Africa Continent

Information and Tourism



africaThe planet's second-largest and second-most densely populated continent, Africa is currently called home by more than one billion people, which equates to roughly 12 percent of the global population. Africa covers some 30 million square km / 11.6 million square miles and comprises just over 60 different territories, which are grouped in Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western regions. In Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is a record-breaking free-standing mountain and features no less than three volcanic cones. At the other end of the scale, Lake Assal in Djibouti is actually the lowest point in the whole of Africa, while the sweeping sand dunes of the Sahara Desert offer something completely different.

Known for its diamond mines and extensive gold resources, Africa also offers some epic tourist magnets, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, which is actually one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. South Africa is another popular country and is where you will encounter the famous Table Mountain at Cape Town and a multitude of soaring skyscrapers in the modern metropolis of Johannesburg.



Many visitors choose to volunteer in Africa as part of an international project, giving their time freely to teach, improve human rights and carry out much-needed conservation work. Others come to Africa for its wildlife, with spreading national parks and game reserves being home to elephants, giraffes, lions and zebras, amongst many other indigenous African animals. Particularly notable safaris are based around the Okavango Delta and also within the national parks of Etosha, Kruger, Masai Mara, Nairobi, Serengeti, the Simien Mountains and South Luangwa. Kenya is an especially popular safari destination in Africa and features many superb wildlife reserves.

On the far north-westerly tip of Africa and lying next to Algeria, the country of Morocco is another popular tourist destination. Morocco's capital city of Marrakech offers everything from sumptuous Moroccan palaces and mosques, to kasbahs and an enormous lively market (souq) known throughout the world.


WORLD GUIDES TO ALGERIA
Located within North Africa and alongside the Mediterranean Sea, the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria ranks as the continent's second-biggest country.

Tourism in Algeria is very much a burgeoning industry and suits confident travellers looking for a unique holiday. The beaches of the Turquoise Coast are a real highlight, along with the Sahara dunes, the peaks of the Hoggar Mountains and the sights based within Algiers, the capital.
Algeria
WORLD GUIDES TO BOTSWANA
Fortune, success and a wealth of natural resources have all favoured the Republic of Botswana, a country famous for its diamond mining. Sited within Southern Africa, Botswana boasts sprawling savannahs, valleys within its section of the Kalahari Desert and numerous national parks.

Gabarone serves as the capital of Botswana and sits close to the south-easterly border with South Africa, where it is conveniently nearby a number of noteworthy game reserves, such as the Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
Botswana
WORLD GUIDES TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is certainly a country suiting the more intrepid and adventurous traveller - this is far from anything resembling a traditional holiday destination.

With verdant rainforests, giant lakes, towering volcanoes and wild mountain gorillas, there is certainly plenty to see if you are organised and prepared to travel. Kinshasa, the capital, is considered to be amongst the country's safest cities and is a good starting point.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
WORLD GUIDES TO EGYPT
Egypt contains some of the most spectacular landmarks on the whole planet and is located in North Africa. The city of Cairo is the capital city and where many spectacular sights are to be found, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the tomb of Tutankhamun, and more.

A number of outstanding resorts offer beachfront locations, next to either the Mediterranean or the Red Sea, where scuba diving is especially popular.
Abu Simbel Alexandria Aswan Cairo El Alamein Hurghada Luxor Sharm el Sheikh
WORLD GUIDES TO ETHIOPIA
Ethiopia is often widely associated with famine, disease and arid deserts. However, this image is far from accurate and the country actually comes with many chunks of lush countryside.

Most visitors to Ethiopia choose to base themselves in the capital, Addis Ababa, which resides in the heart of the country. Overlooked by Mount Entoto, Addis Ababa is a modern city known for its beautiful Holy Trinity Cathedral, Lion of Judah Monument and Menelik II Square.
Ethiopia
WORLD GUIDES TO THE GAMBIA
The Republic of The Gambia lies within Western Africa and is a popular tourist destination, thanks in no small part to its appealing beach resorts and plentiful sunshine.

Banjul, the Gambian capital, is situated next to the River Gambia's mouth and features an abundance of colonial-style buildings, which contrast with more modern office blocks. Both the Kiang West National Park and the Abuko Nature Reserve provide the chance to experience local African wildlife.
The Gambia
WORLD GUIDES TO GHANA
A relatively affluent and popular African country, Ghana offers endless opportunities for sightseeing tourists looking for a trouble-free vacation.

