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Category: Guides

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Best 9 things to do in Namibia

  By Ian M Packham October 14, 2022 November 10, 2023 Best things to do, Guides, Namibia

Namibia rarely gets the attention it deserves. But whether you’re looking for extraordinary wildlife encounters or self-drive adventures, here’s a country which seems to have it all. And in bucket loads, with 44% of its land in some form of conservation or protection. Having explored from north to south and… Continue reading

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Best 9 things to do in Senegal

  By Ian M Packham October 6, 2022 November 10, 2023 Best things to do, Guides, Senegal

Senegal is many people’s first introduction to sub-Saharan Africa after crossing the arid expanses of Mauritania. The semi-desert landscapes of the north blend effortlessly into dense tropical jungle. A trio of rivers – the Senegal, Saloum and Casamance – wind their way to Atlantic beaches and lugubrious wetlands. And a… Continue reading

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Is Togo safe to visit?

  By Ian M Packham September 29, 2022 November 8, 2023 Guides, Safety tips, Togo

Togo is one of Africa’s smallest nations, forming a thin slither of land between Ghana to the west and Benin to the east. Although Togo may be diminutive in size, just 50 miles or 80 km across, it stands tall when it comes to sights. There are Atlantic beaches, intriguing… Continue reading

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The best time to visit Botswana

  By Ian M Packham September 22, 2022 November 8, 2023 Best time to visit, Botswana, Guides
A male kudu stands alert in Chobe National Park, Botswana

While not often first on the list when it comes to southern Africa’s top safari destinations, Botswana has a lot to shout about. An African success story, here is a country that is peaceful, stable and forward looking. With attractions including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and the Kalahari,… Continue reading

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Cuisine in Niger

  By Ian M Packham September 15, 2022 November 8, 2023 Food & drink, Guides, Niger
Cooking pots on an open fire

The food and drink of Niger shares much with its neighbouring countries in the Sahel. This comes from the fact that Niger’s population is made up of ethnicities which cross modern borders together with the fact nearly all Nigeriens are Muslim. What can you expect from cuisine in Niger? There… Continue reading

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How to visit the Sperrgebiet in Namibia

  By Ian M Packham September 8, 2022 November 8, 2023 Guides, Namibia
A mural in Oranjemund depicting an ostrict and its young beside a warning side on entering the Sperrgebiet

The Sperrgebiet has a fearful reputation. Translating from the German for ‘forbidden zone,’ it has been a no-go area of stunning desert landscapes for over a century. However, it is possible to visit the Sperrgebiet without having to dodge its armed guards. I’ll explain all below. Why visit the Sperrgebiet… Continue reading

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Best 9 things to do in Lesotho

  By Ian M Packham September 1, 2022 November 2, 2023 Best things to do, Guides, Lesotho

Lesotho shouldn’t be dismissed as South Africa’s unofficial tenth province. Although completely encircled by South Africa, and closely linked politically and economically, life in this mountain kingdom is very different. Those looking for the best 9 things to do in Lesotho will find a heady mix of culture, natural beauty… Continue reading

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The best time to visit Kenya

  By Ian M Packham August 25, 2022 November 2, 2023 Best time to visit, Guides, Kenya, Safari
juvenile elephants in Kenya

Kenya is one of Africa’s most popular destinations. Birthplace of the safari, it remains one of the best destinations in Africa for safaris. Not only will you find the Big Five in Kenya, but also some of Africa’s top beaches, the spectacle of the Great Wildebeest Migration and Africa’s second… Continue reading

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Best 9 things to do in Gabon

  By Ian M Packham March 5, 2022 November 2, 2023 Best things to do, Gabon, Guides
Palms at sunset on the Libreville waterfront

Gabon is a wildlife lover’s paradise – but not how you might think. Located in Africa’s central belt on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s not vast plains that make it a haven for species. Instead, it’s Gabon’s forests, which are home to gorillas, elephants, and chimpanzees. The country also has a… Continue reading

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Is Cape Verde safe to visit?

  By Ian M Packham February 19, 2022 November 2, 2023 Cape Verde, Guides, Safety tips
Typical street in Cape Verde

If you really want to stand on the westernmost point of Africa, you’re going to need to book a flight to Cape Verde (also called Cabo Verde), not Senegal. (You might want to try CheapOAir for great deals.) It gives some indication of where this small island nation lies. However,… Continue reading

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