Shredding the magical madness of Maseru in Lesotho

After a few solid days skating around the beautiful beaches and cliffs of Cape Town, we needed to head inland and upward to our next destination in Maseru, Lesotho. Lesotho is a landlocked country completely surrounded by South Africa on all sides.

Sebo Walker, Thaynan Costa, Walker Ryan, Jamie Tancowny, filmer Patrik Wallner and myself soon found ourselves sat in a hotel lobby in Maseru contemplating our next move, when the guy at the front desk asked if we were with the skate group that gets together every Sunday, called SKATECYC. Sensing our total confusion, he pointed us to a corner where the locals had set up a series of ramps and rails and we joined the crew for a session.

Lesotho has one of the smallest road networks in the world so we chose Maseru in hopes that it would bring the most infrastructure for skating.

The capital of Lesotho, Maseru is a bustling city full of energy and, surprisingly, some spots as well. Sadly we were only there for a few days as we had to get down from one mountain and up another one, this time in Namibia.

Swing by next Monday for part three of Under the African Capricorn as we head deep into the heart of Namibia to skate an incredible monument and manage to find a random half pipe in the middle of a desert!

In case you missed the opener from Cape Town, watch it right here:

#UnderThe AfricanCapricorn

Source: Shredding the magical madness of Maseru in Lesotho

Abercrombie & Kent sales boosted by Brits wanting luxury trips abroad

Sales at luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent have surged 12%, helped by Brits taking long-haul trips to South Africa and the Far East.

Other popular destinations for British holidaymakers in 2015 included Ecuador and the Indian Ocean.

There was weaker demand for East African destinations owing to concerns over the Ebola epidemic, but turnover still managed to climb to £51.3 million from £45.9 million in 2014.

Pre-tax profits decreased to £517,000 from £830,000 the prior year, which the firm blamed on investments in marketing and staff.

Charlie Bateson, director of product & commercial at Abercrombie & Kent said there has been double-digit growth in sales so far this year and this "has not been affected by the referendum".

But he added: "I believe that Brexit, when it happens, will create a difficult trading environment for any travel business. We have already seen the fluctuation in exchange rates that has been attributed to the vote and this will result in higher costs for most destinations."

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Source: Abercrombie & Kent sales boosted by Brits wanting luxury trips abroad

Top 5 African must-see Christmas holiday destinations

PHOTO: DestinationAfrica

Jingle bells may not have started chiming all the way, but the yuletide is way closer than you think. And you know what? Nothing beats planning your Christmas vacation ahead. Aside the early bird advantage you enjoy with fares, you also have the luxury of time to select the best holiday spot that meets your taste and budget.

Here are our top 5 destinations for that dream Christmas holiday in 2016.

KenyaWhere else in Africa are you likely to experience some of the most quintessential safaris in the continent? Your list will be incomplete if you take out this East African country. Kenya is home to the world's only game reserve located within a major city, the Nairobi National Park.

Kenya's landscape is beautifully dotted with sweeping valleys surrounded by snow-coated equatorial foothills, natural geysers and caves preserved over the years. If you plan to have a vacation in Kenya before the end of October, you are likely to experience firsthand the iconic, 1,200-mile Great Migration where hordes of gazelles, wildebeests and zebras throng the Serengeti in a somewhat dramatic fashion. You could steal some escape into the clear, sandy beaches of Mombasa for wind-surfing, water skiing or snorkeling. And should you have taste for amazing cuisines, riveting night life and cultural delights, Kenya is a destination where you experience more and even more.

Cape TownIf adventure is a major consideration for your choice of a destination, you may need to switch your gaze to Cape Town, South Africa's capital city this year.

Seated between the sea and a sprawling enclave of mountains, Cape Town oozes a seductive aura that is hard to resist.  And when you finally plunge deep into its well-cobbled sights, pristine beaches and jaw-dropping monuments, you could go on and on, struggling to contain your awe and excitement.

