Kenya: Oman Air Launches Third Destination in Africa

By Susan Wong

Oman Air launched its third destination in Africa and 55th destination in the world, Nairobi, after its successful inaugural flight WY721 to Kenya's capital, on Tuesday.

The four times weekly flight to Nairobi from Muscat is Oman Air's first service to Kenya. The flight will open-up Oman Air's range of destinations in the Far East, Indian subcontinent, Europe and Gulf Cooperation Council countries for travelers from Kenya, and will help to strengthen Kenya and Oman's trade relations and long-standing 300 year friendship established in the 17th century.

The airline, which first started with only 3 aircraft, is now aiming to fly to 75 destinations by 2020, and sees Nairobi as an important connection point in Africa. The new route demonstrates the airline's commitment to continuing its network expansion to exciting new destinations.

Regional Tourism in the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Kenyan nationals bearing a tourist entrance visa or stamp from either Dubai or Qatar will not be required to obtain a separate visa for Oman, provided that they travel directly from Dubai or from Doha to Oman.

So what does the trio: Emirate of Dubai, Qatar and Oman - have to offer?

Thanks to the widely popular Shopping Festival, Dubai, with its numerous malls and bazaars, has established itself as a shopping destination. From its origins as a pearl diving hub, Qatar has invested heavily in its tourism offering, which includes many museums and hosting the 2020 FIFA World Cup. Aside from famous World Heritage landmarks, Oman offers one of the most diverse natural environments in the Gulf region including 3,000km of unspoilt coastline, deserts, canyons, and birdlife.

Next time you're in the region, take advantage of the Joint Tourist Visa.

Source: Kenya: Oman Air Launches Third Destination in Africa

Tourism Flow to Victoria Falls Draws Flights and Lodging Investments

Editor's Note: Skift launched a new series, Gateway, to broaden our news coverage geographically with first-hand, original stories from correspondents embedded in cities around the world.

We are featuring regular reports from Beijing, Singapore and Cape Town. Gateway Cape Town, for example, signifies that the reporter is writing from that city although his coverage of the business of travel will meander to other locales in the region. Read about the series here, and check out all the stories in the series here.

"Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight," wrote missionary and explorer David Livingstone in 1855, after "discovering" the Victoria Falls and naming them for his dowager Queen.

It's hard not to be impressed by Mosi-oa-Tunya – 'the smoke that thunders' – as the Zambezi River tumbles down into the Batoka Gorge in a 1.7 kilometer-wide curtain of water. It is, undoubtedly, one of the great natural wonders of the world.

But even the force of the Falls isn't immune to politics and nervous tourists. For years arrivals have faltered, a victim of Zimbabwe's disastrous economic and political policies.

That situation is changing though. Relative political stability in Zimbabwe has eased safety fears, and the 2009 "dollarization" of the country "put an end to hyperinflation and stabilised the economy.

In the early 2000s, before the tourism and economic crash in Zimbabwe, there was a Go To Vic Falls promotional entity, but it folded several years ago. These days its mostly private companies and brands that promote visitation.

Since then business has improved year on year, particularly in the Victoria Falls region," says Chris Roche, chief marketing officer at Wilderness Safaris. "Over the last three years Zimbabwe tourism arrivals have grown steadily and outstrip those of neighbouring Zambia."

"While the economic outlook on the country is still difficult, and it of course does still have its issues, the country is far more stable than it was before," says Joss Kent, chief executive officer of safari operator &Beyond. "The world is seeing it as a safer place to travel to again, and it does boast some of the continent's iconic destinations."

Another key ingredient in the growing arrival numbers is the reintroduction in December 2016 of the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) uni-visa. The visa allows citizens of 40 countries – including the key U.S. and European markets – to transit easily between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and stay for up to 30 days in both countries.

Capacity Grows

While reliable arrival figures are hard to come by, an excellent bellwether – and enabler – of the rising demand for the destination is the availability and growth in air access. On that metric, Victoria Falls appears the hottest ticket in Africa for 2017 because within three months, three major pan-African carriers have significantly increased capacity to the destination.

Actually, for Zimbabwe, the World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts a slight uptick in international tourism arrivals to 2.1 million in 2017.

Since March, South African Airways has deployed a 222-seat Airbus A330-200 on its daily flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, a 30 percent increase in capacity.

Ethiopian Airlines is also taking a slice of the action, launching four flights per week from its hub in Addis Ababa using a Boeing 737. From May Kenya Airways will begin direct flights three times a week from Nairobi to Victoria Falls, continuing on to Cape Town, South Africa. These flights, operated by Embraer E190s with a 12-84 business-economy split, are in addition to its existing service linking Nairobi, Livingstone (on the Zambian side of the Falls) and Cape Town. Both routes have fifth freedom rights, allowing passengers to embark and disembark at each stop.

The slew of new airlines is largely thanks to the $150 million renovation of the Victoria Falls International Airport, which included a new international terminal and 4000-metre runway capable of handling wide-body long-haul aircraft.

The improved "airport infrastructure, including runway strength, together with other key elements such as operating times and seamless connectivity intra-Africa were the deciding factor for the route," says Helena Maxwell, area manager southern Africa, Angola and Indian Ocean Islands for Kenya Airways.

"These three airlines alone add 80 000 new seats per annum into Victoria Falls International Airport and the region, offering a huge opportunity for growth, as well as connecting new destinations with the incredible Victoria Falls hub and KAZA tourism region," said Ross Kennedy, chief executive officer of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), in a recent press statement. AAT is a Zimbabwe-owned hospitality group that operates four lodges in and around Victoria Falls.

Regional carrier Airlink is also throwing its hat in the ring, launching six flights per week from Cape Town to Victoria Falls from July.

The route "has been on Airlink's radar for considerable time," said chief executive officer Rodger Foster. "Forward sales have far exceeded expectations. This is a clear indication that the service is highly demanded and long overdue."

Victoria Falls is also seeing a surge in investment on the ground.

The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration has allocated more than $200,000 for road improvements in Victoria Falls town, including the iconic bridge across the Batoka Gorge to Zambia, while lodges in and around town are upgrading to meet demand.

Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe will launch an exclusive Island Lodge in August, offering three tree house suites situated on a private Zambezi River island, while Ilala Lodge, overlooking the Falls, is revamping accommodation and communal areas.

Local tour operator Shearwater Adventures recently invested US$1.2-million in a new 150-bed campsite and chalet facility dubbed Explorers Village, with further accommodation in development.

Perhaps the most impressive new investment is the reopening of &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge in 2016. After being shuttered in 2012, a $10 million investment into the property has transformed it into one of the most talked about safari lodges in the region.

The knock-on effect for the region is also worth noting, with an increasing number of tourists to Victoria Falls often extending to other safari lodges in the region.

"Allied to the growth in arrivals to the Falls themselves is an increased demand for longer itineraries in the safari areas of northern Zimbabwe, such as Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks," adds Roche from Wilderness Safaris, which in 2015 rebuilt Linkwasha, its flagship camp in Hwange National Park, followed by further rebuilds and renovations of lodges in Mana Pools National Park in 2016.

See full article

Photo Credit: Relative stability in Zimbabwe has triggered an uptick in tourism and Victoria Falls area is one of the beneficiaries. Richard Holmes

Source: Tourism Flow to Victoria Falls Draws Flights and Lodging Investments

Tui’s customers desert Turkey and north Africa

Tui said its customers were continuing to desert Turkey and north Africa, as the tour operator announced an overall recovery in bookings by European holidaymakers.

