Phila Airport Parking Vacations

The Seychelles Islands are among the leading Africa travel destinations. Situated in the Indian Ocean, the islands consist of 115 coralline and granitic islands. Visitors looking for luxury beach holidays in a serene environment or a perfect honeymoon vacation in Africa find the Seychelles archipelago the ideal destination.

The Islands are placed between 480 and 1600km off the East African coast, about 4 degrees south of the equator. The beaches of Seychelles are some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the world. The most renowned of these include the famous Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue Island, which is surrounded by beautiful granite rocks. Anse Cocos and Anse La Reunion beaches also in La Digue are equally famous, with Anse Cocos being accessible only by foot. Others are Anse a La Mouche in southwest Mahe, Anse Patates in the northern tip of La Digue, Anse Forbans, and Anse Union.

The cultural center of Seychelles is formed by the La Digue, Mahe, and Praslin islands. The many more remaining islands form what is commonly known as the outer islands, which extend in a gleaming arc towards the East Africa coast. The only islands with accommodation facilities among the outer islands are Alphonse and Desroches. Most travelers on Seychelles holiday tours have over the years visited either Praslin, Mahe, or La Digue.

Mahe, measuring 28 km long and 8 km wide, is the principal island of Seychelles and the home to the Mahe International Airport. Praslin is the second popular island in Seychelles, renowned for the legendary Coco-de-mer nut that grow on ancient giant palms in the wondrous Vallee de Mai Forest. Praslin is located 44 km to the north east of Mahe and it features exquisite beaches such as Anse Boudin, Anse Georgette, Anse Lazio, Anse La Farine, Anse Possession, Anse Matelot, Grand Anse, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan. On the other hand, time seems to stand still on La Digue where on-carts hold sway on the paths to the dream beach of Anse La Source d’Argent.

The main point of entry for international travel into Seychelles is the Mahe International Airport, the hub of Seychelles Republic’s national airline ” Air Seychelles. The airline conducts weekly scheduled flights between four European capitals and Seychelles, and also connects Seychelles with three other Indian Ocean cities. Air Seychelles also operates internal inter-island flights in Seychelles. Several Seychelles hotels can also arrange special flights upon visitor’s request, though a helicopter flight service is available between Mahe, Silhouette, Fregate, and North Islands.

Seychelles attractions go beyond its world renowned beaches. The legendary Vallee de Mai, the Ile Coco Marine National Park, Aride Island, Curieuse Island, and Aldabra are just some of the attractions visitors can enjoy in the Seychelles Islands. Two of these are UNESCO World Heritage sites i.e. the Vallee de Mai (considered by some people to have been the Garden of Eden), and the Aldabra (the largest raised atoll in the world). Aride Island is a breeding site for seabirds and hosts ten species of endemic birds including Brush Warblers, Magpie Robins, and Fodies. As such, Aride is regarded as one of the most important nature reserves in the world.

Seychelles Islands have a tropical climate. Between the months of October and March, during the North West trade winds, the weather is warm and humid and the sea generally calm. Visitors to the Islands can move around relatively easily with the aid of the self explanatory map of Seychelles.

The Seychelles Islands are among the leading Africa travel destinations. Situated in the Indian Ocean, the islands consist of 115 coralline and granitic islands. Visitors looking for luxury beach holidays in a serene environment or a perfect honeymoon vacation in Africa find the Seychelles archipelago the ideal destination.

The Islands are placed between 480 and 1600km off the East African coast, about 4 degrees south of the equator. The beaches of Seychelles are some of the most scenic and uncrowded in the world. The most renowned of these include the famous Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue Island, which is surrounded by beautiful granite rocks. Anse Cocos and Anse La Reunion beaches also in La Digue are equally famous, with Anse Cocos being accessible only by foot. Others are Anse a La Mouche in southwest Mahe, Anse Patates in the northern tip of La Digue, Anse Forbans, and Anse Union.

La Digue, Praslin, and Mahe Islands form the cultural heart of Seychelles. The many other remaining islands extend in a gleaming arc towards the East African coast, and are often referred to as the outer islands. Among these outer Islands, only Alphonse and Desroches have accommodation facilities for tourists. Over the years, travelers undertaking holiday tours in Seychelles mostly visit either Mahe, La Digue, or Praslin Islands.

Mahe, the principal Island in Seychelles, measures about 8km wide and 28km long. The Island hosts the Mahe International Airport. The second most popular island is Praslin, which is famous for among other things the Coco-de-mer nut produced from giant ancient palms in the Vallee de Mai Forest. Located 44km northeast of Mahe, Praslin island is also home to several exquisite beaches including Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Boudin, Anse La Farine, Anse Matelot, Anse Volbert, Grand Anse, Anse Possession, and Anse Kerlan. La Digue Island, Seychelles’ third popular Island, has the Anse Source d’Argent, a dream beach destination.

