Destination Morocco: Five Cities You Must Visit

A country of 32 million people, Morocco is a part of the Maghreb region in addition to Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, and Libya, with which it shares cultural, historical and linguistic ties. Famous for its beaches and some of the best seaside towns, Morocco is also not short on natural beauty. You can hire a camel and trek through the Sahara; climb North Africa's highest peak in the Atlas Mountains; or stay in a traditional Kasbah in the fascinating Dades Valley. For those fragile at heart, and would not be able to stand the volatility of North African States still feeling the throes of the Arab Spring – Libya, Tunisia and Egypt; or Algeria which is still battling with Islamist rebellion, and Eritrea still suffering from a repressive rule, Morocco provides the perfect destination to feel the heat of the desert and the heart of its people.

Quite luckily, Morocco is well serviced by airlines from across Africa and Europe be it their final destinations or just making stop-overs before continuing to other destinations in or outside Africa. Thus, you have a rich list of airlines to choose from, if your preference is based on airfare, route, airline or visa requirements. Morocco is serviced by its national carrier – Royal Air Maroc and by atleast 35 other airlines including Air France, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, KLM, Delta, JetairFly, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Luxair, Libyan Arab Airlines, Iberia, Tunisair and Alitalia. I profile here, five cities you must see, whenever you are in Morocco – Casablanca, Fes, Marrakech, Essaouira and Rabat. Luckily Morocco is small enough and has a decent local transport network, so you're able to see a variety of towns and sights in just one week. This profile includes reviews and contributions on tour/travel sites like Lonely Planet, Places Online, SkyScanner, Go Africa, LexicOrient and Trip Advisor.

CASABLANCA

Boulevard King Mohammed V

The financial capital and an internationally expanding metropolis, Casablanca owes its name to the few white houses gently growing old along its ramparts. Completely rebuilt from 1920 onwards, it is now a perfect example of successful colonial urban development. The town centre, with its combination of art deco and neo-Moorish styles, is a paean to harmony and balance. From the enormous Hassan II mosque to the Zevaco cupola, United Nations Square, Morocco’s most contemporary town integrates modernity and tradition in a way that it has made its own. Its architecture, opting for straight lines and restrained shapes, has given it a trendy cosmopolitan aura, a city where fashions, ideas and new trends are constantly emerging. Attractive and so vital for the Kingdom, Casablanca is a town that you very quickly want to address by its nickname, Casa.

Hassan II Mosque

The architectural tradition of the city endures to this day with the inauguration of the Hassan II mosque on the 30^th of August, 1993. This 200m high mosque is one of the largest in the world. The hectic Maarif district exemplifies modern Casablanca. This previously impoverished area, just west of the Arab League Park, has gradually been transformed and is now one of the most prominent neighbourhoods in town. 

The young Moroccan jet set patronise its luxury shops and its trendy establishments in the shadow of the Twin Centre twin towers. You must also visit Anfa, Casablanca’s upmarket area. Boulevard Mohammed V, situated in the city centre, has kept its arcades under which shops and restaurants abound for almost 2km.

A section of the city in the horizon

In the evening, you can take the Ain-Diab coast road between the el Hank lighthouse and Sidi Bou Abderrahmane mausoleum, a small village only accessible at low tide. This coast is Casablanca’s seaside resort. It has swimming pools, public and private beaches. Coming here to admire the sun setting and to refresh oneself on a terrace is a classic outing. Every weekend, the inhabitants of Casa love to meet each other here. Later in the evening the discotheques keep things lively in this city which never sleeps.

For inquiries and bookings mail kenneth.kolo@gmail.com or call 2348099025968

SLIDING GURARA

Little wonder, Nigeria's largest state by land mass, Niger is christened, the "Power State". It not only account for around 40% of  total power production output to the national grid, but hosts two past Heads of State - Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. It is also the birthplace of Nigeria's only indigenous Governor-General, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and secessionist leader, Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who were both born in the sleepy town of Zungeru.

It is a well drained area, with countless tributaries, emptying in to the Niger river at various points, or first entering the Kaduna river, which is itself, a major tributary of the Niger. Thus, it is hard to say Niger State is not the geotourist's haven. But when the topic of tourism is associated with the state, just the magnificent Zuma rock and the Bida blacksmith district come to mind. However, the discovery of a beau, and the subsequent interest in developing it in to a tourist delight, urged me to pay a recco visit, but not without company.

Thus, in line with taking a tour of Tswata Mukun -  the blacksmith district at Bida, even though we were not allowed to take pictures, I took four Chinese and one Vietnamese tourists to visit the Gurara waterfalls. Characterized by features which still make African rivers unnavigable - rapids, the waterfall is a gigantic stampede of water, slaloming over granitic rocks cut in beautiful formations to form a collection of small falls, and a colossal waterfall which plunges off a cliff, and then proceed through Gurara Local Government to empty in to river Kaduna.

We spent about 45 minutes at the site, taking pictures, and playing at the bank, where I was able to engage with the only local tour guide, who briefed me about the vision of turning the place in to a truly pro-poor tourist destination in Nigeria. While he talked, I kept dreaming, drawing up imaginary structures of how the place could be transformed, but now, I pictured myself as a holder of a 99year BOT tenure.

We got to the site around the time the sun was about to descend beyond the horizon, so, we were able to avoid the heat of the day, but we couldn't help folding up our pants, and feeling the coldness of the water with out feet. The tourists were delighted, and wanted to stay much longer, but we had not bought enough time on the day. We thus, left for the capital, Minna, where I plot my return in grand style, to Gurara Waterfalls.

