Ever felt fascinated to witness a shipwreck? Shipwrecks tell us great tales of vessels that voyaged decades or maybe centuries ago. An exploration among one of the best destinations for shipwrecks will surely entice your rustic heart. And there's no lack of them: a rough estimate by UNESCO sets the number at around 3 million shipwrecks at the bottom of oceans with around 60 billion USD in treasures.

Shipwrecks can occur anywhere near a rough ocean with wild storms and thick fog, but South Africa holds the grim pride of holding a collection of up to 1500 shipwrecks in its collection!

South Africa, which possesses a coastline of 2500km, is treacherous in many parts, especially for sailors. Some great ships have even managed to vanish with absolutely no trace. ‘The Waratah- The Australian titanic' and ‘The Grosvenor' are two of them. The reports of such are documented only through fortunate survivors or eyewitnesses.

Shipwrecks have managed to constantly sparkle interests among people and divers  over time. It could be due to the urge of witnessing wrecks that relate stories from every corner of the globe. It can also be an attempt to understand the undeniably potent ocean that beholds the fate of those vessels.

If you are an enthusiast, here are few great shipwreck destinations to discover in South Africa!

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Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good Hope

Known for granting hope for the first voyagers of the sea, Cape of Good Hope has mostly lived up to be known as the Cape of Storms for its strong gales, sheer cliffs and massive tempests that are perilous for ships.

Infamously known as the ‘graveyard of ships' Cape of Good Hope is the most famous dwelling for shipwrecks in South Africa holding a collection of around 400 shipwrecks to date.

Exploring history is the heart and soul of any traveler. A visit to see one of the oldest vessels can be a pivotal point in your travel life. Among the shipwrecks in South Africa is the great Thomas T Tucker, a vessel used during the World War II. Besides the rustic remains this massive ship will drift you back to the great wars where massive battles took place death-dealing thousand lives. Well, this liner didn't collude from battling against anyone but the treacherous sea it met on its journey.

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The Cape of Agulhas Coast

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

Next stop on discovering shipwrecks in South Africa is located in the southern part of its coast. Here's where the Atlantic and the Indian oceans encounter and therefore is a place where strong ocean currents are formed. The Agulhas Coast creates a highly precarious situation where ships can hardly survive. It possesses around 140 wreckages and is known as a place where ships go to die.

Yet the Cape of Agulhas is a great destination for shipwreck explorers with many fascinating sights.

The very famous Japanese Meisho Maru 38 shipwreck is found in a location that is said to be very scenic for a ship to go aground. This small vessel can be found near the magnificent Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. It allows its visitors a very alluring setting of the ocean which is picturesque at sunset!

This is one of the visible as well as easier to access shipwrecks in South Africa.

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The Wild coast

The Eastern Cape of South African coastline is known as The Wild Coast specifically for its wilderness holding a bad reputation among sailors.

The most famous wreck that took place here was the mystic sinking of the ship Grosvenor which went aground in 1782. Ships with treasures and pirates are said to exist only in our fairy tales. But this vessel had actually held innumerable valuable treasures and was heading back to England from India. Even though many attempts were made to discover it, all the efforts have been proven futile. This shipwreck was much noted due to its disappearance without much trace.

But the wild coast holds the very famous Jacaranda wreck which is still a fascinating sight to explore. The Greek-owned coaster ran aground on September 18th; 1971.It was due to failed engine being unable to compete with the massive storms that shook it down finally.

Though the rotting remains of this shipwreck are visible near the beach of Qolora only in bits and pieces, it still grants a spectacular view for the eyes of shipwrecks!

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Shipwreck Dive Sites

Are you are an enthusiastic shipwreck explorer unwilling to stop from just sight-seeing visible shipwrecks? Are you enthusiastic enough to take the next step by diving into the ocean to discover them yourself?

There are many interesting diving sites to treasure hunt shipwrecks in South Africa that are easily accessible!

The very famous diving site is Smitswinkel Bay on the Southern Peninsula in Cape Town. This is known as the shipwreck seekers paradise and has gained a reputation for being one of the famous places for scuba diving. The habitation is a treasure holding around 5 shipwrecks where many lie temptingly close to shallow reefs.

Other sites for diving include the Maori wreck, the Oakburn, and the Katzmaru .

If you are a rookie to wreck diving,  start from the Ark Rock barge which is not deep and is much easier to steer in and out.

Highly experienced divers can visit the wreckage of Lusitania which is around 35m below Bellows Rock. This is advised only under perfect conditions as the deep dive can be anticipated by many dangerous circumstances.

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Shipwreck museum in Bredasdorp, Agulhas Cape

Shipwreck museum in Bredasdorp

If you are interested to find out the stories that lie beneath the ships that went aground facing a cruel fate along the coast of South Africa, the shipwreck museum is an ideal place to visit.

Situated in the South-Western Cape town of Bredasdorp, the museum contains many valuables retrieved from ships. It will also give you precise details and documentations of how and when ships met their tragic death accurately as possible.

The fatal consequences of these shipwrecks will always have a fascinating tale to fill us with. It’s why the number of tourists to visit these wrecks has grown over time. Many of us are curious to know the origin of these vessels and the loopholes that the ocean found to topple them down.

Afore the rustic remains that lay now are great tales of world history, brave sailors who ventured into perilous voyages. Observing these wrecked vessels alone will give us many perceptions of how things were done then. It will narrate how brave sailors were, willing to savor an unpredictable journey. These great destinations to discover shipwrecks in South Africa will surely make you wonder of about such things!!

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Since Cape Verde is made up by beaches and beautiful islands it is a lovely place to visit on vacation, and it also offers a lot of different activities you can enjoy while there, some of which are: diving! This way you can experience the beautiful marine life that Cape Verde has to offer. You can also take a quad-biking tour in the island of Sal, that offers the experience of seeing its rugged natural landscape. You can even go wind and kite surfing! Or, in case you are looking for something more relaxing, you can relax on Kite Beach and watch the experts do it while you enjoy the sun and the water, or you can go fishing on the pier at Santa Maria. For even a more relaxing evening you can spend the day at the spa in Sal’s mineralrich Pedra Lume salt lake, which is the perfect place to rejuvenate sun-parched skin. Another amazing activity you can enjoy while in Cape Verde is whale-watching; you can go on a whale-watching excursion between May and September.

