Escape for the Weekend

South Africa, officially named the Republic of South Africa, is a state in the southern part of the African continent, which has borders with Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe to the north and with Mozambique and Swaziland to the north-east. Within the territory of the Republic of South Africa there is an enclave state Lesotho. The territory comprises 1.2 million square kilometers; the population is 54 million people. South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (the administrative capital), Cape Town (the legislative capital) and Bloemfontein (the judicial capital). There are 11 official languages, including English.

The climate varies from desert in the north-west to sub-tropical on the eastern coast. Most of the terrain is a plateau.

Nature enthusiasts are attracted by the Kruger National Park – the largest and most famous nature reserve in South Africa, where you can see elephants, buffalos, lions and leopards and even track a rhino on foot. In Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden you can admire beautiful local plants and flowers; from June to September in Hermanus you can see migrating whales coming close to the shore; in Blyde River Canyon you will find breathtaking waterfalls, Pilgrim's Rest, a gold-mining town founded in 1873, the impressive Bourke's Luck Potholes; elephants can be easily met in Addo Elephant National Park. Have you ever heard of African penguins? You have a chance to see them on Boulders Beach, near Cape Town.

Those who are fond of outdoor activities will be glad to drive the famous Garden Route, winding from Mossel Bay to Storms River by plentiful lakes and picturesque coastal towns. Jeffrey's Bay, located near Port Elizabeth, is said to be a perfect place for surfing. Mountain-climbers and hikers will like Table Mountain from the top of which you can see really stunning panoramas, and the Drakensberg, featuring the highest peaks in South Africa and gorgeous waterfalls.

Connoisseurs of history should not miss the chance to visit Anglo-Boer War Battlefields, the Apartheid Museum, situated in Johannesburg and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned during 18 years.

Another good way to get acquainted with South Africa is exploring its Winelands, where you can enjoy wine tastings, perfect cuisine and splendid views.

Airports

Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN), Bloemfontein

Cape Town International Airport (CPT), Cape Town

King Shaka International Airport (DUR), Durban

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) the main international airport of South Africa, located near Johannesburg.

Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), Port Elizabeth

Diving in South Africa

South Africa is one of the most popular diving destinations in the world. It offers the underwater treasures of two oceans - the Atlantic and the Indian. Here you will find colorful tropical reefs, interesting shipwrecks, rare marine critters and excellent diving conditions - warm climate, crystal clear water and well-developed infrastructure.

Close to Cape Town you can enjoy colourful reef walls, caves and massive kelp forests. From April to September there is a chance to dive with white sharks.

On the way to Cape Point Nature Reserve there is the False Bay, the largest bay in South Africa. Its underwater rocky terrain features the steep cliffs in the western part and sandy bottoms in the eastern. Among the marine inhabitants you can meet pyjama sharks, puffadder shysharks and leopard catsharks. Those who like wreck diving will be glad to explore the SS Lusitania, a 5-thousand-ton twin-screw liner, built in 1906 and sunk 1911; and the HMS Thames, a river-class cruiser sunk in 1947 and lying at a depth of 47-54 meters.

In Mabibi, located in the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal, you will find lots of of soft and hard corals, interesting underwater sceneries, and various fish species. From October to February you can meet here migrating whale sharks and whales.

Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area features ragged-tooth sharks, tiger sharks and black-tip sharks.

South Korea, officially named the Republic of Korea, is a state in East Asia, located on the Korean Peninsula. It borders North Korea to the north, and has marine borders with Japan to the east and China to the west. The territory of the country comprises about 100 thousand square kilometers; the population is 51 million people. The capital of the country is Seoul. The official language is Korean.

The national currency is the South Korean won. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere in major cities. ATMs are widely available, though not all of them accept foreign cards. Look for ATMs with a sign saying ‘Global’. Money can be exchanged at most banks.

Most of South Korea's terrain is covered with mountains; one third of territory – in the west and southeast – is occupied with lowlands. The climate is a humid continental and a humid subtropical. In the late summer there are typhoons with strong winds and heavy rains.

South Korea is one of the few unique countries where concrete and metal giants peacefully coexist with masterpieces of Korean architecture built in the Middle Ages; and the ancient culture is combined with amazingly beautiful nature that Koreans manage to keep virtually pristine.

