestic rural side in the Red River Delta is sometimes overlooked. However, as more people begin to recognize Ninh Binh‘s serene landscapes as a reason to add it to their itineraries, it’s only a matter of time until the northern area becomes the next popular place to be. With its limestone cliffs, temples, lush green valleys, and hiking trails and caves, this province easily takes a top spot.

4. Sucre, Bolivia

Bolivia’s capital is known for its whitewashed buildings and colonial architecture, but there’s also plenty more to do and see. The historic city of Sucre offers a number of museums, cathedrals, and landmarks, including its main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, and Casa de la Libertad — and it’s also home to one of the largest sets of dinosaur footprints in the world.

5. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul is where pop culture, technology, and tradition blend. You’ll see both fashion-forward streetwear and traditional hanboks, skyscrapers and Buddhist temples, street markets and made-for-Instagram cafes. Its high-tech subways also allow easy access to neighboring cities in case you want to explore past South Korea’s capital. Spend your mornings palace hopping and tea sipping at Insadong, and then see the city come to life from the N Seoul Tower. You’ll never find yourself short of things to do.

6. Essaouira, Morocco

Travelers who prefer the slow pace of a coastal town over a bustling and dense city will be entranced by Essaouira. Known as a port and resort center, Africa’s windy city is as popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing as it is for pure relaxation. Walk along its beaches and through the vibrant medina, browse the boutiques, check out the catch of the day at the fish port, and more. And if you’re looking for a little more hustle, Marrakech is only a bus ride away.

7. Zadar, Croatia

Consider taking a holiday along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast where you’re more likely to find less crowds than at Dubrovnik and Split. The seaside city is rich with culture, history, and romance; equally known for its Roman and Venetian ruins and stunning sunsets. Once you get your fill of landmarks, churches, and cathedrals, head east of Old Town over to Kolovare Beach for bars and restaurants or offshore at Kornati National Park for diving and snorkeling. You can’t leave Zadar without marveling at the musical Sea Organ, either.

8. Upolu, Samoa

This paradisal island in Samoa is home to everything you want: lush rainforest, lagoons, dramatic waterfalls, idyllic beaches, the international airport, and much, much more. Dive into the Instagram-famous To Sua Ocean Trench, surf and fish along the coast year-round, or indulge at restaurants and bars in Samoa’s capital city, Apia, before heading back to Upolu‘s sleepier parts.

9. Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia’s capital is far from ordinary. Visitors are able to witness the modernization of Tbilisi since its time under Persian and Russian rule, as well as older reminders scattered throughout its diverse architecture. Not too far from the plazas, five-star hotels, bars and clubs, and museums remain small shops and quaint living. At Old Town, you’ll find ancient cobblestoned roads, and winding lanes, while the rest of the city is gradually coming into its own, neither distinctly Western or Eastern. Travelers will find themselves captivated by this eclectic and multi-ethnic and multicultural destination that’s truly unlike any other.

10. Mallorca, Spain

The Mediterranean’s shining gem is loved by many for good reason. The island’s breathtaking coasts, aqua-blue waters, and postcard coves are just a few appeals. Mallorca (Majorca) did inspire Chopin and other musicians, artists, and writers, after all. Maybe it’ll be the picturesque villages, the cuisine, the architecture, the mountainous landscape, the beaches, or the nightlife that seduces you. Whatever it is, prepare to extend your stay.

Are Cruise Holidays an Affordable Option for Young Travellers?

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Barbados Cruise

Amazing food, good rooms, excellent on-board facilities, and great ports of call – all these have combined together to make cruises a favoured choice for a holiday. The rising number of cruise ships companies, the great variety of destinations offered and a holiday that includes board, lodging, and all-round entertainment in an excellently designed mobile hotel (cruise ship) make for a complete experience.

Cruises are good not only for families that love to travel together, but they are also a great option for the young traveller. Whether they are travelling solo or with a companion, the younger generation has realised that a cruise holiday offers them much more than they had earlier thought, and today many of them are opting for the great deals being offered by cruise liners such as Celebrity Cruises.

