2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 42)

GHANA KENYA Accra FACTS BEST TIME TO GO: October to April; for safari trips, January to March The left hand is rarely used and considered an anathema in some activities; avoid receiving or giving, gesticulating in speech, waving at a person, or pointing things out with the left hand GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Accra from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; visa and proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants CURRENCY: Ghana Cedi LOCAL FOODS: Chichinga, a common street food, is a skewered shish-kebab made with your choice of meat and a peanut-spice rub called tankora or a peanut powder extract called kuli-kuli; "strawberry fool," made with strawberries, cream, and wine BEST BUYS: Carvings; masks; beaded jewelry; leather; pottery; and weave-work INFORMATION PLEASE: ghana.travel FUN FACT: Nairobi Accra is Ghana's largest city and its capital, spanning across the Ghanaian Atlantic coast and extending north into the country's interior. It's a major metropolitan area with an architecture that reflects both its history and contemporary vibe, with a lively nightlife and a bustling culinary scene. SEE: Built by the Danes in the late-1600s, Osu Castle, originally called Christiansborg Castle, is now the seat of government. Yes, it's off limits to the public, but visitors can view it from Independence Square facing east along the coast towards La Pleasure Beach. Another great architectural landmark to check out is the Jamestown Lighthouse, where visitors can climb to the top for a view of the city and fishing harbor. SAVOR: The National Museum provides visitors with an excellent way to "savor" the local culture. The museum exhibits local crafts and ceremonial objects that depict Ghanaian culture and history. SIGNATURE EVENT: The quite boisterous Homowo Festival takes place yearly in August (on Aug. 30 this year) before the rainy season to celebrate the planting of crops. Celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana, the festival is held in remembrance of the famine that took place in pre-colonial Ghana. One of the highlights of the festival is the Kpanlogo dance. STAY: Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City opened in 2015 as the first property for the brand in Ghana. This property is the largest in Accra with 269 guestrooms, including 22 Luxury Suites and two Presidential Suites. The hotel features four restaurants and bars, the Resense Spa with 10 treatments rooms, a beauty salon, a health club, a pool and a tennis court. CRUISE: Via the port of Tema, Accra is a gateway for cruises heading north toward Spain, including those on Silversea. Famous for its Nairobi National Park, the world's only game reserve within a major city with views of the city's skyscrapers, Nairobi is one of the most prominent cities in Africa, both politically and financially. The city is filled with cultural charm, culinary delights and a vibrant nightlife. SEE: The Nairobi Animal Orphanage, located inside the main gate to Nairobi National Park, houses formerly wild animals that have been saved by park rangers. The orphanage protects animals that would have died in the wild by rehabilitating them, and serves as an education center for both locals and visitors. A perk is the chance to interact with wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, leopards, monkeys, baboons and buffalo. SAVOR: Take in traditional dances and songs from the country's various tribal groups at Bomas of Kenya. This cultural center features performances such as Arabic-influenced taarab music, Kalenjin warrior dances, and Embu drumming. SIGNATURE EVENT: The 10-day Kenya Music Festival, which was established over 80 years ago and takes place in August, showcases African music, as well as Western and local musicians. STAY: The Tribe Hotel, Nairobi, a Design Hotels member, features 137 guestrooms and suites that resemble urban lofts with a Kenyan vibe. On site guests can find the Jiko restaurant, a library, and a garden-embraced pool, and the property is adjacent to a shopping complex. 42 FACTS For safaris, the best time to go is January to March FUN FACT: Kenya has the richest pre-historic fossil heritage, dating back over 100 million years to the dinosaur age GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Nairobi connecting through Amsterdam ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; visa and yellow fever vaccination suggested CURRENCY: Kenyan Shilling LOCAL FOODS: Roasted maize, grilled corn seasoned with salt, chili, and lime served in the corn's husk; irio, made of mashed-up potatoes, peas, beans, corn, and onion; nyama choma, grilled meat that's usually goat or sheep BEST BUYS: Maasai blankets; carved figurines; and artwork INFORMATION PLEASE: magicalkenya.com BEST TIME TO GO: http://www.magicalkenya.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide