As always, since so much has changed in the past few years thanks to lockdowns and health issues, we decided to write a condensed Seychelles travel guide for 2021 that will be constantly updated as per the latest directives. You can of course avail our services to ensure a truly stress-free, guilt-free getaway amongst the golden sands and turquoise waters!  

About Seychelles 

These islands have an extremely vast and varied history. It was largely uninhabited (as far as we can tell) until the 15th century when several Arab and Eurasian traders visited the island. The earliest documented visit was in 1503 by a certain Spanish explorer known as Vasco Da Gama! Rather, a ship under his command known as The Ascension. These islands soon became an essential trading point between Asia and Africa. It was the French that officially took control of the islands in the 18th century. In fact, Seychelles gets its name from Jean Moreau De Sechelles, the then Finance Minister of France. Eventually, the British then took over the island operations and the islands were officially surrendered by France following the War Of The Coalitions. The nation finally became independent 2 centuries later in 1976 and Seychelles became a republic, and during this time became a hub for tourism with the opening of the international airport. 

COVID info 

While a trip to Seychelles is now certainly possible thanks to the travel bubble between India and Seychelles, there are certain regulations to be followed by travellers before arrival, upon arrival and during their stay in Seychelles. This Seychelles travel guide for 2021 also has some updated information about travelling in the travel bubble from India to Seychelles. 

1. It is preferable for all visitors to be vaccinated (at least two doses) before entering Seychelles and also procure a vaccination certificate.
2. All visitors are required to obtain a negative RT-PCR certificate regardless of their vaccinations.
3. You’ll also be required to obtain a Health Travel Authorisation (HTA) Certificate through the online portal here: https://seychelles.govtas.com/

Along with these, you of course also have to maintain social distancing and ideally visit places that are not too crowded which is, of course, an easy task considering how isolated and pristine these islands are! And if you let us choose a destination retreat for you, there’s every assurance that your trip will be a completely private, safe, and luxurious one. 

How to get there

Visa info: Indians luckily can avail a visa on arrival when visiting Seychelles, so you do not have to worry about immigration when planning your Seychelles trip in 2021. The visa lasts for 30 days. You will need to show your onward and return tickets at the counter along with your booking details which we will assist with.

Flights To Seychelles:  Most major cities have flights to Seychelles from India. There are two major airports in Seychelles, one in Mahe and one in Praslin. We recommend entry in Mahe as it makes getting around a bit easier since Mahe is a major city.

Areas of Seychelles

The islands here of course are the most coveted locations of Seychelles. 

You have Mahe, the capital. Mahe is home to more than just pristine beaches; visit here for a slice of Seychelles history. Visit the city of Victoria if you want to relax for a day or two exploring the markets and the local culture! 

Then there’s Praslin, the second biggest island. Home to the largest coconut in the world (and many other such unique oddities), hop on a private boat and visit Praslin and its tropical rainforests and isolated beaches. 

La Digue is the smallest of Seychelle’s populated islands. It has some of the most pristine waters of all the locations owing to its small population. You must not miss the Anse Source D’Argent beach here! 

Grande Soeur and Petite Soeur (Big sister and little sister) islands are home to an isolated ecosystem and are home to annual turtle nesting sites!  

What To Do:

Breezy water and sandy escapes may be one of the highlights of Seychelles but there’s so much more to explore among these comfy atolls! Here’s a list of what to do in your Seychelles travel guide for 2021. 

• Feed the famed Giant Tortoises of Aldabra:
  

The Aldabra Atoll is the world’s second-largest coral reef. It’s also home to the Aldabra Giant Tortoises, a miracle of evolution and a protected species here. You can visit Aldabra and interact with the tortoises, seeing as how this is one of the last places to meet these gentle, giant reptiles!

• Go Scuba diving among the pristine coral reefs

With such a pristine collection of beaches and coral reefs, you can’t take a dive into these salubrious waters. Learn how to scuba dive with a PADI-certified instructor while staying there.

• Visit the cities of Victoria and Praslin and learn all about the history of Seychelles! Hidden away in alleyways and gullies, you’ll find evidence of French, Portuguese, African, and British influences

The post Paradise In The Indian Ocean: Seychelles Travel Guide For 2021 appeared first on Star Vacations.

