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5 Exotic African Parks to Visit At least Once in Your Lifetime

By
Ahabu Phillip
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Africa is the best safari destination in the world. There are lots of amazing national parks where you can enjoy an African safari. Here are 10 exceptional national parks that you should not miss in while in Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The popular Bwindi National Park is one of the kind national parks that will give you a life time experience. It is the only park with the largest population of mountain gorillas in the whole world. The park is located south western of Uganda measuring 331 square kilometers in the mist-covered hills and biologically diverse rainforests, dating back 25,000 years.  According to most guide books, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the oldest forest and riches ecosystem in the region with different plant and animal species. The park has an estimate of over 400 mountains gorillas,350 bird species and 23 different endemic species of the Albertine rift valley and other 120 mammal species, with plant life there 400 species of plants in the misty Bwindi forest as one of the richest ecosystems in Africa.

Masai Mara National Park

Is one of the richest and most visited national parks in Kenya, the park has a record of the largest population of a pride of lions, the park is also the only one you can have the great experience witnessing the wildebeest migration during the peak season. The park lies south west of Kenya amidst savannah grasslands neighboring Serengeti national park in Tanzania. The park has a wide range of accommodation with exceptional opportunities to get up close views of mammal species including zebras, antelopes, lions, and giraffes.  The best way to view wildlife is through game drives and walks and balloon safaris.

Serengeti National Park

This is the only park with abundant wildlife species ranging from big five family and other small animal species. The park is found in Tanzania neighboring Masai- Mara where you can have an experience of the African wilder beest migration. Serengeti national park has a big concentration lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, buffaloes, cheetahs, crocodiles, giraffes, monkeys and numerous other animals roaming about. During the dry season you will experience a migration of herds of mammal species crossing over in search of water and food. Game drives balloon safaris are always an ideal for this season as it gives you a clear view.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa. This beautifully maintained park is visited by thousands of visitors each year as it presents everything you would want to see in an African safari and also lets you choose from award-winning lodges that easily beat many 5 star hotels in terms of their comforts and amenities as one of the finest game reserves in Africa.

Volcanoes National Park

Amidst the land of a thousand hills, there is the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda with interspersed bamboo where another population of mountain gorillas call home. Volcanoes national park is found in the heart of Rwanda. Many travelers who come to Africa come to see mountain gorilla and volcanoes is another place to be. The Volcanoes National Park is the second best option for those looking to see mountain gorillas in the wild! A gorilla permit to see the great apes costs US$1500 for a one hour session.

Other than mountain gorillas there is a lot to see like the twin lake of Burera and Burondo golden monkeys and community tours with Iby’Iwacu cultural village.

A World of Tapas: Foodie Journey Through Andalucia

By
Ahabu Phillip
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0

In March I booked some holidays and did a Spanish travel marathon going through 4 cities in 4 days. It wasn’t easy, so I had to keep my strength somehow and what better way to do that then through the most delicious foods of Andalucia: their tapas.

Also, before I left, knowing how much I love Spanish tapas, Peter (Travel Unmasked) challenged me to eat 30 tapas on my trip.

Challenge Accepted! Here is the proof:

Please make note I couldn’t fill this post with pictures of all the food. It was hard enough to get these ones crammed in.

Malaga: tapas count 12

Malaga treated me with a few really yummy tapas and in all honesty I thought I will not be able to do the challenge. After only six types at dinner I was barely breathing.

But that wasn’t going to get me anywhere near to completing the challenge so we went for another round:

Before catching the train to Seville we had lunch at El Pimpi. I know this sparked a bit of debate in the comments of the post I did about the trip, but I do think the food was great for the price, service was up to standards, staff was friendly and all tables around us were filled by Spanish. That must say something shouldn’t it? Anywho, El Pimpi got us closer with five dishes:

Seville: tapas count 1

As we got to our second city on our marathon I had almost half of the tapas under my belt – and probably two extra pounds, to be able enjoy Seville with just Sangria and a shared paella.

