Daily Africa Travel Guide

The Best Safari Countries to Visit in Africa

2010-01-30T06:34:00.001-08:00

By Karl Strauss

Kenya and Tanzania are two of the top safari destinations in Africa and indeed many from around the world have opted to visit these two nations. Many safari itineraries have been customized to ensure that visitors get to enjoy the most of what the country has to offer.

The Big Five, ie Lions, Buffaloes, Elephants, Rhinos and the Leopard can be found in these two countries. Visitors to any of these two countries will not be disappointed as they host countless wild animals spread across many national parks, game reserves and conservancies. For those that love taking photos, they will have plenty to do because some of the parks are teeming with attractive looking birds like the flamingos. Other natural attractions in Kenya and Tanzania include waterfalls, lakes and mountains.

Beginning with Kenya, Masai Mara is easily recognized as the most popular park in Kenya as well as in Africa. Masai Mara is recognized around the world and became more famous because it hosts one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wildebeest Migration.

The park is home to the big five and also home to other species of mammals, reptiles and over 485 species of birds. Here you will also get to see a huge concentration of migratory herbivores including zebras, topis, hippos,giraffes and over 250,000 zebras. The best time to go visit Masai Mara would be the months of July and October.

Another famous park in Kenya is the Amboseli national park. This park is home to over fifty three species of carnivores and herbivores. The most prominent of these is the over 1000 African elephants that roam freely in its plains. Other wild animals that can be found here include giraffes, wildebeests, impalas, gerenuks, hyenas, bats, baboons and about four hundred and twenty five species of birds. the best time to go on a visit to this park would be the months of January-February and June to September because these are the dry seasons here.

The other popular park in Kenya is Lake Nakuru national park. This park is home to millions of flamingos which paint the lake pink. We also have pelicans in the lake that adds color to it. Lake Nakuru is also home to the White and Black rhinos that can be seen from the favorite hideouts next to the lake shore.

Other game includes huge herds of waterbuck, zebra, buffalo, the endangered Rothschild Giraffe and other bird species. Other parks found in Kenya include, the Tsavo national park, Aberdares and Mt. Kenya national park, Lake Baringo national reserve, Arabuko sokoke national park and many others.

In Tanzania, Serengeti National park stands out as the most famous in this country. This park also plays a part in the Great Wildebeest Migration and its actually bigger than Masai Mara. The park comfortably holds over 1 million wildebeests and over 300,000 thompsons gazelles and 200,000 zebras.

Other wild animals that can be found in this park include giraffes, impalas, elands, hippos, cheetahs, lions and the klipspringer. The best time to visit Serengeti park would be between the months of December and June.

Finally, the Ngorongoro crater is another place that you have to tour while on safari to Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater is found within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is home to over 25,000 large animals plus other wild animals including zebras and wildebeests. Other wild creatures here are the buffaloes, elands, hartbeests and warthogs.

We have quite a huge number of predators including the lions and spotted hyenas because of the large population of herbivores. The other notable large animal found here would be the elephant. - 29621

About the Author:

Discover the continent of Africa with our Africa safari travel. Visit Karl Strauss's site and see the best hotels in Nairobi as you plan your tour.

Safari in Kenya: Attractions To Visit in Nairobi

2010-01-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

By Martin Mureithi

Nairobi is one city in East Africa that has become unique in the sense that business as well as leisure travel exist symbiotically. The city is well prepared to meet the needs of the different visitors that come to this place. Some of the attractions that one can enjoy in this city include visiting Museums, restaurants as well as a game park which is in the city itself!

Nairobi National park is located 7 kilometers from the City Centre of Nairobi. The park boasts of being the only park in the world that borders a city. The park is ideal for those folks who want to go on a game drive but do not want the hassle of traveling to long distances. The park covers an area of about 117km2 and is blessed with numerous wild animals. We have the David Sheldrick trust which cares for orphaned animals and was founded by Mervyn Cowie in 1946. Here one is able to see diverse bird life as well as aquatic species

For those that are bold and courageous, a visit to the Nairobi snake park will be a blessing for them. Within the confines of this park we have deadly vipers that are enclosed behind thick glass walls . This park is quite popular with international as well as local visitors. For those that are superstitious of snakes then it would be best to avoid this place. Some of the vipers that call this place home include cobras, mambas, African rock python among others. We also have American Alligators as well as crocodiles in this park

Another attraction to visit is the Nairobi Museum that was established in 1910. The museum is responsible for keeping important historical monuments and its also used as a research center. The museum also has a botanical garden within its confines. Get to enjoy and see artifacts that show the history of the country.

For those that love locomotives, the Railway museum would be an ideal choice. The railway museum records the troubled history involved in the construction of the Kenya - Uganda railway line. You will learn more about the lions that loved eating humans for lunch (Tsavo man eaters) which developed an appetite for the railway workers in the early 1900s. Learn how they were eventually killed. The old steam engines are on exhibit and once in a while they are fired up to offer visitors rides along the Kenyan countryside.

Another famous attraction in Nairobi is the Kenyatta International Conference Center. The architecture of the building makes it very unique and impressive and can be compared to other unique icons like the Taj-Mahal or the Eiffel tower of France. Its grounds make it attractive for taking photographs especially the giant statue of the founding father of the country Mzee Jomo Kenyatta.

No travel itinerary is complete without a visit to Carnivore restaurant to binge on their second to none specialties The Meat Buffet and drinks. Watching the succulent meat cuts on skewers, makes for easier understanding why it's been rated among the top 50 hotels in the world by UK's Restaurant Magazine and dubbed 'Africa's Greatest Eating Experience'. It's a vibrant entertainment spot having hosted local and international artists like Shaggy, Hugh Masekela and Kirk Franklin.

For those would want to buy curios and love African art, the African Heritage located at the Carnivore would be an ideal destination. For those that want to know the history of Kenya, the Kenya National Archives would be the ideal place to tour. - 29621

About the Author:

Want to discover more unique attractions on your tours to Kenya? Visit Virgin Tours site and see our unique Mt Kenya climbing safaris. Enjoy your tour in Kenya.

Get Uk Flights To Be Your Own Around The World Business

2010-01-28T04:55:00.000-08:00

By Selena Hummer

If at all possible, you consider spending your next holiday abroad. Even if it is a long weekend, you should still be able to make it over to France or Ireland to get a chance of scenery. If you can't make it abroad, consider flying to a different part of the country. There are great advantages to traveling during your holiday. You get to see new things like scenery or buildings. You can meet new people and see how they live. You also don't have to worry about your daily chores such as cooking or cleaning because you are staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. So many people like travel these days that many more airlines and hotels have come into being. It also means that the rates of these places have gone down. Today, you can take advantage of the low prices of UK flights and use them to get good prices on hotels and car rentals as well.

In the past, if you wanted to do a lot of traveling, you would probably contact a travel agent. This person would be able to make the long distance calls necessary to book your flight and accommodations as well as arrange for tours or anything else you might plan to do on the trip. With the rise of the internet, however, those days are gone forever.

You can still go to a travel agent if you don't want to be hassled with any of the details of your trip. However, you can also go onto the internet and become your own travel agent. Not only will you save some money, but many people feel that planning is a fun part of the entire traveling process.

There are many websites on which you can book not only your flight but also hotels, rental cars, and even tour packages for the town into which you are flying. What is great about these services is that you will probably get a deal on the overall cost of your trip.

The best way to start out looking is to go to a website that offers deals on flights. Type in your travel dates and find the cheapest flight to and from your destination.

You can simply go to a site that books flights to destinations across the UK and around the world. Book your flight and then automatically the website will give you options for places to stay and rental car companies in the area to which you are traveling.

However, if you booked altogether, you might be able to get everything in five hundred pounds. That essentially means that you get your rental car for free.

Internet booking is a great way to save money and be your own travel agent. You can even get better prices if you are willing to be flexible and book your holiday at the last minutes. There are lots of great deals to be had with last minute travel. Just find what UK flights you want and let your virtual travel agent do the rest of the work. - 29621

About the Author:

UK flights including Flights to Africa are so rife and inexpensive that it is a shame not to take advantage. However, you shouldn't stop at the flight. Use your flight as the stepping off point to be your own travel agent and book an entire getaway on the web.

Virgin Atlantic Airlines

2010-01-26T10:06:00.001-08:00

By Tom Martens

Owned by Virgin Group and Singapore Airlines, Virgin Airlines is well known for its decidedly British feel. Its main hubs are located at two London airports, Heathrow & Gatwick. It also has a secondary hub at Manchester. The airline provides service from the United Kingdom to North America, Africa, Caribbean, Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

It further extends its network through code-sharing relationships (agreements that allow airlines to sell tickets on each other's flights) with other airlines including Air China, Continental Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Australia-based sister company Virgin Blue.Virgin Atlantic serves about 30 destinations worldwide with its fleet of more than 35 aircraft.

Plans for two routes, one from London to the Falkland Islands in the aftermath of the Falkland War, and the other from London Gatwick to JFK Airport, were either scrapped or rejected. Plans were in the works for a route between London Gatwick and Newark Liberty International Airport, when it became necessary for the company to secure additional funding.Virgin Atlantic and its sister companies got their start in'82 when American Randolph Fields teamed up with pilot Alan Hellary to launch British Atlantic Airways.

Fields and Branson struck an agreement after tortuous discussions which led to the formation of the airline currently known as Virgin Atlantic starting its first flight between Londan and Newark in June'84. (Fields was later bought out.) A combination of funding from sister company Virgin Records and the timing of the agreement within the peak summer travel system allowed the company to make money in its first year of operation.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have been rivals since the company's inception. The competition became even more intense when the UK government began allowing Virgin Atlantic to operate from London Heathrow airport in January'91. This move led to BA's so-called "dirty tricks" campaign against Virgin Atlantic which included libel lawsuits, and an out-of-court settlement on BA's part after lawyers found evidence of the extraordinary efforts BA was taking to "kill off" Virgin Atlantic.

Virgin has never been shy about taking on its competition through its advertising. Some examples: Mine's Bigger Than Yours - painted on the back of the Airbus A340-600s because they are the longest passenger aircraft in the world

In an ad campaign targeting its rival Quantas, who also offers a route from London to Hong Kong and then on to Sydney, Virgin told customers to "Avoid the Q:. This campaign also featured Virgin's online check in which permitted travelers to steer clear of lines.

Upper class is the equivalent of business class since the airline does not offer a traditional first class cabin service. Virgin Atlantic claims its Upper Class seat is the largest fully flat bed when compared with any other airlines' business class seating.No Way BA/AA - Expressed Branson's displease with a proposed British Airways/American Airlines partnership.Virgin Atlantic currently offers three cabin classes: upper class, premium economy and economy.

These seats are wider and provide more legroom than Economy accommodations. Most aircraft have been updated to include Premium Economy seating with laptop power. In Economy class, in-flight drinks are free, and an updated Economy seat with adjustable lumbar support has recently been added across the fleet. Premium Economy passengers have a separate check-in and receive priority boarding ahead of Economy passengers.

Personal televisions mounted in the seat backs are available on all of the planes flown by Virgin Atlantic. Audio and video on demand systems are also installed on some of their aircraft. In addition, Virign Atlantic has various sister airlines. These are Virgin America, Virgin Blue, Virgin Express, Virgin Galactic, Virgin Nigeria Airways, Virgin Atlantic Global Flyer and V Australia., - 29621

About the Author:

Tom Martens is the syndication coordinator for South Arica's leading Flight comparison portal, which includes Virgin Atlantic Airlines amongst others.

Tips And Information About Safari Vacations

2010-01-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

By Eurico Mutlak

A safari vacation to Africa can be a beautiful, once in a lifetime experience. There are safari vacation packages offered for families, couples, and even seniors. The pristine beauty of Africa and its exotic wildlife are an experience everybody ought to relish at least once. When traveling on safari there are some basic tips and travel tips you should consider. Because of this, we supply our safari vacation advice.

Wear colours that mix in with the environment. Neutral colors like tan, beige, khaki, olive-green, brown, and gray are recommended.

Bring masses of batteries for digital cameras and video devices. If you utilize a battery charger, be certain to own a 12-volt adapter that can be plugged into a vehicle, as not all camps have a 220/240-volt electrical supply.

Never photograph locals without getting their permission first.

Support native businesses by shopping for local goods and watch out for low cost transportation like buses and mini-taxis, which are typically beneath-serviced and overloaded.

Do due diligence regarding the country where you're traveling. Analysis the rules, customs, and traditions so you're a good visitor and not a rude tourist on safari vacation.

Remember to use water sparingly; it's a restricted resource in Africa.

You may bring gifts for native children and villagers, but they must be of an educational type. Picture books of Western Culture, coloring books and crayons are usually very appreciated and are cheap for you to supply. Do not provide cash or food.

Never litter while on a safari vacation

Bear in mind of bags restrictions, that are commonly twenty-six pounds of luggage for lightweight air transfers and forty-four pounds of bags for often scheduled air flight.

Before coming back to Africa, take preventative measures to avoid contracting malaria on your safari vacation. Most travelers who have more matured the correct preventions never have to stress about malaria. Talk to your doctor previous to your safari vacation and take all the advice offered concerning malaria.

Build positive you drink enough water while in Africa on safari vacation. You wish to consume four to 6 pints a day to remain hydrated. Avoid an excessive amount of tea, coffee, and alcohol, as these beverages typically have a diuretic have an effect on and will cause dehydration.

Most water throughout Southern Africa is safe to drink straight from the tap, however there's plenty of bottled water around. Simply be thoughtful concerning how you use this water as it is a very valuable natural resource and locals can take offense if you are wasteful or trivial about your water supply whereas on a safari vacation.

Build sure you've got a smart combine of sunglasses, binoculars, and plenty of sunscreen of SPF 15 or above. Have lightweight cowl-up clothing that you'll wear during the hottest elements of the day.

Check your skin frequently, as tics are prevalent. They will simply be controlled by using petroleum jelly to remove them.

You must be certain to own money and baggage insurance and continually have your expensive video equipment and binoculars, etc. as walk-on items. Take away valuable items from check-in baggage.

You may relish your safari vacation immensely. If you are traveling to Africa on a safari vacation for the first time, it's guaranteed that this is a visit you'll remember fondly all of your life. Simply use prudence and have smart manners while on your journey and you will have a rewarding experience. - 29621

About the Author:

Eurico Mutlak doesn't like to admit it, but enjoys hanging out at the spa. Eurico has coded a website containing articles on white bath towels, as well as bath sheet towels.

