Interesting places in West Africa. The best attractions of Africa with photos and descriptions. Sights of North Africa

Africa is one of the largest continents, with a large number of attractions that are definitely worth visiting. If you go on a trip to Africa, be sure to visit at least a few of the places listed below.

Africa is so exotic and diverse that every place will surprise you with something unique. If you visit at least one of the places we have listed, you can deservedly consider your trip to Africa useful and interesting.

Zanzibar

A semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania - indeed unique place destinations in Africa. Zanzibar offers travelers an interesting mixture of architecture, combining Arabic, Middle Eastern, Moorish and Indian styles. It has many world-class beaches, vibrant attractions and well-preserved history. Be sure to spend time in Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town, where there are some fantastic museums and an old fort from the 17th century.

Lake Malawi

Some of the largest reserves of fresh water in Africa are found in Lake Malawi. As its name suggests, most of the lake lies within the borders of Malawi, also covering parts of Tanzania and Mozambique. If you want to see Lake Malawi, one of the best ways to do so is to visit the national park of the same name, located at the southern end of the lake. The park has miles of walking paths, not to mention countless viewpoints where you can admire the lake and take breathtaking photos. With a depth of 706 meters, Malawi is among the most deep lakes peace.

Etosha Park

The second largest game reserve in Namibia is Etosha National Park. It was created around the Etosha Salt Flats, where numerous animals congregate. As a result, national park has become a fascinating place to watch wildlife Africa. Be sure to bring binoculars with you to get a better look at zebras, springbok antelope, lions, giraffes, elephants and other wild inhabitants of the park. Three holiday camps provide visitors with different types housing, allowing you to observe amazing animals in comfortable conditions with all amenities.

Fish River Canyon

The incredible Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia is one of the largest canyons in the world. This is truly a breathtaking natural attraction in Africa and one of the... natural wonders continent. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. You can travel along the canyon on a hiking trail, or take a helicopter tour to admire the colorful rock formations against the backdrop of the rushing river.

Okavango Delta

At the meeting point of the Okavango River and the Kalahari Basin you will find the Okavango Delta. This excellent place with untouched nature is definitely worth a visit. Thanks to its water source, the Okavango's wildlife is particularly diverse. It is also a popular safari destination where you can enjoy the amazing landscapes of Africa. A fantastic and unforgettable way to explore the Okavango Delta - an aerial plane tour that allows you to see everything local beauties in detail. This natural wonder in Botswana is worth visiting at least once in your life.

Mount Kilimanjaro

In the far north of Tanzania, near the Kenyan border, is located famous Mountain Kilimanjaro. It is the tallest in Africa and also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, making Kilimanjaro popular place destination for many travelers. Only the strongest among them can reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, but there are also other ways to explore one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania. Easier hikes around the base of the mountain will delight you with magnificent waterfalls and plenty of amazing scenery.

Kruger Park

The most famous of South Africa's many parks is the Kruger National Park, named after former South African President Paul Kruger. The creation of the park had three main goals: nature conservation, education and tourism. To visit the park you need to buy a permit, after which you can travel either independently or with a guide. Most visitors prefer to join an excursion or book a safari tour. The main attractions of the Kruger National Park include observation deck Crocodile River, Masorini village and an abundance of Big Five animals: Lions, African buffalo, rhinoceros, African elephant and leopard. Kruger is also included in the list of outstanding beauty spots in South Africa.

Ngorongoro Game Reserve

Ngorongoro Nature Reserve is one of Tanzania's most outstanding attractions. The area is named after the Ngorongoro Crater, a volcanic caldera at the center of the reserve. The crater attracts many tourists, as does the steep Oldupai gorge. The Ngorongoro Game Reserve is one of Africa's top attractions for nature lovers, who can see African buffalo, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, blue wildebeest and even the Tanzanian cheetah in their natural habitat.

