StudentUniverse » Africa

Entebbe & Kampala

Paul — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:45:50 +0000

Entebbe is located just a few kilometers south of Kampala, and is home to the international airport. Kampala and Entebbe are just a few miles away from the beautiful Lake Victoria, and are a popular stopping ground for many tourists who travel to Uganda to follow the Gorilla tracks. Despite Uganda’s turbulent history, Kampala has remained relatively in tact and is back on its feet again and thriving more than ever. A trip to Kampala will have a cultural feel and a bustling array of entertainment for its visitors.

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Entebbe and Kampala Pictures

Things to do in Entebbe and Kampala

One of the coolest places in Kampala is the National Museum which hosts many of the local musical instruments. The cool part is that they even allow you to play them. Another must see place is the Entebbe Zoo. The Zoo has become a sanctuary for many illegally stolen wildlife and is a great place to see chimps, African grey parrots and even Lions! Also in Entebbe is the Botanical Gardens, located on the shores of Lake Victoria. It’s a great place to have a picnic and take in the scenery. One other must see place is Kabaka’s Palace which consists of two large estates connected together by a straight road. The straight road is only to be used by Kabaka since it is said that he is superstitious and afraid to take corners.

Nightlife in Entebbe and Kampala

Kampala offers some great nightlife for those who are looking to stay up late and enjoy their evening. One of the more popular clubs in Kampala is Rouge. Here you can plan on staying late and up into the early dawn, as it is known for always providing a good time. Another popular destination is Just Kicking, a sports bar on the Kissaminti strip. Another great suggestion would be to go the the 3 level club of Mystique. The 3 levels here will always give you something to do, and it’s a great place to go if you’re in teh mood to dance.

Dining in Entebbe and Kampala

For your carnivore lovers, you must check out Kampala Carnivos for some excellent fresh seafood and crocodile meat. This place will leave your taste buds wanting more. A newer restaurant that has received great reviews is the Fusion 9-Bukhara. Here you can enjoy the excellent scenic backdrop with food served to you while you sit on couches–the atmosphere is unparalleled. If you are craving some Chinese Food, check out Fang Fang. Ever popular with tourists, it offers some of the best Chinese food in town.

Shopping in Entebbe and Kampala

The most popular place to go shopping and the best place to experience Uganda is undoubtedly the Nakasero market. Located in the heart of the city, you can experience all the sights and sounds of the city and can buy anything from fruits and vegetables, to electrical and hardware parts. If you want more souvenir-type things, check out the Crafts Village behind the National Theatre.

Entebbe and Kampala Travel Tips

If you need to exchange some money or go to the bank, head to Kampala Road, where all of the major banks are located.
Beggars are common but generally harmless, so just be conscious when you’re visiting the cities.

Malabo

Paul — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:12:09 +0000

Malabo is the largest city and capital of Equatorial Guinea and is located on the Northern coast on the Bioko Island. Over the past ten years, the population has grown rapidly in Malabo, and it has started to become a more popular tourist destination. Malabo experiences an equatorial/monsoon climate. The city’s location is absolutely beautiful with the Pico Malabo on one side and the ocean on the other.

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Malabo Pictures

Things to do in Malabo

A trip to Malabo would not be complete without a trip to Riaba or Luba. Luba is the most popular destination with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and a couple hiking trails to explore. Riaba, located just outside the city, offers you the chance to see the Moka Valley with its crater lake. Another must-see destination is the active volcano Mount Cameroon. The best view of this volcano can be seen from Malabo. Other places to see and things to do are the Plaza de Espana and the Cathedral Square, both home to some excellent architecture from previous centuries.

Nightlife in Malabo

Malabo offers a variety of small local bars and pubs that offer a quick shot for booze. The relatively run down city and street networks do not provide for any major bars and clubs, however. Some of the best places to go out at night may be in your hotel. The people of Malabo love to drink wine as well.

Dining in Malabo

Malabo is home to a variety of food and different cuisines, and many of its best restaurants are located in the local hotels. If you want to try some local cuisine then you must have some smoked beef with black pepper. For other restaurants try the coffee shop at Hotel Sofitel which offers excellent French cuisine. Hotel Bahia is probably the most popular destination to eat for travelers. They have some of the best pizza and pasta in town. For more of an Asian cuisine, check out Restaurant Bantu and for some Moroccan food try La Luna.

