Category Archives: Physical Geography

Nigeria – The big bro of Africa.

Posted on November 28, 2014 by | 2 comments

Africa is the richest in natural resources continent in the world. Since the colonization period ended, African countries gradually become to be known as the next super-powered countries. Surviving from the British colonial, Nigeria now becomes one of the most powerful country in the Africa. Although there are some political problems, Nigeria has the massive of resources that could make it a great and wealthy country if there is a good administration on those national assets. Nigeria is also listed in the Next Eleven (N-11), among those high-potential economic countries. Furthermore, Nigeria has many cultural resources and places that help growing the tourism revenues, and its economy.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. It locates near Gulf of Guinea, and its neighbors are Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad. Nigeria has long and interesting history. The first group of people that habit Nigeria was Nok (500 BC.) Then Kanuri, Hausa, and Fulani gradually migrated to the land of Nigeria. Islam religion was first introduced to the Nigeria in the 13th century. It was Fulani that ruled the region until British seized control by 1886 and become the colonial. On 1960, Nigeria got independence and join the United Nations as a member of the commonwealth nations. After that, there are many conflicts between ethnic groups, military coups. Somehow, Nigeria is now free and on its way to the greatness.

Nigeria is affected by 4 climate types and most of it are tropics. Tropical rainforest in the southern area contributes natural abundance for Nigeria. You can see many forests in that area. Tropical savanna in the western and central area of the country where it is less humid and less hot. Alpine climate in the highland parts of Nigeria offers nice scenario for tourists. Last but not least, Tropical dry in the northern part of the country. The variety of climates has been helping Nigeria’s natural abundance and economic since its history.

Nigeria has been produced great people throughout the time. There are many people that are recognized by the world populace, and some are the role models that later generations use. Hakeem Olajuwon is a great basketball player that is recognized by the world of sports. Fela Kuti who used music to encourage and increase consciousness to the society. It was the peaceful action to against the corrupted state and should be a model for the modern day political reforms. There are also many great scientists that are Nigerian. Nigerian people has the potential to drive the country and the world.

Since the great amount of Ebola-related news come out, almost every people in the world is in panic. Most of them think that every African countries has stained with dead virus. But in reality, it isn’t. According to the WHO (World Health Organization,) Nigeria is free of Ebola. Outside people use stereotype to judge sanitation in African countries for a very long time. The stereotype is also a barrier of African economic growth. Because tourists may think that African country (in this case, Nigeria) has poor sanitation and afraid to come to Africa. No one wants to be nasty just because what he/she is born.

In the vision of people outside, Nigeria and other African countries are not developed and has poor administration. But in the reality, these countries have potentials that can keep up with other super-powered countries in the world. It is stereotype that keep them (African countries) under the condition that slow down the countries’ development; for example, African’s Ebola administration that affect the tourism growth. If the ignorance are reduced, African countries (not only Nigeria) will rise as the new and shine super-powered countries, and greatly help the current world struggles.

(This is part of the Blog Assignment #6.)

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Posted in Development, History, Natural Resources, Physical Geography, Politics, Pop Culture, Stereotypes

Uganda, land of adventure !

Posted on October 14, 2014 by | Leave a comment

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Looking for a green sanctuary to explore? Uganda is your destination. Nested in East Africa and Named “Top Tourist Destination for 2013”, Uganda shares boarders with Kenya, Sudan and Tanzania amongst others, establishing itself as a natural and cultural hub. The natural pleasures of Uganda are simply legendary.

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Also known as the “Pearl of Africa” for centuries, numerous explorers visited this beauty including Winston Churchill, who gushes about Uganda is his 1908 novel novel, “my African journey.” He states, ” For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for prosusion of brilliant life – bird, insect, reptile, beast – for vast scale- Uganda is truly “the Pearl of Africa.”

Over a century later, the country has most certainly flourished.

One of Uganda’s main features is it abundance in water resources, counting over twenty-five lakes and eighteen rivers . Indeed one fifth of it’s total area is open to water or swampland covering 44000sq/km. If you’re looking for amazing waterfalls, vast rivers and lakes or even water-based activities, Uganda has it covered…

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The nation is home to the largest lake in Africa, and the second largest fresh-water lake in the World. All 68800 sq km of Lake Victoria is a stunning sight to see., as she drains trough the Victoria Nile where most fishermen try their luck at the remarkable 100 kg Nile Perch.

