Global Tourism, Geography and

Culture

Chapter 4

AFRICA

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

Chapter 4
Africa
Introduction

This chapter will talk about the second largest of the world’s seven continents,
Africa—the home to the world’s largest desert, Sahara Desert, and the longest river,
Nile River. Most of the African countries have been ruled by Europeans like the
British, French, and Portuguese. There are about 54 countries in this continent. It is
divided into the following regions: North Africa, East Africa, West Africa, Central
Africa, and Southern Africa. The countries under each region will be named together
with some of its national information like capital, languages, religions and currency.
Interesting places to visits will be provided in some of the major tourist destinations.

Specific Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:
1. Identify the different regions in Africa.
2. Name the national information and tourist attractions of each country in
Africa.
3. Locate each African country on the map.
4. Differentiate the touristic appeal of each country.
5. Explain the cultural similarities and differences of the various regions in
Africa.

Duration: 9 hours
Chapter 2: North Africa
East Africa
West Africa
South Africa
Central Africa

Lesson Proper

CHAPTER 4 – Africa

Africa, the second-largest continent, is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the

Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. An estimated 1.37 billion people
live in this continent, representing about 14 percent of the world's population (in
2021).
The origin of the name “Africa” is greatly disputed by scholars. Most believe
it stems from words used by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Important words
include the Egyptian word Afru-ika, meaning “Motherland”; the Greek word aphrike,
meaning “without cold”; and the Latin word aprica, meaning “sunny.”
The African continent has a unique place in human history. Widely believed to
be the “cradle of humankind,” Africa is the only continent with fossil evidence of
human beings (Homo sapiens) and their ancestors through each key stage of
their evolution. These include the Australopithecines, our earliest ancestors; Homo

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Habilis, our tool-making ancestors; and Homo Erectus, a more robust and advanced
relative to Homo Habilis that was able to walk upright.

Countries: 54 countries
Largest Country: Algeria
Smallest Country: Seychelles
Languages: Arabic, French, English, Portuguese, Swahili, Berber, and other African
indigenous languages
Highest Peak: Mt. Kilimanjaro
Longest River: Nile River

Source: https://geology.com/world/cia-africa-map.shtml

4.1. NORTH AFRICA

North Africa consists of countries situated in northernmost portion the

African continent. The countries in this region are Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria,
Sudan, Morocco, and Western Sahara. People of the north are mainly Islam believers,
and they speak, Arabic.

EGYPT
Egypt (Arab Republic of Egypt) is a country situated in the northeast portion
of the continent, bounded by Libya and Israel. It is one of the most visited states in
Africa, a country home to the only standing seven ancient wonders of the world, the
Pyramids of Egypt and Sphinx. Cairo is Egypt’s state capital and its most populated
city. As a tourist destination, Cairo offers a great deal of activities and tourism sites
like leisure, art galleries, cultural centers, Cairo Opera House, and shopping centers.

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 Tourism is vital in the Egyptian economy. The country offers diverse types of
tourism attractions, mainly cultural or heritage tourism that draw tourists to visit
Egypt. Also, it has been one of the sites included in the Holy Land pilgrimage. Apart
from these religious and cultural tourism, it introduces other types of tourism
attractions to capture a wider range of tourist segments, like sports tourism, adventure
tourism, and safari tourism to name a few (Wilson, 2011; www.sis.gov.eg).

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Pyramids of Giza - The last surviving wonder of the Seven Wonders of the
Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are one of the world's most recognizable
landmarks. Having awed travelers down through the ages, these tombs of the
Pharaohs Cheops (Khufu), Chephren (Khafre), and Mycerinus (Menkaure),
guarded by the enigmatic Sphinx, are usually top of most visitor's lists of
tourist attractions to see in Egypt and often the first sight they head to after
landing.
 River Nile Cruise - Cruising the Nile is a popular way of visiting upper
Egypt. The Nile River has been Egypt’s lifeline since ancient times and there
is no better way to trace the passage of Egypt’s history than to follow the
course of the Nile.
 Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive
rock-cut temples in southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser. The
twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign
of Pharaoh Ramesses the Great in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument
to himself and his queen Nefertari.
 Egyptian Museum - Home to at least 120,000 items of ancient Egyptian
antiquities, the Egyptian Museum is one of Cairo’s top attraction. On the
ground floor there is an extensive collection of papyrus and coins used in by
the ancient Egyptians. On the other floor there are artifacts from the final two
dynasties of Ancient Egypt and also many artifacts taken from the Valley of
the Kings. Highlights include the objects from the Tomb of Tutankhamen and
the Royal Mummy Room containing 27 royal mummies from pharaonic times.
 Red Sea Reef - The Red Sea, off the coast of Egypt, is one of the most
beautiful places in the world to go diving. The waters of the Red Sea are
renowned for their spectacular visibility and feature some of the most exotic
seascapes. With its wide expanse of coral formation on the reefs, it is home to
thousands of different sea creatures.

