Category: Africa

Senegal is a favorite destination among tourists to Western Africa. With its eventful history, serene plains and farmland, luxurious seaside resorts, and bustling capital Dakar, Senegal stands out among its neighbors and peers as very much a “go to” spot.

Dakar is a modern spacious city with an intimate feel, hopping cafes, and friendly atmosphere. It’s a city of more than a million residents and yet feels very open and easy to maneuver (and to escape, if you so choose). Check out the the beautiful gardens of the Palais Présidentiel, or the bustling markets Marché Kermel and Marché Sandaga, both full of fruits and vegetables, crafts and a variety of local fabrics.

Cap Skiring is home to some of Africa’s finest beaches and best resorts. It’s also home to much of Senegal’s large and growing ex-pat population and Western tourists. It may be more like Monaco than traditional West Africa, but if you’re craving a break and want a little taste of luxury, this may be the place for you.

Ile de Gorée is notable for a number of reasons; including its good beaches; friendly atmosphere; and small, laid-back community. But the most important aspect of this island isn’t what happens in the present, it’s what happened in the past. Ile de Gorée was one of the last stops for African slaves before being shipped to a life sentence in the United States. It’s worth a visit.

Traveler’s warning: The Casamance region, Senegal’s southern farmland, has a large number of rebel groups and bandits, making it a potentially unsafe place to travel if you’re not prepared. Do your research, find out what specific areas are most affected when you’re there, and use common sense.

Traveling in Senegal
Traveling to and within Senegal can be done readily by air. There are a number of airlines to choose from, including Bamako, Banjul, Abidjan, and Bissau. For the cheapest flights and most efficient planning, use a travel agent, and be sure your exit fee is included in your ticket.

Road links to Senegal include Trans-Gambia Highway, though, in some cases, you may find the ferry service between Dakar, and Banjul and Ziguinchor to be faster, more comfortable, and safer–if more expensive–than the bush taxis. Within the country, buses are available, as are minibuses (though, it’s worth mentioning the cars rapides are actually slow and dilapidated minibuses that are best avoided). Hire a taxi to take you where you need to go; renting a car is expensive and trying–that is, not advised.

Due to poor road conditions, the best overland route to Mali is by the Mistral International train, which departs Dakar once weekly and has good first-class seating and a dining car. One important tip: you’ll need to show your passport at each border crossing; it may be taken on the train by an inspector, but you must retrieve it yourself at the office. When your passport is taken, find out where you can pick it up… They will not remind you, so it’s on your shoulders to keep track of this essential item.

Weather in Senegal
Travel to Senegal between November and February, when when the air is cool and dry. But be wary of the harmattan winds coming off the Sahara, which can add some discomfort. For water-based activities, such as diving, February to April are the best months. The best bird watching can be done from November to April.

Republic of Senegal
Population: 10.3 million
Government: Republic under multiparty democratic rule
Square Miles: 75,750 sq mi (196,190 sq km)
Capitol: Dakar (pop 2 million)
Official Language: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, Mandingo
People: Wolof (36%), Fula (17%), Sérèr (17%), Toucouleur (9%), Diola (9%), Mandinka (9%), European and Lebanese (1%)
Religion: 96% Islam, 6% indigenous beliefs, 2% Christian
Major products/industries: agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, petroleum refining, construction materials

Egypt might be considered the world’s oldest tourist destination. With a plethora of cultural artifacts dating back thousands of years, and a long history of artistic, political, intellectual, and commercial milestones, the country and region have been attracting travelers since ancient times. The pyramids and tombs are not the only reason to visit Egypt. There is an extraordinary amount of art and architecture including relics from centuries of Greek, Roman, and Arabic occupation. All along the River Nile you can see different parts of Egyptian history that have survived thousands of years of cultural change and the rapid growth.

But Egypt, like so many ancient lands, has entered the modern world paradoxically. Laborers often use the tools of their ancestors to farm, while the automobile traffic in the cities can be maddening. These contrasts are all over Egypt, and how much modernization Egypt accepts will ultimately effect the past, as well as the future of this great land.