Granada: tapas count 7

Next followed Granada with delicious patatas bravas and meatballs marinated in spicy sauce, some pickles, olives and of course, the mandatory jamon and chorizo amongst others.

La Herradura: tapas count 18

And then we got to La Herradura, a city between Malaga and Granada where all tapas are free if you get a beer or glass of wine (3 Euros each).

Yes, all of that is free. How you can not get fat in Andalusia is beyond me. I do love Spain: great food, cheap drinks and weather to die for in March. What’s not to love?

Whereas I am still praying for the rain to stop mid May in Manchester.

But here are the last tapas that helped not only complete Peter’s 30 tapas eating challenge, but over doing it as well. I am overachiever after all 🙂

All in all, I enjoyed being an amateur foodie and explore the world of tapas through Andalucia. Maybe I’ll do this again if I manage to get rid of all the pounds I put on after this holiday.

Do you have any favourite tapas or tapas restaurants?

Europe, Africa and Beyond – Choosing Your Travel Plans This Year

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admin
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Trekking in Europe

If you haven’t planned your holiday yet there’s still time whether you’re looking to travel to Europe, Africa or beyond.

GPS, Google maps and smart phones make travelling so much easier and if you don’t like organised holidays booked through travel agents, then why not do your own thing in Europe. Take your car across the Channel into France and then drive across France stopping wherever takes your fancy. GPS navigation makes light work of getting around, and you can use your smart phone and google maps to source out towns and villages, nearest ATMs, restaurants and just about everything. This is a great way to travel with the family and you could even head down for a child friendly holiday in Spain or go in the other direction towards Germany or the Netherlands.

If you’re thinking of steering clear of Europe and the Euro, then how about a trip to Africa. Morocco is a country which is very much in the limelight as a holiday destination and is a colourful and exotic place to visit. It’s got some spectacular scenery ranging from pristine beaches to snow capped mountains and deserts to lush river valleys. There’s also amazing walled medieval cities and fortresses belonging to the Berbers.  The Atlas Mountains lend themselves to some amazing hiking or you can visit Fes which is home to some stunning medersas and mosques. Marrakech is full of vibrant souks, moorish gardens and  hidden riads whilst in the south you can trek on a camel into the Sahara desert and crumbling Kasbahs.

Finally, if you’re looking to go further afield, then why not start planning for a gap year. Time spent on a gap year can be really rewarding and develop skills and personal traits which you didn’t even know you had. If you like to ski then how about becoming a ski instructor at Whistler in Canada. What could be more perfect than being paid to do something you love and getting to make lots of new friends. You could also volunteer for one of the many environmental projects taking place in third world countries. Most of these involve teaching English to children which can be good fun as well as rewarding. If you like animals and want to work with them in the future then how about volunteer work. There’s such opportunities as taking care of tigers in Thailand, rehabilitating Orangutans in Borneo and darting lions from a helicopter in South Africa.

The Importance of Cruise Insurance

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admin
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Whether you are taking a cruise to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean or the Ffjords you may wish to protect yourself and your holiday with cruise insurance. There are many benefits to having a policy to fall back on and a policy may bring peace of mind that if the worst were to happen, you have financial security.

Insurance for cruises is unlike the traditional insurance you might take out for a typical holiday. When looking for cover you may benefit from the help and advice of a travel insurance specialist who offers cruise insurance, such as BengoTravel.

Why insurance is so important

Cruise insurance is important – without it you may end up being out of pocket by a significant amount of money if something were to go wrong. A policy may include:

  • protection against cancellation of the cruise. For instance there may be an illness in the family that means you have to cancel the cruise;
  • cover for delays by the airline;
  • protection for loss of baggage. If your bags get lost you are going to only have the clothes you are wearing and this may disrupt your plans on the cruise ship significantly;
  • illness or accident while on-board the cruise ship;
  • protection for having to be airlifted to hospital by ambulance;
  • repatriation costs if you have to be taken off the ship by air ambulance and flown to a hospital;
  • interruption of your cruise due to cancellation due to mechanical issues.

