Zanzibar is an island where less is more. When the water is so turquoise that it looks photoshopped, or you just can’t wipe that smile off your face every time you share a ‘Jambo!’ with a local, then you know you are closer to understanding the meaning of life.

[Jambo = ‘Hello’ in Swahili, the language spoken on Zanzibar island]

Here are some important tips for traveling to Zanzibar:

1. You can get your visa at a Tanzanian consulate prior to arriving, or receive it at any of the following border points:

• Dar es Salaam International Airport
• Zanzibar International Airport
• Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA)
• Namanga Entry Point (Tanzania-Kenya boarder point)

You can find detailed visa information here. The visa fee depends on your nationality. 

Zanzibar | © 203Challenges.com

2. Consider the seasons before you plan your trip to Zanzibar:

• The dry season or ‘winter’ in Zanzibar is from June to October – the weather is sunny and dry, and the temperature hovers around 25ºC (77ºF)
• The peak rainy season (with long rain storms) – from March to May
• The lesser rainy season (with shorter rain storms) – from November to December or the beginning of January
• The short dry season or ‘summer’ in Zanzibar – January to March

3. What clothes to take to Zanzibar: Take light clothes, but remember to pack long sleeves and trousers/skirts. These are a good idea because Zanzibar is a Muslim state, and you should take care to dress modestly. Another option is to get a large shawl (or kanga as it’s called Zanzibar) to cover your shoulders or wrap around your waist.

4. Every hotel on the island offers more or less the same tours to the best attractions in Zanzibar. If you’re traveling in a group of more than three people (or if you can make friends with other people in your hotel), feel free to negotiate with your tour operator to get a cheaper price.

Zanzibar | © 203Challenges.com

5. Take the Safari Blue tour if you are into boats, snorkeling, swimming in lagoons, hugging huuuge baobabs, feasting on seafood on the beach or basking on a sand dune in the middle of the ocean. We haggled the price of this tour down to $60 per person, but later we heard that we could have got it for as little as 50$.

6. Visit the house where Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar City. Be warned though, that this is a place for true worshipers, as there is not much to see. The house has been turned into a hotel and there’s only a small sign and a few posters for decoration. After you’ve payed homage to the Queen vocalist, continue to the old part of Zanzibar’s capital, known as Stone Town. Sit down for a cup of coffee on a terrace with an ocean view and you’ll be rewarded with a memorable sunset.

Here’s the address of Freddie Mercury’s House in Zanzibar City:

7. The fish market in Zanzibar City is one of the main attractions on the island, but this is no place for the fainthearted. The stench is horrible and some of the sights are hard to swallow (we only recommend swallowing them after they’ve been cooked). If these lines make you cringe, you’d better head to the spice stalls and skip the fish area.

8. Speak with the locals. Those who work in the tourism industry speak English fluently and, more importantly, are very friendly and open-minded. It’s a good idea to take a few small souvenirs from your country and give them to locals you’ve befriended. This is something very few tourists do, and I can assure you it will bring a broad smile to the face of your new friends.

Zanzibar hammock life | © 203Challenges.com

9. What to eat in Zanzibar: Zanzibar is a foodie’s heaven, especially if you like fresh tropical fruit (mango, pineapple, coconuts, passion fruit, etc). Fish and seafood dishes grace menus everywhere and are always delicious, but you might struggle to find proper meals if you don’t eat fish. Local beers typically consist of drinkable lagers, while the wine is usually imported from South Africa and is suitably tasty. I can thoroughly recommend trying a cocktail made of Tanzanian vodka and fresh mango juice.

Zanzibar beers | © 203Challenges.com

10. A packing list for Zanzibar:

– water shoes

– antibacterial gel or wet wipes

– mosquito repellent (but double check if it’s specially formulated to ward off tropical mosquitoes)

– beach towels

– snorkeling mask and flippers

– sunscreen with the highest available factor

– sunglasses (according to research, this is one of the most common items for travelers to forget at home)

– enough money in cash, as ATMs are scarce on the island and, due to some sketchy technology, better avoided altogether

– yellow fever vaccine (although this is not obligatory for Zanzibar)

– malaria prevention medication (there are pills you can take in advance)

Fun fact:

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. Its name is composed of zengi (the name of the local people) and barr (meaning shore). Back in 1964, the states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form one country, Tanzania, whose name is a clipped compound of the two former states.

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Ok, because of some weird misunderstanding, you weren’t born with a silver spoon in your mouth. This, however, shouldn’t stop you from feeling like a ruler – regardless of whether you prefer the strict Norwegians or the more free-spirited residents of Tonga to be your subjects. When you head for a walk through your lands, don’t forget your crown and scepter so that people can recognize you easily.

