A Swedish tourist succumbed to unidentified health issues in a Patong hotel room yesterday.
“We arrived at the 4th floor room in the Patong Merlin hotel room to find the body of the 27-year-old woman on the bed. There were vomit stains on the bed and blanket,” said Lt Col Somsak Thongleang of Patong Police.
According to the woman’s partner, named by police as Owe Christoffer Sjogren, 27, the two had checked in at the hotel last Wednesday, and were scheduled to check out on April 12.
“Mr Sjogren told us that she had sustained an injury in her mouth on Thursday, and went to a clinic the same day to buy medicines. Yesterday morning, however, he noticed that she had stopped breathing,” said the Colonel.
At about 10am, Mr Sjogren reportedly called hotel staff for help.
“The woman passed away before an ambulance from Patong Hospital arrived. Her body was taken to the hospital for further examination,” Col Somsak added.
Police have asked to withhold the woman’s name until her family is notified. They also confirmed that there were no signs of a struggle or room ransacking.
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Saturday, 8 April 2017
THAILAND: Chinese Pilot In ICU Hit By A Car In Phuket
A Chinese national was seriously injured after he was hit by a car while trying to get away from Soi dogs in the road in Thalang last night.
The accident occurred at about 7:40pm. We received a report of the crash near Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club Resort and Spa. We found the victim, Xing Chen, 27, lying on the side of the road. He was wounded, but still conscious, said Col Sanit Nukong of Thalang Police.
Mr Chen was given first aid at the scene by rescue workers and then taken to Thalang Hospital. He was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.
“We also found a damaged white Totoya Vios at the scene. The driver, Sommai Permpoon, 32, said he was on his way back home from work when he saw Mr Chen at roadside carrying an umbrella and trying to chase away some dogs. Mr Sommai says he changed lanes to avoid hitting the man, but Mr Chen suddenly ran out in front of him,” said Col Sanit.
“We checked Mr Sommai’s alcohol level, but he was clean. We have not charged anyone yet, as we are waiting for Mr Chen to recover so we can question him,” he added.
According to staff at Mission Hills, Mr Chen is a pilot who had checked into the hotel at 5pm the same day. He was out buying something at a local mart before the accident.
The accident occurred at about 7:40pm. We received a report of the crash near Mission Hills Phuket Golf Club Resort and Spa. We found the victim, Xing Chen, 27, lying on the side of the road. He was wounded, but still conscious, said Col Sanit Nukong of Thalang Police.
Mr Chen was given first aid at the scene by rescue workers and then taken to Thalang Hospital. He was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.
“We also found a damaged white Totoya Vios at the scene. The driver, Sommai Permpoon, 32, said he was on his way back home from work when he saw Mr Chen at roadside carrying an umbrella and trying to chase away some dogs. Mr Sommai says he changed lanes to avoid hitting the man, but Mr Chen suddenly ran out in front of him,” said Col Sanit.
“We checked Mr Sommai’s alcohol level, but he was clean. We have not charged anyone yet, as we are waiting for Mr Chen to recover so we can question him,” he added.
According to staff at Mission Hills, Mr Chen is a pilot who had checked into the hotel at 5pm the same day. He was out buying something at a local mart before the accident.
Tuesday, 4 April 2017
ANGOLA: Ever Thought Of Visiting Angola? First Read This Before You Go
Angola borders the Atlantic ocean and has 1,650 km of coastline.
The phone country code of Angola is 244
Angola is a country in Central Africa rich in natural resources. It has large reserves of oil and diamonds, hydroelectric potential, and rich agricultural land. Despite this, Angola remains very poor, having been ravaged by a bloody civil war from 1975 to 2002.
Angola may have its issues, a civil war that ravaged the country and many of its national parks, poaching problems and difficult to obtain visas but that should not stop you visiting this country. It is after all the largest country in Africa and has plenty to offer.
From nature at its most spectacular with springboks, lions, elephants and gorillas, to forgotten but beautiful buildings from the Portuguese colonization here.
Angola boasts an expansive coastline of Atlantic Ocean beauty and a beautiful blend of grasslands, savannas, tropical forests and urban expanses inland.
The capital of Angola is full of stark contrasts. The beautiful Atlantic Ocean views are disrupted by busy ships and the high rise modern looking buildings are contrasted by lean to huts built to accommodate people in the rapidly expanding city.
Over-population is apparent in other ways too, namely the insane morning traffic and the stink that regularly trouble the city. Despite all these problems however, Luanda certainly has its charms and is another side to Africa that is worth experiencing.
Angola is a country trying to make a name for itself on the global stage. It claims to be the fastest growing economy in the world, with various forms of mining exports supporting the claim and the tourist industry is attempting to grow in the same way.
Advice against visiting the country is fairly common but there is also useful advice on places that can be reached and how to enjoy them safely. Obtaining a visa can also be made easier or harder depending on where you are travelling and who will be accompanying you.
With all the bureaucracy aside however, Angola is undoubtedly a beautiful and mysterious country that will reward any traveller adventurous enough to embark on a journey to the country. So let’s explore the best places to visit in Angola.
It's bordered by Namibia in the south, Zambia in the east and the Republic of Congo, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north.
The people of Angola are stoics. They have a deep understanding of patience, and avoid blaming the difficulties the country faces on the fact that there was war. In fact, Angolans behave as if there was no war, although it is deeply rooted in every Angolan.
Music is the heart and soul of every Angolan, and can be heard everywhere with anything used as an excuse to party. Angola has a wide range of music, mainly Kuduro, Kizomba, Semba, and Tarrachinha, the latter being more sensual than all the others.
All in all, it is safe to say that Angolans are fun loving people with a thirst for more of what life has to give.
Angola was a Portuguese overseas territory from the 16th century to 1975. The Portuguese were nearly all exiled convicts who became slave traders and later participants in the "forced labour" trade.
After independence, Angola was the scene of an intense civil war from 1975 to 2002. The country is the second-largest petroleum and diamond producer in sub-Saharan Africa, however, these riches are in the hands of the "big people": Angola's politicians, miners, oilmen and the associated multinational corporations.
Angola's life expectancy and infant mortality rates are both among the worst ranked in the world. In August 2006, a peace treaty was signed with a faction of the FLEC, a separatist guerrilla group from the Cabinda exclave in the North, which is still active. About 65% of Angola's oil comes from that region.
Like the rest of tropical Africa, Angola experiences distinct, alternating rainy and dry seasons.
The coastal strip is tempered by the cool Benguela Current, resulting in a climate similar to coastal Peru or Baja California. It is semiarid in the South and along the coast to Luanda.
There is a short rainy season lasting from February to April. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild. The northern part has a cool, dry season (May to October) and a hot, rainy season (November to April).
In the interior, above 3,300 ft (1,006 m), the temperature and rainfall decrease. The interior highlands have a mild climate with a rainy season from November through April followed by a cool dry season from May to October.
The heaviest rainfall occurs in April, and is accompanied by violent storms. The far north and Cabinda enjoy rain throughout much of the year.
Officially 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, US and Canadian travellers should pack an adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Angola.
Also, be aware of the power related problems in Angola. If you plan to rent a house, you for sure should rent a house with a generator. Power outages are quite frequent.
Greater Luanda
The population centre of the country and home to the capital Luanda.
Northern Angola
Northern area mostly bordering Democratic Republic of the Congo with significant areas of rainforest.
Central Angola Highlands
A series of irregular, high escarpments which drop steeply to the Atlantic coast.
Southwest Angola
the most arid region of the country with savanna plains and the northern continuation of the Namibian desert
Southeast Angola
Mostly savanna plains interesected by five great rivers
Cabinda
Northern exclave on the Atlantic ocean with a huge proportion of the nation's oil reserves and an active secessionist movement
Cities In Angola
- Luanda - the capital
- Benguela
- Huambo
- Lobito
- Lubango
- Namibe
- Kuito
- Menongue
Mussulo Island is a beautiful extension of land situated in the south of Luanda. It is famous for its natural beauty. It is a place one has to visit, one of the most known tourist attractions in Luanda.
There one can find everything, from fishermen to the most beautiful and modern restaurants. You can have your sun tan, hide below the shadows of coconut trees and palm trees, relax with peace of mind, have fun with diverse aquatic sports, find accommodations in paradisiac motels, and explore some of the typical food such as ‘pirão’, funge, and moamba.
Visa Requirements
Angolan visa requirements discourage tourism, especially in comparison with other Southern African countries that give many nationalities visa on arrival.
All nationalities, except those who hold passports from Namibia, must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Nationals of Cape Verde can obtain a visa on arrival, provided it has been pre-arranged before departure.
Your passport must be valid for another six months minimum and contain two blank pages.
Travellers need an international yellow fever certificate in order to obtain a visa, as well as (except for tourist visas) a letter of invitation from a private individual, organisation or company stating that they will take responsibility for your stay.
When obtaining a visa from countries to the north, you will often only be issued a five day transit visa for Angola.
If travelling by road, this will only give you enough time to get to Luanda where it takes up to four days to get another five day transit visa.
If you're coming into Angola from DR Congo, you may well need an Angolan visa before entering DR Congo.
Reaching By Plane
Luanda-4-de-Fevereiro is situated 4km outside Luanda. There are public phones and bank facilities at the airport.
Reliable Taxi facilities are pretty much non-existent Eco Tur do run reliable airport transfers.
TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola has flights between Luanda and some states in Africa, for example to South Africa (Johannesburg), Namibia (Windhoek), Zimbabwe (Harare), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).
TAAG recently started to have two or three weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Brazil).
- Emirates flies directly from Dubai and from there to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
- Ethiopian Airways flies from Addis Ababa to Luanda.
- South African Airways operates from Johannesburg to Luanda.
- Royal Air Maroc flies from Casablanca to Luanda.
- Air France between Paris and Luanda
- British Airways offers direct connections between London and Luanda
- Brussels Airlines flies from Brussels to Luanda.
- KLM flies from Amsterdam to Luanda.
- Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt to Luanda.
- Sonair's Houston non-stop Express. The company is the first to provide direct transportation of passengers and cargo between Angola and the United States. The airline provides three times weekly service from Houston to Luanda.
- TAP Air Portugal flies daily from Lisbon to Luanda.
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi to Luanda
Reaching By Train
Angola's train system is finally being restored with the help of Chinese firms after more than 30 years of disuse. There are three main lines which are not connected to each other.
The northern line, Caminho de Ferro de Luanda (CFL) between the capital Luanda to Malenje is back to full service.
There are three classes, Primeira, with reclining leather seats with individual television sets; Exspresso, with comfortable chairs arranged in fours around tables and communal televisions; and Tramway, the cheapest option fitted out with benches to maximize passenger numbers.
Ticket prices hover around AOA2,500 (USD26; GBP15). Carriages are clean and modern with functioning toilets and a restaurant car.
The middle line, Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB) has just started services between Lobito, Cubal and Huambo with the intention of reaching Luau at the border to the Democratic Republic of the Congo before the end of 2012.
The southern route, Caminho de Ferro de Moçâmedes (CFM) between Namibe, Lubango and Menongue is starting services by fall 2012.
Reaching By Car
You can go in from Namibia at the border post near Oshikango - Namibia and Ngiva - Angola.
Entering from the North was, as of 2002, via Luvo, a small town on the Kinshasa-Matadi 'road'. If you want to drive through Angola, it's a real experience.
Off the beaten track, road conditions might not be quite what you are used to so be prepared, particularly during the rainy season where potholes are likely to be a frequent occurrence.
Also, keep a look out for livestock and the overloaded vehicles of the Angolan residents.
Since 2006 there has been extensive road building by China, so travel is getting smoother. However, the construction has not always been the best quality - so check on current road conditions.
Travelling by road from anywhere you will need the following:
As you will need a 4 x 4 vehicle you should have the following documents:
- Police clearance from country of origin, where the vehicle is registered, original registration certificate of the vehicle, licence discs or insurance that is up to date.
Make copies of these documents and get them certified.
- Make a copy of your passport and soon after entry before going to customs and so after immigration make copies of the entry stamp.
- Have a passport sized photo.
- Ensure that you have a colour photo of you car front, rear and driver´s side. If you do not have these documents, your car will not be allowed into the country. If you are not the owner of the vehicle, have an original (and copy of the original) letter from the owner clearly stating (your name, passport number and driver´s license) that you have been authorised to drive the vehicle into Angola.
- This applies if you are a foreigner and not a resident. If you are Angolan or a resident foreigner - you will not be allowed to drive into angola in a vehicle that is more than 3 years old and not a left hand drive!
Reaching By Bus
There are buses between Angola and Namíbia
Reaching By Boat
There are no official ferry links between Angola and other nations. As of 2003, it was at least possible to enter Angola via a small passenger ferry near Rundu in Namibia.
There was both an Angolan and Namibia border official present. The crossing was mostly used by Angolans for the purposes of acquiring food and other supplies in Namibia.
There are ferries running from the enclave of Cabinda to Luanda, which can be useful to avoid the unstable DRC.
They carry cars as well. Seek local advice for when they depart.
Sources claim that they run twice a week, cost $180 per person (bike included), and take 14 hours to do the trip. If there are no ferries, there might be cargo planes that you (and your car) can ride on between Cabinda and Luanda.
Be warned - these planes are unsafe. Use them at your own peril.
The tourism industry in Angola is based on the country's natural beauty, including its rivers, waterfalls and scenic coastline.
Angola's tourism industry is relatively new, as much of the country was destroyed during the post-colonial civil war which ended in 2002.
Unlike most countries in the region, which generally give US, EU, and many other citizens a visa on arrival or require no visa at all, Angola has complicated and onerous Soviet-style visa requirements (official letter of invitation, documents concerning purpose of travel, copy of travel itinerary, proof of funds, etc., all of which are sent back to Luanda for approval).
This antiquated attitude to tourism places the country at a disadvantage in a competitive market for international tourism.
Cameia National Park
Cameia National Park is a visitor attraction in Angola. It is a national park in the Moxico province of Angola, located at about 1100 m above sea level. It shares its name with the nearby municipality of Cameia.
The Cameia–Luacano road forms the northern boundary of the park with the Chifumage River forming the southern portion of the eastern boundary and the Lumege and Luena rivers the south-western boundary.
Much of the park consists of seasonally inundated plains that form part of the Zambezi river basin, with the northern half of the park draining into the Chifumage river.
There are also extensive miombo woodlands, similar to those in the Zambezi basin of western Zambia. The park is a sample of nature not occurring elsewhere in Angola. Two lakes, Lago Cameia and Lago Dilolo,the largest lake in Angola lie outside the park boundaries and both have extensive reedbeds and grassy swamps that are rich in aquatic birds.
Cangandala National Park
Cangandala National Park is another visitor attraction in Angola. It is the smallest National Park in the country and is situated in the Malanje province. It is situated between the Cuije river and 2 unnamed territories of the Cuanza River, with the towns of Culamagia and Techongolola on the edges of the park. The park was created in 1963 while Angola was still under Portuguese colony.
Iona National Park
Iona National Park, located in Namibe Province, is another popular tourist destination. It is about 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the city of Namibe and, at 15,200 square kilometres (5,850 square miles), the largest in the country. Before the Angolan Civil War, Iona was an "animal paradise, rich in big game".
However, as is true for most Angolan national parks, illegal poaching and the destruction of infrastructure have caused considerable damage to the once rich park.
The park is also known for unique flora and incredible rock formations.
Mupa National Park
Mupa National Park in the southwestern Cunene province was proclaimed a National Park on 26 December 1964 while the country was still a Portuguese colony.
The park is significant for its expected wide though generally unstudied avifauna.
Many Angolans reside within the park, which, along with nomadic pastoralists and mineral prospecting threatens to destroy the park's birdlife.
Even though the park was initially proclaimed to protect the giraffe sub-species, Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis, by 1974 none were left because the morphology of the White Giraffe leaves it particularly vulnerable to landmines left over from Angola's civil war compared to other giraffe sub-species.
Other mammals which occurred, include lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena.
In Luanda: the Mussulo island for clean tropical beaches and water sports, the Benfica Market for Kwanza River.
Eco Tur Angola do various bespoke no tours Angola including Kissama with specialist game viewing vehicles.
In Benguela: Baia Azul for beautiful desert beaches. Art deco architecutre in Beguela. Lobito City for the Restinga Penisnula and ice cold draught Cuca beer, the Benguela Rail road, and fantastic scenery!
In Kwanza Sul - Cubal Canyon, Conde Hot springs and Cachoeiras / Binga Waterfalls, with the Cambambe Dam on River Kwanza. Waku Kungo plains has fantastic scenery!
In Malange - Kalandula Waterfalls and Pungo n'Dongo Black Stones.
In Huila - Serra de Leba, Tunbda Vala Gorge, Mumuila tribes people, fantastic scenery and much more!
In Namibe - Arco Lagoon, beaches and a desert, and Mucubais Tribes People.
In Huambo - City Tours, Alto Hama hot springs, and fantastic scenery.
In Cunene - Himba tribes peoople, Ruacana Falls, and fantastic scenery.
The sole official language of Angola is Portuguese. Over 39% of the population has Portuguese as their native language, and 80% of the country in general has at least some knowledge of Portuguese. Compared to other African countries, the knowledge of the colonial language in Angola is extremely high, and used as a native language on a far wider scale.
A very low percentage of the local population can communicate in English. Travelling in Angola therefore requires a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, or a local guide/interpreter.
Also, due to the fact that many people migrate from neighbouring countries to Angola, it is sometimes possible to use French or Afrikaans.
There is little literature on Angola available at all, and most of the available literature is in Portuguese in some cases French. Bay of Tigers: An Odyssey through War-torn Angola by Pedro Rosa Mendes was translated from the Portuguese and published by Harcourt in 2003.
Mendes traveled across the country by train in 1997 while the war was still going on in Angola, it's a very fascinating look at the people and the nature of life there during the war.
Try also John Frederick Walker's "A Certain Curve OF Horn", documenting the history of the magnificent and sub species of Antelope unique to Angola - "Palanca Negra Gigante" (Hippotragus níger variani).
Another excellent read is Ryszard Kapuściński's compelling journalistic narrative Another Day of Life in which he reports on the chaotic period leading up to Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975. As one of the only journalists in Angola during this very dangerous period, his perspective is rare and full of insight.
Find a few words and phrases in Portuguese:
Hello=Olá
How are you?-Como está?
Fine and you?- Bem e tu?
Goodbye-Adeus
See you later-Até logo
Good morning-Bom-dia
Good afternoon-Boa-tarde
Good evening-Boa-tarde
Good Night-Boa-noite
Shopping
The official currency of Angola is the new kwanza (AOA) and has been one of Africa's more stable currencies for the last few years.
Although the import or export of any sum of kwanza had been strictly prohibited, the ban was lifted in February 2012, so travellers are now allowed to bring in or take out up to AOA50,000.
Just south of Luanda, the Benfica Handcrafts Market offers the best prices for handcrafts and souvenirs. This is an open market where local artists and artisans display their products, and bargaining is not only acceptable, but recommended.
The products range from sculptures and paintings to jewellery, batik cloths and accessories.
Wine And Dine
Generally, eating and dining out is not very easy in Angola, not even in Luanda because food is expensive and many of the less well equipped restaurants have poor hygienic conditions.
Angolan cuisine is varied and tasty, with local dishes based mainly on fish, cassava products and spicy stews.
Angolan seafood is abundant and very good, and the Angolan coast is a special place to eat fresh lobster right off the fisherman's boat.