While a great way to experience wildlife is certainly in the comfort of a jeep during game drives, there’s something lacking in this experience. The human touch, going back to your roots. This is something that only walking safaris in Africa can show you. Walking safaris in Africa are fast becoming a popular alternative attraction in Africa in 2021. 

With that in mind, there are several walking safaris in Africa that range from a few hours to a few days across the great expanse. Here’s our guide to some of the walking safaris in Africa for 2021! 

Great Walk Of Africa 

The most exclusive and exciting of them all. The Great Walk Of Africa takes place through the iconic Tsavo National Park of Kenya. This 160km odd walking safari also involves a few game drives but mostly you will be walking through the scrub jungle, some grasslands, and witnessing wildlife like no other. You’ll also be within close proximity to Mount Kilimanjaro, which makes the trek all the more special. 

Witnessing the Big 5 is entirely possible on this walking safari in Africa in 2021, since you’ll be spending so much time close to the wildlife. Along with them, you’ll see expansive herds of zebras, giraffes wandering around sampling the acacia trees, and so on.

Accommodation during the Great Walk is typically in the form of luxury tents will an ensuite private shower and washroom. You’ll also be served all meals and beverages and typically a sundowner to enjoy as you marvel at the sun setting over the great African landscape. 

The Great Walk Of Africa is not to be missed for the ultimate experiential walking safari in Africa for 2021. 

Kruger National Park

One of the most popular national parks for wildlife in Africa, Kruger National Park also boasts of a luxury walking safari that promises an experience like no other. Located Northeast of South Africa, Kruger is home to a whopping 130 odd mammals and nearly 500 species of birds which makes this walking safari in Africa one to be highly sought after. Walking safaris in Kruger typically last about 4 days. And while the majority of people line up to discover Kruger through game drives, a walking safari is more private and exclusive to give both you and the wildlife utmost privacy. 

Chiefs Island Walking Safari 

One of Botswana’s most unique experiences is the Chief’s Island Walking Safari. It takes place in the Okavango Delta, one of the most coveted areas for wildlife in all of Africa. Along with a walking safari in Africa, you also get to experience rides in a mokoro, a traditional dugout sailboat that the indigenous communities use here. 

You may get to see a lot of water residents along with the big 5 and a huge number of wildlife besides this. This trail is also doable year round making it perfect for your walking safari in Africa for 2021. The Chief’s Island Walking Safari also takes you through Moremi National Park which once again promises to close up encounters of wildlife. 

Expect this walking safari in Africa to be around 3 to 4 nights and of moderate difficulty. 

Great Serengeti Traverse

Walking through the Serengeti National Park to encounter wildlife firsthand is something that people would dismiss as impossible or maybe even unheard of. But the Serengeti Traverse leaves behind all the chaos and cacophony of the urban life and takes you on an adventure that promises to be isolated, exclusive, minimally luxurious, and overall something that will leave you enchanted for the rest of your life, choosing to come back to Africa again and again. 

Taking place over 10 days, there are no other people or vehicles on your journey through the Serengeti. In order to reduce the impact on the environment, minimal camping equipment and utilities are carried along with you. You will be accompanied by veteran guides that belong to the local communities, knowing the land as they have known for generations. 

Virunga National Park 

For a change of landscape, why don’t you move away from the South and move towards the Congo? These vast lush jungles are home to the world’s most enigmatic great ape, the Virunga Gorilla. These magnificent apes now live here in relative peace away from the path of poachers, and the only way to get up close to them is through an exclusive walking safari! You will be accompanied by a guide who will get you up close and personal to some of the gorillas although precautions will have to be taken. 

The post Walking Safaris In Africa In 2021 appeared first on Star Vacations.

The world’s longest river is a thriving sanctuary for local Egyptians and is the reason why these great civilizations chose to place their mark here. Some of Egypt’s most iconic sights are built upon the banks of the Nile so as to provide easy access to the pharaohs as well as the people. 

Many people don’t think of a river cruise when you first picture Egypt: It is hard to avert one’s eyes away from the pyramids, understandably. But what awaits you are days of serene cruising along the Nile with your very own luxury cabin to yourself. Crossing this great expanse of water that spans nearly 6650km in length with a cup of fresh coffee in hand is just how you start your day; there’s so much more to do and experience. 