Tanzania Holiday Safari- Places You Can't Afford To Miss During Your Tanzania Vacation

2010-01-18T11:05:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Muigai

Tanzania occupies some 954,087 sq km and is a beautiful travel destination as it holds a number of geographical extremes. These include Mount Kilimanjaro - the highest summit in Africa, and Lake Tanganyika - whose lake bed is the continent's lowest point. Tanzania also has owns almost half of Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa that is shared between the three East African countries; Kenya, Uganda and of course Tanzania.

Tanzania also has some of the most pristine beaches in the region. The white sandy beaches offer fine setting for island fantasy hence they draw thousands of visitors to Tanzania every year. The northern and southern tourism circuits of Tanzania are also popular travel destinations. The northern circuit's Serengeti National park is easily the most popular tourist attraction in the region. The national park is home to the Big 5 - buffalo, leopard, lion, rhino and elephant, all of which can easily be spotted as well as other animals. The annual event sees millions of wildebeest moving from Serengeti to Masai Mara and back in search of greener pastures. Also part of the northern circuit is the Tarangire National Park, named after the Tarangire River. The 2,600 sq km park boasts a high concentration of wildlife during the dry seasons as well as a high number of elephants.

The Southern Circuit is also a fascinating destination although it is less popular. The region made up of, among other parks, the Selous National Reserve and Ruaha National Park, is popular among visitors looking for a tour destination with less visitors and a greater number of wild animals. Selous is the only park, beside Ngorongoro, in which you can spot the rhino. A majority of tourists to the region also prefer to go on hiking adventures to the Uduzungwa Mountains Park.

The period between June to August, the end of the rainy season has favorable weather during the day as well as cool evenings. This is, however, not necessarily the best time to go on a Tanzania safari as there is a lot of water around the park and animals are hidden in the thick foliage. For visitors determined for a safari experience January to February is the best time to visit the Serengeti. It is usually at this time that colossal herds of Wildebeest, Zebra and Buffalo migrate to better grazing areas.

Everyone entering Tanzania is required to carry a visa citizens except citizens of some African and commonwealth countries. Visitors are advised to obtain visa's in advance from Tanzania Embassies and High Commissions as some airlines may require it before allowing you to board. However, you can also be issued with a visa on arrival at Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro international airports and at the Namanga Gate on the Kenya /Tanzania border. In addition, all visitors are required to have Passports, valid for at least six months. - 29621

About the Author:

Thinking of travelling to Tanania? Please Visit the author's Travel to Africa website where you will find very helpful information on Tanzania Travel including Tanzania Safari, flights and hotels.Africapoint.com is an Africa travel portal that has helped thousands of travelers discover Africa.

Finding the Best Deal When Planning a Trip to Europe

2010-01-05T00:38:00.001-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

When you are planning a trip to Europe you will want to explore many parts of the country and cheap flights are a main concern. You want to save time in getting from one place to the next and, save money. The low cost fares to Europe are abundant due to the fare wars from many airlines and travelers can take advantage of the best rates by searching online for the best rates.

Before widespread use of the Internet, the one and only way to obtain flight information and purchase plane tickets was through a travel agent. The agent had knowledge the average traveler did not in regards to which airline was offering discount tickets, which was cheapest at what times of the year, etc.

The internet has brought a slow halt to the travel agencies business for brick and mortar locations and many have started websites to offer the discounts. This process makes it easy for the traveler to search all their deals and compare them with others that are online. Besides the travel agencies online travelers can go directly to the airlines and request the best fare online to avoid any booking fees.

Using the Internet, a savvy bargain hunter can find the best deals on tickets to just about anywhere. And one can find any type of flight they wish, as well: don't like to fly all night? Then don't. Find a flight with a stop somewhere, or vice versa. Many airlines also allow, if it's early enough, travelers to choose their seats and what menu options they would prefer (some airlines require that vegetarians select their special meal status ahead of time). And if one is not comfortable checking in at an airport kiosk and having the tickets printed out there, they can even be mailed to you in advance.

The Internet can also simplify your planning because on some sites, you can book packages that include all of your transportation and lodging. If you're interested in seeing local sights or doing local activities, then it's often easy to book those tickets and in some cases, gets a discount. A traveler can compare different vacation packages and specify search criteria like dates, price, and even level of luxury.

There are also bidding sites that allow users to bid on trip packages. The highest bidder wins the trip for the amount of the bid. It can be a great way to get a good deal, but there is no guarantee of winning, and the trip is limited to specific dates. Also, if the bidding goes on for a long time, the price of the tickets may go up, which would require the winner to pay even more.

Purchasing a ticket directly through the airline is another option for getting a cheap flight to Europe. Many customers like to give their date to the airline and obtain a ticket that way, but you may not be getting the best deal. There are many airlines and to know if you are getting the best rate you have to contact them all and this can be time-consuming. You will also miss the package deals where you receive discounted hotels and activity tickets that you would have received on the planning sites. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for South Africa's leading Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za

African Investments Are On The Increase

2010-01-04T07:29:00.001-08:00

By Jim Antonio

Africa is a continent with a checkered history. From ruthless dictators such as the infamous Idi Amin in Uganda, to the shocking apartheid regime that ruled South Africa for decades, Africa has been considered a country ravaged with corruption, despair and poverty. The new image of Africa is radically different. Rich in a diverse range of commodities, Africa has attracted many foreigners who are making strong returns on their African investments.

Africa is made up of 53 countries, 50 of which are showing an impressive growth rate. Unlike present economic climates of the western world, most countries in Africa are enjoying a vibrant economy. New opportunities are being created all the time. A major advantage is that about half the population of Africa is below the age of 20 which creates a powerful work force.

Morocco, in North Africa, is one of the most beautiful of all African countries. With a spectacular coastline and awe-inspiring landscapes, it is catching the attention of foreign investors in real estate. Because of its location, the culture in Morocco is a combination of African, Middle Eastern and European.

Botswana is a very investment friendly country. It has attracted investors from the United Kingdom, Portugal, India, China and Mauritius. Investment opportunities include tourism, coal mining, glass products, leather goods and the polishing of semi-precious stones and diamonds.

Kenya has become Africa's third biggest foreign exchange earner. The top two places go to South Africa and Morocco. Kenya's booming tourism industry is a result of many liberalization policies. The government is committed to maintaining political stability. This is a major reason for the number of people investing in tourism. Another lucrative investment opportunity is Kenya's burgeoning film industry.

In pole position of Africa's foreign investment income is South Africa. Boycotted by the rest of the world for many years due to its racist government, South Africa has made a remarkable recovery under its new government. There is potential for foreign investors in a host of thriving sectors.

Nigeria is another country that has made a concerted effort to bring in foreign earnings. Nigeria generates most of its wealth through its involvement in the oil industry. Foreign investors are now confident about the potential profitability in Nigeria. The most popular choices are investments in oil companies, as well as investment trusts and unit trusts.

Investors are focusing on Malawi as a country that is proving to have much potential. Known as 'the warm heart of Africa', Malawi has a flourishing farming industry and the government has realized that it has the resources to become a leading food producer. Malawi is blessed with plenty of sunshine and water, as well as fertile land.

Uganda is an African country that welcomes foreign investments in almost all of its economic sectors. With a steady economy and a government with vision, more and more investors are seeing Uganda as a secure investment opportunity. Investors are permitted to retain a 100 percent shareholding in their investments. This is a big factor for potential investors. - 29621

About the Author:

Looking to find the best consultants to help with african investment, then visit www.ai-gc.com to find the best advice on for you.

Attractive African Investments That Are Viable

2010-01-02T05:11:00.001-08:00

By Jeremy Carden

There have been more African Investments and foreign aid than any other part of the world as around three billion dollars has been poured into Africa. The African continent has always been the poorest of all continents and has in fact deteriorated even more over the last twenty years. Africa. 's production only accounts for two percent of the entire world. 's production.

Around twenty or more thousand professional people immigrate to other countries recently more so noted in South Africa. The African continent is bankrupt despite the billions of dollars that have already been invested and the reason for this is owing to the large debts as well as government departments being corrupt.

There are really only three viable sectors of interest which potential investors can invest in such as infrastructure, agriculture and telecommunications according to the world economists. An area which has been severely neglected especially within the last two years is the processing of agriculture and agro which has been noted to be a ripe area for investment as agricultural produce only represents around five percent of the world. 's value on the export markets.

Sub Sahara Africa presents good opportunities as well as interesting insights with regards to mobile infiltration and 3G licenses as these countries are undeveloped but the market is saturated with particular reference to North Africa and South Africa. Only three networks are functioning and a mere one Telkom service leaving the market open to investors.

Morocco launched the first IPTV service in Africa and there is much scepticism as to how the expansion of WIMAX will impact the high service convergence characteristic of other African country. 's telecom sector. The telecom sector has barely been touched in Sudan and the overseas sectors are already pouring in huge sums although most analysts consider this sector to be under explored as there are growth prospects despite political uncertainty and decline in oil prices.

When looking at african investment one needs to look at the infrastructure crisis in Africa as an opportunity rather than looking at the limitations. There are millions of Africans that do not have access to clean water for drinking purposes and many more that are deprived of proper sanitation facilities. If one makes a comparison to the minimal water supply that is used for the purposes of industrial, agricultural as well as hydro electrical power and residential usage only amounts to four percent.

The African continents inhabitant. 's life expectancy is falling rapidly as HIV is rife and accounts for approximately seventy percent of the globes HIV victims and over and above this forty percent of Africans is illiterate and in addition Africa has been rated the lowest as far as human development goes by the UNDP.

As long as investors are prepared to take risks there are numerous opportunities and return from African Investments as Africa is an emerging market as opposed to other markets which have been saturated with investors and the African continent does not have a very high level of competition. The potential of Africa has already been identified by a few countries which have realized that Africa is on the radar. Telecommunications, consumer products, banking as well as infrastructure is extremely attractive African investments for private investors. - 29621

About the Author:

Learn more about african investment. Stop by the African Infrastructure and Global Connection's (AI&GC) site where you can find out all about investment in africa and what it can do for you.

How To Be Prepared For Long Flights With Your Children

2009-12-29T02:33:00.000-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

Families use to take their children on road trips for vacation. Now parents are taking the children on flights around the world. If you are planning to take your kids on cross country flights for vacation you may be asking yourself how in the world will I get through this?

When travelling with younger children you can hold them on your lap as opposed to buying them their on seat. If you have your child on your lap do not worry when the seat belt light come on. Flights have an extension on the seat belts for just this situation. By the age of two, children must have their own seat.

You can only have one infant in your lap, if you will be travelling with two infants you need to be sure to have another adult with you. If you do not mind spending the money you can buy a seat for your infant and bring a car seat for them to sit in.

This will be more expensive but you can eat, read, and move around. You can not do these things very easily while holding a child in your lap. Always be prepared when travelling with a baby because airlines do not have things your baby might need.

You will want to pack several diapers and extra bottles. There are other things that your baby will need and you need to bring them too but we all know that diapers and bottles are the most important. When travelling with children two or older, airlines usually have a few things they can give your child.

If you forget to pack something to keep them busy, which I strongly suggest you do not. The airlines usually have crayons and coloring books, goody bag with little toys and they usually have kids' meals for your child. When booking a flight you should let the airline know how old the child you are travelling with is. They usually have baby food and meals for children if they know in advance.

A good tip is to book your flights during the down time. Also if you can find a flight during the time your child naps or sleeps this will make for a better trip. Try to book a flight that is not full as well. You may want to make yourself a check list before packing so you do not forget anything important for your children. - 29621

About the Author:

If you are planning your next vacation you need to make sure that you book your Flights early. You will also want to make sure that you are on the perfect Flight that suits your budget.

Tips Of Making African Investments

2009-12-27T11:43:00.001-08:00

By Jay Berg

In the eyes of the investment worlds, Africa has always been thought of as a 'basket case' and an area not to be considered too heavily for any regular investor. In very recent times however, the markets in Africa have seen some significant growth and development and there are some growing and attractive options in African investments for the right investor.

But why invest in Africa when there are other options elsewhere that you could take advantage of and would be far easier. For one thing, investing in Africa is a positive and somewhat philanthropic thing to do, as it not only serves your won financial ends, but it helps to build up a continent in need of finance and aid. The continent has suffered and continues to suffer from serious internal issues ranging from civil war and famine to disease and political strife. For a long time this has put off different funds from offering investment into a country they thought as far too unstable to provide steady financial returns. Nonetheless, and more so now, there is great potential there.

The best chance for the continent of Africa to build itself from being the worlds poorest to being able to compete on the world's stage in generations to come is not in the continued use of foreign aid from a host of individuals and governments, but in foreign investment and private enterprise. As long as this doesn't cross the line and lead to exploitation as has been seen before in such things as the diamond trade. Two or so years ago only about 1% of foreign investment was put into sub-Saharan Africa, yet new figures have suggested that investment here offers greater returns than in any other world region.

with different risks such as political problems and currency fluctuations it is possible that your investment will fall into a black hole. However, in many parts of the continent, countries are seeing a rise in democracy and a stabilisation of their economies, which has in turn led on to the growth of new markets and industries.

The economic performance in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing, with the largest growth areas being seen in industries such as finance, infrastructure and tourism. Tourism particularly is an important industry for African nations and encourages people to see what these countries have to offer, in turn bringing in foreign investment.

If you just look at the stock markets of these areas, it is plain to see that there is serious progress being made, as they outscore world averages consistently. At the same time the number of exchanges have seen a rise from eight to ten over the previous decade. Furthermore, the powerhouse of the continent, South Africa, has continued to see positive growth which is fundamentally important to the entire region seeing as it account for about 25% of the GDP.

Timely investment therefore can provide big rewards and some big returns. However it is tricky to find funds still that deal with African countries and industry. That said, for a canny investor there are still those available such as the mining trade with sees investment from foreign funds.

However with some digging, it is possible to locate some good exposure to mining funds. One good fund that offers considerable exposure in Africa is called Genesis, who have 10% invested in South Africa and 5% in Egypt. These are safer investment areas, but they also have some smaller levels of investment in some nations with smaller economies, but large prospects. - 29621

About the Author:

Learn more about african investment. Stop by the African Infrastructure and Global Connection's (AI&GC) site where you can find out all about investment in africa and what it can do for you.

