South Africa

As the name implies, the peninsula of South Africa is a country that is located at the Southern point on the African continent. It is surrounded by two oceans and the inland borders are adjacent to countries such as Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique. It is a country full of beauty and warmth and has a lot to offer any prospective visitor.

Climate

South Africa can be divided into two main categories: inland region and coastal region. The climate is one of the biggest tourist attractions, although climates in these regions vary so widely that the traveller cannot go on only one specific climate to dictate his holiday. Each of the nine provinces has their own weather patterns and different patterns can even be seen within one province.

The western coastal regions mainly have winter rainfall depicted by the cold Atlantic Ocean, while the eastern coastline experiences rainfall in summer and mild rain throughout the rest of the year due to the warm Indian Ocean.

Inland regions are just as diverse with summer rainfall in on the Highveld regions and winter rain in the lower regions. Karoo area has a dry climate where days are very warm and the nights are cold.

History and culture

The culture of South Africa is as diverse as the climate and it would be a disgrace to leave out any part of the culture or to make one culture more important than the other. Each person is as proud of their heritage as another.

The history of South Africa starts with local African tribes roaming the land. After the discovery of South Africa in 1487, Bartolomeus Diaz introduced European culture to the country, paving the way for the westernisation and development of South Africa.

In 1652 the Dutch seafarer, Jan van Riebeeck, landed on African soil and established a Dutch colony on the continent. South Africa became a trade post between Europe and India and introduction of Indian culture was inevitable.

It is evident that the culture of South Africa is as rich and varied as one of its traditional cuisines, potjiekos, a potted stew made over an open fire.

Activities

Given the geography and climate of South Africa, there is no limit to activities. South Africa is home to some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world offering mountain climbing in summer and skiing activities in winter where available.

South Africa is probably mostly renowned for the safari tours and wildlife reserve parks where the cream of South African wildlife can be viewed and you can enjoy relaxing holidays in the heart of nature. The rural areas of South Africa have clear night skies and many of the rural communities, such as Sutherland in the Western Cape is one of the best places to go stargazing.

In the coastal areas, the visitor can enjoy surfing and sunbathing at the gorgeous beaches and during mating season of the whales, do whale watching. Fishing and diving is only allowed with permits, so be sure to obtain a permit in advance.

Places to visit

South Africa has plenty of museums and historical buildings where the history and culture of this land is preserved for the world to view and for the locals to remember and honour each culture and heritage.

To experience the real South Africa, go caving in of the many caves portraying natural beauty in minerals, prehistoric animals and even the first remains of humans. Sterkfontein caves are known as the cradle of mankind where the skeleton of the first human was found.

Experience the beauty of Cape Town like never before with these exclusive Rovos Rail holiday packages. Enjoy breathtaking views of the magnificent Table Mountain and take a thrilling ride on the cable cars, offering you a unique perspective of the stunning coastline from the top of the mountain.

Or take a trip through the wine routes and taste the world renowned wines and brandies manufactured locally here.

Conclusion

To bottle and label South Africa by coming to this beautiful land with a pre defined picture of what to expect, will be an insult to yourself and the locals. Experience all the country can offer. South Africa is a modern first class destination, but with strong cultural roots. Nature and civilisation lives in harmony and a diverse history works together to build a prosperous future.

Namibia is a country located to the south west of South Africa and located on the western coast of Southern Africa. Previously known as South West Africa Namibia, it was first under German rule. South Africa gained control over Namibia and after a brutal Border War that lasted many years, the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990.

Namibia derives its name from its location in the Namib Desert and is bordered by four countries. These countries are Angola, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. In contrast to the warm desert that surrounds and dominates Namibia, it offers a breathtaking coastline on the western border enveloped by the Atlantic Ocean.

Climate

Namibia is a very large and vast country and is situated between the Kalahari Desert and the Namib Desert. It is inevitably a very hot and dry country with a very low rainfall.

The lower more southern parts of Namibia are the most populated. This is due to the Orange River that forms the border between Namibia and South Africa and the Chobe River that creates the border between Botswana and Namibia.

The coastline of Namibia is habitable only in the southern regions. Higher up on the coastline, it becomes inhabitable and treacherous and the region just beyond Namibia is aptly known as the Skeleton Coast. Guided tours are only available up to a certain area, from where it is inadvisable to travel or tour independently.

