Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
In a continent dominated by the world's most massive desert, the Sahara, the Kalahari is often overlooked. The Kalahari is approximately the size of France, covering huge portions of Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. The climate is typical of arid deserts, with hot dry days and often cold nights. The surrounding Kalahari basin is somewhat more moderate, though still extreme by temperate standards.
Some of the world's largest airports are in the Middle East, spread over large areas in the desert. Saudi Arabia has three of the world's largest airports and they are expanding every year. Other large airports are found in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Some of the largest airports have up to six runways, while some of the world's busiest airports still have only one runway. The world's 10 largest airports in terms of square miles are graded from the largest down.
The Akosombo dam is located in Ghana, a country in West Africa with a southern border on the Atlantic Ocean. In 1957, Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to declare independence, and has enjoyed democratic rules since 1992. Ghana's nearly 25 million people receive electricity largely from the Akosombo dam located on the Volta River, which is also the country's main source of freshwater.
Earth is divided into time zones to allow for certainty in travel and business. There needs to be no question as to the time in any place on the planet at any given time. Accra, Ghana is a large capital city in Africa while Portland, Oregon lies on the west coast of the United States. The time difference between the two cities depends upon whether either city is observing daylight savings time.
Before the International Meridian Conference of 1884, time zones were haphazard to say the least. Each country, state or even locality would set their own time, which proved to be unacceptable as interstate and international travel became faster and easier. At the conference, it was agreed that since the zero meridian passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich in the United Kingdom, that the continents would be split up into time zones, each of which were an offset from Greenwich Mean Time, or GMT, the mean solar time at the meridian passing through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. For…
The time difference between Ontario, Canada and Rwanda, Africa changes depending on the time of year. Rwanda does not use any form of Daylight Savings Time, but Ontario does. Thus, depending on the season, the time difference could be six or seven hours.
The Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., and Sandusky, Ohio, offer water park activities in an African-themed setting. Both sites feature indoor and outdoor water parks; the outdoor water parks are open during the summer months, depending on the weather. Both sites offer lodging options and are within 10 minutes of off-site hotels. A third Kalahari Resort is planned for Fredericksburg, Va., as of February 2011.
The Charlevoix region of Canada is a picturesque mountain getaway. Baie-Saint-Paul lies is a small city on the west bank of the Saint Lawrence River. Renowned for its art community and beautiful scenery, the city is a favorite winter getaway about an hour's drive from Quebec. The popularity of the town makes it very easy to find accommodations, with a range in price and quality.
Vaals is a small town in the Limburg province, in the southeast of the Netherlands. The town borders Belgium and Germany and its greatest attraction is the Drielandenpunt (Three Land Point), where the three countries meet. Vaals is the home of the Vaalserberg, the highest hill in the Netherlands, which is near another important site, the Labyrinth (Labyrint Drielandenpunt Vaals).
Casablanca is one of the largest cities in Morocco. Located on the central Atlantic coast south of the city of Rabat, Casablanca was made world-famous by the film of the same name. Royal Air Maroc, Morocco's national airline, contracts out to Octopus Travel a list of hotels in each of Morocco's cities in order to help visitors choose the best accommodations.
Rwanda is a land-locked country in eastern Africa that borders Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is host to a number of cities that include resort towns, market towns and transportation hubs. After Kigali, the capital city, the populations of the next nine cities only gradually decline in size, and thus any ranking in size may change year-by-year.
Sidi Bou Said in located in the North African country of Tunisia, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) north of the capital Tunis. This small town is named after the Muslim Saint Abou Saïd Khalafa ben Yahia. Located on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Tunis, it is known for its artisan influence, architecture and restored ancient white and blue painted palaces. For visitors to this area, accommodation can be found in local bed and breakfasts. Larger, more luxurious hotels can also be found within 10 minutes of the town.
Finding the right house or hotel in Kigali well in advance is crucial. It can save you a lot of time and trouble once you reach Rwanda. By planning your accommodation in advance, you'll also be able to apply for a visa sooner, as well as prepare your trip schedule and mode of transport based on where you're staying in Kigali. Research and contact reputable organizations such as government agencies, registered realtors and established relocation services to aid your search. Find out about the experiences of other travelers.
Katherine is a small, riverfront city in Australia's Northern Territory, less than an hour south of climbing and hiking opportunities in the Katherine Gorge. Local attractions include kayaking trips on the Katherine River and tours in the Cutta Cutta Caves. Local eateries are in downtown Katherine on Giles Street and Stuart Highway.
