Country Highlight: SUDAN
Sudan is the 3rd largest country in Africa and has the most pyramids in the world. Learn more fun facts about this historically rich country.
Fast Facts:
1. It’s located in Northeast Africa and is the third largest country on the continent.
2. The capital and largest city is Khartoum, where the Blue Nile and White Nile tributaries unite to form the Nile River.
3. Major languages: Arabic and English are official languages and more than 100 native languages are spoken.
4. Major ethnic groups: Arab (70%), Nubians, Zurga, Copts
5. Major religions: Islam (91%), Christianity (6%), Traditional and other religions (3%)
6. It gained independence from Egypt and United Kingdom on January 1, 1956.
7. It was Africa’s largest country until 2011, when South Sudan split and gained independence.
8. Its name means “land of the Blacks” in Arabic and refers to the dark skin of the people.
9. It has more than 500 miles of coastline with many beaches and beautiful coral reefs.
10. The Red Sea is the lowest point in Sudan and a starting point for scuba diving expeditions, one of the most popular being Jacques Cousteau’s underwater village.
11. It has three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Sanganeb National Park, Meroe pyramids and archeological sites, and Gebel Barkal and Napatan sites.
12. It has the world’s largest collection of pyramids. There are more pyramids in one small section of the northern Sudanese desert than in the whole of Egypt.
13. Sudan has a plethora of historical sites and other attractions, including the Ruins of Kerma (an early Kushite kingdom), Nuri Pyramids, Temple of Soleb, Temple of Amun, Meroe Pyramids, Musawarat Es Sufra Temple, Naqa Temple, Nubian Desert, Jebel Marra mountains, Dinder National Park, as well as the Sudan National Museum, Khartoum Camel Market, and Friday Sufi Gathering in the capital of Khartoum. However, caution is advised due to longstanding conflict in some regions.
Country Highlight: MOROCCO
Morocco is the 18th largest and most visited country in Africa. Learn more fun facts about this beautiful country.
Fast Facts:
1. It’s located in northwest Africa and is the 18th largest country on the continent.
2. The capital is Rabat and the largest city is Casablanca.
3. Major languages: Arabic, Berber, Darija, Hassaniya, French
4. Major ethnic groups: Arab-Berber (99%), Other (1%)
5. Major religions: Islam (99%), Christianity and other (1%)
6. It gained independence from France in March 1956.
7. It is one of only three nations (along with Spain and France) to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.
8. A large part of Morocco is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are in the center and south and the Rif Mountains are in the north.
9. Morocco is the most visited country in Africa.
10. Tourism in Morocco is well developed with a strong focus on the country’s coast, culture, history and ancient sites.
11. It has 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Fez Medina, Marrakesh Medina, Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Historic City of Meknes, Archaeological Site of Volubilis, Tetouan Medina, Essaouira Medina, El Jadida, and Modern and Historic City of Rabat.
12. It has a plethora of attractions, including leather tanneries in Fez, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the ancient city and archaeological sites in Meknes, Hasan II Mosque in Casablanca, the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, the souks of Marrakesh, and the famous tree goats in Tamri, among others.
13. Various art and music festivals take place during the summer months, among them the World Sacred Music Festival at Fez.
Country Highlight: MAURITANIA
Mauritania is Africa’s 11th largest country and 90% of its land is located in the Sahara Desert. Learn more fun facts about this interesting country.
Fast Facts:
1. It’s located in northwest Africa and is the 11th largest country on the continent.
2. The capital and largest city is Nouakchott.
3. One-third of the population lives in the capital city.
4. Major languages: Arabic (official), French, Hassaniya Arabic Berber, Pulaar, Soninke, Wolof
5. Major ethnic groups: Haratine [Black Moors] (40%), Bidhan [Arab/Amazigh] (30%), Sub-Saharan Mauritanian: Halpulaar, Fulani, Mande, Wolof, Bambara (30%)
6. Major religions: Islam (99.9%), Christianity (0.1%)
7. It is a former French colony and gained independence from France in November 1960.
8. Approximately 90% of its land is located in the Sahara Desert.
9. It was the last country in the world to abolish slavery in 1981, though it was not criminalized until 2007. Slavery is still deeply rooted in the culture and closely tied to the country’s ethnic makeup. An estimated 10-20% of the population is enslaved.
