In addition to the below websites additional information about Morocco can be received by either writing or calling the Moroccan Embassy in Washington DC: Moroccan Embassy 1601 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20009 Telephone: (202) 462-7979 The following websites contain a wide variety of information about Moroccan tourism. www.africaguide.com/country/morocco good source of general information - also … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA
A "little piece" of Africa is available to the general public in Sonoma County, about 1 hour 20 minutes north of San Francisco. Safari West is a gem of a nature preserve located only about 20 minutes from Santa Rosa off of Mark West Springs Road at the corner of Franz Valley Road (3115 Porter Creek Road). The park is about 15 minutes from Calistoga in the northern part of the Napa Valley. Visiting Napa for some wine tasting? Need a break? Come … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA – The Safari
Soon after pulling into the entrance of Safari West we hopped into a waiting 1952 Dodge Power Wagon Jeep and we were greeted by a young fellow in the driver's seat named Billy. Billy was born and raised in South Africa. His father was a bush pilot and Billy grew up around wild animals all of his life. He would be our driver and guide for the 2.5-hour tour. His background and insights into the animals and their behaviors was invaluable. The … [Read more...]
Safari West, CA – Trading Post
The Trading Post is an excellent art gallery located behind the main office. Be sure to browse among the artwork, woodcarvings and pottery imported from Africa. The highlight of this gallery is the collection of masks located upstairs. In addition to the gallery, dining is by reservation at the Savannah Cafe, which serves African themed meals. … [Read more...]
Zanzibar
While roaming eastern Africa in the waning months of the old century I stumbled into Stonetown, a small romantic city located on the western shores of the island of Zanzibar. Soon I became intoxicated not by drink, but by things such as the fading shadows of the dhows that cast their spired shapes over the blackened waters at sunset and by spending hours sitting near the harbor watching exotic groups of world travelers pass by. Slipping out … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Shopping
Stone Town is one of eastern Africa's shopping meccas. I found several incredible antique stores specializing in east African tribal antiques from the 1600s through the 1900s. One such store was like walking back in time. Intricately carved horns, parchment scrolls, rawhide prayer books, wooden masks, wooden statues of every shape and size and many other types of antiques were on display. The owner has several partnerships with antique dealers in … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – Lodging
Amaan Bungalows are located in the northern most village on Zanzibar called Nungwi. Besides the bungalow lodging, they also have three restaurants on the premises. Annex of Abdulla Guest House is centrally located in Stone Town within walking distance to the old Anglican Church built in 1824, the Africa House (a special place for watching the sun set), and to the Old Central Market opened in 1904. All their rooms are self contained and they … [Read more...]
Zanzibar – More Information
In addition to the below websites additional information about Zanzibar can be received by either writing or calling the following organizations: Tanzanian Embassy 2139 R Street NW Washington DC, 20008 Phone: 202.939.6125 | www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org General Information www.africatravelresource.com/africa/tanzania/c/zanzibar an excellent Zanzibar info resource www.ecoculture-zanzibar.org culture Tours -tour operator on Zanzibar … [Read more...]
Bangkok, Thailand – Medical
Medical and Dental work in Bangkok can save you several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the type of work and procedures that you have done and which country you live in. Places really vary in price from the high end hospitals to the clinics you see scattered all over Bangkok. Note that some drugs you normally would need a prescription for in "western" countries are available without a prescription from Thai … [Read more...]
Lamu, Kenya
Hundreds and hundreds of miles of lush green vegetation lie below me seemingly never changing as we bounce from one cloud to the next in a small 10-seat prop plane - green, so much green covering this vast terrain of eastern Africa. A single strand, so small and barely noticeable comes into view. It reminds me of a dark thread out of place on light colored shirt. A muddy road, unbroken except for the occasional truck, winds its way eastward … [Read more...]