Tourist attractions

The most prominent attraction to Namibia is defiantly the desert terrain. It is a haven for the four wheel drive vehicle enthusiast. Be prepared to travel for days without end surrounded by only sand.

While undertaking the tour, the traveller will encounter many small towns. These quaint towns are renowned for the hospitality of the people who make a living from farming and are proud to display their towns to tourists.

En route there are many ghost towns that will leave lasting impressions as you drive by long forgotten fuel stations and buildings that stand tall to greet passerbies.

One of the best ways to experience Namibia is to join a guided safari tour. Tour guides will take you to ethnic villages where you can encounter and greet the local tribes. At night you can camp under the beautiful clear skies and visit around a campfire. Entice your senses with the clean air and tranquil sounds of nocturnal wildlife. And dream and plan your future while gazing at the stars.

Namibia is home to some of the most spectacular wildlife species such as lions, zebras, elephants and an array of antelope. These animals are best viewed while on tours as the guides know the best places and watering holes where you can spot these majestic animals.

Remnants of the military dominance and the Border War are found throughout the country and monuments, historic sites and memorials are reminders in honour of the people who fought alongside their fellow countrymen for their country.

Westernization

Influenced by German and South African cultures, the greater towns of in Namibia such as Windhoek, the capital city, Tsumeb and Keetmanshoop, became increasingly Westernized. It is now globally recognised cities offering modern facilities and amenities. These cities boast with highways, airfields with its own airline and top class universities.

Many international stars and celebrities come from Namibia. One of the best exports out of Namibia has to be Michelle McLean, a former Miss Universe. Many of the top musicians and singers from South Africa are also born and bred Namibians.

Conclusion

Enjoy the vibrant city life that the modern cities have to offer. The night clubs, bars and restaurants will amaze and entertain visitors as much as it does the locals. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Namibian residents, yet never underestimate the splendour and beauty of the desert and open yourself to be humbled by the unique beauty of this country.

Mozambique is sub tropical paradise with lush unspoiled forests, grass plains. There are long sandy beaches and turquoise water with natural coral reefs and breathtaking marine life. This destination can provide you with a dream holiday if you are prepared and ready for adventure.

Culture

The people of Mozambique are a friendly nation with a heart for serving. Fishing and seafood together with vending at markets are the main source of income for these people.

The majority are Portuguese speaking, with English the second largest spoken language. Locals who cannot speak English, at least understand the language.

The people are poor, and although giant leaps have been taken to move Mozambique forward after the revolution, there is still work to be done in uplifting the community. A typical scene you will see and probably capture in your mind and heart is that of a Mozambique lady carrying a child on her back and balancing her baggage on her head.

Activities

With Mozambique, being a watery destination with a very humid climate, most of the activities on the main land and surrounding islands are water related. Mozambique offers a wide variety of beaches to suit any individuals need and like.

Some of the activities you might want to try are deep-sea diving, water skiing, swimming with dolphins, surfing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, snorkelling, fly-fishing and deep-sea fishing. If this seems like too much effort and work for a holiday, do not worry, you can always enjoy whale watching, bird watching, picnics on the beach or just relaxing in the sun with a nice cool beverage. Trips to the neighbouring islands for shopping or sightseeing are also an option.

Accommodation

The standards of the hotels and guesthouses are of a very high quality. Self-catering chalets and beach houses are very popular and these days even camp sites are an option as it brings you closer to the beautiful natural surroundings.

The Beach Hotels and Spa’s does not only offer a beautiful view of the crystal clear water, the spa and treatments are luxurious and a true ointment to the senses.

The standard on living you care to experience on your holiday is completely up to you. You can opt for luxurious holidays and be spoilt by a butler to wait on your every command to a time of roughing it at a camp site.

Attractions

The majority of Mozambique population is Catholic, and when visiting the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora da Concecao, you can see it has been this way for generations. The cathedral is a beautiful monument with stained glass and impressive statues in remembrance of their faith.

The Casa de Ferro is a remarkable sight. This is a house build out of iron by one of the heads of state to whom it seemed like a wonderful idea while planning and building it. It would be secure, impenetrable and safe to house important people. No one thought of the fact that a house of iron would be to hot in the humid climate of Mozambique. Needless to say, no one ever stayed there, and it is now a popular sight to visit.

