Africa - The Call of the Wild

Over a billion people live on the second-biggest continent on earth. Africa is called "the cradle of humankind" or "the black continent" – and has a prominent position in the general conception. Its tremendous diversity is already reflected in the high number of different countries. Africa consists of over 5o states altogether, which are divided into four different time zones. Regarding climate, Africa is extreme and incomparable. With over 56°C, Libya is the hottest place populated by people. Of course temperatures differ from region to region in a continent of this size. Countries in the north of Africa, like Tunesia, Morocco and Algeria, have very hot summers and mild winters, while the west of Africa is dominated by the Sahel (a hot, dry and windy zone). The farther visitors go over Central Africa into the south, the greener the landscape gets and the milder the temperatures become. Besides the deserts and savannas, you find vast rainforests in west and central Africa. The most fertile rainforest area lies in the Congo Basin.

The people and their history shape the regions and make each of them unique. While the Egyptians created their advanced civilisation in the north of Africa centuries ago, the indigenous tribes in Kenya and Tanzania and the Maasai hold on to their traditional customs and rites. The image showing the isolated huts of nomadic tribes presents the real Africa just like metropolises such as Johannesburg, Cape Town or Cairo do. The Diversity of the people and their history goes hand in hand with their impressive and unique culture and music. Especially the typical African wood sculptures grow more and more popular. The incredible cultural diversity is also present in the country's languages. Over 200 different languages and dialects are still spoken on the continent.

Those who take the chance and travel to Africa should not miss out on the Big Five: the elephant, rhinoceros, buffalo, lion and leopard. These five giants can best be watched on a safari in one of the country's national parks, which are generally worth a visit. The best-known nature reserve is the Serengeti National Park but also the Chobe National Park is highly recommendable. If you want to cool down, you should take a ride on a traditional paddle steamers and experience the popular cruise on the Nile. In Egypt you can visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings. The best places for a relaxing sunbath are the beaches at the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea in the north or the Atlantic Ocean in the east. The African cuisine varies considerably from region to region. Various types of cereal, plantains, maize and cassava are the basics of the menu and are served as mash most of the time. Fish and meat dishes made from gazelles, ostriches and antelopes are prepared for special occasions.

Especially the far north and the south of Africa have been fully developed for tourists and can easily be reached by a number of airlines. Depending on which country you want to visit, the entry requirements and health regulations differ. In some countries, a malaria vaccination is necessary. You should note this when preparing your holiday and do it in time. Relevant information is provided on the website of the WHO, for example. Conditions also differ with regard to safety regulations depending on where you want to travel. In some countries, you need a valid visa.