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Volcanoes National Park (Parc National Des Volcans)
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Marrakech
Marrakech, known as the "Pearl of the South," is an oasis in southwestern Morocco at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, with rose-colored ramparts and a thousand year old palm grove. Sumptuous and exuberant, it radiates splendor and mysticism and casts a magic spell on all who visit. Marrakesh has the largest berber market (souk) in Morocco and also hosts the busiest square in Africa. Founded in 1062 as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty, it continued in the 12th century as capital of the Almohads. Marrakech remained a political, economic and cultural center for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. Marrakech also became known as a magnet for some of the greatest saints of Islam, many of whom are buried within the city. Marrakech, like Fez, is a genuinely Islamic city in both its genesis and traditions. Marrakech has impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors and gardens. Other architectural jewels include the Bandia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs and Place Jamaa El Fna, an open-air theater. The modern city was constructed in 1913 during the French occupation of the country and reflects the European influence. But the essence of the city remains the same.
Desert Camp
Cotonou
Cotonou is the largest port and city of Benin and de facto capital of Benin (formerly Dahomey). It is the starting point of the so-called Benin-Niger Railway, which extends 273 miles into the interior but ends in the middle of Benin at Parakou. Cotonou is the economic hub of Benin and is the nation's largest urban center. The country's president and most government ministers reside in Cotonou. The National University of Benin (1970) is also located in the city.
Chobe National Park
The Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana, has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. Its uniqueness in the abundance of wildlife and the true African nature of the region offers a safari experience of a lifetime. The park is divided into four distinctly different eco systems: Serondela with its lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River area in the extreme north-east; the Savuti Marsh in the west; the Linyanti Swamps in the north-west and the hot dry hinterland in between. A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population currently estimated at around 120,000. The Chobe elephant are migratory, making seasonal movements from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the southeast of the park, to which they disperse in the rains.
Cape Town
Cape Town is southern Africa's most beautiful, most romantic and most-visited city. Few urban centers anywhere can match its setting along the Cape Peninsula spine, which slides like the mighty tail of the continent into the Atlantic Ocean. By far the most striking - and famous - of its sights is Table Mountain, frequently mantled by clouds, and rearing up from the middle of the city to provide a constantly changing vista to the suburbs below. Table Mountain is the city's solid core which divides the city into distinct zones with public gardens, wilderness, forests, hiking routes, vineyards and desirable residential areas trailing down it's lower slopes.
Excursions
Cape Town City Tour - Half Day
Your guide will discuss the city's abundance of sightseeing possibilities and will tailor make your day's activities according to your individual interests and preferences. This affords you the advantage of total flexibility while still maintaining the expertise of a qualified guide. We first make our way to the to the lower cable car station on the slopes of Table Mountain, where (weather permitting) we make the short and comfortable ascent to the top of the mountain by cable car. The panoramic view of the sea and city from the summit is magnificent. Then begin the tour of historic Cape Town. Whether you are interested in visiting the traditional tourist attractions, indulging in a personal passion, or simply exploring the 'Mother City' as a local, Cape Town has more than enough diversity to cater to your personal preference.
Your half day tour includes two entrance fees as well as the return Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ticket. After your tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Three Hour Cruise
The Inala Antares proudly awaits you in Cape Town, ready to take you first class on a journey of a lifetime. With its Italian styling, trendy interiors, quality construction techniques and performance it has been specially designed to meet your tastes and requirements.
Your day will start with a luxury transfer from your hotel providing you with a concierge service to help you orchestrate the perfect few hours on board the Inala.
Experience an exquisite Cape Town sunset with Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles as a backdrop as you cruise in pure luxury on board (weather depending on the day) otherwise in Table Bay towards the Bloubergstrand beaches.
The Inala is a 57ft Princess design, luxury motor yacht, moored in front of the Cape Grace Hotel V&A Waterfront. Your three hour cruise includes the famous Clifton beaches, with panoramic views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles in elegance and luxury. Clifton bay is on the way to Hout Bay and is the ideal place to spend a few hours at on board, enjoying the sun and a swim in the cool water.
