Sanly_wen

The Sphinx and pyramids of Giza Egypt is synonymous with Pharaohs, the pyramids, temples and antiquities from ancient civilizations. And at the centre of these great civilizations lies the Nile River that has influenced their economics, social life, politics and religion. It is the oldest travel destination on earth: Greek and Roman travellers came in 430 BCE to wonder at some of the very sights that make it a modern travel destination today. The magnificence of the painted Valley of the Kings, exquisite temples and the pyramids were all sought-after subjects of admiration, and many were already 2,500 years old!   From desert landscapes and dry, rugged mountains that reach to the sea, dusty cities full of exotic sounds and smells, and green strips of agricultural land snaking along the banks of the Nile, Egypt has something to offer all travellers from all walks of life. Spectacular diving in the Red Sea; unique desert experiences, whether on the back of a camel to Mount Sinai or on a jeep safari to the inner oases; the colour and chaos of Cairo and its markets; and felucca cruises on the Nile River are just some of the exotic attractions awaiting visitors. Egypt promises an unforgettable experience of history and relaxation - a mixture of discovery and pleasure. Cairo      A panaromic view of the Nile coursing through Cairo Known as the greatest city in the Islamic world, Cairo's ancient monuments and medieval customs thrive in a cosmopolitan, modern city. A blend of Arab, African and European influences, Africa's largest city has a population of at least 18 million. In Islamic (or Medieval) Cairo, narrow congested streets are filled with donkey carts, spice traders and imposing mosques.     A central landmark is Midan Hussain, a large open square with tea houses around the perimeter, and dominated by the sacred Mosque of Sayyidna Al-Hussain. Adjacent is the famous Khan-el Khalili, one of the world's largest bazaars, pulsing with commerce and crammed with spices, coppersmiths, perfume and trinkets. Bargaining has been a way of life in these alleyways since the late 14th century and it is easy to get taken in by silver-tongued salesmen. Here, Fishawi's tea house has been in business for over 200 years, and is still a great people-watching venue. Nearby is Al-Azhar Mosque, containing the oldest university in the world (AD 970). The pre-Ottoman Madrassa and Mausoleum of Al-Ghouri, has Sufi dancing, and opposite is Wakala of Al-Ghouri, an attractively preserved cultural center. Exhibits in the Museum of Islamic Art bring Islamic Cairo to life, with arts, ceramics, mosaics and calligraphy. The Citadel was home to Egypt's rulers for 700 years; an imposing medieval fortress offering sweeping views of the city. Within it is the Midan Salah al-Din with the unmissable Sultan Hassan and Rifai Mosques. The Mohammad Ali Mosque has classic Ottoman minarets and interior. Within the Citadel, other attractions include the Military National Museum, Al-Gawhara Palace and Museum and the National Police Museum. City of the Dead (Northern Cemetery) is a Mamluk necropolis with hundreds of thousands of tombs dating from the 12th century. Many thousands more live here in something resembling a shanty town amongst the ornate mausoleums. Sharia Talat Harb street and Midan Tahrir (Liberation Square) are typical of the more modern, commercial center of Cairo - filled with concrete and cars, and containing countless hotels, restaurants, office blocks and museums. Here is one of the country's greatest attractions; the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities housing over 130,000 exhibits, including Pharaonic and Byzantine art and sculpture, the Mummy Room and the celebrated Tutankhamun exhibition. Behind the museum, bridges cross the Nile, and riverside walks along the corniche bring some relief from traffic. Here, river taxis travel to local docks, and feluccas (sail boats) are available for private trips. The south is home to the Coptic Orthodox Christians, forming 10 per cent of the population. Originally a Roman fortress town called Babylon; it was greatly significant to early Christians. Here, the Coptic Museum has exhibits from AD 300 to AD 1000, in the world's greatest collection of Coptic art. The Hanging Church, Monastery of St George and the churches of St Sergius and St Barbara are all in the same area. The Ben Ezra Synagogue is one of the oldest in Egypt, and represents the remains of the Jewish community. The small island of Gezira is a modern up market area with the Opera House (a US$30 million arts complex) containing the Museum of Modern Art, and the Cairo Tower with great city views. The adjacent neighborhood of Zamalek contains elegant town houses and embassies. On the southwest outskirts of the city is Giza with Cairo Zoo and the University. But Cairo is most famous for the Great Pyramids, Egypt's most visited monuments. Of the three main pyramids (Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus), the largest is 137m (449ft) high and contains some three million blocks of stone. Exploring the interiors is possible via labyrinthine tunnels and staircases. Adjacent is the bewitching Sphinx, as named by the ancient Greeks, with the head of a woman and body of a lion. Erosion was partly rectified by restoration, which finished in 1998. Early morning and late afternoon are a little less crowded, and every evening there are son et lumière - extravagant light shows telling the story of ancient Egypt. Camels, horses and donkeys can be hired to explore the site.

