Admittedly, one of the most beautiful cities in South Africa also doubles as one of the 3 capital cities of the country and that is Cape Town.

In Just the first quarter of 2022, Cape Town witnessed an inflow of over 1 million visitors. This is to tell that the town is one of the most loved and visited places in South Africa.

Although the most amazing tourist sites are too many to mention, we have 10 awesome places to visit when you find yourself in the Rainbow Nation.

1. Cape Town

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What is a visit to South Africa without visiting Cape Town? The town is one of the safest cities in the country and its tourist attraction sites are not just beautiful and serene but also very safe for visitors.

This town is the oldest and most beautiful city in South Africa. It is famous for having white sandy beaches which lie in between the sea and Table Mountain. This city is also known for its architecture, amazing scenery, and astounding vineyards.

In Cape Town, there is an array of lovely places to make your visit complete. For example, there is the False Bay, the Bo Kaap suburb, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and the Lion’s Head.

The town also has what is known as its ‘backbone’ spectacular attraction sites. They are 6 and comprise Robben Island Meseum, Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Groot Constantia, and the Flying Dutchman Funicular.

However, apart from these, there are many more places. Check out the rest of the list.

2. Kruger National Park, Limpopo/Mpumalanga

Another old location that has a lot of beautiful attractions is the Kruger National Park. Covering about 2 million hectares of land, this park is home to a hundred species of animals and boasts of being one of the most beautiful safaris.

No matter what time of day you visit this park, you can be enthralled by the safari and can even arrange for a personalized trip. The game drives in this National Park are second to no other in South Africa.

3. The Drakensberg

This is also known as the Dragon Mountain and is the highest mountain peak in South Africa. The Drakensberg covers about 200km through the Kingdom of Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal province.

This mountain houses about 800 different species of plants and is widely known for its rock art. On the trails, one can hike, cycle, river raft as well as a parasail.

4. Cradle of Humankind

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This paleoanthropological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a lot of fossils from millions of years ago were found.

This location is totally child-friendly and easy to navigate as it offers a self-tour guide that starts at the Maropeng Visitors Center.

READ ALSO: Is Cape Town Safe? 5 Safest and 5 Most Dangerous Places In South Africa

5. Knysna, Western Cape

This is a town located on the Knysna Lagoon with beautiful sites to behold. There is a Featherbed Nature Reserve just across the lagoon and an outdoor restaurant.

This location is just perfect for visitors who want a nature-filled place to lounge and take in the beauty of living in nature. There are low-lying mountains, green land, and clear turquoise waters that make the scenery perfect for relaxation.

6. God’s Window, Mpumalanga

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This place located in Mpumalanga has a vantage point over the lowlands in South Africa. It is part of the Panorama Route and when standing and looking across South Africa from here, you would be able to see the Kruger National Park.

God’s window, as the name suggests, gives an amazing view of South Africa. More like a view from where God was and created the area.

7. Boulders Beach, Western Cape

On this beach, you will find about 2,000 African penguins. It has white sands and large boulders in the ocean and even on shore. The boulders were found to serve as shelter for visitors and tourists in case of windy days.

During summertime, it is usually a lot of fun to sunbathe or swim on this beach.

8. Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga

This Canyon is one of the biggest on earth and houses a beautiful river that passes through red sandstones while crossing to the Lowveld.

On the Blyde River Canyon, you are guaranteed two awesome experiences. The first can be gotten from the top which offers a beautiful image of the river and the second is an amazing boat ride and you just might be lucky to see a hippo.

SEE ALSO: 20 Top Beaches In South Africa And Why Each Of Them Is Special

9. The V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

For lovers of water and sea watchers, this waterfront offers a beautiful place to sit and have your desires come true. There is a café located at The V&A Waterfront where visitors can watch ships come into the harbor.

One can also scuba dive in the Kelp Forest or walk around the art market located here. If the numerous artworks in the market are not satisfying enough, you can easily take in the amazing view of Table Mountain which is quite visible from here.

10. Garden Route

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This Garden route can be found along the southeast coast of the country. A little short of 200 km, this route passes through what is known as Mossel Bay and the Storms River.

It offers a magnificent view for commuters who may just decide to stop and take in all that this route has to offer.

For one, there is the Garden Route Mall offers great shopping experiences. There are also the Ostrich farms of Oudtshoorn, the Congo Caves, Plettenberg Bay, and the Great Route National Park amongst many others.

The post Cape Town Is The Tourist Capital of South Africa: Here Are Top 10 Places to Visit in South Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

It is most likely that you already know the place of Mount Kilimanjaro as the tallest mountain in Africa but there are other high mountains on the continent you probably have not heard about.

What is the Highest mountain in Africa?

1. Mount Kilimanjaro

• Elevation: 5895m (19,341ft)
• Location: Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is famous as the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. Its highest point is Kibo Peak (5895m | 19,341ft).

The mountain is located in Tanzania in East Africa. This mountain has three volcanic cones namely Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

Mount Kilimanjaro has been listed as one of the most visited places in Africa, allowing climbers from different parts of the world. According to statistics, the mountain has an estimation of over 50,000 climbers every year.

While some of these people have been able to climb the top of the mountain, others stop halfway. Climbing is usually allowed by the Tanzanian government.

Mount Kilimanjaro apart from being the highest mountain in Africa, it is also blessed with many resources. It is one of the few locations in Africa where the temperature can go very low and it also snows.

Other resources found are water and different species of plants and animals. It comprises rock (which is composed of silicon dioxide with large quantities of basalt and andesites), lava, and ash.

2. Mount Kenya

• Elevation 5,199 m (17,057 ft)
• Location: Mount Kenya National Park, Kenya

Mount Kenya is the second-highest and the highest in Kenya. It is an extinct volcano and a popular tourist site – with approximately 15,000 climbers yearly.

Despite the many visits and fame of the mountain, it has caused the death of many. For instance, it killed an extended US family on Holiday and two South African pilots in a plane crash.

The mountain is responsible for the death of over 150 people since 1985. The deaths are associated to:

altitude sickness and some even to suicide by jumping off cliffs.

Other problems leading to the death of people on the mountain are freezing weather and wild animals.

Mount Kenya’s peak is now the intersection of Meru, Embu, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, and Tharaka Nithi counties. The highest peaks are The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian (5,199 meters (17,057 feet)), Nelion (5,188 m (17,021 ft)) and Point Lenana (4,985 m (16,355 ft)).

In the surroundings, there are numerous plants and animals, including many endemic plants.

The mountain has also been designated a National Park and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Mount Stanley, Uganda, and DR. Congo

• Elevation 5,109 m (16,762 ft)
• Location: Uganda, and DR. Congo

Mount Stanley is also known as Mount Ngaliema. It is a mountain located in the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in both DR Congo and Uganda. The peak forms the boundary between DR Congo and Uganda.

The Park where the mountain is located is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mountain is the third-highest in Africa mountain in Africa. It is a fault block mountain in the African Rift System.

Mount Stanley consists of twin summits and it forms Margherita on a tour to Uganda. Its peaks are Alexandra, Albert, Savoia, Ellen, Elizabeth, Phillip, Moeniu, Great Tooth, and Magheritah which is its highest peak.

