The street market is made up of three distinct markets. This includes; the wholesale and retail market, the produce market, and the tourist market. Each section harbors different items ranging from everything the local people need to that which tourists can not take their eyes off. The wholesale and retail market sells clothes, footwears, household goods etc., while the produce market sells fresh fruits, fresh meats, spices, fish, vegetables and dried foods. As for the tourist market, clothes, jewellery, a souvenir shirt of Gambia, arts and crafts are being sold to cater for tourist trade and experience.

Some tourists spent time learning about various qualities, origins, and weaving components of colourful fabrics. An individual who hasn’t experienced the atmosphere of a street market, will find the crowds and jostling weird, and fascinating at the same time.

There is lack of language barrier to an extent, as everyone speaks English, and this makes the transaction between the vendor and the patronizers go smoothly, and leave the market’s atmosphere delightful.

A trip to Banjul without visiting this market is like a groom forgetting to take his bride home after their wedding ceremony.

Shells are said to remain beautiful for years if well preserved. A ‘shell’ and a ‘turtle’ are inseparable duo. Shells are turtles’ armor, and definitely turtles have havens. An anchorage for turtles is the Turtle Islands. The Turtle Islands comprise eight-islands, of which seven are inhabited. These islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, west of Sherbro Island in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. The archipelago is known for its pristine waters, white sand beaches, and the presence of sea turtles.

The seven inhabited islands include: Baki, Bumpetuk, Chepo, Mut, Nyangei, Sei, and Yele. Hoong is the eight Island which is off-limits to visitors and women. It is reserved for initiated men as part of a rites of passage. The primal form of the Islands make it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and beach lovers. The calm pristine waters and turquoise waters are optimal for swimming and snorkeling, as well as the beaches lined by palm and mangroves, perfect to explore and wonder independently. One of the most unique features of Turtle Islands is its diverse wildlife. Tourists get the opportunity to witness the species close up i.e. from hatching to nesting, and their entire life cycle.

The people of Sherbro engage in fishing activities as it is a main economy activity. The men catch the fishes, while the women process it for sale. The fishing communities have preserved their faith and traditions in a vivid manner. They are very social and spend their evenings in groups, drinking and singing traditional songs focused on bravery and romance. The Sherbros are known for their friendliness and willingness to share their culture with visitors. They welcome visitors with warm hospitability, and make their stay an indelible one.

Getting to these Islands comes with a bit of difficulties due to its remote location. The easiest way to reach the archipelago is by speedboat from the capital city Freetown or the Banana Islands. It takes approximately about three hours each way, depending on the tides and sea conditions. There are also boats departing from Bonthe/Sherbro Island. Depending on your trip plan, several tour operators are available and they offer a day/multi-days excursion. They take care of all logistics, including asking the village chief permission to stay upon arrival. Tourists usually stay in Baki, a short distance from a local village.

An excursion to Turtle Islands isn’t about experiencing the beauty and serenity of the place alone, but feeding your brain with a delicacy to forever reminisce about and cherish. Cover your discovery!

La Cascade De Man is a natural waterfall of Man. Man is a city in western Ivory Coast. It is the seat of both Montagnes District and Tonpki Region.

The French word “La Cascade” means the waterfall or stunt. This waterfall is one of the main attraction of Man, and it is an hotspot in Ivory Coast which many tourists never seize the opportunity to visit. La Cascade is surrounded by a bamboo forest, which is the habitant of many colourful dragonflies and wide variety of butterflies.

Its structure of steps create an impressive natural landscapes with sequences of several small waterfalls. There is a pretty paved path that has to be walked through to reach it. The inhabitants around Man, go there to swim, so as the visitors alongside taking of awesome pictures.

A particular amount of fee has to be paid to gain access to the tourist centre. The appealing form of this natural waterfall creates a scenario of meditation on the beauty of nature, and hence confirm the saying “Nature is beautiful”. How many stunts will you like to pull in La Cascade de man? A visit to Cote d’Ivoire is a memory to forever cherish.

Lake Retba is one of the 41 pink lakes in the word and the only exiting one in Africa. It’s also known as Lac Rose(the pink lake). Lac Rose is located on the north of the Cap-Vert peninsula in Senegal. It is about 35km from the capital, Dakar, in northwest Africa. The Pink Lake is one of the main tourist destinations in Dakar region, primarily because of its pink colour.