Once you are in Cape Verde, you can enjoy visiting the many islands. Boa Vista has wonderful white-sand beaches, while São Vicente is home to musicians and writers, or visit Sal’s gorgeous beaches, where you can relax while reading a great book. In Praia, which is the nation’s capital, is in the largest island, both in size and population, Santiago, and in here you can enjoy hikes and explore the island’s interior. The island of Maio is known for its squeaky-clean beaches, its white crystal sand in a sea of turquoise, and its beautiful main town Vila do Maio (also known as Porto Inglés). Brava is an island that makes you travel back in time; its terraced hillsides are farmed with the aid of mules, fancy mansions, and life moves at a slow pace. Brava has a breathtaking mountainous interior, where you can enjoy small but lovely hikes that start at Brava’s tiny capital Nova Sintra (‘Vila’). However, this island is not that often visited by tourists because of the infrequent erratic travel connections and the fact that it is at a considerable distance from anywhere else. Mindelo is a moon-shaped port city ringed by barren mountains located in the island of São Vicente where you can find cobblestone streets, candy-colored colonial buildings, and yachts bobbing in a peaceful harbor. Mindelo has long been the country’s cultural centre, producing more than its share of poets and musicians. The island of Fogo is home to Cape Verde’s highest peak (2829 m/9382 ft), Mt Fodo. Mt Fodo is an active volcano that last erupted in 1995, yet farmers raise coffee and wine grapes on its black slopes. For those extreme tourists, the volcano’s cone remains intact and can still be climbed. The ascent takes three to four hours, but the view from the top is magnificent. And last, but not least, the famous Santo Antão, the island that has brought so many tourists to Cape Verde, and with good reason. With ruptured canyons, gorges and valleys, Santo Antão offers the most amazing hiking in West Africa. It is the second largest island and it is the only one that puts the “verde” (green) in Cape Verde; from the moment you approach this island by ferry, you will be surprised by how green it is.

There are a lot of different activities and places you can enjoy while in Cape Verde, and, as you can see from the previously mentioned activities, this is the perfect place for both, people looking to experience new adventures and people who are only looking for a nice place where they can relax and enjoy the beaches.

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As I scoured the horizon looking for a sign of where we might spend the night I was instructed to sit on my camel, hold on tight and enjoy the ride as I swayed back and forth while what appeared to be my friendly ride stood up. In front of me laid the rest of the caravan, and I was lucky enough to be the last member of the group allowing for great pictures as the sun set behind us.

My compact camera was inside a waterproof bag that would keep all the sand away and my DSLR was in my backpack unless I was taking a picture- not that it was easy with all the movement. As you might know camels flex their legs forward instead of backward like we, horses and most animals do, creating a pendulum movement enhanced by the fact that they move both legs of the same side at the same time, instead of diagonally opposites.

As we marched through the desert I was able to take in the spectacular scenery that surrounded me, from the 100 m dunes just a few hundred meters in front of me to those in the horizon that were already belonged to Algeria, one of Morocco’s neighboring countries.  Four hours into the desert our local guides told us that we were already close to the camp- just a few  minutes  ahead- and those who wanted to walk to the top of the highest dune in the area could do so quickly before the sun set and everything became pitch black. I was not going to miss this opportunity of course and together with most of the group began the walk.

It turned out that this was easier said than done. Every step forward meant sinking the front leg into the sand well past the shin bone, and after a few minutes of walking those less fit decided to turn around. Four of us continued and once at the top were able to enjoy fantastic views of the desert and the lights of small villages in the distance. It was very windy, so I decided not to pull out any of my cameras to avoid possible damage by sand, and as the sun set we decided to head to the camp directly,  not to where we had left the rest of the group as we would not be able to see where the camp was from there. Halfway down the dune it got dark, but the guides turned on a flashlight to let us know which way we should go.

The camp was surprisingly big and well appointed. Sure, home for a night would be a tent (not for me) but there were about ten of them each big enough to fit 6 people despite our group being of 17. Once our spots  were allocated the group split around two bonfires while the guides prepared dinner:  delicious couscous and tagine enough to feed a group twice as large as ours. After the succulent dinner I and two more travelers grabbed our mattresses and pulled them out of the tent into a dark area close to the camp where we’d sleep, gazing at the millions of stars easily visible in this dry climate with clear skies.

But the day was not over yet. Soon after laying on the mattress one of the guides approached us and proposed a night walk to the top of the high dune where we’d be able to enjoy yet again wonderful views. Not to miss such an opportunity I was up and on my way with three other members  in no time, following the guide in the dark. However things turned out to be easier said than done, and the described 10 minute walk became a one hour ordeal that had me on my fours more than once. Eventually we made it (not the guide- he turned around at some point without letting us know)and from the top we were able to appreciate the beauty of the desert during the night from a special  vantage point in between all the huffing and puffing. We spent a good 20 minutes  taking in the views and resting, looking at the lights of two villages on the west side and those of two small nearby camps close to ours with the black desert night behind them , and made our way back soon after. We’d only get three hours of sleep that night, but who cares if it meant absorbing these sights?

Sure enough at 5 am we were all up and packing our bags, on our camels soon after and on our way to town. As the caravan marched the sun rose from the East, illuminating everything with shades of pink and orange that reflected on the golden sand of the Sahara desert.  About four hours later we reached our van in town, dirty, tired and thirsty… but with a grin that did not leave our faces as we reflected on these new memories not  to be forgotten anytime soon.

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Good timing is needed for a safari, since many animals migrate seasonally. Generally-speaking, the dry seasons from January to March and July to October are a good bet but be aware that nothing is guaranteed in the wild! However, the unpredictable nature of Kenya Safari Holidays is what makes them an adventure like no other. Let’s take a look at some of the best destinations to go in search of Kenya’s wildlife…

Lake Nakuru Wildlife
Nakuru is a large soda lake famous for the masses of flamingo that flock there. The views on the edge of the lake are spectacular and iconic, complemented by the flights of flamingo as well as occasional visits from wildlife. The park is one of the rhino sanctuaries in Kenya, so it’s possible to get a glimpse of these rapidly disappearing beasts at the lake-shore. Game drives are offered at the park, giving unparalleled access to the wilderness and the wildlife within.

Mount Kenya
Second only to the famous Kilamanjaro, Mount Kenya is the second highest peak in Africa. Locals regard the peak as sacred, as it leads to the realm of Ngai. The climb is challenging but the views from the top of the mountain are amazing and will not be forgotten. For those less fit or inclined, the forests of the lower slopes offer the chance to see antelopes, leopards and even elephants for lucky safari-goers.

