Africa is attributed to being the cradle of mankind. Some of the paleontological findings that show proof of early man’s use of tools have been specifically found in Kenya and East Africa. Some of the earliest human civilizations found in Africa predate even those that were found in Europe.
Among these were the Ancient Egyptians, Nubians, Aksumites and the Mali Empire (home to the legend Mansa Musa believed to be the richest man in history).
The continent of Africa is the second largest in the world covering an area of over 30 million sq Km and with over 2,000 languages spoken here; among them Arabic, Swahili, Hausa, Amharic, Yoruba and Zulu.
In this article, we shall share more interesting facts about this magnificent continent. Let’s dive in.
The Sahara Desert
The continent of Africa is home to the Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world. It stretches across northern Africa from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Mediterranean Sea in the east. The Sahara covers an expansive area of 9.2 million sq km spanning ten countries:
- Algeria,
- Chad,
- Egypt,
- Libya,
- Mali,
- Mauritania,
- Morocco,
- Niger,
- Sudan, and Tunisia.
The Sahara Desert experiences some of the highest temperatures on Earth. During the day, temperatures can soar above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit); at night, they can drop to below freezing.
Additionally, the Sahara is famous for its vast stretches of sand dunes. These dunes can reach impressive heights, with some towering over 180 meters tall.
The Sahara has a rich history, and evidence of human presence in the region dates back thousands of years. The desert is also home to ancient rock art, archaeological sites, and the remnants of once-prosperous civilizations, such as the Garamantes and the Ancient Egyptians.
Due to climate change, the Sahara is expanding southwards at a rate of 48 km per year with no actionable end in sight. It remains to be determined whether this rapid desertification of the continent could be reduced or even stopped.
It will take great conviction and participation from all countries of the world to help reduce this impact.
The River Nile
The river Nile is the lifeline of the African desert. It is the longest river in Africa and was until recently considered the longest river in the world (until new research determined that the Amazon River holds that title).
The source of the Nile is still in contention as all efforts to find its true source have not been conclusive yet. It covers an estimated length of 6,650 KM long passing through 10 countries in north and eastern Africa namely;
- Burundi,
- Tanzania, Rwanda,
- the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
- Egypt,
- Kenya,
- Uganda,
- Sudan,
- Ethiopia, and South Sudan.
The ancient Egyptians settled along the Nile and relied on its annual flooding to cultivate fertile land for agriculture. This settlement made the Nile Valley the birthplace of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced civilizations.
As the Nile approaches the Mediterranean Sea in northern Egypt, it forms a triangular-shaped delta known as the Nile Delta. This delta is a fertile region with rich soils, making it an important agricultural area and home to a significant population.
For the traveling creator, the Nile continues to be a place of beauty. This river has been an incredible source of inspiration for countless writers, poets, and artists throughout history. Its beauty, significance, and cultural heritage have been celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and music.
We organize numerous tours to the Nile all year round for anyone looking to visit this miracle of nature.
The Pyramids of Giza-Egypt
A wonder of the world, the pyramids of Giza continue to marvel researchers to this day. Great mysteries revolve around their construction and purpose. There is also the potential of discovering more hidden passages in the future.
The Pyramids of Giza are located on the outskirts of Cairo, an enduring symbol of ancient Egyptian civilization. They are prominently featured in Egyptian international culture, art, and media, representing the grandeur and ingenuity of the ancient world.
The pyramids at Giza are aligned with remarkable precision. The sides of the Great Pyramid of Khufu face the four cardinal points of the compass with only a slight deviation. This level of alignment reflects the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of the ancient Egyptians.
In conclusion, Africa is a truly remarkable continent with a wealth of incredible wonders waiting to be discovered. At Kendirita Tours, we are passionate about showcasing the beauty of Africa to the world. We also care deeply for our environment and we will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable tourism.
Therefore, if you hold a dream of embarking on a desert adventure in the Sahara, cruising along the Nile in search of ancient wonders, or marveling at the timeless pyramids of Giza, we are here to turn your dream of the African safari into reality.