Let us also discuss the benefits of car rental for a road trip

1. Affordable

If we compare the charges of car rental services with that of a cab or taxi, car rentals are always more cost-effective. One of the most trusted car rental services in East Africa is provided by 4×4@selfdriveeastafrica.com. You can take the car rental services even for an entire month and the rates will be still pocket-friendly for you. If you want it for a longer period, you can do that by getting in touch with the company and requesting them to extend the period.

2. Flexibility

As you take a self-drive car rental service, you get the flexibility of choosing a time to start the journey and taking as many pit-stops as you want. You do not have to be bothered about the driver who comes along with the cab and many times take breaks in between the journey as per his wish.

3. Privacy

As you choose a self-drive car rental service, it is only you and your favorite people in the car. You do not have to worry about being watched or judged by any outsiders. The fun of a journey gets doubled when you are surrounded only by people that you call your own.

Weekends and late evenings are the only times that we get to spend with family and friends. Imagine the irritation of having an unknown driver snoop over all your conversations, smirk at your dilemmas, and laugh at your jokes. This gets even worse when you rent a cab for a tour outside the city spanning a couple of days.

4. Hygienic

The cars on rent provided by Self Drive East Africa are deep cleaned and thoroughly sanitized before it is delivered to you. Therefore, you can forget about the virus and all the germs that the car may have. Hygiene is a big factor, especially in a time when the pandemic is giving a hard time to the world.

5. Free maintenance

Maintenance and repairs on car rental service is included in the rental amount that you pay monthly. This is all taken care of by the company, and they will pick up the car for maintenance and servicing once a month and deliver it back to your home once done. Before picking it up from your home, you will get a call from them and the time can be decided at your convenience.

6. Freedom

Going for a self-drive rental car takes out the fuss and irritation of a trip by giving you the freedom to be your own boss. You can get out of the house later than you planned, leave a place early, and stop as and when you please when you are driving your own rental car. There is absolutely no hurry because you do not have to deal with a running meter and a driver who needs to be somewhere else the moment, he is free of you.

7. Cost Benefits

Apart from all the conveniences of self-drive rental cars, another major plus point in favor of the self-driven rental verses a cab is the cost. Cabs are costly because your driven to your destination and yet self-drive car rental your drive yourself to every destination at a fixed price.

8. Reach your destination on time

In public transports such as buses or taxis, you can’t reach your destination on time. But in car rentals, it’s more convenient for you to travel very freely and reach your destination on time without any hassle. Whether planning for a weekend trip within the city or outstation, With rental car services you can get the different car models every weekend where you can choose your car type either big or small which fits your travel. All the cars are well-maintained, monitored regularly, and sanitized before and after every use, so you don’t have any about the safety measures.

9. Rent based on your needs

Depending on the occasion and the number of passengers travelling, you can choose your car based on your needs. Whether it is a 4/5/6/7/8-seater cars, you can rent all the types of cars etc. For example, you can choose a light car which can make your travel very simpler through the city traffic or hire a comfort car, if you are planning for the best trip or a city tour covering short and long distances. You can also choose the budget rental cars for hourly, daily, weekly, and on monthly basis, which is the best solution for all your travel needs.

10. Explore Hassle-Free Travel

With the car maintenance, fuel cost is one that adds to the car budget. With rental cars, you don’t have to worry about the fuel cost, you can pay according to your convenience either with or without fuel cost before renting it. Moreover, whether it is short or long trips, you can get a more relaxing time to spend for yourself or for your family.

11. Fun-filled journey

When you drive the car, you can have the kind of fun you want to have with your friends or family. You can stop at various attractions that you come across on the way to your destination. You do not have to think about the excess time spent or wonder if you will reach on time.

12. Routes

When you opt for a self-drive car service, you can take the route that you want. You get complete freedom and do not have to worry about being answerable to anyone. You can even improvise or go for an impromptu trip to any place you want at a moment’s notice.

Lastly, now that you are all set up for a road trip, what if you do not own a car? Well, trips are easy to plan and carry out if you have a car. And if you do not have one, you can any day opt for a car on rental. Gone are the days when you could only travel with total flexibility if you had a car. These days, self-drive cars can be taken on rent and you can drive to wherever you want and the way you want.

13. Safety & Security

If you are taking a taxi, there are risks involved where the driver may fall asleep or neglect some safety guidelines. To avoid all these situations, you can easily go for self-drive car services. As you drive the car, you can be under control and take a break whenever you find the necessity of taking some rest. Also, you can maintain the speed limit and all security protocols.

The post Key Benefits of Going on Self-Drive Trip first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

When planning your Australian trip, Sydney Australia is mandatory and could consume your time entirely.

Sydney is world renowned for its breathtaking harbor, busy but laid back lifestyle and glorious golden sandy beaches. Sydney is very multicultural and a definite must for any traveler. There is so much more to do here than you could ever imagine. It does not matter what your budget is, you will still have the time of your life.

Here are my top ten things to do in Sydney:

1) Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House is one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the world, and it does not matter how many pictures you have seen it will still wow you when you see it for the first time. Spend the morning walking around the opera house and takes great pictures with the glorious harbor as a backdrop.

If you would like to learn all about the history of

this famous landmark you can book to go on a guided tour. They offer two tours that can easily be booked online. The first trip is a standard one hour tour and very popular among tourists. The second tour is a very in-depth tour offering backstage access, but it is very expensive.

When you’ve seen everything you want to the opera house to take a walk around Circular Quay. Here you will find some great cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy your meal with spectacular views of the harbor. One of the best bars in the area is the Opera Bar. This is a great place to grab a drink, but it can be very busy at weekends.

2) Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains is a world listed heritage and here you will really feel at one with nature. These mountains are named so because of the evaporating eucalyptus oil leaving a blue haze.

There are a lot of tours operating from the city center, so you can choose the best tour for you and your budget. Most tours stop off on the way at the Featherdale Wildlife Park for about forty minutes. It’s not a huge wildlife park so 40 minutes is enough time to see everything.

When the Heritage Park you can go on rainforest walks and ride the steepest railway in the world. There is also a large cable car, so you can see stunning views of the mountains.

3) Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in Australia and well worth a visit. Bondi Beach is a great place for surfers, swimmers or for those who just want a day soaking up the sun.

Bondi Beach is very accessible from all parts of Sydney by train and should not be much more than a twenty minute trip. Once at Bondi Junction you need to catch a bus to the sea front, the fare is very reasonable, and you can buy a train and bus ticket at the same time.

If you fancy doing a spot of shopping before you head off to the beach there is a large Westfield shopping center at Bondi Junction. All the major Australian chain stores are there and there are some good places to grab lunch.

4) Sydney Harbour Bridge
Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arched bridge is an amazing sight if you choose not to climb the bridge and then take a walk along the path is a definite must.

Booking to participate in the bridge climb is easy to do online, but it is a little pricy. The climb takes three hours when you include all the security preparations. The climb is not too hard so all fitness levels can participate. When you reach the top you will be greeted with stunning views of Sydney, and it makes the price worth it. You are not aloud to take cameras with you on the climb, but you get a souvenir photo of the whole group at the top of the bridge.