Masai Mara
The Masai Mara plains are part of the Serengeti park that spans both Kenya and Tanzania, and they are home to some of the most iconic wildlife and views in Africa. Giraffes roam the wide open grasslands, while the Masai is rightly famous for the million-strong wildebeest, zebra and gazelle herds that pass through every year. The migrations happen at different times of year according to animal instinct, but rough estimates are before the rains in March and during the dry months of the summer.

Visiting Kenya on a safari holiday is an experience that is not to be missed and although no two Kenyan experiences are the same, it promises a feast for the senses that will be hard to forget. It’s a holiday suitable for anybody and everybody, either families or those who just have an urge to live on the wild side.

The post Highlights of a Safari in Kenya: 3 Things Not to Miss appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

It was my first time in Marrakech, and as an experience-it-all traveler there was no way I was going to leave Morocco without visiting a hammam in Marrakech’s medina, also known as Turkish baths in other parts of the world. I had never been in one anywhere else (the closest experience being visiting a sauna in Finland just a couple of weeks before) leaving it for the time I was in a country where this practice was part of everyday life, and I did not miss the opportunity.

There are two kinds of hammams in Marrakech: the real, authentic ones where locals go to get a bath and rub for around 80 DH and those aimed to tourists which also include a massage, with different prices. I’m one of those travelers who like to experience the real thing, whether it’s riding chicken buses in Central America or eating grasshoppers as a snack in South East Asia, but truth be told I’m not a big fan of saunas ( Morocco is already warm enough) and I didn’t see the point of just getting a rub in a sauna, so this time I went for one that included a massage as well- my buttocks needed a rub after the 12 hour return drive from the desert the previous day. After looking around and as suggested by the friendly staff of my budget yet fantastic hotel in Marrakech I decided to visit Hammam Cleopatre, just a 1 minute walk from Djema el Fna square.

 A Traditional Moroccan Hammam: the Gommage and Massage

I was welcomed to the Hammam by Fatima, the manager and owner. She’s a very charming lady who makes everyone feel very comfortable, and was offered some tea as soon as I stepped into the reception area. I was yet to finish it when I was told that the hammam was ready, and was guided to a simple changing room behind a curtain. I took off my clothes and put my bathing suit on ( I had been told to bring one), and was next asked to walk into the hammam. As soon as the door opened I was slapped by hot and humid air, and saw that the young man responsible for the gommage was poised and ready. An essential part of a hammam experience is the gommage, the traditional exfoliation treatment using a black eucalyptus and olive oil soap. The whole body is scrubbed with an exfoliating glove for deep cleansing and skin stimulation. This is followed by a hairwash and natural soap rub after many rinsings, much needed duethe humid air and the friction because of the gommage. I do have to say that the rubbing was not the most pleasant of sensations for me, but I can’t even imagine what it is to have to rub people in those extreme conditions.  Once finished though I felt clean and tired at the same time, and was glad to be out into the cool room ready for the 1 hour massage.

My favorite part of the hammam was the massage. I had been traveling for three days almost non stop (including a camel trek into the desert) and the gommage had worn me down. The masseuse appeared to be very knowledgeable and worked all the muscles of my body, intensely but smoothly. There is AC to keep the room at a comfortable temperature and traditional Arab music was played in the background to keep the environment spiritual and soothing. I felt very comfortable and relaxed by the time I was done, and was glad it was my last event of the day (unlike locals who visit hammams in the morning) prior to dinner as I was in the mood to sleep right then and there.

Conclusion

I highly recommend Hammam Cleopatre. It is a traditional Moroccan hamma in the  Marrakech medina (and hence probably close to your hotel), the staff is super friendly and the facilities and services are both experiences that will make your day, everything at affordable rates.

Resources

Address: Kennaria n 44, Marrakech, Morocco

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I was a guest of Hammam Cleopatre, however all the information  provided in this article as well as opinions expressed are entirely my own based on my visit .

Have you ever visited a hammam? Did you like it? What would you tell others who are thinking about visiting one? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you like it!

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Ouarzazate

I found Ouarzazate to be one of the cleanest cities in central Morocco, despite being surrounded by dry hills where rain seldom appears. This is a city that certainly deserves more hours than most of the tours allow, and a great base camp from which to explore some of the nearby Kasbahs said to be among the most spectacular in all Morocco. The adobe houses defy the lush trees standing along the valley walls, waiting to be photographed any time of the day. The city itself doesn’t have much action going on, but there is a movie studio that can be visited.

Ait Ben Haddou

This is the most spectacular ksar I have seen anywhere- not that I’ve seen a lot, but I find it difficult to think that there any many more stunning and picturesque than this one. It is just 30 km away from Ouarzazate and I highly recommend you visit this beautiful location if you’re anywhere close. Make sure you bring several memory cards for your camera as I only found one store that sold them- at three times their value.

Ksars are fortified villages consisting of attached houses usually located on hill tops and sharing some collective structures like mosques, baths and shops. The ksar at Ait Ben Haddou doesn’t lack the intricate streets made by awkwardly placed homes and several of them are still inhabited by easy going families who are obviously not worried about time.

While the ksar is stunning and a gem, it is also somewhat isolated so make sure you visit it carrying plenty of your own water. It is not uncommon for temperatures to rise above 50C (100F) and the dry dust appears to find its way anywhere as soon as a gentle breeze blows. This said there are a few simple restaurants that serve overpriced tagine or couscous ; slightly more complicated meals (but never much) are beyond these prices and from what I saw not worth the spending.

Ait Ben Haddou is probably one of the most visited and famous ksars anywhere in the world- although you might not be aware of it. Its perhaps because of its safe location and admirable landscapes that movies like Lawrence of Arabia (1964), Gladiator (2000) or Prince of Persia (2010) were filmed here and I am sure there are many still to come. Make sure any tour you book for this part of Morocco includes a stop here, bring plenty of water, a ready-to-shoot camera and an inquisitive attitude as this is one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in the world. The ksar is free to visit but if coming with a tour expect to be asked for a tip.

Have you visited central Morocco? How about Ouarzazate and the beautiful ksar of Ait Ben Haddou? Is this one of those places you’d like to visit? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below and this post too if you liked it!

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Getting to Marrakech

The cheapest and most convenient way to reach Marrakech is via any of the low cost airlines that fly here from several cities in Europe: RyanAir, EasyJet, WizzAir and Vueling are just a few. Flights last around 1.5- 3 hours depending on the country of departure and can cost as little as 20Euros plus tax (around 40) each way! It is also possible to get here by road, crossing the straight of Gibraltar from Spain and driving South along the fairly decent road network.

Where to Stay

There is no lack of accommodation options in Marrakech, ranging from very cheap hostel dorm rooms to affordable riads ( traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with an interior garden or courtyard) all the way to luxury riads and hotels. Prices vary but for around 30 Euros per night you can find clean riads right by the city’s main square with breakfast included-if you’re traveling on a budget there is no reason to go anywhere else and I recommend you don’t as it is here that you’ll find the souks, restaurants and where everything happens ( I stayed at Hotel Cecil, a super clean riad right by Jemaa el-Fnaa costing 25Euros per night breakfast included with the friendliest people I met during my stay in the area)

Things to Do in Marrakech

Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemma el-Fnaa is a square and market place in the middle Marrakesh’s medina quarter. It remains the main square of Marrakesh, used by locals and tourists, and has been featured in countless movies and books- odds are you’ve seen many times on TV long before you get here. During the day the square has  fresh orange juice sellers (at 4 DH they are invigorating and very tasty, I had several of them per day and is one of the best things to do in Marrkech more often than not) and at around 5 pm snake charmers and other performers arrive to set up their stalls and tourist traps. By the time it gets dark the food stalls are in place and it is here that you’ll find yourself dining at some point. While the food is decent and fairly priced most of what is served here includes fried chicken, tagine, and other simple meals in a crowded yet entertaining environment. By now the Chleuh are dancing and Berber storytellers are attracting an audience and requesting money from tourists- they can be very pushy and even rude when it comes to this: remain calm and ignore them when you feel they’re out of their way.

The Souks

Stuff your wallet with Dirhams and Euros before heading here as you are likely to buy something when walking along the traditional North African market catering both for the common daily needs of the locals and tourist trade. You will find can find pretty much anything or interest and lacking thereof, from spectacular carpets to beautiful lamps, t-shirts with dumb slogans, spices, traditional costumes,  mirrors decorated with camel bone and perfumes.  It’s relatively easy to get somewhat lost as it all looks very similar, but follow the crowd or simply ask for Jemaa el-Fnaa and you’ll be pointed in the right direction. I recommend you take some time when walking around, and consider this more of an attraction than a shopping experience; the souk is a beautiful walk and deserves attention all by itself. By the way, remember to bargain, and bargain hard, when buying anything as they do sell on the expensive side (even for European standards).

Badia Palace

Just under a ten minute walk East of the square is this palace and its gardens. Built in the 19th century it was meant to be the greatest palace of the time, but it never quite had the charm and splendor required. It was used by Si Moussa, grand vizier of the sultan, for his personal use. There is a 3DH fee to visit.

El Badi Palace

These days it consists of the remnants of a palace commissioned by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578. The palace, which took approximately 25 years to construct, was torn apart in the seventeenth century by the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail, who used the material obtained from El Badi Palace to decorate his own palace in Meknes. The original building is thought to have consisted of 360 rooms, a huge courtyard with a still visible pool richly decorated with Italian marble and large amounts of gold imported from Sudan. There is a mandatory 3DH entrance fee for visiting the palace, and while it might have had its splendor back in its days I found it lacked appeal.

The Spice Market

It’s all about the scents and location. This small market is where you can find all sorts of spices, with store owners willing to give you a walk through and explanation of what they have expecting, as always, that you buy something from them before you leave. It’s an interesting walk and not many tourists  visit it despite it being half way between the Bahia and El Badi Palaces, perhaps because it’s somewhat difficult to find- ask around if this is the case.

The Tanneries

While this could be a very interesting attraction few independent travelers leave the tanneries excited about the experience, let me explain why. Simply put the tanneries are a couple of walled courtyards where where young boys and men spend their day endlessly shearing at the skins with a blade to get a smooth finish, wading thigh deep into the tubs, to press the skins. Some tubes contained dyes, so the workers legs appeared to be permanently dyed too despite some wore thigh length boots. The skins are also treated with chemicals and and a mixture of natural ingredients (animal urine, pigeon droppings etc!) to soften the skins and remove the fur from the pelts so expect putrid scent and non visually appealing yet humbling and thought provoking visit. After all these are the same skins that are later used to make handbags, puffs, shoes and more. But it’s not this that makes the visit uncomfortable.

If you’re an independent traveler like myself you’ll want to make your way here on your own, easily following a map and at your own pace. However, no matter which was you go as you you approach the area kids will find to asking if you’re going to the tanneries and offering to take you there for free, of course! No matter how many times you say no or walk away you’ll be harassed until you walk with somebody. Once you reach the tanneries there will be a man at the door claiming to be the manager and asking for a ridiculous price to be guided through the tanneries, saying too that part of the money is for the men who work there (yeah right). Bargain hard and expect unfriendly looks but keep your stance. Once the visit is over (which will not take more than 10 or 15 minutes) you’ll be out the door and of course the kid who brought you here for free will ask for money too, and one or two Euros will not make him happy. I followed what seemed the logical route back to Jemaa el-Fnaa on the map and ended up walking across a neighborhood that didn’t seem to happy to see me,with a couple of men shouting me to leave the area. I ignored them, continued taking pictures (not of the people) and filming to eventually reach the North end of the souk.

 Visit a Hammam

A hammam is  basically an arab version of a steam bath, which can be as simple or as luxurious as you want. Traditional hammams (not for tourists) are basically steam rooms which include a skin cleaning rub and are actually quite cheap, at around 80 DH per session. Few travelers venture to these though and most prefer visiting slightly better hammams which offer a more personal experience and follow up with a relaxing massage and/or additional treatments. Moroccans tend to visit hammams in the morning, but because of the heat I visited one late in the afternoon as temperatures outside are lower and the relaxing mood makes sleep much more pleasant.

The Saadian Tombs

The mausoleum comprises the remains of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty that originated in the valley of the Draa River. There is a 10DH fee to visit them and left the premises with one questions unanswered: why are there so many stray cats here?

Koutoubia Mosque

This is the largest mosque in Marrakech and includes a minaret that dominates the skyline of the city. The minaret is 12.5 m wide and 67.5 m to the tip of the cupola on the lantern, is the mosque’s principal feature and immediately reminded me of the Giralda I visited in Seville, Spain. The minaret, composed of six rooms, one on top of the other, was a great feat of engineering in its day and influenced several subsequent buildings in Morocco. The cupola on top is a symmetrical, square structure topped by a ribbed dome and three golden orbs, which are alleged to have been made from the melted down jewellery of Yaqoub al Mansour’s wife, in penance for her having eaten three grapes during the Ramadan fast.