Here’s an idea of what a Nile Cruise would be like so that you can add it to your Egypt holiday in 2021. 

About The Nile And Your Nile Cruise:

The longest river in the world, the Nile has been the cradle of life in Africa for millennia. There are 2 sections to the Nile: The Blue Nile that is said to be the source of the river itself, and the White Nile, which actually makes up a majority of the water. Although the Nile is usually associated with Egypt, it also flows through many other countries in Africa! However, Egypt is one of the few countries where you can truly enjoy the essence of the river on a Nile river cruise. The Nile passes through around 6 countries in total before emptying into the Mediterranean sea. It remains to this date a constant source of food, water, and transportation for many people living on its banks. And of course, a Nile cruise gives you a very different insight into Egyptian life, from the moment you step on to the boat until you dock! 

You’ll see the influence of the Nile in a lot of ancient Egypt as well. Papyrus was a reed that grew in abundance on the banks and most Egyptian fabric and paper consists of papyrus. This river also was the focal point for a lot of ancient temples that we will be reading about further ahead. 

The Boats You Will Be Sailing On During Your Nile Cruise:

There are a variety of vessels to choose from for your Egypt cruise depending on your time and interest level. While some opt for a simple boat ride, others can opt for longer cruises on larger vessels. You can opt for a conventional cruise boat that has more modern amenities. Most luxury operators run these large vessels that come with such luxuries as swimming pools and recreation decks.

However, you can also avail of a dahabiya for a truly authentic Nile river cruise experience. Dahabiyas are the traditional Egyptian sailboats that were once used to ferry Egyptian royalty. Today, a select few companies own and run Dahabiyas. These slower, relaxed ships are probably one of the best ways to experience the Nile. 

Another option that might not be suited for longer journeys but is definitely an extremely traditional mode of transport that you may see all along the Nile is a Felucca. These smaller sailboats are faster and allow for a more intimate setting as it seats fewer people. Feluccas are the perfect experience for couples: Cruising down the Nile with your loved one, coupled with a glass of sparkling champagne and a delightful Egyptian lunch hamper. It can’t get better than this! 

The Areas You Will Be Crossing During Your Nile Cruise

Most luxury Nile cruises usually start at Aswan or Luxor, some distance away from Cairo. If you start from Luxor, the cruise takes you through Egypt’s smaller towns and villages where you get the ultimate glimpse of local Egypt life. You will eventually be taken to the towns of Edfu, El Kab and eventually reach Aswan – and vice versa. Most cruises are 3 or 4 nights long, which is more than enough to unwind on your luxury cruise along with alighting and exploring the wonders that lie hidden. 

The Places Of Interest During Your Nile Cruise:  

• Abu Simbel: These colossal temples in their own special temple complex are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The complex was built by the Egyptian king Ramses II. These temples were salvaged from the rising waters of the Nile River when construction for a dam was underway.
• The Temple of Horus: Horus is one of the most revered gods of the Ancient Egyptian pantheon. He is said to be the reason for day and night; with one of his eyes representing the sun and one eye the moon, legend says that the cycle of the day occurs whenever he flies over the valley. His legacy is forever protected in one of the grandest shrines in Egypt. The temple’s scale of construction always leaves one wondering at the engineering and architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. Apart from the massive reliefs at the entrance of the temple, one can find reliefs signifying the stories of the Gods throughout.
  
  
•  Kom Ombo: Known as a double temple, Kom Ombo is a structure that houses two gods instead of the usual singular. Its unique architecture even for Egyptian standards merit a visit on your Nile cruise. The temple is dedicated mainly to the God of Fertility, the crocodile god Sobek and Horus The Elder, an older form of Horus. A very interesting feature is the fact that hundreds of mummified crocodiles were discovered in the complex, mostly placed there as a mark of worship to Sobek. Some of these crocodiles have gold eyes and teeth signifying their importance in Egyptian culture!

So what itinerary is best for you? Star Vacations recommends going classic: Sailing down the Nile either in a private Dahabiya or a cruise ship of your choice. Of course, do consult with us before planning your Nile cruise for the best itinerary in the best deal possible. 