If finding out about the history of the bridge interests you then head over to the Pylon Museum situated on the Harbour Bridge. The museum is full of facts, and there is a short video about the making of the Harbour Bridge. There is a fee for entry, but if you have taken part in the bridge climb you will receive a free ticket.

5) Taronga Zoo
Taronga Zoo is a great zoo opposite to the Opera House and is a great day for all ages.

To get to Taronga zoo you have to catch a ferry from Circular Quay. You can buy a joint ticket at the ferry terminal which includes return ferry trips and entrance to the zoo. It is worth doing, as you can avoid the queues to buy tickets when you arrive at the zoo.

The zoo is full of all different types of animals, and you can also participate in an animal experience for an extra charge. All information concerning animals meetings will be on your guide map along with costs. The zoo also has a great eatery offers a wide range of hot and cold food.

6) The Rocks
The Rocks is an old-fashioned part of Sydney with cobbled streets and tons of character.

The Rocks is full of quirky souvenir shops, great cafes and plenty of bars with great beer gardens. This is really one of the best places to spend a lazy afternoon in Sydney. On weekends you can also run around the area in a horse-drawn carriage.

The best time to visit the rocks is the weekend when they have local market. The market operates on Saturdays and Sundays between nine and five. You can pick up some really great handmade goods here and if space in your case is a problem for you some stalls will send your purchase to your home.

If ghosts and ghouls interest you then book to go on The Rocks Ghost Tour. You can book the trip from the tourist office is located in The Rocks, the trip can be busy, so you will need to book in advance. Take part in the tour is a great way to spend the evening, all hosts are actors so be prepared for a few laughs. The tour is great because you find out a lot of facts about ghost sightings, but also about the local area.

7) Manly
Manly is a perfect little beach town just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay.

The ferries run all day from Circular Quay and the prices are quite reasonable. Once there, you can swim in the sea, sunbathe, take a scenic walk, or spend the afternoon enjoying the sun in a great beer garden. Manly has a great laid back vibe and is a fun day out for all.

If you want to find out about marine life and reptiles then pay a visit Ocean World. This aquarium is not as great as Sydney Aquarium, but it’s still a nice way to spend a few hours.

8) Darling Harbour
Darling Harbour is a great place just a short walk from the city center and has tons of things to keep all ages entertained.

The port has all the hustle and bustle of city life, but in a much nicer setting. Here you can visit an aquarium, wildlife park, see a show at the IMAX theater, shop or just chill afternoon in a large café or bar.

The Sydney Aquarium is one of the top attractions of Darling Harbour. The aquarium is huge and could easily take you an afternoon to see everything. The aquarium is very instructive, which is great if you go with children. The Shark Tank is amazing, and they have touch pools, so you can get close to nature itself. When you buy your ticket, you can also buy a combined ticket for the Wildlife Park as well.

9) Pitt Street Malls
Sydney city center is an oasis of shops and a real must for any serious shopper.

You could easily spend a whole day looking around all the malls and not go in every store. Here you can find all the major shops plus a few quirky stores thrown in for balance. Shopping is not the only thing to do here, Chinese massage shops, beauty therapists and a huge selection of hairdressers.

Dining in the city center can be as up market as you would like. There are plenty of good restaurants offering all kinds of food, but for those on a budget head to the food court for some great cheap eats.

10) The Royal Botanical Gardens
the lush botanical gardens on a quiet morning where you really need to feel at one with nature after living the city life.

Take a leisurely stroll and admire the beauty of what nature has to offer. The gardens are excellent and there are plenty of good places to have a picnic or sit and watch the world go by.

Mrs. Macquarie chair was carved in 1816, so you can soak up a little history at the same time. This is a great place to take pictures of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The area can be quite busy before and after work, as it is a popular place with the locals to go jogging.

Access to the gardens is free, but if you wanted to make a contribution there are donation boxes around the park. There are also free maps around the park, which is a good idea because it can be easy to get lost because of the size of the gardens. In the heart of the gardens is a great cafe, but it can be a bit pricey, so if you are on a budget bring your own food.

The post Top 10 Things to Do in Sydney first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

1) Canada Place

The first stop for anyone coming to Vancouver should be to walk along the spectacular promenade of Canada Place at Waterfront Station. Constructed as the Canadian pavilion for the World Exhibition Expo 1986 and now houses the city’s Convention Center, a tour around Canada Place allows visitors to take in the beautiful harbor of Burrard Inlet, with its vista of snowy mountains, Stanley Park and the modern glass towers of Coal Harbour nearby.

Canada Place also showcases the dynamics of Vancouver economic power and position in the global market. The inlet hive of container ships bound outwards to China and parts. In the summer cruise ships from the world’s largest lines dock along the pier on the way to Alaska. Floatplanes take out the wild natural bays of the Inside Passage and helicopters departure for Vancouver Island increase the energetic scene.

It was here that the Canadian Pacific Railway completed the transcontinental railroad in 1889, gave Vancouver the nickname of ‘Terminal City’. Since then, Vancouver has changed from being “end of line”, and is now regarded as the ‘Gateway to Asia’ and the far north. It is a perfect introduction to the city of Vancouver and should not be missed by the curious traveler.

2) Spanish Banks

For a different perspective on the city ride out the beaches at Spanish banks, on the north shore of Point Grey. In the summer with the tide out, like the golden sands of the beautiful beaches that stretch out to infinity. The water is still low and warm with the tide during the warm months, but at any time of year view remains breathtaking, with tall modern condominium towers of Vancouver sparkling in the distance like shards of light in the green jade bowl of mountains addition .

Treat yourself to a visit to the Jericho Sailing Association and share a huge plate of nachos served up on the lovely terrace. From your commanding perch you can see sailing hobbyists and windsurfers at play in the water or see stately craft from the nearby Royal Vancouver Yacht Club pull up their sails. Further inland, Ultimate Frisbee players sprawl out on the green fields and tennis courts attract some of the city’s best players.

The area of ​​the park was once a seaplane base and military camp during World War II and now a youth hostel, a local community center and theater. It is a perfect place for a picnic or just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and well worth the visit.

3) Sushi in West End

Vancouver is world famous for its venerable China Town and the hundreds of restaurants that are contained therein. The city has been a home for Asian immigrants since the construction of the railway in the 19th century. Those who braved the journey to ‘Gold Mountain’ brought culinary traditions that have enlivened the palates of generations of Vancouverites. In addition to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean neighborhoods Vancouver once had a thriving Japan Town along East Hastings, now sadly in decline.

These days, thousands of English students from Japan and Korea turned the area along the west Robson Street and Denman into a miniature Tokyo or Seoul. One of the best ways to sample some of the city’s delights is to visit a few of the many restaurants that offer affordable and delicious all-you-can-eat buffets of sushi and sashimi.

Shabusen restaurant on the corner of Burrard and Robson is a good place to start, with its wide selection and wonderful Korean barbecue deals on weekends, when you can cook spicy marinated chicken, beef and pork on your own personal Brazier. Another great stop is Tanpopo restaurant near the corner of Denman and Davie streets, with its wealth of fresh wild salmon, tasty gyoza dumplings, salt spinach ohitashi salad and a fantastic outdoor terrace where you can watch the world go by on the nearby English Bay.

Be prepared to leave both restaurants completely satisfied when you continue your exploration of the multicultural celebration is Vancouver.

4) Nightlife in Gastown

For a night out in the city of Vancouver has a lot to offer the adventurous. The Granville Street strip is where revelers head to dance and drink the night away under the flashing neon signs on heritage Orpheum and Vogue theaters at such busy nightclubs that Republic, Tonic and Ginger 68, just to name a few.

Gastown along Water Street is where the first European settlement was made back in the old lumber camp days and locale as one of Vancouver first saloons opened by the legendary ‘Gassy Jack Deighton in the late 1800′s. On the cobbled streets you can find some excellent ponds, which continues the tradition set by Vancouver’s pioneers.

Close to the original site of ‘Gassy Jack Deighton own Hotel is a charming Irish Heather Bistro, home of the best pints of Guinness in town. In the rear, built in the warm walls of the old city jail is a cozy glassed-in patio that hosts live Irish and Scottish music most nights. The “Heather” boasts a progressive menu combines old pub standards with modern flair.

For a more raucous scene sample Blarney Stone pub across the street. A true Irish dance hall packed with college students on weekends, Blarney Stone known throughout the city as a wild and noisy place to make new friends and have a good time. There is free foosball tables on the upper level and be ready to hoot and holler along with Fiddles and drums all night long.

These are just a few of Vancouver’s many active hotspots. Recommendations for venues, concerts and films can be found in the entertainment section of the free weekly cultural paper ‘The Georgia Straight “, found throughout downtown. Select one, and you will not fail to find something for everyone.

5) Sports in the City

Vancouver boasts several professional sports franchises and a history of excellence. In 1915, the Vancouver Millionaires hoisted the famous Stanley Cup on the ice at the old Denman Arena, the first indoor artificial ice hockey rink in North America.

Since then, the city’s teams include the locally beloved Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League and the defunct Vancouver Grizzlies in the NBA. The 1994 and 2000 Grey Cup champion British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League play at BC Place Stadium, site of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics the 2010th

During the year, there is always a game on a place for fans of every sport and every budget.

Some of the best fun can be had with Vancouver’s minor league teams. The Oakland Athletics affiliate Vancouver Canadians of the single ‘A’ NorthWest Baseball league play in a jewel of a ballpark at Nat Bailey Stadium near Queen Elizabeth Park. It’s a fun afternoon of baseball in a lovely pastoral setting for both young and old, who will often end with music and fireworks, or a visit by the mayor.

If Canucks tickets are too expensive or difficult to find a good alternative in winter, Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League. This young team played at the historic Pacific Coliseum because of the PNE fairgound and come out a championship 2006-season.

Vancouver is also witnessing a resurgence of interest in football, especially with the Risen Vancouver Whitecaps. The team was champion of the North American Soccer League in 1979 during the height of ‘soccernania’ in Canada and the U.S., winning the Soccer Bowl in New York City that same year. They currently play at Swangard Stadium close to a Skytrain station in Burnaby, and in the case of a new downtown stadium in anticipation of Vancouver hosting the 2007 U-20 World Cup.

Stanley Park is named after the Governor-General of Canada who donated the Stanley Cup to hockey and the city is waiting for its next championship, and the eyes of the world in 2010 for the Olympics. With so much to do and see, is a visit to Vancouver more interesting than ever. It is a chance to share the excitement and enjoy the hospitality of this ‘City of Tomorrow’.

The post Best 5 Touristic Activities to Do in Vancouver BC first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

Tanzania is located in East Africa and is one of the world’s most renowned safari destinations, offering an abundance of wildlife and unsurpassed scenery. Attractions include the Serengeti and its Great Migration; Mount Kilimanjaro – the World’s highest free-standing mountain; the World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Conservation Area and numerous game-filled Parks and Reserves.

Most visitors to Tanzania are attracted by the opportunity to witness one of Nature’s most incredible events like the Great Migration; this experience of a lifetime can be witnessed when on safari in Tanzania. The profusion of plains game also attracts predators such as hyenas and the Big Cats, so game-viewing can be particularly rewarding.

A luxury safari tour in Tanzania is ideal to combine with a beach holiday in Zanzibar. This small, pretty island in the Indian Ocean is known as The Spice Island and it has beautiful white sand beaches and a rich history and culture.

TANZANIA SAFARI

A safari in Tanzania reveals the world’s premier safari destination: the Serengeti and its expansive plains, the largest un-flooded and un-broken caldera in the world, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. Enjoy lunch next to a hippo filled watering hole, spot the legendary tree-climbing lion, and watch as massive tusked elephants amble about the Serengeti on a once-in-a-lifetime safari. Tanzania offers travelers the opportunity to experience firsthand the Maasai culture, amazing animal viewing, and epic ascents up Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s largest free-standing mountain.

The Serengeti- Iconic Wildlife Hotspot

Having the oldest ecosystem on this planet, Serengeti National Park is very delightful for its flora and fauna with the natural diversity and biodiversity.

The Great Wildebeest Migration in this park and around the larger serener area shows the game of the ecosystem of Tanzania. After the calving season of January and February, herds of wildebeests start the migration from March. During May, the migration heads towards the western corridors. The great migration gathers in one place and is joined by herds of zebras, cape buffalos, gazelles, etc. to start the migration.

After crossing the Grumeti River in July, the migration moves to the north. From August to October, they cross the Mara River and enter the Masai Mara national park of Kenya. In November and December, the migration crosses the northeastern Serengeti and move towards the southern Serengeti. You can see the largest and most diverse prey and predator encounter in migration which shows the lifecycle of the Tanzania ecosystem. This is the most beautiful and impressive event that attracts many tourists from every corner of the world.

Mostly famous for the African big five, the Serengeti national park has the highest concentration of lions all over the world. You can see the wildlife diversity because not only for the land mammals but also for 500 bird species.

Ngorongoro Crater- The most dramatic of Landscapes

As famous for the earliest human fossils of 3 million years ago, the Ngorongoro Crater was once a volcano and now is the largest intact caldera in the world.

Now, the crater is a wide highland area with 600 m deep of focal point. The beauty of wildlife diversity in the crater will take your breath away. The crater is the place, where every year the great wildebeest migration starts after calving.

Most importantly, OI Doinyo Lengai, only volcano that erupts carbonate lava, is located in this park. The dramatic highlands males it most unique and the area Oldupai Gorge, is famous for the proof of earliest human fossils.

Arusha- The tourism capital of Northern Tanzania

The Arusha city, near Arusha national park, makes the place accessible and famous Tanzania Tourist Attraction in Tanzania. The Mt. Meru of Arusha National Park is for the hikers to warm up before hiking for Mt. Kilimanjaro.

However, the Arusha city is one of the Tanzania Destinations that describe many things about Tanzania’s history, culture, and economy. Arusha’s highland is made for tourists to relax before starting or ending your Tanzania Safari.

As a major international diplomatic hub, it is the capital of East African community (EAC). Every year, the city hosts the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda Genocide.

Arusha city is the only city where you can communicate in English with the local people if you don’t know the Kiswahili language.

It is a multicultural city having mixed backgrounds like Indigenous Bantu, Arab-Tanzanian, Indian-Tanzanian, and white European and Americans.

Mount Kilimanjaro- The towering peak of Africa

As the “roof of Arica”, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain peak with an altitude of 20,000 ft. It was made up of three volcanoes namely, Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo. During the trekking, you can face five ecological zones such as tropical rain forest, cultivation, Heather-moorland, Alpine desert, and summit climate zones. There are 7 routes to reach at the summit. The Umbwe route is the most difficult and the Marangu Route is the easiest route for the summit.

Tarangire National Park

One of the most unique and best safaris in Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is a must visit. This park is best known for the largest elephant population in the entire world. If you plan to visit Tarangire National Park, you will see the magnificent animals in all their glory.

The best time to visit Tarangire is during the summers. The dry season pulls all the animals to the Tarangire River. You can spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras among other animals on the river banks.

Lake Manyara National Park

The real fun of visiting Lake Manyara National Park is during the monsoon season. The park is in its full glory with plenty of flamingos and wallowing hippos. The park as its own charm owing to the trees with thick, hanging roots. It is also the only place where you will spot lions perched on trees.

Another reason to visit the park is the abundance of birds in the area. The park also offers canoe safaris for those who want to see the wildlife up close and personal. They also have night safaris which add a lot of thrill to the adventure. Head here to feel an adrenaline rush that you will never forget.

Ruaha National Park

In 2008 Ruaha National Park became Tanzania’s largest park. It is home to large herds of buffalo and gazelle, and has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania. The Great Ruaha River is the main feature of Ruaha National Park, providing magnificent wildlife viewing on the banks. The river also provides much of the electricity to Tanzania through a hydroelectric dam at Kidatu.

Ruaha National Park is the least accessible park in Tanzania and as a result the landscape remains relatively untouched. Birdwatcher’s can enjoy over 400 species of bird that are not found in northern Tanzania, and the river, spectacular gorges, and majestic trees are especially appealing to photographers.

Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe National Park, also sometimes called Gombe Stream National Park, is primarily for those who want to get a little off the beaten track and see chimpanzees. This is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania and is famous for the work of Jane Goodall. This British researcher arrived in 1960 to study the wild chimpanzees and her work turned into what would become the longest running behavioral research program of its kind in the world.

Guided walks take visitors into the forest to observe chimps in the wild. Many species of primates and mammals live in the park. Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the tropical forest, including barbets, starlings, sunbirds, crowned eagle, kingfishers and the palm-nut vulture.

Hiking and swimming are other popular activities; a trail leads into the forest to a waterfall in the valley. 

ZANZIBAR BEACH

Just East of Tanzania’s Swahili Coast lies the spice island of Zanzibar, an exotic island with a fascinating history, rich culture and tropical seaside beauty. The narrow and winding streets of old Stone Town beg to be explored as you pass elaborately carved mahogany doorways. We love its boutique oceanfront guesthouses on magnificent, palm-fringed beaches with warm, clear water, mere steps from your bedroom.

It’s the perfect place to punctuate your safari time in East Africa and is wonderful for couples, families and groups alike. Excursions include spice farm tours where you’ll see clove, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg, and turmeric root actually growing. Tropical fruits abound and you’ll get a chance to try them in the local Stone Town Market. Plenty of marine activities like snorkeling, kayak and dhow tours even SCUBA diving is possible (with certification). Enjoy fresh seafood served under the stars at private candlelit tables.

But don’t close them for too long! Whilst the long sandy beaches are definitely Zanzibar’s main attraction, the “Spice Island” has so much more to offer.

1. Go back in history in Stone Town

Stone Town is not only the capital of Zanzibar but also the heart and soul of the island. It is a colorful and bustling city, with old Arabic-style buildings, fascinating cathedrals and ancient churches. Wander through the winding alleys, find out what is behind the ornately carved doors and get lost in the town’s magic. There is so much to do and see in Stone Town that a short day trip visit from your beach resort might not be enough.

2. Take a hike in Jozani Forest

If you can’t get enough of observing wildlife, then a trip to Jozani Forest is definitely your thing. This rain forest is one of the last remaining reserves in the world and is inhabited by the Red Colobus Monkey, only found at Zanzibar. It was once an endangered species but thanks to the successful conservation projects, their numbers have grown. In fact, these monkeys are very social and will emerge from the trees to greet you. Other animals that you might spot during your tour are the Blue Sykes Monkey, bush pigs, duikers, chameleons and many species of birds and butterflies.

3. Dine in the Indian Ocean

The Rock Restaurant is not just a place to eat, it is a unique experience that is well known across the entire country. The restaurant is located on a rock in the middle of the Indian Ocean, just off the south-east coast, with magnificent views of the island. Fine dining awaits you with some of the best seafood served on Zanzibar. During high tide the restaurant can only be reached by boat.

4. Spice it up with the Spice Tour

Although very much a tourist oriented activity, the Spice Tour is definitely worthwhile. It is a fascinating excursion as it gives you an insight into the local life, and it highlights a different part of the island’s history. You will visit a spice plantation which once contributed to Zanzibar’s flourishing industry. From here, spices were exported to Asia and South America.

During your walk you will be able to smell, taste, touch and guess various spices such as nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, as well as different types of fruits. Your guide will tell you all about their origins and use. And why not try to harvest a coconut yourself?

5. Discover the sea life at Mnemba Atoll

You still might be impressed with the Big 5 that you have seen during your safari. But the marine life can be quite mesmerizing too! Mnemba Island is a coral atoll about 3 km off the north-east coast and has recently been declared a marine conservation area. It is surrounded by thriving, vibrant reefs and beautiful marine life such as yellow snappers, barracuda, eels and many more.

Dive or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean and discover the colorful coral, tropical reef fish and green turtles. There are even good chances of spotting dolphins on your way to the island!

6. Adventure the Safari Blue

One of our most favorite excursions is the full day Safari Blue Tour. The trip starts from Fumba Peninsula and offers a wonderful combination of sailing, snorkeling and relaxing at the beach. The boat will navigate to various beautiful snorkeling sites, you will swim in the warm waters of a mangrove lagoon and enjoy a delicious seafood barbecue at a sand bank in the ocean. During this tour you may even catch sight of dolphins.

7. Find romance on a Sunset Cruise

Unwind at a magical sunset on a traditional dhow sailing boat. As you sail slowly towards the horizon, a gentle breeze will caress your face and makes you feel completely calm. Simply enjoy the turquoise, clean waters, lie back and sip a cool drink while watching the sun set over the ocean. Another perfect ending to a great day!

