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Tourist Attractions in Scotland

Tourist Attractions in Scotland

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When you think of Scotland, pictures of tartan-clad Highlanders, skirling bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, deserted castles, golf, stunning scenery, and hairy Highland cattle probably come to mind. All of these, except for Nessie, is a highly accurate preview of what visitors might expect to see there and contributes to this nation’s mystery.

Each method of exploring Scotland will provide you with life-changing experiences, whether you travel by boat, on foot through its trails, by beautiful train, or by car. History is all about you as your sightseeing excursions take you to castles and historical battlegrounds where clans fought, allow you to follow in the literary footsteps of Sir Walter Scott and Robbie Burns, or allow you to retrace the paths of great kings and queens.

Scotland’s seclusion, with its far-flung stretches of heather-covered moors, uninhabited beaches, and wild, beautiful highlands with deep glens and lochs, is another of its main draws. You’ll discover that every destination is brimming with fascinating things to see and do, whether you decide on thriving cities, storied towns, or lonely moors and islands.

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

The Royal Yacht Britannia was a roving royal residence for more than 40 years, covering more than 1,000,000 miles. With this audio tour, you can tour Britannia’s five main decks and stop at the Bridge, State Apartments and Royal Bedrooms, Crew’s Quarters, and Engine Room to learn more about the royal family, their guests, and the crew.

Additionally, you can visit the Rolls-Royce Phantom V that once cruised the ship and pause in the Royal Deck Tea Room for tea and pastries. The Fingal Hotel, a brand-new addition to the site in 2019, offers luxurious lodgings in a former lighthouse tender berthed next to the royal boat.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle is one of the best Renaissance structures in the UK, which functioned as both James V’s palace and Mary Queen of Scots’ childhood home. Even though some older buildings still stand, the castle’s vast halls and apartments have been painstakingly renovated and furnished to reflect its appearance in the 1500s. This includes painstakingly replicating its tapestries. History Hunter activities are geared toward young explorers on the weekends and involve costumed interpreters who interact with visitors to bring the castle and its history to life.

Stirling, conveniently located between Edinburgh and Glasgow, is well-known for both the Battle of Stirling Bridge, which the legendary William Wallace won for Scottish independence and the Battle of Bannockburn, in which Robert the Bruce defeated English invaders in 1314. Excellent displays and exhibits about this significant period are available at the magnificent Bannockburn Heritage Centre.

The Wallace Monument, a 246-step tower with fantastic country views, is located halfway between Stirling and the Bridge of Allan. A few items there are rumored to have belonged to the great Wallace.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow

The Wallace Monument, a 246-step tower with fantastic country views, is located halfway between Stirling and the Bridge of Allan. A few items there are rumored to have belonged to the great Wallace. Since a fire at the Glasgow School of Art destroyed a large portion of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s work, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum has emerged as the go-to location for fans of the Glasgow Style, an iconic facet of the Arts & Crafts movement and Art Nouveau styles of the early 20th century.

The Glasgow Style Gallery and the Charles Rennie Mackintosh, developed and inaugurated just before the fire, feature pieces by other well-known Glasgow School artists and many Mackintosh rooms.

One of the museum’s most well-known exhibits is Salvador Dali’s Christ of St. John of the Cross, which is on display alongside other noteworthy treasures like a Van Gogh portrait, Bronze Age tools, and jewelry from Arran and Kintyre, a 1944 Mark 21 Spitfire, and a magnificent 1901 organ used for daily free concerts.

Golf at St. Andrews

The bicycle, postage stamps, telephones, and steam engines are just a few inventions that the Scots are credited with creating. Golf, though, is arguably their most enduring creation.

Playing at the prestigious Royal and Ancient Golf Club, located in historic St. Andrews and only 12 miles southeast of Dundee, is one of the lifetime goals of devoted golfers. The famed British Open is regularly held at one of St. Andrews’ 18-hole courses, the most well-known of which is the par-72 Old Course that runs across the craggy shoreline. St. Andrews was founded in 1750 and is recognized internationally as the governing body of golf.

