Friday, August 27, 2010

Best Done Activities in Johannesburg


Johannesburg is one of the most flamboyant cities in Africa, actually leading the festive and celebratory moods of the continent. Although repudiated fiercely, the city is a mosaic of hip and happening moments. It is the Africa’s finest nightlife, exotic restaurants and shimmering skyscrapers reflecting the rays of the sun that overpower the activity of those thieves and burglars, for which Johannesburg is known to most people. The city’s image might hold you back from boarding Johannesburg flights for a holiday, but actually getting there, you get to realize how far better it is. While in the city, try out:
Visiting the Caves of Sterkfontein:


 Mrs. Ples
Situated in Maporeng, these caves have been entitled by UNESCO as ‘Cradle of Humanity’. They harbor some of the earliest fossils of mankind which date back to millions of years. The most impressive of all the findings are ‘Mrs. Ples’ and ‘Little Foot.


Feeding the Lion Cubs:

Lion and Rhino Nature Reserve has been one of the most popular tourist attractions of the city of Johannesburg. This nature reserve inhibits and breeds young predators. Visitors are allowed to get closer to the baby wildlife and hand feed them. There are lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, reptiles, snakes and much more

Touring the Soweto:
 


Created out of South Western Townships, Soweto is a black residential area of Johannesburg. The area’s cultures and links to the history of South Africa have made it the most hyped about place in the city. Hector-Pieterson Museum, an old hospital and houses of Nelson Mandela are some of the interesting sites.
Not to Miss Apartheid Museum



Johannesburg is home to a number of enthrallingly exhibited museums. Ranging from transport to art to history to culture to medicine, these museums cover many subjects. However, the internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum stands out. Subjected to portray the dark history of South Africa, the museum holds artifacts, photos, videos, signboards, torturing equipment and much more to explain the racism that existed here. The museum has been set and designed in a very impressive way and it is worth a visit.
Taking an Aerial View of Johannesburg:


Set with tree lined boulevards, jacaranda plantations, grand colonial buildings and an exotic modern African architecture, Johannesburg is a spectacular city. Viewing it aerially and photographing it is quite a recommendation for all. Africa’s tallest building, Carlton Center can offer the finest of views but tourists can also use a helicopter if they wish to.

Entertaining Yourself:

  


Dubbed as ‘Las Vegas of South Africa’, Johannesburg is surely the hub of entertainment for the entire African continent. Enjoying the theatrical performances at one of its finest theaters would do great. Ubunye Theater, People’s Theater and Johannesburg Youth Theater are some of the best theaters in the city. Furthermore, shopping at any of those American style malls or the Indian bazaars is just another great thing to do in Johannesburg

Learning about Indigenous Flora whilst Reviving Your Soul:


This can be easily done if one heads to Johannesburg Botanical Gardens. A totally green place, these botanical gardens are home to nearly 4500 varieties of vegetation. The 30,000 trees, rose garden and the herb garden together make it a lush and tranquil place. At the herb garden, culinary herbs, cosmetic herbs as well as African medicinal herbs can be found.                       
The city has yet a lot more to offer. Avoiding the overrated negativity of the city, you might wish to buy cheap flights to Johannesburg. Once bought, your ticket to entertainment is in your hands.      

Friday, August 13, 2010

Accra: the Year round Climatic Conditions

It is the cultures and lifestyle of a place that mainly drive tourists towards it. Until recent times, the world headed to Europe every holiday season however, with improving economy and enhanced advertisements, Accra flights are becoming a replacement. Ghanaian capital is one African city, widely reckoned for its cultural blend, scenic beauty and history. In order to plan an itinerary to this city, one needs to know its weather conditions and pack accordingly.



Kwame Nkrumah Monument

Humidity is generally high in Accra except for the months of July, August and September, when it is slightly better. Thus keeping along roll-ons, deodorants, talcum powders or any other products that you might feel comfortable with is quite a necessity. The temperature range in January is 23oC-31oC and one must note that temperatures in Accra can well vary around 31oC until the month of May. From February till May, temperatures go only as low as 24oC though April has shown a record of 19oC. Temperatures fall in June to range between 23oC and 29oC while from July till September, a range of 23oC-27oC is maintained. In October, although a temperature as low as 19oC has been recorded, this is quite rare. Generally, in this month of the year, temperatures range between 23oC and 29oC which increase to a range of 24oC-31oC for November and December. Humidity level rises to become high for the last three months of the year. Hence cotton, rayon and silk-weight dresses would best work in Accra for most times of the year.



Aburi Botanical Gardens


At an average, sunlight in January is available for around 7 hours. This timing increases to 8 hours for February only to reduce back to 7 hours from March till May. From June till August, sun shines for no more than 5 hours allowing for just a little time for comfortable explorations. However, since evening falls quickly at this time, the highly famed nightlife of Accra starts to glitter earlier and can be enjoyed to the fullest. In September, sunlight hours increase to 6 and continue to increase to become 7 in October and 8 in November and December. Downpours increase from January till June starting to measure at 15mm. For the months of February, March, April, May, and June, rainfalls can reach up to 33mm, 56mm, 81mm, 142mm and 178mm respectively. From July, a decreasing trend sets in which reduces the rainfalls to 46mm. in August, precipitation further lowers to 15mm only to increase up to 36mm in September and 64mm in October. Rainfalls then reduce considerably to 36mm in November and 23mm in December. In order to keep yourself comfortable, you must keep along umbrellas at all times for rainfall may occur at any instant. Rain lovers will see the best of Accra in the months of May and June.


Cocoloco Beach

Inevitably, the African sun shines over this city too, thus keeping a sun-block lotion is highly recommended. Mosquito mats and a rather detailed first aid box should also be a part of the packing. Accra’s beaches make the trip thus adding swimsuits and other beach gear to the suitcases would be a great thing to do. Land topography resulting in scenic landscaping, local customs and the uniqueness in ambiance and aura are some of the factors that make a place, worthy of explorations. No matter what season it is, cheap flights to Accra can compensate for ticket fares as the city has something to offer, the whole year.