Those who are fond of history should certainly visit impressive Silla tombs, keeping ancient treasures; the tranquil Changdeokgung Palace with Secret Garden, built in 1405; Haeinsa Temple, containing the most complete collection of Buddhist texts; the Seokguram Grotto, finished in 774, where you can see a 3.5-meter Buddha; and Bulguksa Temple, which is said to be South Korea's most important historical site, situated in a thousand-year-old Gyeongju, where you will find lots of other ancient sites, relics and ruins.

Nature lovers will be glad to see Seoraksan National Park, full of fancy rock formations, dense woodland, wildlife, hot springs, and the Silla-era temples; Jeju-do Island, where you will find amazing botanical gardens, lava caves, sandy beaches, and where you can learn about Korea’s traditional tea culture in the O’Sulloc Tea Museum.

Those who like bustling urban life will be captivated by Seoul, the city that never sleeps. Here you find good shopping, delicious food and ocean of entertainments. Moreover Seoul has five palace complexes, built in the Joseon Dynasty.

Being in South Korea do not miss the opportunity to stay in one of 40 temples and to try Buddhist monastic life for several days; to try makkeolli – a milky rice wine; to visit the 4km-wide demilitarized zone between South and North Korea; and to take part on Boryeong mud festival on the west coast of South Korea.

Incheon International Airport (IIA) (ICN) the largest airport in South Korea. It serves Seoul.

Jeju International Airport (CJU), situated in the city of Jeju.

Gimpo International Airport (GMP), located near Seoul.

Gimhae International Airport (PUS) situated near Busan.

Cheongju International Airport (CJJ), Cheongju.

Yangyang International Airport (YNY) serves Yangyang County.

Muan International Airport (MWX) located in Muan County.

Diving in South Korea

South Korea is a popular Asian dive destination. Most diving places are situated near the East and South coast of the country.

Off Busan, there is Taejongdae, where you will see interesting underwater rocky landscapes with many nooks and crannies, teeming with flat fish, sea cucumbers, sea horses, octopuses, crabs, and cuttlefish.

Off Pohang you will find Buddha Dive, a Buddha statue situated in a rock crack at a depth of 17 meters. The underwater world is remarkable for solid rock formations and abundant marine life.

Near Jeju Island there is Forest Island with bright corals and rich fauna, which includes squids, dolphins and nudibranches.

Off Mosquito Island, not far from Jeju Island, there are 3 different dive sites with lots of fish, soft corals and a vertical wall. The depth is 8-40 meters.

In Dong Hae and Gangneung you will be charmed by the pristine waters inhabited by plenty of fish species. The most popular dive sites here are Munam Beach, Young Jin, Bongpo Beach, Ingu Beach and Chuam Beach.

Nam Hae, situated in the south of the country, boasts numerous islands and isolated beaches as well as many various marine species including octopuses, wrasse and starfish.

Spain is a European country located on the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered by Gibraltar, France, Andorra, and Portugal. Spain is washed by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Spanish territory also includes two archipelagos: the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands; two major exclaves: Ceuta and Melilla; and the islands and peñones of Alborán, Alhucemas, Chafarinas and Vélez de la Gomera. The capital of the country is Madrid. The official language is Spanish.

The national currency of Spain is the Euro.

There are three main climatic zones in Spain. The Mediterranean climate is dominant on the Iberian Peninsula; the northern part of the country has the oceanic climate, and the semiarid climate is located in the south eastern part of Spain. Tenerife South Airport (TFS), the largest airport of the Canary Islands.Tourists like Spain for many things. Some come here to watch bullfighting and fiery flamenco shows; some want to see Antoní Gaudí's works of art; some are attracted by sultry beauty of Granada and Seville, ancient Malaga, Toledo, which preserved its medieval coloring, Cordoba, Salamanca with famous university, Madrid and Barcelona – real treasuries of museums, galleries and architectural monuments; some like busking on the beaches of Soller, Calvia, Marbella, Corralejo and San Sebastian, and clubbing in Ibiza; some just come to feast on delicious Spanish food.

Airports

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), the main international airport in Spain, located just 13 km from the Puerta del Sol, Madrid's historic center.

Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), simply known as Barcelona Airport.

Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) an airport located 8 km from Palma, Majorca. It is the third largest airport in Spain.

Málaga Airport (AGP), the main international airport serving the Costa del Sol.

Gran Canaria Airport (LPA)

Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC), a base for Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair and Vueling.

