Since the end of Apartheid, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has developed from an active harbor and commerce center into the main tourist hub of the city. Located close to the city center, it is very accessible by public transport or even on foot. The V&A, as it is also called, covers a large area, and one of the finest hotels (the V&A) as well as some smaller accommodation is available on site. This makes the V&A a perfect place to stay if you want to explore the city.
The Waterfront’s appeal is fueled by the several attractions, including a number of historical museums, a large shopping mall, several pubs, bars and restaurants and hotels. The Victorian styled old buildings, erected after Prince Alfred supervised the initial development in 1860, include the Clock Tower, the Robben Island Demarcation Building and the Breakwater Prison. But many of the newer structures have managed to keep the classic charm of the historical harbor.
Strolling through the Waterfront’s harbor area, you will notice that the colonial legacy is not the only cultural influence present on the boardwalks. European styled mime artists and African choirs perform regularly side by side in the streets between the cafes, and open air musical performances take place near the smaller V&A mall most afternoons in summer.
The Waterfront caters mostly for tourists, and at any given point, tourists will outnumber locals by a wide margin. Because of this, there are a lot of foreign exchange bureaus, souvenir shops, travel agencies and tourist activity businesses, promoting sailing trips, paragliding, parachuting and other activities taking place nearby. Of course, other amenities such as pharmacies, toilets and wireless access are easy to find.
One of the attractions near the Waterfront any tourist should visit is Robben Island. A ferry to the notorious prisoner’s island leaves from the Waterfront harbor, past the Demarcation Building, on scheduled times, and the subsequent tour, given by a former prisoner, is both interesting and emotional.
Marrakech (مراكش) also known as “Red City” and “Al Hamra” is a city located in the south west of Morocco, nearby the foothills of the snow capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 1.3 million people.
Marrakech’s beauty lies in its ancient atmosphere and spectacular locations, with a breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains from any location within the city. Walking in downtown Medina, the old city center gives an view of a exotic, distant city with markets selling magic carpets, jewelry, herbs and potions, candles, meat and metalwork. Fortune tellers and snake charmers to make money from tourists mixed with an incoming hot wind from the Sahara desert.
Today, the main focus of Marrakech continues to be the main square of Jemaa-el-Fna, its an extraordinary and social gathering place that seems is hasn’t change since medieval times. Local markets are setup every day, the noise and smell is mixed from several vegetables, fruits and local cuisines being sold while market vendors screaming to sell their merchandise. It’s tallest building within city limits Koutoubia mosque, viewable from almost anywhere within the city reminds the importance of the Islam to the locals.
Travelers to Marrakech are required a valid passport, most nationals are only required passport which is at least 6 months valid, and a return ticket. Travelers are advised to contact the Moroccan embassy before a trip. The city has two seasons with a hot and humid summers and white, snowy winters.
Observatory, or “Obs” as most locals refer to it, is one of the Southern Suburbs, located south of Table Mountain, bordering Mowbray and Salt River. It has a large student population, due to its location near the University of Cape Town (UCT) Medical School, and the campus itself.
Obs used to be notorious for the high crime rate, but recent developments, such as the renovation of the main square and a cleaning out of its streets and parks, have improved the entire suburb.
One of the main attractions during the day is the famous Grootte Schuur Hospital. Grootte Schuur is a stately Victorian hospital, built by Cecil Rhodes. Christian Barnard performed the first heart transplant ever over 40 years ago, and a small museum dedicated to this fact, and to the Hospital’s history, is open for those interested in both medical history and architecture.
On the other side of the suburb, on the east side, you can find the Royal Observatory, which gave the suburb its name. Twice a month in the weekend, it opens for visitors who like to get a clearer view of the South African night sky.
The Suburb itself is not frequented constantly by tourists, although a number of lively backpackers’ and cheap short-term accommodation are available throughout the year.
