When headed to the youngest country in the world, I was a bit concerned on where to stay. South Sudan unfortunately has had a period of instability which brings up safety issues. Through my search for a suitable place to stay, I found Juba Grand Hotel. With a central location and good reviews, I looked … Continue reading Experience: Juba Grand Hotel, South Sudan
With my limited knowledge on Sudan, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of accommodation in the capital city of Khartoum. I found there was a Corinthia Hotel which surprised me. The luxurious Corinthia brand is based out of Malta and I did a feature for them during my visit then. Could the Corinthia … Continue reading Experience: Corinthia Hotel Khartoum
Eritrea has managed to escape me on several trips. On my first trip to the area during the Horn of Africa tour, I planned to visit Eritrea after passing through Sudan. I applied in Djibouti, where the Embassy explained that they weren’t even getting replies from their own country. I wanted to try again in … Continue reading Onward to Eritrea
Time to tackle country 189, Iraq. Though this sounds daunting, Iraq has a little secret called Kurdistan. Like Somaliland in Somolia, Kurdistan is a self governed state within a state. Internationally it is recognized as a part of Iraq but for all intents and purposes it is a separate country. As much as I’d like … Continue reading Peaceful Iraq Egypt Revisited
My last 10 countries have been taking a bit more time than I had planned to visit. Finally I should have a chance to explore South Sudan and Sudan, country 187 and 188! In preparation I needed to get visas. My visa for South Sudan was a simple mail-in application to the Washington D.C. Embassy. … Continue reading Sudans Tour
A review of Laico Ledger Plaza Bangui from the trip Wandering West Africa. Highlights Impressive 5 star hotel in challenging location. Safe and secure compound. Outdoor pool and lounging area. Several facilities coveniently onsite. Background When thinking of Bangui, Central African Republic, a luxury hotel may be the last thing to come to mind, but … Continue reading Experience: Laico Ledger Plaza Bangui
A review of Omali Lodge in Sao Tome from the trip Wandering West Africa. Highlights Well crafted concept and experience. Showpiece pool area. Popular fine dining restaurant. Attentive and friendly service. Background Set steps away from the beach with a tropical forest backdrop is a boutique resort with 30 rooms. Omali Lodge offers a private … Continue reading Experience: Omali Lodge, Sao Tome
A review of Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo from the trip Wandering West Africa. Highlights Incredible river and city views. Swanky interiors and design. Great location near diplomatic areas. Fine dining restaurants and bar selection. Background Right in the center of the city is the landmark hotel with 237 rooms … Continue reading Experience: Kempinski Hotel Fleuve Congo, Kinshasa
A review of Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace Hotel in Brazzaville, Congo from the trip Wandering West Africa. Highlights Modern and new international hotel. Luxurious rooms with high speed internet. Central location with great views over the river. Professional and personalized service. Background Set on the banks of the river separating Congo from the DRC is … Continue reading Experience: Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace Hotel, Brazzaville
A review of Hotel Franco in Yaounde, Cameroon from the trip Wandering West Africa. Highlights Great location and views. Pool and outdoor terrace. Comfortable rooms. Friendly and personable service. Background In the quiet business and government district is the high-rise Hotel Franco. With a central location, near the train station and a forty minute free … Continue reading Experience: Hotel Franco, Yaounde, Cameroon