Egypt - All You Have to Know when Visiting the Country

Egypt has become extremely popular because it is a unique tourist destination. All the lovers of travel and people who are interested in history and the development of civilization already have visit Egypt or are about to go there. Not many other nations have left so many and so vivid monuments as a proof of their way of life in the past and their skills. Egypt is a magical, even mystical place, the historians refer to it as "the cradle of civilization". 

Egypt, The Pyramids, camel

For thousands of years the people of Egypt developed cities in the delta of the Nile River, even though the harsh conditions of the desert. Today, more than 80 million Egyptians live in Alexandria, Cairo and the cities, located along the river. 

The capital - Cairo is great. It is very charming with all its ancient monuments, large markets, dust, desert, crowds, oriental dances. It is like a return back in time vigilantly supervised by the Great Sphinx and the Piramids.

Luxor, Egypt

Temple of Luxor, at night, Egypt

Karnak Temple in Luxor, Egypt

However, there are some things you have to know when visiting Egypt:

• The whole name of the country is Arab Republic of Egypt.

• The borders of the country are with the Mediterranean Sea on the north, the Gaza Strip and Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west.

• The official language is Arabic, but if you speak English or French you will come to grips with the people.

• The official currency is Egyptian pound.

• During the summer the temperatures can be 40 °C.

• The hottest month is August.

• The driving in Cairo can be very agressive as the traffic is heavy.

• Drives on the right.
  

• When you are in Egypt it is better to trust your guide, not to make individual plans.

• Always bring with you sun cream.

• Don't ever forget to bring water with you and also use only bottled one, don't try

          the tapped.

• Taxis are good way to get from one place to another, they are also very cheap.

• It is good to have with you the basic medicines, as they are available, but 

          the names are different.

• Cigarettes can be bought, they are not expensive, but variety of them is not large.

• Here you can buy beer and wine, the hard alcohol is very expensive and can

          be bought only in the hotels and  on the airport.

• Postcards sent from Egypt arrive for 5 days / in Europe for example/.

• In the cities You can find Wireless Internet in the most hotels and Internet cafes. It will be best if you have mobile connection - flash drive and prepaid Egyptian card.

• The modern Egyptian cuisine is influenced by the Greek, Syrian, Turkish, Palestinian, Lebanese, we can also mention the French and the English one.

• Tipping in Egypt is advisable.

• The Pyramids of Gisa are the most visited tourist destination in world.

• It is believed that the Pyramids are built 4.5 thousand years ago.

• The basic religion is Islam. 

• There is no rain, if it happens to poor it is in the winter season. 
  

• The main part of territory of Egypt is desert.

• Only 6% of country's territory is inhabited.

• The Ancient Egyptians have created the calendar of 365 days per year and the 24-hour division of the days.

• The most popular sport in Egypt is football, the country won the African Nations Cup 6 times.

Egypt, The Pyramids of Gisa

Valley of the Kings, Egypt

Cairo, Egypt

 

The Sphinx and the Pyramid of Chephren Khafre, Egypt

 source: herbedisdeadly, cairotravelguide, cooltravelstorytelling

Adventures in Singita Sabora Luxury Tents On The Plains Of Africa

If you like travelling and also look for some adventures - this is a great opportunity for you.  Have you heard about Glamping? This is a glamourous camping out in the wilderness. Singita Sabora Luxury Tents offer you wonderful experience in the African planes, but not deprived from the best luxuries in the same time. This is a mix of wilderness and luxury. Singita Sabora Tented Camp is inspired by the past era when kings camped out with every luxury imagined.

Luxury tent, Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Africa

Located in Northern Tanzania, Singita Sabora Tented Camp is part of the Singita Grumeti Reserves. They, along with other territories, form Serengeti - Mara ecosystem, reaching the Serengeti National Park. You can get there by air - daily flights are available from Arusha. There are also private air charters on request.

