If you are planning to visit this part of Southern Africa, it is recommended that you visit the Victoria Falls.

David Livingstone an explorer remarked, “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.

Some facts about Victoria Falls

The falls lies inbetween Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. The falls belong to two national parks, the Mosi – oa- Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.

The falls are over a mile wide and 108 m high. It is said that during the rainy season “over 500 million litres of water plummets over the edge into the Zambezi River”.

The name Mosi – oa – Tunya means smoke that thunders and the name has been derived from the “amount of water which is generated into a huge spray and which shoots 1000 feet into the sky and can be seen from 30 miles away”.

The most attractive feature of this place is that the spray of the water falls on your face and you can hear and see the “noise and spectacular rainbow”. The best time to view the Victoria falls is from March to May which marks the season of rains. This is the time when the falls are picturesque and ‘impressive’.

What activities can you do at Victoria Falls

There are many interesting activities which you can do at Victoria Falls.

The main reason for the visiting the area is to go and see the falls. If you are staying at Livingstone in Zambia you can avail shared taxis and minibuses regularly to the falls, while if you are staying in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, you can always walk down to the entrance of the park from the town. To view this place, you do not require a guide, the place is well marked and paved for you to figure out your way!

Bunjee Jumping is the next activity which you can try out at the Victoria Falls Bridge.

White water rafting is considered to be the ‘most incredible adventure’ on the Zambezi River. These rafts are rated as the “Grade 5 rapids” and not just the ones which floats leisurely on the river. The rafting trips usually includes lunch at a beautiful spot alongside the river and from where you can view the Falls and once you end the trip, you can gorge down on a cold beer!

The booze cruises are the most popular and interesting cruises in the world. This cruise in known as the “Sundowner Cruise” . You can sit on the deck and enjoy your beverage while “watching the hippos cavort in the Zambezi under a spectacular sunset”.

Also, wildlife viewing is another activity which you can do around the vicinity of the Victoria Falls. The Mosi- oa- Tunya National Park is known for white rhinos, buffaloes, elephants and giraffe.

The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is definitely worth a visit.

Water falls is amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon that one man should see once in his life. There is some ultimate beauty and appeal that is in seeing water fall from such a great height. There is some sought of great pull or allure that waterfalls send, kind of vibe of perseverance, of gorgeous beauty and unlished power of nature.

Victoria Falls is fabulous sight, in day or during night, with the sounds of immense volumes of water cascading down its gorge, which has been wrought by some million years by water flowing through it. Seeing rainbow aligned with backdrop of African sky in night is exceptional experience.

Victoria Falls is one of the limited numbers of sites in the globe that’s known for the moonbow occurrence. In the world there are some four other sites which can guarantee you, where you can see this spectacle of lunar rainbow on the days of full moon.

Lunar rainbows, is a common term which is also known by the name as moonbows basically are rainbows, which occurs at night. That’s right you are reading, rainbows as per you are formed because of sun light getting dispersed, in a very same way Lunar Rainbows are resulted because of light reflected from moon. A normal rainbow is formed because the sunlight gets reflected through water present in the atmosphere; a lunar rainbow is also resulted because the moonlight is then reflected through water which in turn shows dispersed lights as a form of rainbow.

In order for sighting lunar rainbow, it has to be clear night that is not at all cloudy which allows the moon lights to seep in, also it has to be full moon and with rain in opposite distance.

But at Victoria Falls for Lunar rainbow all that is needed is full moon for seeing one of nature’s most lovely and elusive sights. Victoria Falls is known for having constant rainbow during day time. Victoria Falls is one of the ultimate destination to this spectacular phenomenon of Lunar Rainbow because immeasurable volume of the mist from immense falls is known to create so much of mist that this place is known to guarantee for the sighting of lunar rainbow which is so clearly visible during the full moon.

Adults as well as children loves to marvel at the astonishing sight, and not to mention what kind of affects it creates on the couples! A rainbow which is generated during the moonlight, and by the moonlight, for your moon, what could be more romantic place then this for honeymoon!

When there is full moon, Victoria Falls Park remains open till late for allowing visitors to see Lunar Rainbow an awesome phenomenon.