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The immensely spectacular Serengeti National Park was established nearly a hundred years ago as a large colonial reserve, which was then made into a national park in the year 1951, and later endorsed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1979. One of the last remaining sites of the beautiful untouched wilderness on Planet Earth and Africa, it lies securely in the Serengeti Ecosystem, an area that stretches from the vast woodlands, Stillwater lakes and grassy plains of Ndutu in Southern Serengeti, to the Northern verdant river expanse till the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This immensely large ecosystem covers an expanse of over 25,000 square kilometers, within which the Serengeti National Park itself consists of over 15,000 square kilometers in area, of protected African treasures, to be discovered on a dream Safari vacation to Tanzania. Any ecosystem is composed of interlinked and interdependent phenomena, including the topography, climate and situation, the wildlife and the effects of human usage. The climate of the Serengeti is defined by periods of rain and drought. The geography of the area ranges from apparently limitless grass plains in the south, fertilized by volcanic ash rich in life-giving phosphates, to wooded highlands in the east, crossed by rivers and studded with island outcrops or kopjes of eroded granite, home to hundreds of vulnerable inhabitants such as the rare black rhinoceros.

Serengeti National Park white bearded wildebeest  Image Credits – wikimedia.org

Across these magnificently large plains, range a fantastic cast of wild fauna, including impressively huge numbers of herbivores, predators and avifauna.  Amongst them, the principal actors are blue wildebeest or gnu (also known as the white-bearded wildebeest), determining the nature of the ecosystem by their spectacular annual Great Migration, “The Greatest Show Of The Natural World”, during which they trek in circumambulation, in their millions, three thousand two hundred kilometers from northern Tanzania to south-western Kenya and back again, as the plains dry out seasonally, forcing them to seek fresh pastures. In turn, their odyssey affects other creatures. Lions, jackals, hyenas, leopards and cheetahs prey on the migrating and resident herds. Vultures subsist on the predators’ leavings. The herds leave tons of dung which enriches the grasslands, providing food and nurseries for many varieties of dung beetles. Serengeti National Park is a wonderland in which to experience the interwoven miracles of life and death on a wondrous East African safari adventure.

Experiencing the great migration of Wildebeests – A Paradise Sight Worth Witnessing

There is still a place on this planet Earth where life is still the same as it was in the beginning, a place where life still scintillates and marvels you. To the Maasai tribe who are the pastoral people of the Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, this is the place where the land runs on forever, a land suspended in the warping loop of time, suspended endlessly and the last refuge for the largest concentration of wildlife left on Planet Earth. Serengeti National Park hosts an endless array of grassy plains, woodlands and hills dotted with glorious animals of all shapes, colours and sizes on every side. Long ago, before the age of man, there were mountains to the east of this natural wildlife refuge that spurted their fury, laying a long and thick blanket of volcanic ash. Entire mountain ranges were buried, leaving only the mountain summits as lone markers of an ancient world, long lost. Over the course of four million years, ash turned to rich soil yielding vast grasslands, and today cradling some of the most important animal species on earth. Yet of this richly diverse habitat, one species stands out from all others, as it is the foundation of the wildlife ecosystem in the Serengeti. With herds reaching over one million, it is the wildebeest that affects many other species. Often called the Serengeti Clown, the wildebeests are magnificently endowed, ready for their endless search of rich grasslands and freshwater. Alongside this massive population of wildebeest, co-exist other herbivores, equally drawn by the rich and varied vegetation of the Serengeti. The Serengeti, ruled by simplest of life’s principles, where herbivores eat plants, and carnivores eat herbivores, thus resulting in the magnificently rich animal life diversification; a paradise, where lions and cheetah hunt with might and stealth, a great generosity offered by the enormous wildebeest herds, where nothing is left to waste here on the Serengeti plains.

