Niger Unveiled: Best things to do in Niamey

Best things to do in Niamey
Being one of the less traveled capitals in the world, Niamey surprises with bustling markets, scenic river cruises, captivating cultural sites, and West African beats. When I booked my flight tickets to Niamey in Niger, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Niger has one of the worst reputations when it comes to safety, and I
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Hidden Gems of Africa – How to Plan a Trip to Niger

Hidden Gems of Africa – How to Plan a Trip to Niger
Known as one of the most challenging countries to travel to, cautious planning and staying up-to-date are key when planning a trip to Niger. From all the countries I’ve traveled to so far, Niger is undoubtedly one of the most logistically challenging. There is essentially no available information about the region, and apart from a
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How to travel from Guinea to Sierra Leone by ferry

Tiwai Island in Sierra Leone
Travelling from Guinea to Sierra Leone by ferry has never been easier with the ferry connecting Conakry and Freetown. Here’s everything you need to know about it. Some weeks ago, I finished a road trip to West Africa. Although the entire experience was one of the best I have had, there were sections of the
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Burundi, the country where the drums are sacred

Royal Drummers of Burundi in Gishora
In Burundi, playing the drums is a symbol of recognition, and the Royal Drummers of Burundi vividly represent it. Experiencing the Royal Drummers of Burundi for the very first time is witnessing raw energy in front of your eyes. Thirty performers beat giant hundred-kilo drums with such strength and passion that your heart beats with
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Best things to do in Bujumbura

Beach Burundi - Best things to do in Bujumbura
Definitely off-the-beaten-path, Bujumbura is a city that is easy to fall in love with. Burundi may not be the first country you want to explore when travelling around East Africa, but it’s definitely worth a visit. From its cultural importance to its pristine landscapes, travelling to Burundi means properly visiting “the heart of Africa”.  The
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How to cross to Burundi overland

Landscape between DRC and Burundi - crossing Burundi overland
Whether you come from Uganda, Rwanda, DRC, or Tanzania, there are many ways to travel to Burundi overland.  Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Burundi may be a small country by African standards, but it has so much to offer to the enterprising traveller. Rich in culture and tradition, it is known for its
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Exploring East Africa – Best natural places to travel in Burundi

Exploring East Africa – Best natural places to travel in Burundi
Known as one of the least visited countries in Africa, Burundi has forests, savannas and stunning lakes for travellers wanting to go off the beaten path. It is difficult to find reliable information about Burundi online. It was one of the most complicated countries to plan a visit to, and I was not sure exactly
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Meeting the Pygmies – Africa’s forgotten tribe

Meeting the Pygmies - Africa's forgotten tribe
Known as “the children of the jungle,” the Pygmy tribes in DR Congo are now trying to escape extinction. After arranging a meeting with one of the largest Pygmy families at the village of Kavumu in East DR Congo, I was surprised to hear we needed two soldiers on our sides during the visit. However,
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How to plan a trip to Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in Congo

How to plan a trip to Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in Congo
There is only one place in the world to see the Eastern Lowland Gorilla in the wild. This is at the Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in DR Congo. Mornings are cloudy, and tourism is almost nonexistent at Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is hard to believe that not many people
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Where is the best place to do gorilla trekking in East Africa

Where is the best place to do gorilla trekking in East Africa
I did gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. These are the pros and cons of each one of these locations. “Here they are!”. These are the most comforting words you can hear during a gorilla trekking, and they are the rewards for adventuring in the jungle and hiking until you find these primates.
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How to cross overland the border between Rwanda and DR Congo

How to cross overland the border between Rwanda and DR Congo
Planning to cross the border between Rwanda and DR Congo and visit the gorillas of Virunga or Kahuzi Biega? Don’t worry. We got you covered.  Despite recent political unrest, The Democratic Republic of Congo remains one of the jewels in the crown of central Africa. Its breathtaking scenery offers a variety of wondrous experiences, such
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Kwita Izina – A ceremony to name baby gorillas

Kwita Izina – A ceremony to name baby gorillas
At the volcanoes national park in Rwanda, there is a special ceremony in September dedicated to naming newborn gorillas. Of all the gorillas I saw while traveling in Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo, the most memorable experience was seeing the baby gorillas. These cute primates get most of the attention from travelers, not just because
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Why you need to do a gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Why you need to do a gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Hidden deep in the cloudy highlands of Rwanda, the mountain gorillas are some of the greatest creatures you can see on a trek. With our entire bodies soaked in mud and rain, my friend Jessica and I hiked through the dense rainforest of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. We had trekked for more than one hour
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Best things to do in Kigali – Rwanda

