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At the western end of the great Victoria Falls lies the Town of Victoria Falls. It is located in the province of Matabeleland North in Zimbabwe on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls Town is located near Livingstone and the country Botswana. The town is a popular destination for adventurous people and sightseers. It has a population of more than 17 thousand people. The Airport of Victoria Falls is located south of the town.

Victoria Falls Town began as a settlement in 1901. The town was expanded after the opening of the railway from Bulawayo and Victoria Falls Bridge. This bridge connects Zimbabwe with the country of Zambia. The town now is the principal tourism centre for visiting the Falls. The Victoria Falls are within walking distance. There is no doubt you should visit this unbelievable falling of water. It is also a great opportunity to see the Zambezi River at sunset. You can book yourself a cruise or go white-water rafting for about $110. Or you can go canoeing or fishing. Get a magnificent view of the Falls from the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Other activities around the Falls are going on a safari, taking a sunset cruise or taking a helicopter ride. Prices vary from $45 up till $120. Safaris will stay in Zimbabwe or cross the border to Zambia or Botswana. You can also try an elephant ride or horseback safari if you like something different. Victoria Falls Town itself offers safe and comfortable accommodations. There are a few sandwich shops and fast food options, but every hotel also has a restaurant. There are plenty of tourist shops with wood and stone carvings, jewellery, t-shirts and other products.

Nationals worldwide require a valid passport and visa to enter Zimbabwe from Harare International Airport. Victoria Falls Town is relatively safe, but be aware of scam artists. Never deal money on the black market. Also beware of walking on the streets during night.

Casablanca (الدارالبيضاء) is the capital of the Greater Casablanca Region, located in the west of Morocco. The city is known to have several names, “White house” where Blanca means white, and Casa means house, locally it’s known as Caza. Casablanca is also considered the economic capital of Morocco, as it holds the heart of Moroccan business. The political capital of Morocco is Rabat. As of latest measurement the city of Casablanca has a population of 3.8 million people.

Many travelers have expectations of Casablanca being an romantic city, perhaps because the classic Humphrey Bogart film by the name of Casa (which was actually shot in Florida). Although once arrived, one will soon enough realize it’s the opposite of romance, it’s an industrial city where time stood still. But regardless to the fact it isn’t an romantic city, doesn’t mean it’s not fun, exciting and especially adventurous. There’s several fun things to do in the city, of which one is shopping. Many small markets hidden in narrow streets, along with gigantic market squares, always as lively, and loud with low prices for goods from bags, t-shirts to watches and shoes.

There’s several sightseeing’s in the city that are interesting to one and another including; The King Hassan II Mosque (It’s the largest mosque in Morocco and the third largest in the world), Old Medina (a small and traditional town in the north of Casablanca), The Corniche (resort beach area), The Shrine of Sidi Abderrahman (off limits to non-Muslims but accessible by visitors). Most travelers experience Casablanca to be nothing like nearby cities like Fez or Marrakech, and is this case after circling several days around the city I have to agree.

Travelers to Casablanca are required a valid passport, most nationals are only required passport which is at least 6 months valid, and a return ticket. Travelers are advised to contact the Moroccan embassy before a trip. The city has two seasons with a hot and humid summers and white, snowy winters.

Abidjan is the former official capital of the Ivory Coast, the current one is Yamoussoukro. But it’s also the largest city and an important economic center within the nation, as well the third largest French speaking city in the world. The city of Abidjan is considered a cultural hub of West Africa, nowadays it’s characterized by high industrialization and urbanization. The city is situated in Ébrié Lagoon on several converging peninsulas and islands which are connected by bridges. As of latest measurement the city of Abidjan has a population of 3.9 million people.

Abidjan is the commercial capital of the Ivory coast and is an easy from reach from several international destinations with regular flights from Paris, Dubai (via Accra) and Lagos. Travelers from other destinations need to book an connecting flight. The international airport is nearby the city center, once arrived to your hotel it’s easy to get round the city. The most convenient way is by orange taxi. They’re relatively cheap, with average prices of CFA 1000 (about $2.10us). From the airport it should be right around CFA 3000 (about $6.30us). Of course drivers will try to overcharge tourists, but if you insist on regular fares usually they will accept. Ask locals for the latest fare measurements.

The city of Abidjan is sometimes referred to as “Paris of West Africa”, and after repeat visits for multiple years you can actually see continues growth and that the city has flourished. Although the political instability and civil war have taken their toll on the city as well. Most of the buildings have been on low maintenance, and it’s massive amounts of foreigners may seem like the city has lost it glory. Still, the city has managed to outlive all of these troubles. The popular Bassam beach, is still as popular as years ago. And it’s public zoo also remains an interesting place to see many exotic animals for just 200 CAF (about $0.42us). Further more it’s really worth trying several meals on the local cuisine menu’s in one of the many restaurants, for example along the boulevard of Bassam beach.

