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Tuesday, October 8, 2024
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Florida's Captiva Island Inviting and Refreshing
Vacation in Florida

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Sanibel and Captiva Islands: Florida

These islands may be right off the coast of Florida, but a trip here can make you feel like you're worlds away. The Sanibel and Captiva islands boast 15 miles of beautiful white sand beaches and zero stoplights, making this destination truly feel like an oasis. Plus, with 50 different types of fish that call these local waters home, this area is no doubt a snorkeler's paradise.

Canals of Mars
How it May show Significance of life in the Red Planet

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Since at least the end of the 19th century, Mars has been considered the most hospitable place in the solar system beyond Earth both for indigenous life and for human exploration and habitation. At that time, speculation was rife that the so-called canals of Mars—complex systems of long, straight surface lines that very few astronomers had claimed to see in telescopic observations—were the creations of intelligent beings. Seasonal changes in the planet’s appearance, attributed to the spread and retreat of vegetation, added further to the purported evidence for biological activity. Although the canals later proved to be illusory and the seasonal changes geologic rather than biological, scientific and public interest in the possibility of Martian life and in exploration of the planet has not faded.

During the past century Mars has taken on a special place in popular culture. It has served as inspiration for generations of fiction writers from H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughs in the heyday of the Martian canals to Ray Bradbury in the 1950s and Kim Stanley Robinson in the ’90s. Mars has also been a central theme in radio, television, and film, perhaps the most notorious case being Orson Welles’s radio-play production of H.G. Wells’s novel War of the Worlds, which convinced thousands of unwitting listeners on the evening of October 30, 1938, that beings from Mars were invading Earth. The planet’s mystique and many real mysteries remain a stimulus to both scientific inquiry and human imagination to this day.

Attractions in Lagos
Unmissable Attractions in Lagos

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Unmissable Attractions in Lagos

The longest bridge in Nigeria: Third Mainland Bridge |© Zouzou Wizman / Wikimedia
The longest bridge in Nigeria: Third Mainland Bridge |© Zouzou Wizman / Wikimedia
Photo of Cynthia Okoroafor
28 August 2017

Lagos: megacity, commercial nerve, touristic attraction, and land of opportunities. Naturally, a city such as it should only provide its residents and visitors with endless choices of sights, sounds, and activities, and it does indeed. Below are 20 of Lagos’ attractions that you certainly do not want to miss out on when you’re in town.

Tafawa Balewa Square

This is a ceremonial ground with a prestigious history and significant monuments (including memorials to victims of the world wars). With a 50,000 sitting capacity, Tafawa Balewa Square—popularly known as TBS or Race Course—hosts some of the biggest concerts and events in the city.

Located in Lagos Island.

Teslim Balogun Stadium

This FIFA rated stadium faces the National Stadium and has some of the best sporting facilities in the country. It witnesses numerous top-billed sporting festivals and events, particularly local and international football matches.


Located in Surulere.

Third Mainland Bridge

Third Mainland Bridge is the longest bridge in Nigeria and the second longest in Africa. It is flanked on both sides by the Lagos Lagoon and records the highest amount of traffic in the state on weekdays.

The longest bridge in Nigeria; Third Mainland Bridge / Zouzou Wizman / Wikimedia https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Third_Mainland_Bridge.jpg

Location: Oworonshoki – Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.

Nigerian National Museum

The Nigerian National Museum is a good place to see ancient distinguished Nigerian archaeological and ethnographic artworks.

Artwork from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria / Yanajin33/ https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/National_Museum_of_Ethnology%2C_Osaka_-_Human_figure_covered_with_beads_-_Yor%C3%B9b%C3%A1_people_in_Nigeria_-_Collected_in_1999.jpg

Located at Onikan in Lagos Island.

Lekki Conservation Centre

A popularly acclaimed urban nature park rich in landscape, greenery, and wildlife, it is excellent for recreational activities.

Located along Lekki-Epe Expressway and Okun Ibeju Village, Lekki Peninsula.

Wildlife at the conservation, Lekki. / Dotun55 / Wikimedia https://www.flickr.com/photos/dotun55/17310562091

New Afrikan Shrine

The New Afrikan Shrine (or simply Shrine) offers you an alternative and infectious music scene within a colorful and vibrant environment.

