Africa

Eco-friendly travel guide to Africa advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Africa.

View of the Clifton beach in Cape Town, South Africa

Air quality: 2.0 - 3.8 / 5

Bus connections: 2.2 - 3.9 / 5

Train connections: 0.0 - 3.8 / 5

Hitchhiking: 1.8 - 3.8 / 5

National parks: 3.5 - 4.7 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.1 - 4.0 / 5

Locals' English level: 2.7 - 4.4 / 5

Safety: 1.9 - 3.9 / 5

Accommodation: US$6 - $386

Budget per day: US$13 - $500

Responsible Travel

Africa is made up of 54 countries providing the most diverse cultural lifestyle and traditions in the world. Traveling responsibly while in Africa will go a long way in preserving the environment and the cultural diversity found in Africa.

Preserve the Natural Resources:One of the ways in which one can travel responsibly while in Africa is by preserving the natural resources found here such as forests and water. When we use water responsibly, we do a huge favor to ourselves and the environment. About 80% of the whole world comprises of water, thus proving just how vital this precious resource is for our survival and that of the environment. We need to abstain from polluting this natural resource either directly or indirectly. Some of the ways in which we can pollute water directly is by dumping waste into the water bodies while polluting indirectly involves weakening the top soil by engaging excessively in exhausting activities such as mining and overplanting causing the soil to be carried away by surface run-off water and into water bodies causing siltation.

Use of Public Transport: Another way in which we can travel responsibly while in Africa is embracing the use of public transport more often. Africa is a very large continent thus all modes of transport are considered when traveling between cities and countries here. The most common public transport is by bus. Many of the African countries have made progress in improving their road networks thus making it to be the best option for moving around cities within a country and even to nearby countries. Some of the road networks in Africa even connects several regions such as the Great North Road which starts from South Africa and ends in Egypt. It connects the Northern Africa region, the Eastern Africa region, and the Southern Africa region. Another major highway is the Trans-African highway which starts from Mombasa, Kenya to Lagos, Nigeria. It cuts through the Eastern region, Middle region, and Western region of Africa. Bus is the most affordable public transport option to travel in. Generally, it reduces congestion on roads and even minimizes the amount of toxic carbon emissions being released into the air.

Utilising the right waste disposal methods: Another way of traveling responsibly while in Africa entails disposing of waste appropriately. Waste has been a major problem to tackle in majority of the African countries as there are not enough waste management mechanisms put in place to handle all the waste that is being produced in huge amounts everyday. Research has shown that the current trend of waste production is very worrying to an extent that if no proper interventions are put in place, the amount of waste being produced is likely to triple after every ten years, and this should worry any sane government. Therefore, when we dispose of waste appropriately, we would be preserving the natural composition and beauty of the environment and even protecting ourselves from diseases caused directly and indirectly by the heaps of waste lying about. We would also be saving the governments resources thus enabling them to channel these resources to other important sectors in the economy such as health and education sectors.

Choosing eco friendly accommodation: Residing in eco-friendly accommodations while in Africa is also another way of traveling responsibly while in the continent. Green hotels usually put in the effort to minimize any negative effects they may occur to the environment while at the same time, improving the environmental conditions where possible. For example, many of these facilities have put in measures to handle all the waste being produced at their properties at the same time. They have embraced environmental-friendly practices such as using clean solar energy and collecting rain water for domestic use thus promoting clean air and preserving water, which is one of the most important natural resources, respectively.

Volunteering: Contributing to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of both human beings and animals is also another way of traveling responsibly while in Africa. Many of the African countries are still in the developing phase meaning that still, majority of the population here lives below the poverty line. These countries are faced with many challenges from lack of adequate resources to even corruption where the available resources are being embezzled by authorities. Despite all these challenges, non governmental organizations, both from within the countries themselves or from other countries, have come in to try and support and boost several important sectors in the country such as health, education, and even cultural sectors which will in turn improve the livelyhoods of locals here. Many of the endangered plant and animal species are also found in various countries here on the continent. Precise care and protection is being accorded to them to ensure their continuity of existence. This has come with challenges of its own but several measures are put in place that tend to counter these barriers. From donations to people adopting these animals, the funds garnered through these practices provide the necessary resources required to finance the operations of protecting and preserving these species.

Air Quality and Pollution

The air quality in Africa varies across various countries on the continent. Countries such as South Africa and Egypt, which are the two most developed countries in the continent, have put in measures to curb air pollution brought about by waste and toxic air emissions. For countries located in the various deserts in Africa, dust storms are also a great contributer to degradation of the air quality in these countries. Other countries are still faced with this huge problem that threatens their air quality levels. In terms of pollution, both solid and liquid wastes have taken a toll on all countries on the continent. Luanda in Angola is considered to be the most polluted city in the world followed by Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Some countries have even been unable to deal with this menace prompting other organizations and countries to come in and offer assistance in helping to reduce the pollution levels in these countries.

