Visiting Morocco

Kasbah Taourirt, Ouarzazate
Originally uploaded by Zaphgod (was Ugo Cei)

Buses from Marrakech to Ouarzazate

The best buses from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate are run by CTM, the state-run bus company. You can buy your bus ticket at the ticket counter near the train station.

Buses leave Marrakech for Ouarzazate several times a day, including a morning bus at 7:20am and a late morning bus at 11:15am. Buses from Ouarzazate to Marrakech return at the same regular intervals, although not the same times.

The total bus time from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate is 4-6 hours. Buses stop half way for a snack and restroom break.

The cost of a one-way bus ticket from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate is 70 DHS.

See the Marrakech Bus Guide for more information and tips on bus travel in Morocco.

Visiting Tanzania and Zanzibar

African Tulip Tree
Originally uploaded by thepluginguy

African Tulip Hotel
Address: 44 / 1 Serengeti Road, Arusha, Tanzania
Phone: +255-27-2543004 /5

The African Tulip Hotel in Arusha is a new luxury boutique hotel. Situated in a garden setting and featuring a swimming pool, a lounge and a quality restaurant, the African Tulip Hotel is a great place to stay if you are traveling through Arusha.

Each of the 29 guest rooms and suites is decorated with unique African art and decor, making the African Tulip Hotel an authentic Tanzanian experience while providing the luxuries and amenities of a world-class hotel. Rooms at the African Tulip are provided with mini bars, hair dryers, Wi-Fi, phones, safes, TV's, and ensuite bathrooms.

The Baobab Restaurant at the African Tulip Hotel offers both Tanzanian and international cuisine, and the chef prepares all the food with fresh, organic ingredients. After eating, you can relax in the Zanzibar Lounge, which is decorated in traditional Zanzibari style.

Photos of the African Tulip Hotel can be found on Flickr.

Visiting Kenya

mosquito net
Originally uploaded by Kalense Kid

Malaria Risk Zone in Kenya

There is malaria risk in all of Kenya at altitudes below 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). There is no malaria risk in Nairobi, but there is malaria risk in the Masai Mara and other game reserves in Kenya.

Malaria Pills for Kenya

In order to protect yourself against malaria while you are visiting Kenya, you should visit a travel clinic before you travel to get antimalarial pills (often called 'malaria pills') and any vaccinations you need. Do not buy malaria pills in Kenya, as they are not always reliable or safe.

The most common type of malaria pill is Malarone, but others are available as well. Do not take chloroquine as an antimalarial in Kenya, as it is not effective in preventing malaria there.

Other Ways to Prevent Malaria in Kenya

Malaria is carried by mosquitoes that come out at night. In order to protect yourself against mosquito bites, make sure to wear plenty of insect repellent when traveling in Kenya.

Wear light-colored long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and closed-toed shoes with socks at night if you will be outdoors or in a building that has mosquitoes inside.

Pack a mosquito net to hang over your bed if you are staying in a hostel that has mosquitoes in the rooms. Most high-end hotels in Kenya will have mosquito nets over the beds.