10. Travel and tourism has been limited due to security concerns, but it is becoming easier with charter flights. Mauritania has much to offer adventurous travelers.
11. It has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Banc d’Arguin National Park and Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata.
12. Tourism largely centers around the desert, ocean and historical sites. Attractions include the beautiful desert scenery, historical cities and rock paintings in the Adrar region, UNESCO sites, “the world’s longest train” (over 200 cars) that links Nouadhibou and Zouerat, fishermen at Port de Peche, and bird migrations at Banc d’Arguin, where the desert meets the Atlantic Ocean.
13. Things to see and do in the capital include: the African market, the Camel Market, the Crafts Center, the House of Culture, the fine carpets factory, traditional Berber architecture, and the Ksar, an old Moorish settlement.
Country Highlight: LIBYA
Libya is Africa’s 4th largest country and it has the continent’s biggest oil reserves. Learn more fun facts about this interesting country,
Fast Facts:
1. It is located in North Africa and is the 4th largest country on the continent.
2. Its capital and largest city is Tripoli. The second largest city is Benghazi.
3. It holds Africa’s largest and the world’s 10th largest proven oil reserves. Its substantial oil revenues give Libya one of the highest per capita GDPs in Africa.
4. Major languages: Arabic (official), Libyan Arabic, Berber, Italian, English
5. Major ethnic groups: Arab (87%), Berber (10%), other (3%)
6. Major religions: Islam (97%), Christianity and other (3%)
7. Muammar Ghadafi served as president for 42 years, until he was overthrown in 2011 during the Arab Spring and subsequent NATO invasion.
8. More than 90% of the country is covered by the Libyan Desert (which is part of the Sahara Desert).
9. More than 90% of the population lives along the Mediterranean coast and the interior is mostly underpopulated due to the desert and lack of surface water.
10. There are no permanent rivers in Libya, but there is extensive underground water and numerous oases.
11. Tourism has faltered since the Arab Spring and ensuing Civil War, but the country boasts a stunning Mediterranean coastline, desert landscapes, many ancient historical sites, and renowned hospitality.
12. Attractions include prehistoric rock art at Wadi Metkandoush and Wadi Tashwinat, ancient ruins of Leptis Magna, Cyrene, and Sabratha, Assai al-Hamra Castle, Qasr Libya, Roman Libya, Jamahiriya Museum, Freedom Square, Ghadames, the Pentapolis, Berber villages, beaches, camel trekking, sand dune surfing, snorkeling, souk shopping, and exploring caves.
Country Highlight: EGYPT
Egypt is Africa’s 12th largest country and its 2nd most visited, popular with tourists for its many ancient monuments. Learn more fun facts about Egypt.
Fast Facts:
1. It’s located in northern Africa and links northeast Africa with the Middle East.
2. Its capital and largest city is Cairo.
3. It’s the 12th largest country and the third most populous country on the continent.
4. Arabic is the official language.
5. Islam is the official religion, practiced by 90% of the population. Ten percent are Christians.
6. Major ethnic groups: Egyptians, Nubians, Bedouins, Berbers, Copts
7. The Nile River, the world’s longest river, flows thru Egypt and 10 other African countries. About 22% of the Nile River’s course flows thru Egypt.
8. 95% of Egyptians live along the Nile River or its delta. The Nile provides nearly all of Egypt’s water.
9. It has one of the longest histories of any country and is considered a cradle of civilization.
10. It has coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf Sea, with modern resorts catering to sun seekers and scuba divers.
11. Egypt is Africa’s second most visited country, with visitors coming to see its many historical monuments and cultural attractions.
12. Popular attractions include the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simpel, Mount Sinai, White Desert, Siwa Oasis, the towns of Aswan, Alexandria , Hurghada, Sharm el Sheik, and Cairo, and cruising on the Nile.
Country Highlight: ALGERIA
Algeria is the biggest country in Africa and 4/5ths of its land is covered by the Sahara Desert. Learn more fun facts about this beautiful country.