4. Mount Speke, Uganda

• Elevation: 4,890 m (16,040 ft)
• Location: Ruwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda

Mount Speke was named after John Speke – an English explorer who mapped the source of the White Nile in 1862.

The mountain is the second-highest in the Ruwenzori Mountains National Park. It is also joined with Mount Baker and Mount Stanley – forming a triangle encircling the upper Bujuku Valley.

Around the mountain, there are many natural things such as water streams, rivers, and vegetation.

5. Mount Baker, Uganda

• Elevation: 4,844 m (15,892 ft)
• Location: the Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda,

Mount Baker is also known as Kiyanja Mountain or Mountains of the Moon.

This mountain is named after an English explorer Samuel Baker. It has multiple jagged peaks, with the highest called the Edward Peak.

6. Mount Emin, DR. Congo

• Elevation: 15,741 feet (4,798 meters)
• Mountain Range: Rwenzori Mountain Range
• Location: Nord-Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Named after the explorer, Mohammed Emin Pasha, Mount Emin is one of the most renowned mountains in Africa and the 6th tallest on the continent. It is one of the Rwenzori Mountains and a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The mountain has two peaks Umberto (1574ft) and Kraepelin (15720ft). Mount Emin is on the border between Uganda and Congo. However, climbing the mountain has proven to be easier on the Congo side than in Uganda.

7. Mount Gessi, Uganda

• Elevation: 15,469 feet (4,715 meters)
• Mountain Range: Rwenzori Mountain Range
• Location: Uganda

Mount Gessi is found along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is also found in Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

The mountain is well-known for its volcanic formation at higher levels and also harboring vegetation and animals.

Mount Gesi has twin peaks of Iolanda (15,470 ft) and Bottego (15,418 ft).

Climbing the mountain is accessible through the Rwenzori mountain climbing routes.

8. Mount Meru, Tanzania

• Elevation: 14,980 feet (4,566 meters)
• Mountain Range: Meru Mountain Range
• Location: Tanzania

Mount Meru is located in southeast Arusha Region in Tanzania. The mountain shares a proximity with Kilimanjaro, only 70 kilometers away.

The mountain is a dormant stratovolcano. In 1910, it had a minor eruption.

Mount Meru is one of the mountains with the most obvious changes in Africa. For instance, the mountain lost a lot of its height in thousands of years.

Regardless, the mountain is known for its fertile slopes which host many plants. The surrounding savanna has over 400 species of birds among other animals.

9. Mount Semien, Ethiopia – Ras Dashen peak, 4,550 metersRas Dashen, Ethiopia

• Elevation: 14,872 feet (4,533 meters)
• Mountain Range: Simien Mountain Range
• Location: Ethiopia

The ninth tallest mountain in Africa is Mount Ras Dejen (or Ras Dashen). It is also the highest point in Ethiopia, one of the only two countries in Africa not colonized.

The mountain is found in Simien Mountains National Park – the largest national park in Ethiopia. It is located in the Amhara Region.

The name of the mountain is in Amharic which is used by the system of the Ethiopian Mapping Authority (EMA). It means the general who fights in front of the Emperor.

Also, the mountain contributes to why Ethiopia is known as the Roof of East Africa.

10. Mount Karisimbi, DR. Congo, and Rwanda

• Elevation: 14,786 feet (4,507 meters)
• Mountain Range: Virunga Mountain Range
• Location: Democratic Republic of Congo/Rwanda

Mount Karisimbi is a famous high mountain in Africa. It is a stratovolcano in the Virunga Mountains which is situated on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The mountain is an inactive volcano. It experiences snow in some seasons.

Mount Karisimbi has other volcanos such as Mikeno Mountain, Nyamulagira, Nyirangongo, Muhabura, and Sabinyo.

Like many other high mountains in Africa, Mount Karisimbi is home to many plants and animals. It is well known for being a habitat of golden monkeys.

The post The 10 Highest Mountains in Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

Here Are 10 Fascinating Facts About Algeria 

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1. Over Four-Fifths of the Country is Desert

About 80% of Algeria is covered by the Sahara Desert and it has a semi-arid geography, with most of the population living in the fertile north. Also, the country borders other African countries like Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Mali, Mauritania, and Morocco.

2. It Was Formerly Known as Numidia Kingdom

Algeria was known as Numidian Kingdom which was formed in 200 BC. The Kingdom was created from the original Kingdom of Carthage and the people were called Numidian and Imazighen which means ‘free men’.

Meanwhile, the territory was previously colonized by the Romans, and also the French. It gained its independence in 1962 following the movement for independence in 1914.

3. It is Mandatory for men aged 19-30 to Serve in the Military for 12 Months

In Algeria, anyone between the ages of 19-30 must serve in the military for 12 months.

Also, for several years, Algeria has maintained the largest defense budget in Africa.  The country’s defense budget is $10 billion. In addition to its large military budget, the country has over 140,000 active troops and an additional 150,000 reserve troops. The military of Algeria consists of the People’s National Army (ANP), the Algerian National Navy (MRA), the Algerian Air Force (QJJ), and the Territorial Air Defence Forces.

4. English is not Common in Algeria

English language is known to be a global language and is often spoken by other African countries as a second language. However, it is quite the opposite in Algeria. The country speaks three languages with Arabic as the Official language, Berber, and French. The English language in Algeria is mostly taught in schools.

5. The Tallest Minaret in The World is Situated In The County 

Djamaa el Djazair, the Great Mosque of Algiers has the tallest Minaret in the entire world and is located in Algiers. A minaret is a tall slender tower of an Islamic mosque from which the muezzin recites the adhan (call to prayer). The minaret in Algeria stands at a height of 264.3m (867ft) above the city. Moreso it is the tallest building in Africa after the Iconic Tower of Egypt. 

6. It has Seven UNESCO Sites  

UNESCO has preserved seven sites in Algeria due to the conflict and the histories surrounding the sites. The first site, Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad was added to the World Heritage List in 1980. Subsequently, in 1982 Djemila, Timgad, M’zab Valley, Tipasa, and Melika were added to the list. Kasbah of Algiers was also added in 1992.

7. Algeria has a National Animal 

The national animal for Algeria is the Fennec fox or Vulpes zerda. It also serves as the nickname for the Algeria national football team “Les Fennecs”. The creature is known to be the smallest species of fox in the world. It has a small physique with large ears that are up to 6 inches (15.24cm) and often weighs 2.2 to 3.3 pounds.

The fox is usually found in the desert and can adapt to the region due to their batlike ears that emit heat and keep them tepid. Also, their hair keeps them warm during cold periods and from the scorching sun during the daytime.

7. The Algerian Judiciary is Dominated by Women

Interestingly, when it comes to the judiciary in Algeria, it is primarily dominated by women although the country is patriarchal.  

The Algerian judiciary has 70% women lawyers and 60% percent of judges are women. 

Moreover, there are about 30 organizations in Algeria that fight and clamor against women’s oppression in the nation and most of these organizations are led by women. Generally, Algeria has made good progress in the advocacy of women’s rights and is still thriving in making it better.