Best things to do in Kigali
From elegant cafes at the hillside to colorful markets full of crafts, Kigali is one of these cities that quickly grows on you the more you spend time here. Risen from the ashes at the beginning of the 90s, Kigali has evolved since then and is now a place like no other in Africa. The
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The importance of wildlife reintroduction in national parks

The importance of wildlife reintroduction in national parks
With wild species disappearing at an unprecedented rate, reintroduction of wildlife in national parks seems to be the only solution in the long term. I visited the Akagera National Park in Rwanda some months ago. Unlike the national parks of Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, Akagera is managed way differently. Only a few rhinos are
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How to plan a trip to Akagera National Park in Rwanda

How to plan a trip in Akagera national Park
From itineraries, transportation, accommodation, prices, and best time to go. This is the ultimate guide for planning a trip to Akagera National Park in Rwanda. One moment you are driving through rolling hills, passing buffalo herds, and observing views of Rwanda’s untouched landscapes. A second later, you are at a vast plain surrounded by dozens
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Crossing overland between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda

Crossing overland between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda: a complete guide
With security and tourism increasing yearly in East Africa, here is a simple guide on crossing overland between these countries. Visiting Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda as a backpacker has never been easier than now. Increasing infrastructure, a more significant traveling culture, better security, and more accessibility has turned East Africa into one of the hottest
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What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking

What to bring and wear for gorilla trekking
Rain jacket, double socks, boots, and lots of water – here is the ultimate guide on what you need to pack and wear for gorilla trekking tours in East and Central Africa. Going on a gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of Congo is not a walk in the park. The climate
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Turning animal poachers into wildlife conservationists

Illegal trade of wildlife
I met with a former animal poacher in Uganda and talked about killing animals illegally, conservation projects, and what the government is doing to help. Levy Tindimwebwa captured and killed wild animals in Uganda’s national parks for over 12 years. Today, he understands the environmental impact of his actions and the long-term damages he was
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Best things to do in Hargeisa

Best things do in Hargeisa
Overshadowed by the political conflicts around, Hargeisa is a quiet and charming city that embodies the friendliness and kind of Somaliland. Located in Somaliland and not technically Somalia, Hargeisa is one of the most exciting gems the Horn of Africa has. Even though it can be chaotic and intimidating the first time,  Hargeisa welcomed me
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The Batwa people of Uganda – a tribe on the edge of disappearing

The Batwa people of Uganda – a tribe on the edge of disappearing
Drastic changes in their lifestyle, constant discrimination, and zero opportunities. The Batwa in Uganda don’t need charity and donations. They need to be protected for who they are. In 1906, the Bronx Zoo in New York City introduced what they called “the most interesting sight in the Bronx” into the gorilla cage. It was a
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How to plan a gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

How to plan a gorilla trekking in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Going on a gorilla trekking in Uganda is an experience of a lifetime. These are the do’s and don’ts when planning your trek at the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. My legs were already exhausted as my group went deeper into the jungles of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda. Even though we could not see
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Best things to do in Nouakchott

Best things to do in Nouakchott
Far off the bucket list of many travelers, Nouakchott is a hidden gem in Mauritania where travelers can see how life in the Sahara was decades ago. Not many people would consider adding Mauritania to their travel plans. However, those who do, are welcome to a country full of mystery, cultural diversity, and a fascinating
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Which are the best national parks in Uganda

Which are the best national parks in Uganda
From dense forests hiding mountain gorillas to savannas where lions climb trees, Uganda’s National Parks reveal why this country is known as the “Pearl of Africa.” While Kenya and Tanzania worked for decades to build a reputation as the top safari destinations globally, Uganda became often overlooked. Travelers come to Uganda searching for the mountain
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How to plan a trip to Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda

climbing lions at Queen Elizabeth National Park - How to plan a trip
Grasslands, savannah, forests, wetlands, and lakes – you name it, and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda has it. It was my first night before visiting Queen Elizabeth National Park, and to save some costs, a friend and I decided to stay in a tented camp outside the premises of the park. With only shepherds
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Best things to do in Windhoek

These are the best things to do in Windhoek
From great culinary and cultural experiences to animal encounters, these are the best things you can do in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Often ignored by travelers road tripping around Namibia, Windhoek is not only Namibia’s gateway to the world but also a great city to understand what makes this country so different from the
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Tracking chimpanzees in Uganda‘s Kibale National Park

Tracking chimpanzees in Uganda‘s Kibale National Park
Whether you go tracking or for a habituation tour, tracing chimpanzees at the Kibale National Park in Uganda is an adventure to never forget. As time passed by, each step became harder and harder. We trekked for almost two hours, my hiking boots were completely covered in mud, and I couldn’t stop sweating because of
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All you need to know before visiting the Devil’s Pool in Victoria Falls