Another appeal of Egypt is the welcoming attitude of its people. Egyptians do

place a great value on respect for family and place of worship or sacred places. It is
advisable for tourists to be mindful of their behavior when visiting these places.
Dressing appropriately and abiding with the rules are highly recommended. Having
knowledge of basic Egyptian phrases and greeting can also be beneficial in gaining
respect from the people of the country.
Cairo International Airport is the gateway to the country, which also serves as
the hub of Egypt's national flag carrier, Egyptair (MS). The monetary unit used in the
country is Pound and Arabic is their official language.

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MOROCCO
Morocco (Kingdom of Morocco) is a country in the northern part of African
continent. Rabat is the capital, but the largest and main port city is Casablanca. It is
located in the northwest corner of Africa and is bordered by the North Atlantic
Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria and Western Sahara are the land borders
to the south and east. Morocco’s major economic industries are agriculture and
tourism. Tourism is a vital source of the country’, economic growth, and it also helps
in providing employment opportunities (Ministry of Tourism of Morocco, 2018).
Marrakech and Agadir are among the country’s recognized tourist destinations
(Kasraoui, 2019).

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Djemaa El-Fna - is the highlight of any visit to Marrakech and one of the top
tourist attractions in Morocco. By day this square at the heart of the medina is
largely filled with snake charmers and people with monkeys, as well as some
of the more common stalls. As the day progresses the entertainments on offer
change: the snake charmers depart, and in the afternoon and evening the
square becomes more crowded, with story-tellers, magicians, and peddlers of
traditional medicines. As dark descends Djemaa El-Fna fills with dozens of
food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height.
 Essaouira - is renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful
trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected bay. Parasols tend to
be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand.
Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet
making and wood-carving.
 Erg Chebbi’s Dunes - this is prime territory for dune-surfing, four-wheel-
drive dune-bashing, and sunrise and sunset camel trekking, usually combined
with an overnight stay in a tented desert camp right amid the dune field.
 Volubilis - Morocco's number one Roman-era ruin and its most famous
historic site. This rambling site is packed full of tumbled columns and temple
remnants, standing as reminders that even the greatest empires eventually
crumble.
 Bab al-Mansour in Meknes - Meant as a monumental reminder of the
sultan's might, the Bab al-Mansour is a magnificent relic of Meknes' glorious
era as capital of Morocco. It's widely regarded as Morocco's grandest and best
preserved gateway.
 Hassan II Mosque - Casablanca's major point of interest and landmark
building, the Hassan II Mosque is a lavish symbol not only of the city, but also
of Morocco itself. Intricately carved marble pieces, vibrant mosaics, and
zellige tile details all pay tribute to traditional Islamic architecture ideals and
the mastery of Moroccan craftsmanship.

The main feature of the residents of Morocco is their hospitality. Moroccans

are a sincere people and are always delighted to meet guests. They are always ready to
treat visitors to a warm reception and shower them with affection.

The Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is the gateway to

the country, which also serves as the hub of Morocco's national flag carrier, Royal Air
Maroc (AT). The monetary unit used in the country is Dirham; Moroccan Arabic

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(Darija), Berber (Amazigh), and French are the languages spoken in the country (Lee
at al., 2017).

TUNISIA

Tunisia (Tunisian Republic) is one of the countries in the north of the African
continent. It is situated between Algeria and Libya, bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
Tunis is the capital of the country, and its main gateway is Tunis-Carthage
International Airport (TUN), which is also the hub of the national flag carrier,
Tunisair (TU). Arabic is known as the official language while Islam is the religion of
most of the Tunisians.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 El Djem Ampitheater - This incredibly well-preserved Roman relic is
Tunisia's big sightseeing highlight, one of the most popular things to do on
day trips from the coastal resorts, and one of the best examples of
amphitheater architecture left standing in the world. The monumental bulk of
the walls are a reminder of Rome's once-mighty grip across North Africa.
 Carthage - is the most famous suburb of Tunisia, and once there, you will
really have something to see in Tunisia: the ruins of the ancient city still stand
on the shore of the Gulf of Tunis, impressing with its grandeur and rich
history.
 Sidi Bou Said - the most beautiful attraction of Tunisia, a town in white and
blue colors, standing on a cliff at the foot of which stretches the Mediterranean
Sea, in the distance you can see the Atlas Mountains and the ancient Carthage.
The town is unusual in that all of its buildings are painted white and its
windows, fences, and grills are sky blue.
 Bardo Museum - is the premier museum of antiquity, where unique and
valuable finds from archaeological excavations throughout the country have
been brought in for more than a hundred years. The museum’s exhibition is
the richest collection of Roman mosaics and other artifacts, reflecting the
history of civilizations in Tunisia over 3 thousand years.
 Djerba Island - the hospitable island of Djerba has everything you need for a
serene holiday on the Mediterranean coast: a great climate that allows you to
enjoy the sun and swim most of the year, comfortable hotels, a lot of
entertainment options and unique attractions.

Tunisia is 99 percent Muslim, and as with any Muslim country, there are
cultural standards that should be followed. Religion is very important in Tunisian
society, and its people are tolerant of other religions, meaning foreigners are free to
practice their own religion. Shaking hands is considered normal in Tunisia, and
Tunisians often shake hands at the start and end of a conversation. Many Tunisians
initiate a conversation with a handshake instinctively.