Here are some of the legendary places you can visit around the world to feel like a royalty.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal | Pixabay

When you are in an exquisite ivory-white marble mausoleum, which looks more like a castle, you know that kings can love too. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal out of grief for his beloved Mumtaz, who died in childbirth. Today the place breaks all records in marriage proposals and the waiting time to take a photo. If you plan to visit Agra to see the mystic Taj Mahal, find some of the best luxurious hotels in Agra here.

The Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Pyramids | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

The Terracotta Army and the first Chinese emperor

Horses from the Teracotta Army | Photo credit: Jeff, PJ and Taiki/Flickr

The first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang wasn’t very democratic, he burnt thousands of books and buried people alive. However, he had the fixed idea, which came to him at the age of 13, of building a huge tomb. The emperor was afraid of death and throughout his whole life he would seek from sorcerers the secret of immortality. Obviously, he didn’t succeed, but his Mausoleum near Xian was found in 1974. Inside he is guarded by the famous terracotta army.

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If you have traveled to East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar) , there’s a good chance you’ve heard the catchy Jambo song, and an even greater possibility that you know the lyrics by heart… But do you know when and where it was created and what inspired the lyrics? Read on for the full story.

Jambo Bwana in brief

Year released: 1982 (but it was written two years earlier)

Singer: Them Mushrooms, a band from Kenya

Title translation: Jambo Bwana (“Hello, Mister”)

Song covers: The song has been covered by numerous local and international artists, including German pop band Boney-M.

How the song became popular

The song was created in 1979 when the band leader, Teddy Harrison, was performing in a hotel in Mombasa. At the time, the band was playing covers of European hits to entertain the tourists vacationing on the Kenyan coastline. One night, while taking a break between two songs, he heard tourists trying to learn to speak Swahili and practicing words like Jambo (“Hi”), Habari gani (“How are you?”), and Hakuna matata (“No problems”). That gave him the idea to write a song with simple phrases in Swahili, which would help visitors learn the language while dancing to the band’s music. Teddy explained the story in an interview with the BBC.

The song was such a huge success that the band had to play it 20 times per night, until eventually they were offered the opportunity to record it. It became widely popular in Kenya and Tanzania, reaching platinum status in just five years.

Today, “Jambo Bwana” is a song you will hear in hotels around Kenya and Tanzania, with “Kenya” often being substituted by the name of the country you are in.

Play the song and sing following the lyrics below:

Jambo Bwana lyrics and translation

Jambo – Hi

Jambo bwana – Hi sir!

Habari gani? – How are you?

Mzuri sana – Very fine

Wageni mwakaribishwa – Visitors are welcome

Kenya yetu – Our [country] Kenya

Hakuna matata – [There are] no worries

Kenya nchi nzuri – Kenya is a nice country

Nchi ya maajabu – A beautiful country

Nchi yenye amani – A peaceful country

Kenya yetu – Our [country] Kenya

Kenya wote – All Kenyans

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Europe

1. Lindt (Switzerland): Lindt, a Swiss chocolatier, is famous for its smooth and creamy chocolate. The Lindt Chocolate Factory in Kilchberg, near Zurich, offers guided tours where you can see the chocolate-making process and, of course, indulge in tastings.
2. Zotter Chocolate Factory (Austria): Located in Riegersburg, Austria, Zotter is known for its organic and fair-trade chocolates. The factory offers guided tours that take you through the chocolate-making process, and you can explore the vast chocolate varieties in their tasting area.
3. Neuhaus (Belgium): Neuhaus is one of Belgium’s oldest chocolate companies, known for inventing the praline. While Neuhaus doesn’t typically offer public tours of its factory, you can visit their stores throughout Belgium and indulge in their delicious chocolates.
4. Maison Cailler (Switzerland): Cailler is Switzerland’s oldest chocolate brand, and its factory, Maison Cailler, is located in Broc. The factory tour provides insights into the history of chocolate and offers tastings of Cailler’s renowned Swiss chocolate.
5. Ritter Sport (Germany): Ritter Sport, a German brand, is known for its square-shaped chocolate bars. While their main production facility is not open to the public, you can visit their colorful flagship store in Berlin to explore and taste their wide range of chocolate.
6. Moser Roth (Germany): Moser Roth is a German brand known for its high-quality chocolate. While they don’t have dedicated factory tours, their chocolates are available in supermarkets, and you can explore their various flavors.
7. Leonidas (Belgium): Leonidas is a Belgian chocolate company with a wide range of pralines. While they may not offer factory tours, you can find their stores throughout Belgium and other countries to sample their delicious chocolates.
8. Amadei (Italy): Amadei is an Italian chocolatier known for its high-quality chocolate. While they may not offer public tours, you can find their chocolates in select stores and indulge in their exquisite creations.

