Even before the new carriers to the island land the existing airlines have been offering return flights at prices seemingly much lower than in the past to try and hold on to their share of the market.

According to on-line travel guide YourMalta.com the airline negotiations have been tempered with the need for the islands government to see that the national carrier, Air Malta, isnt damaged as it is one of Maltas major employers.

Traditionally the UK has been Maltas biggest market for incoming tourists, often making up over half of the islands visitors in any given year, but some on the island see even this market as under threat. And property buyers from the UK have accounted for seventy per cent of Malta property sales to overseas buyers in recent years, settling in Valletta, Sliema, St Pauls, Mellieha, St Julians and Qawra.

A good portion of UK visitors and property buyers for Malta in recent years have been ex-forces who served for the British during WW2 when Malta held out against Hitlers Luftwaffe, and then in peacetime through to 1964 when Malta became independent, who returned for holidays.

But with the inevitability of this market declining a new breed of Maltas holiday and hotel entrepreneurs see Maltas future as less dependent on the UK tourist, and being more cosmopolitan in her outlook.

Declining Market and New Opportunities

Tribune Properties, a UK company specialising in Malta properties, say they have noticed more buyers making enquiries from other countries over the last year. In particular they say they have been receiving enquiries from France, Italy and Germany.

The UK remains the foundation for overseas property buyers considering buying property in Malta, but the overall percentage is reducing as more and more people in mainland Europe have visited Malta, and liked it so much they want to either move to the island full time or buy a holiday home.

The arrival of low cost flights to Malta though could reignite British interest as three and four day breaks a few times a year becomes financially viable. If the airlines fly to destinations in Europe too the number of buyers for Malta property could rise in the immediate and medium term explains Tribunes Managing Director, Roger Munns.

For Maltas tourist industry three and four day visitors in increased numbers will be a welcome boost. There is discussion on the island about extending clubs opening hours beyond the current 4am.

Clubbers in the UK are used to 6am closing, and might be deterred from making a weekend trip with a three hour flight only to find shorter hours available for partying.

There are new opportunities for Malta, and its for the island to decide whether to embrace them and gain a new generation of visitors or ignore them and lose an asset for the economy agree YourMalta.com

Malta has a lot to offer the visitor apart from being a Mediterranean holiday island. Malta has a rich culture and history, and can easily appeal to all generations from toddlers to pensioners. More Italians and other nationalities are discovering Malta as a destination. Malta will become more cosmopolitan. And while some of the older more conservative residents are likely to be against a younger and more diverse mix of visitors from what they have been used to and see change as something to be afraid of, we believe the island will embrace the more cosmopolitan feel, while retaining the features that make Malta a unique visit among her Mediterranean island competitors.

The city is located near the Isar river and lies north of the Bavarian Alps. Compared to other European cities, Munich is relatively new, having been established around the 11th century. Many German kings have resided in the city, and Munich has been one of the homes of the Renaissance and the counter movement against the Reformation.

In recent years, Munich has become Germany’s center for biotechnology and other industries. Munich is a city which mixes the old with the new very well, and its citizens are known for their high quality lifestyles. Travelers to the city will find that there is much to see and do. The best time to visit the city is between May and September, when the weather is opulent.

Munich is the home of numerous museums. The Bavarian National Museum is one of the best places for exploring art exhibitions, tapestries, weapons, and other artifacts from the middle ages. For those who love German automobiles, the BMW museum is a place you won’t want to miss.

If you would like to get a glimpse of Bavarian royalty, you will want to visit the Altstadt and check out the beautiful avenues and architecture. For those who are passionate about science and technology, the Deutsches Museum is a place where you will be able to view different types of gadgets and other mechanisms.

When it comes to dining, Bavarian food is very hearty and appetizing. Very few vegetables are used, and people who love them may find this to be disconcerting. Most meals are a combination of pork and potatoes with a touch of cabbage.

As with most cities in Germany, Munich can be expensive, and it may be best to bring ample amounts of money when visiting. Munich also holds many carnivals and festivals, and you will want to see them while visiting. Munich is also an excellent place for cycling.