Tui, which runs the Thomson and First Choice brands, said there had been more demand for holidays in Greece, the Canary Islands and long-haul destinations, but there had been "a further shift away from Turkey, having already reduced significantly as a destination in the prior year".

It added: "Similar to Winter, lower demand for north Africa and Turkey is offset by higher demand for other destinations such as the Western Mediterranean and Caribbean."

The comments contrast to those by Thomas Cook, which on Tuesday said there were early, tentative signs that tourists were returning to Turkey, which has been hit by political instability since an attempt by the military to overthrow the government last year.

Last year Tui said constant-currency revenues and profits were up despite the disruption from terrorism and political instability thanks to demand for long-haul destinations and cruise bookings.

Friedrich Joussen, chief executive, said the company was in a robust position because it was diversified across many countries and was focusing on growing its hotel and cruise businesses.

​T​ui​ said its summer 2017 season was trading in line with expectations, with revenue up 9 per cent and customer numbers up 4 per cent. Bookings excluding Turkey were up 7 per cent.

It reiterated its ​guidance of at least 10 per cent growth in underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation this financial year.

While customer numbers were up 6 per cent in central Europe, they were flat in Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg.

Analysts at Panmure Gordon said the figures showed the company was in "a solid position for this time of the year".

Cenkos Securities added: "The group notes the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges in certain source markets and destinations but its business model is robust with a diverse mix of owned product."

Shares were down 0.5 per cent in early morning trading at £11.29.

Sample the FT's top stories for a week

You select the topic, we deliver the news.

Source: Tui's customers desert Turkey and north Africa

Ethiopian Airlines eyes Byo, Air Zim deal

Ethiopian Airlines is exploring plans to fly to Bulawayo, as Africa's largest carrier expands its footprint on the local market.Ethiopian International Services managing director, Esayas Woldemariam told journalists on Sunday the carrier had set its eyes on Bulawayo.

BY NDAMU SANDU

Air Zimbabwe

"We are planning to expand to Bulawayo. We are studying our numbers and because we have a desire to connect Bulawayo population, especially traders and business people, to Dubai and to China," he said.

"In China, we go to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Hong Kong and next month, we are going to land in Chengdu."

Plans to launch a service to Bulawayo come after the airline made its maiden flight to Victoria Falls on Sunday.

The carrier will be flying four times a week on the route — Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays — to the resort.

It will be the first new carrier into the route after a $150 million upgrade of the airport. The airline flies daily to Harare.

Woldemariam said the airline continued to operate to Harare when other airlines stopped flying, as "we are African to the bone marrow".

"Through thick and thin, be it rain or sunshine, we have shown our allegiance to the cause of our fellow Africans," he said.

Zimbabwe suffered a flight of carriers between 2000 and 2008, when the political and economic fortunes nose-dived. The situation was arrested at the inception of a government of national unity in 2009.

The Ethiopian boss said he was promoting Zimbabwe as a holiday destination, boasting that the airline was a "flying tourism board of Zimbabwe and a flying tourism board of Africa".

The airline flies to 56 destinations in Africa. It has a fleet of 87 aircrafts and has made an order for an additional 55.

The expansion by Ethiopian Airlines comes as budget airlines have sprouted up, eating into the share of some national carriers.

Woldemariam said Ethiopian Airlines was not competing with them, but rather co-operating with the no-frills airlines.

"We want to see more budget airlines and more national carriers of Africa. We want to see more of them. The more we are, the merrier. We want to keep the traffic from the Middle East big three and from the European and others to African airlines because Africa has a lot in common to cooperate than to compete," he said, adding that his airline was "African to the core and knows better what the African customers wants".

Ethiopian Airlines has been linked to a partnership with national carrier, Air Zimbabwe. Woldemariam confirmed talks were underway.

"It depends on the political will of the Government of Zimbabwe on how they want to put it whether it is going to be joint venture or management consultancy," he said, adding Zimbabwe had "very intelligent" people, but the airline was lacking focus.

Source: Ethiopian Airlines eyes Byo, Air Zim deal

Marriott International's Aloft brand to amp up Mauritius hotel scene

Marriott International plans to launch its Aloft brand in the capital city of Mauritius with the signing of Aloft Mauritius Port Louis. Located in the central business district area of Port Louis, the hotel brand's first adaptive reuse project in Africa will see the existing nine-floor office building transformed into the city's newest destination sensation and is slated to open in early 2019 with 150 spacious loft-like rooms, accessible technology, and a social atmosphere.

"The signing of Aloft Mauritius Port Louis underscores the unstoppable momentum the brand has been garnering and our strategic commitment to grow the Aloft brand in key destinations around the world," said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

"With its urban design aesthetic and appeal to savvy travellers, the Aloft brand is particularly suited for adaptive reuse and in today's challenging economic environment, projects like this one can offer developers significant advantages. We are delighted to see the Aloft brand debut in Mauritius and see many opportunities to use this approach as an important growth channel allowing us to enter even more markets, more quickly."

Owned by Green East Master Limited, Aloft Mauritius Port Louis is ideally located in close proximity to Le Caudan Waterfront district, the dynamic city center pulsating with activity including leisure, shopping, entertainment and a marina.

Designed for today's always on the go and in-the-know traveller, Aloft Mauritius Port Louis will introduce stylish and affordable accommodation and amp up the island's hotel scene with tech-forward features, distinctive design and buzzing social spaces. Delivering urban-influenced design and an energetic guest experience, all rooms will offer spectacular harbor or mountain views and feature ultra-comfortable plush platform beds, large walk-in showers, and complimentary Bliss amenities. Guests can also expect the brand's signature WXYZ bar, a buzzy public space where they can catch up on emails, read the papers, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends, as well as a Re:mixSM lounge – Aloft's twist on the traditional lobby experie nce.

Designed with the needs of the savvy next-generation traveller in mind, the hotel will offer SPG Keyless—the hospitality industry's first truly keyless entry system that enables guests to use their smartphone or Apple watch as a room key. Other features will include a Re:chargeSM fitness centre, a happening rooftop destination bar and pool with stunning views; Re:fuelSM by Aloft; a convenient 24- hour deli option for those on the go; as well as two modern meeting spaces supported by an 'In-Touch' business area. Fast and free Wi-Fi will be available throughout the property.

Aloft Mauritius Port Louis will complement Marriott International's existing portfolio in Mauritius, comprising of three operating hotels under the St. Regis, Le Meridien and Westin brands and one hotel currently under development under the Sheraton brand.

Source: Marriott International's Aloft brand to amp up Mauritius hotel scene

Africa’s Best Romantic Safari Adventures 2017

Picture yourself waking up to the sound of wilderness next to that special someone, spending the day crossing vast plains in the dramatic landscapes of Africa, quenching your thirst for adventure. Return to your not so humble abode in the evening to sip a glass of bubbly on the porch while watching the sun set over the savanna, enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars and end the day with an outdoor bubble bath.

The excitement of observing incredible wildlife, dangerous, endangered or simply intriguing, together with the laid-back atmosphere of a luxury safari retreat makes a perfect combination. Love has no boundaries. Therefore, it shouldn't depend on location. However, planning a romantic safari can be tricky. There's simply no room for errors, so sit back and relax as the team at BookAllSafaris.com shares its top picks for romantic safari destinations in Africa:

Maasai Mara National Reserve

One of Africa's greatest wildlife reserves, Maasai Mara National Park in southwest Kenya boasts a spectacular ecosystem, home to about 40% of the continent's large mammals. The Mara is perhaps the best game viewing destination, thanks to its high density of wildlife.