Afrobeat Dancers at the New Afrika Shrine / Emmanuel Ogabi / https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/O3A2053-2.jpg

Located at Agidingbi, Ikeja.

Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens

As one of the most beautiful gardens in the entire country, visit Jhalobia for your landscaping options, or to simply enjoy the provisions of its fantastic surroundings.

A sky view of the gardens | © Moazlee / Wikimedia

Located on Murtala Muhammed Airport road in Ikeja.

Freedom Park

Lagos’ proud culture and heritage preservation site, and a favored location for the exhibition and expression of the creative arts.

Visitors at Freedom Par, Lagos. / Emebiriodu Ugochukwu / Wikimedia https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Freedom_Park_Lagos.jpg

Located on Hospital Road in Lagos Island.

National Arts Theatre

It’s almost impossible to miss this unique landmark, due to its 31-meter height and architectural design. The National Arts Theatre is profoundly symbolic to performing arts in Nigeria.

National Arts Theatre, Lagos. / Crashdburnd / Wikimedia https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/2009_National_Arts_Theatre_Lagos_Nigeria_6350723082.jpg

Located at Iganmu, Surulere.

La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort

La Campagne’s exquisite environment captures and reflects the beauty and grandeur of Nigerian and African designs, cultures, and traditions. You can take it all in while enjoying your view of the Atlantic.

A chalet at La Campagne Tropicana. / Cynthia Okoroafor

Located at Ikegun in Ibeju-Lekki.

Hi Impact Planet

This amusement park lives up to its name. Its recreational facility offers fun and excitement all year round! However, its actual situation is on the outskirts of Lagos, within Ogun State territory.

The "Dream Machine" at the amusement park. / Wikimedia https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Dream_Machine.png

Located along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Silverbird Galleria

The first of a chain of entertainment centers within and beyond Nigeria, Silverbird Galleria’s magnificent structure stands as Lagos’ monumental figure for all things movies.

The Galleria. / Kaizenify / Wikimedia https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2d/Silverbird_Galleria.jpg

Located on Ahmadu Bello Way in Victoria Island.

Inagbe Grand Resorts and Leisure

An island of sun, fun, and the beach. Visitors holidaying at Inagbe resort are provided with a tasteful and sophisticated environment for relaxation and excitement.


Located at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Iga Idunganran (The Oba’s Palace)

Iga idunganran is where the Oba (Lagos’ monarch) resides. The palace was built in the 15th century and features ancient tombs and shrines. It also plays host to traditional festivities and tourists.

"Iga Idunganran", the Oba's palace, Lagos. / Yeniajayiii / https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Iga_iduganran.jpg

Located on Lagos Island.

Tinubu Square

This popular landmark features fountains, flowers, trees, and a life-sized statue of a historical figure—Madam Efunroye Tinubu.

Tinubu Square. / Jeremy Weater / Wikimedia https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5e/2014_Tinubu_Square_Lagos_Nigeria_14640600637.jpg

Located on Broad Street in Lagos Island.

Kalakuta Republic Museum

Another solidification of Fela’s iconic status, the Kalakuta Republic Museum was once a family house of the Ransome-Kuti’s. Now, the one-story structure is where to go to get a look and feel of the legend’s former belongings, both professional and personal.


Located on Gbemisola Street in Ikeja.

Eko Hotels and Suites

A visit to Lagos is incomplete if you don’t stop by at the impressive Eko Hotels and Suites. In addition to its excellent hospitality, Eko hosts the biggest, trendiest, and most exclusive events within its grand buildings.


Located in Victoria Island.

Nike Art Gallery

Nike Art Gallery is the biggest of its kind in West Africa, with four floors and an exceptional collection of artworks from different parts of the continent.


Located in Victoria Island.

Civic Centre

The first thing that strikes you about this multi-purpose events facility is its urban architectural design. The next thing is how only the most sophisticated events seem to take place there.

Located on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island.

Kamp Ikare

Yet another captivating getaway that Lagos city has to offer, the quiet town and coastline of Ikare is perfect for those who don’t need to get loud to have the time of their lives.


Located at Ikare.

