Compass: Africa

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”
–Ernest Hemingway
Explore Africa , its not only a colorful continent but also the world’s second largest and second most populace land mass. The continent hosts a broad diversity of 3,000 ethnic groups and cultural heritages that compose 2,000 different languages.
The earliest evidence of homo sapiens is found in Africa and that is why the continent is often referred to as the “cradle of civilization”.There are 54 sovereign countries on the African continent. The borders of some countries shift slightly because of armed conflict between ethnic groups. But most of the borders were drawn during the time of European colonialism.
The 54 countries within the African continent include: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Republic of the, Congo, Democratic Republic of the, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa , South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Explore Africa, everything from its history, cultural heritage to diverse mix of people. The land offers a lot to those who are passionate about traveling.

TODAY IN HISTORY: Apartheid ends, Mandela elected in South Africa (May 2, 1994)
On this day in 1994, South Africa officially ends aparheid and elects Nelson Mandela in the country’s first multiracial election. Watch amazing history happen here: Read more
Africa History
A Journey Through the Door of Return
By Rachel FlynnMost recently, I traveled to Ghana over the holidays with friends and family. I tried many foods like fufu, bofrot, and my personal favorite, Jollof! I sat in the notorious Accra traffic for too many hours to count, and I spent Christmas on the beach. But the most important thing … Read more Read more
Africa History
Mombasa: A different side of ancient Kenya
By Derek CullenMombasa is a sublime mix of cultures and one of the most popular destinations in East Africa for white powdered sands and five-star luxury resorts. At the same time, there is as much to experience for backpackers as there is for wealthy tourists and this is best seen in the … Read more Read more
Africa Family Travel
A Burundian Lesson in Hospitality
By Breana JohnsonIt’s evening in the small African nation of Burundi, and the waning sun throws shadows over the city of Bujumbura. In the old Land Rover, we bump and jostle our way through the crowded dirt roads of the capital. Before we left the mission station where my husband’s family lives, … Read more Read more
Africa Off the Beaten Path Social Responsibility
Biking Windhoek’s Bustling Township of Katutura
By Chez ChesakBefore your wildlife safari or self-drive adventure, take a day or two to discover Windhoek’s history, particularly the township of Katutura, where the city’s black population was forcefully moved under Apartheid. Read more
Africa Adventure History
Kenya Embraces Sustainable Tourism As The New Normal
By Bianca CaruanaSince 2013, tourism has expanded and evolved in the region, welcoming a more sustainable narrative — one far more inclusive of a positive social and environmental impact than at any time in Kenya’s tourism history. Read more
Africa Social Responsibility
Township tourism: The good, the bad, and the ugly
By Rachel FlynnIf you have traveled to a developing country, you have probably seen tours that visit favelas, slums, or in South Africa’s case, townships. Read more
Africa Insights Social Responsibility
Why we all need (and deserve) a break
By Kellie PaxianThe past year (and then some) has left most people responsibly stuck at home, abiding by travel restrictions and doing their part not to spread the virus. This has come with many challenges in the mental health realm that have made us realize just how important travel is for our … Read more Read more
Africa Health & Wellness Transformative
Shaping the rainbow nation: The role of Indians in South Africa
By Rachel FlynnWelcome to South Africa, the country with too many names! The list is long, but some of the most notable options include the Republic of South Africa, my absolute favourite country, Mzansi, and the rainbow nation. Read more
Africa Insights History
Exploring ‘The Red City’ of Marrakech – A Destination Rich in History and Culture
By Farah KasmanMarrakech is one of the most exotic and enchanting places in the world. Although Marrakech is not the capital of Morocco, this vibrant city’s appeal never fails to entice tourists from around the world to come and visit. If you’re seeking the ultimate Moroccan experience and Marrakech is on your … Read more Read more
Africa Architecture History
Empty roads and a full soul: Road tripping Namibia during the pandemic
By Kellie PaxianLike most people who have touched down on the continent, Africa has captured my soul in a way that you just can’t understand until you’ve been. Read more
Africa Experiences Rail & Road Travel
The Endurance of the Mountains
By Ghada EmishOne way to be connected to nature is to learn about the history of the Earth. In the chain Red Sea Mountains in the Eastern Desert in Egypt, there are red granite rocks that are among the oldest on the planet, dating back to 600 million years ago. Read more
Africa Landscape History
A look through the lens of a humanitarian photographer
By Jessica BarrettFrom long, uncomfortable trips to challenging accommodations, humanitarian travel isn’t typically glamorous. Massachusetts-based social documentary photographer and Capture Humanity founder Matilde Simas recently traveled to Imvepi Refugee Settlement in Uganda to explore the ways that children are exploited due to war. Read more
Africa The Arts Social Responsibility
A letter to my favourite country: We need to talk
By Kellie PaxianSouth Africa is not the safest country in which I’ve travelled. It’s not the least corrupt. Or the most open-minded. But it is my favourite. Read more
Africa Social Responsibility
COVID-19 report from Johannesburg, South Africa
Following our earlier interview with Johannes Syms from the Western Cape (Cape Town), South Africa, we interviewed a Johannesburg-based reporter, Anita Powell, to learn what is happening in that densely populated city. Some of what we learned about the healthcare concerns in South Africa surprised us. What didn’t surprise us … Read more Read more
Africa Health & Wellness Insights