Serengeti National Park - one of the largest reserves of fauna not only in Tanzania, but throughout the world

Serengeti National Park - is one of the largest reserves of fauna not only in Tanzania, but throughout the world. Magnificent landscapes of the park, its great plains and hills, its diverse fauna, is very interesting and unusual phenomenon of a large animals migration. The translation from the language of the Masai tribe "Serengeti" means "boundless plain". This absolutely flat treeless savanna is home to hundreds of species of wild animals.

Having been there once, these places cannot be forgotten: the wonderful light effects, the plains, the volcanoes on the horizon, amazing fauna and, of course, proud and distinctive Maasai people living in these places. Giraffes, zebras, gazelles, antelope, impala, wild boar, warthog divide the plain with its main predators: lions, leopards, cheetahs, scavengers, hyenas. It is also a paradise for birdwatchers.

Be sure to try a local version of the Serengeti grilled chicken, fried in a test fowl, buffalo steak, chicken soup with green peas, braised veal with vegetables, etc. Various fried sausages, frankfurters and other fried and smoked meat on open fire can be tasted in any cafes, even from street vendors.

Here in the vast expanses of the African savanna a million large grazing ungulates, and thousands of predators find their food among their herds. In the national park can be found about 35 species of plains animals, including the "big five" - elephants, rhinos, lions (about 3000 individuals), leopard and buffalo. Among the other common animals here include the Maasai giraffes, hippos, antelopes, crocodiles, hyenas, baboons, jackals, Bat-eared Fox and zebras, as well as chameleons. Serengeti - is home to 500 species of birds. In these areas live red bizzards, black-hawks, feeding on small carnivores and birds, the eagle owl cape and a minstrel, and the crested eagle, vultures, owls and extraordinarily beautiful storks.

Since the end of September, the giant herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles are beginning their journey, running over 200 km and leaving behind a huge pillar of dust from the Serengeti to the green steppe Masai Mara, located in southwestern Kenya. However migrating antelopes and predators, for which the weak and sick animals are easy prey. This is a wonderfully exciting entertaintment.

Zanzibar Island...

Stories about the island of Zanzibar can be found in the tales of thousand and one nights. What is it special for ? Everyone, absolutely, starting with the first step on his land. The island is not very large by itself, in kilometers from the northern to the southern promontory of about 100 km, but due to the complexity of the roads, moveing quickly is almost impossible.

In the mid-19 century, the island ranked first in the world for the supply of cloves, and became the largest port on the sale of slaves, thus acquiring the status of one of the most important cities of the east coast of Africa.

For many centuries the island was under the influence of different cultures that left a vivid imprint on the face of the old Stone Town of Zanzibar. This historic part of the island is a UNESCO world heritage list.

Antiquities and ancient side by side with the simple structure of everyday life. in the old city. Because of the strong influence of Arab culture the majority of the population are Muslims. And where the love of bright colors can only wonder. Passing through the urban market does not see the same way women dressed, not counting the orthodox Muslim women who dressed in black. You enter the usual cafe, and eat regular meals, something like pilaf... People who are in the same room always greet each other and embrace each other and, most importantly, they have a sincere laugh.

No one is hurrying. Especially attract local souvenir shops, handicrafts made of dark wood, solid silver jewelry with stones, colorful batiks, and paintings depicting African life, nature, people at the sunset, sunrise and other crocodiles.

Buildings, once whitewashed, are covered with damp gray mold, with no glass in windows (in most cases). Always warm and very humid. From this creates a strange impression of natural decay and eternal rebirth. Paradoxically, but truly beautiful.

Nature in Zanzibar is pristine, palm trees, huge, centuries-old, not combed. Grass, bushes and alleys of the mango trees, all the time before his eyes. Fiery brown earth gives a startling contrast with the bright green and all this naturally fit people with dark brown skin.

And the largest and most important aspect of island life - is the ocean. Powerful, wild, beautiful. At night he sings the songs, and during the day excites all shades of blue. Clean and transparent way and pulls dive. That's right on the coast about life holiday guests of the island. Here are many hotels for every taste and purse, all hotels are on the coastline.

TANZANIA...