In any of the above cases you may stand to lose a significant sum of money, and/or be caused a great deal of stress and worry. Bear in mind that it typically costs many thousands of pounds if you need to be flown from the cruise ship to a hospital if you suffer illness that requires hospital treatment. Treatment itself may also add up to a large sum of money. With insurance to rely on you are at least covered for any financial losses.

Factors not covered by insurance

When choosing cruise insurance it is important to bear in mind that while a policy typically covers many factors, there are some that are not included in the policy.

Factors that may not usually be included in an insurance policy for cruises may be:

  • inclement weather. You may be able to claim for weather issues such as a hurricane that forces the cancellation or delay of your cruise, but you cannot claim for such as it raining every day during the cruise. An insurance policy doesn’t guarantee sunny weather even in the Caribbean;
  • you are not able to claim for things such as a change to the itinerary of the cruise ship. You may have been looking forward to visiting a certain port, but insurance doesn’t cover the ship being unable to dock at a specific port for whatever reason.

Optional insurance you may wish to add-on

While a standard insurance policy for a cruise typically covers a wide range of things, there is also additional insurance available that you may wish to add on.

For instance you may be able to take out cover to protect against cancellation for any reason. This may be beneficial if you are planning a world cruise on the biggest cruise ship, the Harmony of the Seas and it has cost a great deal of money.

You may also wish to add on airline accident cover, upgraded medical insurance or additional emergency evacuation. Any of these policies may be added on as extra to the standard cruise insurance policy.

Tokyo Diner

By
Ahabu Phillip
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0

When it comes to authentic Japanese cuisine in London, Tokyo Diner is the place to go. This very casual diner offers a friendly atmosphere that focuses on offering delicious food and providing a great dining experience. Owner and founder Richard Hill’s love for Japanese culture and food led to the opening of this restaurant in 1992, which he opened to provide customers with an affordable, authentic Japanese dining experience—which he felt was lacking in London.

The restaurant offers a nice selection of donburi like Salmon Don, bento boxes like the Chicken Katsu Bento, soba like Zaru Soba, and curry like Katsu Curry, as well as sushi, sashimi, ramen, rice, and tofu options. Complete dinners average £13, box meals range from £15 to £20, soups and noodle dishes average between £8 and £9, and sushi dishes can range anywhere from £4 to £14. Keeping in tradition with Japanese culture, no tips are allowed when dining here.

Tokyo Diner is located at Leicester Square in Chinatown, which is less than a mile north of London. The streets throughout Chinatown have more than 70 different shops, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, and bars, the majority of which serve predominantly Asian cuisine.

Address: 2 Newport Place, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7JJ
Phone: +44 20 7287 8777

Daylesford Organic Farm

By
Ahabu Phillip
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0

Just 90 minutes outside of London, in the charming Cotswold region, lies the Daylesford Organic Farm, a working farm that combines rustic warmth of rural England with elegantly appointed cottages and a full European-style spa. The five restored cottages retain many of their original features, such as exposed stone walls and rustic oak beams, while unobtrusively adding modern amenities, such as Wi-Fi and concealed flat-screen televisions. The perfect destination for escaping the hectic pace of the city, all of the cottages have small kitchens and are stocked upon arrival with Daylesford farm-fresh dairy products and baked goods. Cottages vary in size and sleep up to eight persons. Per cottage rates start at 1,100 GBP (about $1,406) for a three-night stay. (No meals are included in the rate.) Daylesford schedules arrivals on Mondays and Fridays.

The property’s farm-to-table restaurant, The Wild Rabbit, serves dinner nightly, and the Bamford Haybarn Spa at the Daylesford Farm offers treatments for both body and soul. The spa has a yoga studio as well as a full menu of treatments such as massage, facials and stress relief with an emphasis on the holistic approach. Bamford, founded in 2006, also markets a line of luxury bath and body products that are available onsite, online and in high-end stores and salons throughout the UK.

The Daylesford Organic Farm is located a little over an hour’s drive from London’s Heathrow Airport. Visitors to the farm will also want to venture out to explore the many historic sites in the Cotswold region. Popular sightseeing destinations include the Gloucester Cathedrals; historic homes, such as Hidcote and Newark Park; and the majestic Bourton House Garden in Bourton-on-the-Hill.

The best time to visit the Cotswold region is during May, June, and September. Flowers adorn the area with color during May and June, and September is cool but not cold, with an average low temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Book your stay. Follow on Instagram.

Address: Bamford Haybarn Spa, Daylesford, near Kingham, Gloucestershire, GL56 OYG
Phone: 01608 731 703

Pizza East, London

By
Ahabu Phillip
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Pizza East in Notting Hill serves fresh and piping hot wood-oven pizza and an array of antipasti dishes. The restaurant covers two stories, including the casual dining room and airy terrace on the second floor. While Pizza East is open to the public, it is owned and operated by the exclusive, members-only group Soho House. It also is located just a few blocks from the club’s Electric House cinemas. Pizza East offers two additional locations in the London area, including one in Shoreditch and one in Kentish Town.

Unlike many pizza shops, Pizza East opens its doors weekday mornings for breakfast as well as brunch on the weekend. Their breakfast selection includes everything from muffins to pancakes to eggs, with prices ranging from £2 to £11. The antipasti (£3-£8) and pizza (£9-£17) are available all day, as well a number of salad dishes (£6-£10). In addition to breakfast and dinner service, Pizza East also has a deli service that has several meat and cheese options, such as salami, burrata and Parmesan, with prices ranging from £4 to £7.

Located right at the end of the famous Portobello Road in Notting Hill, Pizza East is housed in an old Georgian pub. The streets of Notting Hill are full of popular eateries, boutiques, art galleries and quaint, Victorian-style townhomes.

Follow the pizzeria on Instagram.

Address: 310 Portobello Road, London, W10 5TA
Phone: +44 (0)20 8969 4500

The Great Wall of China

By
Ahabu Phillip
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The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China has transformed itself from a primitive 7th-century fortress defense system—designed to protect ancient Chinese dynasties from enemy invasion—into a world-class tourist attraction. There is no “one” wall, but rather an intricate sequence of building blocks, made from cement, rocks and powered dirt, that travel west to east, through several provinces and time zones, before reaching Beijing’s Forbidden City, the historical home of emperors and princes.

A massive 13,171 miles in length, the Great Wall seduces visitors who want to walk across one of the world’s most impressive man-made structures. The bulk of tourists come to see relatively newer sections of the partition, such as Shanhaiguan Pass, built as a military defense by the Ming Dynasty. Travelers can take a train from Beijing South Railway Station to Shanhaiguan Railway Station and walk to the wall’s south gate.

Top 10 Theaters in London

By
Ahabu Phillip
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0
London Coliseum

London is home to some of the best theaters in the world, that play all the newest and most popular shows and musicals. Of course, when you’re visiting London you don’t have time to see everything, so here is a list of 10 top theaters in London.

1. The Palladium

The Palladium is one of London’s most famous theatres, located in the West End. This venue was built by Frank Matcham, a theatrical architect, in the nineteenth century. This historic theatre is still the location of some amazing events like the annual Royal Variety, a gala attended by members of the Royal Family.

London Palladium – 8 Argyll Street, Soho, London. Phone: 0844 412 4655

2. The Dominion Theatre

Another on this list is the Dominion Theatre. Built in the late nineteen twenties, this site has hosted many famous shows, and it’s most famous for “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music”. The Dominion Theatre London has provided many thousands of guests with a great viewing experience in the past, and it continues to offer the same great quality to patrons today.