Whale Watching Tour - Full Day
Your Whale watching excursion will either be done in Hermanus or Gansbaai, based on the best sightings & weather conditions over your period of travel.
The whale watching trips can also afford you the possibility to see: Great white sharks, Bryde's whales, Humpback whales, Southern giant petrels, Cape gannets and Dolphins, making these whale watching trips not just magical but rewarding too, and are sure to capture everyone's imagination.
Your return to shore will depend on the sightings for the day, which may result in a late lunch. Your guide will discuss the best restaurant options with you based on your preference and logistics. An A la Carte lunch including soft drinks & non-premium brand drinks and house wines is included in your tour.
Time permitting you may have the opportunity to walk along the coastal paths in Herma-nus where during whale season (mid June to mid November) whales may be seen playing close to the shore. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Cape Point Sidecar Tour - Full Day
Your guide will discuss your individual interests and preferences and tailor make the day's routing and sightings accordingly. All sidecars are decommissioned military bikes used during World War II, which has been restored and fully refurbished.
You will be supplied with retro leather jackets, helmets, goggles as well as a complimentary bandana. Depending on your interests you will be visiting all the iconic attractions such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope (including the Cape Point Funicular ticket) and the Boulders Penguin Colony.
Stop for lunch at a popular local restaurant including local wine and refreshments. Top off the day with a scenic coastal drive back to your hotel. After your day's touring, you will be dropped off at your hotel for your evening at leisure.
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National Des Volcans)
This park, 15 mi/25 km east of Gisenyi, protects the Rwandan portion of the spectacular Virunga Mountains, which straddle the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Virunga is not a mountain range in the normal sense of the word but rather a chain of isolated freestanding volcanic cones strung along a fault line in the Rift Valley. Sometimes also referred to as the Birunga or Bufumbira Mountains, the chain is composed of six inactive and two active volcanoes, all of which exceed 9,840 ft/3,000 m in altitude. The tallest are Karisimbi (14,783 ft/4,507 m), Mikeno (14,553 ft/4,437 m) and Muhabura (13,537 ft/4,127 m).
Few national parks in Africa can be explored on foot, but this park north of Ruhengeri offers a reward worth the hike through its dramatically beautiful, albeit rough terrain: the chance to observe a family of mountain gorillas, the rarest—and largest—of the four gorilla subspecies. About 700 mountain gorillas live in the wild (roughly half of them in Rwanda), and naturalists have habituated seven of the 20-odd families in this park to the presence of tourist observers. Many people regard visiting these gentle giants (up to 485 lbs/220 kg) in their natural habitat to be the single most-extraordinary wildlife experience in the world. The park can be accessed on organized gorilla-tracking tours, which are limited to seven groups of eight people daily. Gorilla-tracking permits cost US$500 per person in cash (including park entrance fees but not transportation and lodging) and should be booked as far in advance as possible.
Other activities include a visit to a habituated troop of golden monkeys (an endangered bamboo-eater whose range is essentially restricted to the Virungas), as well as day or overnight hikes to the various volcanic peaks and a day trip to Dian Fossey's grave at her former research center high in the misty mountains. As a precaution, armed soldiers accompany each tour.
Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara National Reserve (Masai Mara) is Kenya's finest and most outstanding wildlife sanctuary where gentle rolling grassland ensures animals are never out of sight. The climate is gentle, rarely too hot and well spread rainfall year round. The sensation of the great wildebeest migration between July and October is unparalleled. The wildlife is far from being confined within the Reserve boundaries and an even larger area extends beyond the game Reserve. Centuries of close association with the wildllife has resulted in an almost symbiotic relationship where wildlife and Masai people live in peace with one another. The first sight of this park is breathtaking. There is nowhere else on earth to compare with this wildlife marvel. The combination of a gentle climate, scenic splendour and untold numbers of wildlife makes the Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya's most popular inland destination.
Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and one of Africa's most modern and fastest growing major cities. The original center retains Asian influence in its older buildings with glassy modern buildings. Visit City Market with local produce and handicrafts. Other attractions are: National Museum, displaying ethnographic, paleontological and ornithological exhibits; the Arboretum, with an excellent collection of East African flora; the University, known for its unique architecture; the excellent Kenya Railway Museum; and Nairobi's landmark, the extraordinary Kenyatta Conference Center, the country's most monumental building, visible from miles outside the city. There are casinos at Safari Park Hotel and Inter-Continental, and there's Sunday-afternoon horse-racing. Visit Karen Blixen Museum, where some action of the book and film Out of Africa took place. The beautiful forested Ngong Hills is a spiritual place for the Maasai and an excellent area for hiking and enjoying views of Nairobi and the Rift Valley. Nairobi National Park is a wildlife game reserve.
Tunis
The coastal area of Tunisia's capital, Tunis, at the western end of Lake Tunis, includes the ruins of ancient Carthage and the picturesque suburb Sidi Bou Said. The main focus of its ville nouvelle (new city) is the wide, tree-lined Avenue Habib Bourguiba, which becomes Avenue de France and ends in Place de la Victoire and the entrance to the medina. The medina is a place where traditions can be observed and where visitors get a feel for the local way of life. It features most of the city's points of interest and souvenir shops. Bardo Museum, which is housed in an old palace, is renowned as the best in the country and features an impressive display of artifacts covering Carthaginian, Roman, Palaeo-Christian and Arab-Islamic eras. The Roman mosaics are one of the finest collections in the world. The 13th-century Kasbah Mosque stands on an enormous open square beautifully paved with local granite. One of the best beaches is found at La Marsa - one of the most exclusive residential suburbs, with upscale cafes and restaurants. Others are at Amilcar and La Goulette.
London
London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with excitement far into the night, quiet squares and explorable alleyways. Visit this famous city's parks, museums, galleries, monuments, abbeys and churches, skyscrapers and ruins, Georgian squares. Take in such events as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower, or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or even one of the many theatrical productions. Some of the most exclusive shops are found along Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets. An old favorite and one of the world's premier institutions is Harrods - offering everything from Chanel suits and sliced salmon to caviar and even pets.
Marrakech, known as the "Pearl of the South," is an oasis in southwestern Morocco at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, with rose-colored ramparts and a thousand year old palm grove. Sumptuous and exuberant, it radiates splendor and mysticism and casts a magic spell on all who visit. Marrakesh has the largest berber market (souk) in Morocco and also hosts the busiest square in Africa. Founded in 1062 as the capital of the Almoravid dynasty, it continued in the 12th century as capital of the Almohads. Marrakech remained a political, economic and cultural center for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. Marrakech also became known as a magnet for some of the greatest saints of Islam, many of whom are buried within the city. Marrakech, like Fez, is a genuinely Islamic city in both its genesis and traditions. Marrakech has impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors and gardens. Other architectural jewels include the Bandia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs and Place Jamaa El Fna, an open-air theater. The modern city was constructed in 1913 during the French occupation of the country and reflects the European influence. But the essence of the city remains the same.
Cotonou is the largest port and city of Benin and de facto capital of Benin (formerly Dahomey). It is the starting point of the so-called Benin-Niger Railway, which extends 273 miles into the interior but ends in the middle of Benin at Parakou. Cotonou is the economic hub of Benin and is the nation's largest urban center. The country's president and most government ministers reside in Cotonou. The National University of Benin (1970) is also located in the city.
The Chobe National Park, which is the second largest national park in Botswana, has one of the greatest concentrations of game found on the African continent. Its uniqueness in the abundance of wildlife and the true African nature of the region offers a safari experience of a lifetime. The park is divided into four distinctly different eco systems: Serondela with its lush plains and dense forests in the Chobe River area in the extreme north-east; the Savuti Marsh in the west; the Linyanti Swamps in the north-west and the hot dry hinterland in between. A major feature of Chobe National Park is its elephant population currently estimated at around 120,000. The Chobe elephant are migratory, making seasonal movements from the Chobe and Linyanti rivers, where they concentrate in the dry season, to the pans in the southeast of the park, to which they disperse in the rains.