Finding The Top Cheap Flights To Your Destination Of Choice Online

2009-12-22T01:57:00.001-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

No matter what airline you choose to fly with, there are all kinds of taxes and extra fees that you have to pay. Going on vacation can seem really expensive, and the flights are actually the largest part of that. When you choose to fly to your destination, there is not just one fare, but two if you take a return ticket. Then you also have to worry about the exorbitant taxes that are charged with every airline.

In fact, when you fly anywhere, the costs will just escalate. The only time you will find a cheaper flight is when you look at tickets close to the day that you are flying. This is ideal because you can save a lot of money, but then you also run the risk of not getting a ticket, or not getting the one you want. You will still pay the same amount of taxes, but as this is charged at a percentage of the ticket price you are saving money all around.

Flying is the fastest and easiest way to travel and this is what makes it so costly. There is hefty insurance as well on your luggage that you are not required to pay, but it is advised. When you fly anywhere you also need to take certain things with you on board that you might like to make your comfortable. Some people have to take travel sickness medication, some people like a special pillow to sleep with, and more.

Another time you will find that there is a discount applying to your ticket is when you fly on certain days. Sometimes weekday ones are cheaper than flying over the weekend, and this could be either from the ticket or from the taxes.

If you have just started your planning, make sure that you have a good amount of money, because you just do not want to run out of money in the middle of your vacation.

Most of the time when you are going somewhere for business purposes or for a short visit it is ideal to book your tickets cheaply just a few days before.

You will notice that many of the Sunday prices are more expensive, and this is because for short visits and business visits, people will have to travel back on a Sunday, so this is a busy day. If you want to save money rather travel back on the Monday. - 29621

About the Author:

If you are planning your next destination you need to be certain that you book your Flights early. You will also want to be certain that you are on the right Flight that suits your budget.

Top Tips On Travelling In Africa

2009-12-11T20:58:00.000-08:00

By Pa-Ru Madokkusu

Africa is the world's second largest continent, yet only contains about 10% of the world's population. There are so many beautiful countries in the continent to see, and little time for most to see them. Here are just a few tips to help you get the most out of your trip.

Throw out your initial expectations and arrive with a totally open mind. The culture in Africa will most likely be totally different from anything you have experiences unless you have done a lot of travelling before. Immerse yourself in the culture and see the 'real' Africa as much as you can.

Always keep yourself fully hydrated. Carry on you bottled water at all times and make sure you know when your next available opportunity will be to purchase some more if you see yourself running low.

To avoid the potential diseases that are rife, get any immunizations you need before you go. Also stock up on malaria tablets and bug spray to combat the onslaught of mosquitoes that will no doubt come after you.

Spread out your money. This is both for security purposes and bargaining as well. Do not carry about large sums of money in a wallet or container that can be easily stolen. Keep you important possessions concealed at all times. Africa is a very poor continent and even if you are not wealthy where you come from, you will be in Africa.

Eat local foods. This is particularly important for those on a smaller budget, but also it can be one of the best ways to sample the local cuisine and to get more to grips with the country. Avoid 'westernised' establishments at all times.

Bargain for everything. Touts will be on you at all times looking for your custom. Take advantage of this and grab yourself a bargain wherever possible. Do not however do this at the expense of the local vendor if you bargain too low.

Lastly, ensure that you are always carrying a good quality camera to document your travels. This will be very important to you in years to come. - 29621

About the Author:

Pa-Ru Madokkusu is fascinated by Africa and travels there at every opportunity. Her favourite place is Zanzibar.

What's The Attraction Masai Mara

2009-12-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

By Gerald Smith

Ask most people what comes to mind when they hear the word safari and you will be surprised that for most it's Kenya's masai mara.

It is to many the real Africa as seen in National geographic.

The Masai Mara also spelled Maasai Mara is a large park reserve in south-western Kenya, which is effectively the northern continuation of the Serengeti National Park game reserve in Tanzania. This game reserve is named so for the Maasai people (the traditional inhabitants of the area) and the Mara River, which divides it.

This park by no means Kenya's largest game park is famous for it wide variety of species including Zebra, Thomson's gazelle and the wildebeest animals that form part of the annual migration every year from July to October, where over a million wildebeest, 360,000 Thompson's Gazelle and nearly 200,000 Zebra migrate from the plains of Serengeti within the months of July and August. Following closely behind are the predators the likes of lions and hyena.

Kenya's national parks and game reserves aren't often privately owned unlike other parts of Africa. The reserve area is managed and administered by Narok County Council and the Mara Conservancy a local nonprofit organization formed by the local Maasai, and contains a number of anti-poaching units.

It is estimated that over 300,000 visitors mostly foreigners visit this park. The best time to visit Masai Mara Reserve is during the dry months, July through October. The grasses are long after the rainy season, and it's a great time to see the migratory herds. The Great Migration takes place in July and August, but you are not likely to be disappointed no matter what time of the year you visit.

The symbiotic relationship that the Masai people have developed over the years with the animals is another fascinating aspect of a tour to the Masai Mara. The Masai tribesmen in their long red robes, living in a social formation in accordance to customs and rituals that are markedly different from a European way of life, are one of the chief attractions of the area too.

There are many ways one can undertake a Masai Mara Safari. One of the best is a balloon safari which is gradually growing in popularity. Balloon safaris are done at dawn and often end with a bush breakfast. One can also engage in one of the more traditional safaris in a car or a special tourist bus. There are both Kenya safaris as well as Tanzania safaris that will help you explore the Masai Mara National Parks. You can also undertake a special bird tour. Do not forget, more than 500 species of wild birds inhabit Masai Mara, a number that grows with migration. You can take any of the three ways for a safari, you can arranged for a customized safari, be a part of a package tour from an African safari Tour Operator, or arrange for everything yourself. However, for first timers, the best option is to become a part of the African safari Tour Operator. Book in advance, if you want to tour in the migration season. - 29621

About the Author:

Learn more about African Safari. Stop by Gerald Smith's recommended site where you can find out all about East African Safaris and experiences.

Discover How To Make Overseas Flights More Pleasant

2009-12-08T08:05:00.000-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

Long haul flights are not usually at the top of people's favorite activities lists, but with some thought and preparation they do not have to make you anxious and can even be enjoyable. For many of us flights are a regular occurance that are necessary for business, travel or seeing family - with experience and planning you will have it down to a fine art.

Many people finding flying a nerve wracking experience: if you know that you are one of these people, then take some measures to get through it. You can visit your doctor to prescribe you something to reduce anxiety or calm your nerves. There are also herbal and natural things that you can do to calm yourself on flights.

One of the first things to realise in order to make flights enjoyable is that flying can be very dehydrating for your skin. You should pack a little bottle of moisturizer into your hand luggage and use it regularly to keep your skin hydrated. Skip the on flight alcohol if it is offered, as being tipsy on an aeroplane is not a pleasant experience for you or the people sitting next to you and it will only dehydrate you.

These days we are all so busy, that we rarely have time to sit back and read or catch up on movies we would like to see. Look at your time on the flight as some enforced you time and enjoy it as such. Carefully select a good book for the flight and get into it ahead of time so that you know you like it. If you buy a random paperback at the airport, you might start it to find that it is not your cup of tea.

Sometimes your legs and feet swell when you are on a flight and this is uncomfortable. You can avoid this by strolling around the aeroplane when you can, stretching in your seat and also massaging your limbs. Due to the pressure in the cabin, people often experience sinus problems and dry eyes. You can solve this by taking a nasal spray and eye drops on baord with you.

If you are not so keen on the food, which is prepared and served on aeroplanes, then you can always request a special meal when you book your flight. Often this will be a vegetarian option and they tend to be better than the meals that are served to most of the passengers as standard. There are some airlines that also have snacks at the rear of the plane for extra hungry travelers.

With some planning and preparation, you can make your long international flights a pleasant experience instead of hours of anxiety and discomfort. It is important that you reduce your hand luggage too to avoid having to carry heavy bags throughout the airport. Tight muscles from dragging luggage around are not a good start or end to any flight. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Flight Comparison portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

The Enchanting Continent Of Africa

2009-12-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

By Yamashita Kazuma

Africa is an exciting and intriguing continent that offers small, hidden villages to large modern cities. This continent is home to 49 individual countries with 840 million people, or approximately 12 percent of the world's population. Let's take a look at some of the interesting facts about this enchanting continent.

The population is made up of many different tribes and people groups. Each tribe and people group has its own distinct way of living. Their culture and customs are all different. Each country has its own indigenous people, plus different ethnic groups that have arrived over the years.

There are more pyramids in Sudan than in any other country of the world, including Egypt. There are 223 in Sudan. These incredible structures are enormous with extremely steep sides. They measure 75 to 100 feet tall.

What do you know about Libya? Most people know very little. Interestingly, it has a flag that is only one color. There are no other details on the flag. It is quite large in size. In fact it is the 17th largest country in the world and the fourth largest on the continent.

It has such a large land mass that it is numbered number 17 in size compared to the other world countries and in Africa it is number four. Its flag, also, distinguishes it from other countries around the world. It is the only country that has a solid colored flag with no other details.

Have you ever heard about the Goliath frog? Equitorial Guinea and Cameroon are home to this frog. It is 30 inches long when you stretch it out, and just its body can measure 12 inches long. Even though, it is so big in adulthood, the tadpoles are the same size as other species of tadpoles. Once they are grown the can jump up to 10 feet forward. Because of their size, everyone expects them to make a loud noise, but they don't make any noise at all.

There are many interesting facts about the fascinating continent of Africa. Its amazing wild animals and exciting Safaris have made it known all over the world. If you are an adventurist at heart, you will enjoy exploring each one of these countries - 29621

About the Author:

Yamashita Kazuma is intrigued by all things African and plans to visit Africa as soon as he is able to.

Tanzania Vacations - Enjoy Incomparable Wildlife Safaris in the Top-Five National Parks in Tanzania

2009-11-29T05:36:00.000-08:00

By Andrew Muigai

Tanzania is one of the greatest travel destinations in Africa especially for wildlife safaris. The country's game parks host a rich variety of wild animals offering you one of the best game-watching experiences in the African wild. Five of these national parks stand out from the rest.

Ruaha National Park

Occupying 12,950 sq km, Ruaha national is Tanzania's second largest national park. It is situated 128 km from the Tanzanian town of Iringa, and is home to zebras, roan and sable antelopes, giraffes, greater and lesser kudu, impalas, leopards, wild dogs, lions, water bucks, and reed bucks among many other animals. The park derives its name from the great Ruaha river, which itself hosts many crocodiles and hippos, and also draws many thirsty animals to its banks creating a great wildlife spectacle. What makes this national park unique is the fact that it hosts plant and animal species found both in southern Africa and Eastern Africa.

Ruaha's topography is ideal for hiking and walking safaris. In the rainy season between March to April and October to November, the bird population peaks to a high of over 350 bird species - including some Eurasian migrants. Ruaha's climate is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in October. The Ruaha is was until recently totally inaccessible, but there is now a year round road access to the park. From Dar es Salaam, road travel takes 10 hours while a charter flight takes 1 and and half hours. The best time for a safari is over the dry season- May to December.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National park is home to an unrivaled abundance of bird species, making it the greatest birding destination in Tanzania. The park hosts many resident and migratory birds. It is also one of the best places for viewing leopards, which can be spotted in the lush green vegetation. At the grassy shores of Lake Manyara, you can also spot the famous tree-climbing lions. This national park is situated between the walls of the great rift valley - which rise up to 610 meters above from the floor - and Lake Manyara.

The best time to visit Lake Manyara National park for wildlife safaris is from December to February, and from August to September, though you can still see wildlife throughout the year. The national park has three distinct habitats: open floodplains, lush groundwater forest, and acacia woodlands. Since the park is very accessible, you can get to see most of its main attractions within two hours.

Tarangire National Park

As part of the popular northern tourism circuit of Tanzania, Tarangire National park has a high wildlife concentration especially during the dry seasons, with a large population of elephants. Over 570 bird species are also present in the park, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching safaris. Tarangire National park occupies about 2,600 sq km.

The best time to go on safari in Tarangire national park is in the dry months from June to September. The dry weather at that time force many animals to congregate at the river to drink water. There is also less vegetation cover at this time, giving you great animal spotting chances. You also stand a better chance of seeing pythons at Tarangire than in any other places, particularly because Tarangire pythons have love climbing trees.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is situated at the north of Tanzania and covers an area of over 7,000 square miles. The park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, having been declared so in'79. At the conservation area's north west, it merges with the Serengeti plains. Part of the world-famous great wildebeest migration between Serengeti and Masai Mara takes place here.

The Ngorongoro crater is the focal point of the entire conservation area, and covers an area of 264 square km. The crater's floor is a habitat for a wide range of animals; meaning game drives around the crater are quite rewarding. As a result, the crater attracts more than 350,000 tourists annually - making it one of the most popular safari destinations in Tanzania.

Within the park, you get to see big herds of herbivores grazing along river banks, among them antelopes, gazelles, and zebras. Likewise, elephant herds roam from one corner of the park to the other. During your game drives here, you are also likely to hear lions roar echoed off the crater walls, and also see prides of the king of the jungle lazing under tree shades. This experience can be both exciting and shocking at the same time. Ngorongoro is also well suited for birdwatching, for example at Lake Ndutu, which hosts a thriving bird population. Flamingos, stocks, and ducks are just some of the common bird species found here.

Serengeti National Park

The name "Siringit" in Masai language means unending plains, and it is this word that aptly gives Serengeti national park its name. The park covers 12,950 sq km in the same ecosystem as Masai Mara game reserve on the other side of the Kenya-Tanzania border. The Serengeti plains hosts around 500 bird species, and over 30 species of large mammals.

The "great wildebeest migration" takes place in the Serengeti. This event is the largest and longest overland migration of mammals in the world, earning it a recognition as the world's most spectacular wildlife show. Together with the mighty Victoria falls and the Ngorongoro crater, the migration is also recognized as one of the ten natural wonders of travel in the world.

Although the migration from Serengeti to the Mara is not specifically predictable, the event occurs between July and August . The journey back to Serengeti takes place around October. During the event, nearly 2 million herbivores travel between the northern hills and the southern plains, crossing the Mara River in search of greener pastures.

To get to Serengeti, you can travel both by road or by flight. It takes about 8 hours by road from Arusha, 320km away. By air, you can take a flight from Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha to Kirawira airstrip or Seronera airstrip or any of the other airstrips in Serengeti. - 29621

About the Author:

See great Tanzania vacations packages and also make your reservation for Tanzania hotels in the author's website.