If you enjoy sailing, you will want to take a boat trip on the Kleinhesseloher Lake, and you can also surf on the Isar river. It isn’t recommended that you swim in the Isar due to pollution, but the Olympia-Schwimmhalle is a great place for those who like to swim.

Monaco

The principality of Monaco is a bizarre little place. Situated to the east of the French Riviera, the country is very small and dominated by the city of Monte Carlo. Everything in the principality caters to the wealthy, so budget travelers beware.

Historically, the Grimaldi royal family has and continues to dominate Monaco. There influence is everywhere and, as youve probably noticed, one of them seems to be in tabloid news every day. Regardless, they have managed to stay in power for hundreds of years and turned Monaco into the expat haven of Europe through lax tax laws.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is the only city of significance in Monaco. The city is perched above the ocean and fairly dramatic. There is an old Europe charm, but modern hotels, resorts and so on are blended in nicely. Instead of Ford or Toyota dealerships, Monaco is peppered with Ferrari and Porsche stores. This upgrade in cost occurs consistently throughout the city and it is the only place Ive ever paid $75 for dinner in a Mexican restaurant.

No mention of Monte Carlo would be complete without mentioning Formula One racing. Every year, the city hosts the Monaco Grand Prix on the tiny streets of the city. The race is a bit boring because it is nearly impossible to pass, but attending the race is definitely something you should do at least once.

The Monaco Grand Prix is the coming out party for the extremely wealth. The harbor is full of yachts that make an oil tanker look small. There is more jewelry and glitz than you can possibly imagine. The decadence factor is through the roof and the people watching aspect is incredibly entertaining. Although you may come away a bit disgusted by the over indulgence, youll definitely come away with some good stories.

Monaco and Monte Carlo are definitely worth a one-day trip if you are visiting the French Riviera. Just make sure youve warmed up your credit cards.

Mexicos Advanced Ancient Age
The Yucatn Peninsula is an archeological goldmine. Situated on the Gulf of Mexicos southern shore, the region was the center of Mayan civilization throughout their rule. The extensive ruins at Calakmul (The City of Two Adjacent Pyramids) are some of the most spectacular, embedded in the thick tropical forest of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and best viewed from atop one of the ancient citys pyramids. Just east of the peninsula, Teotihuacn is the archeological site of ancient Mexicos largest city and most unifying empire. By 200 A.D. this metropolis was home to the third largest pyramid in the world, the Pyramid of the Sun, with a total of 248 steps. The remains of the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Mayan and Aztec Empires, along with their surviving descendents, expose an intriguing ancient history of advanced mathematics, astronomy, farming and technology unknown to the rest of the world and largely obliterated by European conquest and disease in the 16th century.

Solace in the Sand and Sun
Travel to Mexico to experience one of North Americas most popular vacation destinations, particularly during the winter. A majority of Mexico is situated in the tropics, making weather somewhat reliable and the months of July and August necessarily avoidable, when temperatures may not drop below 90F at night. Visit the year-round resort towns of Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta along Mexicos Pacific coast and Cancun and Veracruz along the warmer waters of the Gulf coast. The island of Cozumel, just off the coast of Cancun, boasts some of the worlds best scuba diving and the surrounding sea is completely protected as an underwater national park. Baja California, which borders the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific, is an extremely popular destination for surfers, sea kayakers and loungers alike. Great waves, sea caves and the proximity of many interesting locales intensifies the lure of this western peninsula.

Time-Out Tijuana
Mexicos majesty lies south of the border. Move past the mental images of Tijuana stereotypes and explore Mexicos grand urban centers like Mexico City and Guadalajara. Put on a sombrero, dance to a Mariachi band and sip the finest tequila on Earth while exploring nearly 20,000 years of human history! For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Regardless of the politics, the effect of this isolation is a bonus to tourists. Whilst the recent relaxing of restrictions has meant growth in development in many areas, much of the country remains all but untouched by the hand of modern life. There are still many places where farmers use donkeys in preference to tractors and there is a feeling that the 20th century, never mind the 21st, has had little impact. North Cyprus is also home to some of the most important archaeological and historic sites in this part of the world. The remains of Salamis, the capital of Cyprus in Roman times, include a massive amphitheatre and other important remains. Though much remains to be excavated, the sheer scale of the site is breathtaking. Equally breathtaking are the views from St Hilarion castle! An important crusader castle, St Hilarion is in a remarkable state of preservation and an abiding testament to the skill and fortitude of its builders. A few miles away, in the peaceful mountainside village of Bellapais, is the remarkable Bellapais Abbey. Dating from the 13th century, this monument to an older civilisation still exudes a palpable atmosphere of peace. Famously the setting of Lawrence Durrells novel, Bitter Lemons of Cyprus, the village is a must see for visitors. As is the sea-front town of Kyrenia. With a castle and many delightful, bustling alleys, the heart of Kyrenia is its ancient harbour, described by the Mail on Sunday as one of the most beautiful places in the world. Originally warehouses for carob and other of the islands products, the water-side buildings are now home to a range of delightful restaurants and shops.

