Mount Kilimanjaro, in North-Eastern Tanzania, is the tallest free standing mountain rise in the world. It rises 4,600 meters (15,000 feet) from its base, and includes the highest peak in Africa, at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet). It was originally called “Kili”, meaning “Mountain of God”, by the Chagga community who live at its foot. Upon their arrival, German colonialists named it Kaiser-Wilhelm-Spitze.
Life in Africa
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Himba | Namibia
The Himba, acclaimed as friendly people, are closely related to the Herero and speak the same language. The Himba are herdsmen, breeding mainly cattle and goats, while leading a semi-nomadic life.
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Oumou Sy | Senegal
Born on the border of Mauritania and Senegal, Sy is said to have liked the feel of fabrics that she often played with in childhood before her interest veered to joining, stitching and sewing pieces of fabrics together. Sy has made up her own model label, “Made in Africa”, and expresses her versatility in the creative textile and jewelry designs she produces.
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Félix Houphouët-Boigny | Côte d’Ivoire
Politician and physician who was president of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) from independence in 1960 until his death in 1993. Under his rule, it became one of the most prosperous nations in sub-Saharan Africa. His later years were marred by an economic downturn, civil unrest, and criticism of the enormous Roman Catholic basilica that he had built at Yamoussoukro, his birthplace. In 1989, UNESCO created the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize for the “safeguarding, maintaining and seeking of peace.”
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Lesotho
The Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, a land locked country, entirely surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. Formerly Basutoland, the name Lesotho roughly translates into “the land of the people who speak Sotho.” Lesotho’s economy is based on exports of water and electricity( both being sold to South Africa), manufacturing, agriculture, livestock, and, to some extent, the earnings of laborers employed in South Africa.
Vasco da Gama
1460–1524
The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama led an expedition at the end of the 15th century that opened the sea route to India, by way of the Cape of Good Hope, at the southern tip of Africa.
He was born about 1460 at Sines. He was a gentleman at court when he was chosen to lead the expedition to India in search of spices, and to outflank the Muslims in Africa.
Four ships left Lisbon on July 8, 1497, reaching the Cape of Good Hope region on November 7. The ships rounded the Cape on November 22, continuing on to Mozambique. There, they were assumed to be Muslims, and the sultan of Mozambique supplied them with pilots. Continuing North, then East, they crossed the Indian Ocean in 23 days, and reached Calicutta on May 20, 1498.
Africa Travel Accomodations
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The Alfajiri Villas
Location: Diani Beach, Kenya
Type: Luxury, Resort Rates: $300–$600
Tucked on the East African Indian ocean shores, from elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, Alfajiri embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best.
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The Indigo Bay Resort
Location: Bazaruto Island, Mozambique
Type: Luxury, Resort Rates: $300–$2611
Indigo Bay is an exquisite island resort, situated on the pristine Bazaruto Island, the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The resort offers exclusive Indian Ocean island accommodation in the Bazaruto Archipelago with its exquisite natural beauty and ecological diversity.
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Djibouti Palace Kempinski
Location: Djibouti, Djibouti
Type: Luxury, Rates: US $350–$1750
Djibouti Palace Kempinski is ideally located at a prime beachfront between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, in a secluded and peaceful setting of palms and buganvillea. Discover the privacy of not being disturbed, whist you are enjoying the luxurious atmosphere of this beautiful escape only 3 hours from Dubai.
