When you think of Africa several things come to mind; the pyramids, the Nile, lions and tigers, the Sahara, and the list goes on. Among the top of the list are the spectacular Victoria Falls that straddle the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Stretching  1,708 metres (which is almost 2 kilometers), and dropping nearly 108 meters, Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall on the planet thanks to the volume of water running down it. Tourists flock from all across the world to see the grandeur of this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Some enjoy looking at it directly from afar, while others look at it from above in a helicopter. Some prefer getting a little closer to it though, and peer over its edge from Devil’s Pools. For those brave enough, some even go white-water rafting nearby or go bungee jumping into the Zambezi.

Victoria Falls is also known by its Kololo name ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, which means ‘the smoke that thunders’, which is an appropriate description considering the loud roar of the water. The best time to view the falls is from December to March which is when the highest volume of water will be flowing down it thanks to it being the rainy season. Sightseeing can be tricky at this time though, because due to the amount of water a column of spray can block your view.   If you are looking to explore the area a little more, get some better pictures and do some of the extreme activities, you may want to wait until the water has slowed down a bit. This way you will get that perfect shot, and the dangers of the roaring water won’t be as high. This period runs between June and August.

Regardless of when you decide to visit Victoria Falls, you will still have an experience  you won’t soon forget. It’s a sensory overload for sure, but a good one. From the loudness of it all, to the heat and moisture in the air, Victoria Falls is a natural adventure that everyone can enjoy.

Ethiopia is a country that can attract many different kinds of people. For those seeking myths and legends, they will find many to whet their appetite with. For those seeking culture, culinary treats and connections to a different society, they will find those as well. Some however come for the mesmerizing landscape and wildlife, and that too they will find. One such area they will more than likely be visiting to find it, is the Simien Mountains in Northern Ethiopia.

The Simien Mountains are home to primeval forests, misty peaks, foreign plants and exotic creatures. After taking one step in them, you will feel that you’ve entered a paradise coming straight from the land of dreams.

The Simien Mountain massif were created over 40 million years ago by violent volcanic eruptions, and over the last thousand years the jagged pinnacles, deep ravines and volcanic plugs have been shaped by erosion. With altitudes peeking above 4500 meters above sea level, it’s a landscape you won’t soon forget. The range is called the ‘roof of Africa’, and once you see it you will know why. It is Ethiopia’s highest peak. If you have the energy, are in shape and have the know-how, you can even climb to the peek. You will definitely want to check out the incredible views from the observation points at Gidir Got and lmet Gogo in the heart of the Park though, because from there you will get to see the entire landscape in a way no other places can offer.

During your trek throughout the escarpments, meadows and lowlands, you will see plants called giant lobelias which grow to 3m in height, steep cliffs, plunging waterfalls and rocky turrets. There are poker plants and cactus, and groves of aloe vera. The vibrantly coloured plants will brighten up your life, including the yellow canola flowers and feathery green tef. It’s not just the plant life that will catch your attention either, but the wildlife as well.

As you travel throughout the Simien Mountains you will spot vultures, ravens, baboons, wolves and ibex. You will also get to see the silver-maned geladas, which can only be found in the Simiens. These acrobatic monkeys are joyful in nature and a pleasure to watch. You can even get close to them, within a few meters, if you are lucky. If you spot the Ethiopian wolf, or the Simien fox though, you can count yourself lucky, since they are extremely rare to see. Sightings of the rare Klipspringer and bushbuck are also possible.

If you decide to go for a trip to the Simien Mountains, you may want to check it out at the end of the rainy season in October, when the land is green and wildflowers are blooming. If you prefer to wait until the dry season though, when it is ideal for hiking, it’s from December to March.

The Simien Mountains are a dream come true. Don’t just take our word for it though, see it for yourself. Once you do, you will quickly see why it’s considered paradise on Earth.

The ancient city of Petra is Jordan’s most celebrated destination. Situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, the city was once an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia.