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4.2. EAST AFRICA

East Africa is composed of the countries Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea,

Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia,
Somaliland, Tanzania, and Uganda.

KENYA

Kenya (Republic of Kenya) is a country neighbored by South Sudan, Somalia,

Tanzania, and Ethiopia. Kenya’s capital is Nairobi. The Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport (NBO) serves as the gateway to the capital (www.nairobi.go.ke). Kenya (KQ)
Airways is its flag carrier airline. There are two official languages in Kenya
– English, and Swahili. Due to the linguistic diversity of the country, these two
languages function as lingua francas. In other words, these two languages are the
means of communication between the speakers of different languages in Kenya.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Maasai Mara National Reserve - is one of the top tourist attractions in
Kenya and the country’s most popular game park. Each year the Maasai Mara
National Reserve is visited by thousands of tourists who come here to watch
the exceptional population of game and the annual migration of zebra and
wildebeest. The “Great Migration” takes place every year from July to
October when millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti in
Tanzania.
 Amboseli National Reserve - The reserve is one of the best places in Africa
to view large herds of elephants up close. Other wildlife commonly spotted in
the park includes big cats, such as lion and cheetah, as well as giraffe, impala,
eland, waterbuck, gazelle, and more than 600 species of birds.
 Tsavo National Park - Kenya's largest park, Tsavo, is sliced in two: Tsavo
West and Tsavo East. Together these parks comprise four percent of the
country's total area and encompass rivers, waterfalls, savannah, volcanic hills,
a massive lava-rock plateau, and an impressive diversity of wildlife.
 Lake Nakuru National Park - Lake Nakuru National Park, in Central Kenya,
is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos. The birds throng on Lake
Nakuru itself, one of the Rift Valley soda lakes that covers almost a third of
the park's area.
 Malindi - provides a very nice introduction to the coastal tourist attractions in
Kenya with its extensive coral reefs and beautiful beaches. There are surfing,
snorkeling, deep-sea fishing and other water sports.
 Mt. Kenya - is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in
Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The mountain offers a beautiful sight. Its series of
peaks are crowned with snow, and its slopes are covered with forest. The 5199
meter (17,057 ft) high summit is a difficult technical climb, several lowers
peaks however are an easy destination for any fit trekker.

Kenyans generally do not find the idea of living alone very desirable, and
having a high level of privacy is not highly valued. A tradition in some ethnic groups
known as ‘baraza’ (a community meeting in which everyone is invited to speak)
reflects the communal nature of Kenya’s society. On the local level, Kenyans deeply

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respect one’s right to speak and will be patient in allowing someone to express
themselves. In turn, talking over someone, cutting in or otherwise depriving someone
the opportunity to speak is frowned upon. Kenyans also tend to be warm and friendly
when interacting with others.

MADAGASCAR

Madagascar (Republic of Madagascar) is the fourth largest island in the

world. It is located east of Mozambique. Madagascar is surrounded by the Indian
Ocean on all sides except for its western border, which lies along the Mozambique
Channel. In addition to Mozambique, its closest neighbors are the Comoros Islands
and the islands of Réunion and Mauritius. Antananarivo is the nation’s capital. The
two official languages of the country are Malagasy and French. Its main gateway is
the Antananarivo International Airport which is also the main hub for Air Madagascar
(MD), the national flag carrier of country.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Ile Sainte Marie - the island is one of the top tourist attractions in
Madagascar. The still, clear waters of the island’s bays make ideal spots for
snorkeling. Migrating humpback whales visit the island waters during summer
and early fall.
 The Avenue of the Baobabs - is a group of trees lining the dirt road in
western Madagascar. Its striking landscape draws tourists from around the
world, making it one of the most visited locations in the region. The Baobab
trees, up to 800 years old, did not originally tower in isolation over the
landscape but stood in a dense tropical forest. Over the years, the forests were
cleared for agriculture, leaving only the famous baobab trees.
 Royal Hill of Ambohimanga - Considered one of the country’s most sacred
spots by the Malagasy people for 500 years, the Royal Hill of Ambohimanga
is a historical village that was once home to Madagascar royalty. The wall that
surrounds the village was made in 1847 The Mahandrihono compound
includes the former home of King Andrianampoinimerina, with walls made of
solid rosewood, and artifacts of the island’s great king, including drums,
weapons and talismans.
 Masoala National Park - Situated in the northeast Madagascar, the Masoala
National Park covers nearly 250 miles of rainforest and includes three marine
parks as well. The park features ten species of lemur, including the Aye-aye,
the world’s largest nocturnal primate. The park is also home to a diverse array
of birds and reptiles, including the Tomato frog, named for its bright red color.
 Nosy Be - is the largest and busiest tourist attractions of Madagascar. It is a
small island located on the northwest coast of Madagascar. It is also called
“Nosy Manitra” which means the scented island. It’s crystal clear water and
superb seafood restaurants serving seafood dinner is also wonderful and trip
worthy.