Good Value for Money

A cruise ship provides everything that a floating hotel needs. There is an immense variety of food available, most of it is free as part of the package. There are casinos and gyms, swimming pools and Jacuzzis, and several games and shows are conducted every evening as well. The cruise ship charges include all this and much more. There are few other places that offer a traveller such all inclusive deals; however, none of them offer you the added attraction of facilities, such as a different port every day and top-notch entertainment arrangements every evening.

Amazing Destinations

Every individual has a dream destination in their minds, a place that they would like to visit during some stage in their lives. If it is on the seaside, then there would definitely be a cruise ship which will have the specific destination in its itinerary. Ranging from the beautiful Mediterranean ports, the middle east, to the fabulous Caribbean, from the Antarctic regions to the fjords of Norway, there is a certainly a destination to match almost everyone’s dreams. Youngsters love to visit new and varied countries, and it is only on a cruise ship that they can do it, without having to incur the extra expenses of travelling from one place to another, and paying for hotel and ticket expenses.

Five-star Facilities at Affordable Prices

Cruise ships are designed to offer the maximum level of comfort to their passengers, whether they opt for the fancy suites or the simpler rooms at a lower level. There is sure to be a room to fit everyone’s budget. Even the lower level rooms offer the same facilities, albeit in a smaller space. But then, there is so much going on in the ship all the time that most people just go back there to sleep only during bedtime.

Discos and Casinos

Every ship has a casino where games like roulette and blackjack are offered along with the one-armed bandits, the slot machines. There are also discos, where the DJ’s play some great dance numbers. For the fitness enthusiasts, there is always a well-equipped gym, with rock-climbing areas and a good walking track on the top deck. All this for the price of one ticket – what more could a traveller ask for!

Distilling Dublin

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Once upon a time (or rather in the 19th century), Dublin was Ireland’s whiskey production capital. At its height, the “golden triangle” in downtown Dublin, also known as the Liberties, was home to 37 different distilleries. Teeling Whiskey (who introduced the extra “e” in the word to stand out from its competitors) was one of the first. But by the 1970s, the area, including the Teelings had run dry; Dublin’s whiskey making became a memory. Until 2015.

Stephen Teeling, one of two brothers, brought up with the family trade, decided to reignite the brand and whiskey making in Dublin. He opened the still in the capital last summer, it was the first of its kind to open in the area since the 19th century.

“We’re trying to be the next generation of whiskey producers and balance old and new processes. So we built the distillery to have an industrial feel with wooden washbacks and old fashioned copper stills,” explained Teeling.

In June last year the distillery opened its visitor center designed to provide tours and tastings.

“We’re a gritty urban distillery that is younger than a lot of the other brands; that gives us a freedom to speak to people. We had seen urban and craft brewing take a different approach to traditional brewing and we wanted to match that with whiskey. Our consumers are interested in the process, the people who make it and our personality,” said Teeling.

With 25,000 people passing through their door in the first six months, the Teeling family heritage and story has made them an attraction. Teeling is now being sold in over 40 countries, making it Ireland’s fastest growing distillery.

“We want people to engage with us,” Teeling said. “We have good days and bad days, but that’s the real deal and our consumers want something authentic and different, rather than a faceless corporation. We can excite and educate them. Anyone can pop into the distillery and find out what’s in the product and how we get the taste.”

That taste, different than traditional Irish whiskey, comes from the aging process that is overseen by a master in micro brewing. The variety of barrels adds a depth and flavor, such as those used previously to age Nicaraguan rum or Cabernet Sauvignon. The small batch process means that while the distillery can turn out around 120,000 bottles a year, the artisan level of care and attention remains consistent. The particular cask details can be found on each bottle. And for those who are extra particular, it’s possible to fill a bottle straight from a choice of cask. Both the Teeling single malt and the blended whiskies have won medals at the World Whiskies Awards.


Caption: Stephen and Jack Teeling celebrate another successful batch and an exciting year ahead.
While the economic downturn in Ireland allowed the Teelings’ to afford to buy a building near where the family business started so many years ago, the upturn has lead the country’s consumers to be more willing to support craft producers.