Holidays in Tanzania will give you everything you have ever dreamed of: an incredible adventure, "barefoot paradise of tropical islands, a rich diversity of the underwater world, an exciting climb the highest mountain in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro and the best in the world safari. Tanzania for adventurers -
undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and intriguing country. Holidays in Tanzania will not disappoint you.

Tanzania - is the leading country on safari in Africa. The most prestigious trophies in places where hunting is permitted, the animals are so-called Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and African buffalo. Tanzania - an ideal venue for various types of safari due to the fact that a significant part of its territory includes national parks and reserves with a diverse wildlife and flora.

Sizeable proportion of the territory of Tanzania (about 33660 sq.km) is the National Parks and Reserves. In the north of the country's most famous plains of Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro conservation zone, as well as Reserve Tarangire. Lake Manyara National Park has about 340 species of birds! The main point safari in the south - the largest in the world Selous Game Reserve. And the queen of Tanzania -is of course, the mysterious Mount Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania - UNESCO world heritage
On the territory of the protected zone is preserved the ancient amphitheater Ngorongoro Crater - a place a huge explosion of the volcano. This unique crater resembles Noah's ark, because here in abundance inhabit a variety of animals. Ngorongoro Crater is included in UNESCO World Heritage list and carefully guarded.
UNESCO protects nearly a quarter of the territory of Tanzania - the official tribute to the marvelous richness of its nature.

Tanzania - the cradle of humanity
Olduvai Gorge - the richest in the world of archaeological excavations of the prehistoric period. Here is kept a mystery of origin of human life on Earth.

- Tanzania - a collection of geographic giants
In Tanzania are the highest mountains in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m) and the three largest lakes in Africa: Victoria (the second largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior), Tanganyika (second on the depth of freshwater lake in the world after Lake Baikal) and Lake Malawi. And also in Tanzania are the largest in the world Selous Game Reserve (25744 sq.km) and the largest in Africa, Serengeti National Park, where dwells the most numerous and diverse wildlife.

- Tanzania - an amazing phenomenon of the annual migration
Perhaps such glory safari in Tanzania has received with the annual migration of herbivores in the Serengeti. Every year, before the onset of the rainy season, about 2 million hoofed animals rush to the Serengeti plains to the north, in the Masai Mara. And behind them pursue the watchful predators and scavengers. When correctly matched the time of your stay in Tanzania, you can become a witness of this amazing, overawe the spectacle.

Safety
It is not recommended to visit Tanzania from March to May, when heavy rains at high temperature creates a very uncomfortable environment for the Europeans. Also during this period dramatically increases the risk of malaria and gastro-intestinal diseases.

In areas of reserves are operating well-armed gangs of poachers, which constantly struggles. Crimes related to drugs, are fairly common in Zanzibar and in provincial areas. Do not display expensive photo-and video equipment, valuables or documents. Avoid walking alone at night on the streets. Do not leave belongings unattended. Since you should always carry a photocopy of the passport, and the passport, money and ticket store in a safe place (safe in the hotel).

Environmental legislation of Zanzibar banned the use of plastic bags for packing goods in the shops. Anyone guilty of the manufacture, import or sell plastic bags could be fined up to thousands or pleasing to prison for up to a year. Also not recommended for use, and especially to throw existing plastic bags.

Supply of cities and towns with clean water - a big problem in Tanzania. There are problems with the lighting, so in many hotels as a backup light source can be detected by kerosene lamps.

South Africa has everything...

South Africa has everything... Sunny beaches, ski resorts, animals - from elephants to penguins, magnificent hotels, diamonds, which, like seeds, and sell on every street corner, souvenirs from ostrich eggs, and aboriginal villages, where "amulet from the clutches of a wild tiger, killed only yesterday" will be imposed to you...


In the Republic of South Africa live almost 43 million people. 13 % white, others various brown shades. On the one hand, they are incredibly kind and willing chatted with you for several hours. On the other - to play with them is not worth it. All major cities have neighborhoods on which the cars drive through a tightly battened doors and windows, as fraught - Weapons in South Africa sold freely, and if the machine stops, there is no guarantee that the passengers will not be robbed. The authorities of such "pranks" are well aware, and we must give them their due - in dangerous places hang signs: "Beware, there being robbed!" Or "Watch out, there is often stealing the car!".