Hot air ballooning over the savanna

Photo by Wajahat Mahmood

Exploring the vast plains of the Mara from a hot air balloon is an experience to last a lifetime. Just imagine watching the Big Five from a bird's eye view, not to mention giraffes, elephants, baboons, hyenas, gazelles and African leopards. Flying over the Mara River, you might even see hippos bathing and Nile crocodiles stalking their next prey. On a clear day, you'll even get to sneak a peek or two at Mount Kilimanjaro.

Camping in the Mara during the Great Migration

Home to an impressive variety of wildlife, Maasai Mara National Park can get crowded during the Great Migration. People from far and wide come to see the impressive display of brute force each year between July and October, a mass movement of around two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle.

Despite the crowds, your Maasai Mara safari can be quite intimate. A private tented safari will take you in the middle of the African bush, right in the heart of the migration, all the while enjoying luxury amenities like hot outdoor baths, butler service and gourmet dining. Not too shabby!

Victoria Falls National Park

Photo by Mario Micklisch

Long before Dr David Livingstone "discovered" these restless waterfalls in 1855, the Kololo tribes inhabiting the area called them Mosi-oa-Tunya – the Smoke that Thunders. At the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is neither the highest nor the widest, but it is certainly the largest and one of the most spectacular in the world. Moreover, it has earned itself a reputation as one of the most romantic locations on Earth

Nature's incredible strength is revealed right before our very eyes. Its noise can be heard 25 miles (40 km) away and the spray and mist can be seen 31 miles (50 km) away. Nonetheless, the postcard-perfect scenery and lush rainforests aren't all that makes this place special.

Rafting the Zambezi River

Photo by Christopher Jensen

To make your visit truly unforgettable, think big! Go rafting on the Zambezi River, widely considered as the best white water rafting in the world. No prior experience is required, only a strong stomach.

Bungee jumping at Victoria Falls

Photo by Kris Griffiths

Falling in love? How about free falling against the backdrop of the gushing Victoria Falls? Literally! If you're thinking about adding a little bit of spice to your romantic African getaway, the whopping 364 ft (110 m) drop off the Victoria Falls Bridge might do the trick. It may not be the world's highest, but rushing down towards the foamy Zambezi River sure is hard to top.

Swimming in Devil's Pool

Photo by joepyrek

Spending a day at the pool is always a good idea. But how about a natural infinity pool? Located on the edge of the Victoria Falls, Devil's Pool is not for the faint-hearted. Plunge in and have a peek over the waterfall – guaranteed to give you goosebumps! This is only possible during drier months, usually between August and January.

Take that special someone on a helicopter ride over the falls to admire them in their full splendor. And when you've had enough of an adrenaline rush, you can't go wrong with a sunset boat cruise or a candlelit dinner on the riverbank.

Tanzania

The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania has a thing or two to brag about: Africa's highest peak – Mount Kilimanjaro rising at 19,340 ft (5,895 m), more than 120 ethnic groups and the largest concentration of animals per square mile in the world are just a few of the highlights.

The white-sand beaches of Zanzibar

Zanzibar, the Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa, with its pristine beaches and mouthwatering cuisine, is perhaps one of the best honeymoon destinations out there. Its many lagoons and coral reefs offer excellent snorkeling and diving, it is a great destination for whale watching and swimming with dolphins, and home to the largest crab in the world – the coconut crab. In addition, there's no better way to end the day than by enjoying the sunset on board a dhow – (handcrafted wooden sailing vessel).

Serengeti National Park

You've come to Africa for the safaris, right? A stone's throw away from Zanzibar lies one of the world's most popular safari destinations – Serengeti National Park. How could it not be? Alongside Maasai Mara, it is the setting of the annual Great Migration. It is also home to the honey badger and an impressive number of Nile crocodiles.

In southern Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is said to be the best place in Tanzania to see the Big Five. A UNESCO Conservation Center, the 14-mile (22.5 km) wide volcanic crater is a natural wonder and the only place on Earth where mankind and wildlife coexist in harmony. It is also a great place to spot black rhinos.

How is this romantic? Well, imagine the vast plains of Serengeti stretching far under the deep African sky, the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro rising in the distance. And you two camping in the middle of this enchanting wilderness, letting go and releasing the beasts within yourselves.

South Africa

With so many adventure-packed activities to choose from, you don't necessarily need to pick the most romantic but rather the one that gets you closer to your significant other. This can be anything from whale watching, surfing and cage diving with great white sharks to kayaking with crocodiles, seeing hippos on a river cruise and embarking on a horseback safari. South Africa has it all!

Garden Route Safari

Photo by Armin Rodler

Go off-the-beaten-path and drive through the rolling vineyards of Cape Winelands or hike the Wild Coast Trail. Book a private safari and explore the lush indigenous forests of South Africa's Garden Route. You might spot elusive Knysna forest elephants and see giant 700-year-old Outeniqua Yellowwoods. While here, you can check out the world's highest commercial bungee jump – Bloukrans Bungy. Jumping from the 709-foot (216 m) high Bloukrans Bridge might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it could be an interesting way to pop the question.

Kruger National Park

If it's wildlife you came to South Africa for, look no further than Kruger National Park, the world's largest game reserve. Spanning over two million hectares, it is almost the size of Belgium! With an astounding density of wildlife, including around 12,000 elephants, it's a great place to see the Big Five. If you're looking to add a little romance, a self-drive safari or a walking safari are the best way to explore Kruger Park's sheer wilderness and awaken your senses.

Regardless of the occasion, be it your honeymoon, anniversary, a chance to pop the question or simply the occasional romantic getaway, Africa is always a good idea. Now let's go over the list one more time. Warm weather? Adventure? Romance? Check, check and check!

This article was originally published on BookAllSafaris.com.

About Octavia Drughi:-

Octavia is a travel writer for BookAllSafaris.com. She is a passionate mountaineer, tree hugger and adventure addict who believes every living creature deserves care and respect.

Source: Africa's Best Romantic Safari Adventures 2017

Three new flights to three new destinations from March 26

Business News of Saturday, 25 March 2017

Source: 3news.com

2017-03-25

Ethiopian Airlines, has finalised preparations to launch flights to three new destinations

Africa's largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, has finalised preparations to launch flights to three new destinations – Victoria Falls, Oslo and Antananarivo – within three days from March 26 to March 28.

Mr Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO said: "Three new flights to three new destinations in just three days is one of the greatest expansions in Ethiopian's long and illustrious history.

We are proud that we are able to link these new stations to the Ethiopian network in such a short period of time." He said as of March 28, its vast global network would add three new destinations which would further strengthen its leadership in the continent in connecting more cities in Africa to more cities in the world than any other airline.

He said the airline flies 28 weekly flights to four destinations in China, 20 weekly flights to The Americas, 72 weekly flights to Asia, 65 weekly flights to Middle East, 400 weekly flights to 53 cities across Afri ca and almost daily 54 flights to Europe.

He said this was only possible due to the continued support and dedication of the thousands of Ethiopian Airlines' employees, who strive for the best service, best safety and best on time performance every day and the great vote of confidence that it enjoys daily from its valued customers.

Victoria Falls, Oslo and Antananarivo are three of the seven new destinations to be launched during the first six months of 2017. Ethiopian started flights to Conakry in February 2017 and before July, Ethiopian would start service to three destinations in Asia: Chengdu, Singapore and Jakarta.

The Airline envisaged reaching 120 international destinations worldwide by 2025.