“People are definitely more discerning than they were two or three years ago, which is great. It’s a different world, the US has had a craft renaissance starting with microbreweries like Samuel Adams, now it’s our turn.”

It was also important to the family to be involved and give something back to the community of the Liberties, where distilling began all those years ago. The distillery has a café, which uses local producers for everything, from the coffee to the cakes. They also have a space for events and a quirky bar for tastings. Having organized successful events such as craft fairs before Christmas, the brothers are planning more for 2016 such as food tasting collaborations with local chocolate makers.

Caption: The Bang Bang Bar
While the emphasis is on craft and artisan production on site, Teeling’s plan is nothing short of global. He explained, “We’re focusing on the American market. We have the capacity to make one million liters of alcohol a year, so while we’re small to the big guys, we’re substantial for craft distilleries. We wanted to stand up and show we have large ambitions from the start.”

With their unique flavors, growing popularity and ambition, it isn’t hard to believe that Teeling whiskey will be on the shelves of American liquor stores and supermarkets soon.<
 

Go Horse Riding in Botswana

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Horse Riding in Botswana

Admitting her equestrian skills are a little rusty, Emma Gregg saddles up for a riding safari in one of Southern Africa’s most beautiful wildernesses, the Okavango Delta

Once you’ve been on safari a few times, you don’t usually stop to look at an impala. But this was different. Glowing in the delicate morning sunlight, the pretty little female was so close, we could see the tiniest twitches of her nose and ears. And to make this intimate sighting extraordinary, by her side, quivering on legs as wobbly as reeds, was a calf that couldn’t have been more than an hour old.
Not wanting to disturb them, we moved on – not with the roar of a four-wheel-drive engine, but with the soft crunch of hooves on dry leaves. That’s part of the magic of a riding safari. Freed from the noisy armour of a vehicle, your silhouette disguised by the shape and movement of your horse, you blend into the bush. Shy animals such as impalas, warthogs and zebras will bolt if a car comes too close, but are largely unruffled by the gentle approach of a horse and rider.

Often, they simply gaze back, as if assessing you on equal terms.

Our day had started before dawn, with a quick gulp of tea. Soon and with minimal fuss, we were in the saddle. Whether you’re driving, walking or riding, the early hours are an invigorating time to be in the bush. Every sunrise, it seems, is cause for celebration – birds call out in triumph at having made it through the night, antelopes posture and prance and wildebeest munch contentedly on the cool grass.

As riders, we felt like privileged members of this natural community, rather than mere observers. Our horses were constantly tuning and retuning to sounds, smells and movements and I, too, found my ears, eyes and nose adjusting to the subtleties of our surroundings. This was Africa, after all, and we were exploring a stretch of wilderness that was both beautiful and dangerous, patrolled by creatures that could do serious damage.Every time we passed an untidy heap of fresh-looking elephant dung or, thrillingly, spotted the rounded paw print of a lion or leopard, I remembered the advice of our guide. You must always stay alert, because you never know what might be watching you.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Our base was Macatoo Camp, a small, dedicated riding camp run by African Horseback Safaris on the western edge of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Its stables house around 40 horses – over four times the maximum number of guests. Most of the animals are glossy thoroughbreds, Namibian Hanoverians or Arab-Kalahari crosses, all immaculately cared for.

Well known in the tight-knit world of riding enthusiasts, Macatoo attracts serious equestrians as well as hobbyists; champions such as Mary King and Lucinda Green have led safaris here, and past guests include Prince William and Prince Harry.

Of the others in my group of six, three had more than one horse of their own back home. Describing myself as “embarrassingly rusty” in my pre-ride questionnaire, I had felt rather inadequate, but I needn’t have worried. While African Horseback Safaris don’t allow beginners to ride, they’re patient with those who need to regain their confidence, assigning them a suitably placid steed and sticking to undemanding terrain for as long as it takes.

If you find your riding legs quickly, within days you could be galloping alongside zebras or giraffes.
My horse was so gentle, a beginner would love him, I thought. But our guide was adamant that this was no place for novices. A horse is likely to react to danger before its rider has even detected there’s anything amiss, and if your horse bolts, it’s crucial that you know how to stay in control.