All you need to know before visiting the Devil’s Pool in Victoria Falls
Located at the edge of Africa’s greatest natural spectacle, taking a dip into the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls should be at the top of your bucket list. With 110 million gallons per minute crashing into a 105-meter-deep canyon, there are not many places around the world as astonishing and imposing as Victoria Falls. It
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What are the best activities to do at Victoria Falls

activities to do at Victoria Falls
Rafting, bungee jumping, a helicopter flight, or a river cruise. There are so many different activities at Victoria Falls that it is challenging to know which one to choose. Known as the adventure capital of Africa, Victoria Falls is more than a waterfall dividing two countries. It is a symbol of Africa, a place where
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Which are the best national parks in Zambia

Which are the best national parks in Zambia
Considered a hidden gem for safari lovers, Zambia might not be first on your bucket list, but it definitely should be. Whether you listen to hundreds of hippos honking at the shores of the Luangwa River or look up from the base of the magnificent Victoria Falls, it is impossible to not be thrilled by
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How to plan a trip to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Unspoiled and wild, South Luangwa National Park is the top destination for safaris in Zambia. Here is everything you need to know about planning your trip to this hidden gem. The sun was setting down at the South Luangwa National Park, and we were finishing a sunset break at the shores of the Luangwa River.
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What to do at the Hlane National Park in Eswatini

Eswatini - Hlane National Park lions
With a growing population of wildlife and affordable safari experiences, a visit to Hlane National Park in Eswatini can be the safari you are looking for Whether I was having breakfast in the early morning, relaxing before lunch, or sipping a drink in the afternoon, there were always at least one or two rhinos on
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How to cross overland between Mozambique and Eswatini

Eswatini passport Stamp - How to cross overland from Mozambique to Eswatini
From the different border crossings to the best methods to get around. Here you can find everything you need to know before crossing the land border between Mozambique and Eswatini. Even though the distance between Maputo and Manzini (Eswatini’s key city) and Mbabane (Eswatini’s capital and larger city) is just around 180 – 200 km,
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How to plan a self-driving trip in Etosha National Park

How to plan a self-driving trip in Etosha National Park
With excellent wildlife, comfy camping spots, and easy routes to follow, a self-driving safari in Etosha is the ultimate adventure in Namibia Self-driving in Namibia is easy and uncomplicated. Rental cars with rooftop tents are available for all budgets, camping spots are quite inexpensive and the natural wonders around the country are simply outstanding. Still,
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How to plan a road trip in Namibia

How to plan a road trip in Namibia
Unlike most countries in Africa, Namibia is best seen on a self-driving road trip. How to start planning, prepare a route and get everything you need is what this article is about. After a quick Google search, I was intrigued to see how many articles with itineraries are on the internet about a road trip
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How to plan a trip to Masai Mara in Kenya

lions in Masai Mara with car
From itineraries, transportation, accommodation, prices, and best time to go. This is the ultimate guide on how to plan a trip  to Masai Mara in Kenya. Think about a perfect safari experience and you will probably end up imagining a trip to Masai Mara in Kenya. This world-renowned national reserve is not only Kenya’s biggest
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Self-driving safari in Serengeti National Park – Is it really worth it?

Self-driving safari in Serengeti National Park
A Self-driving safari in Serengeti is possible. However, it requires preparation, knowledge and a higher budget. The final question is: Is it really worth it? There is a certain charm in planning a self-driving safari in Serengeti. It is a very personal experience that test  your skills of driving a 4×4 under some difficult conditions.
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How to plan a trip to Serengeti National Park

How to plan a safari at Serengeti
If you are planning on going to a safari, Serengeti National Park in Tanzania should be on top of that list.  Here is how you plan a perfect trip to Serengeti. Planning a trip to Serengeti National Park can be as organized or as flexible as you want it to be. From group tours for
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How to Get Ready for your First Safari Trip

Planning a safari in Africa
Going on a safari is one of the most extraordinary experiences while traveling, and with a little bit of extra preparation, it can turn into the adventure of a lifetime. Beside ridiculously high expectations, I didn’t know how to prepare for my first safari trip in Africa. I simply saw it as an opportunity to
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In search for Ethiopia’s atypical rock-hewn churches

Lalibela St George rock church Ethiopia
From the rock-hewn churches in Lalibela to the chapels in the Tigray region, visiting a church in Ethiopia is a travel experience you should not skip. Ethiopians relationship with God is visible everywhere you go while visiting Ethiopia. No matter if you are going for business in Addis or to an adventure expedition in Danakil,
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Marveling Abuna Yemata Guh, Ethiopia’s church in the sky