There are so many more important sites that a good guidebook is as essential as good sun-cream! But amongst all this history, there is a more lively side to North Cyprus too. Many hundreds of restaurants and tavernas can be found here. All at prices that delight the wallet, whilst delighting the palette with a mouth-watering choice of local and international cuisine. The location also makes it ideal for the many operators offering watersports and diving. The coastline, as with many similar places, is protected by statute and items may not be taken from the ocean bed, but there are some challenging and scenic dives here. Indeed, the north coast was the site of the worlds oldest recovered shipwreck. Professionally lifted from the sea-bed some years ago, the remains of the ship, and its cargo, can be found in Kyrenias castle museum.

Despite its languid and old-fashioned aura, North Cyprus is definitely firmly in the 31st century when it comes to accommodation. The many hotels, of all sizes, and holiday villages here are all of a surprisingly high standard. Whilst there are a number of international style larger hotels, brimming with every facility imaginable, there is much pleasure to be had in discovering some of the small boutique hotels and family-run properties that form the majority of the available tourist accommodation. Travel is simple too, with a number of airlines operating into Ercan, the islands principal tourist airport. All in all, North Cyprus offers much for the Mediterranean visitor and now is the time to explore and enjoy, before the 21st century catches up.

If you are an active person, you can find Maui activities to keep you busy. If youre a beach bum, theres no better place to go. If you prefer to relax in a spa or resort, Maui has plenty of those as well. There are fine places to shop, to eat and even historical places to visit. You can enjoy a luau with authentic Hawaiian good and much, much more. There is literally Maui fun for everyone!

See below for an overview of some of the many different places to see and things to do while visiting in Maui.

See a Volcano

Have you ever been to a volcano? Maui has the worlds largest inactive volcano, Mount Haleakala.Called the House of the Sun it is a sleeping volcano whose base it big enough to cover Manhattan! Thats right; its over 10,000 feet high. Any volcano is impressive but this one is truly amazing.

There are places where you can tour and hike in the craters and much more. This will certainly be something to write home about! Get pictures of yourself in the volcano and share with friends and family.

The Valley Isles

Maui is known as the Valley Isle due to the two volcanic mountain ridges that go on the east and west coasts of the island. Maui is the second largest island of Hawaii and it measures 48 miles long and 26 wide, offering some 728 square miles of paradise to enjoy.

Maui has everything you’d expect from Hawaii, including lovely beaches, warm tropical waters, a fascinating history, high mountains, lush green valleys, fantastic waterfalls and sugarcane fields stretching to the horizon. It is a true tropical paradise for anyone of any age.

Activities

The island is full of many activities no matter what your style and physical fitness level. One favorite activity is golf and there are tons of resorts and courses to choose from. Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth to golf and there are locations that are perfect for you whether you are new to golf or have been playing your entire life. There are also many affordable package deals you might be interested in.

You can go sailing, surfing or swimming in you enjoy the water. You can spend some time just tanning on the beach sipping tropical drinks, visiting the many shops and stores that are located on the shores. You can go shopping and buy authentic Hawaiian pieces or other souvenirs. You can visit many historical and nature sights all over the island as well.
Underwater Adventures

Many of the activities to do on Maui are underwater related. There are is the Maui Ocean Center to learn first hand all about the underwater life of Maui and you can also find places to go SCUBA diving or snorkeling. You can watch the whales come in to mate during the right season and you can also go fishing, dolphin watching and much more.
Dining

There are some fabulous choices for you when it comes to dining on Maui. There are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from all with different, varying but delicious menus. Whether you want a simple, quick and cheap meal or eloquent dining at its finest, you will find a place that meets your needs on Maui.