On the crest of its rugged mountains, you can steal a panoramic view of some of South Africa's most impressive sights ranging from the Atlantic to the magical beaches bordered by plateaus and low-lying rocks. Despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry in 2015, Cape Town alone is projected to attract no fewer than 1.9 million visitors this year (2016). For a city that prides itself as the oldest European settlement in Africa, these figures only underscore why Cape Town is regarded as one of the most visited cities in Africa.  

MoroccoUnknown to most travelers, Morocco is one destination where the conversation of travel never stops. With mesmerizing coastlines, sprawling mountains and deserts, Morocco is a perfect mix of both African and Arab cultures, tastefully knitted to offer some of the most memorable travel experiences the world has ever known.

From the medieval grandeur of Fez to the wonders of snake-charmers in Marrakech and the absorbing calm of Essouria, Morocco is a destination that should be top on your bucket list as you plan your vacation this Christmas. In case you are not sure of where to find the hottest holiday spots, you may consider exploring our guide to experiencing the energy and magic of Morocco.   

RwandaRwanda is not only the city of a thousand hills, but it's also a nicely-carved hub of a thousand and one thrills. Though small, and with an estimated population of nearly 12 million people, what Rwanda lacks in population figures, it makes up for its imposing cultural and historical heritage preserved through several civilizations.

Often underrated by many travel advisors, Rwanda is a must-see destination for anyone who appreciates historical marvels, and the Kigali Memorial Centre is one place where you are likely to come face to face with that rich history.

SeychellesSometimes, your best vacations happen in seemingly detached destinations; quiet and far removed from the bustle in big cities. After months of toiling through cubicles and corner offices, it's only fair to opt for a soothing and calm getaway in the natural ambiance of this archipelago.

So, go Seychelles and explore everything virgin and unspoiled – from clear, stunning beaches to tropical islands and littoral sand cays.

Break out of your routine this yuletide and plan to experience Africa anew. You can take advantage of the Pay Small Small payment plan by Wakanow and enjoy savings as much as 150% on your travel expenses with a flexible payment plan.

Source: Top 5 African must-see Christmas holiday destinations

Tick these boxes before your December holiday

Article By: Big Ambitions Mon, 10 Oct 2016 12:04 PM Credit: pexels.com    

December is approaching with the speed of a high-speed bullet train. Before it hits you, take a few minutes to think about your end-of-year travel plans before you get stuck with FOMO and Facebook stalking. Here are the five big things you'll need to consider before packing your bags…

1) How much are you willing to spend?

Credit card re-entry burns notwithstanding, first and foremost, your question should be what you are willing to spend. Take care to consider the expenses that you possibly wouldn't think of, but really should, upfront.

These include visas, travel insurance, transfers, souvenirs, and spending money. Guided holidays, some cruises and all-inclusive package holidays provide a good idea of upfront costs for travellers on a budget and these are available all over the world. Many tour operators also offer Early Bird Discounts so keep a look out at least six to eight months in advance to grab these great deals.

2) What's your vibe?

Country bumpkin or city slicker? Ask yourself the 'why' of travel, not just the what. Are you travelling for a special occasion, is it a quick break, are you seeking adventure, or in search of new and interesting cultures?

Sometimes a destination may appeal to you in a magazine or on TV. While price is obviously a considerable factor in your decision to visit it, take some time to consider why you would want to travel there, or in fact, why you are travelling at all to ensure it's the right match for you.

3) Hot or not

For many, December would not be complete without blankets of beautiful snow. For some, however, the perfect December getaway may be spent lounging in the beautiful beach paradise of the Seychelles. Your travel dates and destination selection are highly dependent on how the weather behaves. And while, like the weatherman, you may not always get it right, it is certainly a key consideration before booking. The ski season in the Alps, for instance, is highly dependent on the first snowfalls in December and if you've booked too early, you may miss out.

4) Celebrating the Festive Season

Embrace the spirit of the Festive Season in destinations that go all out. Forget the poolside braais and salads and bring out the turkey and eggnog. Cities like London and New York put on a fantastic Festive Season show, getting all dressed up for the holidays.