When visiting the Victoria Falls, you must check whether the date is matching with moon when it is full, and then delight your loved and special one to one of the most romantic evening of her life time. And moreover its all free and best!

Photography tips:

• A tripod is necessary.
• You need to focus on to the infinity, set the camera on the manual mode that is on f5.6 and then try series of shutter’s speeds from four seconds to some thirty seconds.
• Shaking one’s camera by pressing shutter is not as such a problem because the shutter’s delay is such that it is long because of presence of only low light.
• Do Experiment with different shutter speeds as well as with f stops. The higher your f stop will be longer the shutter.

Dates for Spectacle sighting of Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls:

As Lunar Rainbow is visible only on full moon nights so you need to make sure of booking your trip according to lunar dates of full moon time!

2010 January 30 Saturday
2010 February 28 Sunday
2010 March 30 Tuesday
2010 April 28 Wednesday
2010 May 27 Thursday
2010 June 26 Saturday
2010 July 26 Monday
2010 August 24 Tuesday
2010 September 23 Thursday
2010 October 23 Saturday
2010 November 21 Sunday
2010 December 21 Tuesday

TOP 10 Activities other then the spectacle sighting of Victoria Falls:

Casinos Victoria Falls
Lunar Rainbow
Skydiving

Whitewater River Rafting

Game Drives
Luxurious steam train trip South Africa
Bridge Tours
Helicopter Rides

Lion Walks
Riverboarding

Accommodations can be found nearby:

Victoria Falls

Livingstone

Eastern Gabon

Roaming in the lands of Eastern Gabon is certainly not an easy journey. Unlike South Africa or Kenya where you will find locals wandering around since the Union Jack swayed over the barracks, Eastern Gabon lies acutely over the tourism facade. However, those who will be ready to explore adventure and come up with great guts will surely experience off-the-ordinary adventure. Past 4 hours of train traveling towards the East of Libreville is located Reserve de la Lope. This reserve boasts an extraordinary collection of elephants, buffaloes, innumerable birds and the most popular amidst all is the mandrill’s colorful bottom.

Going more towards the East is the Ivindo National Park, which can loom as the flourishing eco-tourist destination of Gabon. It is a great spot which affords views of forest elephants and western lowland gorillas. Tourists can grab the opportunity of staying in the eco-camps. Towards the South lies Franceville, which is reputed to be the hugest town in the East. It serves as a great spot for acquiring supplies, before moving interiors of the canyon country of Bateke Plateau.

Ivindo National Park

Ivindo National Park offers unique and out-of-the-ordinary opportunity for viewing remarkable sights. Langoue Bai, located in the dense tropical Ivindo National Park is the premier spots amidst entire Gabonese sites, as it bestows opportunity of viewing the forest animals in their wilderness, without even interrupting them. The ‘Bai’, a pygmy term used for clearing swamps in the forest caters as a great source of minerals for the animals. It works as a temptation for the massive numbers of elephants, western lowland gorillas, sitatunga, buffalo, monkeys and unusual bird species. The amenities built near the clearing such as WCF-erected research station and eco-camps facilitates for easy viewing of the wildlife.

There are ample comprehensive amenities rendered according to tourists’ convenience, and the good news above all is that they are designed especially to lower the human impact on the environment. Make sure that you do your home work properly, before embarking on journey because itinerary to Bai should be managed well before hand through travel agents of Libreville. To reach to the campsite, you need to move on two to three hiking, so be ready to face all the challenges, because after facing challenges, enthralling things are waiting for you.

Libreville

Libreville is a dynamic site that pops out with loads of surprises. You can’t predivt what’s next? because at one site you will come across swanky lifestyle, whereas in the other- you will view utter chaos. Libreville is sure to give you time-to-time cultural shocks after you cross the way passing through the forests of Central Africa. While exploring the city, you will find string of hotels lined in the beaches, hotels and restaurants filled by European expats and colorful cars chasing down the avenues. Libreville is loaded with things you can’t imagine of; however the costs may dent your pockets.