9. Algeria’s Economy is Reliant on Petroleum

Algeria has a large deposit of crude oil and the country’s economy is reliant on petroleum. Moreover, Algeria has been an OPEC member since 1969 and its crude oil production stands at over 1 million barrels a day.

See Also: First African Country To Gain Independence: How Others Followed

10. Algerian Dates are Often Referred to as ‘The Queen of All Dates’

The species Delget Noor is one of the most appreciated species of dates and is regarded as the ‘Queen of all Dates’ because of its high quality and distinct taste. The Delget Noor is one of Algeria’s export products. Algeria has more than half a million date palm trees producing these sweet fruits that are highly rich in fiber, Vitamin K, and B-complex. 

The post Algeria: 10 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know appeared first on WeAfrique.

However, judging by GDP per Capita, the country is placed in the 9th position.

Despite these, Madagascar, a country that wasn’t discovered until 500 AD is known to be one of the top 5 largest Island Countries in the world and also one of the world’s top conservative priorities because it has an unusual endemism and 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 2 of which are natural and 1 cultural.

Check out these Mind-blowing Facts about Madagascar

1. Madagascar Wouldn’t Have been on the Map of Africa

This Island country lies off the southeastern coast of Africa. It was, however, almost not on the map of Africa as it split away from the continent some 180 million years ago. It was also close to India but broke away from the Asian continent about 80 million years ago.

Millions of years ago, they were joined to Africa as part of a supercontinent consisting of places known today as Africa, South America, Australia, Antarctica, India, and Madagascar.

Considering that its official language is Malagasy, a language that is more common in Asia, specifically Indonesia, the people of Madagascar are regarded as not part of Africa. Their cultures are also similar to those of the Indonesian people and the first recorded settlers of this Island country were known to be Indonesians.

The inclusion of African cultures in this country only came much later during migration and the slave trade. To date, they are believed to have closer roots to Asians than they do in Africa.

2. About 80% of Vanilla Used in the World is Gotten from Madagascar

In the world, this country is the top producer of Vanilla. Thanks to the country’s hot, humid climate, its rich soil, and farming skills, Madagascar rose to be the leading producer of Vanilla.

The only other countries that come close to her in the production of this fruit are Indonesia, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, and China.

Madagascar places the African continent on the map of the world’s leading producer of vanilla with 41% of the global production share producing a volume of about 3.10K MT.

In addition to being the largest vanilla producer, she also is the biggest producer of a precious gem known as sapphires. She also produces cocoa, chocolates, and many other products.

3. Most of the Wildlife Found in Madagascar Cannot be Found Anywhere else in the World

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There are features peculiar to Madagascar which makes the country 1 of only 17 countries regarded as megadiverse countries.

One such feature is the fact that animals such as Lemurs are a species endemic to Madagascar. These animals cannot be found anywhere else save for this southeastern island.

There were initially about 50 of them but over the years, these lemurs have reduced drastically and are almost less than 30 now.

Lemurs are able to survive in Madagascar right now because of the Island’s isolation. They are also considered a sacred animal in this country but unfortunately have become an endangered species as humans have hunted them and destroyed their habitats.

Additionally, you can find over 50% of the World’s Chameleons in Madagascar. Though not endemic, this country boasts of having more than half of this reptile here.

One more peculiar thing about this African country is the presence of an endemic tree species known as the baobab.

In the baobab alley located in western Madagascar, there are about 6 species of baobab trees out of a total of 8 species peculiar to this area.

4. Madagascar is Home to the Oldest Island on the Planet

It is known that this country is the second-largest Island country in the world and the fourth-largest Island on Earth but did you also know that it is the oldest island on planet Earth?

Madagascar has been around for over 80 million and was initially part of the Indian Ocean as already stated. She stretches across 587,000 square kilometers and is bigger than Spain or even Thailand when it comes to size.

5. She produced one of Africa’s Most Iconic Queens

‘The Mad Queen of Madagascar’, Queen Ranavalona I would not readily be named one of Africa’s most celebrated queens but she was quite iconic. Due to her policies and extremism many people, foreigners and countrymen alike became wary of her throughout her rulership of Madagascar from 1829 to 1861.

Despite being seen as erratic, wicked, and a tyrant, it wouldn’t be fair to not point out the good things she did for her country.

Because of her rule, Madagascar was able to preserve its cultural practices even as her predecessors’ reign threatened to destroy it.  She was a good politician and leader who expanded her territory to cover most of the Island.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to bring much change to the country and even to date, only a little over 10% of the roads in Madagascar are paved.

6. She is one of Africa’s Top Cannabis Smoking Countries

Par studies, Madagascar is on the top 10 list of African countries that smoke Cannabis. It has not been legalized in the country and so its production and usage have been largely illegal and discreet.

A recent study shows that this Island nation is placed in the 9th spot, a couple of places below Nigeria which is at the No. 1 position as the highest cannabis-smoking country.

In 2021, it was estimated that about 2.1 million Malagasies smoke Cannabis as against 20.8 million Nigerians who do.

7. Madagascar was Once Home to Pirates

During the late 17th century and early 18th century, Madagascar was a haven for pirates. European pirates and traders sought solace and rest in this Island country back then and even began to call themselves Liberi.

These pirates established their own system of government and laws and called their new-found abode the ‘Independent Pirate Nation of Libertalia’. They also renounced their original identities and began to live as new people.

8. You can find the 3rd most Malnourished Population in Madagascar

Not only is this country one of the top 5 poorest countries in Africa, but they are also global in her misfortune. Madagascar ranks in 3rd place amongst countries that are most affected by hunger and malnutrition. This research was carried out by the Global Hunger Index in 2022.

Not only are the Malagasies malnourished, but they are also one of the unhappiest populations in the world.

It is a little wonder ‘why’ given that they haven’t developed so much through the years, they are poor and suffer from malnourishment.

READ ALSO: Poorest Countries in Africa 2022: Top 10

9. About 85% of the Farmers Farm Rice as it is the Country’s Staple Food

Food is one thing that binds the people of this country. Not just any food, though, particularly rice.

In Malagasy, the term ‘to eat’ is translated as ‘to eat rice’ and this just goes to show how much they love and eat rice in Madagascar. In rural areas, these people can eat rice 3 times a day.

Rice is one of the country’s most planted and harvested food crops and over 80% of farmers in the country, farm rice.

As such, the staple food of the Madagascans is rice.

10. Shocker!!! There are No Penguins in Madagascar

Safe for a southern Rockhopper penguin who may have gotten lost in Madagascar as far back as 1956, there are actually no penguins on the Island.

In fact, the Disney movie, ‘Penguins of Madagascar’ did portray the penguins there were foreigners and not locals of the Island. However, people have since believed that there are penguins in Madagascar and are almost always disappointed not to find any upon visits.

There are no living or breeding penguins in the country. Other animals you won’t find here are giraffes, zebras, lions, and hippos.

