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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It took me a drive of 3 hours from Kampala to get to the Budongo forest. It falls on the way to Murchison Falls National Park.

Budongo forest is renowned for its incredible Mahogany reserves. Bluntly put, it is the largest forest of Mahogany across the whole of East Africa.

Moreover, it is also home to hundreds and thousands of Chimpanzees, being the largest habitat of Chimpanzees in Uganda.

Budongo was a thrilling experience for me. It had two amazing tourism sites, each of which was immense fun. Kaniyo Pabidi and Busingiro are these two eco-tourism sites which are rich with iron wood and Mahogany trees.

What thrilled me more than these eco-tourism sites was the chunk of remote landscape measuring up to approximately 115 kilometers. This isolated area was the home for lions, leopards as well as buffaloes.

My favorite activities within the Budongo forest, Uganda were birding and chimpanzee tracking. This forest offers you the ideal platform for bird watching. Rather, it provides you with a guided tour for Bird watching.

The forest offers you an incredible bird safari with its more than 360 species of birds. The forest was extremely rich and welcoming for me.

I was informed that in addition to these bird species, it was home to 290 species of butterflies, 190 species of moths, 465 species of trees as well as 24 mammals.

Along with bird safaris, the other most prominent attraction of the forest is its chimpanzee tracking experience.

This experience was made all the more easy for me with the variety of accommodation options offered by the Ugandan Wildlife authority.

These exciting accommodation lodges enabled me to enjoy chimpanzee trekking and also benefit from exciting forest walks.

I used to set out early in the morning so that I could come across a number of these forest residents at their best. Budongo forest was truly one of the most memorable places I visited in Uganda.

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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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Known as the Land of the Himalayas, Nepal has eight of the world’s ten tallest mountain peaks within its acreage. As such, Trekking in Nepal is a famous adventure activity to do and draws in many thousands of visitors every year.

With a diverse terrain that expands from the southern plains to the northern mountains, Nepal is a rich country that also boats of being multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual nation.

With many destinations and region that offer great trekking and hiking experiences, a visit to Nepal is not complete without going through at least one trekking journey in the mountains.

Regions like the Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang and Mustang among many others are famous for trekking.

One of the most famous trekking journeys to do in the country would be the Everest Base Camp Trek that takes place in the Khumbu region of the country.

There are two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest- the South Base Camp in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 meters and the North Base Camp in Tibet at 5,150 meters.

These camps are rudimentary campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.

The Everest Base Camp Trek on the south side in Nepal is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas in the country. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the morning trek to the base camp.

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek starts with a flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. Landing at the Tenzing–Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, trekkers begin the journey onwards to the nest village.

The Lukla Airport is also considered one of the most thrilling and dangerous airports in the world. That is why, many also claim that the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla is a small adventure in itself.

The airport is popular because Lukla is the place where most people start the climb to Mount Everest Base Camp. There are daily flights between Lukla and Kathmandu during daylight hours in good weather.

Although the flying distance is short, rain commonly occurs in Lukla while the sun is shining brightly in Kathmandu.

Phakding

From Lukla, the Everest Base Camp journey has trails moving to Phakding along the Cheplung village where lovely glimpses of Mount Khumbila can be seen.

The village of Phakding lies in the Dudh Kosi river valley just north of Lukla and south of Monjo, at an altitude of 2,610 meters. It has been one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

The trail start at Lukla and Phakding is often the main s topping point for trekkers on their way to the Mount Everest Base Camp via the Gokyo RI route or Tengboche route.

The primary function of the village is to support the tourism industry and as such consists of a number of guesthouses. The views of the Kusum Kangaru Mountain is also gorgeous from Phakding.

Namche Bazaar

The town of Namche Bazaar is perhaps one of the most famous destination of the whole Everest Base Camp trek journey.

It is located within the Khumbu area at 3,440 meters at its low point, populating the sides of a hill. Most Sherpa who are in the tourism business are specifically from the Namche area.

Namche is the main trading center and hub for the Khumbu region and is also the most expensive place in Nepal, at least thrice as expensive as the capital city Kathmandu.

Immediately west of Namche lies the Kongde Ri at 6,187 meters (20,299 ft) and to the east is Thamserku Peak at 6,623 meters. On a hill overlooking Namche Bazaar is the Syangboche Airport.

Namche Bazaar is popular with trekkers in the Khumbu region, especially for altitude acclimatization, and is the gateway to the high Himalaya.

The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors. Trekkers also need to go through the Sagarmatha National Park to reach Namche Bazaar.

The famous Everest View Hotel also lies ahead of Namche and trekkers sometimes visit the hotel for a cup of tea.

Tengboche

A village in Khumjung in the Khumbu region of northeastern Nepal, located at 3,867 meters (12,687 ft), Tengboche is another famous destination for trekkers travelling to the Everest Base Camp.

Tengboche is located on a hill at the confluence of the Dudh Kosi and the Imja Khola rivers. During the winter, the snow peaks of Ama Dablam and the tip of Mount Everest seem to glows from the Nuptse ridge at Tengboche and several other peaks form a picturesque landscape from the village.

Tengboche is a midway station on the trail to the base camp. The largest monastery in the region, the Tengboche Monastery also lies here and is considered as a spiritual centre of Khumbu.

Further ahead from Tengboche is the Everest Base camp after passing through the village of Dingboche.

Kalapatthar

A notable landmark located on the south ridge of the Pumori Mountain in the Himalayas above Gorakshep, Kalapatthar translates to “Black Rock”.

Although not a proper mountain, the ascent of Kalapatthar is very popular with trekkers in the region of Mount Everest since it provides the most accessible close-up view of Everest.

The views of Everest, Nuptse and Changtse are spectacular from Kalapatthar and there are glimpses of the northern flank and summit of Lhotse as well. Kalapatthar is visited by trekkers after the Everest Base Camp.
The information here has been shared by Escape Himalaya Trek– a Nepal-based local travel agency that caters to arranging every travel needs in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.  Contact NHT for organizing your next brilliant adventure!

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Another famous UNESCO world heritage site that I happened to come across in Uganda was the burial ground of four kinds of Buganda, popularly termed as the Kasubi Tombs.

I was attracted to the place owing to the spiritual and political significance it held for the Ganda people. Not only was it a center of spirituality but it also was a picturesque embodiment of traditional architecture.

My guide informed me that Kasubi tombs were so remarkable not just in Uganda but across the entire globe because they only deployed vegetal materials in their making.

I was intrigued by the burial site of the four Kabakas.  The main building of the tombs was circular in shape and supported a dome at its top.

I was also impressed by the organic architectural design of the infra structure. It was mainly composed of duab, wattle, reed, thatch and wood.

One could actually feel the vibes of spirituality, identity and belief emanating from the place.

My visit to Kasubi tombs was also so invigorating because it was in complete contrast to everything that I had seen before.

Even though I had very little exploration time, yet the history of the place seized my imagination and was a very enlightening experience for me.

The unfortunate bit was hearing that the tombs had been subjected to an arson attack in March of 2010.

The original cause of the fire is still being investigated, however after that incident, Kasubi tombs in Uganda were placed under the World Heritage Sites in Danger.

I would recommend anyone who ever comes to Uganda to pay a visit to Kasubi tombs, since it is a wonderful way to be exposed to the Ugandan culture, history and lifestyle. At least, this is what this thatched roof building did for me.

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Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

For me, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was the park of the skies.  It seemed to be sitting in the clouds, rather it actually is in the clouds, since its altitude ranges from 2,227m to 4,127m.

This national park was created with a particular purpose behind it and that is the protection and conservation of gorillas which inhabit this park.

The very prospect of gorillas is both frightening and threatening at the same time, yet I was intrigued by it and its dense forests inhabited by gorillas.

Also, the endangered species of golden monkey have found their nirvana in this national park of Uganda as well. This was another reason why I was so tempted to visit the park.

My guide informed me that along with its ecological role, the park also has a very potent cultural significance, particularly in the context of Batwa pygmies.

The people of this tribe were the first one to tread upon these forest floors; and to this day their knowledge of the forest and its numerous secrets is unchallengeable.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda has another very striking feature which pulled me towards it. It has three conical, dried up volcanoes which are a part of the Virunga mountain range in which this park is situated.

Each of these volcanic mountains possess very rich ecosystems which are a beautiful addition to the gorgeous scenery of this park.

I was informed that even though this park is the smallest park of Uganda, however it is amongst the most important ones, since it offers habitat to the endangered species of mountains gorillas.

However, one group of these gorillas have been habituated to this park. My guide was of the Batwa tribe and I gleaned a lot of information and secrets about the park from him.

In a nutshell, this trip was one of the most informative ones I had had throughout my stay in Uganda. And of course, getting a glimpse of the jungle’s beast was a treat in itself.

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