Although tee times are frequently reserved six months in advance, some are kept open for those without reservations by lottery two days beforehand. The grand old Clubhouse and the British Golf Museum, which chronicles the history of the “home of golf” from the Middle Ages to the present, are both well worth a visit.

Fort William & Ben Nevis

Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Britain, is best explored from the charming hamlet of Fort William. The old fort built nearby in the 17th century is where this beach town’s ancestors came from. It is situated at the southern terminus of the Caledonian Canal. Even though it has long since vanished, the West Highland Museum still houses a substantial collection of paintings, Highland garb, and weapons.

Getting on The Jacobite steam train is a must-do. The train travels over the West Highland Line and crosses the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous by the Harry Potter film series.

Ben Nevis comes next. It is a stunning site that is simple to see from Fort William on a clear day and attracts both novice and experienced hikers. Despite its elevation, the ascent only takes about 2.5 hours to complete. The breathtaking vistas, which stretch as far as 150 miles across the Scottish Highlands and as far as Ireland, make it well worth the effort.

Riverside Museum and Tall Ship, Glasgow

The free Riverside Museum in Glasgow, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, brings together the evolution of land and river transportation in a striking new setting. Trams, locomotives, buses, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, ships, and other models can all be seen during a visit.

The realistic recreation of the streets of Glasgow in 1938, complete with businesses you may enter and platforms running up to every locomotive on show, is a highlight. More than 20 interactive displays and 90 huge touch panels offer pictures, memories, and movies that give the collections more profound significance.

Isle of Arran

With good cause, the picturesque Isle of Arran is known as “Scotland in Miniature.” In a mere 166 square miles, this picture-perfect island off the country’s west coast replicates the topography of the whole nation. Rolling moors, craggy mountains, sandy beaches, fishing harbors, castles, and golf courses can all be found here; they are all within a region that can be easily explored in a day or two and are all less than an hour by boat from Glasgow.

The best part is that buses connect the island’s main attractions, negating the need for a car. You might easily spend a few days exploring this tiny slice of Scotland, even if its highlights, such as Brodick Castle and Goat Fell Mountain (2,866 feet), can be seen in a day (including the ferry voyage). Additionally, you should.

4 Tips to Travel Safely in Cambodia

Once listed as one of the most dangerous places on Earth to visit, Cambodia has stabilised to the point that it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in south-east Asia. In fact, in the early part of this century it was almost impossible to obtain travel insurance of any kind, but now things have changed dramatically.

Travelling to any destination in Southeast Asia exposes you to some dangers, but no more than you would expect when travelling anywhere else. It is just as dangerous in some American and European cities at night as it is anywhere in Cambodia. The point is, with a little common sense a trip to Cambodia will be a rich and rewarding experience and will provide you with many a tale to tell your friends on your return.

But just to be safe, here are some timely safety tips for you to follow when you visit Cambodia.

Regional violence. There are occasional incidences of border tension with surrounding countries, particularly Thailand. Although violence is rare most countries maintain a strong military presence so you should check local media outlets for reports of danger spots.

Scams. Some tourists report being ripped off when taking long-distance car or coach travel from large cities to border crossings. Although you need to carefully negotiate the fare before you leave there is a lot of room for misunderstanding to arise especially if there are language difficulties. The best advice is to take a cool-headed view and look at the amount of money involved. Travelling is generally very cheap by Western standards and if you feel you have been overcharged by a few dollars it is probably better to ignore it and think of the big picture.

Health concerns. There have been repeated outbreaks of avian influenza, or bird flu, so it is important to ensure that your holiday insurance policy gives you adequate cover. As you would expect, consuming local water can be dangerous and it is wise to limit yourself to bottled supplies. Food on the other hand should not present you with any problems and you can feel free to enjoy the local cuisine to your heart’s content. Naturally you should always be on the lookout for normal hygiene standards that you would expect in your own country and stay clear of any food outlet that looks dangerous to you.