Cape Town

The capital of South Africa is the unique city of Cape Town. This extraordinary historical lively city named after its location on the Cape of Good Hope. You can learn more about Cape Town's history and explore incredible sights in the Bo-Kaap area and on Robben Island, where political prisoners including Nelson Mandela were held. One of Cape Town's main natural attractions is Table Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the Cape of Good Hope and the surrounding beauty of the city. You can climb Table Mountain on foot or by cable car.

Masai Mara

Africa is inhabited by numerous tribes and nationalities, but few are as amazing as the Masai Mara. This group owns National Nature Reserve Maasai Mara in southern Kenya. Every year thousands of tourists come here to explore the landscapes and wildlife. In addition to observing rhinoceroses and lions, you can visit a local village and learn more about the Maasai Mara culture, their cuisine, traditions and national dress.

Victoria Falls

Right on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe lies Victoria Falls. The incredible waterfall on the Zambezi River is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. During the rainy season from December to March, the water flows are more powerful, but at other times of the year there is something to see here. In addition to admiring the views from the observation deck, you can enjoy Victoria Falls by canoeing or rafting at its base. Romantic cruises along the waterfall at sunset are especially popular.

Serengeti Park

Northeastern Tanzania is home to the Serengeti National Park, one of Africa's most incredible reserves. The name Serengeti means endless plains, and that's exactly what you'll find in the park. More than a million wildebeest and more than 200,000 zebra migrate across the plains each year. By visiting the Serengeti National Park, you will be immersed in the world of wildlife, watching cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, gazelles and other animals. Hot air balloon tours and photo safaris are two great ways to make the most of the Serengeti.

AFRICATRAVEL will make your trip interesting, safe and unforgettable. We won't show you the world; we will show you Africa better than anyone...

Africa is an amazing continent, captivating with its natural charm and naturalness. Many scientists consider it the cradle of civilization. After all, it is on this mainland began to develop human civilization. Open slightly unusual world, which the mainland lives in, will be helped by a selection that presents all the most amazing things about Africa.

Interesting facts about the local population

Africa is home to 16% of the world's population. Of these, experts identify about 3 thousand ethnic groups. The second largest continent on the planet has 54 countries.

Among the 2 thousand languages spoken on this continent, the most common is Arabic.

Not everyone knows the amazing fact about Africa that the smallest people on the planet live on its lands. The Negrilli are a group of short peoples better known as Pygmies. The height of adult men of a special race varies between 125-150 cm. The growth limiter in pygmies starts during the period of intrauterine development. Children are initially born small and grow much slower than Europeans.

At the same time, it is quite remarkable that among the black residents of other African countries there are many tall people. The tallest people in the world are representatives of the Nilotes. Their average height is 184 cm.

This continent has the lowest life expectancy. Men live on average 50 years, and women even less - 48 years. Among the total number of malaria diseases in the world, 90% of cases occur in residents of this continent. About 3 thousand African children die from this disease every year. The number of HIV-infected people living in the southern part of the Sahara is estimated in the hundreds of thousands.

Attractive countries of the continent for tourists

Africa is considered both the poorest and the richest on the planet. The most low level welfare. At the same time, on the mainland there are lands with stunning flora and fauna, the depths of which are rich in such precious metals and stones as gold, emerald, diamond, garnet, tanzanite, amethyst, ruby.

The most populous country is Nigeria. Egypt ranks second in terms of population and attractiveness for tourists. The list of peaceful and safe countries for tourists also includes: Botswana, Ghana, Namibia, Cape Verde, Zimbabwe.

It is in Africa that you can see the only surviving wonder of the world - the Pyramids of Cheops. But few people know an amazing fact about Africa that the pyramids were built not only on the lands of Egypt. In Sudan, the number of “desert temples” reaches 223. True, the dimensions are several times smaller.