Ending up in a crumpled heap on the ground may be undesirable at the best of times, but could be disastrous when there are restless lions or angry elephants about. Unlike game drives, riding safaris never set out to find dangerous animals. But sometimes, dangerous animals find you.

Our morning rides lasted around four hours, time to cover far more ground than we ever could on foot. It was November and the Okavango floods had receded, leaving the landscapes superbly varied – grasslands dotted with palms or criss-crossed with shimmering channels of water, woods scattered with butterfly-shaped mopane leaves.

The gap between our morning and afternoon excursions was partly filled with a lazy brunch; occasionally, the staff would surprise us with a fully dressed table set up in the wilds. After this came an even lazier siesta-time, spent snoozing or simply mooching about the camp with a book. In the evenings, guests and hosts alike gathered around the flickering campfire to swap stories.

Macatoo does back-to-basics extremely well. It’s unfenced, immersing you in the wilderness; after dark, animals make their presence felt with a sporadic chorus of screeches and snorts. You sleep under canvas, but the tents are deliciously comfortable, with writing desks and private decks.

MEETING THE MATRIARCH

The daylight hours end with a ride that’s shorter and gentler than the morning workout. By my third afternoon, I realised I had my confidence back. Rounding some trees, we spotted a small herd of elephants, and I didn’t waver.

But then, suddenly, another group emerged from a thicket. They were far too close for comfort. In front was an indomitable-looking matriarch. One shake of its ears, and our guide gestured for us to move away at speed – but the route he indicated led straight into a water channel. Blood pumping, heart pounding, we crashed in, spray fountaining up from our horses’ hooves. Only when we were well out of danger did we slow to a wade. Too exhilarated to do anything but grin like a fool, I turned to my companions. They were all doing exactly the same.

WAY TO GO

Horseback safaris for riders of all abilities are available in beautiful wilderness regions in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and South Africa. They include half-day tours suitable for beginners, more demanding riding lodge-based safaris, or truly challenging mobile safaris lasting over a week, spending long hours in the saddle and fly-camping in the wilds each evening.

Top Secrets to Enjoy your Travel in Australia

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admin
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Apollo Bay Australia

Traveling allows one to broaden his or her perspective about the world in which he or she lives in. visiting foreign countries allows one to be exposed to different foods, languages, and cultures and traditions. However, for one to enjoy his or her travel to Australia, he or she must get acquainted with some top secret activities and must visit places in the said country. To reveal the top secrets in enjoying Australia, these questions must be answered:

1. What is Australia’s finest restaurant?

According to tourists, Australia’s best kept secret when it comes to restaurants is the quality of its food, especially Thai restaurants. There are tons of restaurants, especially in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, that serve dishes that are exceptionally sumptuous and of good quality.

There are also some fine dining restaurants in Australia found in Perth. These restaurants are specifically located along the suburbs of Victoria Park. One of these dining places includes a delightful secret cafeteria called the Harvest Espresso. This café is a home to great coffee, coleslaw toasted sandwich and stunning pulled pork, and sumptuous mushroom and goat-cheese omelet. Furthermore, they also serve very delicious dessert, such as the lemon curd tart.

2. What is Australia’s most exciting food trend?

Australia is one of the countries that manufacture fresh local produce as well as sugar and gluten free substitutes. This allows locals to cook dishes and prepare desserts utilizing these local produce, such as fruits and vegetables. Therefore, healthy diet stands out the mindset of diners, which is something that is unusual in other countries.

3. What is the number one secret to dining for less in Australia?

In order to find the cheapest dining places, a tourist can seek out suggestions from local residents. Oftentimes, tour guides will offer dining places that are expensive enough. Therefore, it is important for one to conduct a research before visiting a certain place in Australia. Furthermore, aside from advices from locals, one can also check out mobile applications, such as Foursquare, for tips on inexpensive dining.

Moreover, the cheapest food can be found on the road. Without a doubt, street food can cost even less than a dollar. These foods are made from fresh local products and are extremely palatable.

