Africa is a dream destination to experience world class Desert safari. It is the second largest continent with 54 sovereign countries, both area wise (30.3 Km2) and population wise (16% of world total population). Africa has shorelines on the Indian Ocean to the southeast, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea to the northeast, the Gulf of Aden slightly further south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. Africa is the origin place for world’s longest river, 6,650 Km long Nile running from Burundi to Egypt. Every country in Africa is different from other with respect to culture, religion, language, ethnicity and people. Africa being near to equator, most of the countries are warm/ temperate. The diversity of Africa is so prominent that over 1000 languages are spoken there.
Slavery has long been experienced by Africans between 7th-20th centuries. Most of the continent was colonized by European Imperial powers. In the year 1884-1885 during Berlin Conference, European powers were brought to an end that led to political division of continent. In 21st century after the reduction in conflicts, Africa experienced great stability and economic reforms that encouraged investment in Africa, mainly by China.
The continent is believed to hold 90% of the world’s cobalt, 90% of its platinum, 50% of its gold, 98% of its chromium, 70% of its tantalite, 64% of its manganese and one-third of its uranium. In recent years, the People’s Republic of China has built increasingly stronger ties with African nations and is Africa’s largest trading partner. In 2007, Chinese companies invested a total of US$1 billion in Africa. India is the fourth largest trading partner of Africa with over US90$ trade (2015). The India-Africa Forum Summit, which was held from April 4 to April 8, 2008 in New Delhi, India for the first time, constitutes the basic framework for the relations under the South-South Cooperation platform.
African culture & Art has its own unique style such as, the region’s oldest known beads were made from Nassarius shells and worn as personal ornaments 72,000 years ago and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt was the world’s tallest structure for 4,000 years. Africans have indigenous music and dance, distinct in North Africa and South Africa. Soccer, Cricket and Rugby are popular sports of Africa.
The diversity of Africa attracts millions of tourist every year. Africa is home to natural wonders such as Nile longest river to Victoria fall. African flora & fauna is another attraction that tourists can’t resist visiting. Scuba diving in Indian ocean and trekking fascinates tourists from all over the world.
by Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma