Lake Victoria is the biggest lake in Africa. Hired a motorcycle driver to take me Ggabba Market in Kampala. The Cost was 15 USD and included a fish dinner.
Ggaba Fish Market is the largest fish market in Kampala. It is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, in the Ggaba neighborhood. The market is open from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. It is a lively and colorful market, with a wide variety of fresh fish on offer. You can find Nile perch, tilapia, catfish, and many other species.
Was the only tourist at the market. Below are few photos, did ask for permission before taking photos.
On the banks of the Nairobi River, this fast-growing metropolis is one of the largest cities in Kenya. The city is constantly growing and adapting, with chaotic roadways, open green spaces, and beautiful natural attractions just on the outskirts. It is a very enjoyable place to spend a few days before beginning a safari!
When to Visit
The climate in Nairobi has comfortable, temperate conditions all year. The nights are cool, and the days are warm with temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Temperatures are highest in December to March, while the best time to see migrations are from July to October. The wettest months are April and May, so be sure to plan ahead to get good prices while avoiding the rainy season.
Best Things to do in Nairobi
There are amazing activities both inside and outside the city of Nairobi for you to enjoy when visiting.
The best way to get around Nairobi is by taxi or matatu. Taxis don’t use meters and can be notoriously unreliable. Use a reputable company only, and verify the average cost of a ride with a third party to ensure you don’t get ripped off. Matatus are basically short buses, and they add to the chaos and confusion of the dizzying roadways. But, they offer an easy and inexpensive way to get around. If you aren’t going far, then walking on foot is usually a good option—many neighbourhoods have improving safety for visitors, but it is always best to check with your hotel first.
Downtown Kenya offers many attractions such as the old parliament buildings. There is excellent colonial architecture in the downtown area. If you want to learn more about the history and culture, check out the Nairobi National Museum. Looking for some time away from hectic traffic? Spend your afternoon at the lovely Jeevanjee Gardens, or cool off at Africa’s largest ice skating rink, Solar Ice Rink. A visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where baby elephants and rhinos live, is an incredible way to support conservation efforts and get an up-close glimpse of these playful giants.
Find quality souvenirs and goods at the Maasai Market—a huge open-air market filled with vendors selling any number of handcrafted items and local delicacies. Masai Market is only open on weekends.
Food in Nairobi
If food is a big component of your travel, you can enjoy excellent Kenyan, Ethiopian, and Indian cuisine in Nairobi. Common local foods include Chai, beans, cornmeal, and chapatis which are a lovely thin, crispy bread.
The adventurers can turn their eyes to the horizons beyond Kenya—here you will find the northern face of Kilimanjaro. You can trek up this mountain or the nearby Mount Kenya. The true adventure lies to the west, at Masai Mara National Reserve.
Visit Wonderful Maasai Mara
If you are in Kenya, a can’t-miss destination is the Masai Mara game reserve. Masai Mara (also known as Maasai Mara or The Mara) is one of Kenya’s largest game reserves. This is a popular destination for those that visit Kenya.
Getting There
About 280 kilometres away from the city centre of Nairobi, the easiest ways to get to Masai Mara are driving and flying. The drive takes around 6 hours along a smooth, scenic road to Narok. After the Narok pit stop, the road gets rougher, with pot holes or dirt roads only. You can rent a 4x4 and a driver for the day to take you to Masai Mara.
The other alternative is to fly. A short 45-minute flight will take you over top of the expansive landscape. Many safaris offer chartered flight options.
I used African Comfort Zone Safaris. The cost was around 300 USD for 3 days and 2 nights safari, and I recommend them.
Visiting
The Masai Mara area is mostly open grassland, making it an excellent spot for wildlife viewing. There are almost one hundred land animals and over four hundred birds that call the area home. It is an important area of studying wildlife conservation and for visitors to garner respect and appreciation for these expansive natural surroundings.
The annual wildebeest migration sees 1.5 million animals coming into the are in July and leaving in November. This is a prime time to visit, and it is common for visitors any time of the year to see the Big Five—buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. Other common animal sightings include zebra, crocodile, baboon, warthog, gazelle, cheetah, and hyena.
Out of the Big Five—buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. Saw 4 and the one I did not see is Rhino.
The best way to see Masai Mara is with a safari guide. The local Masai people work with certain companies to offer an in-depth and unique view of the animals and the local culture. These guides know the land like no other and are able to provide visitors an authentic experience. Stay at a basecamp, and work your way out from there with your guide on day trips, night safaris, outlying camps, and visits to local communities. Many of these camps are truly world-class retreats where you are treated to excellent local cuisine, and comfortable lodgings.
However you choose to explore Nairobi and Masai Mara, it is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with unforgettable sites and wonders.
2 pictures above - The Safari Van driver stopped at Rift Valley view point for some coffee. Read more about the rift valley at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Page.
I have visited Addis twice since my last visit in 2015. What used to be a Poor sub Saharan city is now a African major business hub thanks in part to Chinese investments. There is a new Airport, a Metro light rail and high rise buildings under construction all over the city.
Airport and Immigration
USA passport holders have visa on Arrival, the fee is USD $50
Weather is good throughout the Year
Haile Selassie Church (Trinity Church)
How to get there - Take a cab
There is 200 Birr entrance fee for foreigners.
Haile Selassie was Ethiopian King, his tomb is inside the church
The whole Place can be seen in less then hour, there is also the tomb of Meles Zenawi, Ethopian Prime Minister is in the church grounds.
This is a huge Local Market, try to go there with a local. Due to camera issues, I lost pictures of the market, ask for permission before taking photos
Africa Union Building
I could not find any info on how to get inside to see the conference center, took a selfie from the outside
Tomoca Coffee
This is the oldest coffee shop and the most famous, there are several locations in Addis
What to Eat
Injera and Shiro is Bread with a tomato chickpea flower dish. Very common Ethiopian food
Ful mudammas - Made from Fava Beans, I went to a local restaurant and paid less then 2 USD for a meal, came with bread and Egg.
There is Gara Market for Grocery shopping and Mulmul Bakery for baked foods.
For Souvenir shopping, there are several shops near the main post office.
Visited Kigali in October 2019 for 3 days, it is a very clean and beautiful city. Weather: October is slightly cold, bring a light Jacket.
How to get there: There are buses from neighboring countries, I flew from Kampala to Kigali on Rwanda Air, flight time was 40 minutes as opposed to 9 hours on a bus.
Safety: Kigali is a safe city, it felt very safe even at night.
Stay: I stayed at Mijo Hostel, in a dorm, it was 15 USD a night, the hostel is amazing. Huge hall with breakfast and sitting area, and a balcony at the back with views of the city center. It was close to several eating places, I ate at Gusto Italian pizzeria and Orchard Bakery and Cafe.
Airport visa, and how to get to the city: US citizens have visa on arrival, the cost is 30 USD, Airport to city Taxi was 15 USD. No Scams, my taxi driver spoke French and we had nice conversation, he was from the neighboring country of Burundi. Older people speak French and younger generation speak English as a second Language.
Transportation: I used a motorcycle driver to take me around Kigali
Things to do and See
Kigali Genocide Museum
This Museum is dedicated to the Rwanda genocide, the slaughter of Tutsi by Hutu.
This museum is about a very sad past in Rwanda, the entrance is free, though donations are expected. Free guided tours are offered. Give yourself about an hour to see the place
Kimironko Market
One can find everything in this market from fresh produce to clothing to electronics and the list goes on, do yourself a favor and go with a local and not alone. Presidents Palace Museum
This Museum has been renamed to Rwanda Art Museum, beautiful paintings and art work inside. This used to be former President Habyarimana's home. There is an entrance fee to see the museum and to see the plane wreckage behind the museum, it includes a guide. The plane wreckage is of the plane that was shot down caring Habyarimana.
Visited Kampala in October 2019 for 4 days. Weather in October is rainy, I was lucky and it rained mostly during the night, It did rain once during the day while I was at lake Victoria, the rain lasted an hour and I ate a seafood lunch at one of the several restaurants till the rain stopped. Bring a light waterproof jacket, the days are warm and nights are cold.
How to get there - Kampala is the Capital of Uganda. I flew on Kenya airways from Nairobi Kenya on a direct flight to Kampala, there are buses from Kenya and Rwanda that go to Kampala, the flight was under an hour and a bus from Nairobi will take 12 hours.
Immigration Visa and Proof of yellow fever shot: American passport holders have visa on arrival, I paid 50 USD, they can also ask for proof of yellow fever vaccine. There is a makeshift clinic at the airport that will give you yellow fever shot for 40 USD. You can also apply for eVisa here.
Picture above Right is a Buganda Monument, on The Royal Mile, the Gates are locked and only open for the King, only the King can pass through the gates and everyone else has to go around Airport to City: The airport is in Entebbe and not in Kampala, an hour away. I took a Taxi, I had already researched the price, it was 30 USD, once out side the airport a taxi driver approached me, he asked me for 40 USD I countered at 30, he agreed and we were off to my hostel.