Serengeti National Park The Great Migration  Image Credits – wikimedia.org

The Great Migration – Grumeti, Mara Rivers, Lobo Wilderness and Central Seronera

In the very short, rainy season, the Wildebeest herds grow stronger and stronger on the shorter grassier plains of the Southern Serengeti, including the Kusini, Ndutu, Masek and the Maswa wilderness. But soon as the lack of water and pasture deepens around the end of April, it demands movement, a huge defining moment for the Wildebeest herds, whether to choose between migration or starvation. For nearly one a half million of these incredible animals, this becomes a race against death, against crippling hunger and thirst. The herds are accompanied by zebras and gazelles and drive towards the incredible  Grumeti River west and Mara River north via central Seronera bypass, drawn toward Mother Nature’s promise of water and grass. This epic yearly journey takes place between the two African countries of Tanzania and Kenya. The wildebeest herds migrate north towards the famed Masai Mara Reserve in southwestern Kenya, where they roam for three to four months (July, August, September to parts of October) until the rains resume and then migrate back to eastern Lobo Serengeti, becoming a deadly gauntlet of predator versus herbivore that lasts more than eight hundred kilometers or five hundred miles.

Serengeti National Park Marvelous Ngorongoro Crater of Serengeti Image Credits – wikimedia.org

The Incredibly Marvelous Ngorongoro Crater of Serengeti – 

To the Southeastern part of the Serengeti National Park, lies the Ngorongoro crater, which is a large volcanic caldera encompassing nearly hundred square miles of the most fertile and agriculturally rich land. Entombed in an Eden lie rich forests and foraging vegetation, an abundant feast for resident animal species. Hippopotamus, rhinos and thousands of other animals make their home here, others only migrate for the season, for example, pink flamingos. But, like other ecosystems, dangers lurk here too. The Ngorongoro Crater offers refuge to endangered species like the black rhino, who endures this limited paradise, as it offers protection against poachers who hunt the rhino for its precious horn, while at the same time offering a banquet of options for the ever prideful lion. Serengeti ecology is also known as the ‘Cradle Of Mankind’. It was here in the southeastern plains near Ngorongoro lies Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli, wherein lies a human fossil record that dates back to almost around three million and seven hundred thousand years. Today, it is the proud Maasai people that dwell here, following the pastoralist lifestyle of their chaperoned wildlife friends, the wildebeest.

Where to stay in Serengeti – 

Accommodations in Serengeti come in two main types, lodges and varied tented camps, and in 3 Safari Tiers from super luxurious, deluxe mid-range to value cost-conscious. Premier tented camps in Serengeti top the Safari Tier 1 accommodation like Sayari Camp in the north, Sabora Tented Camp by Singita in the west, Migration Camp in the east, Kusini Camp in the south and more. All range with opulent private living space, beautifully furnished and immaculately presented with every yesteryear amenity laid on, often including butler service, massage, king-sized beds, Victorian bathtubs, sumptuous cuisine and highly skilled experienced guides. What makes them such memorable luxury gems for guests is their unobtrusive integration into wilderness. Small, exclusive, intimate, boutique and isolated, they are ecologically responsible and guest-centred to ensure the most rewarding, ultra-comfortable and richly satisfying nature vacations in Africa. These are epitome destination lodgings for unparalleled game viewing and photography. The deluxe Safari Tier 2 canvas accommodations in Serengeti like Buffalo Luxury Camp in the east, Lake Masek Tented Camp in the south have more rooms with more guests in camp, offering slightly less flexibility of organized activities than the premier accommodations but still aspire to the very good standards of service and attention to detail. Value tented camps like Kati Kati Camp in central Serengeti have several campgrounds but are away from each other. These modest camps are set at Safari Tier 3 specifically for budget-conscious guests geared towards economies of scale with no-frill services and standards. They bargain fair value with the least personalization and rigid timetables to accommodate higher numbers of guests in their varied campsites but still reflect the concept of Edwardian safari comfort but bearing no resemblance to rough back-packing.

Serengeti National Park Hot air balloon Safari in Serengeti Image Credits – needpix.com

Experience a hot air balloon Safari in Serengeti – 

A Serengeti balloon safari is a fantastic once in a lifetime experience, particularly suitable for a bird’s eye-view game viewing experience on your wildlife tour in northern Tanzania. Hot air balloon rides leave from three sites in this prime national park. In Central Serengeti, wildlife gathers year-round in the Seronera River Valley where there is permanent water. The Great Migration passes through around May and June. The Western Serengeti includes the Grumeti River, scene of theatrical crossings during the Great Migration in June and July, when hundreds of thousands of gnu, brave the giant Nile crocodiles, and many perish while others detour to avoid the perilous river. In South Serengeti plains, the wildebeests assemble from December onwards, to calve in February, producing 8000 newborn every day on a three-week marathon, a sight not to be missed on your personalized nature travel in Serengeti. The plains of the Serengeti are particularly suited to balloon flights which are particularly convenient, letting you get aerially closer and distinctly accessible to the action than you could be by a game-viewing safari vehicle.

