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Why Zebras Have Stripes...

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:00:28 +0000

It's zany zebra Monday and I'll start with a question. Are zebras white with black stripes, or black with white stripes? Turns out that in the womb, teeny tiny zebra embryos are in fact brown. Their white stripes develop a little later on and their brown stripes turn black as they mature after birth. Another big zebra question is - Why? Why the stripes? Scientists have been puzzling over this one for many decades. A recent scientific breakthrough shows that it could be a way to ward off biting insects. Does this mean that our safari khakis should really be a more racy black and white outfit? Because I've had plenty of tsetse fly bites ruin a game drive, and a simple striped solution would suit me just fine. I'd also love to see game rangers sport some stripey shorts.

Without further ado, here are ten fun facts about zebras to help chase away the Monday blues.

Zany Zebra Facts

Zebras are black with white stripes
A zebra's stripes help ward off biting insects (source)
Zebra's sleep standing up
Zebras live in harems (usually one male with up to six females)
Zebras can kick hard, they've been known to kill hyenas
Zebra belong to the Equus genus (along with horses and donkeys)
There are 3 species of zebra: Grevy's, Burchell's, and Mountain zebra
Zebras live up to 25 years
No two zebras are alike, their stripe patterns are unique like our finger prints
Zebras always look healthy (a personal and completely unscientific observation)

More About Zebras: Witness the Great Migration l Visit Serengeti National Park l Zebra and Wildebeest - BFF's

March Festivals and Events in Africa

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 08:00:22 +0000

There are some fine cultural festivals going on in Africa in March 2012. South Africa ends its summer with a bang, Cape Town is the venue for two major cultural festivals. There's the International Jazz festival, the Cape Town Festival, and the Cape Town Pride festival, a flamboyant affair that's lots of fun and fills the nightclubs. Mauritians will be getting splattered with colorful dyes during the Holi festival, as will other Hindu communities in Africa. And the Tunisians will be strumming on their guitars to welcome the spring.

More Details About: March Festivals in Africa l February Festivals in Africa l April Festivals in Africa

_{Image © Getty Images -- Holi Ammunition}

Fly to Africa for Free!

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:34:56 +0000

A major expense of any trip to Africa is the cost of the flight, this is especially the case if you are traveling from the US. Direct flights are few and far between which means competition (that can lower fares) is almost non-existent. It therefore seems like a really great idea to use your earned airline miles or reward points to fly to Africa. But in my experience the dates, times or route that my miles qualify for, rarely work in my favor. I end up spending twice as long getting there by having to fly via Europe or the Middle East. Or I have to change my entire itinerary around to accommodate the few seats that qualify for a saver pass.

Given the size of the continent, getting "close" to your destination is not good enough. If you are planning to be on safari in Tanzania's Serengeti, you really don't want to arrive in the capital Dar es Salaam, it's 440 miles away. Regional flights can be expensive to add on and hopping on a long distance bus is only a good option if you have oodles of time (and a sense of adventure).

All in all, using miles is a frustrating business. But there's no denying that if you get lucky and follow some basic guidelines, you can save yourself a lot of money. Find out more by reading my tips: How to use Airline Miles to Fly to Africa...

More About: Cheap Flights to Africa l Direct Flights from the US to Africa l African Airlines

2000 Ways to Say "I love You" in Africa

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:10 +0000

If you happen to be traveling in Africa over Valentine's day, there are plenty of ways to say "I love you". In fact you could declare your love every day in a different language for several years, and still not be done. Because more than 2000 languages are spoken around the continent, Africans have their pick of loving words to use. I've narrowed the list of "I love you's" down to some of the more common language groups. Of course Je t'aime works for a number of countries, as does Nakupenda, and Ana Behibak (to a male) or Ana Behibek (to a female). If you can't find the right language, you can always give a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a box of chocolates.

More About: Romantic Destinations in Africa l African Languages l Valentine's Day, A Blooming Business for Africa

_{Image © Getty Images/David Malan}

Zambia WINS the Africa Cup of Nations Final!

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:31:38 +0000

After a thrilling first round, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations continued to entertain this past week. The quarter finals were disappointing for the co-hosts who were both knocked out. But to be fair, neither Gabon nor Equatorial Guinea could have expected to get as far as they did in the tournament. So, a marvelous showing by both teams and a real treat for the fans. Equatorial Guinea lost 3-0 to the Ivory Coast, one of the strongest contenders in the Cup of Nations. Zambia's Chipolopolos continued to shine by beating Sudan 3-0. Mali beat Gabon on penalties (just imagine the anxiety of the home crowd) and Ghana narrowly beat Tunisia 2-1.