Madrassa Ben Youssef

Madrassa Ben Youssef is  one of the most dazzling examples of Moorish architecture in the world. Founded during the Merinid era in the 14th century and reconstructed by the Saadians in the 16th century, it expanded it to become the largest madrassa in Morocco. The entrance is unremarkable – just another wooden door on a medina street – but it serves to enhance the visual impact upon entering the main courtyard, where a jade green tiled rectangular pool reflects shining marble, carved cedar wood, lace-like stucco, scalloped archways and a blue rectangle of sky above. After the chaos and noise of the streets outside, the madrassa is an unexpectedly elegant and refined sanctuary where 900 students  were said to have studied the Qu’ran here at any one time. The madrassa in without a doubt one of the most sophisticated and impressive buildings in Marrakesh, and one of the best things to see in Marrakech that I recommend you visit despite the somewhat expensive 70 DH fee.

Conclusion

Legendary, hot, active, somewhat invasive yet nonetheless always appealing Marrakesh is a city that will not leave you unnoticed. It has not shortage of things to see and do and is a fantastic example of the non-luxurious Arab world and Muslim culture. The city itself can be easily visited in a couple of days at a leisurely pace, a stay that can be extended if you want to chill out and spend some time at your inexpensive riad absorbing the culture and local way of life.

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Resources

Official Marrakech Tourism Website http://www.marrakech.travel/en/html/home

The post Discover Morocco: What to See and Things to Do in Marrakech appeared first on MaiTravelSite.

” Suppose you go on safari one day, it is really exciting, memorable and a different experience we all desire outside our usual environment. On our first day to go with clients on safari, with lots of expectations clients had many questions to do with gorillas and wildlife in the parks- and good enough, a few hours later you can start exploring the wilderness.

You catch the early morning sunrise with African birds singing,elephant families and other wildlife basking in the sun while getting ready to go and see man”s closest relatives, the gorillas and chimpanzees in the jungles.

What a wonderful experience! I have shared with travellers time and again while explaining ground information and ensuring a comfortable stay with us. Anybody interested can always give it a try by sharing costs with friends or negotiate for cheaper accommodations and safari.

The photos are from a recent safari at Bwindi Park for gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Park.

Godfrey Katongole ”

Godfrey Katongole is a photographer and  safari guide with Inside Uganda Tours Limited in Uganda, a local run travel company offering affordable safaris and outdoor activities in Uganda. Visit their website www.insideugandatours.co.ug for more information or contact Godfrey via email at godfreykatongole2005@yahoo.com

I still have not had the chance to join a safari, but have you? Where? Is it something you’d like to do?  Do you have any tips or a particular location you highly recommend? Have you seen gorillas in the wild? If you liked the photos please share this post, as well as your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!

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Safari guides are not as common as bartenders (no disrespect intended), and their profession is one that many of us have dreamed of having as kids.

This is his story, which I am publishing with minimal editing. If things go well I’ll be seeing him some day and explore Lake Victoria and other attractions in the area.

Remember to choose adequate safari clothing and get ready for your african adventure!

Guiding a safari in Kenyan jungles might sound thrilling to many of you safari seekers though to many of us who execute the work almost on daily basis- if not a week- we will always have another story to tell. Being lured by the thirst and love of nature together with the quest to explore my country i learned the art of tourism and guiding in Kenya not knowing that the same passion would make me wake up every other day as early as 0300hrs in the the morning to meet these tourists from Bangkok whose flight happens to be the earliest one today, having left the same airport yesterday evening at 12 oclock to pick another family from netherlands whose passion for the mara wildbeest migration had brought them back to visit my country 21 years later.

The MK flight from Bangkok lands with a loud noise and the three short chinese run quickly and bow in front of the Africa sights and adventures paging board I am holding which has been the tradition at the airport of recognising whom you are waiting for, and quickly I take them to my safari van at the parking smiling to myself because at least two of the three understands and can speak some broken english. We leave the airport and head to the kenya comfort hotel where I had booked the netherland family since they had requested for a budget hotel, and by six oclock in the morning,we pick them and head to Masai Mara national reserve to trace the migration arriving there five and half hours later, in time for lunch and check in at the sentrim luxury tented camp.

Later that afternoon we take off to the same wilds looking for the gazelles, zebras and their predators like lions and cheetahs. It turns out to be another of my lucky days again after my vhf radio transmitter cracks life and a collegue of mine in another direction calls on radio that a kill is taking place right infront of him. After five minutes we stop by his side followed by some other cars from a different direction whom have also heard the same message on their long range radios. Pictures of natural joy and satisfaction from both the Netherland family and my Bangkok friends are all over their faces with their sharp cameras pointed to the two lions infront of us munching their zebra kill slowly with the sun setting lazily in the horizons of the Serengeti on the other side.

“Mein gott” the netherland lady exclaims slowly to herself and loudly for me to hear. Loudly she calls my name. “Tito, thank you for making my twenty one years long wait to witness this a reality,and thank you for making my boys see this too. It’s their first time to see a lion.”

“Thanks too for booking the safari with me” I thought. That night I doze off satisfied with myself and the guarantee that I will come back to the mara again some other day with some other clients from the recommendation I will get from my Netherland and Bangkok friends.

The safari continues.

Note: This  article was submitted by Paxton a few years ago, and we still keep in touch! He’s a safari guide at afrikasightsadventures.net

Tito Paxton is a safari guide at Afrika Sights and Adventures.

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One advantage to being amongst the few who travel to a country that is often feared by many tourists because of its turbulent history of racial discrimination, poverty and political issues, is that the friendly locals are more than welcoming and extremely hospitable to travellers. However, it’s probably best not to express your opinions on the political unrest, as the issue is sensitive amongst the Zimbabwe residents.

If you are looking for places to stay in Zimbabwe, there are a number of hostels, lodges, B&Bs and fancier hotels. During our time in the cities we opted for slightly more expensive hotels rooms as we were two girls travelling by ourselves, but once we headed out of the city we opted for rustic lodges and friendly B&Bs for an authentic African experience.