North America

1. Hershey’s Chocolate World (Pennsylvania, USA): Hershey’s is one of the most iconic chocolate brands in the world. Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania, offers a visitor center with various attractions, including a chocolate tour ride, chocolate tastings, and the opportunity to create your own chocolate bar.
2. Ghirardelli Square (California, USA): Ghirardelli, known for its high-quality chocolate and iconic squares, has a historic location in San Francisco, California. Ghirardelli Square features a chocolate and ice cream shop where you can indulge in their delicious treats.
3. Taza Chocolate (Massachusetts, USA): Taza Chocolate, located in Somerville, Massachusetts, specializes in stone-ground chocolate using traditional Mexican methods. They offer factory tours where you can see the chocolate-making process and enjoy tastings.
4. Theo Chocolate (Washington, USA): Based in Seattle, Washington, Theo Chocolate is known for its organic and fair-trade chocolates. Theo Chocolate Factory offers guided tours that provide insights into the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process.
5. Lake Champlain Chocolates (Vermont, USA): Lake Champlain Chocolates, based in Burlington, Vermont, is known for its high-quality chocolates. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their retail store for a selection of chocolates.
6. Mast Brothers Chocolate (New York, USA): Located in Brooklyn, New York, Mast Brothers Chocolate is known for its bean-to-bar approach. While they may not currently offer factory tours, you can explore their flagship store and café to sample their unique chocolate creations.
7. Rogers’ Chocolates (British Columbia, Canada): Rogers’ Chocolates is a historic Canadian chocolate company based in Victoria, British Columbia. While they may not have factory tours, you can visit their stores to enjoy a variety of chocolates.
8. Purdys Chocolatier (British Columbia, Canada): Purdys Chocolatier, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, is known for its premium chocolates. While they may not offer public tours, you can visit their stores across Canada to explore their selection.

Canada

1. Purdys Chocolatier: Based in Vancouver, Purdys is one of the oldest and most popular chocolate companies in Canada. They have retail stores across the country, offering a wide range of chocolates, truffles, and other sweet treats.
2. Rogers’ Chocolates: Established in 1885, Rogers’ Chocolates is a historic Canadian chocolate company based in Victoria, British Columbia. They have a variety of chocolates, including truffles, creams, and caramels.
3. Laura Secord: Laura Secord is a Canadian chocolatier with a long history, known for its quality chocolates and iconic ice cream. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their retail stores across Canada.
4. Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: With locations across Canada, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is known for its handmade chocolates, caramel apples, and other confections. They often have stores in tourist areas and shopping centers.
5. Soma Chocolatemaker: Based in Toronto, Soma Chocolatemaker is known for its artisanal approach to chocolate making. They source high-quality cacao beans and produce a range of chocolates, including bars, truffles, and drinking chocolate.
6. Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie: Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Chez Christophe is an award-winning chocolatier known for its exquisite chocolates and pastries. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their patisserie to enjoy their creations.
7. Chocolats Favoris: Originating in Quebec, Chocolats Favoris has expanded across Canada, offering a variety of chocolate-dipped treats, including ice cream cones, fruits, and more. They have boutiques where you can experience their chocolate offerings.

South America

1. Chocolatería República del Cacao (Ecuador): Ecuador is renowned for its high-quality cocoa, and República del Cacao is a prominent Ecuadorian chocolate brand. They have stores and experiences in Ecuador where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and indulge in tastings.
2. Pacari Chocolate (Ecuador): Another Ecuadorian gem, Pacari is an award-winning chocolate brand known for its organic and biodynamic practices. While they may not have a dedicated factory tour, you can find their chocolates in various locations and specialty shops.
3. Markets and Chocolatiers in Oaxaca (Mexico): Oaxaca, Mexico, is known for its rich culinary heritage, including chocolate. Visit local markets like Mercado Benito Juárez and chocolate shops such as Mayordomo to explore and taste traditional Mexican chocolates.
4. Cacao Sampaka (Argentina): Cacao Sampaka, originally from Spain, has a presence in Buenos Aires, Argentina. They offer a variety of chocolates, and you can visit their store to explore their creations.
5. Chocolatería Rausch (Colombia): Rausch is a Colombian chocolate brand with a focus on high-quality ingredients. While they may not offer public tours, you can find their chocolates in stores and experience their creations in Bogotá.
6. Casa Cacao (Peru): Located in Cusco, Peru, Casa Cacao is a chocolate-themed experience created by Jordi Roca, a renowned Spanish pastry chef. The space includes a chocolate factory, a chocolate shop, and a café where you can taste their creations.
7. Árbol de Cacao (Peru): In the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, Árbol de Cacao is a chocolate farm and eco-lodge. They offer tours that allow visitors to learn about the entire chocolate-making process, from harvesting cacao to making the final product.