Markets. When you purchase anything at a market you should be prepared to bargain strongly. You can easily counter an offer with a bid of roughly half of what you are being asked to pay. This may appear rude in the West, but it is an expected procedure in many other cultures including Cambodia. There is no need to get ripped off in a market if you are prepared to bargain properly.…

Democratic Republic of Congo Travel Guide

Visiting Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can end up a much better experience if the right travel agent helps you design and prepare the trip to this African country. The local travel experts can assist in finding cheap airfares, better connections, safe and comfortable hotels, and many more elements of a great tour.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in Central Africa and shares its borders with Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Burundi, Angola, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. The country has access to the Atlantic Ocean: a narrow coastal area. DRC has the second largest territory in Africa. The former Belgian colony, it was called Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, and Zaire.

The Congo River is the main attraction of the country. Although the river is officially called Zaire, it is inextricably linked with the mysterious history, during which it was known as the Congo. That is the Portuguese version of the West African word meaning ‘river that swallows all other rivers’ . One really feels the awe of the power of nature on the shores of this fantastic river. It is the second river in the world according to water consumption and brings into the Atlantic Ocean nearly 42.5 thousand cubic meters of water per second.

One comes across some of the most dense and impenetrable thickets in the world in the local equatorial tropical forest. Oak, mahogany, ebony and Hevea are the main plants here. Some trees exceed the height of 60 meters. Eternal twilight reigns under their interlacing crowns. The forest can seem the true hell of extremely dense thickets, stifling humid heat, dangerous animals including crocodiles, pythons, cobras, wild pigs and poisonous spiders. One should be very careful here not to get ill with such deadly diseases as malaria and shistosomiasis. The most mysterious labyrinth lies between the river and the fantastic Mountains of the Moon, the Rwenzori mountain range, which nourishes Zaire with water in the east.

Stanley Falls is a great series of waterfalls and rapids, where the river descends from the mountains and becomes eligible for shipping. Livingston waterfalls are located not far from Malebo-Pool. The river breaks from the lock of the Crystal Mountains and descends to the sea level. Numerous lakes and smaller rivers of the country are considered excellent fishing regions, and can provide an unforgettable experience for lovers of rafting or of historical travels. However, foreign tourists should be aware that some of the rapids are extremely risky.

The national parks and reserves occupy almost 15% of the territory of Congo forests. The most notorious national parks include Virunga, Upemba, Garamba, Kahuzi-Biega, Salonga and others. The wet climate of the country supports the life of the dense jungle, the world’s last vast tropical forest inhabited by a variety of wild animals. Only in Congo-Zaire one can still see okapi, small forest animals of the family of giraffes, which became a national symbol of the country. The savannahs in the south of the country are inhabited by lions, leopards and antelopes.

The capital city of the country is Kinshasa. This part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is amongst the safest. Here one will find modern hotels, rather well-developed tourism infrastructure and a number of places worth visiting. In Kinshasa, tourists are attracted to the bustling Central Market of Matong. Here one feels the local atmosphere and finds cheap souvenirs. Another sight in Kinshasa is the acclaimed Bonobo Nursery Sanctuary, known for its assistance in the preservation of endangered bonobo chimpanzees. Other attractive cities include Goma and Kisangani. Goma is known as the home to Lake Kivu, and Kisangani is an important river port. In Kisantu, the tourists will notice the gorgeous Botanical Gardens. In Lubumbashi, the country’s second largest city, it is recommended to visit Valle de la Lufira nature reserve.…

Discover the Best Tanzania Safari Destinations

When you are thinking of going on your first African safari, Tanzania is one of the destinations you should give serious consideration. This is because the country is endowed with some of the finest wildlife parks and reserves in Africa, as well as many other great tourist attractions.

Located in southern East Africa, Tanzania neighbors Kenya in the north, Uganda in the north-west, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the west, Zambia in the south-west, Malawi and Mozambique in the south, and the Indian Ocean in the east.