There are ATM's at Entebbe airport.
Stay: I stayed at Fat Cat Backpackers Hostel in a private room for 34 USD a night, Breakfast included, Very well located with several eating places nearby, I ate twice Indian vegetarian food at Hi Point Restaurant across the street from the hostel.
Scams in Kampala: I was taking pictures of Indian Temples around Kampala City Center when this man approached me and asked me if I was a Journalist, I said no and he shows me an ID and say's he is a cop and wants to see my passport, I knew it was a scam. I replied lets go to the Police station, and my motorcycle driver came over. I explained to my motorcycle driver whats going on, the driver told me he is fake cop and yelled at the scam artist.
Things to do in Kampala
My Hostel arranged for a full day tour of Kampala for 40 USD, the tour was on the backseat of a motorcycle also known as boda boda tour. Riding on the back of a motorcycle in an east African country is not for everyone. After breakfast at 9 AM my tour guide and motorcycle driver was waiting for me, he gave me his second helmet and we were off to see Kampala.
1) The Bahá'à House of Worship in Kampala
It's the only Bahá'à Temple in Africa and One of only seven Baha'i temples in the world. Its on a small hill with beautiful grounds, highly recommended.
No photography is allowed inside. Tours are free.
2) Gaddafi Mosque
The inside is beautiful, the dome artwork was dome by Moroccans, the carpet came from Libya, the stain glass from Italy and cannot remember where the chandeliers came from. Also I do recommend going to the top of the Minaret, one can see all of Kampala from all directions. Pretty cool.
There is a fee to enter the Mosque and go to the top of the Minaret, I had a tour guide that explained the history of the mosque, its located on Kampala hill in the old part of the town. Impala Animals used to live on the hill, and that's how Kampala got its name meaning land of the Impala.
As the name suggests, it was built by Gaddafi of Libya.
3) Buganda Kings (Kabaka) Palace
Above the Ceremonial Parliament, the king goes there once a year as per my guide. Above the Kings palace. There is an entrance fee to the palace that comes with a guide, the guide called it Mengo Palace. Visitors are not allowed inside. The Royal Mile to the Buganda Parliament building from the Kabaka Palace is very impressive. The guide went on to explain the history, then we walked past some corn plantations to visit Idi Amin’s torture chamber. about 20,000 people were murdered there, the place used to be filled ankle high with water and then people were electrocuted. Having seen the movie 'Raid on Entebee', I knew some history.
4) City Center
The above picture taken from the balcony of a bar, there was soccer betting going on in the bar. It is legal to bet in Kampala. The hustle and bustle of the big city, quiet the chaos. Well worth a visit. I did not shop or eat there, I did visit the Indian Hindu and Sikh Temple there. 5) Lake Victoria Kampala
The lake is the largest in Africa and it stretches as far as Kenya and Tanzania, I went to the fish market and did eat at one of the many street restaurants there, also I was the only tourist there.
Visited Marrakesh March 2018, used my frequent flyer miles and took a flight from from Dallas Texas to Madrid Spain and onwards to Marrakesh
Safety in Marrakesh Morocco In general, I found Marrakesh to be a very a safe city. Nevertheless, taking general safety precautions you can never get it wrong.
Money The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). At the time of writing this 1 US Dollar is equal to 9.12 MAD.
Scams: I don't shop, no scams, I was hoping someone would try to lure me into their shop, that never happened either. Marrakesh is easy to navigate and I didnt have to ask for directions, no scams there either.
Airport to Hotel, my Hotel arranged for a taxi for 20 euros, on the way back I got a taxi and we agreed for 100 MAD and the driver charged me 150, so yes I was scammed for 5 USD.
Where to Stay in Marrakesh Morocco The city has a remarkable choice of places to stay. Hotels, hostels, riads or dars in Marrakesh Morocco offer plenty accommodation options. Riads and dars are old grand houses transformed into hotels and inns. They usually have gardens or open courtyards and represent examples of astonishing Moroccan architecture.
I stayed in Dar Daoud for 3 night, it was USD 100 for 3 nights 4 Days with breakfast included. Dar was 5 minutes walk from Jemaa El-Fna square.
Marrakesh is divided into two different parts: the Medina, the historical city and Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle, the new and modern European district.
