Basecamp International Centers believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished … [Read more...]
A Brush with Africa
But it took more than two decades in England, a self-confessed dull career in manufacturing, before these youthful experiences found expression in a style of art that has captured the very essence of Africa. What strikes you first about Simon's paintings is the extraordinary colour: an earthy yellow that manages to be both intense and transparently delicate. This is the colour of Africa and Simon achieved it in an accidental and unorthodox way. … [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 – Attractions
Dhows located in the surf of the beach in front of Nungwi.Stone Town is full of old buildings including many that are in a state of severe decay. This city seems like a tiny maze at times, however its difficult to get too lost - if you walk far enough you will either end up on the seafront or on Creek Road which is the outermost road in Stone Town. While in Stone Town be sure to visit the evening waterfront "fresh fish cookout." This event … [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 – Restaurants
Forodhani Gardens, located down by the seafront is an excellent source of local cuisine - housing street vendors selling mostly seafood. Meals are cooked in front of you. I ate here several nights and never had any problems with the food. The Tourist Board recommends the following restaurants Fisherman Restaurant in Stone town - excellent fresh fish Restaurant on the roof of the Chavder Hotel. The Pagoda Chinese restaurant.- … [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...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
In every inspiring natural creation there is a realism that speaks to you. In every moment on a mountain you find it more and more. You discover yourself in ways not possible through other means. This stays with you and guides you for the rest of your life. May everyone have this chance at least once. ~ Dave This guide is a review of a climb by Dave of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. This article focuses solely on the climb with little other … [Read more...]
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – Altitude
While most people can climb Kilimanjaro if they are fit, climb slowly, drink plenty of clean water and have excellent guides, most people suffer some form of altitude sickness on this mountain. Although you do not need to have mountaineering skills and be in top shape, you have to be extremely careful with the altitude because this is such a tall mountain. Some early symptoms to be aware of are headaches, nausea, vomiting, dry cough, … [Read more...]