Msc Orchestra
5May
The MSC Orchestra: A Perfect Blend of Modernity and Culture

From bustling cities with towering skyscrapers to traditional housing in remote areas, Africa is home to a vibrant mix of old and new, tradition and modernity. Nowhere is this more evident than on board the MSC Orchestra, South Africa’s largest and most advanced cruise ship. 

As one of the largest and most advanced cruise ships in South Africa, the MSC Orchestra is a true marvel of modern engineering. From its state-of-the-art amenities and luxurious accommodations to its dazzling entertainment and dining options, the ship is a beacon of sophistication and elegance. But beyond its impressive features and amenities, the MSC Orchestra also represents a unique fusion of modernity and tradition, where Africa’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated and cherished.

One of the highlights of the MSC Orchestra is its African-inspired décor, which pays tribute to the continent’s vibrant and diverse culture. The ship’s interiors feature a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, with intricate wood carvings, tribal motifs, and African art adorning the walls and public spaces. The result is a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects the spirit of Africa.

Msc cruise ship cabin

In addition to its cultural décor, the MSC Orchestra also offers a range of activities and experiences that showcase Africa’s unique heritage. Guests can enjoy African-themed performances and live music, sample traditional African cuisine, and participate in cultural workshops and events. 

Of course, the MSC Orchestra also boasts all the modern amenities and conveniences that guests expect from a luxury cruise ship. From its world-class dining options to its top-of-the-line spa and fitness facilities, the ship offers a truly indulgent experience. Guests can choose from a variety of staterooms and suites, each designed with comfort and style in mind. 

Overall, the MSC Orchestra offers a remarkable blend of contemporary luxury and traditional culture, providing a unique and unforgettable cruise experience. Whether you’re seeking luxury and indulgence, cultural enrichment, or a little bit of both, the MSC Orchestra is the perfect choice for your next cruise adventure!
14Jul
Your Travel Guidelines to Visiting Kenya 2022

Kenyans are world-renowned for their hospitality, vibrant cultures, and safari adventures in the country’s wilderness. One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation. As you plan your trip to this beautiful country here are a few things you need to know.

WHAT TO DO

Step 1: Book your safari tour, because everything else revolves around that. From planning the duration of your stay, how much you need to budget for activities and the people who would ideally be traveling with you. It is always good knowing the places you want to visit before hand and know the best time to visit.

Step 2: Plan for your transportation means. Kenya is quite developed as compared to other African countries therefore there are many options for moving around the country, be it via train, road, water or air. Do your research and figure out what is most convenient and most budget friendly.

Step 3: Applying for your visa for Kenya. Depending on the counrty you are coming from, It is always a good idea to apply ahead of your trip because the processing time varies. Be it that you are planning a short or long term stay, you would know which visa you would need with proper research and due diligence.

Step 4: Getting your mandatory vaccinations. A traveler’s Kenya vaccine requirements may differ depending on which areas they will be visiting. Some of the routine vaccinations needed would be Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (TDAP), Chickenpox, Pneumonia but there could be more required if you are traveling to specific locations in the country.

Safari drive

WHAT NOT TO DO

  1. Never refuse hospitality.In most African homes it is regarded as disrespectful to not accept food or a gift given. It is better to acept and not use it rather than not to refuse it.
  2. Do not buy items derived from endangered species. Ivory from elephant tusks, horn of a rhino or even animak hides are not sold openly but could easily land you in jail when found in possession of them. Unfortunately illegal animal hunting is a threat to Kenyan tourism and these are some of the rules put to protect it.
  3. Do not ask people’s tribe.It may be fascinating to you but could easily be misconstrued by locals as a way of defining individuals. A lot of young people would rather identify as Kenyans and only that but it’s not to say some will be happy to share the information with you.
  4. Don’t take people’s picture without their consent or next to official gvernment locations.
  5. Watch what you wear.Kenya although is slightly forward in thinking it is still equally a conservative country. Be cautious of the attire you choose to wear and stay clear of very revealing clothes because people would stare you down or be tempted to start coaxing you along the streets.
  6. Do not explore the city on your own. Your safety should be your number 1 concern,therefore travel with a friend,a guide or translator who would act as your spokesperson to help you familiarise with the area as.
  7. Do not carry valuables around or leave them around in your hotel rooms. Again your safety and security should always be your number 1 priority. Find a local bank or buy a local line such as Safaricom or Airtel that would give you access to services to MPESA and AirtelMoney. Find a safe for your belongings and people you can trust.
African women in traditional attire
14Jul
5 Best Places to Find Local Foods on Mauritius Island