Africa

1. Chocoloza (South Africa): Chocoloza, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is known for its handmade Belgian chocolates. While they may not offer factory tours, you can visit their shop to enjoy a variety of pralines, truffles, and other chocolate treats.
2. Madécasse (Madagascar): Madécasse is a chocolate brand that produces bean-to-bar chocolate in Madagascar. The company is committed to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices. While they may not have a physical visitor center, you can find their products in various locations.
3. Morin (Morocco): Morin is a Moroccan chocolate brand that produces bean-to-bar chocolate. While they may not offer formal tours, you can find their chocolates in specialty shops and explore the flavors of Moroccan chocolate.
4. Vanilla Food Company (Uganda): Vanilla Food Company, based in Kampala, Uganda, is known for producing high-quality chocolate and vanilla products. While they may not have formal tours, you can explore their range of chocolates in local shops and markets.
5. Cote d’Or (Ivory Coast): Cote d’Or is a popular Ivorian chocolate brand that produces a variety of chocolate products. While they may not offer tours, you can find their chocolates in local stores and supermarkets in Ivory Coast.
6. MIA (Made in Africa) (South Africa): MIA is a chocolate brand that sources its cocoa from across Africa, including Tanzania and Madagascar. While they may not have physical locations for visits, you can find their products in stores and online.
7. Pacari Chocolate (Ecuador, with African cocoa): While Pacari is originally from Ecuador, they source cocoa from various countries, including those in Africa. They are known for their organic and fair-trade chocolates. You can find Pacari chocolate in various locations globally.

Asia

1. Royce’ Chocolate (Japan): Royce’ is a well-known Japanese chocolate brand with a focus on high-quality chocolates, including their famous Nama Chocolate. They have stores across Japan, and you can visit to enjoy a variety of chocolate treats.
2. Patchi (Lebanon, with a presence in various Asian countries): Patchi is a luxury chocolate brand originally from Lebanon, with a significant presence in various Asian countries. They offer a wide range of chocolates and often have boutique stores where you can explore and purchase their creations.
3. La Maison du Chocolat (Japan): La Maison du Chocolat, a renowned French chocolate brand, has a presence in Japan with boutique stores. You can visit to experience their exquisite chocolates and confections.
4. Silk Cacao (Vietnam): Silk Cacao is a Vietnamese chocolate brand known for its bean-to-bar chocolates. While they may not offer formal tours, you can explore their range of chocolates in their stores and learn about their production processes.
5. Meltz Chocolate Cafe (South Korea): Meltz Chocolate Cafe is a South Korean chocolate brand that offers a variety of handmade chocolates. They have cafes where you can enjoy chocolate treats and beverages.
6. Zotter Chocolate (Japan): Zotter, an Austrian chocolate brand, has a presence in Japan, offering a variety of organic and fair-trade chocolates. While they may not have dedicated factory tours, you can explore their products in stores.
7. Demarquette Fine Chocolates (Singapore): Demarquette, a British chocolate brand, has a presence in Singapore. You can visit their store to explore their handmade chocolates and unique flavor combinations.
8. Minimal Chocolate (Taiwan): Minimal Chocolate is a Taiwanese brand that focuses on minimalist packaging and high-quality chocolate. While they may not offer formal tours, you can find their products in various locations.

Australia

1. Haigh’s Chocolates: Haigh’s is one of the oldest and most respected chocolate makers in Australia. With stores in various cities, including Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Haigh’s offers a range of high-quality chocolates. Some locations may offer tours or tasting sessions.
2. Lindt Chocolate Cafés: Lindt, the Swiss chocolatier, has a presence in Australia with Lindt Chocolate Cafés. These cafés offer a selection of Lindt chocolates, desserts, and hot chocolate. Lindt also has a factory outlet in Marsden Park, New South Wales.
3. Koko Black: Koko Black is an Australian chocolatier known for its premium chocolate creations. With locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and other cities, Koko Black provides a luxurious chocolate experience. Some locations may have chocolate appreciation sessions.
4. San Churro: While San Churro is best known for its Spanish churros, it also offers a variety of chocolate treats. With locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth, San Churro is a popular destination for chocolate lovers.
5. Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café: Guylian, the Belgian chocolate brand, has a presence in Australia with chocolate cafés. These cafés offer a selection of Guylian’s famous Belgian chocolates and desserts. You can find them in Sydney and other major cities.
6. Ernest Hillier Chocolates: Established in 1914, Ernest Hillier is one of the oldest chocolate manufacturers in Australia. While they may not offer public tours, you can find their chocolates in specialty stores and online.
7. The Margaret River Chocolate Company: With locations in Margaret River, Perth, and Swan Valley, this Western Australian chocolatier offers a range of chocolate products. Some locations may provide insights into the chocolate-making process.
8. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar: Max Brenner is an international chocolate chain with locations in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. They offer a chocolate-centric menu with desserts, hot chocolate, and unique chocolate creations.