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  • The Nile River

Cruising, yachting and fishing are the most common actives at Lake Victoria. If kayaking is more of your scene, rivers such as the Nile – the longest river in the world – would certainly be your number one stop. Flowing through the southern part of Uganda, it’s a unique water channel travelling beyond 6600 km. Other rivers include the spectacular Semilikiand energetic Murchison.

Amongst it’s picturesque and natural waterworks, the Murchison waterfall is very distinctive. It is of a 40 km drop from which the Nile explodes violently and has a reputation of being one of the worlds scariest journeys for rafters. If you’re willing to venture to the crown, you’ll never forget the sound of the Nile crashing through at an outstanding rate.

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  • Murchison Waterfall

Populating the high mountains and low valleys is wide range of animals. Indeed it’s fauna is unique to the continent and the world. In fact, Uganda is a birder’s paradise. Over half of all birds found in Africa are actually found in it’s lands. It’s avifauna includes over 1061 various species of birds. Actually, 60 out of 233 species are hawks, kites and eagles.

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Below the skies, Chimpanzees and gorillas are the most visible in Uganda than anywhere else in the world., making it a primate loving visitor’s sanctuary. Their preservations are a great source for international held research and tourism. The Ngamba Island Chimapanzee Sanctuary is a retreat for rescued primates that would not be able to integrate themselves natural habitats.

In the midsts of all these organic features, Ugandans is one of the most welcoming in Africa. Their sense of family, love and pride can be felt throughout the entire country where friendliness and loyalty are cherished values. although conservative, they’re known to be the life of the party in East Africa. With a great majority of their population being under 30, Ugandans have a strong endurance when it comes to having a good time. Once the sun sets, the wolves come out to play.

 For those who are interested in having a memorable getaway with a blend of culture, music and food, try bar hoping in Kabalagala, a Las Vegas-like strip in Kampala. There, you would find a wide range of casinos, bars, restaurants, nightclubs and karaoke places ready to operate until sunrise.

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During the day, the National Theatre has several facets of entertainment covered; whether it’s ballet, musicals or even latin shows, there’s a wide range of options for a wide range of tourists.

Foodies are also welcomed to enjoy it’s plentiful organic products. Bananas, pineapples are amongst the most abundant locally and internationally ! Ugandans indulge in fresh juices and smoothies, leading healthy habits and diets.

Uganda is unlike any other country. The “Pearl of Africa” is one of the continent’s successes, powerfully eloping from devastation towards a rapid road to development and security prosperity. The ultimate eco-destination, rising star of the safari culture , Uganda is most certainly a worthwhile travel experience.

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Posted in Health, Music, Physical Geography, Tourism, Traditional Arts & Culture

Colony in Africa and in America

Posted on October 8, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Europeans started their colonization in late 16th century due to the fast development in European countries, especially in England and France. Both America and Africa was colonies of Europe in the past. However, the colonial experience of Africa was not quite similar to that of America even though they share some similarities.

The colonization of America started in late 16th century when several major European countries launched their colonization in north America. After many years of settlement, the colonization ended since American people fought for their independence. In 18th century, the United States of America established. The establishment of United States gradually ended the colonization of Europeans. Another place far away from America, Africa, also suffered from the European colonization. The colonization of Africa started roughly in the late 18th century and early 19th century because of European growing fascination with Africa. In the name of exploration and religious mission, the Europeans started their colonization in Africa.

There are several similarities in these two colonization. The settlers in both America and Africa were from Europe and most of them were from England and France. Besides this basic fact, the biggest similarity of these two colonization is that the colonization effected that region in a lot of ways and some of the effects have remained until nowadays. The colonization shaped the society in a huge way. The way people lived, the way government ruled and the way a country developed. Some of those effects were bad but some effects actually promoted the development in general. For example, colonization brought both America and Africa into world economy and promoted the trade. But meanwhile, the Europeans used all local workers but took nearly all the profits of the trades.

However, there are also differences between the colonization of Africa and that of America.   One of the differences is the slavery system. In America, the very first slave was brought to Virginia in the 17th century from Africa. After that, numerous slaves were brought to America for many years. The slaves in America were the major work forces at that time. They worked mostly at plantations in the South and did heavy jobs. Those slaves helped to develop the plantation economy in the South and gradually made the plantation become the biggest industry in the South. On the contrary, the slavery situation was different in Africa. Numerous African free people were transformed to slaves and then were brought to Europe, America and other places. The slave trade was prosperous at that time. Men, women and children were all involved in the big slave trade.