Shopping in Malabo

Shopping in Malabo mainly consists of going to local small shops for souvenirs and the like. There are no major shopping malls in Malabo, so it is best to bring what you need with you for the duration of your stay. Malabo has plenty of other things to keep you busy that don’t involve shopping!

Malabo Travel Tips

Don’t Involve yourself in local politics.
There are lots of cocoa farmers in Malabo.
The Santa Isabel Cathedral is historic beautiful–try to take a trip there during your stay!

Dar Es Salaam

Paul — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:18:52 +0000

Dar Es Salaaam’s root meaning is “House of Peace”. This city provides plenty of things to keep you busy for a few days, provides a beautiful backdrop for a city, and has even better weather. Dar Es Salaam is quite the cultural mix with Arabic, Indian and African roots all while the city still maintains its Swahili ties. Whether you are here for a few days or venturing off to the infamous Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam is a wonderful place.

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Dar Es Salaam Pictures

Things to do in Dar Es Salaam

Dar, as it is known by the Africans is typically a stopping ground to more exotic locations like Zanzibar, game parks or Pemba Island, but there’s plenty to do here as well. If you want a truly “Dar” experience go to the Frenetic Fish market every morning at dawn and watch the nights catch come in and the competition for the best catch! Another must see location is the popular National Museum and Botanical Gardens that are located next to each other. If you like archaeology, then you will love it there as you can see some fine antique tribal artifacts and some WWI memorabilia that commemorates the Africans who faught in the war. Lastly, go to the Kivukoni Front to enjoy the beautiful waterfront and the government-building lined streets.

Nightlife in Dar Es Salaam

The Nightlife scene in Dar Es Salaam may be small, but it is most certainly crazy. One of the more popular locations is the Q Bar which has live music on the weekend and a big screen TV to watch sports on. Garden Bistro is another great place to head for the night. Happy Hour is Thursday – Sunday and live music is found there on the weekends. If you want a more low-key night, check out the Village Museum for some local drumming and dancing on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Dining in Dar Es Salaam

If you want some sunset views, pillows and cushions, check out the new 81 Steps at the Peninsula Seaview Hotel. Here you can enjoy a five course meal while looking out at the beautiful turquoise ocean. Another great place is Addis in Dar which offers mouth watering Ethiopian food and serves to Vegetarians as well. Make sure to drop by Chef’s Pride as well. It has long been a popular place to have a quick bite to eat. It’s a classic location and offers a variety of international and local cuisine.

Shopping in Dar Es Salaam

If you want to go to the local markets, the safest and one of the best spots is the Msasani Slipway Weekend Craft market. The quality is good here and bargaining power is a must. You can even get Tingatinga-style paintings at this market. For a more Western-style shopping experience, check out Shopper’s Plaza.

Dar Es Salaam Travel Tips

Dar Es Salaam is relatively safe compared to many of its African counterparts, but always be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
Avoid the DalaDala at night and take taxis to get where you need to go.
Visit sometime between July and September, when the city experiences the least amount of rainfall.

Lagos

Paul — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:41:03 +0000

The largest city in Africa is truly one megacity filled with the extreme contrast of wealthy oil businessman to extreme poverty throughout the city. However, Lagos has much to offer a visitor to this African city. From the sandy beaches on the Atlantic to the bustling city, Lagos always has something happening.

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Lagos Pictures

Things to do in Lagos

Most Lagos visitors are here for business but those who want to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying the city should head off to either Lekki or Bar Beach as those are the two most popular beaches in the area. Also, definitely check out the National Museum. It has some of the best African Art around and some very interesting architecture. No pictures allowed though. The Lekki Conservation Centre is a great place to check out if you want to see some monkeys and crocodiles and other wetland wildlife. Lastly, if you want something really historic, go to Sungbo’s Eredo its an hours drive and is the oldest ancient construction in Africa. It’s over 1050 years old.

Nightlife in Lagos

Going out in Lagos will always provide a good time and great music. One of the most popular places for all the cool Lagos kids is the Atlantic Bar. Here they always have bar snacks and live bands on the weekends. One of the best places to go is the Motherlan’. At the Motherlan’ you can enjoy anything from comedy nights to local jazz with African drums. If you want to keep it quiet then head to the Silver Bird Cinema for the latest Hollywood blockbusters.