Tenerife South Airport (TFS), the largest airport of the Canary Islands.

Diving in Spain

Spain has very many dive sites.

In the marine reserve of Medes Islands, which is said to be the best diving place in Spain, you can see shoals of barracuda, jacks, bonito, groupers and eagle rays. Pedra de Deu gives an opportunity of wall diving with depths of 12 - 35 meters. There are also two tunnels: Cow Cave and Dolphin Cave inhabited by various fish and corals.

In Cap de Creus, the first marine/terrestrial nature reserve in Catalonia, you can explore rocky cliffs, inlets, and the wreck of the Llanishen, a British ship sunk during the First World War and lying at a depth of 10-17m in the bay of Es Caials.

The waters of Costa Brava keep many shipwrecks. The largest of them is the Reggio Messina (115 meters long), a train transporter ferry, deliberately sunk in 1991.

The marine reserve in Almuñecar has abundant marine life. The depth, which varies from 9 to 40 meters, good visibility and lots of caverns, makes it a good diving place both for beginners and for experienced divers.

Off the seven Canary Islands divers will find perfect visibility (often more than 30m), rich and colorful flora and fauna and beautiful underwater landscapes.

Off the coast of Galicia, often called the Coast of Death, there are over 400 known wrecks. Cape Finisterre, located on one of the most important maritime routes in the world, has caused lots of human casualties and shipwrecks for many centuries. The most massive shipwreck happened in 1596 when 25 ships of the Armada were blown by the storm against the coast.

Sri Lanka, the official name is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, until 1972 known as Ceylon, is a country in South Asia, on the same-name island off the southeastern coast of India. Sri Lanka is washed by the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. The Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait separate the island from the Indian subcontinent. The territory of Sri Lanka comprises 65.6 thousand square kilometers; the population is more than 20 million people. Sri Lanka has two capitals – administrative in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte and commercial in Colombo. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil.

Most of the territory is occupied by the coastal lowlands. The central part of the country is covered with mountains. Sri Lanka has a subequatorial climate with northeast monsoons from October to March, and southwest ones from June to October.

The national currency is the Sri Lankan rupee. Money can be changed at authorised exchanges, hotels and banks, which work from 9.00 to 13.00. Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs can be found in all major cities. Sri Lanka is an amazing country, where you will find amazing nature, golden beaches and hundreds of Buddhists temples. Having visited this small island once, you will want to return.

Nature lovers will be happy to watch blue and sperm whales in Mirissa, Southern Sri Lanka; to see leopards, elephants, monkeys and lots of birds in Yala National Park or in Udawalawe National Park; to feed newborn elephants in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and to enjoy the local wildlife in the Arugam Bay.

Those who like outdoor activities can climb Adam’s Peak, the highest mountain of the island; go surfing in Talalla; play cricket – a very popular kind of sport in Sri Lanka – or watch it in Premadasa Stadium; and go kayaking, rainforest trekking and mountain biking in Kitulgala, which is called Sri Lanka’s adventure capital.

Connoisseurs of architecture will be charmed by the amazing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built in the 5^th century; the colonial Dutch fort of Galle; Dambulla Cave Temples, containing lots of fabulous Buddha statues; the ancient Polonnaruwa, where you can see the 12^th-century stone sculptures; and the majestic ruins of Anuradhapura, founded thousands of years ago.

Being in Sri Lanka, do not miss the chance to visit its tea plantations, taste spicy local cuisine and restore your well-being with the help of ancient Ayurveda.

Airports

Bandaranaike International Airport (also called Katunayake International Airport and Colombo International Airport (CMB), the main international airport of Sri Lanka

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) an international airport of Hambantota

Ratmalana Airport (RML), Colombo

Diving in Sri Lanka

Washed by the warm Indian Ocean and possessing around 1600 kilometers of coastline Sri Lanka is a perfect destination both for experienced divers and for beginners. The underwater world boasts fancy landscapes and abundant marine life from huge blue whales to tiny nudibranches.

Off the coast of Negombo there is Derana Gala, a reef inhabited by great number of marine critters, including barracuda, lionfish and trevallies.

Taprobane Reefs are said to be one of the most untouched diving places in Sri Lanka. Here you will find big patch reefs with massive coral domes, teeming with various fish.

10 minutes by boat from Unawatuna there is Goda Gala Diyamba, an underwater rock formation, where you can see interesting reef systems inhabited by large fish.

For those who are fond of wreck-diving Sri Lanka has some interesting wrecks, for example: the Conch, a steam oil tanker sunk in 1903, located at a depth of 12-21m and inhabited by groupers, queen angelfish and napoleons; the Earl of Shaftesbury, a steel 4-mast sailing ship sunk in the 1820s; the Rangoon, a 1776-ton steam ship built in 1863; the Arcturus, a British steam ship built in 1870; the HMS Hermes, an aircraft carrier sunk in 1942; and the Norsa, a steam ship built in 1889.

Sweden is a European country on the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, which borders Norway and Finland, is connected to Denmark via the bridge of Öresundand. It is washed by the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea and the Kattegat. Sweden is the third-largest country in the European Union by area, and its total population is about 9.7 million people. The capital of the country is Stockholm. The official language is Swedish; about 89% of Swedes can speak English.

The national currency is the Swedish krona. Major credit cards (some restriction may apply to American Express) are widely accepted.

About 65% of Sweden is covered with forests. The northernmost part of the country is north of the Arctic Circle.

Most of the country has a temperate climate, softened by the Gulf Stream.

Sweden is a country with a rich history and a great cultural heritage, so wherever you go you will always find lots of entertainment for every taste: museums, exhibitions, theaters, musical concerts, sports competitions and so forth.

Sweden is a perfect destination for those who like outdoor activities. Here you can enjoy stunning nature while skiing, skating, hiking, canoeing, cycling, sailing and horse-riding. Despite short summer hundreds of miles of beaches in Sweden attract many tourists. Those who are not satisfied with swimming and sunbathing can take up some waterskiing or windsurfing. People who like enjoying nature in more relaxed way can choose a boat trip from Stockholm city centre among the islands to Drottningholm Palace or go by boat along the historic Göta Canal, stretching from Gothenburg in the west to Söderköping on the Baltic Sea. Connoisseurs of history will like visiting Lund, founded more than a thousand years ago, where they can see 12th-century cathedral, 14th-century astronomical clock and a huge open-air museum, Kulturen. And, of course, the beautiful Stockholm has a lot of attractions.

Airports

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the largest international airport in Sweden, located 37 km north of Stockholm.

Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the second largest international airport serving the Gothenburg region in Sweden.

Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO), 100 km from Stockholm.

Diving in Sweden

Sweden gives a lot of different diving opportunities, such as fish and reef diving, wreck diving, ice diving, quarry and cave diving. Fish and reef diving is possible on the west coast of Sweden.

The best wreck diving is said to be in the waters of Öland Island, where there are 5 well-preserved German WW1 wrecks, sunk by the submarine E19. They are the SS Walter Leonard, a 1261-ton freighter; the SS Germania; the SS Gutrune, a 3039-ton freighter; the SS Director Reppenhagen, a freighter of 1683 tons and the SS Nicomedia, a 4391-ton freighter.

Off this island you can also see the Emmy Hasse wreck, a British steamer sunk in 1887.

In the Baltic Sea you can explore such wrecks as

The Sappemeer, a motor ferry sunk in 1969 and located at 25 meters depth.

The Najade, a screw steamer sunk in 1933. She is lying at a depth of 35 meters.

The Ingrid Horn, a screw steamer sunk in 1917 after hitting by another ship and located at 24 meters depth.

Around the Stockholm Archipelago there are such interesting wrecks as the Riksnyckeln, a Swedish battleship, lost in 1628 and resting at depths between 8 and 15 meters; the Riksapplet, An 84-gun battleship located just off Dalaro and lost in 1676; the Melanie, a Swedish steamer built in 1883 and lost in 1907, she is now located at a depth of 35 meters.

Those who like exploring quarries will be interested in Vagnhärad limestone quarry, whose depth is about 45 meters.

Switzerland is a European country, bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The total area, greater part of which is occupied by the Alps, is more 41 thousand square kilometers. The largest cities, where most part of the 8-million population live, are situated on the Plateau.

The de facto capital of Switzerland (de jure there is none) is Berne.

The country has 4 official languages: German, French, Italian and Romansh.

The national currency is the Swiss franc.