Rwanda is located in the south-central portion of Africa and is known primarily for its high mountains, numerous lakes and extensive variety of wildlife. Though the country has experienced political turmoil throughout the early 1990s due to an internal civil war and presidential assassination, the country has regained a sense of stability which has allowed visitors to explore and experience the area once again. Travel to Rwanda allows guests to stay in either large hotels in cities or smaller lodges located in more rural areas.
Little more than a fishing village up through the 1960s, the city of Sharm el-Sheikh today offers a wealth of accommodations providing tourists comfortable quarters to rest between Red Sea scuba dives and seaside cocktail hours. Available rooms range from inexpensive but cozy private and chain hotels to five-star resorts. Located at the southern tip of the otherwise lonely Sinai Peninsula, Sharm caters exclusively to the short-term tourist and is a popular conference destination in the Middle East. Although the overall atmosphere is one of upscale European resort, comfortable lodging typically comes at affordable prices.
Located about 25 miles from Nigeria's southern coast and the Gulf of Guinea, Onne is a major port on Ogu Creek. It is connected to the city of Port Harcourt, the area's industrial center, by an 11-mile-long railway. The chief oil-refining city in the country, Port Harcourt is home to beaches, a zoological garden, parks and a handful of hotels and authentic eateries.
Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria, is a cultural and economic city with a first-rate music scene and an incomparable atmosphere. If you are up for this urban adventure, start planning your trip to Lagos.
The KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, or Dolphin coast, is a popular tourist destination year-round. The area is known for its nature and game reserves. Visitors to PheZulu Safari park can experience Zulu culture, rituals and dancing, or go on a game drive. Game drives, bush walks and horseback rides are also available at nature reserves. Three major dams near Durban offer nature trails, bird watching, canoeing and other water sports. One of Africa's oldest gardens, the Botanic Gardens, is located near Durban. Several budget hotels are also found in this area.
Alexandria, one of the largest cities in Egypt, spreads along the Mediterranean Sea coastline. Visitors to the city can go for a stroll along the Corniche, a seaside promenade, or visit the 18th century Abu el-Abbas el-Mursi Mosque, the Anfushi Necropolis, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Hydrobiological Museum and the Ras el-Tin Palace. Frugal travelers can find economical hotel accommodations in Alexandria, where guests can enjoy modern accommodations and access to on-site amenities that include such as swimming pools, health clubs and spa tubs.
Mek'ele is one of Ethiopia's largest cities and the capital of Tigray, one of the northernmost of nine regions. Founded in the 13th century, it is now developing rapidly and has a new international airport. Tourists can visit the 120 rock-hewn churches in the area, or hike the rugged nearby mountains of Gheralta. The city offers several hotels, including luxury accommodations and lower-priced but still comfortable lodgings.
The Atlantis Resort is a well-known luxury resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The resort, which opened in 1998, offers upscale accommodations, amenities, entertainment and activities for visitors.
The seaside resort of Taba Heights is situated on Sinai's Eastern Red Sea shorelines, only 400 meters from Cairo. With 5 kilometers of sandy beaches, an array of shops and restaurants and year-round sunshine, it is no wonder that Taba Heights has become one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Taba Heights also has a wide range of hotel accommodation, with something to suit every taste and budget
Zanzibar is an archipelago off the east coast of Africa that is technically part of Tanzania. The main island of the archipelago, Unguja, is sometime also referred to as Zanzibar. Zanzibar City is on the western coast of the island, and Stone Town is the historic district of this city. UNESCO designated the Stone Town area as a World Heritage Site in 2000, due to its architecture and history as an African trading town. Hotels in Stone Town are mostly in the area's historic stone buildings, and staying in the area will give tourists a taste of the winding narrow…
A historic mining town located in South Africa's eastern Mpumalanga province, Pilgrim's Rest has since become a tourist destination. While the gold mining has ceased--operations were shut down in the 1970s--the town remains largely untouched and just as popular, featuring several luxury hotels. The town has also been designated as a national monument and is being considered as a World Heritage Site for its historical and cultural significance.
Settled on False Bay near Cape Town in South Africa, Simon's Town (sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Simonstown"), is a naval base and village that offers visitors the choice of many locally operated hotels and unique bed and breakfasts that are nestled along a picturesque and historical mountainous coastline. Many local activities include visiting museums, national parks, nature reserves, snorkeling, whale watching, boating, shark cage diving and beaches as well as golf courses, shopping malls and local restaurants.