Tropical fruit in Angola is also a treat, for artisanal means of production have maintained organic methods, and rich fruit flavors, unusual to the Western palate accustomed to industrially produced tropical fruits.
If, however, you are situated in Luanda and need to dine, it is recommended that you get to Ilha de Luanda, where beach-restaurants (of varying price-classes from very exclusive to rather informal) can serve most foreign needs.
It should also be said that restaurants in Luanda are increasing in numbers and quality, since the recent peace has brought stability and significant investment to the country.
Generally, all restaurants accept US dollars in cash. Credit cards will not be accepted.
The legal drinking/purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 18
Accomodations
World class hotels include the Tropico Hotel, the Alvalade Hotel, Le President Meridien Hotel, the Continental Hotel, and the Palm Beach Hotel, among others.
Due to the oil boom, costs can be extremely high and this includes hotels. Cheap hotels are hard to find and are dirty.
Security
In general, you shouldn't travel within Angola without the assistance of qualified personnel.
However, if you follow some basic rules, travelling in Angola isn't dangerous. First of all, travelling after dark and alone is never a good idea.
If possible, join with several cars of the same make and model because of the possible need for spare parts. Carry a satellite telephone in the case of a breakdown or other emergency.
Be aware, that while Iridium satellite phones have global coverage, Thuraya satellite phones have coverage in most of Angola, but may not have coverage in the southern parts of the country.
For the city of Luanda, other rules apply. Stay in your car with the doors locked while you're outside reach of security personnel, which you will find at all hotels and restaurants.
Avoid using your camera in front of police,dressed in blue uniforms.
Photography will result, at best, in a very heavy fine, but could also have more dire consequences.
Throughout Angola, taking photographs of sites and installations of military or security interest, including government buildings, may result in arrest or fines and should be avoided.
NEVER step beyond the red and white HALO Trust posts. These denote mine fields. In fact, beware of anything surrounded by any kind of red stones or similar markers.
Due to the high rate of HIV in the country, all forms of prostitution are illegal, and punishments are severe.
Health
Travellers should only drink mineral water or, in an emergency, boiled water, because water in Angola is untreated and therefore not safe.
Because malaria is endemic to this country, travellers should also avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and repellent-impregnated bed nets.
Furthermore, there is a risk of being bitten by the tse-tse fly while in Angola, which causes sleeping sickness. Consult a doctor immediately if you start having insomnia.
AIDS and HIV is prevalent among adults in Angola at 4.0% or 1 in 25.
Manners
Smiling around natives is incredibly important. It shows respect. Also, avoid criticism on the way Angola is or talking about the war around natives.
The phone country code of Angola is 244
Angola is a country in Central Africa rich in natural resources. It has large reserves of oil and diamonds, hydroelectric potential, and rich agricultural land. Despite this, Angola remains very poor, having been ravaged by a bloody civil war from 1975 to 2002.
Angola may have its issues, a civil war that ravaged the country and many of its national parks, poaching problems and difficult to obtain visas but that should not stop you visiting this country. It is after all the largest country in Africa and has plenty to offer.
From nature at its most spectacular with springboks, lions, elephants and gorillas, to forgotten but beautiful buildings from the Portuguese colonization here.
Angola boasts an expansive coastline of Atlantic Ocean beauty and a beautiful blend of grasslands, savannas, tropical forests and urban expanses inland.
The capital of Angola is full of stark contrasts. The beautiful Atlantic Ocean views are disrupted by busy ships and the high rise modern looking buildings are contrasted by lean to huts built to accommodate people in the rapidly expanding city.
Over-population is apparent in other ways too, namely the insane morning traffic and the stink that regularly trouble the city. Despite all these problems however, Luanda certainly has its charms and is another side to Africa that is worth experiencing.
Angola is a country trying to make a name for itself on the global stage. It claims to be the fastest growing economy in the world, with various forms of mining exports supporting the claim and the tourist industry is attempting to grow in the same way.
Advice against visiting the country is fairly common but there is also useful advice on places that can be reached and how to enjoy them safely. Obtaining a visa can also be made easier or harder depending on where you are travelling and who will be accompanying you.
With all the bureaucracy aside however, Angola is undoubtedly a beautiful and mysterious country that will reward any traveller adventurous enough to embark on a journey to the country. So let’s explore the best places to visit in Angola.
It's bordered by Namibia in the south, Zambia in the east and the Republic of Congo, as well as the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the north.
The people of Angola are stoics. They have a deep understanding of patience, and avoid blaming the difficulties the country faces on the fact that there was war. In fact, Angolans behave as if there was no war, although it is deeply rooted in every Angolan.
Music is the heart and soul of every Angolan, and can be heard everywhere with anything used as an excuse to party. Angola has a wide range of music, mainly Kuduro, Kizomba, Semba, and Tarrachinha, the latter being more sensual than all the others.
All in all, it is safe to say that Angolans are fun loving people with a thirst for more of what life has to give.
Angola was a Portuguese overseas territory from the 16th century to 1975. The Portuguese were nearly all exiled convicts who became slave traders and later participants in the "forced labour" trade.
After independence, Angola was the scene of an intense civil war from 1975 to 2002. The country is the second-largest petroleum and diamond producer in sub-Saharan Africa, however, these riches are in the hands of the "big people": Angola's politicians, miners, oilmen and the associated multinational corporations.
Angola's life expectancy and infant mortality rates are both among the worst ranked in the world. In August 2006, a peace treaty was signed with a faction of the FLEC, a separatist guerrilla group from the Cabinda exclave in the North, which is still active. About 65% of Angola's oil comes from that region.
Like the rest of tropical Africa, Angola experiences distinct, alternating rainy and dry seasons.
The coastal strip is tempered by the cool Benguela Current, resulting in a climate similar to coastal Peru or Baja California. It is semiarid in the South and along the coast to Luanda.
There is a short rainy season lasting from February to April. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild. The northern part has a cool, dry season (May to October) and a hot, rainy season (November to April).
In the interior, above 3,300 ft (1,006 m), the temperature and rainfall decrease. The interior highlands have a mild climate with a rainy season from November through April followed by a cool dry season from May to October.
The heaviest rainfall occurs in April, and is accompanied by violent storms. The far north and Cabinda enjoy rain throughout much of the year.
Officially 220V 50Hz. Outlets are the European standard CEE-7/7 "Schukostecker" or "Schuko" or the compatible, but non-grounded, CEE-7/16 "Europlug" types. Generally speaking, US and Canadian travellers should pack an adapter for these outlets if they plan to use North American electrical equipment in Angola.
Also, be aware of the power related problems in Angola. If you plan to rent a house, you for sure should rent a house with a generator. Power outages are quite frequent.
Greater Luanda
The population centre of the country and home to the capital Luanda.
Northern Angola
Northern area mostly bordering Democratic Republic of the Congo with significant areas of rainforest.
Central Angola Highlands
A series of irregular, high escarpments which drop steeply to the Atlantic coast.
Southwest Angola
the most arid region of the country with savanna plains and the northern continuation of the Namibian desert
Southeast Angola
Mostly savanna plains interesected by five great rivers
Cabinda
Northern exclave on the Atlantic ocean with a huge proportion of the nation's oil reserves and an active secessionist movement
Cities In Angola
- Luanda - the capital
- Benguela
- Huambo
- Lobito
- Lubango
- Namibe
- Kuito
- Menongue
Mussulo Island is a beautiful extension of land situated in the south of Luanda. It is famous for its natural beauty. It is a place one has to visit, one of the most known tourist attractions in Luanda.
There one can find everything, from fishermen to the most beautiful and modern restaurants. You can have your sun tan, hide below the shadows of coconut trees and palm trees, relax with peace of mind, have fun with diverse aquatic sports, find accommodations in paradisiac motels, and explore some of the typical food such as ‘pirão’, funge, and moamba.
Visa Requirements
Angolan visa requirements discourage tourism, especially in comparison with other Southern African countries that give many nationalities visa on arrival.
All nationalities, except those who hold passports from Namibia, must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Nationals of Cape Verde can obtain a visa on arrival, provided it has been pre-arranged before departure.
Your passport must be valid for another six months minimum and contain two blank pages.
Travellers need an international yellow fever certificate in order to obtain a visa, as well as (except for tourist visas) a letter of invitation from a private individual, organisation or company stating that they will take responsibility for your stay.
When obtaining a visa from countries to the north, you will often only be issued a five day transit visa for Angola.
If travelling by road, this will only give you enough time to get to Luanda where it takes up to four days to get another five day transit visa.
If you're coming into Angola from DR Congo, you may well need an Angolan visa before entering DR Congo.
Reaching By Plane
Luanda-4-de-Fevereiro is situated 4km outside Luanda. There are public phones and bank facilities at the airport.
Reliable Taxi facilities are pretty much non-existent Eco Tur do run reliable airport transfers.
TAAG Linhas Aereas de Angola has flights between Luanda and some states in Africa, for example to South Africa (Johannesburg), Namibia (Windhoek), Zimbabwe (Harare), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) and the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville).
TAAG recently started to have two or three weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Brazil).
- Emirates flies directly from Dubai and from there to more than 100 destinations worldwide.
- Ethiopian Airways flies from Addis Ababa to Luanda.
- South African Airways operates from Johannesburg to Luanda.
- Royal Air Maroc flies from Casablanca to Luanda.
- Air France between Paris and Luanda
- British Airways offers direct connections between London and Luanda
- Brussels Airlines flies from Brussels to Luanda.
- KLM flies from Amsterdam to Luanda.
- Lufthansa flies from Frankfurt to Luanda.
- Sonair's Houston non-stop Express. The company is the first to provide direct transportation of passengers and cargo between Angola and the United States. The airline provides three times weekly service from Houston to Luanda.
- TAP Air Portugal flies daily from Lisbon to Luanda.
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi to Luanda
Reaching By Train
Angola's train system is finally being restored with the help of Chinese firms after more than 30 years of disuse. There are three main lines which are not connected to each other.
The northern line, Caminho de Ferro de Luanda (CFL) between the capital Luanda to Malenje is back to full service.
There are three classes, Primeira, with reclining leather seats with individual television sets; Exspresso, with comfortable chairs arranged in fours around tables and communal televisions; and Tramway, the cheapest option fitted out with benches to maximize passenger numbers.
Ticket prices hover around AOA2,500 (USD26; GBP15). Carriages are clean and modern with functioning toilets and a restaurant car.
The middle line, Caminho de Ferro de Benguela (CFB) has just started services between Lobito, Cubal and Huambo with the intention of reaching Luau at the border to the Democratic Republic of the Congo before the end of 2012.
The southern route, Caminho de Ferro de Moçâmedes (CFM) between Namibe, Lubango and Menongue is starting services by fall 2012.
Reaching By Car
You can go in from Namibia at the border post near Oshikango - Namibia and Ngiva - Angola.
Entering from the North was, as of 2002, via Luvo, a small town on the Kinshasa-Matadi 'road'. If you want to drive through Angola, it's a real experience.
Off the beaten track, road conditions might not be quite what you are used to so be prepared, particularly during the rainy season where potholes are likely to be a frequent occurrence.
Also, keep a look out for livestock and the overloaded vehicles of the Angolan residents.
Since 2006 there has been extensive road building by China, so travel is getting smoother. However, the construction has not always been the best quality - so check on current road conditions.
Travelling by road from anywhere you will need the following:
As you will need a 4 x 4 vehicle you should have the following documents:
- Police clearance from country of origin, where the vehicle is registered, original registration certificate of the vehicle, licence discs or insurance that is up to date.
Make copies of these documents and get them certified.
- Make a copy of your passport and soon after entry before going to customs and so after immigration make copies of the entry stamp.
- Have a passport sized photo.
- Ensure that you have a colour photo of you car front, rear and driver´s side. If you do not have these documents, your car will not be allowed into the country. If you are not the owner of the vehicle, have an original (and copy of the original) letter from the owner clearly stating (your name, passport number and driver´s license) that you have been authorised to drive the vehicle into Angola.
- This applies if you are a foreigner and not a resident. If you are Angolan or a resident foreigner - you will not be allowed to drive into angola in a vehicle that is more than 3 years old and not a left hand drive!
Reaching By Bus
There are buses between Angola and Namíbia
Reaching By Boat
There are no official ferry links between Angola and other nations. As of 2003, it was at least possible to enter Angola via a small passenger ferry near Rundu in Namibia.
There was both an Angolan and Namibia border official present. The crossing was mostly used by Angolans for the purposes of acquiring food and other supplies in Namibia.
There are ferries running from the enclave of Cabinda to Luanda, which can be useful to avoid the unstable DRC.
They carry cars as well. Seek local advice for when they depart.
Sources claim that they run twice a week, cost $180 per person (bike included), and take 14 hours to do the trip. If there are no ferries, there might be cargo planes that you (and your car) can ride on between Cabinda and Luanda.
Be warned - these planes are unsafe. Use them at your own peril.
The tourism industry in Angola is based on the country's natural beauty, including its rivers, waterfalls and scenic coastline.
Angola's tourism industry is relatively new, as much of the country was destroyed during the post-colonial civil war which ended in 2002.
Unlike most countries in the region, which generally give US, EU, and many other citizens a visa on arrival or require no visa at all, Angola has complicated and onerous Soviet-style visa requirements (official letter of invitation, documents concerning purpose of travel, copy of travel itinerary, proof of funds, etc., all of which are sent back to Luanda for approval).
This antiquated attitude to tourism places the country at a disadvantage in a competitive market for international tourism.
Cameia National Park
Cameia National Park is a visitor attraction in Angola. It is a national park in the Moxico province of Angola, located at about 1100 m above sea level. It shares its name with the nearby municipality of Cameia.
The Cameia–Luacano road forms the northern boundary of the park with the Chifumage River forming the southern portion of the eastern boundary and the Lumege and Luena rivers the south-western boundary.
Much of the park consists of seasonally inundated plains that form part of the Zambezi river basin, with the northern half of the park draining into the Chifumage river.
There are also extensive miombo woodlands, similar to those in the Zambezi basin of western Zambia. The park is a sample of nature not occurring elsewhere in Angola. Two lakes, Lago Cameia and Lago Dilolo,the largest lake in Angola lie outside the park boundaries and both have extensive reedbeds and grassy swamps that are rich in aquatic birds.
Cangandala National Park
Cangandala National Park is another visitor attraction in Angola. It is the smallest National Park in the country and is situated in the Malanje province. It is situated between the Cuije river and 2 unnamed territories of the Cuanza River, with the towns of Culamagia and Techongolola on the edges of the park. The park was created in 1963 while Angola was still under Portuguese colony.
Iona National Park
Iona National Park, located in Namibe Province, is another popular tourist destination. It is about 200 kilometres (120 miles) from the city of Namibe and, at 15,200 square kilometres (5,850 square miles), the largest in the country. Before the Angolan Civil War, Iona was an "animal paradise, rich in big game".
However, as is true for most Angolan national parks, illegal poaching and the destruction of infrastructure have caused considerable damage to the once rich park.
The park is also known for unique flora and incredible rock formations.
Mupa National Park
Mupa National Park in the southwestern Cunene province was proclaimed a National Park on 26 December 1964 while the country was still a Portuguese colony.
The park is significant for its expected wide though generally unstudied avifauna.
Many Angolans reside within the park, which, along with nomadic pastoralists and mineral prospecting threatens to destroy the park's birdlife.
Even though the park was initially proclaimed to protect the giraffe sub-species, Giraffa camelopardalis angolensis, by 1974 none were left because the morphology of the White Giraffe leaves it particularly vulnerable to landmines left over from Angola's civil war compared to other giraffe sub-species.
Other mammals which occurred, include lion, leopard, wild dog and spotted hyena.
In Luanda: the Mussulo island for clean tropical beaches and water sports, the Benfica Market for Kwanza River.
Eco Tur Angola do various bespoke no tours Angola including Kissama with specialist game viewing vehicles.
In Benguela: Baia Azul for beautiful desert beaches. Art deco architecutre in Beguela. Lobito City for the Restinga Penisnula and ice cold draught Cuca beer, the Benguela Rail road, and fantastic scenery!
In Kwanza Sul - Cubal Canyon, Conde Hot springs and Cachoeiras / Binga Waterfalls, with the Cambambe Dam on River Kwanza. Waku Kungo plains has fantastic scenery!
In Malange - Kalandula Waterfalls and Pungo n'Dongo Black Stones.
In Huila - Serra de Leba, Tunbda Vala Gorge, Mumuila tribes people, fantastic scenery and much more!
In Namibe - Arco Lagoon, beaches and a desert, and Mucubais Tribes People.
In Huambo - City Tours, Alto Hama hot springs, and fantastic scenery.
In Cunene - Himba tribes peoople, Ruacana Falls, and fantastic scenery.
The sole official language of Angola is Portuguese. Over 39% of the population has Portuguese as their native language, and 80% of the country in general has at least some knowledge of Portuguese. Compared to other African countries, the knowledge of the colonial language in Angola is extremely high, and used as a native language on a far wider scale.
A very low percentage of the local population can communicate in English. Travelling in Angola therefore requires a basic knowledge of the Portuguese language, or a local guide/interpreter.
Also, due to the fact that many people migrate from neighbouring countries to Angola, it is sometimes possible to use French or Afrikaans.
There is little literature on Angola available at all, and most of the available literature is in Portuguese in some cases French. Bay of Tigers: An Odyssey through War-torn Angola by Pedro Rosa Mendes was translated from the Portuguese and published by Harcourt in 2003.
Mendes traveled across the country by train in 1997 while the war was still going on in Angola, it's a very fascinating look at the people and the nature of life there during the war.
Try also John Frederick Walker's "A Certain Curve OF Horn", documenting the history of the magnificent and sub species of Antelope unique to Angola - "Palanca Negra Gigante" (Hippotragus níger variani).
Another excellent read is Ryszard Kapuściński's compelling journalistic narrative Another Day of Life in which he reports on the chaotic period leading up to Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975. As one of the only journalists in Angola during this very dangerous period, his perspective is rare and full of insight.
Find a few words and phrases in Portuguese:
Hello=Olá
How are you?-Como está?
Fine and you?- Bem e tu?
Goodbye-Adeus
See you later-Até logo
Good morning-Bom-dia
Good afternoon-Boa-tarde
Good evening-Boa-tarde
Good Night-Boa-noite
Shopping
The official currency of Angola is the new kwanza (AOA) and has been one of Africa's more stable currencies for the last few years.
Although the import or export of any sum of kwanza had been strictly prohibited, the ban was lifted in February 2012, so travellers are now allowed to bring in or take out up to AOA50,000.
Just south of Luanda, the Benfica Handcrafts Market offers the best prices for handcrafts and souvenirs. This is an open market where local artists and artisans display their products, and bargaining is not only acceptable, but recommended.
The products range from sculptures and paintings to jewellery, batik cloths and accessories.
Wine And Dine
Generally, eating and dining out is not very easy in Angola, not even in Luanda because food is expensive and many of the less well equipped restaurants have poor hygienic conditions.
Angolan cuisine is varied and tasty, with local dishes based mainly on fish, cassava products and spicy stews.
Angolan seafood is abundant and very good, and the Angolan coast is a special place to eat fresh lobster right off the fisherman's boat.
Tropical fruit in Angola is also a treat, for artisanal means of production have maintained organic methods, and rich fruit flavors, unusual to the Western palate accustomed to industrially produced tropical fruits.