Those too were visitors to Madagascar in the aforementioned Disney movie. The only animal from amongst the main cast of the movie who is a native of Madagascar is King Julian who is a ring-tailed lemur.

The post Madagascar Is One Of The Poorest Countries In Africa: Other Facts` appeared first on WeAfrique.

1. Blyde River Canyon

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Location: Mpumalanga, South Africa

Unique Features: One of the deepest Canyon (3280 feet and 16 miles long), the Greenest of all the Canyons in the world.

For staunch lovers of nature, the Blyde River Canyon is likely the first location they will consider when visiting South Africa. The river which passes a rock formation known as the ‘Three Rondavels’ is dominated by subtropical vegetation and supports a large diversity of life that includes numerous fish, antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, and lots more.

The Kadishi water is also a ‘must see’ in the Blyde River Canyon. The formation of the waterfall strikingly resembles a face that is crying profusely, and is thus sometimes known as ‘the weeping face of nature’.

2. Kruger National Park 

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Location: Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa

Unique Features: It spans 19,633 square kilometers, home to over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African Buffalo, 1,000 leopards, and lots of other wonderful wildlife,  it has 21 rest camps, 2 private lodge concessions, and 15 private safari lodges.

The Iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is known for its amazing vast landscapes and exceptional wildlife. Several people from all over the world embark on private or group safari tours to find Africa’s Big Five animals which include Leopard, Elephant, Lion, Rhino, and Leopard.

The park contains twelve main rest camps, as well as several smaller camps. It also has lodgings and luxury safari accommodations that will give you an amazing night experience.

3. Garden Route

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Location: Western Cape Province of South Africa

Unique Features:  Home to many large mammals (such as; bushpig, bushbuck, and so many others), presence of green forests, flowering fynbos, and abundant streams, rivers, and waterfalls, and is one of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

The Garden Route remains one of South Africa’s most interesting and famous stretches of the coastline. Year in and year out, several families troop in and out of this location owing to its temperate landscape of sandy beaches, forest formation, and rocky shores.

4. Cape Winelands

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Location: Boland region of the Western Cape province of South Africa

Unique features: Know for its exceptional award-winning wines, fascinating history, picturesque settings, and exquisite foods.

Also known as the culinary capital of South Africa, The Cape Winelands consists of the most popular wine-producing districts found within the Western Cape geographical unit of South Africa. The location also offers a range of adventure activities and conventional sports facilities including hiking, walking, rock climbing, golf, squash, tennis, indoor heated pools, horse riding, and swimming.

5. Isimangaliso Wetland Park

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Location: East coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Unique features: Coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal dunes, lake systems, swamps, and extensive reed and papyrus wetlands.

The Isimangaliso Wetland Park which is situated in Kwazulu Natal offers a magical landscape composed of beautiful scenery, abundant wildlife, and several highly enjoyable activities. It is also one of South Africa’s top bird-watching locations with over 482 species of birds. It also holds a large body of freshwater that holds several aquatic creatures.

SEE ALSO: Is Cape Town Safe? 5 Safest and 5 Most Dangerous Places In South Africa

6. Addo Elephant National Park

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Location: Eastern Cape, ‎South Africa

Unique features: Has over 600 Elephant, Unique Vegetation and Longest Dunes in the Southern Hemisphere,  Massive Reintroduction of Historical Species, Most Diverse Game Park

Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest game reserve in South Africa. The game reserve is famous among tourists for its large elephant herds that graze on the vegetation. Due to its proximity to the coast, travelers can visit the park for an opportunity to see Southern Right Whales and White Sharks. Furthermore, the area has a range of Safari Game Lodges for travelers.

7. Durban

Location: Eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province

Unique features: Home to The Ushaka Marine World, Its harbor entrance can take the world’s largest “super ships”.

Several tourists are drawn to Durban because of its great wildlife, unspoiled beaches, lagoons, fresh air, and culinary delight. It stands as one of South Africa’s finest locations.

8. Hermanus

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Location: Southern coast of the Western Cape province of South Africa

Unique features: Home to 2 Blue Flag Beaches(Hawston Beach and Grotto Beach)

Hermanus has become a popular holiday hub because of its unspoiled beaches, lagoons, secluded forests, and crashing surf. Many people are also attracted by its marine wildlife, fresh air, and culinary delights.

9. Drakensberg

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Location: eastern part of South Africa

Unique features: Presence of famous peaks that are favorites to photograph and summit, and home to several smaller foothills, stunning waterfalls, inviting rock pools, fresh mountain streams, and mysterious caves.

The Drakensberg offers an enormous diversity of attractions and activities such as mountain biking, trout fishing, and horse riding. It is also known for clean air, clear skies, and comfortable lodges and hotels for visitors and tourists.

10. Mossel Bay

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Location: Western Cape province, South Africa

Unique features: Mildest all-year climate in the world, long stretch of beaches, warm waters of the Indian Ocean, and a championship golf course

Mossel Bay has been a beach holiday destination for South Africans for more than a century. The location is known for its warm and stable weather. The Indian Ocean and its beaches have also added to the aesthetics of Mossel Bay. Moreover, the cultural attractions of the locations are its important feature.

The post 10 Places You Must Visit In South Africa appeared first on WeAfrique.

Ranging from places like Victoria Falls, and Hwange National Park, to Great Zimbabwe, make make sure you make this country a travel destination of a lifetime.

Best Places to Visit in Zimbabwe for a Mindblowing Experience

1.  Victoria Falls

Any talk of the largest sheet of falling water in the wall would be incomplete without talking about the Victoria waterfalls named after the late British monarch. The water which is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe has a combined width of 1,708m making it the world’s largest waterfall in the world.

The waterfall can be accessed from both countries with 75 percent of it being visible from Zimbabwe. Hence, we will concentrate on getting to it from Zimbabwe. It can be accessed through Victoria Falls town. One of the pecks of visiting Victoria Falls is that you get to visit two national parks in which the falls are found; the Mosi-Oa-Tunya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Victoria Falls National Park.

Also, it is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Others are the Aurora Borealis, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, Grand Canyon, and Paricutin.

So if you are looking to visit some of the best places in this beautiful country, be sure to put Victoria Falls on your bucket list.

2. Hwange National Park

Founded in 1929, it is the largest band in the country and one of the best places to visit in Zimbabwe to see wildlife. Interestingly, before tourists started including it in the list of places to see in the country, the park was attached to the royal family of the Ndebele.

It is said that the great Ndebele warrior, King Mzilikazi used the area as a hunting ground. Thanks to the Zimbabwean government, this gem can be accessed by people around the world.

Aside from having the big 5 land animals; elephants, lions, buffalo, rhinos, and leopards, it also has over 400 bird species. Notably, the huge concentration of elephants makes it one of the most concentrated elephant sanctuaries in the world.

3. Great Zimbabwe

Located in Masvingo, this medieval African city was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Zimbabwe and home to the Shona people till the 15th century when it was abandoned.

The site is made up of hills which are mostly seen as the religious part, the enclosure, and the walls. Of this, visitors can’t help but notice the symbolism of power and authority that the Shona had in the area. Moreso, it served as a trading connection between the area and other parts of the world such as Persia and China due to artifacts found by archaeologists.

