West Africa - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T00:37:36Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/West+AfricaThe Allures of Ivory Coast/Côte d´Ivoirehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/ivory-coast-cote-d-ivoire2023-10-14T16:06:52.000Z2023-10-14T16:06:52.000ZHelen Brownhttps://tripatini.com/members/HelenBrown<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12256877292,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12256877292,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12256877292?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ivory_Coast_Base_Map.png" target="_blank">ERCC</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> A bit smaller than <strong>England</strong> and a bit larger than <strong>New Mexico</strong> this chunk of <strong>West Africa</strong> (formally known in French as <strong>Côte d'Ivoire</strong>), gets only some 670,000 visitors a year but deserves many more, as a fascinating mix of natural, cultural, and historical attractions. Here are its top draws:</p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12256878074,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12256878074,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12256878074?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vue_du_quartier_%27Le_Plateau%27_d%27Abidjan_%2823711182653%29.jpg">Citizen59</a></em></span></p><p><strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Abidjan</span></strong></p><p>The country's largest city as well as sub-Saharan <strong>Africa</strong>´s sixth largest (pop. around 5.7 million), the former political and still economic capital is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern skyscrapers (in its business district Le Plateau), vibrant markets, cultural sites, and the national airport. Top musts include the vibrant <strong>Treichville Market</strong>, the 43-year-old Roman Catholic <strong>St. Paul's Cathedral</strong> in Le Plateau, the affluent suburb of <strong>Cocody</strong> with some beautiful stretches of beach; and <strong>Banco National Park</strong> – just 13½ square miles (about 35 sq. kilometers) but the world´s only primary dense tropic forest in an urban area apart from <strong>Tijuca Forest</strong> in <strong>Rio de Janeiro</strong>.</p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12256937263,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12256937263,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12256937263?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbdodane/9626696361" target="_blank">jbdodane</a></span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Yamoussoukro</strong></span><br /> <br /> Located inland a 2½ hour drive north of Abidjan, the country´s political capital since 1983 (pop. 422,000) was a village of just 500 up till the 1950s and was afterward developed and elevated to capital status by Ivory Coast´s first and longest serving president, <strong>Félix Houphouët-Boigny</strong>, a native son. He was also responsible for the construction here of the Roman Catholic minor basilica <strong>Notre-Dame de la Paix</strong> (<strong>Our Lady of Peace</strong>, above), the world's largest church (with space for up to 18,000 worshippers), with architecture inspired by <strong>Saint Peter's Basilica</strong> in <strong>Vatican City</strong>. There´s also a white <strong>Grand Mosque</strong> (Muslims make up around 39 percent of the population, as against 33 percent Christians). The rest of the city´s architecture has been described as a dilapidated “time capsule of the 1970s,” with landmarks such as the <strong>Presidential Palace</strong> (known mostly for its three lakes stocked with big – and reportedly several man-eating – Nile crocodiles) and the <strong>Boigny Felix Houphouet Foundation for Peace Research</strong>.</p><p> </p><p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t_F10rtZ5Fo?si=C-BHetpQZZC3HBRk" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grand_Bassam,_Ivory_Coast.jpg"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><br /> </em></span></a><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Grand-Bassam</strong></span></p><p>Speaking of dilapidated, down on the coast a half hour from Abidjan, the French colonial capital (though just briefly, from 1893 to 1900, though it remained a key seaport for years afterward(,with a current population of around 125,000, is a <strong><a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1322">UNESCO World Heritage Site</a></strong> with plenty of colonial-era buildings – many pretty shabby and some even abandoned – with standouts including the <strong>Post Office and Customs House</strong>, the <strong>Ganamet House</strong>, the <strong>Hotel de France</strong>, and the main bank. Other attractions include the <strong>Akan Costume Museum</strong>, which offers insights into the local culture, showcasing a variety of traditional costumes and masks. However, most people actually come here for the long beach, lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels. </p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12256937474,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12256937474,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12256937474?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></em></span><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/botalex/24148248710"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Dr Alexey Yakovlev</em></span><br /> </a></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Ecotourism in Nature Parks and Reserves</span> </strong></p><p><strong><a href="https://www.parc-national-de-tai.org/">Taï National Park</a><br /> </strong><br /> Near the border with <strong>Liberia</strong> – just 215 miles northwest of Abidjan but reachable only by a five-hour flight– one of West Africa´s last remaining primary rainforests (above) is a 1,300-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its biodiversity. Taï is home to a wide variety of wildlife including pygmy hippos, chimpanzees, and various species of monkeys.</p><p><strong>Comoé National Park </strong><br /> <br /> Ivory Coast´s other UNESCO World Heritage reserve is way up north –a more than six-hour flight from Abidjan – and at 4,440 sq. mi. is West Africa’s largest. Renowned for its biodiversity, Comoé´s habitats range from savannah to forest and its array of wildlife is extensive, with more than 500 species of birds and some 135 of mammals, including elephants, hippos, and many species of antelope. It’s also listed by UNESCO as in danger due to poor management, unregulated poaching, and overgrazing.</p><p><strong>Îles Ehotilés National Park</strong><br /> <br /> Located near Assinie (see below) a three-hour drive east of Abidjan, these half dozen small islands offers nearly 41 square miles´worth of lovely landscapes/seascapes, mangroves, and diverse birdlife of 128 species, mostly aquatic.</p><p><br /> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LMkzzb8b8ww?si=4ngLyGn4qvQl__VK" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;"><br /> Beautiful Beaches</span> </strong></p><p>Apart from the beaches at Cocody and Grand Bassam, the country´s main strands are the following:</p><p><strong>Assinie</strong></p><p>Located an hour 40 minutes east of Abidjan, this long stretch of golden sand and crystalline waters (above) also features swaying coconut palms; a wide variety of water sports such as Jetskiing and parasailing; and an array of beachfront bars, restaurants, and hotels/resorts from budget to luxurious.</p><p><strong>Jaqueville</strong><br /> <br /> On the other side of Abidjan – on a barrier island just under an hour´s drive westward – this hidden gem is a long stretch of white sand that´s relatively undiscovered by tourists, yielding a more peaceful and secluded beach experience yet also a variety of beachfront bars and restaurants. Jaqueville also offers an appealing ecotourism bonus in the form of nearby mangrove forests, harboring a variety of wildlife and explorable by kayak or boat.</p><p><strong>Sassandra </strong></p><p>Somewhat farther west – four hours from Abidjan – this laid-back fishing town offers an ideal respite for those looking for a more relaxed environment, along with golden sand with clear waters and a variety of bars and restaurants; dramatic cliff scenery; and a lagoon visitors can explore by boat or kayak.</p><p><strong>San Pedro</strong></p><p>Even farther west than Sassandra – a five-hour drive from Abidjan and just under three if you fly – another tranquil fishing village is home to another stretch of golden sand and amenities similar to Sassandra, minus the lagoon and mangroves.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12256938894,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12256938894,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12256938894?