African Songs - Ancient Music Revealed

2009-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

By Frank Mar

Everyone the world over loves music. It is one thing we all have in common. It doesn't matter if it is a spontaneous outburst of harmonious singing or listening to complex compositions that took months to perfect, music is very much part of our daily lives, our societies, and our world. Music usually reveals quite a bit about its source since it is molded by the culture it originates from. Take for example, African songs. African music tells an incredible story about this vast and mysterious continent.

African music has is roots deep in the origins of Africa. This continent is home to diverse cultures from many countries. Some of these cultures have been very successful at getting their African songs accepted by the mainstream population of African and international listeners. Some African songs have garnered attention on the world stage. We will look at a few of them.

One of the most famous forms of African song is the afro beat. This form of music is a hybrid of various elements such as jazz, percussions, Yoruba music and funky rhythms that was developed in the 70s. Its origin is attributed to Fela Kuti, a Nigerian born musician famous for his radical political views expressed through his music. Its popularity has grown and is now one of the greatest global musical influences out of Africa. A newer form or variation is Afro talk which was recently created by an artist simply known as Georgy B. This form of music is quickly gaining popularity and might be the next genre of music in the coming years.

Kwaito is another type of popular African song. This African music originated on the southernmost tip of Africa during the apartheid resistance. The local African tribes used their musical style to express their views on the political oppression they faced. Some say the oppression was overcome thanks in great part to this music. The love for Kwaito swelled from its beginnings in humble Africa, and has drawn attention from the world audience as well.

African music known as Lingala is common in the Central and East African regions. Its origins can be traced to the Democratic Republic of Congo. A particular form of Lingala known as Saben is said to have its rhythm based upon the sounds of a moving train. Saben is one of the most popular African songs and the most common form of Lingala. This musical influence has spread beyond the Congo and is played in many parts of Africa today.

Kapungala is a unique blend of Lingala and Kapuka. Kapuka is a traditional type of African music played by the people of Kenya. Kapungala brings together the old and new and emerges with a distinct new sound that is quickly gaining popularity in the East African market.

Africa is perhaps most well known for its traditional African folk songs that have been passed down from generation to generation. These songs passed along the history of Africa and were designed to teach younger generations and guide moral inclinations. A lot of these traditional songs were work songs that African women sang as they went about their work duties or plowed fields as a group. The songs kept them motivated and provided an outlet for expression.

It is plain to see that African music has a colorful and rich history that gives the world a glimpse into this mysterious continent. The diversity of cultures continues to produce unique African songs and styles of music that are loved by Africans and international music lovers as well. - 29621

About the Author:

You can learn more about African songs at the African Side website. While you are there, you can also watch the trailer of the hit African movie called The African Side.

African Culture Traditions And History

2009-11-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

By Frank Mar

Everyone knows that Africa is where it all started. The early societies all began right there, and it's not really a surprise that it's the home of several different religions, cultures, and people. The traditions, ceremonies, and pastimes of all the people there display this.

Weddings

In any society, the wedding is extremely important. In every wedding there are several key elements involved. These are religion and spirituality of course, but there is also a sense of family. It is the merging of two families, or even two tribes. There are so many different tribes in Africa, and as you can imagine, they all have their own distinct way of carrying out the celebration. Often these traditions can be traced back a very long time.

In Africa, the entire continent is ruled by it's religious diversity. Everywhere you go you can find a melting pot of different religions. Muslims, Christians, Hindus, even religions that are unique to Africa.

However, regardless of the area you are in, the wedding ceremonies are going to be quite elaborate, and unlike wedding ceremonies elsewhere, these can last for quite a few days. In some cases there might even be more than one couple married at the same wedding.

While it might not be excusable in other nations, polygamy is something that is incredibly common on the continent of Africa. A man can have many wives, each of them bought from their respective family. Such a fee is known as a bridewealth.

Prearranged marriages are also a part of African culture and are common in many African countries. In fact, it is not at all uncommon for a girl to be engaged before she is even born. These agreements are made between families who are either close friends or have some sort of business arrangement.

African traditional wedding ceremonies always involve song, dance and bright, festive colors. They also symbolize the transition between childhood and adulthood, although most African newlyweds are little more than children themselves. In fact, it is not uncommon for people in African to be married at thirteen or younger.

You can look, but chances are you won't find many people who have undergone a divorce process in Africa. It is looked down upon because the divorce would affect more than just the bride and groom. It would affect the entire family, which is something that is generally avoided.

Music

As we mentioned, music and dance are extremely important in African culture. Since reading and writing came late to Africa, music and dance was the primary form of communication. African music and dance was based on oral tradition where storytellers relied on their body movements as well as musical instruments to tell their tales. African music is characterized by its unique rhythms, beats and harmonies. Though early African musicians were masters of many instruments, the quintessential African instrument is the drum which keeps the beat and drives the dance. - 29621

About the Author:

You can learn more about African culture and traditions and listen to free African traditional music at the African Side website.

African History And African Slaves

2009-11-19T15:03:00.000-08:00

By Frank Mar

The African slave trade era tragically affected a large part of African history. During this dark period, vast numbers of African people were uprooted from their homes and sold into slavery. The slaves included African men, women and innocent children.

The transatlantic slave trade era in African history began when European empires began to flourish in the New World but needed a workforce. African slaves were brought over to do the work, and were found to be "excellent workers" they had knowledge of cattle management and with agriculture, and they were used to working in tropical climates. So, beginning around the 15th century, people were captured from Africa and then brought to the New World to work in mines or on plantations.

Surprisingly, using African slaves was not a new idea. African slavery had been going on for centuries, and it was not solely the brainchild of evil European colonizers. Sadly, from about -1450 to the end of the' th century, African monarchs and merchants cooperated fully with slave traders. Believe it or not, these privileged Africans were actually willing participants in the African slave trade.

The transatlantic slave trade operated a bit differently than many people think. It was an integral part of what was known as the "Triangular Trade," a very profitable three-step practice. The Triangular Trade's first step involved the importation of European manufactured goods into Africa. European metal goods, beads, tobacco and other goods were brought into Africa, then traded for African slaves. Even guns were involved, because they helped the Europeans expand their empires and catch more slaves. That particular practice backfired later, when the guns were turned against their former European owners.

The slaves were then shipped to the Western Hemisphere as the second stage of the Triangular Trade. The third and final stage of the practice was the return to Europe of precious metals and other products produced by slave labor, including gold, silver, molasses, cotton, tobacco and sugar. When the transatlantic slave trade began, African slaves were taken from Senegambia and the Windward Coast, but by the 1650s slaves were captured from West Central Africa in Angola and the Congo.

From fourteen forty to about sixteen forty, Portugal was actually the only country to export African slaves. Interestingly, they were also the last country in Europe to abolish the institution of slavery, although it continued to utilize slaves as contract laborers even after that practice was defunct. Britain was the worst transgressor during the height of the slave trade and during this difficult time in African history, though, with 2.5 million of the roughly 6 million slaves transported during that time directly Britain's responsibility.

African slaves endured horrific conditions during the transportation process. Forced marches through Africa and squalid shipboard conditions caused an estimated -13% of all African slaves to die before reaching their intended destinations. Those that survived were shipped to the Caribbean, the Spanish Empire and Portugal's Brazil. Less than 5% were sent to North America.

Slavery had terrible effects that continue to be felt today. Descendants of African slaves can be found throughout the world, but not necessarily by their own choice. They are found wherever their ancestors were forcibly taken. Maulana Karenga, an African-American author and activist, perfectly described the slave trade and its horrible, long-lasting effects. He called the slave trade "the morally monstrous destruction of human possibility [which] involved redefining African humanity to the world, poisoning past, present and future relations with others who only know us through this stereotyping and thus damaging the truly human relationships among people of today." According to Karenga, African slavery didn't just destroy its African victims - it destroyed their language, their culture and their religion. In short, it destroyed the very essence of human possibility. - 29621

About the Author:

You can learn more about African history and African slaves by watching the African Side movie. Visit the African Side website today by clicking on any of the links above to see the movie trailer.

About African Dancing

2009-11-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

By Frank Mar

African dancing has both historical and social traditions that reflect more significance than those of many other cultures. The dances help celebrate not only special events and festivals, similar to other cultures, but often tell the stories of the nation's history. Unwritten oral history, passed through generation before writing became part of the culture, often included African dance as part of the process.

Many of the dances taught the young about social morays and values, others were simply for the joy of celebration. Some of the dances were tributes of thanks to the gods for helping the tribe achieve success on a hunt or harvest.

Many tribes trained singers to provide the music for the African dance. They produced intricate harmonies and set the rhythmic pace for the dance. While most of the music came from vocals, often drums accompanied the singers to provide heavy rhythms for the dancers. The bougaragou, on of the drums used, is by far the most popular, although there are dozens of others.

The drum and the rhythm is provides signifies the heartbeat and essence of the tribe. It shows the tribe's vitality. Similar to the ringing of a bell on as a call to gather, the beating drum also indicates the need for a community gathering. It's a symbol of solidarity throughout all African nations, and joins the people, just as the history and production of the African dance.

Unlike many European or Latin dances, traditional African Dance is a collective experience. There are normally no partners, hand-holding or passionate embraces. In short, African Dancing is about the entire community rather than just a single couple. Many times dancers are actually separated by gender and age to symbolize the different stages of life.

As we mentioned, the main difference between African Dancing and other popular forms of dance is that there is no close couple dancing in traditional African dance. This can be attributed to fact that many early African cultures believed that men and women should not dance together because it was immoral. That is the primary reason why most African dances are gender specific and why men and women rarely even touch during mixed dances.

The following is a list of some of the most popular traditional African dances:

While every culture has national dances, often, opposite sexed partners perform those of Europe and Latin America. These dances may display the culture but they also show off both the relationships between the dancers and the abilities of the dancers themselves. The African dancers often were uni-sexed and of one age group. The African dance is all about the story, not the dancers.

Weddings and anniversaries often brought the dance of love to the celebrations. Unlike western thoughts, there were no couples but women primarily danced this celebratory dance. It showed the tribe's acknowledgement of the love that existed between the couple.

Winning wars was important to the various African nations and to help them build courage and become dominant on the battlefield, they participated in warrior dance before the battle ensued. The dance started slowly but as it progressed, it became wild and violent. It displayed the gruesome actions on the battlefield.

These are only a few of the dozens of dances that Africans consider traditional and therefore an important part of their history. - 29621

About the Author:

You can learn more about African dance by watching the African Side movie to see some great African dancing. Visit the African Side website today to obtain your copy.

Gearing Up For An African Safari With Thoughts On Safety.

2009-11-17T03:36:00.000-08:00

By Ethan O. Tanner

An African safari or an African Hunting trip can be very rewarding and exciting. Common sense and careful preparation will make this a safe and memorable trip. If you feel you are ready for an African safari, think again. Even if you are traveling to a country you are familiar with, it is still very important to be aware of the physical conditions and safety. Here are tips on what to do before leaving home and while you are abroad.

Preceding leaving home make certain you have adequate information concerning the country you are visiting, including that on traditions and security. This may be found in travel guides and books. Check that you are updated regarding the latest matters and alterations in the governing.

Remember to make a computer scan of your passport, write your passport number down and possibly memorize it just in case you misplace it. It's imperative that you take down the diplomatic delegation agencies to the country you're traveling to. This insures easier processing of your documents in case you misplace or lose them. Photocopy whatever official documents you may have with you, scan them and e-mail them to your self so that you are able to get at them wherever you are. The web cafes are just about in every larger and smaller center territories of Africa so you'd have no hassle regarding this.

It's absolutely significant to have a medical examination to brace oneself for a healthy vacation. Remember you're looking forward to enjoying the nicest time, so you would not like to become ill to strain everything you planned. Should you have a chronic illness (like diabetes, hypertension, sinus troubles or even neurological disorder), check with your MD, who can concurrently give you a letter explaining the health problem in English and the particulars .

It's imperativet to understand the health points for the traveller. Diseases like Malaria need to be averted. A few of the foods you will consume will not agree with you. Be prepared! Make certain you've seen your dentist lately. And it's also recommended to pack a medical kit with pain killers , repellants , bandages , and an antiseptic cleaners, for yourself and family traveling with you. Whenever you're taking regular medicine , make certain to pack sufficient amount to last the travel time .

Ensure that your insurance coverage is valid in case you become sick or injured abroad. Some insurance companies specialize in overseas travel insurance and may allow you to buy short-term coverage. Set a limit on your credit card, so if it is stolen, thieves will be unable to take out a large amount of money on it.

Clothing is very important. Please get to know the climate and weather conditions before you take on a safari. If you have hired a safari operator, contact the company for recommendation on clothing during the specified period of your travel. Remember that decency is preferred by all the African countries.

To releave symptoms of jetlag, eat lightly, drink a lot of fluids but avoid alcohol and caffeine a few days after your trip. Try to relax and sleep on your flight so you can be energetic once you reach your destination. Try to sleep when locals do in order to get used to the local time.

Use two wallets. Hide one of them with essential belongings in your jacket pockets. Fill the other with a small amount of money. In case of an assault you can hand this one over. Do not count your money in public, as you might become a target for thieves. Know what notes you have in your pocket and wallet. Keep larger denominations away from prying eyes.

Do not take any taxi you find - check to see if it belongs to an official company. Ask the hotel reception about rates you can expect to pay when you use a taxi. Always set a price before getting in the taxi or ask for a meter to be used. Pick up the hotel's business card. You can always present this to a taxi driver if you cannot find way back, especially in the local language.

This presents just a few tips on Traveling to Africa. If you are planning a Safari or a Hunting Safari, some countries to travel to include Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana and Rwanda. Careful Planning and Preparation will make your trip to Africa a journey to cherish. - 29621

About the Author:

Outdoor Enthusiast and Author Ethan O. Tanner explains the significance of appropriate arrangements for anAfrican Safariand how to plan for aHunting Expedition.

Mosquitoes, Bites and Deterrence

2009-11-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

By Owen Jones

So, you've got some time off work, college or school and you want to get outdoors and get pleasure from it. Possibly even go on holiday. What a good idea! Nevertheless what happens when you get where you are going? The mosquitoes come out to get you.