Traveling in Egypt
Most flights connect to Egypt through European cities. Flying domestically in Egypt can be expensive, but there are trains, buses, and boats that will take you anywhere you want to go. Trains and buses can be extremely crowded because they usually wait until they cannot fit another body, before pulling away from the station. This may be uncomfortable, but it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

Everyone traveling to Egypt is required to obtain a visa, avaible from Egyptian embassies worldwide. However, if you are from the United Stated, the European Union, Canada, or one of GCC countries, you can get a visa upon arrival at one of the larger airports, but you may want to deal with this beforehand, to avoid the trouble. Most visas last for one month, but they can generally be extended.

Traveling in Egypt is cheap: most meals cost under US$5, good hotels can be found for under US$50 a night, many are under US$25.

There are plenty of pickpockets around so it is a good idea to be extra careful with cash or valuables. Traveler’s checks are still a good way to carry cash as long as they are American Express or Visa. Credit Cards are accepted in some places, and there are ATM’s in larger cities.

Gratuities are generally included in the bill, but you might double check to be sure. Haggling for items at the market and elsewhere is a way of life in Egypt, so don’t take anything at first glance–the cost of most products can be bargained down, including hotel rooms and other goods. A rule of thumb, when haggling, is never offer a price if you are not willing to pay it; if a shop keeper accepts your offer you, will be expected hand over the cash, pronto. Don’t bargain hunt if you’re not going to purchase–it could get you into trouble.

Weather in Egypt
South of Cairo, toward Luxor and Aswan, the blazing heat can be very uncomforable between June and August. However, this is also the most crowded time of year around the Mediterranean Coast. So when you choose to go depends entirely on what you want to do. The best time to travel south of Cairo is December to February. If you want to enjoy the north shore, March to May is the least crowded time when the weather will still be warm.

Health Concerns in Egypt
Bilharzia ranks second behind malaria as a public health concern in tropical and subtropical areas. You can get this disease through contact with infected water, and in Egypt, it is mainly found in the waters of the Nile.

Diagnosing bilharzia is done by checking a patient’s urine or fecal matter. If you want to keep from getting this disease it is best to stay away from fresh water rivers and streams, especially near agricultural areas. For more information check out the following website: http: //www.who.ch/.

Egypt Information
Population: 69.5 million
Government: Republic
Square Miles: 622,272 sq mi (1,001,449 sq km)
Capitols: Cairo
Languages: Arabic
People: Berbers, Bedouins, and Nubians
Religion: 94% Islam, 6% Christian
Major products/industries: Oil & gas, metals, tourism, agriculture (especially cotton), and Suez Canal revenues

As apartheid and all that it represents becomes a thing of the past in South Africa, much of the country is moving forward with rejuvenated ideas, interests, and fair politics. And tourists are flocking back to South Africa in droves. Many of the dangers of traveling to this country have gone by the wayside: political violence is down, and with certain notable exceptions, touring the country is safer and more pleasurable than it was for much of the second half to the twentieth century.

Traveling in South Africa
For the uninitiated in Africa, South Africa is a pretty good place to get your feet wet. As the government organizes in the post-apartheid environment, infrastructure improvements and ease of travel have taken great strides forward. The climate is generally mild and–with many national parks and eco-safaris available–South Africa is a fantastic place to view wildlife. However, there’s a lot about this country that still smacks of the Dark Ages: poverty continues to exist in its rawest form, AIDS has overrun the population, and random violence remains a problem. As always, it’s best to use common sense when it comes to traveling safely, but be sure to take an extra measure of precaution in crowded public places such as train and bus stations, shopping bazaars, major cities, etc. Keep your money out of sight and in a place where it’s not easily accessible to pick-pockets, be wary of potentially dangerous situations, and go to South Africa with the understanding that it continues to be a society in flux.

Weather in South Africa
Summer can be quite hot, particularly in the lowveld (coastal plain). High-altitude areas are pleasantly warm over summer, but the mountains are prone to rain. The northeastern regions can be humid, but swimming on the east coast is a year-round activity. Springtime is the best time for wildflowers in the northern and western Cape provinces. Winters are mild everywhere except in the highest country, where there are frosts and occasional snowfalls.

Mid-December to late January is vacation time for South African city dwellers. Resorts and national parks are heavily booked and prices on the coast can more than double during these months. School holidays in April, July, and September can also add congestion to beaches and national parks.

Visas for South Africa
Entry permits are issued free on arrival to visitors on holiday from many Commonwealth and most Western European countries, as well as Japan and the United States. If you aren’t entitled to an entry permit, you’ll need to get a visa (also free) before you arrive.

