Africa covers roughly 30 million km², is three times the size of Europe and the second-largest continent, home to over a billion people. Africa — the cradle of civilization.
The largest island is Madagascar, located off Africa's southeast coast in the Indian Ocean, belonging to the Mascarene Islands along with Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion.
The History of Africa
- Africa contains the oldest known traces of human life.
- Egypt was home to one of humanity's first great civilizations.
- After the discovery of the Americas, Africa served mainly as a source for the slave trade. A large share of the population of Brazil, the Caribbean islands and the USA are of African descent.
- After the slave trade was banned in 1807 and the Industrial Revolution, Africa became less interesting to European powers.
- In the 1950s, several states gained independence.
- 1960 is known as the year of African independence — most French colonies were granted independence.
- Djibouti became the last European colony on the mainland to gain independence in 1977.
Diving & Beach Trip to Marsa Alam — Egypt
Escaping the winter:
A week of diving fun and pure relaxation at the Three Corners Hotel in Marsa Alam, Egypt.
Photo: Sunset over the desert
1 Week Desert Trekking in the Sahara
A tour from the Douz Oasis to Ksar Ghilane. By dromedary and on foot, roughly 120 km through the Sahara in Tunisia.
Photo: Dromedary in the Sahara
Destination Madagascar
By Klaus Konnerth:
One of the world's largest islands remains virtually unknown to most travelers to this day. Madagascar is without doubt the most fascinating country I have ever visited, and over time I turned my passion for the Red Island into a profession. For more than seven years I have been working as a tour guide (tour leader), offering extraordinary tours across the island.
The roughly 1,000-kilometer route from the capital Antananarivo south to Tulear, almost reaching the Tropic of Capricorn, is rightly considered the classic route through Madagascar and is by far the most popular stretch among tourists. And for good reason: strung along this route like pearls on a necklace are some of the most spectacular landscapes on the entire island, plus countless other attractions that are largely easy to reach. That is why I find this tour — which can be done in countless variations — the most suitable and most diverse way to discover this enormous island. The RN 7 itself is now fully paved and has encouraged a relatively dense tourism infrastructure. At nearly every hotspot we now find a selection of good restaurants and accommodations for different budgets. Many locals and foreign tourism entrepreneurs have also recognized the potential of the pristine mountain regions and are organizing more and more tours or establishing new camps. It should also be noted that along this route you not only get to know the land and its people but also find accommodations in previously undeveloped areas.
For this route you should plan at least one week, ideally 10 to 25 days! The perfect trip length, especially if you include the train ride toward Manakara, would be three weeks.
More information at urlaub-auf-madagaskar.com
5,892 Meters — Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
A report by Simon Habek: www.5892meter.de
In July 2009, I successfully climbed Kilimanjaro.
On my website, I share the grueling preparations, daily experiences between tent and jungle, and tips on gear for all aspiring mountaineers who have this adventure still ahead of them.