The Ryad Mogador hotel line is dedicated to hosting natives and visitors to Morocco in luxury. Whether the traveler wishes to explore the beaches of Agadir, the Medina of Essaoira or the Palmeraie Gardens of Marrakech, she will find four and five star accommodations minutes away. From the bustle of nearby bazaars to the quiet relaxation of a Turkish bath, the Ryad Mogador line provides a variety of ways to experience this exotic destination.
The central African country of Chad is located in the middle of the African continent. It's bordered by six countries, including Libya and Sudan. One of the poorest countries in the world, Chad has experienced intense political strife since achieving independence from France in 1960. A difficult country to navigate for tourists, it has few paved roads and is often plagued with violence. Despite these problems, Chad has an interesting mix of cultural and religious events every year.
While the island of Madagascar is considered part of Africa, its isolation from the main continent gave rise to animals found nowhere else on earth. The people of Madagascar welcome visitors to a variety of accommodations. At the West Coast city of Morondava, you will find lodging beside the beaches at affordable rates, with on-site restaurants serving local cuisine.
Maralal, Kenya overlooks the Maralal Game Sanctuary. Home to zebras and other wildlife, Maralal is popular with tourists wishing to get a glimpse of the African Safari or the city's annual Camel Derby, which is held in August. There are several different hotels within the town and its immediate environs, with varying degrees of creature comforts and access to nature, depending on the type of experience the traveler is seeking.
Often considered exotic and mysterious, Egypt offers adventure and excitement for travelers. The Great Pyramids, the Nile River, the Red Sea, the thriving city of Cairo and a centuries-old culture draw tourists from all over the world. Egypt offers lavish accommodations, native cuisine and a rich history for those who visit. To enjoy the best in comfort and class, you may want to vacation in an Egyptian resort.
Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and it's growing fast. The city's population increases by 600,000 people each year, according to the Lagos state government, and the population totals more than 14 million, as of 2010. Visitors have a number of hotel choices across a large urban area. Business travelers who stay on Victoria Island are within easy reach of its big commercial buildings and banks. Hotel guests are a short drive away from public art galleries, monuments and shopping districts.
In Nairobi, East Africa's vibrant hub city, expect to rub shoulders with business travelers, diplomats, NGO workers and tourists on their way to destinations within Kenya, and to central and northeast Africa. Regardless of your travel purpose, the city offers a variety of hotel accommodations with rates under $100 per night. There is one caveat: Nairobi also teems with conference attendees, so book as early as possible to reserve the room you need at the price you want.
Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya and one of the fastest-growing and largest cities in all of Africa. Whether you are traveling overseas or on land to visit Nairobi, staying in a budget hotel is a valuable accommodation so that your money can be used elsewhere during your stay.
The Republic of Ghana is situated in a tropical region in West Africa on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Tourists visit Ghana to take advantage of the beaches, shrines, museums, markets, shops and cultural centers, such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre, which was built in honor of the American civil rights leader who lived in Ghana at the end of his life. Ghana offers a variety of hotels and resorts for travelers.
The city of Leon, Mexico is located toward the northern part of Guanajuato. This city is agriculturally, industrially, commercially and architecturally rich--boasting baroque structures dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. City Express is a chain of hotels in Mexico designed for the modern business traveler; three exist in Leon.
Laico hotels are spread throughout Tunisia and range from three to five stars and primarily cater to tourists and businessmen. Reservations for Laico's Tunisian hotels can be booked online through laicohotels.com, where you will also find a selection of African destinations with a short summary of each hotel's accommodations.
Nakuru, Kenya's fourth-largest city, isin the Rift Valley, approximately two hours from Nairobi, the nation's capital. Visitors will find much to see in the Nakuru area most famous for its flamingo lake and its national park home to hundreds of species of birds and wildlife. Regional geologic attractions include hot springs, geysers, extinct volcanoes and remains of prehistoric settlements. Area hotels suit the needs of luxury travelers and those with more modest budgets.
The beach resort town of Kribi lies on the southern coast of West Africa's Cameroon. With a population of just over 60,000, it is as famous for its spectacular tropical beaches as it is for offering a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of Cameroon's larger cities. Hotels are clustered along a strip of beach on Kribi's southern end. They offer a variety of amenities and accommodations.