4. What is the best foodie destination or city in Australia?

According to most tourists the best city, especially when it comes to food, is Sydney. It is because the diversity across the entire city sounds exciting. The quality of food found in Sydney will surely be missed, specifically the breakfasts and brunches served – not to mention the aromatic coffee. Some of the renowned dining places include Harry’s Cafe de Wheels, Mamak, and Emperor’s puffs in Chinatown.

Moreover, casino fanatics who wish to visit Australia to play in their most renowned casinos need not anymore spend a lot. They can as well play online and visit Pokies Heaven to play casino games online at the comforts of their homes.

Rooftop Safari Experience in Tanzania

By
Ahabu Phillip
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Rent a fully equipped 4×4 in Arusha, plan the itinerary and off you go to wherever you heart desires. Should you prefer to have some local knowledge on hand, the safari can be escorted or guided.

A self-drive, roof-top camping trip is a perfect way for the independent-minded traveler to experience the wildlife-filled and beautiful Tanzania. Explore Tanzania on a self-drive holiday with rooftop tent. Enjoy the holiday at your own pace with full control of the drive.

Experience the privacy and flexibility of driving your own safari in Tanzania with peace of mind about which route to take and where to sleep? Each Tanzania self-drive tour offers a carefully planned route with stays in rooftop tents.

Rooftop tents could just be the answer to the comfort woes of off-road adventurers who refuse to rough it out by sleeping on the ground. Inside the tent is a pleasant and welcoming queen-size foam mattress. In addition, you’ll appreciate the privacy it offers when it comes to everyday activities like taking a shower, changing your underwear, or fleeing from Tanzania wildlife game viewing in Tanzania national parks.

MERITS OF ROOF TOP TENTS

Adventurous

A roof tent vehicle is for camping in the wild. It will make you get out of your comfort zone of sleeping in the customary places like lodges and hotel and sleep in the jungles under the tent at the top of the car. You are able to enjoy the moon light, the night bliss and the sounds of the jungle at night, not forgetting the sunsets and sunrises that are often magical in any African jungle.

More to that nocturnal animals like the bush babies, wild cats and leopards are likely to be at your sight while camping in the wild. This is something of out of your world. It gets better when you are able to take pictures of these animals and also yourself in the wild at night.  The adventure is very fulfilling and also makes your feel that you have conquered your fears.

Cheaper

A roof tent vehicle on Car Rental Tanzania enables the traveller save some money as he/she is able to dodge the accommodation fees for the lodges or hotel which is replaced by the roof top tent.  The roof tent vehicle package is way cheaper than hiring a car and at the same time pay for accommodation at the lodge.

Trendy

We all yearn for attention and what brings attention is something unique and trailblazing. A rooftop tent vehicle is a new addition to the self-drive safaris in Tanzania. Not so many people have tried but many people seek to try. Therefore, travellers go for roof tent vehicle on self-drive safaris to be the trendsetters and hence get the attention. Attention always brings so much joy in the heart and also the confidence as you are the man of the moment.

Safe

Roof tent is safer than the usual ground camping experience. With the roof tent camping, the traveller sleeps on top of the vehicle which is less risky compared to the ground camping where you are prone to being attacked by wild animals in the jungle. The sense of feeling secure and safe is very paramount in having a wonderful and exciting safari experience.

Convenient

The roof tent vehicle on a Tanzania self-drive safari offers an all-inclusive experience. With the roof top tent package everything you need on the trip is at your feet because it comes with the transport means, the 4×4 car, accommodation in the form of a camping tent and also the cooking equipment are provided, the meals are all sorted. This makes your life easy while on the self-drive safari as you have everything at your disposal.

The convenience also continues with the fact that you can as well go to a restaurant in case you feel like not preparing your own dinner, and also choose to sleep in a comfort of a hotel bed in case you feel like you have had enough of the nights out on top of the car.

Better view

Rooftop tents put you 5-6 feet off the ground, depending on the height of your vehicle. This allows you to enjoy an unobstructed view of your surroundings while you’re in your tent. There is nothing better than laying back and taking in the view of a towering mountain or beautiful beach. When you’re sleeping in a ground tent, even a small hump, shrub, or boulder can block your view of the landscape.

