Fast Facts

Main Languages: Over 1000 languages are estimated to be spoken in the African continent. Africa is divided across 53 countries, each with its distinct history, culture and ethnicity. Though most of the languages are of African origin, languages originating from European and Asian languages are also found here. Many of the African countries adopted indigenous languages like Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa as their official languages. However, many countries use English and French as the preferred means of communication.

When to Go: The best time to visit Africa really depends on the traveller's interest. There is a season for everything - wildlife safaris, birding safaris, fly fishing, golfing, photography and canoeing and kayaking. Generally, wildlife safaris are recommended in the winter months, while in the summer months are ideal for birding, botany and great weather. So while Egypt enjoys Mediterranean climate with spring and autumn as the best months, Cairo experiences extreme climate with very hot summers and extremely cold winters. Ethopia is best visited during summer (October – May), while Kenya, being located near the sea can be visited all year round. South Africa enjoys dry and mild weather between September to March, with rainfall in between and Zimbawe is best visited in the winter months between May and October.

Local Transport: Buses (big buses are a better bet) are the best way to travel in real Africa. Suburban transport includes cabs/ taxis, 4X4 trucks (especially in the desert and during overland tours) and boats (if visiting the Nile River suburbs). Railway infrastructure is not very developed in Africa, however the colonial settlements have tracks in place, set up by the colonisers. Motorcycles are good if the travellers are well versed with the roads. Some of the countries have airports in their capital cities ad others.

Time Zone: GMT -1 to GMT + 4. So while it is 4:06 am in Datar, it is 5:06 am in Lagos, 6:06 in Cape Town and 7:06 in Dares Salaam at the same time.