Just the word ‘Africa’ brings to mind green-gold savannahs, full of incredible wildlife. But we sometimes forget that Africa is a huge continent, home to 54 countries and diverse natural landscapes and cultural experiences.
Click start to play today’s Crossword, which tests your knowledge of Africa’s geography.
There’s a lot more to the continent than its safaris and wildlife, and here, we list 5 must-visit places to see in Africa:
1. Namaqualand, South Africa
After the rains in August and September, the dry Namaqualand region transforms into a blanket of vibrant flowers that comprise almost all the colours of the rainbow. The brilliant flowers draw thousands of tourists, who travel along the Namaqualand Flower Route, which connects towns, cities, and national parks in South Africa, all the while enjoying the spectacular view from their car window.
2. Tsingy Rouge, Madagascar
Outside Madagascar’s port city of Diego Suarez is a remarkable landscape of red needled rocks. The Tsingy Rouge is a result of soil erosion of the Irodo River, and is formed from laterite – similar to clay – which gives the pinnacles their distinctive red shade, as they rise from the ground. The formation was only discovered in the mid-20th century!
3. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
The area is considered to be one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on Earth. But it is an incredible sight of geological depressions with bubbling pools of lava, next to sulfurous mounds in luminescent colours. The surrounding grey salt pans provide a stark contrast to the depression, which extends as far as the eye can see. This visit is not for the average tourist, but after all, it's not an average tourist spot!
4. Taghazout, Morocco
Do you think of sea and surf when you think of Africa? Probably not, but the small fishing village of Taghazout (pictured above) boasts some of the best surf spots on the entire continent. Both skilled and amateur surfers head to Anchor and Killer Points to take advantage of the giant waves, and non-surfers enjoy the charms of a seafront town full of cafés and seafood restaurants.
5. Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, Botswana
Over millions of years, Botswana’s Lake Makgadikgadi transformed into the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan. As one of the largest of its kind in the world, the Salt Pan is the size of the entire country of Portugal! In sharp contrast to Botswana’s otherwise wildlife-dense landscapes, this beautifully desolate area covers 16,057 square kilometres with dry earth and shrubs, under a blue sky. Annual rains bring a steady influx of animals and birds like zebras, wildebeest, and flamingos to the area.
Have you visited any of the above places? Play today’s Crossword and let us know at games@gulfnews.com.
