Dear African Travellers,
Warmest wishes for the new year to all our readers and welcome
to our first edition of the Africa travel newsletter! If you're
already travelling through the continent we hope you are enjoying
the escape from the Northern Hemisphere winter. We have a
bit of a feature on Morocco as a destination in this edition
but you will find information pertinent to other countries
as well. We hope you find some useful tips here and will also
encourage your travelling friends to sign up as well.
ACCOMODATION REVIEWS
Africa may sound remote and uncivilised but there are some
fantastic guesthouses, hostels and hotels to look at. We suggest
you look at our booking engine for more ideas - http://reservations.bookhostels.com/backpackglobe.com
Thanks to all readers who have sent in recent reviews particularly
readers Michael Smiddy (Australia) and Brian (USA). Here are
some of the latest reviews from our sites:
Hotel Zagora (Ouarzazite, Morocco) by Brian (USA)
Out of season in Zagora you have hotel managers at your feet
practically begging for your business. We came through here
in late January and a room that started at 250 dirham each
at the Hotel Zagora came down to 20 each in a matter of seconds.
And this was a classy joint. Plush pillows, royal red carpets,
atmospheric candles in the room... forgot we were in Africa
for a night. This place is outside town so it may be hard
to get to without a car.
Hotel Gazelle (Marrakesh, Morocco) by Michael Smiddy (Australia)
I got a great big single with bathroom for US $9. And they
have a great deal for breakfast even if you're not a guest.
Trains come from Fes, Tangiers. From the train station it's
about a 15 minute walk to the centre.
We welcome all accomodation reviews. To read or add them click
here
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TALES AND EXPEDITIONS
Aid work and travel
Australian M'Liss Flynn visited a friend doing aid work in
Kenya and Nairobi. For the full story click
here
If you have a recent tale (and pics) that you would like to
share please email us at editor@backpackglobe.com
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESTINATION IDEAS
Featured here are some highlights from Africa:
Marrakesh, Morocco
The famed Djemaa el-Fna square, described as the greatest
open-air spectacle in the world; is a chaotic hubbub of people,
food stalls, tourists, hustlers and snake charmers at all
times of the day and night. During the day people collect
herbs from medicine men after they explain their illness,
buy water from elaborately decorated sellers and watch musicians
and acrobatic performances. At night the air becomes thick
with the haze of barbecueing meats and seafood. Numbered stalls
set up under electric lights while white clothed chefs called
to attract potential customers walking by. With seafood, chips,
salad, kebabs, barbecued meats, eggplant, olives, chilli,
bread and wonderful mint tea there is little need of persuasive
powers. As you might have guessed a visit to Marrakesh is
all about eating. Shopkeepers seem to lie in wait with tea
pots full of irresistable Moroccan mint tea, particularly
when they know you have already drunk a glass or two in every
shop down the road. This hospitality is Moroccan but Marrakesh
is also described as more African and laid back than the northern
cities even with a population of 1.5 million. But in Marrakesh
there is no feeling of overcrowding as the medina walls enclose
a far more open area than is found in other large Moroccan
cities. Even when you penetrate right into the heart of the
old city into the familiar twisting alleyways of the medina
and find carpenters sweating over cupboards, tailors squeezed
into tiny shops using treadle sewing machines, and others
repairing or making shoes from rubber tyres; it is all done
in such a relaxed and unhurried fashion that the crowds never
seem intense. There is an international airport in Marrakesh
and other centres in Morocco. Alternatively ferries leave
daily from major ports in Spain to northern Morocco. Marrakesh
is accessibly by land by public transport. It is the southern
terminus of the train network.
South Africa
South Africa is celebrating 10 years of freedom and democracy
in 2004 and will be a great time to visit with numerous nationwide
celebrations . The good news are that visas are free even
if you need to get an entry permit (and most Western and Commonwealth
countries don't need this). Make sure you see a cricket or
rugby game while you are there or see some of the countries
famous sights like the beautiful city Cape Town with its beaches
and vineyards, the indigenous forest regions of The Garden
Route or Kruger National Park with it's lions, cheetahs, leopards,
elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Independent travel is well
established in the region and there are numerous options for
accomodation from camp sites to hostels and hotels. For more
information consult the Lonely
Planet guide to the region.