A favourite are the annual Christmas markets throughout Europe where visitors can delight in delicious gluhwein, warm pastries and beautifully crafted Christmas decorations, among other great buys.

5) Travel with Peace of Mind

Forewarned is forearmed and in a world where security concerns have become the norm, not the exception, travellers can sometimes find themselves on the back foot. First, speak to an expert like an accredited travel agent about your travel plans.

They can advise you whether it is safe to travel to a destination and what precautions to take. Also ensure that you have purchased travel insurance – that you are properly covered for your travel. And finally, take responsibility for your own safety by travelling sensibly, ensuring you have quick access to electronic copies of your documents and advising friends and family about where you are at all times.

Source: Tick these boxes before your December holiday

Ethiopia to Overtake Kenya As Eastern Africa’s Top Economy

TVC NEWS Ethiopia's economy is expected to overtake Kenya's this year, buoyed by massive government spending on infrastructure that has kept the Horn of Africa nation in the list of the world's fastest economies in the past 10 years.

The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) latest statistical estimates indicate that Ethiopia's gross domestic product (GDP) is forecast to grow from $61.62 billion in 2015 to $69.21 billion this year, narrowly beating Kenya's output which is expected to rise from $63.39 billion to $69.17 billion over the same period.

"Ethiopia has experienced double-digit economic growth, averaging 10.8 per cent since 2005, which has mainly been underpinned by public-sector-led development," the African Development Bank, the OECD Development Centre and the United Nations Development Programme say in the latest African Economic Outlook report.

Kenya's GDP of $14.1 billion in 2000 was 71.6 per cent larger than Ethiopia's $8.23 billion in the same year but the Horn of Africa nation has closed the economic gap in the last five years of robust growth.

The IMF's GDP estimates are based on current market prices using exchange rates prevailing between July 22 and August 19.

Having established its economic lead ahead of Kenya, Ethiopia is forecast to maintain its position as Eastern Africa's largest economy over the medium term — a position that is also expected to improve its standing as an investment destination.

Ethiopia's rise as a regional economic powerhouse has mostly been fuelled by mega public sector investment similar to the Chinese model that has enabled the Asian nation to become the world's second-largest economy in two decades.

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Ethiopia's investment, as a percentage of GDP, rose sharply from 20.2 per cent in 2000 to 39.2 per cent last year and is expected to hit a new high of 39.2 per cent of the domestic output this year.

While Kenya has also raised its public investments, including on big infrastructure projects, it remains significantly below that of Ethiopia.

Kenya's investment as a percentage of GDP rose from 18 per cent in 2000 to hit a high of 22.4 per cent in 2014 before receding to 21.2 per cent last year and is projected to rise to 22.5 per cent this year

Source: Ethiopia to Overtake Kenya As Eastern Africa's Top Economy

African tourist boards build presence at WTM

Visitors to WTM London 2016 will have the opportunity to talk to all the major African tourist boards as the region continues to raise its profile at the leading global event for the travel industry. 

Delegates arrive for WTM 2015 day two.

From established destinations such as Egypt and Morocco to emerging destinations such as Botswana and Senegal, Africa will have a presence at this year's event to reinforce its potential to become one of the travel and tourism industry's most important regions.

For example, more than 30 suppliers will be exhibiting as part of the Tanzania Tourism Board's stand, ranging from coastal hotels to upmarket safari lodges.

Tanzania Tourism Board director of marketing Philip Chitaunga said: "Tanzania plans to make the most out of WTM, reflec ting the importance of UK market to Tanzania, and the fact that WTM brings together about 50,000 buyers and sellers from all sectors of the tourist industry all over the world. "

The Egyptian Tourism Authority will re-launch its Red Sea Riviera logo for marketing activities in the UK, as part of plans to extend the Red Sea Riviera brand to other resorts.

Tourism boards from Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are each taking individual stands but working together to create an area devoted to East Africa tourism.

