Cities on the Ivory Coast worth seeing are
Abidjan - Remains the administrative centre and other countries maintain their embassies there.
Korhogo - Rebel head quarters; otherwise idyllic, bursts with commerce during Feb - May because of flowing cotton and cashew trade.
Aboisso - Important mile stone on the route connecting Abidjan and Ghana trade route
Bouake the second largest city
San-Pedro - the second port city
Yamoussoukro - Although it has been the official capital since 1983, it is not the administrative centre.
Grand-Bassam - A coastal town full of colonial charm, often a retreat for local Ivorians seeking to escape the city life of Abidjan on the weekends.
Egypt is split into many regions:
Lower Egypt - containing the northern Nile delta, and the Mediterranean coast; Cairo, Alexandria
Middle Egypt - the area along the Nile where the historical Upper and Lower kingdoms met
Upper Egypt - a string of amazing temple towns located on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and Lake Nasser
Western Desert - location of the Western Oases: five pockets of green, each with their own unique attractions
Red Sea Coast - luxury beach resorts, diving and marine life
Sinai - rugged and isolated peninsula, with fascinating relics of the past and diving in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab
Cities in Ethiopia include:
Addis Ababa - Capital of Ethiopia
Adama - Capital of Oromiya region and popular weekend destination; also known as Nazareth (Nazret)
Aksum (Axum) - home of ancient tombs and stelae fields, near Eritrea
Bahir Dar - Near the source of the Blue Nile
Dire-Dawa -The second largest city of Ethiopia
Gondar - Some of East Africa's only castles
Harar - Ancient walled city
Lalibela - Home to 11 rock-hewn churches
Mekele - a town in the Tigrayan Highlands.
Moyale - Border town for trucks going to Kenya
Northern touristic zone of Mauritius:
Pereybere - The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.
Balaclava Ruins - A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.
The Triolet Shivala - The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.
The Labourdonnais Orchards - Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible.
East Mauritius attractions
The Waterpark Leisure Village Enjoy unforgettable moments sliding on the giant chutes, with family or friends. Relaxation and pleasure guaranteed.
Ile aux Cerfs Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has the most beautiful beach in Mauritius. You cannot afford to miss this tiny island, delicately poised on the ocean, a real pearl in the Mauritian landscape.
Southwest Mauritius
Ile aux Aigrettes - Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Fund, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species. A few of the world’s rarest birds, including the kestrel, can be seen there. You can also discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko Phelsuma and the Aldabra giant tortoise.
Mahebourg Mahébourg is one of the main fishing villages on the island. Built on the magnificent Grand Port Bay it was founded in 1804 by the French Governor Charles Decaën.
Domaine du Chasseur - Nestling in the Anse Jonchée hills, the Domaine des Grand Bois has splendid hunting grounds covering an area of 900 hectares. Stags, monkeys and boars live amidst the luxuriant vegetation of the hillside. One can watch a few species of endangered birds, including the kestrel. The Domaine contains four thatched-roof bungalows and a restaurant with a panoramic sea view. Take an opportunity to enjoy a meal of venison. (The view is great and well worth the visit, but the food can best be described as average. The venison is very chewy.) *WARNING. There is a steep hike up the hill from the car park to the restaurant. The restaurant offers a 4wd taxi service which is free if you eat one of their overpriced meals, but if you only want a cup of tea or desert they will slug you an outrageous 230 roupee per person, for the 5 minute ride.*
Souillac - A small seaside resort along the rugged coast of the Savanne district. A famous feature is the garden overlooking the sea and named after Dr. Charles Telfair. A popular viewpoint is found at the southern end of the village, right on the cliff top : Gris Gris.
Blue Bay - Bluest water and most amazing white sand beaches you will ever see...period. Take the trip across the island from Port Louis and see what this quiet place has to offer. Very busy with the locals on weekends. Try to go during the week. Glass bottom boats are an excellent outing.
West Mauritius
Martello Towers - The Martello Towers represent the scene of the ancient rivalry between old colonial powers and the ingenuity of mankind. They are a milestone in the island’s history; they symbolise the end of slavery and the beginning of Indian immigration.
Chamarel - A winding road leads from Case Noyale village to the coloured earths of Chamarel: an undulating landscape of different and contrasting shades of colours. The different shades of blue, green, red and yellow are apparently the result of the erosion of the volcanic ash. The neighbouring waterfalls of Chamarel rise from the moors and the native plant life. The site possesses a rare beauty. An adventure park has also recently been opened at Chamarel. Much of the sand has been souveniered by locals. It is now sectioned off, but is not that impressive.
Salt Pans - Owing to the exceptional high level of sunshine the district receives, Tamarin is naturally the heart of salt production in Mauritius.
Casela - Situated in the Rivière Noire district, the bird park stretches over 25 hectares and contains more than 140 bird species from all five continents. Other attractions include fish ponds, tigers, tortoises, monkeys, deer and orchids. Also contains a nice playground. Well worth the trip for those with kids.
Yemen - Yemen Reserve may not be the largest game reserve on the island, but there is still lots to see. You will be able to get close to the herds of deer, as well as admire some splendid species of Mauritian fauna. A few rustic kiosks available in the reserve provide an unobstructed view of the sea. There you can sip a local punch while watching the sun going down.
|