If, however, you are situated in Luanda and need to dine, it is recommended that you get to Ilha de Luanda, where beach-restaurants (of varying price-classes from very exclusive to rather informal) can serve most foreign needs.
It should also be said that restaurants in Luanda are increasing in numbers and quality, since the recent peace has brought stability and significant investment to the country.
Generally, all restaurants accept US dollars in cash. Credit cards will not be accepted.
The legal drinking/purchasing age of alcoholic beverages is 18
Accomodations
World class hotels include the Tropico Hotel, the Alvalade Hotel, Le President Meridien Hotel, the Continental Hotel, and the Palm Beach Hotel, among others.
Due to the oil boom, costs can be extremely high and this includes hotels. Cheap hotels are hard to find and are dirty.
Security
In general, you shouldn't travel within Angola without the assistance of qualified personnel.
However, if you follow some basic rules, travelling in Angola isn't dangerous. First of all, travelling after dark and alone is never a good idea.
If possible, join with several cars of the same make and model because of the possible need for spare parts. Carry a satellite telephone in the case of a breakdown or other emergency.
Be aware, that while Iridium satellite phones have global coverage, Thuraya satellite phones have coverage in most of Angola, but may not have coverage in the southern parts of the country.
For the city of Luanda, other rules apply. Stay in your car with the doors locked while you're outside reach of security personnel, which you will find at all hotels and restaurants.
Avoid using your camera in front of police,dressed in blue uniforms.
Photography will result, at best, in a very heavy fine, but could also have more dire consequences.
Throughout Angola, taking photographs of sites and installations of military or security interest, including government buildings, may result in arrest or fines and should be avoided.
NEVER step beyond the red and white HALO Trust posts. These denote mine fields. In fact, beware of anything surrounded by any kind of red stones or similar markers.
Due to the high rate of HIV in the country, all forms of prostitution are illegal, and punishments are severe.
Health
Travellers should only drink mineral water or, in an emergency, boiled water, because water in Angola is untreated and therefore not safe.
Because malaria is endemic to this country, travellers should also avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent and repellent-impregnated bed nets.
Furthermore, there is a risk of being bitten by the tse-tse fly while in Angola, which causes sleeping sickness. Consult a doctor immediately if you start having insomnia.
AIDS and HIV is prevalent among adults in Angola at 4.0% or 1 in 25.
Manners
Smiling around natives is incredibly important. It shows respect. Also, avoid criticism on the way Angola is or talking about the war around natives.
UAE: Time Hotels To Open 10 New Properties Across Middle East By Q4 2018.
Time Hotels, a UAE-based hospitality company and hotel operator, plans to open 10 new properties across the Middle East by Q4 2018.
The properties, which will be unveiled at ATM in Dubai World Trade Centre (April 24-27), will see the growth and launch of existing and new brands to key territories in the region, with the company set to extend its footprint to Ajman and Fujairah in the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, before the end of Q4 2018.
The new additions will join Time Hotels’ existing portfolio of seven properties between Dubai and Sharjah, taking the tally to 17 properties in the Middle East.
Mohamed Awadalla, CEO Time Hotels, said: “Our current pipeline of hotels and residences meet the demands of multiple markets by offering a high-quality stay across all our brand portfolio.”
Plans are in place to take the Time Residence brand to Fujairah, with the launch of the Platinum Time Residence later this year, allowing Time Hotels to position itself strategically in the emirate’s expanding hospitality market.
Awadalla said: “Since launching the Time Residence brand, we have seen demand for quality and value from the residential apartments, supported with facilities, which have added value across the region. Business travellers often look for a home-from-home environment and leisure visitors, especially families, look for less formal hotel accommodation.”
In Dubai, three new hotels will open: Time Asma Hotel, Time Express Hotel Al Jaddaf, and Time Royal Hotel & Spa, the firm’s first five-star UAE property, located in Healthcare City and designed to meet the needs of healthcare tourists. The property boasts 277 rooms and is in close proximity to the popular Wafi City Mall shopping and leisure complex. Facilities include a signature spa featuring temperature-controlled pools, a gym with rehabilitation equipment and a juice bar. The hotel will also have 20, fully adapted, disabled-friendly rooms.
Time’s international openings in Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah and Qurayyat demonstrate the brand’s strength and popularity in markets outside of the UAE.
The Time Beach Villas Resort, Jeddah, is a luxury contemporary property on the upper west side of the city, and Time’s first resort in the kingdom. It will comprise 61 units with detailed Arabic architecture encompassing a full reflection of authentic Gulf design.
Located close to the beach, and 20 minutes’ drive from Jeddah International Airport and city centre, the midrange resort will offer fitness and leisure facilities, high-speed wi-fi, LED televisions in all rooms and concierge and business services.
The resort will be joined by a 137-key four-star Yasma by Time Hotels and Resorts in Qurayyat, and Yasma by TIME Express Hotels, Riyadh. A debut for the Express brand in the kingdom, this hotel will comprise 105 rooms, catering to convenience and budget minded guests.
In Qatar, Time Rako Hotel will open in the third quarter of 2017, in the Al Wakra area of Doha. The 102-key property will mark Time Hotels’ debut in Qatar and the hotel will be positioned to compete in Doha’s fast-paced F&B landscape, with three restaurants and a rooftop lounge bar.
The hotel will target both leisure and business travellers, with high-speed wi-fi and business and concierge services available to all guests.
Awadalla continued: “It has been a busy year for Time Hotels with a raft of properties announced with several of them due to come online within the next 12 months. We have been very strategic with our openings by identifying and assessing the demand within the market and implementing the most suitable brand from the TIME portfolio to best match consumer demand.
We’re excited by the prospects this year brings and look forward to adding further to our portfolio.”
Time Hotels and Resorts is the Corporate Social Responsibility partner at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, in Dubai World Trade Centre (April 24-17) and will also be exhibiting on stand HC1220.
The properties, which will be unveiled at ATM in Dubai World Trade Centre (April 24-27), will see the growth and launch of existing and new brands to key territories in the region, with the company set to extend its footprint to Ajman and Fujairah in the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, before the end of Q4 2018.
The new additions will join Time Hotels’ existing portfolio of seven properties between Dubai and Sharjah, taking the tally to 17 properties in the Middle East.
Mohamed Awadalla, CEO Time Hotels, said: “Our current pipeline of hotels and residences meet the demands of multiple markets by offering a high-quality stay across all our brand portfolio.”
Plans are in place to take the Time Residence brand to Fujairah, with the launch of the Platinum Time Residence later this year, allowing Time Hotels to position itself strategically in the emirate’s expanding hospitality market.
Awadalla said: “Since launching the Time Residence brand, we have seen demand for quality and value from the residential apartments, supported with facilities, which have added value across the region. Business travellers often look for a home-from-home environment and leisure visitors, especially families, look for less formal hotel accommodation.”
In Dubai, three new hotels will open: Time Asma Hotel, Time Express Hotel Al Jaddaf, and Time Royal Hotel & Spa, the firm’s first five-star UAE property, located in Healthcare City and designed to meet the needs of healthcare tourists. The property boasts 277 rooms and is in close proximity to the popular Wafi City Mall shopping and leisure complex. Facilities include a signature spa featuring temperature-controlled pools, a gym with rehabilitation equipment and a juice bar. The hotel will also have 20, fully adapted, disabled-friendly rooms.
Time’s international openings in Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah and Qurayyat demonstrate the brand’s strength and popularity in markets outside of the UAE.
The Time Beach Villas Resort, Jeddah, is a luxury contemporary property on the upper west side of the city, and Time’s first resort in the kingdom. It will comprise 61 units with detailed Arabic architecture encompassing a full reflection of authentic Gulf design.
Located close to the beach, and 20 minutes’ drive from Jeddah International Airport and city centre, the midrange resort will offer fitness and leisure facilities, high-speed wi-fi, LED televisions in all rooms and concierge and business services.
The resort will be joined by a 137-key four-star Yasma by Time Hotels and Resorts in Qurayyat, and Yasma by TIME Express Hotels, Riyadh. A debut for the Express brand in the kingdom, this hotel will comprise 105 rooms, catering to convenience and budget minded guests.
In Qatar, Time Rako Hotel will open in the third quarter of 2017, in the Al Wakra area of Doha. The 102-key property will mark Time Hotels’ debut in Qatar and the hotel will be positioned to compete in Doha’s fast-paced F&B landscape, with three restaurants and a rooftop lounge bar.
The hotel will target both leisure and business travellers, with high-speed wi-fi and business and concierge services available to all guests.
Awadalla continued: “It has been a busy year for Time Hotels with a raft of properties announced with several of them due to come online within the next 12 months. We have been very strategic with our openings by identifying and assessing the demand within the market and implementing the most suitable brand from the TIME portfolio to best match consumer demand.
We’re excited by the prospects this year brings and look forward to adding further to our portfolio.”
Time Hotels and Resorts is the Corporate Social Responsibility partner at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, in Dubai World Trade Centre (April 24-17) and will also be exhibiting on stand HC1220.
UNITED KINGDOM: Vegan Dishes Prepared By Nigerian Chef In London
Nigerian-born British chef is defying the odds by preparing vegan cuisine with an African twist at this pop-up restaurant in London.
The vegan movement is fast gaining popularity though still gaining momentum in Africa.
Its followers do not eat meat, fish or poultry and do not consume other animal products like eggs or dairy.
“I feel people are curious about vegan food because of the attention its getting in the media these days and when you combine that with the fact that it is vegan Nigerian food fascinated and want to try something different. I feel that there are so many restaurants out there nowadays but African food for the most part is under-represented and so wherever people can find, I guess, difference they are going to go there.”
Her interest in vegan cuisine peaked after seeing a gap in African restaurants. Very few offer vegan options on their menus and she wanted to cater to people looking for tasty, healthy vegan meals.
Not only vegans come to this restaurant but also meat eaters who out of curiosity say they are usually impressed by what they get in the menu.
This is what some guests in the restaurant said:
“When I found out I was coming to a vegan restaurant, I was quite intrigued what the food was going to be like. I’ve never had Nigerian vegan food before. It was really tasty. I really liked the lentils, the lentils were really well done. The couscous was really tasty with the peppers and really well presented. It was really good. I really enjoyed it.”
“It was amazing! I particularly liked the dish with the plantain – I think it was the salad. It had plantain and the onion kind of like breadcrumbs in it. That was really nice. But Tomi’s food is really good anyway. This is the second supper club I’ve been to. I love her food.”
Tomi infuses her dishes with different flavours using staple ingredients that are found in many traditional non-vegan, Nigerian dishes. She attributes her success to the flavours she adds to some dishes, mimicking the texture of meat with specific vegetables and spices.
“For die-hard meat-eaters I focus on flavour because I do feel that is where the crux of it is. Texture is another one as well. So if you can find ways of using vegetables that have a meaty consistency and you use that in normal foods that would contain a lot of meat, then they don’t feel as if they are missing out too much because they do have that texture of meaty food without the animal products included in it,” said the chef.
She shares recipes inspired by Nigerian cuisine in her website “The vegan Nigerian” and says she plans to expand her menu and explore other vegan dishes from various African countries.
The vegan movement is fast gaining popularity though still gaining momentum in Africa.
Its followers do not eat meat, fish or poultry and do not consume other animal products like eggs or dairy.
“I feel people are curious about vegan food because of the attention its getting in the media these days and when you combine that with the fact that it is vegan Nigerian food fascinated and want to try something different. I feel that there are so many restaurants out there nowadays but African food for the most part is under-represented and so wherever people can find, I guess, difference they are going to go there.”
Her interest in vegan cuisine peaked after seeing a gap in African restaurants. Very few offer vegan options on their menus and she wanted to cater to people looking for tasty, healthy vegan meals.
Not only vegans come to this restaurant but also meat eaters who out of curiosity say they are usually impressed by what they get in the menu.
This is what some guests in the restaurant said:
“When I found out I was coming to a vegan restaurant, I was quite intrigued what the food was going to be like. I’ve never had Nigerian vegan food before. It was really tasty. I really liked the lentils, the lentils were really well done. The couscous was really tasty with the peppers and really well presented. It was really good. I really enjoyed it.”
“It was amazing! I particularly liked the dish with the plantain – I think it was the salad. It had plantain and the onion kind of like breadcrumbs in it. That was really nice. But Tomi’s food is really good anyway. This is the second supper club I’ve been to. I love her food.”
Tomi infuses her dishes with different flavours using staple ingredients that are found in many traditional non-vegan, Nigerian dishes. She attributes her success to the flavours she adds to some dishes, mimicking the texture of meat with specific vegetables and spices.
“For die-hard meat-eaters I focus on flavour because I do feel that is where the crux of it is. Texture is another one as well. So if you can find ways of using vegetables that have a meaty consistency and you use that in normal foods that would contain a lot of meat, then they don’t feel as if they are missing out too much because they do have that texture of meaty food without the animal products included in it,” said the chef.
She shares recipes inspired by Nigerian cuisine in her website “The vegan Nigerian” and says she plans to expand her menu and explore other vegan dishes from various African countries.
SOUTH SUDAN: $10,000 Work Permit Fee Suspended
South Sudan has suspended plans to charge foreign workers a $10,000 work permit fee, the finance minister said, after criticism that it would create a huge expense for aid organizations.
War-ravaged South Sudan announced the 100-fold hike in the fee for foreign professionals in early March. Most such workers in the young country are employees of humanitarian groups.
“The Ministry of Finance acknowledges these significant issues and steps are being taken to formulate the best way forward,” Finance Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau told a news conference over the weekend.
“The implementing agencies will continue with old rates charged,” he said, adding that parliament was expected to repeal the legislation that approved the fee hike.
The previous rate was $100 per foreign worker.
War-ravaged South Sudan announced the 100-fold hike in the fee for foreign professionals in early March. Most such workers in the young country are employees of humanitarian groups.
“The Ministry of Finance acknowledges these significant issues and steps are being taken to formulate the best way forward,” Finance Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau told a news conference over the weekend.
“The implementing agencies will continue with old rates charged,” he said, adding that parliament was expected to repeal the legislation that approved the fee hike.
The previous rate was $100 per foreign worker.
KENYA: Kenya Can Now Operate Direct Flights To The United States
After more than a decade long wait, Kenya can now operate direct flights to the United States.
The US Federal Aviation Administration says Kenya has complied with international safety standards and can have direct flights to the country.
The east african country also had to upgrade infrastructure at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Without the category 1 rating conferred by the US Federal Aviation Administration, all flights originating from Kenya had to make a stop over in another country with the same ranking, usually in Europe or the Middle East.
This is a major milestone in Kenya’s aviation industry as it now has a chance to boost trade with the US and increase its share of American tourists.
Kenya is now among five sub-Saharan Africa countries that can fly directly to the US. The rest are; South Africa, Ethiopia, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Nigeria.
The US Federal Aviation Administration says Kenya has complied with international safety standards and can have direct flights to the country.
The east african country also had to upgrade infrastructure at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Without the category 1 rating conferred by the US Federal Aviation Administration, all flights originating from Kenya had to make a stop over in another country with the same ranking, usually in Europe or the Middle East.
This is a major milestone in Kenya’s aviation industry as it now has a chance to boost trade with the US and increase its share of American tourists.
Kenya is now among five sub-Saharan Africa countries that can fly directly to the US. The rest are; South Africa, Ethiopia, Cape Verde, Ghana, and Nigeria.
TUNISIA: Uniforms Cause Tunisair To Ground Flights Leaving Passengers Stranded
A row between pilots and maintenance workers left Tunisair passengers stranded for hours on Thursday, following a row between pilots and maintenance workers over uniforms.
According to media reports , the country’s national carrier suspended all flights indefinitely after an altercation erupted between the crew of Tunisair plane bound for Paris and technicians at Tunis-Carthage International airport.
A statement form the airline refered to the suspension as “a step to preserve the safety of passengers and its fleet.”
Stranded passengers were angered by the debacle.
“This is a big problem. I was here at 6.30. I want to go to Brussels, the flight was cancelled. Now hopefully, hopefully really to there will go. For such a small thing you know Democracy means that you also have to work, you have to negotiate to get a solution,” said a passenger.
The airline however apologised to the passengers and announced a “partial and progressive resumption” of flights after talks with trade union representatives but, warned of further disruption until the row is fully resolved.
The incident comes at a time that Tunisia’s tourism sector has taken a hard hit since terror attacks two years ago, and some worry that such an incident could drive more tourists away.
According to its website, Tunisair has 29 aircraft that usually operate an average of 47 flights a day to destinations mostly in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The north Africa county has been struggling to recover since the 2011 revolution.
According to media reports , the country’s national carrier suspended all flights indefinitely after an altercation erupted between the crew of Tunisair plane bound for Paris and technicians at Tunis-Carthage International airport.
A statement form the airline refered to the suspension as “a step to preserve the safety of passengers and its fleet.”
Stranded passengers were angered by the debacle.
“This is a big problem. I was here at 6.30. I want to go to Brussels, the flight was cancelled. Now hopefully, hopefully really to there will go. For such a small thing you know Democracy means that you also have to work, you have to negotiate to get a solution,” said a passenger.
The airline however apologised to the passengers and announced a “partial and progressive resumption” of flights after talks with trade union representatives but, warned of further disruption until the row is fully resolved.
The incident comes at a time that Tunisia’s tourism sector has taken a hard hit since terror attacks two years ago, and some worry that such an incident could drive more tourists away.
According to its website, Tunisair has 29 aircraft that usually operate an average of 47 flights a day to destinations mostly in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
The north Africa county has been struggling to recover since the 2011 revolution.
BOTSWANA: 6.5 Magnitude Earthquake Visits Botswana, Tremors Felt In South Africa
Botswana was hit Monday evening by a 6.5 magnitude earthquake hours after South Africa recorded a tremor.
The 29.0 km depth quake struck at 7:40 pm local time and was felt 132km west of Moijabana in central Botswana, the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) earthquake data recorded.
The Botswana government said there were no reports of casualties in the earthquake which experts say is the largest since 1952 when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit the country.
Tremors were reportedly felt in neighbouring Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.
The 29.0 km depth quake struck at 7:40 pm local time and was felt 132km west of Moijabana in central Botswana, the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) earthquake data recorded.
The Botswana government said there were no reports of casualties in the earthquake which experts say is the largest since 1952 when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit the country.
Tremors were reportedly felt in neighbouring Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.
USA: Sacred Heart University Student Dies In Pancake Eating Competition
Students and faculty at Sacred Heart University are mourning the death of a college student from New Jersey who died three days after choking during a pancake eating contest at the school.
Caitlin Nelson, 21, of Clark, died Sunday at a Connecticut hospital, three days after taking part in a pancake eating contest at the school.
She was rushed to hospital Thursday evening during the Greek Life event, a spokeswoman from the school said in an emailed statement to NJ Advance Media.
Officers who arrived at the scene were not able to clear her airway and had to remove food from her throat, according to the Fairfield Citizen.
Police said that Nelson suffered from multiple food allergies, but it is yet unclear what caused her death, the report said.
"The SHU flag has been lowered to half-staff in Caitlin's memory," the statement said.
The Sunday evening Mass was dedicated to Nelson, and was followed by a candlelight vigil.
Caitlin Nelson, 21, of Clark, died Sunday at a Connecticut hospital, three days after taking part in a pancake eating contest at the school.
She was rushed to hospital Thursday evening during the Greek Life event, a spokeswoman from the school said in an emailed statement to NJ Advance Media.