Source: Three new flights to three new destinations from March 26

Escape winter to a cozy mountain idyll at La Petite Ferme

La Petite Ferme has put together an extra special attraction to turn the sedentary humdrum into a comfort getaway in the lap of great hospitality. Their ultimate winter escape packages available from 1 May until 30 September invite you to make the estate your home in one of the luxuriously appointed vineyard suites or Manor House designed with privacy in mind and which make the most of the farm's panoramas to forever. 

Now, if you book for four nights between Sunday and Thursday at this mountain-perched retreat, you not only get 25 % discount per night plus breakfast and lunch daily, but also a complimentary, all-inclusive, full-day winelands tour too.

This all-new bespoke tour is the ideal way to explore the region and takes you to some of the most famous attractions in the winelands most historic towns - Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek itself. Your winter see-sip-and-savour includes a visit to wineries Waterford Estate and Delheim; Nelson Mandela's former prison; and, Mont Rochelle the estate owned by Sir Richard Branson.

Or unwind in the lap of luxury at La Petite Ferme over Friday and Saturday and receive a daily complimentary breakfast and lunch included. If you stay two mid-week nights (Sunday to Thursday), receive a 20% discount per night with breakfast and lunch included daily. A 25% discount with complimentary breakfast and lunch is offered for a mid-week three-night stay.

While you're here, why not brush up on your vino skills and join two other La Petite Ferme chauffeur tours – this time to see, sip and savour some of Franschhoek's most popular wineries. Option One sets off to Lynx Wines and Rickety Bridge before returning to La Petite Ferme for a languid lunch. Your wine-lands meander then continues with a visit to Grande Provence and ends the afternoon on a high at Mont Rochelle. Option Two includes a stop-over at Dieu Donné, Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence and Month Rochelle before returning to La Petite Ferme for some well-deserved R&R. A minimum of two people is required per booking and an hour is spent at each winery.

Likewise, there are few better places to enjoy a great meal with vistas like these when dining at La Petite Ferme's slick a la carte restaurant that is famous for its food as much as its splendid, tree-lined panorama. This eatery serves up creative, heart-warming dishes with a global twist, along with La Petite Ferme's champion wines and the best views in the Franschhoek Valley.

The La Petite Ferme winter packages apply from 1 May to 30 September, so be quick to book. The popularity of the destination means the opportunity won't be available for long.

For more information please click here.

Connect with La Petite Ferme on social media:

Source: Escape winter to a cozy mountain idyll at La Petite Ferme

Gambia: The Untold Story Of Illegal Migration

SA Jarjou

(JollofNews) – Backway can be defined as the migration of people across international borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination country.

Africa has never seen such a flood of young men heading for Europe. The number of migrants crossing by sea to Italy, a top entry point, nearly quadrupled from 2013 to 2014, reaching about 170,100. Sub-Saharan Africans made up a growing percentage of the total.As of 1 January 2015, there were 5,014,437 foreign nationals resident in Italy. This amounted to 8.2% of the country's population and represented an increase of 92,352 over the previous year. These figures include children born in Italy to foreign nationals (who were 75,067 in 2014; 14.9% of total births in Italy), but exclude foreign nationals who have subsequently acquired Italian nationality; this applied to 129,887 people in 2014.

And in 2016, more than 361 thousand immigrants arrived by sea in Europe and half of them landed on Italian shores, 48% in Greece (174 thousand arrivals), while in Spain they were just 8,826. (ISMU Foundation, 2016). There's a big problem of complex among some young Africans and that problem is majorly in thinking faculty; that, going abroad is a greener pasture. That' not true. So I put to you, there is no greener pasture anywhere like your home- country and where you come from.

Until we get this into our skull about it, the Mediterranean Sea will never seized to be death trap, and is recording increasing number of dead of young Africans swallowed in droves on the rough high sea. I just do not know what is pursuing them abroad.  Take it or leave it, any young person that is unable to make it at home, cannot or will find it equally difficult making it abroad. You see, to live or reside in abroad requires hard work, and most job opportunities for irregular are cheap manual labor that you wouldn't ordinarily do in your country.  So what's the point?

Do you know why do young people risk their lives at all cost to traveling abroad without a destination, permits or money in pocket at arrival? To arrive in a foreign land without where to sleep, food to eat could be traumatic, and starting a life in street as if one is a psycho- man could be another thing entirely?  I have seen people in work in Africa, selling their properties to gather money to travel abroad with the hope of getting a better job, which they never. I have seen parents selling their compounds and collecting loans from bank to fund their daughter to travel abroad in anticipation of return on investment, which usually result in the girl's death of HIV/AIDS. I have seen where Men traveled with children in pre tense as theirs, only to sell these children for a token. Imagine what people do for money? What is more wickedness than this? So you can tell me what is it I have not seen or heard? But that is just the picture.

Back to the point I asked, why young Africans want to travel abroad by all means? Or will you blame this young people in totality for their actions?  Wanting to leave their country in droves? To my mind is where there is hunger there is likely hood of migration. Where there is poverty and joblessness there is likely hood of migration. Where there is war and conflict, inequality, corruption and bad governance there is likely hood of migration. And this entire likely hood is in Africa and I don't know why Africa.

An increasing number of Gambians are risking their lives to get to Europe

To me, migration in its self is not criminal per se, but when it is irregular, it can be viewed illegal by the entering country and as security threat.  Most times at bord ers migrants are arrested, roughed handled, tortured and killed, while so many are languishing in jailed criminally in Asia, Europe and America. This migrants are usually maltreated may be because they are from Africa and is out of racial discrimination and Xenophobia. But funny enough, even most of those African youths that are arrested and detained in jail themselves have refused to identify with their identities and reject their Government interventions in returning them back in their various African Countries for reintegration. That too goes to show you the rooted mentality we have that greener pasture is not in Africa by African. It is such is pity!

But to those irregular migrants whose have found their way into Europe, Asia and America from Africa, they are currently into modern day slavery.  Ask me why? Their condition there is not better than when they were in Africa. They see good life but cannot access it. But the truth of the matter is that, Americans, Europeans, Asians enjoys such migrants and recognizes the potentials, which they absorb and provide available labor jobs to them.  These jobs are jobs that do not have dignity nor add value to them.

According to UN statistics, 244 million migrants are living abroad. These migrants make their ways through the Mediterranean Sea by boat, and these boats do capsized, killing our teeming youths in droves. Most of the boat cap siding is never captured in the media and till tomorrow young lives are cut off in this deadly sea route to abroad.  To some that are migrating by road, they are stocked in the desert and killed by hunger and thirst. After drinking their urine as water to be dehydrated to death, you will then understand you do not need this road to greener pasture. Oh, what manner of greener pasture! When I think of it, I now know that I do not need this manner of greener pasture and is extremely not worth the risk? And you need to let others know of it too.

You see migration most at times result into trafficking and don't just happen. It is an organized crime. It starts when someone is desirous and apprehensive to move abroad. You will meet or will be approached, introduced by and to those into Visa racketing. Some of them go into poor local communities, led by family members, known people and community members who lure vulnerable youths with promising annotations of job opportunities in Europe, Asia and America.  These opportunities never existed nor will exist. Young girls are taken out of African abroad to serve as sex toolkits in prostitution.

These young Africans girls are exploited sexually to sleep with all kind of animals for experiment.  These girls are mostly under 20 years old and are traded for commercial sex to over 30 men daily, without protection. So I ask you, who are these old men paying for these girls to be brought into Europe, Asia and America? And I will tell you they are not Africans. Africa is only used as the kingpin for the trade. And is senseless, shameful and heartless to humanity, they will pay for it one day.