BRIEF HISTORY

Lake Retba was originally a fresh water lake up until the 1980s when drought caused a change in the composition of the water and allowed people to start harvesting the salt.

WHY IS THE LAKE PINK?

The pigmentation of the lake is from a combination of high salt content and the presence of salt-tolerant algae, Dunaliella salina. This algae produces at least four antioxidant pigments such as carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin. These organic pigments are rich in vitamins and they contribute to the pink and red coloration observed in the lake. The algae only get to thrive when salinity is high. This means when there’s lowness in salinity alongside other factors (temperature, presence of microorganisms etc.), it causes fluctuation in the lake’s pink colour.

Lake Retba colour is particularly strong from late January to March, during dry season. Other times apart from this, the lake is mostly in an ochre colour. Whenever the sun hits the water at a certain time of the day, its surface looks like a mirror.

A great floating experience

The salinity of the lake prevents swimming, and only enable people to float, leaving them with awesome experiences. Most tourist miss the opportunity of seeing the lake pink, during their visits due to the timing,but they don’t miss the opportunity of exploring the lake and its vicinity. They get to ask the workers and traders the procedures of extracting salt from the lake, and take great pictures.

LAKE RETBA SALT

The lake has approximately 40% salinity, which is superior to that of the Dead Sea. Extraction of the salt is very labour intensive and is usually done by men. As a result of the level of salinity, they cover themselves in shea butter to protect their skin from corrosive water. The salt is collected with shovels or by diving and taking it by hand. The harvest is ferried back to shore on a pirogue(traditional boat), where women wait to carry it to drying piles by the lakeside. The Pink lake salt is traditionally used by Senegalese fishermen to preserve fish, but it’s also sold to nearby African countries such as Gambia, Guinea, Mali and Benin. This makes Senegal the number one producer of salt in Africa.

Unfortunately, the lake has become over exploited, and its output is about 40,000 to 50,000 tons per year. An incredible threat is posed to the biodiversity of this unique environment. In order to protect the lake’s ecosystem, a rest in post production has to be imposed by their authorities.

Lost in the sight of a picturesque breathtaking view. You’re indeed in Nigeria. The Mambilla plateau is one of the places in Nigeria that is well endowed with abundant natural resources. Some people describe it as a little Europe. It is one of the highest mountains in Nigeria and West Africa.

Description

Mambilla plateau is a plateau in Taraba State of Nigeria. It is with a total mass of 3765.2km forming the southernmost tip of the north eastern part of Nigeria. With an average elevation of about 1,600 metres(5,247) above sea level, the plateau is the highest in Nigeria. It harbors villages that are located on hills and mountains like Chappal Waddi (the highest point in Nigeria, often called the mountain of death).

Natural Beauty and Wonders

On the Mambilla plateau, there are various springs and waterfalls, including Njeke Falls, the Chama and Mbujum Falls, the Tiyi Falls at Drofi, the Sukel Falls, the Wajuru Falls in Titon Ward Sardauna LGA, and the Tunga Dam/Lake. These numerous springs and streams offer opportunities for hydroelectric power generation.

The plateau’s serene nature is replete with abundant natural resources, such as agricultural crops(tea, coffee, cocoa, etc.), mineral resources, wildlife, and beautiful scenery.

Mambilla plateau has a distinct amiable climate. The plateau’s climate is comparatively cold, making it the coolest region in Nigeria and a prime location for many.

Its People and Their Culture

It is filled with diverse population, including the Mambilla tribe(the predominant tribe). Fulani is widely spoken, and its inhabitants are incredibly friendly and hospitable.

The plateau is well endowed with a rich cultural heritage. This includes the cultural festivals used to mark the beginning of farming and harvest seasons, religious festivities, dances, and music of various ethnic groups in the area.

The attached places are Gashaka-Gumti National Park(GGNP), the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) training camp, historical sites such as Mbamnga cave, an ancient blacksmith site, etc.

Mambilla plateau is indeed Nigeria’s hidden gem. Now that you have read and understood its rich potential, wouldn’t you love to see and feel the atmosphere in such a space? If multiple eyes are fixed on it and its land is filled with footsteps, this precious stone will shine, leaving the country sparkling.

Clothing was not generally needed for warmth or protection in most areas of the African continent due to the warm and hospitable climate and many tribes did not wear much at all. The men wore just a loin cloth or apron and the women wore wraps around their waist or breasts, often adorning the rest of their bodies with scarification and paint ochres.       