Officers who arrived at the scene were not able to clear her airway and had to remove food from her throat, according to the Fairfield Citizen.
Police said that Nelson suffered from multiple food allergies, but it is yet unclear what caused her death, the report said.
"The SHU flag has been lowered to half-staff in Caitlin's memory," the statement said.
The Sunday evening Mass was dedicated to Nelson, and was followed by a candlelight vigil.
INDIA: Highway Liquor Ban
Had the UT administration not dragged its feet over the issue of changing the route of the National Highway-21 for more than two years despite the Union transport ministry’s nod, more than 40 hotels and bars in Sectors 35 and 43, including five-star JW Marriott, would have escaped the Supreme Court ban on serving liquor within 500 metres of state and national highways.
Over 2,000 people are employed in these establishments, with most of them now staring at an uncertain future as many hotels and bars may resort to massive layoffs.
The NH, while coming from the Zirakpur side, passes through Tribune Chowk till the Sector 34-35 roundabout (near JW Marriott Hotel) on Dakshin Marg, turns left to Sector 43.
The Union ministry of road transport and highways had expressed its desire to redesignate the NH, taking left from Tribune Chowk itself till the Sector 47-48 roundabout on Purv Marg and then taking a right till Sectors 39/56.
In June 2001, the ministry had sanctioned around Rs 50 crore under the central road fund to develop NH 21 towards Purv Marg.
However, the project was delayed as a portion of a gurdwara on the stretch was located in the middle of the road.
The wall was removed later and work was completed in March 2015.
UT chief engineer Mukesh Anand said, “I am not aware of this but will look into the matter.” A senior officer from the road transport ministry said, “We have been following up with the UT administration to change the NH route to Purv Marg as this provides load transportation with uninterrupted road communication, which is not possible on the current route.”
Over 2,000 people are employed in these establishments, with most of them now staring at an uncertain future as many hotels and bars may resort to massive layoffs.
The NH, while coming from the Zirakpur side, passes through Tribune Chowk till the Sector 34-35 roundabout (near JW Marriott Hotel) on Dakshin Marg, turns left to Sector 43.
The Union ministry of road transport and highways had expressed its desire to redesignate the NH, taking left from Tribune Chowk itself till the Sector 47-48 roundabout on Purv Marg and then taking a right till Sectors 39/56.
In June 2001, the ministry had sanctioned around Rs 50 crore under the central road fund to develop NH 21 towards Purv Marg.
However, the project was delayed as a portion of a gurdwara on the stretch was located in the middle of the road.
The wall was removed later and work was completed in March 2015.
UT chief engineer Mukesh Anand said, “I am not aware of this but will look into the matter.” A senior officer from the road transport ministry said, “We have been following up with the UT administration to change the NH route to Purv Marg as this provides load transportation with uninterrupted road communication, which is not possible on the current route.”
USA: Man Shot Outside Secaucus Hotel
A man was shot multiple times outside of a hotel near Route 3 early Sunday morning, police said.
The shooting was reported just before 3 a.m. in front of the La Quinta on Lighting Way, Secaucus Police Captain Dennis Miller said.
The victim, whose age was not immediately available but is not a resident of Secaucus, was seriously injured and was still in surgery at about 8 a.m at Hackensack University Hospital, he said.
Miller said the investigation is still "very active" but appears to be "an isolated incident and not a random act of violence."
Two women staying at the Hotel who are visiting from Idaho described a chaotic scene outside the building in the early morning hours, with multiple evidence markers lining the driveway of the hotel.
A friend of theirs checked out at about 5 a.m. and had to leave through an back entrance, dragging her suitcase across the lawn.
"They were trying to play it off like it was normal weekend stuff," one woman said while waiting at a nearby bus stop Sunday afternoon.
Little remained of the investigation at about 1 p.m., with just a small piece of police tape lying in the street. A puddle of water could be seen on a covered section of the driveway where the victim was believed to have been shot.
A woman working at the front desk directed comments to the hotel's corporate office.
Additional information about the shooting was not available.
The La Quinta Hotel is part of Secaucus's Harmon Meadow shopping complex, which has several hotels, retail stores, and more than a dozen restaurants
The shooting was reported just before 3 a.m. in front of the La Quinta on Lighting Way, Secaucus Police Captain Dennis Miller said.
The victim, whose age was not immediately available but is not a resident of Secaucus, was seriously injured and was still in surgery at about 8 a.m at Hackensack University Hospital, he said.
Miller said the investigation is still "very active" but appears to be "an isolated incident and not a random act of violence."
Two women staying at the Hotel who are visiting from Idaho described a chaotic scene outside the building in the early morning hours, with multiple evidence markers lining the driveway of the hotel.
A friend of theirs checked out at about 5 a.m. and had to leave through an back entrance, dragging her suitcase across the lawn.
"They were trying to play it off like it was normal weekend stuff," one woman said while waiting at a nearby bus stop Sunday afternoon.
Little remained of the investigation at about 1 p.m., with just a small piece of police tape lying in the street. A puddle of water could be seen on a covered section of the driveway where the victim was believed to have been shot.
A woman working at the front desk directed comments to the hotel's corporate office.
Additional information about the shooting was not available.
The La Quinta Hotel is part of Secaucus's Harmon Meadow shopping complex, which has several hotels, retail stores, and more than a dozen restaurants
THAILAND: Charles Raymond Geoffroy A Belgian Businessman Jumps To Death From Hua Hin hotel
A Belgian real estate developer jumped to his death from the roof of a seven-storey hotel in Hua Hin on Saturday night, police said.
Charles Raymond Geoffroy died despite authorities placing a large airbag on the ground as police attempted to negotiate with him. When he jumped from the roof of the Hisea Huahin Hotel he missed the airbag by about three metres.
He died later in Hua Hin Hospital.
Police were alerted at 8.30pm that the man appeared suicidal on the rooftop of the hotel. Tourist police and Hua Hin police rushed to the scene and tried to negotiate with the man to step back from the edge of the roof.
Police said the man had an argument with a woman who owned an accountancy firm on Soi Hua Hin 41. Police said he apparently had stabbed her with a bamboo stick, slightly injuring her, after the company refused to return his passport.
Police said the man had been involved in a real estate and a restaurant in Hua Hin for about a year.
Charles Raymond Geoffroy died despite authorities placing a large airbag on the ground as police attempted to negotiate with him. When he jumped from the roof of the Hisea Huahin Hotel he missed the airbag by about three metres.
He died later in Hua Hin Hospital.
Police were alerted at 8.30pm that the man appeared suicidal on the rooftop of the hotel. Tourist police and Hua Hin police rushed to the scene and tried to negotiate with the man to step back from the edge of the roof.
Police said the man had an argument with a woman who owned an accountancy firm on Soi Hua Hin 41. Police said he apparently had stabbed her with a bamboo stick, slightly injuring her, after the company refused to return his passport.
Police said the man had been involved in a real estate and a restaurant in Hua Hin for about a year.
PHILIPPINES: President Rodrigo Duterte Gives Red Card To Interior Minister Ismael Sueno
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has fired the interior minister, his spokesman said Tuesday as infighting and corruption allegations rock his government.
Ismael Sueno, who supervised Duterte's war on drugs that has left thousands dead, was fired on the spot at a cabinet meeting late Monday, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
"The summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the cabinet," Abella added.
He did not say what these decisions were, but added the sacking formed part of Duterte's "drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption".
In a statement issued Monday, hours before his sacking, Sueno, 69, vigorously denied any involvement in corruption, blaming other followers of Duterte for circulating such allegations against him.
"My advocacy against corruption has been strong. My belief is the same as President Duterte in fighting this. So this accusation against me is impossible," said Sueno, a former provincial governor and city mayor.
Sueno said he was being badmouthed by three junior ministers in the Department of the Interior and Local Government, like him also appointed by Duterte.
Asked if Sueno might face further charges, Abella told reporters: "Let us wait for the president to take his subsequent actions."
Sueno's sacking comes a month after Perfecto Yasay left his post as foreign minister after Congress ruled that he lied to them over his US citizenship.
Abella said the loss of another cabinet member was not a sign of trouble but proof that Duterte was serious about restoring trust in government.
He did not say who would replace Sueno, though there has been speculation Duterte would appoint Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, son of the late Philippine dictator.
Former senator Marcos Jnr lost the vice presidential election last year but is contesting the outcome at an election tribunal.
In Congress, two other close Duterte allies, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Congressman Antonio Floirendo, have been publicly feuding for weeks with Duterte trying to stay out of the quarrel.
Alvarez has accused Floirendo, a key contributor in the Duterte election campaign, of corruption, but Floirendo denies the charge.
Duterte won election by a landslide in May largely on his promise to launch a war on illegal drugs.
Although the campaign has proved popular at home, the president has faced international criticism for thousands of killings that human rights advocates say were carried out as part of the antidrug initiative.
Ismael Sueno, who supervised Duterte's war on drugs that has left thousands dead, was fired on the spot at a cabinet meeting late Monday, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a statement.
"The summary dismissal served as a warning that Mr. Duterte would not countenance any questionable or legally untenable decisions by any member of the cabinet," Abella added.
He did not say what these decisions were, but added the sacking formed part of Duterte's "drive for a trustworthy government by addressing issues like corruption".
In a statement issued Monday, hours before his sacking, Sueno, 69, vigorously denied any involvement in corruption, blaming other followers of Duterte for circulating such allegations against him.
"My advocacy against corruption has been strong. My belief is the same as President Duterte in fighting this. So this accusation against me is impossible," said Sueno, a former provincial governor and city mayor.
Sueno said he was being badmouthed by three junior ministers in the Department of the Interior and Local Government, like him also appointed by Duterte.
Asked if Sueno might face further charges, Abella told reporters: "Let us wait for the president to take his subsequent actions."
Sueno's sacking comes a month after Perfecto Yasay left his post as foreign minister after Congress ruled that he lied to them over his US citizenship.
Abella said the loss of another cabinet member was not a sign of trouble but proof that Duterte was serious about restoring trust in government.
He did not say who would replace Sueno, though there has been speculation Duterte would appoint Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, son of the late Philippine dictator.
Former senator Marcos Jnr lost the vice presidential election last year but is contesting the outcome at an election tribunal.
In Congress, two other close Duterte allies, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Congressman Antonio Floirendo, have been publicly feuding for weeks with Duterte trying to stay out of the quarrel.
Alvarez has accused Floirendo, a key contributor in the Duterte election campaign, of corruption, but Floirendo denies the charge.
Duterte won election by a landslide in May largely on his promise to launch a war on illegal drugs.
Although the campaign has proved popular at home, the president has faced international criticism for thousands of killings that human rights advocates say were carried out as part of the antidrug initiative.
UGANDA: At last Government Listens To Tourism And Hospitality Stake Holders, Plans To Srap Or Reduce Taxes
Government is finalising arrangements to have taxes on hotels in the country either scrapped or reduced so as to enable entrepreneurs invest in the business to attract more tourists, Minister of Tourism Ephraim Kamuntu has said.
“Many hotels in the country have failed to improve their services to international standards because of the tax burden on them. As government, we have finished reviewing the demands for hotel owners and we are ready to revoke taxes so that they could expand their businesses to attract more tourists,” he said.
He added that the scrapped or reduced taxes will be reflected in the 2017/2018 budget because government wants to increase the number of tourists that come to Uganda annually from the current 1.3m to 4m by 2020.
Prof Kamuntu revealed that the tourism industry currently contributes 9 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, adding that if the taxes on hotels are scrapped, government would collect much money due to the increased number of tourists caused by the improved hotel services.
“There is no government that can survive without the private sector and that’s why we have to consider some of their demands because they help us in terms of development.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and this means that we must prioritise it as a country,” he said. However, he challenged hotel owners to train their staff on hospitality so that they could get as many tourists as possible.
He made the remarks last week in Kampala while officiating at the launch of the four tourism products that were unveiled by the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA).
The new products are; Uganda National Museum Indigenous dinner, Namugongo Shrine son et lumier, Uganda Rwenzori Cultural Trail and Interpretation capacity building for birding and the Uganda iconic tourism product development.
The UTA president, Mr Boniface Byamukama, said the development of the new products follows Uganda’s quest to be a leading tourism destination with the purpose of creating employment opportunities and increase revenue.
“I urge our partners in the government and private sector to take advantage and invest in these products. By working together, we will sustainably push Uganda tourism sector to the next level. We now have strategic plans that will guide us in policy and planning,” he said.
Mr Byamukama said that their strategic plans include marketing Uganda to the international arena, training tour guides and hotel managers and also embrace the use of internet to get more customers.
But he expressed concern over the high taxes levied on hotels yet others, especially those located upcountry, as well as very low occupancy rate.
Currently, hotels in Uganda have an occupancy rate of 17 per cent. However, if taxes are scrapped, Mr Byamukama anticipates that the percentage will increase since many hotels will then invest in having better services to attract more tourists.
“Many hotels in the country have failed to improve their services to international standards because of the tax burden on them. As government, we have finished reviewing the demands for hotel owners and we are ready to revoke taxes so that they could expand their businesses to attract more tourists,” he said.
He added that the scrapped or reduced taxes will be reflected in the 2017/2018 budget because government wants to increase the number of tourists that come to Uganda annually from the current 1.3m to 4m by 2020.
Prof Kamuntu revealed that the tourism industry currently contributes 9 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, adding that if the taxes on hotels are scrapped, government would collect much money due to the increased number of tourists caused by the improved hotel services.
“There is no government that can survive without the private sector and that’s why we have to consider some of their demands because they help us in terms of development.
Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world and this means that we must prioritise it as a country,” he said. However, he challenged hotel owners to train their staff on hospitality so that they could get as many tourists as possible.
He made the remarks last week in Kampala while officiating at the launch of the four tourism products that were unveiled by the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA).
The new products are; Uganda National Museum Indigenous dinner, Namugongo Shrine son et lumier, Uganda Rwenzori Cultural Trail and Interpretation capacity building for birding and the Uganda iconic tourism product development.
The UTA president, Mr Boniface Byamukama, said the development of the new products follows Uganda’s quest to be a leading tourism destination with the purpose of creating employment opportunities and increase revenue.
“I urge our partners in the government and private sector to take advantage and invest in these products. By working together, we will sustainably push Uganda tourism sector to the next level. We now have strategic plans that will guide us in policy and planning,” he said.
Mr Byamukama said that their strategic plans include marketing Uganda to the international arena, training tour guides and hotel managers and also embrace the use of internet to get more customers.
But he expressed concern over the high taxes levied on hotels yet others, especially those located upcountry, as well as very low occupancy rate.
Currently, hotels in Uganda have an occupancy rate of 17 per cent. However, if taxes are scrapped, Mr Byamukama anticipates that the percentage will increase since many hotels will then invest in having better services to attract more tourists.
Monday, 3 April 2017
THAILAND: Russian Tourist Dies In Hotel Room In Cherng Talay
A Russian tourist died hours after landing at Phuket International Airport yesterday afternoon.
The 55-year-old, whose name has been withheld by police, was on holiday with his wife.
“Shortly after landing, he told his wife that he had a headache,” said Lt Suporn Muangkai of the Thalang Police.
“The couple checked into a hotel in Cherng Talay at about 2:30pm, Thursday. Once there, the man fell unconscious and his wife called the front desk for help,” he added.
The hotel contacted rescue workers who rushed the man to Thalang Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“We have yet to learn the cause of death and are waiting for an official report from the hospital. We believe he might have had a preexisting medical condition, although his wife says she is unaware of any prior health issues,” said Lt Suporn.
The 55-year-old, whose name has been withheld by police, was on holiday with his wife.
“Shortly after landing, he told his wife that he had a headache,” said Lt Suporn Muangkai of the Thalang Police.
“The couple checked into a hotel in Cherng Talay at about 2:30pm, Thursday. Once there, the man fell unconscious and his wife called the front desk for help,” he added.
The hotel contacted rescue workers who rushed the man to Thalang Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
“We have yet to learn the cause of death and are waiting for an official report from the hospital. We believe he might have had a preexisting medical condition, although his wife says she is unaware of any prior health issues,” said Lt Suporn.
RUSSIA: Metro Explosion In St Petersburg Kills Ten
10 people were killed Monday in a blast on the metro system of Russia's second city Saint Petersburg.
According to the first preliminary data, around ten people were killed, after the Saint Petersburg metro said that an unidentified object had blown up in a train carriage.
The Tass and Interfax agencies reported the blast hit at the Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, which left a number of victims.
Images posted on social media showed a train carriage with its doors blown out and damage inside.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in the city, has been informed, Russian media say.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known. Russian news agencies said there may have been two blasts, with a second at the nearby Institute of Technology station.
Meanwhile the explosion hit the metro system of Russia's second city Saint Petersburg on Monday, the firm running it said, after an unidentified object blew up in a train.
"An evacuation from the stations is ongoing, there are people injured," the Saint Petersburg metro said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. "An unidentified object supposedly blew up in a (train) carriage."
According to the first preliminary data, around ten people were killed, after the Saint Petersburg metro said that an unidentified object had blown up in a train carriage.
The Tass and Interfax agencies reported the blast hit at the Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, which left a number of victims.
Images posted on social media showed a train carriage with its doors blown out and damage inside.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is in the city, has been informed, Russian media say.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known. Russian news agencies said there may have been two blasts, with a second at the nearby Institute of Technology station.
Meanwhile the explosion hit the metro system of Russia's second city Saint Petersburg on Monday, the firm running it said, after an unidentified object blew up in a train.
"An evacuation from the stations is ongoing, there are people injured," the Saint Petersburg metro said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. "An unidentified object supposedly blew up in a (train) carriage."
BRAZIL: Salvador De Bahia
Founded in 1549, Salvador was the capital in the heyday of the slave trade. The legacy remains today in its large black population, and the resulting culture in many ways outshines the rest of Brazil; in music, many of the greatest names from the mid-20th century to the present hail from Salvador, such as Dorival Caymmi, Gilberto Gil, and Caetano Veloso. In literature, the late Jorge Amado was also from the region. It's a vibrant, exciting city, and its people are quite friendly.
Salvador de Bahia
Salvador is on a peninsula on the northeast coast of Brazil which shields the large Baía de Todos os Santos ("All Saints Bay") from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is the third largest in Brazil, sprawling for dozens of kilometers inland from the coast. Most visitors head for the coastal neighborhoods that cluster around where the bay meets the ocean.Salvador, Brazil has a tropical climate including rainforests and lush vegetation.
A 100m cliff runs along the entire bayshore, dividing the city into Cidade Alta, up on the cliff, and the Cidade Baixa down by the bay. The former features Pelourinho, the old city center that packs historical sites, colonial architecture, museums, restaurants, bars, hostels, artisanal shops, and music/dance/capoeira academies into a convenient, albeit tourist-swarmed, set of winding cobblestone streets. The latter features a commercial center with lots of bus traffic coming in from all over Salvador.
Outside of this area, there are many beach districts that stretch from the tip of the peninsula northeast along the Atlantic coast. The Barra neighborhood at the tip of the peninsula is the main alternative jumping-off point to Pelourinho, and a little further to the northeast are the hip neighborhoods of Rio Vermelho and Amaralina, which feature a nightlife less geared to the foreign tourism industry.
A decent bus ride beyond these is the neighborhood of Itapuã, which has an energetic beach side nightlife and relatively few foreign visitors. Northward from there are kilometers and kilometers of gorgeous beaches, all accessible by bus.