If it were not so routine, it would sound like Freddy Kruger and Nightmare on Elm Street. The female mosquitoes need blood to create eggs and they seek it out as insatiably as any vampire in a horror movie, while the males go sipping nectar from plants like fairies.

Well, that is the nightmare setting, but it is not that far from the truth either. For many peoples in the world it is also a genuine life and death problem. Millions of people die every year from malaria and tons more from dengue too. Yet both of these diseases are curable as are most of the other mosquito-borne diseases like Yellow Fever, Japanese Jungle Encephalopathy and Nile fever.

The first thing to realize is that typically these diseases can be inoculated against, particularly if you are going on holiday. The next thing to keep in mind - it might help - is that not all mosquitoes are the same. For example, in Thailand, the dengue-bearing mosquito (often called the 'Egyptian') comes out during the day time and so bites then too. Between about an hour before dawn and an hour after dusk, whereas the malaria-carrying mosquito, the Anopheles, is a night time huntress.

I am not suggesting that you can slacken your vigilance during the day, although many people take for granted that they can. Nobody wants dengue fever either.

So, what can you do? Before you go anywhere, read up on the district or check with medical experts. That bit is not difficult, especially, if you know how to explore the Internet. Then prepare yourself with inoculations if the risk is serious enough in your estimation or a medical expert's estimation. In my judgment, that is the minimum that a conscientious person should be expected to do to protect him or herself, the family and the community at large.

Then there are a few other things you can do. For instance, wear loose-fitting clothes, but long sleeves and long trousers. If you are thin on top by choice or not, wear a hat or cap. Wear socks or stockings in the evening to protect your toes. Get a good-quality mosquito repellent and rub it on your exposed skin, as often as necessary by the manufacturer, which is usually every four or five hours.

You could rationally stop there, but I like to go a bit further, if the circumstance warrants it. If I am outdoors in the garden at home or in a hotel, I like to have one of those tennis racquet style electric bug zappers with me. They are wonderful for zapping the odd mosquito that buzzes you. They are good for clearing the bedroom before retiring too and lastly, if I'm renting, hiking, camping or caravaning, I might find space for a rechargeable lantern-style bug zapper too.

If the little so-and-sos are going to give me a fever, they are going to have to try very hard to do it. - 29621

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on several subjects, but is currently involved with work on mosquito bite allergy problems. If you would like to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at Mosquito Bite Swellings.

Reducing The Stress Of Business Travel

2009-11-04T13:58:00.000-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

Despite the advances in information technology and communications, many people working for small businesses are still finding that work-related travel is sometimes necessary. The demand to travel long distances for work is stressful and tiring, and it puts an enormous strain on those who have to endure it. If you must travel, the following tips may help ensure that you make the most of your travel, and may even help you to enjoy it.

One of the most annoying and stress-inducing things that can happen during travel is the loss of baggage. But when one is traveling for business, the loss might well prove to be a disaster. To avoid catastrophic loss, it is always wise to carry your most valuable items in carry-on luggage so that you can keep them safe during your time in transit.

With such an arrangement, you will avoid wasted trips. You should also keep things simple by packing only what you need for a particular trip. Besides saving you time while packing, this will also save you money in case your luggage goes missing.

When packing, you should pack one pair of business shoes and one pair of casual shoes only, and only bring only the necessities when it comes to work clothes, which are costly to replace if your luggage goes missing. You should then pack whatever toiletries that you might need, and any non-essential work related items.

One tip that will enable you to travel with a smaller piece of luggage is to roll your clothing items, rather than folding them. Doing so takes up less space in the bag and also results in less wrinkled items when they are unpacked. Finally, it is a good idea to pack dark colored, rather than light colored, clothing, because a dark colored item will not show a stain and may not need to be laundered mid-trip in the event of a spill.

Personal wet wipes can be a lifesaver when it comes to travel since if you are delayed and have to rush to a meeting before being able to shower you can always use a wet wipe to freshen-up. Another thing to consider is the battery life of your personal electronics. Be sure to prepare for your journey by charging your cell phone, and perhaps bringing your portable charger.

Because you will have time aboard your flight during which you can work, doing so may allow you to spend some time once you land resting in your hotel, or even catching some of the local sites. If you take a few moments to plan for these contingencies, you will find that your business travel is devoid of stress and anxiety, and you will know what to anticipate. Apply the tips contained in this article to make the most of your business travel, and even to enjoy the free time that you have at your destination. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Flights comparison portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

The History Of Nairobi For Visitors

2009-11-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya. It is the most famous cities in Africa politically and financially. It's humble beginning in 1899 as a simple railway depot linking Mombasa to Uganda, The town grew fast to become the capital of British East Africa in 1907 and eventually the capital of Free Kenyan republic in 1963. Nairobi actually means "The place of cool waters" however it is popularly known as "Green City in the Sun" for its dense tree cover and plenty of green spaces through out the city. Their famous park is Uhuru Park.

This park borders the central business district and the neighborhood Upper Hill. Uhuru Park is centre for outdoor speeches, services and rallies. 2004 Nobel Peace Price winner Wangari Maathai saved the park from being develop into a business area. Other notable open space includes the Central Park, Jeevanjee Gardens, City Park, Bomb Blast Memorial Park and Nairobi Arboretum.

Workers hired for the Ugandan Railway project connecting Lake Victoria and the coastal city of Mombasa were housed in Nairobi. After the completion of the railway in 1900, Nairobi progressively grew in importance. Today, there's a Railway Museum in Nairobi that includes various historical objects, and wonderful photography through Nairobi's history.

An international city. Modern Nairobi is an economic giant of East Africa. Businesses and organizations from across the world are based in Nairobi, including the United Nations Environment Program UNEP and United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN HABITAT). With such a large number of international residents, it's no coincidence that the restaurants in Nairobi are a match for those in major European and American cities.

Rich and poor. Nairobi, and perhaps Johannesburg in South Africa, is one of the few places in the world where the contrast between extreme poverty and extreme wealth is glaring. Cynics have called the city "Nairobbery" because of its high crime rate. As a result, tourists are advised to stay in relatively safe central Nairobi, and leave only on an official safari tour or to go to the airport.

Tourists to Kenya are very much interested to go out for a safari, rather than visiting Nairobi, which has a popular Railway Museum and a National Museum. The National Museum has in its store the testimony for Kenyan culture and the native people's lifestyle. Collections made by Joy Adamson, the author of the book 'Born Free' which describes the events related to the rescue, are on display in the National Museum. By looking at the exhibits one can feel her deep love for Africa. However most of the tourists skip these interesting pieces without visiting the city.

It also is a home to several museums like the National Museum of Kenya - the largest in the city. It has the largest collection of artifacts, including the full remains of a homo erectus boy. Other museums you find are the Nairobi Railway Museum and the Karen Blixen Museum. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Flight comparison ... Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

South Africa Transportation Options

2009-11-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

There are three international airports managed by Acsa in South Africa, which will host the 2010 world cup. Acsa manages a total of 10 airports in South Africa, which together handle about 98% of the country's commercial air traffic. There are a variety of ways to get to or from these airports. For locals, driving to the airport and parking your car there is an option. This is often preferred by business people who travel regularly, but it also has several drawbacks: 1. The parking fees can be high, especially for long trips. 2. Parking in the long term parking lots means trip on a shuttle bus to and from the airport, which adds to the total travel time. 3. Travelers must drive home, which may not be appealing after a long and tiring trip.

Being dropped off and picked up has its advantages. It allows the traveler to be dropped off directly in front of the terminal, and avoids the hassle of parking a car. The pickup may prove more complicated, as the exact arrival time may vary due to delays. The driver may have to wait an uncertain amount of time, and perhaps even park his or her car. Also, there are the usual costs associated with the drive to and from the airport. This option does have the benefit of being able to be greeted by friends or family after a long trip.

A drop off can overcome the disadvantages of driving yourself. This is usually fast and you are dropped off right at the terminal building with no need to park the car. However, the pickup is the problem. Sometimes flights can be delayed or ahead of schedule. This means you have to wait for the person you are picking up or the person has to wait for you. This may even force you to park the car. Dropping and picking is best for friends or relatives who have been away for long.

For visitors who stay at major hotels, there are shuttle services operated by these hotels that run several times a day. Usually this service is free and it has the added advantage of taking you right to your destination. However, this method runs on a schedule therefore you have to plan your travel as per their schedule. You can also opt for car hire companies especially while on holiday to improve your mobility. There are many recognized rental companies such as avis, europcar and hertz among others.

Shuttle services are also available for visitors on organized tours. Depending on the group size, you will have the tour guide or the shuttle bus driver waiting for you at the airport. There are shuttle services to all major cities, which can be booked online, or on arrival. The major advantage of shuttle services is the affordability. However, you have to wait for sometime or until the shuttle has filled up before you can be taken to your destination. Shuttles also do not take you directly to your destination since every passenger has to be dropped off at a different address Finally, for those traveling to a destination close to the airport you can take metered taxis.

Metered taxi service is an excellent choice if you need to go to a specific address in close proximity to the airport, as they will drop you off exactly where you will need to be. Travel by taxi is not suitable for longer trips due to the cost, but for shorter trips they are a very affordable means of transportation. For longer trips you're better for using a shuttle service. Gautrain The first section of the Gautrain is scheduled to be in service by 2010. The train will operate between Pretoria and Johannesburg. The Guatrain will have feeder transport from the train stations to get passengers as close as possible to their final destination - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African online flights booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

Through South Africa

2009-11-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

By Graham McKenzie

The Cape Peninsula is among the planet?s most stunning landscapes. Its rugged mountain range perches high, penetrating the isolated southern Atlantic. Table Mountain, a World Heritage Site is bordered by a virgin coastline that is dotted with hidden bays and unreachable coves. The site is home to around 8,500 different varieties of flowers. Nestled between the mountain?s craggy skyline and Table Bay?s blue depths is one of South Africa?s key cities: the cosmopolitan Western Province city of Cape Town.

There are over 11 languages frequently spoken in South Africa. This is unique from other countries in Africa because it was started in a very different way and this is still very apparent today. People who visit South Africa like the incredible diversity of cultures in this civilized nation, and like that it is battling racism full force.

The route leads from the rustic serenity of Hout Bay to the awesome, precarious Chapman?s Peak Drive. The path continues to the vast and pristine stretch of coastline at Noordhoek's Long Beach. There, False Bay Road turns northward, for a cliff-hugging journey past Fish Hoek, a beach which has seen popularity among families. Kalk Bay, a colorful and quaint fishing village and finally to a town loved by surfers and best known for its safe waters: Muizenberg.

Even after the country gained its independence the minorities of settlers from Europe were in control and ran the country in a very racist and segregated way. This finally changed in 1994 when black people gained complete political rights and were finally granted equality. A interesting fact about South Africa is that it is the only continuously democratic government in all of Africa and it is the only country that has created nuclear weapons and dismantled them on its own free will.

Families can also visit one of the many family friendly hotels. Most of them offer toys and all to keep your child occupied while the parents enjoy a South African meal. Stays can also be arranged in one of these family friendly hotels too. What more could a family ask for bonding and having a good time at the same time.

A family trekking up the mountain climbing up through clouds will also be good for family bonding. Just walk with your loved ones and let them know that you will be there for them through an adventurous trekking. After the trekking, to kick back and relax in the afternoon, go for a guided tour to feel the overwhelming presence of enormous whales.

Anyone wishing to see the plentiful flowers and plants of the Cape can do so by driving a short distance from all of the movie theaters, amusement parks, shopping centers and entertainment venues to get back to nature. There are a number of climbs which will suit the more energetic person, such as heading to the top of Table Mountain or Lion?s Head. Nature Reserves are also an option with Silvermine, Tygerberg, Newlands Forest, the Cape of Good Hope and Helderberg all nearby ? along with some excellent inner-city natural areas. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za

Preparation for an African hunting expedition, Safety Thoughts and Suggestions.

2009-10-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

By Ethan O. Tanner

An African safari or an African hunting vacation can be truly fabulous and exhilarating. Practical Thinking and unhurried preparation will guarantee you a risk-free and memorable travel. Whenever you feel educated for an African safari, think once more. Even if you are traveling to a country you are familiar with, it is nonetheless very relevant to be sensitive of the physical conditions and safety. Here are suggestions with what to do preceding leaving home and when you are abroad.

Prior to leaving home be sure you've sufficient data regarding the country you're visiting, including that on customs and security concerns. These can be acquired from the travel guidebooks and Directory. Insure that you're updated about the current issues and changes in the government.

Remember to make a computer scan of your passport, write your passport number down and possibly memorize it just in case you misplace it. It?s imperative that you take down the diplomatic delegation agencies to the country you're traveling to. This insures easier processing of your documents in case you misplace or lose them. .Photocopy whatever official documents you may have with you, scan them and e-mail them to your self so that you are able to get at them wherever you are. The web caf?s are just about in every larger and smaller center territories of Africa so you'd have no hassle regarding this.

It's imperative to have a medical exam for a healthy vacation. Remember you are looking forward to relishing the most wonderful time, so you don't want to become ill to upset all your plans. Should you have a chronic illness( suchlike diabetes, high blood pressure, sinus difficulties or even nervous disorder), consult your Doctor of Medicine, who can give you a letter explaining the health trouble in English and the specifics .

It?s important to read the health tips for the traveler. Diseases like Malaria have to be avoided. Some of the things you will eat won?t go down well. Be armed! Make sure you have seen your dentist recently. And it is also advisable to pack a medical kit with pain killers , repellants , bandages , and an antiseptic cleaners, for your self and children traveling with you If you are on regular medication , take care to pack enough to last the travel time .

Ensure that you?re insurance coverage is valid in case you become sick or injured abroad. Some insurance companies specialize in overseas travel insurance and may allow you to buy short-term coverage. Set a limit on your credit card, so if it is stolen, thieves will be unable to takeout a large amount of money on it.

Clothing is really significant. Please make sure to understand the climate and weather conditions prior to your safari. If you've employed a safari operator, contact the company for recommendation on clothing during the specific time period of your trip. Remember that decency is preferable by all the African nation.

To relive symptoms of jetlag, eat lighter, drink enough liquids and avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine a few days after your trip. Try to relax and rest on your flight so you can have enough energy upon reaching your destination .Try to sleep when locals do in order to become used to the local time.

Use 2 wallets. Hide one of them with essential belongings in your jacket pockets. Fill the supplemental with a little amount of money. In case of an assault you'll be able to turn over this one. Don't count your money publically, since you may become a target for thieves. Keep what notes you have in your pocket and wallet. Keep greater denominations distant from nosey eyes.