Before you visit

Before planning a visit, it’s recommended to check with the specific chocolate brand or chocolatier for the most up-to-date information on store locations, tastings, and any potential tours they may offer. Keep in mind that while some brands may not have formal tours, their retail locations often provide delightful opportunities to sample and purchase their chocolates.

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USEFUL INFORMATION AND TRAVEL TIPS FOR THE SEYCHELLES

1. The Seychelles is a visa-free country. All foreign visitors are entitled to free entry to the Seychelles. All you need to do to get through passport control is fill in a form and bring a printed hotel reservation and a pre-booked departure ticket.

2. The international airport at Mahe island is located approximately 10 km (6 mi) from Victoria, the capital. Many hotels will organize a shuttle for you. Otherwise, you can take a taxi.

3. Almost everybody speaks three languages: French, English and Creole (the three official languages of the Seychelles). The country was under the rule of France and Great Britain for a long time and, thanks to that, you’ll have no language barrier to contend with. 

4. You can pay in dollars, euro or the local rupee. Euros are preferred at most places, but if you pay in rupees you’ll get better rates. All major global credit and debit cards are safe and easy to use at ATMs.

5. Vacationers stay at hotels, but there are many people who swap their home cities for the Seychelles for a whole season. An apartment with an ocean view in Victoria costs around $1000 per month – enough to make you swap your rented apartment at home for one on the island, so you can wait out the winter in paradise.  

The Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

6. You have to drive on the left side of the road – consider this if you plan to rent a car.

7. Taxis cost between $3 and $5 per km, but feel free to haggle. 

8. There are public buses that circulate the island. We used them during our stay (with small backpacks only), but we read in online forums that tourists are not allowed on these buses with huge suitcases. You get a ticket from the driver (payable in rupees only and costing ~$0.30-0.40). These old and rickety vehicles are used mainly by the locals and pass regularly. The drivers, however, all seem to be retired Formula 1 champions and tourists often get off dizzy (we did). If you have a stomach of steel, the public buses are a great way to navigate the island for little money. Bus schedules are available here and in all hotels.

The Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

9. The northern part of the island is where you will find the best selection of hotels and entertainment and where famous people are often spotted. 

10. One of the reasons so many people love the Seychelles is that the country always has beach weather – the temperature hovers between 24 and 32° C (75 and 89°F) all year round. The humidity is very high and if you accidentally leave the balcony door of your hotel room open, you will find all your clothes soaked. From November to January, the rain is heavy and regular, while May–September is known for being particularly windy.

11. There’s nothing poisonous or dangerous on the islands, which makes it even better than Eden (where they had a sly snake to spoil the party). The only thing to beware of are giant coconuts falling from the palms like cannonballs onto the heads of cocktail-sipping tourists.

SEYCHELLES ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES NOT TO MISS

See the unique Coco de mer fruit

Coco de mer, the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

This ancient tree (they say it’s been around since the time of dinosaurs) is a symbol of the Seychelles because it grows on only two of its islands: Praslin and Curieuse. The fruit of the male and female Coco de mer (or sea coconut) trees provoke many giggles because they look like the respective human genitals. If you want to take one of these fruits with you, you should obtain a special permit; those who try to smuggle the coconuts out of the Seychelles face imprisonment.

Beaches in the Seychelles

Most hotels have private beaches and swimming pools, but the Seychelles has much more than this. Take a bus or rent a car and stop almost anywhere on the main road circulating the island of Mahe to reach wild beaches with no people (or just a few locals drinking ciders). The water is Photoshop-like blue-green and perfectly clear for snorkeling. Don’t forget your water shoes, because sea urchins lurk in every piece of coral and seaweed.

Talk to the locals

The locals are friendly and talkative, many of them having amazing stories to share. Just a small example is the 25-year-old Ethiopian-born member of staff we met at our hotel, whose name was Gorbachev (yes, like the Soviet leader Gorbachev). He told us the amusing story of the Soviet leader and the American President Reagan visiting the hospital where he and his twin sister were born. His mother was so impressed that she named her children after the prominent guests.