By the way, about the cars. Without them in South Africa, you will not manage, there is no public transport in the country . Hope for a few trips around is not worth it. They are used only by negros (by the way, do not so call them!), and what they would be - "good" or "evil" - is unknown. Picking up your car, you will not regret it - the roads in South Africa are very nice, go here very carefully. The main thing - to make the correct route, so as not to miss the most interesting.


The most beautiful buildings of the city center - Mail, Central Library, the Museum's history and the Museum of Fine Arts. The last interesting collection of works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Rodin. However, at the center of Johannesburg, or, as the local, Yoburga, bad reputation - there the punks with great pleasure are robbing tourists walking alone and there is not worth it. So where the visitors are more interested in the suburbs. Soweto, for example, where he works great amusement park "Gold Reef City", broken on the site of gold mines. By purchasing a ticket, you can go down into the mine and to see how to become molten gold into ingots. You can also go to the Sterkfontein Caves and thorough inspection of 6 underground rooms, in one of which was discovered the skull of the famous Mrs. Ples - the primitive woman who lived more than two million years ago.


The city is famous for the fact that there are no bad weather. Bathing season lasts all year round, and splash in the sea can be without fear or favor - along the beaches are special nets shark. Another attraction - the aquarium "Shaka Marine WORLD". The abundance of fish and marine creatures are impressive. As well as the interior - one of the exhibits located in a building designed to mimic the wreck. Do not forget to look at the famous National Museum, which holds the embryo of an elephant weighing 11 grams, the meteorite to 48 kilograms, and other lovely tourist heart of curiosity.

Another attraction - the National Botanical Garden, where sighted visitors have a special section with a delicious sweet-smelling flowers. Crocodile Farm Durban is not too impressive - toothed monsters lazy and stalled only when they bring lunch chicken carcasses. The sight is impressive. Smacking smacking ... ... And no birds. If the guide will offer to go to the suburb of Ulundi, agree. There lives the Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini. At the reception did not get, but look at the main Zulus will be able to. If you're lucky, you will sing for natives and splyashut. Singing beautifully, dances are original - Zulus high lift their legs and feet hit with force on the ground, because we believe: the one who frail and unable to lift up his legs, generally no reason to live.

Drakensberg - it is a fantastic basalt wall 250 miles long, an ornament which is a mountain Tkabana-Ntlenyana. They say that once on the tops of Drakensberg mountains inhabited by a mysterious monster. Search it not worth it, but fib about what they saw traces of his claws, is not precluded.

Kruger Park - gentlemen, are the beasts!

The park covers an area the size of a small state, the main "subjects" which - elephants, rhinoceroses, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes and other African fowl. Those who wish to merge with the African nature can for a few days to reserve this bungalow. Thus it is necessary to know - without a walk in the park ranger fraught with surprises. There were times when buffaloes or elephants upset the cars of tourists who were hunting for successful snapshots, but had no idea how long the animals are going to tolerate the proximity of strangers. And in general, before going on safari with the guests take a subscription, which can be regarded as the testament - like, if I eat animals, himself a fool, ignored safety rules. But the risk still stands. Observe wild animals from the open jeep - employment, in good tickling nerves.


The traditional attire of modern a black beauty - shoes with heels, skirt, training pants and ... knitted hat. At the same time the ladies are incredibly sexy, and in general, in South Africa it is impossible not to think about sex, and the climate and nature naughty thoughts only help. If you still have decided on a swift affair, observe precautions. In South Africa, is quite simple to pick up HIV infection, people are very careless and does not like to protect themselves. For example, one of the local black politicians, who once raped a woman with AIDS who publicly insists that he fell ill because of time took a shower. And condoms, he assures us, came up with white, so as not to give a black breed.