The people of Madagascar, known as the Malagasy, are extremely hospitable

and welcoming. Entertaining tends to be done in restaurants and bars rather than in
the home, therefore an invitation to attend a special celebration is a great honour. If
staying in a local village, small gifts should be offered however, these gifts should not

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be money. Visitors should not photograph military or police establishments. Dress is
quite casual except in the most formal restaurants and hotels. Please note that dressing
in any military styled clothing should be avoided (this can lead to arrest).

MAURITIUS

Mauritius (Republic of Mauritius) is a tropical country in Africa colonized by

the French and the British. Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, is the largest city. It is
an island state located south of the equator in the southwestern part of the Indian
Ocean, east of Madagascar. The country is accessible through the Sir Seewoosagur
Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), the hub of Air Mauritius (MK). People of
the country are mainly practitioners of Christian faith, and their official language is
English while French and Creole are also spoken.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Grand Bay (Grand Baie) - a seaside village and a large tourist beach in
Riviere du Rempart district of Mauritius. The resort town of Grand Bay is
popular for its enchanting quality of emerald waters and is the most popular
holiday destination in Mauritius. It offers facilities for safe swimming, sailing,
windsurfing and water skiing. It is the departure point for deep sea fishing
trips and for boat excursions to the islands to the north of Mauritius.
 Ile Aux Cerfs (Deer Island) - a beautiful island near the east coast of
Mauritius in the Flacq District. This Mauritius Island is sprawling over an area
of 100 hectares. The island has an undulating terrain and natural vegetation
and is dotted with outcrops of volcanic rock, little lakes and magnificent white
sandy beaches. It is famous for the sandy beaches, beautiful lagoon and
various activities like swimming, snorkeling, and water skiing.
 Black River Gorges National Park - the only national park situated in
south-western part of Mauritius. Spread over 6754 hectares, the park covers
around 3.5% of the total land area of Mauritius and conserves the remains of
the island’s indigenous tropical forests. It is famous for its waterfalls, vistas
and hiking trails. It can be a spectacular place for all the bird watchers and also
one of the top places to experience Mauritius Tourism. Many endemic plants
and animals can be found in the park including the Mauritian flying fox, pink
pigeon, Mauritius parakeet, cuckoo-shrike, etc. The Black River Gorges
National Park is the largest protected forest of Mauritius, providing over 50
km of hiking trails.
 Mauritius Botanical Garden - one of the world’s best botanical gardens and
also one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. It is populated with more
than 650 varieties of plants. The centerpiece of the gardens is a pond filled
with giant Victoria Amazonica water lilies, native to South America. Various
international dignitaries have planted trees in the garden, including Nelson
Mandela, Indira Gandhi and a host of British royals.
 La Vanille Nature Park – unfolds a sanctuary hosting species such as Nile
crocodiles, Alligators, Giant tortoises from Seychelles and Madagascar
respectively. La Vanille is also the largest Giant Aldabra tortoises’ center of
reproduction in the world with more than 500 tortoises of all ages roaming
freely in the park. Its insectarium uncovers the different butterflies and insects.

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 There is also a ‘Jungle Adventure Playground’ in the park which offers fun
attractions and activities for children.

Mauritians tend to be conservative, modest and reserved. At times, this

adherence to social expectations of modesty may come across as being aloof.
However, Mauritians are quick to warm up. Indeed, among friends, family and
acquaintances, Mauritians are friendly, welcoming and accepting.

TANZANIA

Tanzania (Republic of Tanzania) is the home of the tallest mountain in

Africa, Mt Kilimanjaro. It is bounded by Uganda, and Kenya to the north, by
the Indian Ocean to the east, by Mozambique, and Zambia to the south and southwest,
and by Burundi, and Rwanda to the west.The nation’s capital is Dodoma, and the
monetary unit is Tanzania Shilling (Tsh). The gateway to Tanzania is through Julius
Nyerere International Airport (DAR) located in Dar Es Salaam, the largest city of the
country. Kiswahili and English are the languages spoken by its people (Tanzania
Tourism Board, 2020).

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Mt. Kilimanjaro - is Africa's highest peak and Tanzania's most iconic image.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, unlike other parks in northern Tanzania, is
not visited for the wildlife but for the chance to stand in awe of this beautiful
snow-capped mountain and, for many, to climb to the summit. Mount
Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time, although the best period is from late
June to October, during the dry season.
 Serengeti National Park - is a vast treeless plain with millions of animals
living here or passing through in search of fresh grasslands. It's most famous
for the annual wildebeest migration and nearly 500 species of birds have been
recorded on the Serengeti. The annual migration of over 1.5 million
wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle takes place in May
or early June. This migration is one of the most impressive natural events and
the primary draw for many tourists.
 Ngorongoro Conservation Area - is home to the famous
volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and is one of Tanzania's most popular wildlife
viewing areas. This huge volcanic crater has a permanent supply of water,
which draws thousands of animals who stay in this area rather than migrating.
Visitors come here primarily for viewing large animals and bird
watching. Thousands of animals can be seen on the crater floor, including
lions, elephants, rhinos, Thomson's gazelles, and buffaloes, but wildebeests
and zebras account for over half of the animals that call the Ngorongoro Crater
home. Bird watching is superb, especially around Lake Migadi, which attracts
flocks of flamingoes to the shallows.
 Zanzibar - This is a semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania
which consists of the main Zanzibar Island and a cluster of smaller islands. It’s
a beautiful place to visit with gorgeous white sandy beaches and a world
heritage listed capital city. Surrounded by the clear turquoise waters of the
Indian Ocean, you should make a trip here for its colourful history and the

