The majority of the countries in Africa are inhabited by peoples of African origin. Some ethnic groups have been affected by the migration of Arab peoples into northern Africa. There are also Europeans whose families moved to Africa during the colonial period and have stayed on.

In some parts of Africa, you will also find people of Asian origin, for example from the Indian subcontinent.Despite these microcosms, the peoples of Africa are often described in terms of their ethnic background or their languages.

There are several thousand ethnic groups in Africa, ranging in physical stature from the short Pygmies to the tall Maasai, each with its own cultural traditions. Each ethnic group has its own distinct language, traditions, arts and crafts, history, way of life and religion. At the same time, over the centuries the different groups have also influenced one another and contributed to and enriched one another’s culture.

Africa can be divided into five regions: North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa. Each of these represents a cultural and geographic region which is different from the others in many ways. Some of the more widely known ethnic groups in Africa are: Arabs, Ashanti, Bantu, Berbers, Bushmen, Dinka, Fulani, Ganda, Hamites, Hausa, Hottentot, Kikuyu, Luba, Lunda, Malinke, Moors, Nuer, Pygmies, Semites, Swahili, Tuareg, Xhosa, and Yoruba.

Although the majority of the people in Africa lead a rural life, the continent is urbanizing at a fast pace. Over a third of the population now lives in cities. Those who live and work in the major metropolitan areas live in ways similar to most people in the industrialized world. Those who live and work in many of the smaller towns dress in western style and do the kind of work – in the manufacturing industry or the services – that people in many urbanized parts of the world do.

 However, they may not always have all the advantages of those who live in the larger more modern cities. In contrast, there are a number of different ethnic groups living in rural Africa whose lifestyles have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. They have a rich cultural heritage that they have passed down from generation to generation with very little influence from the outside world.
 
Simply, Africa is actually a continent made up of a wide variety of worlds. Its people live in diverse conditions that represent present extreme contrasts as well as a middle ground. There is extreme poverty and vast wealth; there are people who suffer from droughts and famine and people who have plentiful food; there are vast, magnificent nature reserves with an abundance of wildlife and there are highly urbanized parts with major cities with high-rise buildings and modern amenities.

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Africa is of course well known for its prodigious diamond production. What is not necessarily as well known is that Australia is a source of the rare and infinitely more valuable pink diamonds. Destinations Africa Pink Diamond Safaris would constitute similarly unique Africa tours

As you tour Africa, your itinerary can even include a diamond workshop visit – watch rough diamonds as they are transformed into creations of fire and light by a team of skilled craftsmen or watch your own jewellery design being created before your very eyes.

So when juxtaposed with a location like Africa Tours take on a whole different image!

But of course you can tour Africa without focusing on something other than diamonds and normally the raison d’etre to tour Africa is to get up close and personal with the wildlife. Indeed 3D wildlife viewing can quickly become a passion and one becomes addicted to safari life. But don’t despair as this passion can be combined with more traditional passions such as golf (though I must admit that is one passion I will never come to appreciate!) or even adventure sports such as white-water rafting. Africa tours are ideal for couples or families with diverging interests thus the golfing widow or widower can be fully occupied and entertained while the partner pursues that little white ball across the African savannahs. Perhaps you could follow in the footsteps of Ernie Els, Retief Goosen or Gary Player as you try to improve your handicap on international standard courses in locations as diverse as the African bush, on the shores of the warm Indian Ocean or in the beautiful setting of Cape Town.

Then again you could always tour Africa through a combination of guided and self-drive components. Cape Town and the picturesque garden route really lend themselves to a lazy meander with plenty to see and do, good roads, very polite drivers (at least by Australian standards!) Another place that lends itself to self-drive (though the distances are vast and can compare well with the Nullabor!) is Namibia but it is essential that you arrange your trip through reputable agents (such as the Destinations Africa associates) to ensure that your vehicle is a reliable 4WD that will not leave you stranded in some remote spot – like that Japanese couple we passed peering sheepishly out of the window of their entrenched Toyota Camry as the Sossusvlei sand drifted to wedge it further in! Of course they should have paid attention to the warning sign at the end of the tarred road stating that only 4WD vehicles should go beyond that point!

So if you would like to tour Africa or even participate in more organised Africa Tours, the first thing you should do is have a look at the Destinations Africa website http://www.destinationsafrica.com.au/ or give us a call on 02 4984 9747

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Where to go.

First and foremost you should consider where you want to go on safari. Every location offers a different experience, so it’s worth researching the wildlife, climate, safari style and accommodation available in each destination.

