Tag: travel stories

Insiders view Tanzania

The Wanderers in conversation with Niall Anderson

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Tanzania

There are more than 120 different tribes in Tanzania!

What is a must buy when in Tanzania?

Tanzanite – this gem is rarer than Diamonds and is only found in Tanzania.

One take-away after a visit to Tanzania

You will leave wanting to return…

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Patience is a fantastic trait to bring with you to Tanzania. It will assist you in your travels and surprise you on safari.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Tanzania.

A good sense of humour, this will stand you in good stead with the Local Tanzanian people and will ensure you have a lot of fun.

One activity anyone travelling to Tanzania should not miss.

Hot air ballooning over the Serengeti!

Where should anyone, travelling to Tanzania, definitely get their picture taken?

The Clock Tower in Arusha – It is said to be equidistant between London and Cape Town and a famous stopping place for early adventurers.  Apart from the tower, you can get your picture taken on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, in the vast plains of the Serengeti and at the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

From a hot air balloon while floating over the Serengeti

On the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater

Half way up Kilimanjaro

Mto Wa Mbu – looking back at the great rift valley

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

The &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas, in close proximity to the Great Wildebeest Migration

Most romantic place to take a special someone to..

The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, overlooking the world famous Ngorongoro Crater

Which is the best place to have local food?

Nicks Pub, Chicken on a bonnet or the Lively Lady in Arusha.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend..

Nyam Chom and Ugali with a Serengeti Beer!

One place only the locals would know..

A (very) special visit to the Hadza Tribe, one of the smallest tribes in Tanzania

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see..

A Maasai Graduation ceremony!

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Tanzania and what would that reason be?

Tanzania is a year round destination – June and July are the busiest months of the year on the tourist calendar as they are fantastic months to visit Tanzania. However, the rest of the year is incredibly special too.

In one sentence, Tanzania is.. Is the best African country to visit for a Safari…

Niall Anderson is the Regional Director for Tanzania with &Beyond, which it joined six years ago. Settled in Arusha, Niall takes on exciting challenges in leading teams in Tanzania

Check out our latest package on Tanzania 

Insiders view of Vienna

 

The Wanderers in conversation with Verena Hable

Everything the guide books or tourism websites won’t tell you about the place

One little known fact/trivia that everyone should know about when travelling to Vienna.

 

Vienna is one of the safest places in the world and is also the city with the highest quality of living.

What is a must buy when in Vienna?

Fine hand-crafted pieces from the former so called Purveyors to the Imperial Court. This can be anything from confectionary to porcelain, from jewellery to headgear.

One take-away after a visit to Vienna?

Sweets – Be it a whole Sacher cake (available in different sizes), nostalgic chocolates from Demel or tiny confectionaries from Altmann und Kühne!

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Look behind the imperial facade!

Despite its history, Vienna is one of the youngest and fastest growing cities in Europe.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Vienna.

Vienna is a very walkable city, so definitely bring shoes you are comfortable walking in.

One activity anyone travelling to Vienna should not miss..

Take your time and visit a coffee house the way the locals do: have a coffee, browse through the international newspapers and have a chat with the people on the table next to yours.

Where should anyone, travelling to Vienna, definitely get their picture taken?

On the iconic Enzi designer benches in the Museums Quarter, one of Europe’s largest cultural districts.

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo?

The best place for a panoramic photo would be the restaurant – ‘Le Loft’, on the top floor of the hotel Sofitel with a 360 degree panorama view.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise?

Rent a boat and drift around on the calm waters of the Old Danube.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to.

A romantic picnic in the green vineyards with a stunning view on the city centre. Many wineries offer readymade picnic baskets with delicacies, a bottle of wine, wine glasses and a blanket.

Best place to have local food?

Try one of the markets, e.g. Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most popular market.

Your favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

In so called ‘Heurigen’ restaurants, traditional wine taverns with local food, you should try ‘Kaiserspritzer’- white wine mixed with sparkling water and some elder syrup. Be sure to have a ‘Brettljause’, a dish including a little bit of everything they offer.

One place only the locals would know.

The Restaurant Pöschl, in the very city centre offers genuine Viennese kitchen and is so not touristy. They don’t even have a website!

The best pub and best place to catch up for a drink..

The area around Gumpendorfer Straße (between Naschmarkt and Mariahilfer Straße) is full with bars and cafés of all styles.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see

Popfest – a free open air festival in the middle of the city centre and in front of beautiful Karlskirche. 2014 will be its 5th birthday!

The things guide books will not tell anyone about Vienna?

Do not buy bottled water!

Tap water in Vienna is not only safe to drink, it’s actually really healthy as it is mineral water coming in a pipeline directly from the Alps.

Is there any particular month you would not recommend travel to Vienna and what would that reason be?

Vienna can be visited all times of the year: While in summer the operas and theatres are closed and the locals enjoy spending time outside, winter is time for the indoor activities such as balls and museums.

In one sentence, Vienna is.

The best of Europe in a nutshell.

Verena Hable works with the Vienna Tourist Board handling media relations for Japan, China, India, Russia and the Middle Eastern Countries.