Africa Tour Packages

1. About Africa
2. The United Nations Divides Africa Into Five Subregions
3. Top Reasons To Visit Africa
4. Geographical Facts About Africa
5. Cultural Facts About Africa
6. Most Visited Countries In Africa
7. Least Visited Countries in Africa
8. 5 Must Visit Countries In Africa
9. Most Visited Tourist Attractions In Africa
10. Popular Cities In Africa
11. Shopping
12. Food

The exact origin of the word Africa seems contentious, but we know that the Romans first used the word to refer to the tribes living in parts of Tunisia and Northern Algeria. Some believe that Africa is derived from the Greek word a-phrike, meaning without cold, or probably from the Egyptian word afru-ika, meaning motherland.

It is a common misconception that Africa is a monoethnic continent with a shared cultural heritage. Not many know that Africa is home to over 3000 tribes (including the Zulus, Bantus, Berbers, and Maasai) who speak over 2000 languages, ranging from Arabic in the north to Zulu in the south and even French in several countries like Mali, Senegal, and Benin.

It is also a continent of extremes, with the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, covering 31% of Africa and the savannah covering 46% of the land. The Congo Basin rainforest region covers around 12% of the continent and includes nine countries, viz., the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and parts of Zambia, Angola, Cameroon, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. Check our Africa tour packages to learn more about the place and explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

This region includes six countries, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Sudan which identify as Arab countries. The people speak Arabic and practice Islam. The region is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Mediterranean Sea in the north, and the Arabian Plate in the east. Egypt is a transcontinental country that shares some of its boundaries with Asia through the Sinai Peninsula.

This region falls under Sub-Saharan Africa and comprises Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also includes territories like Reunion Island and Mayotte. It is Africa’s fastest-growing region, with several countries like Tanzania and Kenya graduating from low-income to middle-income countries.

Middle Africa is part of Sub-Saharan Africa and includes several countries, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. This landlocked region is home to the world’s second-largest tropical forest, the Congo Basin. The equator runs across most countries in Middle Africa.

This region falls under Sub-Saharan Africa and includes Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Southern Africa is mostly savannah and a popular tourist destination thanks to the abundant wildlife and varied topography. It is rich in mineral resources like diamond, gold, platinum, and coal.

This Sub-Saharan African region includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Islam is the predominant religion of this region, especially towards the north. While the region is rich in natural resources, it is one of the poorest places in the continent.

From surreal wildlife encounters and beautiful landscapes to a rich tapestry of history and culture, Africa offers much to explore and enjoy. With its diverse destinations and experiences, you’ll need a multitude of African tour packages to begin comprehending the magic of Africa. If you’re looking for your next vacation destination, here are some reasons to consider Mother Continent.

For people who grew up watching David Attenborough’s documentaries about the Maasai Mara and the savannah, visiting Africa is a dream come true. No other continent offers such a diverse spectrum of wildlife in such close proximity. There are over one million species of animals in Africa, including over 1,000 species of mammals, 2,600 species of birds, and 3,000 species of fish.

Africa is home to the heaviest (elephant), tallest (giraffe), and fastest (cheetah) animals in the world. You can experience the world’s greatest migration at the Masai Mara, swim with whale sharks in Zanzibar, witness millions of sea turtles hatch and hurtle to life along Africa’s East Coast, and even go gorilla trekking in the rainforests of Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda. Popular wildlife experiences included in our Africa tour packages include:

The vast continent of Africa offers a variety of dishes, ranging from tagines of North Africa to the savoury stews and flatbreads of East Africa to the barbecues of Southern Africa. You must visit Africa to sample the colourful one-pot jollof rice in West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana, flatbreads like injera and dholl puri in East African countries like Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Mauritius, the unique carbs like fufu, ugali, and deep-fried plantains.

African cuisine has also been influenced by immigrants who settled here over time. Indian influences include sambusas, chapatis, bunny chow, and pakoras. In addition to the Arabs, Ottomans, and colonials, Italians have influenced African cuisine, especially in Libya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.

Some popular dishes on the continent include falafel, tagine, jollof rice, injera, boerewors, egusi soup, and fufu.

With such dramatic landscapes, it’s only natural that Africa offers unlimited adventure opportunities. You can go trekking in the Congo Basin rainforests in Rwanda and Uganda, trek through the Sahara Desert, enjoy watersports in Mauritius and Seychelles, go hot air balloon ride above the Masai Mara, or join your friends for a whitewater rafting adventure in the Zambezi River. Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extensive fish species and is also a renowned watersport destination offering snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and wakeboarding.