Mauritius is an island nation situated off Africa's southeastern coast. Grand Baie is the name of a seaside beach and village popular with tourists. It lies on the island's northeastern coast and historically was a fishing village. Nowadays, Grand Baie is a hub for various recreational activities, including water-skiing, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, sunbathing, boating, helicopter rides, and deep-sea fishing. One of the most notable attractions in the village is the Blue Penny Museum, which displays rare postage stamps. For those planning to visit Grand Baie, there are several hotels.
Situated near the Vaal River and Vaal Dam, the town of Sasolburg-Free State is part of the Vaal Triangle as well as the major petro-chemical center for South Africa. However, thousands of lovingly planted trees have matured and flourished, making Sasolburg one of South Africa's most beautifully developed towns where visitors from all the world come to play and explore. Hotels in Sasolburg range from guest villas to boutique hotels that guide guests to Sasolburg's famed attractions.
In southwestern Nigeria, the city Ikorodu lies within the state Lagos. It was once a settlement of the Awori people and then a trading post for the Remo people. Today it is home to restaurants, bars, schools and more. There is not much lodging within the city limits, but there are some hotels within 15 miles of Ikorodu.
Venda is located in northwest South Africa as part of the Limpopo Province. The town is traditionally the home of the Venda people and is currently a college town featuring the University of Venda. The university, along with its scenic terrain and wildlife make the area a tourist hot-spot. People also come to learn about the Venda culture, which is largely built around mthology and a theme of water. The Venda believe the area's rivers and lakes are sacred. Drums and dancing are also aspects of the culture. Drums are traditionally held by chiefs and headmen and carry different symbols…
Coastal Kenya offers miles of white sand beaches, crystal blue water and historic sights. A former stop on the Arabian spice route, Kenya exhibits a mixture of native Swahili heritage and Arabian and Portuguese influences. You can visit old Portuguese forts or the ruins of Swahili outposts. Scuba dive to a coral reef in the Indian Ocean, or go inland for a safari. Kenya has many beachside hotels and resorts to help you find the relaxation or adventure you're looking for.
The Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, located at the southern edge of the Sinai peninsula, is home to some of the world's best scuba diving. Divers have access to more than 200 coral reefs. Beach fans also have some of the world's cleanest sand to relax on. Sharm El-Sheikh's resorts cover every possible price range and offer many options for hotel sea clubs.
Home to humans for a millennia, Tanzania remains a wild area covered in vast grasslands and forests rich in wildlife. Known for sites like Serengeti National Park, Gombe Stream and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania sees a multitude of visitors each year who are drawn to the natural and cultural attractions of the east African nation. Hotels stand in virtually every part of Tanzania, particularly near its many celebrated wildlife areas, offering rooms, dining and safaris into the bushland.
The Eastern Cape Wild Coast of South Africa originally included the rural Transkei region only stretching from the Kei River in the south to the Mthamvuma River. Today the Wild Coast also features the seaside villages of of the Jikeleza Route located south "along the coastline between the Kei River and East London" according to the Wild Coast Holidays website. Accommodation in this region allow visitors to relax in a beautiful, secluded atmosphere with much in the way of outdoor recreation.
Surrounded by rolling sand dunes and tranquil waters teaming with marine life, Walvis Bay is one of Namibia's top tourist draws. Here you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor sports including sandboarding, sailing, swimming, golf and parasailing, or you can observe Walvis Bay's 200,000 birds and other wildlife. The bay is particularly famous for its high concentration of whales and dolphins. Hotels abound in Walvis Bay, whether you're in town on business or visiting as a tourist.
There's no shortage of once-in-a-lifetime experiences on Namibia's Skeleton Coast. Swakopmund and its surroundings afford visitors the chance to venture into the Namib Desert. It can be accomplished on foot, on an ATV, atop a sandboard, by skydive, paraglide or camel ride. Visitors can fish for everything from sharks to pilchards and climb the Spitzkoppe Mountains or see an amazing seal colony at Cape Cross and stir up the massive congregation of bird life at the Walvis Bay Lagoon. After all that activity, you're going to be ready for a big, cozy bed!
A commercial center in Swaziland, Manzini has an industrial area and retail outlets. Attractions include the Manzini market and churches and for shopping, the Bhunu Mall and The Hub. Manzini has a few hotels available. However, some of them lack exact physical addresses; you often must ask for directions locally to find them.