The trade of slaves from Africa to America was called Atlantic slave trade. Slaves once became the only “crop” to export from Africa. The Atlantic slave trade gradually became a “triangle trade”. First, Europeans traded cheap industrial products and munitions to some Kings or leaders in African countries for slaves or sometime they just “hunt” for slaves illegally. Then they sold slaves to the owners of plantations in North America in order to get minerals and crops. Last, they sold American minerals and crops in Europe to get profits. Almost every step in the triangle trade brought merchants numerous profits. As a result, the trade developed and expanded. For instance, in 1709, there was only one ship used for slave trade in Liverpool. Then in 1730, the number of ship became 15. Growing so quickly , in 1792, there were 132 ships used for slave trade just in Liverpool.

The slave trade brought African people pains and sufferings. African people never stopped fighting for themselves even though European countries promote so-called “peace trade”. Nobody wanted to become slave so that almost every slave in Africa tried to fight. There were several groups of people in Congo and Angola formed armed group to attack those tribes or villages which were involved in slave trade in order to free the slaves. Fortunately, in late 18th century and early 19th century, European countries started to abolish the slavery system. Britain abolished the system in 1807, then United States in1808, France in 1818 and Brazil in 1825. Although the abolishment was published, the slave trade hadn’t stopped until the Berlin Conference in 1885 and the Brussels Conference in 1890. The 4-century-long slave trade gave Africa people irreversible and huge lost.

Although the colonial histories are different in Africa and in America, there’s one truth always existing that colony brings sufferings and pains to people. We are so lucky that we live in a humane society right now and we hope that the colonization will never happen again.

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Posted in Conflict, Congo, Development, History, International Relatons, Natural Resources, Physical Geography, Politics, Religion

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Precolonial history of Ivory Coast

Posted on September 23, 2014 by | Leave a comment

     There is almost nothing known about the very ancient Ivory Coast. There’s no clue of the original inhabitants in Ivory Coast. Historians believe that the original inhabitants were either displaced or absorbed by the ancestors of the present inhabitants. As far as the historical record shows, the trade of basic supplements expanded from the Saharan area. As a result, several places in the West Africa became prosperous. The boom in trade made the route of trade southern. More and more people moved south, which is now the territory of the Ivory Coast.

     Empires and rulers near this area kept emerging and declining. Noticeably, in the 11th century, Islam was brought to western Africa by the traders from North Africa. Later, the Islam was rapidly spread  and was accepted and embraced by many empires in the West Africa. By the time rulers of Sudanic empires started to embrace the Islam, Islam spread southern to the north part of contemporary Ivory Coast. In 14th century, the northern Ivory Coast was ruled by the Mali Empire. But later on, the reign was ended by internal discord and by the revolt of vassal states. Another empire Songhai emerged and the empire flourished during 14the century and 16the century. However, the empire collapsed also because of internal discord. Then, fractional warfares in this region made people move south to the rain forest. The dense forest created barriers between the south part and the north part of the country so that people who moved to the south part could live away from the political and military conflicts. After that, people settled down in the south and started village life. They earned their livings mainly by agriculture and hunting.

     As time went on, more and more empires and states emerged in Ivory Coast. The Muslim Kong Empire was established by the Juula in the early eighteenth century in the north part of the country. Kong became the center of agriculture and crafts during that time. However, ethnic diversity and religious discord gradually made the kingdom collapse. Meanwhile, in the south, the Abron kingdom of Jaman, which was established early in the 17th century, existed. This kingdom finally expended its hegemony over the Juula in Bondoukou. Bondoukou  then became a major center of commerce and Islam. The kingdom’s Quranic scholars attracted students from all parts of West Africa. In the mid-eighteenth century in east-central Ivory Coast, other Akan groups fleeing the Asante established a Baoulé kingdom at Sakasso and two Agni kingdoms, Indénié and Sanwi. The Baoulé, like the Asante, elaborated a highly centralized political and administrative structure under three successive rulers, but it finally split into smaller chiefdoms.

     There isn’t many information about  the ancient history of Ivory Coast. But there are still some sort of websites which focus on African history, where I can find some clues. Also, learning the history of nearby countries is a good way to learn more about the history of Ivory Coast, since there has been interactions between these countries and these countries shared the same cultural and historical in a way. The reason why there’s little known about ancient Ivory Coast is that the history of this country is merged with the history of other significant empires in the African history. What’s more, Ivory Coast was not one of the origin of African civilization. The country was built because of the migration of people from north to south in the past.

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Posted in History, Physical Geography, Politics, Religion, Rural Economies, Traditional Arts & Culture

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South Sudan: history and how old it is

Posted on September 23, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Blog Assignment 3 – Ancient History

 

The New York Times in Africa from the world section was mainly treating about African culture regarding to the geography and other factors, and there were many online sources by the journal that the other authors or reporters from African society have written. Generally most of the online sources had sufficient information to track the history of Sudan. All the sources from the New York Times and geography related sites such as geography.about.com and so on.

South Sudan, officially called the Republic of South Sudan, is the world’s newest country. It is a landlocked country located on the continent of Africa to the south of the country of Sudan. South Sudan became an independent nation at midnight on July 9, 2011 after a January 2011 referendum regarding its secession from Sudan passed with around 99% of voters in favor of the split. South Sudan mainly voted to secede from Sudan because of cultural and religious differences and a decades-long civil war.

Three ancient Kushite kingdoms existed consecutively in northern Sudan. This region was also known as Nubia and Meroe, and these civilizations flourished mainly along the Nile River from the first to the sixth cataracts. The kingdoms were influenced by, and in turn influenced Pharaonic Egypt. Dynasty was founded under Alara and regained independence for the kingdom of Kush although borders fluctuated greatly. I was overwhelmed by the fact that Sudan is the only country in sub-Saharan Africa that has real archaeology and local teams working.

Though its historical importance has long been overshadowed by Egypt, its neighbor to the north, Sudan’s archaeological record is pivotal to understanding the history of Africa itself, experts say, and a wave of new discoveries may be adding crucial new information. “The history of Sudan can play a role for Africa that Greece played for the history of Europe,” Mr. Rilly said enthusiastically. “People have been living here for 5,000 years” along the Nile, he added. “It is difficult not to find something.” The Egyptians conquered Sudan in 1874 and established the province of Equatoria. Islamic revolutionaries entered the territory in 1885, but British troops defeated the invaders and took over Sudan in 1898. Britain and Egypt ruled the country, and in the early 20th century, Christian missionaries converted a large segment of the population and introduced English to the region. This result was a clearly defined line between the Arab north and the black African animists and Christians in the south. South Sudan depends largely on imports of goods, services, and capital from the north. South Sudan does have abundant natural resources and produces nearly three fourths of the former Sudan’s total oil output of nearly a half million barrels per day.

The government of south Sudan derives nearly about 98% of its budget revenues from oil. As people might know well about the significance of oil, oil is exported through two pipelines that run to refineries and shipping facilities at Port Sudan on the Red Sea. However, on July 2011, South Sudan became an independent country. South Sudan seceded from the Republic of Sudan in 2011. Geographically it is not the part of the Sudan region forming as it does part of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is the parts of the East Sudanian Savanna.

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All Aboard, Welcome To Ghana

Posted on September 13, 2014 by | Leave a comment

All aboard! Ghana, Ghana, Ghana, Have you been there? Do you know what it’s like? Ghana is a country located on the west coast of Africa along the Gulf of Guinea. The country itself has a total land area of 239,460. Ghana flag colors is red, yellow(gold), and green with a black five pointed star in the center of the yellow stripe. Below you’ll see a picture of the flag itself. Several streams and rivers surrounds Ghana and are only accessible by a canoe. Canoe is a lightweight boat used as transportation on water. It contains paddles that individuals rotate, in order for the boat to move. See look, visiting Ghana sounds like fun already! So while visiting, make sure you try canoeing.

Ghana Flag

Ghana’s climate is typically tropical. Or should I say hot and dry or hot and humid. I’m pretty sure this is you guy’s type of weather anyway. Unlike having to wait for summer, Ghana is hot all year around. Also, with the high mountains, lakes, desserts, you can explore and have fun. Such as hiking, climbing and much more. Oh wait did I mention beaches as well? Wouldn’t be a good vacation without a tan! Ghana also has two rainy seasons as well, May-June in the south and August-September in the north.  Therefore it does cool down just a little bit.