Food and drink in Zimbabwe is fresh and unprocessed – just how I like it. Normally I am fairly unadventurous when it comes to trying new food but I was pleasantly surprised with the local dishes. ‘Sadza’ soon became my favourite meal during my trip and despite its porridge-like appearance, it’s really tasty when you roll the maize mixture into balls and then dunk them into stew and gravy –just imagine sloppier, lumpier Yorkshire puddings. Remember to clap twice when you receive your food to say thank you!

Fortunately for me Zimbabwe is a fantastic wine-producing region and no trip is ever complete without a taste of the local tipple. The Busham Rock Estate sits in the Nyamasanga River Valley, 40km outside of Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare, and is a great place to sample some of the country’s finest wines whilst taking in some pretty spectacular views overlooking the estate’s 14 hectares of vineyards and surrounding rolling hills, under the blazing sun.

But of course, I could not travel all the way to Zimbabwe without a visit to the world’s largest waterfalls –Victoria Falls. The stunning falls are located on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and neighbouring country, Zambia. Famously known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the mile-long Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for me, one of Mother Nature’s most impressive creations.

The noise is deafening and don’t forget to take your cagoule because you will get a bit soggy! The remarkable thing about these falls is that the water doesn’t flow down from surrounding mountains or deep valleys, but instead from flat terrain which extends out by 100’s of kilometres. I was lucky enough to witness my very own breathtaking Victoria Falls rainbow, and I have since heard that when the moon is full, a shimmering ‘moonbow’ can be seen in the spray.

While you’re in the Victoria Falls area, one place I strongly recommend visiting is the country’s largest game reserve, Hwange National Park. This national park extends over 14,600 square kilometres and is home to some of the world’s most magnificent creatures including lions, elephants, buffalo, zebras, leopards, rhinos, impala, kudu, and hundred of different species of birds.

Despite my preconception of Zimbabwe, this is one place I would highly recommend to travellers who are seeking natural unspoiled beauty and thrilling adventures. If that hasn’t convinced you, surely the chance of seeing a magical moonbow at Full Moon will tempt you to this beautiful and flourishing African nation?

Author bio: Anna Ridley

Anna Ridley is a freelance travel writer who has a passion for travel, writing and fizzy wine. After living in the French Alps for two years, she now lives back by the beach in Cornwall where she is attempting to work her way through her “bucket list”.

Some of these links could be making us some money, however we would not include them if we didn’t think they can benefit travelers

Is Zimbabwe a country you had ever considered visiting? Has article post made you re-consider your opinion? What do you think would be the highlight of your trip? Share your thoughts below, and this post too if you  liked it!

Click on photos to view in full size!

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You may think that these images seem clichéd and overly-idealistic. And maybe you’re right. But there’s only one way to find out – to see for yourself. And so I decided to make Tanzania (a country I knew very little about, bar that it was somewhere in Africa) my next destination.

The iconic snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, as well as the pure, white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, the astounding Ngorongoro Crater, and the immense Serengeti National Park, Tanzania truly is the perfect destination for anyone travelling to Africa. And while this beautiful country may often be overshadowed by neighbouring Kenya or South Africa in the tourist-industry, this fact actually works in Tanzania’s favour: fewer tourists means greater opportunities to experience the real Africa – and to discover whether or not my Lion-King-inspired vision was reality or just pure, Disneyfied fantasy.

My first port of call was the small town of Kataru, where I’d be staying in the Kudu Lodge and Campsite. The lodge is situated amidst tropical, flower-filled gardens, and the Tembo cottages themselves are the epitome of lavishness – private verandas, fully-fitted en-suites, four-poster beds surrounded by mosquito nets. Unfortunately, as a backpacking student, my budget didn’t quite stretch far enough for me to actually stay in them. In fact, my research into Tanzania hotels had led me to the conclusion that the most affordable accommodation out in ‘the bush’ is your own tent and so, (grudgingly) forgoing luxury, I pitched my tent at the campsite instead.

With my tent pitched, I walked the 2km-long dusty road towards Kataru, where the local market was in full swing. The haphazard arrangement of charming, makeshift stalls, vended by the cheerful, brightly dressed locals, sold vegetables, hand-made crafts, and a staggering array of fresh fruits – figs, bananas, oranges, all grown in Tanzania. I even sampled my first jackfruit – an unusual, fleshy, tart-flavoured fruit – and it was here that I stocked up on some supplies for the next leg of my trip – safari!

Going on safari is the quintessential African experience, and one that I just couldn’t miss. And so, in true safari-spirit, I donned my khakis, laced up my hiking boots, and jumped into the back of a jeep, eager to reach our first stop: Ngorongoro Crater, a colossal volcanic caldera spanning an immense 20km in width.

Within the crater’s walls, we came across a flock of flamingos perched gracefully in the shallow waters of Crater Lake; a swathe of bright pink that stretched as far as the eye can see. Continuing onward, we saw herds of grazing buffaloes, a cheetah resting in the shade of an acacia, and – my personal favorites – elephants, sauntering casually past us on the road, their dusty trunks swinging languidly from side to side. There’s only one word to describe that experience: wow. Just…wow.

On our way out of the crater, we saw a group of local Maasai, easily recognizable in their distinctive red shukas (wraps) and elaborate beaded jewelry. They passed us by as casually as the elephants had done, unfazed by the attention of a jeep-full of camera-toting tourists. But despite their obvious nonchalant familiarity with the modern world, these are a people who have successfully resisted it; their ancient customs and traditions are still very much alive today, and seeing them walk barefoot across the crater-floor, laughing and joking amongst themselves as they herded their cattle through the long-grass, I have to say that I hope the modern world never manages to catch up with them.

Driving north-west from Ngorongoro, we headed into Serengeti National Park, a vast expanse of grasslands covering 14,763 sq km. This UNESCO world heritage site is home to some 4 million species of animals, and for much of the year it accommodates the million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras who make their annual pilgrimage from the northern hills down into the southern plains, and then back again, braving crocodile-infested waters, deep gorges, and flooding rivers. Hoping for good views of the migrating wildebeest, my group clambered up a giant, isolated outcropping, known as Gong Rock, and as I stood on the rock’s brim, watching what seemed to be an endless parade of mammals streaming out across the golden savanna, I was tempted to break into a rendition of Elton John’s ‘Circle of Life’.

I’m not claiming for one moment that my safari was an entirely picture-perfect experience. Each night my tent was invaded by cockroaches the size of tennis balls (I don’t want to admit how loudly I screamed the first time I saw one); despite drenching myself in insect repellent, every mosquito in Africa seemed intent on eating me alive; and, after a few nights of roughing it in a tent, I was really beginning to smell. But this was all part-and-parcel of the true safari experience, and the rest more than made up for it; the friendly locals, the stunning scenery, and the truly amazing wildlife.

