Africa

List of the African countries I visited and details on the must-see places

Cape Verde, an archipelago of music and contrasting landscapes

Cape Verde (in portuguese: Cabo Verde or República de Cabo Verde) is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, off the western coast of Africa. Cape Verde is made up of 10 major islands, which have a volcanic origin. Cesaria Evoria, also known as the « Barefoot Diva » is certainly the most famous Cape Verdean artist, thanks to her voice. With its contrasting landscapes, wild and sometimes harsh environment, patchwork of colors and melting pot of cultures, this little country gradually reveals its identity as you hop from island to island. Santiago, the African island, is the archipelago’s largest island. On Santiago, discover Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde and its Sucupira Market, which is a labyrinth of stalls laden with typical Cape Verdean produce. Travel to Fogo, the « black pearl » of Cape Verde with its active volcan Pico do Fogo and its local production of wine and coffee. Enjoy the beautiful, festive town of Mindelo on the island of São Vicente and some beautiful treks into the sharp relief of Santo Antão the greenest island in the archipelago. On Santo Antão, nature lovers enjoy the trails in the lush Paul Valley or along the cobblestoned Estrada da Corda Road. Finally, the islands of Sal, Boavista or Maio will appeal travelers who want to relax on white sandy beaches and dive in turquoise water.

Madagascar: nature and endemic wildlife

Madagascar, island country is lying off the southeastern coast of Africa. Madagascar, the Red Island, the Rainbow Island, the Eighth Continent, there are many names for the world’s 4^th largest island. Madagascar Island is an amazing destination with unique wildlife and It is a kaleidoscope of landscapes – there are canyons, limestone karsts, rice paddies, forests, mountains and beaches – offering multiple experiences for nature lovers. In National Parks and reserves you can enjoy bizarre sandstone rock formations – the Isalo National Park or the Andringitra Massif. Explore the Tsingy de Bemahara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its rock pinnacles, resembling a dry forest, and then the avenue of the Baobabs. Discover the endemic species into the rainforest of the Ranomafana National Park or swim with whale sharks at Nosy Be. Madagascar treasures thousands of species of animals and birds most of which are endemic. Madagascar has also a rich cultural diversity: there are up to eighteen main ethnic groups found on the island with their own culture and language, depending on the region. Weird and wonderful, Madagascar is easily one of the most breathtaking places you can visit: the Red island offers an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience !

Namibia: breathtaking Natural Landscapes !

Namibia (in afrikaans: Namibië) is a country in Southern Africa. The Republic of Namibia borders Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Namibia has everything. It’s easy to explore independently and it’s safe, it’s one of the most beautiful countries in Africa: the locals are lovely and the country has otherworldly landscapes and jaw-dropping wildlife. It’s home to some of the most unique and stunning scenery ranging from desolate red dunes of the Namib Desert to salt plains scattered with skeletal trees of Sossusvlei to the barren plains of Etosha National Park, from the rugged and dramatic coastline – Skeleton Coast – to the frozen-in-time towns with colonial architecture such as Swakopmund. With an abundance of wildlife, this striking country is a delight for both travelers and photographers alike who have many opportunities watching iconic oryx (Namibia’s national animal), zebras, elephants, black rhinos and even lions drinking in the watering holes. In Namibia, nature lovers can combine history and nature by enjoying the site of Twyfelfontein, which is home to the most intense collection of rock art in Africa with over 2000 rock engravings ! To visit Namibia is to experience a country of huge blue skies, endless horizons, amazing sand dunes, a harsh but beautiful coastline, and a landscape full of game reserves. For me, Namibia is one of Africa’s most enticing destinations.

South Africa: nature, wildlife and culture heritage

South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent. Archbishop Desmond Tutu first called South Africa « the Rainbow Nation » after the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. The colors of the rainbow capture South Africa’s diverse races, tribes, creeds, languages and landscapes: mountains, deserts, grasslands and savannahs, subtropical forest, the Cape Floral region, semi-desert Karoo but also vibrant cities and vast townships ! When you think of South Africa, the first things that come into your mind are most probably Nelson Mandela, father of the Nation, the « Big Five », the Table Mountain, which is one of the world’s oldest mountains, and the ethnic and cultural diversity. Moreover, South Africa is truly a nature lover’s destination as it offers some of the most diverse landscapes in the entire African continent: a vast semi-arid savannah in the Kalahari region, the Drakensberg mountains – highest mountain range in southern Africa, the Karoo which is a semi-desert natural region and the wine region of Cape South Coast including stunning white sandy beaches.