Bedroom in the Singita Sabora Tented Camps, Africa

Bathroom in the Singita Sabora Tented Camps, Africa

It’s almost the same now as each air-conditioned tent has top of the line furniture and bedding, Persian rugs, silk curtains, antique mahogany travel chests, swimming pool, elevated deck with Swarovski spotting scope, wi-fi, fitness center, spa, yoga facilities and satellite TV, as well as five star meals along with every premium wine, spirit, and liqueur in the world. So imagine sitting back sipping your favorite drink and eating the world’s best foods while watching the sunset over the African plains.

Singita Sabora Tented Camps, deck, Africa

The locally produced organic products, vintage wines in surprising settings - you never know what you may see. There are available nine luxury air-conditioned tents an en suite bathroom with a bath and outdoor shower, dressing area, reading area, viewing deck with Swarovski spotting scope and a library lounge tent. Here can be accomodated 18 guests. Tariffs include all-suite accommodation, three meals per day, all drinks, including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs (excluding vintage champagne, champagne, and vintage wines on the connoisseurs wine list) and open Land Rover safaris accompanied by an experienced guide. There are also laundry and valet services. Activities like archery, stargazing safaris, horse riding, baloon safari,  mountain biking and tennis are all available.

Singita Sabora Tented Camps, fitness center, Africa

Singita Sabora Tented Camps, dinner at night, Africa

source: http://buzzraid.com

Zanzibar - great beach holiday, accompanied by many landmarks, wonderful nature and great spots to visit

For all who want something adventurous, something different. If you're sick of the traditional destinations - you can find the bewitching island of Zanzibar. It is a semi - autonomous part of the United Republic of Tanzania, East Africa. Zanzibar is very interesting place to visit. The capital - Stone Town is steeped in history. The beaches - definitely worth visiting, we can say the same for the nature - untouched by humans with possibility to walk through the habitat of very interesting species - red colobus monkey for example.

Nungwi Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beach of Zanzibar, Tanzania

East Beach, Zanzibar, Tanzania

In Stone Town you feel like the time stopped a few centuries ago. The doors, the markets are giving you this feeling. You can see people still use dhows like they did in the past. The contact with locals can be very interesting. A walk through Stone Town can give you a visual of the slave trading era. The city was the biggest trade center for slaves on the east coast of the continent. Nowadays on the place of the market is situated a church. Species trade was also very well developped - nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper. Most important were cloves - Zanzibar was the leading producer in world.

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

The winding alleys, the doors and buildings are part of the fascinating architecture of the city. It is a result of the influence of Indian, European, African and Arabic cultures. Here we can also mention the British cilture as this was the starting point for most of the expeditions in 19century. All that and the incredible beauty of Zanzibar beaches make it one of the most attractive destinations. 

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dhow, Zanzibar, Tanzania

That is only a small part of all that Zanzibar can propose for the tourists. As we already mentioned the nature is very interesting. This is the only place where Red Colobus Monkey live. Manny bird and butterfly species can be observed. Whales can be seen from the coast during the migration period. Two kinds of dolphins inhabit the area. You can even swim with the bottle-nosed dolphins if you got lucky. See here more for the dolphins tour. On the island you can also see turtles. They nest on the island and often creep on the beaches searching the appropriate place. The vegetable life is not less interesting – mangroves, coconut and banana trees. To fully understand it you can see the Jozani Forest Tour.

Red Colobus Monkey, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Once you get on the island you can't be out of activities - apart from the amazing beaches,  the possibilities  for scuba diving, snorkelling, diving, kitesurfing and many other watersports, you can get closer to the atmosphere of Zanzibar by visiting some of the restaurants which is also a great experience. There are plenty of such places to visit. You also should definitely visit  the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum - People's Palace, Dr.Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort. Don'f forget about the Old Slave Market and the Anglican Cathedral. All this can be seen in Stone Town. The rest of the island of Zanzibar has also many thing to offer. For example The Zanzibar Butterlfy Center. It is located near to Jozani National Park. In order to see most of Zanzibar you should take a tour. There are several of them : Spice Plantations Tour, Jozani Forest Tour, City Tour / Stone Town/, North Coast Tour, Dolphin Tour and Prison Island Tour. You can see what they offer here.

Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Mangapwani Beach, north of Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

I can say that visiting Zanzibar you will meet the magnificence of nature, wonderful winding alleys, gorgeous architecture, juicy tropical fruits, aromatic spices and very charming and hospitable locals. The beaches - the have these brilliant white sands, surrounded by the turquoise waters of Indian Ocean. Here you can spend some time enjoying a wonderful holiday - sunbathing, assisted by the quietness of the island.

Locals on a beach of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Beach Scene, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dhows, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dive Boat, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar Tours

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Spice Plantations Tour

In The History of Zanzibar spices take very important place. They are no longer the main source of income for the economy, yet here are numerous spice plantations on the island. This is  wonderful opportunity to get closer to the natural wealth of the island. Guides will provide you with detailed and interesting information for a large variety of spices and their use. All this happens near the Zanzibar town. This is not only the place where everybody can buy spices cheap, but also familiarize with how valuable they are in medicine. Many kinds of spice oils can be found here too. 

All this can give you a very good idea why this area is called the "Spice Islands".

This tour is a half day, it includes guide, transfers and admision fees.

Variety of Species, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Jozani Forest Tour

Jozani is a forest which is endemic for the island. It is one of the last remained here. The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is dwelt by the Red Colobus Monkey. This is a very rare species. This is a very interesting kind of monkey. It wanders freely. The monkey is also very photogenic. On the island also live Sykes' Monkey, Suni antelope, wild pig, Zanzibar leopard. Many kinds of birds and butterflies can be observed here.

The tour is half-day, and includes transfers, guide and admission fees.

Jozani Forest, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Banana Tree, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Red Colobus Monkey, Zanzibar, Tanzania

City Tour/ Stone Town

 The town was recently included in the Unesco heritage. The way that city remains the same is stunning. It is like a walk through the time. The capital of Zanzibar is enfolded in history. The narrow streets, along with the small shops, history is scattered everywhere. Here you should definitely visit the House of Wonders, the Palace Museum - People's Palace, Dr.Livingstone's House and the Arab Fort. Other very interesting places to visit are the Old Slave Market, Anglican Cathedral. Worth visiting is also the site of Sultan Barghash's Harem at Marahubi. The tour of the city is so fascinating cause of the architecture. It is influenced by the Indian, African, European and Arabic cultures. Very impressive architectural trait is the carved wooden door.

A few giftshops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts can be found here.

Like the previous tours this is a half-day tour and includes transfers, guide and admission fees. 

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Stone Town, dhow sailing, Zanzibar, Tanzania, Tanzania

North Coast

Another very interesting place to visit on the island. This tour ends with attendance of an old fishing village. This is the traditional place where dhow constructions have been made. The beaches here are wonderful, the same is with the coral reefs - great spot for snorkelling and diving. Here has been built a shelter for injured animals where they receive help and cares and are released back when cured.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Dolphin Tour

On this part of the island are situated several schools for bottle-nosed dolphins. They can be seen during a quick boat trip. You can also experience an ultimate swim close to them. You should not miss it. This tour also includes a visit to a mosque from 12century - Kizimkazi Mosque. It is a proof for the earliest presence of Islam in East Africa. 

Dolphin Tour, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Prison Island Tour

The island was a goal for misbehaving slaves. A jail was built in 1893 and still stands. Hence the name Prison Island. It is also known as Chumble Island. It is famous not only for the prison but also for the Giant Tortoises - they ar ethe main attraction here. They were brought here from the Seychelles in 19century. 

The island is just off the city of Stone Town. It is ideal for a day trip. There are also small restaurants where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. There are also a wonderful  whilte beach where you can sun-bathe and coral reef perfect for snorkelling.

Starfish, Prison Island, Zanzibar

Giant Tortoises, Prison Island, Zanzibar

Prison Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania