-
Surreal Nairobi – between safari and concrete
It’s hard to believe that the land now occupied by Kenya’s capital was once covered in swamps. The Maasai called this place Enkare Nyrobi, meaning “cool waters.” This is where the name of the metropolis comes from. Nairobi’s development began at the end of the 19th century, when the area’s potential as a trade center was recognized. As the city grew, the Maasai, who grazed cattle here, were displaced. Today, Nairobi is called the “Silicon Savannah” due to its flourishing tech industry. It is also known as the “Green City in the Sun,” and for good reason. The city boasts numerous parks and green spaces. Nevertheless, it is a city…
-
Ouarzazate – Morocco’s Cardboard Hollywood
The Ouarzazate region has been luring filmmakers for years. This is where classics like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and The Mummy were brought to life. Most tourists begin and end their sightseeing at the famous Atlas Studios. Sure, it’s worth a visit, but limiting yourself to that alone is like watching only the trailer of a good movie. The real adventure with Moroccan cinematography begins in the middle of nowhere. The film world has pretty much forgotten these places. Picture this: massive palaces, fortified castles, and ancient temples built solely for a few scenes, then just… abandoned. No recycling, no dismantling, no packing things into containers. These sets are left…
-
Fez – the city of a million mosques, donkeys and pigeon poo
Fez isn’t a city — it’s a medieval time machine with a full-immersion option in Arab culture. Founded in the late 8th century, it’s considered the oldest and best-preserved Islamic city in the world. But don’t expect some boring open-air museum — this is 100% Arab city life, complete with chaos, colour and noise in generous supply. For centuries, Fez was Morocco’s capital and the beating heart of religion, learning and culture. It’s also where the world’s oldest still-operating university — Al-Karawiyyin — has been running uninterrupted since the 9th century. Though today it’s Morocco’s fourth-largest city, Fez has stubbornly held onto its medieval soul. The adventure begins at Bab…
-
Morocco – clay fortresses, the Eye of Sauron, roses and mountain crossings
If you think Morocco is just Marrakesh, camels, and mint tea, well… you’re probably right. But once you stray a bit from the main routes and, instead of a travel agency brochure, pick up a map with hand-marked “odd” spots, you’ll encounter things that will completely change your perception of this country. Amridil Kasbah – a Fortress from a Banknote and a Film Set Amridil Kasbah is located on the road from the Dades Gorge to Ouarzazate. It’s another place on the map of Morocco where time stands still. A kasbah is a protected palace, citadel, or fortification, usually made of clay bricks. Kasbahs were built along trade routes, providing…
-
Atlas Studios – Styrofoam Hollywood in Morocco
Visiting Atlas Studios in the Moroccan town of Ouarzazate is like ticking off Egypt, Rome and a bit of Somalia within an hour. Are you into cinema? Forget Hollywood – real movie magic happens in Morocco, between the High Atlas Mountains and the sands of the Sahara. In fact, the stories of both places kicked off around the same time. While Hollywood was still just a sleepy residential district at the end of the 19th century, Louis Lumière was already filming his first movie Le Chevrier Marocain (The Moroccan Goatherd) here in Morocco. But it wasn’t until 1983 that businessman Mohamed Belghmi opened an official film studio – and thus…
-
Banjul – the capital that barely exists
Banjul is the capital of The Gambia, though to be fair, it looks more like a sleepy provincial town than the beating heart of a country. Not only is it not the largest city in the nation, but with a population of just 40,000, it ranks eighth in terms of size. No surprise then that it’s one of the smallest capitals in the world. The city is relatively young – it was founded by the British in 1816 as a military outpost to guard the mouth of the Gambia River and enforce the ban on the slave trade. Back then it was called Bathurst, named after the colonial secretary, Lord…
-
Monkey Grove and Urbex Adventures in a Sanatorium and Monastery –Fes surroundings
A monkey grove and urbex in a sanatorium and monastery – these three places are located not far from the famous city of Fez. Just a short trip outside the city and you’ll find scenery straight out of a B-movie horror movie, a nature documentary, or… a banana commercial. If you have a penchant for abandoned, strange, and slightly eerie places, and you’re not afraid of meeting a poker-faced monkey, then you absolutely must see these three unique places. Abandoned Tuberculosis Sanatorium – Ben Smim A hidden gem for any urban exploration aficionado, this old TB sanatorium sits deep in the forest near the village of Ben Smim. The road…
-
Bandia Reserve – Senegal’s Safari Experience
Bandia Reserve lies just 65 km from Senegal’s capital, Dakar. Established in 1990, Bandia was the country’s very first private nature reserve. The area is fenced, but within its 3,500 hectares, animals roam as if the fence didn’t exist. Add to that a scenic backdrop of giant baobab trees, palms and scrub, and you’ve got yourself the perfect setting for your next wildlife photoshoot. What about the Big Five? Well… the lions and elephants have the day off. Bandia doesn’t offer the full African “Big Five” experience, but it makes up for it with sheer diversity. Here, you can spot giraffes, white rhinos, impala gazelles, buffalo, hyenas and crocodiles. The…
-
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is one of those Moroccan cities that’s well worth a visit. Instead of the usual maze of narrow alleyways and a chaotic medina, here you’ll find a neat grid of streets, whitewashed houses with blue shutters, and a fresh breeze straight off the Atlantic. While it may not be as famous as Marrakesh or Fez, Essaouira has its own story, its own vibe, and more than a few solid reasons to swing by. The city’s history goes all the way back to Roman times, when traders dealt in a precious dye known as Tyrian purple (which I wrote about here). It was extracted from a particular species of sea…