The main point of entry for international travel into Seychelles is the Mahe International Airport, the hub of Seychelles Republic’s national airline ” Air Seychelles. The airline conducts weekly scheduled flights between four European capitals and Seychelles, and also connects Seychelles with three other Indian Ocean cities. Air Seychelles also operates internal inter-island flights in Seychelles. Several Seychelles hotels can also arrange special flights upon visitor’s request, though a helicopter flight service is available between Mahe, Silhouette, Fregate, and North Islands.

There are more attractions to see in Seychelles than just its beautiful beaches. Some fascinating sites for Seychelles visitors include Ile Coco Marine National Park, the famous Vallee de Mai, the legendary Aldabra, Aride Island, and Curieuse Island. Two of these have in fact been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the Aldabra (world’s largest raised atoll), and the Vallee de Mai (regarded as the original Garden of Eden by a number of people). Aride Island is among the most important nature reserves in the world, being the breeding ground and home to ten species of endemic seabirds including Fodies, Magpie Robins, and Brush Warblers.

Seychelles enjoys tropical climate all year around. During the North West Trade Winds between the months of October and March, the sea is generally calm and the weather is warm and humid. The map of Seychelles island is self explanatory and visitors can get around the archipelago with much ease.

Ethiopia, located in Eastern Africa, is the oldest independent nation in Sub Sahara Africa. The country has very magnificent landscapes ranging from desert landscapes to mountain forests. The landlocked Ethiopia is bordered by Kenya on the South, Somalia and Djibouti on the East, Eritrea on the Northeast, and Sudan on the West. Ethiopia occupies an area of over 1,000,000 sq km, approximately five times the size of the United Kingdom.

The main point of entry for international visitors to Ethiopia is Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the capital city. This airport is the fifth busiest in Africa, and is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines. Currently operating flights between Ethiopia and over 48 world travel destinations, Ethiopian Airlines was among the very first airlines in Africa. Addis Ababa’s population is estimated at over 2 million. Situated at the bottom of the 3,000 metres high Entoto Mountains, the city has a pleasant landscape with many wooded hillsides, and several fast flowing streams in the gullies.

Ethiopia in deed hosts some of the most stunning sceneries in the African continent, including Simien Mountains and Danakil Depression among other places. The Jaggedly curved Simien Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the Danakil Depression at 120 meters below sea level is one of the lowest dry land points on earth.

Ethiopia has more than twenty mountains towering more than 4,000 m high, led by Mount Ras Deshen that rises 4,620 m high. Ras Deshen is the fourth tallest mountain in Africa. Ethiopia is often referred to as the ?water tower? of eastern Africa because of the many rivers that pour off its high tableland. Some of the major rivers of Ethiopia include the Blue Nile, Omo River, Baro River and Awash River.

Blue Nile, comprising about 80 per cent by volume of the Great Nile River, originates from Lake Tana. Blue Nile and White Nile, originating from Lake Victoria, merge into the Great Nile River at Khartoum, the Sudan capital to form the longest river of the world draining to the Mediterranean Sea. The Blue Nile Falls is one of the most popular tourist destination along the historic route. The Blue Nile Falls is situated near Tis-Abay town, 30 km to the east of Bahir Dar, which is 20-30 minutes walk from the town of Tiss Abey.

The largest lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, is located about 560 km from Addis Ababa and is home to 37 islands. Some of these Islands have churches and monasteries that contain many artifacts including paintings and murals, church crosses, ancient manuscripts, remains of emperors, crowns, icons, and other historical items.

There are plenty opportunities to enjoy the attractions of Ethiopia, while participating in a favorite pastime, making a holiday in Ethiopia even more fun. The Ethiopian highlands,for instance, offer superb trekking opportunities. The most popular well-established areas for trekking are the Simien and Bale Mountains National Parks. The west highlands region, east and west of the Omo valley, is also becoming popular among trekkers. Perfect climbs are also provided at the Simien Mountains and the Bale Plateau.

Birdwatching is one other Ethiopian tourist attraction. Of the 800 bird species found here, 16 are endemic. In the national parks, you get to spot a wider range of bird-life because of the minimal human activities. A record 161 bird species have been spotted in Bale National park alone. The season between early September and February is the best time for birdwatching. Many migrating bird species move into the country between November and February, increasing the species diversity, as well as raising the bird population.

Abyssinia, as Ethiopia was formerly called, has a long history with a culture and traditions dating back over 3,000 years. The country has over 80 different ethnic groups with their own languages, culture and traditions. The strong religious setting, celebrations and festivals play an important part in Ethiopian culture.

Ethiopia hotels provide good accommodation, with some international hotel chains having a presence in Addis Ababa. Top hotels include Sheraton hotel, Dagim Millennium Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Adot-Tina hotel, among others. Before you get into Ethiopia, you require at least a one-month Visa. The entry visa can be obtained at the airport at US$20. Visitors also need a valid health certificate for yellow fever. If having visited or passed through a region infected with Cholera six days or less prior to getting into Ethiopia, you will need to provide proof of vaccination against the disease (cholera).