The bayshore coast north beyond Pelourinho features a more tranquil atmosphere and a locally patronized, though less scenic, beach life. The interior of Salvador is where the "new city" has developed, full of residential neighborhoods, shopping megaplexes, and knotted highways, all of which can be quite alienating without actually having a friend to show you around.
Local residents enjoy sharing their exotic dancing and music skills with tourists. Residents are also considered some of the friendliest people on the planet.Tourist are welcomed with open and friendly arms by the majority of local residents.
People of Salvador, as other people from the state of Bahia, have a reputation of being relaxed, easygoing, and fun-loving, even by Brazillian standards. On the bad side, this is also interpreted as lazyness and disgust of working; in a way, people of Salvador have reputation opposite to people from São Paulo.
It's questionable whether this reputation is true, as the behavior of pedestrians and drivers in traffic seems to contradict this. Regardless, few soteropolitanos seem to bother with this reputation, even the bad part of it, and some even make fun of their own supposed lazyness. Also, most people in Brazil agree that soteropolitanos are generally friendly and warm people.
The Salvador's Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães International Airport is one of Brazil's main airports. All of the biggest Brazilian airlines have flights to the Bahian capital city. The city also receives flights from the main hubs of Europe, South America and the United States.
Airlines:
- TAM (Domestic flights).
- Gol (Domestic flights and Buenos Aires).
- Avianca (Domestic flights).
- Azul Linhas Aéreas (Domestic and regional flights).
- Passaredo (Regional flights).
- TAP (Lisbon).
- American Airlines (Miami).
- Condor (Frankfurt).
- Aerolineas Argentinas (Buenos Aires).
- Air Europa(Madrid).
The airport is 28km from the city center (via the Paralela expressway) or 32km (via the seaside). Two kinds of taxis are available in the airport, the executive taxis (Coometas and Comtas), and the normal taxis. Executive taxis are pre-paid, they have a table of prices rather than a meters.
The other taxi option would be the normal taxis which are metered. A third option would be the executive air-conditioned minibuses which depart every 20 minutes to the Praça da Sé, in downtown near Pelourinho via the seaside, stopping at famous beaches like Ondina, Pituba, Amaralina and Itapuã, and Barra as well as stopping by Shopping Barra--an American-style shopping mall located not too far from the Farol da Barra The fare for these buses is R$4.
Another option is the urban buses that go to many parts of the city, for the tourist the options are Lapa, Campo Grande and São Joaquim buses, the best thing is ask the driver before taking an urban bus, the fare is R$3,00 (3 reals). Linha Verde executive buses go to Praia do Forte and depart often from the airport.
There is also a luxury bus called "First Class", leaving from the airport (turn right out the airport and walk to the final stand) that takes you to Praça da Sé at a cost of R28 pp, dropping off people on the way. If you want to take the minibus or urban bus, they pick up behind the parking lot that is directly across from the arrivals exit.
You will need to walk through the parking lot. Be aware that there are no signs directing you to the place where the buses stop, you just have to find it yourself.
Salvador's long-distance bus station is in the middle of the new city, 14km from downtown. Salvador is accessible via scheduled buses from all around the country and from Paraguay. Inside the bus stations there are taxis (local taxis and executive taxis) and local buses which can all take you to many places in Salvador and the metropolitan area.
Executive buses in the Iguatemi Station can be accessed from the Iguatemi Mall by way of a busy walkway.
Bus travel in and out of Salvador can take a lot more time than expected. Count on an average speed of 50-60 km/h when planning your itinerary.
Salvador is a common stop on international cruise routes and was once visited by the Queen Elizabeth 2 during her sailing career. Note that the docks area can be dangerous. This area is linked to the Pelourinho historic centre by the Elevador Lacerda, and to the city by urban buses and executive buses to Iguatemi.
There are a number of transportation options available in Salvador, including taxis, buses and car rentals. the bus fares are quite affordable, although the taxi fares can be quite expensive if one is traveling a long distance.
The old city center can be easily explored on foot. To get between the upper and lower sections, take the Elevador Lacerda or the cable car, remember to take small change as the fare is just R$0.15. The streets between the two are considered dangerous even during the day.
City buses, as in other Brazilian cities, are constant and confusing. Fares are normally R$3.00, as of March 2015, (even for buses into the neighboring city of Lauro de Freitas). There is also the option of the air-conditioned executive buses. Know your landmarks and neighborhood names.
The best way to plan your route is by using Google Maps
Any large shopping area will have a complimentary frequented bus stop, and the major intercity terminal, Lapa, is next to Shopping Lapa.
Other major bus terminals include: Estação Iguatemi (between the Rodoviaria and Shopping Iguatemi), and Estação Mussurunga (located on the Paralela with buses usually connecting to Praia do Flamengo interior neighborhoods in Salvador).
If you are trying to make your way out of Pelourinho, you can either take the Elevador Lacerda down to the Comercio and find buses for just about every route, or walk to the Praca da Sé bus stop just south of the elevator, which has a much smaller selection of buses passing through, and many options of executive buses.
Buses are safe to ride at night, as long as you are on a frequented (i.e. coastal) route and dress/act inconspicuously. Service stops at midnight and begins again around 4:30-5AM. There are a limited number of lines that provide night service from midnight-4AM.
You can find more about about the Salvador bus routes and time tables one the website for the Superintendência de Transporte Público (in Portuguese only).
Salvador's metro system opperates from Lapa (in city center) to Bom Juá. Campo da Pólvora Station is 700 meters from Historic Center and Acesso Norte Station is near Bela Vista Shopping Mall.
The Line 2 will link the international airport. The first stage between Acesso Norte and Rodoviária (bus station) will be ready in October 2015.
Suburban rail service links Calçada in Lower City and the suburban neighborhood Paripe.
Salvador cab drivers must be competing with those in Rio for spots on Formula 1 racing teams. They will certainly get you where you're going quicker than the bus! However, as buses stop running after midnight, do be prepared to haggle quite a bit with taxistas who refuse to use the meter, especially if you've decided to explore far from your bed - as a general rule very few taxistas will use the meter, so haggling is common on most journies.
Executive taxis (COMTAS white and blue) don't have meters, and the prices are on a table, it's more expensive than city taxis (white with red and blue stripes), but they are much more comfortable, they are in stops in the main shopping malls, the airport, bus station, ferry-boat station and big hotels.
Most of the executive taxis don't have a very good online presence and often English speaking staff are hard to come by. Salvador Airport Transfer has a website that allows prebooking prior to arrival in Salvador, and claims to have English speaking staff, should you need to give them a call.
Renting a basic car with air conditioning (100+ kilometers or KM free) costs R$ 110-140 per day, plus fuel. It's not hard to find your way accross Salvador avenues, but although people from Bahia have a reputation of being relaxed and easygoing, traffic is agressive (somewhat like Rio de Janeiro), and you will frequently see drivers attempting dangerous overtakes on you. Pedestrians are also careless and unexpectely run to cross roads and streets.
If you are not used to this type of traffic, consider asking for a private driver, which is possible on many car renting agencies. Renting a car may be a good idea if you plan to visit the beaches from the northern part of Bahia, with more time flexibility than allowed by travel agencies.
The Bicycle sharing system program Bike Salvador offers many bike stations through the city. Cycling is not really a good option to get around in Salvador excpet the cycleways and pedestrian zones like in Barra and Ribeira areas.
At sundays and holidays the Salvador Vai de Bike project offers leisure cycleways like the one in downtown between Campo Grande Square and Historic Center and in the City Park (Parque da Cidade) area.
At the center of the Cidade Alta there are the 2 large squares Praça da Sé and the Terreiro de Jesus which are connected at the corner by the cathedral. The latter is probably the most lively part of town, with food carts and stalls through the day and revelers in the evening hours.
The slick, L-shaped Praça da Sé has cool fountains and the fenced-off ruins of the foundations of its namesake church. At the far end of the plaza, the 1874 funicular railway Plano Inclinado Gonçalves used to send 30-passenger cars between Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa on terrifyingly steep tracks – it's been out of service since 2011, though plans to restore the train are in the works.
A colourful intersection of vendors, tourists, capoeiristas and colourful locals, the Terreiro de Jesus is a historic site of religious celebrations, and is ringed by four churches, as well as the XIX century Faculdade de Medicina Building . The plaza feeds into the Cruzeiro de São Francisco , named for the cross in the square’s center.
Praça Municipal (City Square), Praça Tomé de Souza. Once the political seat of colonial Brazil, it is now a lively place to people-watch and see panoramic views over the bay. Overlooking the plaza, note the impressive Palácio Rio Branco, reconstructed in 1919; the original 1549 structure housed the offices of Tomé de Souza, Brazil’s first governor general.
Largo do Pelourinho — A fairly small triangular plaza, is among the oldest parts of town. You can guess from its name meaning "plaza of the pillory" what went on around there.
Mercado Modelo — The city's main market located in the lower town is and a good place for crafts and other souvenirs. In the adjacent square you can often see young men performing capoeira, the famous martial arts dance which originates from the area.
Solar do Unhão — The best place in Salvador to watch the sunset. It is an old style house located at the Baía de Todos os Santos. Inside there is a small museum (Museu de Arte Moderna) with local art pieces. Sometimes on Saturday evening there is a jazz concert.
Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra ((Farol da Barra for the lighthouse)), Largo do Farol da Barra - Barra BA, Brasil, is Bahia’s oldest fort was built in 1698. In addition to having superb views, the fort houses an excellent nautical museum, with relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring.
As you catch the sunset here – from the grassy ledge behind the fort or from the museum’s gorgeous terrace café – realize that Salvador’s peninsula is the only location in Brazil where the sun appears to set over the ocean.
Elevador Lacerda, Rua da Conceição da Praia, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil near the Comércio extended hours summer weekends & Carnaval. The beautifully restored, art deco Elevador Lacerda connects the Cidade Alta with Comércio via 4 elevators traveling 72 m in about 30 sec. The Jesuits installed the 1st manual rope-and-pulley elevator around 1610 to transport goods and passengers from the port to the settlement. In 1868 an iron structure with clanking steam elevators was inaugurated, replaced by an electric system in 1928.
Facing the elevator are the impressive arches of the Câmara Municipal, the XVII century city hall, which occasionally puts on cultural exhibitions. R$0.15.
Religious sites
Convento de Igreja de São Francisco — is a very important colonial monuments in Brazil. The current church was built between 1708-1723, but the interior was decorated by several artists during a great part of the XVIII century.
Most decoration of the church and convent were finished by 1755.
All surfaces inside - walls, pillars, vaults and ceilings - are covered by golden sculptered gilt woodwork and paintings. The decoration of the church is considered one of the most complete and imposing in Portuguese-Brazilian Baroque gilt woodwork art (talha dourada), being a perfect example of the "golden church" (igreja dourada).
Igreja do Nosso Senhor do Bonfim — A small church located in a neighborhood to the north, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in all of Brazil. The colorful votive ribbons or fitas of Bonfim are an easily recognizable item throughout Brazil and even beyond. Children outside the church will for a small fee tie them around your wrist and tell you to make a wish for each one. If the ribbon wears off naturally, the wish will come true; if you cut it off before then, it won't.
You can get to Bonfim by city bus in about 15 minutes.
Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Sao Francisco (The Church of the Third Order of St. Francis), Rua São Francisco, Salvador. 8am-5pm. It is a Catholic church nominated for the election of the 7 Wonders of Brazil. The facade was covered with mortar in the late XVIII century and only in the early twentieth century, during services in the electric grid , was rediscovered its underlying decor.
It wasn’t seen until a workman installing wiring in the 1930s serendipitously discovered the beautiful, baroque sandstone facade (the only one of its kind in Brazil). The church was designed by Gabriel Ribeiro. The ceiling is decorated with paintings by Franco Velasco in 1831. R$ 3.
Museums
Museu da Cidade (Cidade museum), Largo do Pelourinho, 3 - Pelourinho, Salvador - BA, 40026-280, Brazil,Mon & Wed-Fri, 1-5pm Sat, 9am-1pm Sun. Rather like the city itself, Museu da Cidade contains an eclectic assortment of the old and the modern, the sacred and the profane. Exhibits include Candomblé orixá costumes, the personal effects of the poet Castro Alves (author of Návio Negreiro, or Slave Ship, and one of the first public figures to protest slavery), and traditional rag dolls enacting quotidian colonial life, as well as paintings and sculptures. R$ 3.
Museu da Misericórdia, Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil ,10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun. The Museu da Misericórdia is housed in a marvelous 17th-century edifice, this one serving as Brazil’s first hospital. Visits here include a guided tour (in Portuguese) that allows a glimpse of fine period furnishings, portraits and assorted finery dating back four centuries.
You’ll also see the attached Igreja da Misericórdia, with its azulejos and a sacristy featuring impressive 18th-century woodwork. R$5.
Museu Afro-Brasileiro, M-F 9am-6pm, Sa Su 10am-5pm. — A museum that documents the slave trade and subsequent development of the city. R$ 5.
Museu de Arte da Bahia (Art Museum of Bahia), 7 de Setembro 2340. 1-7pm Tue-Fri, 2-7pm Sat & Sun. Set in an attractive neocolonial building, the Museu de Arte da Bahia showcases works from Bahian artists, with paintings by José Teófilo de Jesus (1758–1817) and drawings by Argentine artist Carybé. adult/child R$5/3.
Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology), Faculdade de Medicina, Terreiro de Jesus. 10am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Below the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia exhibits indigenous Brazilian pottery, bows and arrows, masks and feather headpieces. Also tucked between the building’s arching stone foundations is 19th-century glass and porcelain found during the excavations for the metro. R$6.
Museu Náutico da Bahia (Nautical Museum of Bahia), Largo do Farol da Barra. 8:30am-7pm Tue-Sun, daily Jan & Jul. In addition to having superb views, the Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra contains this excellent nautical museum, with relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring, plus fascinating exhibits on the slave trade. All information is offered in both Portuguese and English – a rarity in Bahia. Sunset is delightful at the museum’s gorgeous terrace café. adult/student R$10/5.
Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art), Contorno s/n. 1-7pm Tue-Fri & Sun, to 9pm Sat. Museu de Arte Moderna has a changing display of avant-garde exhibits and erratic opening times. A fine restaurant and an art workshop occupy the former store house. The hillside sculpture garden is a pleasant place to take a breath and enjoy the fine bay views. Take a taxi there, as it is off bus routes and the desolate walk is known for tourist muggings. adult/child R$6/3.
Museu Carlos Costa Pinto, 7 de Setembro 2490. 2:30-7pm Mon & Wed-Sat. This lovely two-story mansion houses some of Salvador’s finest decorative art, from the collection of the patrician couple Carlos de Aguiar Costa Pinto and his wife Margarida, both born in Bahia in the late 19th century. Displays highlight gold, crystal, porcelain and silver pieces, as well as beautifully carved coral jewelry and tortoiseshell fans. Don't miss the outdoor cafe. R$5.
Beach and Parks
Abaeté Park — A protected state park around the lake with same name. The lake is famous because of the stark contrast between the dark water and the very white sand dunes. There is a entertainment area with a lot of bars and live music.
Praia Porto da Barra (Porto da Barra beach), Praia Porto da Barra, Salvador, Bahia (near Avenida Oceânica and Avenida Sete de Setembro). Praia Porto da Barra beach is rather like the Pelourinho: small, picturesque, usually crowded, loaded with vendors selling everything imaginable, and roughly half those present are foreigners.
The bay's waters are clear and calm, and the people-watching is fantastic. To the left of the lighthouse, Praia do Farol da Barra has a beach break popular with surfers. Barra's waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants and is well lit at night, but it gets a bit sleazy in the later hours.
You'll find a huge variety of things to do in Salvador. Some of the popular activities include:
- Day tour of Salvador
- Salvador Parks
- Salvador golf courses
- Salvador music festivals
- Surf trips
A good brazil tour guide in Salvador, known as a guia de Salvador, will be able to show you around lots of the attractions and activities if you want to explore on your own. A good option to get a general idea and find your way around in the city is the "Salvador Bus", an open-top tour bus passing by the main points of interest and offering explanation on the way. For alternative crowd there is a free walking tour running in the city starting from Cinema Glauber Rocha on Castro Alves square .
Carnival
Salvador's Street Carnival, the biggest in the world
One of the main attractions in Salvador is the carnaval. Salvador's giant Carnival, the biggest of the world, according to the Guiness book of records, lasts for one week and is extremely popular with Brazilians and tourists alike.
In 2017, the event happens on February 22nd - March 1st and consists of parades,live entertainment, music, dancers and vendors. The main parades follow three circuits: one in the historic center Pelourinho (with mainly traditional groups in costumes), one on Campo Grande, where most bands play samba, and in recent years the most popular one in Barra / Ondina, where modern Brazilian Axé music mixes with percussion and all kinds of rhythms and styles, and the bands parade between "Camarote" boxes on one side and the beach on the other.
Options to participate are either by watching from the camarote boxes, or purchasing an "abadá" shirt to join a group that accompanies one of the bands throughout the parade. One can expect to have a lot of fun if they vacation in Salvador, Brazil during Carnival. Salvador also has many other attractions that tourists will find enjoyable. these include golf courses, museums and even an old 17th century fort. Anyone wishing to visit Salvador Brazil will find their trip to be entertaining, fun and full of wonderful memories.
Visiting a Salvador beach is a highlight for many tourists. One of the main central Salvador beaches is Porto de Barra. It was originally the site of the first settlement of european newcomers to Bahia.
It can get very crowded on weekends. The northeast region of Salvador concentrates most beaches with good water quality. Flamengo and Stella Maris are the most popular beaches among tourists and upper class locals.
They have excellent tourist infrastructure and rough waters excellent for surfing. Jaguaribe, Piatã and Itapoã, with calmer waters, are mostly frequented by locals and can become quite crowded at weekends.
They are a good option with you want to mix with the local population, but don't bring anything besides your clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash, as muggings are quite common.
The other beaches of Salvador aren't suited for bathing, but still can be good for walking, cycling, or taking pictures. Farol da Barra has a beautiful view (specially during the sunset), but it's difficult to walk due to the rocks. "Farol" means lighthouse, and this beach is known for its lighthouse as well as being popular with surfers.
A much safer choice is nearby Plakaford. Here the calm waters and soft sandy beaches are welcoming for families and children. In the city south, there is an array of beautiful beaches that include Tinhare and Boipeba.
Mercado Modelo
Salvador shopping is the bargain hunters paradise. There is nothing that you cannot find in a mall. If you plan to buy popular art, crafts and clothing, check the small stores at the Old Town or head to the Mercado Modelo (Model Market). Locals like to shop at American-style shopping malls.
- Shopping da Bahia (formerly Shopping Iguatemi)
- Salvador Shopping
- Shopping Barra
- Shopping Itaigara
- Shopping Center Lapa
- Shopping Piedade
- Bahia Outlet Center
- Salvador Norte Shopping
- Shopping Bela Vista
The first thing that anyone wanting to shop in Salvador should know is that it is essential to barter. very few vendors will stick to their given price. If pushed they will always go lower. If you are looking for souvenirs you may want to check out Litoral Norte located at Rua Gregorio de Matos 30.
They sell tshirts and other items. Most will cost you no more than $5. If you want local art you should visit Pelourhino. There are many galleries that double as stores. Galeria 13 at Rua Santa Isabel 13 displays work by local artists.