8. Explore the coral gardens of Chumbe Island

Chumbe Island Coral Park is an award-winning private nature reserve located just a short boat ride away from the main island of Zanzibar. It offers one of the most spectacular ‘coral gardens’ in the world, holding 90% of the coral diversity found in East Africa.

Snorkeling in the Coral Reef Sanctuary is a fantastic experience witch chances of meeting bathfish, parrotfish and hawksbill turtles. Moreover, during your visit you can take a nature walk through the forest reserve that harbors rare wildlife like the Ader’s Duiker and Coconut crabs. Or climb the Chumbe Lighthouse, built by the Sultan of Zanzibar in 1904, and enjoy spectacular views of the clear blue sea between Zanzibar and the mainland.

9. Feel the beat of Zanzibar

Zanzibar is not only a romantic destination for honeymooners or couples, it is ideal for families with children. The wide sandy beaches and warm waters form the perfect ingredients for a family holiday. Some hotels offer special entertainment for children. But why not go out and have a great time together with your child.

Imagine the fun while learning the ancient Zanzibari art of drumming. Or let them paint in the traditional style called “Tinga Tinga” where a local artist will lead them step by step through the process of creating an ethnic Tanzanian style of art. Undoubtedly a new talent will be discovered!

10. Taste Zanzibar

Want to really taste Zanzibar? Then join a (half) day cooking course. The Zanzibar kitchen has many surprises thanks to its mix of Indian, Arab and African influences. Meet the fisherman to see the catch of the day and cook together with local women and children. They will teach you how to cook the traditional festive dish “biryani” while you learn more about the friendly Zanzibaris and their lifestyle. Go for shopping at a food and spice market and bring your goods to the Swahili cooking lesson to turn the unfamiliar ingredients into a delicious Swahili meal.

Conclusion

Besides these exciting things to do and undiscovered places to visit, there are many more must-sees and must-does we can recommend. Inspire yourself with this Tanzania & Zanzibar safari. Or contact us now for a private safari with beach extension.

The post Bush to Beach Experience in Tanzania first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

With abundant wildlife, birdlife and floral species, there are multiple opportunities to explore and experience Uganda. In this article, we bring 5 of the best destinations one shouldn’t miss visiting with a rental car in Uganda for a memorable road trip.

Below are the top 5 Uganda destinations to visit by car on your next trip

Jinja

Located in Eastern Uganda, Jinja is well-known as the adrenaline adventure capital of East Africa. It is in Jinja where you can perfectly explore and experience the Source of the Nile River. From Kampala to Jinja is about 2 hours’ drive and tourists can enjoy a spectacular road trip inclusive of numerous stopover points in areas like Mabira Forest, one of the few natural rainforests Africa is left with and lies between Uganda’s biggest cities –Kampala and Jinja.

At Jinja, there is a chance to marvel at the Source of the Nile as you cross the new bridge and later embark on adrenaline adventures. Some of the adrenaline adventures to consider on Jinja tour include horseback riding, sundowner, boat cruise, white water rafting, quad biking, cycling, tubing, sunset cruise and more.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

No destination brings you close to great apes –mountain gorillas in their natural habitats like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Situated in the far Southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a perfect spot to locate the rare mountain gorillas on foot. Over 459 of the earth’s 1063 mountain gorillas survive peacefully in Bwindi National Park’s lush rainforest. The park spans over 331sq.km and contains 20 fully habituated families each to be visited by maximum of eight (8) guests per day. A single permit for gorilla trekking in Bwindi is issued to guests at USD 700 and for extra-ordinary gorilla habituation experience, a permit costs USD 1500 per person.

Visiting Bwindi National Park is beyond seeing mountain gorillas. There is a chance to engage in birding, nature/forest walks, cycling, and community visits at the Bakiga or Batwa communities. You can go on a self-drive or driver-guided road trip to Bwindi, start your journey from Kampala or Entebbe, and drive for 8-9 hours via Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale/Kisoro. From Kigali city, it will be a short road trip of about 4 to 5 hours through Chanika border to Kisoro town or Katuna via Kabale town.

Murchison Falls National Park

Visit Murchison Falls National Park, and marvel at the powerful Murchison Falls with its remarkable roar while it squeezes itself into a narrow rock measuring 7m. This park is set at the Northern edge of the Albertine Rift Valley, Northwestern Uganda. The park was first created as a Game Reserve in 1929 and features as the largest of Uganda’s National Park. Spanning over 3840sq.km, Murchison Falls NP is host to more than 76 mammal species and a total of about 451 species of birds.

Murchison Falls National Park exists in two sections created by the Victoria Nile. The Victoria Nile River forms the powerful and dramatic Murchison Falls. Walk to the top of the falls or drive and witness the magic of the Nile River as it forces itself into the narrow rock, 7m wide.

The park’s extensive area shelters the country’s finest wildlife including African elephants, cape buffaloes, Nile crocodiles, hippos, Rothschild giraffes, warthogs, lions, leopards, oribis, hartebeest and others. Murchison Falls NP is a perfect place to embark on a guided game drive, birding, launch cruise, hiking, sport fishing, and chimpanzee trekking, and more.

Kibale National Park

Kibale National Park is one of Uganda’s finest parks, dominated by lush tropical rainforests. Kibale is truly the primate capital of the world, home to 13 primate species and 375 species of birds. Within Kibale Forest National Park, there exist primates such as the endemic Uganda Mangabeys, l’hoest monkeys, localized red colobus monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, pottos, bush babies and others.

Other species that survive within Kibale National Park include forest elephants, numerous antelopes, buffaloes, and birds like the green breasted pittas. The main highlights of Kibale include chimpanzee trekking, chimpanzee habituation experience, nature walks, cultural heritage and nature trail, and birding.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Dubbed a medley of wonders, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a spectacular tourist destination and nature lovers’ most preferred spot to watch diverse mammals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes and hippos. Extending over 1978sq.km, Queen Elizabeth NP inhabits wildlife such as the tree-climbing lions, and over 620 species of birds.

The interesting things to experience on a safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park include game drives, birding, chimpanzee trekking, launch/boat trip, lion tracking, nature walks and others.

In conclusion, Uganda has plenty of places to visit for a holiday but the above stand out and each has unique animals or experiences for visitors to enjoy.

The post 5 Of the Best Destinations to Visit by Car on a Uganda Trip first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

Less than a week earlier, I was in Uganda on a gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where we saw the gorillas in the Mist. Now, I was in second region of Africa that is next to Uganda as far as protecting mountain gorillas is concerned; about to visit these critically endangered primates again in person.

As we were about to get in our safari Land cruiser for the ride over to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, our guide from the Experience Africa gave us brief information that was similar and exciting to what was briefed to us on Uganda’s side. Remember our other members of the group had joined us just in time to take part in the country’s number one tourist draw.   The early morning drive had us approaching the towering volcanoes that gave the park its name. The locals were commuting by foot along the roadsides, as is common activity throughout the country; kids welcomed us with enthusiastic waves and my work was to take nice scenic photographs of the locals and land forms, remember is known as a country of “thousand hills”.