Some of the most famous attractions in Tanzania include the Serengeti national park, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and the Ngorongoro crater. These three are all in the country’s northern safari circuit, which is the most popular safari route in the country. The southern safari circuit is less visited, but has some equally great, if not better, destinations like the Selous game reserve and the Ruaha national park.

Serengeti National Park

You have probably heard of the great wildebeest migration, an event regarded as the most spectacular natural event in the modern world. The migration consists of about two million wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and other plains herbivores crossing from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Hot on the trails of these herbivores are a horde of lions and other predators looking for quick prey. Many dramatic moments occur during the migration, the most fascinating being when the animals cross the crocodile infested waters of the Grumeti river in Serengeti, and the Mara river in Masai Mara.

Most people associate the wildebeest migration with the Masai Mara, yet the bulk of it takes place in the Serengeti. In fact, the wildebeest are in an almost constant migration within this vast national park, only stopping briefly for calving in the south-eastern part of Serengeti.

Besides the migration, Serengeti’s diversity and high density of big game makes it one of the best wildlife viewing destinations in Africa. All the big five animals (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffaloes) are present here, although there are only very few rhinos. Other animals include giraffes, Thomson’s gazelles, several other antelope species, cheetahs, jackals, hyenas, and many more.

Mount Kilimanjaro

With an altitude of 5,895 meters at its tallest peak, Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. That fact alone makes it one of the most popular destinations in Tanzania. The mountain consists of three main volcanic cones – Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. Kibo is the tallest of the three, with Uhuru peak being the highest summit.

Naturally, Kilimanjaro’s biggest draw is the thrill of climbing to the roof of Africa. Surprisingly, and pleasantly so, it is relatively easy to trek up to Uhuru peak even if you have little or no mountain climbing experience. To climb the rugged Mawenzi peak however, you need specialized rock climbing and ice climbing kit, and extensive mountaineering experience.

The best times for climbing mount Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons, June to August and December to March.…

Where to Go on Your Holidays in Burundi

The geographical position of Burundi is in the heart of Africa. It is often named as the Eden in the heart of Africa because of its wonderful landscapes. This is a real paradise to the many tourists who have visited this beautiful country. Not to mention the soft and temperate climate making this country an ideal family holiday destination.

If it’s a view that you’re after then the sight of the smooth sailing and lake shores in the capital city of Bujunbura is the place to be. The city is thronging on the shore of the lake Tanganika which is geographically the western border of the country. It is an popular attraction for enthusiasts of skiing, sailing, fishing and many other activities.

There are crocodiles and hippopotamus in Lake Tanganika which can sometimes be seen from the shore. The public beach of Kajaga, near the Hotel Club du Lac Tanganika, serves as a convenient place for swimming and soaking up the sun on the beautiful white sands. Tourists can also dine beside Lake Tanganyika, perhaps savouring a delicious local fish called the Sangala.

If you are interested in viewing the horizons of Burundi, the peak of Congo Nile provides a wonderful view. From the top of the mountains you can view the central plains and the second town of Burundi, Gitega. Gitega, for general information, is a peaceful place with peculiar beauty and exquisite charm. The green landscapes are remarkable and there are some awesome views. You will have a very nice view of the Bujumbura Capital, with Lake Tanganika reflecting the sky like a mirror. There is also the large plain of Imbo, the border town near the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Gitega, the National Museum and the craftware village is located.

The national museum contains a rich collection of exhibits that portrays the evolution of Burundi from a native country to a developing country. Nearby the museum, you will find the crafts ware village. Here you can see the locals producing their own designs. Here, you will also find Gitega Art School, where ceramics, paintings and sculptures are produced.

Kirundo, a town with known lakes, is a fantastic place to see. The famous Rwihinda or the Birds Lake is situated there. There are many birds which come from all over the world. Other places worth visiting are lakes Cohora and Rweru.

Another stop is the intriguing Rutovu pyramid. The pyramid is a symbolic structure built by the authorities. Nearby the pyramid is the hot spring of Muhweza or the German falls in the Mosso area where anyone and everyone are allowed to relax for a while.