While it was hard for Europeans and other early explorers to believe Africa had such great architecture, Great Zimbabwe is proof that indeed Africans built sophisticated architecture. It is not surprising that it was made a UNESCO site in 1986.

4. Mana Pools National Park

Probably the largest national park in the country, this UNESCO world heritage site offers visitors an opportunity to see hippopotamus, crocodiles, elephants, and many aquatic birds. The park is located along the Zambezi River in the northern part of the country.

Historically, the park holds dear memories to the Bushmen who once called it home. Evidence of their living in the area can still be found in the rock paintings left in caves within the park. Apart from this, other interesting things point to a rich history and heritage such as the Muuyu WeMurengwas Boabab tree which is found on the Sapi River within the park.

Today, the tree which is associated with the Tonga people is considered a National Treasure. If you are a history buff, visiting this park is a sure way of adding to your knowledge.

5. Nyanga National Park

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The park sits on 116, 000 acres of dense forest which house many archeological sites. Nyanga was once known as Rhodes Inyanga National Park and it is one of the oldest national parks in the country.

Due to its mountainous nature, the park is a good destination for anyone with a twitch for adventure. It offers many hiking trails, wildlife viewing, fishing, birdwatching, and immersion into archaeology or do we say into history. Animals in the park include Zebras, antelope, waterbucks, klipspringer, and kudu.

Aside from this, a lot of myths, legends, and bizarre occurrences have been associated especially in connection with Mount Nyangani. The mountain is the highest in Zimbabwe but this is not all that there is to it. It is said that there is a strangeness about the mountain which sometimes swallows people which the Manyika people say is due to a vindictive spiritual presence.

While this may discourage many from visiting the park, don’t panic, this is just a bit of warning as you would not want to miss out on all the other interesting features.

6. Lake Kariba

Aside from being the mother of all continents, some of the most beautiful sites are located in Zimbabwe. So how about visiting the largest artificial lake in the world, Lake Kariba? This beautiful gem was formed by damming the Zambezi River to generate hydroelectric power.

Like many shared treasures, Lake Kariba is shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The lake was constructed by Andre Coyne and it took three years before it was completed. It is a great spot for house boating and fishing.

7. Chinhoyi Caves

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Located close to Harare, the country’s capital, this tourist location is a majestic piece of nature. Also, it can serve as a romantic getaway for a couple that wants to immerse themselves without thinking about any other person in the world.

The caves which are made of dolomite and limestone also boast a crystal blue colored natural pool located in it.

8. Chiremba Balancing Rocks

These rocks are located in Epworth, Harare, and are said to represent a balance between nature and man. Though many balancing rocks can be found in different parts of the country, Chiremba Balancing Rocks are the most popular.

9. Khami Ruins

This is an archaeological ruin that holds a rich history of the area. Based on the relics, it has been proven that Khami was abandoned in the 16th century. Importantly, items from other parts of the world such as China were found there. This implies that the area was an important trading point.

Due to its cultural significance, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

See Also:10 Interesting Facts About Zimbabwe 

10. Matobo National Park

Though it is the last place on this list, it does not make it the least important. On the contrary, Matobo National Park is home to granite mountains and wooded valleys. Some of the significant parts of the park are the Matobo or Matopos Hills. The hills have one of the highest concentrations of rock art in Southern Africa dating back to thousands of years.

These paintings represent the different aspects of daily living. One man who found the place a true beauty is the former colonizer Cecil Rhodes. He described it as World’s View and even added it as his final resting place in his will. Today, Rhode’s grave has become a tourist attraction in the park.

Other attractions in the park include the Maleme Dam where one can enjoy coming and canoeing.

The post 10 Best Places To Visit In Zimbabwe appeared first on WeAfrique.

One of the top reasons is that it is the fastest-growing economy in Africa. According to the World Bank, the GDP growth of Ethiopia in 2021 was 5.64%. It was however expected to rise to 5.7% by 2023.

It is also important to state that this country has 9 UNESCO Sites in Africa. She who is considered to be the ‘Nation of Festivals’ was believed to have been ruled over by the Queen of Sheba during her reign.

Ethiopia is also unique because here you can find the longest existing lava lake and also the longest river in the world, Lake Tana, that passes through her. It is also the highest Capital City in Africa, the 4th highest in the World, and the home of the African Union.

There Are so Many Interesting Facts about This Great African country but Let’s Look at These 10 Enthralling Facts

1. Ethiopia is Africa’s Oldest Country

Ethiopia was founded sometime in 980 BC and is the oldest independent African country. With over 160 million citizens, it is also the 2nd most populated country in Africa, following the ‘Giant of Africa’, Nigeria. It is also the most populated landlocked country in the world.

It is also speculated that some of the earliest human populations lived in Ethiopia. The belief is that Homo Erectus evolved here over 1 million years ago and there are archaeological findings confirming this to be true.

Over these years, the country has birthed more than 80 languages but has only 5 official languages including Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo, and Afar. The most common foreign language spoken in the country is English.

Ethiopic or Geez is one of the oldest alphabets in the world. It has its own unique syllabary and phonetics and the alphabet consists of 33 letters and 7 vowels.

2. This Nation of Festivals was Never Colonized

Ethiopia was never colonized but was only occupied by the Italians for 6 years – from 1936 to 1941. Of all the 54 African countries, she and Liberia were the only countries to have never been colonized. Liberia was never colonized because it was initially not a country but was a land for freed slaves who didn’t want to return to their country.

Ethiopia would have been colonized by Italy in the 1930s and they even occupied the territory for years. However, they were unable to bring the entire country under their control and eventually had to leave, unsuccessfully.

3. No Other Country Operates at the Same Time and Date as Ethiopia

This country is one of 5 countries in the world that does not operate with the Gregorian calendar. She adopted the calendar system which is a close replica of the Julian calendar.

This country operates a ’13 month calendar system, different from the widely recognized 12 months. Ethiopia has 12 months of 30 days and a thirteenth month of 5 days or 6 if it is a leap year. Because of this, the country is 7 years and 8 months behind the Gregorian calendar.

The main reason for this is however the differences in the birth of Jesus. They began to calculate the birth of Jesus from a different date than the rest of the world. Ethiopia celebrates theirs on January 7 and during their spring in September, the rest of the world enters the New Year.

They also had their own alphabet, letters, and numbers traced back to Sabean.

When it comes to telling the time, she is the only country that uses a 12-hour clock. They track their timing from dusk to dawn and then dawn to dusk. They basically use daylight to figure out the time.

In practical terms, the sun rises at 7 am, and by 1 o’clock. Noon was synonymous with 6 pm. Nonetheless, there are some places in the country that use the 24-hour clock allowing visitors to understand the times better.

The other countries that operate different calendars are; Afghanistan and Iran which follow the Solar Hijri calendar, Thailand and Nepal which adopted the Vikram Samvat, and Nepal Sambat calendar.

4. Ethiopia has a Rich History of Rulers

Since the early 1900s, Ethiopia has been blessed with a good number of rulers which include queens and emperors. These rulers made significant impacts on the progress of the country.