Despite our best efforts, we still managed to arrive late. Around the grounds of the visitor center, 6 other groups of 8 tourists each were receiving their briefings about the gorilla group they were assigned to see that day. Each foreign tourist had paid US$1500 for the gorilla trekking permit, with the vast majority of that money used to fund the further protection of the gorillas.

The members of Kwitonda

We quickly learned that Kwitonda, the group we were assigned to visit, which crossed into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo several years ago. During the 15-minute briefing, we learned a few things about mountain gorillas, but what stuck with me most was how they can be uniquely identified by their nose prints, similar to how humans have distinct fingerprints.

And then, long after all the other tour groups had departed, we were back in the safari van, bouncing up and down rocky roads on the way to our entry point into the forest. Upon existing the vehicles, we were greeted with hand-carved wooden walking sticks, and our group’s guard, who was equipped with an AK-47. The fire power was needed not for the gorillas, but in case we ran into any other large beasts, such as buffalo, we were told.

The trek begins, as they so often do, by gingerly walking through farmland. I checked the altitude at the line where the fields met the forest. At 2,350 meters, it was high enough to feel your breathing become a little labored, especially if you ran ahead to capture a photo looking back.

Our young female guide stopped us for a moment, before we climbed over a rock wall, to review the protocol around our approach and observance of the gorillas. The tracker would alert us about 200 meters from the group, and at that point, we’d leave everything but our cameras behind. Easier said than done for Eric and Peter, who both hired porters to carry all their gear.

Before the trip, I had picked up a long sleeve, breathable undershirt from REI, along with a synthetic short sleeve shirt from Mountain Hard wear. The combination, along with my trusty, lightweight North Face pants and Merrell shoes were the perfect outfit for the environment. Soft, comfy Smart wool hiking socks completed the ensemble. I also carried a waterproof jacket in case it rained.

Trekking in the forest of Volcanoes National Park

Finally, we donned our garden gloves, on loan to us from the park to protect against stinging nettles, and entered the forest. The foliage was not as dense as I imagined, however it still required one’s attention to negotiate. Whether you take gardening gloves from home, or borrow ones from the park, their protection is worthwhile as it allows you to move through the forest with greater ease. If you want to take photos en route, it’s best to stop for a moment, as it is easy to trip over fallen logs and tangled roots hidden beneath the brush.

About 45 minutes into the trek, our guide said we were close; she could smell the gorillas. I sniffed the air, and noticed nothing unusual. And then Peter saw one. We know this because he went to photograph it and was called back by the guide. So much for the 200-meter warning. We had found the group hanging out at the edge of the forest! While a protracted, bushwhacking endeavor might make for a few extra anecdotes over dinner, we weren’t complaining.

We left our packs with the porters. I stuffed my camera, Flip video camera, and Blackberry into a small nylon dry bag; in case it rained during the one hour we were allowed to spend with Kwitonda.

I took the lead position, right behind our male guide. We passed through a thick section of foliage, and emerged into a small clearing. He waved us through; ahead, no more than 10 meters, was a silverback gorilla munching on plants. He didn’t seem to care that we were there. Nonetheless, after a few minutes, he trotted out of sight once again.

We followed the guide further, and found the silverback resting against a tree, still contently munching on plants. It was really amazing, and of course, we were all taking photographs like crazy. After another minute or two, we continued onward into a clearing where there were several more gorillas hanging out in the trees, and on the forest floor.

The real treat was seeing a mama gorilla pass by us with her baby on board. As with panda bears, and all forms of cuddly wildlife, it’s hard not to and in such moments.

The mama gorilla spent a few minutes sitting by one of the two silverbacks in the group, which gave us a sense of the size difference between the male, female, and baby.

During our hour with the gorillas, the silverbacks ate, talked (our guide often interpreted for us), pounded their chest a few times (which is a way to keep warm, as well as communicate), and farted (though I didn’t catch wind of that personally).

To our great amusement, two or three of the adolescents were playing the whole time. Activities involved chasing one another around a thin tree trunk, knocking each other off a fallen tree, and swinging on vines.

Before leaving for Rwanda, I’d seen a few photos of travelers who’d captured the gorillas in the background, so it was a shot I knew I wanted. Luckily, Ben came through with a photo that bears a striking resemblance to the infamous Crasher (aka Banff) Squirrel.

Despite our small group size, we were tripping over each other to get the best angles. The official rule was to stay 7 meters from the gorillas, but to be frank; we all managed to break it during the excitement, and were probably closer to 3-5 meters away at any given time.

As our time wound down, and we were being ushered away from Kwitonda, a young adolescent came traipsing down the thin path we were standing along. The guides signaled for us to move away, but without knowing where to go, a few of us got a squeeze on the leg from the rambunctious teenager.

On an intellectual level, I knew it wasn’t appropriate for the contact to have occurred, however in that moment that it rushed by, grabbing the cargo pocket on my left leg, I instantly knew how Dian Fossey could become so enamored with these gorillas. On an emotional, instinctual level, it felt remarkable to have experienced physical contact with such a rare animal in its natural habitat.

Meanwhile, in what became known as “the moment” of the trip, having been touched by the gorilla as well, and burst out that it had taken her BlackBerry. Because gorillas, despite their furry exterior, and preference for living in the remote regions of central Africa, still enjoy mobile technology just as much as the rest of us primates.

I cant imagine we were complete with our gorilla trek before lunch.

While numbers are slowly increasing, there are only about 1060 mountain gorillas in existence. Over 300 species can be found in northwestern Rwanda’s Volcanoes Park, 480 species in southwestern Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and along the eastern edge of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park the 200 species, where they remain under the greatest threat from poachers.

The post Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

Libreville is the capital city of Gabon. It has nice, but jam-packed beaches. The country of Gabon is quite rich, all thanks to its oil reserves. One of the fine examples of the lavish life in Gabon is the presidential palace.

Port Hawkesbury is a great place for going out on fishing trips, playing golf or sailing. This town lies on a small island, which is located at the mouth of River Ogooue. Tourist can take a trip in a canoe up the river Ogooue. At the end of the river trip you would reach Lambaréné . This is the place where Albert Schweitzer started his research on leprosy. Here he had established a hospital, which is now-a-days kept for tourist visits.

Gabon offers a huge array of attraction for each every traveler, who selects Gabon for either vacation or business. Tourists can enjoy superior orange sandy beaches, inland and ocean fishing facilities, and several archeological sites. The country of Gabon offers its tourists brilliant wildlife which includes monkeys, elephants, and even few lonely buffaloes that are from Igula. Hiking and v Cycling are few of the favorite tourist activities in Gabon. Here you will come across four Wildlife Reserves and two National Parks, however hunting is barely allowed in certain areas, apart from October and November months.

Gabon is one of the developed countries in Africa and is worth taking a trip. I am sure that you would be fascinated with this country once you come here.