Travel Guide To Burundi, A Country New To Tourism

Not many people dare to visit Burundi and because of that this African country located in the heart of the continent has untouched scenery by the hand of men. The landscapes and evergreen forests along with the amazing mountaintops make this country a heaven on earth. Because the country had harsh periods when people fought among each other to declare their supremacy, many dangers can put one’s life at risk.

Even so, only the ones that have the courage to visit Burundi really understand why the country is so beautiful. Since 2005, this African country has become safer because of the new politics imposed by the new leader. The president was elected democratically and he is trying to bring order to the chaos. There are 2 groups within the country that feel the need to fight one another but recently the bloody wars stopped and people are trying to get along. People in Burundi aren’t very used to visitors and that’s why many regions aren’t that friendly with new comers. In big cities, people have evolved and they live a modern life trying to cope with the changes. The authorities headed by the democrat president try every day to make the country a safer place for its people as well as for anyone who visits the country. Of course, this is hard sometimes because of the rebels that are always trying to destabilize the situation. In the near future, Burundi will be safer and more and more people will have a chance to visit it. The unexplored sceneries are waiting to be discovered and people always seem to be happy to meet new people even if they are not used to having them in the country.

As a visitor in this country, first you need to understand that people have lived like this for ages and it’s hard for them to accept anyone and everything. It’s best if you preserve their culture and treat them the best you can. Clothing style should be conservative. It’s best if you carry with you a map in case you get lost. People speak English but it’s possible that not all of them will understand what you ask. Burundi holds Lake Tanganyika, a lake with history and the one that can cool you off in the hot sunny days. Lake Tanganyika is one of the major tourist attractions in the African country.

Not many people dare to visit Burundi and because of that this African country located in the heart of the continent has untouched scenery by the hand of men. The landscapes and evergreen forests along with the amazing mountaintops make this country a heaven on earth. Because the country had harsh periods when people fought among each other to declare their supremacy, many dangers can put one’s life at risk.…

Things to See on Your Holidays in Togo

Togo is located in West Africa and it borders Ghana in the west, Benin in the east, Burkina Faso in the north and gulf of Guinea coast in the south. Lome is the capital city of Togo. The official language spoken here is French however many other languages besides French are also spoken.

This is an ideal place for tourism and has many places of attraction like the Manduri hunting reserve in the Northeast of the country. Tourists can also enjoy the deep-sea fishing of the Gulf of Guinea.

If you do choose to come on holiday to Togo with your family it’s definitely going to be exciting, Togo has some fantastic attractions and places of interest for both adults and children to enjoy. There are some markets here where a visitor can buy all sorts of clothes, handicrafts and many other things for themselves and their children. There are some villages near to the beach, their culture, traditions and the lifestyle of these people and villages are fascinating.

Togo also has a beautiful beach, tourists can soak up the sun on the white sandy beach and then swim in the crystal clear water making it an ideal sun holiday destination. There are also some forests and savannas which make up the interior landscape. There are some national parks with many species of African animals to be seen.

Generally tourists take a 10 day vacation to Benin and Togo. One of the must see places in Togo is the Togo Lake. You can cruise across the Togo Lake to Togoville. Once in Togoville, a visit to the German cathedral, the chief’s house and the traditional museum are some of the things that should be on your itinerary. After the visit you can cruise back to Sewatrsikope and drive back to Lome, the capital. En route you can visit the Pedakondji fisherman’s village.

Once in Lome you can explore the city further. The city harbor, independence square and the city museum are some of the places that you can visit in Lome. You should ideally also cover the Art Street, Lome Central Market and the craftsman village. The next day you could take a drive to Kpalime. While driving to Kpalime you should stop at the foot of the Mt. Agou, and visit the coffee and cocoa plantations.