The Jardim Tanduru botanical garden lie just behind the Cassa de Ferro and is a wonderful way to relax. There are paths and ponds to enjoy a leisurely stroll, and benches to rest and do some reading.

The Museum of Revolution takes you back in history and gives you a bit of background on the people, their struggles and their spirit of overcoming.

Shopping

To end your holiday in Mozambique there is no better way than to shop! The Mercado Xipamanine is the largest market and you can find anything from love potions to the capulanas (the multipurpose cloth worn by ladies) at this gathering. The Saturday craft market are ideal for jewellery or paintings and the Central Market is the ideal place for fresh fruit and vegetables.

Morocco is a country filled with natural beauty, tradition, fascinating culture and exceptional historical places to explore. The landscape is astounding and varies from the Sahara desert, mountain ranges and seaside towns.

The first thought that comes to mind when thinking about Morocco, is that this is a country living in an age long forgotten, with absolutely no freedom, or rights to women. Sadly, being a majority of Islam does mean females have virtually no rights. If you can get past this prejudice there is a country and culture filled with history, inspiration and contrasts waiting to be discovered.

People and culture

The people of Morocco are as previously mentioned a majority of Islam religion. They are hard working people with little to none earthly possessions. The rural population is very poor, planting crops or keeping livestock just to keep them from starvation.

The people are generally friendly and hospitable, unless confronted with hostility or anger. It is advised not to take any pictures of them without asking for permission before the time. Being surrounded by these uncomplicated people gives you a sense of timelessness, of being captured in history.

Accommodation

Although filled with old time charm and a poor community, Morocco has very good five star accommodations that can compete with the best in the world.

If you however like to feel more in touch with your surroundings, like to live closer to the heart beat of the country, opt for a Riadss

This is a traditional house that is converted to a small hotel or guesthouse. It is mostly situated in the older districts that are saturated with culture and history.

Attractions

The mountain ranges offer a variety of snow skiing, hiking, climbing or adventure travel. Ouka’meden resort is a casual resort that is open between February and April for skiing. It offers a variety of courses, from classes for beginners to the more advanced. You can also discover what Rincon de La Vieja National Park can offer here.

The coastal towns and their beaches bring to mind careless holidays as a child, living each day as if it is the last and enjoying every moment. It looks like the typical seaside holiday with whitewashed houses set against the blue ocean.

Assilah is an ideal little village for fishing, while Plage Quemada and Lalla Fatma have beautiful beaches for swimming and enjoying the tranquil serenity of a small town.

Windsurfing is another sport that can be enjoyed by adventure seekers. Conditions at Agadir and Esaouire are ideal for this extreme sport.

A great way to explore the natural beauty of Morocco, especially the mountain ranges, is to join an organized trek. If you have courage, a camel trek is recommended. It is great fun to see the world from a different angle, but I would not advise a trek longer than a day if camel riding is not something that you are used to.

Morocco’s cultural side is well covered by art galleries, heritage sites, mosques, museums and palaces. Visit the ancient cities of Assilah, Arottoes of Hercules and El Bahia Palace.

The museums have artefacts such as ancient manuscripts, gorgeous carpets and rugs similar to those vintage turkish rugs, extraordinary jewels and intricate pottery.

No visit to Morocco will be complete without a visit to the souks. These are little markets found all over Morocco with colourful exhibitions of hand made goods at reasonable prices. These are great for souvenirs or just to experience the true Morocco and its people. A market like this is Djemoa el fna in Marrakesh. You will be entertained and delighted by storytellers, musicians, snake charmers and acrobats while you mingle with the locals.

Conclusion

These are just a few highlights to mention. The true spirit of Morocco can only be experienced and enjoyed when you breathe the air, touch the beauty, enjoy the people, the food, and their culture. All of these are possible thanks to affordable packages like those Morocco Tours.

Planning a holiday to Kenya is setting yourself up for an unforgettable experience and it is little wonder that a number of visitors to this East African nation end up becoming residents there. Right from the airport you will receive a taste of Kenya’s uniqueness in the warm welcome you receive.

The ride from the airport will give you a sneak preview of the safaris to come with lush savannah escorting you halfway to the city. There is plenty to see and do in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and if you didn’t know, this is one of the world’s few capitals that has a fully fledged game park in it. But there is much more awaiting you in other parts of the country so you can’t afford to remain stuck here.

Kenya holidays – Sightseeing and activities

The Nairobi National Park is less than half an hour away from Nairobi’s central business district and visitors will want to start their interaction with Kenya’s vast wildlife there. At the entrance of the park is an animal orphanage where you can get up close with lions, cheetahs, buffalo and various species of birds and monkeys.

In a hired vehicle you can take a game drive through the park and see these animals in their natural habitats. Imagine seeing a pride of lions lazing in a shade a stone’s throw from where you’re having a picnic. Or a lanky giraffe striding gracefully across the road as you drive along. But you might want to visit the country’s more renowned parks such as Tsavo National Park which starts about halfway on the road to the coast.

This is where the famous man-eater lions that devastated those working on the country’s railway line. While here visitors will get to see not only several animal species, but astonishing volcanic features such as the Shetani Lava Flow which is made up of pumice and other jagged, black volcanic rocks. If you’re lucky you will catch a group of elephants congregated at one of the many water points in the park.

Heading out to the Rift Valley region of the country is an excellent idea as you will get to see the amazing view of the escarpments and the floor of the valley from a number of vantage points. While at some of these viewpoints you can secure some beautiful handicrafts and other souvenirs. Along this valley are several amazing volcanic formations such as the dormant Menegai crater and Mt. Longonot. At Lake Bogoria you will find some hot springs that spray hot water high into the air. It is claimed that this water has some medicinal properties.

Travelling north from the capital will lead you to one of Africa’s tallest mountains, the snow-capped Mt. Kenya. This imposing mountain and Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro left early explorers like David Livingstone dumbfounded as they never expected to see snow in Africa. Several travellers have climbed up to the mountain’s highest peak.

To go to the coast you will need to travel about 450 kilometres south. There you will find the island city of Mombasa which has several beautiful beaches where you can relax or take a boat ride or do some kite surfing. For a rich dose of coastal culture be sure to visit the island of Lamu. There is so much more to a holiday in Kenya, you just have to experience it for yourself.

The Gambia is really nothing more than a sliver of land surrounding the River Gambia. It is actually Africa’s smallest nation and is home to a population of just 1 million and is almost completely surrounded by Senegal. But despite its size, this country has plenty to offer the willing tourists. Consider Gambia holidays for unforgettable time of life.

As with most African countries, those on holiday to Gambia will be treated to trips into tropical forests where many species of wildlife await them. A part of Gambia borders the Atlantic Ocean and here visitors will find beautiful beaches on which to unwind. There are plenty of activities to do under the warm tropical climate of this tiny West African country.

Savvy tourists will use Gambia as a base from which to explore the surrounding countries. It is not uncommon for visitors to this country to have a two-day sortie into Senegal included in their itinerary.

Gambia Holidays – Sightseeing and activities

Crocodiles, monkeys, bushbucks, hippos and antelopes are just some of the animals visitors will see on safaris into the nature parks in Gambia. There is dense, varied vegetation in these parks and some of them have a part of the coastline within their boundaries.

Two well known reserves here are Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve and Abuko Nature Reserve. To see more of the crocodiles you need to pencil a visit to Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau. Here you’ll see over a hundred different kinds of crocodiles lounging lazily in the sun and the guides will furnish you with all the extra info you want.

If you don’t mind the bumpy skin, you can go ahead and pet the more docile of these reptiles. And if you don’t mind you can leave with a pretty souvenir as well. Bird watchers will want to visit Bilijo Forest Park where many bird species reside in quiet woods. There are also many snakes and lizards there as well as the more common monkeys. Of all of Gambia’s venues, this is one of the best to visit if you’re travelling with your little ones.

At the Gambia River National Park you will get to ride a boat in the great Gambia and also explore the surrounding jungles where you are sure to spot baboons, monkeys. If you’re so inclined you can spend a night or two in the bush under a tent if only to get a taste of what early explorers experienced when they first set foot in Africa.

After the jungle expedition you can relax on Gambia’s scenic beaches, one of which is Sanyang Beach. This section of fine sand and azure waters also has an excellent beach bar where you can get a nice cocktail whipped together for you.

Regardless where from the world you are from, you are sure to find an eatery offering food you are familiar with while on holiday to Gambia. Here there are Thai, Chinese, Indian and other restaurants offering Asian delicacies as well as some offering Dutch, German and other forms of European cuisine. However, it is advisable to stretch your taste buds and try local delicacies such as the delicious Jollof Rice or Chicken Yassa. After all the aim of travel is a new experience. Our Gambia Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

The Republic of Botswana is a previously British owned country named Bechuanaland.  It became an independent 1966 and was officially renamed to Botswana. Botswana is located in Southern Africa and surrounded by four countries.  The bordering countries are South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The flat Botswana terrain mostly consists of Kalahari Desert. Consider Botswana holidays for unforgettable time of life.

The location close to the equator and the Kalahari Desert creates a dry and arid climate in the dry season and humid in the wet season.  Rain season is formally from November to April, but not limited to these months.  Rain season can start as soon as October and can last up to end of May.  Roads can become very wet and inaccessible, so plan your holiday accordingly and avoid literally being stuck in the mud.

Botswana Holidays – Culture of Botswana

Various different ethnic groups make up the culture of Botswana. The dominant group is Setswana.  The culture is evident in many of the tourist attractions’ like the rock paintings of Tsodilo Hills.

The music of the Tswana is vibrant and vocal and performed with traditional instruments and sometimes guitar sounds are added.  String instruments are popular and the music is performed without drums.

Tswana tribes are known for their crafts and handiworks.  These people are skilled in weaving beautiful basket from palm leaves and dying it with their own locally crafted dyes.  Pottery is another skill, which has been perfected by these communities, and visitors will be delighted by the crafts on display in local markets and amazed by the way the locals implement their crafts in their daily lives.

Botswana Holidays – Tourist attractions and activities

Botswana is most popular for the safari tours offered.  It is the best way to experience the land and the people.  During the day, you will be treated to see the famous African wildlife. Botswana is home to the “Big Five” wildlife animals and tourist guides will know where the best places are to view these animal.

At night the tourist can relax at a campfire and listen to the calls of the nocturnal animals and perhaps even be surprised by an inquisitive animal making sure that you are still enjoying the evening.

The Natural Reserve Parks of Botswana preserves this beauty of the land and animals and there are plenty parks to choose from.  The Chobe Nature reserve will entice you with the beauty of the Chobe River and you can go sailing on the mighty Okavango Delta. Botswana is also conveniently close to the Victoria Waterfalls in Zimbabwe and a day trip to view this magnificent Falls should be on every tourist planning.

For a more cultural experience, visit the historical museums and landmarks.  The capital of Botswana, Gaborone, contains many museums and historic buildings that give an insight into the history and development of Botswana.

Botswana Holidays – Accommodation and transport

The best places to stay while on holiday in Botswana will depend on the type of vacation you are planning. If you are on a safari holiday, stay in one of the lodges in the various nature reserves.  The lodges, chalets and rondawels are built in true African tradition and will create the perfect African atmosphere for your retreat. If you plan to visit the cities, you will have an array of hotels and self-catering accommodation from which to choose. Botswana has reliable transportation services to and from the various destinations. Botswana has a commercial airline service traveling to all the major surrounding countries. There are also highways throughout the larger urban areas and a railway service throughout Botswana.

Conclusion

Botswana is a westernised country due to British influences, but the ethnic population and heritage is a strong force to reckon with.  Despite urbanisation of the country, there are still many areas where the natural beauty of the country is proudly preserved for tourists and future generation to remind them of the real reason that makes this country so spectacular.

Our Botswana Holidays will definitely etch themselves on your memory.

The Grand Hotel Sharm has wonderful cliff top views overlooking Tiran Island. Set in stunning gardens, this really is a 5* haven. Numerous delicious eateries are on offer within the hotel itself including 5 A la carte and 3 international buffet restaurants. It also has a very convenient location of only being a 5 minute taxi ride away from Hadaba with its excellent choice of cafes and bazaars. There are no less than 8 swimming pools with sun loungers, parasols and beach towels. With a full entertainment programme and its own private beach it really is a home from home.

Accommodation

The Grand Hotel has 627 rooms. All have shower, WC, air conditioning, TV, safety deposit box, hairdryer, telephone, mini-bar. Standard Rooms have balcony/terrace, king size or twin beds, and sleep 2 adults. Junior Suites are larger with king size bed, open-plan seating area, balcony/terrace, sea/pool or garden view. They sleep 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults

Features

The Grand Hotel has 8 free form swimming pools with sun loungers & parasols, Full entertainment programme with live evening entertainment, Table tennis, Beach volleyball, Billiards, Aerobics, Aqua aerobics, Belly dancing classes, Arabic language classes, Weekly Middle Eastern party at the Beach Club restaurant, 2 separate children’s swimming pools, Childrens club, Playground, Kids movies, Mini disco, Children’s buffet and early dinner times at the main restaurant, Maxi Baby Service, Additional services, Currency exchange, Free WiFi in Reception/ Lobby area, Internet café, 24 hour limousine service, Laundry service, Pharmacy, Grand Mall: shops, bars, restaurants, Christmas and New Year gala dinners

Restaurant & Bars

The Grand Hotel has no less than 3 international buffet restaurants, 5 a la carte restaurants including Mediterranean, Spanish, Caribbean, fusion and Indian, 4 snack bars including pool-side BBQ, 5 bars with table service, 24 hour soft drinks at selected bars, Seafood restaurant, Rooftop shishah bar, 24 hour Grand Lobby bar

Some of the services on offer may carry a charge. Entertainment, services and facilities can be changed without notice given and at the discretion of the hotel

Other hotels in Egypt

The Makadi Palace

Some of the services on offer may carry a charge. Entertainment, services and facilities can be changed without notice given and at the discretion of the hotel

Call Your Travel Expert Now for a Genuine Quote on : 0114 3273436

First, let’s get there !

Vancouver is a wonderful, vibrant city that has something for absolutely everyone. It offers beautiful beaches, world class shopping, a multicultural attitude and provides a gateway to the fantastic outdoor experiences of British Columbia.

Flying into Vancouver is, really, just the beginning of the adventure but what a great place to start.

Several options are available to get you to the Pacific coast; road, air and water methods are all available but the most common will be by aircraft.

Air Canada, BA and Virgin combine to offer up to 5 direct scheduled flights per day into Vancouver during the summer and Air Transat adds several more per week. Indirect flights are, sometimes, much more economical during peak seasons but you will, of course, need to make a plane change somewhere.

Loads to do

Vancouver, itself, is well worth the flight and you could easily spend a fortnight here in the summer. When the summer sun beats down, the sands of Kitsilano and Jericho Beaches are a welcoming sight and, if it rains, there are loads of indoor options, as well. Here are just a few of the things you could do:

– Vancouver Science World

– BC Museum of Anthropology

– Granville Island Market

– Vancouver Aquarium

Shopping and lunch

All in all though, Vancouver weather is very pleasant in the summer and even a rainy day can be fun. While a car is a nice option if you want to see the outskirts, the public transit system is efficient and affordable and will get you to just about anywhere.

The local communities are very diverse and well worth a visit; Chinatown is a must for authentic and Westernised food and, possibly, a few trinkets. Although these won’t be a novelty to visitors from the UK, there are some fantastic Indian shops and restaurants around 49th and Main and don’t forget that the exchange rate for the pound goes a long way toward stocking up on gifts.

To the South of Vancouver proper is Richmond and the fishing community of Steveston and, while the boats still bring in their catches, the area has become more of a tourist attraction and a great place for some lunch and a beer in the sun.

My fondest childhood memories of Vancouver revolve around Stanley Park and its huge trees and open spaces. A stroll along the seawall is a great place to spot seals, fish and a seemingly endless variety of bird life. You could, easily spend days exploring this great resource and, best of all, it’s free.

Beyond Vancouver

There are so many vastly different areas that are worth exploring that I could go on here for ages. I recommend a copy of The Lonely Planet to get started and then we can have a further chat to get down to the details.

Vancouver is a great destination in itself but it is also a gateway to everything that Western North America has to offer. Vancouver Island is a short ferry ride away and, while a lot farther, the Rocky Mountains are within driving distance and, also, the warm lake waters and beaches of the Okanagan Valley. Lastly, or those that are more winter driven, let’s not forget that it’s not that far to some of the world’s best skiing: Grouse Mountain, Cypress, and Whistler.