The emperors who ruled the country till 1974 were believed to have been descendants of King Solomon. The queens were referred to as Candace and Ethiopia had quite a good number of remarkable queens.

Queen Zewditu was the empress of the Nation of Festivals from 1916 to 1930 and was internationally recognized as the first female African head of state (president).

After her, there was Queen Gudit or Judit who was a Jewish queen and ruled during the 10th century. She ruled parts of the country and will forever be remembered for burning down a lot of Churches.

5. Over Half of Africa’s Mountains are Found Here

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Considering how rich this country is in preservation, it isn’t weird that she has most of her mountains still intact and even a sight to behold by all.

She is rich in landscape, very mountainous, and boasts of having about 70% of the mountains found in Africa.

6. Traditionally, Children Do Not Share the Last Name of their Parents

Of course, Ethiopia wouldn’t be called the Nation of Festivals if she did not have rich cultures and traditions. One such tradition is one that doesn’t necessarily expect children to bear the same last name as their fathers.

Therefore, in Ethiopia, children are named by their first name and then their father’s name as their last name. People here also mostly refer to people using their first name so this eliminates the surname most times.

Also, it is not customary for women to change their names as a result of marriage. Because the second name isn’t a surname, it takes away the importance of having the wives bear the second name.

7. Ethiopia is the Oldest Christian Country in Africa

She is the oldest Christian Country in Africa and also the second oldest Christian country in the world. Ethiopia has historical tales that date back to biblical times. She has coined most of her cultural activities including a days-long festival, back to the beginning of Christianity.

In the world, Armenia is the only country that is older than Ethiopia when it comes to Christianity.

Also, Ethiopia boasts of having the biblical Ark of the Covenant. It is claimed that Axum, a church in Ethiopia, is the final resting place of the Ark.

After this 10 Commandment given to Moses was reported missing during the Babylonian sack of King Solomon, Ethiopians said it was taken to their country where it was kept safe.

The supposed resting place of The Ark is heavily guarded by a monk and people are not allowed into the monastery, therefore it remains a claim that is yet to be proven with evidence.

One other claim that makes this country’s biblical stance valid is the fact that the Queen of Sheba once ruled over Ethiopia.

Interestingly, Ethiopia was also the first country to accept Islam as a religion, in the world.

READ ALSO: Every African Country, Capital, How It Got Its Name, Most Spoken Language

8. In This Country, You Will Find the Lowest Points on Earth

The Danakil Depression is the lowest place in Africa and is at the ‘mouth’ of three tectonic plates located in the Horn of Africa. This place is approximately 125 meters below sea level and is a small desert that houses 25% of African volcanoes.

Because of the number of volcanoes there and due to some other factors, this place has also earned itself the title of ‘hottest place inhabited’ in Africa.

In the world, the lowest land area is the shoreline of the Dead Sea Depression found in Israel, Jordan, and Syria.

9. Ethiopians are Probably the Leanest People on Earth

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Probably owing to the fact that this African country is mostly a vegetarian country, most of its people are very lean. They are so lean some people refer to them as the leanest people on earth with their obesity rate at 4.5% as of 2022.

The meals found in this country have been regarded as tasty, diverse, and above all, healthy. It is a place where vegetarians can comfortably live and eat with no worries.

Ethiopians, because of their strong Christian beliefs and doctrines, strictly follow Orthodox Christianity which prevents the eating of animal and animal products on Wednesdays and Fridays. Because of this, they substitute these products for healthier green products even in their restaurants.

This is weird because they are also one African country who have raw meat as a ceremonial, cultural dish.

10. The Birthplace of the Rastafarian Movement is Ethiopia

Oh, you thought it was Jamaica, right? Well you, me, and a lot of other people are actually wrong.

While Jamaica only developed and spread this Rastafarian movement, its actual birthplace is Ethiopia.

The word ‘Ras’ is an Ethiopian word that means ‘Chief’ in Amharic, the country’s official language. ‘Tafari’ is the first name of a one-time Ethiopian Emperor, Haile Selassie I who was believed to have been an incarnation of God and also the spiritual leader of the Rastafarians.

Lastly, take a look at the Ethiopian flag and the colors of the movement. Does it seem like those colors match coincidentally?

You see, the Rastafarian movement has its birthplace traced back to Ethiopia.

The post The Fastest Growing Economy In Africa Is That Of Ethiopia: Amazing Facts About The Country appeared first on WeAfrique.

Here are 10 Unique and Awesome Places to Visit While in Ethiopia

1. Dankali Depression

This place is considered to be the lowest point on earth located in Africa. Found around the East African Rift Valley, the beauty here is more pronounced when the lakes around it boil.

The Dankali Depression houses one of 6 lava lakes in the world and the Erta Ale is definitely one to visit.

Despite how hot it is in this part of Ethiopia bordering Eritrea and Djibouti, there are still people who live here. The Afar people have made this area their home having lived here for 100s of years.

2. Lalibela Rock-Hewn Churches

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These 11 medieval churches were built by King Lalibela in the 12th century. They were constructed close to the little village of Lalibela, from enormous volcanic rock slabs.

There is hardly a visit to this place that doesn’t end with praises as the settlement was designed in such a way that it looks like Jerusalem.

All these churches are dug into the ground and the most remarkable is St. George’s Cathedral which is a beautiful sight to behold.

Close to Lalibela, there are a couple of awesome monasteries, also worthy of seeing.

3. The Holy City of Harar

Harar has made a name for itself because it is a holy, historic, and walled city. It was built in the early 16th century and has narrow alleyways which further adds to its beauty.

This city was once known as a commercial link between Africa and the Middle East but nowadays, it is known for its old buildings and also, its walls. These walls were built to prevent invasion and provide defense against alien religious forces.

In Harar, there are about 100 mosques that have earned the holy city the title of ‘Africa’s Mecca’. It is also called the 4th holiest city of Islam.

Harar has a nightly ritual of feeding hyenas by ‘The Hyena Guy’ that is also very attractive to watch. For brave visitors, you could also decide to hand-feed the hyenas for an extra adventure.

4. The Rift Valley

This valley has seen many lakes spring up and forests grow around it. Running through the middle of Ethiopia, the Rift Valley has warm and humid weather and offers a different feel from what you would have gotten in the highlands.

Having several bubbling lakes and enticing cultures, whoever finds him or herself in The Rift Valley is sure to enjoy an almost perfect holiday location- serene and natural.

5. The Blue Nile Falls

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Ethiopian locals refer to this place as the ‘Tis – Isat’ falls which translates to ‘Smoke’ or ‘Fire’. A visit to this location will make you understand why but let’s try and give a brief description…

This fall is magnificent, located close to the Bahir Dar, and produces mists that look like fire or smoke, hence the name.

While on the Blue or White Nile, looking towards this fall, you would be mesmerized by the view and may never want to leave.

This fall doesn’t only house visitors and the locals in its vicinity, it is also a haven for beautiful green vegetation, lots of colorful birds, and a generous species of monkeys.

6. The Omo Valley

The Omo Valley may not be as interesting as those who live here. The Mursi and Hamar people of the Omo River in this area are known for their unique cultural activities. They are African tribes that have resisted influence from the outside world.

The indigenous Mursi people, for example, are widely known for the ways they beautify and adorn themselves which includes using discs made of clay and other materials.

They also engage in stick fighting to acknowledge the coming of age of men. Their houses are also a thing to study as well as how they migrate with these houses.

Despite being regarded as the most dangerous and unfriendly tribe in Africa, the Mursi people located in the Omo Valley are quite welcoming and would share their cultures with people who abide by their rules and enter their vicinity through the right channels.

7. Gondar

Gondar is also referred to as the ‘Camelot of Africa’ and is located in the hills of northern Ethiopia. The view of this city can be taken in as soon as a descent upon the Ras Dashen is made.

As one of the UNESCO heritage sites, some of the beautiful sights to behold are the Middle Ages castles that were homes to Ethiopian Emperors, Queens, and royalties.

There is also the Simien Mountains view that can be enjoyed from the highest point of the Gondar. It is also easily accessible on foot and offers great restaurants, stores, and hotel services.

Here is a list of must-see places at the Gondar;

• The Fasiladas’ Bath is the location for the Timkat event.
• Debre Berhan Selassie which is one of the most exquisite churches in Ethiopia
• The Royal Enclose has, on its own, attracted many visitors.

8. Simien Mountains

These mountains are located in the highlands of northern Ethiopia and offer visitors an exotic view of this part of the country. With over 1300 mountains, Ethiopia has craggy peaks and a good number of the panoramas.

Yet another UNESCO heritage site, this mountain range has been called God’s playground

The Simien Mountains are also a great place to see rare animals such as the Gelada bleeding heart baboon, Walia Ibex (a rare species of goat), and the Ethiopian wolf. Unfortunately, these animals are at risk of extinction.

READ ALSO: 15 Richest African Countries: Population, GDP, Minerals, Foreign Reserve

9. Aksum

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Aksum is a place believed to be the home of the Queen of Sheba and also the final resting place of the Ark of Covenant. It is one of the oldest cities on the continent that shows ancient Aksumite Obelisks if you look over the St. Mary of Zion church complex.

This UNESCO heritage site has been ignored by visitors but it is important to note that there are really amazing places to visit here. For one, there are the mountaintop monasteries, then, there are relics all over the city, and then there are also the Aksumite empire tombs.

The large rock-hewn reservoir named Mai Shum is another interesting location. This reservoir is reportedly where the Queen of Sheba used to bathe.

10. Addis Ababa

There won’t be a perfect and fulfilled visit to Ethiopia if you overlook the capital city, Addis Ababa. A typical city with the hustle and bustle associated with it, Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union. Due to this fact, the capital city of Ethiopia is also regarded as the capital of Africa.

She is also the largest market in Africa, little wonder she has the fastest-growing economy on the continent.

Addis Ababa has magnificent churches, cathedrals, museums, and mosques. She is also beautiful because of her blend of traditional and modern cultures and activities.

At night, this city bubbles with amazing nightlife as restaurants and other activities come alive.

Some interesting places to visit while in this city are the Entoto Mountains, the Crater Lakes in Debre Zeyits, Awash National Park, and Sheraton Addis amongst others.

The post Ethiopia Has Many Beautiful Tourist Attractions: Here Are 10 To Visit When At The Nation of Festivals appeared first on WeAfrique.

Here are 10 Facts About Kenya You Didn’t Know

1. It is home to the Big Five

The big five are Lion, Leopard, Rhinoceros, Elephant, and cape buffalo. At one time, the big five were at the top of hunter’s lists and considered the most difficult African game to shoot on foot.

While their population has reduced drastically over the years, there are several places in the country where they still exist in their numbers. Examples of such places are Lake Nakuru, Ol  Pejeta Conservancy, and the Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, where there are large populations of Rhinos.

However, the country’s most famous reserve, The Masai Mara, is one place you will get to see all the Big Five.

2. The Country has the second-highest mountain in Africa

The second-highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro and the highest in the country is Mount Kenya. It is an ancient extinct volcano that rose to a height of 5,199 meters (17,057 feet). The mountain is located in the central region of the country.

It was first explored by Sir Halford John Mackinder, Cesar Ollier, and Josef Brocherel on September 13, 1899, after 3 failed attempts that same year.

In 1949, a national park was founded to protect the region surrounding the mountain. In 1978, it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

At this point, you might be wondering if the mountain got its name from the country or vice versa. Well, the country was named after the mountain and not the other way around.

3. It  is the world’s leading safari destination

One of the first things that come to mind anytime we hear the name Kenya is safari. The country offers one of the best safari experiences in the world.

Some of the famous safaris to visit in Kenya include the Sarara Camp, Kicheche Bush Camp, Asilia Rekero Camp, Lewa House, Lengishu House, and Segara Retreat. These are just a few of the numerous safari experiences in the country.

Most of these safaris are family-friendly and budget-friendly. Travelers are also privileged to see the Big Five. Kenya was recognized as the world’s leading safari destination in 2021, a position it has held for 7 years. So if you’re wondering where to go for your next vacation, this is the sign you need to visit Kenya.

4. Education is free

One of the major problems in Africa is affordable and quality education. In 2003, the Government of Kenya implemented the Free Primary Education policy, which allows free education for pupils of government-owned primary and secondary schools in the country. The scheme was made available to both citizens and international students.

However, this is not without challenges. Some of the challenges encountered by this development are understaffing, poor working conditions, inadequate funding, and a lack of school libraries.

5. Kenya is one of the most peaceful African countries

With the chaos in the world, This African country has managed to remain relatively peaceful over the past decades. The country has never been under a military dictatorship nor has it experienced any major conflict that could be referred to as a civil war, since its independence.

This does not mean that the country has been void of conflicts or crises. It has experienced outbreaks of communal violence which is a result of political instigation, access to water and pasture resources, land conflict, cattle raiding, and theft.

The most renowned nationwide conflict the country has experienced since independence was a series of clashes that occurred in 2007-2008, as a result of a disputed presidential election.

See Also: Kenya Beaches; These 10 Beaches are The Best in Kenya to Have a Good Time

6. Kenya has over 50 national parks and reserves

If you’ve read or heard about this African country before, its abundance of parks and reserves might not be news but how many parks and reserves can one country have?

Kenya has 22 national parks including Nairobi National Park, Meru National Park, Tsavo East National Park, and Hells Gate National Park. Similarly, the country has 28 national reserves including Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shimba Hills National Reserve, and Shaba National Reserve.

It abundance of these national parks and reserves is to ensure the native wildlife of the country is protected against poachers and hunters.

7. There are over 60 spoken languages in the country

This African country is considered a multi-lingual country. While it has 2 major languages, Swahili and English, there are about 68 languages spoken throughout the country.

These languages are divided into three, The Bantu branch, which includes Kikuyu, Kamba, Luhya, and Gusii, The Nilotic branch, which includes Dholuo, Maasai, and Turkan and lastly, the Cushitic branch, which includes Oromo, Borana, Orma, and Somali.