Ethiopia is situated in northeast Africa, bordered by Eritrea, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti. The central area is a vast highland region of volcanic rock forming a watered, temperate zone surrounded by hot, arid desert. Places of interest in the capital, Addis Ababa, include St George's Cathedral, the Menelik Mausoleum and the large market. Aksum, in the north, was the ancient royal capital of the earliest Ethiopian kingdom. It is renowned for multi-storied ancient carved granite obelisks and for the church which claims to house the Lost Ark of the Covenant. The ancient church in Lallibella, hewn from the ground is also worth a visit.   The Blue Nile Waterfalls  Also in the north, the Blue Nile Waterfalls are spectacular. National parks include the Simien National Park (in the northern mountains) and the Bale Mountains National Park, on high southern moorland country, which has its own unique flora and fauna. No visit to Ethiopia is complete without sampling Ethiopian food, the famous injera, the national dish of Ethiopia and we't (meat, chicken or vegetables, cooked in a hot pepper sauce). Local red and dry white wines are worth trying. Talla (Ethiopian beer) has a unique taste. Ethiopia boasts of the largest open air market in Africa, the mercato. Herein one can find a variety of goods and services and cap a visit to Ethiopia with some great buys and bargains.  Addis Ababa       Street scene in Addis Ababa Addis Ababa (Amharic "new flower") is the capital city of Ethiopia. As a chartered city (astedader akabibi), Addis Ababa has the status of both a city and a state. The city has as many as 80 nationalities speaking 80 languages, and Christian and Muslim communities. The site was chosen by Empress Taytu Betul and the city was founded in 1886 by her husband, Emperor Menelik II, and now has a population of around four million, and an eight per cent annual growth rate. The city lies at the foot of Mount Entoto, and is home to Addis Ababa University. Addis Ababa University was formerly known as Haile Selassie I University, after the former Emperor of Ethiopia, who donated his Guenete Leul Palace to be the University main campus in 1961. Addis Ababa is home to the headquarters of the Africa Union.

Northern Cameroon architecture

Situated on the west coast of Africa, Cameroon is bordered by the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The country to the northwest is beautiful; volcanic peaks covered by bamboo forest rise to over 2000m (6500ft), with waterfalls and villages scattered over the lower slopes. The capital, Yaoundé, stands on seven hills. There are several modern hotels and many markets, shops and cinemas.

The cathedral, the Artisan at National (a craft/souvenir market) and Wouri Bridge are well worth visiting. The Kalamaloue Reserve, in northern Cameroon, is small but offers plenty of opportunities for viewing antelope, monkey and warthog. Cooking is predominantly French or Lebanese, though local food can be very tasty. Avocado pears, pineapples and mangoes are frequently used ingredients. In Douala and Yaoundé, nightclubs and casinos can be found independently or within most good hotels. 
Douala
Douala, Cameroon's economic capital is 24km (15 miles) from the sea and is dominated by Mount Cameroon, West Africa's highest mountain (4095m/14,435ft). It is the largest city in Cameroon, and capital of the Littoral Province. It is the commercial capital of the country and home to its largest port. The Bonaberi Bridge over the Wouri River divides the city into two parts. The population of Douala is currently likely to be over two million.
Douala is a transportation center handling most of the country's exports (oil, cocoa and coffee) as well as transit trade from Chad. It developed as a center of the slave trade after the Portuguese arrived in 1472. It later became part of a German protectorate in 1884 and of the French Cameroons in 1919.
The city is also home to Eko Market, the largest in the nation. The most important districts of Douala are Bonanjo (the commercial and administrative centre) and Akwa (known for its nightlife). Douala Airport is the busiest in Cameroon, while railway lines run to Yaoundé, Kumba and Nkongsamba.
Yaoundé
Yaoundé, with an estimated population 1,430,000 (2004), is the administrative capital city of Cameroon and second largest city in the West African country after Douala. It lies in the centre of the nation at about 750 meters above sea level.
The city centre houses government offices, some hotels and the central market. The Bastos neighborhood contains foreign embassies and a large expatriate community. Attractions in the city include the Cameroon Art Museum (located in a Benedictine monastery), the Cameroon National Museum (located in the former presidential palace) and the Afhemi Museum. There is a small zoo in the Mvog-Betsi neighbourhood. The city is also home an international airport, while railway lines run to Douala and N'Gaoundéré. Many bus companies operate from the city, particularly in the Nsam and Mvan neighborhoods.
The city has numerous markets, with the market at Mokolo as one of the biggest. The national football team plays frequent matches in the Ahmadou Ahidjo (or Omnisport) stadium. Yaoundé is the site of several universities: the University of Yaoundé I, University of Yaounde II (on a campus outside of town) and the Catholic University for Central Africa (UCAC). The presidential palace and compound is in the Etoudi neighborhood.

Tourist Attractions
The Center & East
Yaoundé, the capital city, stands on seven hills. There are modern hotels and many markets, shops and cinemas. Museums include the Musée des Bénédictins, a collection of traditional arts and crafts housed in a Benedictine Monastery on Mont Fébé, and the newer National Museum of Yaoundé. To the northwest, jungle-clad mountains rise to an altitude of 1000m (3280ft). Mont Fébé, which overlooks the city, has been developed as a resort, with a luxury hotel, nightclub, casino, gardens and golf course. Its high altitude ensures a pleasant climate.
Further on are the Nachtigal Falls on the River Sanga ; continue to Bertoua, Yokadouma and Moloundou with its abundant wildlife, most notably a small population of lowland gorillas.
The West
Douala, Cameroon's economic capital, is 24km (15 miles) from the sea, on the left bank of the Wouri and dominated by Mount Cameroon. The cathedral, the shopping avenues, the Artisanat National (a craft/souvenir market), Deido market, the harbor, the museum, Wouri Bridge and the electric coffee-grading plant are worth visiting.
Buéa is a charming town situated on the slopes of Mount Cameroon (4095m/14,435ft), West Africa's highest mountain and the highest active volcano in Africa. For those interested in climbing the mountain, which is relatively easy, a permit from the local tourist office is necessary (these are not issued during the rainy season from March to November).
 Limbé (formerly Victoria) is a pleasant port with a botanical garden and 'jungle village'. There are beautiful white sandy beaches a short drive out of town. The tourist season runs between November and February.
Dschang is a mountain resort at an altitude of 1400m (4600ft) where the temperature is pleasantly cool. The road southwards to Nkongsamba and Douala passes through some splendid scenery - spectacular valleys and waterfalls. Bamenda, in the highlands north of Dschang, has a museum and a craft market. Foumban, northeast of Dschang, has many traditional buildings dating from its period of German colonization, including Bafut Fon's Palace, which includes a craft center. There is also the Musée du Palais, whose collection includes bejeweled thrones, armaments, musical instruments and dancing masks, the Musée des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun, and a market. The town serves as an excellent base for experiencing the Bamileke region's colorful Bamoun festivals and feast days.
Kribi, a small port and beach resort south of Douala, has perhaps the finest beach in Cameroon, Londji Beach. It is also a convenient starting point for tours to local villages and the Campo Game Reserve region. Buffaloes, lions and elephants roam the virgin forests inland.
The North
North Cameroon presents unexpected natural landscapes, with an average altitude of 1500m (4900ft) and plains, reaching an altitude of 300m (1000ft), covered by savannah.
Maroua is located in the foothills of the Mandara Mountains, along the Mayo River. Places worth visiting include the market, the Diamare Museum (mainly an ethnographic museum where local craftwares are on sale: jewelry, tooled leather articles etc), the various African quarters and the banks of the Mayo Kaliao. There is a National Park nearby.
Mokolo is a picturesque town in a rugged rocky landscape. Approximately 55km (34 miles) away is the village of Rhumsiki, which features a maze of paths linking the small farms known as the Kapsiki; the Kirdi live here, whose customs and folklore have changed little for centuries.
Going further north, there is a very typical village called Koza located at an altitude of 1100m (3600ft). From here the road continues to the village of Mabas which gives a panoramic view on the large Bornou plain of Nigeria and where one can still see primitive blast furnaces.
National Parks and Reserves