The Makadi Palace is a beautiful hotel set in wonderful gardens. It is part of an extensive village including the Makadi Mall. Set in lush peaceful gardens, the Makadi Palace is part of an extensive holiday village that also includes the Makadi Mall. Offering a wide variety of restaurants and bars to suite every taste within the hotel and also many more in the nearby Makadi Mall. If you are looking for a fabulous setting in which to unwind and relax then Makadi Palace is the perfect place.  With its fabulous beach and array of watersports on offer it really is a home from home. Only a 45 minute transfer from the airport

Accommodation

The Makadi Palace has 511 rooms all decorated to a high standard. All offer a balcony or terrace, king size or twin beds, bath & shower, WC, Air conditioning, TV, safe, hairdryer, telephone, mini-bar. The Junior Suites include a lounge area and can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children. One Bedroomed Suites have a separate bedroom, dining area and large lounge with double sofa bed. This can sleep 2 adults and 2 children

Features

The Makadi Palace offers 4 large swimming pools with sun loungers, parasols and beach towels. Snorkeling, Table tennis, Beach volleyball, Aerobics, Aqua aerobics, Water polo, Arabic language courses, Full entertainment programme, Billiards, Makadi Sports Centre with fitness club, tennis courts, football pitch & sports bar. Separate children’s pool, Kids clubin Grand Makadi Hotel Annexe – Ages 4 to 12 years, Playground area, Kids movies, Mini disco, Maxi Baby Service. Free WiFi in lobby area, Internet café, 24 hour limousine service, Laundry service, Christmas and New Year gala dinners

Restaurants and Bars

The Makadi Palace Hotel has two international buffet restaurants, three à la carte restaurants comprising of Thai, French and Mediterranean, two snack bars, three bars with table service, Additional a la carte dining at the Makadi Mall, 24 hour lobby bar, Dine Around Upgrade provides access to restaurants, bars and facilities at the Grand Makadi Hotel

Some of the services on offer may carry a charge. Entertainment, services and facilities can be changed without notice given and at the discretion of the hotel

Call Your Travel Expert Now for a Genuine Quote on : 0114 3273436

Kombo Beach takes pride of place on Kotu Beach so whether you want to relax on the beach, round the pool or in the spacious gardens, you are never more than a few steps away. This popular hotel has a fantastic reputation and plenty to offer you on your Gambian holiday including an excellent choice of activities and entertainment to keep you occupied day and night. There are a couple of restaurants, beach bars and craft market within walking distance of the hotel, or the taxi rank right outside the hotel makes it easy to get out and about. The lively resort of Kololi with a wide array of bars & restaurants is approx 5 mins by taxi

Accommodation

Kombo Beach boasts 258 tastefully decorated rooms. The standard rooms and premium rooms have been refurbished over the last couple of years. The decor is of a light and airy feel. Surrounded by fabulous well kept gardens where many species of birds have their home. All rooms have air conditioning, Fan, Balcony or terrace, TV, Safe (payable locally), Mini-fridge, Hairdryer (on request), desk, Sofa / comfortable chairs, Shaver plug, Shower or Bath, Complimentary toiletries

Features

There is always something to do at Kombo Beach. The full daytime and evening entertainment programme has a wonderful array of delights to keep you busy throughout your stay. Learn how to play golf with the resident golf coach. Learn how to cook African food. The choice of activities is endless

Long sandy beach, Pool and sun terraces, Hotel Shop & Clinic, Laundry service, Massage and beauty salon (payable locally), Wi-Fi and internet access (payable locally), TV area in reception, Children’s play area, Table Tennis, Tennis courts and coach (payable locally), Petanque / Boules, Volleyball, Small outdoor gym, Bird Guide, Golf Pro (payable locally

Restaurants & Bars

Kudulu is the main buffet restaurant of Kombo Beach. It boasts views of the pool and the magnificent ocean. Breakfast and evening meals are served here. There is a vast choice of cuisine on offer and also live cooking stations. The pool BBQ is also a feature of this restaurant.

The Brasserie is a wine bar and also the A la Carte restaurant. Offering fresh fish and tasty steaks. From here you have amazing views of the beach and ocean. The perfect place to watch the sunset after a hard day in the sun.

Geckos beach bar and restaurant is right on the beach, next to the pool. You could have a light bite of pasta or pizza brought right to your sun lounger. Why not try one of their famous cocktails.

Kingfisher lounge is located in the lobby with great pool views. The ideal place for pre-dinner cocktails and to catch up with the news and sport on the big screen

Barracuda is the small bar with a very cosy atmosphere. Drinks and snacks are served throughout the day. A waiter service is offered on the beach and in the gardens

For more information and booking call 0114 3273436

Images provided by The Gambia Experience