Some of the finest chefs in the world have come here to Maui to enjoy the opportunity to cook in restaurants on this fabulous island. You can take advantage of this culinary delight and enjoy many different types of foods while you are visiting Maui.

Tour the Island

There are actually many different ways to tour the island. You can enjoy it by land, sea or even air. There are hikes, bicycle tours, driving tours and more as well as tours by plane and helicopter. You can go sailing, boating, parasailing, parachuting and almost anything else you can think of. There are so many different ways of getting a new and different view of the island of Maui.

Whether you are coming alone, as a couple, as a family, for business or any other reason, you will love Maui and you are sure to find something to keep you content and busy. In fact, you may find it really hard to do everything in one trip and you will likely want to come back to Maui again as soon as possible.

Having a rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want.

Driving in New Zealand
For most overseas visitors driving in New Zealand is a breeze because, compared to what they are used to, there is surprisingly little traffic on the roads – especially in the South Island. Whilst New Zealand is about the size of UK its population is only 4 million – UK by comparison has over 60 million.

Another difference is the limited number of motorways and freeways. Roads are generally only 2-laned and frequently windy due to the ever changing landscape. In New Zealand we drive on the left, as in UK. If you’re from America or another country that drives on the right then you might feel apprehensive about having to drive on the “wrong side of the road”. Don’t be – it’s straight-forward and tens of thousands of foreign visitors happily do it every year.

New Zealanders typically show a little less consideration to other drivers than is seen in UK, Australian, and the US where more cars on the road force people to be more considerate. Having said that, don’t be put off – driving in New Zealand is nothing like the harrowing experience of driving in Italy or parts of Asia!

New Zealand Car Rental Firms
New Zealand car rental firms range from the familiar multi-national big brands through to small local car rental firms. The advantage of the big name rental firms is they can be found throughout New Zealand and offer the biggest and newest range of rental vehicles. The disadvantage is that generally they’re the most expensive and often have lots of hidden costs.

At the other end of the scale are the small local operators who typically have older rental cars. Whilst you may not end up driving this year’s latest model the advantage is that the smaller car rental firms can be substantially cheaper, so leaving you more money to spend on the many exciting attractions New Zealand offers. Between these extremes you’ll find a wide range of NZ car rental firms catering to different needs and budgets.

What Sort of Driving Licenses are Required in New Zealand?
You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver’s license from your home country, or an International Driving Permit.

Most car rental companies require drivers to be over the age of 25 and to have held a full license for at least 3 years. Some firms will rent vehicles to younger drivers. For example, A2B Car Rentals rents vehicles to drivers who are 20 or older and hold a full driver’s license. At the manager’s discretion, a holder of a license for less than three years is acceptable but may incur a higher insurance excess.

Make sure your overseas driver’s license is current. If your license is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you or obtain an International Driving Permit. Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an International Driving Permit.

In New Zealand it’s a legal requirement that all drivers, including overseas visitors, must carry their license or permit when driving. Naturally you will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.

What are New Zealand’s Road Rules?
Here’s a brief over-view. You can get more details the NZ Government Land Transport Authority website (www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/)
In New Zealand, all vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road as in UK.
When turning left, give way (or yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right
When the traffic light is red, you must stop
Speed limits are strictly enforced by police using radar, speed cameras and un-marked patrol cars. Fines for speeding can be expensive
The speed limit on the open road is 100 km/h (approx 60 mph)
In built up areas the speed limit is 50 km/h. (approx 30 mph)
Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times

In Summary
If you’re planning to visit New Zealand a rental car is one of the best options, especially for independent travelers who want to experience everything New Zealand has to offer. A rental car gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where you want and when you want to enjoy this wonderful country.

For those who dont know, Branson has a residential population of approximately 7,000 and an annual tourist population of more than 7,000,000. With that in mind, it is easy to imagine the diverse selection of restaurant choices available to area visitors (and the lucky residents). So whether you’re looking for a fine dining restaurant experience, a casual family buffet, or just some really fast food, you’ll find it all in Branson, Missouri.