The semi-finals were played on 8 February. The Ivory Coast stunted Mali's hopes in a match that ended with a fantastic solo goal by Gervinho. The Elephants "golden generation" have had a relatively comfortable run up to the finals. Zambia continued their winning streak by ousting Ghana's Black Stars 1-0. Ghana said they were unlucky, they missed a penalty and several other chances to win. But I believe Zambia's Copper Bullets have more than just talent, luck and drive in this tournament. They have the spirits of the dead on their side.

Zambia's Copper Bullets Powered By Angels?
In 1993, a tragic plane crash killed all but two members of the Zambian national soccer team. The plane exploded just off the coast of Libreville, Gabon's capital. The final match of this 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will be played out in Libreville on Sunday, February 12. The only way the Zambian team was going to play there was by reaching the final (their matches have all taken place in Equatorial Guinea thus far). You could not have written a better script. Yesterday, the Zambian side arrived in Gabon and went down to a beach in Libreville to lay wreaths in honor of their lost players. The current Zambian team were joined at the ceremony by one of Zambia's greatest players Kalusha Bwalya, who missed the tragic flight because he was playing for a European club at the time and was on a different schedule. As Bwalya put it, "their dreams are our dreams". If Zambia wins the Africa Cup of Nations, it will be their first.

Update Sunday...

Can the Elephants beat the Copper Bullets powered by angels? Yes they can!! After 18 penalty shots, Zambia's Copper Bullets take the cup for the first time. The angels were with them indeed, destiny won this game. Congratulations Zambia. All of southern Africa will celebrate this victory!

Like Downton Abbey? You'll Love These Books About Keen-ya...

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:09:02 +0000

I have spent the past three months immersed in the colonial lives of the first white settlers in Kenya (or "Keenya" as they liked to call it). It started off with a re-read of Beryl Markham's excellent West with the Night, and I just got carried away with the genre. If you loved watching "Out of Africa" or "White Mischief" and have become enchanted with the Edwardian drama Downton Abbey, you may enjoy reading the list of books below. They are ranked in order of my personal preference.

Beryl Markham -- West with the Night (beautifully written autobiography)
Elspeth Huxley -- The Flame Trees of Thika (autobiography)
Bror Blixen -- African Hunter (autobiography)
Mary Lovell -- Straight On Till Morning (life and times of Beryl Markham)
Elspeth Huxley -- Out in the Midday Sun (autobiography)
Isak Dinesen -- Out of Africa (autobiography, made into the famous movie of the same name)
Sara Wheeler -- Too Close to the Sun (life and times of Denys Finch Hatton)
Mark Seal -- Wildflower (life and times of conservationist Joan Root - set a bit later in the century)
Frances Osborne -- The Bolter (life and times of socialite Idina Sackville)

I have now had more than enough of the "upstairs", it's time to check back into the "downstairs" crew. I have just ordered Tsitsi Dangaremba's 1988 novel Nervous Conditions. I can't wait to start it.

More About: Best Movies Set in Africa l Best Books About Africa

Planning a Safari Online

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:13:13 +0000

Many of us plan and book our trips online, so why should a safari be any different? The main problem with booking a safari yourself, is that there are so many variables to take into consideration. I usually end up recommending that people plan their safari about a year in advance and use a travel operator that specializes in Africa. Because unless you really know your African geography, weather patterns, animal behaviors and airline options, you can go horribly wrong.

But what's my advice when a safari specialist creates their own online safari planner? I was just dabbling with one designed and built by Natural Habitat Adventures. It's very easy to use, looks wonderful and has one of my favorite features -- the ability to browse and choose different camps at different prices, for a specific itinerary. If you are a travel agent that is not too familiar with booking safaris, but have clients that want to go, this is very useful for you too. I think a first time safari goer will need more hand holding and information, so a few calls are still necessary. But for those who know what they want and where they'd like to go, it's a good safari planning tool. You also end up with a snazzy journal/itinerary to send off to your friends once it's all booked.

More About: When To Use a Tour Operator l When to Go on Safari l Choosing the Right Safari

Quarter Finals of the Africa Cup of Nations

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:40:10 +0000

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations has been a fantastic tournament so far, African soccer at its most compelling, muddy and entertaining. The biggest surprise of the first round has to be co-host nation Equatorial Guinea's spectacular start. Who said lightning doesn't strike twice? The Nzalang Nacional (National Lightning) beat a shocked Libyan side 1-0 and, then went on to crush Senegal 2-1. You can credit a home crowd advantage, and even the million dollar payout by the President's son. But whatever the reason, the lowest ranking team in the tournament outplayed their opponents to make it through to the quarter final on Saturday (Feb, 4 2012), where they will face the Ivory Coast. This will be a tough match for the home team, since the Ivory Coast's Elephants easily won their first round matches (albeit against weak teams).

