Before You Go

Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’’ – ‘‘The Smoke that Thunders’’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a gorge over one hundred meters below. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent cutting through a series of dramatic gorges.

Cities

Harare

Capital of Zimbabwe, it is located in the center-north of the country. More attractive than most other African capitals. You will be attracted by its modern architecture, mixed with British colonial influence and traditional African flair. You will enjoy strolling safely in the colorful avenues, decorated with jacarandas and flamboyant trees. Do not miss the cultural and natural attractions such as the National Gallery dedicated to African arts or visit the granite hill of Kopje, which offers a panoramic view of the city’s rooftops.

Binga

Region of Northwestern Zimbabwe, ideal for travelers whishing to visit Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba or Chizarira National Park. Binga is a cultural center based on the lifestyle and cultural values of the Tongas. It also has a perfect fshing and boating port, the best starting point for a cruise on Lake Kariba. Here you’ll fnd craft industries focused on basketry, beadwork, drum making, stools and carved doors.

Hwange

Hwange National Park is located in Zimbabwe, covering 14,620 km² and includes nine of the ten protected species in the country. There are more than 107 mammal species and 450 bird species. The park is composed of highlands which offers a mix of landscape ranging from sparse forest to grassy savannah. The main particularity of the park is that there are no major rivers, however, there are about 60 water points, making it the national park with the highest concentration of African animals.

Language

English is the official language in Zimbabwe, although the majority of Zimbabwe’s population also speaks Shona or Ndebele.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 263 Concerning national calls made in Zimbabwe, it is not necessary to dial the 263 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 263 and finally the local phone number in Zimbabwe.

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What Exotik can offer

South Africa occupies the southern tip of Africa, its long coastline stretching more than 2 500 km from the desert border with Namibia on the Atlantic coast, southwards around the tip of Africa, then north to the border with Mozambique on the Indian Ocean. Going from west to east, South Africa shares long borders with Namibia and Botswana, touches Zimbabwe, has a strip of border with Mozambique to the east, and lastly curves in around Swaziland before rejoining Mozambique’s southern border. In the interior is the small mountainous country of Lesotho, completely surrounded by South African territory.

Cities

Pretoria

Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Also known as the City of Jacarandas because of its thousands of jacarandas, it is home to universities and government buildings. The semi-circular Union Buildings house the offices of the President, and was the site of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration. Nearby is the Voortrekker Monument, a tribute to the 19th-century Afrikaner settlers from the Cape Colony.

Cape Town

Cape Town is a port city located on the south-west coast of South Africa, on a peninsula dominated by the imposing Table Mountain. Cable cars slowly climb to its flat summit offering unobstructed views of the city, the bustling harbor and boats to Robben Island, the famous prison where Nelson Mandela was detained, now a living museum.

Johannesburg

Is the largest city in South Africa and the capital of Gauteng Province. It developed after the discovery of gold on the site in the nineteenth century. The vast township of Soweto welcomed Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. The former home of Nelson Mandela has now become the Nelson Mandela Museum. Soweto also has museums devoted to the fight against segregation, including the sober Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, a former prison.

Durban

A coastal town in KwaZulu-Natal province in eastern South Africa, is known for its African, Indian and colonial influences. Rehabilitated for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the seaside promenade stretches from the gigantic uShaka Marine World theme park, with its aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens are home to endemic plant species from Africa.

Kruger Park

Kruger National Park is located in northeastern South Africa. It is now the largest national park in the country with changing scenery, from mountains to plains and tropical forests. This incredible place will allow you to discover one of the largest animal reserves in Africa, where you will have the chance to observe the inevitable “Big 5”: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes. The observation of birds and reptiles is also very popular with over a hundred different species.

Language

Although there are 11 official languages, English and Afrikaans are spoken throughout the country.

Electricity

220 volt, three-pin plugs are freely available for purchase in South Africa, and in many hotels they may be obtained from reception in exchange for a small deposit.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents
required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 27 Concerning national calls made in South Africa, it is not necessary to dial the 27 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 27 and finally the local phone number in South Africa.

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What Exotik can offer

The United Republic of Tanzania is located in eastern Africa on the Indian Ocean between Mozambique and Kenya and includes the island of Zanzibar. The largest city, Dar Es Salaam, is located along the eastern coast on the Indian Ocean. The terrain includes coastal plains, a central plateau, and highlands in the north and south. It is home to Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest point in Africa), Lake Victoria (the second largest lake in the world), and the Great Rift Valley.

Cities

Dodoma

Dodoma is the capital of Tanzania, and also that of the Dodoma region. Its population is estimated in 2002 at 324,347 inhabitants. It is located in the center of the country, in the heart of a region producing beans, seeds, nuts, coffee, tea, and tobacco. The region also has livestock farms.

Dar Es Salam

Is a former fshing village in Tanzania which has become a major city and a major trading port on the Indian Ocean coastline. The open-air Museum Village Museum has recreated the traditional houses of local tribes and other Tanzanian tribes. Tribal dance demonstrations are organized. This museum is part of the National Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Tanzania and exhibits the fossils of human ancestors found by anthropologist Louis Leakey.

Arusha

Is a city in northern Tanzania and the capital of the Arusha region. In 2012, its population was 416,442 inhabitants, current estimates are up to 500,000.

Tanga

Tanga is a port city in Tanzania and the capital of the Tanga region. It is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, close to the border with Kenya. According to the 2002 census, its population population was 243,580.

Language

More than 37.1 million people live in Tanzania. Kiswahili or Swahili (Kiunguju in Zanzibar) and English are the ofcial languages; Arabic and numerous other local languages are spoken as well.

Electricity

Electric power is 230V running at 50Hz.

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 255 Concerning national calls made in Tanzania, it is not necessary to dial the 255 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 255 and finally the local phone number in Tanzania.

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What Exotik can offer

Japan was once closed to the rest of the world for a long time, but today Japan is an open country, full of contrasts, events and cutting edge technology. Traditional values are still strictly respected and remain the link between past and present. The country of the Rising Sun will charm you!

Cities

Tokyo

In Tokyo, where you can pass with veneration from the visit of an ancient temple to an evening in a karaoke bar, tradition rubs against pop culture. Get up before sunrise to see the excitement of a fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then enjoy a stroll under the cherry blossoms along the Sumida River to rejuvenate yourself. Do not forget to take a tour of the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Then review Japan’s history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. And do not hesitate to eat sushi, udon noodles and wagashi (traditional Japanese pastries) as much as your stomach wants!

Kyoto

Kyoto is a large city located on the main island Honshu, in the Kansai region southwest of Lake Biwa. Former capital of Japan, named Heian-kyo at the time of the emperors, it is full of shrines, historical temples and monuments. Considered as the cultural capital of Japan, it is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to the delight of tourists who are more and more to discover it every year.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a coastal Japanese town overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, located on the main island Honshu and capital of the prefecture of the same name. Infamous for having suffered the first atomic bombing of history on August 6, 1945, precipitating the end of the Second World War, now the city is totally rebuilt and is the largest in the Chugoku region. The A-bomb, which exploded 600 meters above the ground, killed 75,000 people on the spot and about 220,000 in total. The city, meanwhile, has almost disappeared. After the war, the reconstruction was based on a “city of peace”. Nowadays, it is a big city of Japan which is of course completely rebuilt but, if the stigmata of this sad past are apparently discreet, it did not forget its history. In the heart of the city lies the large Peace Park which houses the dome of the bomb A (whose structure survived the explosion) and the eponymous Museum and its poignant testimonials.

Language

Japanese and English

Electricity

The electricity is 100 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 81 Concerning national calls made in Japan, it is not necessary to dial the 81 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 81 and finally the local phone number in Japan.

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What Exotik can offer

Namibia is situated geographically surrounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, north by Angola to the south by the Republic of South Africa, east by Botswana and north-east by Zimbabwe and Zambia. Wedged between the Kalahari and the South Atlantic, Namibia enjoys vast potential as one of the youngest countries in Africa. In addition to having a striking diversity of cultures and national origins, Namibia is a photographer’s dream – it boasts wild seascapes, rugged mountains, lonely deserts, stunning wildlife, colonial cities and nearly unlimited elbow room.

Cities

Windhoek

Windhoek is a city in southern Africa, capital of the Republic of Namibia since its independence in 1990, after having been that of the German and South African colony of South West Africa.

Walvis Bay

Is a port city located on the coast of Namibia. Sheltered by the sandy point of Pelican Point, its coastal lagoon hosts many species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and terns of whalers. The harbor is flled with fshing boats and freighters. Dolphins, whales and fur seals from South Africa live in Atlantic waters around the Pelican Point lighthouse. East of the bay, coastal sand dunes like Dune 7 mark the beginning of the Namib Desert.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is a unique place in Africa. It has the unique feature of having much of its area covered with a salt marsh that glitters with a silvery color under the heat. Nevertheless the fauna is abundant: giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, elands, leopards and more than 300 species of birds have found refuge there. The dry season is the perfect time to watch thousands of animals gather around water sources in the area.

Otjiwarongo

Otjiwarongo is an agricultural town in northern Namibia, located in the Otjozondjupa region between Windhoek in the south and Etosha National Park in the north. This place is a must for watching cheetahs. The CCF association, is one of the major participants in the protection of cheetahs that allows visitors and locals to better understand this unique and wild animal.

Swakopmund

Swakopmund is a city and seaside resort of Namibia located between the sands of the desert and the waves of the Atlantic coast. Under its airs of a small quiet town hides in reality the main tourist city of the country, after Windhoek. It is the gateway to the impressive Skeleton Coast and the Namib considered the oldest desert in the world that offers breathtaking scenery.

Language

Namibia’s population has many languages. About half of Namibians speak Oshiwambo as a first language, but Afrikaans is the country’s most widely understood language. The official language of Namibia is English, though it is only among the younger generation that this is widely understood.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 264 Concerning national calls made in Namibia, it is not necessary to dial the 264 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 264 and finally the local phone number in Namibia.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Botswana is located in Southern Africa. It shares borders with Zambia to the north, Namibia to the north and northwest, Zimbabwe to the northeast and South Africa to the south and southeast. Therefore, Botswana is a landlocked country. Travelers looking for large space of deserts, savannas and marsh will be amazed by the beautiful scenery of the country, in addition to being charm by the hospitality of the villagers and fascinated by the extraordinary richness of it’s fauna and it’s artistic tradition.

Cities

Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana. It is located in southeastern Botswana, only 15 km from the South African border surrounded by the Kgale Valley and the Ooid Hills. This modern city offers many tourist and cultural attractions (museum, cathedrals, theater, night club, restaurant …). For nature lovers, the “Gaborone Game Reserve” located a few minutes from the city and “Mokolodi Nature Reserve” will allow you to discover a great diversity of animal species, zebras, antelopes, hippopotamuses or the famous white rhinoceros.

Francistown

It is located in the eastern part of Botswana, about 400 km northeast of the capital, Gaborone. Often referred to as the “Capital of the North”, it is a gateway to Zimbabwe or the Okavango regions. Nevertheless, Francistown is an authentic and modern city that has preserved its buildings of the time and offers us many cultural and historical sites.

Serowe

The city lies west of the capital Gaborone. It is one of the most important “Villages” of Botswana. Serowe is a multicultural city thanks to the cohabitation of different local ethnic groups, the majority of whom are called Bangwatos. This city is also a journey through the history of African royalty, still known today as the ancient land of kings. It is also the city where the most important fgures of Botswana’s contemporary history were born.

