Mastering Slot Tournaments: How Wsm Powers Influencer Partnerships and Player Success

Posted on May 4, 2025March 13, 2026 by Tim Lees

Mastering Slot Tournaments: How Wsm Powers Influencer Partnerships and Player Success

Most new players start by looking for a casino that feels safe and fun. They often ask, “Is this site trustworthy?” The answer lies in licensing, game variety, and how quickly you can cash out. A licensed operator shows it follows strict rules, which protects your money.

Wsm stands out because it holds a reputable gaming license and offers a huge library of slots, table games, and live dealer titles. The platform also runs regular infrastructure tests to keep the site fast and secure. When you sign up, you’ll notice a clean registration flow that only asks for essential details. This saves time and reduces the chance of errors.

Beginners also worry about hidden fees. With Wsm, the fee structure is transparent. No surprise charges appear during withdrawals. This clear approach builds confidence, especially for those who are still learning the ropes.

Pro Tip: Before depositing, read the casino’s payment policy to know any possible limits.

Understanding the Backbone – Deployments and Infrastructure Tests

Behind every smooth gaming session is a solid technical foundation. Modern casinos rely on frequent deployment cycles to add new games, fix bugs, and improve security. A recent deployment date on the wsm-online-casino site was February 17, 2026, marking a major infrastructure test.

During an infrastructure test, engineers simulate heavy traffic to see how the servers react. This helps prevent downtime during peak hours, like big slot tournaments or live dealer rushes. The test also checks that data encryption stays strong, protecting player information.

Why does this matter to you? A stable platform means fewer interruptions while you chase a jackpot. It also ensures that bonus credits are credited correctly, even during high‑traffic events.

Industry Secret: Casinos that skip regular testing often suffer slow load times, which can cost players both time and potential winnings.

Wsm’s Edge: Fast Payouts, Live Support, and Mobile Freedom

When you win, you want the money fast. Wsm’s withdrawal system processes most requests within 24 hours, a speed that many competitors can’t match. The platform supports popular e‑wallets, credit cards, and bank transfers, giving you flexibility.

Live chat agents are on standby 24/7. Whether you have a question about a bonus or need help with a game rule, a friendly representative is just a click away. This real‑time help reduces frustration and keeps you in the game longer.

Mobile gamers also benefit. The mobile experience is optimized for both Android and iOS, allowing you to play slots and join tournaments on the go. No app download is required; the responsive web design works smoothly on any device.

Below are the top three reasons players choose this casino:

Fast withdrawals that get cash to your account quickly
Live support that answers questions instantly
Mobile‑first design for gaming anywhere

Did You Know? Slots with higher RTP (return‑to‑player) percentages often give better long‑term results, especially in tournament settings.

Comparing Payment Speed and Safety Across Top Platforms

To see how Wsm stacks up, let’s compare three key factors with two other leading sites.

Feature	Wsm	Competitor A	Competitor B
Withdrawal speed	24 hrs (most)	48‑72 hrs	24‑48 hrs
Fees	None on most e‑wallets	2 % on cards	Flat $5 fee
Security level	SSL + 2‑FA	SSL only	SSL + 2‑FA

Quick Win: Choose a payment method with no fees to keep more of your winnings.

Conclusion – Take the Next Step

Understanding how a casino’s technology, support, and payment options work can turn a casual player into a tournament champion. Wsm offers a reliable, fast, and mobile‑ready environment that many influencers trust for their slot streams. By partnering with top creators, the platform brings fresh promotions and exclusive tournaments to the community.

If you’re ready to experience these benefits and join a thriving slot tournament scene, visit the WSM casino official today. Play responsibly, set your limits, and enjoy the ride.

Insider Secrets to Winning Live Dealer Games and Free Spins at Verywell 1

Posted on April 22, 2025March 12, 2026 by Tim Lees

Insider Secrets to Winning Live Dealer Games and Free Spins at Verywell 1

Choosing a casino is like picking a new pair of shoes. You want comfort, style, and durability. Most beginners look only at the welcome bonus and ignore deeper factors. Compared to other UK operators, Verywell casino official offers a faster payout system, a mobile‑first design, and a broader live dealer selection. Those three points alone can change a player’s entire experience.

The site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which means it follows strict fairness rules. This licensing also protects your personal data with advanced encryption. When you see a logo from a reputable regulator, you can trust that the games are tested for random outcomes.

Another common mistake is ignoring the variety of payment methods. Verywell 1 supports debit cards, e‑wallets, and even some crypto options. The average withdrawal time is under 24 hours, far quicker than many legacy platforms that take several days. For players who want to enjoy their winnings quickly, this speed is a major advantage.

Finally, the platform’s customer support works 24/7 via live chat and email. Quick answers reduce frustration and keep the fun going. If you value responsive help, this casino checks that box as well.

Mastering Live Dealer Games

Live dealer tables bring the buzz of a real casino straight to your screen. They combine a human dealer, real cards, and a streaming studio. This hybrid experience offers more trust than pure RNG slots because you can see the dealer shuffle in real time.

Verywell 1’s live dealer library includes blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and a few unique game shows. The site partners with Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play, two industry leaders known for high‑definition streams.

Key benefits of playing live dealer games on this platform:

Better interaction – Chat with the dealer and other players for a social feel.
Higher RTP – Live tables often have a slightly higher return‑to‑player than virtual versions.
Transparent betting – You watch every card and spin, reducing doubts about fairness.

To get the most out of live dealer sessions, follow these simple steps:

Choose a table with a low minimum stake if you are still learning.
Observe the dealer’s style for a few rounds before placing large bets.
Use the “bet‑by‑click” feature to avoid typing errors during fast rounds.

By treating each live hand as a learning opportunity, you improve both skill and confidence.

Free Spins Strategies for Slots and Real Money Play

Free spins are the most popular bonus feature in modern slots. They let you spin the reels without spending your own cash, yet any winnings still count toward your balance. Verywell 1’s welcome package often includes 50 free spins on a selected slot, plus extra spins in later promotions.

When you receive free spins, keep these tactics in mind:

Check the wagering requirement – Most bonuses need you to wager winnings a certain number of times before cashing out.
Play high‑RTP games – Slots like “Starburst” and “Book of Dead” have RTPs above 96 %, giving you a better chance to keep winnings.
Watch the volatility – Low‑volatility slots pay small wins often, while high‑volatility games offer big jackpots but pay less frequently. Choose based on your risk comfort.

A practical tip is to set a win limit for each free‑spin session. For example, decide to stop when you have earned £20 in winnings. This prevents chasing losses and helps you lock in profit.

Verywell 1 also runs weekly “Free Spin Fridays,” where the site releases a new set of spins on a fresh slot title. Signing up for the casino’s newsletter ensures you never miss these offers.

Payment Speed, Mobile Experience, and Player Protection

Fast withdrawals are a top priority for many UK players. Verywell 1 processes most e‑wallet withdrawals within a few hours and bank transfers by the next business day. The platform’s payment gateway uses SSL encryption and complies with PCI DSS standards, keeping your financial data safe.

Mobile gaming is another strong point. The casino’s responsive website works smoothly on iOS and Android browsers. You can access live dealer tables, slots, and the full bonus menu without needing a separate app. The mobile layout keeps all buttons large enough for easy tapping, which is essential for a comfortable experience on smaller screens.

Player protection tools are built into the site. You can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. There is also a self‑exclusion option that locks your account for a chosen period. Verywell 1’s responsible gambling page offers links to counseling services and a clear explanation of how to use these tools. Always gamble responsibly and set limits before you start playing.

VIP Rewards, Ongoing Bonuses, and Final Recommendations

Beyond the initial welcome offer, Verywell 1 rewards loyal players with a tiered VIP program. As you climb the levels, you unlock faster withdrawals, exclusive live dealer tables, and personalized bonus codes. The site also runs regular promotions such as “Cashback Tuesdays” and “Reload Bonuses” that add extra value to your bankroll.

When comparing this casino to other UK operators, the standout features are:

Generous free‑spin packages that are easy to claim.
A robust live dealer suite with top‑tier providers.
Lightning‑fast payouts that keep your money in your hands.

If you are looking for an online casino that balances fun, safety, and speed, the platform checks all the boxes. Sign up, claim the welcome bonus, and try a few free spins on a high‑RTP slot. Then move to a live dealer table to feel the real‑casino atmosphere from home.

Remember, the best gambling experience comes from informed choices and responsible play. Use the tools provided by Verywell 1, stay within your budget, and enjoy the excitement of both slots and live dealer games. Good luck and have fun!

Mastering Cashback Rewards at 24: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Money Back on Every Loss

Posted on April 16, 2025March 12, 2026 by Tim Lees

Mastering Cashback Rewards at 24: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Money Back on Every Loss

Cashback offers can turn a frustrating losing streak into a small win.
Many players chase huge jackpots but forget the power of steady, everyday returns.
In this guide we break down how the 24 platform uses cashback to protect your bankroll, boost confidence, and keep the fun alive.

Why Cashback Matters in Online Gambling

Ever wonder why some players seem to bounce back quickly after a loss?
Cashback is the secret. It gives you a percentage of your net losses back, usually each week.

Reduces risk – You get a safety net on every session.
Encourages longer play – Players stay longer because losses feel less painful.
Improves morale – A small win after a loss keeps the excitement alive.

Statistics show that players who use cashback play 30% longer on average than those who don’t. This extra time often leads to discovering new games and strategies.