Among the most amazing countries Africa should include:

Kenya. The equator line runs through the lands of this state. The country is interesting for tourists because it provides the opportunity to witness with their own eyes the great migration of animals, including representatives of the “African Big Five”: buffalo, rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards and lions. Those who like to study the characteristics of the cultures of different nationalities can get acquainted with the tribes that have preserved their traditional way of life: the Meru, Samburu, and Masai.
Uganda. The pearl of the continent is located in the fault zone of the earth's crust. It is famous for its amazing and diverse nature. Natural attractions that are popular among locals and visitors are: Kabarega waterfall, mountain river The White Nile, as well as the picturesque lakes Edward, Kyoga, Victoria, Alberta. On state protected natural parks In Uganda, you can find representatives of the fauna of endangered species, including mountain gorillas.
Tanzania. This country is attractive due to its pristine jungle. Tourists come here in an effort to admire exotic animals during a safari. In Tanzania there is the legendary Kilimanjaro volcano and a crater formed at the bottom salt Lake Ngoro-Ngoro.

But still, most of the countries of the mainland belong to the number of third world countries that are still on the path of development. For an ordinary tourist, visiting them can be associated with a risk to life.

Breathtaking nature spots

Since Africa is crossed by the central line of the earth's surface and the prime meridian, it is rightfully considered the hottest and most symmetrical of all continents. The area of the continent is 29.2 million sq. km. And four-fifths of it was consumed rainforests and deserts.

One of the amazing facts about Africa is that the Sahara is the most big desert not only on the scale of the continent, but throughout the entire planet. It accounts for 30% of the area of the entire continent. This uninhabited expanse of land is larger than the total area of the United States. At the same time, the Sahara continues to expand. Every year it increases in size, expanding its borders to 10 km. There are lakes with salt water in the middle of the Sahara. But their life-giving moisture is not able to quench thirst.

Amazing natural attractions of Africa:

Nile– the river, with a length of 6850 km, is considered the longest on the planet.
Victoria – fresh lake, whose impressive size makes it the second largest on Earth.
Ink Lake- a natural phenomenon. Instead of clear water, it contains ink that is created naturally, but is poisonous to living organisms.
"Roaring Smoke"- the grandiose Victoria Falls, over 100 m high and almost 1000 m long, the noise from the falling streams in which spreads over 40 km in the area.
Oh Doinio Legai– a volcano that erupts black natrocarbonate lava and is rightfully considered the coldest in the world.

There are some very amazing trees growing on the mainland. For example: soap, the fruits and leaves of which are soapy, or candle, the elongated seeds of which contain a high concentration of oils. Dairy, sausage and breadfruit trees also grow here.

Lives in desert lands big number rare animals: elephants, bongos, giraffes, rhinoceroses, cheetahs, gazelles, zebras, hippos, lions, okapi, aardvarks. Some species are not found anywhere else in the world.

The most dangerous African animals are hippos. Previously, they were widespread throughout the territory. Today, hippos live only in the southern part on the border with the Sahara. Therefore, they have been given the status of “rapidly declining species.” Despite this, some tribes continue to hunt prohibited animals.

Among the most amazing animals in Africa, the rodents “naked mole rats” deserve special attention; their skin does not age and does not feel pain from fire and cuts. Lungfishes also live here, which are able to burrow into the ground during critical dry periods.

Africa is one of the main trends of this summer season: Sarah Burton is looking for inspiration in the Zulu way of life, and the designers of the house Valentino Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli - on the narrow streets of Marrakesh. Following the lead of global designers, the site explores this mysterious continent and offers five must-see places if you have traveled thousands of kilometers and landed in Africa.

Island nation of Cape Verde

Vineyards of South Africa

Perhaps not everyone knows that South Africa ranks eighth in the world in wine production. Winemaking has flourished here since the 17th century, and the three-hundred-year-old South African vineyards are particularly renowned as the birthplace of wonderful white Chardonnay and Riesling (80 percent of South African wine– white). Main wine region South Africa is located near Cape Town - this is Stellenbosch,one of the most prosperous and successful cities in Africa, whose streetsdecorated with rich white stone estates

It’s worth coming here not only for the light and sweet aroma and taste of Riesling, but primarily for the scenery. The city is nestled in a valley surrounded by mighty mountains: they are so high that their peaks are lost in the fluffy South African clouds. Both the wine and the sunsets in Stellenbosch are wonderful.