Switzerland has a temperate climate which varies with altitude. Winters are cold, cloudy, snowy, and summers are cool to warm, cloudy, humid with occasional showers. In Switzerland everybody can find leisure to their taste: from hiking and climbing mountains to basking in the sun. The most popular tourist attractions include

The Jungfrau Region, where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air and spectacular mountain view.

Matterhorn in Zermatt, the most famous peak in the Alps, whose height is 4,478 meters. Many mountaineers are attracted by this technically difficult peak. Those who don’t like climbing can just enjoy breathtaking nature.

A famous winter resort St. Moritz, offering skiing, various kinds of sport and spa treatment.

The Swiss Natural Park, which covers 169 square kilometers and consists of mountains and woodland. It is inhabited by various species such as large red deer, chamois, ibexes, and marmots.

Lake Geneva, which is situated near the third biggest city of the country. Here you can see the world's tallest fountain, visit interesting museums, and enjoy delicious food in fine restaurants here. On the eastern shore of Lake Geneva there is Chillon Castle, the most famous castle in Switzerland.

The Rhine Falls, the largest in Europe. Near the falls is the medieval castle, Schoss Laufen.

Swiss cities are also very interesting touristic places. In Basel you can see the ancient university and trading center; Bern will charm you with its unique 11th-century arcaded streets, the famous 13th-century clocktower, and ancient medieval bear pits.

Airports

Zürich Airport (ZRH), the largest international airport of Switzerland, situated 13 kilometers of central Zürich

Geneva International Airport (GVA), the international airport of Geneva, located 4 km of the city center.

EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (MLH, BSL), an international airport of Basel. It is located in France, near the Swiss and German borders. The airport serves as a base for EasyJet Switzerland.

Diving in Switzerland

Though Switzerland is a land-locked country, Swiss lakes and rivers give worthwhile opportunities for diving.

The most popular places are Lake Geneva and Lake Zurich, as they are large and deep, with hundred-meters steep walls, ideal for wall-diving. In Lake Geneva, at a depth of 43 meters there is the Hirondelle, passenger cruiser, sunk in 1862. Another interesting wreck here is La Cochère, situated at a depth of 40-47 meters.

In Lake Constance you can explore the wreck of the Jura, sunk in 1865. She is situated at a depth of 36 meters.

Those, who are interested in river diving, will like the Verasca River for perfect visibility and beautiful river scenery. Another great river dive is the Maggia River, where there is a lot of fish. It flows into Lago Maggiore, a beautiful mountain lake with many wrecks and steep walls.

Diving in Switzerland is possible all year round. Water temperatures range between 3 degrees Celsius in winter and 20 degrees in summer.

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China, and in the past Formosa which means «Beautiful Island", is an island in the Pacific Ocean, 150 kilometers off the eastern coast of mainland China, separated from it by the Taiwan Strait. Formally, Taiwan is an administrative unit of China. The largest city and the capital of the country is Taipei. The official language is Standard Chinese, also called Mandarin. The total area of Taiwan comprises around 36 thousand square kilometers; the population is more than 23 million people.

Five ranges of rugged mountains run from the northern to the southern tip of Taiwan; while the western part of the island is occupied by a plateau. The climate is marine tropical. The rainy season is in May and June. Typhoons are most common from July to September.

The national currency is the New Taiwan dollar (TWD). Currency can be exchanged at most banks and major hotels. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 12:00. All major credit cards are accepted in restaurants, stores and other large institutions, while small shops and stalls, especially outside the major cities, accept only cash. There are a lot of ways to get acquainted with Taiwan, for example, you can begin your journey around the island with its ''heart'' – the capital of Taiwan, Taipei, where you will see an amazing mix of various architectural styles and eras and will undoubtedly get charmed by extraordinary abundance of gardens and parks.

Then you can plunge into fantastic nature of the island in its national parks: Taroko National Park, featuring wonderful waterfalls, babbling streams, peaks, amazing valleys, and steep cliffs; Kenting National Park, where you will find stunning mountainous landscapes, tropical forests, beautiful coral reefs and paradise beaches; and Alishan National Scenic Area, the home of gorgeous sunrises, ocean of clouds and sacred trees. However, unforgettable nature beauties can be found not only in national parks of Taiwan. In Nantou County there is the picturesque Sun Moon Lake, which got its name for the shape – sun-like from one side and crescent moon-like from the other. Yangming Mountain, located near Taipei, boasts amazing volcanic sights, hot springs, serene valleys and abundant flora.