The Botanical Garden in Victoria, Mahe

Feeding turtles in Victoria, the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

Even if you are not a big garden lover, this destination is worth visiting, if only because of the turtles living here. The Botanical Garden in Victoria is best enjoyed with a leisurely walk among palms, orchids and Coco de mer trees. Your entry ticket costs ~$15 with an additional $3 if you want to feed the turtles (the zookeepers will give you special leaves, which the turtles love).

Food in the Seychelles

Most eateries serve fish and seafood cooked either in Creole style – with lots of spices – or in Italian style. A dinner for two at a restaurant will cost you between $40 and $100, while a burger with French fries from a street caravan for two will cost $20-$30.

The market in Victoria

The market in Victoria, Mahe, the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

The market in Victoria is among the major attractions on Mahe island. Here you can satiate your senses with exotic smells, sights, colors and tastes. Most of the vendors sell vegetables, fish, fruit and ginger.

La Plaine St Andre – where Takamaka rum is distilled 

Rum-tasting in the Seychelles | © Bojidar Bonchev/www.203challenges.com

You will see the name of Takamaka rum all over the island, and besides sipping cocktails prepared with it, you can also visit the mansion where it is produced – La Plaine St Andre, located only 7 km (4 mi) from the airport. You can easily reach it by bus, as there’s a bus stop right in front of the distillery. Join a guided tour (twice a day, at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm, $15 per person including a rum-tasting session at the end) to see how the former spice mansion was turned into a rum distillery. You will be even be able to put sugarcane into the machine to create a sweet, fresh juice.

And don’t forget to look up at the sky

If you live in the northern hemisphere, don’t forget to look up at the night sky – it’s so different from the constellations you see at home.

Author: Bojidar Bonchev 

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Here are our favorite picks of local wisdom:

Pura vida in Costa Rica

Pura vida simply translated in English is “pure life”, but the phrase actually has a far deeper meaning. Costa Ricans use it to say hello, to say bye or as an answer to the question “How are you?”. Pura vida is in fact a way of life, where you accept that no matter how difficult, your life is not that bad at all.

>>> Read more about Pura vida.

Dolce far niente in Italy

Dolce far niente literally means “sweet doing nothing” and the Italians, especially in the southern part of the country, know how to turn idleness into a happy occupation. This philosophy of life contains a number of important prohibitions, such as no haste, no taking problems to heart and no paying attention to the surrounding nuisance.

>>> Read more about Dolce far niente.

Hakuna matata in Africa

Thanks to the animated film “The Lion King” everybody knows a bit of Swahili. Hakuna matata means “no problem”, “no worries”. The phrase is used mainly in Kenya and Zanzibar and is mentioned in the famous “Jambo Bwana” song.

Tri Hita Karana in Bali

If harmony means happiness, then this philosophy of life from Bali will help you achieve it. In English, Tri Hita Karana means “three reasons for well-being” – being in harmony with people, in harmony with God and in harmony with nature.

Aylyak in Bulgaria

Aylyak is an untranslatable Bulgarian word which can be roughly translated as “the art of doing everything at a relaxed pace without worrying about anything”. The Aylyak lifestyle is mainly typical for the residents of the city of Plovdiv famous for taking long, leisurely walks back and forth along their main pedestrian street.

>>> Read more about aylyak.

Fernweh in Germany

English doesn’t have an antonym of “nostalgia” but in German it’s Fernweh. It means a strong desire for traveling, dreaming of far and unknown lands and new experiences. So give in to your Fernweh and hit the road.

Friluftsliv in Norway

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. True to this principle, the Norwegians are fans of Friluftsliv or life in “free” air (“open-air living”). The northern country’s inhabitants appreciate the benefits of spending time in the open for health and well-being, regardless of weather conditions. Whether it is running, cycling or just going out to the park nearby to take some photos – the important thing is to breathe fresh air.

Wabi-Sabi in Japan

Salvador Dali once said “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”. This is exactly what the Japanese idea Wabi-Sabi tries to convey. In English it means “accept imperfection” and applies to the individual body and character, friends and life in general.

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#1 Dress for the heat

Although Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, you don’t have to dress too conservatively (unless you visit mosques, where you are required to cover your head, shoulders and knees). You can pack shorts, but you’re often better wearing light, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect you from the merciless sun, especially if you go on a desert tour.

Camels in front of the Giza Pyramids | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

#2 Be careful with the local money

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. In tourist areas most places also accept euros and dollars, but keep in mind that the exchange rate won’t be very good and you’ll have to bargain twice as hard. It’s almost impossible to exchange Egyptian pounds back to foreign currency at the end of your trip, so think twice before exchanging big amounts. For a one-week trip we didn’t use a single Egyptian pound and paid in dollars everywhere, and we didn’t have any problems.