While wildlife is a big tourist attraction, Africa also has a rich cultural heritage and history. After all, Africa is the birthplace of human civilisation! From the pyramids and temples of Egypt and the Roman buildings of Morocco to the great ruins of Zimbabwe and Carthage, there is much to explore and experience in Africa. The Cradle of Humankind is a paleoanthropological site famous for its fossils of some of the earliest earthly inhabitants, including hominids, our distant human like ancestors. Famous among these are Mrs Ples and Little Foot, the latter being a complete hominid skeleton and the former being a pre-human skull that dates back more than 2 million years.

The ignorant often make the mistake of painting Africa with a broad brush. The continent is a kaleidoscope of various tribes and cultures, teeming with tangible and intangible heritage. The 54 nations of this continent are diverse regarding religion, rituals, food, arts, and language. For instance, the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, are very different from the Berber people of North Africa, although they are both native to the continent.

There are over 3000 tribes in Africa, each with a unique culture. Some of the major tribes in South Africa include the Masai people of Kenya and Tanzania, the Himba of Namibia, the Zulu people, Bushman, San, and Southern Ndebele from South Africa, and the Samburu from Northern Kenya. The values and behaviour of these tribes differ strongly. Given the influence of Western imperialists and immigration, Africa today is a hotspot of different religions, cultures, and ethnicities.

Through our Africa tour packages, you can explore Africa’s diverse cultural practices by camping with local tribesmen, staying with them, and joining them as they go about their daily lives.

While tourists love Africa for its nature and wildlife, more often than not, it’s their interaction with the friendly locals that remains etched in their memories. South Africa was recently named the friendliest country in the world. But people from across the continent are generally warm and welcoming of strangers. They are happy to engage you in a conversation and make you feel at ease.

• Africa is the second-largest and the second-most populous continent.
• It is home to the largest river in the world the Nile
• The equator divides Africa into two almost equal halves.
• Africa is called Mother Continent as it is the oldest inhabited continent.
• Africa is the only continent that crosses all 3 lines of latitude: the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Equator.
• The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.
• The Congo Basin is the world’s second-largest rainforest.
• Many areas of Africa receive snow Drakensberg, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Tunisia
• The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest & longest animal migration in the world
• Coffee supposedly originated in Ethiopia
• Africa is slowly splitting into two through the East African Rift System that runs through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
• The Sahara Desert was once a tropical rainforest.
• Africa has 30% of the world’s mineral reserves rich in cobalt, platinum, manganese, chromium, and bauxite.
• Africa is home to the heaviest (elephant), largest bird (ostrich), the largest frog (Goliath frog) and the fastest animal (leopard) in the world.
• Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa beans.

• Africa is home to over 3000 different ethnicities speaking more than 2000 languages
• The evil eye is a familiar concept across Africa. The evil eye pendant, or nazar pendant, is believed to have originated in Egypt.
• Africans were the first to go on fishing expeditions; harpoons, daggers & other tools said to be over 90,000 years old have been found in Congo.
• Africans were the first miners; a 43,000 year old mine was discovered in Eswatini (erstwhile Swaziland).
• Pyramids aren’t specific to Egypt alone you can find them in Libya, Algeria, Sudan, and Nigeria. The Nubian pyramids (Sudan) are older than Egyptian pyramids.
• Mali was one of the wealthiest ancient empires. Mansa Musa, the Mali King, is believed to be the wealthiest man to have ever lived.
• Africans are pioneers of astronomy; the 7000 year old Nabta Playa stones help track summer solstice & are the oldest known astronomical site.
• Maize is the most common source of starch in Africa. It goes by different names across the continent: ugali, sadza, nsima, chima, bugali, sokoro, pap, etc.
• The Maasai people participate in adult, a practice where men jump high to show social status and even attract potential brides.
• The Mursi women wear lip plates, i.e., they insert wooden plates in their lips to symbolise beauty and social status.
• Christianity & Islam are the major religions in Africa. While North Africans predominantly practice Islam, Christianity is predominant in Southern Africa.