In the recent past, Robben Island has undergone a great change from a place for banishment and imprisonment, to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated 12 km from Cape Town in the West Cape Province, the island was for more than three centuries used by rulers as an incarceration center for political prisoners. Many political and human rights activists were brought here in an attempt to thwart their quest for freedom.

Robben Island was also previously used as a military base during the second world war (1939-1945), and as a hospital center for people with diseases that require isolation e.g. lepers, the chronically ill and other outcasts (1846-1931).

Though Robben Island has existed for long, it gained international fame in the late 20th century, during the apartheid era. The apartheid years saw the imprisonment of such South Africa freedom fighters as Nelson Mandela, and Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe (a founding leader of Pan Africanist Congress). Mandela was in this 6 sq km island for 27 years while serving a life imprisonment sentence passed on him in 1963.

Political prisoners in Robben Island were often jailed together with common-law prisoners, and the only contact they had with the outside world was limited to two letters a year. After the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, the remaining political detainees were set free in 1991. In 1996, the common law prisoners were also transferred to the South Africa mainland.

In 1997, the island was changed into a museum, the Robben Island Museum, which is today a cornerstone of South Africa’s heritage. By running educational programs for schools and other visitors, and facilitating more research about the island, the museum promotes tourism development and archives South Africa historical information. In 1999, UNESCO declared Robben Island as a World Heritage Site.

According to UNESCO, the declaration of Robben Island as a world heritage site symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit, freedom, and democracy over oppression. South Africa has seven other world heritage sites including the Swartkrans, Sterkfontein, and Kromdraai environs, often known as “the cradle of humanity” due to the discovery of the famous Taung Skull fossil here in 1924.

Apart from the Museum, other attractions in Robben Island are the breeding colonies of bank cormorants, crowned cormorants and Hartlaub’s gulls. The island also hosts approximately 5 percent of the global population of African black oystercatchers.

Getting to Robben Island is easy by the ferries that operate from V&A waterfront in Cape Town. The ferries depart daily from the Nelson Mandela Gateway with schedules for 9am, 10am, 12pm, 1pm, and 3pm. On the island itself, visitors get to tour the former prison to get an overview of the former life of the political detainees imprisoned there from the 1960′s to the 90′s. Some of the tour guides in the Island are themselves former Robben Island prisoners. A standard Robben Island tour will take three and a half hours, including the two 30-minute rides to and from the island.

The Kenyan Coast is indisputably one of the top tourism and travel destinations in Kenya, providing a great variety of tourist attractions. Among the popular coastal destinations are the Gedi ruins, the mysterious remains of an ancient Kenya coastal town, which lie about 100km North of Mombasa and 15km South of Malindi. Found deep in the Arabuko Sokoke forest, these 15th century ruins are among Kenya’s great unexploited treasures.

Apart from the common belief that the town was abandoned in the early 17th century, little else is known about this ancient coastal town that still puzzles both archaeologists and historians. The reason why the town was abandoned is not documented but one school of thought believes that unknown invaders destroyed the town in the 17th century. Many researchers dispute this theory because there is no evidence of any disturbance or battle in this ancient Swahili settlement whose population was estimated at 2500 people.

Another school of thought argues that the inhabitants of the town abandoned it after receding ocean waters depleted the available water from their wells. It is also alleged that the Portuguese brought the deadly Black Plague, with no known cure, wiping out the population.

A recent theory has it that the town was threatened by the approach of the Galla, an inland tribe known to be outwardly hostile at that time, and that the townspeople fled ahead of their arrival. Yet once again, local recorded history fails to mention any such large scale evacuation at this time.

In 1927, Gedi ruins were declared a historic monument. Since then, there have been many excavation and preservation works in the ruins. Many large areas of this ancient town have been revealed, including the palace, a great mosque, and the pillar tombs. Despite all this research work however, nobody knows with certainty what happened to Gedi and its inhabitants.

Excavations of the Gedi Ruins that were carried out between 1948 and 1958 uncovered porcelain from China, an Indian lamp, Venetian beads, Spanish scissors, and other interesting vestiges that show that some of Gedi?s past citizens were engaged some form of international trade.

The Gedi Ruins were declared a national park in 1948 and the area has since become one of the top tourist attractions along the Kenyan coastal region. Gedi remains a mysterious place to visit, especially with pillars and stone walls, ruined mosques and tombs lying among stands of trees.

Today, modern day villages surround Gedi, which, overgrown with plants and flowers, still remains an oasis tranquility. You can get to Gedi from Malindi, Mombasa, and Watamu. There is a small museum that exhibits ancient items retrieved through excavation work, including Arab wares, Chinese porcelain, and Phoenician artifacts. More artifacts from Gede ruins are also available at the Fort Jesus museum in Mombasa.