Morning walk in Njili Hills

The Kalamaloué Reserve is small but offers opportunities for viewing several species of antelopes, monkeys and warthogs; some elephants cross the reserve. Waza National Park covers 170,000 hectares (420,079 acres) and is open from mid-November to mid-June. There is a forest area and a vast expanse of grassy and wet plains, called Yaeres. Elephants, giraffes, antelopes, hartebeest, cobs, lions, cheetahs and warthogs are numerous. There is also a rich variety of birds, including eagles, crested cranes, maribous, pelicans, ducks, geese and numerous guinea-fowl. Accommodation and other facilities are available. A vehicle and a guide are required for entrance to the park.

A gorilla charging Because of the high altitude of the country, Rwanda has a pleasant tropical highland climate, with a daily temperature range as great as 14°C (25°F). Temperature vary considerably from region to region because of the variations in altitude. The average daytime temperature is about 30°C except in the highlands where it is much cooler. There are four seasons; long rains from mid March to mid May, short rains from mid-October to mid-December; long dry period from mid-May to mid-October and short dry season from mid-December to mid-March. The north-east has more rainfall than other parts of the country. Rwanda is home to about half of the world's mountain gorillas. The primates are to be found in the Virunga Mountains to the north of Rwanda.         Kigali Kigali, population 330,000 (1997), is the capital city of Rwanda and its largest city, lying in the centre of the nation. Centred on a ridge between two valleys, it is known for its lush green vegetation. It is built in hilly country, with the lower parts at roughly 4700 feet (1433 m), and the higher hills over 5400 feet (1645 m) in elevation. Founded in 1907 under Belgian colonial rule, Kigali was made the capital when Rwanda gained independence in 1962. It succeeded Nyanza, the traditional capital of Rwanda's Tutsi monarchy. Tin ore (cassiterite) is mined nearby, and the city built a smelting plant in the 1980s.

Nigeria has borders with Niger to the north, Chad (across Lake Chad) to the northeast, Cameroon to the east and Benin to the west. To the south, the Gulf of Guinea is indented by the Bight of Benin and the Bight of Biafra. The country's topography and vegetation vary considerably. The coastal region is a low-lying area of lagoons, sandy beaches and mangrove swamps, which merges into an area of rainforest where palm trees grow to over 30m (100ft). From here, the landscape changes to savannah and open woodland, rising to the Central Jos Plateau at 1800m (6000ft). The northern part of the country marks the southern extent of the Sahara.
Lagos

Lagos

Lagos is the largest city in Nigeria, and one of the largest on the continent of Africa. Lagos is built on the mainland and the series of islands surrounding Lagos Lagoon. Originally a small village, known as Eko, its position as one of the few natural harbours on the Atlantic coast made it a principal site for European contact. The city name comes from a Portuguese derivation of the word "Lagoon". Lagos is the former capital city of Nigeria as it was replaced by Abuja but the city remains the commercial center of Nigeria. The city officially lost its status as the capital city of Nigeria on 12th December 1991.