Bahian restaurants are considered to be among the best in Brazil. The majority of Bahia restaurants offer South American cuisine but there a few that offer other specialties.
For example, the Maria Mato Mouro located at Rua 3A Ordem de Sao Francisco, Pelourinho serves a wide range of seafood dishes from all over the world although most are from South America. One of the most popular dishes is the grilled bahia fish badejo.
This restaurant is open daily from noon until 1am and offers main courses from $15 to $25. The Terreiro de Jesus is a great place to sample the local cuisine from street stalls, served by Afro-Brazilian baianas in their traditional white dresses.
A must try dish is the Abara. This is a wrap with bean paste, dende oil and onions all cooked in a banana leaf with spices for flavour. if you prefer western food then you will find many fast-food places like Burger King, McDonald's, Subway or Pizza Hut. You also will find casual dinner chains like Outback Steakhouse.
Be sure to try acarajé, small fritters made from black-eyed peas and onions fried in palm oil slathered with spicy vatapá (shrimp paste).These are sold by Baianas on the street.
Here are a list of restuarants to try:
Budget
Acarajé da Cira, Largo de Itapuã, 3249-4170. Fresh acarajé daily from 10AM-11PM. There is also another location on the Largo da Mariquita in Rio Vermelho.
Acarajé da Dica, Rua J, Castro Rabelo, Pelourinho. Open T-Sa 3PM-11PM, Su 10AM-1AM.
Health Valley Brasil, Rua Direita da Piedade (in the city center). Vegetarian restaurant run by Chinese (as is the case for more and more restaurants in Salvador now). Serving typical dishes based around ginger. Very popular with the local alternative crowd. Buffet including fruit juice and desert costs R$15.
Quiosque de Amaralina, Ave Otávio Mangabeira, Amaralina. Serving acarajé near the beach from 4PM to midnight.
Mid-range
Bistrô PortoSol, (on a cross-street near Porto da Barra). Small, cozy Austrian-Hungarian restaurant run by an Austrian and his wife. Simple accommodations decorated with posters of classic Hollywood movies. Quite delicious.
Companhia da Pizza, Rio Vermelho (on a cross-street near the Pestana Bahia and Blue Tree Towers hotels). One of the city's most popular pizza restaurants.
La Figa, Rua das Laranjeiras 17, Pelourinho (near Terreiro de Jesus). Italian restaurant with fresh pastas around R$35 for two people, appetizers around R$10, and deserts. The new owner changed the name in June 2007 (It was previously known as La Lupa), but the high quality, good service and good atmosphere remain the same.
Maria Mata Mouro, Pelourinho (near São Francisco church). Small, with only twelve tables but the service is great. Try the shrimp.
Meridiano, Ave Tancredo Neves (in front of the Casa do Comércio building). Gourmet cuisine at moderate prices. Excellent service.
São Salvador, (on the grounds of the Salvador Trade Center). Buffet with a refined atmosphere.
Panela da Bahia, Pelourinho, Rua Frei Vicente, 7. Bahian food and drinks with exotic flavors at very reasonable prices. Try the Moqueca de camarao com banana. It is exquisite. Around R$30-55 for two people including drinks.
Hostel galeria 13, Pelourinho, Rua da ordem terceira no 23.The new european owner offers Pelourinho a much needed variety of international dishes & spanish tapas.The menu includes a great selection of vegetarian meals from around the world.You can enjoy your meal in the unique morrocan chill out room or in their patio garden.They also offer those great juices with a touch of ginger 'refreshing',or maybe a caipirinha with water melon.The quanties are very generous an the prices are extremely fair.
Splurge
Amado, Ave Contorno. Contemporary cuisine.
Barbacoa, Ave Tancredo Neves. Fine meat dishes and some of Salvador's best feijoada in a refined atmosphere.
Boi Preto, Boca do Rio (in front of Aeroclube Plaza Show near the Convention Center). One of the best churrascarias in town. Full buffet and salad bar plus unlimited fine cuts of meat.
Casa do Comércio, Ave Tancredo Neves, 11F (in the heart of the financial district). A good place to eat well and take in a panoramic view of Salvador.
Marc Le Dantec, Pier Sul Apartment Service, Ondina. The best French restaurant in the city.
Mistura, Itapoã. Specializing in fish and international cuisine.
Yemanjá, Ave Otávio Mangabeira 9292, Pitubá, 231-5570. Long held nationally and internationally as the standard in typical Bahian cuisine.
Ki Mukeka, one of the best typical bahia food.
No trip to a Salvador restaurant is complete without dessert. The Bahia region is famed for it's sweet tooth. A Cubana located at Rua Alfredo de Brito 12 is open daily from 8am until 10pm. It is an old fashioned ice0cream parlor or sorvetoria with 28 homemade flavors.
Bars
Beco dos Artistas, near Campo Grande. A dark alley with a diversified crowd and festive local bars that spill out into the street, Friday and Saturday nights only. Particularly popular among young black urban locals, tourists are rarely seen here. But for an LGBT experience that feels very different from major gay cities around the world, bring a local friend and come. The area has various bars and a restaurant. It's most crowded between 10 PM and 1 AM, when many move on to nightclubs.
Bohemia Music Bar, Jardim Brasil. The comfortable atmosphere, live music, and a varied menu make this a popular pick-up spot. The places often checks for IDs at the entrance.
Chuleta, Vale do Canela (near the UFBA campus and the neighborhoods of Graça and Vitória). Boteco frequented by university students, famous for its cheap beer and for the meat snack from which the bar takes its name. Open air, plastic tables.
Largo de Santana, Rio Vermelho. This busy street has various bars and restaurants, and some of the best acarajé in town.
Mercado do Peixe, Rio Vermelho (at the seaside in front of the Blue Tree Towers Hotel). One of the best after-hours spots, Mercado do Peixe is a real Salvador institution. It starts to get busy after 3AM when everywhere else is closing. With simple accommodations and plastic tables, various stands stay open offering moquecas and regional appetizers, in addition to drinks. During the day it is, as its name suggests, a traditional seafood market.
Sankofa African Bar e Restaurante, Rua Frei Vicente, No 7, Pelourinho. In the middle of the Pelourinho. Live bands (salsa, samba, reggae, zouk, semba) and DJ's spinning African, Brasilian and world music. Tasty African dishes and drinks are also offered. African flags, maps, and artworks adorn the walls. The top floor has a projection system showing films and documentaries.
Hostel Galeria 13, Pelourinho, Rua da ordem terceira no 23.The new native English speaking owner has travelled & worked in many famous bars & clubs around the world you will get a chance to check out his knowledge of drinks.They offer great juices with a touch of ginger 'refreshing',or maybe a caipirinha or roska with water melon already being boasted the best in Brasil,a big Claim take him up on it.You can enjoy your drinks in the garden or the most original spot in Pelourinho,the Morrocan "chill out" room.
Bar Zulu,Pelourinho,Rua das laranjeiras no 15.A very international bar & vegetarian restaurant.A mix of staff from all over the world bring you a cool corner bar with terrace & individual bar tables in every window,great for people watching.
The bar offers the most original menu in The "Pelo",spanish tapas,salads,sandwiches ,international dishes & a vast choice of great veggie dishes from around the world.The bar has a feel of a trendy spanish tapas bar with some of the friendliest girls serving with a smile.
Try there house special Caipirinha "zumarangi"strawberry & passion fruit.The owner promises they will soon be providing a sports tv,so a great spot for catching european footie
Nightclubs
Dolce, on the first floor of Shopping Boulevard 161, Itaigara. Very busy club, attracting a somewhat older crowd.
Fashion Club, Ave Octávio Mangabeira, 2.471, Pituba. Once the most vibrant nightclub in Salvador, Fashion Club has taken somewhat of a backseat since the opening of Lotus. Prices, however, are around half of what you would pay at Lotus.
Off Clube, Rua Dias Dávila, 33, Barra. A very popular gay and lesbian club in town, open Thursday through Sunday. A variety of events attracts locals of all social classes. As of 2013, Friday night is the busiest night here. Just next door is a relaxing gay-friendly creperie, where locals sit outside at night and listen to live music accompanied by the sound of the surf.
San Sebastian , R. da Paciência, 277, Rio Vermelho. A high-quality gay and lesbian club with top-level DJ's and two floors. Upstairs you'll find house and electronica, downstairs is usually the spot for American and Brazilian pop. This is a modern, up-to-date club that easily holds its own against the best LGBT venues in Rio or Sao Paulo. Especially popular on Saturday nights.
Twist — The pub plays Pop music, Axé and Forró to people aged 18-25. R. João Gomes, 95 - Rio Vermelho.
Zauber Multicultura, Ladeira da Misericórdia, 11, Edifício Taveira, Comércio. Combining music and visual arts in one of the most important historic areas of the city. The space bridges between the old (architecture) and the new (decoration). Find out what is going on before you go, and take a taxi, as the location is in a rather dangerous and prostitution-plagued area of the city.
Accomodations
There are a number of hotels in Salvador brazil that tourists can stay in when on vacation. Some of the hotels are luxury hotels located on the beach. Salvador also has discount hotels that offer cheap rates for those on a budget. Some of the cheap hotels may not offer all of the amenities that luxury hotels offer. There are also hostels in Pelourinho that are reasonably priced, but noisy at night.
Budget
Pousada Fonte do Boi, Rua Fonte do Boi , Rio Vermelho offers affordable lodging in the middle of all the action , both day and night, for Salvador's bohemia location .
Irawo Hotel, Rua Portas do Carmo 13 , Pelourinho is situated right in the heart of the historic center of salvador,with a more affordable rate,you Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, Rooms with Air conditions,29inch Plasma TV,Cable channels,Jacuzzi,hydro massage bath tub,fridge.
Hostel Pais Tropical, Largo do Pelourinho 7 , Pelourinho Situated in the heart of Salvador. Offers economical prices, good breakfast and support for speaking in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish.
Casa Cultural Do Bispo, rua Do Bispo 11 (Pelourinho). Dorms: R$20; hamac: R$10-15. Concerts, capoeira classes not a quiet place though.
Open House, Rua Comendador Bernado Catarino, 137, Barra, +55 11 3711-2186 - run by an artist couple, Cuban writer and film director husband Alex and Brasillian painter, dancer and choreographer wife Jacqui. A few blocks from Barra beach and trendy restaurants and bars, the house is full of paintings and artistic touch and incredible hospitality. Dorm and private rooms available.
Ibis Salvador Rio Vermelho, Rua Fonte do Boi, 215, Rio Vermelho.
Hotel Ondimar, Ave Oceânica, 1843, Ondina.
Hotel San Marino, AAv. Presidente Vargas, 889, Barra.
Sol Plaza Sleep, Ave Otávio Mangabeira, 4581, Praia de Armação.
Sao Jorge, in Pelourinho. Charges R$50 a night for a double room. The dorm costs R20 with free internet and breakfast included.
Praia da Sereia, Ave Dorival Caymmi, 14, Itapoã near the airport.
There are 3 hostels affiliated with Hostelling International, two situated in Barra and one in Pelourinho. All are quality youth hostels.
Albergue do Porto, Rua Barão de Sergy, 197/207, Barra.
Hostel Barra, Rua Artur Neiva, 04, Barra, (near Morro do Cristo)
Laranjeiras Hostel, Rua da Ordem Terceira 13, Pelourinho.
Hostel Galeria13, Rua da ordem terceira 23, Pelourinho.
Che Lagarto, Avenida Oceânica, 84, Barra. After knowing the historical center in the morning, sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy the evening of Salvador, nothing beats the Che Lagarto Hostel Salvador to sleep and relax in front of the sea.
Mid-range
Pousada Esmeralda, Ladeira do Baluarte, 29 - Santo Antonio do Carmo. Simple but well decored,homemade breakfast with delicious marmelade homemade breads and cakes. Close by foot to the Stadium and storic center.
Pousada das Flores, Rua direita do Santo Antonio, nº442, Centro Histórico. The Pousada das Flores serves a delicious breakfast, counting on a variety of snacks, candies, breads, tropical fruits and juices.
Bahia Othon Palace Hotel, Av. Oceânica. The hotel faces Ondian Beach and provides guest with a magnificicant view of the Atlanitc Ocean. The hotel offers a nightclub, beauty spa and other activities. Rates start at $103 per night.
A Casa das Portas Velhas, Largo da Palma, 06, Nazaré. Right on Salvador City Center, this accommodation has a Colonial English Style.
Vila Galé Salvador, Ave Rua Morro Escravo Miguel, 320 Ondina CEP 41 700.000 Salvador Bahia - Brasil. Located right on Praia de Ondina in São Salvador da Bahia and only 20 minute away from the International Airport.
Pousada Rancho Fundo, Salvador / Abrantes, Lot. Las Palmas, Camacari.
Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho, Rua Fonte do Boi, 215, Rio Vermelho.
Iguatemi Business Flat, Rua das Alfazemas, 761, Caminho das Árvores.
Golden Park Hotel, Av. Manoel Dias da Silva.
Marazul Hotel, Av. Sete de Setembro, 3937, Barra.
Atlantic Towers, Av. Oceânica, 1545, Ondina.
Hotel Cocoon, Rua Heackel José de Almeida, 238, Jaguaribe.
Pousada Des Arts, Rua Direita do Santo Antonio, 90, Historic Centre.
Pousada Santo Antonio, Rua Direita do Santo Antonio, 130, Historic Centre.
Portobello Ondina, Ave Oceânica, 2.275, Ondina.
Sol Vitória Marina, Ave Sete de Setembro, 2068, Vitória.
Holiday Inn, Rua Dr Augusto Lopes Pontes, 1207, Costa Azul.
Ondina Apart, Ave Oceânica, 2400, Praia de Ondina.
Pisa Plaza, Ave Prof. Manoel Ribeiro, Jardim Armação.
Splurge
Aram Yami, Rua Direita de Santo António, 132, Centro Histórico, 40301- 280 Salvador da Bahia Brazil. Rua Direita de Santo António, 132, Centro Histórico, 40301- 280 Salvador da Bahia Brazil.
Zank Hotel Boutique, Rua Almirante Barroso, 161 Rio Vermelho. The Zank Boutique Hotel has a variety of environments.
Hotel Casa do Amarelindo, Rua das Portas do Carmo, 06, Pelourinho. This top-range hotel is located on Pelourinho.
Vila Galé Salvador, Ondina. 5-star hotel located right on the seaside, close to tourist attractions.
Pestana Bahia, Rua Fonte do Boi, 216, Rio Vermelho, . Pestana Bahia Hotel with its 430 rooms on 22 floors is recognized as Salvador's largest hotel.
Pestana Bahia Lodge, Rua Fonte do Boi, 216, Rio Vermelho. The Pestana Bahia Lodge is an urban resort and the first time-sharing hotel in Salvador.
Convento do Carmo, Rua do Carmo, 1, Pelourinho. Convento do Carmo is proud to be the first historical and luxury hotel of Brazil. This former and notable friary construction started in 1586 and once restored became a unique hotel in Salvador.
Villa Bahia, Pelourinho, . Villa Bahia Hotel is a luxury hotel with an African-Portuguese colonial flair. The building was totally renovated to turn into a cosy and charming hotel with a 17th - 18th century style.
Fiesta Bahia Hotel, Avenida Antonio Carlos Magalhes 711. The hotel provides a convention center for businesses and a floor just for ladies. A gym, game room, wet and dry sauna, spa and outdoor pool are just a few of the services provided for guests. Rates start at $210. per night for luxury rooms and $468 per night for suites.
Security
Salvador is notorious for street crime, and for a tourist that wanders carelessly in the streets, the likelihood of a mugging or armed robbery is considerably higher than in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Salvador recognizes the importance of tourism to the city economy, so most important tourist sites such as Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo, as well as main popular festivals like the Carnival, are usually heavily guarded.
If you are moving on foot, by bicycle, or by bus, it's best to go out during the day. Avoid bringing anything valuable, just enough to enjoy your day. The Flamengo and Stella Maris beaches are among the safest places to go during the day, and they are the best option if you just want to enjoy a good beach without much local culture. In other places, try to stay at areas guarded by police.
As a general rule, be suspicious if people approach you directly in a friendly way as they may want money or to sell you something.
At night, it's better to take a cab to go out. Stay at reasonably crowded places. If you don't see other tourists where you are, you should take extra caution.
Some areas, which are strongly frequented by foreigners, can become dangerous, especially at night, i.e. the Barra harbour area. Avoid going to the beach at night!
The long sloping road leading from the old town to the harbor should be avoided even during the day. ALWAYS take the elevator.
If you are staying in the touristic Barra area, beware of the favela near Shopping Barra, especially at night. The area just to the east toward the beach can be dangerous as well.
Beware of vehicular traffic. Crossing the streets is always dangerous even when using a pedestrian crosswalk with the traffic light red for cars. As one member of Supergrass band once said: "In Brazil green means go, and red means go faster!" Start the crossing ONLY when vehicles have already stopped.
Never agree to share a taxi with other random people, especially if they approach you. Most likely it's just a trap to rob you!
Watch out for children in Pelourinho, especially on Tuesdays at the Geronimo Concert at the old church - they are reaching out for any low pockets in cargo pants!
When Shopping always check the price first. Always ask for a Coupon Fiscal it ensures that the company or individual you are purchasing from pays the proper tax. Be particularly aware of Banca and Kiosks on the street as they may charge you more for being an estrangeiro (foreginer).
For a nice day trip, catch the ferry to the laid-back island of Itaparica. Salvador is also the gateway to many other nearby attractions such as:
Praia do Forte. Beach town with the "Project Tamar" turtle sanctuary.
Arembepe. Tiny beach town along the Costa dos Coqueiros (Coconut Coast) with quiet beaches perfect for surfing.
Imbassai. Just a few kilometers further North from Praia do Forte, this relaxed village's beach lies between the sea and a river that runs parallel to the ocean for a few hundred meters. Unique panorama.
Boipeba. A beautiful and very pleasant island.
Morro de Sao Paulo. Very frequented island by tourists and locals, plenty of restaurants, hostels and bars. It has four beaches with translucent water.
Massarandupió. Just 90 km from Salvador, it's a true paradise, a semi-desert beach, with a small river. Walking by the beach you can reach a nudist beach area. A few small pousadas and restaurants. Great camping on a grassy flat area behind the dunes.
Salvador, 500 years in 1 day, daytrip with "Bahia Guide Basix" (1st link on google) on and off the beaten tracks, meeting locals and their colourful culture
Salvador de Bahia
Salvador is on a peninsula on the northeast coast of Brazil which shields the large Baía de Todos os Santos ("All Saints Bay") from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is the third largest in Brazil, sprawling for dozens of kilometers inland from the coast. Most visitors head for the coastal neighborhoods that cluster around where the bay meets the ocean.Salvador, Brazil has a tropical climate including rainforests and lush vegetation.
A 100m cliff runs along the entire bayshore, dividing the city into Cidade Alta, up on the cliff, and the Cidade Baixa down by the bay. The former features Pelourinho, the old city center that packs historical sites, colonial architecture, museums, restaurants, bars, hostels, artisanal shops, and music/dance/capoeira academies into a convenient, albeit tourist-swarmed, set of winding cobblestone streets. The latter features a commercial center with lots of bus traffic coming in from all over Salvador.