African safaris.

Africa is the most popular destination for safaris and is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural scenery and wildlife. Safari goers can witness the ‘Big Five’ in their natural environment, as well as hundreds of other rare and exotic species, including cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes and hippopotamuses. Although tourism remains a threat to the continent’s ecosystems, Africa retains its allure and mystery, and is one of the few remaining places in the world where travellers can witness exotic animals in their natural habitat.

Of course, not all African safaris are the same. Some locations, such as South Africa, lend themselves best to first-time safari visitors, while more seasoned safari enthusiasts may seek more challenging experiences and rarer species elsewhere. Accommodation and services can also vary wildly, with countries such as Botswana being renowned for their luxury lodges, which are sold at premium prices. Package deals and self-drive safaris can offer much more affordable options, so it’s important to consider what kind of experience you are looking for.

Top destination.

Tanzania.

Tanzania gets only 20% of the number of safari tourists that visit neighbouring Kenya, allowing it to offer a much more natural safari experience. Amazingly, Tanzania is home to three of Africa’s top five natural wonders; Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, which combine to provide a stunning backdrop for safari travel. Lake Tanganyika offers a further attraction and its wildlife-rich waters constitute over a third of all fresh water on the planet.

Alternative safari destinations For those seeking something a little different from the classic African savannah safari, there are a number of exciting alternatives:

Mountain gorilla safari in Uganda – trek through dense jungle to witness imposing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Chitwan National Park safari in Nepal – explore the Ganges river plain where one quarter of the world’s endangered Asian rhinos live, alongside tigers, otters, crocodiles and a myriad of birdlife.
Polar bear safari in Canada – traverse frozen tundra landscapes to spot polar bears, arctic foxes and snowy owls

When to go.

Deciding when you go on safari is another important consideration. Many locations offer seasonal highlights that can make your safari truly unforgettable. In Tanzania, for instance, the ‘Great Migration’ takes place on the Serengeti between December and January, when swarming herds provide a sensational wildlife spectacle. Another highlight is the calving season in February, when safari goers have the opportunity to watch excitable lion cubs stalking their prey.

You should also research seasonal and climactic variations in your chosen safari location. In Africa the best time for a safari is during the dry season, when animals congregate around water holes, improving your chances of a successful safari. The lack of vegetation also makes the animals easier to spot. In East Africa the dry season takes place in January-March and July-October, while in the south of the continent it occurs in May-October.

Before you go.

The most important thing to do before you go on safari is to research your chosen destination and find out exactly what you’ll need to enjoy your wildlife adventure. In terms of clothing, you should bring outfits that let you blend into nature as much as possible; greens, browns and khakis are best. Depending on the climate you may also need to buy waterproof or lightweight clothes, to cope with both unsettled and hot weather. Other essentials would include a camera, binoculars and insect repellent, but your packing list will depend heavily on your chosen safari location.

More info http://www.i-volunteerabroad.co.uk/destinations/tanzania/tanzania-wildlife-safari/

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Today, after two weeks absence, we look at some tips on how to become one of those enviable “carry-on bag”  travelers that will make your summer travel a lot easier and cheaper.

Not to mention the time saved waiting anxiously at the carousel for your baggage, which may or may not arrive in good condition. All major American airlines now levy a charge for checked baggage (except for Southwest and JetBlue), so you can save $15 – $20 each way by converting to a one bag carry-on traveler.

Taste the sweet freedom of not having to drag a trolley-load of luggage along and having to hoist it onto the security counter, then back into the trolley, and doing the same at the check-in counter and collecting it all again at the other end of the journey.

As the cost of checked baggage, especially oversized or second bags, differ from airline to airline, it would pay to familiarize yourself with these costs for all US airlines if you have any doubt that carrying on your luggage will save you money.

For a family of three or four, that’s real money we are talking about. When you land at the airport as a carry-bag traveller you can walk right out the door and be home in a fraction of the time it would have taken to collect baggage.

Without further ado, here are 10 tips to help you become a carry-on traveller:

1. Know what the limits and rules are for carry-on bags. This is especially true for overseas travel where baggage restrictions are much tighter.
2. Visit WebLuggageRetailerebags.com for information on carry-on requirements for most major American airlines.
3. They even recommend which bag is best to use for the particular airline you are planning to use. SeatGuru is another site for valuable information on baggage rules for all minor and major airlines, not only in the US, but all over the world.