Egypt is a major tourist destination in Northern Africa, attracting tourists for its pyramids, ancient Egyptian ruins, and historic cities like Alexandria, Cairo, and Giza. It was ruled by several empires, including the Achaemenids, Romans, and Ottomans, who built beautiful buildings and temples. Tourists visit Egypt to explore its beautiful architecture, including the pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor and Karnak temples, and the Abu Simbel complex. Remember to include a Nile cruise on your African tour package itinerary if you visit this beautiful country.

Morocco has always enamoured tourists with its ancient cities, Islamic architecture, beautiful handicrafts, and delectable cuisine. The Sahara Desert is another popular attraction, with activities like buggy riding, desert safari, and dune hiking. Famous cities like Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Meknes. Morocco’s souks are equally famous for their spices, argan oil, tea, shoes, and ceramicware. Remember to visit Morocco’s popular attractions like Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, and the Ouzuod Waterfalls.

Tunisia is famed for its balmy beaches along the Mediterranean Coast and its historic cities like Carthage, Hammamet, and Mahdia. Some of Tunisia’s Medinas or old towns are legendary with their colourful markets, palaces, alleys, fountains, and small craft workshops. If you’d like to explore ancient Roman ruins without the crowd and the hassle of Rome, Tunisia is the place to visit. The Roman amphitheatre in El Jem is the largest outside of Italy. For instance, Carthage, one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient Mediterranean, was once home to over 700,000 people. Some of its famous ruins include the Baths of Antoninus, Roman Theatre, ancient Roman houses and statues.

From beautiful beaches and wildlife safaris to delectable food and wine tours, there are plenty of reasons to visit South Africa. The country is called Rainbow Nation because of its multicultural ethos, including multiple religions, ethnicities, and languages. The weather is equally pleasant, with sensational summers and mild winters. South Africa is also home to prehistoric fossils, including skeletons of early humanoids, aptly called The Cradle of Human Civilisation. For those interested in apartheid history, we recommend visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent several years in prison.

Algeria has a varied landscape, with the northern part of the Mediterranean and the southern part encompassing the Sahara Desert. The country also has beautiful Roman archaeological sites in Timgad, Djemila, and Tipaza. The cuisine is another popular attraction with flavourful dishes like tagine, couscous, and brik. If you’re planning a stress-free beach vacation, Algeria is the perfect destination with Tipasa Beach, Ain El Turck Beach, and Sidi Fredj.
The Sahara Desert is popular for desert safaris, camel rides, and dune bashing. If you’d like to include Algeria in your Africa tour package itinerary, call us at +91 9940882200.

Equatorial Guinea is an unexplored paradise surrounded by jungles, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. There are hundreds of plant and animal species endemic to the country, including island bronze naped pigeon and the annobon paradise flycatcher. While it is popular among adventure tourists, poor marketing and infrastructure, corrupt government, and a lack of medical care make it impossible to visit Equatorial Guinea. Obtaining a tourist visa is an equal nightmare.

Sao Tome & Principe is on the west coast of Africa and one of the continent’s well preserved secrets. The country is made up of two main islands and seven rocky islets. The island was uninhabited until the 15th century by the Portuguese. Today, you’ll find deserted beaches, unspoilt nature, and abundant wildlife. The country is home to more endemic species per square mile than Galapagos Island, including 25 bird species and 25 endemic butterfly species. Despite its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, it still isn’t popular on the tourist radar because of its remote location, underdeveloped infrastructure, and natural hazards.

Comoros is an island country in East Africa located between Mozambique and Madagascar. It comprises three islands: Grand Comore, Moheli, and Anjouan. The country is famous for its beaches, mountains, and abundant marine life, including sea turtles, corals, humpback whales, and dolphins. It is one of the very few places where you’ll find lemurs outside of Madagascar. While it is indeed beautiful, Comoros isn’t a preferred tourist destination because of its remoteness and insecure political climate.

Mauritania was once a French colony and the only meeting point between Maghreb and Sun-Saharan Africa. Given its location, the country is famous for its ancient ruins, such as Chinguetti. If you are a nature lover, Parc National du Banc d’Arguin is one of the best places for birdwatching in Africa. Despite its abundant wildlife and ancient ruins, not many people visit Mauritania because of terrorism and safety risks. The country is also prone to infectious diseases like cholera, measles and tuberculosis.