Other minor languages that are not widely spoken include Rendille, Arabic, and Hindustani.

8. The world’s largest desert lake is found in Kenya

Aside from having a lot of national parks, reserves, and safaris, this East African country is also home to the largest desert lake in the world, Lake Turkana. It is the fourth largest and most saline lake in Africa.

Previously known as Lake Rudolf or Lake Jade, Lake Turkana is a vast but shallow body of water located in the Arid desert of the Kenyan Rift Valley. It stretched over 150 miles long and 20 miles wide.

Despite the country being hit by drought in recent years, lake Turkana is flooding. It is said to have swept entire villages away over the past years. Its expansion is estimated to be about 10 percent over the last decade.

9.  This East African country is home to The Great Rift Valley 

One of the most interesting facts about Kenya is the Great Rift Valley, also known as the East African Rift Valley. It was formed more than 25 million years ago by geological tension in the earth’s crust. It is approximately 6,500 kilometers long and 60 kilometers wide.

The rift lies within the boundaries of different national parks and stretches across 14 countries including Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Burundi, and Zambia. The lakes in the rift are shallow and have huge mineral deposits.

10. The country’s major export is Coffee

Kenya’s majority are farmers and coffee is one of the most valued exports of the country. This is because the country’s soil is unusually fertile due to the presence of an active volcano in the Great Rift Valley, which provides nutrients to the soil and enhances the flavor of the coffee.

Kenyan coffee is referred to as one of the world’s five best coffee. It is known for its rich body, high acidity, intense flavor, and delightful aroma. The coffee is exported to different countries and in May 2022, Belgium was said to be the largest Kenyan coffee market. Other products exported by the country include Tea and Flowers.

The post 10 Interesting Facts About Kenya appeared first on WeAfrique.

A visit to these places and more will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders endowed in the landlocked country. Check out some of them below.

10 Best Places To Visit In Rwanda

1. Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is one of Rwanda’s most prized places to visit. It is situated at the northwest end of the country, and it is home to more than half the population of the world’s endangered Mountian gorillas. In addition, there are 200 species of colorful birds, golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, buffalos, elephants, black-fronted duikers, and bushbucks.

The park is named after five of the eight dominant volcanoes making up the Virunga Mountains, namely Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo.

Once here, a tourist can enjoy hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking.

2. Akagera National Park

Another exciting place a tourist can visit in Rwanda is the Akagera National Park, situated in the eastern part of the country along the border with Tanzania. Founded in 1934 by the Belgian government, the park is named after the Kagera River and is made up of savannah, woodland, wetland, and a dozen lakes.

Even though the park suffered huge losses during the Rwandan Civil War, recent efforts to give it life and a partnership between the Rwanda Development Board and the African Parks Networth saw the introduction of lions and Eastern black rhinoceroses. With this, it now boasts of having all of Africa’s big five: lion, African leopard, African bush elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo.

3. Nyungwe National Park

The Nyungew National Park was established in 2004 and is situated within the Nyungwe Forest, one of the oldest rainforests in Africa. Known for its biodiversity and aesthetics, a visit to this place gives tourists the opportunity to enjoy nature and wildlife. From its small chimpanzee population to L’Hoest’s monkey, the park offers 15 trails, including primate tracking, birdwatching, canopy walking, and tea plantations.

Notably, 70 percent of Rwanda’s water comes from Nyungwe which is blessed with an abundance of rainfall.

4. Gishwati Mukura National Park

In the western part of Rwanda lies the Gishwati Mukura National Park, which consists of two different forests: the Gishwati and the Mukura. The two forests have about 60 tree species, as well as hardwood and bamboo.

Gishwati, which suffered from deforestation and degradation due to the refugee crisis during the Rwandan genocide, is home to a group of 20 chimpanzees, including golden monkeys, L’Hoest’s, blue monkeys, and about 232 bird species. While Mukura has about 163 bird species,

To protect the two forests’ biodiversity, a national park status was given in 2015, and it started operating in 2019. Site attractions include a nature hike, chimpanzee and monkey tracking, and bird watching.

5. Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu is part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, which lies on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the largest lake in Rwanda, the sixth largest in Africa, and the eighteenth deepest by maximum depth in the world.

To enjoy the beautiful views of the lake, tourists can go on a kayaking tour, mountain biking, or hiking. In addition, there are perfect spots for relaxation in Rubavu and Karongi, which are located within the lake area.

See Also-Is Cape Town Safe? 5 Safest and 5 Most Dangerous Places In South Africa

6. Kibeho

Kibeho, located in southern Rwanda, is one of the places that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the country annually. According to reports, it has become the center of global pilgrimage for Roman Catholics since the alleged appearance of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, on November 28, 1981.

The Kibeho Church receives pilgrims throughout the year on two dates: the Feast of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 and the commemoration of Mary’s appearance on November 28.

The number of pilgrims who come from across the globe, including America, Poland, Slovakia, France, and Italy, is between 25,000 and 30,000. While those within Rwanda and neighboring countries such as Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania are around 100 every week.

7. Huye

To get a taste of Rwanda’s pre-colonial life and the transition to the present, Huye is the best place to visit in the country. Located in the country’s southern province, the district was founded at the beginning of the colonial era and named Astrida after the wife of King Leopold III of Belgium. During this period, it served as the colonial seat of power.

The pre-colonial town has a couple of interesting places to visit, from Mount Huye to the former National University of Rwanda and the Ethnographic Museum (National Museum), which provides traditional relics and history of the country’s pre-colonial era.

8. Nyanza

Nyanza is a perfect place to visit because of its significance in the country’s political history. Located in the southern province of Rwanda, the town was made the royal capital of the Kingdom of Rwanda by Mwami (King) Musinga Yuhi V in 1899, until 1962, when the country became a republic.

Now serving as the administrative capital of the Southern Province, Nyanza boasts several attractions, including the King’s Palace (now a museum), the new King’s Palace, and the Rwesero Art Museum (transitioning to a new type of museum at the moment).

Additionally, the town has two big hotels: the Heritage Hotel and the Dayenu Hotel. Each of the hotels has expensive restaurants for visitors and their customers’ delight.

9. Musanze

Musanze, a district in Rwanda’s Northern Province, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. This is because five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Massif, namely Karismbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, lie within its boundaries.

Since it is set on the foothills of the Virunga, the town is suitable for gorilla tracking, while tourists can tour the Musanze underground caves. The cave is 2km long and has 31 entrances, with the main entrance the size of a cathedral. It served as a shelter during wars many centuries ago and was also used for massacres during the Rwandan genocide.

10. Kigali

Kigali, the capital and largest city of Rwanda, was founded in 1907 as an administrative outpost by the German colonial resident Richard Kandt. It became the capital city of the country when it gained independence in 1962.

A visit to the country without a touchdown in Kigali is a miss for any tourist. The city is clean and often full of life and color. There are several places to visit, including the Kigali Cultural Village, Kigali Memorial Center, Kandt House Museum, and Rwanda Art Museum.

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