Those who like active leisure will be glad to go hang-gliding or paragliding in the Green Bay or go climbing Jade Mountain, the highest peak in North East Asia.

Connoisseurs of architecture can enjoy Confucian temple architecture in Tainan, the former capital and the oldest city of Taiwan, often called the 'City of 100 Temples'; or visit Lugang, an ancient sea port, where you can see traditional buildings and buy some authentic local crafts; or admire Chung Tai Chan Monastery, the tallest Buddhist temple in the world.

Airports

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) serves Taipei and the northern part of the country.

Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) situated in Songshan, Taipei

Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), also called Kaohsiung Siaogang Airport, the third busiest Taiwanese airport

Taichung Airport (RMQ), located in Taichung

Diving in Taiwan

Although Taiwan is not such a popular diving destination as its neighbours: Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia, its waters keep lots of interesting discoveries.

Off Green Island you will find many picturesque reefs inhabited by more than 300 fish species.

Kenting suggests perfect opportunities for shore diving. Here you will find about 50 dive sites. The visibility is great – up to 40 meters. The underwater cliffs, coral reefs and canyons create a fantastic marine landscape. Among marine inhabitants there are hawksbill turtles, huge lobsters and blue-spotted sting-rays.

Off Orchid Island you will find shallow reefs, picturesque walls and a lot of deep dives. The underwater fauna features sharks, manta rays, dogtooth tunas, sea snakes, hawksbill turtles, green turtles, puffer fish and lionfish.

Penghu Islands is an excellent place for drift driving, due to strong currents that draw in lots of big pelagic fish, sharks and even whales. Here you can also meet green turtles.

Tanzania, the official name is the United Republic of Tanzania, is a state in East Africa, bordered by Kenya and Uganda In the north, by Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and by Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south . The eastern boundary of the country is the Indian Ocean. Tanzania covers 947 thousand square kilometers; the population is more than 47 million people. The capital is Dodoma. The official languages are Swahili and English.

The national currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Money can be exchanged at most banks and bureaux de change. ATMs can be found in most cities and towns. Major credit cards are widely used.

Tanzania’s terrain consists of the coastal plains, the Masai Steppe in the north, and the Southern Highlands, a high plateau known in the south. Due to the large size of the country, the climate varies a lot. The main rainy season continues from March to the end of May, while the dry season lasts from June to October.The nature of Tanzania is truly colorful and exotic: it boasts vast national parks (Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Ruaha), amazing wildlife, majestic volcanoes and the ocean with tranquil sandy beaches and rich marine life.

Those who come to Africa in search of classic safari should visit the Serengeti National Park whose vast grasslands are inhabited by lions, wildebeests and zebras. The park can be also viewed from a hot-air balloon. In the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation area you can meet the rare black rhino and see the traditional life of the Maasai. In the Mahale Mountains you will find curious chimps, red colobuses and yellow baboons. Tarangire National Park with its majestic huge baobabs is a perfect place for bird watching and walking safaris. The Ruaha National Park, situated in the center of the country, features abundant fauna, which includes wild dogs, jackals, lions, impala, leopards, zebras, elephants, giraffes and cheetahs.

In Mount Kilimanjaro National Park you can admire this great snow-capped mountain – the highest peak in Africa – from a distance or even climb it. Its slopes are covered with rainforest and inhabited by various wild animals.

Many people are attracted by paradise beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar

Those who want to relax in a tranquil uncrowded place will like Mafia Island, where you can not only enjoy diving, snorkeling and lying on a beach, but also can get acquainted with traditional Swahili culture.

Pemba Island with its high visibility, coral gardens and rich marine fauna offers great opportunities for diving. Moreover from December to February you can watch traditional bullfighting – the heritage of Portuguese dominance.

Connoisseurs of history will be glad to visit the Stone Town of Zanzibar, which has been nearly intact during the last two centuries.

Airports

Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) (DAR), the main airport located near Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) (JRO) serves Arusha and Moshi.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) the main airport, serving the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Diving in Tanzania

Zanzibar offers several perfect dive sites, the most popular of which are Mnemba Island, a small atoll with amazing coral gardens, and Kizimkazi Reef.

Off Pemba Island you will find good opportunities for drift diving due to the strong oceanic current and will see plenty of large fish never stops flowing.