2. Correctly measure your bag to ensure that it will meet the required limits. Measure the entire width and length of your bag, including the wheels and handles which could add another inch or two to its size. Instead of buying a new bag, since we are talking about saving money, first check if you have a one that will fit the hand-luggage requirements of the airline. Most domestic carriers allow a generous limit of 50 linear inches but as a rule you will always get away with a rolling bag that measures between 19 to 22 inches Anything above that and you may be asked to check your bag in. If you think you need a new bag, then Luggage City has some great options.

3. Weight is important and therefore wheels are not always the best. For a short trip a small backpack or duffle will lighten your load considerably since the wheels and the handles on a roller bag may add inches and weight. A duffle or backpack is also easier to carry if you are going to commute by train or subway after the flight. Maximize your personal item such as a purse or laptop bag allowed in addition to your carry-on bag by most airlines. Try switching to a small backpack for personal items which takes much more than a purse but will still easily fit under the seat of the aircraft. If you need a purse, pack it flattened into your carry-on bag. If it is small enough it may fit into the back-pack.

4. Eliminate all liquids and gels from your packing as you will not be allowed to take them on-board. The requirement to travel without liquid cosmetics is one of the hardest parts of switching to a carry-on traveler, but it can be done. Definitely leave behind things like shampoo and conditioner, spray-on deodorants, shower gel and sun tan lotion. Rather purchase these at your destination or use the products supplied by hotels if it is a short trip. Switch from lotions to creams for face and body and only take travel sizes.

5. Minimalize your wardrobe by taking only a couple of changes of clothing. This is where dual purpose clothing comes in handy like pants with zip-off legs that turn into shorts, and jackets with loads of pockets. Pack clothing that can be worn in the daytime and spruced up for evening wear. Take garments that mix and match in different combinations. Pack underwear and socks into Zip-Loc bags and squeeze all the air out. If you are going on a long trip and staying at different locations your back and shoulders will thank you for not having to lug 20 pounds of luggage from one destination to another in addition to your hand luggage. Use layering when dealing with multiple climates. Use a light T as a base and remember that the same fleece or sweater can be worn multiple times as long as the bottom layer close to your skin is changed regularly.

6. Take only one pair of shoes in addition to the pair you are wearing, which should be the bulkier of the two pairs. Take a pair of sandals that can be worn in the daytime as well as look quite elegant at night. Flip-flops for the beach can be cheaply bought at your destination and left behind when you leave. The golden rule, however, is to only take shoes that are comfortable and certainly not anything that is new.

7. Careful packing is extremely important so pack light every time you travel. Put an outfit together and roll it into a tight roll. This will prevent creasing, lock out unwanted air that takes up space, and simplify your unpacking. Pack heavier clothing like jeans flat in the bottom of the bag before adding the rolls. Pack smaller items around the rolls and feel your way around to find all those empty spaces that can be filled with small items like your favorite wrinkle cream or a small bag of makeup. If you pack carefully you will be able to get a week’s clothing into a 20-inch carry-on bag which should weigh no more than 20 to 22 pounds. Take your jacket on the plane with you to save weight and space. Ideally you want to aim at something like 17pounds.

8. Use some of the money you save on baggage checking to spend on laundry along the way. Small personal items can be washed in the hotel room sink and will dry overnight, larger items can be sent to the hotel laundry. A small amount of dry laundry powder sealed in a Zip-Loc bag will come in handy for washing underwear and socks.

9. Lighten the load by not taking extras like jackets and boots unless you know it will be cold. If the weather suddenly changes and you need an umbrella, a warm jacket, or a special outfit for a party – that is what outlet malls are for. Take separate outfits like tops that can be matched up with skirts, pants or shorts and worn casually, or dressed up for dinner.

10. Limit the amount of electronic gadgets you take. They weigh a lot and these days iPads and Smartphones take the place of heavy, bulky laptops. Don’t take a camera unless you are a photographer, your cell phone camera takes perfect pictures and you can immediately share them on social media. An iPhone can take the place of most electronic devices – to watch movies or sport, check internet and answer mail with free Wi-Fi at internet hotspots, listen to your favorite music, and much more, all on one small compact device.

Becoming a carry-on traveler requires a change of mind-set rather than a change of habits. Some people become extremely attached to certain possessions as well as habits when travelling and may find it more difficult than others to convert.

However, if you are motivated enough to make the change it can be done.  Just imagine gliding past long lines at the check-in counter with your online boarding pass that you printed yourself in your hand, literally leaving behind every shred of anxiety and stress associated with the days when you travelled with mounds of luggage. As far as I am concerned, this in itself is worth a fortune.

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