These quiet cottages are placed amid bowed coconut palms bowed, acacia trees and tamarind trees whispering gently in the breeze. All rooms are open to the elements of nature in that they overlook the sandy beaches, the cool sea breeze wafts into them and a clear view of the ocean is visible.

Also visible from Manda is the Island of Lamu in the distance, Shela village and dhows serenely gliding past. The island prides itself in creating the rustic ‘Robinson Crusoe experience’ and visitors can mingle with the local Swahili people and learn a few things about their culture. Cars are not available on both Lamu (the oldest town in east Africa) and Manda, only donkeys and boats, both an experience in themselves. As a result the pace of life is inevitably leisurely and relaxed.

Manda Bay resort also boasts of a baobab tree house. The tree house on the gigantic tree sleeps between two and six people. It has a large terrace on the first floor that encircles the almost 100 year old tree. Drinks can be server for you on this terrace if you so wish. It’s almost heavenly to be unwinding in bed on a baobab tree while watching an array of colourful birds flying by set on the backdrop of villages on the dunes of Lamu Island. If you love bird watching, Manda is the place to raid. There are huge clamshells positioned on the plush the gardens that surround the lodge and they act as birdbaths and draw a colourful assortment of dainty birds at both dawn and dusk.

At sunset you can savour the awe-inspiring African sunset while listening to the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean caressing the beach. Walks along the beach at sunset while picking shells as the ocean licks ones feet are profoundly relaxing. At night star-gazing the clear skies is a favourite or maybe swimming under the fluorescent lighting of the moon will do. Manda’s special attraction is its freshly caught seafood like Tuna, Crab, Lobster, Prawns, red snapper and squid.

This is also a strategically placed base from which to explore the local panorama and also experience the interesting culture of Lamu Island and its people. Take a trip to Lamu Island and walk through the corridor like ancient streets classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Make sure you listen to the tuneful and mellow Swahili love songs known as ‘Taarabu’ at any restaurant that has a band that plays that music. Sailing in a dhow to see the close by Swahili ruins called Takwa, which was built in the 16th century is also highly recommended and encouraged.

But if all you want to do is to sit back, soak up the sun, luxuriate and just unwind, Manda will be the perfect ambience. So its breakfast in bed you want? You’ll get it. Drinks while you swing on the hammocks under the shade of the Acacia trees? They will be served by the most welcoming stewards you’ll see around. Legend has it that they smile even when they are asleep. Don’t miss the pancakes and fruit salad with fresh coffee or tea made from local spices that are served at breakfast. A basil and tomato omelette may suffice if you’re starving after taking a morning swim.

Things to do in Manda Island include;

Windsurfing: The area around Lamu and Manda offer idyllic prospects for windsurfing. It’s almost guaranteed that the wind will pick up at noon resulting in conditions just right for windsurfing. Lessons and equipment are available. Kite surfing is also increasing in popularity.

Dhow trips: Sailing in delightfully hand crafted dhows is the time-honoured mode of transport along the east African coast. Sailing through the channel between Manda and Lamu is a superb way to relish the African sunset.

Snorkelling: A coral reef is opportunely placed metres from the beach. It is a safe and trouble-free place for children of all ages to see the underwater world. There is an assortment of multi-coloured fish that populate this reef. Snorkelling trips can also be organised to a bigger reef which is an hour’s boat ride away. If you are fortunate you will see schools of dolphins playing around the boat.

Fishing: If you love fishing then you can indulge your senses and fish from the beach. As if that is not enough, voyages can be organized to the open ocean either on a dhow or on a modern speedboat with all the state of the art apparatus. Anything you catch can be cooked as per your instructions to the Manda resort Chefs.

Walking: If you take a 10-minute walk along the shoreline you will find yourself where the open ocean meets the island of Manda. Along the way it is possible to see the colonial history of Lamu district evident in the ruins with rusty cannons inside. It’s unlikely you will meet another person on this rugged stretch of coast.

Other activities on offer include water skiing, scuba diving, trips to Lamu and cycling.

If you are looking for a last wilderness type of Game Park, then Meru, north of Nairobi could well be the ideal place for this part of any Africa Safari Vacation.