Cape Town is southern Africa's most beautiful, most romantic and most-visited city. Few urban centers anywhere can match its setting along the Cape Peninsula spine, which slides like the mighty tail of the continent into the Atlantic Ocean. By far the most striking - and famous - of its sights is Table Mountain, frequently mantled by clouds, and rearing up from the middle of the city to provide a constantly changing vista to the suburbs below. Table Mountain is the city's solid core which divides the city into distinct zones with public gardens, wilderness, forests, hiking routes, vineyards and desirable residential areas trailing down it's lower slopes.
Excursions
Cape Town City Tour - Half Day
Your guide will discuss the city's abundance of sightseeing possibilities and will tailor make your day's activities according to your individual interests and preferences. This affords you the advantage of total flexibility while still maintaining the expertise of a qualified guide. We first make our way to the to the lower cable car station on the slopes of Table Mountain, where (weather permitting) we make the short and comfortable ascent to the top of the mountain by cable car. The panoramic view of the sea and city from the summit is magnificent. Then begin the tour of historic Cape Town. Whether you are interested in visiting the traditional tourist attractions, indulging in a personal passion, or simply exploring the 'Mother City' as a local, Cape Town has more than enough diversity to cater to your personal preference.
Your half day tour includes two entrance fees as well as the return Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ticket. After your tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Three Hour Cruise
The Inala Antares proudly awaits you in Cape Town, ready to take you first class on a journey of a lifetime. With its Italian styling, trendy interiors, quality construction techniques and performance it has been specially designed to meet your tastes and requirements.
Your day will start with a luxury transfer from your hotel providing you with a concierge service to help you orchestrate the perfect few hours on board the Inala.
Experience an exquisite Cape Town sunset with Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles as a backdrop as you cruise in pure luxury on board (weather depending on the day) otherwise in Table Bay towards the Bloubergstrand beaches.
The Inala is a 57ft Princess design, luxury motor yacht, moored in front of the Cape Grace Hotel V&A Waterfront. Your three hour cruise includes the famous Clifton beaches, with panoramic views of Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles in elegance and luxury. Clifton bay is on the way to Hout Bay and is the ideal place to spend a few hours at on board, enjoying the sun and a swim in the cool water.
Whale Watching Tour - Full Day
Your Whale watching excursion will either be done in Hermanus or Gansbaai, based on the best sightings & weather conditions over your period of travel.
The whale watching trips can also afford you the possibility to see: Great white sharks, Bryde's whales, Humpback whales, Southern giant petrels, Cape gannets and Dolphins, making these whale watching trips not just magical but rewarding too, and are sure to capture everyone's imagination.
Your return to shore will depend on the sightings for the day, which may result in a late lunch. Your guide will discuss the best restaurant options with you based on your preference and logistics. An A la Carte lunch including soft drinks & non-premium brand drinks and house wines is included in your tour.
Time permitting you may have the opportunity to walk along the coastal paths in Herma-nus where during whale season (mid June to mid November) whales may be seen playing close to the shore. You will be dropped off at your hotel in the late afternoon.
Cape Point Sidecar Tour - Full Day
Your guide will discuss your individual interests and preferences and tailor make the day's routing and sightings accordingly. All sidecars are decommissioned military bikes used during World War II, which has been restored and fully refurbished.
You will be supplied with retro leather jackets, helmets, goggles as well as a complimentary bandana. Depending on your interests you will be visiting all the iconic attractions such as Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope (including the Cape Point Funicular ticket) and the Boulders Penguin Colony.
Stop for lunch at a popular local restaurant including local wine and refreshments. Top off the day with a scenic coastal drive back to your hotel. After your day's touring, you will be dropped off at your hotel for your evening at leisure.
This park, 15 mi/25 km east of Gisenyi, protects the Rwandan portion of the spectacular Virunga Mountains, which straddle the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Virunga is not a mountain range in the normal sense of the word but rather a chain of isolated freestanding volcanic cones strung along a fault line in the Rift Valley. Sometimes also referred to as the Birunga or Bufumbira Mountains, the chain is composed of six inactive and two active volcanoes, all of which exceed 9,840 ft/3,000 m in altitude. The tallest are Karisimbi (14,783 ft/4,507 m), Mikeno (14,553 ft/4,437 m) and Muhabura (13,537 ft/4,127 m).