Guinea Bissau is a part of West Africa, offering a range of experiences to tourists, including abundant wildlife, pristine beaches, and beautiful architecture. It is one of the smallest countries in Africa, famous for its fascinating wildlife, colonial buildings, and cultural heritage. The Bijagos Island in Guinea-Bissau is renowned for its Orango National Park and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to its endangered species like turtles and saltwater hippos. It is one of the least visited countries in Africa because of its political instability and crime against tourists.

With 54 countries in the continent, it’s natural that you cannot restrict your travel to just the popular destinations. Here’s a list of must-visit places you must include in your Africa tour package itinerary.

This is one of Africa’s less-visited countries but is packed with spectacular experiences, including Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. It is also home to amazing wildlife sanctuaries, including the Hwange National Park and the Matoba National Park. The Great Zimbabwe is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the home of the Queen of Sheba. Zimbabwe is one of the best places to see the Big Five. Check out our Zimbabwe tour packages if you’d like to explore the country.

Tanzania is a beautiful country famous for its wildlife safaris, Mount Kilimanjaro, and historical places like Olduvai Gorge Museum. It is also the best place to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, when millions of wildebeest cross the plains of the Serengeti. Head to Zanzibar to explore Tanzania’s pristine beaches. It is also called Spice Island, thanks to the many Persians, Chinese, and Arab traders who have sailed through Zanzibar’s harbour. If you’d like to explore the local indigenous culture, don’t miss a stay with the Maasai people.

Kenya, Africa’s most distinct location, is famous for its pristine wilderness and internationally renowned nature parks, including the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is one of the best places in the world to experience the Great Wildebeest Migration. The Amboseli National Park is home to elephants, giraffes, antelopes, zebras, hippos, and warthogs. And if you’re looking for exotic birds, check Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. To explore Kenya’s indigenous tribes, book a cultural safari with the Maasai, Samburu, or Swahili tribes. If you’re travelling to Kenya from July to October, remember to book your Africa tour package in advance, as the Maasai Mara experience is usually fully booked during this time.

Did you know Botswana has more elephants than any other country in Africa? It is also home to several different animals, including the endangered African wild dogs, aquatic antelopes, and white rhinos. Botswana is also one of the few countries in Africa to practice high impact, low volume ecotourism. If you’re interested in learning more about the country’s mining process, visit the Jwaneng Mines. The food is definitely a bonus, with its barbecued meat and stewed goat curry enjoyed with pap, a dish made using cornmeal.

Check out our Mauritius tour packages if you’re looking for a beach destination for your next vacation. The country is home to over 100 pristine beaches famed for their white sands, abundant marine life, and watersports. The country’s capital, Port Louis, has stunning French colonial architecture and is loved for its laid-back lifestyle. If you love big game fishing, Mauritius is the place to head – it offers the finest fish, including marlins, tunas, and sharks, for qualified anglers.

Seychelles is a tropical paradise famous for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury accommodations, and shallow reefs, home to a rich marine life. On the Aldabra Atoll, you’ll find over 1000 fish and 700 species of coral. Seychelles is also famed for its diving spots, where you can enjoy various activities, including snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. It’s also home to Coco de Mer, the world’s largest seed in the world. Don’t forget to sample the delicious Creole cuisine when visiting the country. For the best Seychelles tour packages, call us at +91 9940882200.

With its beautiful geography, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage, Africa is a blessed continent that offers tourists a wholesome experience. Africa is home to some of the best wildlife safaris, gorgeous beaches, prehistoric artefacts, and even ski resorts. Here’s a list of tourist attractions you must include in your Africa tour package.

The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeests migrate searching for fresh pastures and water. Its rich biodiversity allows tourists to observe the Big Five from close quarters, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. In addition to the Big Five, the national park is home to millions of ungulates, leopards, cheetahs, and several bird species. Call us at +91 9940882200 to include a safari on your Africa tour package itinerary.

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world – almost twice the height of Niagara Falls in North America. It is located on the border of two countries – Zambia and Zimbabwe. The local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-Oa-Tunya, or smoke that thunders, which refers to the huge roar and misty spray that resembles smoke. Victoria Falls is considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

The Masai Mara is located in Southwest Kenya and is famous for its scenic savannah plains and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. Other animals you can observe at the Masai Mara include wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, and cheetah. The reserve gets its name from its original inhabitants, the Masai people. You can spend a night observing animals from close quarters, watching wildebeests from a hot air balloon, going on a game drive, or spending time with the locals in their village.