Appetizer Zulu

Cuisine of South Africa is not anything special is to require a hip restaurant crocodile tails, stuffed monkeys, makes no sense. Although a lot of meat here. Anyone. And for every taste. At some ostrich farms are served, for example, delicious sausages from strausyatiny and steaks out of it the same. To wash down the meat can be a wonderful local wine. Who's tried it, he knows the taste of the divine ambrosia. Do not be afraid to drink African beer «Castle» and «Lion», it is more than worthy. Do not miss the opportunity to devour two or three burvorsov - amazing pancakes stuffed with offal. Be sure to tip the cup "Amoruly" - intoxicating drink, produced from local fruit.

Currency - the Rand. For 100 $ you get 730 rands. Most banks will exchange your traveler's checks for local currency, the percentage of commission is approximately 1%. Receipts on the exchange store until departure - before departure you can change the remaining Randa for dollars.
Rent a car - about 210 rand a day. Rent a car can be of any holder of international driving permit. Minimum rental period - 24 hours.

Moroccan cuisine

Moroccan cuisine has long been considered as one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. The reason for this was Morocco's relationship with the outside world for many centuries. Cuisine of Morocco - the connection of Arab, Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and African cuisines. Cooks royal kitchens of Fez, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat and Tetouan refined Moroccan cuisine over the centuries and created the basis for what today is known as Moroccan cuisine.

Key ingredients

Morocco raises a wide range of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables, and even some rain. The country produces a large number of sheep, poultry, livestock and seafood products, which are the basis for the kitchen.

Use of spices

Spices are used extensively in Moroccan food. While the spices were imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many of the components, such as saffron from Tiliouin, mint and olives from Meknes, and oranges and lemons from Fez, are grown in local fields. The most common are karfa spices (cinnamon), kamoun (caraway), harkoum (turmeric), skinbir (ginger), libzar (black pepper), tahmira (red pepper), sesame seeds, kasbour (coriander), maadnous (parsley), zaafrane Belda (saffron) and mint.

Main Dishes

The main Moroccan dish, which most people are familiar - is couscous, which is a very old dish and is probably of Berber origin.

Chicken - the most frequently-used meats in Morocco. Usually red meat in Morocco - is beef. Lamb is more preferable, but also more expensive. The breed of sheep bred in North Africa, has a fat back, which means that the Moroccan lamb does not have the sharp scent, which usually have Western lamb and mutton.

Among the most famous Moroccan dishes Couscous, Pastilla (also called Besteeya or Bastila), Tadzhine, Tanja and Hariri. Although the latter dish is a soup, it is considered as a separate dish, sometimes served with dates, especially during the month of Ramadan.

Desserts
Sweets are not necessarily served at the end of eating. The most common dessert - Ka'b al zhzal ( "gazelle horns"), which is a pastry filled with almond paste and sprinkled with sugar. Another dessert - honey cake, which has a specific form of a pretzel with roasted fried parts, which are then dipped in hot honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Halva shebaiki a - biscuits, which is eaten during the month of Ramadan.

The mint tea that is common place with the main meal is also probably the most popular drink in general in Morocco. Making a good mint tea is considered an art form and drinking tea with friends and family is a very important part of the day. As important as the making of the tea is the pouring of it which can be quite tricky for the novice as the pot used is quite large with a long, curved spout and poured in to the glasses from quite a height.

Casablanca Town...

Also known as Casa or Dar el Baida, Casablanca is essentially the capital of Morocco. Any European citizen or traveler will feel right at home here, and will feel an almost instinctive understanding of life in this city. In Casablanca, and around the city there are a large number of hotels. Regardless of your budget, you can find good housing and noted that this is an excellent place to provide an outstanding colorful cuisine.


Casablanca was founded as a town in 1906 with a population of 20 000 people. Later in 1907, when the French took possession of the territories, Fez became their commercial center, while Tangier was reorganized into the main harbor. The French were soon driven from this land, and had to find a new port, and remained the Moroccan city of Tangier. Since then, many things changed. Now with a population of more than 3 million, Casablanca resembles the South European city.

Bazaars and markets - the main features colorful Moroccan life, and they are the biggest temptations in the country.

They can be found everywhere, every town has its own special market. Big cities such as Fez and Marrakech have a maze of individual markets (each nomination on the street or square dedicated to a specific trade), while in rural areas are also hundreds of weekly markets offered on different days in each village area.