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 Sultan’s palace, mosques and traditional architecture of the main city and of
course the island’s many relaxing beaches.
 Mafia Island - Mafia Island draws divers and snorkelers from around the
world to the undersea world protected by the Mafia Island Marine Park. The
best months for diving are October to March. Mafia Island Marine Park has
coral gardens, an abundant variety of fish, and a relaxed diving atmosphere.
Countless birds and over 400 species of fish can be seen in the area. Mafia
Island is also a traditional breeding site for the green turtle, which are
unfortunately endangered.

Tanzanians are polite, considerate and friendly, this is a result of their strong
upbringing that helps them develop strong family ties, respect for elders the ability to
control one’s anger in public is highly valued. For eating, picking up food, and
greeting people, Tanzanians prefer to use their right hand. They consider it cleaner
compared to the left hand which is used solely for ablutions and bathroom activities.
It’s a gesture of good manners among the people.

4.3. WEST AFRICA

West Africa is a sub-region consisting of the following countries: Benin,

Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone,
Togo, and Saint Helena.

CAPE VERDE

Cape Verde or Cabo Verde (Republic of Cabo Verde) is an archipelagic

island country. It is located western coast of Africa, near Senegal, Gambia, and
Mauritania. Praia, which literally means “beach” in Portuguese, is the capital and
largest city situated in the island Santiago. Tourism in the country is greatly
increasing. Tourist attractions like black sand beaches, street art and architecture,
trekking, trails, water sports, and volcanic landscapes are just a few reasons why
tourists should visit this beautiful island (Yogerst, 2018). The gateway to this country
is through Amílcar Cabral International Airport.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Praia de Sta. Maria - Sal Island has the majority of the archipelago’s beach
resorts. On the island’s south coast, Santa Maria offers golden sands, blue
skies, turquoise sea, and warm air and sea temperatures, making for a
beautiful, relaxing paradise. Enjoy surfing and diving in the clear waters, as
well as walking along the soft sand.
 Bucarona (Blue Eye) - Blue Eye is another great attraction on Sal Island. It’s
a natural pool with turquoise waters and an underwater cave several meters
deep, resulting from the waves crashing against the volcanic rock. Even
though there are walking paths to reach Buracona, be sure to bring
comfortable shoes. There’s a café on site, as well as a shop to pick up a
souvenir.

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  Sao Vicente - São Vicente is the perfect island for those seeking to combine
beach, fun and culture. Mindelo is the island’s capital as well as Cape Verde’s
most cosmopolitan city, mainly for its musical tradition. São Vicente is also
home to two annual events which are the biggest festivals in Cape Verde: the
Carnival and the famous Baía das Gatas Music Festival that takes place on the
first full-moon weekend of August.
 Pico do Fogo - Pico Island is famous for its Pico do Fogo, the highest peak of
Cape Verde. Travellers can climb to the crater’s top and enjoy the impressive
volcanic landscape. The formations of consolidated lava are unlike any you
have ever seen. The climb takes about 5 hours, and it’s a good idea to hire a
guide. Travellers should take footwear for uneven terrain, and pack a sweater
to wear at the highest altitudes.
 Cidade Velha - Cidade Velha is the archipelago’s ancient capital, founded in
1462. From its glorious past remains a valuable architectural heritage. A
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, it includes Rua da Banana, the first
cobbled street built in Africa, two churches, the Fort of São Filipe, and
Pelourinho, a small yet significant pillory from the 16th century, symbol of
royal power, and the place where escaping slaves were punished.

Cape Verdeans are an extremely generous and hospitable people. Even the
poorest take pride in presenting guests with a meal. It is considered rude to eat in front
of others without sharing, and for this reason one does not eat in a public setting such
as on the street or on a bus.
Cape Verdeans stand close together when talking and are physically
demonstrative, often touching and holding hands. Greetings are somewhat lengthy,
and include shaking hands (or kissing for women), and inquiring about each other's
health and family. This is usually done each time two people meet, even if it is more
than once in the same day.

COTE D’IVOIRE (IVORY COAST)

Cote D’ Ivoire or Ivory Coast (Republic of Côte d’Ivoire) is a country in

West Africa with Yamoussoukro as its legislative capital and Abidjan as its largest
city and administrative capital. It is bordered by five countries. These are Guinea and
Mali to the northwest, Liberia to the west, Burkina Faso to the northeast, and Ghana
to the east. It has a coastline on the Gulf of Guinea to the south . French is recognized
as the official language while other, indigenous languages are also spoken in country.
Cote d'Ivoire is the leading cocoa producer, a commodity used for the manufacturing
of chocolate. This is a country with huge tourism potentials from the beaches, culture,
and ecotourism.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Basilica of Our Lady of Peace - The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in
Yamoussoukro, is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Africa and
one of the best sightseeing in Cote d’Ivoire. One of the most famous
landmarks in the country, according to the Guinness Book of Records,
the Basilica, is the largest church in the world. Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
sits on 30,000 sq. m of land. The basilica is big enough to house 18000
worshippers.

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  Grand Bassam - For an ultimate tropical romantic beach getaway, the
beautiful and stunning beaches of Grand Bassam is the destination. Grand-
Bassam is an Ivorian resort town filled with idyllic beaches stretching along
the Atlantic coastline. Visitors can enjoy the amazing view of the crystal-clear
waters, the feel of the warm beach sand on their feet and tropical ambiance of
Grand Bassam.
 Les Cascades de Man - Les Cascades can be simply translated in English as
“The Waterfall” and is one of the most beautiful nature destinations in Cote
d’Ivoire. The waterfall serves as a great place to cool off after a hike through
the surrounding bamboo forest, with colorful plants, butterflies, and
dragonflies brightening the scenery.
 Market Treichville - Take a fascinating tour of Market Treichville and
experience Ivorian life, culture, language and humor in its entirety. This
unique and famous local market let you experience Ivorian culture and the
Ivorian way of life.

Often relaxed in character and very polite, Ivoirians always great each other
and inquire about a person's health, family, or work. It is considered rude to conduct
business without first greeting. Men shake hands with one another; women instead
kiss each other three times on the cheeks, alternating sides. At social functions, it is
polite to shake hands with everyone upon entering and leaving. Eye contact is usually
avoided, particularly between father and child, and it is considered rude to stare. Gift
giving is customary, especially to those who are respected in the community.

GHANA

Ghana (Republic of Ghana) is a country once identified as the “Gold Coast”

(UNDP Ghana, n.d). It sits on the Atlantic Ocean and borders Togo, Cote d'Ivoire,
and Burkina Faso. Accra is Ghana’s capital and largest city. The international airport
that serves the capital is the Kotoka International Airport. Majority of the population
are Christians and English is the official language.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Kakum National Park - It has a large area of land that spans up to 145 square
meters. At Kakum National Park, you will find many endangered animals such
as elephants and antelopes. The canopy walk in the park is suspended about 30
metres high and gives a feeling of adventure, especially for people that love
heights. From there, you get a view of the trees and the surrounding nature.
 Labadi Beach - is one of the busiest beaches located on Ghana's coast.
Ghanaians love relaxation and fun, and because Labadi Beach is one of the top
10 tourist sites in Ghana, it attracts both Ghanaians and visitors. Some of the
activities you can partake in on the beach is swimming, playing games, and
even horseback riding.
 Cape Coast - was once called Cabo Corso by the Portuguese. It is a former
European colonial capital. Some years ago, the town represented the largest
slave-trading centre in West Africa. Slaves were bought in this town, locked
within the castles before they are loaded into vessels going to the Western
world. No, doubt, Cape Coast is amongst the culturally significant places in
Africa.

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

  Boti Falls - is an amazing waterfall which is embedded at the heart of
Huhunya forest. The falls is made of a male and female waterfall which comes
from two emerging rivers .The larger one is mythically believed to be the male
and the smaller one, the female. According to the indigenes, when the two
merge, a rainbow is formed. It is usually said that these rivers are mating when
this happens.

In Ghana’s culture, greetings are important. Whenever one passes a group of

people, especially the elderly, it is expected to always greet them. To fail to greet is
considered an insult. Showing affection in public between men and women is not
acceptable, even husband and wives. Men may hold hands (no sexual implications) or
even hug, but male/female relationships are strictly controlled. Hugging is not
commonly done except by very dear friends, especially between men and women. In
public, it is best to display a quiet, careful, and friendly attitude.

GAMBIA

Gambia (Republic of Gambia) is a western African country, situated on the

Atlantic coast and is entirely surrounded by the neighbouring country, Senegal. It is
coined as the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” which is due to the Gambian warm and
friendly character. This English-speaking country recognizes Fula, Jola, Mandinka,
Serahuli, and Wolof as their major languages. The gateway to the country is through
Banjul International Airport that can be found in the country’s capital, Banjul.
Gambia has plenty of activities to offer to its visitors such as bird watching, surfing,
sports fishing, and relaxation.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Abuko Nature Reserve - for avid birdwatcher and animal enthusiasts a trail
walk at the Abuko Nature Reserve is a must. About 33000 visitors visit per
year to watch birds like Pied Kingfishers, palm nut vultures, African paradise
flycatcher, etc. and animals like Vervet monkey, Ground Squirrel, Red
Colobus monkey, and Savannah Antelopes.
 Kunta Kinteh Island - once called The Fort of James Island, the Kunta
Kinteh Island once used to be the trading post between Latvia, Lithuania and
the local Africans. Tourists visit the fort to see the remains of the British
colonial prisons and caves.
 Wassu Stone Circles - The ancient Wassu Stone Circles are located around
Wassu in the Central River Region and are believed to be burial mounds of
Kings and chiefs in ancient times over 1,200 years old and has been dated to
between 750-1000 AD. Because of the local legend that there is a curse on
anyone who disturbs those laid to rest there, this may account as to why they
have lasted so long with little human interference.
 Cape Point - Cape Point beach is one of Gambia's most family-friendly
holiday resorts, and here the wide, beautiful strip of sand is lined with mature
palm trees, grasses and thatched sunshades. You might also see some basalt
boulders strategically place along part of the shoreline to counteract erosion of
the sands. Although erratic currents make it unsuitable for swimming, it's
perfect for sunbathing, volleyball, strolling, picnics, and making sandcastles,
and there's a broad choice of restaurants and beach bars close by.