The post Gabon – Worth-visiting Country in Africa first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

Ciutat Vella

The city’s historic quarter, Ciutat Vella is undisputedly the Barcelona attraction that appeals most to tourists. Its narrow streets and alleys tell interesting stories, display fascinating architecture and represents a nice place for a stroll, be it for half an hour or an entire day. Made up of the medieval Barri Gòtic (where you will find the quiet Plaça del Pi, art galleries and lots of cafes), La Ribera (where you can visit the gracious Santa Maria del Mar church and the impressive Picasso Museum), Born and Raval quarters and stretching itself down to Barceloneta beach, Ciutat Vella forms a circle around the famous Las Ramblas.

You can start your tour of Ciutat Vella in Plaça de Catalunya – a large and busy square famous for its sculptures by major artists such as La Deessa (The goddess) by Josep Clara, the Monument a Francesc Macia by Josep Maria Subirachs, Els Pastors by Pau Gargallo, and other works by Jose Limon and Enrique Casanovas. Take the time to admire them before you move on to Las Ramblas.

Las Ramblas

Why Las Ramblas when there is one single street? The name’s explanation can be found in the history of what is now one of the best Barcelona attractions and a street always full of tourists and locals looking for some fun. La Rambla was once a stream of water making its way just outside the city walls. Made up of five parts named after buildings and other landmarks that were once standing here, Las Ramblas is a wide pedestrian street bordered by trees on both sides, connecting Plaça de Catalunya with Columbus Monument and Barcelona’s beach front.

Starting from Plaça de Catalunya, your steps will take you to Rambla de Canaletes and its legendary fountain believed to have the power of making you love the city and long to come back. Then, you step into Rambla del Estudis, whose name takes after the university building Estudis Generals torn down in 1843. Also known as Rambla de les Flors, Rambla de Sant Josep ends in Plaça de la Boqueria, where you can admire a nice mosaic by Joan Miró. Heading towards Columbus Monument, you will walk down Rambla dels Caputxins, named after a former convent that was long ago demolished. Here you will find a landmark that is always included among Barcelona attractions – Gran Theatre del Liceu.The last segment goes by the name Rambla de Santa Monica.

Columbus Monument

Also known as Mirador de Colombus, this statue built in 1888 for for the Universal Exhibition is dedicated to the great explorer who chose to disembark in Barcelona’s port upon his return from the discovery voyage of America. The access to the monument is made via four staircases, all guarded by cast iron lions. At the bottom of the statue, you can admire some bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Columbus’ life. The pedestal is dedicated to Catalonian history, featuring allegorical sculptures inspired from the country’s past. The cast iron column is decorated with bronze medallions at the bottom and four sculptures embodying Spanish explorers in the upper part. The capital features allegories of four continents (Europe, Africa, Asia and America), while on top you will see a statue of Columbus holding a map and pointing to America.

An elevator will take you to the top of the 60 meters tall monument , from where you can get some panoramic views over the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and Barcelona’s historic attractions to the North, the city’s beachfront, the modern Forum neighborhood to the East, Montjuïc Hill and its castle to the south, and Tibidabo Amusement Park to the west.

Montjuic Hill

Situated in Barcelona’s South-Western side, Montjüic Hill is dotted with tourist attractions, among which the Olympic Stadium, Castell de Montjuic, and the impressive museum Fundació Miró. The 1929 International Fair and the 1992 Olympic Games made Montjuïc an exceptional location and one of the most fascinating Barcelona attractions. Some of the buildings once used as exhibition rooms turned into museums, the olympic area is open to the public, all dominated by a 18th century castle from which you can get a great panoramic view over the city. The best way to get on top of the hill is the cable car.

Castell de Montjuïc is a not to miss Barcelona attraction. Erected in a month’s time back in 1640, this medieval fortress has served various purposes, from the intended defensive one to the military prison it became at the beginning of the 20th century, until it became a concerts and exhibition venue and a belvedere point.

Established by the artist himself back in 1972, when he also donated an important part of his work, Fundació Joan Miró is housed by an architectural gem designed by the artist’s friend – Josep Lluis Sert. An impressive Barcelona attraction, Joan Miró Museum is the most comprehensive collection of the surrealist artist’s work. Exhibits illustrating Miró’s artistic evolution along the years are exposed to the public in a this white temple – an example of rationalist architecture located in the middle of greenery on top of Montjuic Hill. But Fundació Joan Miró is not the only place in Barcelona where you can get acquainted with Miró’s work. You can admire a beautiful mosaic while walking down Las Ramblas as well as in other parts of the city like Parc Joan Miró next to Plaza Espanya.

L’Eixample

When the old town became overcrowded at the end of the 19th century, the city expanded north of Plaça de Catalunya.

The streets of the new neighbourhood, called L’Eixample are now dotted with hotels, shops and tapas restaurants.

Impressive Art Nouveau buildings were erected between Passeig de Gràcia and Rambla Catalunya. In the same area you will find Sagrada Familia.

This much controversial church that remained unfinished because of its creator’s premature death in 1926 ranks today first among Barcelona attractions.

As the city continues to expand further to the north, more neighbourhoods appeared, and many charming villages (Gràcia, Les Corts, Sarrià and Hortà-Guinardò) once situated on Barcelona’s outskirts were included in the city.

Paseig de Gracia

An important avenue in the city and one of the best Barcelona attractions, Paseig de Gracia connects Plaça de Catalunya with Gracia neighbourhood. This elegant boulevard dotted with exclusivist shops and architectural gems signed by modernist architects like Antoni Gaudí (Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera), Pere Falqués, Josep Puig i Cadafalch (Casa Amatler), Lluís Domènech i Montaner (Casa Lleo Morera), Enric Sagnier (Casa Pons i Pascual), Antoni Rovira i Rabassa (Casa Ramon Casas) and Josep Vilaseca (Casa Cabot) is a fascinating open air museum worth visiting if you want to get to know Barcelona’s modernist side. Sit down on one of the white benches, close your eyes and try to imagine the atmosphere reigning here at the turn of the 19th centuries. You will see elegant ladies walking arm in arm with Barcelona’s gentlemen, and you will hear the sound of horse driven carriages running up and down the avenue.

Gaudi’s buildings are top Barcelona attractions that drive many tourists to Catalonia’s capital city. The most impressive of them all is, undoubtedly, Casa Mila with its rounded walls. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Casa Mila features two interior courts, an amazing roof decorated with sculpted chimneys, and cast iron balconies designed by another modernist architect – Josep Maria Jujol.

Another landmark signed by the architectural genius that made Barcelona famous all around the world, Casa Battlo impresses by its mosaic decorated facade. As hard as you might try, you will not find a straight line! Avoiding straight lines was actually Gaudi’s artistic goal when he designed Casa Battlo.

Located a bit outside Paseig de Gracia, on Carrer de les Carolines, Casa Vicens is an example of the genius architect’s earlier work. Designed for the industrialist Manuel Vicens’ family in 1883-1889, this less known Barcelona landmark features an interesting facade covered in red brick and decorated with Moorish architectural elements. Privately owned, Casa Vicens is not open for visitation. However, if you stand a chance of stepping inside this Gaudi building, check out its round smoking room! One way of visiting Casa Vicens’ interior is being in Barcelona on May 22nd, when the landmark is open to the public for one day.