It dream of  Africa that would one day see her  youth tapping from the expertise of Africa and began a new process of leadership where we will find that greener pasture right here in Africa.

By Saidina Alieu Jarjou

Source: Gambia: The Untold Story Of Illegal Migration

Explore Africa's havens for bikers

From mountain biking to road cycling, BMX racing, or just leisure biking, Africa is an awe-inspiring destination for bikers across the world. With a topography that encompasses spiraling mountains, prairies, and thickly forested cycling tracks that have formed over years of being trodden on by bicycle wheels. Wondering where to find these scenic cycling trails, here are some of the best in the continent.

Image by Daxiao Productions

Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, where best to cycle than among Stellenbosch's alluring vines? The jagged mountain backdrop gives a refreshing and enchanted feel as you pedal your way through the Winelands. Ensure to have a bicycle wine rack for taking some wine on your way.Garden Route, South Africa It is one of Africa's secreted charms along the theatrical southern coastline from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Storms River. Bikers follow the meandering paths leading to the artistic destination that boasts a rich blend of craft hubs, golf courses enclosed by ancient forests as well as beach holidays. Sounds divine, right? Take the challenge and experience Garden Route on your bike.

Image by razzel

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Off to East Africa, experience a mountain bike adventure around the highest mountain on the continent. When the rough terrain becomes challenging, give your machine a little push or carry it to the summit (approximately 19,000 feet). It is said that there are more than 35,000 people who have attempted to climb Kilimanjaro every year, with a success rate of only 45-percent. Out of these, only a few have successfully reached the summit on a bicycle.

Earlier last year, professional mountain biker Rebecca Rusch and adventurer Patrick Sweeney successfully cycled Mount Kilimanjaro on a six-day round expedition. They aimed to raise awareness and funds for World Bicycle Relief, a charity organisation that helps people in rural areas conquer the challenge of distance by providing bicycles.

Rebecca Rusch and adventurer Patrick Sweeney. Image: Pat R. Notaro III

The Sahara Desert, Morocco Are you a daredevil? Then coat yourself in dust as you peddle across the Sahara in Morocco. Battle the massive sand dunes and venomous creatures in an excursion that mixes awe and peril; giving you the most white-knuckling experience of a lifetime. Whether for a short stunt into the desert or a complete escape from civilization into the deep sandbanks, the Sahara is a haven that any biker should brave.

The list is endless, and one can also do a continental cycling odyssey across as many African countries as possible. In the words of Arthur Conan Doyle, "When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking".

Source: Explore Africa's havens for bikers

Africa and the learning Infrastructure

Steve Orji

My father was not a highly educated person but held the passionate dream I got a higher education his best means could afford.

My university education in part might have addressed that deep aspiration of his.  But looking back, I have only understood how that education was poorly served.

 An education that readily afforded me just a modest means to put food on the table, get a family, fend for a few relatives and that's it. It never truly brought original impetus or profound transformation to me or my own society.

In the end, educated people from Africa suffer from the blight of narrow definition of what their education was meant to serve, and worse still, from the impotent content of the education they got.

 Many Africans who share similar cultural and social background with me would readily find a handle to this perspective.

What does Africa's education system aspire to achieve?  The first generation of Africa's elite wanted education mainly to give vent to the budding nationalistic energy in them, and to furnish it with some form of enlightened presentation, so they could readily discharge the weapons of their "learning" in the field of struggle for independence–to fight the Whiteman in his own language with the same tool he fashioned.

They achieved that in good time and made their way up the stage–with all the profusions of a good life, savouring the benefits of their "success".

Young generations of Africans readily gleaned from the "success stories" of their forbears.

 Education to an African is seen as a step to the "good life" and fireproof means to widen the sphere of personal privileges.  And that almost is what the societies they inhabit seem to be about.

 Africa's learning architecture must transform into tool for societal transformation. Certificates must not rank above creativity. Learning must first and foremost become a productive end–that is to generate sustainable manpower requirements for advancement and fulfilment of national development aspirations.

Africa's learning model stems from formal repetitions than from dynamic newness. Pupils are deemed to have passed examinations only if they conformed to the taxing regimen of committing to memory answers to questions intended by their examiner.

Nigeria alone has profuse stream of "first class" degree holders in Science and Technology, but struggles with the ironic scandal of having the worst technology deficiencies–never been able to come up with any known technology patent for almost 50 years after its national independence. Scandalous revenue is voted each year by African governments for services procured from foreign professionals.

Yet new technology institutions spring up by the day, mainly as propositions on the basis of political patronage.

Most countries of Africa pass mainly as destinations for third-grade technology know-how: like automobile assembly industries, commodity packaging firms, or rollout plants for completely knocked down parts.  A strange position for a continent in dire need of technology revolution.

The Asian economies of Singapore, China and Malaysia became compelling models of successful technology revolutions supported on the lattice of innovative resilience of its people. Government initiatives of propping top quality Science and Technology innovations by massive investments in Research and Development have paid off by the immense advancements' of the economies of these nations. Their bright minds are trained and retained in research intensive institutions funded by the government and specialist institutions in collaborations with other experts around the world.

Conversely, Africa's best minds are "held hostage" in foreign lands where they "empty their brains" for a pittance. This flight of intellectual capital is a huge deficit to Africa's development prospects.

A better learning architecture for Africa should produce sufficient "design holders" and not "degree holders".  People who think differently from their teachers. Questioning minds whose minds could shatter myths and stare the horizon from the point of creative agitations than of punitive fear.  Africa must harvest from its education fields "rocket launchers" able to launch their nations from the lurch of ordinary models of pedestrian economies to orbits of global competiveness.  Offices in Africa are riddled with once-bright minds now chewing curds like goats -regurgitating year after year memorized routines without additional inputs of vital creative insights. The need to turn out people with Business minds and thinking would reduce the surge for salaried jobs-with even more and more people optimizing the free enterprise space in the economy for wealth creation.

The curricula of the African education system should have in them basic business education able to spurt people with bright ideas not bright scores into the galaxies of creative rendezvous-offer profound latitude for creative audacity- providing potent launch pad for what "you can do" rather than "what you should do" and "what you should never do".

Students should not go home with swollen heads from punitive strokes of the cane, like I once had for failing to recite some idle rhymes of out-modelled note takings. Such frightful intimidations only produced a handful of "book rodents" who lived on books, but destroyed its value in the end.

Me and the thousands of scholars in my generation lived to please our parents, aspired to win prizes set by teachers, but could hardly afford the substantial promise and prospects our education most rightly engendered.

This takes considerable patience and skills like it held for China– taking up more than seven decades of tremendous cultural and mental transformation- reclaiming their internal originality and precipitating a new vista of an indigenous flavor of new civilisation – placing them as the second largest economy next to America.  An heir apparent to the last superpower.

China speaks Chinese- dresses Chinese, eats Chinese. Chinese people have come to place abundant faith in who they are and what they stand for- resisting centuries of formidable pressures from the western world for them to give away their new-found national audacity.

 The sublimation of China's supreme Technology achievements   and economic success came about by the process of decades of remodeling their learning architecture-one that was realistic, ambitious innovative and original-devoid of meaningless routines.

Orji, wrote in from London, United Kingdom, via [email protected]

08063963140

Source: Africa and the learning Infrastructure

Africa-focused tech startups raised record-breaking $366 mil funding in 2016

Tech startups based in and outside Africa with a majority client/customer base in the continent raised over R4 billion ($366.8 million) in vnture capital funding last year.