Luanda is ranked as the most polluted city in the world

Respect the Culture

The continent of Africa has one of the most diverse cultures in the world. Different tribes combine to form different countries which combine to form the majestic African continent. Most of these communities have very unique characteristics. The most important aspects considered in the culture of Africa are arts and crafts, clothing, languages, cuisines, folklore, music, and religion. The cultural diversity witnessed here occurs within a country's borders as well as across different countries. Similarities do exist amongst various communities found here. Some of these similarities include upholding of morals, respect for the elderly and the important people in the community, and also appreciating the love and respect they have for their cultures. The cultures here in Africa have been influenced both ways by the cultures of other continents. Many communities are making efforts to adapt to the dynamic lifestyle brought about by the modern culture. Earlier, Christianity, combined with the western culture had began to heavily influence many Africans to abandon their traditional cultures. However, African nationalism brought back the love for the traditional cultures attracting those who abandoned it at first. The national governments of the African countries have also played a huge role in preserving the traditional cultures of the local communities in their countries.

In terms of arts and crafts, most of the pieces crafted by the artists and craftsmen here are mostly wood carvings, leather, and brass works. These art pieces also include paintings, sculptures, cultural headgear and clothing, and also pottery. Several African cultures emphasize on personal appearance and even jewelry. These jewelries are usually made from materials such as cowry shells and the kind. The traditional masks that are also used by several communities here are usually made with amazing designs. The masks usually have cultural significance in crucial ceremonies such as those intended to depict ancestors, spirits, deities, and mythological creatures. In relation to the traditional art and craft traditions in the continent, various themes inspire the cultures found here such as a married couple, a pregnant woman, a man adorned in battle attire or with animal skin. Couples usually represent forefathers or even twins. This theme portrays very minimal intimacy levels between men and women. The theme of the pregnant woman exhibits the desire of women to bear children. The final theme of the man adorned in battle armour or animal skin symbolizes power and honor.

In terms of clothing, countries such as Ethiopia present to as some of the most amazing cultural designs that ever existed in the designing history of Africa. The traditional clothes for women in the country are usually made from a clothing material known as shemma. This material is also used to make a garment known as habesha kemis, which a cotton cloth stretching to about 90 centimeters in width, which are sewn together. In some occasions, shiny threads are sown into the fabric to achieve the elegant appearance. On the other hand, the men usually wear pants together with a white-collar shirt reaching at a knee's length. On several occasions, they also put on a sweater. The men will always wear knee-high socks while the women mostly wear no socks at all. Both men and women usually wear a shawl known as the netela.

For the Zulu community, they have several cultural attires that they usually wear during cultural events. For the men, their traditional clothing is light weight comprising of a two-part apron covering both the front and back private parts area. Traditionally, the front cloth of this apron is referred to as umutsha while the rear is referred to as ibheshu. The umutsha is made of animal hides such as that of the springbok where they are twisted into several bands. The ibheshu is made using cattle hides. The length of this rear piece is of cultural significance as it indicates one's age and social position. The elderly men usually wear longer ibheshu. Married men in this community will usually wear the umqhele, which is a headband made from either a leopard's or a springbok's hide by men who belong in the higher social class in the community. The men here also put on bracelets and anklets known as imishokobezi, which are cow tails, during cultural events including weddings or cultural dances. For the Muslim areas in the continent, their dressing code strictly adheres to the Islamic culture.

In terms of languages, Africa is believed to be home to one-third of all the languages found in the world. The Niger–Congo ethnolinguistic group is the largest language family in the world. The most widely spoken language on the continent is Swahili, believed to have more than 100 million speakers in Africa. Other languages that follow are Hausa, believed to have more than 38 million speakers; the Igbo language believed to have more than 21 million speakers; the Yoruba and Amharic languages believed to have more than 20 million speakers; and the Fula language believed to have more than 13 million speakers in Africa. European languages are part and parcel of the languages spoken in Africa. They include English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, German, and Portuguese.

Maasai wearing traditional clothes named Matavuvale while performing Adumu, a traditional dance

Top 10 Places to Visit

Maiombe Forest: It is usually referred to as the "Amazon of Africa". It is located in Angola. It sits on a total area of 400 square kilometers. Wildlife enthusiasts will feel the most at home at this nature reserve. Some of the amazing animals that you will get to see here include elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas among others.

Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC): This Natural Resource Conservation is located in Lagos state, Nigeria. It covers a total area of 78 hectares. It is run by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. It is aimed at protecting the wetlands found on the Lekki peninsula including savannahs and swamps. You will be able to appreciate the amazing boulevard lined with tall coconut trees when you approach this conservation reserve. This reserve is filled with diverse flora and fauna where you will get to learn and appreciate the nature created by the ecosystem here. Some of the animals that you will get to see include crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, and several bird species. You will be able to learn more about this conservation center when you visit the library located here.

The Bahia Palace: It is located in Marrakesh, Morocco. It was constructed during the 19th century, started by Si Musa, who was the grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman and was finished by his son, Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa, who was the grand vizier of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz. Its decor has captured the eyes of many tourists. The walls have stucco which has Arabic writings in scripted on it. It also has arabesques, muqarnas, and geometric patterns inscribed on it. The palace floors are fitted with marble and zellij tiles. The ceiling is made up of cedar colored with floral patterns. The building materials for this palace were all sourced locally where the cedar wood was sourced from Middle Atlas, the marble from Meknes, and the tiles were sourced from Tetouan. Local artisans are the ones who decorated this palace.