From November to January in the Mafia Island Marine Park you can dive with whale sharks. In the waters of the Mafia archipelago it is possible to meet endangered species: for example, green and leatherback turtles and sea cows. Here you will also find here rock walls, fringing reefs, lots of soft corals and algae and about 400 fish species.

The Songo Songo Archipelago is famous for picturesque reefs and little amount of visitors.

Thailand, officially named the Kingdom of Thailand, is a state of South-East Asia, located in the southwestern part of the Indochina peninsula and the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. It is bordered by Laos and Cambodia to the east, by Myanmar to the west, and by Malaysia to the south. The total area is more than 513 thousand square kilometers; the population is about 67 million people. The capital of the country is Bangkok. The official language is Thai.

The national currency is the Thai baht. Currencies can be exchanged at banks, hotels and bureaux de changes. All major credit cards are accepted. ATMs are widely spread.

The terrain of the country consists of high mountains in the north, a central plain, and an upland plateau in the northeast. Thailand has a wet tropical climate with a mean annual temperature of 28 degrees Celsius. There are three main seasons – the hot season lasts from March to May, the cool season continues from November to February and the rainy season is from about June to October.

Thailand is often called the “Land of Thousand Smiles” due to sincere hospitality of its people. The atmosphere of Thailand is so pleasant that almost everywhere in the country, the tourists feel comfortable. It is a wondrous kingdom, which combines fascinating history and unique culture, Buddhist temples, spectacular islands and exotic wildlife. Here everyone can find what they like most of all.

Connoisseurs of architecture and history will be impressed by Grand Palace in Bangkok, the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom, constructed in 1782; and Wat Arun, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River; Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a stunning seven-century-old golden temple on the mountain; Ayutthaya, the former trade and political capital, now an abandoned city, whose picturesque ruins attract lots of tourists; Phanom Rung, a carved sanctuary built by the Khmers in the 10th-13th centuries;

Nature lovers should not miss the chance to visit Khao Yai National Park, which occupies four provinces and contains beautiful mountains, fertile valleys, amazing waterfalls and abundant wildlife; Khao Sok National Park boasting jungle forests, rivers, lakes and limestone karsts, Another nature beauty of Thailand is Phang Nga Bay, the world’s unique site, where cliffs jut vertically out of the turquoise water.

Those who like relaxation on a beach will praise Railay, one of the most popular beach areas in Thailand, combining heavenly white sand beaches, caves, and picturesque limestone cliffs that hide a gorgeous lagoon. All the Thailand Islands suggest many opportunities for basking in the sun, swimming and diving.

Your image of Thailand will not be complete without elephant trekking, taking part in a local festival or event, shopping in a floating market and eating traditional Thai food.

Airports

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) serves Bangkok

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) located in Chiang Mai

Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) Chiang Rai

Hat Yai International Airport (HDY) situated near Hat Yai

Phuket International Airport (HKT) serves Phuket Province.

U-Tapao–Pattaya International Airport (UTP) serves Rayong and Pattaya

Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) located near Udon Thani

Diving in Thailand

Crystal-clear waters of Thailand create excellent conditions for scuba diving. Lots of divers come here for rich flora and fauna, beautiful reefs, wrecks, deep drop-offs, walls, tunnels, caverns and pinnacles.

Some of the most popular diving destinations in Thailand are situated in the Andaman Sea, which is known for its water visibility. One of them is Phuket, whose waters have abundant flora and fauna. The dive sites here are suitable both for beginners and experienced divers. The most popular diving places in Phuket are Racha Yai and Ter Bay, well-known for their underwater rocks covered with coral gardens. Another famous diving spot near Phuket is Koh Dok Mai where you can go wall and drift diving and meet lots of various exotic fish, including turtles, octopuses, moray eels, and leopard sharks.

Phi Phi Island, situated between Koh Lang and Phuket, whose coral reefs strike imagination, is also beloved by divers.

Between Phuket and Phi Phi Island there is the Shark Point marine reserve, where divers beside from diving with sharks can explore the King Cruiser, an 85-meter long boat sunk in 1997 and located at a depth of 18-30 meters. Anemone Reef is known for its unique flora and fauna that include clown fish, schools of reef fish and groupers. Off the island of Koh Lanta there are underwater peaks Hin Daeng Island Kantiang and Klong Dao. Although they are more suitable for professionals, beginners will also find opportunities for diving.