In most English-speaking Europeans and Americans Casablanca is associated with the high life, wealth, and adventures. It is here in Casablanca in 1943 passed the famous Casablanca Conference, at which U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the head of the national committee for the liberation of France in Algeria, de Gaulle discussed plans for military operations against the Allies in Germany 1943 in Casablanca, it was decided to land Allied troops in Sicily and to postpone the opening of 2-second front in northern France ...
That Casablanca chose the place of the same name in black and white Hollywood film director Michael Curtiz.

Interestingly, the original place of Humphrey Bogart's role in this film was supposed to play a young actor Ronald Reagan. The film "Casablanca" was awarded the Oscar for best film of the year for best director and screenplay.

The most interesting for tourists the old part of town - Medina. It remains coloring the eastern city - narrow (three feet, no more) and winding streets, donkeys, harnessed to the cart. Right and left are dozens of little shops with fielded out goods.

In a beautiful old building Mahakma du Pacha, where the Pasha of Casablanca before its done by a court and received his guests, now housed Prefecture one of the seven districts of the city. The decoration of 64 rooms and inside patios are excellent examples of the wealth of traditional decorative art.

And then - the church of Notre Dame de Lourdes, a monumental concrete construction with huge colorful windows.

One of the main attractions of Casablanca is located on the Atlantic coast to the north-west of the medina - the MOSQUEE HASSAN II - the tallest building in the city is built on the shores of the ocean and the second largest in the Muslim world after the mosque in Mecca. This creation of French architect Michel Pinceau. 3300 Masters, using technologies of the XXI century, erected the world's highest minaret (200 meters), set a retractable roof, which for three minutes makes room for prayer in a magnificent terrace. In addition to purely religious significance, the mosque is a cultural center. There is a madrassa, a library, a national museum.

Beautiful, mysterious African country of Morocco ...

Beautiful, mysterious African country of Morocco ... It has absorbed the spirit of history and is famous for its many local attractions. Trip to the Thousand and One Nights "gives a lot of unforgettable moments and saturate your life with a variety of entertainment to your taste.

The bright blue doors and red walls, honey-sweet figs and tart-bitter mint tea, stone sun Essaouira and the heart of Marrakesh - vociferous Jam El Fna, boiling the ocean and the pink silk of the Atlas Mountains, casbah, canyons, desert - all these and even more - Morocco.

In Morocco, a buzzing nightlife goes on until the dawn, as in European countries. Alcohol is not prohibited.

As in other eastern countries, Morocco decided to bargain. So do not hesitate to go for souvenirs at the bazaar and traded to exhaustion. Each city in Morocco have their favorite types of trades handled by local residents.

In Essaouira better to buy souvenirs (paintings, lamps made of leather), national clothes and items from Tui. In a large salon quality is higher, but the price match. In the Medina in the shops cheaper by 30-50%, but lower quality. In Casablanca, European things known model homes are sold cheaper than doubled. Smuggled watches famous brands - from 10 to 50 USD. In Fes - souvenirs, gold. In Rabat - souvenirs, carpets, leather. In Marrakesh prices higher, a lot of European goods.

During the period of Ramadan (from December to February) it is forbidden to eat and drink until the sun goes down, forbidden to drink alcohol (even tourists), stores the day working with a shorter working day or do not work at all.

It is accepted to eat with your hands, 3-name fingers of his right hand, folded in a pinch. Do not touch the food with his left hand, regarded as "unclean". At the beginning of lunch is often served in a bowl with hot pink "water for washing hands. Bread, as a symbol of prosperity, should be consumed sparingly and with dignity.

There are many pickpockets in Morocco, so you should take the usual safety measures - do not wear a wallet in an easily accessible outside pockets of clothes, cameras and purses - only on a belt, do not leave in the car or put the machine only to parking lot security guards specially serviced (shall be uniform tokens).

Under no circumstances it is not recommended to enter into any negotiations or dealings with persons in pursuit of tourists. Do not follow the advice, suggestions, and "friendly" recommendations of the local population. Do not believe the assurances of the absence of a bus, on a cheap souvenirs in a single bench, ended on tickets and so on.

Holidays in Morocco - is the perfect beginning for those who intend to travel to Africa and to explore its beauty.