Fez, Morocco Nouakchott, Mauritania Essaouira, Morocco Saint Louis, Senegal Casablanca, Morocco

Africa

The north is to south what the clock is to time

There's east and there's west and there's everywhere life

I know I was born and I know that I'll die

The in between is mine

- Pearl Jam

Looking at a map Africa seems remarkably close to Europe, particularly to the south of Spain; yet it couldn't be further away. Crossing that short stretch of the Mediterranean Sea, travelers are immediately confronted by an entirely different world. The proximity of the so-called developed countries and the emerging markets is remarkable considering their vast differences. Seeing some of the things that are endemic in Africa such as poverty, food shortages, corruption, disorganization, and unchecked development can challenge anyone's views of the world. For some there is hope that as Africa develops the lives of millions of people will be elevated to a higher standard. For others there is despair that the world is powerless to do anything to ease the obvious pain of so many that are in need due to the limited economic prospects in many places. The reality is that both of these viewpoints co-exist and the opportunities and successes that emerge despite the hardships are a big part of Africa's identity.

Africa's range of diversity and the vast differences between Western cultures make it seem even more exotic. In the north, the influence of ancient European civilizations is readily apparent along with the co-mingling of former European and Middle Eastern empires and present day cultural clashes. Traveling south beyond the Sahel and past the vast arid expanses of the Sahara the skin colors of the inhabitants darken, and much of the European and Middle Eastern influences begin to fade and greater local character emerges. Although more recent colonial influences from the French, Portuguese, English, and German are still strong in parts, many nations are beginning to come into their own. This emergence makes for an interesting cultural mix and provides a great deal for tourists to experience.

The continent possesses a wealth of natural resources including abundant wildlife, remote wilderness, and traces of the world's earliest human beings. In comparison to many other parts of the world, traveling in Africa lacks many of the comforts that travelers are often accustomed to; however, this makes the experience all the more rewarding. By challenging yourself to experience Africa you will come away with a better understanding of a rapidly growing set of countries that will undoubtedly have a huge influence on the world in the coming years.

   

Select a country to view photos and stories from my travels:

 
Mauritania

Mauritania

Morocco

Morocco

Senegal

Senegal

Western Sahara

Western Sahara