Conditions are favorable early every morning, but you are advised to pre-book this popular activity for your safari holiday to East Africa due to its limited seating availability. Unfortunately, only children over seven and active adults can be accommodated. Because weight is a crucial safety consideration, passengers weighing over one hundred and twenty kilos may need to reserve two places. The balloons are immense. Baskets are compartmented for comfort and security, accommodating sixteen people for each one-hour voyage. The price reflects the enormous cost of the balloons due to a safety replacement every few hundred hours, equivalent to swapping with a high-end automobile. High fees are payable to the national park for tourist concessions for every single passenger. A skilled, experienced and licensed pilot and staff of twenty people are needed for each trip, including launching and recovery as well as transport to and from the launch and celebratory champagne breakfast. Each flight is unique, some high enough to view the panoramic landscape for miles ahead, others low enough to see individual animals at close quarters. It is not a cheap excursion, but it will make your northern Tanzania vacation one of the most memorable of your whole life. It is possible to charter special private balloon flights in the Grumeti Reserve for honeymoon couples on their romantic trip in the great plains of Africa.

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Serengeti National Park Featured Image Credits – wikimedia.org

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Africa is a continent which has numerous attractions. Holiday goers often choose Africa because of the warm, friendly and energetic people, natural wonders and a sunny climate. Due to this, millions of tourists visit Africa every year. The most interesting thing about Africa is what food the people eat in various regions. African cuisine is diverse and African foods are delicious and if you desire, decadent as well. Tasting the sumptuous dishes also opens your eyes to the gateway of the very essential tribes and races on Planet Earth today. The typical African meal pays a great deal of consideration to detail, and you will notice that the cooks employ a rich array of base ingredients, spices as well as other condiments to create a culinary paradise. Ranging from the desert lands in the North to the lush greens of the West and the Sahel plains of the East, Africa has a lot to offer on the dinner plate as every region will serve a delicacy that will surpass your expectations. Here are some of the tastiest foods to try in Africa –

Foods in Africa – Jollof Rice (West Africa)  Image Credits – African Bites

Jollof Rice (West Africa)  – Jollof Rice is a meal prepared in the West African sub region where a fierce rivalry takes place between Nigerians, Ghanians and Sengalese people as to who makes the dish best, with the latter laying claim to own the most delicious variety. At its most basic and fundamental form, Jollof Rice is a pot of rice prepared with tomato sauce and served with fish or meat. Jollof rice is accompanied by chicken also sometimes. 

Foods in Africa – Hoenderpastei (South Africa) Image Credits – netwerk24.com

Hoenderpastei (South Africa)  – Hoenderpastei is a South African dish consisting of a short crust pastry shell filled with pieces of chicken, vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, carrots and celery, hard boiled eggs and lastly, bay leaves. Hoenderpastei is a simple yet highly delicious street food favourite among foodies in South Africa.

Foods in Africa – Maakouda (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia) Image Credits – tasteatlas.com

Maakouda (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia)  – Maakouda are traditional potato fritters that are highly popular throughout the Maghreb, especially in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The fritters are usually prepared plain but can be stuffed with tuna, cheese, meat and other fillings too. They are made with yeast, flour, garlic, parsley and potatoes. The potatoes are then boiled and mashed into small disks and are then deep fried in hot oil until they become golden brown. Maakouda is traditionally served as an appetizer, a small dish or as a filling in sub sandwiches and is served with Harissa, Coriander and Lemon Juice. Maakouda is a really popular street food in Africa.

Foods in Africa – Githeri (Kenya) Image Credits – cookpad.com

Githeri (Kenya)  – Githeri is a really famous staple food from Kenya consisting of beans and maize that are stewed with onions, tomatoes, and sometimes potatoes or meat chunks. The stew is often flavoured with Cumin, Turmeric or Chilli Powder. Traditionally, it is served alone but it can also be served with rice or crusty bread on the side. This African food originates from the Kikuyu Tribe living in Central Kenya.