A major attraction in Kpalime is the Kloto craft market. Here you will find some of the most exquisite crafts from West Africa. At Kpalime tourists also visit the campement which is an old German sanatorium. After returning back to Lome you can go to Cotonou and visit the art market Dantopka which is one of the largest markets in West Africa.…

Migration Trends in Africa

Africa is known for its enduring history of migration, across its planes and beyond the vast spacious continent. Africa is an enigma, with a history largely anecdotal, seldom recorded. From Berber to Zulu kingdoms, gold, diamond and wild safari, the number of people of African origin living outside the continent is thought to be at almost 140 million, the majority in the Western Hemisphere. Most of these people are not individuals or groups who emigrated, rather they are family descendants (of many generations), of Africans who were trafficked to countries such as America during the slave trade era. These descendants have little in the way of connection to Africa through either politics or genealogy.

By contrast, the phenomena of modern migration has not made emigrants lose touch with their homeland. Recent migration from the African mainland is estimated at the 30 million mark. These migrants have maintained close relationships with their land and loved ones. They frequently travel to visit. Telecommunications has also made ‘keeping in touch’ a cinch. With the advent of email and social networks, economical as well as political interconnection is borderless. The train tracks of globalization are technology and the internet, with advanced money transfer systems, remittances have flattened many lines of society in Africa.

African migration is diverse, mainly dependent on financial possibilities. Those with restricted resources migrate within Africa as their lack of capital and acquired skills restrict them from travelling to distant continents. Contrastingly, ninety percent of North African emigrants go to destinations outside of Africa, predominantly Europe, the Middle East and North America.

Immigration in Africa has been overwhelmingly affected by the continent’s history of war, military coups, insurgencies, despotic regimes and natural disasters.

Colonial history continues to exert an influence on the choice of destination country, with half of African countries reporting that the most popular destination for emigrants is a former coloniser.

Recent data on migration taken from household surveys conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal signify that migrants tend to be emerging adults (two-thirds of Burkina Faso’s emigrants were between the ages of 15 and 40) and male (more than 90 percent in Burkina Faso), typically educated beyond primary school years. Migration from these countries resulted in particular career shifts, specifically the transition from farming to trading, semi-skilled employment and professional jobs.…

Advice on Visiting Ghana

Ghana is famous for being one of the friendliest countries in the world but the friendliness is not apparent until one is through Kotoka International Airport in Accra. The preparations and formalities to be endured are rather more than the seasoned holidaymaker has become accustomed to in visiting destinations in Europe and Asia. For those willing to plan ahead and take early action, however, a visit to Ghana can be an absorbing and memorable experience.

To enter Ghana, visas or entry permits are needed by visitors from all western countries. Application must be made at least two weeks before the date of travel. Visitors also need to be vaccinated against yellow fever at least ten days before traveling. Although Ghanaians are by nature very friendly people, officials at the embassies and high commissions, and above all at the immigration desks at the airport, have had all the friendliness trained out of them, so one is well advised to be careful to comply with all entry requirements.

Ghana has a hot and humid tropical climate with major and minor rainy seasons, and it is advisable to take care to choose a suitable time to visit. In December and January a hot dry wind blows south from the Sahara desert. Ghanaians dislike this season because it dries the skin but many Europeans prefer this time of year because of the long sunny days with cloudless skies but a pink haze from the Sahara dust in the atmosphere. Temperatures are high but the low humidity renders the heat less oppressive than at other times of the year. This is the best time of year for those who like to be on the beach or at the swimming pool but the sun is fierce and pale skin needs the highest level of protection.

For those who like to travel to see more of the country, the gap between the rainy seasons in July and August is the best time. Skies are overcast and temperatures, though still high, are at their lowest range in the annual cycle. It is best to avoid the rainy seasons, March to June and September-October, and in February the rising humidity in advance of the rains produces the most uncomfortable conditions of all. But take these guidelines with a note of caution, although they are based on the experience of more than a quarter of a century, no two years are exactly the same, even in the tropics, and in recent years variability seems to have been increasing, perhaps due to global climate change.