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/jbdodane/9620667359"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>jbdodane</em></span><br /> </a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>The Man Region</strong></span><br /> <br /> Located inland in the west of the country –6½ hours by car and three by plane from Abidjan and a four-hour drive from Yamassoukro, Man is famous for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, cascading waterfalls like <strong>Le Cascade</strong>; dense rainforests; and peaks such as <strong>La Dent de Man</strong> and <strong>Mount Tonkoui</strong>, which at 3,027 feet is the country´s second highest</p><p> </p><p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kjDiscXD1zc?si=gHoOURyhSUhYy7Er" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Community Tourism</strong></span></p><p>While the Akan are by far the majority - more than 42 percent - there are around 60 other ethnic groups throughout this small country, such as the Ebrie, the Gur, the Krous, and the Mande. And a number of Abidjan-based tour operators can introduce visitors to their cultures and ways.</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>The Case for Cape Verdehttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cape-verde-attractions-tourism-travel-culture-cuisine2023-09-30T11:15:56.000Z2023-09-30T11:15:56.000ZHelen Brownhttps://tripatini.com/members/HelenBrown<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12237266853,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12237266853,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12237266853?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chaves_Beach_in_Boa_Vista.jpg"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Romazur</em></span></a><br /> <br /> <br /> With just 600,000 inhabitants, this former Portuguese colony (from 1462 to 1975) is an ten-island archipelago off the coast of <strong>Senegal</strong> which in recent years has become a rising tourism star – especially among Europeans, above all from <strong>Britain</strong>, <strong>Germany</strong>, <strong>Portugal</strong> (unsurprisingly), the <strong>Netherlands</strong>, and <strong>Belgium</strong> – due mostly to some of the world´s most gorgeous beaches, with tawny sands, crystal-clear waters, and excellent swimming and water sports (particularly snorkeling and scuba diving). But <strong><em>Cabo Verde</em></strong> (its name in Portuguese) also offers stunning volcanic landscapes; warm, welcoming people; a tasty cuisine; excellent ecotourism (including first-rate humpback whale watching from February through May); and a diverse culture with a unique blend of African, Portuguese, and Creole influences. Some top destinations and experiences not to miss:</p><p><br /> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kjrNqVQEcMU?si=AtX7-2YdAmGNPbkh" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> <br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Boa Vista Island</strong></span><br /> <br /> The stars here are desert-like landscapes and wildlife including sea turtles (particularly between July and September). It's a great place for beach lovers (<strong>Praia de Chaves</strong>, top, is especially is a dream) and visitors seeking a tranquil, laid-back vibe.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12237267871,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12237267871,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12237267871?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pico_do_Fogo_volcano_in_Cape_Verde.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Pascal Givry</span></a></p><p><strong><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;">Fogo Island</span></strong><br /> <br /> Musts are active volcano <strong>Pico do Fogo</strong>, the country´s highest peak, up which you can hike to score some truly breathtaking views, and the charming town of <strong>São Filipe</strong>, known for its colonial architecture and wine production.</p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12237275092,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12237275092,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12237275092?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Salt_Island_Sal.jpg"><span style="font-size:8pt;">Asapshobo</span><br /> </a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Sal Island</strong> </span><br /> <br /> Besides beautiful beaches like <strong>Santa Maria</strong>, and <strong>Ponta Pedra</strong> (fabulous surfing!), Sal is famous for its water sports (windsurfing kitesurfing, and snorkeling are especially popular), other outdoor activities, and the salt pans which gave the island its name, such as <strong>Pedra de Lume</strong>.</p><p> </p><p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y7Cdovk4Shg?si=oFEcwQESFQZXkuEg" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Santiago Island</strong></span><br /> <br /> You may fly into and out of national capital <strong>Praia</strong> (pop. 159,000), although the country does also have another half dozen on other islands including Boa Vista, Fogo, and Sal. Praia´s main attractions include a charming old quarter (on the tentative list of <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Sites</strong>) and an interesting ethnographic museum of culture. Also very much worth a visit, a 20-minute drive away, is UNESCO-World-Heritage <strong>Cidade Velha</strong>, the oldest European settlement in the tropics, whose major landmarks include several churches and a 16th-century fortress (above). On the beaches front, a standout is <strong>Praia Tarrafal</strong> up north in the town of the same name, a relaxing destination with a laid-back atmosphere (on a less happy note, nearby there´s also a <em>campo de concentração</em> (concentration camp), a penal colony for Portugal´s political prisoners as well as African opponents of its colonial rule, in operation from 1936 to 1974 and now a ¨museum of resistance.¨</p><p> </p><p><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Littoral_nord_de_Santo_Antao.jpg"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VV6kXFvpNkk?si=Vflp0BMz4WfmsnqY" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> <br /> </a></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br /> Santo Antão Island</strong></span><br /> <br /> Lush and mountainous, this paradise for hikers and nature lovers boasts dramatic landscapes, lush valleys, picturesque villages, and again, beautiful beaches (the most notable being <strong>Praia Grande</strong>).</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12237279692,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12237279692,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12237279692?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/21160385@N02/49304984546">Paul Arps</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br />São Vicente Island</strong></span><br /> <br /> Its largest settlement, <strong>Mindelo</strong> (pop. 70,000), is considered the cultural capital of Cape Verde, with a lively nightlife music scene (especially the traditional genre called <em>morna (see below)</em>, You can also explore its historic center, dating back to 1736, the colorful local markets and enjoy more great beaches such as <strong>Praia da Laginha</strong>.</p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12237279895,RESIZE_1200x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12237279895,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12237279895?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cachupa_2.jpg">Xandu</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong>Tasty Cuisine</strong></span><br /> <br /> Standouts include <em>cachupa</em> (above, a hearty cabbage-and-bean stew, often including meat or fish), <em>pastéis</em> (fried turnovers made with fish), and of course a cornucopia of fresh seafood (especially tuna, lobster, and octopus). The locals also make an excellent rum, called grogue.</p><p> </p><p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_GVvXbyfQ0I?si=gYJIXtnUgrRSpAsE" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> <strong>Fascinating Music/Culture</strong></span><br /> <br /> The country is particularly is renowned for its music and dance, notably genres like the upbeat <em>coladeira</em>, funaná, and the best known, the wistful <em>morna</em>, comparable to Portugal´s fado and considered the national music genre <em>par excellence</em>, its most famous artist is still the late, great, Grammy-winning <strong><a href="https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cesaria-evora-cape-verde-music">Cesária Évora</a></strong>. </p><p> <br /> <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jgtmXJZWvys?si=VaoChY_rpnImAwYz" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> </p><p><span style="font-size:14pt;"><strong><br />Fun Festivals</strong></span><br /> <br /> If possible, time your visit to coincide with an event such as the pre-Lenten <strong>Carnival</strong> of Mindelo (above; in 2024 it begins on February 13); the <strong>Festival of Santa Catarina</strong> (November 24) in the town of <strong>Assomada</strong> on Santiago Island; the <strong>Kriol Jazz Festival</strong> on Sal (mid-April); and the country´s most popular music event, the <strong>Festival de Baía das Gatas</strong>, held on a full-moon weekend in August on São Vicente.