Accra functions as the capital of Ghana and it is here where most tourists tend to head, due to its cluster of well-developed beach resorts, such as those of Labadi and Bojo. Elsewhere, the slave forts of the Cape Coast, the beaches at Sekondi Takoradi, the Tamale palaces and the traditional attractions of Kumasi are also worth considering.
Ghana
WORLD GUIDES TO KENYA
A much-visited African country, Kenya is famed for its nature reserves and safari opportunities, as well as its beaches, mountain peaks and deserts.

Many visitors to Kenya are drawn to the beaches around Mombasa, where wild monkeys can often be spotted. In Nairobi, the capital city, a vibrant cultural scene will be encountered. Highlights here include the Nairobi Zoo, the National Museum of Kenya and the Rahimtulla Museum of Modern Art, as well as the neighbouring Nairobi National Park.
Kenya
WORLD GUIDES TO LIBYA
Based in North Africa, the country of Libya is currently considered rather unstable following Civil War conflicts.

Whilst there are undoubtedly some fine sights to savour here, independent travellers are no longer permitted. Instead, if Libya is a country that you wish to explore, you will need to join an official tour group to pay a visit to attractions such as the Al-Saraya Al-Hamra Castle, the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the ancient sites of Cyrene, Leptis Magna and Sabratha.
Libya
WORLD GUIDES TO MADAGASCAR
Picture the island nation of Madagascar and you will most likely conjure up images of lemurs, jungles and natural beauty. The principal island of Madagascar resides off south-eastern Africa and is at its most appealing between the months of April and December, outside of the rainy season.

Antananarivo (Tana) is the capital of Madagascar and where you will find the Queen's Palace (Rova), the Ambohitsorohitra Palace, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga and the Andafiavaratra Museum.
Madagascar
WORLD GUIDES TO MALAWI
A landlocked country living in South-East Africa, Malawi features many appealing towns and cities, with Lilongwe being the capital and home to its renowned Tobacco Auction, Lilongwe Nature Reserve and Zoo, and attractive colonial-style Old Town attractions.

The Lake Malawi National Park stands out to holidaymakers and offers boat trips, snorkelling and even scuba diving excursions, while elephants, hippos and zebras can all be admired at the Kasungu National Park.
Malawi
WORLD GUIDES TO MAURITIUS
Lying on the south-westerly side of the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is within relatively close proximity to both Madagascar and the Seychelles.

Tourism resorts, soft sandy beaches, modern malls and innumerable waterfront hotels are never far from hand. Port Louis is the capital city and dominates the north-western side of the island.

Mauritius Port Louis
WORLD GUIDES TO MOROCCO
Located within North Africa and next to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is a sunny country, with past civilisations dating back some 10,000 years.

Tourists favour the northerly Mediterranean Morocco area, where hotspots including Ceuta, Chefchaouen, Melilla, Tangier and Tetouan can all be found. Other locations and cities of interest in Morocco include Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat, the capital.
Marrakech
WORLD GUIDES TO MOZAMBIQUE
Many travel agents believe that Mozambique is destined to become a hugely popular tourist destination in the very near future. Maputo, the capital city, is already seeing increased visitor numbers, with its self-guided walking tours proving to be extremely enjoyable.

The superb beaches of Mozambique are another magnet for visitors, along with plentiful scuba diving possibilities. Of note, both the Bazaruto islands and the Quirimbas National Park rank amongst the top dive spots.
Mozambique
WORLD GUIDES TO NAMIBIA
Namibia resides in Southern Africa, being especially hot and arid. Bordering both the Kalahari Desert and the South Atlantic Ocean, the scenery of Namibia is best described as diverse.

The capital of Windhoek has plenty to offer, with its top attractions including the Christ Church (Christuskirche), the Ink Palace (Tintenpalast) and the Old Fort (Alte Fest). Further Namibian highlights include the Cape Cross Seal Colony, the Skeleton Coast and the Etosha National Park.
Namibia
WORLD GUIDES TO NIGERIA
Located in West Africa and directly north of Cameroon, Nigeria boasts the most sizeable population of all African countries, topping 150 million.

Nigeria is of great importance when it comes to African economics and politics, whilst it also offers an enticing Atlantic coastline with more than a handful of tropical sandy beaches. Close to the iconic Zuma Rock, the capital, Abuja, contains a wealth of attractions, as does Lagos Island, where bustling markets reliably draw the crowds.
Nigeria
WORLD GUIDES TO THE SEYCHELLES
A wealthy archipelago with a seemingly endless array of dreamy beaches, the Seychelles was recently frequented by none other than Prince William, who chose the North Island as the private location of his honeymoon.