Foods in Africa – Hawawshi (Egypt) Image Credits – amiraspantry.com

 Hawawshi (Egypt)  – Hawawshi is an extremely popular Egyptian snack consisting of a traditional Baladi bread, which is very similar to Pita bread pockets in appearance and is then stuffed or filled with a delicious and spicy mixture of minced meat, spices and vegetables. The sumptuous minced meat mixture, after being placed inside the bread with added spices and vegetables is baked until all the flavours combine and the bread takes a light golden colour and a crispy texture. Whether enjoyed at home or at various food establishments, Hawawshi is a treat to enjoy and is usually served alongside fresh vegetables, salads and various dips.

Foods in Africa Samak Mashwi (Egypt) Image Credits – cookingchanneltv.com

Samak Mashwi (Egypt) – This African food dish is an Egyptian dish that is enjoyed widely in Lebanon surprisingly. Samak Mashwi consists of a whole baked fish which is then beautifully garnished with Parsley, Lemon slices, Mayonnaise, Pickles and Sliced Olives. The fish should be completely cleaned before baking except for its head should remain untouched and its eyes should be removed. It is typically seasoned with salt and olive oil.

Foods in Africa – Moin Moin (Nigeria) Image Credits – .wikiwand.com

Moin Moin (Nigeria) – This is a Nigerian Dish, called Moin Moin, which consists of ground beans or black eyed peas, and freshly ground pepper such a bell pepper, Chili and Scotch Bonnet. This African food is usually served as an accompaniment to Jollof Rice, Fried Plantains and Akamu. It can very well be consumed on its own as a snack too. Moin Moin is extremely popular in Nigeria and neighbouring countries in Africa.

Moin Moin (Nigeria) Image Credits – wikimedia.org

Fufu (Ghana) – Fufu is a Ghanian dish which is extremely difficult to make. The long process starts by pounding a Cassava and unripe plantains together with a big wooden pole and mashing them together while adding water. As it needs to be stirred vigorously and continuously, it requires two people to make it, one pounding it and the other moving it around in between the pounding. Once the mixture is smooth, it gets shaped into small balls that are then placed in a stew or soup with meat. Similar to the Tanzanian ugali, an indentation is made in the ball, used for scooping up the sauce, with fufu acting as a spoon. The texture is quite gummy and stretchy, while the flavour is bland, but dipping it into a stew gives fufu a spicy flavour that is slightly reminiscent of peanuts.

Tanjia (Morocco) Image Credits – atlasobscura.com

 Tanjia (Morocco) – This African food called ‘Tanjia’ is a Moroccan speciality which is made by cooking sheep meat in a clay urn alongside flavourings such as Saffron, Cumin, Garlic, Lemon and Olive Oil. This dish is extensively popular in Marrakech where the urns are filled with all the ingredients and then placed in coals in a public bath (hammam) to cook the meat overnight till the meat slowly is so tender that it falls off the bone. Originally, this dish was created by men who were picnic-goers and would spend their time outside during the day.

Tibs (Ethiopia) Image Credits – Daniele Bora

Tibs (Ethiopia) – Tibs is an Ethiopian dish consisting of stir-fried meat and vegetables. This African dish can be served in many ways, such as ranging from mild to hot and containing little or lots or no vegetables at all. Due to the extensively wide array of meat used in this dish, this Ethiopian delicacy has a lot of varieties. Tibs is usually prepared as a sign of respect to someone or a festive dish at special events or holidays.

Mahjouba (Algeria) Image Credits – cooking4allseasons.com

Mahjouba (Algeria) – Mahjouba is a traditional Algerian pancake that is one of the most popular street food items in the country. These thick and flaky pancakes are made with semolina, then filled with a combination of tomatoes and caramelised onions. Mahjouba is often paired with harissa sauce on the side, but the condiment is completely optional.

Nyama Choma (Kenya) Image Credits – internationalcuisine.com

Nyama Choma (Kenya) – Nyama Choma is Kenya’s unofficial national dish, meaning barbecued meat in the Swahili language. The meat is usually goat or beef, served roasted throughout the country, from roadside shacks to fine restaurants. It is often paired with local beer and side dishes such as ugali.