Health Concerns in South Africa
Malaria is mainly confined to the eastern half of South Africa, especially on the lowveld. Bilharzia is also found mainly in the east but outbreaks do occur in other places, so you should always check with knowledgeable local people before drinking water or swimming in it. AIDS is a major problem throughout Africa, and South Africa is no exception, with upward of 20% of the total population infected. While it is common knowledge to much of the Western world that HIV can only be transmitted through sexual contact, shared intravenous needles, or blood transfusions, in South Africa, only recently have efforts gone underway to educate the people. It’s always a good idea to be aware of such pandemics as you enter a country, for reasons of protecting yourself, as well as gaining a better understanding of the culture and environment.

Cash in South Africa
It’s very possible to spend just US$10 per day, if you’re willing to camp or stay in hostels. Arranging public transport can make this number considerably higher, and some of the more daring souls choose hitch-hiking, in favor of bussing, flying, or taking the train.

If you’d rather have the privacy of a solo hotel room, eat in restaurants, and tour the country by bus or train, expect to spend roughly US$40-60 per day.

Tipping is expected because of low wages. Roughly 10%-15% is the norm.

South Africa Information
Population: 43.1 million
Government: Republic and independent member of the British Commonwealth
Square Miles: 1,221,037 sq km
Capitols: Pretoria (administrative), Bloemfontein (judicial), and Cape Town (legislative)
Languages: Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Pedi, English, Tswana, Sotho, Tsonga, Swati, Venda, Ndebele
People: 77% black, 10% white (60% of whites are of Afrikaner descent, most of the rest are of British descent), 8% mixed race, 2.5% of Indian or Asian descent
Religion: Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and traditional religions
Major products/industries: Mining, finance, insurance, food processing

With its harsh climate, geographic remoteness, and weak economy Chad is not a place where many tourists seek out. Chad is considered to be one of the poorest nations on earth, but it’s cities and other ancient attractions still make it an interesting place to go for the adventurous traveler.

Generally speaking as long as you’re careful and keep a low profile Chad isn’t an especially dangerous place to visit. There is still conflict between the government and some rebel armies, but these issues do not often affect travelers (although traveling at night is considered very dangerous and one is advised to go only by the most frequented routes). Chad is on Amnesty International’s watch list because of the violent conflicts and methods of torture used by the government to deter detractors, though travelers are not typically at threat. Travelers looking to go to Chad should make sure to research the current political stablity before booking a trip.

Traveling in Chad
There are usually twice-a-week Paris-to-Chad direct flights, as well as more frequent flights from the Congo, Ethiopia, and the Central African Republic. Flights from many West African capitals operate on a weekly basis, and flights from Thailand via Bombay are also possible. If you’re driving into Chad from one of the neighboring countries, be sure to research your route, as some can be dangerous because of armed bands on the highways, or remoteness in the desert regions. It is often suggested that you arrange to meet a guide at the border, to take you into the cities, but offering a uniformed official a lift can work just as well (and it will considerably speed up your trip). If driving, remember: you may need to supply your own fuel… Be prepared.

To get around Chad, your best bet is to fly. Most flights to outlying cities from the capital are around US$70. To move throughout Chad you will be required to get an official autorisation de circuler. There are buses from the capital to Sarh, but to get other places you may be forced to find your own way.

Weather in Chad
Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, much of Chad is arid and barren. The main water supply is Lac Chad, which is being reduced in size quickly, as demands for fresh water increase. Chad’s three climatic regions have temperatures ranging from 110°F in the area around the capital to 15°F in the northern mountains of the Sahara. The best climate is in the south where it’s more tropical and fertile. There is very little rainfall in much of Chad, and there isn’t any traditional “rainy season” in the norther arid region. However, in the south and central regions, the most precipitation comes between June and October, when it is advised to be cautious driving in these parts of Chad, as the roads are not tarred and can wash out easily.

Chad Information
Population: 7.5 million
Government: Republic
Square Miles: 500,000 sq mi (1,284,000 sq km)
Capitol: N’Djamena (pop 700,000)
Official Language: French (official), Arabic, Saran
People: 200 ethnic groups including the Sara, Bagirmi and Kreish (31%), Sudanic Arabs (26%), the Téda or Toubou (7%) and the Mbun (6.5%)
Religion: Muslim (44%), Christian (33%), local tribal beliefs (23%)
Major products/industries: cotton, meat packing, brewing, natron (sodium carbonate), soap, cigarettes