Africa
Messages: 69,907 - Threads: 12,407
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Jun 17, 2008 8:00 PM
Irene_Adler
last reply
Jun 17, 2008 8:00 PM
Irene_Adler
0 replies
224,256 views
Welcome to Thorntree's Africa branch!
You'll find plenty of useful information about travelling to Africa here. We highly recommend that new users check out the Africa FAQ thread before posting a new thread as you may find many of the answers you seek there. It also has helpful information on how to search the forum and advice on how to post your questions. Returning users or Africa gurus, please help us keep the FAQ up-to-date by adding important information which is absent, or pointing out information which is no longer accurate.
SEEKING TRAVEL COMPANIONS OR SAFARI PARTNERS? Please post on our Travel Companions branch, not here on the Africa Branch. Any such topics posted on this branch will normally be moved by the moderators to the Travel Companions branch without notice. ...
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Jun 14, 2004 10:49 AM
Zedd_at_LP
last reply
May 17, 2013 7:35 PM
chefhagan
69 replies
43,010 views
Africa Branch FAQ
Inside this thread you'll find a collection of information and links to websites about attractions, activities, travel practicalities and news about the countries covered. Have a good look around before asking your question - quite often your question (or one very similar to it) will have been asked and answered many times already.
When you're ready to ask a question, choose the most relevant country from the drop down menu to ensure the best responses.
Please feel free to add any other useful advice you might have inside this thread!
All links updated as of October 2011
Edited by: Zabba
Edited by: Yersinia
May 23, 2013 8:00 PM
sheilap
last reply
May 23, 2013 8:00 PM
sheilap
0 replies
17 views
location:
Morocco
6 nights in Marrakech - daytrip/overnight stay options?
Hello, I've been trawling through the ThornTree forum but can't find recent information so just thought I would ask a question.
I'm a woman, travelling on my own to Marrakech in early September. It's my first trip. I will be there for 6 nights (5 full days and two half days). Found a nice riad that I'm planning to base myself in and I'm happy to spend most of my time in the city but wouldn't mind seeing a few other places if it was worthwhile in the time that I have.
From Marrakech, I was wondering whether I should do a day trip or overnight stay in Essaouira? Is it still a nice place or is it an over-touristed beach town - the kind you find in Thailand, Bali, India, Mexico etc - just thinking of touristy beach towns I've visited over the years! I can handle a long day trip - it doesn't worry me that it's 14 hours long but I just want to know if it's worth it.
Actually, I'm w...
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May 23, 2013 3:21 PM
thestens
last reply
May 23, 2013 3:21 PM
thestens
0 replies
24 views
location:
South Africa
Keeping food chilled
Hi,
We are thinking of a camping holiday in S. Africa next year. In a reply to a previous post we were told that it is possible to use a cool box and blocks which are frozen to keep food cold. Do most campsites have freezers which you can use to refreeze the blocks overnight? We plan to hire a car (not 4wheel drive) and bring / purchase camping gear and do most of our own catering, so keeping food fresh is an important consideration. Thanks for any advice you can offer.
May 23, 2013 3:19 PM
Picclara
last reply
May 23, 2013 3:19 PM
Picclara
0 replies
24 views
location:
Morocco
Morocco by car?
Hi there. Me and my partner live in Portugal, we are planning to visit Morocco at the end of August and we are thinking if we should go or not with our own car.
One concern/doubt is if it is safe to go around in a car with a foreign registration number (Portuguese in our case). Are we too "obviously" touristy and therefore a target? We mean crime/robbery, not terrorism!
The other thing is if it is really worth having a car or not. We plan to visit the main cities (Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, etc.) and then go into the mountains/desert. We already heard that to go into the desert you need a guide, so we thought maybe it would just be easier to go on an organised trip outside the cities and moving by other means.
Is there realiable public tranpsort between Fez and Marrakech?
Any suggestions or advice is welcome.
Thank you, Clara
May 23, 2013 3:02 PM
dcino
last reply
May 23, 2013 3:02 PM
dcino
0 replies
24 views
location:
Zambia
border crossing Zim to Zam
I will be volunteering at Chipangali Wildlife Orphanage in July with my 15 year old grand daughter. We have decided to take the train to Vic Falls and cross over to Zambia to visit friends. I understand the train should be fairly safe, but have been reading reports that crossing the border from Zim to Zam can be a hassel, especially for people with luggage. Long waits and sometimes search and the confiscation of items on the Zim side. I have also read that there is a long walk between the 2 border posts and am again concerned about hauling the luggage.
Has anyone made this crossing that can tell me more about it and their experiences. I'm wondering if a flight might be a better option for us as this is the first time the grand daughter in Africa, 4th for me, but I've only been to SA and Zam before, with group jaunts to Botswana & Mozambique. Haven't a clue what to expect here.
App...
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May 23, 2013 1:54 PM
taharqa
last reply
May 23, 2013 1:58 PM
taharqa
0 replies
25 views
location:
Senegal
Visa for Senegal beginning 1st July
For all those contemplating a trip to Senegal, the days of visa-free arrivals are over for those who enjoyed that privilege, as of July 1.
My understanding is that there will be two ways to get the visa:
1) Apply in person or mail your passport to Senegalese embassies in the following countries: France, Espagne, Belgique, Etats-Unis, Italie, Chine, Cameroun, Inde, Allemagne, Mauritanie, Afrique du Sud, Russie, Gambie.
2) They expect to create an online application process which would allow you to get your visa on arrival at the airport and border posts. Obviously this option would make things much easier for many travelers.
The visa fee will be 50 euros plus a processing fee of 10 euros. Visa will be valid for a stay of up to 90 days.
That's all I know for now.
Edited by: taharqa
Edited by: taharqa
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May 23, 2013 1:35 PM
hexe
last reply
May 23, 2013 4:08 PM
Helen_of_Troy
1 replies
30 views
location:
Kenya
privat transport and nice guesthouse in nairobi
i will need a lot of privat transport in nairobi and am locking for a reliable driver with his own car. can anyone recomend somebody?
i am also locking for a nice and comfortable guesthouse or hotel. i am going to working quite a bit and shall need a relaxing place to stay.
thanks!
May 23, 2013 1:20 PM
sarayoung
last reply
May 23, 2013 6:04 PM
threedogs
1 replies
39 views
location:
South Africa
Two week trip
Hi,
We're a Spanish couple and we plan to spend the first two weeks of October in SA. We wanted to spend few days in Cape Town and surroundings and then fly to Kruger and spend few more days there.
I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information I've read about Kruger, and I wonder if someone could hepl me to plan our trip there.
Can anyone help me with:
-Would 6 nights be enough?
-We'd rather fly to an airport near Kruger and rent a car there, better than driving from Jo'burg---> is it a good idea?
-We plan to rent a standard car, as everybody says in October bushes are flat---> do we need a 4x4 or a higher car? Any recommendation (car company, insurance, GPS needed?)
-Which route do you recommend once inside the park? Which camps should we stay in? We are looking for game viewing.
Is it a good idea to focus in central Kruger, i.e. flying to Phalaborwa, two ni...
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May 23, 2013 12:56 PM
monimoni
last reply
May 23, 2013 12:56 PM
monimoni
0 replies
13 views
location:
Kenya
Malaria pills for children
Hello
I will be taking a safari with my 7 year old son. We will be starting in Nairobi and on an organized tour of Masai Mara, Samburu and a third (the name escapes me right now) Anyhow, I am concerned with giving my son the malaria pills, does anyone have any experience with this. I am also getting conflicting answers on the Yellow Fever Vaccination. Any input would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
Monika
May 23, 2013 12:54 PM
butterfly88
last reply
May 23, 2013 12:54 PM
butterfly88
0 replies
17 views
location:
Mali
ATMs in Bamako
LP says there are no ATMs working in Mali by the time they put the info only. Does anyone know if the situation as changed meanwhile?
Thanks!
May 23, 2013 12:31 PM
megapickill
last reply
May 23, 2013 8:37 PM
markharf
2 replies
46 views
location:
Tanzania
HELP.... Camera stolen in Serengeti. Now in need of photos..
Hey there,
So during a very awesome safari in the Ngorongoro crater it was very sad to have my camera stolen.
I managed to get all the pics of Ngorongoro but now sadly have none from the Serengeti.
If anyone has been on a safari there recently who would be so kind as to email some pics of the wildlife etc. It would be totally awesome.
It has been such an epic time and some picture memories would be great to look back on.
Cheers.
I guess I shouldn't post my email on here but if you pm me I can send all the details.
May 23, 2013 11:53 AM
maartenpb
last reply
May 23, 2013 11:53 AM
maartenpb
0 replies
29 views
location:
Tanzania
Looking for couple to share safari trip - northern circuit starting 27 june
Hi There,
We are a couple from holland and planning to do a 5 or 6 day safari from Arusha starting 27 june 2013. Serengeti, the crater and maybe 1 or 2 others parks if possible.
To lower the costs of the trips a bit we are looking for another couple that also like camping and do not mind a bit of budget camping. Of course one or 2 days later starting is not a major problem.
Other option is to start on the 26 in Nairobi on a simular kind of trip.
Hope to hear from you!
Maarten & Vera
May 23, 2013 11:49 AM
hugandag
last reply
May 23, 2013 11:49 AM
hugandag
0 replies
29 views
location:
Zambia
Zambesi river trip
Hi,
Does anybody have a recommendation (from the last year) for a good company doing Zambesi overnight river trips to Mana Pools? We're considering going in Sept this year.
thanks!
May 23, 2013 11:20 AM
Magpiesrule
last reply
May 23, 2013 11:20 AM
Magpiesrule
0 replies
22 views
location:
Uganda
Uganda travel mate for late may early june
Hi. I'm heading to Uganda for about three weeks on Sunday (may 26th). I have no plans as yet. Does anyone want to join me to travel to a few national parks like queen, murchison kipedo maybe etc etc. just to cut costs. Several tour companies have quoted me 5000usd for a budget tour for 18 days so would prefer to do it independently.
I'm pretty free, and adventurous.
May 23, 2013 11:15 AM
adamj_jones
last reply
May 23, 2013 11:15 AM
adamj_jones
0 replies
15 views
location:
Ethiopia
Ethiopia photo gallery
I've just wrapped up five fascinating weeks in Ethiopia, mostly on the northern historical circuit. I have posted around 600 high-resolution photos from the trip to the Ethiopia gallery of my "Global Photo Archive" at http://www.flickr.com/photos/adam_jones/sets/72157633348546434/, for anyone who would like to get the flavour of the place before visiting, or recapture memories of past visits. Enjoy!
May 23, 2013 8:50 AM
foxadriano
last reply
May 23, 2013 8:50 AM
foxadriano
0 replies
21 views
location:
Ethiopia
Arba Minch: I look for email of travel aggencies in Arba Minch
Hi,
I'd like to find some emails of travel agencies in Arba Minch. I'd like to visit the surroundings of Arba Minch and I need to find a 4x4 car. I cannot rent a car in Addis Abeba because the travel agencies are asking too much money. I will go there alone and I'm thinking to reach Arba Minch using public transport and to rent a car in Arba Minch. How much money costs to rent a car in Arba Minch? If you can give me an email of private agent or driver, it is better hoping to save money. I cannot and don't like to share the car with other people.
Thanks for some info.
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