1. Ah Kong Boulette

The ‘Boulette’ which usually comes in a bowl of 5 is simply dumplings customized in the Mauritian manner to add up to the island’s tradition. Situated in the vicinity of Black River at Petite Riviere on the western side of Mauritius is Ah Kong Boulette, known for its variety of pieces of dough. Ah Kong stands out amongst the numerous food outlets and is known for the distribution of its speciality to several restaurants.

2. Chez YOUNGO mo ti baz manzer

In the district of Flacq; the eastern part of Mauritius is found YOUNGO mo ti baz manzer, the best place for ‘mine bouilles’. This famous Mauritian boiled noodle brings ultimate joy to one’s taste buds and the finest of this dish is found at Montagne Blanche. YOUNGO brings to life a perfect ‘mine bouille’ from chassive poulet (chicken) to salmi cerf (deer salmi).

3. Al-Barakat & Bros

Mauritius Island is synonymous with ‘Dhal puri’ which is the typical Mauritian street food found on every corner of the roads around the island. The dholl puri is a soft tortilla made with yellow split peas filled with curries and chilli. Although this food has an Indian origin, it has grown immense fame in Mauritian society and is now a symbol of the island. On the central plateau; the middle point of Mauritius is found in Curepipe where Al-Barakat & Bros is situated. During the cold winter of this town, the inhabitants usually wrap themselves in the warmth of this food outlet’s popular dholl puri considered the best one in the area.

4. Pakistan Hotel

Along the busy streets of Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius is located the famous Pakistan Hotel which is the third most reviewed restaurant in this town. This food outlet provides a variety of oily snacks: Gato Piment; Piment Farci; Chanapuri; Catless; Pudding among many others. Those snacks are mainly accompanied by Pakistan Hotel’s well-known Mauritian tea.
This spot is 100% Mauritian and is a must for anybody who
needs a break from roaming the crowded roads of the huge
town.

5. Bus Snack

The Bus Snack is the food treasure of Baie du cap; the southern part of Mauritius. This food outlet stands out because of the owner’s unique creativity in converting an old bus into the perfect seated eating house. The best thing about its location is the coastal area, the sugarcane and the sandy beaches. As for the servings, one can get any local homemade food at affordable prices.
14Jul
Best Restaurants In Lavington,Nairobi,Kenya : #1 Cheka Japanese Izakaya

If you are in Nairobi then this quaint restaurant in Lavington, Nairobi is a must visit. This is the only Japanese owned Japanese restaurant in Nairobi. They offer a wide selection of aunthentic Japanese cuisines ranging from Salmon Sushi Rolls, homemade Cheka noodles, Fried Sardine, Fresh Tuna, Fresh Oysters and most importantly their imported Japanese sake that makes this place all the more special.

Chekafe Restaurant in Lavington

Its guests are blessed with the option of either outdoor or indoor sitting that are equally quite comfortable. For a chill and calming afternoon be sure to visit the venue. Directions to Chekafe

Moreso, within the same environs is Cheche Bookshop, an Independent Pan African Feminist bookshop, cafe and community event space.The word cheche is Swahili for spark It provides a safe space forward thinkers and creatives to come express themselves. Having opened in 2020, just before the Covid pandemic started, they have been host to regular art, music and film events that bring together veterans and newcomers to the creative space to one venue.