Off Phuket Island you will find lots of colorful hard and soft corals teeming with marine creatures.

The crystal-clear waters of Racha Yai can boast bright coral formations, interesting rocks and boulders and lots of tropical fish, including black tip reef sharks, manta rays and leopard sharks.

The Bahamas is a vast archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, which stretches between Cuba and Florida. Only 30 islands of the nearly seven hundred ones are inhabited. The climate is subtropical, so it is very soft. The islands are considered to be a real diver's paradise thanks to the amazing coral ecosystem, which includes more than two thousand reefs. The Bahamas proudly carry the banner of the gaming center, and lovers of adventurous holidays will find their happiness there. The largest islands are New Providence, Eleuthera, Andros, and the island of Grand Bahama.

In the capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, you can see many examples of the old architectural school of 18-19 centuries. You can also visit the Straw Market and three historic forts - Charlotte, Stanley and Darcy. The aquarium Crystal Cay Marine Park, which is located on Silver Bay Island, also deserves special attention.

Lovers of wild natural beauty will like the rest on the islands, because there are more than twenty protected areas. Particular attention should be paid to Long Island, the nature of which abounds in places intact by civilization. In Freeport you can visit Rand Memorial Nature Center, where there are more than five thousand copies of exotic flora, brought from all over the world. The underwater caves can be explored in the National Park Lucayan. On Great Inagua you can watch rare tropical birds, including pink flamingos, see iguanas, swim with dolphins and feed sharks. You can also enjoy rich fauna in National Park "Abaco" and in the reefs of Man-O-War and Cat Island. On the islands of Andros, Bimini, Berry and Great Abaco, whose coastal waters teem with fish, you can enjoy high quality fishing. Grand Bahama, Eleuthera and Abaco are renowned for high-quality diving, and on Big and Little Exuma sailors from around the world find their calling.

The main local currency is the Bahamian Dollar. But credit cards, traveler's checks and the usual US dollar are also widely accepted.

Nassau International Airport (NAS)

To date, the international airport, which is located 19 kilometers from the capital of the Bahamas, has been renamed in Lynden Pindling Airport. It has the status of the largest in the Bahamas archipelago and is a major transit hub of the national company "BahamasAir." The airport often serves flights to the US, so right in the airport there is a preliminary US customs control. Because of this, on arrival from Nassau, tourists from the United States do not need to go through customs inspection.

Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO)

International Private Airport Grand Bahama is located two kilometers from the center of Freeport and serves many international and domestic flights of ten airlines. There is also a check-point of US border control.

Diving in the Bahamas

The Bahamas attract divers from all over the world by their fantastic coral walls, mysterious blue holes, famous underwater caves, sunken ships and airplanes fallen into the sea, as well as rich underwater world inhabited by dolphins, rays and even sharks. There is also a famous Bahama Bank, along the edges of which there are luxury canyons. In combination with the clear water, whose visibility is 25-30 meters, lots of coral reefs (5 per cent of the world's reefs) and stable temperature, Bahamian archipelago is a real diving mecca. A special highlight of the Bahamas is the fact that the islands are situated on a very large area, so we cannot exclude the possibility of discovering new diving places. This is especially true with diving safari.

Popular places for diving include the Clifton Wall, located on the southwest coast near New Providence, Balmoral Island on the north coast, coral arches in the south-west near Razorback, Hope Town in Elbow Cay, whose calm waters are famous for the original coral thickets of brain-corals and antler corals, and the area around Conception Island, where you can see more than thirty shipwrecks. Divers also love the waters around South Bimini, Somerset Beach, Harbor Island, Treasure Cay and Marles. Those who wish to see dolphins and their habitat should pay attention to the island of Grand Bahama, as well as the Blue Lagoon Island. Thrill seekers should try diving with sharks in the town of Walkers Cay and near Long Island, where you can observe sleeping sharks on Shark Reef.

Near the Abaco Islands there is the ship «Adirondack» sunken in the American Civil War, and now inhabited by large lobsters and octopuses. On Andros you can take in wall diving, and the area around the Chub Cay on the Berry Islands is considered to be one of the best for diving in the Bahamas.

As a rule, most dive areas are rather shallow - their depth is less than 30 meters, and often is only 15 meters. However, some walls and cliffs can go very deep, so beginners should take special precautions while diving.