Ghana Beach

Living conditions for individuals in Ghana is different compared to others. The majority of them live in huts made up of mud, roofed with either straw or zinc. However, living conditions varies and often changes throughout the different cities and parts of Ghana. As far as their economy activities, agriculture, hunting, and forestry is what they consists of. About eighty percent of the Ghana’s population engages in agriculture, producing “millet, guinea-corn, maize, groundnut, beans, sorghum and dry season tomatoes and onions”.

Just four years ago, a close friend of mines visited Ghana. Although she was nervous because she never been there, when she came back her stories showed she had a wonderful time. My close friend Gianni said, “It was interesting to learn about their culture, values, traditions, and just their everyday life in general”.  She stayed with a family, whom lived in a big house, sort of like a mansion. Eating in Ghana was not the same as eating in New York, but she said “being exposed to different meals was quite interesting, especially because they were good”. According to her, it’s a time in her life that she would not take back for anything. P.S here’s a bracelet she brought back for me. From the moment she gave it to me, I fell in love with it! Everybody always comment on it, and says it’s nice too.

Bracelet from Ghana

See look there you have it. I gave you a brief background of Ghana and what it’s like. I also shared a close friend of mines experience there in Ghana as well. She had fun and loved it, so I’m pretty sure you will enjoy it too. Just go and check it out. But when you do just make sure you come back and share your experience as we’ll.  Remember take lots of pictures. Pictures hold memories that only you will remember, but moments you could then share to others! Look forward to hearing from you.

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Posted in Physical Geography, Tourism

The Artwork of Angola

Posted on September 11, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Angola can only be described as a land of Divinity, in light of all of its complexities. It is a melting pot of differing landscapes that allows its visitors to experience many worlds in a single country.  In Angola, there lies rainforest in the north, montainous forests in the highlands, and grasslands across plateau areas in the south. This landscape that makes up the country of Angola is twice the size of France and Great Britain, allotting an expansive landscape for the artwork that is Angola.

angola

The country is located in the western region of Southern Africa and is made up of a part of the largest river in West Africa, the Zaire or Congo, which measures at 4,000 kilometers. The country is also comprised of a part of the largest river in East Africa, the Zambeze, which measures at 2,680 kilometers. Bording countries include: the Democratic Republic of Congo in the north, Zambia in the East, Namibia in the South, and by the Atlantic Ocean in the West.

As numerous bodies of water surround the country, Angola is also home to many exotic animal species. Animals include: elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, lions, leopards and hyenas. Ultimately, it is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to experience the diverse wildlife that Africa has to offer. The country is also known for an abundance of dolphins, including the rare “humpback dolphin”.

The weather in Angola is determined by two seasons, which are the rainy season and the dry season (also known ascacimbo). The rainy season, which is normally accompanied by elevated temperatures creating a tropical environment, usually occurs from August to May. Rainfall and annual variation of temperatures are two climatic characteristics common to Angola. These characteristics are created by the country’s geographical makeup. It is placed in both the intertropical, and subtropical zones of Africa, and also lies in close proximity to the sea. Additionally, the cold current of Benguela affects the country’s weather conditions.

Weather conditions in Angola are not in the least bit troublesome, however, as the country is highly conducive to agriculture. The most fertile soils are by surrounding waters, where there are extensive pastures and tropical forests. These tropical forests include rare species of trees including: ebony, sandalwood, rosewood, eucalyptus, and pines. In agriculture, the country is known for having adequate success in growing cotton, coffee, sisal, peanut, sweet potato, beans, sugar, rubber, corn, greens, fruits, etc. The country is also known for maintaining cattle, goats, sheep and pigs, and is known for being the single-most popular country in regards to the fishing industry. The Angolan coastline is one of the richest in fish on the continent and until recently, was the number one producer of fish for consumption.

For an overall, diverse cultural and enlightening experience, Angola is an ideal destination. Its expansive and diverse landscape provides a veritable plethora of animals, foliage, foods, and much more. One trip to Angola may even substitute several trips to many other countries that may not be quite as diversified.

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Naijiria ni fun wa gbogbo (Nigeria is for us all)

Posted on September 10, 2014 by | 1 comment

When you hear of Africa what do you think? let me guess; naked people everywhere, lions, elephants and monkeys roaming the streets. This is probably what a majority of people think of Africa. Allow me to introduce you to a side of this beautiful continent you’ve never seen, Welcome to NIGERIA!

Nigeria

The capital of Nigeria is Abuja. The official language in Nigeria is English, but there are three main languages of this country. They are Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo. There are many different cultures, beliefs and history among the people of Nigeria.