Abuna Yemata Guh, Ethiopia’s church in the sky
Abuna Yemata Guh is not like any other church in the world. This rock-hewn sanctuary stands 250 meters above ground and in order to reach it, you are required to climb up and face death. “There is no other place in the world where you can get closer to God”, these are the words most
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Somaliland unveiled – Inside Africa’s most complex country

Inside Somaliland - country in Horn of Africa - Girl from Somaliland
Completely unknown by some and unrecognized by the rest, Somaliland is the country that is not a country. It’s in a limbo of existence where visitors are welcomed with camel milk, qat and a smile. “If you travel there independently, there is a big chance you will never come back”. Those were the words I
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How to cross the border between Djibouti and Somaliland by land

cars at the somaliland border - crossing Djibouti Somaliland border
I crossed one of the most remote land borders in the world, the Djibouti – Somaliland border. It was easy and fast, but way less comfortable than I though. “It’s Somaliland, not Somalia!” This was the most common misconception I had to explain while I was talking about my journey around the Horn of Africa
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A travel guide for Djibouti City – East Africa’s melting pot

A travel guide to Djibouti City - European Quarter architecture
Undervalued, charming and enchanting, Djibouti City is a journey through Arab, East African and European influences. My drive from Djibouti’s international airport to the capital’s city center was calm and straightforward. No masses of people walking on the road, hundreds of cars beeping for no reason, or standstill traffic jams. Way differently – it was
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Lac Abbé & Lac Assal – Djibouti’s alien landscapes

sulphur lake Lac Abbe Djibouti
Desertic and inhospitable, but simultaneously bizarre and flabbergasting, Lac Abbé and Lac Assal in Djibouti are some of the world’s strangest landscapes. I will never forget the first time I glimpsed Lac Abbé’s surreal landscape at the horizon. The scenery looked so dystopian and desolated, that for a moment I thought I landed on planet
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A guide for exploring the Pyramids in Cairo

Guide for the pyramids in Giza
Either on an independent visit or with a private guide, that first sight of the Pyramids in Cairo will take your breath away No matter if this is one of these places you simply want to cross off your bucket list or a destination you always dreamt about to explore, the Pyramids in Egypt are
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Visiting the Black and White Desert in Egypt

Mushroom Sunset White Desert Egypt
The Black and White Desert in Egypt are two of the most beautiful hidden gems in the country. The best of it: They are located just several hours away from Cairo While most visitors traveling to Egypt have a long list of places to visit: The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Red Sea, the city
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Okavango Delta – Botswana’s most extraordinary natural wonder

Visit Okavango Delta in Botswana
Known as the biggest oasis on planet earth, the Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the most delightful safari experiences in the world. Simple nights can turn into unbelievable experiences in the heart of Okavango Delta. It was 11 pm and I was already in bed. Like most of the guests staying at a
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Meeting the San Bushmen in Botswana and the ethics of doing ethnic tourism

San Bushmen Botswana
While staying with the San tribe in Botswana, I learned more about their culture and traditions – I also understood the good and bad of visiting indigenous tribes. The sun was setting down at the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana and members of an indigenous tribe arrived in our lodge in the middle of the savanna.
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Exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana – A different type of safari

meerkats at Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana
Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans are desolate, vast, and for us, almost inhospitable. Still, wildlife survives, and it can be observed like in any other place on earth. When I though about visiting the largest salt flat area in the world, I never thought I would be able to see thousands of zebras, wildebeest and even elephants.
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18 photographs showing the world from a bird´s eyes

  AirPano is a not-for-profit project created by a team of Russian photo enthusiasts focused on taking high-resolution aerial panoramic photographs. With 360° photographs, 360° videos and wonderful panoramic aereal videos, AirPano is showing the world from a perspective some of us could only imagine. I made a short copilation of some of the most interesting
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5 things you will miss during your exchange and 5 more you will miss back at home

Image by: Fernando de Sousa for flickt 1. Having long conversations with your friends at home about anything important Remember those conversations about who will be eaten by aliens first? Being in an exchange means meeting new people and new friends every day. At first this might sound very interesting and fun but there are
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How do other languages indicate laughter while texting

  While chatting, messaging and using other internet resources, we know that we indicate laughter by just typing “haha”, but did you ever wondered how is it written in other languages. I found these photographs indicating who different languages from different parts of the world type this very common expression. Lets find out! Images were taken
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5 ways to be a traveler at home

 Coming back home after a long travel  isn´t sometimes a nice feeling. First you just want to go back on the road and then you will have the impression that everything at home is just boring and simple. However there are activities to keep these wanderlust feelings alive while reorganizing your life at home and
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