A real luxury retreat at Meru is Elsa’s Kopje, which is situated at 2400 ft., on a small hill, otherwise known as a Kopje, and is named after the orphaned lioness Elsa from the movie Born Free who was reared by Joy and George Adamson and then released into the wild..

Elsa’s Kopje game lodge is built on Mughwango Hill which covers a vast area and it is surrounded by thirteen rivers, running like green fingers through quite an arid landscape, so they are automatically a focal point for game viewing of the highest order.

It is an ideal spot for a part of any honeymoon in Kenya because of the quality of this luxury retreat, never mind the game viewing. The Game Lodge is invisible as you approach the Kopje, and consists of nine totally individual cottages, each luxuriously furnished.

These include a three level honeymoon suite with an open deck on top overlooking the Meru, a sitting room on the mid level, and the bottom level has a huge double bedded bedroom and en-suite bathroom.

For families there is now a double room, sitting room, and children’s bedroom cottage which is slightly set apart. Whilst there is an early mealtime and baby listening service, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Elsa’s Kopje is very much a luxury retreat to be enjoyed during a honeymoon in Kenya.

The cottages are stone built with thatched roofs and they are scattered around the hill, and all the cottages are linked to each other and the open bar, lounge and dining room by paved paths which are lit by lamps at night.

The view from the open fronted cottages is incredible, and apart from that there are the breezes and the light reflecting off the plain below. The open walls[there is no glass] are covered by mosquito netting at night so the view isn’t spoilt during the day, and the bathrooms have showers or baths built into the rocky hill, making them a feature.

The accommodation is altogether top class as befits such a luxury retreat and there is a real sense of space here, with considerable style, and you will find the atmosphere to be one of total relaxation.

Add to this an infinity style swimming pool which looks straight out onto the Meru National Park plain and is the perfect place for a couple to relax after a game drive, or a walk in the bush.

Walks in the bush and game drives, always accompanied by qualified guides and trackers, and when on foot rangers, give you the opportunity to view Elephant, Reticulated Giraffe, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Rhino, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, and even the rare elusive Greater Kudu. This is a place with a huge reputation for wildlife so you will not be disappointed with this Kenya safari luxury retreat.

As you would expect from a luxury retreat like Elsa’s Kopje the food is more than good. It is traditional Northern Italian cuisine with local and international dishes. You will get fresh baked bread, locally grown vegetables make a great combination.

An outstanding feature is the quality of the management, and their level of thoughtfulness and care, from greeting you personally after a game drive, remembering your name, and generally making you feel totally special.

It’s the little touches like taking bush breakfasts on the morning game drive, and sundowners as the sunsets, perhaps watching two lion cubs playing.

For a honeymoon in Kenya Elsa’s Kopje is perfect, and Meru may be the best place for an old fashioned African Safari Vacation.

For more information on In Kenya Safaris go to http://www.in-kenyasafari.com/pages/Site-Map.html

You are going to spend a lot of money taking any African safari Trip, especially one at the luxury end of the scale, so it is very well worth your while doing a lot of research before committing your hard earned cash to a safari picked because you liked a picture in a brochure. The best Private Game Lodges are very often not in the popular holiday brochures

Choosing a Kenya Safari as part of your Holiday in Kenya can be difficult, and then on top of that there can be a bewildering choice of accommodation from Camps to Lodges. More often than not you will take a package and these decisions will be taken out of your hands, and this can be a great pity.

There are Game Lodges, and private Game Lodges, safari camps and luxury camps, and there are very popular and sometimes overcrowded game parks, and on the other hand places that are less well known, which will have all the game you could want to view with no other vehicles in sight at this time.

There are game lodges where you will pile into a mini bus for a game drive, and others where you have your own 4×4 with your own knowledgeable guide who will go where you want to go.

With this in mind, study Borana Lodge at the foot of Mount Kenya roughly 6500 feet above sea level, and only sixteen miles from the equator.

Your temporary Kenya Safari Holiday Home at Borana Private Game Lodge has six cottages, so it is small, a good thing as far as it meaning personal attention. There are two cottages with large double beds, and four with Queen sized beds. They are all situated well for privacy, and views from their verandahs, and each has an open fireplace, and ensuite bathrooms.