Dining in Lagos

Ever heard of Suya? Well if you haven’t you should check out the Ikoyi Hotel Suya for some of the town’s best Lagosian food. Here you can enjoy anything from chicken to steak to kidney with some fiery pepe to give it some flavor. If you want a more international type cuisine then head to Ocean view near Bar beach. It’s got air conditioning and variety of dishes for everyone. Then if you are craving some Thai food head to the Bangkok Restaurant for the best Thai food in down.

Shopping in Lagos

Jankara Market is the largest market in Lagos and here you can find a bit of everything cloth to jewelry to even some Curios. Other popular places to buy some goods are the National Museum Shop where you will miss the haggle of the markets, but will pay a little extra money. Another interesting market to check out is the Balogun Market which is home to some of the best fabric across Western Africa.

Lagos Travel Tips

If you need to exchange money go to either the Eko Hotel or the Ikoyi Hotel.
Never carry more money than is necessary and do not show off your valuables.
Be patient and expect a slow commute wherever you go.

Durban

Paul — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:02:58 +0000

Durban is a tropical paradise located on the East Coast of South Africa roughly 365 miles Southeast of Johannesburg. Durban is the most popular destination for domestic tourism and is a great place to go for young student travelers. Additionally, Durban is one of the largest cities in South Africa which allow for cheap student flights available for a vacation that will be worth it. Durban is home to the Golden Mile which is a developed tourist destination located on over a mile worth of Golden Beaches. This city offers not just a beach going vacation but plenty of history and art to make it a complete vacation.

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Durban Pictures

Things to do in Durban

Since Durban is home to the Golden Mile, it is a must to take at least a day, maybe two to enjoy the warm sunny beaches and go for a surf, snorkel or even scuba dive off the coast. In addition to the beach and watersport activities, there’s the uShaka Marine World which is a massive aquarium and home to more than eight different rides in Waterworld. A great spot to see some of Africa’s sea life as well as enjoy the thrill of some of their water rides. Check out the Fitzsimons Snake Park as well or the Durban A1 Grand Prix race travel too. For a more of a cultural experience, take a historical tour of Durban’s Indian population and the Mahatma Ghandi Settlement or the old Sugar Mill which was known as South Africa’s “white gold”.

Nightlife in Durban

By far the most popular place to go out in Durban is Joe Kools located right along the Golden Mile, JKools is a great pub with pool tables and roof top seating and is always busy with the sundowners. Surprisingly enough, Sunday Nights at Joe Kools is the most popular night especially for the locals. If you want a night full of dancing, then a visit to 330 is the club to be at. It is the most well known dancing club in all of Durban and you will have so much fun that it will be daylight by the time you leave. Lastly, an always popular spot no matter where you are in South Africa is Tiger Tiger. Tiger Tiger is always rocking on Friday and Saturday nights and plays a mix of 80s and 90s music.

Dining in Durban

Durban is host to one of the largest Indian populations outside of India itself and thus a stop for some local curry and Indian cuisine is necessary for any trip to Durban. A great place to have some quality Indian cuisine is the Vintage Restaurant on Windermere Road. For the best view of Durban, check out the Roma Revolving Restaurant at the top of the John Ross House on the Esplanade for some Italian food. For a variety of international food, check out Wilson’s Wharf and you are bound to find something that you like. Lastly, if you want some real South African food, have some “Biltong”, it is South Africa’ version of a beef jerky and is always good for a quick snack or bite to eat.

Shopping in Durban

There’s no doubt that when it comes to shopping in Durban, the Gateway Mall is the place to be. The Gateway Mall is the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere. The Essenwood Craft market is a great place to buy some African Curios, and don’t forget to barter and negotiate hard while there. Durban is located in Kwazula-Natal so check out the Zulu beadwork for some authentic crafts.

Durban Travel Tips

Dress down to blend in the people in Durban to avoid sticking out like a tourist.
Wear some SPF, the sun is hot and the sun’s intensity is particularly strong in Durban.
Check out the beautiful beaches!

Port Elizabeth

Paul — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:48:13 +0000

Port Elizabeth (or P.E. as it is locally known) is a beautiful city located halfway between Durban and Cape Town on the South Eastern coast of South Africa. Port Elizabeth offers the total South African experience with the Garden Route, Settler Hinterlands, the Sunshine Coast and the year-round moderate climate that spoils its residents. Port Elizabeth is known as the friendly city because of its major sea port and popular tourist destination along the Nelson Mandela Bay. Port Elizabeth is home to the famous cricket house, oldest bowling green in South Africa, and the Donkin heritage trail which allows visitors the ability to follow in the footsteps of the 1820 settlers into the area.

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Port Elizabeth Pictures

Things to do in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is most commonly visited as a stopping point along the “must-do” Garden Route or for the Malaria-Free Game Reserves. However, for those visitors looking to stay in the Friendly City, a trip to the beach for some surfing and watersports is essential. The warm Indian Ocean and location in the Nelson Mandela Bay allow for Port Elizabeth to offer YEAR-ROUND surfing, diving of reefs and shipwrecks, and sailing. For those who want to venture away from the beach, many people check out the Shamwari Game Reserve which is home to the “Big Five” of Africa or Addo Elephant Part which is dedicated to the preservation of the Eastern Cape Elephant. Both locations are within an hours drive of the city.

Nightlife in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth is home to several taverns and bars to enjoy some quality African nightlife. For those interested in African Jazz, the Ekhaya Pub is most see and always provides a good quality time. Tapas, a part of Brooke’s Pavillions, is always popular on the weekends with Live music. Get there early though if you want a seat. The News Cafe is located right on the boardwalk in Port Elizabeth and a great place to relax and enjoy a drink over the water. Lastly, for those who want a lively pub atmosphere, Barney’s Tavern is the place to be.

Dining in Port Elizabeth

Port Elizabeth has a variety of places to enjoy for all types of food. A great place to always go is the Brooke’s Pavilion which is home to several restaurants and great breakfast stops for those interested in an excellent ocean view. If you want to enjoy some local seafood cuisine, you must check out the Fishmonger which offers melt-in-your-mouth prawns, calamari, and fish and chips. If you want to keep it simple, Leonardo’s on the Boardwalk has delicious pizza and a vibrant atmosphere. The most popular restaurant in Port Elizabeth, however, is The Oyster Catcher which is known for its tasty seafood. If you want a table here though, you must make a reservation. Lastly, another great upscale restaurant is the Ocean Grill which again offers seafood with a classy and elegant decor. A great place for Sushi as well!

Shopping in Port Elizabeth

If you want to go shipping in Port Elizabeth, you should definitely head to the Boardwalk Shopping Mall or the Greenacres Shopping Centre. The Boardwalk is home to several shops, restaurants and a casino. GreenAcres Shopping Centre is an great places to spend an afternoon with many ships and restaurants, easy accessibility, and a lively vibe over the weekends. If these do not sound appealing to you, there are always local dealers selling African Curios throughout the city.

Port Elizabeth Travel Tips

Visit Port Elizabeth as a pit stop in your South African travels, most notably before of after the Garden Route or a Malaria Free Game Reserve.
Be cautious of your belongings, like anywhere in South Africa take extra care and use common sense when traveling.
If you want a cheap form of travel, take the minibuses around the city. Wave to them when you want to get on, and yell next stop when you need to get off. However, be careful as this is not always a safe mode of transportation.

Accra

Paul — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:16:02 +0000

Accra is the capital and most populous city in Ghana. The city is host to over 1.1 million residents and offers a truly great African experience. From the beaches to the manufacturing center, to the cultural history, Accra has a great mix of cultural experiences and adventurous activities. Local markets are all over Accra and give a great opportunity to practice your negotiation skills and acquire some local African curios. There’s also the variety of great restaurants offering all types of cuisine and bars/clubs to enjoy at night. Definitely worth traveling here so book your cheap student plane ticket and head on over to Africa!

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Accra Pictures

Things to do in Accra

Accra offers both cultural and beach type activities to enjoy. Amestown is Accra’s oldest neighborhood and still an active fishing village. It is a must see and offers one of the most memorable sights in the city. Find a local guide and have him take you around the neighborhood so you don’t miss the cliff-top harbor vistas, old stone houses, or hidden alleys. After a visit to Jamestown, a trip to Labadi Beach is also necessary. On a nice weekend here, enjoy drumming, dancing, and pony rides on the beach and several of the small cafes and local markets along this stretch of the beach. Be careful though as it is dangerous at night. Make sure to also drop by Liberation Square in nearby suburb of Osu. Other places to see are the National Museum, Christianborg Castle, WEB DuBois Memorial, and Independence Square, aka “Black Star Square”.