#3 Haggle everywhere, even at pharmacies

Haggling is ubiquitous in Egypt, and it’s obligatory if you don’t want to pay double the actual price. The fiercest hagglers are the souvenir salesmen and bottled water vendors at the main tourist attractions like the Giza Pyramids or Luxor. Feel free to negotiate down to less than half the initial price there. You can even haggle at pharmacies, unless you see a “Fixed prices” sign.

Visitors in front of the Giza Pyramids | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

#4 Drink a lot of water

This is kind of self-explanatory, but it’s worth a mention as in many parts of Egypt the temperature can rise above 40 degrees Celsius, while the humidity can be as low as 20%.

#5 Don’t drink tap water

Don’t do it. Ever. Unless you want to spend the rest of your trip squatting over the toilet.

#6 Take care with what you eat

While the food in 4- and 5-star hotels in Egypt – as well as on Nile cruises – is safe and fresh, eating street food is a far riskier proposition. The moment you see bread resting on the dirty pavement next to a main boulevard, you’ll understand what we mean.

Food at a bedouine camp, Egypt | © Marina Garbeva/ 203challenges

#7 Check your visa requirements

Citizens of most countries can get a visa on arrival, which costs $USD25 (single entry, valid for 30 days) or $USD35 (multi-entry).

#8 Don’t take shells, bits of coral etc.

Taking any piece of coral out of Egypt is illegal. Even if you find it dead on the beach, don’t be tempted to smuggle it in your suitcase, because airport security has special software that can detect pieces of coral by their shape.

#9 Beware of camel scams

Some of the camel-drivers by the Giza Pyramids and other attractions may claim that mounting the camel won’t cost you a cent. Unfortunately, getting down will. If you do climb onto a camel’s back, it will probably rush away deep into the desert, and you’ll have to pay a lot of money to go back.

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Don’t forget to read our interview with Maskarm Haile here.

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Cape Town is one of the most picturesque, fascinating cities I’ve ever been to. It has wonderful weather, trendy cafes and restaurants, interesting bookstores, vibrant art galleries, and friendly people. Cape Town is also a great hub for travelers to embark on day trips to famous South African wineries along the Cape Wine Route: Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for twenty-seven years, and Cape Agulhas, where the cold Atlantic Ocean and warm Indian Ocean meet.

Cape Town also has one of my favorite beaches – Boulder Beach, where I braved a swim in the cold Atlantic Ocean just because of the southern penguins. Of course, there is also the famous Table Mountain, which can be ascended either by taking a comfortable cable car or for the more adventurous, by hiking up it. Brian and I took our time to explore and enjoy once again the incredible natural beauty of Cape Town and its surroundings.

Before heading to the border of Namibia, we decided to stop at the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point of the African continent. The stop at the Cape Point marked the official start of my Cape to Cairo journey. It was the last time I would absorb the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and ocean from the top of a mountain, and walk around the lighthouse. We took the famous cable train, “Flying Dutchman Funicular,” leisurely taking in the natural beauty.

But even that gorgeous day didn’t pass without a glitch. As we came down, we stopped at the souvenir shop to buy some cookies (my idea) to celebrate the official start of my Cape to

Cairo journey. But the excitement was very short-lived. As the wind was getting strong, Brian, being the gentleman he always is, decided to bring the car closer so I wouldn’t have to walk. I was left alone with the new bag of cookies I had just opened and my windbreaker I was trying to put on. Suddenly, I felt as if someone was looking at me. Unnerved, I slowly turned to look around. As I did so, my eyes locked with those of a fullgrown male baboon. Terrified, I continued to look around and noticed that he was not alone: there were others starting to circle me. I tried to cover the cookies with my windbreaker, but before I knew it, the big baboon had darted toward me, knowing I had something in my hand. Suddenly, the cookies and my windbreaker dropped from my hand, and he was briefly distracted. Instead of coming for me, he ran to the cookies before his friends could get to them. As I stood relieved, trying to catch my breath, I noticed a tourist with a big camera taking my picture. He was obviously more intent on getting a good photo than he was in coming to my assistance. When did taking pictures become more important than saving someone’s life, I wondered?

It was a beautiful, sunny, blue-sky day, and I was ready to leave South Africa. Our travels in South Africa had been enjoyable. For the most part, it was a place we revisited and reminisced about while we created new memories. We had met new people, visited some amazing places, and filled the car with everything we could imagine we might need for our long journey, including stocking our first-aid box.

We were both genuinely excited. The journey was starting to feel real. I said to myself that it would feel even more real when we crossed the first border, which wasn’t too far away at that point. This is it, I thought, there is no going back!