For once, it seems, Disney actually got it right.

Have you been on a safari in Tanzania or elsewhere? What did you like most of it? Was there anything that dissapointed you? Share your experience in the comments section below, and this post too if you liked it!

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In order to get myself into the right frame of mind I read a supposedly famous book by Henno Martin entitled ’The Sheltering Desert’. It tells the story of two German geologists working in Namibia in the 1940s who faced imprisonment during the Second World War as ‘hostile foreigners’. As a consequence they fled to the Namibian desert where they lived for two gruelling years (Yes, true story!). But why am I telling you this? Well, I’m obviously not aiming to write a blurb and tout this book but I have to admit it helped me get an insight into the Namibian way of life and spirit of the country that I was going to experience during my trip. But literature aside … altogether I spent three weeks travelling around the country which is truly immense and very sparsely populated. Once you leave the well-trodden tourist trails, most of the time there’s not a soul to be seen. Namibia is actually almost four times the size of the UK with a mere 2.2 million inhabitants, just to give you an idea of its dimensions.

Well, when I flew into Windhoek I decided to hang around for a couple of days and explore the surroundings before heading to Swakopmund and Walvis Bay on the coast. There’s actually not that much to be seen in the capital. But only two days into my trip I witnessed an event which seemed utterly out of place. I obviously knew that Namibia once used to be a German colony (if you fancy a bit of German flair and architecture you should swing by Swakopmund and Luederitz), but I had to do a double take when I got caught up in a German-inspired carnival procession in the centre of Windhoek. Apparently, as I was told by a local, German-style carnival parades with carriages, loud thumping music and all that jazz take place all year round in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Tsumeb and other locations (so they’re even more obsessed with it down there than in Cologne, the German stronghold of carnival!). As far as dining in Namibia is concerned, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that the odd restaurant also offers succulent German bratwurst, beer and cheesecake with whipped cream. Who would have thought all that?! Rather than heading to distant Namibia, I simply could have hopped on an Easyjet flight and travelled to the ‘real’ Germany!

But enough of my ramblings about former colonial powers and influences. Namibia is a stunning country and unlike any other place. It boasts wide open spaces, massive undulating sand dunes that probably eclipse anything you’ve ever seen before, unique indigenous cultures like the Himba (see first picture in post) who live as they have for centuries, rugged savannahs and impressive wildlife … I’m actually running out of adjectives to describe this country. Either way, if you fancy some really mind-blowing scenery just make sure you visit the Fish River Canyon in the south, the second largest canyon in the world!

There’s so much more to tell about Namibia, but I think I should probably stop here. And just to get back to the food and finish my story … since Namibia is such a fusion of cultures its cuisine is very diverse and sumptuous. You should most certainly try the local ’braaivleis’ which is a yummy barbecue with zebra, ostrich or other types of meat. So overall there’s definitely more to Namibia than German bratwurst and carnival, but see for yourself!

Author bio: Rob Melau decided to study tourism management to combine his professional career with his passion for travel. He lived in England and France for a while and is already on the lookout for the next adventure somewhere in Asia or South America. Rob enjoys writing, sports and any type of outdoor activity.

[Some of these links might be making us some money, however we wouldn’t include them if we didn’t think they can be useful to the traveler. Photo credits: Himba ladies @shuttlenamibia.com]

Are you an Africa expert? Have you visited Namibia? What are must-see places you visited, and others you wish you had? Share your suggestions with us in the comment section below, and this post too if you liked it!

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“You’re going to Jo’burg?” My parents said… “BE CAREFUL!” And they weren’t the only ones… Everybody I seemed to tell about my trip had that same worried look on their face as they told me to take care, be vigilant and not to venture out of the city centre. Those of course were the people that hadn’t been to ‘Jozi’, the people who merely relied on horror stories they had heard in the press. Anybody who had been lucky enough to visit the city of Johannesburg for themselves told me that, like in Cape Town, I was going to have a ball and would want to go back again, and again.

Many people use Jo’burg simply as an overnight stopover for visiting other places in South Africa or heading off on safari, but having checked out MyJohannesburgInfo I realised that Jozi really is a destination in its own right so I decided to book 5 days there. I opted to stay in Rutland House Bed and Breakfast as they seemed to offer good value for money, a beautiful swimming pool and breakfast at whatever time I required it. Located between Hyde Park, Rosebank, Randburg and Sandton this was an ideal base for exploring the city.

My days were jam packed with visits to the Montecasino bird gardens, the African craft market, A visit to the Central Business District if Newtown – which culminated in a tour of the South African Breweries World of Beer! Being a student I was determined to check out what student life was like Johannesburg style so I headed down to trendy Melville where I sipped on cocktails at Buzz 9 and chatted to the local students. At the end of my trip I even managed to find time to fit in a round of golf!

Although the city centre of Johannesburg seems to be racially mixed I was determined to catch a glimpse of the real Jo’burg and the real people as I couldn’t help but believe that what I was seeing was merely a facade for a much bleaker picture. I booked an organised tour to Soweto (South Western Township) and went armed with pens, pencils, paper and sweets to give out to the children. In my mind I had (naively) believed that Soweto formed a small part of the city. The reality is that Soweto is an area of 65 square km and home to 3.5million people. According to my guide, Soweto is in a much better position than it was ten years ago but the area is still rundown with matchbox houses and comes in stark contrast to the glistening city centre.

My afternoon in Soweto was a real eye-opener to the apartheid and how, although no longer present, its effects are still felt in modern day South Africa. After chatting to some of the locals and handing out my goodies I ventured to the nearby Hector Peterson Memorial & Museum as well as the Nelson Mandela Museum, both of which were hugely informative and interesting.

Back in the centre of Jo’burg itself I took the opportunity to lunch at a fantastic restaurant called the ‘Butcher Shop & Grill’ in Nelson Mandela Square. I opted for the smoked springbok carpaccio followed by the Oxtail, both of which were perfectly cooked and left me wanting more. The location of this eatery means that after lunch its worthwhile heading to the nearby Lion Park Gauteng which sits somewhere between being a game park and a zoo. I got the chance to cuddle up to some beautiful white lion cubs – an opportunity not to be missed!