Due to the high tourist volume, its best to plan your vacation ahead of time; this includes deciding where to eat. You should consider consulting a Branson, Missouri restaurant guide to gather information on area restaurants to help make your dining as memorable and enjoyable as your other vacation activities. One such website where you can find an assortment of information and even customer reviews is DineBranson.com.

Here is a quick FYI; there arent many restaurants in Branson that accept reservations, some, but not many. Generally the only exception to this is in the case of large groups, so it is beneficial to groups to make a reservation or you just may end up having to change your dining plans. And depending on the size of your group, you may want to be sure the restaurant has the capacity to handle you.

Also keep in mind there are numerous bus tours that go to Branson everyday, so with that said, depending on the time of year, expect a wait at most of the more popular eating establishments. If you are a little impatient (or just really hungry), you might want to opt for one of the many great buffets Branson is famous for. Just be sure to take a little time researching your dining options before you go so that you dont miss out on a delicious meal like seafood, steak, or BBQ just to name a few. Whatever and wherever you choose to eat, I hope you enjoy your Branson vacation.

Namibia’s top draw is the Etosha National Park, rated as one of Africa’s finest game sanctuaries. The birding experience in the country is truly superior. The range of activities you can indulge in the unsurpassable physical environment is truly impressive. Ballooning over the desert, skydiving over land and sea, paragliding, whitewater rafting and sand skiing along coastal dunes are good activities for starters. More fun games to pick from include abseiling – that most spectacular of rock sports, coastal and fresh water angling, desert camel riding, scuba diving, 4×4 desert runs, hiking and mountaineering.

Namibia has four distinct geographical regions. In the north is Etosha Pan, a great area for wildlife and heart of Etosha National Park. The slender Caprivi Strip is nested between Zambia and Botswana and is a wet area of woodland blessed with a few rivers. Along the coast is the Namib Desert, which at the age of 80 million years old, is said to be the world’s oldest desert. At the coast, the icy cold Atlantic meets the blazing African desert, resulting in dense fogs. The well-watered central plateau runs north to south, and carries rugged mountains, magnificent canyons, rocky outcrops and expansive plains.

Namibia, one and half times the size of France, is very sparsely inhabited and carries only 1.8 million souls. The people are as unique as the land they live on. The most intriguing are the San, otherwise known as Bushmen. These most hardy of people have a highly advanced knowledge of their environment. It is a marvelous thing how well they are adapted to their difficult habitat. Just pause and think that these are the only people in the world who live with no permanent access to water. In the Kalahari Desert, one of their domiciles, surface water is not to be found. Tubers, melons, and other water bearing plants as well as underground sip wells supply their water requirements.

In Namibia today, Bushmen number about 50,000. Historians estimate that they have lived, mostly as hunters and gatherers, for at least 25,000 years in these parts of the world. Bushmen speak in a peculiar click language and are very gifted in the arts of storytelling, mimicry, and dance. Namibia’s other people, who are indigenous to the continent, are mostly of Bantu origin. They are thought to have arrived from western Africa from about 2,400 years ago. The African groups include the Owambo, Kavango, Caprivians, Herero, Himba, Damara, Nama and Tswana.

The Africans aside, other groups comprise about 15% of the population and have played an important role in the emergence of the modern nation. White Namibians amount to about 120,00 and are mainly of German and Afrikaner heritage. Germans arrived in significant numbers after 1884 when Bismarck declared the country a German Protectorate. Afrikaners, white farmers of Dutch origin, moved north from their Cape settlements, especially after the Dutch Cape Colony was ceded to the British in 1806. This strongly independent people, whose ancestors had lived in the Cape from 1652 resented British control.

Two other distinct groups complete the spectrum of Namibia’s people – Basters and Coloureds. Coloured in Namibia and southern Africa refers to people of mixed racial heritage, black- white for example. They have a separate identity and culture. This makes sense considering that Namibia was run by South Africa after the First World War. Even in pre-Apartheid South Africa, racial classification was a fine art. The Afrikaans-speaking Basters, descended from Hottentot women and Dutch settlers of the Cape. Alienated from both white and black communities, they trekked northwards, finally founding their own town Rehoboth, in 1871. Baster is actually derived from “bastard”, but it is not derogatory, and the Basters are indeed proud of it.