Dominion Theatre – 268-269 Tottenham Court Road, London. Phone: 020 7927 0900

3. The Globe Theatre

The most historically important theater in London is the Globe Theatre. In 1599, this playhouse was built by a play company in which William Shakespeare was a member, and some of Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed here. Unfortunately, the original building was demolished, but today you can visit a reconstructed version.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – 21 New Globe Walk, London. Phone: 020 7928 9444

4. The London Coliseum

When speaking of London’s top theatres the London Coliseum is a must mention. This show hall was opened in 1904, and has been entertaining viewers from far and near ever since. Today, it is one of the largest and most advanced theaters in London.

London Coliseum – Saint Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross. Phone: 020 7836 0111

5. Soho Theatre

Another of London’s great theaters is the Soho Theatre on Dean Street. This theatre is hard to ignore. It is a bright and exciting venue which has been a launching point for many of London’s up and coming new talents.

Soho Theatre – 21 Dean Street, London. Phone: 020 7478 0100

6. Royal Opera House

If you’re interested in classical opera or ballet, then the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden is the place to go. This major performing arts venue is home to both the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

Royal Opera House – Bow Street, Covent Garden, London. Phone: 020 7304 4000

7. Southwark Playhouse

Southwark Playhouse is nestled under the London Bridge station, and it’s well known for being wild or adventurous. Southwark Playhouse offers a combination of some of the world’s best shows, along with some lesser known programs. With the variety of offerings at this venue, you never know what the next amazing show might be.

Southwark Playhouse – Corner of Tooley & Bermondsey St, London. Phone: 020 7407 0234

8. Hampstead Theatre

The Hampstead Theatre is another neat theater in London. This venue offers viewers the comfort of leather sofas, where you can watch the great productions that keep the place packed night after night.

Hampstead Theatre – Eton Ave, Swiss Cottage, London. Phone: 020 7722 9301

9. The Royal Court

The Royal Court is a great London theater to visit. With leather seating and a cafe bar, this could well be one of London’s “coolest” theaters, where you can enjoy many highly sought-after productions in comfort.

The Royal Court – Sloane Square, London. Phone: 020 7565 5000

10. Victoria Palace Theatre

During your stay in London, you will also want to visit the Victoria Palace Theatre. Built in 1910 sparing no expense, the interior is beautiful, featuring grey and white marble, and gold mosaic. In the recent past, this venue has produced great shows like “Annie” and “High Society”.

Victoria Palace Theatre – Victoria St, London. Phone: 0844 248 5000

Traffic Rules to Observe When Driving in Tanzania

By
Ahabu Phillip
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0

Are you planning to rent a car in Tanzania? It is important to know the traffic rules before hitting the road on your next road trip in Africa. Here is a summary of the traffic rules that you should know;

The road traffic rules in Tanzania may slightly differ from those back in your home country. Therefore, you should be observant enough when driving in a new destination like Tanzania. While in Tanzania, foreign travelers are allowed to drive using a valid international driving permit for a period of about 6 months.

Residents of the foreign countries may also need domestic valid driver license valid for at least 6 months and this should be after validation by local traffic authorities. Anyone planning to stay in Tanzania needs to secure a Tanzania driver license. The foreign registered cars can be admitted for at least 2 weeks.

The road traffic rules in Tanzania

  • Driving in Tanzania, you must keep left.
  • Persons above 18 are eligible to drive on Tanzania safari.
  • Always be on your seat belt while on a road trip in Tanzania. Before setting off, cross-check if everyone is on their seat belts.
  • The accepted blood alcohol is 0.008% for you to drive in Tanzania.
  • Keep speed limit of 50kms per hr in urban centres, 80kms/hr outside urban centres.
  • The 3rd party liability insurance is needed.
  • If you plan to ride a motor cycle, you must wear helmets and this applies to all riders.
  • In case of emergencies, contact Tanzania police on 111/112
  • Each driver should have driver license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration certificate.
  • Avoid driving during dark/at night as most pedestrians, cyclists are many at that time.
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