The great continent which according to Darwinists and Geneticists alike say
is the birthplace of humanity. Perhaps the place where an unusual fish
emerged from the ocean to evolve over millions of years into the variety of
species we know today.
In the not so distant past, Africa provided the slave labour for the
plantations and capital works in the Americas as well as vast amounts of
gold and silver to drive the European economy. Today much of Africa has
diminished as the colonists left much of the continent under the control of
despots and warlords who have caused the immeasurable suffering to the
population that we see in our daily news and movie screens.
The total population of Africa is in excess of one billion and growing by
about 24 million per year and the continent is divided into about 60
individual countries. This means tat for the visitor there is a lot to see
from Morocco in the north with its
Arab/French flavour to South Africa with its mix of indigenous tribes and
the Dutch/English flavour. The far north is dry and dominated by the Sahara
Desert and travelling south one encounters a wide range of geographic
features and landscapes and of course wild life.
One of the greatest attraction are the animals, the great herds of
wilderbeast (Gnu) and zebra, the slender giraffe as well as lions, cheetahs,
rhinos and hippos and thanks to conservationists you can take tours and
still see these increasingly rare animals in their native habitat.
When leaving the main highways it is strongly recommended that you fully
understand where you are going, what you may encounter and you are well
equipped to carry out repairs survive meetings with dangerous animals and
have enough water and fuel to return safely. Do it yourself animal safaris
cause many tourist deaths, so unless you want to be another vanished (or
possibly eaten) tourist statistic do yourself a favour and take a guide or
join a tour.
The other dangers are crimes because of poverty, and HIV Aids of which both
are continent wide epidemics. Most cities have high
crime rates and although tourists are seldom involved it is wise to take
sensible precautions to ensure that you do not become a victim. As is the
case in any large city, do not walk around wearing expensive jewellery or
carry any valuables beyond your days needs. For private excursions, it is
best to get local knowledge and go with a local tour guide who you can hire
from you travel operator or hotel. As for HIV, never have unprotected sex -
ever - and note that
circumcised men are less likely of contacting or passing on hiv.
When leaving the main highways it is strongly recommended that you fully
understand where you are going, what you may encounter and you are well
equipped to carry out repairs survive meetings with dangerous animals and
have enough water and fuel to return safely. Do it yourself animal safaris
cause many tourist deaths, so unless you want to be another vanished (or
possibly eaten) tourist statistic do yourself a favour and take a guide or
join a tour.