Nightlife in Accra

On Monday nights, its a must to go to Wai-ki-ki and enjoy some great dancing and nightlife after midnight in to the early dawn. Macumba is another place that must be visited as it lives up to its name as the “best” night club in Accra. Check out Boomerang as its a place where you are bound to find some locals listening to some hip-hope and R&B music. Lastly check out Lizzy’s aka “The Container” in Osu. They have street performers after 8pm and always has great music to listen and enjoy.

Dining in Accra

Osu is a trendy suburb of Accra and is known for its variety of food including Chinese, Western, and fast-food restaurants. Frankie’s on Oxford Street is the most popular place for Westerners. The food is okay, but its clean and air conditioned which is always a plus in the warm Accra climate. For some excellent Africa cuisine, Maquis Tante Marie is the place to go. Definitely check out the chicken yassa and bring some bug repellent for the evenings.

Shopping in Accra

The Palace Shopping Mall will give you the most western shopping experience with large department stores selling everything and anything. However, to get a more Ghanaian experience, check out the Wild Gecko which sells a variety of crafts, upscale curios and batik clothing. For the most popular type of shopping, the National Cultural Center near Black Star square is an overwhelming location for curio shopping. Lastly, the recently built Accra Mall off of the Tema Moterway offers a 3 screen cinema to catch a movie and a massive food court with both traditional and western foods.

Accra Travel Tips

Wear lightweight clothing as the climate is warm year-round.
Immunization of Typhoid is usually advised for Ghana.
Indulge in the Ghanaian culture and enjoy the African food and the friendliness of the locals.

Johannesburg

Paul — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:43:42 +0000

Johannesburg or Jo’burg, which it is commonly called is the heart of South Africa and the financial capital of all of Africa. Jo’burg is an incredibly vibrant and cultural city, but one that has been maligned with crime and poverty. However, a trip to South Africa is not complete without at least a couple days stay here. Museums, the history of apartheid, as well as the excellent nightlife and arts make Jo’burg a necessary stop on any trip.

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Johannesburg Pictures

Things to do in Johannesburg

Without a doubt, the most popular tourist destination in Jo’burg is Soweto. Soweto is home to the apartheid museum, the birth of the Soweto uprising, and the first home of Nelson Mandela. The apartheid museum is a must see location with a detailed and saddening description of apartheid era in South Africa. Other places to go see is Gold Reef City, an amusement park with a casino and an opportunity to learn about gold mining in South Africa. Also, be sure to check out the Hecter Pieterson Memorial, which is home to the death of the 13 year old student who protested against apartheid.

Nightlife in Johannesburg

It is without a doubt that Jo’burg has some of the best nightlife in all of South Africa. If you are looking for a night out of dancing and drinking, then check out the Melville student district which is home to some of the best pubs and clubs. For a bit more upscale check out the Rivonia or Sandton areas for good clubs. For clubs in Melville, I’d check out Rhythm Bar. Other great clubs are Carfax which is one of the cities main venue for entertainment. If you like Reggae, check out Cool Runnings as it is a favorite in the Jo’burg area for some Jamaican style music.

Dining in Johannesburg

If you are in the Melville area then you must go try the Mezzaluna, where they serve some delicious Mediterranean food and dishes including ostrich fillet and frangelica chocolate mousse. Mhmmm! If your looking for a high quality meal check out the Saxon Hotel, it’s one of the best restaurants around and where Nelson Mandela wrote his book “A Long Walk to Freedom”. If you are thinking about a chain restaurant, the always recommended Nando’s is a safe choice, but also check out Moyo’s which offers a wide range of contemporary African food and has stylish cigar bars and top-notch wine list.

Shopping in Johannesburg

The EastGate mall is the largest mall in Jo’burg, but there’s also the Northgate and Westgate malls that offer all the same qualities that malls in America offer. If you are looking for some Curios, check out the African Craft Market which is located at the Rosebank Mall and open till 6pm daily. For those who want to try something a bit different try the Mai Mai mall where you’ll see traditional healers selling herbs and remedies. Another interesting spot for some shopping is the Soweto Art Gallery which is one of the few locations where Black artists can showcase their work.

Johannesburg travel tips

When exchanging currency or using an ATM, make sure to always use one located in a Mall, or inside or bank. ATMs on the streets are considered “dodgy.”
Look for local advice and remain cautious at all times, Jo’burg is dangerous but only if you put yourself in those situations.
Check out Soweto and the apartheid uprising to learn about the dynamic social history of South Africa.