Bark cloth, furs, skins and hides were mainly used for these first forms of clothing.

Males simply wrapped the bark cloth over a belt and passed between the legs while women draped the cloth over the belt to hide the front of their bodies.

Raffia was used to sew together separate pieces of bark cloth as well as being used for grass skirts. 

Stone age man onward made bark cloth by peeling bark from trees and then pounding it with a rock until thin and malleable. Small pieces would be sewn together with hide or raffia to make larger pieces to cover the body.

Adornment of clothing came by way of fashioning jewelry and head gear from seashells, bones, ostrich egg shell pieces and feathers.

The earliest evidence of textile manufacture appeared at Igbo-Ukwu and consisted of excavated fragments of unpatterned, bast-fibre cloth dating from the 9th Century.  (Bast is the plant fibre made from the phloem, the inner bark). Discovery of the Tellem caves in Mali exposed 11th and 12th Century funerary sites which revealed fragments of cotton and wool fabric dyed with indigo.

And then around the 15th Century, trade occurred in Africa with shipping routes being opened up between Europe, Africa and the East. Exotic items arrived on the continent and began to be coveted by the local inhabitants for decoration of their local cloth. Beads, shells and buttons began to appear on garments, either as embellishment or making up the entire garment like beaded aprons, capes, headbands and shoes.

Various weaving techniques were developed in different areas, some more progressive than others. Fibres used were cotton, raffia, silk and wool. Woven and decorated textiles used for African clothing became a reflection of the tribe’s status, its socioeconomic standing, its culture, its environment and its climate.

1. Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra Ghana

Featuring an outdoor pool and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, Labadi Beach Hotel is located on the beachfront, 7 km from the center of Accra. At guests’ disposal there is a sauna, a fitness room and a massage service.
The rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a private bathroom with a bathtub and separate shower.

A buffet breakfast is served daily and the property’s restaurant offers local and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy drinks from the bar.
The Labadi Beach Hotel also has a tour desk that organizes excursions in the area. The hotel also offers free private parking and facilities for meetings and banquets.

2.Pullman Abidjan Hotel, Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Pullman Abidjan places you in the heart of Abidjan, within a 5-minute drive of Central Mosque and Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny. This 4-star hotel is 16.9 mi (27.2 km) from Grand Bassam Beach and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from St Paul’s Cathedral. Make yourself at home in one of the 265 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Conveniences include laptop-compatible safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily. Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a 24-hour fitness center.

This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the complimentary area shuttle. Grab a bite to eat at Afia, a poolside restaurant, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. Relax with a refreshing drink from the poolside bar or one of the 2 bars/lounges. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and limo/town car service. This hotel has 7 meeting rooms available for events. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).

3.Mantis St. Helena – Jamestown, Saint Helena Island.

Facing the beachfront in Jamestown, Mantis St Helena features a bar and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms.

At the hotel all rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The units will provide guests with a desk and a kettle.

Continental and buffet breakfast options are available every morning at Mantis St Helena.

The area is popular for hiking and cycling, and car hire is available at the accommodation.

1 . La Campagne Tropicana

Welcome to the nature lovers’ paradise. We are an African themed Forest, River and Beach Resort located in Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria. With over 65 acres of palm-fringed white sand beach, river and mangrove forest.

Experience warm African hospitality, comfort and luxury. Our chalets offer a mix of traditional architecture and furnishings with all modern amenities you would expect in a 5-star resort. And if you prefer the great outdoors, we provide a range of camping options.

Choose from tasty African dishes presented with a continental flair or international cuisine served with an African twist. Be sure to have a sip of our fresh palm wine or coconut water anytime you visit! Explore, play, bond with families and team members, go on a picnic, fishing, kayaking, quad biking or do nothing but relax in between the warm golden sand on the beach, whatever rocks your boat!.

The beautiful ambience of our resort is ideal for camping, picnic, luxury vacation, honeymoon, destination weddings, conferences, corporate retreat and team bonding.

2. Hotel Oásis Praiamar

Located in the most noble area of Praia, Prainha, near to the international embassies, and up in the cliff over the sea, the Oasis Atlantico Praiamar Hotel is not only specially prepared to welcome business travelers, but also the tourist who wants to discover the capital of Cape Verde, or the village that for a long time had one of the most famous political prisons of Portugal, Tarrafal.