Day I
Arrived in Marrakesh Airport, all tourist have to fill out immigration Arrival forum, expect long lines, the whole process is relatively easy. Once outside the airport I located my Cab driver, he had the Riad sign, and off we went through the streets of Marrakesh, he dropped me off to one of the entrance to the city square, cabs are not allowed after 12 Noon in the jemaa El-Fna square. My hotel all in one receptionist, chef and tour guide was there to walk me rest of the way.
After check-in and a nice cup of mint tea, I got a map of the city from the reception and was off to explorer. I walked through the old souks and arrived at jemaa El-Fna square, it was still early, evenings and night time is when the square comes alive, with 100's of food vendors selling traditional Moroccan food, Juice stalls, Artists performing, dances, snake charmers and thousands of people. This square is the highlight of Marrakesh nightlife, its one of the biggest squares in Africa.
From the square, I walked past all these horse drawn carriages to Koutoubia Mosque. The Koutoubia Mosque is not only at the epicenter of Moroccan culture, it is an architectural marvel that has influenced structures in Rabat and Spain since the 12th century. I took a few photos and made my way back across the street to the hop on hop off bus stop. Got the info I needed to take the bus From there I headed back to the square, There I found an ATM next to a pharmacy. Got local currency and was off to get an early dinner. Found a seafood vendor as I am not into eating meat and got a delicious meal for under $10 USD with mint tea.
I had stayed late out the night before and slept in, the breakfast gets over at 10:30 AM, I dragged myself out of the bed by 10 for some delicious Moroccan pancakes. Still was feeling jet-lagged. After shower it was close to noon, I took off to see. Jardin Majorelle, Over a course of 40 years, the famous French painter, Jacques Majorelle worked on bringing this mind blowing garden to life. Later, the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent stepped in to finish the process.
Caught a cab for 3 USD, and I was at the entrance of the Garden, there were very long lines to buy the ticket and get in to see Jardin Majorelle, now I am not a big fan of long lines or big crowds, so I saw my cab driver and headed back to the Riad. The cab driver wanted to show me the clubs in the European district, I declined, not my thing.
Long lines outside Jardin Majorelle
At the Riad, I was checking online for a sunset camel ride, my Riad (hotel) reception dude told me He'd hook me up for the Palm grove camel ride for half the price. So after a few minutes this other Gentleman shows up, We walked though a maize of narrow streets, there was an SUV waiting and and I was off to the palm Groves.Cost 25 USD.
I did ride the camel, but mostly walked alongside the camel, later was Invited to mint tea and riifa (a Moroccan version of a crepe, a dough flattened and folded over, then cooked in a frying pan) at a Moroccan Berber family house. Its not free you are expected to tip the family.
Day 3
I had caught up on my sleep and was over the jetlag, after breakfast went the hop on bus, cost 20 USD. Spent all day exploring Marrakesh. Both the historical city and the modern European district. There are 2 Hop on Hop off lines, red and blue line, I went on both.
Bab Agnaou and Saadian Tombs was my last stop of the day
Those who love history should include the Saadian Tombs in their Marrakech itinerary. The tombs were created for members of the Saadi dynasty, including Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour Eddahbi and had been lost to the sands for centuries, until they were discovered in 1917. The entire area is decorated with beautiful tiles, carvings, calligraphy and other splendors.
Shopping: Now I don't shop but if shopping is your thing, Don’t miss to visit Medina Souks shops sell anything from famous Moroccan spices to traditional kaftans, bargain letter shoes, jewelry and and other junk. I walk through the Souks is quiet an experience and highly recommended.
City View There are several rooftop cafes around jemaa El-Fna square, Pick one and enjoy the experience, now I highly recommend this.
Day 4
Another late night and another struggle to getup, after breakfast, got the day to a start, walked through the Souks, had a nice lunch was off to the airport and was headed to Barcelona.
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If you find yourself with a layover in Casablanca, Morocco, you’re in for a treat! This vibrant city offers a mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your layover.
Quick Tips
Time Management Ensure you have enough time to explore. A layover of at least 6-8 hours is ideal.
Transportation Use taxis or ride-sharing apps to get around. The airport is about 30 to 45 minutes from the city center.
Currency The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It’s good to have some cash for small purchases.
My flight was from Nairobi Kenya, The flight stopped in N'Djamena Chad on the way to Casablanca, I tried to get off the plane at N'Djamena Chad, was not allowed.