At Borana there is a selection of available activities which includes Game drives accompanied by rangers and trackers who know all there is to know and more about everything that moves and even stuff that stands still, like trees, flowers, and bushes.

You can take game walks with an experienced guide.

There will be night Game Drives and you will be staggered at the activities of those nocturnal creatures you encounter.

You can explore the 35000 acre ranch on horseback.

Eat farm fresh cooked bush meals wherever and whenever your fancy takes you.

On returning to Borana Lodge you can relax and unwind in the swimming pool which has lovely views over the valley below.

In addition you can choose trips to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy specifically to see the black and white rhino who are protected here.

You can take professionally guided walking safaris.

Above all else remember that whilst you are on a Kenya Safari Holiday, living in some luxury at Borana private game lodge, that Borana is not just a game sanctuary it is also a working ranch, so take the time to be shown round and try to understand the challenges facing those who live and work in what are pretty hostile conditions, where dangerous game such as lions and elephants cause damage and death on an everyday basis.

Borana Private Game Lodge is a very different way to spend part of your Kenya Safari Holiday, but its situation next to the Lewa Conservancy gives you the opportunity of a lifetime to see and do things out of the ordinary.

For more information on In Kenya Safaris go to http://www.in-kenyasafari.com/pages/Site-Map.html

Don’t retire to Thailand unless you like to eat really good food for very little money. Seafood, fruits and vegetables for mere pocket change.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you disdain real culture and old fashioned customs. Learn to live with Buddhist principles and live your life like a Thai with a “mai pen rai” – never mind attitude.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you want to remain single and lonely. Find a good Thai lady who will take care of you like a king for the rest of your life.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you like snow and cold weather. Tropical breeze, emerald waters, and sandy beaches abound in Thailand. Cold is when the temperature drops below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t retire in Thailand if you are an old man who thinks that he doesn’t have a chance with a beautiful, young Thai lady. Age is just a number in Thailand and the ladies prefer a man with a good heart over one who is young and superficially handsome.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you would rather spend your final years at home with family and friends. I would rather spend my final years with my new 26-year old girl friend who is soon to be my wife. I am almost 56 and this young lady will do anything for me. She is well educated, single, a school teacher and has great values and a very positive attitude. My family and friends can come and visit me if they want.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you hate to travel. Being in Thailand you can easily travel all over Asia and very easily travel to Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Japan, Singapore, Korea and more are 3-hour flights away.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you are rich. “Joe Average” on a meager pension of about $500 per month can live comfortably in Thailand. A rich man can live like a king if that is what he wants. If you have a pension or retirement plan that pays you $1,000 or $2,000 per month – you will live the life of luxury.

Don’t retire to Thailand if you think you are better than the Thais. Check your attitude at home and if you want to live in Thailand, just go with the flow and enjoy your retirement. The Thai people are great – you just have to learn the customs and culture. It will definitely not be the same as your home – but who cares.

Retiring in Thailand is totally “up to you”. Don’t do it unless you are prepared to live your final years in a wonderful country with some very beautiful people.

Morocco is among the top countries in Africa that continue to attract more travelers. And if there is one thing they shouldn’t dare miss, it is the medieval charm of Marrakech as one of the country’s imperial cities. However, for you to make the most out of your travel adventures, it is highly recommended that you book your hotel as early as possible, that is, to guarantee a gratifying Marrakech vacation. If you happen to be one of the many tourists who wish to visit Morocco this year, here are the top three things you must consider in searching for a Marrakech hotel:

Check the Accommodation Costs

Traveling can be expensive– a reason why you need to know how much your Marrakech hotel accommodation may cost. Hopefully, this can help you manage your traveling finances more and expect the best in your African tour. If you are in a tight budget, you’ll be advised to stay in more affordable hotels in Marrakech. Fortunately, there are a number of discount hotels and inns in the city that can meet your expectations at the lowest possible price. All you need to do is look for cheap accommodations to save more money.

You can also search through the Net for online Marrakech hotel booking agencies that offer low-cost accommodations. Or, find special packages or programs that you can afford to help you cut on some of your travel costs.

Know the Location of Your Marrakech Hotel

If you want to book a hotel in Marrakech, another thing that you should think about is the location. Most business travelers usually stay in hotels near the airports, so they can conveniently travel. This way, transportation won’t be a problem with accessible taxis and public utility vehicles that can take you anywhere you want to go.

However, if you are interested in staying longer in the city, it will be better for you to book a Marrakech hotel near the famous attractions of Morocco. As such, more establishments are now situated around the medina, so travelers can easily go to the souks or stroll around the historical sites in Marrakech.

Do Not Forget About the Services

Since your Marrakech hotel will be your home during your trip, it is important that you check out the services that most establishments usually offer their customers. Always keep in mind that the staff of the hotel where you will stay must provide you with efficient and high-quality services. Make sure that your hotel of choice can immediately meet your needs.

In addition to these, learn about the facilities of your Marrakech hotel. Inquire about the amenities of the hotel, so you can always have a relaxing and comfortable stay. Five-star hotels usually have swimming pools, fitness gyms, and in-house restaurants. A discount hotel in Marrakech, on the other hand, has the necessary facilities and amenities that you can use.

Water, Torch and Tomb
When Muslim Arabs introduced Egyptians to Islam in the 7th century, much of the already weary monuments of the native dynasties became even less central to national heritage. Luckily, a renewed interest in archeological preservation over the past few centuries has kept these ancient wonders intact for the world to continue to enjoy. The ideal place to begin is Cairo, where the Egyptian Museum boasts hundreds of thousands of artifacts and will give you an opportunity to catch up your knowledge of ancient Egyptian history from the 4th grade. Nearby are the breathtaking Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, cut from a single slab of stone over 4,000 years ago, which can be viewed more peacefully beyond the crowds from horseback. South of Cairo, Upper Egypt offers a string of exciting temple towns between legendary Luxor and Aswan, including the Valley of the Kings. Although King Tutankhamen’s Tomb rests here, it is not nearly as impressive as the surrounding royal tombs, particularly the general-kings of the Ramesses Dynasties.

A Little Ocean with your Sand?
Aside from the Nile River Valley, Egypt is largely made up of the Saharan desert to the south and west; however, Egypt also happens to be a first class resort destination with nearly all (500 miles) of its eastern edge bordered by the tranquil azure waters of the Red Sea Coast. Visit the lively town of Harghada where traditional Egyptian life intermingles with international resort luxury. This area is extremely popular for scuba diving and snorkeling with its numerous underwater shipwrecks, sea caves and exotic fish. There are a multitude of islands to which you can escape by ferry or paddle boat and many small fishing towns for a little peace, quiet and local flavor added to your vacation.

The Mediterranean coastline also provides a nice break from the rolling sand dunes. Alexandria is Egypt’s busting port city with more Greek and French flare than the rest of the country. The city’s history is extremely eclectic, making a stroll through the streets feel like a wander across cultures and time periods. Alex the Great staged his resistance against the Romans from Alexandria, bringing a large population of Greeks with him, and for a short period Napoleon had managed to gain control of the ancient city.

Remember that Egypt is both ancient and modern. Travel to Egypt is not only about the archeological wonders and bone-chilling tales but also about the experience of a nation that is geopolitically and economically central to its larger surrounding region, a nation that is just as crucial to the identity of North Africa as it is to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Egypt is justifiably as monumental today as the Giza Pyramids that symbolize the nation’s heritage.

Visitors are attracted by the lush hills, beaches, cool turquoise blue water and coconut groves of sunny Goa. The mystique of India with its fabric of many religions, diverse languages, and above all its lively spirit and its warm, friendly people attract people the world over.

Climate

Except for the period June to August when Goa is lashed by heavy rains; for the rest of the year Goa is warm and humid with temperature ranging between 28°-33° C. (average maximum temps). The months between November and February are usually dry.