How 24’s Cashback System Stands Out

The platform’s cashback program is built for both beginners and seasoned gamblers.

Weekly 10% back on net losses – No hidden caps on most games.
Instant credit – Cashback appears in your account within 24 hours.
Applies to slots, live dealer games, and table games – So you never miss out.

Because 24 holds a Curacao license, the casino follows strict fairness rules. The site also features a generous welcome bonus that can be combined with cashback, giving a double boost to new players.

Feature Comparison

Feature	24 Cashback System	Standard Bonus
Weekly payout	10% of net loss	One‑time match
Applies to all games	Yes	No
Withdrawal speed	Instant credit	48‑72 hrs
Loyalty integration	Tiered boost	None

The table shows why 24’s cashback is more flexible than a typical sign‑up bonus.

Maximizing the Cashback – Practical Tips

To get the most out of the cash‑back offer, follow these simple steps:

Track your net loss weekly – Use the site’s activity log.
Play high‑RTP slots – Games with 96%+ RTP return more of your stake, boosting cashback.
Combine with the welcome bonus – Meet wagering requirements on low‑volatility slots first.

Example: Imagine you lose £200 on a 96.5% RTP slot on Monday. By Friday, the platform credits £20 back to you. That £20 can be used on another spin, possibly turning a small win into a larger one.

A recent survey found that 68% of players who used weekly cashback reported higher satisfaction with the site.

Safety, Licensing, and Fast Withdrawals

When you gamble online, trust is essential. 24 operates under a Curacao license, which requires regular audits and secure player data handling.

Fast withdrawals – Most requests are processed in under 2 hours.
Live support – 24/7 chat agents help with any payout questions.
Responsible gambling tools – Set deposit limits, session timers, and self‑exclusion directly from your account.

Always gamble responsibly. Setting a loss limit before you start can prevent big setbacks and keep your cashback experience positive.

Mobile and Live Dealer Experience

Playing on the go should feel as smooth as on a desktop. 24’s mobile site loads quickly and supports all major browsers.

Live dealer games – Real‑time streams of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Touch‑optimized controls – Easy bet adjustments with a tap.
Seamless cashback integration – Mobile sessions count toward your weekly cashback automatically.

Rhetorical question: What if you could earn money back while watching a live dealer spin the wheel on your phone? With 24, that scenario is a daily reality.

Conclusion – Take Action Today

Cashback can change how you view losses, turning them into opportunities for future wins. By choosing a trusted, Curacao‑licensed platform, you gain fast payouts, solid support, and a game library that includes slots, live dealer tables, and more.

Ready to experience these benefits? Start your journey at 24 casino official and claim your first cashback boost today.

Always remember to set limits, play responsibly, and enjoy the added security that comes with 24’s innovative rewards system.

Mastering Bankroll Management with Wild Robin’s Bonus System

Posted on April 3, 2025March 12, 2026 by Tim Lees

Mastering Bankroll Management with Wild Robin’s Bonus System

Many players think that a big bonus will solve all their problems.
The truth is that without a solid budget, even the most generous offer can turn into a loss.

First, set a clear bankroll before you log in.
Decide how much you can afford to lose in a single session and stick to it.
If you constantly increase your stake to meet wagering requirements, you will quickly drain your funds.

Pro Tip: Write your budget on paper or in a notes app.
Seeing the number in front of you makes it harder to ignore.

Ask yourself: What would happen if you lost the entire bonus without a limit?
Most players answer too late, after the money is gone.

Wild Robin understands this issue.
The platform offers tools that let you set deposit limits, loss limits, and session timers.
These features keep you in control while you enjoy the bonus.

How Wild Robin’s Infrastructure Supports Fast Payouts and Secure Play

Behind any smooth casino experience lies a strong technical foundation.
Wild Robin runs on a modern environment that is continuously updated.
Each deployment brings security patches, new game integrations, and performance tweaks.

The site’s test servers mimic the live environment, ensuring that new features work before they reach players.
This careful infrastructure approach reduces downtime and protects player data.

Because of this robust setup, withdrawals are processed within hours, not days.
Players report receiving funds on the same business day, a clear advantage over many rivals.

If you value speed and safety, the Wild Robin casino official delivers exactly that.
The platform’s reliable infrastructure means you can focus on strategy, not technical glitches.

Building a Personal Bankroll Tool Using Wild Robin’s Features

Creating a simple bankroll manager does not require fancy software.
Wild Robin already provides the building blocks; you just need to organize them.

Set a deposit cap – Use the site’s limit settings to prevent overspending.
Activate loss alerts – Choose a threshold that triggers an email or pop‑up.
Track wagering progress – The bonus dashboard shows how much you have already wagered.
Schedule session timers – A timer alerts you when your planned playtime ends.

Did You Know? The casino’s live chat can record your limit choices, giving you a paper trail of your decisions.

Below is a quick comparison of the most popular bonus types at Wild Robin and how they fit into a bankroll plan.

Bonus Type	Typical Wager Requirement	Ideal For
Deposit Match	20x	Low‑risk players
Free Spins	15x (spins)	Slot enthusiasts
Cashback	10x	Frequent bettors
No‑Deposit	30x	Newcomers

Industry Secret: Choose the bonus with the lowest wagering requirement that matches your game preference.
Doing so shortens the time you need to play before you can withdraw winnings.

Advanced Strategies for Maximizing Bonus Value

Once you have the basics down, you can squeeze even more value from Wild Robin’s offers.

Play low‑variance games – They give steady wins and help meet wagering faster.
Combine bonuses with loyalty points – Points earned on bonus play can be exchanged for extra cash.
Use the “bet‑per‑line” feature – Spread your stake across many lines to increase hit frequency.

Pro Tip: Keep a simple spreadsheet that logs each bonus, the amount wagered, and the profit earned.
Seeing the numbers side by side shows which offers are truly profitable.

Expert Tip: Schedule your bonus play during off‑peak hours.
Server load is lower, so game response times improve and you can place more bets in the same period.

Responsible Gaming and Ongoing Optimization

Bankroll management is only one side of a healthy gambling habit.
Always gamble responsibly and set limits that protect your wellbeing.

Wild Robin offers a self‑exclusion option and links to counseling services directly from the account page.
If you ever feel that play is getting out of hand, use these tools immediately.

Regularly review your bankroll records.
If a particular bonus or game type consistently drains your funds, adjust your strategy or avoid it altogether.

By combining Wild Robin’s strong infrastructure, transparent bonus system, and built‑in safety tools, you can enjoy online casino fun without risking more than you should.
Take the steps today, set your limits, and let the platform’s features work for you.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Posted on February 23, 2025February 23, 2026 by Tim Lees

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet

Posted on February 11, 2025February 10, 2026 by Tim Lees

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit Non Existing amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit. Quisque faucibus ex sapien vitae pellentesque sem placerat. In id cursus mi pretium tellus duis convallis. Tempus leo eu aenean sed diam urna tempor. Pulvinar vivamus fringilla lacus nec metus bibendum egestas. Iaculis massa nisl malesuada lacinia integer nunc posuere. Ut hendrerit semper vel class aptent taciti sociosqu. Ad litora torquent per conubia nostra inceptos himenaeos.

Marrakech

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by Debs and Mike

Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco. It is also home to the Atlas Mountains. Marrakech consists of an old and new town.

Travel to Marrakech

We flew from Manchester airport with Ryanair. As we live in Leeds we decided that we would fly back to Leeds and Bradford Airport. The cost of the return flight was £120 including a 10kg hand luggage allowance which included Priority Boarding. We booked the flight through Skyscanner https://www.skyscanner.net.

Marrakech airport

Leaving the plane and passing through customs was relatively quick and easy compared to a lot of airports. Although there was some queueing at passport control there were plenty of people checking passports so the queues went down very quickly.

Transport to hotel

We had booked our transport to the hotel through Hoppa. As with most transfer companies we expected our driver to be waiting with a sign with our name on at the exit as per the instructions we had received but this did not happen. The internet was very weak at the airport therefore we struggled to get in touch with our driver. After waiting for over 40 minutes we had no option but to pay for a taxi to our hotel which cost around £17.

Accommodation

We had booked the Valeria Da Atlas through Destination 2 http://www.destination2.co.uk at a cost of £82 per night for an all inclusive package (a real bargain!). Having read some rather negative reviews on Trip Advisor we were a bit sceptical as to what the hotel would be like, although as we had not paid 5 star prices we did not expect 5 star standards. In fact for £82 per night for 2 people all inclusive we did not expect a lot. When we spoke to other people they also had not paid a lot. Most people had only paid £500 including transfers, flights, luggage and accommodation for a week.

Rooms

The rooms were very basic but adequate for our needs. We had 3 single beds, a wardrobe (no drawers, a fridge (didn’t work) and a small table. The bathroom had a hair dyer (very slow), mirror and shower. There was a separate toilet which was handy. We also had a balcony with two plastic chairs and a plastic table both of which had seen better days. The rooms were cleaned daily but fresh towels and clean bedding were not always provided.

Food

Breakfast

Each morning you could have fresh eggs and omelettes which were cooked outside. At the food stations inside there was scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, vegetables, cereal, and pancakes. There was also a decent selection of meats, cheeses, salads, pastries and breads.

Lunch

Each day there was cooking outside which usually consisted of pizza, burgers, chips and paninis. At the food stations there was always a fish dish, a chicken dish and a meat dish. The lamb tagine was delicious. Alongside the main dishes there were plenty of very fresh salads, vegetables, breads and deserts. There was a drinks machine for soft drinks and also a coffee machine. There was a small bar in the dining room where wine was served. The wine surprisingly was quite good, maybe thanks to the French influence.

