Africa is one of the seven continents on the planet Earth, which is one of the nine planets in the solar system. It was once considered the dark continent. Africa comprises a mixture of races including Asians, Europeans, and Arabs, but the majority being the black man, though the color is brown. This continent consists of 51 countries and more than 3000 tribes, abridged into Bantu, Nilotes, Cushite, and Hamitic ethnic groups.
The original name of Africa was Alkebulan, or the Mother of Mankind, as it was originally known before the 1st century, during the times of the Pharaohs. Alkebulan was the original name of this continent. Though later in the Bible, it was called Cush. It has been mentioned in the Bible more than 180 times as Cush, as mentioned in the Old Testament. Later, it came to be known as AfriTerra by the Romans. AfriTerra gave rise to the current name Africa, meaning the Land of Black People.
There are many areas of focus, but in this article, I would like to focus on a few but prime areas, especially the geography and basic history of Africa.
Africa is divided by many climatic zones, divided in the center by the equator and banded by a 23.5% north and south by the tropical belt. The equator is an area of direct overhead sunlight twelve months a year, meaning all year round. And the tropical belt north and south being the furthest overhead sun limits to the south and north. This leaves Africa to have a hot climate belt in a larger part of the year, and thus causing climatic changes and seasons. April/May having an overhead in the upper north tropics, causing the southeastern monsoon winds, and October/November having a south sun overhead causing the northeastern monsoon winds. These wind patterns are crucial for the season changes and climatic patterns and conditions in Africa. They are essential for the rain patterns, animal movements, agriculture, and even migratory bird patterns, especially the Palearctic migrants, Afrotropic migrants, and the Malagasy migrant birds' flyway patterns and movements, making them move from cold areas to warmer breeding and wintering grounds.
In the months of April/May, migratory birds move southward, and in the months of October/November, the migratory birds move northwards.
These monsoon patterns also attribute to the rain patterns in the equatorial belt. April/May being a rainy season and October/November also being a rainy season. This has an adverse effect on the movement of wildlife in many parts of Africa, including the famous Serengeti/Mara ecosystem migration. Early rains mean early migration patterns and late rains meaning late migration patterns. This year we experienced early rains, thus the migration moved in an early pattern, causing early river crossing in the Mara River. Animals that migrate in large herds are generally four species: wildebeest, approximately 1.5 million; zebras, approximately 700,000; eland, approximately 200,000; and gazelle, approximately 500,000; move annually in the Serengeti Mara ecosystem. This year, 2023, we have experienced early crossings beginning from late July to date.
Another focus area in Africa is the Nile Valley and River Nile, comprised of the White Nile and the Blue Nile upstream. It is the longest river in Africa. It has a rich history of human civilization. Lots of historic sites can be visited in the river. Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia have many historic sites. Prime areas being the Meroe Pyramids and Giza Pyramids downstream the Nile Valley. Also, the Aswan Dam and Lalibela Monolithic Churches are worthwhile visiting for travelers with time. Ethiopia has a rich history, especially in the rise of Christianity, having the Covenant Stone and much more.
Sudan is considered to be among the early civilizations and a vital capital during the Cush era, as it is found upstream the Nile and holds among the oldest pyramids in Africa, of the Black Pharaohs.
East Africa has many attractions, especially wildlife, landscapes, volcanic mountains, and lakes, and much more. Having some of the best wildlife locations in the world. One can visit Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa. Also, one can visit Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Good and exotic beaches found in Zanzibar and Pemba Island. World Heritage Sites like Kilwa, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and many more.
South Africa is among the tourist attraction destinations in Africa, having a good climate and connecting to great oceans. South Africa lies at the interface of three oceans: the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean. It has many wildlife parks and an important bird flyway. It is among the most visited countries in the continent of Africa.
North Africa is pillared by Egypt, which is downstream of the Nile. It is
the most visited country in Africa, having many attractions, including more than 118 pyramids and many sphinxes. One can explore the wonders found in the Nile.
West Africa also has attractions, including the Niger River and many cultural values found in the western part of Africa. The Sahara Desert expedition.
The traditions and culture of various African tribes are worth visiting. Having more than 3000 tribes, one has much to learn and experience. One should experience the understanding of the cultural value of these locals, with good traditional dances and lifestyles.
TourHQ is a grand platform that will allow a traveler to explore Africa. Having local guides who know their locality, TourHQ by far gives the best for any traveler and should be highly recommended to travelers who want to explore Africa. We will share our knowledge and provide the best service to our clients. Having a fair trade practice and value for money service to any traveller. We welcome you to Africa.