Safaribookings.com/tours
You should be able to see the famous annual migration of wildlife between Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya. It happens between July and October, with almost two million animals on the move. It begins in June or before when the animals start moving north from Serengeti.
The wildebeest, most often associated with the migration, gather in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti National Park, and cross the Grumeti River in August and September on their way to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. From October, the animals begin the return journey.
Either on the internet or when you get there, you will find a number of tours offered to the Maasai Mara from Mombasa. For example, Diani Tours & Safaris (dianisafaris-kenya.com) offers a three-day Masaai Mara Air Safari, which includes flights, accommodation in the park, park-entry fees and game drives. It costs from (US) $1 100.
There are more on offer at
but make sure they leave from Mombasa, not Nairobi.
Mombasa mainly offers beach holidays, or diving, sailing and dolphin-spotting trips. It also has a rich seafaring history that might interest you, as it is on an island connected by bridges and ferries to the mainland.
Take time to explore the Old Town with its local markets and old buildings. The most famous is Fort Jesus on the harbour front, built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596. It changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 and, although it is now partly ruined, it houses a museum over the former barracks as well as Omani House, built in the late 18th century, which was the home of the sultan who governed the East African coast.
The Mombasa Marine National Park is worth visiting. You can dive there or just view marine life from a glassbottomed boat. You could also take a day trip to Wasini Island by dhow. It has Swahili ruins in the village, as well as the Shimoni
I hope to travel to Hong Kong in August. My activities are near the International Commerce Centre. Is commuting from Kowloon across the harbour quick, easy and safe? Also, I’m planning an overnight stay in Macau. Is a ferry a good option in terms of time and cost? Do SA passport holders need visas?
Hong Kong has arguably the best public transport system in Asia and commuting to the ICC in Central from Kowloon is easy, particularly if you take the famous Star Ferry. Apart from giving you a spectacular view of the skyline both ways, it is incredibly cheap at HK$2.50 (about R5) each way and only takes about 10 minutes. Just find your way to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier in Kowloon, which is close to major hotels. Remember you have to pay cash. The ferry to Macau runs 24 hours, with sailings every 15 minutes. The trip takes about 55 minutes each way and the terminal in Hong Kong is close to ICC. Check online for the best fares. I would go economy class; the premier classes are expensive and not worth the money. Yes, you need a visa to visit Hong Kong, or mainland China.
Congratulations to Mary Kolb of Blairgowrie, who wins a free stay at Behind the Inn for up to six people in Dullstroom from June 24-25. Answer: The Peregrine falcon is the fastest creature on earth.