Deadvlei: It is a white clay pan which is situated close to the salt pan of Sossusvlei, inside the Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia. The name Deadvlei translates to mean "dead marsh".

Table Mountain: This flat-topped mountain is found in Cape Town, South Africa. Many tourists usually flock to this attraction site every year and scale the mountain either by cableway or hiking. It is part and parcel of the Table Mountain National Park. Most of the endemic plants and animals in the country are found here. The most notable feature is the three-kilometer long plateau which runs from side to side. It is bordered to the east by the Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west.

The Giza Pyramid Complex: It is also referred to as the Giza Necropolis. It is located on the Giza Plateau in the city of Giza, Egypt. Here, you will find the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Great Sphinx of Giza. This entire complex was constructed during the era of the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. This site also has several graves. It is located towards the end of the Western Desert, about 13 kilometers from the capital, Cairo.

The Asmara Synagogue: It is located in Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea. This synagogue is home to the last remaining Jewish community in the country. It was constructed in 1906. Here, you will find the main sanctuary, a Jewish cemetery, and several classrooms.

Dombo Hippo Pools: This lake is located in Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana. It is lined with some of the most scenic tracks. The roads that lead towards this lake usually vary depending on the amount of rainfall received which determines the flood levels that are experienced. Hippos usually converge along the shores, some several kilometers from the North Gate.

The Hassan II Mosque: It is located in Casablanca, Morocco. It is the largest mosque in the continent that is still operational and is 7th in ranking among the largest mosques in the world. Its minaret is 210 meters high and is believed to be the second highest in the world. This mosque was designed by Michel Pinseau, constructed by local artisans, and officially commissioned in 1993. Its minaret has a laser on top which usually shines its light towards Mecca. Its walls are made of marble with the roof of this mosque being retractable. This mosque has the capacity to accommodate up to 105,000 worshippers at any given time.

Kgale Hill: It is also known as Setswana which translates to "The Place that Dried Up". It is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It is also locally referred to as the "Sleeping Giant". It reaches a height of 1,287 meters.

The iconic Giza Pyramids are a must visit on your trip to Africa and especially Egypt

Explore

Africa is one of the seven continents of the world. It is comprised of 54 countries where the most developed country in the continent is South Africa. Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world owing to the many cultures and communities found here, not forgetting the majestic wildlife found in the continent. There are many attraction sites in the continent which you can visit to make memories of your stay here in the continent. Some of these amazing attraction sites in the continent are the Table Mountain found in Cape Town, South Africa ; the Lekki Conservation Centre found in Lagos, Nigeria and the Giza Pyramid Complex found in Giza, Egypt. You can also visit the various museums located across all countries in the continent where you can learn and appreciate the culture and traditions of different communities found here in Africa. Some of these fascinating museums include the Saraya Museum which is located in Tripoli, Libya and the Majorelle Garden which is located in Marrakech, Morocco. The majestic National parks found across several countries in the continent have more than to offer of the amazing wildlife found in Africa. These national parks include the Table Mountain National Park found in Cape Town, South Africa ; the Chobe National Park which is located in Okavango, Botswana; and the Guembeul Natural Reserve which is located in Saint-Louis, Senegal.

City Parks

Kloof Street Park: It is located along Kloof Street in Cape Town, South Africa. It is pet friendly where you can take your dog for a walk. You will also get to interact with locals here. A playground is available where children can go and have fun.

Kgale Hill Public Park: This park is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It is among the most enjoyable places to visit in the country. The management here has arranged for nature trails where you can engage in hiking and other exercises. The most interesting challenge here is the one of climbing a very high hill here in this park.

Safari Sharm El-Sheikh: This park is located in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Here, you get a chance to have an enjoyable experience riding on a camel. You also get a chance to enjoy speeding down the Sinai desert on a motorbike. Various statues located inside the park together with the breathtaking view of the sunrise complete this safari park.

Entrance to the Kloof Street Park

National Parks

Table Mountain National Park: It is located along Tafelberg Road in Cape Town. It stretches from the city to the Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope. The most predominant feature here is Table Mountain. One can scale the mountain using cableway, cycling, or hiking. It is among the national parks in the world with the richest floral species.

Kissama National Park: It is also referred to as Parque Nacional da Quissama. It is located on the northwest area of Angola. It covers a total area of 3,845 square miles. Majority of the vegetation here is comprised of Baobab forests and savannah grasslands. It has partnered with the Lion Conservation Unit program aimed at increasing the total number of lions in Africa. Other animals that you will also find here in this national park include giraffe, zebra, Buffalo, waterbuck, elephant, eland, antelope, and ostrich. You will be able to enjoy amazing hiking experiences that is part of the walking tours being held here.

Guembeul Natural Reserve: This natural reserve is situated in Saint-Louis in the Gandiol region in Senegal. It covers a total area of 720 hectares. In 1983, it was considered as an IUCN category IV Faunal Reserve. Here, you will be able to find a diverse number of mammals, reptiles, and several bird species. A special project is undertaken here whereby three species of endangered gazelles are being introduced here.