Experience the Gambia: Honeymoon in Banjul

The Gambian coast, also known as the 'Smiling Coast', with its golden and white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters; is an environment full of exceptional and spectacular wildlife, with palm trees typical of the area which would ensure you'll never be short of a lounger, or somewhere to lay your beach towel.

The Gambia has unique qualities over many other destinations. It is only six hours away from major European destinations, there is no jet lag, and it is a popular and affordable winter destination attracting Tourists in search of sun, sand, and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty

 Simply put, the Gambia is an adventurous experience and the tropical sunshine and uncrowded coastline make it a wonderful destination for a holiday. Visit the Gambia and enjoy fun, leisure time, breath taking food, adventurous spots and memorable activities specifically designed to make your holiday an exciting, affordable and thrilling experience.

Wow your spouse with a lifetime 5 nights experience during your honeymoon at  5 Star, Sheraton Hotel. The package includes:

Day 1 - Arrival

• Pick up from airport and transfer to Sheraton hotel


• Airport Assistance


• Transfer from Airport to Hotel rooms


• Welcome drink upon arrival


• Optional lunch at the hotel


• Rest all through afternoon/evening or a tour around the hotel ground and an evening swim in the hotel's pool

Day 2 - Leisure

• Breakfast at Hotel


• Optional lunch at the hotel


• Rest all through afternoon/evening or a tour around the hotel ground and an evening swim in the hotel's pool


• Optional Dinner at Hotel

Day 3 - Discovery Tour / Shopping

• Breakfast at Hotel before departure for a sight-seeing that takes you in and out of the greater Banjul area


• A visit to the sacred crocodile pool (Katchikally). This has been in existence and owned by the Bojang family (first settlers in Bakau) for over 500 years. There are 70 crocodiles found in this pool


• Visit to Bakau Craft Market. Examine and shop for wood carvings, Gambian bangles, beads and textiles


• Visit to National Museum and Albert Market


• Pick up after dinner and transfer to Duplex Nightclub for a taste of Gambian nightlife. (optional)

 

Day 4 - More Tours & Shopping

• Breakfast at hotel


• Visit to Makasutu River lodge (floating house). This is a park with wild animals like gorilla, chimpanzee, and wild boar etc, not caged


• Visit to the Hotel spa for a full-body massage or other treatments


• Dinner at Hotel


• Pick up after dinner and transfer to Kora or Old Skool Nightclub for a taste of Gambian nightlife. (optional)

Day 5 - Tour of The Root and Albreda

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Welcome drink and sandwiches, Sangria or fruit juice
• Visit to the base of the family line of Kinta Kunte
• Boat Cruise to Juffureh
• Tour of James Island
• Visit to museum at Albred
• Buffet Lunch on board the yacht, Afternoon tea, coffee, biscuits

Day 6 - Departure

• Breakfast at the hotel
• Return to Banjul Airport to travel back to Lagos

Terms and Conditions

• All necessary documents must be forwarded at least 14 days before expected date of departure for purpose of itinerary
• Package Cost is Non Refundable, hence couples are advise to choose dates with care
• Payment for desired package or other inclusions are expected to be made at least 10 days before expected date of departure
• Scanned Passport data page of guests is Mandatory for bookings to be processed. The only legal proof of identification accepted is the passport

Note:

• The package can be amended based on client's request and return flight fare is not guaranteed until booking is made and paid for based on availability
• This package is available all year round for honeymooners

For inquiries and bookings mail kenneth.kolo@gmail.com or call 2348099025968

Mauritius will enchant you; uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday.

The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel to return to its shores time and time again. May your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever.

This exciting Creole nation of mixed ancestry and heritage is one of the world’s top luxury tourism destinations. It possesses a wide range of natural and man-made attractions, enjoys a sub-tropical climate with clear warm sea waters, attractive beaches, tropical fauna and flora complemented by a multi-ethnic and cultural population that is friendly and welcoming. 

These tourism assets are its main strength, especially since they are backed up by well-designed and run hotels, and reliable and operational services and infrastructures. Mauritius received the World Leading island Destination award for the third time and World’s Best Beach at the World Travel Awards in January 2012. Mauritius has also one of the highest rates of returning tourism visitors in the world.

Extra and Intense Ltd offers awesome packaged 4-6 nights trips to Mauritius, with variations to suite your choice, budget and style. 

The package includes airport - hotel - airport Transfers in an air-conditioned coach; full day Ile Aux Cerf island tour in an air-conditioned coach with speed boat transfer from the jetty; full day South tour including visits to Trou Aux Cerf, Curepipe, Chamarel & Grand Bassin in an air-conditioned coach; full day North tour including visit to Port Louis, Caudan Waterfront in an air-conditioned coach; and airline bookings (optional). 

Our hotel offers (based on twin share) are mind-blowing considering the experience you will get, and the stories that would remain in your hearts, lingering for years unending...

• Jalsa Resort (3 Star): 4 nights/5days ($366); 5nights/6days ($420); 6nights/7days ($460)
• Move n Pick (4 Star): 4 nights/5days ($448); 5nights/6days ($499); 6nights/7days ($515)
• Le Meridien (4 Star):  4 nights/5days ($544); 5nights/6days ($630); 6nights/7days ($775)
• Intercontinental Resort (5 Star):  4 nights/5days ($600); 5nights/6days ($664); 6nights/7days ($799)
• Grand Mauritian Resort (5 Star): 4 nights/5days ($696); 5nights/6days ($794); 6nights/7days ($860)

 The package does not include anything not mentioned.


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