Southern Gabon

The terrain of Southern Gabon encompasses the lower half of the country right from the Ogooue River, South to the Republic of Congo Border. The worthwhile sites worth visiting include the riverside town of Lambarene that shelters the hospital set up by impressive German humanitarian personality ‘Albert Schweitzer’ which is still operational. And, the coastal Loango National Park is the terrain’s major attractions. The national park offers great unusual sights of surfing hippos and huge elephants. Behold the sights of humpback and killer whales in off the coast waters.

Nurturing Peerless Nature, Gabon – Part I

Discovering this land is however not a cakewalk. Throughout your journey, you will gather new experiences when you come across bouncy roads and incapable infrastructure development, and you will access the swanky capital city, Libreville in as low amount as 20 bucks. This country’s asset is the most fascinating facet of this African nation; you might get astonished by knowing it, its asset lies in its eco-tourism aspect which might mould it as the next futuristic eco-tourist destination. All thanks to mighty President El Hadj Omar Bongo’s assertion of 10% of land for national park. This noble declaration has shelved the shops of miners and loggers, and opened up doors for eco-tourists, conservationists and travelers. Everyone is very well aware of benefits of preserving the authentic natural beauty; it is because of this that one can come face-to-face with natural views.

This compassionate venture has given way to enormous white-sand beaches, primate-filled tropical rainforests, rolling savannahs and estuaries. The most striking features include the stunning national parks of Loango National Park, placed on the Southern Gabon Coast which is renowned for surfing hippos. And another, Ivindo National Park located on the wilderness of Eastern Gabon is recognized for its own eco-camps and nurturing elephants and gorillas. Gabon serves as a great and enthusiastic spot for the nature and wildlife lovers as it shelters a vast collection of wild creatures humming in their natural environments. Also, there are exciting opportunities for adventure-enthusiasts as they can indulge in adventurous activities of trekking and hiking. So, come tour in this pristine land as it will take you to a visit back to the impeccable natural lands which weren’t spoilt by human influences.

Places in and around

Loango National Park

Loango National Park is quite popular amidst tourists because of being the most diverse and sheltering a vast collection in the whole of Gabon. Wildlife-admirers will certainly get mesmerized after viewing the large and varied concentration of wildlife like various species of whales and dolphins, collection of rare land mammals strolling in savannah and huge elephants roaming in the white-sand beaches.

Other worthwhile visiting spots include the Operation Loango, the sole show in the town located in the Northern end of the park. It is Gabon’s outstanding eco-tourism spot which utilizes tourists’ expenditure for funding the conservation programs. The current projects of crocodile, whale, turtle studies and gorilla habituation are there to keep busy whereas the lush eco-lodges and satellite camps hosts the tourists.

Tunisia Medina:

Discovered by Arabs in the 7th century, this legendary Medina once was Tunis. Today, this marvelous site has been marked as an UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the touch of antiquity and royalty. Its twisted streets are clogged with majestic palaces and monuments hailing from different epochs. The whole royal touch renders it an extraordinary feel and it feels as if one has landed altogether on a new planet. Maze streets of Medina are embellished with hidden mansions and magnificent ancient architects.

Medina’s architectures are an idyllic spot to visit, as the narrow streets are cool during summers and warm during winters. Because the streets are narrow, houses had to be built aloft, eventually building the vaults and rooms above the streets. This appearance of it renders the central lane a subterranean feel. During the 19th century, the French built up the Ville Nouvelle which led to mass withdrawal of Medina as locals left their ancestral houses to settle in the posh suburban seaside homes.

Zaouias, the complexes encircling a tomb of a saint and huge palaces were transformed to manage the new arrivals. The 1930’s and 1940’s witnessed vast demolition motivated for sweeping the slums and clearing the roads for swift vehicle movements. The demolition days have passed long since and there are numerous organizations aiming for conservation. Medina’s most trim area is located near the Place du Gouvernement.

Kairouan:

Kairouan, the revered city is one of the most consecrated Islam cities. This walled city presents a mysterious appearance with dilapidated, white-washed, blue and green colored houses, some of which hang bird cages and are marked with Fatima’s hand, yet they appear to be exotic. Here, Arabs marked their presence when they arrived from the east in 670 AD and established this spot as their first base in Kairouan. Kairouan is venerated too highly in the Islamic hierarchy and it is regarded as seven visits to this holy spot equals to one visit to Mecca. If you haven’t lost in other Medina’s of Tunisia, this holy city is sure to stagger you. Over here, selling carpets and praising gods are regarded as most revered occupations. Grab some beautiful carpets and preserve them as the most cherished items for your lifetime to mark your visit to the holy city of Kairouan.