Do not ride in any cab you find ? make certain it belongs to an official company. Investigate with the hotel reception about charge per unit* you can predict to spend when using a cab. Always set a toll preceding to getting into the taxi or require for a meter to be utilized. Pick up the hotel?s business card. You'll be able to present this to a cabbie if you can not find your way back.

This introduces a few pointers on travelling to Africa. If you're preparing for a Safari or a Hunting expedition, some countries to definitly visit include Republic of Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, Republic of South Africa, Republic of Botswana and Rwandese Republic. Deliberate preparation and readying will make your vacation to Africa a travel to treasure. - 29621

About the Author:

Sportsman Ethan O. Tanner explains the significance of proper planning for anAfrican Safariand the safety tips and guidelines for aHunting Expedition.

South Africa, You Don't Know What You're Missing!

2009-10-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

Some people might believe that the ultimate African experience is the safari, but you have not experienced Africa without visiting the powerhouse of the continent, South Africa.South Africa is the ideal family destination.It is a country rich in diversity and natural beauty.South Africa has some of the best tourist attractions in the world.Take your family to the many excellent beaches.

About South Africa: South Africa is the powerhouse of the African continent. It is a country rich in culture and history, an unrivalled abundance of natural beauty and scenic views, trendy restaurants, great nightlife, white sandy beaches, superb climate and friendly people. What else could a family traveling to South Africa ask for the beauty.Families can visit the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, experience the hustle and bustle of the 'City of Gold' or enjoy the amazing beaches of the coastal city of Durban. No visit to the continent is complete without descending on this African jewel.

South Africa as a Family Friendly Destination: South Africa is said to be more family friendly. All the tourist attractions of the country are said to be excellent ? be it a restaurant or a spot. The tourism industry of South Africa is extremely broad and hence the country looks out for satisfying the needs of everyone.

Cape Town and its surroundings are hard to sum up in a short paragraph. There are thousands of miles of stunning coastline and Table Mountain; there are the historic and the cosmopolitan faces of the city with parks, historic buildings, stylish shopping malls, the vibrant waterfront district and beaches. Durban, manages to combine the "fun" atmosphere of the nation's premier beach resort with the restlessness of Africa's busiest port. Don't miss these African jewels! Family Friendly? South Africa?

Health: A good climate, clean water and excellent hygiene make South Africa a safe family destination. Adults will not need any inoculations when traveling in South Africa, unless you are traveling from a yellow fever zone.Hepatitis B inoculations are generally recommended for children up to the age of 12 who have not completed the series of injections as infants.

Health Issues: South Africa is a country with an excellent climate, clean water and is highly hygienic. All these makes South Africa a safe destination for families. There is no need for the adults to be inoculated before traveling to South Africa. Precautions will be taken only if you would be traveling from a yellow fever zone.

Children up to the age of 12 are recommended with Hepatitis B inoculations if they have not completed the series of injections as infants. You need not worry if you get sick during the stay in the country. The cities and larger towns have excellent medical facilities. You may face some difficulty if you are in a rural area of South Africa as you can find the basic health needs only and not a range of medical care. But still you can get the first class medical services from the nearby city by making a phone call. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za

Travel to Tanzania - the Paradise of East Africa

2009-10-17T04:41:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Muigai

Wonderful parks, rich cultural heritage, captivating islands : welcome to Tanzania- a favourite destination that will leave you with long lasting memories. The people of this East African Country have no equal when it comes to hospitality. Amidst the mountains are forests with a rich biodiversity and home to thousands of bird species- whose daily tuneful melodies will enchant you while on vacation in this East African Heaven.

Serengeti National Park is to Tanzania what Maasai Mara is to Kenya and the Kruger National Park to South Africa. It covers a good 14,763 sq km (5678 sq miles) reaching up to the Kenyan border. Serengeti is claimed by many to be the best national park in Africa and I guess it's as a result of the 35 species of plain-dwelling animals, including wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, cheetahs and lions, which feature in the spectacular Serengeti migration between November and May.

The Serengeti Wildebeest Migration was rightly given a place among the Seven Wonders of World given that this annual event happens no where else in the world . During the migration, thousands and thousands of these African animals start their journey all at once in search of an appropriate mating zone; for territorial conquest and also grazing land. This spectacular event also features prey-stalking predators both in dryland and across the Lakes and chances of survival, needless to say, only favor the strongest.

The Ngogongoro Conservation Area , rising high above the plains of Serengeti, spans from Lake Natron to Lake Enaysi to Lake Manyara. Resting in this Conservation Area is the active volcanic Mountain-Ol Doinyo Lengai, that in the beautiful Maasai language means Mountain of God and that whose last eruption was in 1983. The Ngorongoro crater is six hundred and ten metres deep, twenty kilometers in diameter and covers an area of three hundred and eleven square kilometers. Save for the Impala, the Topi and the Giraffe, this crater shelters the majority of plain dwelling mammals and it goes without saying that there is nowhere else in Africa that you will find as many predators concentrated in one area as in the Ngorongoro Crater. Should you decide to take a hike in this area, the sighting of the endangered Black Rhino should be most rewarding not to mention birdlife that includes flamingoes that are attracted to the area by the soda-containing crater floor.

There are so many other parks that we'll have to summarize to give space to other great wonders in Tanzania but we have to cover the Selous Game Reserve first. This park is so big it out-sizes Switzerland and takes up to one sixth of Tanzania's total surface area to make it one of the biggest parks in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a high concentration of elephants and lots of stalking lions and other game.

Other parks in Tanzania include Lake Manyara, Gombe National Park, Udzungura Mountains, the Island of Rubondo, the Mahale Mountains, Katavi, Ruaha, Tarangire, Mikumi National Park and Arusha National Park. For those who are lovers of Marine life, Tanzania has many Marine Parks including Kilwa Reserve, Latham Island Reserve, Tanga Coral Gardens and Rufigi Delta. Tanzania also has got a number of proposed national Parks that include Saadani and Kizulo Plateau. As you can see, the options are many and no matter what your choices are, a trip to Tanzania will be most rewarding.

Tanzania is also home to Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, whose climbing is no mundane task. With thousands of tourists having traveled from far off places to come and conquer this African giant, the enchanting snowy peak of Kilimanjaro will by all means allure you to reach the top where a captivating bird's eye view over an Africa lying in Magnificence will be awaiting you.

Spanning across over fifty Kilometres and with a depth of a hundred metres is the Olduvai Gorge which is a historical canyon that was the discovery site of three species of hominid fossils that date back to as early as over three million years ago. The way Olduvai came up was as a result of a river eroding rock in the area following which layers of volcanic soil were exposed and it here that Dr. Louis and Mary Leakey made the discovery of hominid fossils. Also standing in the Olduvai Gorge is a museum that has many ancient discoveries.

We cannot overlook Lake Tanganyika for the simple reason that it's too grand. It's the world's longest and second deepest fresh-water lake. It is the gateway to the Gombe stream and Mahale Mountains National Parks and is central to the building of traditional dhow fishing boats. Make sure you check it out for the mesmerizing feeling that comes with looking at large masses of water.

Within these lines, there is one more place that you must pay a visit to: Zanzibar. This is no doubt one of Africa's most renown and remarkable islands. This Indian Ocean Tropical Island is well known world over for white sandy beaches and a slow -paced way of life. The traditional dhow boats drifting amidst gently-swaying palm trees in the Zanzibar blissful breeze is a feeling that can only at best be remotely expressed by words. This Island has the allure of a paradise and the mystery of an out-of -this-world experience. Built on its fishing and spice trade, Zanzibar has not changed much and Arabic Influence has left its mark on the island's architecture moreso in the historical Stone Town. To sum it up, Zanzibar speaks for itself!

Finally, in one sentence: Africa is blessed with many wonderful destinations, yet few of this beat Tanzania which you should seriously think of as you choose your next destination. - 29621

About the Author:

You can get more useful information on Tanzania Travel that includes Tanzania Flights by visiting the Author's Africa Travel Website.

Are You Inviting Malaria to Your Park Outing in Africa?

2009-10-15T10:05:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

Malaria is a word plenty of people associate with game parks in Africa. However only two of the South African National Parks are in a malaria risk area & they are the Kruger National Park & Mapungubwe National Park, although at both these venues the risk is usually low. Historically there's been incidences of malaria in other parks, but then there's recorded incidences of malaria from urban Europe & other non-risk areas. But to all intents & purposes Kruger is the only malaria risk park in the SANParks? set up.

Kruger National Park is the only park you should ever need to worry about in SANParks' catalogue, therefore it is recommended that visitors to this park take anti-malaria prophylactics. The end of the rainy season poses the highest risk, so between December and April you should be protected. Visitors requiring advice and explanations about the risk of malaria and precautionary measures available can call a 24-hour malaria hotline at +27 (0)82 234 1800. Certain prophylactics may cause negative side effects, such as nausea and hallucinations. Visitors who wish to partake of these medications should consult a recognized travel clinic or a medical practitioner who is familiar with these procedures.

often ( after periods of low rainfall) the malaria risk in Kruger is low. Plenty of people pick not to take prophylactics & try to avoid getting bitten. The most vulnerable times are between dusk & dawn. People are advised to stay indoors during these periods, or cover exposed skin with light clothing or insect repellants. The ankles are the most critical area. Burning anti-mosquito coils & ensuring netted screens are kept closed are other preventative measures.

While medication is recommended no medicine is foolproof in preventing Malaria. Anyone experiencing flu like systems seven to twenty hours after a visit should seek medical attention immediately.

Again, no drug is guaranteed 100% effective, but a combination of choroquin (taken weekly first one week before) and paludrin (daily - first 2 days before) appears to be the most recommended course of preventative treatment. Mefloquin is an alternative to this treatment. These would be available from pharmacies in Johannesburg and en route to the park (and perhaps for sale at some of the larger rest camps in the park). However, since these should be taken a week in advance to be effective, you should purchase them before your trip/

On the query of prophylactics, no drug is guaranteed 100% effective, but a combination of choroquin (taken weekly first two week before) & paludrin (daily - first 2 days before) appears to be the most recommended prophylactic. Mefloquin is a single alternative. These would be available from pharmacies in Johannesburg & en route to the park (& perhaps for sale at a few of the larger rest camps in the park). However as they should be taken a week in advance, if two chooses to use them, buying them in SA would be leaving it late, unless you will be spending time elsewhere in the country (most of which is malaria free).

Most types of mosquitoes does not cover the malaria plasmodium and if two are bitten it does not mean two will contract malaria. Only mosquitoes of the anopheles genus over the plasmodium, & then only if they have previously fed on an infected host. As the presence of people with the plasmodium in their bloodstream in the park is greatly reduced compared to past times, risk is once more reduced. Two reason for these reductions is that the accommodation units in the parks are sprayed periodically throughout the year. Now that international campaigns see treatment taking place in adjacent countries such as Mozambique & Swaziland, malaria occurrence has been further reduced. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za

Nigeria Movie A Welcome Substitute To The 419 Scams

2009-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

By Frank Mar

Mention 419' and anyone who has been an internet user long enough will unfortunately think Nigeria'. Well, it would be unfair to typecast an entire nation in bad light because of the indiscretions of a few individuals. Every country has its criminal elements. Thankfully, it is not all gloom and doom from Nigeria due to Nigerian movies.

Nigerian movies are one of the country's most recognizable exports today especially to other countries across Africa. The industry has helped to bring out the formidable though sometimes less talked positive business drive of Nigeria. There is more to the country than 419' scams and the struggle for oil revenue at the Niger delta.

The origins of the Nigerian movie making industry can be traced back to the 1960's round about the time many African countries were obtaining independence. However, the cost of production and access to quality equipment proved to be major impediments at the time. Towards the 1980s, the government of Nigeria formulated and implemented policy that ensured a lot more local content was on air on Nigerian television stations as opposed to American and other foreign television productions. This was a significant step as it encouraged local production to grow.

Many researchers of the Nigerian movie industry (or Nollywood as it is frequently known) point the turning point of the country's movie making industry to the early 90s when the film 'Living in Bondage' was released. The simplicity and availability of inexpensive film making appliances gave further momentum and before long, the industry was growing in leaps and bounds.

Nigerian movies and the Nigerian film making industry as a whole are estimated to generate anywhere between USD 250 million and USD 500 million each year. The number of movies produced each year range from 1,000 and 2000. Statistically, other than United States and India, no other county has such a large film making industry. Nollywood has the added benefit of tapping into an actors' and actresses' market that is not as expensive when compared to the average cost of a top-level actor or actress in Hollywood.

The demand for the movies within the continent of Africa has been huge and has spawned a fanatic following even among non-Nigerians across the continent. Inroads into wealthier markets such as Europe and the United States have not been as successful. However, the movies appeal to the average African resident. The Nigerian movies have cleverly targeted issues that are a real part of everyday living in Africa. Foreign movies, and especially American ones, that are popular in other parts of the world sometimes cannot relate to the way of life of the average African. Nigerian movies identified this niche and that way, they have managed to captivate audiences across a broad demographic on the continent.

Poor infrastructure, dear costs of communication and widespread movie robbery can simply cripple even the best-planned film distribution network. Producers of Nigerian movies have mastered the simple way to best use the continent's system to their advantage and harvest a neat profit as a consequence. - 29621

About the Author:

To review free one of the first-class Nigerian documentary movie visit the African Side website to see the African movie trailer.

Explore The Wonder And Beauty Of South Africa

2009-10-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

The Cape Peninsula is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The peninsula is defined by its magnificent mountainous range and is located in the dazzlingly isolated southern Atlantic.

The 11 Languages of South Africa?s Strong Identity South Africa has a unique colonial history that carries over to the present day, and sets it apart from the rest of Africa. Travelers to South Africa are often drawn to the interesting multicultural nature of a modern country that still confronts racial issues from its past head on. Dutch sailors and settlers occupied the country for a large part of the 17th and 18th centuries. They imported slaves from India, Madagascar, and Indonesia to make up for a shortage of skilled labor.