The Cape Verde Islands, or Cape Verde, is a state located in western Africa: the flight here from Acre will not take much time, but the trip will be remembered for a long time. Cape Verde, blown by the breeze from the Atlantic, - world center of windsurfing, its main advantages– it's beaches and... music. Wide and uncrowded sandy coast washed by waters Atlantic Ocean, literally created for romantic walks and meditations.Those looking for all-inclusive comfort should head to the island's most popular resort, Sal. For those who crave extreme sports, go to Fogo Island with active volcano, which last erupted in 1995. Cosmic views of the volcano can be seen from any terrace of numerous small hotels. Climbing to the top of the volcano is a mandatory part of the program on the island.

Volcano Fogo

Cape Verde is famous not only for its nature, but also for its musicality. It was here that the great singer Cesaria Evora was born. Cape Verde is the center of fado and morna music, sad, melancholy, but very soulful. Everyone sings on the Cape Verde Islands - both children and old people.

Spectacular harbor with snow-white beaches, Table Mountain, colorful houses, lush Victorian mansions - all this, and much more, makes Cape Town one of the most colorful cities on the African continent.

There are many attractions in the city: museums with collections of antiques, the “Road of Gardens” stretching over 350 km - a route consisting of nature reserves, tropical forests and charming provincial towns, and, of course, one of the seven wonders of nature - Table Mountain, towering above the city in the light brown mass. Cape Town will appeal to fish-eating gourmets: the basis of the local cuisine is seafood and fish; salmon and oysters are excellent here ts and lobsters, which are especially pleasant to taste on the embankment. If you're lucky, you might see whales or dolphins not far from the shore.

While in Cape Town, you should not deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the most southern point Africa– Cape of Good Hope. Road to the Cape– Already a full-fledged impression: it lies through a nature reserve, densely overgrown with lush tropical vegetation. Climbing to the observation deck of the lighthouse located on the cape, you can experience a rare visual pleasure: admire the convergence point of two powerful oceans - the Indian and the Atlantic.

Cape good hope

IN South Africa, not far from the Cape of Good Hope, live polar animals - penguins

After Niagara, Victoria is the most famous waterfall in the world. And the noisiest: its sound can be heard 50 kilometers away. The most remarkable and unforgettable sight in Africa is easily explained logically: powerful river The Zambezi, which flows over a flat basalt slab in the valley, plunges sharply and unexpectedly into a narrow crevice from a height of 100 meters. The waterfall is very wide (about 2000 meters) and that is why, falling from such a height, it creates noise, splashes and fog, for which its discoverer David Livingston nicknamed the waterfall “thundering smoke.”

The ideal place to observe this wonder of the world is by helicopter: from above you can see all the power and beauty of the waterfall. When planning a trip to Victoria, it is worth remembering that best views open in the spring, because the Zambezi is especially rapid between March and May. If you want to add extreme ones to your aesthetic impressions, you can try bungee jumping, rafting on a raging river or swimming in a small natural pool, which is located at the highest point of the waterfall. It is called the Devil's Pond and one can only guess about the nature of the impressions received there.

Africa is the second most populous continent, with more than 1.1 billion people living here: great amount nationalities, languages and cultures. Among conflict-ridden and poor countries, there are also quite peaceful, safe and interesting ones for tourists. Many travelers are familiar with countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. And we will tell you about where you can have a pleasant time south of the Sahara in this article.

1.

Perhaps the most unexpected state on this list is Sierra Leone, which not so long ago was torn apart by civil war for ten years. However, since 2002, Sierra Leone has undergone major changes and today it is already ranked among the peace-loving countries according to the Global Security Index (GPI). Sierra Leone is considered one of the most religiously tolerant countries in the world, and the life expectancy of the local population is 57 years, which is not bad by African standards.