This is according to a report by US venture capital firm, Partech Ventures, which has been tracking the dynamics of African tech investment over the past three years to better understand the investment landscape on the continent.

Partech's analysis is based on market research, publicly available data and its trusted relationships within the tech ecosphere.

It's research showed that 77 Africa-focused startups raised R366.8 million in seed to growth stage VC funding in 2016, compared to $276.5 million in 2015, a +33% growth year-on-year.

The largest round of funding was $40 million.

The numbers only include deals higher than $200 000 and exclude "megadeals" higher than $ 100 million. They also exclude any grant or debt deals.

For startups with local presence in more than one African country, only one primary country of operation has been identified and that is where the investment is counted.

"Looking at it from a stage-angle, the African tech investment keeps growing very fast with a distributed growth across all round types. Deep diving into round size, the average size in Africa for seed round was $0.83 million in 2016 with 38 transactions," Partech said.

Nigeria led the funding race absorbing 30% of the total investment ($109 million), while Francophone Africa kept rising up with 10% ($37 million).

The geographic distribution is still focused on top three markets:

1) Nigeria with $109 million in funding (29.8% of total investment)

2) South Africa with $96 million (26.4% of total)

3) Kenya with $92 million (25.3% of total).

These top three investment destinations still account for 79.4% of the continent's total funding.

In terms of deals, South Africa saw the highest number of deals with 28 transactions (36.4% of total transaction), followed by Kenya with 21 deals (27.3% of total) and Nigeria with 13 deals (16.9% of total).

Financial Inclusion and Consumer Services segments draw most of the investment;

1.    Financial Inclusion accounted for 56.2% of the total investment with $206.3 million across 28 transactions. This goes into Off-Grid Tech (36.6%), FinTech (19%) and InsurTech (0.6%).

2.    Online and Mobile Consumer Services accounted for 40.5% with $148.5 million across 36 transactions. This goes into eCommerce (16.5%), EdTech (8%), Shared Economy (7.6%), Entertainment (5.5%), HealthTech (2.5%) and Personal Services (0.4%).

3.    Tech Adoption accounted for 3.3% of the total investment with $12 million across 13 transactions. This goes into Enterprise (1.8%), Hi-Tech (0.9%) and Connectivity (0.6%).

Like this story? Share it!
Source: Africa-focused tech startups raised record-breaking $366 mil funding in 2016

Lagos’ night markets, where all pockets are equal

Photograph — Samuel Oginni & Akinkunmi Akingbade

At almost every major bus stop in Lagos, there is a striking resemblance at night – the ubiquity of small gleaming lamps flashing at passersby as they move towards their different destinations; the sound of traders from all corners yelling or ringing bells to potential buyers for patronage. If we consider the fact that the struggle for survival is daily renewed among inhabitants of West Africa's largest city, finding such enterprising and distinctive features would be of no surprise.

Night market, as it's fondly called, serves as a base for most working class Lagosians who find it hard to go to regular markets during the day. A regular feature of these markets is that the traders do not make use of conventional stalls. They, however, place their goods on an open sack on the floor – known as bend down select stores; this makes them mobile, as they usually pack away all their goods after each night trade. Including food staples, almost everything could be found in such settings – books, clothes, jewellery, watches, film DVDs, fruits, colognes, and shoes. Though not legal, the market has served as a means of livelihood for many citizens, apparently because it caters for the need of the many low-income earning Lagosians.

Shoppers at Ojodu Berger night market

"My things don come down, na small small money," a seller yells at me as I approach him. I had just alighted from a bus coming from Yaba was moving towards the Ojota pedestrian bridge. He sells film DVDs. The DVDs were scattered on a cardboard on the floor. Like the other customers, I bent down and began to survey the movies he was selling to see if there would be any that interested me.

I see a recently released Nollywood movie. The movie grossed highly in the box office but was not officially being sold in DVDs to the public yet. I ask him for the price; "500 naira," he says. I try persuading him to sell it for 200. He refuses, explaining that the movie is very interesting and still new.

While haggling, we start talking about night markets. I ask why people preferred night markets. He, finally disclosing his name as Peter, says it is for convenience. However, he says, not all the traders were solely night traders, some had actually been there since morning and just wanted to partake from the influx of customers who patronise these areas at night.

Peter further explains that he is still a student and is preparing for his senior secondary school leaving certificates exams (SSCE). After school hours, he comes here to trade in order to make ends meet and provide for his family.

I approach another trader at the other side of the Ojota bridge. His marketing song was "fine fine trouser, fine fine trouser." He asks me what I want – chinos or trousers. I reply, chinos. His point too is similar to Peter's own, with all his goods on the floor. They are placed on a sack. He begins to select some chinos and shows them to me. I ask him for the price. He tells me 700 naira. I reply back angrily, "Is it not 500 naira?" – pretending I knew the prices before. "The way the economy be now, we no fit sell am for 500; bale – a sack of clothes – wey dem dey buy for 100,000 naira before don increase to 150,000," he explains.

"People wey dey buy the clothes from warehouse dey sell am to us now for 500, how we go sell am for the same price?" His question made sense.

Prices have gone up generally, however, people still flock to these points to patronise the traders. From young ladies who look glamorised during the day to men and women in suits, Lagosians are still attracted to night markets for several reasons. For some, convenience and flexibility; for others, the relatively cheaper costs of products in relation to structured markets, while for a set of ladies and guys, it is an opportunity to hide from the shame of buying fairly used products during the daytime.

I remember meeting an old acquaintance of mine in one of these spaces. Surprised to see me, she ignored the trader and jumped at me with a hug, and then we started chatting. She, currently a banker, was someone I had truly admired for her beauty and fashion. It was quite awkward and funny, though understandable, to discover that this was one of her sources of style. We left the place without her purchasing anything. However, afterwards, it became evident to me that the impact of these markets could be felt among most Lagosians, including her.

Women selling goods at the Ojodu Berger night market

For most middle and low-income earners, night markets serve a great deal in providing affordable lifestyles for them. The low prices and the variety of materials help make these citizens blend into the Lagos culture – a culture of style and highlife which could be very expensive to adapt to. As the boutiques and supermarkets are to the rich, the night markets cater for other classes of residents. This is why these markets will remain important to Lagosians and other potential migrants, that anyone can fit into the Lagos society regardless of their pocket size.

Comments
Source: Lagos' night markets, where all pockets are equal

Morocco positions Western Sahara town as pivot to Africa

This quiet town, situated at the tip of a narrow peninsula abutting the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Western Sahara, is buzzing with sudden activity with over 1,000 delegates from across the world descending on it for a forum to deliberate on development in Africa and South-South cooperation.

With the blue expanse of the Atlantic as a perfect backdrop, Dakhla, known as a destination for kitsurfing and windsurfing, is witnessing a gathering of ministers and senior government officials from several African countries and from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), besides delegates from Asian and other regions for the five-day Crans Montana Forum (CMF).

The March 16-21 event is being held for the third time in a row in Dakhla, which has a population of just over 100,000 spread out on the flat expanse of the Western Sahara in the Maghreb region of northern Africa.

Hosted by Moroccan King Mohammed VI, the theme of the event is "Towards a New Africa for the 21st Century - Stability, Cohesion and Solidarity for a Sustainable Development".

With Morocco joining the African Union in January this year and the kingdom eager to play a leadership role in the continent, the forum has the underlying theme of "The Structuring Role of Morocco in Africa".

The formal inauguration on Friday of the event, held in a large convention hall, saw a message by the King read out by the President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Ynja Khattat.

Referring to his country's return to the African Union, more than three decades after it quit over the issue of Western Sahara, whose separatist movement was once supported by many African countries, including Algeria, the King said Morocco will be at the forefront of contributing to serving Africa's interests and "consolidating its peoples' unity and cohesion".

But, he added: "Morocco will not, however, give up defending its lofty interests, particularly its national unity and territorial integrity."

He said "The Moroccan Sahara region, and Dakhla in particular", play a special role and "as a historic platform connecting Morocco to Africa" and of his country's push to turn it into a hub to promote communication with other African states.

US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, addressing the inauguration, was critical of the "tendency towards isolationism" in the world and referred to the BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa -- forum as an example of cooperation between countries.

The Forum, over the next few days, will discuss food security and sustainable agriculture, public health, renewable energies, migration to Europe, and women's participation in the economic and political spheres.

The Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region is one of the 12 regions of Morocco and Dakhla is considered by Morocco to be the "pearl" of the southern provinces.

With Morocco's re-admission, the African Union now comprises all 55 countries of the continent.

Morocco has launched a number of infrastructure projects in the Western Sahara -- whose sovereignty is disputed by neighbour Algeria which supports the region's independence or autonomy -- part of an $8 billion development plan designed to "make the Moroccan Sahara a hub for communication and exchange with sub-Saharan African countries". The projects include new ports, fish markets, desalinisation and fertiliser plants, and road infrastructure improvements.

(Ranjana Narayan is in Dakhla on the invitation of the Crans Montana Forum on Africa and South-South Cooperation. She can be reached at ranjana.n@ians.in)

--IANS rn/tb/sac

( 572 Words)

2017-03-18-14:44:09 (IANS)

Source: Morocco positions Western Sahara town as pivot to Africa

10 destinations South Africans can visit visa-free

"The process for South African passport holders to obtain a visa to the EU and the US, for example, can be a costly and time-consuming exercise. In some cases, it even necessitates an internal flight as well, as certain countries only have consulates in Johannesburg. In the last quarter of 2016, demand across the Cheapflights website app showed that South Africans were showing a strong interest in international travel," says Andrew Shelton, managing director of Cheapflights.

Luckily, there is a number of beautiful destination South Africans can travel to without a visa. Cheapflights shares a list of the top ten visa-free destinations with insights and must-see locations.1. Peru One of the best things about South America is that virtually the entire continent welcomes South Africans visa-free. In Peru there is, of course, the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu; but its popularity sees it constantly crammed with tourists. Choquequirao is perfect for those who want to lose the crowds but still experience a lost city. These remote Inca ruins are located in the Andes. Another option is to explore the Amazon Rainforest that stretches across nine countries, with Peru covering the largest part after Brazil (FYI: Brazil is also visa-free).2. Argentina Despite being Che Guevara's homeland, Argentina is known for far more than this famed revolutionary. From tango in La Boca to gauchos in the pampas, Argentina has plenty to offer – even in terms of extreme climate change. Those looking for a skiing holiday can book a cabin in Bariloche, while those after a beach trip can sun themselves in Mar del Plata. Another bonus? Uruguay is just a boat trip away, and it is also visa-free.3. Jamaica Bob Marley's home country, Jamaica, is one of the several nations which do not require a visa for South Africans. Besides the obvious attractions like cocktails on the beach and visiting the Bob Marley Mausoleum, there's river rafting down the Rio Grande and historical tours through Rose Hall in Montego Bay. Marley is not the only celebrity to have resided on the island. Theatre lovers can visit Noël Coward's old home, called Look Out, which has stunning views over Port Maria.4. The Bahamas

Lauren_vdM via pixabay - Nassau, Bahamas Being another island destination, chilling on the beach in the Bahamas goes without saying. Despite all the relaxing between baking in the sun and cooling off in the clear blue waters, it's also full of adventure. Visitors love the Pirates of Nassau museum for example. Want something more extreme than yelling 'ahoy'? Take to the waters by diving, snorkelling, exploring shipwrecks, kayaking, parasailing, kiteboarding, or jet skiing.5. South Korea The lack of visa requirements is only one of many reasons why South Korea is popular with South Africans. Foodies will find much to tingle their taste buds, and those with a sweet tooth must get a taste of Patbingsoo, a dessert made of shaved ice, condensed milk, ice cream, rice cakes, and sweetened red beans. It's also a great place to leap from old to new; go from sleeping on the floor in a traditional Korean house in Gyeongju to partying in Noise Basement in Gangman – the very area that inspired Psy's catchy song.6. Thailand Also a favourite amongst South Africans is Thailand, offering cheap food and accommodation, and demanding no visas of course. There are plenty of temples to explore such as Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and The Golden Buddha in Wat Traimit; and don't forget about the pulsating nightlife. With Go-Go bars, markets, bazaars, clubs, and theatres, Bangkok is swarming with light and activity at night.7. Zambia

sandrapetersen via pixabay - Elephants bathing in the Zambezi, Zambia "South Africans are starting to explore their own continent more and more, and there are several countries (mostly in the south, a stone's throw from home) that don't require visas," says Shelton. In Zambia, for example, there is naturally the option of going on safari. But there is also the unparalleled experience of the Victoria Falls. Vantage points such as Knife-Edge Bridge, Devil's Pool, and Lookout Tree offer awe-inspiring views of the rushing Zambezi river on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe (also visa-free) – as well as gorges, forests and of course the falls themselves. Dubbed "The Smoke that Thunders" by the Kololo tribe in the 19th century, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the world.8. Botswana

wbwolfgang via pixabay - Okovango Delta For those wanting to experience a safari, Botswana is a fantastic option. Neighbouring South Africa, the country is teeming with wildlife in its numerous parks and reserves, including the Big 5. River safaris, Africa's biggest elephant population, and the Okavango Delta are just some of the country's unique wonders. There's also no problem with overcrowding - Botswana's low impact tourist policy makes this destination a must.9. Singapore

MonicaVolpin via pixabay - Gardens by the Bay, Singapore No longer just a stopover destination, Singapore has proved itself to be a worthy city break in its own right. Dazzlingly modern and not without its green spaces, the city's combination of tradition, nature, and modernity can be seen most clearly at the famous Gardens by the Bay. On top of that, it is an incredible foodie city and a shopper's paradise.10. Republic of Ireland Travelling to the Republic of Ireland does not require a visa. However, Northern Ireland is part of the UK, and as such requires a UK Visa; so stick to the south. There are castles and cathedrals to explore, museums and art galleries to discover, and Viking adventures to be had. Literature lovers will leap at the chance to learn more about Dublin-born writers Jonathan Swift, Oscar Wilde and George Bernard Shaw. Turn the trip into a bonafide literary experience by adding the James Joyce Centre and Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub to the itinerary.
Source: 10 destinations South Africans can visit visa-free

Slovenia: 2017's next big destination?

Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:43 AM Lake Bled, Slovenia. Credit: Freeimages    

Slovenia's tourism office likes to promote the fact that it's the only country with the word 'love' in its name. 

Before First Lady Melania Trump became the country's unofficial but, arguably, most famous ambassador, Slovenia registered a whisper of a blip on the international travel map. 

Eclipsed by its more popular travel neighbors Italy and Croatia, a few years ago the best Slovenia's tourism office could muster was a play on words for its tagline. 

But thanks in large part to the US election, the Central European country has drawn the attention of the notoriously fickle food and travel world which recently pronounced one of its chefs the best female chef in the world and Slovenia itself a beacon of sustainable tourism.

As the first foreign-born First Lady in nearly two centuries, it's understandable that Melania Trump's country of origin would have elicited global interest. 

