Monthly Archives: February 2012
Groovy The Gambia 6 -9, 2012
The Gambia along the Gambia River is the smallest country on the continent with an area of 11,300 square kilometres and a population of 2 million. The entire country is almost entirely enclosed by Senegal. For bird-watchers, The Gambia is a veritable paradise. Most visitors go for the beaches and bars of the Atlantic coast. … Continue reading
Sensual Senegal (1): March 2- 6, 2012
The annual Dakar Rally covering some 10,000km in around three weeks across the Sahara and West Africa ending in Dakar had first made me aware of Senegal. Our truck arrived in Dakar on March 12 ending our 8000km (estimate) overland journey through nine countries in West Africa in 68 days. I shall always remember … Continue reading
Marvellous Mali February 23 – March 1, 2012
Mali with its legendary city of Timbuktu and Concert of the Desert has been on my wish list. I tried to arrange a trip to Mali last year without success. I am glad to finally set foot in this marvellous country. Unfortunately, as the north including Timbuktu and the Dogon country is not safe, I … Continue reading
Beautiful & Fabulous Burkina Faso February 15 – 22, 2012
Burkina Faso? What and where is it? I was totally ignorant about this small landlocked country till I planned my West African trip. I consider Burkina Faso one of the most beautiful and fabulous countries on the continent. I have happy memories of my visits to the Sindou Peaks, Fabedougou Dome, Karfiguela Falls,Lake Tengrela and … Continue reading
Go Go Ghana (2) February 4 – 15, 2012
Ghana, the first African country to gain independence in 1957, is seen as a relatively stable and successful nation in the continent. I had a leisure time in Ghana travelling from the southeast to Accra, along the coast to see the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (both World Heritage properties),then through central Ghana to … Continue reading
Go Go Ghana (1) February 4 – 15, 2012
Ghana, the first African country to gain independence in 1957, is seen as a relatively stable and successful nation in the continent. I had a leisure time in Ghana travelling from the southeast to Accra, along the coast to see the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle (both World Heritage properties),then through central Ghana to … Continue reading
Tailor Togo January 31 – February 4, 2012
Togo is a cultural melting pot with some 40 ethnic groups in a population of five million people and an area of 57000 square kilometres. I had four most relaxing nights by the Togo Lake and Mt Klouto. Batik and wax printing is popular and I brought several pieces of cloth in Togoville and … Continue reading
Blissful Benin (2) January 19 – 31, 2012
Benin is probably the Gulf of Guinea’s least-known nation. Though small with an area of 113,000 square kilometres and a population of 9 million, Benin is charming and enchanting. Our truck reached most corners of Benin bringing me to the northern upland, the south and the coast. My visit to the Royal Palace of Abomey … Continue reading