It’s no secret that new buildings are prone to cracks and unfortunately there is no real way to stop this because it’s all part of the ‘bedding in’ process. This is especially the case in Africa where the heat is intense. A house needs time to settle, and as this process is occurring, the areas of hard cement mortar with brittle plaster are more vulnerable to cracks and splits. This is not usually a problem at all, however, if your home has a number of large cracks and you feel there could be some legitimate structural damage, it’s best to have a surveyor come out and take a closer look. They can then advise on whether work needs to be done to ensure the home is in tiptop condition, and safe for your family to reside in. For most people, it’s just a case of adding a lick of paint to areas a year or two down the line, so it’s not usually a major problem. It’s just a little part of the settling stage.
The best airport in Africa
One airport which has grabbed headlines recently is Morocco’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca. This is because it recently came up trumps as the best airport in Africa for 2017. That’s according to the Airport Service Quality awards carried out by the Airport Council International, ACI.
So why is this airport the king of all airports in Africa?
Well, it’s surprising as this is the first time it has been entered for the award, so to win was quite a surprise, but it’s not just the modern architecture and friendly layout that stood out, there has been continuous service improvement, and that’s a key ingredient in business performance, and of course winning the award! So many British tourists fly into this beautiful airport each and every year, and with bouts of terrorism in recent years, Morocco has faced a slump in tourism recently, so this award will mean little if you’ve never visited or don’t intend to, but if you do plan a visit to Morocco, try to fly to Casablanca because it really is exceptional.
Make your safari dream a reality
A safari can seem like a trip of lifetime, and many people will talk about how expensive it can be, which is true, but like any holiday there are different options and packages to choose from, and you don’t have to splash out on a luxury tour if all you’re really interested in is the African culture, the people and the animals. You probably won’t want to spend too much time in your hotel apartment room or bungalow, so why spend unnecessary cash if you don’t need to? You can book a budget safari and see the animals up close, and we recommend you pick a safari holiday this year if it’s something you’ve always been interested in. There is so much to see in Africa, from beautiful national parks to animal migration, close-up encounters, stunning rivers and the friendliest people, so be sure to add it to your bucket list if you haven’t yet. We feel everyone should at least visit Africa once in their lives, so why not ick it off your list next year?
Exploring Africa as a solo traveller
If you are thinking of jet-setting around the world and have Africa as a travel destination, there are a few things to plan before you book your tickets of a lifetime.
Travelling is one of the best experiences you can have, and it is something you should never hold back on. Travelling to destinations in Africa can be extremely rewarding, and will provide you with a great insight into a new culture, lifestyles and new wildlife in their natural habitat.
That said, if you are travelling solo or as a couple, it is important to keep safe in unfamiliar territories. It is recommended to travel around top destinations in Africa as part of a planned tour group. Being part of a planned tour means you will see all of the top places, without the risks of travelling solo. Tour groups not only improve your safety while travelling, they are also a great way to make new friends alike. Happy travels!
Protecting yourself from the sun on an African safari adventure
If you are about to embark upon an African safari adventure, then you need to be aware of the risks the UV rays can have upon your skin. It is important to protect your skin’s exposure to the sun as much as possible to help prevent any severe sunburn or increasing your risk of getting skin cancer.
Packing clothing that covers your arms and legs is ideal, however, with the hot heat, this may be extremely uncomfortable for you. Try finding light cotton clothing that fits loosely, but still covers a good amount of your skin.
Sun cream should be applied to all skin that is exposed to the sun, with a factor 50+ for optimum protection. Follow the instructions on the bottle of the cream you use to dictate the frequency you need to reapply the cream.
Wearing a sun hat will not only protect your skin from the harsh sun rays, it will also help prevent you getting heat stroke as it protects the top of your head during the hot midday sun.