10 Most Beautiful and Interesting Places to Visit in Kenya
kenya

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10 Most Beautiful and Interesting Places to Visit in Kenya

10 Most Beautiful and Interesting Places to Visit in Kenya

1. Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya

At 5,199m/17,057ft high, the largest mountain in Kenya is also the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. The stratovolcano was created around three million years ago when the East African Rift (part of the Great Rift Valley) opened up. Today its lower slopes are covered in forests of bamboo and African rosewood trees and the mountain runoff provides water for over two million people. With its rugged snowy peaks and glaciers along the upper slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Travelers hoping to summit can either hike to Point Lenana, one of the three peaks, taking the world’s highest via ferrata route, or climb to the highest point, Batian Peak, though this requires experience of technical climbing.

2. Ol Pejeta

Lioness at Ol Pejeta. Photo by Ariadne van Zandbergen

A Big Five conservancy in the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is known for its conservation initiatives. It was where the last male northern white rhino, Sudan, died in 2018; the last females of the sub-species still live at Ol Pejeta, protected around the clock. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is in the Laikipia conservancy, too, providing a home for chimps rescued from the black market. One of the most interesting places to visit in Kenya, Ol Pejeta is a great destination to learn about the relationship between people and wildlife and the challenges faced in the conservation industry. Come for the day or enjoy a longer stay for lion tracking, bush walks and night drives.

3. Lake Nakuru

Lake Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park is home to a vast number of bird species, most notably huge flocks of flamingos – they have been known to number in their millions, though the lake has seen a decrease in the last few years. Lake Nakuru is one of the Rift Valley lakes, and the birds are attracted to the high levels of algae in the water. Pelicans, cormorants, the African fish eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, the Goliath heron and hammerkops are also seen around the lake. In addition, you can spot black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, lions and cheetahs throughout the national park.

4. Lamu Town

Lamu town

Kenya is not only noted for its safari reserves and savannah, but also its Indian Ocean coastline. The Lamu archipelago is amongst the most interesting places to visit in Kenya as an area brimming with history. Lamu town was founded around 1370 as a Swahili port that has since been inhabited by Europeans, Indians and Persians. As such, it’s a melting pot of multicultural influences. There are 23 mosques, a 19th-century fort and traditional dhow boats bobbing offshore. Then of course there are the surrounding peaceful and unspoilt beaches. The perfect place to unwind after a Kenyan safari tour.


5. Samburu

Samburu National Park

In northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is considered one of the best safari destinations in the country. This region is also home to the Samburu people, distinctive tribespeople famed for their many strands of brightly colored beaded jewelry. Within the reserve you’ll find elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, plus over 450 species of birds. You might also spot rare sub-species such as the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and East African oryx, as well as the gerenuk (long-necked antelope) and packs of wild dogs.

6. Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve

How can we not mention the Masai Mara National Reserve? It’s one of the most famous safari destinations on the continent, but you can escape the crowds by heading to a private concession on the edge of the park. Aside from not being accessible to the general public, concessions have the advantage of allowing activities not permitted in national parks: bush walks and night drives, for example. The Masai Mara is one of the best places in Africa for big cat sightings: lions, leopards and cheetahs are all easy to spot. Then of course, there’s the big-ticket draw: the year-round migration that sees nearly two million wildebeest, plus half a million antelopes and thousands of zebras, following the rains around Tanzania and Kenya. The most anticipated part of this journey is the dramatic Mara River crossings that occur between July and September as the animals enter Kenya.

7. Amboseli

Amboseli National Park

For iconic views, look no further than Amboseli National Park, close to the Tanzanian border and east of the Mara. With the mighty, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain, rising up across the border, the dramatic scenery is partly why it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Another reason is its healthy elephant population, many with giant tusks. Then there are the park’s lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, buffalos, giraffes, pelicans, martial eagles, blue-cheeked bee-eaters – and much more.

8. Diani Beach

Diani Beach

Easily amongst the most picturesque shores in Africa, Diani Beach is about 30km/20mi south of Mombasa and a short flight from Nairobi. Its white sands are lapped by the brilliant Indian Ocean and backed by verdant forests, into which you can take nature walks when you tire of sunbathing or kite-surfing. Head out for a snorkeling tour, swim with whale sharks, enjoy a sunset dhow cruise – or simply kick back in a hammock with a good book.

9. Chyulu Hills

Chyulu Hills National Park

In southeastern Kenya, Chyulu Hills is a mountain range that extends for 1,000km/620mi, peaking at 2,188m/7,178ft above sea level. They’re some of the world’s youngest volcanic mountains, at just 500 years old, and also where you can find the Leviathan Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes. In the scenic Chyulu Hills National Park, you might spot black rhinos, elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, bushpigs and steenbok, amongst other wildlife. Aside from wildlife-viewing safari drives, you can head out hiking, rock climbing and horse riding. The lush hills and big skies make this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya.

10. The Aberdares

Aberdare National Park

In the cool highlands along the Great Rift Valley, Aberdare National Park is one of the most interesting places to visit in Kenya. Not only is it a lush mountainous region of valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests, it is also home to extremely rare animals such as the black serval, the black leopard and the eastern bongo, the country’s most elusive antelope. This is the place Elizabeth II heard of her father’s death, making her Queen of England; Treetops Hotel, where she was staying at the time, has since become a popular place for travelers to visit.

Inspired? Book a trip to Kenya on SafariBookings.com. Find out more about places to visit, when to go to Kenya, what to see and our pick of the best tours in Kenya.

Mount - Kenya
A country of great diversity, both physically and culturally, Kenya is one of Africa’s most popular destinations for very good reason. With blissful Indian Ocean beaches, craggy mountains, lush forests and wildlife-rich savannahs, there are endless beautiful places to visit in Kenya.

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At 5,199m/17,057ft high, the largest mountain in Kenya is also the second highest in Africa after Kilimanjaro across the border in Tanzania. The stratovolcano was created around three million years ago when the East African Rift (part of the Great Rift Valley) opened up. Today its lower slopes are covered in forests of bamboo and African rosewood trees and the mountain runoff provides water for over two million people. With its rugged snowy peaks and glaciers along the upper slopes, Mount Kenya is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kenya. Travelers hoping to summit can either hike to Point Lenana, one of the three peaks, taking the world’s highest via ferrata route, or climb to the highest point, Batian Peak, though this requires experience of technical climbing.

Best Places to Visit in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls

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Zimbabwe is a curious beast. Ravaged by wars and civil strife, it had a particularly tumultuous exit from the age of European colonialism in Africa. And while there are still lingering human rights complaints and authoritarian tendencies in the government here, the general consensus is that those dangers are slowly but surely subsiding. That means Zimbabwe is once again entering the safari fold, and beginning to re-magnetize intrepid travelers with the promise of its inselberg-studded backcountry, its teak forests and cypress-spattered hills; with its rugged Eastern Highlands where curious monkeys huddle against the cold breezes and its deep caves and underground riverways.

Of course, there are some mainstream attractions, not least of all the roaring wonder of Victoria Falls, and the up-and-coming metropolis of Harare – certainly one to watch! So, if you’re feeling adventurous and ready to throw caution to the wind, it’s worth considering this lost jewel of the African south for sure.


Zimbabwe is a curious beast. Ravaged by wars and civil strife, it had a particularly tumultuous exit from the age of European colonialism in Africa. And while there are still lingering human rights complaints and authoritarian tendencies in the government here, the general consensus is that those dangers are slowly but surely subsiding. That means Zimbabwe is once again entering the safari fold, and beginning to re-magnetize intrepid travelers with the promise of its inselberg-studded backcountry, its teak forests and cypress-spattered hills; with its rugged Eastern Highlands where curious monkeys huddle against the cold breezes and its deep caves and underground riverways.

Of course, there are some mainstream attractions, not least of all the roaring wonder of Victoria Falls, and the up-and-coming metropolis of Harare – certainly one to watch! So, if you’re feeling adventurous and ready to throw caution to the wind, it’s worth considering this lost jewel of the African south for sure

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Philippines
Coron, Philippines Natural Feature

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Palawan, Coron Island, Kayangan Lake, elevated view from one of the limestone cliffs | © Michele Falzone / Alamy Stock Photo

Also within the gorgeous province of Palawan is the municipality of Coron. With crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling, powdery white sandy beaches and innumerable picture-perfect landscapes, Coron is a beach bum’s dream. As in El Nido, travellers can charter a small boat or join organized tour groups for day trips around the many islands and lagoons here. One stop that should not be missed is the breathtaking Kayangan Lake, dubbed the cleanest in the country and surrounded by stunning karst walls; truly a sight to behold, both above and below the water.

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