Another place on my to-do-list was to visit Constitution Hill, South Africa’s highest court and a former prison where the likes of Mahatma Ghandi and Nelson Mandela found themselves imprisoned. As with Soweto, this isn’t necessarily something to do for ‘fun’ but if, like me, you’re interested in the history of South Africa then this is well worth a visit. At the site there is also a wall called the ‘We the people Wall’ which features inspirational contributions from Nelson Mandela and other ex-prisoners to ordinary people across South Africa.

As everybody that had visited previously told me, I left Jozi having fallen head-over-heels in love with the place and the people and desperate to book another trip back. Yes, I did have to be careful and I did have to watch out for my personal belongings… but isn’t this the case with any big city in the world? My trip to Jo’burg offered a little bit of everything – history, culture, fun, good food and great nightlife. I will most definitely be returning and will of course be persuading others to take the plunge and book that trip. Jozi truly is one of a kind.

Today’s guest post was written by Sophie Fraser. Sophie  is from London and loves to visit new and exciting places… one day she hopes to travel the world. You can follow her in Twitter @SFraser123

Have you been to South Africa? Did you skip Johannesburg like most people or did take your time to explore the city? Would you spend a few days if you have them? What do you recommend?

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A few years ago Liza and I travelled to Gambia and western Casamance (southern Senegal) in Africa, it being the first time any of us visited mainland Africa ever. The experience was perhaps one of the most eye-opening we have ever had, and at the same time enjoyed every single minute of it- well almost.

Gambia is a very small country that for a while appeared to be growing as a new tourist destination among Europeans, however it has not become the hotspot many thought it would be. Still, it is a very safe and small country to visit, relatively cheap, and has great fauna, flora and beaches to enjoy.

On the other hand, Casamance in Senegal has had a turbulent recent past, with sprouts of guerilla warfare still going on near its bordering country but generally safe. Not many travelers come here, and it is because of this that we crossed the border as soon as our plane landed in Banjul, Gambia, and headed stright to Diola territory (the Diola are the second largest ethnic tribe in Senegal.

Soon after the trip I wrote an article with our experience and had it published in Gonomad.com. Our trip was one of a kind and perhaps one of the most special we have ever done in the world, so read about our adventure and get some travel tips in the article Smiling With the Diola in Western Casamance.

Have you visited Senegal or Gambia? What surprised you the most? Did you find the lake as unappaling as we did? Please share this post if you liked it!

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Shark cage diving is one of the most popular Cape Town daytours, and for good reason. If you can imagine coming face to face with Great White sharks, then this is sure to be an experience you will not forget. In the words of our mate Francois who recently did his first white shark dive, “At one point there were 3 massive sharks circling the cage – I nearly kakked myself!!”  And if you want to dive with sharks without the cage head head to Aliwal Shoal

Bungee Jumping. Cape Town is home to the world’s most famous bungee jumping spot at Bloukrans Bridge, on the West Coast. This is where you will be fitted into your bungee harness, before leaping into the gorge below at terrifying speeds. Most locals in Cape Town have jumped Bloukrans at least once, with many making an annual pilgrimage to enjoy the thrill all over again every year.

Sky Diving. For those who love heights, sky diving is an excellent addition to any Cape Town tour, with tandem and single jumps on offer depending on your experience. Training and safety instruction is included in beginner jumps, and videos of the jump can be requested at extra charge.  Proving that you are never too old to enjoy the high life, my mother recently did her first jump – the look on her face as she tries to sum up the feeling of dropping thousands of feet into the air says it all!

Abseiling. Cape Town abseiling opportunities abound, with excellent spots at Silvermine Nature Reserve and Kamikaze Kanyon and along the West Coast. Silvermine is one of the best spots that I have tried, even if the hike up to the drop is steep and rather brutal – at one point we were climbing up at a good 10 feet or more, on the edge of the mountain with nothing but the occasional shrub to hold on to. Once we got to the drop though, the views made it all worthwhile, spanning across the entire peninsula. The drop included a nice freefall in the last few feet, which was amazing.

Rock Climbing.  Cape Town offers many climbing routes and levels for all levels of climbers, with relatively easy, moderate and extremely challenging options across a range of mountain regions in Cape Town and surrounds. The West Coast is particularly good, with Hermanus offering some great climbs.

Paragliding. Soar high over the beaches of Camps Bay over white beaches, blue seas and the beautiful Table Mountain with paragliding adventures that are sure to leave you wanting to stay up in the air forever as you soar over the crowds enjoying a few drinks at La Med down below. The Garden Route and Hermanus areas in the Cape Province are also excellent places for paragliding in Cape Town.

Game Fishing. Deep sea game fishing in Cape Town is a battle of wills as you navigate rough seas to try and haul in massive and strong game fish like Tuna and Marlin. This is fishing as you’ve never experienced it before, and requires courage, strength and power! A word to the squeamish too – things get very messy on board. The last trip we did included a massive 20kg tuna being chopped up on deck, which is not something you can to witness, especially if you are prone to sea sickness like I am.

Sand Boarding. Excellent as part of a full day or a half day Cape Town tour, sand boarding on the dunes of Atlantis along the West Coast is not to be missed. One tip that a friend had to learn the hard way is to wear extra pairs of socks, or super thick socks – the friction is unreal, and the blisters you get are not at all pretty.

Sea Kayaking. Sea kayaking is a great way to explore the seas of Cape Town, spotting seals, penguins, whales and many other marine creatures as you paddle the often tumulus waves of the Atlantic Ocean. As this is one of the more ‘sedate’ options, it also works well as a date activity. Be warned though – she will not appreciate any plans you have to subtly capsize the kayak so that you can save the day. Also, there are sharks lurking beyond the waters.

Quad Biking Quad biking is one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the landscapes of the Cape, setting off across a host of trails to cruise the Cape countryside at speeds of up to 80km per hour. Add to the fun by doing an off-road race with your mates for even more adventure. Experienced drivers can even try a river crossing, making this a highly popular choice of adventure activities in Cape Town.

These are just a few of the thrilling adventure activities on offer in the Mother City of South Africa, and believe me each and every one of them is  worth the price by the adrenaline rushing through your system! For the not so adventurous travellers, there are oodles of more relaxing activities and sights to see in and around our beautiful city.

This article was written by Darren Jones, a travel writer at African Eagle Day Tours offering Cape Tours in and around the City of Cape Town, South Africa. Some of the best tours in Cape Town include the Cape Peninsula, Garden route tours and Cape Town safari tours.

How many of these adventure activities have you dared to try? Which would you recommend? Please share your experience and this post too if you like it!

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