Author: Dave Clarkson

What Exotik can offer

Kenya is situated right along the equator, on the eastern coast of the African continent. Its coastal region is on the southeast, and to the east lays Somalia. Ethiopia is to the north, the Sudan to the northwest, and Uganda directly to the west. The southwestern border of the country is marked by Lake Victoria, and southward lays Tanzania. Kenya’s geography is marvellously varied. While much of northeastern Kenya is a flat, bush-covered plain, the remainder of the country encompasses pristine beaches, scenic highlands and lake regions, the Great Rift Valley, and the magnifcent Mount Kenya.

Cities

Nairobi

Is the capital of Kenya. In addition to its urban center, the city also includes the Nairobi National Park, a large reserve inhabited by black rhinos, a threatened species, as well as giraffes, zebras and lions. Next door is a famous elephant orphanage, managed by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Nairobi is also often the starting point for safa.

Mombasa

Is a port city of southern Kenya on the Indian Ocean and the county seat of Mombasa County. Located 440 km southeast of the capital Nairobi, it is connected to it by the road A109, a railway line and daily air links.

The Masai Mara

National Reserve is a wild savannah area preserved in southwestern Kenya along the Tanzanian border. It is home to lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras and hippos. Wildebeest roam the plains during their annual migration. The landscape, consisting of grassy plains and hills, is crossed by the rivers Mara and Talek. The area surrounding the reserve is dotted with Maasai (enkang) villages.

Language

Kenya is a multilingual country. Its official languages are Swahili and English. There are a total of 62 languages spoken in Kenya, most being African Languages with a minority of Middle-Eastern and Asian languages spoken by descendants of settlers.

Electricity

The electricity in Kenya is 220/240 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Kenya with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. The plugs are 3-point square.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 254 Concerning national calls made in Kenya, it is not necessary to dial the 254 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 254 and finally the local phone number in Kenya.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Botswana is located in Southern Africa. It shares borders with Zambia to the north, Namibia to the north and northwest, Zimbabwe to the northeast and South Africa to the south and southeast. Therefore, Botswana is a landlocked country. Travelers looking for large space of deserts, savannas and marsh will be amazed by the beautiful scenery of the country, in addition to being charm by the hospitality of the villagers and fascinated by the extraordinary richness of it’s fauna and it’s artistic tradition.

Cities

Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana. It is located in southeastern Botswana, only 15 km from the South African border surrounded by the Kgale Valley and the Ooid Hills. This modern city offers many tourist and cultural attractions (museum, cathedrals, theater, night club, restaurant …). For nature lovers, the “Gaborone Game Reserve” located a few minutes from the city and “Mokolodi Nature Reserve” will allow you to discover a great diversity of animal species, zebras, antelopes, hippopotamuses or the famous white rhinoceros.

Francistown

It is located in the eastern part of Botswana, about 400 km northeast of the capital, Gaborone. Often referred to as the “Capital of the North”, it is a gateway to Zimbabwe or the Okavango regions. Nevertheless, Francistown is an authentic and modern city that has preserved its buildings of the time and offers us many cultural and historical sites.

Serowe

The city lies west of the capital Gaborone. It is one of the most important “Villages” of Botswana. Serowe is a multicultural city thanks to the cohabitation of different local ethnic groups, the majority of whom are called Bangwatos. This city is also a journey through the history of African royalty, still known today as the ancient land of kings. It is also the city where the most important fgures of Botswana’s contemporary history were born.

Kasane

City of the Okavango-Chobe region, the northeast corner of Botswana. Located on the south bank of the Chobe River, it faces the Caprivi Strip in Namibia to the north. Zimbabwe and Zambia are nearby. Kasane is a tourist hub, a starting point for Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls.

Language

The majority of the population speaks the national language that is twsana, also called Setswana. About thirty minority languages are spoken and divided into three groups: Bantu languages (the majority), Khoisanes languages and Germanic languages (Afrikaans and English). English has the status of an ofcial language.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 267 Concerning national calls made in Botswana, it is not necessary to dial the 267 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 267 and fnally the local phone number in Botswana.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Golden rays of light filter through the clouds suspended on sharp mountainous peaks, drawing an unreal and subtle ambience. Lush and high islands emerge from the Pacific Ocean, a land of history and legend, all as fascinating as unforgettable. Welcome to “The Land of Men,” the Marquesas Islands. The Marquesas are located 932 miles (1,500 km) northeast of Tahiti and spread out over 12 islands, of which only six are inhabited.