Tabarka:

A serene coastal town with a fortifying old Genoese Fort (unfortunately closed for the public) slouching over a long stretch of enticing white sand, Tabarka is locally coined as ‘music town’ which can be attributed to music festivals taking place over here. Your pleasant stay in Tabarka for a few months can shift you from sophisticated jazz festival to the sounds of Latin or Rai beats. You will go hip-shaking alike the others who get down on the floor for the whole day. Tabarka is a bit less developed boasting old-fashioned ambiance and pavement cafes. However, it is a Tunisians fun spot and rarely interrupted by foreigners. You may find the locals hooking upon the shishas.

Tozeur:

Past chasing the magnificent landscape of salt Lake Chott el-Jerid, you will discover the vast and exceptional palmeraie that covers Tozeur. Get down in the salt lake, as it appears like a snow-covered sheet which runs for miles ahead. If you step on the crackling surface of salt lake, the salt gets stuck to your shoe and the salt lake’s water is clearly visible beneath. Also, this lovely salt lake remains dry for 10 months in the year and offers a causeway build over it. Make sure that you catch a walk above it and grab all the stunning views it affords. If you head in Tozeur town’s old quarters, you will come across small maze with captivating exquisite brickwork houses, arches and walls. Stroll in the tangled streets and explore the charming side of this lovely town.

Indulging In Desert Romance Of Tunisia – Part I

The bone-dry landscapes on the south reclining close by Tozeur afford a splendid contrasting view with the sparkling waters of Mediterranean Sea that cover Tunisia’s Northern and Eastern shores. The tranquil northern coast beaches loom as a surprise package to the tourists who huddle the extensive sandy stretches of Hammamet and Monastir. The much-hyped and popular Star War film sets witnesses visits of loads of tourists. Tunis, capital city of Tunisia although gritty is famed for its energetic characteristic of being a vibrant urban centre. The walls of Medina are packed with large numbers of tourists and even merchandisers keen for making money.

Tunisia is an amazing retreat and promises for a pleasant stay; it affords soothing accommodation amenities like luxurious, air-conditioned site in the midst of the remote desert; atypical sophisticated rural shelter on Jerba Island; early merchants’ Inns embellished with kaleidoscopic titles and fine courtyards. Although, package-tourism in the country has contributed largely for bringing development and raised employment in certain parts of the country, most of the orthodox locals bear loathe against modern influences. Therefore, tour around lightly and peek-a-boo at its fascinating and diverse-cultural facades.

Tourist attractions

Tunis:

Tunis is an exciting city for viewing Tunisia’s contrasting western and eastern characteristics; however don’t expect much from this city as it is by no manner a fascinating city of Tunisia. Tourist exploring the city will find sights of tousled streets of Medina clogged with buyers and sellers carting goods around, enclosed with the smell of spices and sweat. Its mess can be transferable and you may find yourself bargaining over a buck, before you lounge and sip cozily in a sidewalk café.

Stroll in the boulevards of Ave Habib Bourguiba where locals catch up a leisurely walk in the evenings, even this straight street of Ville Nouvelle contrasts the entangled Medina’s maze. Apart from this, Tunis’s attraction lays down in the exteriors of the city. Grab the captivating sights of Tunisia’s archaeological ruins in the splendid array of Bardo Museum and antique remnants of the old Carthage. Make your evenings pleasant by heading in the dazzling Mediterranean suburb of Sidi Bou Said where families, romantic couples and naughty kids gather for catching up fun. However, make sure that you explore Tunis during day time as during that time Tunis is shimmering with its gorgeous sun-bleached look.

Most of the tourists’ crowds are familiar with Eritrea’s charm. All the credit goes to Eritrea’s innumerable opportunities for discovering extraordinary retreats which are profuse in the region. As we know that the capital city of Asmara is a great spot as it affords fine views of shimmering colonial architectural wonders in Africa. The region is superb and resembles a film set of an old Italian movie with epoch Italian coffee machines and some of the most attractive artistic and decorative architectures.