Ghana has much to offer in the way of tourist attractions, from treetop walks in the tropical forest near Cape Coast to the craft villages of Ashanti Region, the Mole Game Reserve and picturesque mosques in the Northern and Upper Regions and the famous crocodiles at Paga on the border with Burkina Faso. It is all well worth the hassle over the visa and vaccination for those who can stand the heat.…

Experience Tourism In Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso has four regions of interest to tourists. They include Central, Eastern, Western and Northern regions of the country. The country has around 66 ethnic groups and each has its culture and traditions. Some of the best attraction sites include: the National Museum of Ouagadougou which is a very important tourist spot. It was established in 1962 and celebrates the traditions and cultures of the country’s tribes. It stocks sacred items which tell about the country’s culture and population.

Burkina Faso has two festivals that take place every two years in the capital Ouagadougou. They are: The international salon of arts and crafts [SIAO] and the festival of cinema [FESPACO]. The first one is a way to publicize the African Craft Industry and to teach about African art. All African countries are usually represented. The second screens all African Films which compete for awards. This festival attracts many visitors because it is the only place where African actors, directors and filmmakers meet together to promote African Cinema. The festivals last 3 to 4 weeks.

Burkina Faso has a variety of wildlife, most of them living in captivity. There is the wildlife park of Zinjare. It has animals like lions, antelopes, elephants and other species. The president’s house is also near the park. The town of Ouagadougou is reputed for its sacred crocodile. The animals are extremely harmless and you can hold them, sit on them and take pictures to serve as memorabilia. You can also visit the town of Banfora. Here you will see the Natural Waterfall of Banfora that attracts over 3000 tourists every year.…

Burkina Faso Travel Advice

Travel agencies in Burkina Faso can be a good tool to prepare and implement a nice trip to this African country. Contact the agent to get information about visa, flights, hotels and more…

Burkina Faso is roughly translated as ‘the country of honest men’. Indeed, the locals are sociable and hospitable people, always ready to laugh and inviting guests ‘for a cup of coffee’. Coffee is one of the ‘tourist brands’ of the country. This drink is prepared here according to at least 30 recipes, and is always of very high quality.

Ouagadougou, standing at the crossroads of several ancient trade routes, is a big country town rather than a metropolis. The central part of the capital is small and easy to walk during two hours. In Ouagadougou, there are no particular sites, but the capital has a wide variety of epic monuments and magnificent buildings of various ages. There is a surprising number of broad tree-lined boulevards. The country’s mild climate and relatively clean air contribute to the general positive impression. Unlike many other cities, Ouagadougou is populated mostly by non-Muslims, which is clearly reflected in its life. There are many restaurants, bars and nightclubs here. When in the city, one should necessarily visit the National Museum, which is still under development. The museum demonstrates the traditional masks, pieces of pottery, and other ritual accessories of the main ethnic groups in the country.

The cathedral, located near Moro Naba Palace, is the largest church in West Africa. The Grand Market of Ouagadougou is located in the city center and has many large decorative towers on top of the facade. Moro Naba Palace is the site where every Friday the colorful ceremony of the ‘false departure of the Emperor’ is held. It symbolizes the struggle of the Mosi Empire against external enemies.

Bobo-Dioulasso is the ‘capital’ of the people of Bobo. It is smaller and more modest than the country’s capital, but has the same boulevards, tree-lined streets and thriving markets. The Provincial Museum in the building of the Sudanese style has two sets of exhibitions, constantly displaying contemporary African art, batik and sculpture, as well as the traditional arts of the peoples of West Africa. The most impressive building of Bobo-Dioulasso is the Great Mosque, built of clay in the traditional Sudanese style, and the most interesting element of it is the interior decoration, which can be viewed for a small fee. The old district is full of craft shops, selling mainly pottery.

Banfora has just two main streets with a gas station, a bank and two hotels. This place is known mostly as the starting point for trips to Karfiguela waterfalls, a rare phenomenon in these places. The falls are especially interesting in the rainy season. The picturesque rock Dame-de-Karfiguela, located near the waterfall, is a good place to observe the waterfalls and the entire surrounding area.…