Kenya in particular is looking forward to a busy three days as it prepares to build on the success of Born Free's Year of the Lion which highlighted the plight of lions in the wild to mark the 50th anniversary of the classic film based on Joy Adamson's book of the same name.

Other confirmed tourism board exhibitors include South Africa, Ghana, Gambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius and St Helena.

Elsewhere, Go Zambia, a consortium of tour operators, a ccommodations and activity partners across Zambia, is exhibiting at WTM London for the first time. The country is home to Victoria Falls, one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ethiopa's Dinknesh Tours and the Egyptian upmarket resort of Sahl Hasheesh are also making their WTM debuts this year.

Buyers and visitors can also learn about new hotel properties in the pipeline, such as the Kempinski Gold Coast City Accra. The hotel in the centre of the Ghanaian capital will be West Africa's largest luxury spa when it opens in early 2017.

WTM London, Senior Director, Simon Press said: "Africa is growing as a tourism destination and this year's WTM London 2016 is an ideal opportunity for buyers to immerse themselves in this region's dynamic and varied tourism product.From established destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and South Africa to the exciting East African collaboration, Africa's presence continues to grow not only as part of WTM London but also as a significant player in the global travel and tourism industry."

WTM London is the event where the travel and tourism industry conducts its business deals. Buyers from the WTM Buyers Club have a combined purchasing responsibility of £22.6 billion (£15.8bn) and sign deals at the event worth $3.6 billion (£2.5bn).

WTM London 2016 will be revamped as a three-day event from Monday 7 – Wednesday 9 November, with opening hours extended from 10am – 7pm for all three days.

Source: African tourist boards build presence at WTM

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt split puts ‘Africa’ on ice

File photo / Hollywood actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Angelina Jolie's imminent divorce from Brad Pitt has put the realization of 'Africa', a movie about environmentalist Ricard Leakey efforts to conserve wildlife in Kenya and his conflicts with poachers, in doubt.

Several parts of the movie were set to be shot in Kenya, an East African nation with scenic landscapes that has previously provide locations for several top movies in the past, including Out of Africa and The First Grader.

Jolie was set to direct the movie which would have starred Pitt, but the collapse of their two-year marriage has put an end to the eagerly-awaited film.

"Angelina is not obsessed with developing movies as Brad is and will take time off," a source close to the John Peters, a veteran producer who was to co-produce the movie with Jolie told Heat Street.

Pitt was to act Leakey, who is one of the world's most renowned wildlife conservationists, FilmContact.com reported.

The Hollywood actress-cum director applied for divorce from Pitt earlier this month, ending a 12-year rocky union, E! Online reported.

Leakey had expressed confidence that the movie would be shot in Kenya after allegations that it was set to be shot in South Africa emerged in February.

The decision to shoot the movie in Kenya was set to greatly boost the nation's appeal to global film-makers, which has lost several movies locations to South Africa.

Westgate, a movie about the terror attack on Westgate Mall in Nairobi in 2013, was taken to South Africa. Other movies on Kenya were also filmed in the Southern Africa nation.

The Journey is the Destination, a movie on the life of Dan Eldon, an English-born Kenyan photojournalist who was killed in Somalia while working for Reuters, was also shot in South Africa.

South Africa has incentives that have attracted filmmakers, making the nation a better movie destination than Kenya.

The Southern Africa government gives back $2 million to filmmakers on every $10 million spent on making a movie in the nation, Daily Nation reported.

Africa would have improved Kenya's rating as a movie destination. The nation provided locations for several top movies in the past.

Jolie wrote to the Kenyan government last year, requesting to shoot majority of the scenes in the country, Tuko reported.

Some of the movies are, The Tomb Raider partly shot at Amboseli National Park and Hell's Gate, The First Grader which told the story of Kimani Maruge, a Kenyan who became the world's oldest pupil at the age of 84 and Rise and Fall of Idi Amin, the late Ugandan authoritarian ruler renowned for his brutality while in power.

Source: Afkinsider © 2016 clubofmozambique.com. All rights reserved.
Source: Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt split puts 'Africa' on ice