2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 43)

Located in northern Africa along the Atlantic Ocean, cosmopolitan Casablanca is Morocco's largest city filled with art galleries, fine restaurants, top shopping spots, a hopping nightlife, and striking architecture. SEE: One of the city's most notable attractions is the Hassan II Mosque, Morocco's largest mosque. It was completed in 1993 and commissioned by King Hassan II to give Casablanca a landmark monument. The mosque is open to all Muslims at daily prayer times and for special Friday services. However, non-Muslim visitors may enter while on a guided tour offered various times throughout the day. SAVOR: Experiencing a hammam in Casablanca is a must. Here, guests can do like the locals and get a scrub and a massage, then relax in the pools while taking in a truly traditional experience. SIGNATURE EVENT: Jazzablanca, celebrated between April and May, is a jazz festival that attracts top names in the genre, including local talent. The event takes place all over the city, with local hotels and bars transforming into pseudo jazz lounges for the month, although the best-known artists perform in the Casa-Anfa Hippodrome. STAY: The Sheraton Casablanca Hotel & Towers, located in the city-center, features 309 guestrooms, a steam room, an oriental hammam, a pool, six bars and restaurants, and the Caesars nightclub. CRUISE: The Port of Casablanca, Morocco's main port and the world's largest artificial port, welcomes major cruise lines, including Norwegian. October to April Nigeria is the largest English-speaking country in Africa GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Lagos from Atlanta ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; visa; vaccinations against yellow fever and cholera are recommended, as are anti-malaria medicines CURRENCY: Nigerian Naira LOCAL FOODS: Agidi Jollof, made from "bisquit bones"-soft, chewable bones known as okpukpu agidi-and stock, corn starch, and tomato stew, wrapped in a leaf known as the Uma leaf; nkwobi, made with well-cooked cow foot or cow head and a spicy palm oil paste; and roasted plantains, made either ripened or unripened BEST BUYS: African textiles; leather goods; pottery; raffia and wood-carvings INFORMATION PLEASE: africa.com/nigeria BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: July to September. The Majorelle Botanical Garden, Jardin Majorelle, in Marrakech, was bought by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Berge in 1980, saving it from becoming a hotel complex GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Casablanca connecting through Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; visa CURRENCY: Moroccan Dirham LOCAL FOODS: B'ssara, a rich soup of dried broad beans topped with olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin; harira, soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and lamb, and topped with a bit of lemon juice and chopped coriander BEST BUYS: Copper, silver, and bronze; woodwork; crockery; mosaics; and leather goods INFORMATION PLEASE: visitmorocco.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: Lagos Talk about hustle-and-bustle: Lagos has an up-and-coming arts and music scene, is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, and is the largest city in Nigeria and the African continent. It's made up of the mainland, Greater Lagos and the Islands, with major bridges joining the islands to the mainland. SEE: For true music aficionados, the Kalakuta Republic Museum is legendary musician Fela Kuti's former recording studio and commune, and revolutionary headquarters from the 1970s until his death in 1997. Now the home is a museum with everything still intact, including his newspaper clippings, album covers, paintings and photographs. SAVOR: Over at the Lekki Conservation Centre, located just a short day trip away from the city of Lagos, visitors can dig deep into the organization's conservation initiatives to protect the wildlife found in the southwest coastal area of Nigeria. In December 2015, the longest Canopy Walkway in Africa opened at the center, along with the Family Park featuring koi and tilapia ponds, a jungle gym, and outdoor games. Guests can also check out monkeys, crocodiles, and various bird species while visiting the center. SIGNATURE EVENT: The Lagos Carnival is said to be one of the most vibrant parties in Nigeria. At the carnival, which celebrates Africa's history, visitors can take in colorful costumes, music, dancing and lots of African culture. The Lagos Carnival usually takes place on the Monday of Easter weekend. STAY: The very modern and posh InterContinental Lagos is located on Victoria Island, overlooking the port and with panoramic views of the city's skyline. The property features a spa, various dining options, ranging from cosmopolitan to Nigerian treats, and 34 indulgent suites in addition to several guestroom category options. 43 NIGERIA FACTS MOROCCO FACTS Casablanca http://www.visitmorocco.com http://www.africa.com/nigeria

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