Reunion Island is a French colony in the Indian Ocean. It lies roughly between Madagascar and Mauritius, off the east coast of Africa. It has a population of approximately 800,000.

Reunion Island has one of the world’s most active volcanoes. It’s also home to the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean, lush subtropical rainforests and pristine beaches. Reunion Island is the perfect holiday and travel destination.

The centre of Reunion is dominated by three cirques, or natural amphitheatres, which were previously the craters of volcanoes but long since dormant. These jagged outcrops and waterfalls found amongst them, make for some spectacular scenery.

The Pitons, cirques and remparts of Reunion Island were declared an UNESCO World Heritage site during 2010.

Lonely Planet Mauritius Reunion & Seychelles

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One Great Reason to Visit Reunion Island

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for no ‘one’ reason! There are far too many contrasts and something for everyone – here on Reunion Island.

Reunion Island

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• Wikipedia
• Official Tourism Site

Cape Town is a beautifully unique city of South Africa, best-known for the striking natural environment and the harbour. Table Mountain has recently been voted one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature, which is no surprise as experiencing a day on Table Mountain is nothing short of breath-taking. Table Mountain consists of a 3 kilometre long plateau, and features an exclusive abundance of flora and fauna, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

To get to the top of the mountain you can either take a long hike up through the natural landscape or catch a lift in the Cable Cars; which is a fun and exciting experience in itself. On the way up, you get to see an amazing and vast view of the coastline and Cape Town from above. From up there, you can also see the famous Robben Island served as a place of banishment, isolation and imprisonment and where Nelson Mandela alongside many other political prisoners were imprisoned for decades. The picturesque views and the uniqueness of Table Mountain make it a must-see in Cape Town.This photograph is a view of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand, which was also a nice destination to visit for a walk along the beach and a meal or coffee.

Photo courtesy of Gita Zimmermann

The purpose of our visit to this beautiful part of the world was to visit Mama Lumka, the Charity of choice of my mother’s business Tell IT Media which offers Branding, Design and Website Solutions. For more about Mama Lumka and the kids visit www.mamalumka.org.au or the blog of our visit to Mama Lumka.

Accra is quickly becoming a fun city. First of all talking about the cheap flights, flights are cheap and plentiful. There are just so many international students heading here as well as executives working for the multinationals, young people going to the university and other Africans attracted by the relatively safe work and family environment, the beautiful beaches and green parks. The city, now a tapestry of nations, is coming alive. And there’s no better way to prove this than by sampling the nightlife.

So here’s a list of the top nightclubs in Accra

The Aphrodisiac Night Club was top on my list, especially when I heard Stevie Wonder had come by and loved it back in the day. The cab driver, on the way in from the airport told me it recently relocated to Nii Bodu Street in a suburb called Dzorwulu, not too far from the airport. It was my first stop after a shower and a change.

Ladies, here’s some good news. You get in free. Here, beneath the multi-colored strobes and the pounding music you can dance. There are two great dance floors, two state of the art bars and a laser show to watch if you just want to sit back and enjoy the show. Here it is wild, it is oud and it is packed, but the good news here is if you want to just sit back and take it all in, you can do just that.

Next stop: Vienna City. Ever heard of a night club located within an airport? I didn’t believe it either but the Vienna City night club, while not as high profile as the Aphrodisiac, is well-laid out and very cool inside. The bars are exotic, the poker machines and pool tables are a fun way to while away your time, or to relax after work. And best of all you can actually win! I won! Later that night, we headed out to the Garden Restaurant, which really feels like you’re on a vacation there with its late-night atmosphere and its music.

On my last night in Accra, I decided to be a little more downbeat, I was tired. The concierge recommended the Macumba night club. The people watching were great, but the music was loud, too loud if you ask me and the bars were crazy busy, and not at all what I was in the mood for. But I soon found what I was in the mood for, Le Borsalino. A quiet French meal with warm subtle red wines, Roquefort cheese and steak.

Accra has it all.

Night life in Ghana’s capital is simply great, if you have the time and inclination. Do check for cheap flights to Accra.

Cairo, Egypt

Of all the countries in the world, Egypt is perhaps the best known for its historical sites and the sense they give of being truly in touch with the past. From the Pyramids of Giza, to the Colossus of Ramesses II in the ancient capital of Memphis, Egypt is an archaeology buff’s dream – and the scope of Egypt’s archaeological past is certainly beyond the one trip. At the same time, there’s so much more to Egypt holidays than merely touring around the pyramids and being pushed through the crowded Cairo museum. With that in mind, here are three different activities that give a truly unique perspective on this mysterious country.

Cairo Tower

Nestled in the heart of modern Cairo is the Cairo Tower – shaped as a Lotus flower, a symbol of the pharaohs, it is the tallest building in the country. Located on Gezira Island on the Nile, the tower is currently undergoing restoration in preparation for the tower’s 50th anniversary in April 2011. The tower sports a moving restaurant that completes a full rotation every hour, though those on a budget can still travel to the top and make use of several telescopes to view all of Cairo in detail.

Camel riding

Camel riding by starlight

Savvy travellers familiar with Egypt will have definitely experienced this one at some point. From the Harem district in Cairo it’s possible to hire horses or even a camel to ride out into the desert, taking in the pyramids and the Sphinx. The best time to do this is at night – few things are as memorable as approaching the pyramids by moonlight. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, several companies within Egypt offer camping trips to the hauntingly beautiful white desert, where lavish tents will be set up for your stay and delicious barbecue treats served up each night. Travel is usually by jeep, but intrepid travellers can stay truly authentic by hiring camels.

Ballooning over the Nile

Hot-air balloon over the Nile

If you’ve got a bit of spare cash, it’s worth considering a hot-air balloon ride – which can take you towards the Valley of the Kings or the Nile at sunrise for a truly unforgettable experience. Remember to take your camera – you’ll be witness to views only a small number of people will have seen! Just make sure that you go with a reputable company – many hot air balloon companies are in stiff competition with each other, desperately undercutting each other on price and hence avoiding some of that important stuff like, well, insurance.

Top 10 Cairo and the Nile

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One Great Reason to Visit Cairo

One great reason to visit this travel destination is without a doubt, for the history, the pyramids and the Egyptian museum which houses such treasures.

Cairo – Egypt

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Jardin Majorelle is an expatriate French painter’s botanical garden created in Marrakech during 1924 and was recently enjoyed by guest writer, Julie Wilson.

For an oasis of serenity and shade on a hot day in Marrakech, visit the Jardin Majorelle. Wander along the straight red concrete paths lined with bright coloured pots in this medium-sized garden brimming with cacti, palms, bougainvilleas and bamboo groves. Majorelle was a knowledgeable and avid plant collector. The dry sandy garden beds are studded with a botanical planting of cacti.

Water is an important feature of this garden – lily covered pools filled with small tortoises and lazily active fish, water channels and fountains are highpoints. When I wandered through birdsong filled the air.

The garden was created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. Rather like Monet’s Giverny, as the garden was designed by a painter the garden is composed and coloured like a painting. Many of the built features are painted in a dark blue (‘Majorelle Blue’) which is striking – contrasting wonderfully well with beige sand, green plants and red paths.

After some years of neglect, the garden was restored by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The entrance fee is only 30 MD but when inside, the prices both in the shop and cafe, are very high by Moroccan standards. The delightful cafe has misters which puff out a cloud of cooling mist to help refresh diners with the intense summer heat. I ordered an almond milk with orange blossom water and dates – expensive but wonderful !

Be warned that the taxis outside the entrance seem to see this as a bit of a tourist trap and inflate their prices accordingly – so bargain hard or walk up the road 5 minutes to the crossing and pay much less (20 dirham should get you most places in central Marrakech).

Marrakech: Living on the Edge of the Desert

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One Great Reason to Visit Jardin Majorelle

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to see this inspired garden, the Jardin Majorelle, garden created by a Frenchman living in Morocco.

Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech

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The Canary Islands are often synonymous with lively nightlife and long days on the beach soothing a hangover, but the islands of La Palma and La Gomera have been largely untouched by the tourism trade and offer visitors a true taste of Spanish island life.

Both islands boast dramatic natural beauty, with rugged mountains and incredible scenery, perfect for those who enjoying exploring the great outdoors on their holidays. The stunning scenery is surrounded by beaches of black sand, formed from the volcanic geology of the Canaries which offer a stark contrast to the white sands of their Spanish counterparts. For the walkers and hikers amongst you, La Palma boasts the incredible Caldera de Taburiente National Park to the north, where you can explore walking trails, or venture to the jaw-dropping Fuencaliente volcanoes for a day out with a difference. Over on La Gomera, you’ll find the UNESCO world heritage site of the Garajonay National Park, which is largely covered by the lush Laurel forest and perfect for hiking through. If you prefer to explore the islands in a more relaxed manner, hiring a car is the best option as public transport is very limited. It is advised that you arrange car hire before you travel to La Palma and La Gomera, as these services get booked up quickly during the peak season.

As well as enjoying the unspoiled beauty of these islands, you can relax and unwind in one of the many cheap hotels on the island, which offer homely comfort as well as exceptional service and authentic cuisine, including the famous tapas, Canarian potatoes with mojo or traditional paella. It is recommended that you indulge in fresh fish whilst holidaying on the islands, as it is caught daily and is the perfect addition to the locally produced wine. You can also take a little bit of the Canaries home with you by purchasing souvenirs from the markets and small shops, where local handmade crafts, aloe vera products, lace and pottery are in abundance.