Obs’ main street features many organic food stores and alternative music and fashion shops, as well as a rapidly changing restaurant scene. Obz Cafe is the largest restaurant/cafe, and, like many of the smaller cafes and restaurants, it features wireless internet access and all-day breakfast specials. Occasional live music performances are held in its small theater section. Cafe Ganesh is a more chaotic and flamboyant place to eat, and one of the several places specializing in vegetarian dishes.
The other main appeal of the suburb is its nightlife scene. Like the restaurants, clubs appear, disappear and change appearance quite frequently, but Roots, a beach themed bar, Gandalf’s, an alternative rock club and Stones, the pool bar, are the most established ones.
The Company Gardens are more than just an urban park; they are the oldest garden in the country, created years ago by Jan Van Riebeeck as a tranquil asset and vegetable garden bordering his lawn “Town house” or Tuynhuys as it is known currently. The former Riebeeck estate is currently the official President’s house in Cape Town, and it is well-guarded and gated, although the garden and many of the other colonial-era buildings have opened up for the public. Between 7AM and 7PM, the gates to the park will remain open.
Even though the Garden area is a well-known and popular tourist destination, locals enjoy the fresh air and peaceful surrounds equally, and can be found throughout the Company grounds. The surrounding area contains both the professional business district and the Parliament houses, and lunch breaks cause the Gardens to overflow with Capetonians. Other locals enjoying the park are the many squirrels you will undoubtedly meet on a walk through one of the two parallel lanes.
For visitors, aside from the views of Table Mountain, the Cecil Rhodes statue and the appeal of the large fountain in the center of the park walkway, the several museums within and just outside the Company Gardens are the main attractions. Unlike the park, these museums will require an entrance fee on any day of the week apart from Thursdays, when there is free admission.
The South African National Gallery is worth a visit by any art-lover. The permanent collection of the Gallery includes contemporary as well as colonial art from renowned European and African artists. Recently, the SANG has made an effort to showcase more South African art, such as bead work and apartheid-era paintings which have been censored in the past.
Opposite the Gallery you can find the South African Museum, the oldest museum South of the Sahara. A highly popular destination, the museum has a large collection of natural historical items as well as cultural and anthropological gems on display, specifically from South Africa, although Africa in general is well represented.
As the name suggests, Long Street is one of the longest streets, with a length of 3.8 kilometers, in Cape Town, found in the city center and stretching between the Waterfront and Gardens areas of the city. As you enter the street, the first impression is the lively atmosphere and architectural splendor, with elaborate Victorian designs and colorful balconies attached to most of the larger buildings.
It is not only a popular tourist site, but also a place where locals shop for antiques, clothing and (second-hand) books, and visit other specialized retail stores. Travel agencies, banks with foreign exchange counters and internet cafes are all to be found along the line. A number of cafes and restaurants are spread out among the shops, although these are generally more expensive than usual.
Just off Long Street you can find Green market Square, a tourist hub where traditional African merchandise is sold in market stalls. Wooden masks, drums, T-shirts and other souvenirs are sold here during the day, and you will find that the vendors are friendly, although insistent. Haggling is advised if you are set on buying your souvenirs here.
One of the most celebrated restaurants on Long Street is Mama Africa, where traditional African meals are accompanied by live music, and at night there are often high quality music performances by Cape Towns top jazz and African musicians and collectives. Night life on Long Street has always been vibrant and the large and diverse set of clubs, pubs, cafes and lounge bars attract people from inside and outside of Cape Town with different lifestyles and backgrounds.
Hip-hop and R&B have gained significant popularity recently among the local city dwellers. Jo’burg is one of the busiest venues for this scene. Electronic music is also on the rise, and several clubs have caught on and play the latest psytrance, fidget, electro, wildbeat, drum ‘n’ bass, dubstep, and more. Rhino Room and Fiction are two most prominent electro clubs. For a more relaxed night out, the Irish pub the Dubliner and the mellow alternative balcony-clad Neighborhood provide the perfect setting for a drink and the chance to meet other people.