Attiéké (Ivory Coast) Image Credits – internationalcuisine.com

Attiéké (Ivory Coast) – This African dish is a traditional dish consisting of fermented and ground cassava roots. It is usually accompanied by sliced onions, tomatoes, grilled chicken, or fried fish. This tasty dish is consumed by people of all ages for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although it is traditionally prepared exclusively by women. It can be bought at numerous local markets, either in individual portions or large bags.

Ugali (Tanzania) Image Credits – recipesaroundtheworld.com

Ugali (Tanzania)  – This is an exceptionally unique, polenta-like side dish. It is a huge favourite among local Tanzanians. Made by rolling a tiny bit of creamy and thick cornmeal paste (made from cooked white maize) until it forms into a ball and making an indention in it with a thumb, Ugali becomes an edible spoon that is dipped into various other dishes, sauces and stews. The sign of an Ugali made well is that it shouldn’t stick to your fingers at all. The whole thing is usually dipped in a savoury sauce, then placed in the mouth for consumption. Ugali is more than just a taste; it is a food culture in itself. This dish is usually served with whatever meat is available, mashed vegetables, stews, or sour milk. It is found all throughout Africa, it is not just a Tanzanian dish, in South Africa, it is called ‘Pap’, in Zimbabwe, it is called ‘Sadza’, and in Zambia, it is called ‘Nshima’. Regardless of the name, this dish’s popularity in Africa is unparalleled.

Suya (Nigeria) Image Credits – samisonline.com

Suya (Nigeria) – This dish is believed to have originated among the Hausa people as this Nigerian dish employs thin slices of beef or chicken that are generously seasoned and are then roasted over charcoal grills. The essential ingredient of this dish is a dry spice blend known as Suya or Yaji which is made from Ground Peanuts and Red Peppers. The spice blend is versatile, and depending on the region, it may incorporate various additional ingredients. In Nigeria, the skewers are usually sold individually and are mainly enjoyed on the go as a quick, cheap, and nutritious snack. In restaurants, they are often paired with vegetables such as sliced onions or tomatoes. Along with being a staple throughout Nigeria, Suya is also found in other parts of Western Africa.

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The Africa tour is turning out to be a bucket list worth for those who seek the mix of outdoor expeditions and authentic cultural activities. Here, we are pointing to the few life changing experiences one must try on their Africa tour.

Watching elephants on riverbanks in Chobe National Park 

A trip to Botswana’s Chobe National park, gives the wide opportunity to see herds of African elephants wandering freely. Relishing the opportunity of Watching the largest land mammals in their natural habitat will be a lifetime memory to cherish. Boarding the Chobe river cruise brings you to witness the elephants and buffaloes come to drink water in the river banks.

An aerial view of the towering volcanic peak of Mt. Nyiragongo Image Credits – wikimedia.org

Climbing the Active Nyiragongo Volcano 

Nyiragongo Volcano is situated amidst Africa’s national park, it’s one of the world’s most active volcanoes- Mount Nyiragongo. Known to have the fastest flowing lava in the world which is responsible for more 40% of eruption in Africa. Since 2002 there has been no proof of eruption but regardless, the volcano’s lake of lava is rising again slowly. Climbing this is not for the faint of heart.

Under the water at Red Sea, Egypt Image Credits – wikimedia.org

Diving the Red Sea

Speaking about Egypt, it’s not only pyramids and treasures. It is also the origin of the Red Sea , which is one among the seven wonders of the  underwater world and a popular diving destination. The warm red water gives the clear visibility of millions of fish, beautiful coral reefs and an outstanding diving destination . About 20% of species are endemic to the area. It’s a perfect place for an adventurous person to experience diving during the Africa tour.

Amazing wildlife show 

Without experiencing the marathon of African wildlife, the list of life changing experiences will be incomplete. Every year, millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope travel from Serengeti national park to the greener pastures of the Maasai Mara.

Bushfire Music Festival Swaziland Image Credits – radseason.com

Bushfire Music Festival 

Swaziland is the smallest country of Southern Africa. It is one of the monarchies in Africa, which has a rich local culture and heritage. Bushfire is the internationally famous  music and art festival which gives the  experience of  what the country is all about.  Every year, approximately 25000 people attend this musical treat to listen to Africa’s top artists and contribute to the promotion of social responsibility. The pride of this festival is that it donates 100% of its profit to AIDS orphans.

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