In addition to visiting Cape Town, there are other awe-inspiring sights to see and parks to explore. One way to take in the beauty of the Cape Peninsula is to take a trip along one of the two coastal drives toward the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Each drive is dramatically different and offers different perspectives of the land and terrain. To the west is the Chapman's Peak route. Taking the Chapman's Peak route will expose the traveler to the Sea Point's seaboard, the natural wonder of Clifton's beaches, the rustic Hout Bay, down the cliff-hugging Chapman's Peak Drive, to the white sands of Noordhoek's Long Beach. The second path, the False Bay road, heads North through popular sites, but beginning with a mountain hugging drive. The False Bay road passes Fish Hoek, a well-known family beach, Kalk Bay, a fishing village with both character and color, and Muizenberg, loved for it's safe swimming and excellent surfing.

The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is the center of life for the City Bowl. The vibrant waterfront Mecca is not only a historic site, but is a shopping haven with offerings that include markets, craftworks, theaters, and live entertainment. Included in the area are the Telkom Exploratorium and the impressive Two Oceans Aquariums.

After leaving the Waterfront, a short boat ride will bring the traveler to Robben Island. Robben Island is considered to be one of the most significant historical sights in South Africa. Although ending up as an asylum and leper colony, it was originally used by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a victual ling station. After becoming the asylum and leper colony, it fell to the Army and Navy. In 1960, it became part of the Department of Correctional Services. Former President Nelson Mandela gave it notoriety for its use as prison housing for over two decades.

There are many museums and art galleries available. The Castle of Good Hope is located in the center of the city. Bo-Kaap cobbled streets are lined with charming old buildings. In contrast to the ancient buildings is South Africa?s first mosque. It also contrasts culturally with the country?s oldest homestead and wine farm located in the Cape, Groot Constantia. Historically, The Groot Constantia is linked on the Constantia wine route to the estates of Helderberg and Durbanville. The hills of Table Mountain or Lion?s Head, located only a short trip from the entertainment of Century City offer multiple areas to walk and climb.

Yet another local city, Century City, offers theme parks, malls, cineplexes, and entertainment centers. For a more colorful and relaxing contrast, one can choose from a myriad of walks and climbs to view both local fauna and flora. These walks include up Table Mountain, through the Silvermine or Tyberberg Nature Reserves, through the Newlands Forest, through the Cape of Good Hope or Helderberg Nature Reserves, or one of the smaller inner-city wildlife habitats. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

The Beautiful South Africa

2009-10-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

South African written history goes all the way back to the time when Portuguese landed there for the first time. As South Africa is comprised of immigrants from European Countries during the early times, it has not a specific culture but a mixed culture of people from different countries,leading to an ethnic diversity. This fact makes South Africa even more beautiful place to visit, to see world's one of the most culturally diversified country. The location of this country at the southernmost region of Africa and its long coastline make it a picturesque region.

Pretoria, the capital of South Africa, a country replete with a variety of travel destinations, is also a major industrial center. National Zoological Gardens, the famous zoo of South Africa is in Pretoria. Amongst other major travel destinations are Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein.

Cape Town beaches very popular. Cape Town, Table Mountain is one best place to see in South Africa. Breathing space, and provides views over the city and its beaches. Forests, lakes, rivers and streams such as Street and Park, a natural park unique and beautiful landscapes. Cape wine lands with cheese and wine tasting tours will make more trips to the delicious. In this place, and some of the best wines in the world produces.

Johannesburg is the leading city in terms of tourists visiting the country. It is a a major transit points for various international flights. The historically important places, museums, libraries make this city a center point for the tourists. Bruma Lake, Planetarium, Johannesburg Fort, Johannesburg Zoo are a few attractions of the city, however the list is endless. The sandy beaches, beautiful vineyards, parks and a rocking night life add to the flavor of the city.

South Africa is the most popular nature reserve and the Kruger National Park. Given the diversity of habitats and many species of animals, and protected natural park. Africa is one of the top three safari destinations. It offers travelers a taste of African safari experience. It is also South Africa's best bird watching site. Here you have the opportunity to meet with the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo)

Hermanus is famous for being the world's highest land-based whale watching destination. It hosts the popular Whale Festival. The Drakensberg (Dragon Mountain) is the perfect place for nature photography.

Apart from these, the South African land is a place worth visiting, at least once in a lifetime. The accommodation and commuting facilities , make your trip a beautiful memory. Safaris, wines, cultural diversity, beaches are the features offered by South Africa to each and every tourist visiting this beautiful country. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za

Things you Did Not Know About Nairobi - a Foodies Heaven

2009-09-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

By Journey Kenya

Nairobi is the most exciting town in Africa - hands down. This fact is little known, so this article gives you an insiders look of the food scene, hotels, lounges, bars and the trendy cosmopolitan inhabitants of the Capital of Kenya - Nairobi. Nairobi is thrilling, fun and a never sleeping city - the hub of Africa.

The pace in Nairobi is not be underestimated with new swanky bars lounges and restaurants opening up every month. The fresh ingredients that are homegrown are not to be taken forgranted. The fish tastes divine, the vegetables are a wide array of traditional and foreign - a kaliedoscope of colour and nutrition await you. The fresh fruits make for the most decadent cocktails to be enjoyed during a relaxing sundowner. Nairobi and Kenya for that matter is soon to be a foodies heaven. You read that here first. It truly is a best kept secret.

Easily mistaken for not aspiring to greater heights, the residents of Nairobi's Kibera, Mathare and other informal dwellings are part of Nairobi's story - a tale of residents who though are enterprising to do not have an opportunity to occupy affordable housing. Kenya's enterprising nature can be seen on the roadside with masterfully crafted interior and exterior design items. If you are decking out your new apartment, the sunshine boutique residents refer to it is the best place to pick up wrought iron, beautifully finished wood items and the most inviting parasols to enjoy that gin and tonic in your garden on a sunny day.

We make history here and claim the branded name - 'savannah-fed' beef, goat or lamb to describe Kenyan meat. It is so good and is clearly the best kept secret to the rest of the world. Argentina might just have to step aside to welcome Nyama choma, the most succulent barbeque as Kenya's next highest grossing export. The hotels in Nairobi are chic with several boutique hotels your head is sure to enjoy a restful fluffy pillow as you get ready for your next adventure.

Fancy a round or roulette whilst in Nairobi, the Safari Park Hotel offers five star luxury and the Paradise casino with all your favourite casino entertainment. Nairobi Safari Club has always had the most fascinating architecture making Nairobi's skyline truly unique. The Nairobi Serena, which enjoys Nairobi's Central Park to create the perfect oasis in the city center is Nairobi's pride and joy - Serena Williams, Kofi Annan are amongst its clientele. Now for the party and shopping center of Nairobi, Westlands is the place to be. Sarit Center is the most established and most frequented mall in Nairobi, the newest, which provides great eateries as well is Westgate. Not to be left behind the Mall has bragging rights for hosting the world famous Haandi Restaurant whose sister outlet is in Knightsbridge... Tamambos bar and grill too is at the Mall with the trendy afterwork crowd meeting for a tipple or two.

If you are up for some fun on a Thursday evening, Havana is where to see and be seen - the Cuban restaurant and bar comes alive with the most cosmopolitan crowd that Kenya has to offer, live music and an electrifying ambiance. Now foodies can choose from the Central American greats with Mexican cuisine at Alcapulco or Japanese restaurants like Furisato both in Westlands. Blancos is creating however the most exciting and adventurous afro-fusion cuisine. They deserve a page of their own for us to do them justice and we strong recommend a visit.

Gigiri in Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters. Nearby, the Village Market, Kenya's first open plan mall plays host to the Maasai Market. This is a world renowed market selling beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments. Village market is also home to Tribe displaying afro-chic interior design at its best - this five star hotel is truly unique.

Feel like pandering to your art and literary nature, Nairobi will indulge you. Phoenix players stage some of the most refine artistry in town whist Gallery Watatu has exceptional paintings on display. The first ever Haymarket festival held in Kenya in August 2009 saw Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Who said Kenya's do not excel in the literary arts? The StoryMoja cast staged their play ' Cut off my tounge' to full houses in London.

A Kenyan renaissance in music and fashion is about. Years back, hearing local music on the radio was a rarity. Today, captivating and swinging Kenyan vibes are broadcast across the nation. Kenya's own Wahu won the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) last year and this year, Nairobi plays host to the MAMA Awards in October 2009.

If the FAFA awards staged in Nairobi was anything to go by, African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. A true sign that Kenyan fashion has arrived is the presence of Kiko Romeo, a local designer with a shop at the upmarket Yaya Center shopping mall. The hip Kenyan's both young and old can be seen spotting their own unique get up. A fabulous trend celebrating Kenyan culture, workmanship, creativity and talent.

Nairobi has the variety to keep the most discerning traveller engaged. Next time you are transiting at JKIA, take the time to stop over and enjoy the entertainment, culture and people of Nairobi. - 29621

About the Author:

Nyaruita Gateri, the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya is an expert in Kenya beach and safari getaways. It features undiscovered and off the beaten track ideas for your next adventure. Find practical tips and book your hotel for your holiday in Kenya

The Different Types of African Music

2009-09-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

By Sussen Marn

African music is arguably the most influential music in all of mankind. But it did not come out of a vacuum.

The truth is that different regions of Africa were influenced by a number of foreign musical traditions. For example, many nations in North Africa can trace their more recent musical lineage back to the Greeks and Romans who once governed over the area. Later there was also a substantial Middle Eastern influence on their music.

Other parts of the African continent were similarly affected by foreign music. Parts of East Africa and the offshore islands were influenced by Arabic music and Indian music in more recent times. While Southern, Central and West Africa had been influenced by the music of North America and Western Europe.

Other African music can be attributed to specific dance forms such as the rumba and salsa, which were founded by African slaves who settled in Latin America and the Caribbean. In this article we will be exploring the different kinds of African music and where it originated.

North Africa

The music of North Africa was strongly influenced by the music of ancient Egypt and the early Arabs. Although it is one of the least popular forms of contemporary African music, it is historically important and merits a good look at by all those interested in traditional music.

Sub-Saharan Music

No music is more purely African than music that originated in Sub-Saharan Africa. Though many regions were influenced by other nations, Sub-Saharan music remains quintessentially African. Because writing and reading came late to parts of Africa, this music was created as a form of communication. In time, it became an interesting and exciting, communal way to celebrate and mark several major milestones in a person's life. For example, there are literally hundreds of African songs and music that celebrate marriage, childbirth or even hunting parties.

Music is also played to scare off evil spirits and to pay homage to deceased ancestors. African music of this type is almost always accompanied by a specific dance or ceremony. It is often performed by professional musicians who have knowledge and experience with ceremonial music.

Because music from Sub-Saharan Africa focused on communal singing, it was one of the earliest to emphasize the use of harmony and structured singing. These singing methods ranged from simple rhythmic structures to incredibly complex and elaborate structures based on improvisation and several variations.

Instruments

Though stringed instruments, bells, flutes and even xylophones were all used in traditional African music, there is nothing more important than the basic African hand drum. In fact, there are literally dozens of drums that are played on different occasions. A few of the most popular drums that are used in a traditional African musical include: bougarabou, tama talking drums, djembe, water drums and a many different kinds of ngoma drum that are played in parts of Central and Southern Africa.

These drums are almost always accompanied by singers or choruses who often keep time with rattles, shakers, woodsticks, bells or by simply clapping their hands' or stumping their feet. - 29621

About the Author:

To learn more about African music check out the African Side website and enjoy free African music. Then obtain the African musical CD by Georgy B - The king of Afro Talk music.

Tips For Booking A Cheap Flight To South Africa

2009-09-14T02:26:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

It is said that the written history of South Africa begins with the arrival of the Portuguese. Because of the early immigration from Europe, South Africa has experienced a different history and there is no one culture existing in the country. In other words, it has ethnic diversity. South Africa is located at the southernmost region of Africa and owns a long coastline. Great natural wealth and breathtaking landscapes, kinds of activities and various opportunities call people all around the world for a different experience.

All over the South Africa, there are travel attractions and destinations for travelers to visit. Pretoria is the capital city of the country which is also an important industrial center. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa is the national zoo of South Africa situated in the city of Pretoria. Among other major travel cities, there are Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Bloemfontein.

Since so many airports are available, it is an easy matter to return home once your travel in Africa has come to an end. There are magnificent views of False Bay on clear days in Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard is also here. The Tabletop Mountain Region here is known as the most popular landmark located in Africa. There are also gold mines, old foundations and many more sites of interest to tourists as well as the natural beauty that abounds in Africa. All of this is easily accessible today because of the reasonably priced airline tickets that are available. A simple search on the internet can help you find airline tickets that are suitable for you and your travel needs.

By searching online for inexpensive tickets to South Africa you can save money by acting as your own travel agent. You should be able to find tickets that have no hidden fees and tickets with no service fees as well. By using the internet, you have the ability to compare prices between airlines.

By staying flexible with your travel plans, buying your airline tickets from the internet will give you some good choices and you will be exposed to guidelines on how to make the best decision.

If you have the flexibility to travel on a weekday, you can save significantly more money than traveling on weekend days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). The best rates are offered for flights leaving Monday through Thursday.

Her manus is famous for its being the world's top land-based whale watching destination. It hosts a very popular Whale Festival. The Frankenberg (Dragon Mountains) is a perfect place for nature photography. There are numerous natural and game reserves, national parks, historical places, and charming landscapes in South Africa. Such a variety results in many opportunities to get involved in. Moreover, luxurious hotels make one's holiday as comfortable as possible. In other words, South Africa offers excellent safaris, beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, different cultures, and for sure world class wines. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the webmaster for a leading South African Flight Comparison portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

Nairobi, the lifestyle, the vibrance, the restaurants, the lounges, the people

2009-09-07T17:03:00.000-07:00

By Journey Kenya

Nairobi has been a much overlooked destination. This travesty must be remedied! The Capital of Kenya, Nairobi is an absolutely magnificent cosmopolitan city the most vibrant, exciting and entertaining city in Africa.

Talk about a thriving metropole. Every month a new swanky Kenyan bar, restaurant, lounge or bar opens up offering an exquisite focus on cuisine or the most sinfully enjoyable cocktails. Foodies will wonder why they did not go to Kenya sooner, the freshest vegetables, meat and fish await you.

The five star living is juxtaposed by informal dwellings. Less to do with the lack of ambition of the Kenyan people but more to do with the lack of provision of affordable decent housing. This never stops Kenyans as the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. Pick up some trendy in-door and garden furniture by the roadside.