Namibia’s barren and unwelcoming coastlines served as a natural deterrent to the ambitions of European explorers. That was until 1884 when the German merchant Adolf Luderitz established a permanent settlement between the Namib Desert and the Atlantic seaboard that afterwards took his name. Bismarck subsequently declared the territory covered by Namibia a German colony and named it Sdwestafrika or South West Africa. As German settlers moved into the interior, conflict was inevitable with the inheritors of the land.

The German occupation was a particularly unhappy experience for the Herero. The Herero resented the German’s harsh and racist rule and the effect of the encroachment on their lands on their livelihood and way of life. On the first day of the year 1904, the Herero led by Chief Samuel Maharero, rose suddenly and unexpectedly in arms against their colonial overlords. The Nama joined the insurrection and the authorities did not regain control even after six months of trying. Over 100 German settlers and soldiers died in the uprising. Historians now consider events that followed to constitute the first genocide of the twentieth century.

Lieutenant General Lothar von Trotha was furnished with a contingent of 14,000 soldiers and tasked to put down the rebellion. The governor general of the territory was then Rudolph Goering -the father of Herman Goering, Hitler’s right hand man. Lothar von Trotha was a generation ahead of his time and his kind of thinking was to become government policy under the Third Reich. He argued that the Herero must be destroyed as a people and he did not wince at the murder of women or children. At the end of it all, 100,000 Nama and Herero were killed. The survivors were herded in concentration camps where unspeakable things happened. The Herero fared very badly and 80% of her people perished. The population of the Nama diminished by 35-50%.

Windhoek, the capital of 165,000 people is the only true city in the country. For those traveling to more remote regions, this is where you settle practical matters. The positive aspects of the German period can be seen in the charming style of older buildings in the city. Places of interest in the city include the State Museum, State Archives, and the Namibia Crafts Centre. The Dan Viljoen Game Park lies 24 Km west of Windhoek on the gentle hills of Khoma Hochland. In this resort you find ostriches, baboons, zebras and over 200 species of birds. The Waterburg Plateau Park, located 230 km from Windhoek is popular with weekenders. This extensive mountain wilderness is home to cheetah, leopard, kudu, giraffe, and white rhino.

Etosha National Park is what brings wildlife lovers to Namibia. The park is comparable in size and diversity of species with the best in Africa. The unusual terrain of Etosha holds savanna grassland, dense brush and woodland. But it is the Etosha Pan, a depression that sometimes holds water and covers 5,000 sq km, that is the heart of park. The perennial springs around the pan, attract many birds and land animals in the dry winter months. The effect of this background is magical and some of the best wildlife photographs have been taken here.

There are 144 mammal species in the park and elephants are particularly abundant. Some other interesting wildlife here includes giraffe, leopard, cheetah, jackal, blue wildebeest, gemsbok and black rhino. The birding is great at Etosha and over 300 bird species have been recorded. You will get best value by spending at least three days here. There are excellent accommodation facilities at the three rest camps of Namutoni, Halali and Okaukuejo. The best time to see animals is between May and September, when water draws them in huge numbers to the edge of the pan. Etosha is 400 km to the north of Windhoek by road.

The Fish River Canyon is unrivalled in Africa and only the Grand Canyon in the U.S in larger. The Canyon runs for 160 km and reaches a width of 27 km and depth of 550 m. But size alone does not explain the appeal of the canyon. You experience incredible views at various points along the rim. Adventure lovers do not merely come for the views. Hiking through the canyon is the ultimate endurance adventure for hikers. There is an established 90 km hiking trail that will take you 4-5 days to cover.

The trail ends at Ai-Ais hot spring resort where you can unwind. You are allowed to hike between early May and end of September. The hike is quite strenuous and needless to say, you must be physically fit. The authorities disbelieve the capacity of most people to undertake the hike and will actually insist on seeing a medical certificate of fitness before allowing you to start off. Fish River Canyon is 580 km to the south of Windhoek.