Outside of this area, there are many beach districts that stretch from the tip of the peninsula northeast along the Atlantic coast. The Barra neighborhood at the tip of the peninsula is the main alternative jumping-off point to Pelourinho, and a little further to the northeast are the hip neighborhoods of Rio Vermelho and Amaralina, which feature a nightlife less geared to the foreign tourism industry.
A decent bus ride beyond these is the neighborhood of Itapuã, which has an energetic beach side nightlife and relatively few foreign visitors. Northward from there are kilometers and kilometers of gorgeous beaches, all accessible by bus.
The bayshore coast north beyond Pelourinho features a more tranquil atmosphere and a locally patronized, though less scenic, beach life. The interior of Salvador is where the "new city" has developed, full of residential neighborhoods, shopping megaplexes, and knotted highways, all of which can be quite alienating without actually having a friend to show you around.
Local residents enjoy sharing their exotic dancing and music skills with tourists. Residents are also considered some of the friendliest people on the planet.Tourist are welcomed with open and friendly arms by the majority of local residents.
People of Salvador, as other people from the state of Bahia, have a reputation of being relaxed, easygoing, and fun-loving, even by Brazillian standards. On the bad side, this is also interpreted as lazyness and disgust of working; in a way, people of Salvador have reputation opposite to people from São Paulo.
It's questionable whether this reputation is true, as the behavior of pedestrians and drivers in traffic seems to contradict this. Regardless, few soteropolitanos seem to bother with this reputation, even the bad part of it, and some even make fun of their own supposed lazyness. Also, most people in Brazil agree that soteropolitanos are generally friendly and warm people.
The Salvador's Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhães International Airport is one of Brazil's main airports. All of the biggest Brazilian airlines have flights to the Bahian capital city. The city also receives flights from the main hubs of Europe, South America and the United States.
Airlines:
- TAM (Domestic flights).
- Gol (Domestic flights and Buenos Aires).
- Avianca (Domestic flights).
- Azul Linhas Aéreas (Domestic and regional flights).
- Passaredo (Regional flights).
- TAP (Lisbon).
- American Airlines (Miami).
- Condor (Frankfurt).
- Aerolineas Argentinas (Buenos Aires).
- Air Europa(Madrid).
The airport is 28km from the city center (via the Paralela expressway) or 32km (via the seaside). Two kinds of taxis are available in the airport, the executive taxis (Coometas and Comtas), and the normal taxis. Executive taxis are pre-paid, they have a table of prices rather than a meters.
The other taxi option would be the normal taxis which are metered. A third option would be the executive air-conditioned minibuses which depart every 20 minutes to the Praça da Sé, in downtown near Pelourinho via the seaside, stopping at famous beaches like Ondina, Pituba, Amaralina and Itapuã, and Barra as well as stopping by Shopping Barra--an American-style shopping mall located not too far from the Farol da Barra The fare for these buses is R$4.
Another option is the urban buses that go to many parts of the city, for the tourist the options are Lapa, Campo Grande and São Joaquim buses, the best thing is ask the driver before taking an urban bus, the fare is R$3,00 (3 reals). Linha Verde executive buses go to Praia do Forte and depart often from the airport.
There is also a luxury bus called "First Class", leaving from the airport (turn right out the airport and walk to the final stand) that takes you to Praça da Sé at a cost of R28 pp, dropping off people on the way. If you want to take the minibus or urban bus, they pick up behind the parking lot that is directly across from the arrivals exit.
You will need to walk through the parking lot. Be aware that there are no signs directing you to the place where the buses stop, you just have to find it yourself.
Salvador's long-distance bus station is in the middle of the new city, 14km from downtown. Salvador is accessible via scheduled buses from all around the country and from Paraguay. Inside the bus stations there are taxis (local taxis and executive taxis) and local buses which can all take you to many places in Salvador and the metropolitan area.
Executive buses in the Iguatemi Station can be accessed from the Iguatemi Mall by way of a busy walkway.
Bus travel in and out of Salvador can take a lot more time than expected. Count on an average speed of 50-60 km/h when planning your itinerary.
Salvador is a common stop on international cruise routes and was once visited by the Queen Elizabeth 2 during her sailing career. Note that the docks area can be dangerous. This area is linked to the Pelourinho historic centre by the Elevador Lacerda, and to the city by urban buses and executive buses to Iguatemi.
There are a number of transportation options available in Salvador, including taxis, buses and car rentals. the bus fares are quite affordable, although the taxi fares can be quite expensive if one is traveling a long distance.
The old city center can be easily explored on foot. To get between the upper and lower sections, take the Elevador Lacerda or the cable car, remember to take small change as the fare is just R$0.15. The streets between the two are considered dangerous even during the day.
City buses, as in other Brazilian cities, are constant and confusing. Fares are normally R$3.00, as of March 2015, (even for buses into the neighboring city of Lauro de Freitas). There is also the option of the air-conditioned executive buses. Know your landmarks and neighborhood names.
The best way to plan your route is by using Google Maps
Any large shopping area will have a complimentary frequented bus stop, and the major intercity terminal, Lapa, is next to Shopping Lapa.
Other major bus terminals include: Estação Iguatemi (between the Rodoviaria and Shopping Iguatemi), and Estação Mussurunga (located on the Paralela with buses usually connecting to Praia do Flamengo interior neighborhoods in Salvador).
If you are trying to make your way out of Pelourinho, you can either take the Elevador Lacerda down to the Comercio and find buses for just about every route, or walk to the Praca da Sé bus stop just south of the elevator, which has a much smaller selection of buses passing through, and many options of executive buses.
Buses are safe to ride at night, as long as you are on a frequented (i.e. coastal) route and dress/act inconspicuously. Service stops at midnight and begins again around 4:30-5AM. There are a limited number of lines that provide night service from midnight-4AM.
You can find more about about the Salvador bus routes and time tables one the website for the Superintendência de Transporte Público (in Portuguese only).
Salvador's metro system opperates from Lapa (in city center) to Bom Juá. Campo da Pólvora Station is 700 meters from Historic Center and Acesso Norte Station is near Bela Vista Shopping Mall.
The Line 2 will link the international airport. The first stage between Acesso Norte and Rodoviária (bus station) will be ready in October 2015.
Suburban rail service links Calçada in Lower City and the suburban neighborhood Paripe.
Salvador cab drivers must be competing with those in Rio for spots on Formula 1 racing teams. They will certainly get you where you're going quicker than the bus! However, as buses stop running after midnight, do be prepared to haggle quite a bit with taxistas who refuse to use the meter, especially if you've decided to explore far from your bed - as a general rule very few taxistas will use the meter, so haggling is common on most journies.
Executive taxis (COMTAS white and blue) don't have meters, and the prices are on a table, it's more expensive than city taxis (white with red and blue stripes), but they are much more comfortable, they are in stops in the main shopping malls, the airport, bus station, ferry-boat station and big hotels.
Most of the executive taxis don't have a very good online presence and often English speaking staff are hard to come by. Salvador Airport Transfer has a website that allows prebooking prior to arrival in Salvador, and claims to have English speaking staff, should you need to give them a call.
Renting a basic car with air conditioning (100+ kilometers or KM free) costs R$ 110-140 per day, plus fuel. It's not hard to find your way accross Salvador avenues, but although people from Bahia have a reputation of being relaxed and easygoing, traffic is agressive (somewhat like Rio de Janeiro), and you will frequently see drivers attempting dangerous overtakes on you. Pedestrians are also careless and unexpectely run to cross roads and streets.
If you are not used to this type of traffic, consider asking for a private driver, which is possible on many car renting agencies. Renting a car may be a good idea if you plan to visit the beaches from the northern part of Bahia, with more time flexibility than allowed by travel agencies.
The Bicycle sharing system program Bike Salvador offers many bike stations through the city. Cycling is not really a good option to get around in Salvador excpet the cycleways and pedestrian zones like in Barra and Ribeira areas.
At sundays and holidays the Salvador Vai de Bike project offers leisure cycleways like the one in downtown between Campo Grande Square and Historic Center and in the City Park (Parque da Cidade) area.
At the center of the Cidade Alta there are the 2 large squares Praça da Sé and the Terreiro de Jesus which are connected at the corner by the cathedral. The latter is probably the most lively part of town, with food carts and stalls through the day and revelers in the evening hours.
The slick, L-shaped Praça da Sé has cool fountains and the fenced-off ruins of the foundations of its namesake church. At the far end of the plaza, the 1874 funicular railway Plano Inclinado Gonçalves used to send 30-passenger cars between Cidade Alta and Cidade Baixa on terrifyingly steep tracks – it's been out of service since 2011, though plans to restore the train are in the works.
A colourful intersection of vendors, tourists, capoeiristas and colourful locals, the Terreiro de Jesus is a historic site of religious celebrations, and is ringed by four churches, as well as the XIX century Faculdade de Medicina Building . The plaza feeds into the Cruzeiro de São Francisco , named for the cross in the square’s center.
Praça Municipal (City Square), Praça Tomé de Souza. Once the political seat of colonial Brazil, it is now a lively place to people-watch and see panoramic views over the bay. Overlooking the plaza, note the impressive Palácio Rio Branco, reconstructed in 1919; the original 1549 structure housed the offices of Tomé de Souza, Brazil’s first governor general.
Largo do Pelourinho — A fairly small triangular plaza, is among the oldest parts of town. You can guess from its name meaning "plaza of the pillory" what went on around there.
Mercado Modelo — The city's main market located in the lower town is and a good place for crafts and other souvenirs. In the adjacent square you can often see young men performing capoeira, the famous martial arts dance which originates from the area.
Solar do Unhão — The best place in Salvador to watch the sunset. It is an old style house located at the Baía de Todos os Santos. Inside there is a small museum (Museu de Arte Moderna) with local art pieces. Sometimes on Saturday evening there is a jazz concert.
Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra ((Farol da Barra for the lighthouse)), Largo do Farol da Barra - Barra BA, Brasil, is Bahia’s oldest fort was built in 1698. In addition to having superb views, the fort houses an excellent nautical museum, with relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring.
As you catch the sunset here – from the grassy ledge behind the fort or from the museum’s gorgeous terrace café – realize that Salvador’s peninsula is the only location in Brazil where the sun appears to set over the ocean.
Elevador Lacerda, Rua da Conceição da Praia, Salvador, Bahia, Brasil near the Comércio extended hours summer weekends & Carnaval. The beautifully restored, art deco Elevador Lacerda connects the Cidade Alta with Comércio via 4 elevators traveling 72 m in about 30 sec. The Jesuits installed the 1st manual rope-and-pulley elevator around 1610 to transport goods and passengers from the port to the settlement. In 1868 an iron structure with clanking steam elevators was inaugurated, replaced by an electric system in 1928.
Facing the elevator are the impressive arches of the Câmara Municipal, the XVII century city hall, which occasionally puts on cultural exhibitions. R$0.15.
Religious sites
Convento de Igreja de São Francisco — is a very important colonial monuments in Brazil. The current church was built between 1708-1723, but the interior was decorated by several artists during a great part of the XVIII century.
Most decoration of the church and convent were finished by 1755.
All surfaces inside - walls, pillars, vaults and ceilings - are covered by golden sculptered gilt woodwork and paintings. The decoration of the church is considered one of the most complete and imposing in Portuguese-Brazilian Baroque gilt woodwork art (talha dourada), being a perfect example of the "golden church" (igreja dourada).
Igreja do Nosso Senhor do Bonfim — A small church located in a neighborhood to the north, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in all of Brazil. The colorful votive ribbons or fitas of Bonfim are an easily recognizable item throughout Brazil and even beyond. Children outside the church will for a small fee tie them around your wrist and tell you to make a wish for each one. If the ribbon wears off naturally, the wish will come true; if you cut it off before then, it won't.
You can get to Bonfim by city bus in about 15 minutes.
Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Sao Francisco (The Church of the Third Order of St. Francis), Rua São Francisco, Salvador. 8am-5pm. It is a Catholic church nominated for the election of the 7 Wonders of Brazil. The facade was covered with mortar in the late XVIII century and only in the early twentieth century, during services in the electric grid , was rediscovered its underlying decor.
It wasn’t seen until a workman installing wiring in the 1930s serendipitously discovered the beautiful, baroque sandstone facade (the only one of its kind in Brazil). The church was designed by Gabriel Ribeiro. The ceiling is decorated with paintings by Franco Velasco in 1831. R$ 3.
Museums
Museu da Cidade (Cidade museum), Largo do Pelourinho, 3 - Pelourinho, Salvador - BA, 40026-280, Brazil,Mon & Wed-Fri, 1-5pm Sat, 9am-1pm Sun. Rather like the city itself, Museu da Cidade contains an eclectic assortment of the old and the modern, the sacred and the profane. Exhibits include Candomblé orixá costumes, the personal effects of the poet Castro Alves (author of Návio Negreiro, or Slave Ship, and one of the first public figures to protest slavery), and traditional rag dolls enacting quotidian colonial life, as well as paintings and sculptures. R$ 3.
Museu da Misericórdia, Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil ,10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun. The Museu da Misericórdia is housed in a marvelous 17th-century edifice, this one serving as Brazil’s first hospital. Visits here include a guided tour (in Portuguese) that allows a glimpse of fine period furnishings, portraits and assorted finery dating back four centuries.
You’ll also see the attached Igreja da Misericórdia, with its azulejos and a sacristy featuring impressive 18th-century woodwork. R$5.
Museu Afro-Brasileiro, M-F 9am-6pm, Sa Su 10am-5pm. — A museum that documents the slave trade and subsequent development of the city. R$ 5.
Museu de Arte da Bahia (Art Museum of Bahia), 7 de Setembro 2340. 1-7pm Tue-Fri, 2-7pm Sat & Sun. Set in an attractive neocolonial building, the Museu de Arte da Bahia showcases works from Bahian artists, with paintings by José Teófilo de Jesus (1758–1817) and drawings by Argentine artist Carybé. adult/child R$5/3.
Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia (Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology), Faculdade de Medicina, Terreiro de Jesus. 10am-5pm Mon-Fri.
Below the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, the Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia exhibits indigenous Brazilian pottery, bows and arrows, masks and feather headpieces. Also tucked between the building’s arching stone foundations is 19th-century glass and porcelain found during the excavations for the metro. R$6.
Museu Náutico da Bahia (Nautical Museum of Bahia), Largo do Farol da Barra. 8:30am-7pm Tue-Sun, daily Jan & Jul. In addition to having superb views, the Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra contains this excellent nautical museum, with relics and displays from the days of Portuguese seafaring, plus fascinating exhibits on the slave trade. All information is offered in both Portuguese and English – a rarity in Bahia. Sunset is delightful at the museum’s gorgeous terrace café. adult/student R$10/5.
Museu de Arte Moderna (Museum of Modern Art), Contorno s/n. 1-7pm Tue-Fri & Sun, to 9pm Sat. Museu de Arte Moderna has a changing display of avant-garde exhibits and erratic opening times. A fine restaurant and an art workshop occupy the former store house. The hillside sculpture garden is a pleasant place to take a breath and enjoy the fine bay views. Take a taxi there, as it is off bus routes and the desolate walk is known for tourist muggings. adult/child R$6/3.
Museu Carlos Costa Pinto, 7 de Setembro 2490. 2:30-7pm Mon & Wed-Sat. This lovely two-story mansion houses some of Salvador’s finest decorative art, from the collection of the patrician couple Carlos de Aguiar Costa Pinto and his wife Margarida, both born in Bahia in the late 19th century. Displays highlight gold, crystal, porcelain and silver pieces, as well as beautifully carved coral jewelry and tortoiseshell fans. Don't miss the outdoor cafe. R$5.
Beach and Parks
Abaeté Park — A protected state park around the lake with same name. The lake is famous because of the stark contrast between the dark water and the very white sand dunes. There is a entertainment area with a lot of bars and live music.
Praia Porto da Barra (Porto da Barra beach), Praia Porto da Barra, Salvador, Bahia (near Avenida Oceânica and Avenida Sete de Setembro). Praia Porto da Barra beach is rather like the Pelourinho: small, picturesque, usually crowded, loaded with vendors selling everything imaginable, and roughly half those present are foreigners.
The bay's waters are clear and calm, and the people-watching is fantastic. To the left of the lighthouse, Praia do Farol da Barra has a beach break popular with surfers. Barra's waterfront is lined with bars and restaurants and is well lit at night, but it gets a bit sleazy in the later hours.
You'll find a huge variety of things to do in Salvador. Some of the popular activities include:
- Day tour of Salvador
- Salvador Parks
- Salvador golf courses
- Salvador music festivals
- Surf trips
A good brazil tour guide in Salvador, known as a guia de Salvador, will be able to show you around lots of the attractions and activities if you want to explore on your own. A good option to get a general idea and find your way around in the city is the "Salvador Bus", an open-top tour bus passing by the main points of interest and offering explanation on the way. For alternative crowd there is a free walking tour running in the city starting from Cinema Glauber Rocha on Castro Alves square .
Carnival
Salvador's Street Carnival, the biggest in the world
One of the main attractions in Salvador is the carnaval. Salvador's giant Carnival, the biggest of the world, according to the Guiness book of records, lasts for one week and is extremely popular with Brazilians and tourists alike.
In 2017, the event happens on February 22nd - March 1st and consists of parades,live entertainment, music, dancers and vendors. The main parades follow three circuits: one in the historic center Pelourinho (with mainly traditional groups in costumes), one on Campo Grande, where most bands play samba, and in recent years the most popular one in Barra / Ondina, where modern Brazilian Axé music mixes with percussion and all kinds of rhythms and styles, and the bands parade between "Camarote" boxes on one side and the beach on the other.
Options to participate are either by watching from the camarote boxes, or purchasing an "abadá" shirt to join a group that accompanies one of the bands throughout the parade. One can expect to have a lot of fun if they vacation in Salvador, Brazil during Carnival. Salvador also has many other attractions that tourists will find enjoyable. these include golf courses, museums and even an old 17th century fort. Anyone wishing to visit Salvador Brazil will find their trip to be entertaining, fun and full of wonderful memories.
Visiting a Salvador beach is a highlight for many tourists. One of the main central Salvador beaches is Porto de Barra. It was originally the site of the first settlement of european newcomers to Bahia.
It can get very crowded on weekends. The northeast region of Salvador concentrates most beaches with good water quality. Flamengo and Stella Maris are the most popular beaches among tourists and upper class locals.
They have excellent tourist infrastructure and rough waters excellent for surfing. Jaguaribe, Piatã and Itapoã, with calmer waters, are mostly frequented by locals and can become quite crowded at weekends.
They are a good option with you want to mix with the local population, but don't bring anything besides your clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and some cash, as muggings are quite common.
The other beaches of Salvador aren't suited for bathing, but still can be good for walking, cycling, or taking pictures. Farol da Barra has a beautiful view (specially during the sunset), but it's difficult to walk due to the rocks. "Farol" means lighthouse, and this beach is known for its lighthouse as well as being popular with surfers.
A much safer choice is nearby Plakaford. Here the calm waters and soft sandy beaches are welcoming for families and children. In the city south, there is an array of beautiful beaches that include Tinhare and Boipeba.
Mercado Modelo
Salvador shopping is the bargain hunters paradise. There is nothing that you cannot find in a mall. If you plan to buy popular art, crafts and clothing, check the small stores at the Old Town or head to the Mercado Modelo (Model Market). Locals like to shop at American-style shopping malls.
