Gorilla and baby in Virunga National Park

Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

…gorillas in Virunga, which is the oldest national park in Africa. On top of that, Virunga always closes the park if they sense the visitors will be in any kind of danger. Taking all of that into account, I believe you’d likely be more safe in Virunga than in many other national parks around the world. I was overjoyed when I learned my two rangers for my trip were women! I’d read a fascinating National Geographic piece about the first…

The Cost of Travel in Rwanda (2023): A Detailed Budget Breakdown

…strides. In fact, Rwanda is now one of the safest countries in the world for travellers. When I first landed in Kigali, it was hard to imagine a genocide had ever taken place in this fantastic city. I was smitten from my first day onwards: with the colours, nature, energy, locals, and even the cleanliness. Did you know that Kigali is Africa’s cleanest city? And not only that, Rwanda has officially banned the use of single-use plastic bags — they…

Two Weeks in Morocco: My 2024 Itinerary

…solo adventure overseas. But if you do have some travel experience under your belt, there’s so much beauty waiting to be discovered. Today, Morocco remains one of the most accessible parts of Africa, divided only by the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe — in fact, it takes less than hour to reach Tangier by boat from Spain. While aspects of its French colonial past are visible throughout the major destinations, the nation is thoroughly Islamic in character. Its vibrant, chaotic…

riding a camel in the sahara

Why You Must Take a Tour of Morocco’s Sahara Desert

…Before you get worried about having to deal with an inordinate amount of time inside a minivan, I want to reassure you that there’s actually tons to do on your journey out to the dunes. We were making stops all the time to take photos of beautiful viewpoints and explore interesting places. The first place you’re going to experience is the excellently-named Tizi n’Tichka, which is the highest mountain pass in all of North Africa. It’s regularly described online as…

The Cost of Travel in Egypt: My 2023 Budget Breakdown

After spending five months travelling in Egypt, stopping for about two of those in Cairo, I got a real sense of how varied, unpredictable, and totally chaotic the country is. The messiness that characterizes every aspect of Egypt, from its streets riddled with cars, donkeys, and people (who never walk on the sidewalk!), to its complex cultural norms that seem to often contradict one another, but are followed rigorously by most, came to be what I loved about it.  Despite…

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

Sometimes I travel to a new country and spend the entire time thinking about the articles I’m going to write. In Mauritius, it was all about the budget breakdown. Writing about trip expenses is kind of my thing. I love breaking down the stereotypes that people hold about travel (that it’s only for the wealthy) and proving it’s more accessible than you think. So when I was driving across Mauritius — a country that’s typically believed to be a luxury…

Top Things to Do in Brussels

…Royal Museum for Central Africa The Royal Museum of Central Africa showcases King Leopold II’s collections from the imperial conquests in the Congo.  It features a vast collection of 250,000 objects, including sculpture, masks, paintings, and zoological specimens. There is also an extensive collection of items from the famous central African explorations of Stanley and Livingstone.  The museum has been renovated to provide a more contemporary vision of Africa.  Admission is 12 euro. Prominent Landmarks Mannekin Pis This tiny statue…

28 Incredible Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

Backed by the Sahara Desert and the towering Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a city paused in time. A feast for the senses, prepare for an atmosphere unlike any other. Within the red city walls is Marrakech’s famous medina. Here you’ll find a rush of sounds, floating aromas and vibrant colors where snake charmers hover and traditional riads provide a quiet escape. As you explore, you’ll discover the city which flourished under two imperial dynasties, creating enchanting architecture that has stood…

Zanzibar red colobus monkey

A Ridiculous Introduction to Travel in Tanzania

When the offer landed in my inbox, I pounced on it within seconds. London to Dar es Salaam to Kigali and back for a mere $450. I’d recently set myself a challenge to focus on visiting more African countries so this felt like the perfect opportunity to do so. I could spend a week in Tanzania followed by a week in Rwanda, dipping my toes into both countries to receive a small taste of what they offered. I could even…

The Cost of Travel in Tunisia: A 2023 Budget Breakdown

Tunisia is a pretty cheap country to visit. A less visited part of the North African coast, its tourism industry isn’t quite as developed as Egypt or Morocco, which makes it an excellent place to go if you’re somebody who likes to take the road less traveled. There’s so much to love about Tunisia, starting with Tunis, the country’s capital, which contains an estimated 700,000 people. Easily the most bustling place in the nation, the city is a fascinating mix…

How to Spend One Week in Mauritius: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

I can’t stop talking about Mauritius. Visiting this island was a revelation. This was one of the most exciting countries I’ve been to in years. I’ve been full-on singing its praises on a daily basis. Here, you’ve got everything: stunning beaches, volcanic craters to hike up, exceptional food, kind locals, low prices, and a safe environment. What more could a traveller ask for? As an added bonus, taking a road trip is the perfect way to see Mauritius. This island…