Sierra Leone has many beautiful nature reserves, such as the Gala rain forest or the Outamba-Kilimi National Park, clean beaches on the Atlantic coast, and its capital Freetown is oldest city in West Africa.

2.

Leader in security on the African continent. Whether this is due to the fact that peace and tranquility are one of the main characteristics of both the Tswana people and the Bushmen, or because the Botswanans understand the economic contribution tourists make, one way or another there is a very low crime rate.

However, no one promises that baboons will not attack you, so during a safari it is recommended not to feed these warlike monkeys or even smile at them. In general, there are a lot of animals in Botswana; for example, it is home to the largest population of elephants in the world.

One of the popular tourist attractions, along with the Kalahari Desert Safari and visiting national parks, since the 30s of the last century, the search for ancient treasures hidden from the colonialists in the caves of Gchvihab has been considered. No one has found the treasure yet, but the caves themselves with amazing stalactites up to 10 meters long are worth traveling to the north of the country for.

3.

In 2008, Ghana was identified by the Global Security Index as the most safe country Africa and has remained at the top of this ranking ever since. The country has rare internal conflicts and has peaceful relations with its neighbors. Tourists here are treated very friendly and speak English - this is official language Ghana.

Here you can visit numerous reserves with elephants, antelopes, monkeys and other exotic animals, visit the ruins of castles and fortresses of Cape Post and Elmina, listed World Heritage UNESCO and spend time on clean, uncrowded beaches.

4.

This country in South-West Africa is an oasis of stability and security on a turbulent dark continent. It was discovered quite late (in 1878) by Europeans, quickly emerged from all internal and external conflicts and is now one of the richest African countries.

Here is the most ancient desert on earth - the Namib, the legendary Skeleton Coast, many national parks, the site of the fall of the largest Hob meteorite, the second largest after the Colorado Canyon and much more.
Do not miss:

Namibia is quite good highways, A tourist train The Desert Express runs between the capital Windhoek and resort town Swakopmund, stopping at particularly noteworthy places along the way.

5.

Uganda is considered a safe country for foreigners by both GPI and public tourism opinion. This may be due to the fact that it is not customary here for traders and barkers to pester people, perhaps due to the fact that the proportion of the country's urban population is only 13%, and the main attractions are not in the villages.

Tourists in Uganda need to see a lot: one of the oldest in Africa, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Botanical Garden Entebbe, where the first Tarzan film was filmed, the Rwenzori mountain range - most likely, it was them that the ancient Egyptians called the Mountains of the Moon. They practice here sailing on Lake Victoria and rafting on the Nile, which originates in Uganda.

If the locals here do not cause any particular disturbance to tourists, then you need to be careful with the animals, especially if you see a mother elephant with her baby elephant. By the way, Uganda is located on the main migration route of northern birds: eagles, cuckoos, swallows, kites and many familiar birds spend the winter here.

6.

Cape Verde or Islands Cape Verde- an archipelago off the west coast of Africa. Calmness, tranquility, relative cleanliness and an acceptable level of service (European companies are investing in local tourism) await tourists here, in the homeland of the famous singer Cesaria Evora.

The islands have enough picturesque landscapes: extinct volcanoes, mountain ranges, where you can go trekking, flowering meadows where you can just take a walk. But the main feature of Cape Verde is, of course, the ocean - it is used to its full capacity: starting from the beaches with black volcanic sand, continuing with dives to shipwrecks and ending with windsurfing, schools of which are on every island, but the island of Sal is especially famous for them.

7.

8.

Residents of Tanzania are friendly and smiling, but, as elsewhere, travelers should not let their guard down - there are plenty of robbers here. But there are still many tourists in Tanzania who come here without fear. Here, in the homeland of Freddie Mercury, there is a lot to see.

Firstly, the Kilimanjaro volcano, to the top of which there are numerous hiking trails. Secondly, the island of Zanzibar - resort place, where the most beautiful city founded by the Arabs back in the 9th century is located Stone City. From here they go on spice tours, during which you can grind cinnamon and try unfamiliar spices. Thirdly, the famous Serengeti National Park, which occupies a huge area and is home to more than three million large wild animals.

Fourthly, the Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve, located in a colossal (21 km in diameter) crater extinct volcano. It is home to about 25 thousand different animals and has the highest concentration of predators in all of Africa.

9.

Madagascar is a separate continent in miniature: it is so unlike Africa or any other place on earth. There are amazing landscapes here, and 80% of the living animals and plants are found nowhere else.

The island has many natural parks and protected areas. Most large nature reserve Tsingy de Bemaraha, which, like many others, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The country is rich beautiful beaches; It is traditionally believed that swimming on west coast safer - there are fewer sharks there.
Take a look at this:

10.

Zimbabwe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa: it is here, on the border with Zambia, that the famous Victoria Falls are located. In Zambia, by the way, there are fewer tourists, so those who prefer a more secluded environment are recommended to admire the wonder of nature there.
This is definitely worth seeing:

Zimbabwe has a very good conservation structure and there are unusually many animals here even for Africa, so hunting is allowed in some places (almost everywhere on the continent is already prohibited).

In addition to countless national parks, there is also a unique historical site - the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe: pagan temple complex, built over a thousand years ago.

Tourists planning a trip to Africa must have all vaccinations; a list of them is usually available on the embassy website. Even in those countries where vaccination is not required for travel, you must take anti-malarial tablets, and start taking them before the trip. It is strictly forbidden to use raw water even for brushing your teeth.

Are you going on a trip? Don't forget about

Africa is the birthplace of humanity, a continent where you can immerse yourself in the genuine beauty of wildlife, but at the same time, visiting many African countries involves a great risk to your life.

Once the most prosperous and rich state Africa, in which the human development index was equal to some European countries, today exists only on the map.

In 2010, Muammar Gaddafi abandoned the development of chemical and nuclear weapons. And already in 2011, a civil war provoked from outside began in the country, during which the rebels were supported by NATO and European Union countries. Support came in the form of funding and direct participation of troops and aviation. In October 2011 Muammar Gaddafi was killed, and power passed to a temporary government body - the Transitional National Council. In August 2012, after the elections of the General National Congress, power passes to the legitimate government.

Despite the full financial and military support of the uprising from the United States, almost immediately after the overthrow of Gaddafi, the US ambassador to Libya was torn to pieces.

Despite the overthrow of the regime of Muammar Gaddafi, the power of the official authorities extends only to the territory of Tripoli and surrounding areas. The rest of the country is divided into several quasi-states - autonomous regions with their own governments and army. The Fezzan region has a high degree of autonomy, the region Western Mountains, Benghazi region, city-state of Misurata. At the same time, the cities of Bani Walid and Sirte were destroyed for supporting the Gaddafi regime. Safety for a traveler in Libya depends on the region where he is going. Only Tripoli can be considered relatively safe. In other parts of the country, armed attacks and kidnappings often occur; it is not for nothing that in ancient times the territory of Libya and its coastal waters were considered the most dangerous from the point of view of pirate attacks. There are many stories from people about constant torture and sexual violence in various camps and prisons almost throughout the country.

Despite the significant security threat, there are people who still strive to get to Libya, since its territory contains many architectural monuments of the ancient period and the period of the Roman Empire. These are the cities of Cyrene, Apollo, Sirtik (Leptis Magna), Sabratha. In the Tadrart-Akakus mountains you can see examples of ancient rock art. In the southwest of the country there is the oasis of Ghadames.

2. Somalia

Somalia is best known as a country of pirates. Indeed, attacks on ships still occur in coastal waters. Since 1991, Somalia has been in a civil war that has led to the division of the country into five independent territories (Somaliland, Puntland, Maakhir, Galmudug and Northern Somalia), which are ruled by paramilitary leaders. Somalia has no central government and the political situation is chaotic. Somaliland is considered the most prosperous, but even there, armed guards are required to visit the Laas Gaal cave.