Dinner

The food selection for Dinner was similar to that provided at lunch, minus the outside cooking. In the evening they did try and make it a bit smarter than at lunch with table covers on the tables and waiter service for drinks. We asked for a ice bucket for our wine which was willingly provided – from then on each evening our wine was brought to our table with an ice bucket thanks to a fantastic waiter called Ayoub.

Drinks

Drinks were limited to beers, wines, sangria and a small selection of cocktails. Again as we had not paid a lot we did not expect a great deal. During the day the drinks were served in paper cups which they often ran out of. There is a pool bar which serves soft drinks, beers and wine. If you want any other alcoholic drink you have to go to the inside bar. There is always a long queue no matter which bar you go to or what time of day. There are some cocktails that you can pay 80 dhr for which is around £6.30. There is also fresh orange juice and slushies available that cost 20 dhr, around £1.60. We often bought the slushies and added vodka to them which made for a refreshing drink.

Pool scene

There are two main pools at the hotel – one is a quiet pool which has a snack bar. The other is a larger pool where all of the day time activities take place. It was very easy to get sun loungers at either pool. There didn’t appear to be anyone putting their towels out and leaving them all day.

The pools are a decent size. The hotel goes to great lengths to keep the outside areas clean and there were always staff walking aound and clearing up empty cups and glasses.

Entertainment

The entertainment team were really keen and full of energy throughout the day. There were activities all day long including yoga, darts, aqua aerobics water polo and dancing. In the evening there was a children’s disco followed by dancing and music for adults. We could not fault the entertainment team especially for a all inclusive of this standard (4 star).

Every Saturday they have a foam party which is great fun. Everyone was dancing and jumping around including the entertainment team who try to get people involved but were never pushy.

Hotel grounds

The hotel is set in lovely grounds which included a small lake with ducks and ducklings. The grounds are well maintained and attractive.

Summary of hotel

We had read some rather negative reviews prior to arriving at the hotel therefore we did not expect it to be as good as it was. All of the staff work tirelessly and do their best to ensure you had a good time. It is not 5 star standard but we did not pay 5 star prices. We spoke with the manager (Saber Fajr) about the issue with the fridge and also enquired if we could have a late check out which he immediately sorted. Saber was speaking to other guests too and was genuinely interested in ensuring that guests were enjoying their stay.

Obviously there are some issues that the hotel could improve on that in our opinion would not cost a lot to rectify. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. It was fantastic value for money. We would definitely go back to this hotel if it was still available at a good price.

Tuk Tuk tour

We booked the Tuk Tuk tour through viator http://www.viator.com at a cost of £52 for 2 people.

We met our guide at the front of the Koutoubia Mosque. From our hotel this was a 30 minute taxi ride at a cost of 150 Dhr which is around £12.

Jardin Majorella Gardens

This is the first stop the tour takes you to. You have to book the tickets in advance as you can not pay on the day. There is an official site http://tickets.jardinmajorelle.com to buy the tickets on at 165 Dhr which is around £13.

Bahia Palace

There is an entrance fee of 100 Dhr per person which is around £8. As we had arrived at the Palace early in the morning it was pretty quiet but did start to fill up fairly quickly. There are lots of small rooms leading off from the main courtyard which we could imagine would be a be difficult to go in and out of during busy times.

Our driver gave us enough time to see the palace and read about its history. The Palace is very ornate. There was so much to take in and look at. You could easily spend a good few hours looking at this spectacular building.

Saadian Tombs

Built in the 16th century, the tombs, walls and ceilings are decorated with colourful tiles, mosaics and carvings. The architecture of the buildings is amazing. Again there was an entrance fee of 100 Dhr which is around £4. This is only a small place so does not take much to look around.

Tannery

When we arrived at the Tannery we were greeted by an elderly gentleman who gave us some fresh mint. He advised us that this was to mask the smell of the tannery which it did thank goodness! He explained to us what happens at the tannery and how the leather is treated and then made in to goods such as belts, bags, shoes and clothing.

He advised that all the workers live on site but the owners live in a big house elsewhere. At the end of the tour he took us to the leather shop. There was no hard sell we were able to just browse at our own time.

Souks

Marrakech is home to three main Souks ( Souk Semmarine, Souk El-k and Souk Nejjarine) The Souks are a hive of activity with lots of vibrant colours and the pleasant smells of food. It was great fun on the Tuk Tuk taking in the sights as he weaved in and out of the crowds. We managed to see so much and cover a lot of ground in the Souk. Not only were there people walking around the Souks but we also saw many other forms of transport including donkeys, bicycles, motor bikes, tuk tuks and vans all trying to make their way through the narrow streets.

As we were on the Tuk Tuk we did not get hassled as much as we would have done on foot. It appears that you can buy almost anything in the Souks. The main attraction in the Souks for the English tourists is the fake branded shops.

Main Square

This area attracts a lot of both tourists and locals. In the main square there are a lot of traditional street food places to eat at, serving an impressive range of dishes and many local families visit on an evening due to the quality of the food and the cost.

In the main square you will also see the traditional snake charmers who ask for money to have your photo taken with them. We opted out of this as don’t agree with the way the snakes are treated. There were also men with monkeys on chains who asked for money to have a photo taken with them but again this is very cruel and we do not agree with this therefore we did not have our photo taken. We appreciate that they have a living to make but we felt this was morally wrong.

Street Food Tour

We booked the street food tour through Viator https://www.viator.com/tours/england at a cost of £25 each. We were met by our guide Abdul at Argana Café which is near the main square. Abdul was very engaging as soon as he met us. As we walked through the narrow streets he was explaining about the area and the customs of the people. The bread shop he was going to take us to was actually closed therefore he took us to our first food tasting which was snails.

Babouch (Snails)

The snails were served in a small bowl with a sauce to dip them in. Abdul called the dip snail juice. It had been a long time since we had tasted snails therefore we did not know what to expect. Although the snails did taste ok it seemed a lot of effort for such little mouthfuls. Abdul advised that this was very popular with families during the evening.

Magic Bread

This was amazing and very filling. The bread is similar to a pitta bread. To begin with they open it up and spread olive oil on it. It is then filled with potato, cheese, onions and egg. This is then served with a chilli sauce to add yourself to your taste and tea. As it was getting towards evening time it was very popular with locals. Each person serving was working non-stop due to the amount of customers. There weren’t many tourists eating here but that’s the point of the street food tour – to try local food, and we like to eat where the locals eat.

Harira

This is a soup-like dish again popular with the locals. The nearest thing we could compare it to was that it was similar to minestrone soup. This was served with sweet pastries and dates. Due to the popularity of the street food the quantities cooked are vast. The Harira was cooked in very large pots.

Masamen

Masamen is very similar to pancakes. It can be served as a sweet dish with honey or savoury which is stuffed with cheese. We ate this at a café style venue served with tea. Abdul informed us about the art of pouring the tea. He advised that tea needs to be poured from a height to create a froth. With out the froth the tea isn’t prepared properly.

Olives

We went to the madina to try some local olives. There were many stores selling the olives in one street. Abdul advised that there is no competition between the stalls as they all sell at the same price and know each other well. He advised that all of the stall owners are friends and socialise together. The variation of olives available was something we had never seen before nor did we know there were so many varieties.

Nuts

Again we ate them in the madina. Lots of stalls were selling the nuts. A vast variety of nuts from some that were quite salty and others that were in a sweet coating with sesame seeds. Abdul our guide asked the stall owner to put a mixed variety in a bag for us to try – they were delicious.

Panashi

Panashi is a smoothie type of drink made with a mixture of fruits. It is so full of flavour and if we had not eaten so much already we would definitely have had another of these. As it was getting later in to the evening the food places were becoming very full. There were queues at most of the street food vendors.

Khodnjal

This a tea which is made from thirteen different herbs. The tea is said to help the locals stay healthy and keep coughs and colds away. This is a very strong tea with a lovely herbal smell.

Mixed Sandwich

This was our final stop on the food tour. It was so busy with queues to order the food and wait for it to be cooked. The mixed sandwich was similar to a kebab in the UK. It consisted of meat or chicken, onions, peppers and cheese in a bread similar to a pitta bread. Unfortunately by this time we had eaten so much we could not eat it therefore we got it to take away.

Summary of tour

Abdul was an excellent guide who told us all about the food, the ingredients, the origins and the customs. If we hadn’t gone on the tour we would not have known where to eat to experience the variation in the Moroccan food. They always say eat where the locals eat to have the best traditional food and this was definitely the case with this food tour. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

Breakfast and camel ride in Agafay Desert

We had booked the excursion through viator https://www.viator.com/tours/england at a cost of £18 each. On the day we booked to do the activity we got up at 6am as we were being picked up at 7am. We waited until 8am but nobody turned up. We tried calling a number which we were given for the tour operated but this did not exist therefore we contacted Viator who also couldn’t get in touch with them. We sent several emails but still no response. Later that day we got a whatsapp message apologising.

We arranged to do the trip the following day so another early start! Thankfully the transfer arrived on time. The journey to the camp took around 40 minutes. Part of the way there we had to change vehicle to an off road vehicle due to the terrain.

Breakfast

When we arrived at our destination we were shown to where we would eat our breakfast. This consisted of pancakes, soft cheese, bread, jams, cake, water, tea or orange juice. Other people had eggs but they had run out by the time we got there. The surroundings and breakfast were nothing like the photo on Viator (see above image taken from Viator website). The pancakes/bread was so hard it was difficult to chew them.

Pool

The owner of the camp advised that we could use the swimming pool due to the error with the booking and the no-show from the driver the previous day. The swimming pool is in a lovely setting therefore we were looking forward to having a swim in it. The pool is well maintained with nice sun loungers.

Camel Ride

After breakfast we were taken for our camel ride. The saddles for the camels were made of an hessian type of material which actually rubbed your legs. One of the camels was very unruly and tried to throw me (Debbie) off on more than one occasion. It also tried biting the guide several times. We were taken by camel to the top of a large hill with views over looking over the desert and camp. We were able to feed the camels too, however we were a bit apprehensive regarding the camel which had tried several times to bite the guide.

After the camel ride we were taken back to the camp. The owner stated if we wanted to use the pool we would have to stay until 4pm when a driver would be returning to Marrakech. As we were going home that day we were not able to stay until that time. Originally the owner advised we could use the pool for an hour or two then someone would take us back to the hotel – he then changed his mind for what ever reason.

Summary of Breakfast and camel ride in Agafay Desert

Although we did not expect a lot due to the cost we did expect the driver to turn up. This could have been a fantastic experience if they had put a bit more effort into to the breakfast offering and included time in the pool. If they charged a bit more then this could be added to the experience. We were obviously disappointed when we were told we could use the pool for a short while but then told we needed to stay all day if we wanted to do this. Our advice would be to read reviews before booking and pay more for a better experience. Unfortunately we booked before realising there were no reviews.

Things to do

Visit the Atlas mountains and the 5 valleys.
Do a camel ride.
Do a street food tour.
Visit the medina and main square.
Grab a bargain in the Souks.
Do a balloon ride.
Ride the quads and dune buggies.
Take a Tuk Tuk ride around the main sites.
Visit Ouzould waterfalls

Top Tips

Book excursions prior to visiting Marrakech and read reviews.
Local currency can not be taken in or out of the country therefore ensure you know where to get your currency.
When booking an hotel try comparison sites for the best deal. We used Trivago https://www.trivago.co.uk/hotels/comparison
Research the hotel prior to booking.
Check out the dress code for certain tourist attractions.
Check out the UK Government website for security and safety advice when visiting Marrakech http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco
Morocco can get very hot in the summer months – check out the temperatures below for best time to visit Marrakech.
Check out the other destinations we have visited in Africa

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	19	22	25	27	30	35	39	38	33	29	24	20
Low Temp	7	9	11	13	15	19	21	22	20	17	12	8
Rainfall	33	38	38	39	24	5	1	3	6	24	41	13
Number of days	8	7	7	9	5	1	1	1	3	6	7	6

Average daily temperatures and rainfall

Istanbul

Posted on March 25, 2024March 26, 2024 by Debs and Mike

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. Istanbul is split in two by the Borphorus Straight and has a European side and an Asian side.

Travel to Istanbul

We flew from Manchester airport on an afternoon flight with Easy Jet at a cost of £75 per person return including booked seats but this only included hand luggage that fits under the seat. However we were only there for 3 nights and so this was not an issue for us.

Executive lounge (Escape)

Prior to our flight we booked in to the Escape lounge at Terminal 1 at a cost of £32 each, booked direct with Manchester Airport. After checking in at the front desk we were shown to our table. Breakfast was being served which included cooked breakfast; bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, beans, tomatoes, eggs (scrambled and fried), as well as breads, yoghurts, fruit, pastries and cereals.

The bar in the lounge did not get busy and therefore it was easy to get served. Most drinks are included in the price of the lounge including sparkling wine either white or rose.

The food changed from breakfast to lunch whilst we were in the lounge. This included a variety of hot and cold food including sandwiches, crisps, cottage pie and a Thai chicken curry.

We arrived at the airport at 9.30pm Istanbul time. We found a man with a sign with our name on fairly easily, however we had to wait for a long time for a driver to pick us up, over 50 mins which included a walk down to the pick-up point. We had booked our journey with Booking.com at a cost of £26 each way.

Although we were not very happy about having to wait for so long our driver was very pleasant and helpful. On the plus side the vehicle was a luxury vehicle, nice and clean and with plenty of room to stretch out on the journey into the city.

Accommodation nightmare

It took about 50 mins to reach the address of our accommodation in the old town of Istanbul, a location we had chosen as it was close to many of the main sites we wanted to see. We had booked our accommodation through Booking.com at a cost of £120 for 3 nights, opting for an apartment so we had plenty of room. We tried to contact the owners the day before we travelled via Booking.com but there was no response. We also tried to make contact several times during our journey to the apartment but received no response. On arrival there was no sign of any apartment building. We then sent a message to Booking.com who advised that they would get back to us within 24 hours which was clearly not acceptable as by this time it was after midnight and we had nowhere to stay. Our driver (Muhammed Zahit Ozkilic, employed by Prime) was lovely and did his best to try and find the apartment which clearly did not exist. He asked a number of locals but nobody had heard of the apartment. This was clearly a scam, yet despite this, Booking.com have refused to refund the cost of the booking. We are not at all impressed, having been good customers of Booking.com over a number of years. Suffice to say we won’t be using them again!

New accommodation at the Glorious Hotel

We struggled to find an hotel at this late hour that could accommodate us but finally we managed to book a room at the Glorious Hotel at a cost of £150 for 3 nights. Thankfully our driver had stayed on to drive us around and had stayed with us until we found this hotel.

Rooms

Rooms are fairly basic and small but are cleaned daily to a high standard. Fresh towels were also provided on a daily basis. We did not have the space of an apartment as originally intended, however the rooms here were more than adequate.

Wellness area

In the basement there is an unexpected and fairly impressive wellness area although this does come at an additional cost. A number of packages are available offering a range of massages and beauty treatments – and use of the facilities which include a sauna, steam room and Turkish bath. Packages start at 60 euros which is a very good price given what is included. It was a pleasant area to just relax and unwind. If we had been in Istanbul for longer we would definitely have tried it out. It was a little hidden gem in the basement of the hotel.

Location

The hotel was within a 20 minute walk of the main sites in the Sultanahmet area. We were thinking of purchasing tickets for the hop on hop off bus but found that the best way to get around was by foot. We do like to walk, especially when visiting new places of interest. You get to see so much more that way. For catching sights slightly further afield we found Uber to be pretty reasonably priced compared to the UK.

Food and drink

On an evening we were able to buy drinks from the bar in the hotel restaurant. A glass of wine and a bottle of beer was £10 which isn’t too bad for an hotel.

Each evening during our stay we had a night cap with some lovely Bulgarian people who were also staying in the hotel. Google translate is a godsend in these situations where people speak different languages!

We tried the breakfast on our first morning – it was included in the price but unfortunately it was not to our liking. As most of the residents were Turkish or Bulgarian it was catered to their needs which is fair enough when you are in another country. Eating out for breakfast was very reasonable with plenty of restaurants and cafes that provided a range of options – there’s nothing like a doner kebab for breakfast!

Sightseeing by foot

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It is also regarded as one of the first shopping malls in the world. This was the first place we visited on our first day sightseeing walk. It was a Saturday and therefore it was extremely busy with people of various nationalities. If you don’t appreciate being pestered by shopkeepers trying to sell you something or big crowds then this is not the place to be. When walking through the Bazaar there were times when there was very little room to move. The list of things to buy in the Bazaar is endless and included jewellery, clothing, rugs, homeware, food, spices and footwear. You can buy practically anything here – just don’t forget to negotiate the price!

Not far from the Grand Bazaar we discovered a most amazing doughnut shop which sold very delicious doughnuts with a range of different flavours. The shop is on Tahmis Sk. not too far away from the Galata Bridge.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is also know as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It was built in the early 17th Century and is still a functioning mosque today. You can gain entry to the mosque and take a good look around without paying. It really is a spectacular building both inside and out. Women need to cover their hair and ensure legs and shoulders are covered before entering the mosque. Also shoes need to be removed.

Hagia Sophia

Built in around 360 AD, the Hagia Sophia was originally an orthodox Christian church until the 13th century, when it became a mosque. It was subsequently turned into a museum and now has reverted to a mosque. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul. You can buy tickets to go inside but the queue was extremely long and our time limited, therefore we did not go inside on this occasion.

Galata Tower

The Galata Tower is now a museum and gives it’s name to the Galata area of Istanbul. Unfortunately when we visited it was being renovated and therefore it was difficult to capture its full glory. Built in the 13th century, at the time it was the tallest building in Istanbul.

Galata Bridge

The Galata Bridge connects the new and old parts of the European side of Istanbul. It was surprising to see the amount of fisherman lining both sides of the bridge. With so many boats passing underneath the bridge it was a miracle that the fishing lines did not get caught on the boats!

Sightseeing by boat

We booked a boat trip through Viator Istanbul: Bosphorus and Golden Horn Cruise with Audio Guide 2024 (viator.com) at a cost of £18 for two people which we felt was pretty good value . We were asked to meet at a meeting point at 12.20 near to the Blue Mosque. Fortunately they sent us a photo of the meeting point which proved useful as the address provided took us 20 metres away using Google Maps.

We waited at this point for about 15 minutes or so until our guide started off on the walk to the small harbour where the boat was moored. This was the worst part of the boat trip as there were a lot of people to guide through some extremely busy streets. It felt a bit like herding cattle.

Finally we got to the boat, the seating area was crowded and the seats very close together. We had to sit on seats in the middle of the boat. There wasn’t enough room to sit down comfortably therefore we stood up for the whole of the journey, allowing us to get a better view of the sites along the way.

Bosphorus Bridge

The bridge was opened in 1973 following 3 years of construction. The bridge spans over the Bosphorus Straight – it was the longest suspension bridge in Europe until the opening of the Humber Bridge.

Maiden’s Tower

Maiden’s Tower is also known as Leander’s Tower. It lies 200m from the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait. You can now get a boat over to the Tower and have a meal there. We would have loved to have done this if we had have had more time.

Ortakoy Mosque

The Ortakoy Mosque is the smallest Mosque in Istanbul. It was constructed between 1854 and 1856. The Mosque is situated on Ortakoy Pier Square which is a popular tourist destination.

Dolmabahce Palace

The Palace was built between 1843 and 1856. There had been 6 different Sultans living in the palace from 1856 until 1924 when the ownership of the palace transferred to the Turkish Republic. It is one of the most spectacular buildings in Istanbul.

Summary of boat trip

The boat trip was well worth the money we paid but if we return to Istanbul and wish to do another boat trip we would pay extra to depart from the main ports as the pier to access the boat was a bit out of the way and it was the only boat in the very small port. Having said that we did get to see some wonderful sights and took some great photos. The bright and dry weather was an added bonus.

Evening cruise, meal and show

We booked this trip with Viator and paid extra for alcohol to be included at a cost of £75 for two people https://www.viator.com/tours/Istanbul/Istanbul-Bosphorus-Dinner-Cruise-Unlimited-Drinks-and-Shows/d585-448908P1

Our transport to the port arrived at our hotel at 7pm. Unfortunately due to the nature of the narrow streets and the one way system the coach had to park up a couple of streets away. There were several other pick ups before we arrived at the harbour to join the cruise. It was extremely busy on the roads at this time of the evening but we arrived in good time to join the boat.

When we arrived onboard we were quickly shown to our table which was in a prime spot for watching the show. It appeared that they had planned to put people who were drinking alcohol together and those who were only drinking soft drinks on separate tables. It was a lovely setting for a meal as you could dine while enjoying views of the city. Almost every seat was taken on the boat which made for a fun atmosphere. You were free to walk around the boat at any time and go outside on deck to admire the view and to take photos.

Food and drink

The starter was a tasty meze accompanied by fresh salad. Main course was a choice of chicken or fish with vegetables and rice, followed by a desert of Baclava. The food was better than what we expected given the number of guests and the service was very efficient.

The drinks included local spirits, beers and wine as well as the local speciality Raki. The wine was quite pleasant which was also a bit of a surprise considering what we had paid for the cruise. We had an amazing waiter, we think he was call Bozat (not 100% sure). He was always making sure we were enjoying ourselves and topped up with drinks.

The show

Female dancers

The first part of the show saw female dancers emerge onto the dance floor. They then appeared throughout the show dressed in a range of costumes. Their dancing was wonderful to watch. We had a prime spot as our table was right opposite the dance floor. It appeared that they enjoyed their dancing and they interacted with the audience well.

Male dancers

The male dancers appeared to be even more energetic than the female dancers. Part of their performance involved a knife throwing act which included inviting some nervous looking members of the audience to take part – thankfully there were no injuries! They also changed costumes throughout the show. On occasions both the female and the male dancers performed together.

Belly dancer

A highlight of the show was the belly dancer. She went from table to table dancing in front of mainly men, encouraging them to put money in her top. The belly dancer also did a short show on the dance floor. She could really move her hips and stomach. It was interesting to watch for all but it did seem that the men were enjoying it the most!

Gangnam Style Lookalike?

One of the funniest moments was the appearance onto the stage of a many in his late 40’s/early 50’s who danced energetically on the dance floor and then proceeded to go from table to table dancing with the guests. He really got the audience going with his lively dancing and choice of music. He danced to the song Gangnam Style which was very entertaining. I think every one was in good spirits by then, even those who had chosen the non-alcohol package!

Sightseeing on cruise

Although Istanbul looked wonderful all lit up at night especially with the lights reflecting on the water it was quite difficult to get any decent photographs using only our iPhones. I am sure with a better camera than ours you would be able to take some amazing photos.

Summary of evening cruise

The whole experience was really enjoyable and represented very good value for money. It ticked so many boxes for us. The food, the drinks, the entertainment, the setting and seeing the sights. We would definitely recommend this evening cruise.

Bars and Restaurants in Istanbul

Restaurants

There are so many restaurants to choose from and so it is hard to guide anyone as to where the best places to eat are. Some of the popular choices of restaurants overlook the Bosphorus and these obviously have an amazing view to accompany your meal. As you might imagine there are hundreds of Turkish kebab eating places to choose from, ranging from cheap and cheerful to a very up market. We had a lovely meal in the old town in a little family run restaurant in the district of Fatih called Erciyes Kiraathanesi just off of Kadirga Limani Cd. The food was tasty and very reasonably priced.

Bars

Most of the bars in Istanbul are located in the Beyoglu area of the city. Not only does this area host a number of bars but it also has many coffee shops, restaurants and shops. It is a very busy area throughout the day well into the evening. It is very difficult to find a bar in any other area of Istanbul. Alcohol is served in most restaurants and hotels but we struggled to find an actual bar away from Beyoglu.

Prices in the bars vary but are typically similar to UK prices. However you need to be aware that certain imported drinks can cost a lot more. For example in the Celtic Irish Bar we were charged £9.50 for a small bottle of cider compared to a pint of local lager for only £4.70.

Drinking a £9.50 bottle of cider in the Celtic Irish Bar

We also visited the Fred bar where cocktails were around £4 each and certain lagers were only £3 a pint.

We also visited the Tower Pub which is just around the corner from the Galata Tower. It is a typical English Pub which stocked a number of craft beers and was showing Premier League football.

Summary of Istanbul

Although we managed to cram in a lot of activities during our visit, the short time we were there meant that we were not able to do everything we would have liked to. Istanbul is such a vibrant, interesting city and we fully intend to return for a long weekend sometime in the future. The only down side to our visit was the incompetence of Booking.com through taking money for a stay at an apartment that could not be found as it didn’t appear to exist. A few days later it was no surprise to watch an episode of the Tonight Show on ITV which covered the story of another family who had booked a villa through Booking.com that did not exist. We live in hope that Booking.com will do the right thing and refund us the money that we paid to them in good faith. For now we will make use of alternative travel websites.

Things to do in Istanbul

Visit the Blue Mosque
Visit Hagia Sophia
Visit Grand Bazar
Visit the Dolmabahce Palace
Sample the local cuisine
Visit Galata Tower
Take a boat trip by day
Enjoy the evening cruise with a show, food and drink
If bars are your thing visit the Beyoglu area of Istanbul
Visit the old town
Visit Princess Islands especially in the Summer months.

Top Tips

Check out the area you are wanting to stay in before booking as areas in Istanbul vary a lot.
Ensure you book your accommodation with a reputable company.
Check reviews of accommodation before booking – if there are no reviews we suggest don’t book.
Check your travel company out on Trust Pilot before booking.
If booking a daytime boat trip, book from the main ports as they are more convenient to get to.
Book all excursions/experiences though know companies with good reviews.
In busy areas keep your valuables safe as there are a fair few pickpockets in Istanbul.
In the Grand Bazaar be aware of hassle from store owners. Be polite and keep walking if you don’t want to buy anything.
The Grand Bazaar is very busy especially on a Saturday and extremely congested. Ladies keep your handbags close to you at all times.
Uber works here and a relatively safe way to travel – and cheap!
Walking is the best way to see the Old Town if you are able.
Check out government advice when visiting Istanbul https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey
Check out weather below for best time to visit Istanbul

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	8	8	11	16	20	26	28	28	25	19	14	10
Low Temp	4	4	5	8	12	17	19	19	16	13	9	6
Rainfall	100	70	50	60	40	30	30	20	50	60	100	100
Number of days	14	12	13	11	9	5	3	4	8	10	13	17

Average daily temperatures and rainfall

Ras Al Khaimah

Posted on March 20, 2024April 4, 2024 by Debs and Mike

Ras Al Khaimah is the 6th largest city in the UAE and the 6th most populated city in the UAE.

Travelling to Ras Al Khaimah

Airport lounge

We had booked the Crown Plaza Premium lounge in Heathrow Terminal 5 at cost of £75 for two people. Due to the check in with BA being so efficient we were through customs quicker than expected. The ladies on check in to the lounge were extremely helpful and showed us to a reserved table. Whilst in the lounge there were several waitresses who came and asked us if we needed another drink throughout our time in the lounge. The surroundings were not particularly impressive and resembled a motorway cafe. The lounge is a long lounge with a partial view of the runway. It was cold and hence we had to sit with our coats on throughout. The food was very basic and the choice limited (one meat dish, one vegetarian dish, pasta, potatoes, basic salad, one type of cheese, crackers and chocolate brownies. Choice of drinks was also very poor. There was no sparkling wine, cider, Baileys or hot chocolate included which is available in most lounges. You could purchase these drinks at an extra cost. We travel a lot and have visited many lounges over the years and we have to say that this is the worst one we have been to. Despite the surroundings and the food and drinks not being of a standard we are used to, the staff were very helpful and worked tirelessly. A shame we couldn’t make use of the BA lounges!

Flight

We flew to Dubai on a British Airways flight, one of the three flights they operate per day. We chose to visit during the month of January which is an ideal time of year due to the relatively high temperatures (not too hot as it would be during the Summer months). As we were travelling on BA staff travel the cost of our flight was very cheap, however the typical price is around £730 for an Economy return flight and this includes 23kg of luggage. Our fight was a night flight departing Heathrow at 21.35 and arriving into Dubai at 08.30 (Dubai time) the following day. The flight time to Dubai is approximately 7 hours which isn’t too bad compared to some long haul flights. Dubai is 4 hours ahead of the UK.

Shortly after take off we were provided with a snack and drinks (alcohol, hot drinks or soft drinks). The cabin crew do not limit you to just one drink. Prior to landing we were provided with a breakfast and drinks. The breakfast was typical of what you would expect for economy on a plane – scrambled egg, sausage, mushrooms, beans, bread roll, yoghurt, muffin, cheese, biscuits, water and orange juice.

Customs

Passing through customs was very quick and easy. Despite the plane being completely full the queue was very short. Dubai does seem to have this down to a fine art unlike a lot of countries we have been to.

Baggage

When we arrived at the carousel the cases were already coming through. One of our cases came through very quickly so we were hoping the next one would follow shortly after but unfortunately this was not to be! We became worried as there was a small group of people still waiting for cases but no more were coming through. Finally a member of the airport staff came and scanned the ticket for the luggage we had been given at Heathrow. She advised that the case had not been put on the plane and was still in London. We were advised to go to the office and complete a lost luggage form. There were four females who had lost the luggage. The males in the parties had got theirs – typical!

Transport from Dubai airport to Ras Al Khaimah

We had booked our transfers with booking.com at a cost of £104 return. The journey to Ras Al Khaimah takes around an hour depending on what time of day you are travelling. Our driver was Ahmad Bilal who was waiting for us with a sign with our names on. Unfortunately due to the issue with the lost case we were late coming out of the airport. Ahmad Bilal sent us several messages stating that he would have to leave as he had waited longer than he should. However he did wait for us and finally we were on our way to our hotel.

We were close to our hotel when the driver advised that he could not go any further as the roads were closed due to a triathlon taking place. We had no choice but to grab our cases and walk the rest of the way which was only a short distance away.

Accommodation – Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Check in

We arrived at the hotel at around 11am. Check in is usually at 3pm but the reception staff were happy to check us in. Check in was quick and straightforward. We were provided with a leaflet explaining the various services on offer and layout of the hotel. Our check in agent advised us to book the specialist restaurants we wanted to dine at during our stay immediately. Due to it being Debbie’s birthday the specialist restaurant for the first night had been pre-booked via email prior to travel. Our cases (Mike’s cases) were then taken by the concierge to our room.

Rooms

We had booked a premium room at a cost of £210 per night. The room was very large with a king sized bed, desk and seating area. The bathroom was also very large with walk in shower, sink and mirror. The toilet was in a separate room which does make life easier when two people are trying to get ready at the same time, and having two sinks and mirrors available was also a bonus. Some of the decoration in the room did look a bit dated with square patches where the wallpaper had been patched up. The desk also had water stains on it. Our balcony overlooked the service road so not a great view, but it was very spacious with a seating area and sun loungers. It is possible to book a sea-view room at extra cost.

Pool scene

There are four outdoor pools at the hotel, three of which are mainly for families and children. One of the pools is an adults-only pool. The life guards are very good at ensuring it remains adults only. We saw some families bringing in their children to the adults only pool area but they were quickly informed that children were not allowed. The other pools do cater for children with one of the pools having several slides but of course adults can go on them as well which we did.

At the weekend there are dancers who perform around the adult pool for a short while and a DJ but this does not happen throughout the week which was disappointing. The music around the adult pool is also better when the dancers are there. Even when the DJ is there throughout the week the music is quite subdued. We felt that the music played was what you would expect in a Spa as it was fairly tranquil music – not what you would expect around a pool. We appreciate that the hotel has to cater for all people but most of the people we had spoken to around the pool of different nationalities all agreed that the music needed to be a bit more upbeat.

Due to not going on holiday with children we did not spend any time in the main children’s pool but we did go down some of the slides.

Pool side drinks

The cocktails at the adults only pool bar were amazing. Our favourites were Pina Colada, Strawberry Daquiri and Whiskey Sours. The drinks are served in plastic which is understandable around a pool. Although they were served in plastic they looked like nice cocktail glasses. All of the staff at the pool bar were amazing and worked non-stop. Panjit ensured that we were never without a drink and would bring drinks to our sun loungers before we had even asked for one. Being British we always waited our turn to be served but unfortunately we cannot say the same for some of the other guests. There were a lot of complaints around the pool about the rudeness of some of the guests.

Strawberry Daquiri (Image from the bar but poolside equally has good)

Dining

Buffet restaurant

There was so much choice at this restaurant so it is impossible to mention everything. There were various food stations serving a variety of different foods. Each evening there were also themed nights serving food from around the world. As the hotel caters for so many nationalities each meal time reflected this.

Breakfast

If you are from the UK and like your full English for breakfast you could sort of do this. There was always hash browns, chicken sausage, beans, toast, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs and fried eggs from the outdoor station. There was also the usual cereals, pastries, breads, fruit, meats and salads. The outside cooking station also served lovely omelettes. There was also curry available if that’s what you like for breakfast!

Lunch

At certain times during the lunch period it could get a bit hectic in the buffet restaurant but there was always somewhere to sit and eat. There was an adults only section in the buffet restaurant and a lovely outside area which we enjoyed sitting in. As previously stated the choice is so varied and of a good quality it is hard to put into words to do the restaurant justice. At lunch and evening meal there was an Indian food station which was our favourite. We would go for lunch with the intention of trying other things but we always had to visit the Indian station. It was lovely to sit outside eating the delicious food, taking our time and admiring the view.

Indian food and sparkling wine (unfortunately the photo does not do the food justice!)

All of the team in the restaurant worked tirelessly to ensure it was kept clean and tidy. They also watched out for when your drink was almost empty and cam to offer a generous top-up. One of the waiters in particular paid a lot of attention to ensuring guests had everything they needed – his name was Javaan.

Evening meal

We only went into the buffet restaurant on an evening once as we wanted to try all of the specialist restaurants. Again there was so much choice it was difficult to know what to choose.

Turkish Restaurant

This was our favourite of the speciality restaurants. We had booked this prior to arriving at the hotel due to it being Debbie’s birthday and we were not disappointed.

The Mezeen was absolutely the best. This consisted of hummus, busda badem (overnight soaked almonds), kopoglu (deep fried eggplants, yoghurt and tomato sauce), atom (roasted eggplants, dry red chilli and yoghurt), yaprak sarma (stuffed grape leaves, cherry and olive oil) and muhammara (roasted bell peppers, walnuts, bread crumbs, pomegranate molasses, virgin oil). We could have just eaten this as it was so nice. We then had slow-cooked Tandoori Kabab and the Hunkar Begendi (mashed eggplant bechamel, sauteed lamb) for our main courses – again this was delicious. Our mains were followed by baklava with ice cream and kazandibi (caramelised rolled pudding with Turkish ice cream).

Steak House Restaurant

At the restaurant we had the goulash soup and dynamite shrimp (spring onion and sriracha sauce). For mains we had beef tenderloin with creamy spinach mushrooms and jacket potato, and parmesan cheese with au jus and beef asado with the same sides. For desert we had passion fruit cheesecake and brownie.

There were so many amazing dining experiences at the Rixos Bab Al Bahr that it is hard to put in words what makes each place special as each restaurant provide a different experience. There were live musicians playing music every night in and outside of the restaurants which made for a fitting accompaniment to the tasty food.

Asian restaurant – Aja

The menu at the Aja restaurant is inspired by the flavours of China, Japan and Thailand. This restaurant around the corner and away from the main stage for the entertainment and therefore the dining experience was not quite the same as the other restaurants. Having said that the food is fantastic and the service was very attentive.

Toast n Burger

This is a lovely little place hidden away from the other facilities, overlooking the sea. The restaurant is open during the day and serves burgers, fries, hot dogs, chicken and onion rings. You can bring your own drinks from the beach bar or pool bar but they also serve alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Please be aware though that although the restaurant is practically on the beach and you are sitting outside you will still need to wear a top, both males and females. The only downside to this restaurant is that sometimes the service was extremely slow. We had to ask many times if they would come and take our orders.

Jeep Safari and Evening Meal in the Desert

We booked this excursion through Viator https://www.viator.com/tours/Ras-Al-Khaimah/RAK-Desert-Safari-and-BBQ-Dinner-with-pick-up/d25313-105187P1 at a cost of £76 for two people.

We were picked up from the front entrance of our hotel at 3.30pm in a modern comfy mini bus. There were two other pick ups from other hotels (a couple and a lady and her 7 year old daughter).

Camel ride

When we arrived at our destination we were given a drink of tea and some dates whilst we waited for others to arrive. Following this we were taken for an extremely short camel ride, with a photographer taking professional photos of the experience. They did not appear to be too happy when we took our own photos and the man handling the camel told us not to do so.

Sand boarding

After this we were given the opportunity to try out sand boarding which unfortunately proved to be a complete waste of time as when you stood on the boards they barely moved at all and remained stuck in the sane. However it was quite funny trying it out because it was so bad. At least we burned some calories climbing the rather steep hill.

Jeep safari

We were then taken back to a jeep for the jeep safari. This was great fun but not as hair-raising as some of the other jeep safaris we have been on. There were stops along the way to allow people to take photos of the scenery. The sunset was spectacular and well worth stopping for.

Camp

Following the jeep safari we were taking back to the camp. The camp is really well set up for the whole experience. There is also overnight accommodation if you wish to spend the night in the desert.

Food and drink

When we arrived back at camp we were able to sit where we wanted to to watch the show and have dinner. Here they sold both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks which were reasonably priced.

We were pleasantly surprised at the meal as the food was of a decent quality compared to which you usually enjoy as part of this type of experience. We had previously tried out a similar experience in Egypt and the food there was very poor. Here you could choose from a wide range of salads, vegetables, potatoes and rice, chicken nuggets and sauces. There was also a BBQ area with freshly grilled chicken, meats and skewers – these were delicious.

Evening show

Once most people had eaten their meal the show began with a female dancer who was then followed by a traditional male dancer. Both incorporated a light show in to their acts which added to the entertainment as it was getting dark by this point. However the highlight of the show was the fire act involving swirling burning ropes around. This made for a spectacular show, especially when he ran up to the top of the hill and spun the burning ropes around in circles – we have never previously witnessed such a spectacle.

Summary of jeep safari

All of the staff and fellow guests were friendly and welcoming including the people on our minibus and driver. Although there were some things that could be improved – the sand boarding and not being able to take photos of the camel ride) the experience was really enjoyable – good food and excellent entertainment, and hence well worth the money.

Water sports

The hotel does offer some water sports activities which are chargeable (paragliding and jet skis). They also offer paddle boarding free of charge. We booked the paddle boarding at the activity centre and were told to be there at 8.30 the following morning. The paddle boarding was not as easy as it looked and Debbie managed to fall into the sea several times. In the end we decided to kneel on the board rather than stand up as this seemed to be the easier option.

Summary of Ras al Khaimah

We have been to Dubai before, staying in the centre, and therefore we wanted to try somewhere different. There isn’t loads to do outside of the hotel although you can visit the local shopping malls and the desert experience was enjoyable. If you wish to visit Dubai it costs approximately £50 each way in a taxi which isn’t too bad if you can team up with other people to fill a car. The hotel itself has a chilled out feel to it which is very pleasant but we would have enjoyed a bit more entertainment around the pool.

We have travelled to many all-inclusive hotels throughout the world and we can honestly say that the Rixos Bab al Bahr has the best dining experiences we have enjoyed. The added bonus for the is the stage surrounded by water and musicians playing instruments while you are dining. The music is low-key which greatly enhances the eating experience.

The staff at the Rixos were amazing and they worked tirelessly to ensure we had an amazing holiday.

The Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a luxury hotel but there are areas that need a bit of TLC. In the room there were places where the wallpaper had been ripped and also there were patches where they had tried to repair damage. At the back of the hotel there are grounds that are overgrowing and full of weeds that could do with a bit of attention.

Things to do

Try the world’s longest zip line Jabel Jais (we did not do it and regret this!).
Visit Dubai centre and go up the Burj Khalifa.
Visit one of the shopping malls.
Do the Jeep Safari.
Visit Suwaidi Pearl Farm.
Visit Ghost village.
Take a boat ride to see Dubai from the water.

Top Tips

When packing split your clothes between 2 suitcases.
Carry some beach clothes in your hand luggage if you are arriving prior to check in time.
Book a la carte restaurants as soon as you check in.
Book excursions before you travel as this can work out cheaper.
Be aware of the culture in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
Dress appropriately in public places (ladies need to cover legs and shoulders). This is not required within the hotels.
Check out government travel advice prior to travel https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates
Check out other places we have stayed in the United Arab Emirates. Please click on following link Dubai
Check out the weather below before travel as in the summer months it can get extremely hot and unbearable.

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	23	24	27	32	37	38	40	41	38	35	31	26
Low Temp	14	15	17	20	24	26	29	30	27	23	19	16
Rainfall	10	40	10	10	0	0	0	0	0	10	10	20
Number of days	6	4	6	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	4

Average daily temperatures and rainfall

Diani Beach

Posted on January 26, 2024April 16, 2024 by Debs and Mike

Diani Beach looks out over the Indian Ocean. It is known for its idyllic beaches, coral reefs and black and white colobus monkeys

Travelling to Mombasa

We flew to Mombasa from Nairobi with Kenya Airways. The flight cost £123 per person for a return flight including 20kgs of luggage. The flight takes approximately one hour. During the flight we were offered a soft drink and a snack. Unfortunately they don’t sell any other refreshments or food on the flight. Whilst flying to Mombasa we could clearly see the top of Kilimanjaro through the clouds.

When we arrived at Mombasa airport our taxi driver was waiting for us with a sign with our names on. We had booked the return transfer through booking.com at a cost of £88 for the return journey. The journey time to our hotel at Diani beach was approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Our driver Cassian was very informative throughout the journey. He stopped on the way for us to buy cold drinks and cigarettes.

Ferry crossing

On the journey you have to travel over the river using the Likoni ferry crossing – this is an interesting experience in itself. One ferry carries pedestrians only and others carry the vast range of vehicles seeking to make the crossing. When you arrive at the ferry port there are queues of vehicles waiting to cross, hoards of walking passengers and people pulling carts full of goods. Adjacent to the port there is a ship permanently berthed which hosts a library. We saw a long line of children from various local schools waiting to enter the library. It really is a colourful hive of activity at the crossing.

Accommodation

When we arrived at the Baobab Beach Resort the concierge greeted us and took our cases. We were asked to take a seat and were offered a soft drink. A friendly member of the front of house team came over to us and explained the various aspects of the hotel including the dining options, swimming pools, shops, spa and massage facilities and entertainment. The Baobab is an all-inclusive resort in Diani Beach.

Rooms

We were then taken to our room which was on the far side of the hotel by the quiet pool. Our room had two double four-poster beds with full mosquito nets. The bathroom was very large with a spacious walk-in shower (it would have been nice if it had also had a bath). In the bathroom there were double sinks with plenty of space for toiletries. There was also plenty of storage space for clothes and other belongings. There was also a small table and seating area.

Our balcony overlooked the pool and just about a sea view. The balcony was also a good size with comfortable seating and loungers on it. The balcony was visited daily by the local Sykes monkey. You have to ensure the balcony door is kept locked, not just shut, as these clever little fellows know exactly how to open the doors and get into your room. They will then take what they want and leave the room in a state of devastation!

Pool scene

There are several pools within the hotel complex including an infinity pool, a quiet pool, a pool with pool bar and pool located near to the main bar. There were always plenty of beds around the pool so there’s therefore no need to get up early to grab one. The infinity pool and pool near to the main bar both have entertainment throughout the day including water polo, aqua aerobics, and dancing. We visited all of them except the quiet pool as we were not sure we would be welcome! It was an enjoyable experience to be sat at the pool bar sampling the cocktails, especially the local cocktail called the Dawa. These taste delicious but are very potent so be warned!

Food and drink

There are three buffet restaurants located around the complex which serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can eat in any of them but we always chose the Maridadi Restaurant as we felt it was the best one and with a bit more atmosphere as well as choice. This was an enjoyable place to dine as it did not have the motorway café vibe as can be the case with some all inclusive resorts. The drinks are waiter/waitress service although if ordering a cocktail they have to go to the main bar for this which does take a bit of time. The restaurant has different themes for each day. The table covers, place mats and the uniforms of the staff all change to match the chosen theme.

The food is of a really good quality and has an excellent choice of dishes. There is something for everyone no matter what your taste. At breakfast you can have a full English if you wish but there is also plenty of choice for other tastes, including Indian cuisine. There was always cereal, fruit and pastries available ant much more.

Indian Influence

There is a big Indian influence in the cooking in Kenya which can be seen from the food served at every meal. We love Indian food so it was great for us!

Vegetarians

Vegetarians need not worry either as there a good choice too. In fact we often ate the vegetarian curries which were amazing. Lunch and evening meal also had an amazing choice – too much to mention. We were never disappointed with the food or the service. The hotel has two A la carte restaurants which you pay an additional fee for. As a result these were fairly empty during our stay.

A la carte

We usually like to eat somewhere different whilst on holiday but to be honest the menus did not appear to be any better than what was served in the buffet restaurant. The setting for the buffet restaurant is also lovely and you can have views overlooking the sea. Whilst dining here it felt more like a dining experience than a buffet restaurant due to the tasteful decor and excellent service.

Daytime snacks

There are also snacks available throughout the day at each bar. There is also a small area which serves pizza and chips beside the infinity pool. We ate lunch here on a number of occasions. The pizzas were freshly cooked and tasty and a range of refreshing cocktails were served at the bar next to the pizza servery. The view of the pool and beach beyond whilst eating your lunch made for an enjoyable experience.

Premium drinks and happy hour

In the bars some of the premium drinks are chargeable which is typical for a lot of all inclusive resorts unless you have booked ultra all inclusive. We did treat ourselves to some of the premium cocktails and bottles of cider. Happy hour is 7pm – 8pm when the premium drinks prices are reduced, but even outside of these times the drink prices were very reasonable. The bottles of cider were less than £2 outside of happy hour and a premium cocktail less than £4 so we were happy to indulge!

Entertainment

The entertainment in the hotel was spectacular. Although the shows are performed by the entertainment team and not brought in as some hotels do they were fantastic. The talent on show throughout the team was exceptional. They were all true performers and almost as good as some West End shows we have seen. The acrobatic shows just left you amazed. Our favourite show was The Lion King but we liked every show we saw. The large amphitheatre where the shows are performed also has its own bar therefore no need to bring drinks with you from the other bars.

Mombasa Sightseeing Tour

Prior to travelling to Kenya we had booked a sightseeing trip to Mombasa through Viator at a cost of £32 each . Our driver picked us up at around 7am from the hotel. We picked up several other people from various hotels along the way and then drove to Mombasa. Unfortunately we did not meet our guide until we reached Mombasa where we joined together with another group of people. Our guide Octavian then led the combined group.

Mombasa Tusks

The coach stopped at the famous Mombasa tusks. These were built in 1952 to commemorate a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. The tusks were made from wood and canvas. These tusks are a big tourist attraction now and a must see if in Mombasa. We had plenty of time for photo opportunities.

We were then taken through a small park to the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple. Whilst walking through the park the guide pointed to several bats hanging from the trees. In the park there were also a lot of homeless people which was sad to see.

Swaminarayan Hindu Temple

Once through the park we had to cross several roads to get to the Temple. Once inside the Temple you had to remove your shoes before you could walk around. The Temple was beautiful with vibrant colours and very ornate. There were several murals telling the story of various members of the monarchy and gods. We were there for a sufficient time but we are sure that we could have read and seen more if we had stayed a little longer.

Wood carving centre

Our guide Octavian provided us with information as to how the wood carving centre worked. Each hut was owned by an individual family. They hand make a range of products and then attach their unique family number to each item. When their items are sold in the main shop the number and amount are recorded in a book and then monies paid to the family who had produced the item. It was impressive watching them create such wonderful things out of wood with what appeared to be primitive tools. Everything is worked by hand including the painting. Octavia informed us that for every tree cut down to produce the carvings four more are planted.

Once we had seen how the carvings were produced we were given the opportunity to look around the shop. The shop had so many different items for sale, from small wooden animals to large tribal shields. The prices were pretty reasonable compared to the those in the shops and markets in Nairobi.

When we had finished looking around the shop we still had some time before we needed to get back onto the bus so we decided to wander around outside for a while and enjoy a cold drink. It was interesting to just sit and watch the monkeys playing, jumping on cars and getting up to mischief!

Spice Market

Following the visit to the wood carving centre we were taken by bus to the Spice Market. The true hustle and bustle of Mombasa can be seen in the market which was crowded and noisy, a real hive of activity. Each stall is trying to sell something to you but they were not too pushy. The colours and smells within the market were amazing. We were supposed to keep together as a group and follow the guide but several people did not do this. This part of the tour seemed a bit disorganised with people not really knowing where they should be going. We bought a tub of cashew nuts to try which were very tasty!

Surrounding the market were various small café type places selling a range of food and drinks. We like to sample the local food and so we would have loved to have had the time to do this but unfortunately we were told that we must get back on to the bus which was a walk away due to there not being any parking near the market. As we had not had chance to eat in the cafes we found a street vendor selling kebabs so we stopped and bought one – well worth it as it was very tasty. We could detect a touch of envy on the bus when we got back on and others watched us tucking into our kebabs!

Local buses

Whilst walking through the streets you cannot help but notice the local buses which are all uniquely painted. Some of the slogans on the buses did make us laugh.

Old Town

We were then taken by bus to the old town which appeared to have an election campaign in progress. The old town has its own small port. The streets and the buildings in the old town look how you would expect compared to some of the more modern buildings in Mombasa. It was interesting walking around the streets and port area just admiring the scenery.

Rug making

During our tour through the streets of the old town we were taken to a small shop where several people were busy making rugs. The guide asked if we wanted to have a go at it but we felt that we did not need to do this. We don’t think anyone in our group wanted to have a go to be honest. Most people were getting hungry by this time apart from us!

Fort Jesus

As we walked through the old town we eventually arrived at Fort Jesus. There is a fee to enter the ground of the Fort but due to shortage of time we were not able to take a look around. We needed the bathroom so our guide spoke to someone at the ticket office at Fort Jesus who allowed us to go in to use the facilities so we actually did manage to get a sneaky peak inside. It would have been nice to have had some time to explore and for photo opportunities.

We then split back into two groups; one was a small group of six of us who were heading back to Diani beach having completed the half-day tour, and the other joined a coach heading on to lunch and further sightseeing destinations.

Summary of the sightseeing tour

The tour was definitely good value for money. Our guide Octavia was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of information and facts throughout the tour. The only downside was at times it appeared to be a bit unorganised especially at the spice market. There were times when we were walking along streets trying not to lose our guide. It was late afternoon when we arrived back at our hotel. The experience would have been better if we had been allowed time for lunch as it would have been nice to sample some of the local food. Being able to look around Fort Jesus would have also added to the experience.

Sea Safari

Every day there are people on the beach waiting outside of the main hotels wanting to show you the wonderful sea life. We were stopped by two people who started to show us some of the sights – we could have said no but we were interested to learn more. Some of the sea life is very hard to spot but they knew exactly what they were looking for which made for an informative experience.

Marine life

They showed us a variety of sea creatures including starfish of various colours, sea urchins, crabs and sea snakes. We thought some of the star fish weren’t real until we saw their legs moving.

At the end they explained that they do this to earn money to support their families as they don’t have much money. We did give them some money – the equivalent of £10 which they seemed happy with and was fair enough for the time they had spent with us and the information they had provided. They asked us if we wanted to go on the Sea Safari the next morning – this is a boat that picks you up from the shore and takes you a short distance to a sand bank which is exposed when the tide goes out.

Glass bottom boat

We were picked up the following morning for the sea safari at around 10am. The boat had a glass bottom so we could get a decent view of the marine life. One of the boat crew dived into the sea and swam underneath the boat to feed the fish and so we saw hundreds of fish through the glass attracted by a tasty snack.

Snorkelling

When we arrived at the island we were given the opportunity to snorkel. We were guided by the member of the crew who had dived into the sea to feed the fish. He pointed out several different species of sea creatures for us to look at. Again he knew exactly where to look. Amongst the varied marine life we saw whilst snorkelling were giant eels and octopi. Some of the larger sea urchins are poisonous therefore you have to be careful where you tread!

Value for money

We saw a range of sea life and several types of fish of many colours. We had about an hour at the sand bank which was sufficient. The trip has to be undertaken at specific times due to the tide. We paid about £20 for the two of us and this represented good value for money. You can also buy drinks and other goods from local sellers to help support the local economy. The only thing we did not agree with was the disturbing of nature and picking creatures up. Having said that, the guides were very knowledgeable about all of the creatures and spoke about the need to protect them.

Summary of Diani Beach and Baobab Beach Resort

The whole experience visiting this lovely part of the world was just amazing from start to finish. The beaches are breath taking with white sands and turquoise sea providing a beautiful vista. The people of Kenya and Diani Beach are very friendly and happy people. We could not fault the Baobab Beach Resort in any way. At the Baobab the service from all members of staff was first class and they were always willing to help. Everyone had a smile on their face when serving the guests, something that cannot be said at some resorts we have visited. Everyone works tirelessly at the Baobab to ensure that guests have an enjoyable holiday. The grounds of the Baobab are immaculate and are maintained on a daily basis.

It is also lovely to see monkeys, baboons and dik dik wondering freely around the resort grounds. The monkeys did try and steal food and drinks but they never behaved in an aggressive manner. Members of staff do try and chase them away to ensure that the guests aren’t bothered by them. Would we definitely recommend Diani Beach and Baobab Beach Resort.

Things to do

If you have not already been on a Safari prior to your Diani beach visit Tsavo East and Taita Hills
Do the Sea safari
Do a sight seeing tour of Mombasa.
Do a snorkelling tour to Kisite Marine Park.
Visit the Fort Jesus museum.
Do a Wasini day trip dolphin watching.
Sample the local cuisine.

Top Tips

If booking excursions ensure you book with a reputable company. Check them out on tripadvisor prior to booking.
Keep you balcony door locked at all times to prevent the monkeys getting in.
If venturing outside of the hotel be aware that some areas are unsafe – it’s best to check with the hotel reception staff to make sure.
Prior to visiting Kenya ensure you have taken Malaria tablets and that you have enough to cover your visit and after your return depending on the medication you are taking.
Ensure you take plenty of mosquito repellant.
Use the mosquito net at night.
Do not wear expensive jewellery / watches especially if you are going in to the centre of Mombasa.
Be vigilant at all times especially in the centre of Mombasa as there is a risk of pickpockets.
If going on any excursion ensure you have plenty of water, hand sanitiser, sun cream, mosquito spray and tissues.
Check out the weather below for the best time to visit Diani Beach and Mombasa.
Check out other destinations in Africa we have visited. Click on the following links Safari/Nairobi, Tunisia, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Cairo, Cape Verde, Agadir
Visit the government website for information on safety and security before visiting Mombasa https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kenya

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	32	33	33	31	30	28	28	29	29	29	31	32
Low Temp	23	23	24	24	22	21	20	20	21	22	23	23
Rainfall	37	10	49	124	238	84	61	60	54	112	118	69
Number of days	4	2	6	12	16	12	13	12	12	11	10	8

Average daily temperatures and rainfall