If you are visiting the Ivory Coast, you need to bring a passport, which is valid for at least six months, along with your round trip tickets. You must also present an invitation coming from hosts living in the country or any proof of hotel reservations. You need to present a vaccination certificate for yellow fever. Visa requirements also include two accomplished application forms and two passport photos.

Benin City, not to confuse with Benin is the capital of the Edo State in the south of Nigeria. The city is situated approximately 25 miles north of the Benin River and 200 miles east of Lagos by road. Benin City is the center of two Nigerian industries including processing palm nuts for oil and the rubber industry. As of latest measurement the city has a population of 1,3 million people.

Benin City was once, one of West Africa’s most important cities until the British came and robbed the city’s valuables. Nowadays the city is still an important center of traditional African arts. The national museum for example, nearby the Oba Palace are both great locations to view Benin City’s finest pieces of arts, even of which the British stole most. The particular beauty of Benin City is the surrounding moats which are historical like the great walls of China, and were used as defense against enemies. The moat has taken over three years before it was complete, further more is the city of Benin known for having the “Best Bronze Casters” in West Africa.

The city center of Benin is rather compact, therefore it’s easy to get around. Although some rules apply, especially when traveling alone. Keep a look at the taxi’s, officially these should be painted red, rather than wine in the body, and yellow on the roof. If a taxi isn’t painted red/yellow they aren’t a official taxi, beware of stepping in. Getting around at night, is pretty much the same as daytime, yet if a commercial vehicle carries no passengers, feel skeptical about entering or stepping in. Besides buses and taxis you can also travel on motor bikes. Be aware that by law the movement of commercial motorbikes between the hours of 7PM and 6AM is not allowed.

Furthermore while in Benin City; try eating Suya which is baked meat, kinda like BBQ but much better, as well pounded yam and obgolo soup named Draw soup and try drinking Palm wine straight from the farmers, as the bottle wine doesn’t taste as good.

To get a Nigerian visa, you must have a passport that is valid for up to at least six months. You must also present your yellow card or current vaccination certificate along with evidence of sufficient funding for your stay. Round trip tickets are also necessary to show that you are planning to stay in Nigeria for only a certain period.

A visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is an unforgettable experience. Its known from National Geographic Channel. Moholoholo is located at the base of the Drakensberg in the Limpopo Province. Hoedspruit is the nearest town, about 20 miles away. On a Game Farm owned by wildlife enthusiast Mr. Strijdom, the center was started in 1992. Brian Jones was managing the place with a crowned eagle. One day people brought a old zebra, who needed special care. From there word got out that Brian was able to care and release animals and birds which is how the rehab center started.

The center provides a home for many of South Africa’s abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife animals and is a highly regarded contributor to wildlife conservation in the country. From all corners of South Africa wildlife is brought to the center, and once healthy enough re-introduced into their natural environments. Those creatures who cannot be returned to the wild due to the nature and extent of their injuries, are cared for at the center and are used to educate the many tourists who visit the center each year, both from across South Africa and abroad. The aim is to get to the public awareness of the plight of the Environment in Southern Africa. The rehabilitation center has birds of prey, lions, wild dogs, hyena’s, cheetah’s, rhino’s, a leopard as well many other different species.

Another important function of the center is breeding. Moholoholo runs a successful breeding program, over 150 of these cats have been bred and released back into natural areas. Some of the females have since mated with wild males in the area, so was reported. They also have successfully bred and released into the wild the endangered crowned eagle, Moholoholo is for now the only facility in South Africa which can do that. The taita falcon, one of the rarest falcon species in Africa, is also part of the breeding program. The conservation efforts of Moholoholo make a huge difference to many species, including raptors.

The Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre is a non-profit organization, relying completely on the support of the public. At first donations where welcomed, but as the rehab grew, the costs have been high, so they decided to also ask an entrance fee. The money is used for medicines, keep up of the cages and the expense of feeding. The management and staff are very committed to the preservation of wildlife. Their knowledge of the animals, they so lovingly care for and protect, is nothing less than impressive.

The tour guide shows all the animals they have and explains the conservation efforts they are pursuing. Almost all of the animals are close enough to touch. You can get in the cage whit the vultures to feed them. That’s is really a exiting experience, they are quit heavy and large when they are sitting on your arm. Last year (2009) they had also little rhino’s which you could pet, little baby’s weigh 200 pound, but so charming.

The entrance fees are for a child 45 rand (about $6.00 US) and for grownups 95 rand (about $12,70 US).

Balule nature reserve is situated in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Southwest of Phalaborwa, and north of Hoedspruit. The Balule Private Nature Reserve was created when a few enterprising farm owners decided to drop the game fences between their farms. This has grown into a 40 thousand hectare Private Nature Reserve, with the Olifants River flowing for about 12.5 miles through the center of the reserve. Balule nature reserve forms a part of the 2 million hectare Greater Kruger Park ecosystem, the fence between the two has been removed. Because all fences are dropped the animals are allowed to roam freely between the Kruger Park and the private reserve on its western boundary.

Large numbers of lion, cheetah, leopard as well elephant, buffalo and rhino now move freely between Balule and the eastern border of the Kruger Park. A game drive experience is very exciting. Search for animals on a game-drive, conducted by a qualified guide. Experience nature from an open vehicle and enjoy the African bush. Your guide will give you information about animals, birds and more. At sunset there is a stop for a sun-downer after which the safari continues in the dark, looking for nocturnal animals such as civet, genet, bush baby and owls. A game drive can be arranged by the lodge where your staying.

In Balule there are several accommodations, we stayed at Amukela Game Lodge, located deep in the African bush. Amukela means ‘welcome’ in the local language Shangane. Amukela is ideal located to explore the diverse sightseeing and attractions in the region or for a self safari in Kruger park. They have a nice terrace to relax, covered in shade by 2 large trees. There’s a small swimming pool to cool down. Both have a view on the small waterhole which is lit by a spotlight at night. Then there is the Mercury star deck from where you can see the Milky way in all of its glamor. The southern hemisphere is perfect for star gazing and the owners of Amukela can tell you a lot about it. More information about the Amukela Game Lodge you can find at www.amukela.com

From Johannesburg it’s a beautiful drive to Balule, you take the N12 towards Witbank, here it becomes the N4, follow this road until Belfast. At Belfast you take the R540 towards Dulstroom and Lydenburg. In Lydenburg follow the R36 leading to Ohrigstad then take the R527 to Hoedspruit. In Hoedspruit you follow the road until you have reached a 4-way stop , turn left here towards Phalaborwa on the R40. After 16 km you see on your right-hand side the sign Balule – Olifants West Gate, turn right here. You are now at the entrance gate of the Balule game reserve.

The main entrance gate of Balule is situated just 10 miles. north of Hoedspruit. An entrance-fee of R60 per vehicle is payable at the gate. There is also the possibility to take a plane to Eastgate Airport, near Hoedspruit, then it’s just a half an hour drive.

The Panorama Route is one of the most beautiful travel sightseeing’s in South Africa. It leads right through the rugged mountain range of the northern Drakensberg in the Mpumalanga province. The view from the Drakensbergen shows a huge, abrupt elevation, which ensures fantastic views of the plains of the Lowveld a thousands of ft below. The panorama route takes you along the Blyde river canyon, Bourke’s Luck potholes and Gods windows. Other highlights are the waterfalls in Graskop and Sabie as well the lovely towns Hazeview, Ohrigstad and Pelgrim’s rest.

Blyde river canyon cuts through the Mpumalanga part of the Drakensberg mountain range, one of the seven major mountain systems in Africa. Blyde river canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and one of the most spectacular sights in Africa. There are magnificent panoramic views over cliffs rising thousands of ft above river bed. The wonders of these views can be witnessed while walking the unforgettable trails laid out on the rocks. The Three Rondavels are huge rock spirals rising out of the far wall of the canyon. They consist slate under a hood of hard quartz where pine trees grow. They have been named after the traditional cabins from de Xhosa tribe, because they look alike.

The ‘Pinnacle’ is a single quartzite column rising almost 100 ft out of the deep wooded canyon. The Blyde river canyon nature gives home to spectacular wildlife, bird-life and plant-life. Klipspringer and dassies find food and shelter in the rocky areas. The grassland supports grey roebuck, rodents, reptiles, seed-eating birds and plenty of insects.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes are named after gold digger Tom Bourke who found some at this place. He thought that there would be more, but it didn’t make him rich. The potholes where created by the water, at the meeting point of the Blyde River and the Treur River the swirling water carved strange cylindrical sculptures. The smooth red and yellow rocks stand in contrast with the dark pools.

God’s windows is a spectacular viewpoint of canyons, waterfalls and rock formations. God’s Window is a small part of a 155 miles long earthwork of sheer cliffs and extravagant beauty. One can observe the hills and forests as far as the eye can see. There are curio stalls and toilet facilities at the parking area. Wonder view is at 5700 ft, the highest viewpoint along the Panorama route.

Pilgrims Rest is a beautiful and romantic spot in a world where a gold rush took place, it has been declared a National Monument. Near Sabie there are some impressive waterfalls like the “Bridal Veil Falls”, the “Horseshoe Falls” or the 230 ft high “Lone Creek Falls”. Particularly beautiful are the “Mac Mac Falls” between Sabie and Graskop, they are twin waterfalls with a height of 180 ft. Graskop lies above the Kowyn’s Pass, it was founded in 1880 as a settlement for gold diggers like many other villages in this area. It a very nice town , with shops, restaurants and curio stalls. For a wonderful cultural experience visit Shangana Cultural Village in Hazyview. Shangana offers tours during the day, traditional lunches and a festival at night.