GIST ALOUD: AfroTour

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    • Tuesday, 6 February 2018

    #AfroTour; Nigeria's Zuma Rock

    February 06, 2018 0
    #AfroTour; Nigeria's Zuma Rock


     Taking pride of place on the 100 naira bill, Zuma Rock is one of the top tourist attractions in Nigeria. Rising imposingly from the flat topography of the surrounding area, this colossal granite monolith is hard to miss, with its position towering above the long highway into Abuja.

    Standing at 625 ft tall, this Nigerian landmark is a must-see on any trip to nearby capital Abuja, and is visible from anywhere in the city. Known as the 'Gateway to Abuja', Zuma Rock is located in central Niger State.

    Zuma Rock was used for a defensive retreat by the Gbagyi people of Nigeria, against invading neighbouring tribes during intertribal warring.

    There is a place to eat and drink at the rock and there is also light entertainment to pass the moment and solitude.
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    Friday, 26 January 2018

    A trip to Nairobi's Giraffe Manor #AfroTour

    January 26, 2018 0
    A trip to Nairobi's Giraffe Manor #AfroTour

    Giraffe Manor is a small hotel in the Karen suburb of Nairobi, Kenya which, together with its associated Giraffe Centre, serves as a home to a number of endangered Rothschild giraffes, and operates a breeding programme to reintroduce breeding pairs back into the wild to secure the future of the subspecies.

    It is one of the only hotels in the world where you can feed giraffe from your window. During your stay you can stroll across the lawn to the AFEW Giraffe Centre to learn about the endangered Rothschild Giraffe or take a guided walk around the sanctuary. From Giraffe Manor, sightseeing vehicles can take you around the Langata area. Local excursions include the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where guests can meet, feed and even adopt baby elephants. The nearby Karen Blixen Museum is dedicated to the Danish explorer and writer; Kazuri Beads sells locally-made jewellery. Visit the acclaimed Matbronze Art Gallery and Foundry and the innovative crafts complex, Marula Studios. The cost of driver and vehicle are included in the rate. Guests may need to share vehicles depending on demand and availability, and entrance fees to local attractions are additional.
     Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel reminiscent of 1930s grandeur, boasting art deco features and four-poster beds. With eight superior rooms and two standard rooms, each has their own distinct personality, as well as spacious bathrooms and elegant furnishings.

    The hotel’s 10 rooms include three doubles: Betty, Lynn and Arlene; four double/twins: Daisy, Jock, Marlon and Helen; a twin/double/triple: Kelly; and two suites – the Finch Hatton Suite (double/twin/family) sleeping up to five (2 adults and 3 children), and the Karen Blixen Suite (also sleeping up to 5 – 2 adults and 3 children) which opens directly onto a courtyard and is perfect for families and wheelchair users.
    There is a wifi connection throughout. All guests enjoy full-board during their stay, which includes all meals and most drinks (house wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks), excluding champagne and specially imported wines and spirits.

    Nairobi is at 5,889ft above sea level, making it cool at night and warm in the day. As it is situated close to the equator, the differences between the seasons are minimal. During the months of June, July and August it can be colder, with temperatures as low as 35˚F. There are two rainy seasons, March to May and mid-October to mid-December.

    Giraffe Manor is closed annually in May for maintenance.
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    Thursday, 25 January 2018

    Africa's Tallest Statue #AfroTour

    January 25, 2018 0
    Africa's Tallest Statue #AfroTour
     The African Renaissance Monument (Le Monument de la Renaissance Africaine) is a 49 meter tall bronze statue located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelles, outside Dakar, Senegal. Built overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Ouakam suburb, the statue was designed by the Senegalese architect Pierre Goudiaby after an idea presented by president Abdoulaye Wade and built by Mansudae Overseas Projects, a company from North Korea. Site preparation on top of the 100-meter high hill began in 2006, and construction of the bronze statue began 3 April 2008.