I whispered my gratitude to the universe for everything, including the car, since it was allowing us to see places that would have been difficult to get to by hitchhiking. I was also incredibly grateful that the car afforded me the little alone time I needed after my Ethiopia trip.

The further north we drove, the more the vegetation changed. We entered the warm, dry region, a territory we had never before explored, and we had no idea what to expect.

After driving for about two hours, our car suddenly stopped without warning. Luckily there was no traffic, and Brian managed to park the car at the side of the road. We didn’t think there could be anything seriously wrong with it. We had entered the town of Springbok and thought the car had overheated because of the long drive. We used all the water we had in the car to cool it off and waited for a while, hoping it would start. It didn’t.

Deep inside, I felt a little guilty, wondering if I had somehow jinxed the car and caused it to break down by not initially wanting it. We were in the middle of nowhere; we could see only a few farmhouses in the distance, and nothing else. We tried to call the company who sold the car to us, but there was no answer. It seemed that Friday afternoon wasn’t a good time to have a breakdown at the side of the road. There was nothing much that could be done until Monday.

We managed to “push-drive” the car to one of the farmhouses. Our knock/honk was answered by a bright young Afrikaans boy who seemed shocked to see two strangers standing outside his gate. Not only that, but the strangers were a black-and-white couple, something he probably didn’t see very often.

We introduced ourselves and explained how our car had stopped in the middle of the road. The curious young man, who must have been around fifteen years old, had no idea what we were saying, but he was quick to open the gate and to help push the car inside the compound where he lived. He later told us his name was Adonis. When his old grandfather came out and found us in the compound, he didn’t share the same enthusiasm his young grandson had. He offered us water to drink—we had poured all our bottles of water on the car, hoping it would cool the vehicle and it would start.

The young man brought out his tools and started checking the car, looking very confident and seeming to know what he was doing. In the meantime, we called the AA (Automobile Association of South Africa) and asked them to send a tow truck to make sure we would be able to reach town before the garage closed for the weekend.

Our new friend, Adonis, almost banged his head on the hood of the car as he announced with one word, “Dead!” And then signaled to Brian, showing him that the engine was dead.

Of course, we didn’t believe him, or was it that some part of me felt he was right, but didn’t want to accept it? Language was a barrier, but we showed Adonis a map of Canada where we came from and, using a map of Africa, showed him where we were heading. He was clearly sad for us, confirming and reconfirming there was no way the car was getting us anywhere.

All photos courtesy of Maskarm Haile. 

The post Abyssinian Nomad – an excerpt from the book by Maskarm Haile appeared first on 203Challenges.

In 2008, one of her biggest dreams came true when she backpacked from Cape Town to Cairo using public transport, hitchhiking, and couchsurfing for nine months. This adventure is described in her book, Abyssinian Nomad, which inspired us to contact Maski and ask her to tell us about her incredible story. 

>>> Read an excerpt from Maski’s book here. 

– Who is Maskarm and what are her dreams?

Maskarm Haile is a dreamer, a travel junkie, a seeker, a lover of world cultures, people, food, self-discovery, and captivating stories. My dream is to always travel the world to learn and give back along the way.

– As an African traveler in Africa, how is your perspective different?

There have been a few travel books written on Cape to Cairo by non-Africans. And so far only one travel log by South African writer Sihle Khumalo, but none by an African woman traveler. My experience as an African and a woman was totally different from the books and most of the time it was considered wrong and unacceptable.

– What was one thing you didn’t expect to happen during your trip – but it did?

I thought since I’m Ethiopian and spoke Amharic traveling in Ethiopia would be a lot easier, but I was proven wrong. The customs agents thought I was a spy, the only thing that saved me was my tampon that they thought was my spy device.

– Many people dream of crossing Africa overland. What’s your most important piece of advice for them?

If you have a dream to cross Africa, I say you do it. But that dream has to be yours because traveling in Africa tests your faith in your dream. Africa will demand your integrity, by confronting your belief system, physical and emotional strength on a daily basis – sometimes every minute – but reward you with overwhelming untouched natural beauty, wildlife, mountains, vibrant and alive culture, and generous people. But not only that – it also transforms your life.

– What’s your next challenge?

At this point in my life, I’m also trying to check off some of the things I have on my bucket list. One of them is the Trans-Siberian Railway. I hope to learn more about the countries I’ll be crossing (Russia, Mongolia and China) while I make local friends.

– Share something inspiring with everyone reading this!

Trust your dream, nurture it, listen to it – when it whispers, it will become your guiding star.

All photos courtesy of Maskarm Haile.

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