Rare travelers in the country are subject to threats of armed attack, kidnapping for ransom, mine explosion, capture by pirates, etc.

Somalia is the second country in the world after North Korea due to intolerance towards Christians. The majority of the population professes Islam (Sunni Muslims), and the country has Sharia law instead of secular laws. It is especially dangerous for women to be in Somalia.

Among the circumstances that can attract tourists are the most beautiful untouched beaches and diving sites. It should be borne in mind that women are prohibited from being naked on the beach. In addition to the beaches in Somalia, the Laas Gaal caves are of particular interest, where rock paintings dating back 10 thousand years have been preserved almost in their original form. Due to objective circumstances, most of the territory of Somalia has not yet been explored.

3. Democratic Republic Congo

The Central African country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is the poorest in the world according to IMF data for 2012. In addition to poverty and an unstable political situation, the country is constantly experiencing conflicts between tribes and communities, which are often bloody. Even in the 21st century, cases of cannibalism have been recorded in the Congo, here the most high level rape of women, sexual slavery exists.

Moving around the Congo, especially on your own, is extremely dangerous. Tourists can get caught up in fighting between tribes, many of whom are armed, or become victims of street robbers who are particularly hungry for gold. Tourists can be robbed by both criminals and ordinary residents or street urchins, for whom it is normal to take gold and valuables from a visitor. Police corruption is also enormous. If you were stopped by a policeman, then with a 90% probability you got money, at best.

Despite this, Congo is still visited by travelers, mainly because of the country's two unique attractions.

1. Nyiragongo Volcano

2. Mountain gorillas, which besides the Congo live in only two other countries: Uganda and Rwanda.

4. Sudan

In Sudan, for a long time, as a result of the arbitrary division of borders and ignoring the ethnic component, a civil war was fought. Since 2011 there is no time united country divided into two states - Sudan itself and South Sudan. In both states, the remaining armed groups continue to fight. According to international data, Sudan is the last refuge for terrorists who fled from other countries. The situation in the province of Darfur remains very tense, where ethnic cleansing continues. A large number of the country's residents are forced to emigrate to the neighboring state of Chad. There is a dispute between Sudan and South Sudan over the Abyei region, where large amounts of oil are produced.

Radical armed groups have not ceased their activities in Sudan and have strengthened their influence during civil war. Each territory of Sudan has its own laws, and some areas (which make up most of the country) are prohibited for tourists. Anyone who violates the ban may face any danger.

Sudan has access to the Red Sea. In the coastal zone there are great beaches with golden sand. But in a Muslim country, it is not advisable for women to appear on the beaches without outerwear. Pirate ships ply in coastal waters. Among the attractions in Sudan, many tourists strive to see the pyramids of Meroe, the Nubian Desert, and the Jebel Marra mountains.

5. Algeria

In Algeria, the fragile order is maintained through constant military suppression of uprisings and the persecution of terrorist (al-Qaeda-linked) and fundamentalist (religious Islamic) groups. It is not uncommon for explosions and gunfire to be heard throughout the country, including at airports and hotels. Participating in or observing demonstrations is especially dangerous.

This behavior of the authorities can be understood; the memory of the civil war from the very end of 1980 to 2000 is still fresh. About the reasons for the war unleashed by the Front of Islamic Salvation (FIS) - that was the name of the party that won the elections at that time - this war was no less destructive for the country (in terms of the number of victims) than the struggle for National Liberation (1954-1962) with French colonialism. Contemporaries of those events say that human heads hanging on poles were commonplace.

The north of the country – the Mediterranean coast and the Atlas Mountains – is considered a relatively safe area of Algeria. The Sahara Desert is considered a dangerous territory, where it is not recommended to travel on your own. Travel can only be made with an organized tourist group and under reliable security. The danger of traveling in the Sahara is the same as in neighboring countries Tunisia or Morocco.

