This short guide aims to highest Africa’s best diving destinations. Think of Africa, and it’s likely that it’s the continent’s plains and rainforests that come to mind. And you should definitely take any opportunity to head out on safari and enjoy the sights and sounds of happy elephant. But don’t… Continue reading
Africa has an incredible array of cultural celebrations. They range from tribal gatherings to modern dance and music events. Experience a different side of the continent with what I think are the coolest festivals in Africa. 1. Lake of Stars, Malawi If there’s a better name for a festival I… Continue reading
Think of Africa’s top national parks and thoughts of great swaths of savannah grassland prowled by lion probably come to mind. This iconic – perhaps stereotypical – scene does exist, and really is a bucket list experience. But there are more to Africa’s top national parks that wallowing hippos and… Continue reading
Sitting around the African continent like the jewels on a necklace are some truly exquisite islands. Here’s my personal guide to the top small islands in Africa to visit! Almost always unique in one way or another, some are nation states. Other are autonomous regions. Still more just happen to… Continue reading
Africa’s reputation can be intimidating to say the least. However, go behind the headlines and you’ll find a mesmerising continent full to brimming with sights and experiences. Heading out on safari is a no-brainer. But there’s a lot more to Africa besides. Here are what I think are the top… Continue reading
Quicker than you could say ‘the Spice Islands are at war’ it was over. 38 minutes after the naval bombardment began the shortest war in history ended. That’s three times less time than it takes to reach the capital Stone Town by ferry from the African mainland today. The British… Continue reading
Two hundred years ago this week when Scottish missionary, African explorer and Victorian hero David Livingstone was born public transport was still in its infancy. The London Underground system – the world’s first – was still 50 years into the future; the steam engine had been invented only a few… Continue reading
A couple of hours along boring scenery and new road brings the Tanga express minibus to Horohoro, the Tanzanian side of the border. We pass flat expanses of farmland, and the first herds of cattle I remember seeing. Countries rarely noticeably change character on the border with their neighbours. The… Continue reading
Fun in the sun? Its the wet season The imam on the dalla-dalla from the port on Pemba island tells me its “18 miles from Mkaoni to Chake. The same again to Wete”. It takes me nearly 2 hours to make it those 18 miles to Chake. We pass a… Continue reading
I wait for the rain to stop. No one is moving about Stone Town’s streets below. It hadn’t quite finished drizzling, but I couldn’t take the sitting indoors any longer, and depart. The Pemba ferry for the next day is already fully booked, so I have to buy a ticket… Continue reading