The slow pace of life and untouched qualities of each island means it’s certainly not a place for party goers. These islands are not served by direct flights from the UK and have relatively little or no influence from other nations, so visitors will experience the authentic Canary lifestyle. It’s the perfect holiday for those wanting to enjoy the natural scenery whilst relaxing and unwinding.

This post is part of a monthly Spanish Series sponsored by www.hotels4u.com, where you’ll find plenty of hotels in Spain suitable for all tastes and budgets.

Canary Islands (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

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One Great Reason to Visit

One great reason to visit this travel destination is to enjoy the slow pace and take in the landscapes each island offers the visitor.

Canary Islands

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A guest post by Julie from Melbourne, Australia.

I’m just back from a trip to Morocco and the food was wonderful too, though with temperatures in the low to mid 40s, I did not eat a great deal at times. I lived on orange juices. These were freshly squeezed in front of your eyes and readily available everywhere. Along with ubiquitous mint tea, wonderfully refreshing. Moroccan food is full of fragrant and unusual flavor and aroma combinations, achieved through the use of cinnamon, ginger, saffron, cumin, pepper and coriander. For me three Moroccan dishes define the cuisine: couscous, tagines and bisteeya.

I was rather “tagine’d” out by the end of the trip, but I did make one wonderful food discovery – bisteeya (sometimes also spelt “bastillas” or “pastillas”). A fine crisp flaky pastry (rather like our filo pastry) wrapped around shredded velvety melting chicken and ingredients. I particularly loved the chicken and almond pastillas I ate. I also tried the tradition Fez dish of pigeon pastilla (pigeon pie!). Very gamey and rich. Wonderful for a special occasion or a feast.

The aspect that makes pastillas so special is the unusual combination of savoury and sweet, as the top of the pastry has a lines of aromatic cinnamon and fine sugar on top. The sweet cinnamon and savoury chicken mixture are a super and exotic combination and the textures of crisp flaky pastry and soft casserole-like filling is divine.

I come across a fabulous small restaurant in Essaouira. I had two wonderful lunches, so if you’re passing that way do drop in. It’s called ‘Restaurant des Reves’ (“Restaurant of Dreams”), 2 Av Side Med Ben Abdellah, Rue Sidi Ahmed Ouharoon, Essaouria.

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Cooking at the Kasbah: Recipes from My Moroccan Kitchen

One Great Reason to Visit Morocco

One great reason to visit Morocco is the experience Moroocu cuisine first hand – wonderful Moroccan food can be found in a variety of settings – from roadside cafes, a delightful restauants,night-time stalls in the great square in Marrakesh ‘Djemaa al Fna’ … and if you’re lucky enough to be invited into a family home for some home-cooking consider yourself truly fortunate.

Chicken Pastilla (accompanied by great, local music)

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When visiting Morocco, the bustling city of Marrakech is the first port of call for many guests. The former capital and imperial city of Morocco, also known as the “Red City”, is rich in history and offers a wealth of natural, beautiful attractions, as well as lively street markets and a labyrinth of narrow streets to discover in the medina. Whether you want to soak up the city life or escape to the blissful Ourika River with it’s tranquil waterfalls, Marrakech is the ideal base. Wrap up in oriental charm in a historic house known as a riad – here are our seven favourite Riad hotels in Marrakech where you’re guaranteed a stylish stay.

Riad Al Assala Medina

Riad Al Assala Medina is located in the peaceful old town and the spacious five star suites make for an extremely sensual and intimate experience. A charmingly sized luxury abode with authentic Moroccan design, furnished in a clean, modern style. Only a walk away from the cultured Jemaa-el-Fna square, it provides guests with easy access to the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh, and the stunning rooftop terrace invites guests to soak up the sun and the city skyline.

Riad Demeures d’Orient

Riad Demeures d’Orient is hidden away in the heart of the Red City, it has an unique full view of the city’s ancient walls. With a mixture of Moroccan and Far Eastern architecture, the atmospheric five star resort is like no other. This idyllic sanctuary holds host to a neo-gothic library and a plethora of beautiful mosaics, whilst guests can relax with massages or in the traditional hammam spa. The soul of the Riad is the courtyard with marble fountain, swimming pool, lounge chairs and refreshing shade.

Dar Darma

Dar Darma is an extravagant Riad designed with moody dark colours and features like mirrored walls and large shapely pots in the rooms and common areas, creating an ambience of history and romance. The Dar Darma houses a grand inner court, a comfortable salon, a terrace, a restaurant and large, opulent beds in the glamorous suites. With children as welcome as adults, this city palace encourages all to visit.

