Vacation Guides / Africa

Cruise ship Norwegian Spirit at sea.

Children on the deck of a Disney cruise ship following  Disney characters.

Cunard liner, Queen Mary 2, at sea.

From the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco to the southernmost tip of South Africa, covering more than 50 countries this huge continent, with many unique landscapes, cultures and religions is perhaps the most incredible continent in the world.

In Africa they say a journey begins with the first step, ‘safari njema’ (good travels) and in the same way we realised to produce an in depth guide to Africa would be a lifetimes work so decided to make the first step with this humble offering and hope it helps you take the first step to discover Africa.

Algeria

Once on a par with neighbouring Morocco as a travel hot-spot, the ongoing civil war in Algeria has scared off all but the most foolhardy of visitors. This is a great shame, as Algeria is one of North Africa's most diverse and fascinating countries.

Angola

The people of Angola seem unshakable, resilient and resourceful as this Sub-Sahara giant stands on the cusp of a spectacular recovery - or even more murderous strife.

A lack of infrastructure and communication, coupled with landmines, mean Angola is out of bounds for all but fearless travellers for the time being.

Benin

This tiny West African country has - fetish markets and voodoo culture, the remnants of the culture that fed on the slave trade, and architectural anomalies such as stilt villages and mud fortresses.

The Abomey Historical Museum was created by the French colonial administration in 1943. With a surface of about 5 acres, it is situated on the palatial site and comprises the palaces of King Guézo and King Glèlè. The entire palatial site extends over approximately 108 acres and has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 1985. It is a culmination of history, living culture and tourism.

Botswana

If there is a place where one wishes time could stand still, it is Botswana.

In this beautiful country you will encounter endless horizons. The unforgettable wilderness, the splendid waterways of the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Sand Dunes and the abundance of wild-wildlife are just a few features of what makes Botswana your ultimate destination.

This is one of the best parts of Africa. Botswana is a country that if you decide to explore will reveal the diverse cultures of its people and nature at its best.

Botswana remains a destination for the intrepid and comfortably well of traveller.

Described by the Botswana tourism minister as the 'Last Eden' you can check it our on their website

Burkina Faso

Don’t worry be happy would be the most apt description of the people of Burkina Faso one of poorest countries in the world who have managed to fashion a beautiful and culturally sophisticated country out of the little resources they do have.

Cameroon

Often referred to as Africa in minature Cameroon is one of the most diverse countries in Africa.

Cameroon is full of wonderful friendly and warmhearted people and you will find a myriad of ethnic and language groups with a fascinating traditional culture and history.

The highest mountain in West Africa, Mount Cameroon is one part of the extremly varied climatic and geographical conditions that are Cameroon from the Sahara Desert to equitorial grasslands and some of Africa's best wildlife parks. Beachcombers laze on long, isolated Atlantic Ocean beaches

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic has been in political turmoil in recent years but fortunately the situation now seems relatively stable again.

Some of the nicest game parks in the world can be found in the north of the country but as these are remote the best option for wildlife lovers is probably Dzanga Sangha reserve in the south.

The south of the country is dominated by tropical rainforest and mud. The Oubangui river separates the republic from the Congo and the capital is located on the banks of the river as is Bangassou the second city.

Chad

Not many travellers make it to Chad and with good reason. Chad is not an easy country to visit with most of Chad dry and arid.

The best sight is probably the Tibesti mountain’s in Northern Chad. They offer extreme natural beauty but are hardly within reach at present.

For people that are not afraid of some harsh travelling conditions, long distances and excessive heat Chad does offer rewarding travelling.

The capital Ndjamena is the travel hub of the country and located on the banks of Lake Chad.

Djibouti

Djibouti tries hard to be recognised as a little Dubai in the Red Sea.

Although a tiny country lacking in natural resources it attracts visitors looking for the ideal spot to recharge their batteries before or after an overland trip through Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Must see place include Lac Abbe one of the most desolate places on earth. Often described as lunar, Planet of the Apes was filmed here, the scenery is unique with the plain dotted with hundreds of limestone chimneys, some standing as high as 50m (165ft), belching out puffs of steam.

Flamingos gather at dawn the banks of the lake and mineral rich hot springs feed the farms of local nomads who graze their camels and goats here.

Egypt

Most people who think of Egypt think of antiquities, but Egypt offers much more. . One may choose to relax on the wondrous Egypt Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the hustle and bustle of Cairo or even cruise down the Egyptian Nile on a luxurious river boat.
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Ethiopia

A splendid landscape and welcoming people are what you will find in Ethiopa. Tourist infstructure is almost non existent and checking your e-mail will be a lesson in patience. What can we say you won't have to worry about crowds of tourists.

Gambia

The Gambia, the smallest country in Africa, has unique qualities over many other destinations.

The facts are that it is only six hours away from major European destinations has made it a popular and affordable winter destination attracting tourists in search of sun, sea, sand and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty.

The Gambia Tourist Authority

Kenya

Kenya is wild and a little dangerous.

If you're adventurous and sensible it offers the world's most magnificent wildlife parks, unspoilt beaches, thriving coral reefs, memorable mountainscapes and ancient Swahili cities. More.

Libya

With Libya just emerging from years of international isolation the beauty and diversity of this of the country are still relatively unknown and, as a result remains largely unspoilt by tourism.

Visitors will find bustling souks and Italian streets and squares in Tripoli and will be amazed by the spectacular remains of the Roman cities of Leptis Magna and Sabratha, testaments to ancient civilisations.

You may want to travel through the vast Saharan desert and camp amongst great sand seas, while appreciating Berber hospitality in Western Libya.

Muaritius

Mauritius offers a refreshing brand of multiculturalism, with a people as social, warm and peaceful as the weather.
The friendliness of the Mauritian people is renowned, and you may even find yourself invited to dance the Sega, their indigenous dance, with them beneath star-filled skies. .

The Mauritian climate also complements Mauritius' deep limpid blue waters, coral reefs and silky blonde piles of sand. For a while, Mauritius was a relatively unknown tourist destination, as were many islands of the Indian Ocean, but now like most of them it is regarded as a tropical paradise. Often at a bargain price.

Morocco

The charm of Morocco lies in its diversity. For sun-worshippers, there are miles of beaches, while inland the Berber country where, among the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the energetic can walk or trek. Beyond the Atlas are the fringes of the Sahara where the caravans once stopped on their way south to trade in spice and ivory.

All Moroccan cities are crowded and the hustlers a fact of life. The world famous souk in Marakesh sells a bewildering array of goods while Fez the ancient capital offers a stunning array of medieval buildings. The French influence can be seen in Casablanca, a thriving commercial centre and Rabat, the capital. Today Tangier is mildly seedy and slighty melancholy.

South Africa

Visit the beautiful Cape Wine lands, Garden Route Area or the awe-inspiring beaches in Durban and you will soon realise that this African country is not to be forgotten. Due to the strong European influence that exists in everyday South African Culture, it has become a resting place for many emigrants seeking that patch of greener grass.

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