Cheche Bookshop in Lavington

If you are looking to try out new cuisines while enjoying great food and a good book, then this is the place to go.
12Jul
The Impeccable Holy Shrine.

Bewildering as it sounds, though called a shrine, there is not deity, ancestor, or daemon present here. This shrine is a temple of God and a milieu to be able to communicate personally and in quiet with the maker. The Holy shrine, fondly called the Our Lady of Grace shrine is located at the outskirts of Buea beside the St. Joseph’s College Sasse.

It has an amazing scenery as it is located where a strange water fall flows continuously and voluminously. It is located near a waterfall that the Sasse region’s longtime ruler voluntarily offered to the Catholic Church. Astonishingly, even locals and people who have lived in the arena for more than ten years are unaware of the origin of the waterfall.

The Sasse Shrine contains a chapel for devotions and prayers, a small auditorium that can accommodate approximately 100 people, and a store selling religious items like rosaries, Bibles, crosses and a host of church affiliated items. At the shrine, people host retreats, prayer cell and prayer group meetings, Bible studies and a good number of people carry water from the fall since it has been blessed and sanctified after it’s inauguration in September 2011 by an ordained Catholic Priest.

Though a Catholic shrine, the our Lady of Grace Shrine opens its arms to people from denominations as the common goal remains serving the author and finisher of our faith.
5Jul
5 Places To Visit in Nairobi, Kenya

Nairobi, derived from the Maasai phrase ‘Enkare Nyrobi’ to mean a place of cool water, is the Capital City of Kenya and one of the many cities one must visit while traveling in Kenya. Nairobi is East Africa’s hub that offers exciting activities and fun places to visit. The following sites will give you insight into Kenya and its beauty.

  1. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is considered the World’s Wildlife Capital because Nairobi is the only city in the entire world to have a national park in its environs. It’s also sometimes referred to as Kifaru Ark (Rhinoceros Sanctuary) because it is home to some of the few black rhinos left. You also get to see the Big 5 (lion, elephant, lion, leopard, and rhino) within the park. The charges for non-residents are USD 50 per person for adults and 25 USD for children and kshs. 500 for citizen.

Nairobi National Park

2. Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park

This venue offers a one-stop shop for anyone willing to learn about Kenya’s rich cultural heritage. It is a great way to spend 2 hours of your day in Nairobi. It is located at Museum Hill which is approximately a 10-minute drive from the Nairobi city center accessible both by private and public means. Admission to the venue is free but there are charges for entering the museum and the snake park that are charged separately.

3. KICC

For a 360 Bird’s view of Nairobi find your way to the KICC rooftop. The management allows access to the rooftop from 9:00 am till 8.00 pm on weekdays, and till 6.00 pm on weekends. Citizens pay Ksh 150, whilst Residents pay Ksh 200, and Foreigners pay Ksh 400. You can stay there and enjoy the view, take photos and videos as you would need to. It is located within City Square, therefore very easy to find your way to.

Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC)

4. Carnivore Restaurant

This is an open-air restaurant located within the Langata suburbs where you get to have an all-you-can-eat buffet. Lunch or dinner at Carnivore Restaurant goes for US$ 40 per person..The menu is not for the faint-hearted but rather those looking to indulge in finger-licking “Nyama Choma’. You also get to enjoy riveting entertainment from Safari Cats dancers and acrobats.

5. Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage 

This is a rescue & rehab center for orphaned elephants, open to the public for viewing mud baths & feedings. Protecting keystone species ensures a plethora of other animals and ecosystems continue to survive and, more importantly, thrive. The most fascinating thing about visiting this place is that you can also get to adopt an elephant. The minimum donation for entry is Ksh 1,500 / US$15 per person 12 years and above, and Ksh 500 / US$5 for those under 12 years of age. This is collected upon entry, in Cash, or via Mpesa, on the day of your visit.

Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage

Be it wildlife, trying out new food or meeting new people. There is so much to be explored. Karibu Kenya.