People

Open and fun loving, Goans have a passion for music and dance. Virtually every restaurant or bar boasts a live band, even if it’s no more than a single Spanish guitar! They have an enviable laid-back lifestyle. Goan cuisine is an inspired marriage of local Konkani food style and Portuguese food style; it comprises of fiery curries and stews using beef, pork and fish with generous use of cocoanut in it. Most restaurants serve local specialties as well as other Indian regional cuisines. You can get authentic international cuisines in large hotels and restaurants.

Beaches

Goa has numerous golden sand beaches along its 105 km long coastline. These golden sand beaches are free of urban pollution and provide relaxation and tranquility. Most of the beaches like Dona Paula, Caranzalem, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Baga, etc. have small restaurants that supply soft drinks, beer, and snacks. Generally accommodation near the beaches is available. At some of these beaches loungers and umbrellas as well as water scooters and other water sports facilities are available. At Baga beach Dolphin Rides are quite popular among tourists; a boat takes you into the sea to areas where you can see dolphins gliding along.

Nature and Wildlife

Goa has been very conscious of its ecology and nature. It has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and bird sanctuaries. In southern Goa, Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is the largest wildlife preserve where you see herds of deer, Indian bison and black panthers. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the northern part of Goa. This is a small preserve where you see the Indian bison, jackal, black-faced langur, wild boar and different species of deer.

Famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls are in the eastern part of Goa. Here water in large amounts falls from the height of hundreds feet; this is a picturesque sight which is very popular with nature lovers, hikers and trekkers.
Churches

Catholic religion has strong roots in India and there are many Christian churches in Goa that are famous. To name a few: the 16th century Basilica of Bom Jesus has the embalmed mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier enshrined in a silver casket here since 1553; it is famous among Catholics of the world and both Christians and Hindus come to pay homage here. Cathedral of St. Catherine, which has an 80m long aisle and 14 altars is the largest church in Asia,.

Tourist Accommodation

There are many 4 & 5 star hotels in various cities of Goa. Apart from that many modest hotels cater to the backpackers and hikers.

You can do all these, and more, by visiting the illustrated Egypt Travel Guide at http://www.travel-to-egypt.net

The most popular Egyptian tours are visits to Pyramids and museums of ancient civilizations. Within these Ancient Egypt Tours that are generally of a Pharoanic nature, you will be able to tour Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, and see not only awesome markers of ancient Egyptian history, but also landmarks of religious importance. You can also organize your tour to even include a cruise down the Nile River as well.

There are several tours on offer, some with definite itineraries, others organized according to your desired route, usually dependent on how much you want to see and how long you plan to stay. Highlights of the tours include the Giza (Great Pyramid) and the Saqqara (Step) Pyramids, the Citadel, an Islamic market called Khan el-Khalili, as well as other markets, churches and museums, all in Cairo. In Luxor, the must-see landmarks would be at least one or two of the many fine monuments and tombs found on the West Bank, which will prove to be welcome escapes from the heat of the city. Make sure to also visit the Luxor and Karnak temples and the highly popular Luxor museum, all on the East Bank.

Although you can fly or take a train between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, we highly recommend the bus rides between Luxor and Aswan, as these trips usually have stopovers at popular, historic monuments along the way. In Aswan, you could tour Elephantine Island, the Nubian museum and the unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and St. Simon’s Monastery. If you have an extra day to spare, you could also visit the temples of Abu Simbel, and have more time to see Aswan’s many other attractions.

Religious tours are also highly popular, such as the Holy Family route and the Exodus route, as well as tours of Islamic mosques. You can just imagine Moses leading the chosen people out of Egypt as you follow in their steps. Unstructured religious tours are also on offer, allowing you to see highlights from either the Holy Family and Exodus routes, as well as monuments found in the Pharoanic tours.

The Ancient Egypt Tour is the ideal vacation for the adventurer in you, and a great educational trip for the entire family, especially if you have around two weeks to spare. Aside from soaking up the amazing ancient cultures, you’ll also get to meet a people who are wonderfully accommodating and friendly.

Believe it or not, there’s more to an African safari tour than what you see in pictures or on the television. For instance, on a Kenya safari you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery highlighted with mountainous backdrops, glistening lakes, savanna grasslands, mist highlands, beautiful rivers, and abundant wildlife. If you take a Kenya holiday during July or August, you might even get to witness an amazing phenomenon – the annual wildebeest caravan. This is a time when millions of wildebeests make their way north to search for lush grass.

Amazing Animals and More

Also on a Kenya tour, activities will often include trips to medicinal springs and the inside of a crater where the black-manned lion, rhino and buffalo roam. You might travel to a nearby lake to see a variety of game and scenery. Many Kenyan safari tours also include nighttime entertainment with music and dance. It’s not all wilderness and forests!

Combine Your Kenya Holiday and Tanzania Safari in One

You can now book a “two-in-one” Tanzania and Kenya holiday to make your African safari vacation even more interesting. These two places are filled with wonder and have much to offer visitors. There are lodge safaris, game viewing safaris, and even mountain-climbing safaris – whatever you prefer!

How to Book Your Africa Safari

You can contact a travel agency to book an African safari or you can find a tour company on the Web that specializes in African travel and tours to get the assistance you need. There are many services that you’ll need to consider before securing your Africa vacation such as a rental car (or car hire), reserving hotels, obtaining a Visa, getting the necessary vaccines for disease prevention, and booking a flight.

Find a dependable company on the Web that is actually based in Africa for the best possible service. It’s great if you can travel to Kenya where the company is located and acquire assistance from them when you need it. Try to find an all-in-one African safari tour package to be sure all your needs will be covered. They can help you get a car rental, hotel room and everything you need. The last thing you want is to arrive in Kenya and realize you missed some important steps!

Quick African Safari Travel Tips

As with traveling to any foreign land, there are a few things you should take along for safety, pleasure, and comfort. A safari can be fun if you take time to prepare.

1. Take a good, dependable digital camera with plenty of photo memory. There will be many, many “photo moments.”

2. Keep plenty of mosquito repellent with you at all times. Also, wear long sleeves and long pants to keep mosquitoes from biting and to protect from severe sunburn.

3. Pack several bottles of sunscreen for exposed areas of your skin.

4. Take your own pair of binoculars even if the Africa tour company provides them. You might be required to share theirs with others on the tour, but you can use your own whenever you want.

5. Take along some medicines to prevent headaches or fever, pain, and diarrhea.

6. Secure health insurance coverage, just in case of an emergency. The tour company may provide options for you.

Ask your travel booking agents about other items you might need. They may provide a list for you.

You can enjoy days of excitement on your African safari tour once you’ve taken these important steps. With online resources, you can now learn all about it before you go!

The whole world knows Goa as the land of fun and frolic, land of mesmerizing beaches or the destination of most effervescent carnivals. However, one thing that instantly strikes you when you land in Goa is the culture. It is just the right blend of ethnic Indian Konkani and the reminiscent Potuguese. On one side there are vast expanses of beaches where the sun, sand and sea conjugate into crystal turquoise waters and on the other, there are lavish
Konkani mountains and wild greens.

The Goa carnival, a three-day fest, had its birth in Goa during the era of King Momo.One can find a lot of excitement bubbling across Goa,in the month of February,as Goa is dressing up for the carnival festivities. This carnival is celebrated just before the Lent season(Lent is the period of fasting and penance in the Christian calendar and corresponding somewhat to the Mohammedan fast before Ramzan Id),that usually starts off on Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday) and concludes on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday)-the eve of Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of the season of Lent.So one can say that this is basically celebrated before going into the rigrous fasting,the whole of Goa gets into the carnival mood or the party mood.

Not only human beings but the atmosphere of this place seems to be dancing to the tunes of joy.At the time of carnival the air of Goa is filled with perfume of happiness, the roads are jam-packed with fun and the hearts of the people in Goa is filled with nothing but enjoyment & happiness.These three days of fun & frolic are days of continuous music & dance.

Goa is the best place to be visited during the February carnival,to forget all the wordly affairs in the extravagant fun of this carnival & simply flow along in the river of happiness and fun.The memories gathered from the carnival of Goa will never come to an end but they will grow closer to your heart as the time passes away.

To know more about GOA visit this site http://www.goa-beaches-india.com