The Skeleton Coast has been the graveyard of seafarers and whales and deserves that morbid name. The problem is the dense fogs. And woe to the ship wreck survivor who expects respite onshore! Ahead is the Namib Desert, one of the driest and most unwelcoming places. Adventure travelers love trekking along the coastline as they enjoy the stark beauty of the area. To the south at Cape Cross, you find a seal colony carrying tens of thousands of seals. The Skeleton Coast Park covers 16,400 sq km and begins at 355 km northwest of Windhoek.

The Portuguese explorer Diego Cao reached this part of the world in the year 1486. He is probably one of the people whose experiences discouraged Europeans from venturing ashore until the arrival of the Germans 400 years later. Further south is the Namib-Naukluft National Park, a vast wilderness covering 50,000 sq km. The landscape is very diverse and covers mountain outcrops, majestic sand dunes, and deep cut gorges. For really spectacular dunes, the Sossusvlei area is unsurpassed. Here you have dunes rising to 300 m! The orange tint giants extend as far as the horizon and the area has an unreal, unforgettable atmosphere.

To the northeast of the country, the well-watered Kavango and Caprivi Strip region offers an unspoilt wilderness suitable for rugged game viewing and camping. The area also promises a feast for bird lovers. Game reserves in the area include: Kaudom, Caprivi, Mahango, Mudumu and Mamili. Poachers did great damage to wildlife during the years of the civil war in neighbouring Angola. Animal numbers are however building up rapidly. Some of the wildlife in the region includes leopard, elephant, buffalo, cheetah, lion and various antelope species. The Caprivi Reserve falls in an area of swamps and flood plains. Here you have an opportunity to partake fishing, hiking, game viewing safaris and river trips in traditional mokoro boats.

In Namibia you can enjoy up to 300 days of sunshine. The coast is temperate and thermometers run between 5C-25C. Inland, daytime temperatures range from 20C-34C, but can rise to 40C in the north and south of the country. Winter nights can be quite cold and frost occurs over large parts of the country. The rains inland fall in summer (November-April) and are heaviest in the Caprivi region. Rains do not much affect travel, but beware of flash floods in the vicinity of riverbeds. The best time to travel is over the dry months of March to October, when it is easier to see animals at waterholes. It is best to avoid the Namib Desert and Etosha between December and March when it can get unbearably hot. Before you travel to this country, make sure you review our Namibia safari and tour offers.

You can get by wearing light cottons and linens in summer. Over winter nights and mornings, you need heavier cottons, warmer wraps and sweaters. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the ground gets very hot. Some useful stuff to pack includes: camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sun hats, sunscreen and mosquito repellant. Be ready for dusty conditions and carry your clothing, equipment and supplies in dust proof bags. Do not be tempted to buy items made of ivory. You may not be allowed to carry them through customs at home. And it also good that you do not encourage the trade in ivory products that keeps poachers busy.

London is Europe’s largest city, spanning more than six hundred
and twenty square miles from its heart on the River Thames.
London is Europe’s most diverse metropolises: there are around
two hundred languages spoken within its confines, and more than
thirty percent of the population is made up of first, second and
third generation immigrants.

Despite Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish transference, London is
still where the country’s news and money are made. London is
where the central government resides and where unsophisticated
life begins. Londoners’ sense of superiority causes enormous
resentment in the regions, but it is undeniable that the capital has
a great measure of success in most walks of British life.

Most of the major attractions in Europe is located in London.
London boasts four World Heritage Sites, 238 attractions that are
free to enter (so there’s nowhere else in the world where you can
see so much for so little). Visit the many museums and castles that
the city has to offer.

About thirty percent of London is open space; the other areas are
filled with one of the 143 registered parks and gardens. Many of
the parks have short walking paths and nature trails can be found
in places like Hampstead Heath and Mile End Park, so let us put on
our walking shoes and go for a stroll, take a picnic lunch for the
end of your walk.

The National Gallery houses paintings ranging from 1250 to 1900,
including the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Van Gogh,
Botticelli, Gainsborough, Turner, Cezanne along with other great
works.

The British Museum exhibits the works of man from primitive to
modern times with a collection from all around the world. The
Rosetta stone, sculptures from the Parthenon and the Portland
Vase are included in this museum.