Mali
This country in northern Africa (south of Algeria) is right
out of a scene from Lawrence of Arabia. It is predominantly
desert with inumerable beautiful landscapes to admire. If
you journey here follow the Niger River to one of the cities
along the banks, take a camel safari to the legendary city
of Timbuktu in the Sahara Desert, or trek to the Dogon country
for the spectacular April festival - Fété des
Masques. For more information consult the Lonely
Planet guide to the region.
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LANGUAGE TIPS
If you want to get a head start on your travel through Africa
it might be useful to learn a few words in the local lingo.
A lot of Africa was colonised by European powers and they
left a lingual legacy. For the most effective travel you would
probably need English and French. Here's an idea of what countries
speak the European languages.
Morocco - Arabic, French, Spanish, Castilian, English
Tunisia - Arabic, French, English, German
Algeria - French, English, Arabic
Libya - Arabic, English, Italian
Egypt - Arabic
Mauritania - Arabic, French, Wolof
Mali - French, Bambara, Songhai, Arabic
Niger - French
Chad - French, Arabic
Sudan -
Eritrea - Tigrinya, Arabic, English, Tigre, Afar
Guinea - French, Fulah, Susu
Sierra Leone -
Liberia -
Ivory Coast - French
Burkina Faso - French
Togo - French, Ewe
Benin - French, Fon, Yoruba
Nigeria - English, Hausa, Yoruba, Efik
Cameroon - French, English, Arabic, Ewondo
Central African Republic - French, Sango, Arabic, Swahili
Ethiopia - Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic, English
Congo - French
Gabon - French, Fang
Democratic Republic of Congo - French
Uganda - Swahili, English
Djibouti - Arabic, French
Somalia -
Kenya - Swahili, English
Burundi -
Rwanda - Kinyarwanda, English, French
Tanzania - Swahili, English
Angola -
Malawi - English
Zambia - English, Bemba
Seychelles - English, French
Madagascar - Malagasy, French
Mauritius - English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Bhojpuri
Zimbabwe - English, Shona
Namibia - English, Afrikaans, German, Herero
Botswana - English, Setswana
Mozambique - Portugese
South Africa - English, Zulu, Zhosa, Afrikaans, Tswana
Swaziland - Swati, English
Lesotho - Sotho, Southern, English
Sao Tome and Principe - Portugese
Equitorial Guinea - Spanish, Castilian, French, Fang
Useful language websites: Travlang.com
- Spanish, Portugese, French, Arabic and African languages
BugEurope.com - Spanish,
French, Portugese and a language converter
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Africa is a huge continent and climatic changes are different
in each country. But here's an idea so you can plan ahead.
Packing
Africa might generally be hot but don't expect it to be so
everywhere you go. Desert regions at night can be cool so
pack accordingly. Do some individual research for each country
and each season you visit. Almost everything, including sanitary
and medication, are available throughout Africa. But if you
need something specific make sure you have enough with you.
Have a look at our packing
guide for more ideas.
Plan Your Trip
Know where you want to go but need help wit train or bus timetables,
what to see and when to go? Or need to choose between itineraries
or cut down days on the road? If you need help then email
us - editor@backpackglobe.com
When to Go
This depends what country you are going to but generally African
summers are best avoided unless you are used to very hot temperatures.
Do some individual research.
Length of Time
This depends largely on how much time you have for your holiday
from work, university, study etc. Whirlwind tours don't give
you much experience of a country or it's people but it might
be all you've got time or money for. If this is the case try
not to do too much. Centre your travels around an area and
enjoy the best of the region rather than wasting days in travel
time. Remember jet lag can also reduce travel time by a day
or two. A lot of travellers believe a month is a good time
to dedicate to a country to really learn something about it.
Also try and schedule in days off during your holiday. You
may see something you like that you want to spend more time
seeing or may simply want to relax. Remember travel times
in Africa will be slow with longer journeys.
Book Tours
With an influx in tourism into Africa in recent years there
has been an increasing number of organised tours for various
lengths of time. We have a number of partners we work with
that you can research with and book online. Try some of these
links: Hostelworld.com
- worldwide tours, including Africa Info
Hub Specialty Travel Guide - specialty tours, including
Africa City
Tours - specific city tours
Accomodation
Accomodation options throughout Africa are numerous. In South
Africa the backpacking scene is particularly well developed.