<br /><br /><br />More info: <strong><a href="https://www.visit-caboverde.com/en" target="_blank">Visit/CaboVerde.com</a></strong>..</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Ghana: Home to the Black Stars, But Also Much More Than That!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/ghana-home-to-the-black-stars2010-07-02T16:00:00.000Z2010-07-02T16:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://tripatini.com/members/WestAfricaDiscovery<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Sck67e6I/AAAAAAAAAFs/UA4SNocUlFU/s1600/ghana_map.jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;width:258px;height:320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Sck67e6I/AAAAAAAAAFs/UA4SNocUlFU/s320/ghana_map.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489345277967694754" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489345277967694754" /></a><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After dispatching the USA in their last game of the World Cup, Ghana are due to make history as only the fourth African team to reach the quarter final when they face Uruguay tonight. Ghana has already done better than four years ago when they were knocked out in the last 16. It seems that all of Africa celebrated Ghana's qualification for the quarter finals of the World Cup. And many are hoping the Black Stars will beat Uruguay to become the first African team to qualify for a World Cup semi-final. Perhaps flying the flag for a whole continent after the elimination of the other five African teams will allow them to play with passion rather than playing under pressure.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'trebuchet ms'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></font></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not only does Ghana have a world class team who represent a whole continent, but closer to home they also are one of the friendliest, most stable countries in West Africa with rich local heritage.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From the pristine sandy beaches in the south to the hilly and rainforest covered north, bordered by Togo to the east, Côte d’Ivoire to the West and Burkina Faso to the North, Ghana is truly a gateway to West Africa. And what a gateway it is! For the beginner to Africa, the traveller who wants to experience the ‘dark continent’ first-hand, the cautious tourist wanting to learn more about West Africa’s culture, this country is a great choice. Here are a few examples of the unique things you can do and see in the Black Stars home country.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4QfiFS6II/AAAAAAAAAFE/z5S8C-ahM2s/s200/Untitled.jpg" style="text-align:justify;float:left;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;width:200px;height:134px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489343129722218626" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489343129722218626" /></span><div style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the avid historian</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ghana, unfortunately, is infamously known for being one of the main departure countries from which the slave traders filled their ships with ‘cargo’ to take them to the ‘New World’, and the remnants of this barbaric trade are still present. On cape coast near Accra, the capital, Elmina castle is the oldest European building in sub-Sahara Africa. According to records, thousands of captives passed through the dungeons of both castles to be shipped as commodities.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Museums are also numerous, and you will not be disappointed with the amount of choice. From the ‘National Museum of Ghana’, home to a varied collection of objects relating to the ethnography and culture of Ghana, to the ‘Dubois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture’, a national historic monument in its own right documenting the life of the influential Du Bois family, passing by ‘Museum of Science and Technology’ displaying and preserving natural history specimens found in Ghana, you will need an entire lifetime to satisfy your curiosity.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Recently vestiges from an ancient civilisation were found in a remote part of the country which has questioned many theories that were put forward about the history of the regions people. To read the BBC article on the find, click <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8518185.stm">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Or to learn about the possibilities to visit the country to learn about the history of slavery, click <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-history-of-slavery-tour.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4SDbkekEI/AAAAAAAAAFk/cdHlx3nkv4o/s200/May2010+102.JPG" style="text-align:justify;float:left;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;width:200px;height:150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344845960876098" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344845960876098" /></span><div style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the budding naturalist</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The vegetation of Ghana ranges from Evergreen forests and Savannah grasslands, to the lowlands to the highlands which boasts the highest point in the country, Mount Afadjato which is 885 metres high and found in the Volta region. The landscape is very suitable for both hiking and trekking which will allow you to get up-close to the wide variety of flora and fauna species.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For example, Tafi-Atome in the Volta region, is home to 300 endangered Mona and Pata Monkeys and is a traditional conservation area backed by statutory enforcement in co-operation with local communities. These monkeys are found in a remnant patch of forests, which has survived fire and human disturbance around the village.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary is another place of interest for those interested in wildlife. The area boasts Ghana’s highest waterfalls. The beauty of the falls is enhanced not only by the towering face of the gorge but most impressively by the several thousands of fruit bats clinging to its sides. At the base of the falls, in the surrounding forest, butterflies of various colours and other wild animals make the area significant for conservation. The falls also plays an important part in the cultural life of the communities around it. The people regard it as a fetish protecting them in all walks of life.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For a holiday idea that will take you to the sites mentioned above, click <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-trekking--natural-discovery-holiday.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4RSuveADI/AAAAAAAAAFU/X_KE_P6308A/s200/C13.jpg" style="text-align:justify;float:left;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;width:200px;height:150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344009293660210" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344009293660210" /></span><div style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the culture enthusiast</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Like the rest of West Africa, Ghana has a rich cultural heritage</span></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">which has been passed down from generation to generation for millennia, and its origins have been lost in the midst of time. However, being ever present gives the open-minded traveller a glimpse into the various rites, rituals, ceremonies and belief systems which make this country and its people ‘oh so special’.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">One of the most important cultural remnants from a bygone era is the Ashanti stemming from a once prosperous Kingdom that ruled the region. There are certain days each year on the Ashanti calendar that are set aside for a celebration at the Royal Palace. This ceremony is called Akwasidae.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">During the celebration, the King is seated under a spectacular umbrella of colourful, draped cloth and is adorned in vivid cloth and massive gold jewellery which is centuries old (the Ashanti gold jewellery and masks are considered masterpieces of African art). This traditional ceremony takes place in one of the last African Kingdoms to have kept its ancient rituals alive.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">But Ghana is also known for its overwhelming hospitality, and there will be no lack of people who will offer to show you their home, offer you meals or just to have a friendly chat. In the remote villages of the Volta region, you can experience the culture first hand by learning how to cook the various traditional meals, discovering the history of weaving in this area and trying your hands on the weaving process, or visiting some farms in the local communities to learn how to use local farming tools.