Amazing Africa

About the destination: With a warm, sandy Mediterranean coastline, perfumed with jasmine and sea breezes, Tunis is reinventing itself as a boldly modern Arab capital. The city is passionate about preserving its Mediterranean traditions as well as its Arabic and African origins. This mindset is mirrored in its architecture, with the ancient Arab medina situated next to the French colonial Ville Nouvelle (New Town). Like any other Arabic metropolis, the medina is the historical and spiritual center of the city. The labyrinthine streets of the medina are bustling with people selling, buying, and transporting goods, all amidst the aroma of spices. The contrast with the palm trees and café terraces of the ville nouvelle's avenue Habib Bourguiba could not be more stark. Elderly men in traditional attire observe office workers in suits and the youth in jeans and shirts passing by: this is Tunis. In the suburbs lie the magnificent Bardo Museum and the awe-inspiring and enigmatic ruins of ancient Carthage, from where Hannibal embarked on his journey to lead his elephants over the Alps. Also nearby is Tunisia's most picturesque village, Sidi Bou Said, a source of inspiration for many artists, and the stunning white-sand beaches of La Marsa. Tunis is a lively yet relaxed capital city that embraces its Western and Eastern influences and proudly showcases its cultural heritage.

About the destination: Marrakech, the gateway to the desert and the south, is an overwhelming experience unlike any other imperial city in Morocco. Its reddish-pink streets and alleys are alive with sounds, sights, smells, and life. The mid-summer heat can be intense enough to exhaust most tourists. The best times to explore Marrakech are early morning, early evening, and during winter, when temperatures are mild but drop significantly at night due to the cold air from the High Atlas Mountains. The Djemaa El-Fna, or Assembly of the Dead, is anything but what its name suggests. By day, it's a hot and crowded market, but at sunset, it truly comes alive as entertainers take over. This chaotic outdoor circus offers a microcosm of Morocco at its most exotic. Large audiences gather in tight circles around a diverse cast of performers. Almost every tour of Marrakech begins at the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, with its magnificent minaret overlooking the Djemaa. The minaret, topped by a lantern of three golden spheres, is the oldest and purest surviving example of Almohad architecture. The city’s two most breathtaking monuments date back to the 16th century. Feast your eyes and cool off at the ornate Ben Youssef Madrassa, the largest Qur’anic school in North Africa. Even more lavish are the dazzling Saadian Tombs, modeled after the interior of the Alhambra in Granada. The view from the terrace at the Badi Palace, now in ruins, is majestic. Nearby is the 19th-century Bahia Palace, an ornate and beautiful palace with tranquil, fountained gardens. To escape the relentless midday sun, wander through the lush Menara Gardens and relax in the charming lakeside pavilion. Marrakech is noisy, busy, dusty, and chaotic. It is a visual and sensory feast of color, diverse cultures, architecture, and design. Marrakech offers an exotic and exciting taste of Africa, and the best part is that it is only a few hours away from Europe by plane.

About the destination: Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is situated at the farthest western point of the African continent. Dakar is a vibrant, expanding, and evolving capital city with modern structures, working-class neighborhoods, and busy, crowded markets in the Medina district. Like many cities in the developing world, Dakar is heavily influenced by its colonial past, which is still evident in some of its architecture. However, don't be mistaken, Dakar is distinctly African, vibrant, and genuine. The Plateau, historically the French quarter of the city, still retains a very European feel. Many aspects of the urban landscape are indistinguishable from a street in a French city. This is where the city's main banks and businesses are situated. European-style cafes and stores are also scattered throughout the area. Historic buildings such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Presidential Mansion, and the railway station are also located here. Other significant attractions in Dakar include the African Renaissance Monument, Ile de Goree, the Place de l'independence, Dakar Grand Mosque, and Dakar Cathedral. Dakar is a bustling, charming, and occasionally chaotic city with a typical West African character.

About the destination: Cape Town is the second biggest city in South Africa and serves as the capital of the Western Cape Province. It's also the legislative capital of South Africa, housing the parliament, despite the fact that Pretoria is the official capital. Cape Town is nestled at the foot of Table Mountains, encircled by both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Cape Town offers everything from stunning mountains and superb beaches to picturesque mountain ranges and enticing wine routes. Take a stroll around Green Market Square or through the squirrel-populated gardens near the SA Cultural History Museum just off the main Adderley Street. The esplanade, shadowed by the City Hall, serves as a platform for political rallies and a market selling everything from food to clothing. The Castle of Good Hope, the oldest colonial building in South Africa, overlooks the esplanade. The Bo Kaap, one of Cape Town's oldest residential areas, is a unique neighborhood with a rich cultural and social history. Pay a visit to Nobel Square and see a tribute to four of South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Cape Town boasts some of the best beaches in Africa, all featuring the pristine white sand unique to the Cape. Cape Town is a remarkable place with something for everyone - sun, beaches, friendly locals, African culture, delicious food, excellent wine, and breathtaking scenery. So, what are you waiting for?