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the largest free-standing mountain in the world. It probably gets its name from the Swahili word for mountain, kilim, and the KiChagga word for whiteness the mountain is famed for its snow-capped peak. The mountain is a popular hiking spot because the trail is relatively easy and does not require as much equipment or experience. While the glaciers are believed to be over 11,000 years old, environmental changes are causing the glaciers to retreat.

The Kruger National Park is the largest in Africa and the oldest in South Africa. Besides the Big Five, you can observe a range of animals from close quarters, including the African wild dog, warthogs, spotted hyenas, wildebeest, and the vervet monkey. You can stay in one of the many hotels near the park and enjoy a full-day safari or a guided park tour or go hiking, walking, and backpacking.

The pyramids of Giza are a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. These were originally tombs built for Egyptian pharaohs as they were believed to become gods in the afterlife. The Giza pyramids were built for Pharoah Khufu, his son Pharoah Khafre, and Khafre’s son, Menkuare. The materials to build the pyramid were shipped from across Egypt through the Nile. The tombs are invaluable as they describe everyday life in Egypt thousands of years ago.

Ramesses II built the Abu Simbel temples on the west bank of the Nile River. The temples are carved out of a mountain and contain four giant statues of a seated Ramesses II. They were built so that on two days of the year, sunlight falls directly in the inner sanctuary. However, as a result of relocating the temples to their current site, the sun no longer shines in the inner sanctum. The smaller of the two temples is dedicated to Queen Nefertiti.

Marrakech is a colourful city famous for the medina, which hosts old souks, cafes, and art deco homes. The town probably gets its name from the Berber word murr akush or land of God. The city is only a few kilometres away from Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Some iconic buildings in the city include the El Badi Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and La Jardin Majorelle. Don’t miss to sample Moroccan cuisine, especially the iconic mint tea.

This is South Africa’s capital city and the country’s oldest city. Situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, the city is home to over 10 Blue Flag beaches, including Boulders Beach, where you can spot African penguins. Cape Town is also home to the famous Table Mountains, a flat-top mountain offering breathtaking views of the city. It is a popular hiking trail and is especially famous for providing the perfect backdrop to people looking to propose to their fiancés.

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city, offering a perfect blend of traditional heritage and modern amenities. Some of its famous attractions include the Cradle of Humankind, Lion Park, the Johannesburg Zoo, the Johannesburg Botanical Garden, and Mandela House. You can also visit the local market in Soweto, grab a drink at one of Jo’burg’s rooftop cafes, or try one of the many adventure sports offered in the city.

Fez is Morocco’s cultural capital and is famous for its Medina, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments within the Medina include palaces, residences, mosques, and markets. The thousands of alleyways within the Medina are over 1000 years old, bearing witness to the city’s popularity that waxed and waned over the centuries. It is a car-free zone where tourists can travel by camel or walk by foot to observe the city’s historical buildings. Fez is also home to tanneries that date back almost 1000 years, the oldest in the world.

Cairo is Egypt’s capital and is famous for its heritage, especially Islamic and military monuments. Because of its ancient history, the city is often called the cradle of civilisation, especially the pyramids of Giza. The longest river in the world, the Nile, flows through Cairo, which is probably why locals call it Umm al Dunya or the Mother of the World. Cairo is also home to the oldest university in Africa, the Al-Azhar University and the Babylon Citadel, an ancient fortress built in 30 BC.

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and home to the famous Nairobi National Park. It is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Besides its wildlife safaris, the city has a vibrant nightlife, including restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Within the city, you will also find traditional Kenyan villages or Bomas that showcase the life of the indigenous tribes. When in Nairobi, don’t miss Giraffe Manor, the most Instagrammed hotel in the world, where you can enjoy breakfast with giraffes and even feed them.

Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest city. It was established by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. He wanted the city to be the finest in the world, so it was for over 1,000 years, thanks to its strategic location between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The beautiful Montazah Palace is another famous attraction that now houses a museum. Visit the famous beaches of Al-Ma’moura, Mandara, and Al-Assafrah, dotted with beautiful seafront boulevards.

Casablanca is a modern city that is very unlike the rest of Morocco. Some of its iconic attractions include the Hassan II Mosque and the Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes. The Casablanca Festival and Jazzablanca are some of its famous festivals. The Medina in Casablanca is equally historic and established since 15 BC.

Given the huge diversity of cultures, it’s only natural that Africa offers plenty of shopping options. Northern African countries like Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia are famous for their carpets and rugs, while beadwork is famous in Sub-Saharan countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The souks of Morroco and Egypt are also famous for their leather products, ceramicware, and spices.

Nigeria is famous for its handcrafted wooden facemasks, handstitched leather purses, and indigo-dyed cloth produced by Yoruba women. Kenya is renowned for their soapstone carvings, Maasai beads, masks, ebony carvings, and kitengala glass.

If you visit Tanzania, remember to buy Maasai crafts like jewellery, wood carvings, and Tanzanian coffee. Ethiopia is also famous for its coffee, with locals believing it originated there. Straw baskets, honey, wickerware, and clay pottery are also common handicrafts in Ethiopia.

When in Madagascar, remember to buy their prized vanilla and vanilla-infused products. Baobab-themed souvenirs like oil and powder are also popular.

South Africa is famous for its batik fabrics, beaded jewellery, pewter cutlery, and handmade silk. You can also buy handwoven textiles, wooden masks, sculptures, and pottery.

Mauritius is famous for its dodo souvenirs and the fabled Mauritius rum. When in Seychelles, don’t forget to buy spices, tea, vanilla, and perfumes made from locally sourced ingredients like ylang ylang and coco de mer.

As for where to buy these products, local African markets are the best place to shop for souvenirs. However, tourists need to exercise caution when purchasing from local shopkeepers. For instance, shopkeepers in the old souks in Morocco and Egypt will likely quote ten or twenty times the original price. In contrast, a local seller in Tanzania will likely even quote even double the actual price.

The Africans were among the first to practice agriculture, cultivating millet, yams, sorghum, and oil palms since 3000 BCE. In fact, parts of North Africa, including the Nile Delta, were part of the Fertile Crescent, i.e., regions where the first settled agricultural communities settled. They also domesticated cattle, sheep, and donkeys over 7000 years ago or earlier. Given its vast geography, it is natural that the food is diverse and inspired by the local climate and landscape.

For instance, beef is rarely eaten in East Africa, where cattle are revered and even used as currency by some tribes, including the Maasai and Samburu. But beef is a common protein in North Africa and is used to make koftas and kebabs. Central Africans are traditionally hunter-gatherers, hunting exotic animals like baboons and warthogs for meat. Today, the diet includes cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes as the main starch, which are eaten with stews made using peanuts, chicken, beef, and okra.

West African cuisine incorporates rice, millet, and cassava as starches. Popular dishes include jollof rice and fufu, which are eaten with a spicy stew called egusi soup. Goat, chicken, and beef are common protein sources. Black-eye peas are another common ingredient in Western Africa, where they are added to stews and ground to make fritters and porridge.

Southern African cuisine is a blend of various influences, including Portuguese, British, Indian, Malay, and Dutch. Barbecue is a huge part of the cuisine in this region and called braai. Beef and chicken are common protein staples, but game meat like antelope, crocodile, and ostrich are also common.

Seafood is a common ingredient in most regions, especially Western Africa. It is often included in stews and is also smoked. In fact, smoked fish is even given as dowry by some tribes. Smoked prawns are ground and added to soups for added flavour and even form a main ingredient in shitto, a spicy sauce in Ghana.

Religious practices and historical trade with other regions also influenced African cuisine. For instance, in some native religions like Ifa, Bukongo, and Vodun, food is considered spiritual medicine, and ethically butchering an animal is considered an important aspect of a priestess’s learning. Cardamom seeds and cloves are a staple of Ethiopian cuisine and East African cuisine in general, thanks to the influence of trade from India and the Arab countries.
Berbere is another unique spice blend that gets its name from the Berber people and probably originated in Ethiopia.

Similarly, sacrifice is an essential aspect of Islamic African cuisine on Eid-Al-Adha. Cow, lamb, camel, goat, etc., were the common sacrificial animals.

Communal eating is common in many African countries, including Ethiopia, Mali, Eritrea, Ghana, and Nigeria. Injera is a common bread across Ethiopia and Eritrea and is often served on a plate upon which the gravy is placed.

As for cooking medium, ghee is a common fat used in East Africa, while West Africans predominantly use palm oil for their cooking and religious practices. In the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, olive oil is commonly used, while ghee and sesame oil are widely used in Sudan.