Djenne is an Urban Commune and town in Inland Niger Delta region of central Mali. In the year 2009, the commune had 32,944 inhabitants and administratively it is a part of Mopti Region. It is a city in Mali well-known for its mosque, the largest mudbrick building in the world. As of 1987, it has been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It says on its website that Djenne became important link and market centre in trans-Saharan gold trade. The Djenne’s history is intimately linked with Timbuktu. Between 15th and 17th centuries much of trans-Saharan trade in goods like slaves, salt and gold moved out and in of Timbuktu passed via Djenne. Both cities became Islamic scholarship centres. Its prosperity relied on this trade and when Portuguese founded trading posts on the coast of Africa,  [...]

You will need only 10 minutes for reaching the Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa from the Banjul International Airport. This hotel is often described by the guests as a paradise. This magnificent accommodation option of Gambia has been designed inspired by the local traditions. It looks typically like an African village surrounded by greeneries comprising of baobab and palm trees. What are the different room types housed by the Sheraton Gambia Hotel Resort & Spa? The guests can choose from 4 accommodation options, the Classic Rooms and Deluxe Rooms, the Presidential Villa and the Suites. Sheraton Gambia has its special beach, which can be reached only in 30 seconds from the actual hotel premises. The hotel authority guarantees absolute safety, privacy and relaxation to all its guests.  [...]

The Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is a Gambia based national park established in the year 1996. This national covers a total area of 220 sq. km. The exact location of this wetland reserve is along River Gambia’s north bank, about 100 km away from the mouth of the river. Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is even named after one of the tributaries of River Gambia, the Bao Bolon. This tributary emerges from Senegal and travels to meet River Gambia.The area, which now has the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, was first declared to be the homeland for this reserve in the year 1993. However, the inauguration of the reserve took 3 more years to happen. Bao Bolong is the first Gambian reserve that is meant for protecting a wetland area. The entire area of the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve is inhabited by rich flora  [...]

Goree Island or the Ile de Goree is a tiny islet situated not far from the coast of the capital city of Senegal, Dakar. The island is a major center for tourism. The island is historically significant as it was a major center for slave trading in the ancient times. The island is a significant destination for African Americans. Many African Americans come here to pay their respects and to reflect upon the past and their ancestors. The House of Slaves or the Maison des Esclaves is a pilgrimage spot of sorts, where people come to remember the horrors of slave trade and the countless lost souls due to the evil. Goree Island has been declared a World Heritage by the UNESCO and has been visited by world famous public figures such as Nelson Mandela, the Pope, Presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush.  [...]

If you are in Africa and are looking for beach fun combined with relaxing vibes, São Vicente is one of the best options. Recognized among the striking islands of the Cape Verde archipelago, this beautiful atoll is nestled at a distance of 600 miles from the West African shore. São Vicente is actually a flat volcanic island that ensures a picturesquely memorable holiday. Among the attractions here, a majority of them are beaches offering some thrilling water sports, some are cultural highlights, and a few are historic landmarks guarantying fun for the people of all ages and likes. Attractions As a tourist destination, São Vicente is very appealing. It is certainly the great beaches that attract thousands of visitors each year. Because of these scenic shores, the island has become a perfect  [...]

Benin seems to be quite a beautiful country that is located in the west of Africa. In fact Benin shares its borders with Togo, Nigeria, Niger and Faso Burkin.  One of the most famous attractions of Benin includes the royal Palaces of Abomey. This place is quite famous for its history and rich cultural heritage.  Traveling in Benin is all about exploration of the rich history and culture of the Western part of Africa.  In Fact some of the many other historical attractions in this place would include tombs, murals, buildings and what seem like sculptures. The Abomey palaces are now a part of the UNESCO world heritage site. Benin travel is also quite enjoyable and is quite fascinating as well.  When you come to the many historic sites, there are many other interesting places that you could  [...]

The British colonists especially liked the Kumasi.  The rolling hills which are cool and wooded, is a good retreat from the humidity of the entire coast.  This is quite an affluent city. The traffic here is impossible though. You could spend about three hours just walking around the market and this happens to be one of the biggest markets in all of West Africa.  Town criers and other traders who are here to silt heir crafts. These people sell everything from bats made of fruit to nails that are almost the size of a fist. There is a railway right in the middle that runs right through the market place.  Although this is unused and the railway is blocked with the many stalls that come up in its way. This is what it looks like, until you hear a hoot of a far away train and suddenly all the  [...]

If you would see through the sea mist from the road, you could go to cape coast that makes it all look like an old print made from sepia. There are old trading houses which are faded and the ones that keep trailing on from one beach to the other. There are huge fishing rows and canoes that follow. There are fishermen who mend nets beneath the snouts of canons. These point out the lime washed ramparts. When you look through it, it seems as it must be for somewhere more than to hundred years. This is when the gold coast came to be one of the richest and most self explained platforms for the trading of slaves in all of western Africa. There are many heavy showers that you might have to wait for it to pass. You could then follow your guide along the path s you face harsh sunlight. This whole thing  [...]

Liberian food is almost like a weakness to most people who know what this place and its food is all about. You will get to experience delectable dishes like a pungent mix of palm oil, smoked fish, crawfish, roasted beef and bitter leaf. You might find yourself dipping your finger into the bowl of stew. Right after that you could also treat yourself to a shot of espresso. The food here is made with many spices and these flavors are influenced by the many immigrants and settlers who have made this tiny coastal country home. This place incorporates the best of African cooking infuse with a tasteful infusion of South American tradition. As this was the place from where the African slaves had brought heir recipes from, and then further refined then and then once again took these recipes back to  [...]

While you walk the streets of Senegal, you will be able to find the West African breeze rustling through the palm trees and then it stirs up the dirt into what looks like a tiny tornado right in the parking lot. No, No, it definitely is not as bad as it seems. You could hire a SUV to take you around and while you go past the nocturnal crowds that keep streaking in and pout of the nightclubs here. Or if you are arriving on foot, car, scooter or even by a battered and beaten up black and yellow taxi cab. Get a chance to witness Mr. N’Dour in person who is Africa’s biggest music star.  Over here the city comes completely alive to the sound of music especially at night. N’Dour has just arrived into Dakar which happens to be the capital of the beautiful country of Senegal. He was at a Gala  [...]