Parc Guell

If you want to feel like stepping into a fairy tales world, head to Parc Guell, situated in the North-Eastern side of Gràcia neighborhood. Gaudi dedicated a great part of his life to this colorful and simply amazing architectural gem.

Therefore, expect something fascinating, from the mosaic covered salamandra welcoming you at the entrance, to the residential buildings and the view over the city.

Tibidabo Hill

Situated in the North-Western part of the city, Tibidado is a 549 meters high hill from whose top you can get a panoramic view over Barcelona.

On Tibidado Hill, you will find the theme park with the same name that opened back in 1908, a few small museums, Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor, Pedralbes Monastery and a communications tower Torre de Comunicaciones de Collserola.

The post A Guide to Barcelona’s Attractions first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

With over £1.4 million of food grown in urban farming in the capital each year, London is leading the way in finding community-based, sustainable alternatives to mass-market food production.

GrowUp Urban Farms, launched in 2013 after a successful Kickstarter campaign, is utilizing disused space and aquaponics to grow herbs, leafy greens and salads for restaurants in the city. They now produce 20,000 kg of salad and 4,000 kg of fish a year (that’s enough to feed 3,000 people).

CEO Kate Hofman credits their success to knowing what will sell, “We grow leafy green salads and herbs because they grow really well in an aquaponic system and because they are high-value perishable products that benefit from getting to the consumer quickly after harvest.” The technology used on the farm allows a faster growing cycle for high-quality produce.

But it’s not just about saving food miles, it’s about reconnecting with food production, that’s also imperative for a more sustainable future.

“Like a lot of cities, London’s population probably doesn’t know enough about where their food comes from and what it takes to produce it,” Hofman said. “These are the reasons why we need for farms in cities to reconnect people to the process of food production. When people understand more about how their food is grown, they are more likely to make better choices about what they buy and eat.”

Another person, up at the crack of dawn to help feed Londoners, is Jack Clarke, co-founder of SoleShare. Soleshare is a sustainable fish box scheme that has 150 members across London. Clarke and his team buy sustainably caught fish (the fish were caught using lines and rods and in small batches) from five fishermen. They buy whatever has been caught rather than specifying a particular species and pay the fishermen five times the market rate on the day.

The fish are in customers’ baskets only a few hours after being caught. “Gunard is great. Not only does it look amazing, but it has thick meaty flesh and can take on bold flavours,” said Clarke. “Garfish are also delicious. They are a type of needlefish somewhere between mackerel and bream.” Over the last two years, SoleShare has served up over 40 species of fish, along with recipe cards to help customers become more confident cooking lesser known fish.

While this method isn’t sustainable on a massive scale, Clarke hopes it can be replicated at a local level and has helped people in France, Sweden, Belgium and Scotland set up similar businesses. “We are trying to change the way fish is bought and eaten to make the whole supply chain more sustainable,” Clarke said. “I know a fisherman who puts his fish in a van to be auctioned 200 miles away in Devon. It’s then driven to London to be sold, then to Grimsby 200 hundred miles away to be processed – this is what we are trying to avoid.”

By taking whatever the fishermen catch, Clarke gives his customers a real sense of the ebb and flow of the sea as it changes with the seasons – it’s not something one would find at typical supermarkets.

While Clarke delivers his fish to various points around the city, Dale Gibson’s contribution to London’s sustainable food scene takes place on his doorstep – or rather his roof. 250,000 bees living in eight different hives happily buzz between the gables of Gibson’s south London townhouse. Their hard work will eventually create his award-winning Bermondsey Street honey.

Gibson learnt all things bee from Buckingham Palace’s beekeeper, and now he passes his knowledge as a consultant to restaurants and hotels who are interested in beekeeping or helping bees by planting appropriate foliage. He also set up the apiaries at Soho House’s new country retreat, helping them to bag an award for their golden nectar.

While it is well known that bees are in decline, it’s not always helpful to just dive in and start keeping them, Gibson explains. It’s much more useful to support the city’s existing bees by planting foliage they can pollinate and feed on.

“Bees forage for up to a three mile radius; and as much as wildflower meadows look pretty, what we really need are people planting herbs and shrubs – proper plants,” explains Gibson. Bees won’t forage on their own doorstep, and too many hives means not enough food, leading to less honey and poorly bees.

Gibson spends a good portion of his life on the roof, making sure his bees are happy, not overcrowded and have enough to survive the winter when they bed down until spring. “What we need is people getting their hands dirty, making more community garden spaces and planting more and spending money sustainably so it goes back into the local economy. Everyone can play a role, it just doesn’t always have to be the same role,” he said. “A hundred years ago most people would have had a garden where they grew veggies and they would have known instinctively that they also needed bees to help them have good crops. Sustainability was just normal life – people knew it in their bones and now we need to relearn it.”

Whether it’s learning from the past or creating the farms of the future, London isn’t short of inspirational foodie producers working hard to ensure that local is the best way forward.

The post Local London: A Guide to Urban Farming first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.

African safari holidays offer an abundance of wildlife, adventures, and beautiful sights. Each country has a rich, unique tradition. These elements combine to make Africa an experience to remember. African safari holidays must include the following destinations.

Kruger Safari:

Kruger National Park is renowned the world over. It offers a wildlife experience that is unparalleled. Kruger Safari offers the best of Africa.

The national park was created in 1898. This was done to conserve the South African Lowveld’s wildlife. The park is spread over 2 million hectares. The national park has diverse species, including 114 reptiles, 336 trees, 49 fish, 147 mammals, and 507 birds.

The months from April to September are the most ideal months for a safari in Kruger Park. The water is held by the waterholes and rivers. Visibility is at its best because the vegetation is sparse. The period from October to March, which comprises the summer, is quite hot and humid because of the rains. Wildlife can be viewed in the mornings and afternoons.

Okavango Delta Safaris:

This safari is held in the majestic water world. The Okavango Delta is a sight to behold. The environment is lush-green. The delta is set amidst the Kalahari Desert. Okavango delta is the largest and most splendid oasis in Africa. The parched desert is cooled by fresh water. Towering trees and emerald reed beds adorn the delta.

Indulge in Mokoro trips on the channel or fishing. Viewing of games is another popular activity. The delta is open to tourists for the entire year. Visitors get a wonderful opportunity to view a wide range of antelopes, including wildebeest, buffalo, sable, roan, impala, and kudu. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dog, and hyena closely accompany the huge population of game.

Namib Desert Safaris:

Namib Desert is home to unique species of flora and fauna. The most famous species is the Welwitschia, which resembles a shrub. It gives rise to two, lengthy leaves that are strap-shaped. These leaves may stretch for numerous meters. The desert winds gnarl and twist them.

The post Best 5 African Safari Holidays: Experiences of a Lifetime first appeared on Insight Travel Guides.