Cleaner

Because rooftop tents are elevated off the ground, they tend to stay cleaner than ground tents. You can set a doormat at the base of your ladder so you can wipe your feet before you climb in. This way, you don’t track as much mud, sand, water, or dirt into your tent. Because the tent is elevated, it is less likely for the wind to blow dirt in. The inside tends to stay cleaner. Also, rain can’t splash mud onto the sides of the tent. In addition, you don’t have to deal with debris getting stuck to the bottom of the tent. Another benefit is that your car interior will stay cleaner because you’re never storing a wet and dirty tent inside. The rooftop tent always stays outside.

Warmer

Rooftop tents are generally warmer than ground tents. There are several reasons for this. First, rooftop tents use higher denier (thicker) fabric for the walls. Some rooftop tent models offer a quilted insulating insert as an optional accessory. With the extra insulation, less heat escapes in the night and the interior stays warmer. Next, you’re not sleeping on the cold ground in a rooftop tent.

The floor is thicker so it provides some insulation from the outside. You don’t lose as much heat to the cold ground. Finally, rooftop tent heaters are available for extremely cold nights. Of course, you can stay just as warm in a ground tent. Insulated ground tents and heaters are available. A good sleeping pad with a high R-value will prevent heat loss through the ground.

Conclusion, visiting Tanzania and going on safari is so much more than you can ever imagine when you choose a 4×4 route and the adventure of roof top camping. Complete freedom to create your own adventure, at your own pace and with your own objectives.

Cities and Landmarks to Visit in Africa

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admin
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Cape Town Beaches

1. Cape Town– South Africa- I feel South Africa has a lot of value and appeal for many people.

Europeans and Americans who are planning to go on a holiday to Africa at least once in their life should definitely visit South Africa. There are a number of mountains from which you can view some spectacular scenery, such as the Lion’s Head and Chapman Peak.  I visited South Africa at a fairly young age and while some memories are vague there are some which are as vivid as ever. My personal highlight was the safari tour in which I got to ride an ostrich around a pen, in addition to viewing an eclectic mix of wildlife, including a small group of Elephants. Likewise, if you are into sport, South Africa has a significant amount of sport heritage and many UK based cricket and rugby fans visit the country and show their support for the England national teams when abroad. However, South Africa is known for crime so it is important to be precautions when you are around the city, especially in Johannesburg.

2. Victoria Falls-Zambia/Zimbabwe- While I haven’t personally had the pleasure of visiting this spectacular creation of nature, I have vicariously lived the moment through my friends retelling of the experience, “nothing like you’ve ever seen before,” well of course certainly not in North West of England. David Livingstone, the European explorers account of discovering this natural phenomenon does it slightly more justice, “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”The waterfall dwarfs Niagara Falls by a whopping 57 metres; yes it stands at 108 metres, which is over twice the size of Niagara. In the region it is known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders). While it technically isn’t the tallest or widest waterfall, these combined dimensions have led to it being dubbed as the worlds ‘largest’ waterfall. There is even a pool that forms near the edge of the falls, and tourists often go swimming in the “Devils Pool”, albeit ultimate precaution must be taken. 

3. Cairo- Egypt-Another historic city with amazing scenery and its desert complexion is completely different from the lush greens of the vast jungles and deltas that dominate other parts of Africa. It is one of the world’s most populous cities, which speaks volumes when you consider the highly dense populations of Asia. In line with the rest of Africa, it has a sweltering temperature which peaks in the summer months of June, July and August and similar to other parts of Africa it receives very little rainfall. It is home to the famous landmark “The Sphinx,” which was apparently built under the direction of the ruler Chepren. If you visit the Citadel you will be able to visit the Alabaster mosque of Mohamed Ali and also be the recipient of one of the best views of the city.Egypt’s history is intriguing and in terms of the architecture and the different developments it went through under the guidance of different leaders, and it is all illustrated fantastically by the Egyptian Museum. Last but not least, the Giza pyramids of Egypt are a must see, and lie seven miles to the SouthWest of the City. The Great Pyramid is one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.

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Journeys Magazine is a travel publication with In-depth features on best destinations to visit, things to see. tips and advice to help you travel around the world.
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