May 24, 2011

Monday, May 9, 2011…Through a unique initiative developed in cooperation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Kenya Airways, “The Pride of Africa,” will now offer its passengers the opportunity to voluntarily participate directly in offsetting the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions related to their flights. The program is based on a

May 23, 2011

Arusha, Tanzania, May 19, 2011- On Saturday, May 21, the Drake Bulldogs and CONADEIP All Stars from Mexico will have traveled across the globe to meet on the field at the Sheik Amri Abeid Memorial Stadium in Arusha, Tanzania for the historic Global Kilimanjaro Bowl, Africa’s first American football game. As a presenting sponsor for the event, TANAPA, the

May 10, 2011

(May 6, 2011, Zanzibar, Tanzania) –World class films with an African focus, international music presentations, and stunning natural settings are in store for those cinema and arts lovers attending the 14th annual Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) June 18-26, 2011 in Tanzania. The Festival headliners include an array of great film makers such as

Jan 9, 2011

I have found a heaven on earth. The water is lovely and refreshing, the people kind, and the food delicious. The only drawback is that it’s hotter than hell. I’m in Lamu, an island off the northern coast of Kenya near to the Somali border. Established in the late 1300′s it was a trading port with it’s heyday being in the 1500′s

Dec 25, 2010

The Slave Lodge in Cape Town is an unprepossessing building on Wale Street close to the Cathedral, the Company Gardens and the Houses of Parliament. Don’t be fooled by its lightly coloured exterior, as the exhibitions inside reveal dark secrets about its past. The Slave Lodge was built in 1679, making it the second oldest colonial building in South Africa. It

Dec 22, 2010

The most poignant symbol of the apartheid regime is the District 6 Museum. District 6 was a vibrant community of Cape Malays, Indians, Blacks and a few Whites. On 11 February 1966, the apartheid regime declared District Six a whites-only area under the Group Areas Act and by 1982, 60,000 people had been relocated to the Cape Flats township around 15 miles away.

Dec 19, 2010

Book well in advance for your trip to Robben Island, especially in the summer holidays when there can be a wait of two weeks before there’s a free spot. Try and get to the Nelson Mandela Gateway early to board the boat as the best seats are on the top deck with the especially eye-catching views of Table Mountain.  Remember that there is no land between Robben

Dec 16, 2010

My guess is that most tourists will visit the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront more than any other attraction in Cape Town. There’s a huge choice of shopping opportunities for those items that travellers may have forgotten to bring with them and for souvenirs too.  Indeed there’s a large craft market full of carved items, T-shirts, and paintings. This is

Oct 1, 2010

Where does one begin when writing about a country in Africa, particularly a country as vibrant and alive as Tanzania? Upon arrival I was able to purchase my Visa at the airport in Dar es Salaam, but be aware that Tanzanian officials do not take US dollars that were printed before the year 2000. Dar es Salaam means “haven of peace,” and if you are cool

Sep 21, 2010

The Gold of Africa Museum is found at 96 Strand Street in Cape Town. The museum is located in the Martin Melck House. The exhibition dedicated to the history and artistry of African gold begins on the first floor.   First comes the history via an astounding timeline of the importance of gold throughout the ages. Some people had too much gold such as Croesus of

Sep 18, 2010

Cape Agulhas is the most southerly point in Africa and is approximately a two hour drive from Cape Town. It’s so atmospheric to stand on the beach with the Atlantic and Indian Oceans merging behind you and think that everything on this continent is north of you. The lighthouse is cute beyond belief with its two circles of red on the tower. There is an

Sep 15, 2010

Located on the slopes of Signal Hill, close to the City Centre, and with Table Mountain looming nearby, the Bo Kaap district of Cape Town is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in any major city. The residents of this inner city area, with its brightly painted houses being picked out by the sun, are descended from some of the slaves that were imported by

Sep 12, 2010

The Tweede Nuwe Jaar, or second New Year holiday, on January 2nd dates back to the time of slavery – their owners had New Year’s celebrations, which required the slaves to cook, serve food, and attend to the guest’s needs. These owners allowed the slaves to have the following day off instead by way of thanks – bear in mind this was their only

Aug 15, 2010

The most exciting route up Table Mountain in Cape Town is the India Venster, which should be attempted in good weather, with a guide, and wearing footwear with a good grip.  It can take between two and four hours to make the climb and the vertical gain is around 687 metres. The route starts along the steps at the lower cable car station and heads upwards under

There are still airlines in this world that care about their passengers. Morocco’s national carrier Royal Air Moroc (RAM) is one of them. Here is the story. I was on my way from Marrakesh back to Istanbul via Casablanca where I had to change planes. A few minutes into the flight the captain came on to advise his passengers that the flight to Ouarzazate