Villa Shayanne

Villa Shayanne is located within ten kilometres of central Marrakech, meaning the five star resort offers the ultimate getaway for pure relaxation. Clear views of the Atlas Mountains and surrounding scenery make the Villa Shayanne an idyllic haven. The mixture of modern European design and traditional Moroccan elements gives the resort an exotic charm. With golf and tennis lessons or a tour of Moroccan cuisine, you can avoid the busy city but still enjoy the culture.

Riad Dixneuf La Ksour

Riad Dixneuf La Ksour is found in the heart of Medina, a peaceful back drop adjacent to the cultural blood lines of the Old City. The picturesque and classical Riad has a ancestral blend of modern design with the Moroccan tradition. A panoramic view of the Atlas mountains makes for an unforgettable stay. The six amorous suites have light, modern colours and the courtyard with swimming pool make the Dixneuf La Ksour a gleaming jewel in the rich tapestry of Marrakech.

Les Jardins de la Médina

Les Jardins de la Médina is an oasis just outside the medina walls. Time honoured tradition meets contemporary design, a large luscious garden makes this four star Riad is a sanctuary away from the busy lifestyle of the city. This historic hotel was a 19th century royal palace making it the perfect choice for honeymoons and romantic breaks, as the salons are now sumptuous rooms. The ancient garden gives life to Palm, Orange and Jacaranda trees. The swimming pools, Jacuzzis and beautiful songbirds create a tranquil atmosphere.

Dar Chérif

Dar Chérif is located on the road to Quarzazate, only ten minutes away from the Red City. Subtlety, calm and modest decor make Dar Chérif a true gift, with just six luxurious suites. Set in the centre of Andalusian gardens, the beauty and ambience is unrivalled. Decorated with authentic Moroccan pieces including Zellige, Tadelakt and Bejmat elements, all guests will leave well cultured in Moroccan art. Traditionally themed rooms and customary Moroccan food means you will sample the history and legacy of this great region.

Guest contribution from Escapio.com where these romantic Moroccan hotels and Riads are just a handful of the luxury, boutique and design hotels perfect for a long holiday or a weekend break.

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Ras Mohammed National Park

Ras Mohammed National Park is located on the most southerly tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It’s an extremely remote travel destination on the shores of the Red Sea. Access is generally either by vehicle or boat from Sharm el Sheikh.

I was fortunate to meet a German/Egyptian family who were holidaying for the diving in and around Sharm el Sheikh and they offered to take me to this remote destination in their vehicle. Access was probably even more difficult back in the 1980s as the towns on the Red Sea were yet to be discovered and developed into the tourist destinations we know today. The only access to Ras Mohammed was with someone who had a vehicle.

The small 4WD drive was loaded up with 6 passengers, scuba diving and snorkeling gear, and south we headed.

Diary extract – 18 July, 1988

Reef Fish on Local Postcard

“…We were stopped at a number of military checkpoints where Passports were required. Unfortunately, my passport was left as a security deposit with the Aqua Marine where the snorkelling gear was hired. Our host, who was of Egyptian origin, managed to confuse them at each checkpoint and we were not asked to show them. Whilst it was a mere 15km drive, it took an hour to get there! The last 5km was very much cross country and a 4WD was a necessity.

Desert Camels

We headed straight for the reef with our gear and I’ve never seen such an incredible number of fish of all colours and sizes. It can best be compared with swimming in a large, tropical fish tank found in your neighbourhood pet shop. We made it to the edge of the reef and the colours were simply breathtaking, as it plunged away beneath us. There were clams to be seen on the reef cliff and coral in many colours, shape and form. I’d not been out there for any length of time, when the others surfaced to say they saw a Hammerhead shark – I decided not to hang around and headed back to the safety of the reef…”

The Red Sea Dive Guide

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One Great Reason to Visit Ras Mohammed

One great reason to visit this remote travel destination is to experience the diving and/or snorkelling over the reef, through an abundance of fish, to the spectacular reef edge.

Ras Mohammed from Sharm El Sheikh

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Gap Adventures is currently running a competition to design your own dream adventure. There are a number of requirements to be met and as I’m all for the adventure, dream, travel destinations, I set to work to create my custom design tour. The tour I have created takes in Senegal and Mali in the heart of West Africa, an area I’ve been longing to visit for many years, especially the amazing Djenne Mosque.

“Enjoy the sounds, colours and aromas of exotic Dakar, the home to the famous ‘Dakar Car Rally’. Take in Dakar’s markets, nearby ocean beaches and tropical rainforests. Enjoy a Senegal drumming class. Visit the first French settlement of Saint Louis, and like Île de Gorée, both were fortified collection points for slaves bound for the Americas…” – PLEASE READ MORE & VOTE