Kasane

City of the Okavango-Chobe region, the northeast corner of Botswana. Located on the south bank of the Chobe River, it faces the Caprivi Strip in Namibia to the north. Zimbabwe and Zambia are nearby. Kasane is a tourist hub, a starting point for Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls.

Language

The majority of the population speaks the national language that is twsana, also called Setswana. About thirty minority languages are spoken and divided into three groups: Bantu languages (the majority), Khoisanes languages and Germanic languages (Afrikaans and English). English has the status of an ofcial language.

Electricity

The electricity is 220 volts; therefore, an adapter and/or converter will be required.

Entry requirements

 Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link: www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country. 

Communication

International access code: 00 International dialing code: 267 Concerning national calls made in Botswana, it is not necessary to dial the 267 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 267 and fnally the local phone number in Botswana.

Useful links

Albania is a destination that charms everyone with its range of attractions. Picturesque beaches offer incomparable moments of relaxation, while majestic mountains invite adventure and exploration. Its rich historical heritage is revealed through its ancient cities, archaeological sites and living traditions. Whether you’re passionate about nature, history or simply looking for a memorable getaway, Albania offers fertile ground for wonder and discovery.

Cities

Tirana

Tirana, the capital of Albania, is a dynamic and constantly evolving city. Situated in the heart of the country, it is nestled between mountains and offers a fascinating blend of history, culture and modernity. One of Tirana’s most striking features is its architectural diversity. You can find buildings from the communist era alongside more modern structures. Urban life is lively in Tirana, with colorful streets, bustling markets and inviting cafés. Skanderbeg Square is a focal point of the city, lined with historic buildings and stores. Parks and green spaces also dot the city, offering places to relax and enjoy. Tirana’s cultural life is rich, with numerous museums, art galleries and theaters. The city is also home to a lively music scene and vibrant nightlife, with a multitude of bars, clubs and restaurants where visitors can discover Albanian cuisine as well as international dishes. All in all, Tirana is a fast-growing city that harmoniously blends its rich past with its vibrant present, offering visitors a unique and captivating experience.

Berat

Berat, nicknamed the “city of a thousand and one windows”, is one of Albania’s most emblematic and picturesque towns. Situated on the banks of the Osum River, Berat is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, rich history and natural beauty. One of Berat’s most striking features is its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This part of the town, known as “Mangalem” and “Gorica”, is made up of narrow cobbled streets and traditional white stone houses, characterized by their wooden windows that seem to stack one on top of the other. The town’s hilltop location also offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area. Berat Castle, also known as “Kala”, dominates the old town. This well-preserved castle dates back to antiquity and today houses museums, medieval churches and historic residences. A visit to the castle not only immerses you in the history of the region, but also offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding mountains. Berat is also known for its wine and olive oil production, and visitors can sample these local products in the town’s many restaurants and cafés. Berat cuisine is renowned for its richness and variety, reflecting Ottoman, Mediterranean and Balkan influences. In short, Berat is a must-see destination in Albania, offering visitors an immersion in the country’s history, culture and natural beauty.

Saranda

Saranda, located in southern Albania, is a picturesque and lively coastal town that attracts visitors with its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. What makes Saranda unique is its proximity to the magnificent Albanian Riviera and its many heavenly beaches. The region’s most popular beaches include Ksamil, a series of small islands linked by stone bridges, as well as Mirror beach (Pasqyra) and Pulebardha beach, known for their crystal-clear waters and unspoiled scenery. In addition to its beaches, Saranda is also renowned for its historical and archaeological sites. The nearby ancient site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to remarkable remains from various eras, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian. Saranda’s seafront promenade is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars where you can sample delicious local cuisine while enjoying views of the Ionian Sea. Saranda’s nightlife is equally lively, with a multitude of bars, discos and clubs attracting revelers until the early hours of the morning during the summer season. In short, Saranda is a vibrant, sunny seaside destination, offering the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and culture for visitors from all walks of life.