Gabon, the Cup's fellow co-hosts have also made it through to the quarter finals, another nice surprise for the home fans. Young Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, their key striker who is following in his father's footsteps, has been wonderful to watch. He'll be a key player if they are to defeat Mali in their match up on Sunday. Mali has lots of big stars, if they can gel together they could win. But Gabon will have the entire stadium blowing their vuvuzelas in support, and that's a powerful force if you've ever experienced an African international match yourself.

Ghana's Black Stars made it through the first round and will face Tunisia in their quarter final match up on Sunday. This should be a great game to tune into, they are both strong teams. Tunisia's young star Youssef Msakni has been very impressive, he'll be up against Ghana's veteran players like Kevin-Prince Boateng and the moral support of injured star Michael Essien.

Zambia's Chipolopolos (Copper Bullets) have shone brightly in the tournament so far. A cracking first game against Senegal (2-1) set the tone and they were only team to get over the noise of the home crowd and beat Equatorial Guinea (1-0). The Copper Bullets face Sudan in their quarter final. The Sudanese team is also a surprise winner in the first round, folks in Khartoum had a lot to cheer about last week. I was curious whether they would get support from South Sudan, but in this case it appears politics and football do mix, some South Sudanese will be cheering for Zambia (see full story).

The Lions and Zebras Bow Out...
This 28th Cup of Nations may well go down in history as one of the most entertaining tournaments, but there have been heartbreaks for some of the big teams. Morocco's Atlas Lions are on their way home after a disappointing start, losing to Tunisia and Gabon (a thrilling 2-3 match) in the first round. Senegal's Teranga Lions have also checked out of their digs in Equatorial Guinea, and are on a plane home. Other teams who will be watching the rest of the games on TV include the disappointed Libyans, Guineans, Angolans, Motswanas (Botswana), Nigeriens (Niger), and Burkinabes (Burkina Faso).

Check back for results and find out more about the: 2012 Africa Cup of Nations...

Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:30:25 +0000

Protestors are getting tear gassed in Cairo tonight. They are angry about the terrible loss of life during a soccer match in Port Said that killed 74 people. Protestors have in fact been quite active in Cairo since January 26. So, I've had a few people ask me "is it safe to travel to Egypt right now"?

I was asked the same question a year ago, because the streets of Egypt were ablaze, and the US Department of State had not yet issued an official "Travel Warning". That's what happens when there's politics involved. However, being cautious before saying "don't go" is smart since many Egyptians rely on tourism to earn a living. An off the cuff remark about lack of safety can do a lot of unnecessary damage (think Kenya in 2008). So, is it safe to travel to Egypt?

In my humble opinion, if you have a Nile cruise booked, or a Red Sea beach holiday on the horizon, then I think the security risks remain quite low. However, unless you take a charter flight from Europe, you will be passing through Cairo, and it's a little combustible right now. I would also avoid soccer matches and anything that looks remotely like a political rally.

The revolution has brought a lot of change, but it is an ongoing process. And what generally tends to happen when you overthrow a dictatorship is that the crazy security system they upheld to stay in power, also goes out the window. Hence an emotional soccer match ends up in a tragedy. Not spending time in Cairo is what I would advise, but then you miss out on the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids. That's a shame.

If I was booked on a trip to Egypt right now, I would check the news, and the US Department of State travel advisories. Also check other countries' foreign offices like Canada or Australia, that have less to lose politically by announcing travel warnings. Also, call the agency that booked you. Their people on the ground will have the best idea of what's safe. And if there is a travel advisory issued, here's what to do...

More About: Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt? l Current Africa Travel Warnings l BBC - Clashes in Cairo

Valentine's Day - A Blooming Business for Africa

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:14:54 +0000

Valentine's day is not widely celebrated in Africa, except by the more affluent urban folks. But Africa is very much involved in our Valentine's day celebrations. More than 70% of all cocoa beans are grown on African soil, so your Valentine chocolates are likely to have originated in Africa. And around 800 million flowers will be making their way from Kenya's Lake Naivasha region to markets throughout Europe for the Valentine's day rush.

Flowers are Kenya's biggest export earner, and growers employ more than 70,000 people. (In the US, the 200 million roses shipped for February 14th, come primarily from Columbia and Ecuador). In the past decade Ethiopia has gone from earning less than a million US Dollars from flower exports, to $190 million in 2011. South Africa has also become a major player in the flower industry.

Unfortunately the sheer amount of pesticides, water, fuel, packaging, and chemical preservatives used to keep the flowers in a perfect state on their long journey, means the carbon footprint of this industry is not exactly fragrant. Quite frankly it stinks. The flower business is also notorious for the mistreatment of its workers. Kenya's flower industry is dominated by multinationals who own vast flower farms. They employ thousands of people as temporary workers, housed in very shabby conditions and earning the bare minimum. As a consumer this Valentine's Day, you can help by buying flowers that have been sustainably grown (and preferably still from Africa!)