If you are interested in history, there are many historical sites in Nigeria such as the Freedom Park which is located in Lagos Island, Lagos. The Park is a memorial which was designed to honor and preserve the heritage and history of Old Board Street prison which was used by the British colonial masters to punish and imprison individuals that opposed colonial rule such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Nigeria has a rich music history! Global artists like Fela Kuti paved the way for music in Nigeria to flourish, which now has a multitude of music superstars known all over the world! Some of the modern musicians in Nigeria include artists such as D’Banji who signed with Kanye West’s label “Good Music.” Other artists include P-Square with hits like “Onyinye” ft American superstar Rick Ross! There is a traditional melody fused with modern westernized hip-hop, so you can get “JIGGY WITH IT!”

Do you like to eat? There are also various types of food from different ethnic groups. To name a few, there is fried rice which is a delicious dish comprised of rice, cow liver, carrots and seasonings which is served with salad, chicken, beef or fish. There is also pounded yam with vegetable soup which is boiled yam placed in a traditional mixing tool. Jollof rice which is rice mixed with various types of spices, tomato onions and seafood. There is also fufu with okra, and pate which is dry corn. All which are served with an ice cold traditional beverage like Vita Malt.

If you are interested in wildlife, there are many National Parks in Nigeria such as Kamuku National Park which is the most popular park in Nigeria settled on 1121 square km. Various wildlife from antelopes, elephants and, hyenas roam the area. Besides wildlife, there are nature reserves, such as Matsirga Waterfalls which is located in Madakiya. This one area has four waterfalls falling at 30 meters. The waterfall not only provides a scenic view, but it also creates a relaxing and serenity feel with its often rainbow-colored mist. This is just one of many nature reserves.

elephants

The weather in Nigeria is tropical usually around 88 degrees Fahrenheit which means you and your family will have ample time to enjoy beautiful beaches and eat coconuts and mangoes on the sand. The most popular beach visited by tourists is the Coconut beach, which is located in Badagry town in the western side of Lagos. As the name states, the beach is FULL of coconut trees, which provides shade and a relaxing environment. Other options include the Central Beach, Tarwa Bay and Calabar Beach.

COME TO NIGERIA!

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Hey let’s take a Vacation to South Africa!

Posted on September 10, 2014 by | Leave a comment

To a nation that has a great history and tradition we explore one continent if not the world’s most beautiful countries South Africa. I would like to inform you about South Africa’s geology, topography, rivers, lakes, and mountains. The land mass of South Africa is very old and particularly rich in mineral resources.

The Mountain socle in South Africa was already part of the supercontinent Gondwanaland which, 300 to 100 million years ago broke into many parts that built whole new continents, Africa being one of the nations included. Through the following, millions of years lasting geological shifts, tectonic arching, breaking and the formation of crevasses, the resulting outbreak of volcanoes, depressions, the deposition of gravel and wind and water erosion the geological profile of the land has formed. Since South Africa is located in the west, south, and east surrounded by single mountain ranges is known as the Great Escarpment. In front of the escarpment, there is a partially very narrow coastal strip, which is called the Lowveld. At the Indian Ocean, these coastal plains have high precipitations and are fertile. The western part, however, is, due to the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic, a coastal desert, reaching up to Namibia and Angola. When one crosses the escarpment they come across to central high plateau called the Highveld. The reason why the surrounding mountain chain forms a catchment area for the clouds from the sea, the precipitation on the Highveld is low which can result in arid, semi-desert conditions.

South Africa’s topography has a mean altitude of about 1,200 m (3,900 ft), and at least 40% of the surface is at a higher elevation. Parts of Johannesburg are more than 1,800 m (6,000 ft) above sea level. There are three major zones: the marginal regions, which range in width from 80 to 240 km (50–150 mi) in the east to 60–80 km (35–50 mi) in the west, and including the eastern plateau slopes, Cape folded belt, and western plateau slopes; a vast saucershaped interior plateau, separated from the marginal zone by the Great Escarpment; and the Kalahari Basin, only the southern part of which projects into north-central South Africa.

In South Africa there are only two major rivers in South Africa the Limpopo, a stretch of which is shared with Zimbabwe; and the Orange with its tributary, the Vaal, which runs with a variable flow across the central landscape from east to west, emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at the Namibian border. There are several small rivers run into the sea along the coastline, but none of them are navigable and none provide useful natural harbors. The coastline itself, being fairly smooth, provides only one good natural harbor, at Saldanha Bay north of Cape Town. A lack of fresh water in this country prevented major development here.