Nyama choma, the most succulent barbeque of savannah-fed beef, veal, lamb or goat is so good it needs to be a key export. The meat is juicy, lean and with just the right texture to make a meat connoisseur coming back for more. The hotels are trendy and with several five star hotels to choose from, you are guaranteed a chic and luxurious place to lay your head.

The Nairobi Safari Club is luxurious and beautifully put together with unique architecture, making it stand apart from any building in Nairobi. The Nairobi Serena, is the finest hotel in the City, nestled in the tropical gardens of Nairobi's Central Park, yet a stone throw from the vibrant city centre. Just three kilometers west of the city is the aptly named Westlands - here you can take in the best shopping Nairobi has to offer at the different malls - Sarit Center, Westgate or the Mall. Stay over at the Holiday Inn and if you are feeling lucky there are a few casino's to choose from.

Feel like eating Mexican cuisine, Alcapulco will tickle your taste buds. The Cuban restaurant and bar aptly named Havana will serve you delicious mojitos and if you care to peak at the humidor, you may enjoy a cohibar. Thursday I am told is the day to be at Havana. Now foodies will be climb over themselves to get a taste the fresh ingredients Kenya has to offer. Kenya is a vegetarian's dream. And for those that can't leave without their meat, the world renowed Carnivore is second to none.

Gigiri in Nairobi is home to the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters. Nearby, the Village Market, Kenya's first open plan mall plays host to the Maasai Market. This is a world renowed market selling beautifully crafted tableware, accessories, fashion, interior design, and traditional ornaments. Village market is also home to Tribe displaying afro-chic interior design at its best - this five star hotel is truly unique.

Feel like pandering to your art and literary nature, Nairobi will indulge you. Phoenix players stage some of the most refine artistry in town whist Gallery Watatu has exceptional paintings on display. The first ever Haymarket festival held in Kenya in August 2009 saw Nobel Laureates Wangari Mathai and Wole Soyinka joined renowned local and international narrators and poets hosted by StoryMoja. Who said Kenya's do not excel in the literary arts? The StoryMoja cast staged their play ' Cut off my tounge' to full houses in London.

All roads lead to Nairobi in October 2009 for the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA). A Kenyan renaissance in music, design and fashion is in the making. Local music dominate the airwaves. At every wedding, you see women beautifully adorned in Kenyan attire and swinging to the latest local tunes. This year, for the MAMA awards, Nameless, STL, Amani and Wahu ( who won best female artist last year) have all been nominated.

A true sign that Kenyan fashion has matured is the Kiko Romeo store at the trendy Yaya Center mall. The FAFA awards hosted annually in Nairobi highlight that African fashion is envouge and the designers are at the top of their game. We salute the fabulous trend - celebrating Kenyan culture, creativity, enterprise and talent. Kenyan's both young and old are showing that wearing our own unique get up is what being hip is about.

So don't just transit through JKIA. Stop by won't you? and appreciate the vibrance and cosmopolitan nature that is Nairobi. Tukutane Nairobi. - 29621

About the Author:

Nyaruita Gateri, the Chief Adventurer at Journey Kenya has traveled across Kenya for the last two decades and has compiled the most exhaustive guide using the Kenya map to point out the best places to experience Kenya culture, animals in Kenya, Kenya food and never forgetting the Kenya safari.

History of Black Movies

2009-09-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

By Frank Mar

The very first black movies were mostly race films, produced in the beginning parts of the twentieth century. These films were made up of mainly black cast and were produced with the black audience in mind; with the objective being to create a more accurate portrayal of black people than that seen in early white films. The most prominent producer of the black film was Oscar Micheaux.

Oscar formed his own film production company and between 1919 and 1948 independently released over forty black movies. Oscar's first black film was the 1919 silent film "The Homesteader," this was the first feature-length production made for and created with a black cast and crew. Oscar's next film "Within Our Gates," directly addressed racism and depicted lynching. Both starred well known black actress Evelyn Peer.

In 1929, MGM became the first major studio to release an all black film, with the release of "Hallelujah!" The MGM produced musical was notable for its attempt to create a more positive portrayal of black life, than contemporary while films of the time. There were two notable black musicals films released in 1943 each featuring actress Lena Horne, "Stormy Weather" and "Cabin in the Sky"."

Black movies allowed black actors and musicians a chance to play starring roles instead of being relegated to supporting roles as domestic characters in mainstream films. In Hollywood's' early days, it was not uncommon for white actors to appear in blackface and carry off stereotyped portrayals of blacks. Actress Hattie McDaniel became the first black person to win a best supporting Oscar, for playing a housemaid in the 1939 production of "Gone with the Wind."

The Civil Rights struggle of the 50s and 60s paved the way for a change in black movies, by addressing racial tensions and depicting accurate black experiences. White actors and Black actors now star together in movies thus reaching a larger audience. Leading black actor Sidney Poitier won a best acting Oscar for the 1963 film, "Lilies of the Field." Dorothy Dandridge was the first black woman to receive a best actress Oscar nomination for her role in the all black musical, "Carmen Jones."

The 1970s brought Blaxploitation black films such as "Shaft" starring Richard Roundtree and "Foxy Brown" starring Pam Grier to the big screen. Black comedians have benefited significantly from the increased exposure of black movies. In 1976, one of the top black actors - Richard Pryor stared in various successful movie projects including "Car Wash".

In more recent times, starting from about the 1980s and 1990s, black actors were now able to become major movie stars and earn a lot more money. Eddie Murphy was the main star in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise while Danny Glover co-starred in the Lethal Weapon series of movies. Denzel Washington was the leading black actor of the day and won a best supporting actor Oscar for starring in the black film Glory, in 1989. Influential directors: Spike Lee, Mario Van Peebles and John Singleton all left their mark. Black films covering science fiction, fantasy, romance, hip hop culture and other genres gave black actors more freedom than ever before.

Oscar wins by Halle Berry and Jamie Foxx further show appreciation for black movies and black actors/actresses in the 21st century. Black film makers such as Tyler Perry continue the tradition of the black film with primarily black cast. However, major films feature an ethnically diverse casts offers the most opportunity for black actors and a chance to play other roles that are not the typical stereotype roles.

After facing numerous rejections from the major movie studios, Black directors, writers, producers and actors are creating their own production companies to promote and green light their own black movies, they are building Web sites, and turning to social networking and black film festivals as a way to network and gain exposure for black films. ________________________________________ - 29621

About the Author:

The African Side is a site that features African films rarely ever seen. Watch free movie clips of some more recent black movies and learn more about black film making today.

South Africa ? A Dream Destination

2009-09-07T11:24:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

The history of South Africa is believed to start with the coming of the Portuguese. Due to the early colonization from Europe, South Africa has faced a diverse history and there is thus an absence of a single culture in the country. It can be mentioned that South Africa possesses a cultural diversity. South Africa is situated at the southern tip of Africa and has a very long shoreline. Wonderful nature and incredible landscapes , various opportunities invites people from different parts of the world for a varied experience.

Throughout South Africa, there are tourist locations and attractions for the travelers to have great experiences. Pretoria is the capital of South Africa and is known to be an important industrial hub. The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa which is also the national zoo of the country is located in Pretoria. There are a lot of other travel destinations like Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein .

The most popular attraction of Cape Town(a city in South Africa) are the beaches.Another tourist attraction in the city are the Table Mountain. The landscape visible on the top of the mountain is truly wonderful. There is a national theme park like structure containing lagoons, forests etc.The city is popular for its food and wine. They are available in Cape Wine lands. Here wines of very high quality are produced and are famous throughout the world.

A popular city for young and old alike is Johannesburg. Much of the city?s activity comes from its location as a major airline hub. If you are a history buff, Johannesburg is filled with museums and art collections; you can also visit colonial Africian sites rich with history in the nearby town of Sowete. For a change of pace, resorts are in Durban and Port Elizabeth. Durban is the site of two popular nature reserves: the Burman Bush Nature Reserve and the Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve. Port Elizabeth has a thriving nightclub culture, and both cities are loved for their beaches.

There is a tourist attraction in South Africa is which should be on the topmost priority of any individual. The city is Sun City. It has a marvellous entertainment of the visitors. People can relax in the city and have a good time. There are many attractions in the city. There are various activities held in the city which the tourist can enjoy. There are various national parks like the Pilanesberg national park. One can experience traditional safari in the balloon, riding on the elephant and quad biking.

There are many natural as well as game reserves, national parks, historical locations, attractive sceneries in South Africa. Lavish hotels contribute further to the comfort and delight of the tourists.

Hermanus is a city famous for whales. According to the ratings it is the best place for whale watching. There are various activities held over there throughout the year. One of them is the Whale Festival which is very popular. One can take breathtaking photographs on the Dragon Mountains. There are many places to visit in South Africa. One can get busy in various activities and have lots of fun. There are many hotels which provide best services in South Africa. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za

African Movies Growing on the World Stage

2009-09-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

By Frank Mar

The movie industry globally is a multi-billion dollar industry. Hollywood is the flagship of this industry and has been a cease pool of some of the greatest masterpieces of all time. It has some of the oldest production studios, with some having been in the business for over 75 years. Other movie markets have been producing good movies as well; such as the Bollywood movie industry of India and the Nigerian Nollywood African movie industry. The African movies however seem to exhibit the fastest growth in the industry right now.

The African movie industry is growing really rapidly with statistics indicating that everyday, an African movie is being released somewhere on the African continent. This means that a minimum of 365 movies a year is being produced in Africa on a conservative estimate, with countries like Nigeria alone surpassing that benchmark. Even though most movie productions in Nigeria are not of high quality they are created specifically for the local audience in mind which is rapidly growing and beginning to attract the attention of international audience.

But the African movie industry has not always been the way it is today. The industry was really struggling in the 80s and 90s. This was due to the fact that most of the local media houses preferred international programs to locally produced programs. This made it extremely difficult to get a local or international audience, even if the film was great. However, this has rapidly changed through out the African continent. More and more stations are taking a pro-active approach to local programs and content. This has in turn motivated African film makers to produce more films.

As the situation currently stands right now, the industry has still not reached its full potential. The Industry players claim that we have not even scratched the surface yet. We have more productions being done on a daily bases and we are now getting the necessary exposure through local media. Having seen the potential opportunities, a lot of international production houses now want a piece of the action as well.

The beauty of an infant industry is that it presents some unique opportunities. There is much to learn about the techniques required to make a good movie. Sometimes it is not about the size of the budget of the movie, but rather what one does with the available budget and resources. Any production house that can produce high quality products will definitely set itself to be a leader in the industry.

As a young industry, the market presents some unique challenges as well. One of the greatest challenges to making a good African movie is funding. Most of the productions are done on a meager budget and as a result, the quality is compromised. There is also a great challenge in the area of actual expertise. Most of the producers of African movies are still on the learning curve and therefore can't produce very high quality work.

Another challenging portion of the industry is the distribution part of the business. Distribution is were more established industries like Hollywood have a greater advantage over all the other movie production industries. The lack of an efficient and large distribution network means that even if a good African movie is produced, it cannot reach a large number of people outside the African continent and thus it is only viewed by a few non African people.

The market for African movies is really growing by the day. When the current challenges in funding and distribution are addressed, the movies may then be able to reach a lot more people and have a much greater impact globally. - 29621

About the Author:

The African Side website features a high quality African movie that showcases the other side of Africa rarely seen. Visit to learn more about traditional African films and review African movie trailers today.

A Quick Guide To Travel In South Africa

2009-09-03T04:23:00.000-07:00

By Graham McKenzie

A vibrant and diverse land, South Africa is home to dreamy beaches, exciting wild grasslands, awe-inspiring deserts, and even some rather impressive vineyards. The tragedy of Europe's invasion and exploitation of the land has evolved since the fall of apartheid into a rich melting pot of both European and African culture. On a simple drive you may find yourself torn between the contrasting sights of white and black architecture and culture, from Paris to Delhi and back again. For those who are unaware, Indians are a significant portion of the communities of South Africa that have a great impact.

Best time to visit South Africa: Normally, anybody can visit South Africa year round, as the climate is pleasant and warm. The climate is exactly the opposite of the climate in North America or Europe. South Africa enjoys winter during the month of July.

In South Africa, June to September is the best time for safaris and wildlife observation. Because of dry season or dryness, animals come out near to the watering places. It is the best time to watch and observe them. Krger national park and in the protected game areas of KwaZulu Natal, are the noted parks of South Africa. Temp is around 25deg C. during day. As compare to the day, nights are cool. South African summer is warm on the east coast. Its Indian Ocean plays very important role in maintaining pleasant role for whole year. Some times summer is very bad and tough. Temperature goes up and very difficult to live. This could make bearable by extreme dryness. The autumn has usually pleasant temperatures. Some time its rains in autumn. Occasionally Cape Town goes thru unpleasant southeast winds. This usually abates from March to April.

Autumn normally has good temperatures with a little rain, and during this season the unpleasant winds in Cape Town begin to come to an end. In spring there are cooler temperatures with a medium amount of rain. This season is a treat for flower lovers. During August and September, visitors to Namaqualand in North Cape and the western areas of West Cape can enjoy the highly praised and anticipated "Miracle of Flowers."

Don't go out alone in any shopping centers or large cities. Organize groups for safety! Money and valuables should be kept in your hotel's secure storage facilities, and you should ask about the general security situation at the reception desk before you go out sightseeing. If traveling at nighttime or the early morning, seriously consider using a taxi, and don't drive rental cars without locking the windows and doors. Particularly in a large city like Johannesburg, you'll be at risk of being assaulted while at a red light. If this happens to you, just drive away.

Health arrangements: Travelers have to take care of their health. As if health permits, they can enjoy touring. Under mentioned are small health tips to be taken: 1) Must have Health Insurance. 2) Keep away from mosquitoes and malaria. 3) Use Long / full sleeve shirts if required. 4) Contact hospitals immediately in case of emergency.

Customs Allowances: Each person may bring a liter of liquor, two liters of wine, 2 packs of cigarettes and 250 grams of tobacco as well as 50ml of perfume. The unit of currency is the South African Rand. As exchange rates vary, you will need to check the rate when you are booking hotels or making travel arrangements. The major, international credit cards are accepted in all states. With your own credit card and pin number you can get cash at many cash machines problem-free. The FIFA Football World Cup takes place in South Africa in 2010. - 29621

About the Author:

Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African online flights booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za

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2009-08-30T17:31:00.004-07:00

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2009-08-30T17:31:00.003-07:00

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2009-08-30T17:31:00.001-07:00

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