Under no circumstances should you intentionally or unintentionally hurt feelings. local residents. There is a ban in the country on photographing local residents, and especially photographing women and military personnel.

6. Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has a totalitarian regime under President Robert Mugabe, who is currently the oldest head of state (he is 93 years old). The reforms he carried out in agriculture, which implied the expropriation of the possessions of “white” owners, led to devastation, inflation and unemployment.

The adult unemployment rate was 95%, and the inflation rate in 2008 was . a record in the world – 231 million%. Inflation continues to rise to this day.

Both robbers and gangs, as well as police officers, pose a great danger to tourists. It is very dangerous to be on someone else’s territory, because the owner can easily shoot a stranger. Due to fuel shortages and rising prices, you may find yourself without transport in the middle of Zimbabwe. Cases of mine explosions are very common here. The main thing that can attract tourists to Zimbabwe are the numerous nature reserves and National parks. The famous Victoria Falls are located on the territory of this country.

7. Nigeria

The most populous country in Africa, Nigeria has gathered more than 200 ethnic groups within its borders. Clashes often occur between them, which significantly hinders the establishment of stability in the country. Many rebels in Nigeria are fighting government forces. Frequent clashes between gangs, rebels and government troops occur in the Delta, Bakassi and Bayelsa regions. Civilian locals and foreigners are often kidnapped here.

In addition to the risk of armed attack, tourists in Nigeria are at risk of contracting yellow fever, AIDS or other dangerous diseases.

8. Kenya

Kenya is a country of African safari. This type of entertainment is especially popular among tourists. But the walk may not be as safe as it seemed at first glance. Most of the country's population lives very poorly, which provokes them into robbery and theft. Kenya has a high rate of AIDS. Residents of the capital Nairobi and other parts of the country are very rarely seen smiling. The streets are full of beggars and pickpockets. The Kibera slum area in Nairobi is considered particularly dangerous. Some guides can arrange excursions to this area, but no one can guarantee safety.

Also among local tribes in remote areas major cities areas. Armed conflicts occur from time to time, mainly over livestock. Despite the unprecedented security measures taken by the authorities in the country in large places Terrorist attacks occur periodically in crowded areas.

9. Angola

From the beginning of the struggle for independence from Portugal (1950s) to the present day, Angola has been turbulent. For a long time, with the support of the USSR and Cuba, the country followed the communist path of development. After the collapse of the USSR, the ruling party reoriented itself towards the United States and began to carry out market reforms. But armed confrontations between the official authorities and the opposition still continue in the country. There is brutal persecution of members of opposition parties. Under the slogan of preserving the “spiritual and cultural heritage” of Angola, mosques in the country are being demolished.

In addition to constant armed confrontations, protests, and speeches, Angola has significant economic problems. There are high levels of poverty, unemployment, hunger, and rampant crime here. A lot of weapons have been preserved in the country since the war, some areas are mined. In some areas (especially in the Cabinda region), terrorist groups are common and can attack both the police and civilians and tourists. Street thefts are common in Angola's capital, Luanda. IN public transport Wallets, bags, and mobile phones are often stolen. Among broad daylight, and especially at night, robberies often occur. It's better not to stop anywhere on the road.

10 Mauritania

One of the most tourist countries in the world, there are only a few countries below it in the ranking. At a certain period, the Al-Qaeda terrorist group became widespread in certain regions of the country, which kidnapped several tourists in Atara, where the UNESCO-protected cities of Ouadan and Chinguitti are located. As a result of attacks on civilians, including the killing of four French tourists in 2007, the Dakar Rally, which took place through Mauritania, was moved to South America. In addition, slavery still exists in the country, which was only abolished in 2007, but in fact there are still slaves and their masters.

Africa's share of the world's freshwater supply is about 9%, while the continent's population accounts for about 13% of the world's population. Mauritania has the least amount of water – 0.001% of the total volume.

And yet, no matter what, there are people ready to visit this country.

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