Posts by Packeuse

HELLO

I went there alone in 2017 without booking anything except the first night in Bishkek. I have amazing memories of it—it was when the herds were coming down, and the Nomad Games in Naryn. There were quite a few travelers on bikes. My favorite moment was the small yurt camp near the Lenin Peak base camp starting from Sary Tash, and the raspberries at Bishkek’s market.

HELLO

I know the booking site, but it doesn’t answer any of my very specific questions. Thanks

hi there

I’m reaching out because I don’t understand how Volcanoes National Park works. I looked at booking for the gorillas, but there’s just the price listed, and the same goes for the Diane Fossey tomb.

So I contacted a hotel in Kinigi, and they told me that for the gorillas, you need a car to get to the park headquarters, and then once you know your group, you need to get from the headquarters to the trekking start point?? Do you confirm this? Is that really how it works? They say the hotel has a driver and it would cost 100 DOLLARS!! I just found out that on top of the permit, there are other fees??? Uhh… Are there other options, knowing I don’t want to rent a 4x4 since I’m traveling alone?

And if I don’t get the gorilla permit but just want to visit the Diane Fossey tomb, is it the same issue? From Kinigi, do you need a 4x4? How far is the tomb from the headquarters? Is it a hike you can do alone OR DO YOU NEED A GUIDE, ON FOOT? By car?? If someone could explain everything to me… and is the DF Foundation different??

If I decide to go through an agency, is it possible in Musanze (which would save me trips) or is it mandatory to go through Kigali? Thanks so much for your help… Best regards

HELLO

I’m still working on my itinerary, but so far it includes: Kigali, Butare, Cyangugu, Kibuye, Gisenyi, Kibungo, and Volcanoes National Park. Thanks in advance!

THANKS A LOT! Any recommendations for places to stay?

hi there

I’ve been to Rwanda twice before, in November 1991 and December 1993, mostly for solidarity work. I’m looking into going back this November or December for three weeks, but I’m a bit hesitant when I see the tourist offerings—it’s so far from how I like to travel...

I travel solo using public transport and stay in places like guesthouses (GH), or accommodations run by cooperatives, associations, or religious groups. I love villages, markets, hikes, and local crafts. So far, my searches for these kinds of lodging options haven’t turned up much.

For now, I’m considering visiting (in no particular order):

Butare: Kibeho, Bisesero, Nyanza Ngenda Akagera, Kibungo, Lake Muazi Dian Fossey’s tomb (with the possibility of seeing gorillas) Kibuye??? Is the political situation stable there? Or Cyangugu?

So here are my first questions: -Is French still widely spoken? -Are there lists of the types of accommodations I mentioned above, or places to find that info? -Is what I’m planning doable using public transport? From the towns, are moto-taxis still available to get to villages, sites, and—most importantly—back? -Is it possible to go hiking solo? -Which are the best markets and what days are they held?

I know that’s a lot of questions already, and I really appreciate any relevant answers you can share. Looking forward to exchanging more!

Which airlines fly from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?

Yes, I'd love to. Thanks

Hi there,

I’m planning a 3-week trip in November after having visited Morocco extensively 30 years ago. I’m thinking of taking the bus to Ouarzazate, then heading to Boulmane and Tinghir, and returning. Is this doable by public transport? Next, from Ouarzazate, I’d like to go to Tagounit or M’hamid. Same question—is public transport feasible? If I rent a car, which agency is reliable in Ouarzazate, considering I only have a debit card? Are there any deposits required? I’d also love recommendations for simple homestays. Thanks a lot!

Thanks! There’s no link between needing a passport and having a return or onward ticket. It’s not required everywhere—I’ve already traveled with just a one-way ticket before...

Hi there, Do I need a return ticket? Proof of insurance and a hotel reservation?? I’m French. Also, is there any control on meds and sleeping pills?? Thanks a bunch!

Try looking up the difference between danger and risk. There’s none so deaf as those who won’t hear…

There’s danger everywhere—being at high school in Nantes yesterday, crossing the street in front of your home, or attending a dance at the Bataclan a few years ago. Isn’t traveling about heading into the unknown? Otherwise, it’s just tourism in Spain or Portugal. Traveling is taking a risk (which isn’t the same as danger) AND knowing how to assess it by getting information from the right people and staying updated on current events. It’s about distinguishing media propaganda from reality. In six months, Trump may have bombed their nuclear plants—directly or through Israel—maybe we’ll be in World War III, or... or... My answer applies to now... and right now, you can cross Iran or stay there without any particular danger or risk if you follow what I mentioned in my previous post. Best regards,

Exactly. Or if the experience is outdated. Also, advising to cross Iran without interacting with the locals is completely nonsensical.

Iran and its people deserve better than that..

4 million tourists per year...

If you're reading this, you're not going anywhere

Hello, First, you’ll need a visa in advance (don’t mention a problematic profession), plus a carnet de passage—the tourism office guy in Tabriz can help with the CDP. In Iran, you’ll receive an amazing welcome from the locals; you’ll be invited everywhere. However, avoid discussing politics, respect local customs and religion, and dress appropriately. The south is also stunning, and you can cross into Pakistan by following the coast from Chabahar. I’ve been to Iran several times and will definitely go back. Don’t just pass through—Iran is full of wonders!

No... everywhere I've traveled, embassies flag it as red........ Tourism has picked up in Iraq, visas are easy to get on arrival,

Hello... nothing new for several years now... Can you go there independently from the rest of the country? Any recent experiences, either in Kurdistan or the rest of Iraq? Thanks a lot