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

 Gambia is arguably one of the smallest countries in Africa, but its people are
said to have the biggest hearts. The country is famously nicknamed ‘The Smiling
Coast’ and it has over the last decade become a tourist hotspot. The Gambia is
believed to be one of the friendliest and safest places to visit in the world. The
country’s economy is heavily reliant on its tourism sector because of its hospitable
and welcoming citizens. Also, due to its position on the map of Africa it has earned
the nickname ‘The Smiling Coast’.

4.4. SOUTHERN AFRICA

Southern Africa is the region of Africa that includes the countries of

Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland,
Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique (Republic of Mozambique) is a nation bordered by Eswatini,

Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Maputo, the country’s capital, was
previously named as Lourengo Marques. Maputo International Airport (MPM), also
known as Mavalane International Airport, lies in the capital and serves as the main
hub of LAM Mozambique Airlines (TM). Its main language is Portuguese and Roman
Catholic is the dominant religion.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Quirimbas Archipelago - It is a set of islands located in the Indian Ocean
known for its coral reefs, whales, dolphins and endangered sea cows. It has
plenty of forts, beautiful beaches, mangrove covered Islands and popular dive
sites. There are total of 32 Islands that constitutes the Quirimbas islands.
 Niassa Reserve - The Niassa reserve is the largest conservation reserve in
Mozambique. Safaris are conducted so that the visitors can witness the
enriching wilderness of the place. There are various animals including lion,
leopard and hyenas that are found here. Camping expeditions are also held
here regularly. You can also go for boat safaris and canoeing.
 Bazaruto National Park - One of the most famous Mozambique holiday
destinations, Bazaruto National Park is for swimming and snorkeling. Why not
go out into the sea world, see various species of fishes and even dugong. The
people who are not interested in water sports can go for a boat trip and see
different Islands.
 Inhambane - The historic town of Inhambane is renowned for its colonial
architecture and is considered as one of the most beautiful places to visit
in Mozambique. The waters surrounding the town are excellent for scuba
diving and are rich in marine life. Manta Reef and Gallaria are world
renowned reefs and offer some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities.
Besides this, the pristine beaches followed by incredible weather and mouth-
watering seafood are some of the major tourist attractions in Inhambane.

Mozambicans demonstrate a more collectivist approach to society, wherein the

needs of the group are prioritized over the needs of the individual. Most people are

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

willing to share with others, and express themselves respectfully, aiming for unity
rather than disharmony. It is considered polite to properly greet everyone in a group
by showing interest in each other’s’ health and families. In Mozambican culture,
maintaining eye contact is not generally important. Out of respect, a person of lower
rank may avert their gaze to avoid looking a higher-ranking person in the eyes.
Generally, Mozambicans use a more indirect style of communication by not
communicating their true feelings to each other. It is considered well-mannered to
provide an affirmative answer to avoid conflict.

NAMIBIA

Namibia (Republic of Namibia) is a nation that lies in the southwestern coast

of Africa. The country borders Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe and is bounded by
the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Windhoek is the largest and capital city. Almost 80%
of the population identified themselves as Christians. The country’s official language
is English. The main international airport of Namibia is Hosea Kutako International
Airport serves as the primary gateway to this country.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Etosha National Park - The Etosha National Park is centered on the vast
Etosha salt pan. The pan itself is usually dry and only fills with water briefly
in the summer, but is enough to stimulate the growth of blue - green algae
which lures thousands of flamingos. Most of the wildlife, including herds of
zebra, wildebeest and antelope, can be seen around the waterholes that border
the pan. Etosha is served by three well established rest camps and offers a
great self-drive safari experience.
 Sossusvlei - Located in the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei is an enormous clay pan
surrounded by gigantic, red sand dunes. The Tsauchab River flows through the
desert, and its rare flooding waters the vegetation that survives in the clay soil.
During sunrise and sunset, the colors of the sand dunes are constantly
changing and provide an opportunity for photographers. The fierce desert
winds continually alter the shape and texture of the dunes, providing an ever-
changing desert landscape.
 Cape Cross - Cape Cross is home to one of the largest colonies of Cape Fur
Seals in the world. The surrounding area was proclaimed a reserve in 1968 to
protect the biggest and best known of the 23 colonies of Cape Fur Seals which
breed along the coast of South Africa and Namibia. During the November /
December breeding season as many as 150,000 seals gather at Cape Cross.
 Skeleton Coast - The area's name derives from the whale and seal bones that
once littered the shore from the whaling industry, although in modern times
the coast harbours the skeletal remains of the shipwrecks caught by offshore
rocks and fog.