Options range from camping to hostels, to hotels and bed and
breakfasts. You can book these online via any of our engines
which also provide reviews for you to make a more selective
choice: Hostelworld.com
- hostels, hotels, camping grounds, bed and breakfasts
etc Travelnow.com
- discount hotels Travelnow.com
- vacation homes
Travel Consultancy
If you can not find what you are looking for we do offer a
consultancy service to help you choose specific types of establishments.
We have long term contacts in this region and can usually
find something that caters specifically for your needs. Contact
us for more information info@backpackglobe.com
Ask Us
If we have not answered any of your questions about travel
to Africa or you need specific advice feel free to contact
us at info@backpackglobe.com
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD GUIDE: MOROCCO
Moroccan food is rich in taste, culture and is inexpensive.
Most travellers will find it a godsend, particularly those
that have come to Morocco from the more expensive dining culture
in Europe. Moroccans are also very hospitable and it is not
unusal for travellers to be invited to share a home cooked
meal.
Specialities
Mint tea - commonly known as "Moroccan whisky"
is consumed and served everywhere in copious amounts with
a flourish in pouring which is better observed than explained.
Tea is part of hospitality, every day life and is sweet and
delicious. In Fes it is served with the mint still in the
glass. It is made with Chinese green gunpowder tea, fresh
mint and lots of sugar. Coffee - available everywhere with varying
strengths. Couscous - ground wheat or rolled grains of semolina
pasta steamed in the top compartment while underneath, meat
or vegetables simmer in broth. Couscous is served on huge
wooden or ceramic platters with stew on top. Preparation is
long so this is usually only prepared at home. Tajines - slow cooked stews of meat and vegetables
flavoured with herbs and spices. Cooked in a round shallow
earthenware dish. Breads - different kinds but all is soft
and fresh. Bread is eaten with most meals. Pastilla - Pigeon meat, lemon-flavoured eggs,
almonds, cinnamon, saffron and sugar inside fine pastry and
coated in icing sugar. A sweet and savoury mix most common
in Fes. Harira - a thick soup of Berber origin made
from lamb stock, lentils, chick peas, onion, garlic, tomatoes,
fresh herbs and spices. Good as a first course. Brochettes - meat on skewers barbecued over
coals. Sfenj - deep fried doughnuts Beghrir - light pancakes Rghaif - flaky pancakes deep fried in oil
and sometimes served with melted butter and honey French patisseries - as a former French colony
the Moroccans have learnt the art of French pastry making
Kaab el ghzal - crescent shapped pastries
stuffed with almond paste and coated with icing sugar M'hancha - baked almond-stuffed pastry coated
with icing sugar and cinnamon Juices - orange juice is served cold and
fresh around the main square in Marrakesh. Other juices in
local cafes may have pomegranate, watermelon and grape juice,
or made with a mixture of milk or buttermilk and the juices
of fresh fruits and almonds.
Hidden
delights
For dining pleasures go to Marrakesh. It's a food lovers paradise.
During the day orange juice stands surround the main square
and herb/medicine sellers line the inside. In the streets
around the medina markets continue all day with bread, olives,
dates, nuts, fruit, vegetables and meat for sale. At night
in the main square an open air food market starts and men
in white coats and hats call their wares above electric lit
stalls with delicious tangine, salads and mint tea. The smoke
and juices from these stalls hover above the square.
How
it's eaten
Most Moroccans eat with their hands but foreigners are given
cutlery.
How
to order in a restaurant
If the menus are actually written they are usually in French
and/or Arabic. Get to know the common dishes and ask for these.
Shopping
for food
Food in Morocco is inexpensive so supermarket shopping is
unnecessary for budgeting unless it's really tight. Grocery
stores are available until late in the evening for people
who want basic food or don't feel well. These tiny stores
are crammed with goods in every conceivable space.
Alcohol
Morocco is a Muslim country and Muslim's are forbidden to
drink, but alcohol is available. Some restaurants are licensed
and there are liquor stores. Beer, wine and spirits are all
available.
Hygiene
Food is pretty cleanly prepared here but take care anyway.
Salads and uncooked meats are obviously best avoided if the
place looks unclean. Places popular with the locals and other
tourists are usually safe. Always buy bottled water.
Food
budget per day
Travellers coming from Europe will be pleased to know they
can eat again. It is possible to eat out several times a day
and be ahead of a European budget. A cheap restaurant/cafe
meal can cost as little as Dr 20 (US $2). A mid range three
course meal costs Dr 60-80 (US$6-8), the higher scale is Dr
80-100 (US $8-10). Alcohol will substantially up your bill.
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEATURE: AID WORK IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Tom Sizer is an Aid Industry Consultant with twelve years
experience in development and humanitarian response. Some
of his work has taken him to Australian Aboriginal communities,
the Sudan and other projects in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.
He kindly provided us with some tips on working as a relief
worker in third world countries:
So you wanna be a relief worker? But your careers
counsellor couldn't tell you what subjects to take by Tom Sizer
Working as a relief worker in a developing country is a uniquely
satisfying job for peoplewho have a strong desire to change
the world. But you need more!
It best suits people who do not have families, or don't like
them very much. It is a bit like being a submariner with six
months on and six months off where, they say, whether you
love your wife or not, you get six months paradise a year.
Relief work does not pay well. Many positions are virtually
voluntary. There is normally little job security. Three to
12 month contracts are the norm.
It is often dangerous. Most humanitarian disasters involve
civil strife. Dozens of relief workers are taken hostage each
year. Some are killed. Almost all long-term relief workers
have a near-miss story or three.
On the other hand it is exciting and rewarding work. If you
really want to make a difference in peoples' lives, there
are few jobs closer to the cutting edge - delivering food,
shelter and health care to thousands of hungry, sick and often
desperate people.
Aid organisations do employ people with appropriate experience
but you may consider volunteering first to meet people and
get your foot in the door. Here are a few organisations you
could consider: World Vision World Bank UNHCR Oxfam Red Cross United Nations
TOP
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPCOMING FESTIVALS
Here are some selected highlights from around Africa. For
more details email us at editor@backpackglobe.com
If you want to plan ahead to next years New Year Eve,
reader David Meinert tells us that Cape Town is a good spot
for the celebrations.
January
2-27, Cape Town (South Africa), Ministrel Carnival
17-19, Meda (Ethiopia), Timkat/Epiphany Festival
February
All month, Kano and Katsina (Nigeria), Dubar Festival
22, Nubia (Egypt), Abu Simbel Festival
22-March01, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Fespaco
African Film Festival
March
2, Moshi (Tanzania), Kilimanjaro Marathon
4-5 days, (Morocco), Aid al-Adha - end of the Islamic year
to celebrate Abraham's submission to God through the offer
of his son Isaac for sacrifice
All month, Bouake (Ivory Coast), Bouake Carnival
May
Tan Tan (Morocco), Moussem of Sidi Mohammed M'a al-'Ainin
- the so-called blue people or the Tuareg nomads from the
Sahara gather with other tribes for a commercial occasion
Simpa and Winneba people (central Ghana), Aboakyir festival
June
Early, 10 days, Marrakesh (Morocco), National Folklore Festival
Goulimime (Morocco), Moussem - big camel market and religious
get-together
June/July, 8 days, Grahamstown (South Africa), National
Arts Festival - a feast of arts, crafts and entertainment.
Bulletin Boards
We regularly list new jobs on our bulletin boards. Click here
to add your own Bulletin or check the other messages.
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELPFUL TRAVEL WEBSITES
BackpackGlobe - independent global travel
Travelang.com
- basic language guide for European, Middle Eastern and
African languages Visited Planet.com
- worldwide travel images including photographs of Morocco.
AfricaGuide.com
- African events and details
TOP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We hope you found our newsletter interesting and helpful.
The next edition is due out in April 2004. If you would like
to make any comments or see something different in the newsletter
email us at editor@backpackglobe.com
Disclaimer
This newsletter is a free service based on subscribtion.
If you have received this message in error or you received
duplicates,
you may easily unsubscribe from our newsletter by clicking
on the link above: http://www.backpackglobe.com/join_bp/newsletter.asp