N'Djamena Chad
Arrived in Casablanca and headed straight to international connections, hoping to sleep at the airport, talked to Airlines folks, I was flying Air Morocco to New York. They Informed me since my flight was not for another 7 or so hours, I could use their transit hospitality services. So I was off to the long Visa line and after that headed to the airlines office. There I was given some kind of a voucher for a hotel and told where to catch a shuttle. Next thing I am on the shuttle and headed to a hotel. At the hotel I ate a shitty cold meal, some of it, and after the meal was given a room to nap. It was a decent room with hot shower, after a nice shower, I was not so tired anymore, went down to to the reception, handed the keys to the room. I spoke with the reception folks and asked about a cab that would take to see the city and drop me back to the airport in time for my flight. They told me that would cost 50 Euros, this was a once in a lifetime thing and I agreed.
French: I speak French, my Cab (Taxi) driver spoke Arabic and French, no English. Having been to Marrakesh, I am glad to speak it. So if you are going to be in Morocco learn some basic French, it comes handy in lot of African countries.
Airport to the Casablanca city center is a good 45 minutes. Now this was a weekend and I didn't come across much traffic while going to the city. So I got talking to the Taxi driver, he gave me a tour of the city. He asked me if this was my first time in Morocco, I said 2nd and had visited Marrakesh, he went off and on and told me Casablanca was mush better and much cheaper than Marrakesh. So anyways, I was kind of busy taking photos and just nodded to him.
We drove past the
Casablanca Cathedral, or Church of the Sacred Heart, is a Roman Catholic church.
Quartier Habous or the Habous Quarter in Casablanca is a charming and historic neighborhood known for its unique blend of Moroccan and French architectural styles.
Old Medina of Casablanca is a vibrant area steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. Unlike the modern parts of Casablanca, the Old Medina is characterized by narrow winding streets, bustling markets, and traditional Moroccan architecture.
Hassan II Mosque - One of the largest mosques in the world, this architectural marvel is a must-visit.
Its right by the ocean and the whole area is just beautiful. I walked and saw the building from outside in admiration and felt the cool ocean breeze, with the sound of the waves.
After my last stop at the Mosque, the Taxi drive offered to take me to a coffee shop, I agreed and we went to the amazing coffee shop, I had a mint tea and he had a coffee. There were men only, we sat at the outside area and I was people watching in a city which I had only seen in a movie Casablanca, 'Here's Looking At You, Kid'. That stop at the coffee shop was the best part of my layover, I like the experience of being part of the culture.
Now it was time to head back to the Airport, I was late. And we met traffic, The Cab driver didn't drive fast, he though had some skills to cut through traffic, and kept saying to me in French 'Je Roule'. And he dropped me off in time, of course I tipped him 5 extra euros.
Now at the airport there were long lines for exit customs and Immigration, and I made it to the boarding gate just in time.
One of the most historic ports on the
Mediterranean coast, Alexandria has a surprising amount of activities for
visitors. This is a beautiful city to spend a few days so take a look at a few
of the highlights of this famous destination in Egypt. I hired a private Cab from Cairo to take me to Alexandria.
Alexandria has a Mediterranean feel to it
and was built by Alexander the Great. It was also the setting for the
relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Anthony. In ancient times Alexandria
was the center of learning and today is an important maritime city. The
waterfront here is a big attraction and most tourists visit the causeway where
the ancient Pharos once stood.
Around the harbors is one of Alexandria’s most
famous attractions. The underwater palaces and ruins are popular with guided
scuba diving. Other parts of the historic city can be seen in the Alexandria
National Museum. Fort Qaitbey on the Eastern Harbour is another attraction and
Pompey’s Pillar a historic landmark in Alexandria. The Bibliotheca Alexandria
was the ancient site of learning and is now a stunning piece of modern
architecture.
Alexandria has some beautiful beaches along
the coast which are very popular with visitors. Mamoura beach is one of the
best to relax in the sun. Another lovely place to relax is the Montazah Palace
Gardens which were built by the Khedive Abbas Hilby to escape the heat of
Cairo.
Alexandria is full of excellent hotels, many of which are right on the
Mediterranean Coast. The restaurants here are great too with a blend of
Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine. Shopping in Alexandria is an amazing
experience. The Anfoushi Fish Market is a must see and is one of the busiest on
the Med. For most visitors a morning in the souks is another fun experience
here with spices, leather goods and much more. Haggling is all part of the
experience. Mediterranean Coast
Roman Amphitheater Alexandria
You can stand in the middle of the theater and sing, you'll hear your voice echo
The library Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Citadel of Qaitbay
Alexandria makes an excellent city break
and is a beautiful destination for a holiday in Egypt. Comments?