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There is no lack of educational opportunities in Ghana, and you will surely learn a thing or two from <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-cultural-experience-through-volunteering-holiday.html">this holiday idea.</a></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Rsun2PvI/AAAAAAAAAFc/TINgBkTlxXg/s200/Surf+Tour+Main.jpg" style="text-align:justify;float:left;margin-top:0px;margin-right:10px;margin-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;width:200px;height:150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344455938293490" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344455938293490" /></span><div style="text-align:justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the adventure fiend</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For the adrenaline junkie, the exercise addict or for the simple traveller looking for a bit of fun, Ghana offers the possibility to partake in an array of activities including hiking, mountain biking, surfing, canoeing, canopy walking, fishing, and many more.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Let’s take example on the possibilities of surfing. Ghana’s south coast is perfect for those wanting to learn how to ride waves. Constant warm water, no crowds and perfect waves (that’s right, no fighting for waves and no wetsuits) make Ghana’s coasts a great location for beginners and intermediate surfers. To learn more about the surfing possibilities, click here.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Sticking to the water theme, the marshes created by the Volta River, create a rarely visited environment which allows for excellent canoeing where you can observe an exotic collection of birds and a baobab grove.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Or if you fancy something different, in Kakum National Park you can find the only rainforest canopy walk experience in the whole of Africa. Suspended 100 feet above the ground, this offers you what is truly a bird's eye view of the rainforest. At this height, you don't have to be an expert to identify the colourful patterns of tropical birds as they glide through the forest below you.</span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Unfortunately I could not include all the amazing things available to do and see in Ghana, but I am sure that through the above description you have become curious to know more. So do not hesitate to get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a> with any queries about this beautiful country or any of the other 15 West African countries. Or you can visit our website <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">here</a> to discover all the other unique and awe-inspiring holiday ideas available in one of the most undiscovered parts of the World.</span></div></div></div>Overland travel to West Africa - the possibilities are endlesshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/overland-travel-to-west-africa2010-05-03T10:00:00.000Z2010-05-03T10:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://tripatini.com/members/WestAfricaDiscovery<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S96DCCSa01I/AAAAAAAAAEU/kx44vTme7z0/s1600/truck1+(1).jpg"><img style="float:left;margin:0 10px 10px 0;width:320px;height:214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S96DCCSa01I/AAAAAAAAAEU/kx44vTme7z0/s320/truck1+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466951068671464274" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466951068671464274" /></a><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since the recent news touching on the chaos that the Icelandic Eyjafjallajokull volcano caused for tens of thousands of air travellers, I decided to look at the possibility of travelling overland to West Africa. It may take much longer, however it also could cost about the same as a flight, be much more rewarding, allow you to explore different elements of African culture along the way and be more environmentally friendly when it comes to your carbon footprint. After all, according to a Chinese proverb, “The journey is the reward.” Overland travel veteran, David Hatter, explains:</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Overlanding through</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">will allow you to meet many people unaccustomed to seeing travellers, and it is in their nature to offer you their hospitality. You will witness a way of life that has unchanged for centuries, yet one that is rapidly changing as the world around them is developing fast. Local markets scenes, village festivals, and marriage ceremonies will help you understand the cultures of</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in a way that the media can only hint at."</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let’s take an example of Sierra Leone as a destination.The Itinerary is simple, and believe it or not, it is not dangerous either. A few people have even cycled the same trail that I will suggest.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Starting from the UK, you would most likely go through France and Spain, then head over the Gibraltar Straight to Morocco for a pit stop. In Morocco, you could relax in a Kasbah</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in one of the four Imperial cities of</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rabat</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meknes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fez</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, or</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marrakesh</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The hustle and bustle of Djemma-El Fna or the tanning pits in</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fez</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">will offer a great introduction to the “assault on the senses” that is</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">North Africa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and experience the first signs of African hospitality over a cup of traditional tea and a Narguilé (traditional bubbly pipe with aromatic tobacco).</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Continuing on, you will then head in-land to the Atlas Mountains, where the climate changes considerably as the altitudes get higher,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">with fantastic opportunites for hiking in the famous Todra, Ziz, and Dades Gorge</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and have you first glimpse of the majestic Sahara desert.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"The Erg’s around Merzouga and Zagora are not to be missed. Picture postcard sand dune ranges roll for as far as the eye can see and suggest but a small hint as to the vastness of the Sahara desert which stretches out to the east as far as Sudan, with ample opportunity for camel trekking and 4x4 exploration." notes David.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height:115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Back to the coast, you will follow the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Sahara, considered as one of the most sparsely populated areas in the World, and in majority composed of desert flatlands. You will no-doubt encounter Tuareg herders on their way to a hidden Oasis or even one or two of the friendly folk that Michael Palin met on his way to Senegal in his ‘Sahara’ series.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The true remoteness of the Western Sahara is really appreciated as you bushcamp on the coastline with unspoilt views of the night sky above as the moon shimmers off the hulks of abandoned ships lost long ago to the Atlantic ocean.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Next stop, Mauritania,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a transition country between Arabic North Africa and Black Sub-Saharan Africa,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">largely populated by Berbers and Moors, this country is where you will come face-to-face with ‘true Islam’ and learn about the hospitality of those who practice this misunderstood religion.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">David describes some of the wonders of Mauritania: "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Witness what many people say is the longest train in the world as it carries iron ore from the mines at Zouarat to the coastal town of Nouadibou, explore the ancient and seventh holiest Islamic city of Chinguetti whose libraries reveal all kinds of clues as to its famous and glorious past, while the beautiful Oasis’ at Terjit and Ouadane allow for some well earned R&R from desert travel."</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After staying in a Berber camp overnight, you will head over the Senegalo-Mauritanian border to a busy ‘market town’ called Diama, a hub for all trade coming from North Africa to West Africa. In Senegal, there are loads to do and see. Stop off at the ‘Lac de Guier’ where the desert meets the Savannah, visit St. Louis, the Jazz Capital of West Africa</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and a wonderful opportunity to watch the fishermen bring in their catch in their elaborately painted boats</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, go bird-watching in ‘le Parc du Djoudj’ (migratory pit-stop for thousands of birds), get lost in the vibrant sounds and colours of Dakar, explore the natural waterways on a Pirogue (traditional canoe) in the Siné-Saloum Delta, and much more.