Few national parks in Africa can be explored on foot, but this park north of Ruhengeri offers a reward worth the hike through its dramatically beautiful, albeit rough terrain: the chance to observe a family of mountain gorillas, the rarest—and largest—of the four gorilla subspecies. About 700 mountain gorillas live in the wild (roughly half of them in Rwanda), and naturalists have habituated seven of the 20-odd families in this park to the presence of tourist observers. Many people regard visiting these gentle giants (up to 485 lbs/220 kg) in their natural habitat to be the single most-extraordinary wildlife experience in the world. The park can be accessed on organized gorilla-tracking tours, which are limited to seven groups of eight people daily. Gorilla-tracking permits cost US$500 per person in cash (including park entrance fees but not transportation and lodging) and should be booked as far in advance as possible.
Other activities include a visit to a habituated troop of golden monkeys (an endangered bamboo-eater whose range is essentially restricted to the Virungas), as well as day or overnight hikes to the various volcanic peaks and a day trip to Dian Fossey's grave at her former research center high in the misty mountains. As a precaution, armed soldiers accompany each tour.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve (Masai Mara) is Kenya's finest and most outstanding wildlife sanctuary where gentle rolling grassland ensures animals are never out of sight. The climate is gentle, rarely too hot and well spread rainfall year round. The sensation of the great wildebeest migration between July and October is unparalleled. The wildlife is far from being confined within the Reserve boundaries and an even larger area extends beyond the game Reserve. Centuries of close association with the wildllife has resulted in an almost symbiotic relationship where wildlife and Masai people live in peace with one another. The first sight of this park is breathtaking. There is nowhere else on earth to compare with this wildlife marvel. The combination of a gentle climate, scenic splendour and untold numbers of wildlife makes the Maasai Mara National Reserve Kenya's most popular inland destination.
Nairobi is Kenya's capital and one of Africa's most modern and fastest growing major cities. The original center retains Asian influence in its older buildings with glassy modern buildings. Visit City Market with local produce and handicrafts. Other attractions are: National Museum, displaying ethnographic, paleontological and ornithological exhibits; the Arboretum, with an excellent collection of East African flora; the University, known for its unique architecture; the excellent Kenya Railway Museum; and Nairobi's landmark, the extraordinary Kenyatta Conference Center, the country's most monumental building, visible from miles outside the city. There are casinos at Safari Park Hotel and Inter-Continental, and there's Sunday-afternoon horse-racing. Visit Karen Blixen Museum, where some action of the book and film Out of Africa took place. The beautiful forested Ngong Hills is a spiritual place for the Maasai and an excellent area for hiking and enjoying views of Nairobi and the Rift Valley. Nairobi National Park is a wildlife game reserve.
The coastal area of Tunisia's capital, Tunis, at the western end of Lake Tunis, includes the ruins of ancient Carthage and the picturesque suburb Sidi Bou Said. The main focus of its ville nouvelle (new city) is the wide, tree-lined Avenue Habib Bourguiba, which becomes Avenue de France and ends in Place de la Victoire and the entrance to the medina. The medina is a place where traditions can be observed and where visitors get a feel for the local way of life. It features most of the city's points of interest and souvenir shops. Bardo Museum, which is housed in an old palace, is renowned as the best in the country and features an impressive display of artifacts covering Carthaginian, Roman, Palaeo-Christian and Arab-Islamic eras. The Roman mosaics are one of the finest collections in the world. The 13th-century Kasbah Mosque stands on an enormous open square beautifully paved with local granite. One of the best beaches is found at La Marsa - one of the most exclusive residential suburbs, with upscale cafes and restaurants. Others are at Amilcar and La Goulette.
London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with excitement far into the night, quiet squares and explorable alleyways. Visit this famous city's parks, museums, galleries, monuments, abbeys and churches, skyscrapers and ruins, Georgian squares. Take in such events as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower, or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or even one of the many theatrical productions. Some of the most exclusive shops are found along Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets. An old favorite and one of the world's premier institutions is Harrods - offering everything from Chanel suits and sliced salmon to caviar and even pets.