The commercial centre remains Lagos Island, which is connected to the mainland by three large bridges: Eko Bridge, Carter Bridge, and Third Mainland Bridge. Ikoyi and Victoria islands are closely connected to Lagos Island. The main docks are in Apapa directly opposite Lagos Island. Other districts on the mainland include Ebute-Meta, Surulere, Yaba (Lagos) (site of the University of Lagos), Mushin, and Ikeja, site of Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
The mainland is home to most of the residential areas and famous music-based nightlife, notably around Yaba and Surulere, as well as the Nigerian National Stadium, the University of Lagos and the railway station (with trains to Kano). Attractions in the city include the Lagos National Museum, Tafa Balewa Square known for its war memorials, the Independence House skyscraper (built in 1963), many markets including the Balogun Market and the Brazilian quarter, all on Lagos Island; the Nigerian National Theatre and several beaches. The city also has two airports: the Murtala Mohammed International Airport and the Lagos Domestic Airport.
There are a lot of great beaches. Especially if you make the effort to get outside the side (like Badagari). Inside the city, Lekki is about as good as it gets. There are also lots of markets to see, although it can be very tiring. Usually safe during the day.

The Southwest
Ibadan is famous for its university and its market (one of the biggest in Nigeria). It is a convenient base for trips to the other, more traditional, old towns of the Western State.
The large, traditional town of Oyo has some old Portuguese-style houses and is the site of the capital of the old Yoruba Empire. Oshogbo is the founding center of the internationally renowned school of Oshogbo art and home of the shrines and grove of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility. The famous Oshun Shrine is to be found here. The Oshun Festival takes place towards the end of August each year.
Ile-Ife, the ancient name of the town of Ife, is the cradle of Yoruba culture, and includes the Ife Museum, which has many fine bronze and terracotta sculptures dating back to the 13th century. The university here is a center for batik-dying. Akure is a good base from which to explore the seven Olumirin Waterfalls.

Tinubi square,Lagos

Kaduna is a government town laid out by the British and has fine buildings and modern amenities. The ancient walled city of Zaria to the north retains much of its old character and has a fine mosque and Emir's Palace. Outside Katsina, on the border with Niger, are some old Hausa burial mounds and the city is the site of spectacular Sallah festivals (see Special Events in the General Info section). At Maiduguri, the Sallah festival is held three months after the festival of Eid al-Fitr, during which Borno horsemen demonstrate their equestrian prowess. The town also has a palace, park, zoo and museum.

The area around Lake Chad is flat and prone to flooding during and after the rains. The whole region is of special interest to the ornithologist and nature enthusiast. In contrast, some of the most striking and fascinating mountain scenery can be enjoyed around Biu and towards the Cameroon border.

Bujumbura

 

Bujumbura City

Bujumbura, estimated population 300,000 (1994), is the capital city of Burundi. The city lies at the north eastern corner of Lake Tanganyika, and is Burundi's largest city and its administrative, communications, and economic center. Manufactures include cement, textiles, and soap. Bujumbura is Burundi's main port and ships most of the country's chief export, coffee, as well as cotton, skins, and tin ore. Bujumbura is located at 3°22'34" South, 29°21'36" East (-3.3761111, 29.36).

The city centre is a colonial town with a large market, the national stadium, a large mosque and a cathedral. Museums in the city include the Burundi Museum of Life and the Burundi Geological Museum. Other nearby attractions include the Rusizi National Park, a rock at Mugere marking what claims to be the place where David Livingstone and Henry Stanley met (although the meeting is usually thought to have happened in Ujiji) and the source of the southernmost tributary of the Nile, described locally as the source of the Nile.
Although most travelers will find that they can get around fairly well with a working knowledge of French (and increasingly, English), some familiarity with Swahili, or the related local language, Kirundi, is helpful particularly in rural areas.


Sailing on Lake Tanganyika