South Africa is home to the world’s largest natural lakes and human constructed lakes. Southern Africa’s natural lakes have very diverse origins. Those along the East African Rift Valley  also known as Lakes Malawi, Albert, Tanganyika and Turkana are deep tectonic lakes; some lakes were formed by volcanic action, such as Lake Kivu in Rwanda/Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are also shallow floodplain lakes such as those in the Okavango Swamps. There are deflation basins or pans such as those found in the Kalahari and Panlands of South Africa. Africa’s lakes support important fisheries that sustain millions of livelihoods and contribute to food security.

While exploring the rest of the country you come across South Africa’s Mountain Ranges. These mountain ranges of South Africa are some of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. They include Cape Town’s Table Mountain and KwaZulu-Natal’s uKhahlamba-Drakensberg ranges, plus other wonders like the ancient Magaliesberg and the majestic Cederberg range. The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is South Africa’s highest mountain range which goes up to 3,000m and spans more than 150km.

As we come to end to our South African tour. This glorious country has so much rich pride to not to be wasted. Come to a country which welcomes newcomers to explore special features we have unlike many countries before us. I learned so much traits about this country that i didn’t know before and if i was anyone who loves adventure South Africa is a place to discover.

South Africa People

 

 

 

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Explore Sierra Leone

Posted on September 10, 2014 by | Leave a comment

Planning a family vacation anytime soon? Already narrowed your options down to the beaches of Florida or Disney World? You should probably reopen your potential options and listen to the opportunities you can experience here in our lovely little Sierra Leone situated on Africa’s western coastline.  Our country offers very diverse attractions ranging from beaches to our famous chimpanzee sanctuary just outside of our capital city, Freetown.

Upon your flights arrival to the Freetown International Airport you can simply head several miles west to our beautiful coast lines and experience the wonderful beaches.  You could choose to stay at our eco-community at John Obey Beach, about 20 miles south of Freetown.  John Obey is a small eco-tourism community situated on about 6 acres of beach and lagoon-front land adjacent to the John Obey fishing village on the Freetown peninsula. Their mission is to build a model sustainable community, provide an unforgettable West African beach holiday and help change the perception of Sierra Leone into one that reflects the reality – a beautiful, safe and captivating country.  If this option is too separated from the rest of civilization then one can simply stay in Freetown and enjoy our Aberdeen and Lumley beach area.  Here is the main beach area of Freetown. The beach stretches about 4km between the Aberdeen and Lumley sections of the city, a ways outside of downtown.  Guest houses are a plenty in both areas, Aberdeen on the East end of the beach, Lumley on the West.  There are many beach-side bars and restaurants along the entire beach with several small places to reside at for your trip.

If you want to adventure to other attractions Sierra Leone has to offer you can visit our Western Area Peninsula Forest Reserve. The forest is part of the Upper Guinean Moist Forest and is the only place in West Africa where its mountains descend directly into the sea. This results in a diverse and rich biodiversity. The forest hosts approximately 85% of the national biodiversity, with several endangered species of mammals and birds.  Also located on the reserve is the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1995 with initial seed funding from European Union to enforce the wildlife laws and re-home and rehabilitate captured, abandoned and orphaned chimpanzees. They continue to grow in size and currently have over 100 chimpanzees under our care. Thanks to the tireless work of the staff and with the aid of local communities they have essentially eradicated the chimpanzee pet trade in Freetown.  Today a large population of chimps live in the semi wild environment of the rain forest sanctuary and, having given up his career as an accountant, founder Bala Amarasekeran still runs things with the invaluable help of several staff and volunteers. Having survived the rigours of civil war throughout the last decade, during which, though attacked twice, neither staff nor chimps came to harm, the BBC described the sanctuary as “one of the most successful projects of Sierra Leone”.

Eastern Sierra Leone consists of plateaus and the stunning Loma mountain range. This area is globally famous for the vast abundance of diamonds, gold, bauxite, titanium, iron and chromite. Here vast valleys are cut into the mountains by rivers creating these large mineral deposits. Sierra Leone’s highest peak, Mount Bintumani is located in this region and if you are one that enjoys hiking and beautiful scenery, it is definitely worth your time to make the trip to this area.

Why not change that vacation to our lovely little country? You’re time will not be wasted and you surely won’t be disappointed in your experiences here!

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