- Shopping da Bahia (formerly Shopping Iguatemi)
- Salvador Shopping
- Shopping Barra
- Shopping Itaigara
- Shopping Center Lapa
- Shopping Piedade
- Bahia Outlet Center
- Salvador Norte Shopping
- Shopping Bela Vista
The first thing that anyone wanting to shop in Salvador should know is that it is essential to barter. very few vendors will stick to their given price. If pushed they will always go lower. If you are looking for souvenirs you may want to check out Litoral Norte located at Rua Gregorio de Matos 30.
They sell tshirts and other items. Most will cost you no more than $5. If you want local art you should visit Pelourhino. There are many galleries that double as stores. Galeria 13 at Rua Santa Isabel 13 displays work by local artists.
Bahian restaurants are considered to be among the best in Brazil. The majority of Bahia restaurants offer South American cuisine but there a few that offer other specialties.
For example, the Maria Mato Mouro located at Rua 3A Ordem de Sao Francisco, Pelourinho serves a wide range of seafood dishes from all over the world although most are from South America. One of the most popular dishes is the grilled bahia fish badejo.
This restaurant is open daily from noon until 1am and offers main courses from $15 to $25. The Terreiro de Jesus is a great place to sample the local cuisine from street stalls, served by Afro-Brazilian baianas in their traditional white dresses.
A must try dish is the Abara. This is a wrap with bean paste, dende oil and onions all cooked in a banana leaf with spices for flavour. if you prefer western food then you will find many fast-food places like Burger King, McDonald's, Subway or Pizza Hut. You also will find casual dinner chains like Outback Steakhouse.
Be sure to try acarajé, small fritters made from black-eyed peas and onions fried in palm oil slathered with spicy vatapá (shrimp paste).These are sold by Baianas on the street.
Here are a list of restuarants to try:
Budget
Acarajé da Cira, Largo de Itapuã, 3249-4170. Fresh acarajé daily from 10AM-11PM. There is also another location on the Largo da Mariquita in Rio Vermelho.
Acarajé da Dica, Rua J, Castro Rabelo, Pelourinho. Open T-Sa 3PM-11PM, Su 10AM-1AM.
Health Valley Brasil, Rua Direita da Piedade (in the city center). Vegetarian restaurant run by Chinese (as is the case for more and more restaurants in Salvador now). Serving typical dishes based around ginger. Very popular with the local alternative crowd. Buffet including fruit juice and desert costs R$15.
Quiosque de Amaralina, Ave Otávio Mangabeira, Amaralina. Serving acarajé near the beach from 4PM to midnight.
Mid-range
Bistrô PortoSol, (on a cross-street near Porto da Barra). Small, cozy Austrian-Hungarian restaurant run by an Austrian and his wife. Simple accommodations decorated with posters of classic Hollywood movies. Quite delicious.
Companhia da Pizza, Rio Vermelho (on a cross-street near the Pestana Bahia and Blue Tree Towers hotels). One of the city's most popular pizza restaurants.
La Figa, Rua das Laranjeiras 17, Pelourinho (near Terreiro de Jesus). Italian restaurant with fresh pastas around R$35 for two people, appetizers around R$10, and deserts. The new owner changed the name in June 2007 (It was previously known as La Lupa), but the high quality, good service and good atmosphere remain the same.
Maria Mata Mouro, Pelourinho (near São Francisco church). Small, with only twelve tables but the service is great. Try the shrimp.
Meridiano, Ave Tancredo Neves (in front of the Casa do Comércio building). Gourmet cuisine at moderate prices. Excellent service.
São Salvador, (on the grounds of the Salvador Trade Center). Buffet with a refined atmosphere.
Panela da Bahia, Pelourinho, Rua Frei Vicente, 7. Bahian food and drinks with exotic flavors at very reasonable prices. Try the Moqueca de camarao com banana. It is exquisite. Around R$30-55 for two people including drinks.
Hostel galeria 13, Pelourinho, Rua da ordem terceira no 23.The new european owner offers Pelourinho a much needed variety of international dishes & spanish tapas.The menu includes a great selection of vegetarian meals from around the world.You can enjoy your meal in the unique morrocan chill out room or in their patio garden.They also offer those great juices with a touch of ginger 'refreshing',or maybe a caipirinha with water melon.The quanties are very generous an the prices are extremely fair.
Splurge
Amado, Ave Contorno. Contemporary cuisine.
Barbacoa, Ave Tancredo Neves. Fine meat dishes and some of Salvador's best feijoada in a refined atmosphere.
Boi Preto, Boca do Rio (in front of Aeroclube Plaza Show near the Convention Center). One of the best churrascarias in town. Full buffet and salad bar plus unlimited fine cuts of meat.
Casa do Comércio, Ave Tancredo Neves, 11F (in the heart of the financial district). A good place to eat well and take in a panoramic view of Salvador.
Marc Le Dantec, Pier Sul Apartment Service, Ondina. The best French restaurant in the city.
Mistura, Itapoã. Specializing in fish and international cuisine.
Yemanjá, Ave Otávio Mangabeira 9292, Pitubá, 231-5570. Long held nationally and internationally as the standard in typical Bahian cuisine.
Ki Mukeka, one of the best typical bahia food.
No trip to a Salvador restaurant is complete without dessert. The Bahia region is famed for it's sweet tooth. A Cubana located at Rua Alfredo de Brito 12 is open daily from 8am until 10pm. It is an old fashioned ice0cream parlor or sorvetoria with 28 homemade flavors.
Bars
Beco dos Artistas, near Campo Grande. A dark alley with a diversified crowd and festive local bars that spill out into the street, Friday and Saturday nights only. Particularly popular among young black urban locals, tourists are rarely seen here. But for an LGBT experience that feels very different from major gay cities around the world, bring a local friend and come. The area has various bars and a restaurant. It's most crowded between 10 PM and 1 AM, when many move on to nightclubs.
Bohemia Music Bar, Jardim Brasil. The comfortable atmosphere, live music, and a varied menu make this a popular pick-up spot. The places often checks for IDs at the entrance.
Chuleta, Vale do Canela (near the UFBA campus and the neighborhoods of Graça and Vitória). Boteco frequented by university students, famous for its cheap beer and for the meat snack from which the bar takes its name. Open air, plastic tables.
Largo de Santana, Rio Vermelho. This busy street has various bars and restaurants, and some of the best acarajé in town.
Mercado do Peixe, Rio Vermelho (at the seaside in front of the Blue Tree Towers Hotel). One of the best after-hours spots, Mercado do Peixe is a real Salvador institution. It starts to get busy after 3AM when everywhere else is closing. With simple accommodations and plastic tables, various stands stay open offering moquecas and regional appetizers, in addition to drinks. During the day it is, as its name suggests, a traditional seafood market.
Sankofa African Bar e Restaurante, Rua Frei Vicente, No 7, Pelourinho. In the middle of the Pelourinho. Live bands (salsa, samba, reggae, zouk, semba) and DJ's spinning African, Brasilian and world music. Tasty African dishes and drinks are also offered. African flags, maps, and artworks adorn the walls. The top floor has a projection system showing films and documentaries.
Hostel Galeria 13, Pelourinho, Rua da ordem terceira no 23.The new native English speaking owner has travelled & worked in many famous bars & clubs around the world you will get a chance to check out his knowledge of drinks.They offer great juices with a touch of ginger 'refreshing',or maybe a caipirinha or roska with water melon already being boasted the best in Brasil,a big Claim take him up on it.You can enjoy your drinks in the garden or the most original spot in Pelourinho,the Morrocan "chill out" room.
Bar Zulu,Pelourinho,Rua das laranjeiras no 15.A very international bar & vegetarian restaurant.A mix of staff from all over the world bring you a cool corner bar with terrace & individual bar tables in every window,great for people watching.
The bar offers the most original menu in The "Pelo",spanish tapas,salads,sandwiches ,international dishes & a vast choice of great veggie dishes from around the world.The bar has a feel of a trendy spanish tapas bar with some of the friendliest girls serving with a smile.
Try there house special Caipirinha "zumarangi"strawberry & passion fruit.The owner promises they will soon be providing a sports tv,so a great spot for catching european footie
Nightclubs
Dolce, on the first floor of Shopping Boulevard 161, Itaigara. Very busy club, attracting a somewhat older crowd.
Fashion Club, Ave Octávio Mangabeira, 2.471, Pituba. Once the most vibrant nightclub in Salvador, Fashion Club has taken somewhat of a backseat since the opening of Lotus. Prices, however, are around half of what you would pay at Lotus.
Off Clube, Rua Dias Dávila, 33, Barra. A very popular gay and lesbian club in town, open Thursday through Sunday. A variety of events attracts locals of all social classes. As of 2013, Friday night is the busiest night here. Just next door is a relaxing gay-friendly creperie, where locals sit outside at night and listen to live music accompanied by the sound of the surf.
San Sebastian , R. da Paciência, 277, Rio Vermelho. A high-quality gay and lesbian club with top-level DJ's and two floors. Upstairs you'll find house and electronica, downstairs is usually the spot for American and Brazilian pop. This is a modern, up-to-date club that easily holds its own against the best LGBT venues in Rio or Sao Paulo. Especially popular on Saturday nights.
Twist — The pub plays Pop music, Axé and Forró to people aged 18-25. R. João Gomes, 95 - Rio Vermelho.
Zauber Multicultura, Ladeira da Misericórdia, 11, Edifício Taveira, Comércio. Combining music and visual arts in one of the most important historic areas of the city. The space bridges between the old (architecture) and the new (decoration). Find out what is going on before you go, and take a taxi, as the location is in a rather dangerous and prostitution-plagued area of the city.
Accomodations
There are a number of hotels in Salvador brazil that tourists can stay in when on vacation. Some of the hotels are luxury hotels located on the beach. Salvador also has discount hotels that offer cheap rates for those on a budget. Some of the cheap hotels may not offer all of the amenities that luxury hotels offer. There are also hostels in Pelourinho that are reasonably priced, but noisy at night.
Budget
Pousada Fonte do Boi, Rua Fonte do Boi , Rio Vermelho offers affordable lodging in the middle of all the action , both day and night, for Salvador's bohemia location .
Irawo Hotel, Rua Portas do Carmo 13 , Pelourinho is situated right in the heart of the historic center of salvador,with a more affordable rate,you Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, Rooms with Air conditions,29inch Plasma TV,Cable channels,Jacuzzi,hydro massage bath tub,fridge.
Hostel Pais Tropical, Largo do Pelourinho 7 , Pelourinho Situated in the heart of Salvador. Offers economical prices, good breakfast and support for speaking in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and Polish.
Casa Cultural Do Bispo, rua Do Bispo 11 (Pelourinho). Dorms: R$20; hamac: R$10-15. Concerts, capoeira classes not a quiet place though.
Open House, Rua Comendador Bernado Catarino, 137, Barra, +55 11 3711-2186 - run by an artist couple, Cuban writer and film director husband Alex and Brasillian painter, dancer and choreographer wife Jacqui. A few blocks from Barra beach and trendy restaurants and bars, the house is full of paintings and artistic touch and incredible hospitality. Dorm and private rooms available.
Ibis Salvador Rio Vermelho, Rua Fonte do Boi, 215, Rio Vermelho.
Hotel Ondimar, Ave Oceânica, 1843, Ondina.
Hotel San Marino, AAv. Presidente Vargas, 889, Barra.
Sol Plaza Sleep, Ave Otávio Mangabeira, 4581, Praia de Armação.
Sao Jorge, in Pelourinho. Charges R$50 a night for a double room. The dorm costs R20 with free internet and breakfast included.
Praia da Sereia, Ave Dorival Caymmi, 14, Itapoã near the airport.
There are 3 hostels affiliated with Hostelling International, two situated in Barra and one in Pelourinho. All are quality youth hostels.
Albergue do Porto, Rua Barão de Sergy, 197/207, Barra.
Hostel Barra, Rua Artur Neiva, 04, Barra, (near Morro do Cristo)
Laranjeiras Hostel, Rua da Ordem Terceira 13, Pelourinho.
Hostel Galeria13, Rua da ordem terceira 23, Pelourinho.
Che Lagarto, Avenida Oceânica, 84, Barra. After knowing the historical center in the morning, sunbathe on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy the evening of Salvador, nothing beats the Che Lagarto Hostel Salvador to sleep and relax in front of the sea.
Mid-range
Pousada Esmeralda, Ladeira do Baluarte, 29 - Santo Antonio do Carmo. Simple but well decored,homemade breakfast with delicious marmelade homemade breads and cakes. Close by foot to the Stadium and storic center.
Pousada das Flores, Rua direita do Santo Antonio, nº442, Centro Histórico. The Pousada das Flores serves a delicious breakfast, counting on a variety of snacks, candies, breads, tropical fruits and juices.
Bahia Othon Palace Hotel, Av. Oceânica. The hotel faces Ondian Beach and provides guest with a magnificicant view of the Atlanitc Ocean. The hotel offers a nightclub, beauty spa and other activities. Rates start at $103 per night.
A Casa das Portas Velhas, Largo da Palma, 06, Nazaré. Right on Salvador City Center, this accommodation has a Colonial English Style.
Vila Galé Salvador, Ave Rua Morro Escravo Miguel, 320 Ondina CEP 41 700.000 Salvador Bahia - Brasil. Located right on Praia de Ondina in São Salvador da Bahia and only 20 minute away from the International Airport.
Pousada Rancho Fundo, Salvador / Abrantes, Lot. Las Palmas, Camacari.
Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho, Rua Fonte do Boi, 215, Rio Vermelho.
Iguatemi Business Flat, Rua das Alfazemas, 761, Caminho das Árvores.
Golden Park Hotel, Av. Manoel Dias da Silva.
Marazul Hotel, Av. Sete de Setembro, 3937, Barra.
Atlantic Towers, Av. Oceânica, 1545, Ondina.
Hotel Cocoon, Rua Heackel José de Almeida, 238, Jaguaribe.
Pousada Des Arts, Rua Direita do Santo Antonio, 90, Historic Centre.
Pousada Santo Antonio, Rua Direita do Santo Antonio, 130, Historic Centre.
Portobello Ondina, Ave Oceânica, 2.275, Ondina.
Sol Vitória Marina, Ave Sete de Setembro, 2068, Vitória.
Holiday Inn, Rua Dr Augusto Lopes Pontes, 1207, Costa Azul.
Ondina Apart, Ave Oceânica, 2400, Praia de Ondina.
Pisa Plaza, Ave Prof. Manoel Ribeiro, Jardim Armação.
Splurge
Aram Yami, Rua Direita de Santo António, 132, Centro Histórico, 40301- 280 Salvador da Bahia Brazil. Rua Direita de Santo António, 132, Centro Histórico, 40301- 280 Salvador da Bahia Brazil.
Zank Hotel Boutique, Rua Almirante Barroso, 161 Rio Vermelho. The Zank Boutique Hotel has a variety of environments.
Hotel Casa do Amarelindo, Rua das Portas do Carmo, 06, Pelourinho. This top-range hotel is located on Pelourinho.
Vila Galé Salvador, Ondina. 5-star hotel located right on the seaside, close to tourist attractions.
Pestana Bahia, Rua Fonte do Boi, 216, Rio Vermelho, . Pestana Bahia Hotel with its 430 rooms on 22 floors is recognized as Salvador's largest hotel.
Pestana Bahia Lodge, Rua Fonte do Boi, 216, Rio Vermelho. The Pestana Bahia Lodge is an urban resort and the first time-sharing hotel in Salvador.
Convento do Carmo, Rua do Carmo, 1, Pelourinho. Convento do Carmo is proud to be the first historical and luxury hotel of Brazil. This former and notable friary construction started in 1586 and once restored became a unique hotel in Salvador.
Villa Bahia, Pelourinho, . Villa Bahia Hotel is a luxury hotel with an African-Portuguese colonial flair. The building was totally renovated to turn into a cosy and charming hotel with a 17th - 18th century style.
Fiesta Bahia Hotel, Avenida Antonio Carlos Magalhes 711. The hotel provides a convention center for businesses and a floor just for ladies. A gym, game room, wet and dry sauna, spa and outdoor pool are just a few of the services provided for guests. Rates start at $210. per night for luxury rooms and $468 per night for suites.
Security
Salvador is notorious for street crime, and for a tourist that wanders carelessly in the streets, the likelihood of a mugging or armed robbery is considerably higher than in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Salvador recognizes the importance of tourism to the city economy, so most important tourist sites such as Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo, as well as main popular festivals like the Carnival, are usually heavily guarded.
If you are moving on foot, by bicycle, or by bus, it's best to go out during the day. Avoid bringing anything valuable, just enough to enjoy your day. The Flamengo and Stella Maris beaches are among the safest places to go during the day, and they are the best option if you just want to enjoy a good beach without much local culture. In other places, try to stay at areas guarded by police.
As a general rule, be suspicious if people approach you directly in a friendly way as they may want money or to sell you something.
At night, it's better to take a cab to go out. Stay at reasonably crowded places. If you don't see other tourists where you are, you should take extra caution.
Some areas, which are strongly frequented by foreigners, can become dangerous, especially at night, i.e. the Barra harbour area. Avoid going to the beach at night!
The long sloping road leading from the old town to the harbor should be avoided even during the day. ALWAYS take the elevator.
If you are staying in the touristic Barra area, beware of the favela near Shopping Barra, especially at night. The area just to the east toward the beach can be dangerous as well.
Beware of vehicular traffic. Crossing the streets is always dangerous even when using a pedestrian crosswalk with the traffic light red for cars. As one member of Supergrass band once said: "In Brazil green means go, and red means go faster!" Start the crossing ONLY when vehicles have already stopped.
Never agree to share a taxi with other random people, especially if they approach you. Most likely it's just a trap to rob you!
Watch out for children in Pelourinho, especially on Tuesdays at the Geronimo Concert at the old church - they are reaching out for any low pockets in cargo pants!
When Shopping always check the price first. Always ask for a Coupon Fiscal it ensures that the company or individual you are purchasing from pays the proper tax. Be particularly aware of Banca and Kiosks on the street as they may charge you more for being an estrangeiro (foreginer).
For a nice day trip, catch the ferry to the laid-back island of Itaparica. Salvador is also the gateway to many other nearby attractions such as:
Praia do Forte. Beach town with the "Project Tamar" turtle sanctuary.
Arembepe. Tiny beach town along the Costa dos Coqueiros (Coconut Coast) with quiet beaches perfect for surfing.
Imbassai. Just a few kilometers further North from Praia do Forte, this relaxed village's beach lies between the sea and a river that runs parallel to the ocean for a few hundred meters. Unique panorama.
Boipeba. A beautiful and very pleasant island.
Morro de Sao Paulo. Very frequented island by tourists and locals, plenty of restaurants, hostels and bars. It has four beaches with translucent water.
Massarandupió. Just 90 km from Salvador, it's a true paradise, a semi-desert beach, with a small river. Walking by the beach you can reach a nudist beach area. A few small pousadas and restaurants. Great camping on a grassy flat area behind the dunes.
Salvador, 500 years in 1 day, daytrip with "Bahia Guide Basix" (1st link on google) on and off the beaten tracks, meeting locals and their colourful culture
Sunday, 2 April 2017
Tourism Observer: GHANA: Cook And Enjoy Jollof Rice Ghanaian Style
Tourism Observer: GHANA: Cook And Enjoy Jollof Rice Ghanaian Style: Jollof (jol-ôf) rice is a popular dish that is enjoyed by Ghanaians, Nigerians, and other West Africans. Ghana is one of the several coast...
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