The thing you will notice right away, is that Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock of the mountain. It was built this way so that it could be defended if enemies decided to attack. The city is only reachable by the narrowest of ravines, which allowed Petra to be able to defend itself and prevent the enemy from having an all out assault.

Petra is not only a Unesco World Heritage site, but also one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. The buildings are carved into the red sandstone of the area, and you will find tombs and temples, monuments, dams and public buildings. Inside you will also find an elaborate series of tunnels leading from one structure to the next, but most of them are off limits to visitors. The architecture itself is a fusion of Hellenistic and traditional Nabataean, that range from prehistoric times to medieval periods. The most famous and photographed of the structures is a tomb called the Treasury, which was used in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. There are many others though, begging for your camera to capture them for your memories of your visit.

Only approximately one-quarter of Petra is uncovered, and in many places the street level is higher than the second level floor of the structures. New buildings are being discovered all the time too, with efforts being made to preserve them.

The main appeal about visiting a historic site such as Petra is the mystery behind them. While we know a lot about the people who lived there, we don’t know everything, and there is a lot yet to learn. There is also a lot of information that we could have wrong, and will have to correct in the future.

Cana Creative Travel and Tours can help you easily combine a visit to Petra with a trip to the Holy Land. Contact us today at 416-249-0972 or fg@canacreativetravel.com to find out more.

If you head to Tanzania on the east coast of Africa you are bound to see an island chain approximately 25-50 kilometers off the coast in the Indian Ocean. This archipelago consists of many small islands and two large ones, with the main island named Unguja, otherwise known as Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is what many people dream of when they think of the term paradise. From white-sand beaches to swaying palm-trees and refreshing blue water, the island is perfect for the traveller looking to get away from everything for awhile. That being said, Zanzibar is more than just a beautiful spot to rest your weary head, it’s an island that begs for repeat visits thanks to its long history and enchanting culture.

Zanzibar was once an important trading centre of the Indian Ocean region, known for its fresh produce, including what many have called the sweetest pineapple in the world. It was also famous for its spices, hence earning the island the nickname ‘Spice Island’. Traders would come from mainland Africa, India and the Arab Peninsula, bringing with them not only products for trade, but traditions and cultures that remain part of the region today. The island is more than just sandy beaches and delicious food however, it’s also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Town.

The magic of the historic Stone Town is well known worldwide, and it is said to be the only active ancient town in East Africa. As such it is the cultural heart of Zanzibar. Visiting Stone Town is like taking a step back into the past, with little having changed in the last 200 years. You’ll find walled streets, winding alleys, busy mosques and grand Arab, Swahili and Indian inspired structures. You’ll find your days exploring the city will be lost wandering the streets and exploring the area, and enjoying the seafood feasts many of the restaurants offer. The night market is not to be missing either, especially if you are looking for some traditional local fare. As you explore the city, you will find yourself getting amazing views of the buildings around you, and the bright sea nearby.

If you prefer more of a quiet vacation, you will find it in Zanzibar as well, from small fishing villages to quiet shores. Travelers may also choose to visit Pemba Island, which is the other large island in the Zanzibar archipelago. While more of a small scale farming island, Pemba also features lush landscapes and coral reefs that draw in tourists looking to scuba dive and relax.

Cana Creative Travel & Tours offers several different options for visiting Zanzibar and Tanzania. In many cases you can combine a safari getaway in Tanzania with a beach/cultural trip to Zanzibar. Check out a couple of our offerings with Tanzania Safari and Cultural Zanzibar. You won’t regret it. Contact us today at 416-249-0972 or fg@canacreativetravel.com to find out more.

From castles, to a giant airplane, cartoon critters and a butterfly garden, The Dubai Miracle Garden is a feast for your eyes. The magnificent garden has over 65 million flowers from 120 varieties and 250 million plants spread over 72,000 square metres. It’s a one of a kind garden that has attracted tourists from across the globe.

The Dubai Miracle Garden is located in the district of Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and was launched on Valentine’s Day in 2013. It quickly took over the Guinness World Record as the world’s largest vertical garden, and has since earned two more accolades. The Airbus A380 floral structure in the garden is the world’s biggest floral structure anywhere, and the 59 foot Mickey Mouse is the tallest topiary supported sculpture. The latter weighs an incredible 35 tonnes. The Dubai Butterfly Garden, which is part of the Miracle Garden is also on it’s way to claiming the record as the largest Butterfly Garden in the world, with over 15,000 butterflies from 26 species living there.

If you plan on exploring the colourful Dubai Miracle Garden, you will need to plan your trip. After all the facility is only open from October to April, because the high temperatures during the rest of the year is not a good time to view flowers. If you are heading to Dubai during those months it is open though, you will want to make your way there.

From deserts, to parks, large cities, historical landmarks and forests, a trip to Africa can consist of many different types of things. Each country holds its own surprises and memories waiting to happen. The landlocked country of Malawi is just one of the countries you can chose to explore, and if you do you will want to check out the Liwonde National Park.

While Liwonde is only 220 sq miles (580 sq km), many consider it to be the country’s most popular game park, in part due to it being one of the top birding locations in all of Southern Africa. The park itself is very scenic, with beautiful riverine surroundings that bring in a large variety of wildlife. As you explore the Shire River, surrounding lagoons and floodplains, you will spot elephants, hippo and crocodile along with a wide variety of bird life, including Lillian’s lovebird, brown breasted barbet, osprey, palmnut vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, fish eagles and Livingstone’s flycatcher. You will also have a chance to see Lions and cheetah, as both were recently reintroduced into the park in 2015. If you are lucky, you may also spot kudu, sable, bushbuck, leopards, hyaena and black rhino.

When you’ve finished exploring for the day, you will need a place to lay your head. One of the most luxurious places is called Kuthengo Camp, which is located by the Shire River on a large open plain inside Liwonde National Park. Many consider the camp to be a natural paradise, as it is cosily nestled among Fever trees and Baobabs, with wildlife all around you.

Kuthengo consists of four spacious and modern safari tents, complete with a bathtub, outdoor shower, eco-friendly air conditioning and a bed with a mosquito net. A maximum of ten guests are allowed in the camp at any one time, which ensures the experience stays as intimate as you will want it to be. From your private deck, you will also get to watch the wildlife of the Liwonde park in their natural surroundings without worrying about interfering in their lives. The camp has a rustic charm you don’t just find anywhere.

The Liwonde National Park and Kuthengo Camp is the ultimate retreat for those looking for an adventure amidst wildlife, while maintaining privacy and finding new ways to relax and unwind. Cana Creative Travel and Tours offers a package to help get you there as well. Called Malawi – Warm Heart of Africa, you will spend the first 3 days of a 9 day vacation in the area. It’s the journey of a lifetime, and one you won’t want to miss out on. Call us today at 416-249-0972, or e-mail at fg@canacreativetravel.com.

When you think of visiting Africa to see the pyramids, odds are the ones you are picturing are the Pyramids of Giza located near Cairo, Egypt. After all they are the ones that are one of the seven ancients wonders of the world. They aren’t the only pyramids in Africa however, and if you are looking for something truly unique for your African adventure, you may want to consider visiting the Meroë pyramids.

The Meroë pyramids are located along the banks of the Nile River, in a desert in eastern Sudan. Meroë was once the capital of the Kingdom of Kush, and it was ruled by Nubian kings. These kings built almost 200 pyramids, many which serve as tombs for the kings and queens of the Meroitic Kingdom which ruled the area for over 900 years.

While the pyramids themselves are smaller and not as grand as their Egyptian counterparts, they are still between 2,300 – 2, 700 years old, are more numerous and quite the delight to see. The bases are more narrow, the sides are steeper and you can see decorative elements of the Pharaonic Egyptian, Grecian, and Roman cultures. They will also help you avoid the large crowds that gather in Egypt every year to see the landmarks, as Sudan has a small amount of tourists visit every year.

Africa is full of historical sites you might not be aware of. Contact Cana Creative Travel and Tours today to find out how we can help you discover something new today.

In a recent article on Kitchenertoday.com, Writer Phi Doan states that “many travel agencies are falling back on their terms and conditions, making it difficult to impossible for a refund” and that Canadians still dealing with cancelled plans “may have to accept a travel voucher over a full refund.” He went to to report that even the Better Business Bureau of Ontario may not be able to do much about it.

In the article, Doan states that the BBB has already received 262 formal complaints in just the last week about not being able to get a refund for cancelled trips. The president of the BB Patrick McKeen told Kitchener Today that “Although there’s been lots of information in the news around getting full refunds, it’s still within the terms and conditions of the ticket that were booked, for the travel operator to offer a voucher instead of a full refund.”

Originally some travel agencies did offer refunds, but soon after it became apparent that more and more countries were closing their borders, most of them stopped due to the heavy loses the travel and hospitality industries started to suffer.

McKeen said that “it was best to be flexible and reschedule your trip, or take the travel voucher for now.” He even said it is important to always read the terms and conditions whenever you make travel plans.

One things customer’s don’t have to worry about however is losing their compensation if the travel agency falls under. McKeen said that “as long as that agency was registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), they can take advantage of their compensation fund and be fully reimbursed.”

If you still want to file a complaint about your travel plans with the BBB, you can contact them at bbb.org, or by phone at 519-579-3080.

In these tumultuous times travel plans have quickly changed, but Ethiopian Airlines has made it easy for you to figure out what it is you need to do next.

Passengers whose travel date falls between 01 March – 30 June 2020 and tickets issued until May 31,2020 are eligible to:

* Keep their ticket for travel until December 31, 2021 (there is no need to call or email us to change the ticket, we will keep the ticket as open status for travels until December 31, 2021 so that you can rebook it whenever you decide to travel)

* Request a travel voucher for trips up to one year ahead

For more information visit: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/aa/travel-updates/covid-19?

Photo: Tomás Del Coro on Wikipedia

People go on a pilgrimage for all sorts of reasons. Sometimes it’s the thrill of exploring an unknown or foreign place. Sometimes it’s to find meaning in their lives. Sometimes it’s to make a stronger connection to a higher power. Whatever the reason though, odds are the pilgrim will come out of their journey changed. One of the most famous pilgrimages is the Camino de Santiago (also known as the Way of St. James) that takes the pilgrim on a month long walk through France and Spain.

The Camino de Santiago starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and it runs along the northern Spanish coast to Santiago de Compostela. The route is close to 500 miles long, but not all pilgrims travel the whole length of it. In some cases they choose different starting points, or walk bits and pieces of the trail, but they always end in the same place.

While you will need good shoes, and perhaps a decent walking stick, he path itself isn’t very difficult to walk. Most stages are fairly flat and on good paths. You will need to be fine sleeping some nights in the open, and some in whichever hostels or hotels you find along the way. You will need to carry some supplies with you as well, including water and food. There are plenty of stops that can be made along the way to replenish your supplies, and there are always those on the path willing to help a fellow pilgrim out. The hardest part of the journey is the walking though, which will continue for a month or so if you chose to take the long route.

The Camino de Santiago started back in the 9th century when the tomb of the evangelical apostle of the Iberian Peninsula was discovered. The original route stated in the city of Oviedo, which means the route was much shorter back then. The route was popular for hundreds of years, but started to decay by the 14th century, due partly to wars, epidemics and natural disasters. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the route started to be recovered, and by the last quarter of the 20th century it started to see a huge resurgence in popularity. In 2017 alone the pilgrimage saw an estimated 300,000 pilgrims and hikers taking the journey. Those taking the journey typically purchase a document called a credencial to take along the way, which helps them get overnight accommodation, and gives them proof of completion when they reach Santiago de Compostela. It’s sort of a pilgrim’s passport.

The Camino de Santiago may not be for everyone, but if you have it in yourself, it is definitely worthwhile.