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From Sénégal, head over the border to The Gambia, home of the Kora instrument, first choice for the traditional musician caste of the region, the ‘Griots’. After a night or two in an eco-retreat on the Atlantic coast, head up the Gambia River for some fishing and experience nature at its best, untouched.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Leaving the ‘Smiling Coast’ behind, cross the border to southern Sénégal, also known as Casamance, where you will notice a huge difference from its northern counterpart. Tropical climate, animistic belief systems and road-sides dotted with Mango trees are some of them. From here, head east along less travelled roads to South-Eastern Sénégal home to the Bedick and Bassari tribes who practice Animism.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A new day, a new border! This time it’s the turn of Guinea-Bissau to welcome you. Once a Portuguese colony, this country is dotted with remnants of old-style colonial towns such as Boloma, former capital of Portuguese Guinea before the capital was moved to Bissau in the 40's. The Atlantic Ocean, which you have followed but not always seen, re-appears like a long lost friend, and this time welcoming you into a paradise like environment known as the Bijagos Islands, beautiful and untouched tropical Islands surrounded by turquoise seas, inhabited by friendly and hospitable tribes. Here you will have the chance to participate in the Bijagos masked carnival, a little known yet colourful and awe-inspiring cultural festival.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here you will be able to relax for a few days on a Hammock, only disturbed by the sound of birds singing and waves lapping against the beach. After a well deserved rest, you will be back on the adventure trail to cross the last country before arriving at your destination.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guinea is a tropical, French-speaking country, famous for its Jazz and Latino style music. It is also home to the</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fouta Djalon, a beautiful area of waterfalls, mountains, and small villages… many say this area is the highlight of Guinea.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After witnessing such beautiful natural scenery,</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">you will arrive in Sierra Leone, and your final destination, Freetown.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height:normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Freetown is a coastal town which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. To the East you will find lush tropical hills rolling down to meet you, and to the West beautiful beaches made famous by the 80’s bounty commercial ‘a taste of paradise’. The coast is dotted with Islands, some of which have shacks where you can spend a few relaxing days snorkelling, sun-bathing, swimming and indulging in some of the best fish and seafood in the world.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For this particular journey of a life-time, you would obviously need an adapted vehicle. There are some companies that already do this kind of trip, and we are currently in the process of talking to them. For those of you who do not like flying, are worried about getting stranded at an airport due to unforeseen natural occurrences, or just plainly think that the journey is more important than the destination, then this could be the answer to your prayers.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa is perfectly placed with respects to Europe in order to experience a multitude of different cultures, historical sites and natural habitats of Africa when journeying to your destination.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For more information on West Africa, Sustainable and Responsible Tourism or just if you would like to chat about your experiences in West Africa, don’t hesitate to contact us at</span></span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align:justify;"></div><div style="text-align:justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You can also join us on</span></span> <a href="http://twitter.com/WADiscoveryLtd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Twitter</span></span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">or</span></span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Africa-Discovery/343615331421?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Facebook</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, where you will be updated on West Africa news and newly listed responsible tourism tours. We look forward to welcoming you!</span></span></div><br /></div></div></div>Exploring Senegal: 3 Excellent Excursions from Dakarhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/exploring-senegal-3-excellent-excursions-from-dakar2019-03-26T18:54:58.000Z2019-03-26T18:54:58.000ZIberia Airlineshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberiaAirlines<div><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}11018558481,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}11018558481,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="11018558481?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/hippo-in-the-gambia-river-senegal-gm940138588-257019275" target="_blank">evenfth</a></em></span></p><p><br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>by Cristóbal Ramírez</em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> Wee it may be, but the <strong>West Africa</strong> country of <strong>Senegal</strong> definitely punches above its weight when it comes to culture, nature, and historic sights on this continent. All that, plus a wonderful sense of <em>taranga</em> (hospitality in the local-majority <strong>Wolof</strong> language, spoken together with colonial-holdover French).</p><p><br /> Most visitors, of course, experience dynamic capital <strong><a title="vuelos a Dakar" href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/2015/02/dakar-senegal-travel/" target="_blank">Dakar</a></strong>, with its exuberant street life, nightlife, and remarkable <strong>Gorée Island</strong>, site of several interesting museums as well as the iconic slave-trade transshipment complex containing the notorious "door of no return".</p><p><br /> But those inclined toward nature, rural culture, and the great outdoors will also find plenty of appealing options easily reachable from this country's capital. Here are three of my favourites!</p><p> </p><h6><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/624/22852662626_5691cbc6bf_b.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/624/22852662626_5691cbc6bf_b.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="22852662626_5691cbc6bf_b.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><em><strong> </strong> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/carsten_tb/22852662626/sizes/l" target="_blank"><strong>Carsten ten Brink</strong></a></span></em></h6><h3><strong><br /> <span style="color:#ff0000;">Joal Fadiouth Island</span></strong></h3><p><br /> </p><p>Some 2½ hours south of Dakar, this rustic spot is also known as the Isle of Shells, as it's largely composed of them, and they lie in profusion hereabouts - even many of the houses in the adjoining fishing community (pop. 5,000) here are covered with them. A local landmark is the low, 400-metre (1,312-foot) wooden bridge that connects the island to the town, and points of interest include beaches; a variety of tamarinds, mangroves, and baobabs (including Senegal's largest, just outside town); a cemetery also made of shells (and especially notable for mixing graves of Christians and Muslims); and the house-museum of local son <strong>Léopold Senghor</strong> (1906-2001), the revered founding poet-president of Senegal. Apart from that, it's a wonderful spot to hang out and absorb the local vibe and culture (including not infrequent evening performances of traditional songs and dances).</p><p> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/waterbucks-in-niokolo-koba-national-park-senegal-west-africa-gm940138432-257019265" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://megustavolar.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/ltf/2018/10/L2F-Oct-18-pic-Senegal-elands-atelopes-iStock-940138432-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" alt="L2F-Oct-18-pic-Senegal-elands-atelopes-iStock-940138432-640x427.jpg?