Snuggled on the Red Sea Coast is the arid town of Massawa with a shade of Islamic influence. It also makes a great retreat as it is the starting point for touring to Dahlak islands. Dahlak islands are the slightest polluted with least known reefs over the Red Sea. Moving towards the Southern Eritrea, it presents fine collection of archaeological sights which hail from a rich historical background. The devastated wastelands of Dankalia sprawl to an extensive area towards the south, and are regarded as the most captivating deserted land on the entire Earth.

Also, Eritrea shelters variety of multi-ethnic groups that figures up to nine. These vibrant ethnic groups are major attraction of this location. Aren’t these many magnetisms enough to attract you in Eritrea? The most splendid thing about Eritrea is that although it witnesses hard knocks on the faces, it still remains to be the most serene, stable and friendly destination in Africa. If you don’t believe it, come and see it yourself…..

This captivating ancient architecture has lived up more than 4000 years, and still possesses an extraordinary and distinct charm which makes it stands out in the whole Egypt. The Pyramids of Giza is the lone survivor of ancient Seven Wonders of the World. This legendary monument possesses a phenomenal shape and perfect geometry that altogether bestows it with an extraterrestrial construction. The exceptional appearance strikes a question in mind that, how and why were this monuments built?

Research spanning centuries have showed that these gigantic tombs were built by thousands of strong workers under the order of pharaohs. The discovery of builders’ settlement equipped with vast amenities for large-scale production and medical facilities prop this proposition. Enduring research has excavated fragments of facts that the builders which were considered to be the slaves of Hollywood tradition were actually workforce of self-sufficient and robust set of Egyptian farmers.

With the deluge of annual Nile floods on farms, spilling water on their persevere endeavors of farming over the inundated lands, they might have been re-deployed for building the pharaoh’s tombs. Perhaps, this might have sparked the idea of creating mass employment by the then administration with the flood waters making it swift for transporting stone to the particular site.

Dahab:

Golden excursion in the economical ocean side camps, sandy beaches and lovely backdrop of craggy mountains grip the senses of tourists for exploring its ecstatic scenic beauty. ‘Dahab’ meaning gold in Arab emulates its shimmering name and affords golden coastline for welcoming tourists. This destination has something for everyone; it parallels everyone’s needs alike. In the last few years, Dahab has developed ahead of its gentle nature and opens up candidly with a free-spirited pleasantness and resort sophistication. Dahab flaunts a splendid blend of humble foundation with a contemporary spice of chic restaurants, classy boutique hotels, and European itinerant. Banana pancakes, enthusiastic tourists synchronize with cool hipsters, fun lovers.

Dahab is filled with odds and ends as it affords across-the-board activities ranging from snorkeling, diving and trekking. For marking memorable moments, stroll ahead, take a jeep ride or camel ride to view Red Sea’s spectacular dive sites. Catch a small boat ride for grabbing views of the top-notch reefs in nearby Ras Mohammad National Park. Principally, Bedouin enclave concentrated in its core, Dahab is the preferential hub for guided tours to the inner deserts and hiking in the snooty highs of Mt. Sinai.

Predominantly, Dahab continues to be an entity and spectacular tourist town in whole of Egypt. Take a soothing walk down the lined boardwalk in the beachfront area of Assalah, relish the costly meals put forward by persevering restaurateurs. Truly, Dahab is a serene ocean-side retreat covered by relentless heat of the desert. But I may inform you, after you indulge in mind-boggling retreats like transparent diving, desert trekking, chilling walks besides the ocean, naïve sheesha sessions, you will surely not want to leave this refuge.

Grandeur Legendary Marvels In Egypt – Part I

Grandeur Legendary Marvels In Egypt – Part II

Cairo:

Past arrival, the most striking thing that will hit you is the inundation of crowds, which is mind-boggling. Observing the clutter, the very first things that will be in your tongue tip are Cairo’s noisy walls, jammed-up traffic, uproar of hawkers, fogs of pollution. Soak in the vivacious metropolitan life of Cairo. Renowned as ‘Um ad- Dunya’- Mother of the World, Cairo is a contemporary city that has blanketed its rich historical background with the sheet of recent growth.

View the historic treasures down to Islamic Cairo which will take you for a visit to the past medieval ages. Move towards the west and observe the majestic pyramids of Giza that is standing firmly from over 4000 years. Step in Cairo’s Museum which lets you peek an array of Egypt’s ancient antiques. However, the real fun of Cairo lies in serene moments of sipping sweet shai or puffing on a sheesha while gazing Cairo running.

Alexandria:

Alexandria is an entity of its own kind; it throws its charm in the form of belle époque buildings, grand squares, coffee and French pastries. Located around calm settings of bays, Alexandria is an enthralling spot as it is coming in the limelight for divulging sunken treasure. Basically, Alexandria is a tranquil location and free from outside influences. Those who are seeking break from rushing life, step in the tranquil land of Alexandria.

Luxor:

Luxor presents an interesting contrasting image which is a fusion of unusual provincial town and striking ancient magnificence. This ancient capital of New Kingdom stands around the legendary 4000-year old Thebes. Luxor is an exceptional spot with a mind-blowing collection of monuments that is something irregular and alluring from the normal life.

Aswan:

Located to the acute south, Aswan is perched perfectly on the banks of the beautiful and longest river of the world, Nile. This spectacular city is embellished with palm-skirted islands and flotillas of white sailed feluccas. This town however is distinct from the North as African culture is apparent in its Nubian people, a different ethnic group with their own customs and language.

Dakhla Oasis:

Dakhla Oasis shelters two tiny towns, one is Mut and another is Al-Qasr. Mut is the larger one which provides lots of hotels. Also, the tourist office is located on Mut’s main road. On the other hand, Al-Qasr is an enchanting spot with about 600 hot springs and an impressive mud brick citadel. Make a visit to the small Ethnographic Museum and explore more about this spot. To explore the region, step in the streets, don’t worry of getting lost as aged peoples assist you through citadel’s narrow alleyways, madrassas, houses and mosques in return of baksheesh. Grab things like basketry and ratish straw hats with ribbon trim which is worn by indigenous farmers from the local traders who sit outside the citadel.

Grandeur Legendary Marvels In Egypt – Part I

Egypt is loaded with enormous valuable architectural wealth which is worth seeing. The chaotic buzz of Cairo lingers around the medieval core which is the same as it was during the foundation days of the pure religion Islam. Other exotic spots like Upriver and Luxor, the spot of ancient Thebes, are stringed with warrens of plush burial chambers that take persons back in awe. This enchanting spot flaunts most celebrated monuments that hail from the legendary period.

Towards the South at Aswan, are rich sites of geometrically correct grandeur temples that exhibit tribute to the powerful archaic Gods and supreme pharaohs. Here, tourists can grab the wonderful opportunity of sailing in the waters of River Nile as it flows at its best here. Explore the longest river of the world by getting up-close and personal, also utilize felucca, an ancient technique of Egypt for sailing boat. Move towards the west, where extensive-sprawling sands recline till Sahara, and few retreats opens way for numerous green spots.

Medieval Fortresses shrink in Hivelike, as they get covered by fusion of bubbling springs ad formidable rock formations. Then ahead reclines the unfathomable and crystal clear Red Sea which is inundated by lovely corals and abundant aquatic life. Rejuvenate your exhausted senses in the cool waters of Red Sea and head ahead in the quirks of Egypt. Following, step inside the deserts of Sinai and hike over the mountain where it is believed that god had exchanged word with Moses. Spend your rest of the days in the soothing and charming coastal Dahab’s Shangri-La.

Egypt remains to be a safe and secure country for touring because it is one of the most politically stable countries in the region. But, the conditions weren’t the same in the past; even Egypt has passed through the tough times like until 3 decades it was dominated by authoritarian rule, and erratic economy and high costs of living triggered way for social unrest. But Egypt was not the one to go down in defeat; its populace consists of strong minded people who kicked back to normal. Traveling in Egypt will not just leave a mind-blowing impression of the grandeur legendary architectures but also will mark Egypt’s affable modern hospitality. Tour to majestic Egypt will surely leave its eternal impression on your mind as the tryst with ecstasies you had in Egypt can’t be paralleled by others.