Africa Adventure

Endless grassland plains, prides of hunting lions and hordes of roaming wildebeest are just a tiny bit of what makes up this perfect ecosystem, situated in what can only be described as the Heart of Africa. The sheer magnificence of this place is only matched by its immense size.

A brief history:

The Serengeti plains have been inhabited by the Maasai people for centuries, but were only discovered by Europeans in the late 19^th century. Dr. Oscar Bauman, a German geographer and explorer, was the first to enter the park in 1892. The Maasai, known for being fierce warriors, protected the land and prevented the exploitation of resources by the Europeans. The Maasai have subsequently moved to the Ngorongoro highlands after the creation of the park. The Serengeti National Park stretches from the north of Tanzania into the southern parts of Kenya.

The majesty of nature:

Have you ever heard of São Tomé and Principe? No? Well I didn’t think so. These are two very small islands off the coast of Equatorial Guinea, and together they form the smallest state in Africa.

The islands were originally discovered and colonized by the Portuguese is the late 15^th century. They then started using slaves to work in the sugar plantations and subsequently became one of the biggest exporters of sugar in Africa. In the 19^th century they started growing what is considered to be some of the finest coffee and cacao in the world.

Today this island has transformed itself into something truly extraordinary; paradise, untouched by the masses of tourists. Beautiful turquoise waters, unexplored jungles and some of the best coffee and chocolate in the world make this island one of the last true paradises on earth.

In the world of canyons, only the Grand Canyon in the U.S. rivals the Fish River Canyon in Namibia in terms of popularity. The Fish River Canyon is one of the most visited natural sites in Africa, and it attracts hordes of tourists and geologists each year. So, if you happen to be taking a trip to Namibia on an air charter or other mode of transportation, be sure to stop by the Fish River Canyon and be astounded by the sheer beauty that nature can create.

Geologists speculate that the Fish River Canyon formed from a fracture in the earth’s crust over 500 million years ago, but San Bushmen natives in the area think something quite different happened. They believe that a large serpent named KouteignKooru carved the canyon as it was trying to escape being captured. If you look closely at the valley of the canyon, you can almost see the shape of a giant serpent.

One of the most bewildering and epic spectacles available to you when you embark upon a Kenya safari is the annual Wildebeest Migration. Over a million wildebeest, zebra and types of antelope leave the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania for the drier season-friendly environment of the Masai Mara in Kenya. The migration occurs between January and March, when around 500,000 new calves enter the world. It is consistently described as one of the most fascinating natural events known to man.

The food and water supply of the Serengeti soon begins to diminish, meaning that the wildebeest, zebra and antelope proceed towards greener pastures. The animals tend to divide and take separate routes between April and July and are followed closely by scores of predatory hyenas, cheetahs and lions. The Mara River is their next destination and the most generous watering point available to the wildebeest en route to their eventual finishing point, the Masai Mara.

Has the thought of all the anti-government protesters and rebels in several African countries made you rethink your African holiday? Not in the mood to help liberate Libya? Do you prefer a day at the beach to a day in the trenches? Well then here is a guide to all the wonderful holiday destinations in Africa where you can spend your time relaxing and enjoying the sunset, cocktail in hand.

Ibo Island – Mozambique

This small island on Mozambique’s northern coast is a culturally rich archipelago, filled with local history. It is situated 5km from the mainland. This island is for those who are looking to have a great time by experiencing excellent local food and rich tradition and staying in luxurious island resorts with king size beds. Fort of São is an old fort on Ibo. It was built in the late eighteenth century and still stands today. The main attraction to this island is the sand spit that can be reached by a 30 minute trip in a traditional dhow (small boat). The sand spit is a small island of sand, perfect for a day of fishing and cooking with friends. This island is a hidden gem and is well worth visiting.