What Exotik can offer

Country of light, colors, culture and history, Morocco offers an unequaled diversity. Variety joins a warm welcome and an irreproachable hospitality. Whether you want it or not, you will be treated like kings. Rich and tasty, Moroccan gastronomy will introduce you to the multiple flavors of its regional specialties. You can enjoy delicious dishes such as lamb couscous, honey and almond pastries and the popular mint tea. Respect of cultural traditions Avoid provocative clothes, accept the mint tea (a gesture of hospitality), eat with your right hand, taste everything, but you do not feel obliged to finish everything, it is usually impossible! Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day while Ramadan month. Before photographing a person, do not forget to ask permission.

Cities

Rabat

Modern capital and historic city, Rabat has a considerable architectural heritage that includes many important monuments, such as the Kasbah of the Udayas and the minaret of the Hassan II Mosque. With its port, Rabat is also a commercial and industrial city where tourism and local crafts also play a major economic role.

Casablanca

Casablanca (also called ‘‘white city’’) is the largest city in Morocco. With over 4 million inhabitants, the city is the first business center, the first port and the first university pole of the country. Morocco’s third-largest tourist, Casablanca reflects its colonial past through part of its intact architecture. Lively city, it also knows a large number of artistic and economic events throughout the year. It’s good to live there thanks to its climate, the sea, its gardens, its tradition and modernity in constantly opposition.

Marrakech

Marrakesh is one of those destinations that make you dream. This everchanging city leaves no tourist indifferent. Open your eyes let yourself be carried by the colors, the smells, and the undeniable charm of Marrakesh, this enchanting and fascinating city! The vast Jemaa el-Fnaa square and its agitation (day and night) are worth the trip. We also get lost in the colorful and noisy souks, probably the richest and most fascinating in the country.

Language

Arabic and French but English is well-understood in larger cities.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code (exit code in Europe): 00 International dialing code: 212 If you are calling from any other European country, the international dialing code 212 is only required to call Morocco from abroad. So it will be: 00 212 and local phone number. Concerning national calls made in Morocco, it is not necessary to dial the 212 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 212 and finally the local phone number in Morocco.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

West Antarctica, or Lesser Antarctica, one of the two major regions of Antarctica, is the part of that continent that lies within the Western Hemisphere, and includes the Antarctic Peninsula. It is separated from East Antarctica by the Transantarctic Mountains and is covered by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. It lies between the Ross Sea (partly covered by the Ross Ice Shelf), and the Weddell Sea (largely covered by the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf). It may be considered a giant peninsula, stretching from the South Pole towards the tip of South America.

Mauritius, sparkling jewel in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, will fascinate you. The contrast of colors, cultures and flavors give a charm to this island and sets the scene for an unforgettable holiday. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy unparalleled luxury, a level of refinement far above other tropical destinations. Here, you will discover the true meaning of the word “beauty”, a statement that will bring you back to the shores of Mauritius, again and again. It takes its name from the Dutch prince Maurice van Nassau…

Cities

Pamplemousses

Pamplemousses is a district of northwestern Mauritius It includes the garden. Pamplemousses founded in the 18th century. This botanical garden is the most remarkable, recognized worldwide, it has an area of 37 hectares. It is considered a heavenly garden where you will discover a wide variety of species and scents from all over the world.

Port Louis

Port Louis is the capital of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its French colonial style architecture and 19th century Champs de Mars hippodrome. The seafront of Caudan is the place for restaurants and lively shopping. Nearby stalls offer local products and crafts in the huge central market. The Blue Penny Museum is dedicated to the colonial and maritime history of the island, as well as its culture.

Quatre Bornes

Quatres Bornes is one of the largest Mauritian cities located west of the main island, in the Hautes Plaines Wilhems, about ffteen kilometers south of Port Louis. It happens to be the nerve center of Mauritius, popular for its famous clothes fair. You will stroll through the aisles feeling thetypical Mauritian atmosphere, you will fnd a lot of choice (all types of clothing and a lot of very colorful fabrics) and do not forget that the negotiation is part of the game.

Language

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Electricity

The electricity is 230 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 230 Concerning national calls made in Mauritius, it is not necessary to dial the 230 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 230 and finally the local phone number in Mauritius.

Useful links