Namibians tend to be indirect communicators. Conversations almost

always begin with a hello and how are you doing. It is generally considered impolite
to just rush into trying to obtain the specific information you need. Safe topics of
conversations include family, work, hometown, and sports. It’s best to avoid
speaking about local politics during initial meetings. Namibians are non-
confrontational by nature. While many people will be comfortable greeting you and

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

talking to you on their own, most will not come out and tell you if you have violated
some cultural norm or offended them.

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa (Republic of South Africa) is a country located in the

southernmost Portion of Africa. Land borders include Namibia, Botswana,
Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland. There are three capital cities in South
Africa, namely Pretoria (administrative Capital Bloemfontein (judicial capital), and
Cape Town “(legislative capital). It has 11 official languages and 80% of its
population are Christians.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Kruger National Park - Kruger National Park is one of the best game
reserves in Africa and offers visitors the chance to see the "Big Five": lion,
leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of
other wildlife.
 Table Mountain - Table Mountain is an extraordinary natural flat-topped
mountain which overlooks the city of Cape Town. To get to the top, many
visitors use the cableway while others opt for hiking to the top. Whichever
option visitors prefer, standing above the city is a unique experience. Table
Mountain is an iconic attraction and worth anyone’s time.
 Stellenbosch - Stellenbosch is one of the most picturesque towns in South
Africa. A mosaic of farms, old oak trees, and white-washed Cape Dutch
dwellings, it's one of the best preserved towns from the era of the Dutch East
India Company. Today, it's a university town, with a vibrant feel and fantastic
scenery. Foodies will love it here. Stellenbosch is home to some of South
Africa's best restaurants, as well as many sidewalk cafés.
 The Drakensberg - The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in
Southern Africa, rising to 3,482 meters (11,420 ft) in height. The name is
derived from the dutch and means “dragons mountain”. The Amphitheatre is
one of the geographical features of the Northern Drakensberg, and is widely
regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth.
 Cape Winelands - home to hundreds of different vineyards and lies within
easy day-tripping distance of South Africa’s most loved city, Cape Town.
Expect majestic mountain scenery, historic colonial Cape Dutch architecture
in beautiful estates, award-winning restaurants and the opportunity to taste and
buy some of the country’s best wines.

Most South Africans have a direct style of communication. They generally

speak confidently and straight to the point. Their intention and meaning is generally
very self-evident. For example, a South African is likely to openly point out when you
are wrong or disagree with you on the spot. This can come across as overly assertive
or blunt. However, keep in mind that this is not generally the intention. Moreover,
they are likely to appreciate similar honesty and not take offence to it as such.

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe (Republic of Zimbabwe) is a landlocked country in the southern

portion of Africa surrounded by Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.
It is formerly known as Rhodesia. Harare is the country’s capital where the main point
of entry lies - the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE), formerly
known as Harare International airport. It has 16 official languages but English is
considered as the major official language of the country. Christianity is the dominant
religion the people of Zimbabwe.

Major Tourist Attractions:

 Hwange National Park - Hwange National Park is undoubtedly one of the
top tourist attractions for wildlife enthusiasts as the park has the biggest
diversity of mammals out of the world’s national parks. Home to over 100
species of mammals, including the renowned African Big 5, lion, elephant,
leopard, rhino, and buffalo, Hwange National Park’s game viewing and
sightings are unparalleled. In addition to its exceptional diversity of wildlife,
this world-renowned national park is famous for its profound population of
elephants, boasting over 50 000 elephants. The Hwange elephant population is
thought to be one of the largest in the world.
 Victoria Falls - Tumbling down 100-metre-high cliffs surrounded by lush
forests, Victoria Falls is the biggest sheet of falling water on the planet.
Regarded as one of Africa’s most astounding sights as well as one of the
Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Victoria Falls reigns supreme as one of
Zimbabwe’s top tourist attractions.
 Great Zimbabwe - Great Zimbabwe ruins are the remains of an ancient city
near modern-day Masvingo in Zimbabwe. They are believed to have been
built between AD 1250 and AD 1450. It was the capital of the Kingdom of
Zimbabwe. The ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts many
visitors to see one of the best-preserved stone cities in Africa.
 Chinhoyi Caves - a system of dolomite and limestone caves, linked by a lot of
passages. The sleeping pool is the main attraction at Chinhoyi caves because
of its crystal deep blue and stagnant water. Other activities to do are game
viewing, diving, bird watching and also cultural activities.

Zimbabweans are indirect communicators. They generally seek to avoid

friction in any conversation. Thus, to be blunt and frank is not advisable. In an effort
to be respectful, Zimbabweans come across as quite agreeable and accommodating.
They rarely openly express criticism and prefer to take an indirect approach to any
corrective remarks. Generally, if a Zimbabwean disagrees with something or is
discontent, they are more likely to show it nonverbally. For example, they may
become colder to you and choose not to follow your instructions.

Global Tourism, Geography and Culture

References

Aragon, L., & Donesa, L. (2020). Global Culture and Tourism Geography. Rex Book
Store, Inc.
National Geographic. (2012). Africa Travel Guide. Retrieved from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/destination/africa

World Atlas. (2022). How Many Countries are there in Africa? Retrieved from
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/how-many-countries-are-in-africa.html

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