    Originally scheduled for completion in December 2009, delays stretched into early 2010, and the formal dedication occurred on 4 April 2010, Senegal's "National Day", commemorating the 50th anniversary of the country's independence from France. It is the tallest statue in Africa.
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    Tuesday, 23 January 2018

    #Afrotour: Lake Retba (Lac Rose)

    January 23, 2018 0
    #Afrotour: Lake Retba (Lac Rose)



    Less than an hour away from Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, there is an unusual lake that will surely catch the unsuspecting visitor’s eye because of its unusual yet vivid pink colour.

    Lake Retba (or Lac Rose as it is known by locals) is separated only by some narrow dunes from the Atlantic Ocean and, as expected its salt content is very high. Its salinity content compares to that of the Dead Sea and during the dry season it exceeds it.

    Its distinct pink colour is caused by the Dunaliella salina bacteria, which is attracted by the lake’s salt content. The bacteria produces a red pigment in order to absorb the sunlight, thus giving the lake its unique colour. Its colour is especially visible during the dry season (which lasts from November to June) and less during the rainy season (July-October).
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    Tuesday, 9 January 2018

    Walking with the lions in Casela #AfroTour

    January 09, 2018 0
    Walking with the lions in Casela #AfroTour

    The Casela Nature & Leisure Park is located in the western part of Mauritius and covers an area of about 14 ha.In the park you can see around 1500 birds of over 150 species and a variety of animals such as the impressive giant turtles and various mammals such as lions and monkeys.

    The park is set up with a variety of beautiful exotic plants and flowers. Moreover on the grounds of the park are located the delicious restaurant Le Mirador and a beautiful lookout point with stunning views over the west coast.

    Casela owns about 9 lions of three different generations and four cheetahs. These wild cats have been tamed with great care and affection so that you have the opportunity to get in direct contact with these amazing animals and enjoy the time you spend with them during your visit at the park. There is a brief introduction to the important rules of behaviour which one should follow during the visit of the lions you can touch and stroke the animals. Moreover you even have the possibility to walk with the lions. On the walk you can observe the animals in the wild while playing and climbing on trees. Guides will accompany you on the walk and they will give you much information about the behaviour of the giant cats.

    Avalanche Mine
    The park has two 'Avalanche' circuit but if you plan to do one of those though make sure to come equipped with closed shoes as otherwise access will no be granted for security reasons. Visitors can also be accompanied by birds wandering around.

    There is pet farm where you can get closer to animals and nurture them.

     Casela Nature Park provides a serene environment, and it's without a doubt, a great place to relax and experience nature.

    Source: Mauritius Guide
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    Friday, 8 September 2017

    #AfroTour: A Sanctuary With Sacred Monkeys

    September 08, 2017 0
    #AfroTour: A Sanctuary With Sacred Monkeys

    Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary is Ghana's most famous example of traditional African conservation. The sanctuary is nestled in between the two villages of Boabeng and Fiema; the sanctuary is home to over 200 Geoffrey’s Pied Columbus and 500 Campbell's Mona Monkeys.

    For more than 150 years the people of Boabeng and Fiema have considered the monkeys sacred. The traditional beliefs in both communities prohibit physical harm to the monkeys. Additionally, the 2 communities came together in 1975 to pass a local modern law prohibiting harm to the monkeys.

    This monkey sanctuary has no fences, the monkeys are there because they want to be. There are two types of mokeys at the sanctuary;the Black and White (Geoffroy's) Colobus, and smaller Campbell's Mona. The Colobus live high up in the trees eating just leaves while the Monas are at lower heights, eating a wide variety of food, including that brought by visitors. These smaller monkeys travel in troupes of 15-50. They often come down to take food like bread and bananas from the hands of visitors.
    Led by a tour guide, you can amble through trails in the lush forest watching for monkeys on the ground and in the canopy of the trees above. You will see a variety of butterflies, birds, and over 90 identified species of trees. After your guided tour, feel free to explore the beautiful village on your own.

    The guide will also lead you on a tour of the villages where you can see monkeys interacting with the people. You will see monkeys on the ground, op roofs, jumping from house to house, and in the courtyards of homes. You may also explore the villages on your own after the initial guided tour. Please respect local people when exploring the villages.

    Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of our comfortable 6-room guesthouse with flush toilet, bathing facilities, and borehole supplying potable water.
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