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a></em></span></p><p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em><a href="https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/waterbucks-in-niokolo-koba-national-park-senegal-west-africa-gm940138432-257019265" target="_blank">evenfth</a></em></span></p><p><br /> </p><h3><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Niokolo Koba National Park</strong></span></h3><p><br /> Quite a bit farther afield from Dakar - an eight-hour drive - nature lovers won't be disappointed by this vast <strong><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/153" target="_blank">UNESCO World Heritage</a></strong> reserve in Senegal's southeast corner near the Guinea-Bissau border. With the help of guides (various outfitters run overnight trips out of Dakar), you can roam 913,000 hectares (3,525 square miles) of sylvan savannahs and wetlands, taking observe a wide variety of flora and fauna including not just more than 350 kinds of birds but leopards, chimpanzees, elephants, hippopotamuses, giant elands (a type of antelope, above) and even lions reputed to be Africa's largest.</p><p> </p><h6><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/DindefeloFalls_01.jpg/800px-DindefeloFalls_01.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d3/DindefeloFalls_01.jpg/800px-DindefeloFalls_01.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" alt="800px-DindefeloFalls_01.jpg?profile=RESIZE_710x" width="800" /></a><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DindefeloFalls_01.jpg" target="_blank">BluesyPete</a></span></em></h6><p><br /> </p><h3><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Dindefelo Village and Reserve</strong></span></h3><p><br /> If you're really up for extending your ecotourism adventures, push on south of Niokolo-Koba down to this remote village (12 hours from Dakar, two hours from the city of <strong>Kedougou</strong>) anchoring a 13,000-hectare (50-sq.-mi.) community reserve. The spread includes two campgrounds and a variety of safaris are offered to spot not just more than 300 types of birds but also 46 species of mammals, including five kinds of primates - the most prominent being 200 to 300 chimpanzees. The reserve's other star attraction is without a doubt its spectacular waterfall dropping 100 metres (328 ft.) into a natural pool that's great for swimming.</p><p> </p><p><br /> More info in English: <a href="https://www.visitezlesenegal.com/en" target="_blank">VisitezLeSenegal.com</a>.</p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Discovering Bata, Equatorial Guinea's Largest Cityhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/discovering-bata-equatorial-guinea-s-largest-city2018-03-24T01:57:06.000Z2018-03-24T01:57:06.000ZIberia Airlineshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberiaAirlines<div><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10944900095,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10944900095,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="10944900095?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><br /> <br /> </strong> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>by Oscar Scafidi</em></span><strong><br /> </strong></p><p><strong><br /> Africa</strong>’s only Spanish-speaking country is divided into two major regions – the island on which capital <strong>Malabo</strong> (which I covered here recently) is located, and larger <strong>Río Muni</strong> on the mainland, sandwiched between <strong>Cameroon</strong> and <strong>Gabon</strong>. Bustling port city <strong>Bata</strong> (pop. 173,000) is the capital of <strong>Litoral Province</strong>, which runs along <strong>West Africa</strong>’s Atlantic coast, and is the country’s economic capital, with a lot of domestic airlift to/from international gateway <a href="https://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/malabo-capital-of-equatorial-guinea-africa-with-a-spanish-accent" target="_blank">Malabo (which I wrote about on this blog fairly recently)</a>.<span id="more-13124"></span></p><p><br /> Occupied since Neolithic times this settlement’s history is one of complex migrations, with various African ethnic groups intermixing or displacing one another. The coastline, easily accessible by European traders and colonisers, inevitably also saw periods of occupation by powers including <strong>Portugal</strong>, the <strong>Netherlands</strong>, and of course latest and most lastingly, <strong>Spain</strong>.</p><p> </p><p>This region has traditionally been home to the <strong>Ndowe</strong> ethnic group, but there has been a lot of <strong>Fang</strong> migration to the coast from the inland regions since the start of the 20th century, so you will hear all sorts of languages being spoken on the streets.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10944891256,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10944891256,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10944891256?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p><p> </p><p>City planners have made good use of Bata’s location on a narrow coastal plain, stretching it along the coastline for almost three kilometres (two miles), with further construction ongoing. It is an easy city to explore, as the majority of attractions are less than three blocks from the ocean, meaning you can stroll up and down the beautifully renovated waterfront (above), where a walkway, the <strong>Paseo Maritimo</strong>, to take in the sights and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.</p><p> </p><p>Your first stop as you drive southwards from the airport into the city centre is the <strong>Torre de la Libertad </strong>(below), a futuristic structure inaugurated in 2011 to celebrate national independence. The tower dominates the waterfront skyline, and even includes a great Italian restaurant with panoramic ocean views. Heading southwards, you will also pass the <strong>Centro Cultural Español</strong>(Spanish Cultural Centre), home to the mainland’s only book shop, as well as an excellent Mediterranean restaurant. Further on is the <strong>French Cultural Centre</strong> (known as the <strong>Institut Culturel d’Expression Française/ICEF</strong>), where you can enjoy various art exhibitions and cultural events, as well as a fine French restaurant.</p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}10944896455,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}10944896455,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="10944896455?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a> </p><p> </p><p>As you get away from the ocean, you may get frustrated at the lack of visible street names. Your most useful navigational reference is the centrally located <strong>Plaza del Reloj</strong>, a square featuring a monument to the soldiers who died during current ruler <strong>Teodoro Obiang Nguema</strong>‘s 1979 coup against his uncle, as well as an obelisk commemorating <strong>Pope John Paul II</strong>‘s visit in 1982.</p><p> </p><p>Northeast of the plaza, the <strong>Cathedral of St. James the Apostle</strong> and <strong>Our Lady of the Pillar</strong>dates back to the end of colonial times; construction began in 1954 under the direction of Italian architects, and the frescoes inside have been well maintained.</p><p> </p><p>Another landmark is the old sport stadium right in the centre of town next to the <strong>Santy Supermarket</strong>, where you can watch (and even take part in) football, boxing and various other martial arts. The new Chinese-built stadium, the <strong>Estadio de Bata</strong>, which hosted the 2012 <strong>African Cup of Nations</strong>, is quite a long way from the town centre, but worth seeing just for the sheer scale of the place. It would be interesting to know if they have ever managed to fill the 41,000 seats for a sporting event!</p><p> </p><p>In this coastal city, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. A little out of town towards <strong>Playa de Bome</strong>, <strong>La Ferme</strong> is not only one of the best restaurants locally, but also hires out kayaks and other watersport gear. At the opposite end of town, way up north by the airport at <strong>Utonde</strong>, you will find the <strong>Empereur Deux Resort</strong>, which offers a variety of aquatic activities including fishing and Jet Skiing.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/L2F-Apr-16-pic-Equatorial-Guinea-Bata-Torre-del-Reloj-Building-alarico-shutterstock_250923304.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="http://love2fly.iberia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/L2F-Apr-16-pic-Equatorial-Guinea-Bata-Torre-del-Reloj-Building-alarico-shutterstock_250923304-640x488.jpg?width=640" alt="L2F-Apr-16-pic-Equatorial-Guinea-Bata-Torre-del-Reloj-Building-alarico-shutterstock_250923304-640x488.jpg?width=640" width="640" /></a></p><h3><strong>Excursions From Bata</strong></h3><p> </p><p>Here, too, you’re very well placed to explore the rest of the mainland, especially the coastal areas. From Bata it’s only a few hours drive north to <strong>Punta Tika</strong>, a conservation site that allows you to camp and see nesting sea turtles between November and January. If you have a 4×4 and are feeling adventurous, you could even head southwards towards <strong>Cabo de San Juan</strong>, the mainland’s westernmost point and site of some beautiful colonial ruins on the castaway white-sand beaches. Perhaps surprisingly for West Africa, the roads here are truly excellent, and so all of Río Muni is your oyster, as it only takes about four hours to drive across the entire country, from west to east! This makes day trips to the new capital <strong>Oyala</strong>, the hilly settlement of <strong>Evinayong</strong>, or <strong>Monte Alen National Park</strong> very doable excursion possibilities (more about those in an upcoming post).