1.White Sands Beach Resort and Spa Ghana

On the West African coast of Ghana, the White Sands Beach Resort and Spa combines luxury and exclusivity, in a delightful, exotic, understated manner, while the resort with 10 well appointed individually designed suites & chalets is situated amidst 60 hectares of tropical garden with exotic plants & trees brought in 9 different countries with its private beach, club house, restaurants & bars, tennis court, and helipad.

Natures heightens the senses, giving guests an increased awareness of the profusion of this sanctuary dotted with flowering trees, gorgeous tropical flowers, canopied pathways, orchid alleys, peaceful ponds, enveloping guests in a sensuous world of enhanced awareness and profound relaxation.

While the beach club is separated from the resort by the village of Gomoa Fetteh on the one side and the exuberant lively fishermen on the other, tucked snuggly between the ocean and the bird sanctuary of the Kako Lagoon. The White sands Beach Resort and Spa offers friendly form duly blended with African charm, culture and tradition.

In this magical spot care was taken to preserve and include the beauty of the natural environment in the planning and execution of this luxurious resort. It took seven years to create, conceive and complete this magnificent piece of paradise where each architectural design, detail speaks to the senses, warm earthly colors, smooth surfaces, rich textures, subtle fragrances, and create sensuous aesthetics.

2 . JARA Beach Resort

Nestled in Museyo next to Eleko, just one hour by road from Lekki Phase One, Jara Beach Resort is the first of its kind, award-winning, all-inclusive, family-run, oceanfront getaway in Lagos. Three full meals (and snacks!) await our overnight guests; a fusion of international favourites and locally sourced ingredients – from the land and the sea. Lunchtime is where your indulgent visit begins! Lunch and Dinner menus alternate between a la carte and a BBQ feast for overnight guests, providing optimum variety.

In any one of the 12 beautifully-finished en-suite bedrooms; five standard queen bed, five family with queen (room #6) or king bed (rooms #7-9 + 12) with a 2 x 4foot mattress bunk bed, and two immersive oceanfront villas (ideal for those in search of the extra-extra special), comfort is guaranteed – with all amenities provided to ensure you sleep peacefully, waking only to the sound of the waves from the Atlantic Ocean. A coffee delivered to your room, enjoyed on your own ocean-facing balcony, the perfect way to start your day.

Bathe in the swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, or relax in a cabana on the sand of JARA’s own beachfront. There’s so much to do. Feeling active? The table tennis table, pool table and sand games are all yours. With plenty of books, board games and latest magazines, it’s also the perfect location for those wanting to do very little too!

Cameroon is a place with varied climate and differing religious and social customs have created diversity in traditional clothing. In the north, where it is arid and much of the population is Muslim, traditional clothing is free flowing and head coverings are common. In the rainy, forested region of the south, traditional dress includes richly patterned and embroidered fabrics, ruffles and, sometimes, fitted hats on the men.

The Women’s Pagne

A long swath of fabric, the pagne is a wrapper style garment worn by women in Cameroon. The type of cloth used varies from simple cotton batik prints to heavily embroidered satin fabrics for formal occasions. They can be easily found in the local marketplaces. Pagnes are beautiful and functional and may be used in several ways: as a protective head covering, a skirt, a sling style baby carrier, or to provide warmth and dryness during the rainy season.

The Casual Kabba

The free flowing dress called kabba mostly is worn by women in the home, or during casual shopping or visiting with others. The piece flows seamlessly like a dress from shoulder to knee or longer, and often is made from traditional batik or tie dye cotton prints. The sleeves usually are wide, and the looseness of the garment allows women and visitors to move freely and helps keep the body cool in hot northern weather.

The Four-Piece Boubou Outfit

Widespread in northern Cameroon and common in other areas during special occasions, the “un boubou avec pantaloon” is a traditional four piece outfit for men; however, there are versions also available for women for those looking for a nice souvenir. The ensemble consists of an undershirt, flowing outer shirt that falls to the hips or longer, loose fitting pants and a matching hat. Each piece is made of cotton. The outer shirt is made with colorful patterns and usually is embroidered at the neckline, hem or sleeves. The hat matches the design of the outer shirt, and the pants are either solid colored or a corresponding print.

Quartre Pouches

This two piece men’s outfit is found in southern and tribal Cameroon. It consists of a pair of loose fitting pants and a shirt, often with square pockets on the front. The pieces are made of cotton in matching designs, resembling the geometric mud cloth patterns created in Mali, West Africa. The outfit sometimes is worn with a round, close fitting hat made from matching the fabric.