Africa is the second largest of Earth's seven continents, covering 23 percent of the world's total land area and containing 13 percent of the world's population. Africa straddles the equator and most of its area lies within the tropics. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Indian Ocean and Red Sea on the east, and the Mediterranean Sea on the north. In the northeastern corner of the continent, Africa is connected with Asia by the Sinai Peninsula. People go to Africa and confirm what they already have in their heads and so they fail to see what is there in front of them. This is what people have come to expect. It's not viewed as a serious continent. It's a place of strange, bizarre and illogical things, where people don't do what common sense demands. ....Safari.The word simply means "travel" in Swahili, but for many, it alludes to wonders first envisioned in childhood: sweeping savannas, big snarling cats, thundering herds of elephant and wildebeest.
South Africa is an exhilarating and complex country. With its post-apartheid identity still in the process of definition, there is undoubtedly an abundance of energy and a sense of progress about the place. Travellers are returning to a remarkable land that has been off the trail for way too long.
The infrastructure is constantly improving, the climate is kind and there are few better places to see Africa's wildlife. But if you want to understand South Africa, you'll have to deal with the full spectrum; poverty, the AIDS pandemic and violence remain a problem.
In the 5th century BC Herodotus wrote of Egypt that 'nowhere are there so many marvellous things...nor in the world besides are to be seen so many things of unspeakable greatness' - and not too much has changed. The Sphinx, the Nile, ancient Luxor, the pyramids - Egypt's scope is glorious.
It's not just the Pharaonic monuments that have drawn travellers to this country since long before the birth of Christ - it's the legacy of the Greeks, Romans and early Christians, and the profusion of art and architecture accumulated from centuries of successive Islamic dynasties.
Africa is the second largest of Earth's seven continents, covering 23 percent of the world's total land area and containing 13 percent of the world's population. Africa straddles the equator and most of its area lies within the tropics. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Indian Ocean and Red Sea on the east, and the Mediterranean Sea on the north. In the northeastern corner of the continent, Africa is connected with Asia by the Sinai Peninsula. People go to Africa and confirm what they already have in their heads and so they fail to see what is there in front of them. This is what people have come to expect. It's not viewed as a serious continent. It's a place of strange, bizarre and illogical things, where people don't do what common sense demands. ....
Safari.The word simply means "travel" in Swahili, but for many, it alludes to wonders first envisioned in childhood: sweeping savannas, big snarling cats, thundering herds of elephant and wildebeest.
All things bright and beautiful and a little more besides.
First, decide how to best make use of your time - each of Madagascar's fascinating corners offers something different. Is your priority bumming around on beaches? Hiking pristine rainforests in search of lemurs? Climbing bizarre rock formations or canoeing down a river? You're spoilt for choice here.
Madagascar was badly affected by Cyclone Ivan, which struck on 17 February. Over 80 deaths were reported, 187,000 people were left homeless, and flooding was widespread. More heavy rain is expected; travellers to the island should monitor weather reports closely, and expect disruptions to transport and communications services.
Wedged between the Kalahari and the South Atlantic, Namibia boasts deserts, seascapes, bushwalking and boundlessness. Blessed with rich natural resources, a solid modern infrastructure, diverse cultures and an annual quota of 300 days of sunshine, it is a beautiful country of vast potential.
Nature's sci-fi is on display in the esoteric landscape of Mali.Mali is not the place to go for safaris. What it does have is a smorgasbord of surreal landscapes, beautiful artwork, Timbuktu, castellated mosques made entirely of mud, pink sandstone villages carved into cliff faces, and undulating desert scenes that look like out-takes from Lawrence of Arabia.
Travellers are advised to avoid the regions bordering Mauritania and Niger as well as north of Timbuktu, as they are the domain of desert bandits. Caution is also advised in the area bordering Côte d'Ivoire, due to ongoing instability in that country.
The smallest country in Africa is also one of the most easy going - laid-back Swazis are more likely to celebrate for fun than demonstrate for reform. A progressive and hands-on attitude towards wildlife preservation has endowed it with a striking bunch of national parks.
A land of ancient exotica spiced with modern luxury.
Tunisia's list of attractions would do justice to a country twice its size. From the Roman-era hot springs at Hamman Mellegue to the space-age sets of Star Wars (parts of which were filmed at Matmata), its lush-to-lunar landscapes have seen more action than the New World nations combined.
Spend a few days here and you'll agree: daydreaming at the famous Roman ruins of Carthage and El-Jem is almost as good as stepping into Virgil's Aeneid and knocking one back with Dido, while a day's dawdling on the north coast's beaches or those of Jerba Island, the 'Land of the Lotus Eaters', will leave you wondering why Hannibal ever left.
Delving into Kenya is like rummaging through nature's treasure chest.
Revered by many anthropologists as the 'cradle of humanity', Kenya is wild and a little dangerous. If you're adventurous - and sensible - it promises the globe's most magnificent wildlife parks, unsullied beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountainscapes and ancient Swahili cities.
The Swahili word safari (literally, journey) wouldn't mean much to most people if it wasn't for this East African adventure land. No matter how many Tarzan movies you've seen, nothing will prepare you for the annual mass migration of wildebeests in the Masai Mara.
Following widespread post-election violence across Kenya, the country's situation has stabilised somewhat. An agreement has been signed between the government and the opposition to end the violence, but the potential remains for further unrest. Travellers are advised to exercise caution, and avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations. The Rift Valley, Western, and Nyanza provinces have been relatively calm, but travellers should seek local advice before visiting these areas. The Mount Elgon area should be avoided due to rebel activity and clashes with the military.
Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings, and the Thorn Tree forum for good advice from travellers.
The areas bordering Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia are all prone to banditry. While travellers are not usually targeted, adequate security arrangements and awareness of the situation is advised to ensure safe travel in these parts of Kenya.
The Somalian border is currently closed due to the conflict north of the frontier.
Nairobi has a reputation for serious crime that is unfortunately justified. Travellers should heed any local advice in regards to security and use common sense to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Mombasa is regarded as a safer destination, but caution is still advised when venturing out alone or at night.
Once an icon of misery, Ethiopia is coming out of the shadows.
Travelling in Ethiopia won't be everyone's cup of chai: there's not much tourist infrastructure here, and checking your email rivals carrier pigeon for speed. But the landscape is splendid, the people are welcoming, the sense of history is tangible and you won't have to worry about crowds of tourists.
Political violence flares up now and then in Addis Ababa. Travellers should monitor local news and stay clear of any mass demonstrations.
Travel to the Eritrean border military zone - in the Tigray and Afar regions - should be avoided. The border itself is permanently closed. Ethnic tensions dog the west of the country. Borders with Kenya, Somalia and Sudan are also very dangerous with an extreme risk to traveller's security.
Check out Safe Travel for updated government warnings or the Thorn Tree travel forum for some good advice from travellers.
Dodge the traffic in Ghana's hot, sprawling, smiling capital.
If an award were given for the country with the friendliest people in West Africa, Ghana would be a strong contender. Spend a few hours in the breezy capital at Accra, and you'll swear the wind and waves off the Gulf of Guinea have infused the land and people alike with equatorial warmth.
A shattered country slowly letting the world back in.
Rwanda once evoked images of gorillas and breathtaking mountain views, until the country was devastated by the attempted genocide of the Tutsi tribe in 1994. These days, much of the country is rebuilt, the economy resurrected, and travellers can move around much more safely.
Although Rwanda's security situation has improved over the last couple of years, travellers are advised to steer clear of the borders of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo due to outbreaks of armed rebel conflict.
Pick up a flying carpet in the magical bazaars of Morocco.
Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakesh...just the names of these cities stir a hint of spice in the nostrils. Jostling crowds, the piquant tension of debate, space in perpetual motion - the minute you set foot in the country you know you've arrived somewhere very different.
Spend a weekend in a luxury riad in Marrakesh, Fès or Rabat, exorcise your shopping demons in some of the most colourful markets in the world, or indulge in some off-piste desert driving over sugar-soft dunes... And this fantastically varied destination is barely three hours flying time from Europe.
In March and April 2007 several suicide bombings were carried out in Casablanca targeting Western interests. The overall threat of further attacks has increased, particularly in Casablanca. Travellers should exercise caution, pay attention to news reports regarding safety and heed any local advice regarding potential dangers.
The disputed territory of Western Sahara has a history of political instability and insecurity. Many areas of the Western Sahara are mined.
From propping up a bar to propping up a tent, Zimbabwe's got you covered.
With more than a passing resemblance to a National Geographic best-of issue, Zimbabwe is a beautiful country to visit. It boasts the majestic Victoria Falls, magnificent wildlife preserves and the medieval ruins of Great Zimbabwe, as well as the bustling city of Harare.
Following parliamentary, presidential and municipal elections on 29 March, the situation in Zimbabwe remains tense, as election results have yet to be determined. The potential for unrest and/or public protests is high, and travellers are advised to exercise caution.
Demonstrations are being met with increasing violence by the police, particularly in Harare, and the broader security situation has deteriorated. The national economy remains in crisis. Travellers to Zimbabwe should use common sense to bypass obvious dangers and respect any local advice regarding safety. Steer clear of demonstrations and large public gatherings as they almost inevitably turn violent. Avoid solo travel and remote areas. Be particularly wary in the Victoria Falls area where thieves have targeted tourists.
Monitor news services for any developments and check traveller warning services for advice. Try Safe Travel the New Zealand Govt warning site or check the Thorn Tree travel forum for the latest advice from travellers.
Newly invigorated and raring to go, Uganda is worth a fresh-eyed look.
Travellers are flocking to Uganda's beautiful mountains, trekking opportunities and communities of mountain gorillas. Kampala is now the modern, bustling capital of a new Uganda, a country with one of the fastest growing economies in Africa.
Although much of Uganda is generally safe, there are some risky areas. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is still active north of Murchison Falls National Park and around towns such as Lira and Gulu. These areas should be avoided. The border with Democratic Republic of Congo should also be avoided. The remote Karamoja region in the northeast is also prone to violence and banditry. It is imperative to make inquiries with knowledgeable local authorities before setting off to these areas.
Kevlar vest; check. Military entourage; check. Somalia, here I come.
A traveller to Somalia is spoilt for choice in the number of things that can go wrong.
Somalia remains one of the world's most dangerous destinations. Travel is possible in the northern self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, with the exception of the Sool, southern and eastern Sanaag regions and Buhoodle districts. These areas are in dispute with neighbouring Puntland which remains a no-go area.
Government troops with the aid of Ethiopian forces have ousted the Union of Islamic Courts militia and gained control of southern Somalia, including Mogadishu. The security situation remains extremely volatile with attacks still taking place in the capital. The potential for conflict remains extremely high and travellers should reconsider any plans to visit Puntland or southern Somalia.
Wild adventures and exotic exploration on Africa's last frontier.
Diamond dust beaches, almost virgin wildlife parks and Africa's second largest waterfall; Angola holds a lure that few other places can match. And with a landmark 2002 ceasefire ushering in a new era of peace and economic stability, opportunities for exploration are slowly opening up.
The northern province of Cabinda, separated from the rest of Angola by the Democratic Republic of Congo, remains a dangerous region, and should be avoided.
A cholera outbreak affecting major cities in Angola ocurred in 2006, enhanced by a lack of clean water and open sewer systems. It has not yet been fully eradicated. Primary contact is via infected water or food. Travellers are warned to maintain rigorous personal hygiene and to drink only bottled and boiled water.
Crime is a big problem in Luanda - travellers should exercise a high degree of caution, especially at night. Angola is a high-risk malaria zone. Consult your GP before departure and arrive with the appropriate medications. Don't wander off-the-beaten track in rural areas - the threat of unexploded landmines is still a huge problem.
Sudan remains a politically unstable country. While the north remains calm, Darfur is wracked by crisis while the aftershocks of a decades-long civil war continue to reverberate across the south.
Military activity in the Darfur region is ravaging Sudan, with more than two million people displaced by the conflict so far. Recent attacks by militia have resulted in civilian deaths in western Sudan. African Union peace-keepers are stretched to the limit. Despite the peace treaty, swathes of southern Sudan remain unstable. There are also intermittent military operations in the Eritrean border area, and the border with Chad is currently closed due to ongoing rebel activity. Travellers should monitor local news and seek consular advice before travelling to Sudan.
Take a walk on the wild side in this quintessential African landscape.
Step out into the vast open plains of Tanzania and you suddenly feel very, very small. And so you should. You've just joined one of the largest, wildest animal populations in the world. Wildebeest, monkey, antelope, lion, cheetah, crocodile, gazelle, flamingo - they're all out there.
Despite troubles from rowdy neighbours and a weak economy, Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities on the continent. Its famous parks make the often rather pedestrian towns well worth the stopover.
Struggle through the red tape to a blend of jungle-wild and urban-smart.
With a vast sprawl of virgin rainforests and teeming wildlife, Gabon is The Ghost Who Walks territory. Its major cities, however, are a sophisticated bustle of glitz, lights, and casinos. Gabon offers a little of everything to just about everyone.
Travellers with a taste for the wild side will relish Botswana.
Beyond the narrow eastern corridor where the majority of the population is concentrated, Botswana is a largely roadless wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans. Skinflints and softies beware: this remains a destination for the intrepid, well-heeled traveller.
A chirping and bellowing slice of jungliest Africa.
Zambia has excellent national parks teeming with birds and other animals, as well as the spectacular Victoria Falls and Zambezi River. Apart from sightseeing, these places are also centres for activities ranging from canoeing to white-water rafting and bungee jumping.
Travellers are advised to avoid the areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola due to the possibility of cross-border conflict and the high risk of landmines. Pay attention to any local advice regarding areas to avoid.
In June 2007 a measles outbreak was reported in Kaputa, Mazabuka, Mbala, Chibombo and Chinsali. Travellers should ensure they have received the correct vaccinations before visiting these areas.
Benin has the highest concentration of attractions in this part of West Africa - fetish markets and voodoo culture, the remnants of the mighty culture that fed on the slave trade, and architectural anomalies such as stilt villages and mud fortresses. Benin is a republic in western Africa, formerly known as Dahomey. It has a coastline of 121-km (75-mi) on the Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. This wedge-shaped land extends inland, to the north, about 670 km (about 415 mi), making it one of the smaller African countries. Benin has a tropical climate. Its economy is based primarily on agriculture, and many of the country’s farmers work at a subsistence level. Although Benin experienced considerable economic growth during the 1990s, it remains one of the poorest countries in Africa.
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