It’s no doubt about it, anyone that’s been to “Mosi-oa-Tunya” as the locals call it “the Mist that Thunders” internationally better known as the Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful water fall sights of the world. It’s situated on the Zambezi river in the west of Zimbabwe. Just a few miles outside Livingstone the falls are twice as tall as Niagara Falls, and several times more wide.
The big question is, on which side are the Victoria Falls situated, Zambia or Zimbabwe? The answer is Zimbabwe. Travelers coming in through Zambia have to purchase a visa ($30 US) and pay an entrance fee ($20 US). Further more you should keep in mind that there’s no ATM’s accepting foreign cards nearby the Victoria Falls, you should bring cash only. Prepare to pay in United States dollars or English Pounds only.
Not more than a few years ago, Victoria Falls town was a popular tourist destination for backpackers because of the clubs and parties. Today, because of the politically situation, most tourists prefer to stay at the Zambian side in Livingstone. How ever, the town of Victoria Falls is within walking distance, you can still find guest houses providing safe and comfortable accommodation. Although safety is not a major issue, be aware of scam artists. It’s not worth dealing money on the black market, you’re most likely either ripped off or arrested by tourist police.
Nearby and around the Victoria Falls there’s a lot of tourist activity and sightseeing that can be done. Think about a Zambezi river canoe safari, or bungee jumping off a bridge, take a helicopter or micro flight over the falls, experience a wild horizons elephant back safari or take it easy and go craft shopping at the local market, a full day trip to nearby Chobe or horse riding in African nature. Have your pick!
Nationals worldwide are required a valid passport and visa to enter Zimbabwe from the Harare International Airport. For more information regarding your visa contact the Zimbabwe embassy in your country. Travelers are advised to look after their belongings and don’t travel alone during evening or night time. Theft and petty crimes are common against tourists due to poverty.
Vila do Maio is the primary city in the southern western part of Maio, an island located just 25 miles from Cape Verde‘s main island Santiago and capital city Praia. The city has its own seaport and airport. Locals often refer Vila do Maio by its old name “Porto Inglês” which is Portuguese for “English port”.
When traveling to Vila do Maio you choose to travel by boat or airplane. There are several flights per week available from Praia, the capital city. The most used and trusted airline by locals is TACV Cabo Verde Airlines. If you are looking for landscape and pretty sights the north is most appealing, made up of forest while the rest of the island desert and dry land dominates. From any point of the island the eye catches the view of the Monte Batalha mountains. Not to mention the beautiful Cape Verdian sea that faces the beach side of Vila do Maio.
When you are looking for time to spend in Vila do Maio you better be in good shape, outdoor attractions include hiking and climbing. Another well-accepted outdoor activity is hitchhiking, even most locals will hitching and walking when possible. Vila do Maio does have public transport with buses available. When you are looking for fine dining experiences this is not the place to be, there’s only two main restaurants which both offer Italian food, both are located right on the main street of Vila do Maio. The biggest and most popular restaurant is called Trattoria del Qwerty. On the island there’s one internet cafe just ahead of the Italian restaurant.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Vila do Maio, apartments and villa’s are the standard. If you cannot afford such luxury there’s many guest houses available you can rent on the spot. The crime rates are very low, not just in Vila do Maio but across the whole island of Maio.
To visit Cape Verde, you need a passport valid for at least six months upon arrival. Present your return ticket or any other legit proof for leaving the country before your visa expires to the immigration officer. This may be a ticket to your home destination or any other location worldwide. You need to have a visa to enter the country, contact the local Cape Verde embassy.
Hurghada is located on the Red Sea Coast of Egypt. A few years ago the city was just a small fishing village, but the city has continually been enlarged by investors. Their aim is to make Hurghada the largest and leading seashore resort on the Red Sea. These days Hurghada has a population of 248 thousand people and it is a popular destination for more than 96 thousand travelers every year.
Hurghada consists of three parts; the old part, the city center and the modern part. The old part is downtown El Dahar where the largest bazaar can be found, as well as mosques, the post office and the long-distance bus station. Sekalla is the center with modest hotels and El Memsha or Village Road is the modern part of the city. Some parts of the city are still under construction. Hurghada is a modern city with no historical sites. Most of the city is filled with all inclusive resorts overlooking the beach. Near the city lie the Desert Mountains where you can take a safari trip.
Hurghada is a popular destination for numerous Europeans to spend Christmas and New Year holidays here. The city is known for its warm weather and relaxation. You can enjoy sun, sand and sea at one of the many holiday resorts. There is only one public beach along the 22 miles of beach. Unfortunately many of the coral reefs offshore have been damaged. Also popular among tourists are the city’s nightlife and the watersport activities. If you don’t like diving you can enjoy sea life at the Aquarium of the Marine Biology Museum a few miles north of the city.
Travelers to Hurghada require a valid passport and visa. A 30 days visa can be obtained upon arrival for $15 US. When you are in Hurghada, don’t forget to go to the uninhabited island of Giftun to enjoy the white beach and the magical coral reefs.
The city of Sharm el Sheikh is situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt on the coastal strip between the Red Sea and Mount Sinai. The population of Sharm el Sheikh has approximately 35 thousand people as of latest count. Sharm el Sheikh is better known as "The City of Peace" referring to the many international peace conferences that have been held there.
Sharm el Sheikh is a accessible and developed travel destination with sea, fun and sand mixed in between five-star hotels, shopping areas, water sports and nightlife entertainment. All round sightseeing include Bedouins, colorful tents, international chains, discotheques, golf courses and health facilities plus all the amenities you may expect of a tourist center.
Na’ama Beach located just North of Sharm el Sheikh is the most popular tourist destination for tourist activities, developing into its own resort town for diving and snorkeling, windsurfing and other water sports, from horses and camel riding to desert safaris it’s nearly impossible to suffer from boredom for the whole family. Most of the hotels in Sharm el Sheikh have their own private beaches and restaurant and bar facilities for fine dining and a beer at night.
For those who love to shop Sharm el Sheikh provides shops for local as well foreign products such as pottery, clothing, leather goods, jewelry and souvenirs.
Travelers to Sharm el Sheikh / Egypt are required a valid passport and visa. American citizens must have a valid passport, and require a visa. A 30 days visa can be obtained upon arrival for $15 US. For the best temperatures travel to Sharm el Sheikh from May till October.
Luxor is a city in the south of Egypt with a last know population of 377 thousand people. The city is an area of 161 square miles. Luxor is a very popular travel destination in southern Egypt and the Nile Valley. It is known as the world’s greatest open air museum as it holds so many treasures of ancient times. The city lies on the banks of the Nile River.
Luxor was once the ancient city of Thebes. It was the glorious city of the God AmonRa. In the 11th Dynasty the town grew into a thriving city. It became a center of high luxury, wisdom, art, religious and political supremacy. Later it rose to the major political, religious and military capital of Ancient Egypt. After it had been attacked by an Assyrian emperor the city of Thebes fell in significance and ruins. It did remain a sight of spirituality.
The city of Luxor is a relatively small town for Egyptian standards. The center on the East Bank holds restaurants, hotels and shops. Within this modern city stand the ruins of the temple complexes of Luxor, built by Armenhotep III, and Karnak. The Luxor Temple is a beautiful complex with four pillared courts and hypo style halls and holds some colossal statues of Ramses II. Most of the ruins and tombs of ancient Egypt are located on the West Bank of the Nile River. Here tourists can find The Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the Tombs of the Noble.
Travelers to Luxor require a valid passport and visa. A 30 days visa can be obtained upon arrival for $15 US. Most tourists stay on the East Bank and travel to the West Bank to visit the tourist sites. In recent years there have been built hotels on the West Bank where many independent travels find their place to sleep.