According to the latest figures, Slovenia received a record 10.8 million overnight stays in 2016, up eight percent compared to 2015. 

Of those overnight stays, the country saw an 11 percent spike in foreign tourist arrivals, led mostly by visitors from Italy, Austria, Croatia, Germany, Serbia and the UK. 

Last year, the capital city of Ljubljana enjoyed the spotlight as the European Green Capital of 2016, for strategies that include a zero waste program, more bike lanes, electric trains and green buses to combat air pollution.

The designation also drew the attention of a trade fair marketed as the world's largest, ITB Berlin, which named Slovenia their country partner at this year's edition.

At the same event, which wrapped up over the weekend, the National Geographic World Legacy Awards named Slovenia's tourist board the winner of their Destination Leadership award. 

With nearly 60 percent of its land protected, Slovenia is touted as one of the world's most sustainable destinations. 

"Our vision is for a 100 percent green Slovenia", said Maja Pak, Director of the Slovenian Tourism Office at ITB Berlin. 

AFP Relaxnews

Source: Slovenia: 2017's next big destination?

Guess which SA Cities have the best quality of life?

Cape Town - South Africans are often overwhelmed by our political and financial volatility, but our Mzansi still remains one of the best places in Africa and the world for quality of life. 

This is according to Mercer's 19th annual Quality of Living survey, showing that three of SA's cities fell within the top 100 of the world's highest quality of living, "remaining attractive destinations for expanding business operations and sending expatriates on assignment," the report says. 

South Africa's highest ranked city, Durban, ranks 87th for quality of living, closely followed by Cape Town in 94th place and Johannesburg in 96th. 

ALSO SEE: South Africa voted 4th Best country in the World for travellers

Last year, however, the three cities also ranked in the same order, but with slightly higher ratings. For 2017, Durban fell two spots from 2016's 85th position, while Cape Town and Joburg also fell two and one spots, respectively. 

In the overall Africa and the Middle East region, two SA cities flies the Mzansi flag again. In the region, Dubai in the United Arabic Emirates was rated the city with the highest quality of life, followed by Abu Dhabi (also in the UAE), Port Louis in Mauritius and then Durban and Cape Town. 

These are the top performers for all regions on the globe - 

On the other side of the scope, Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo, N'Djamena in Chad, Khartoum in Sudan and Bangui in the Central African Republic formed the four lowest-ranked cities for quality of living within Africa, placing in the 224th, 226th, 227th and 230th spots respectively. Yikes! 

Interestingly, the top performing cities all seem to be in the Northern Hemisphere, while the lower ranking ones are in the Southern Hemisphere. Check it out - 

Vienna occupies first place for overall quality of living for the 8th year running, with the rest of the top-ten list mostly filled by European cities. 

Check out the video below to see the Top 5 cities with the highest quality of life, as well as the Top performing cities by region. The footage also shows the top cities for infrastructure. 

The data was largely analysed between September and November 2016. 

What to read next on Traveller24: 

- SA's highlights captured through the eyes of tourists will make you want to explore Mzansi

- Mzansi QUIZ: 10 Questions every South African must be able to answer

- South Africa voted 4th Best country in the World for travellers

Source: Guess which SA Cities have the best quality of life?

CBN cashlesscardexpo Africa to hold in Lagos

As Africa's payment landscape is bursting with enterprise and innovation, that energy has inspired fresh engagement among youths.

CardExpo2017 is planned to bring under one roof, for two days, a charged atmosphere where ideas are brewed in a most compelling way that can give you e-banking business and payment services.

The seventh edition of the Central bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Cashless CardExpo Africa, which is scheduled to hold in Lagos will aggregate the energies of this era and capture the waves of technology and lifestyles, as well as present an encompassing worldview for the emerging approaches to payment and enterprise.The annual

The annual event, according to the organisers, the African Destination Trade Show for Payment and Allied Industry will hold on June 13th to June 15th June 2017 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

CardExpo2017, in line with continuing its tradition, will presents avenues to harvest the opportunities being offered in this demography, particularly in a peculiar economy in recession. Never in the history of theAfrican Continent has technology and society had such a seamless relationship as it is today as the activities of citizens, companies and governments continue to tilt towards untraditional approaches to the solution.

The theme; Millennials in the Marketplace: LifestylesRiding on Disruptive Payment, influence is a global phenomenon and figuring out millennial, has all the elements of a gold rush in the making.

Disrupting everything from how you work, to how you buy groceries. This demographic group is even now redefining how businesses are done.

This will prove crucial in the next several years, as young professionals represent both the future of enterprise and commerce in Africa.

Happening along with this bold in-road into the millennials demography are the collocated events happening simultaneously at CardExpoviz The Start-Up Challenge which will give an opportunity to Millennials with Fintech ideas to pitch their solutions and stand a chance of being incubated at a national hub.

Others include the Data fiesta an initiative promoting global connectivity and access to the internet and the IGR Forum all of whose Sponsors will be announced in due course.Trailblazers' and culture influencers in this category, whose lifestyle and choices are being mirrored by

Trailblazers' and culture influencers in this category, whose lifestyle and choices are being mirrored by a peer will be given the platform to lead them into their disruptive turf, where banks and businesses can spy at evolving trends, observe the winning norms and adapt to change.

This will prove crucial in the next several years, as young professionals represent both the future of enterprise and commerce in Africa.

Source: CBN cashlesscardexpo Africa to hold in Lagos

Symposium Mines Guinea: Transforming Guinea’s economy through mining and investment

MAURITIUS, March 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Now in its 5th edition, Symposium Mines Guinea organised by the Ministry of Mines and Geology, in partnership with AME Trade Ltd, is firmly established as the largest mining event in West Africa and will take place from 9 – 11 May 2017, in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Due to the importance of the mining sector on Guinea's economy, The Ministry of Mines and Geology aim to make this sector the most investor friendly mining destination in Africa and have begun taking the necessary measures to implement strict good governance policies for regulation and promotion of transparency.

Supporting the government's vision of transformational investment, the 2017 programme theme is set on: "The Mining Sector: The Key To Transforming The National Economy For The Benefit Of All Actors".  With special focus sessions on gold, bauxite, diamonds and iron ore, this year's innovative agenda will explore some of the following topics:   

Essential tools for attracting mining investment to the Republic of Guinea

Financing mining activities in the Republic of Guinea

A geological overview of the Republic of Guinea

How can partnerships in infrastructure act as a catalyst for the growth of the mining sector

Empowering the mining sector through an adequate supply of energy

Local content policies and implementation for economic growth

An international spectrum of highly relevant speakers and supporters have taken the opportunity to participate at SMG 2017. This includes the likes of:

AngloGold Ashanti - DADCO Alumina & Chemicals - Guinea Alumina Corporation S.A - HALCO Mining - Société Minière de Boké (SMB) - AMC Bauxite - Forward Africa Resources - SMD Nordgold - JA Delmas - Société des Bauxites de Guinee (SBG) - Total - Alufer - Geni & Kebe - SRK Consulting - WIRTGEN Group - VIVO ENERGY Guinée - Sylla & Partners

Symposium Mines Guinea 2017 will delve into the Government's plans for world class laboratories as well as unveil new technology that will be used for insightful research in expanding the mining sector.   Geological data will be presented by local permit holders who are looking for investment or project partnership. Data will be available before the event for potential investors to study.

Event website: www.ametrade.org/smguinee

Press accreditation contact: marketing@ametrade.org

Source: Symposium Mines Guinea: Transforming Guinea's economy through mining and investment