Bled

Bled, Slovenia’s jewel in the crown, is an enchanting destination nestled in the heart of the Julian Alps. Its international renown is largely due to its stunningly beautiful lake, overlooked by a medieval castle perched on a cliff and dominated by the majestic peaks of the surrounding mountains. At the center of this breathtaking scene lies the island of Bled, a small, verdant island home to the Baroque Church of the Assumption, whose iconic bell tower rises proudly into the sky. Accessible by traditional wooden boat called a “pletna”, the island invites visitors to a peaceful, contemplative experience. The shores of the lake, lined with lush trees and picturesque promenades, offer the ideal setting for relaxing, cycling or simply enjoying the breathtaking views. In summer, the crystal-clear waters of the lake invite you to take a dip, while in winter, Bled is transformed into a fairytale setting with its frozen lake and winter activities such as ice skating. In addition to its natural beauty, Bled also offers a rich history and fascinating culture to explore. Bled Castle, perched on its cliff, offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, as well as a captivating insight into the region’s history. What’s more, visitors can sample local delicacies, including the famous “kremna rezina” (cream cake) in the picturesque cafés lining the lake. In short, Bled is a truly magical destination, captivating visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty, fascinating history and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an outdoor adventure or simply a quiet break in magnificent surroundings, Bled offers an unforgettable experience to all those lucky enough to visit.

Language

Albanian

Weather

Albania has a Mediterranean climate with each season offering distinct- yet pleasant weather. Despite the rain, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine. The overall climate is pleasant and is favorable for outdoor activity. On average, Albanians enjoy a great deal of sunshine, second only to Spain (in Europe) in average annual sunny days.

Electricity

220 volts

Entry requirements

Kindly make sure to have the proper documents required to enter the countries you are visiting. Please refer to www.travel.gc.ca for updated information. Regarding visas, you can refer to the link : www.travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories

Failure to obtain these documents prior to travel can result in being denied entry or exit from the country.

Useful links

What Exotik can offer

Taiwan is a small island state located 180 km east of China, offering modern cities to the west of the island, along the coastal plain between Taipei and Kaohsiung, traditional Chinese temples, spas and a spectacular mountainous area on the east side. A wild island where nature is still intact, it is covered with 70% vegetation and is crossed by the highest mountain range in Northeast Asia, except Tibet.

Cities

Taipei

To the north, Taipei, the capital of the country, is famous for its lively night markets, the National Palace Museum where are exhibited works of Chinese imperial art transferred from the Forbidden City of Beijing in 1949, as well as the Tchang Kaï-chek Memorial and Taipei 101, a 509 meter tall, bamboo-shaped skyscraper with an observatory. Do not miss out on the old Wanhua and Datong neighborhoods full of historic sites like Longshan Temple

Kaohsiung

Located in the south of Taiwan, this port city is renowned for the diversity of its parks housing many skyscrapers. Kaohsing enjoys pleasant weather all year long thanks to the regulating effects of the marine climate. City with several popular sightseeing sites, including Love River, Shoushan (Mount Shou), Xiziwan Bay, Lotus Pond, Qijin and Zuoying Old Town. Kaohsiung also offers picturesque mountains, views of the ocean and rivers, as well as port, cultural and historical attractions. You can also visit the nearby village of Hakka, Meinong, to discover the traditional art of the oiled paper umbrella.

National Park of Taroko

Taroko National Park is one of nine national parks in Taiwan. To visit Taroko gorge is to discover an imposing nature. The Gorges of Taroko have been carved over the years by a river that has gently but surely shaped the landscape of these mountains of granite and marble. These are the kind of places that alone justify a long trip.

Language

Taiwanese, Mandarin Chinese

Communication

International access code: 002 International dialing code: 886 Concerning national calls made in Taiwan, it is not necessary to dial the 886 country code. If you are calling from Canada, please dial 011, then 886 and finally the local phone number in Taiwan.

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