Algharabolli National Park: It is also known as the Karabolli National Park. It is situated adjacent to the Al-Garabulli in Tripoli, Libya. It was commissioned in 1992 and occupies a total of 8,000 hectares of land here in the capital. Several freshwater rivers are found here including coastal areas on the Mediterranean Sea. It has amazing beaches cliffs, and sand dunes. It also has a bird sanctuary which has more than 1,000 bird species. Hyenas and seals can also be found at this national park.

Chobe National Park: It is located in Okavango, Botswana. Here, you will be able to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. You will also be able to see various animal species roaming the lands here. The management here has stressed on cleanliness thus this park is usually immaculate. Boat rides are available here in this park.

Giraffes in Chobe National Park

Beaches

Ra's Nasrani: This beach is located in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Here, you get to enjoy professional snorkeling experiences right from shore. The surface current will gently carry you along the reef in the early afternoons. You also get to enjoy the amazing view of the coral reef. At this beach, you can snorkel either from a boat or nearby hotels.

Camps Bay Beach: This beach is located in Cape Town, South Africa. At this beautiful beach, you will be able to take magnificent photos that you can keep as a memory. People who come here are always charming and fun to hang out with. Changing rooms are available here thus you are assured of your privacy when changing into your swimming costume. Lifeguards are stationed in different parts of the beach to ensure everyone has a safe experience while swimming. You will also get to enjoy the breathtaking view of the sunset. Restaurants are within the vicinity of the beach and ample parking is always available which is a plus.

Other notable beaches include:

Watamu Beach, Kenya
Chitimba, Malawi
Anse Soleil, Seychelles
Belle Mare, Mauritius

The beautiful Watamu Beach in Kenya

Landmarks

Fortress of Sao Miguel: This Portuguese fortress is located in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. It was constructed in 1576 and is among the most popular monuments in the country. It was built by Paulo Dias de Novais who was a Portuguese governor. It was turned into an administrative capital for the adjacent colony.

The Christ Church: It is also referred to as Christuskirche. This ancient landmark is located in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. It is a beautiful historic landmark that was designed by an architect called Gottlieb Redecker.

Signal Hill: This hill is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It has a flat top and is located adjacent to Table Mountain and Lion's Head. There Signal Hill Road traverses this summit where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Cape Town city center and the Atlantic Ocean. You can also enjoy incredible views of the sunset from here. There is the Appleton Scout Campsite along this mountain road where scouts from South Africa carry out their activities. Several tombs belonging to Muslim and Christian missionaries can be found here with the most predominant one being a white square building with a green dome, believed to belong to Sheikh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibie.

The Arch of Marcus Aurelius: This is a Roman arch located in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It is located towards the north of the city close to the Medina. It is a popular tourist attraction here in Tripoli.

Monument de L'Independance: It is located in Bamako, the capital city of Mali. It is situated in the middle of the Place de l'Independance roundabout. It was built to celebrate the independence Mali got from the colonialists.

The Three Dikgosi Monument: It is located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Statues on this monument portray three dikgosi which are Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse, Khama III of the Bangwato, and the Sebele I of the Bakwena. It is among the most famous landmarks in the country. It was constructed in 2005.

Fortress of Sao Miguel

Museums

The Majorelle Garden: It is located in Marrakech, Morocco. Its inception was inspired by Jacques Majorelle, an orientalist artist from France. The Cubist villa found here was designed by Paul Sinoir, an architect from France. Its ownership changed in the 1980s when it was bought by two fashion designers, Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint-Laurent. Here, you will be able to see the Berber Museum, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.

The National Museum of Eritrea: This museum is located in Asmara, the capital city of Eritrea. It was constructed by Woldeab Woldemariam on 1992. Its initial location was the former Governors Palace until this museum was moved in 1997. It was moved to a former Comboni Sisters School for Women. Here, you will be able to learn about the history of the country and its people. You will also be able to appreciate the various artifacts that were used by various ethnic communities in the country. The management here has been conducting excursions to try and discover new archeological sites in the country.

Angola Natural History Museum: It is located in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. Majority of the traditional artifacts used by the communities here in Angola can be found in this museum. Interestingly enough, you will also be able to see several plants and animal species here in this museum.

Saraya Museum: It is located in Tripoli, the capital city of Libya. It is the national museum in the country. It is situated in the Red Castle building which is one of the ancient buildings in the country. It was commissioned in 1919 during the colonial period. The museum preserves and displays various archeological artifacts that were collected by the Italians during the colonial period. This museum is surrounded with a big square which is believed to have been designed by Florestano Di Fausto, an Italian architect. It was commissioned to the public in 1988 and was renamed the Assaraya Alhamra MuseumRed Castle Museum. It is fitted with up-to-date facilities including a wheelchair ramp at the entrance. It is usually open for 24 hours.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities: It is also called the Egyptian Museum or Museum of Cairo. It is located in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. It was constructed in 1901 and it is where Egyptian ancient artifacts are located. It was designed by Marcel Dourgnon, an architect from France and was built by Garozzo-Zaffarani, a construction company based in Italy. It was officially commissioned in 2019.

The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

Eat

Typical Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine: Injera (pancake-like bread) and several kinds of wat (stew)

PRIMI: This restaurant is situated in Maseru mall, Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. The ambiance generated here is quite warm and is a very nice place to hang out with your family and friends. They have a menu that has both vegan and non-vegan options. The delicacies found here are amazing. Be prepared to spend money here as the prices are quite high. It is the only restaurant in Maseru where you can get gluten-free pasta or pizza. It is usually open all through the week from 9 am to 5 pm. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +266 5250 5205.

Mat'am al-Saraya: This restaurant is located in the CBD of Tripoli, Libya. You will be able to eat local cuisines here. The most interesting thing about this restaurant is that you will get a chance to smoke shisha here. Seating arrangement here is both suited for those who prefer to eat as individuals and those who enjoy eating in groups. It is usually open all through the week from 10 am to 11 pm.

Green & Vegan Pop Up Dining: This restaurant is located in Cape Town, South Africa. The host here goes the extra mile to make you feel very welcome here. You will get to enjoy tasty delicacies here with locals and also people from other nationalities. The vegetarian and vegan dishes offered here are very tasty as they include vegan cheeses, broccoli soup, and buckwheat biscuits among others. The desserts offered are also very tasty.

Café Tunisie. This cafe is located in Nouakchott, the capital city of Mauritania. Here, you will be able to enjoy amazing coffee, freshly baked bread, yoghurt, chicken brochette, rice, chips, mains, spiced sausage, and pastries. The seating area is strategically located so that you can enjoy the activities happening around while eating.

Boharat restaurant: It is located in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. It usually offers Egyptian cuisines usually prepared by qualified Chefs. The price usually ranges between $2 and $4. The restaurant provides a variety of cuisines from different parts of the world including the Mediterranean and the Middle East. It is also suitable for people who prefer vegetables over meat as vegan options are also available. The restaurant has a free internet connection, a pub that sells alcohol, wine, and beer. Customers tend to enjoy digital payment and table service.

Mama Africa: This restaurant is located in Cape Town, South Africa. Here, you will be able to enjoy tasty Africa's exotic dishes including warthog, ostrich steak, springbok, and crocodile. The staff here are charming and very friendly. They are very patient and very willing to walk you through the menu and make recommendations that will best suit you.

Drink

Twisters: This bar is located in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. It is most suited for those who prefer to eat in groups as adequate seating arrangement is available here. There is a wide selection of beers and wines to choose from. It is usually open all through the week from 10 am to 11 pm.

The Gin Bar: This bar is located in Cape Town, South Africa. Here, you will get to enjoy an amazing gin collection with the amazing seating arrangement being a plus. The staff is friendly and professionally interacts with clients. You will spend up to R200 for 2 Gin and tonic.

Pier 88: This bar is located in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. It is a very interesting venue as it is situated on the top deck of a boat. You will be able to enjoy majestic views of river Nile from here. You will get to choose from a wide selection of wines and beers. The atmosphere is usually electric during the weekends as the bar is usually packed.

Tap-water

The continent of Africa comprises of many countries where the portability of faucet water varies between them. Generally, we cannot measure the portability levels of tap water using only our physical eyes hence it is best to buy bottled water when we visit several countries in the continent. Some countries have mqje significant progress in improving the portability levels of the tap water which eventually becomes safe for drinking. Although this is the case, adding to the fact that the portability levels vary, it is best to drink bottled water that have been verified by legally approved water companies in the respective countries as many fraudsters have gone the extra mile of selling bottled water that hasn't been approved by the local authorities.

In many countries in Africa, jerry cans which are used to transport and store water are a good option for safe storage

Activities

Cable Car at Table Mountain

Africa being the second largest continent in the world has so much to offer. Countless places to see and activities to take part in. Some of the activities that you can enjoy in Africa include:

Riding the cable cars over Table mountain in Cape Town, South Africa
Snorkelling and Kayaking in Seychelles
Going on a cruise on the Nile River in Egypt
Enjoying a safari tour through Kenya and Tanzania
Trekking to see mountain gorillas at the Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda
Climbing sand dunes in Namibia
Visiting spice markets in Morocco

Accommodation

Road Lodge: This lodge is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It comprises 90 relatively large rooms.it is situated next to the Cape Town International Airport thus those who need to catch flights here are encouraged to seek accommodation at this lodge. It is also close to the city itself. You will be able to visit various mountains, beaches, wine lands and much more as this lodge is conveniently located to these sites. The rooms can accommodate a maximum of three people. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include TV, 24-hour reception, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.

Ziroc Residence: This residential property is located in Lekki, Nigeria. Amenities that guests will get to enjoy here include free Wi-Fi, a garden, a shared lounge area, an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar on-site. The rooms here are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a work desk, a dishwasher, an electric kettle, free toiletries, a wardrobe, and a personal bathroom. Guests will be able to enjoy a continental breakfast here every morning. Services that you will get to enjoy here include 24-hour reception services, room service, bicycle rental services, and airport transfer services. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport is located 24 kilometers from this residence.

El Khan: This property is located along Arbaa Arsat Street in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It comprises a total of fifteen rooms which are furnished in Arabic style. The staff here is very welcoming and very helpful to clients. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include an outdoor pool, laundry services, ironing services, and free Wi-Fi throughout the complex. Guests will also get to enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning. There are a bar and a restaurant on-site with 24-hour reception services being a plus.

Green Hotels

Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa: It is located in Jamaâ El Fna Square in Morocco. Guests here will get to enjoy free Wi-Fi, a spa, a bar, 3 restaurants, a garden, 3 swimming pools, a gym, and ample parking. The rooms here have a private balcony and are furnished in luxury style. Services that you will get to enjoy here include valet services, 24-hour front desk services, and currency exchange services. Popular points of interest located close to this hotel include the Marrakech Menara Airport and the Bahia Palace which is located 1 kilometer from this property.

Afriski Mountain Resort: This restaurant is located next to the Maluti Mountains in Lesotho. It is the only ski resort in the country. The rooms here are very spacious and are fitted with a satellite TV, tea-and-coffee-making facilities, and a fully equipped personal bathroom. A complimentary breakfast is usually offered to the guests here every morning. Guests here will be able to enjoy various activities offered here including snowboarding, cycling, hiking, skiing, and 4x4 trails. You can rent the necessary equipment here at this hotel. There is a ski school on site. Points of interest close to this property include the Ficksburg Border Post which is 124 kilometers away and Maseru city which is 205 kilometers away.

Hotel Argana: It is situated in Agadir, Morocco. It is located a few meters from both the beach and the city center. Amenities that guests will get to enjoy here include a spa, a private beach, 2 restaurants, free Wi-Fi, a garden, and an outdoor swimming pool. The rooms here are fitted with a satellite TV, a balcony, and a fully equipped personal bathroom. Guests here will get to enjoy a buffet breakfast every morning. The management here has installed adequate waste disposal bins that can handle all the waste that is produced here. They are regularly emptied and the waste is disposed of appropriately. The management here has also installed several solar panels to tap renewable energy from the sun. You can enjoy both local and international cuisines at the restaurants here. The most popular point of interest located close to this hotel is the Agadir Airport.

Atlantic view Cape Town Boutique Hotel: This hotels is located in Cape Town, South Africa. Here, you are assured of enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also conveniently located for conducting hikes to scale Table Mountain. Restaurants and the beach are within walking distance from this hotel. The staff interacts with clients in a friendly and charming manner. You will get to enjoy comfortable beds with the tasty food and amazing wine offered here being a plus.

Kiriza: This hotel is located in Hammamet, Tunisia. It is located close to the beach. This hotel has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. This hotel has enough waste disposal bins. They also use electricity to cook thus omitting the release of carbon monoxide into the air. The management has also installed rain water collection tanks thus conserving water.

Noom Hotel: It is located in Niamey, the capital city of Niger. Amenities that guests will get to enjoy here include free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, and free ample parking on-site. The rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, a work desk, an electric kettle, a fridge, a hair dryer, and a personal bathroom. Guests will get to enjoy a buffet breakfast here every morning. Services offered here include 24-hour reception services, room services, currency exchange services, and free airport shuttle services. Rain water collection tanks have been installed at various points within this complex. Proper waste management systems have also been employed by the management here. Popular points of interest located close to this place include the French Embassy, the Palais des Congres, and the Diori Hamani Airport which is located 9 kilometers from this property.

Hostels and Guest Houses

Long Street Backpackers: It is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is conveniently situated in the city's CBD area. The garden in the property is attended to in detail thus portraying the beauty of the place. You will be able to see many plants and stringed lights. The staff here is excellent and the prices here are very reasonable.

Aliz Ambruz: This hostel is located in Uyo, Nigeria. Amenities that guests will get to enjoy here include free Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a restaurant, and a bar on-site. The rooms here are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and a personal bathroom. Services that you will get to enjoy here include 24-hour reception services, room services, and airport shuttle services. Guests will have the option of choosing between a continental or a la carte breakfast every morning during their stay here. Table tennis facilities are available here at this hostel. The Akwa Ibom Airport is located 21 kilometers from this hostel.

Seed Guest House: It is located in Tripoli, the capital city of Libya. Amenities that guests will get too enjoy here include free Wi-Fi throughout the complex and ample parking on-site. This guest house is located several minutes from the ancient Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles and the 14th-century Mansouri Great Mosque. The management here offers airport shuttle services. The check-in time at this guest house is usually 3 pm while the check-out time is usually 9 am. The most popular point of interest from this guest house is the Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, which is located 87 kilometers from this property.

Apartments

Tripoli Apartments: They are located in Tripoli, the capital city of Libya. These apartments are usually furnished and are available for rent for either short-term or long-term stay. They are conveniently located and cleanliness here is usually given a priority. The staff here is amazing and security at these apartments is usually at top notch.

My Kasi Home: This apartment is located in Maseru, the capital city of Lesotho. There are a bar and ample parking at this property. The rooms here are fairly large and are come with a flat-screen TV. Guests will get to enjoy either an English or Irish breakfast every day. Points of interest that are close to this property include the Basotho Hat Tourist Information, Our Lady of Victories Cathedral, and New tourist info center.

The Onyx Apartment: It is located approximately 1.8 kilometers from Long Street in Cape Town, South Africa. The Arts Cape Theatre is within walking distance from this property. Amenities that you will get to enjoy here include a satellite flat-screen TV; free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, free toiletries, seating and a dining area in all units, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, and a shower.

Couchsurfing

One of the major income generators of the continent is tourism. Many of the people in various countries on the continent have decided to take it upon themselves to make visitors feel more than welcome when they visit their country. They have achieved this by enrolling in their numbers in the many websites offering couch surfing services where they can link up with potential visitors and plan on how to meet and make the necessary residential arrangements.

Camping

SinaCamp Ras Mo: It is located in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. This campsite is one of a kind as you get a chance to enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters. Privacy is guaranteed here thus; you get the chance to peacefully enjoy the nightlife by the campfire. amenities that you get to enjoy at this campsite include a kitchen in specific rooms and ample parking.

Ihlati bush camp: This campsite is located in Cape Town, South Africa. Here, you will get to enjoy tasty delicacies being prepared at this camp. Right from the hosts to the staff around, all portray high levels of professionalism and experience. They are usually friendly and very welcoming. You can also host events at this property.

Regions

Map of Africa

North Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Western Sahara)
The countries that rim the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Sahel (Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Sudan)
The desert and savanna nations that span the Sahel and southern half of the Sahara Desert.

West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo)
The tropical Atlantic coastal nations.

Central Africa (Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, South Sudan)
The heart of Africa.

East Africa (Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Reunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda)
The nations that border the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Southern Africa (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe)
Nations at Africa's southern tip.

Other territories

Atlantic Ocean Islands: Canary Islands (Spain), Madeira Islands (Portugal), Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (UK)

Spanish Exclaves: Ceuta, Melilla

Indian Ocean Islands: Mayotte (France), Reunion (France), Socotra (Yemen)

Cities

Accra — the capital of Ghana and one of the most accessible cities in West Africa for travellers
Addis Ababa — the huge capital of Ethiopia and a major hub for NGOs and the African Union
Cairo — the largest city in Africa with major monuments of Ancient Egypt nearby
Cape Town — the iconic Mother City of South Africa with Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope and numerous other attractions
Dakar — the capital of Senegal and the westernmost city in Africa
Johannesburg — South Africa's largest city and perhaps the continent's key financial and economic centre

Johannesburg

Luanda — the capital of Angola, which has been through a huge renaissance in the past decade
Marrakesh — a blend of the ancient and modern in Morocco
Nairobi — the capital of Kenya and the largest city in East Africa
Windhoek — the capital of Namibia and the largest city in Namibia

Getting There and Moving Around

Africa can be accessed by all modes of transport which includes Air, road, railway, and sea. Since Africa is a very big continent, we are going to look at transport in some regions of the continent which are the Northern, Sahel, and Southern regions in that order.

Majority of the major cities in the Northern region are connected with improved road networks thus you can easily access them by road. Six out of the seven north African countries have coastlines hence, you can also access these countries by sea.

The Sahel region is comprised of nine countries which are Mauritania, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Niger, Eritrea, Chad, Nigeria, and Mali. You can access all of these countries by air, by road, some by rail and only 5 out of the 9 by sea. The countries that you can access by sea/ocean are Sudan, Eritrea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mauritania.

The countries that make up the Southern Africa region are South Africa, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Zambia, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique. All these countries can be accessed by air as the governments here have made the necessary arrangements to pave the main international airports in their respective countries. Road is also the most common mode of transport within this region. The countries have put in the effort to pave most of the roads leading to major destinations in the countries. Not all countries can be accessed by sea as some countries here in this region are landlocked.

Air

Cairo International Airport. It is located in Cairo, Egypt and is the main international airport in the country. It is situated in Heliopolis, some few kilometers from the CBD. It covers a total area of 37 square kilometers. It is the principal hub for Egypt Air and Nile Air among other airlines. It is believed to be the second busiest airport in the continent.

South Africa is known to have international airports in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Nelspruit. The country's official international Airport is located in Johannesburg. Nespruit's International Airport is usually used by flights heading to the Kruger National Park. Some of the international airlines which travel to South Africa are Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airways, Air Botswana, Air Namibia, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Delta Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Air France, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, and Singapore Airlines among others.

Other busy airports include Sharm El-Sheikh international airport, Hurghada International Airport and Murtala Mohammed International Airport (Nigeria)

Inside the departure hall of Cape Town International Airport

Bus

The Bus System in Africa is most advanced in South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia and Mauritius. Some remote places do have their fare share of issues with bus transport though. Buses are the safest modes of transport in the South Africa. However, bus services in the country are usually not easily available during off-peak hours. Buses also do not reach to certain destinations thus forcing travelers to use another means of transport to complete their journey. This puts a strain on the time they spend traveling and also the additional costs they incur.

Bus station in Nabeul, Tunisia

Train

Tanzania Railway is probably Africa's Best. Even the South African railway system, which is the largest one in the continent and the tenth largest railway system in the world. There are some luxury trains in South Africa and one of the most notable trains is known as the Blue Train. The train runs between Cape Town to Johannesburg.The national government has made sure that all the major cities in South Africa are connected by a railway line. It is owned and operated by the national government. Transnet is the most popular train company in South Africa.