</p><p> </p><h3><strong>Bata Dining and Nightlife</strong></h3><p> </p><p>If you ask Equatoguineans about Bata, they will inevitably mention the nightlife. There are clubs and bars dotted around the city offereing everything from a quiet beer while watching the football to a wild night of techno on the beach running until 7am! It is probably best to grab some food before a wild night of festivities, and in Bata you will be spoiled for choice on this front too. A stroll along the <strong>Paseo Maritimo</strong> throws up Chinese, Lebanese, Spanish, French, Brazilian and various fast food options. If you are looking to spend a little bit more money then you could head south out of town to <strong>La Corisqueña Restaurant </strong>on <strong>Playa de Bome</strong>, or eat in one of the many high-end hotels springing up across the mainland capital. When it is complete later in 2016, the <strong>Sheraton Utonde Hotel Resort</strong> will offer once of the finest dining experiences in the whole country.</p><p> </p><p>In terms of nightlife, a good place to start is around <strong>Plaza del Reloj</strong>, which has a number of drinking establishments including the trendy <strong>Rolex Discoteca</strong>, which is said to be owned by one of President Obiang’s children. You can party here until well into the early hours, although things can get expensive. Another option for a really late night is <strong>Discoteca La Salsa</strong>, on the main road to the airport. If you prefer to keep things casual, then check out Spanish-run <strong>La Cantina</strong>on the road to the airport for great beers and friendly service.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Iberia</strong> flights (five to seven days per week, depending on time of year) <a href="http://www.iberia.com/gb/cheap-flights/Malabo/?utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blogiberia&utm_source=utm_source=love2fly.home" target="_blank">from the U.K.</a>, <a href="http://www.iberia.com/us/cheap-flights/Malabo/?utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blogiberia&utm_source=utm_source=love2fly.home" target="_blank">from the USA</a>.</p><p><em><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Author of the new </span></em><span style="font-size:8pt;"><strong><a href="http://www.bradtguides.com/shop/equatorial-guinea.html" target="_blank">Bradt Guide to Equatorial Guinea</a></strong>,<em> Anglo-Italian teacher and travel writer <strong>Oscar Scafidi</strong> focusses</em> <em>on challenging destinations such as Afghanistan, East Timor, Liberia, and Somalia; his next project is kayaking Angola’s River Kwanza. Some of Oscar’s work can be found at <a href="http://www.polosbastards.com/" target="_blank">PolosBastards.com</a>; follow him on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/BradtEGguide" target="_blank">@BradtEGGuide</a>.</em></span></p><p><br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>photos | <a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/gallery-2279753p1.html">alarico</a>, Oscar Scafidi</em></span></p><p> </p><p> </p></div>Malabo, Capital of Equatorial Guinea: Africa With a Spanish Accenthttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/malabo-capital-of-equatorial-guinea-africa-with-a-spanish-accent2017-11-12T13:52:09.000Z2017-11-12T13:52:09.000ZIberia Airlineshttps://tripatini.com/members/IberiaAirlines<div><p><span class="font-size-1"><em><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12361034666,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12361034666,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12361034666?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a><a href="http://ruta47.com/" target="_blank">Photos> Ruta 47</a></em></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>by Oscar Scafidi</em></span><br /> <br /> When you think about Spanish-speaking nations outside the mother country of Spain – well, it’s all about Latin America, right? The answer is: not quite. Tucked away on <strong>West Africa</strong>‘s Atlantic coastline, <strong>Equatorial Guinea </strong>is the only country on the entire continent to have Spanish as its official language (alongside local African languages such as <strong>Fang</strong> and <strong>Bubi</strong>).<br /> <span id="more-11521"></span></p><p>How in the world did this come about? Well, to cut a very long story short, after being initially discovered by Portugal in the 1470s, a 1778 treaty ceded the island of <strong>Bioko</strong> to Spain, followed in 1900 by another treaty which granted it the enclave of <strong>Río Muni</strong> on the nearby mainland; these territories were consolidated as <strong>Spanish Guinea</strong> in 1926, and in 1968 they finally became an independent country as <strong>Guinea Ecuatorial</strong>.</p><p><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tBVmyzbnMe0?si=dZzYTp5lNcgJX0RK" width="750" height="400" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p> </p><h3><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Both Traditional and Modern</span></strong></h3><p><br /> Today, intimate-feeling <strong>Malabo</strong> (pop. 30,000) is located on the north coast of Bioko (though a new capital, called <strong>Oyala</strong>, is being built on the mainland). Formerly referred to as <strong>Santa Isabel</strong> during colonial times, Malabo perches on the rim of a volcanic crater along a still fairly wild coastline. The cityscape is a patchwork of Spanish colonial buildings (such as the neo-Gothic cathedral (top); typical informal dwellings; and shiny new commercial developments that are the fruit of the oil boom since the 1990s. Visitors to Malabo are likely to be surprised by its new attractive skyline and modern feel in some areas – although in others, dirt roads and that “developing-country” feel are still evident, and city planners continue to wage a constant battle to stop the jungle from encroaching.</p><p>It’s all a fascinating city (and country) waiting to be discovered. According to the United Nations, Equatorial Guinea is currently the world’s sixth least visited country by tourists in 2015. There are many reasons for this. Many people still have never heard of it – a legacy of a tumultuous post-colonial history, when the government of the day kept the country largely closed off to the outside world. And though this started to change when oil was discovered in the early 1990s, it remained very difficult to get entry visas.</p><p>Nowadays, though, as part of the government’s <strong>Horizon2020</strong> development plan, they are keen to move away from purely oil dependence, and a key part of the economy they are focussing on is tourism. To this end, visa regulations and bureaucracy have been reduced, and an excellent tourist infrastructure of roads and hotels is being put in place. Adventure tour operators such as the UK’s <strong><a href="https://www.undiscovered-destinations.com/" target="_blank">Undiscovered Destinations</a></strong> can now easily obtain tourist visas, and are offering package tours of this incredible, remote nation. It’s been venturing out onto the world stage a bit, as well, as backdrop to two feature films this year. <strong><em>Where The Road Runs Out</em></strong> (trailer below) and <strong><em>Palmeras en la Nieve (</em><em>Palm Trees in the Snow)</em></strong>.<br /> <br /> All that said, and while things are certainly moving in the right direction in terms of encouraging tourism, there’s still a long way to go, and Equatorial Guinea remains very much a frontier tourism destination; my research for <strong><a href="http://www.bradtguides.com/shop/equatorial-guinea.html" target="_blank">the first ever guidebook to this country</a></strong> for the UK-based <strong>Bradt Travel Guides</strong>, for example, was certainly not easy. Upon entry, you still need to obtain a tourism permit, and getting around is a logistical challenge given the lack of public transport..</p><p><br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12361036278,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12361036278,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="12361036278?profile=RESIZE_930x" width="750" /></a></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Culture, Colonial Architecture, and Markets<br /> </span></strong></p><p>However, EG is a very small country with roads so good they will amaze you, so it only takes a few hours to drive the length of the mainland, and even less time from the north to the south of Bioko island. Malabo itself is so small that it’s fairly easy to explore on foot. There’s plenty of interesting colonial architecture of the 19th and early 20 century, such as the <strong>Santa Isabel Cathedral</strong> on <strong>Calle de Kenia</strong> (top), built from 1897 to 1916 with none other than the legendary <strong>Antoni Gaudí</strong> as a consultant, as well as the distinctive <strong>Casa Verde</strong> (Calle de Kenia at <strong>Avenida del 3 de Agosto</strong>); the “Green House” was prefabricated in Belgium in the early 19th century and served as the consulate of <strong>Portugal</strong>; now renovated, it will soon be home to a museum of the city.</p><p>For now, you can enjoy a museum on local culture (as well as live performances) at 1the <strong>Equatoguinean Cultural Centre</strong>. The <strong>Spanish Cultural Centre</strong> as well as the French Cultural Centre also which showcase local talent as well as that of their respective home nations. And the country´s <strong><a href="https://momaa.org/directory/museum-of-modern-art-equatorial-guinea/" target="_blank">Museum of Modern Art</a></strong> is a fine showcase for 20th- an 21st-century talent. Those wishing to take home a gift for family back home can visit Bioko’s only bookshop, <strong>La Casa Tomada</strong>, or perhaps visit one of the open air <strong>markets </strong>for traditional carved goods and colourful fabrics (you can even purchase some cloth and take it into<strong> Square Style: La Mode Africaine</strong> tailors and have it made into a shirt, suit, dress, or waistcoat).</p><p>Hotel options are also pretty good these days, from the the budget <strong>Internet Hostal</strong> up to the luxurious <strong>Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf</strong>. Things are even more varied on the <strong>Malabo dining</strong>front, from excellent local cuisine at restaurants like <strong>La Luna</strong> (try the <strong><em>pepe-sup</em></strong>, a delicious if rather spicy fish soup) to international fare from Spain (of course), but also France, Italy, Lebanon, Senegal, Cuba, even Japan</p><h3><strong><span style="font-size:14pt;">Excursions from Malabo</span></strong></h3><p>For those interested in local flora, at this writing a botanical garden was expected to open imminently. For those who want to see the real thing in situ – along with wildlife, beaches, and small towns including more quaint colonial architecture – have a raft of day trips available to them. For example, <strong>Ángel Vañó</strong> at <strong><a href="http://ruta47.com/" target="_blank">Ruta 47</a></strong> can organise excursions to spots such as <strong>Rebola</strong>, 20 minutes away, where you can visit a cultural centre and see cocoa being processed in the traditional way (there’s another interesting cocoa farm to visiot south of Malabo in <strong>Sampaka</strong>). The beaches of <strong>Sipopo</strong> are impressive, and for ecotourism enthusiasts, there are hikes in the <strong>Luba Crater Scientific Reserve</strong>, 50 kilometres (30 miles) away, home to some of the rarest primates on the planet, organised through the <strong>Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program</strong>, which has a visitor centre and base at <strong>Moka</strong>. Down on the on the south coast, the black volcanic beaches of <strong>Ureca</strong> might reveal sea turtles nesting.</p><p>Furthermore, getting here is easier than ever, as well including <strong>Iberia</strong> service via Madrid five to seven days per week, depending on time of year (flights <a href="http://www.iberia.com/gb/cheap-flights/Malabo/?utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blogiberia&utm_source=utm_source=love2fly.home" target="_blank">from the U.K.</a>, <a href="http://www.iberia.com/us/cheap-flights/Malabo/?utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=blogiberia&utm_source=utm_source=love2fly.home" target="_blank">from the USA</a>).</p><p><br /> Learn a bit more at <a href="http://visit-malabo.com/">Visit-Malabo.com</a> and a lot more from my new book the <em><strong><a href="http://www.bradtguides.com/shop/equatorial-guinea.html" target="_blank">Bradt Guide to Equatorial Guinea</a></strong></em>.</p><p><em><br /> <br /> <span class="font-size-1">Author of the</span></em> <span class="font-size-1"><strong><a href="http://www.bradtguides.com/shop/equatorial-guinea.html" target="_blank">Bradt Guide to Equatorial Guinea</a></strong>,<em> Anglo-Italian teacher and travel writer <strong>Oscar Scafidi</strong> focusses on challenging destinations such as Afghanistan, East Timor, Liberia, and Somalia; his next project is kayaking Angola’s River Kwanza. Some of Oscar’s work can be found at <a href="http://www.polosbastards.com/" target="_blank">PolosBastards.com</a>; follow him on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/BradtEGguide" target="_blank">@BradtEGGuide</a>.</em></span></p><p> </p><p><em><a href="http://ruta47.com/" target="_blank"> </a></em></p><p> </p></div>Cesária Évora, Cape Verde’s Immortal Gift to World Musichttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cesaria-evora-cape-verde-music2012-12-17T13:00:00.000Z2012-12-17T13:00:00.000ZDavid Paul Appellhttps://tripatini.com/members/DavidPaulAppell16<div><div class="entry">
<p><span style="font-size:8pt;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12237988284,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12237988284,RESIZE_930x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="750" alt="12237988284?profile=RESIZE_930x" /></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/viradacultural2008/2457807715/" target="_blank">Silvio Tanaka</a></span></p>
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<p>Not too many people know much about (or have even heard of) the tiny, 10-island West African country of <strong><a href="http://www.tripatini.com/group/cape-verde" target="_blank">Cape Verde</a>, </strong>on Boavista island). But even though relatively few actually understood her <strong>song lyrics</strong>, plenty in Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world certainly knew and loved its most famous native daughter, a soulful singer whom we lost a year ago today at age 70.<br /> <br /> Like one of my favorite U.S. jazz icons, Alberta Hunter, <strong><a href="http://www.cesaria-evora.com/?lang=en">Cesária Évora</a></strong> started her career young and at one point left music, only to stage a spectacular comeback, in Évora’s case starting with a hit album in France, <em>La diva aux pieds nus</em> (“The Barefoot Diva”; she always sang barefoot because she said it was more comfortable). She won a <strong>Grammy nomination</strong> for 1995’s <em>Cesária,</em> and international fame didn’t lag far behind; her album <em>Voz d’Amor</em> (Voice of Love) later won her a <strong>world music</strong> Grammy in 2004. Évora’s health started declining in 2010, and in September 2011 she finally retired from her beloved music.<br /> <br /> But the lady has left behind a gorgeous legacy of more than 20 studio, live, and remixed albums (including <em>Club Sodade</em>, a cool bunch of dance-club remix tracks), that have taught the world about Cape Verde’s distinctive national music, called <em>morna</em>. Like Portugal’s <strong>fado</strong>, it’s usually sung in a minor key and deals with loss, regret, and longing. As executed by Évora, it’s rich and jazzy, with lush arrangements and hints of <strong>blues </strong>and <strong>bossa nova</strong>. The language is<em>crioulo</em>, an Afro-Portuguese sprinkled with local African languages like Wolof and Fulani. Her success <strong>– </strong>and the video below, one of her better-known songs, “Sodade” (“Longing”)<strong> </strong>– prove that you don’t need to understand the words to be moved by the music and that evanescent voice. Still, for your delight, here are the simple yet powerful lyrics:<br /><br /></p>
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<p>Quem mostra’ bo ess caminho longe?<br /> <em>Who will show you </em><em>that long road?</em></p>
<p>Quem mostra’ bo ess caminho longe?<br /> <em>Who will show you </em><em>that long road?</em></p>
<p>Ess caminho pa São Tomé<br /> <em>That road to São Tomé</em></p>
<p>Sodade sodade<br /> <em>The longing, the longing</em></p>
<p>Sodade<br /> <em>The longing</em></p>
<p>Dess nha terra São Nicolau<br /> <em>For this land of mine, São Nicolau</em></p>
<p>Si bo ‘screve me ’m ta ‘screve be<br /> <em>If you write to me </em><em>I’ll write back to you</em></p>
<p>Si bo ‘squece me ’m ta ‘squece be<br /> <em>If you forget me </em><em>I’ll forget you</em></p>
<p>Até dia qui bo voltà<br /> <em>Until the day y</em><em>ou return</em></p>
<p>Sodade sodade<br /> <em>The longing, the longing</em></p>
<p>Sodade<br /> <em>The longing</em></p>
<p>Dess nha terra São Nicolau<br /> <em>For this land of mine, São Nicolau</em></p>
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<p><em><br /> Muito obrigado</em> (thank you so much), Cesária. Today, December 20th, may be your funeral; but your music will always live in our hearts. Rest in peace.</p>
<p>Photo | <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/volume12/">Bruno Bollaert<br /> <br /> <iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ERYY8GJ-i0I?wmode=opaque" width="640" height="480" frameborder="0">
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