Category: travel guides
Diving the Coral Reefs Around Taba Heights
Posted by Guest Author in travel guides Wednesday, 18 May 2011 21:34 No Comments
Located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba, Taba is one of the lesser visited diving areas of Egypt and although it doesn’t get the larger life such as sharks and manta rays, the dive sites offer a colourful and diverse selection of marine life.
One of the great things about diving in Taba is that there are only a few dive boats operating so often you will be the only people at the dive site which is in striking contrast to Sharm el Sheikh a couple of hundred miles away at the southern tip of the Sinai. Although the diving is superb in Sharm, the number of boats at popular sites like Jackson Reef or Shark & Yolanda means that it does get quite busy underwater.
It doesn’t take long to get to the dive sites in Taba and this means there is normally plenty of time for a 3rd dive of the day. One of the more popular sites is Pharoah’s Island (aka Farun Island). Back in the time of the crusades, the Saracen Saladin who was Richard the Lionhearts nemesis built an old fort and lookout post on the island. In addition to dive boats, it is also a popular destination or snorkelling trips which is hardly surprising as it is a beautiful setting and easy site to dive.
Taba is a paradise for underwater photographers. The sites are generally quite shallow and there is a superb array of marine life just waiting to be captured on film (or more likely, on memory card). One of the more unusual creatures found in the area is the Frogfish. It is a type of Anglerfish, has a face only a mum could love and is fairly immobile. They are ambush predators and an attack can be as fast 6 milliseconds. Their mouths move so fast that no other animals can see it happen.
There is a spectacular array of creatures to be found in and around Taba including Moray eels, nudibranchs, clownish, lionfish, sea stars and shrimp. Sadly, night diving isn’t permitted due to various restrictions imposed as the borders of Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia as so close. Divers visiting Taba will miss out on what would certainly be stunning night dives in Taba.
Egypt has the advantage of being outside the Eurozone which means that Red Sea Holidays offer much better value compared to traditional locations like Spain and Greece.
Can I get Sick from Drinking Tap Water In Zambia
Posted by Guest Author in travel guides Friday, 13 May 2011 17:24 No Comments
Strictly speaking(according to the CDC), tap water in Zambia is considered safe to drink, however, it is always advised that you only drink bottled water. Drinking water that has been contaminated is one of the main causes of health problems for travelers all over the world, and
Water from the tap in Zambia is generally not drinkable, at least unless boiled. Bottled water is widely available in cities, but not always in rural areas. can cause anything from mild gastrointestinal distress to serious bacterial diseases. The most common cause of water-borne illness is bacteria, such as E. coli, cholera and salmonella, but illness can also be caused by viruses (like hepatitis A or polio) and chemical pollutants.In most cases, travelers become ill simply because the germs in the water are foreign to their immune systems, while locals have adapted to the water supply and can drink it without problems.
Keep in mind that water quality will vary depending on where you are in Zambia. You’ll probably find “safe” tap water at a major city hotel, but you may have to boil water before drinking it if you’re staying in a small rural village.The best way to protect yourself while in Zambia is to avoid tap water and opt for bottled water. When bottled water is not available, boiling tap water generally kills most micro-organisms.
There are a lot of water filters and purification tablets that you can easily bring with you on your trip. Tips on What (Not) to Drink Bottled water is generally safe, but only in sealed, tamper-proof containers. Ask someone at your local representative to recommend a reliable local brand. You’ll usually be safe drinking tea, coffee, canned soda and juice, beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks.
In most cases hot water is slightly safer than drinking untreated cold water. Whenyou brush your teeth be sure to use bottled, boiled or purified water, wash your contact lenses or dentures. Freezing water does not kill bacteria, but ice cubes present the same problem that tap water does. Remember ou can make your own ice if you boil the water first. Do not eat food that may have been rinsed in contaminated water, such as salad and fresh fruit.
Signs of water-borne illness generally include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, aches and/or chills, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These effects will usually clear up on their own after a few days; if they worsen or are very severe, seek medical attention. Otherwise, try to stay hydrated with sports drinks, boiled or bottled water, or other safe fluids (steer clear of alcohol and caffeinated beverages, both of which can make dehydration worse). It is helpful to take Oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medications.
Before you plan your trip to Zambia, make sure you check Chisanga’s excellent tips advice, and guides on Zambia
KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast
Posted by Guest Author in travel guides Friday, 13 May 2011 14:31 No Comments
KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast, popularly referred to as The Dolphin Coast, stretches from Zimbali, an eco and golf estate to the grand Tugela River. It’s welcoming seas are home to the common bottlenose dolphin that may be seen frolicking in the surf just offshore throughout the year, whilst the tropical, lush coastline features various quiet bays, golden shores and beautiful residences.
Sections of natural coastal forest give way to never-ending rolling hillsides covered with fields of sugar cane, which extend to the interior. A distinctive mixture of luxury resorts and affordable holiday accommodation combine with stunning shorelines and culturally diverse attractions making the holiday destination a shimmering jewel.
The Northern Shoreline presents truly living Zulu Culture, bursting colour, song and dance. On 24th September every year, this holiday destination comes alive to celebrate Heritage Day in a special way. This day reminds the Zulu nation of their unique culture and the significance of leadership. The attendees are often seen dressed in their traditional attire showcasing their roots.
The Northern Coastline also has a rich cultural combination of Eastern, African and European influences where by curry seafood dens stand beside customary Zulu dancing and colonial-style hospitality as the main sights. Located a little away from the coast is KwaDukuza, burial site of the remarkable King Shaka Zulu, and Groutville, home of Albert Luthuli, Africa’s very first Nobel Peace laureate, with monuments and a remarkable museum keeping testimony to his role in South Africa’s history.
A big Indian community sees their home in this region, enabling people to enjoy their interesting temples and taste their culinary pleasures, such as pineapple-on-a-stick, covered in tangy spices. River quad biking trails, horse riding, a sugar cane farm museum, children’s Animal farm and crocodile farms all vie for space on the leisure calender.
Coastal microlight excursions, superb fishing and the opportunity to swim with the dolphins add to the wide selection of unforgettable holiday encounters offered. Close proximity to Durban and the Big Five game reserves of KwaZulu Natal make this holiday destination a fantastic option for a vacation central to infectious vibe or rugged adventure – simply take your pick.
The amazing climate in KwaZulu Natal together with the amazing range of activities make the region South Africa’s playground.