Inside of The Blue Train

Hitchhiking

In most of the communities here in Africa, kindheartedness has been one of the moral principles that they hold dear in their cultures. This virtue has also been embraced by people who have also embraced the western culture while here in Africa. You will be able to hitch a ride easily while in many parts of Africa. You will get to enjoy the amazing interaction with the locals in the specific countries where you can even exchange ideas and learn some bit of each other's traditions.

Others

South Africa has several ports where ships can safely dock when coming in to the country from sea. These harbors include Durban, Port Elizabeth, George and Saldanha Bay, Mossel Bay, East London and even Cape Town. The port operations in the country are run by two companies under Transnet which are the Transnet National Ports Authority and South African Port Operations (SAPO).

Sustainable Shopping

Africa has picked up pace in the designing industry, bringing in that traditional feeling to this industry. Although many big companies like Gucci still lead this industry by far, many people are also looking for that unique touch that African designs bring to the table. With this in mind, many experienced designers are bringing in a new wave of zero waste materials that can be used to make clothes that will have very minimal impact on the environment once it has been discarded as it can also be recycled. The other sector that has really picked up pace in the sustainable shopping venture is the food industry.

Recycling

Not many countries in Africa have reached the development threshold but they are beginning to make excellent progress in dealing with the waste that is being produced in their countries overall. Although this journey is not easy, various international organizations such as the World Bank and the United Nations have come in to try and set up modernized recycling centers that will be able to reduce the amount of waste in the various countries in the continent.

Waste

Both solid and liquid waste have been a huge menace in many of the countries in Africa. From industries to business premises to residential area, all these places are huge generators of waste and if the respective countries do not put enough measures to tackle this scourge, then they could be looking at a major blow in all the sectors in their countries ranging from health to security to even the tourism sectors.

Work and Study Abroad

Africa has provided a very wide market many business opportunities both new and already existing, triggering an influx of entrepreneurs, investors and even expatriates to the continent. From sale of cars to electronics to clothes and even food substances, Africa provides a wide market for all these commodities. The United Nations has set up several of its offices in various countries on the continent to facilitate its operations in Africa. Some of these offices include:

United Nations Mission for the Referendum (MINURSO). It is located in Laayoune, Western Sahara.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It is located in Giza, Egypt.

United Nations Association of South Africa. It is located along Victoria Street in Cape Town, South Africa. It is usually open from Monday to Friday between 9 am to 4 pm. It is however closed over the weekends. You can get in touch with the management using this number, +27 21 850 0509.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It is located in Algiers, Algeria.

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) . It is located along St George's Mall Waldorf Arcade in Cape Town, South Africa. You can get in touch with the management here using this number, +27 80 010 0030.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It is located in Rabat, Morocco

Exchange Student

The University of South Africa (UNISA): It is the biggest university in South Africa. Research shows that almost a third of the local population in the country enroll at this university. Several foreign students from more than 130 countries have also enrolled in this university. The management here has arranged for both vocational and academic courses to be offered here. This university also brags about having some of the most notable people as their alumni. They include Nelson Mandela, who was the first democratically elected president of South Africa and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

The University of Tripoli (UOT): It is located in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. It is the largest university in the country. It was established in 1957 as an affiliate of the University of Libya but later pulled out and became a university of itself in 1973.

The University of Nigeria(UNN): This university is located in Nsukka in Enugu State, Nigeria.it is a federal university. It was established in 1955 by Nnamdi Azikiwe. It was officially commissioned in October 1960. It is the main university in the country offering a huge variety of courses that are internationally recognized. It has three campuses here in Enugu State. These campuses are Enugu, Nsuka, and Ituku-Ozalla. It also has the Aba campus in Abia State.

The University of Cape Town (UCT): This is a public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. It was first commissioned in 1829 as the South African College. It is believed to be the oldest university in the whole country. It is the highest-ranked African university in the QS World University Rankings, the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities. Some of its best courses include Law, Medicine, and Commerce. It is the only African member of the Global University Leaders Forum (GULF), within the World Economic Forum, which is made up of 26 of the world's top universities.

Cairo University: It was initially called the Egyptian University from 1908 to 1940, then its name changed to King Fuad I University from 1940 to 1952. It is a public university with its main campus being located in Giza, Egypt. It was established in December, 1908. It is the second oldest university in the country after Al Azhar University. It boasts of producing three Nobel prize winners.

Au Pair

There is a boom in demand for Au Pairs in South Africa but rest of the African countries have a lot of catching up to do in this regard. Nigeria and Egypt are also great countries for Au Pairs but there are little to no opportunities in countries like Somalia, Burundi, Malawi or Liberia. Since locals heavily rely on tourism industry themselves, it is not feasible for them to start paying tourists to stay with them to help with house hold chores. Even if it is done the money will not be a big amount especially if you come from Europe, America etc.

Volunteering

There are countless volunteering opportunities that you can be a part of in Africa. You can truly make an impact and help these people on grassroots levels. Instead of just donating money to international organisations, become a volunteer and physically visit these areas to see the plight of people in the rural and underdeveloped countries of Africa. The organisations that can help you do this include:

International Volunteer HQ
Love Volunteers
GoEco
African Impact