Most holidaymakers choose to spend their time sunbathing on Mahé, the largest of all the Seychelles islands. Mahé's capital, Victoria, boasts roughly 90 percent of the country's entire population, while further islands of significance include Curieuse, Fregate, La Digue and Praslin.
The Seychelles
WORLD GUIDES TO SOUTH AFRICA
The Republic of South Africa actually attracts a larger number of visitors than any other area within sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa is bordered by both the Indian and Atlantic oceans, and is home to a number of exceptional safari parks, such as the Kruger National Park.

Cape Town is the capital of South Africa and enjoys a splendid backdrop, provided by its Table Mountain and coastline.
Cape Town Durban Johannesburg Pretoria Port Elizabeth
WORLD GUIDES TO SOUTH SUDAN
Following a nationwide referendum in the summer of 2011, it was decided that this fledgling nation should be formed and South Sudan now remains quite separate from adjoining Sudan. These two countries sit side by side, and yet remain quite different in character.

As the world's youngest country, South Sudan is still finding its feet and so is not yet geared up for the world of tourism. Much of its appeal lies within its vast and quite untouched national parks, which each year experience the spectacle of one of the planet's largest migrations of animals.
South Sudan
WORLD GUIDES TO SUDAN
As one of Africa's least visited countries, Sudan does not really have an established tourist industry. Many of the principal attractions reside within Khartoum, its capital city, where cruises down the Nile are extremely popular.

Elsewhere in Sudan, the Pyramids of Meroe are well worth the trek and really do offer a glimpse into an extraordinary past. Other ancient sites of note include the Musawwrat es Sufra temple and the rather grandiose remains of the Temple of the God of Amun.
Sudan
WORLD GUIDES TO SWAZILAND
The Kingdom of Swaziland is based within Southern Africa and is really rather small when compared to neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa.

Swaziland comes with numerous notable cities, with Mbabane functioning as its administrative capital, and Lobamba being regarded as its legislative capital. The game reserves of Swaziland are of note and include those of Mkhaya, Mlilwane, Mlawula and Malolotja, as well as the Hlane Royal National Park - home to elephants, lions and rhinos.
Swaziland
WORLD GUIDES TO TANZANIA
Officially named the United Republic of Tanzania, this African nation sits in East Africa, where it borders Kenya to the north and Mozambique to the south, amongst other countries.

Few first-time visitors to Tanzania don't come with an itinerary featuring a safari visit to the Serengeti National Park, while adventure seekers may consider taking to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. Dodoma is the Tanzanian capital, although tourism is noticeably concentrated around Dar es Salaam.
Tanzania Zanzibar
WORLD GUIDES TO TUNISIA
Photo of Tunisia, by Citizen 59The Republic of Tunisia is to be found on the far northern side of Africa, between Algeria and Libya. Tunis is both the country's capital and biggest city, being home to a particularly fascinating 'medina'.

Many tourists come to Tunisia for a beach holiday and some very tempting seaside towns and resorts line its Mediterranean coastline. The beaches of Carthage, Djerba, Hammamet, Monastir, Sousse and also Tabarka are all of note, while much of the south is taken up by the Sahara Desert.
Tunisia
WORLD GUIDES TO UGANDA
Photo of the Kampala skyline, UgandaThe Republic of Uganda is a landlocked country known for being much favoured by England's famous war prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. Folliwng Idi Amin's death in 2003, Uganda is enjoying considerably more stability and a burgeoning tourism industry.

Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and is filled with modern hotels and sights to see, including mosques, parliament buildings and a grand cathedral. Jinja - home to the Source of the Niles Gardens, is a must-see, as are the Ssezibwa Falls, the Murchison Falls and Lake Bunyonyi.
Uganda
WORLD GUIDES TO ZAMBIA
Photo of the Victoria Falls, on the border of ZambiaIf you are planning a vacation and hoping to experience the 'Real Africa', then Zambia is the place to come. Based on the southern side of Africa, Zambia has strong associations with David Livingstone and comes with many spectacular natural attractions.

Not to be missed are the Victoria Falls, along with the Lower Zambezi National Park, Lake Kariba, Lake Bangweulu, the Batoka Gorge and the plentiful tourist attractions located within Zambia's capital, Lusaka.
Zambia
WORLD GUIDES TO ZIMBABWE
This well-known landlocked country lives in Southern Africa and is situated just above South Africa. Botswana, Mozambique and also Zambia form further boundaries for Zimbabwe, with the Zambian border being defined by the course of the Zambezi River and the breathtaking Victoria Falls.

A burgeoning tourism industry is beginning to emerge in Zimbabwe, now that the periods of continued political unrest and violence have settled. Harare forms the capital city, although for tourists, much of the interest lies within the national parks and the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe

Continent Map of Africa


Map of Africa