Fun Facts:
1. It’s the biggest country in Africa and the 10th largest in the world.
2. It’s located in North Africa but has a Mediterranean coastline.
3. The Sahara Desert covers 4/5ths of its land.
4. Its capital and most populous city is Algiers.
5. Major languages: Arabic, French and Berber
6. Ethnicity/Race: 99% Berber
7. Religion: 99% Islam, 1% Christianity and other
8. It locally produces beer and wine.
9. It has 18 international airports.
10. Most visitors require a Visa. Only 8 countries have visa free entry. The Visa will be denied if you have visited and have a passport stamp for Israel or one of its neighboring country land borders.
11. It has a rich history with 7 World Heritage sites: Al Qal’a of Beni Hammad, Djémila, Casbah of Algiers, M’Zab Valley, Timgad, Tipasa, and Tassil n’Ajjer.
12. Tourist attractions include ancient towns, the desert region, beaches, botanical gardens, museums, national parks and more.
Month by Month Guide to Africa’s Best Festivals
With 54 countries and island nations, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Africa. Here are some its best festivals.
With 54 countries and island nations, there’s never a shortage of things to do on the African continent. Festivals provide a great opportunity to experience the diverse culture, music and food, while also benefiting the local economies. Here are some of the best ones you should consider attending.
JANUARY
The Equatorial Guinea Bodypainting Festival ~ Equatorial Guinea
The Equatorial Guinea Bodypainting Festival is one of the newest festivals on the continent, having only been launched in 2019. But it’s already gaining fans and spurring tourism to the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa. The festival includes tours, eco-adventures, and art workshops on mask making, pole dancing, and creative drawing, among others. Of course, the festival highlight is the amazing body paint presentations.
Timkat Festival ~ Ethiopia
Timkat is Ethiopian Epiphany Day, a celebration of the baptism of Jesus Christ, occurring across the country, but mainly in Lalibela, Gondar, and Addis Ababa. The festival happens every year on January 19 (January 20 in leap years), with preparations the day before (ketera) and three days of colorful processions, dance, music, prayer and a ritual baptismal re-enactment. This is one of the major religious festivals in Ethiopia and an excellent way to immerse oneself in Ethiopian history and culture.
The Voodoo Festival ~ Benin
The Voodoo Festival is a celebration of the voodoo religion that takes place every year on January 10th in Ouidah, Benin. This popular festival draws fetish priests, adepts, traditional chiefs and onlookers from across the globe. There are ritual sacrifices, dancing, drinking and drumming. Devotees assume the identity of gods, dressing up and transforming into that god as they do, with the realm of the magical close at hand.
FEBRUARY
Abu Simbel Sun Festival ~ Egypt
The Abu Simbel temples are two massive rock temples built as a monument to Pharaoh Ramesses II and his queen Nefertari and to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The temples remain in darkness all year, except for two occasions on February 22 and October 22, when a stream of natural sunlight illuminates the entire complex. Tourists come from around the globe to see this solar phenomenon and architectural marvel, and to enjoy music, dance, food, drinking, market shopping and more.
Carnival ~ Cape Verde
Carnival is celebrated on all 10 islands, but the biggest and liveliest celebrations happen in Mindelo on Sao Vicente island. The dates change each year, but the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday (February 25 in 2020) is filled with street parties and other events, culminating with the main parade complete with samba dancing, singing, live music, elaborate floats, and colorful costumes. Come ready to have fun because the celebrations start early in the morning and go on all day.
Sauti za Busara ~ Zanzibar, Tanzania
This 4-day music festival is held every February and showcases African music from across the continent. Highlights of Sauti za Busara include 400+ live musicians, a carnival parade, impromptu jam sessions and after parties, with a backdrop of the beautiful beach views and island breezes of Stone Town.
MARCH
Bouake Carnival ~ Cote d’Ivoire
Bouake Carnival is the Ivorian version of Mardi Gras. This weeklong celebration of life and friendship is held in late March in Bouake, the second largest city in Cote d’ivoire. Tourists and locals join together to enjoy great music, eat traditional foods, explore cultural markets, attend lively street parties and parades, and hear music from local artists and musicians from all over the continent of Africa.
Cape Town International Jazz Festival ~ South Africa
Touted as Africa’s Grandest Gathering, Cape Town Jazz Festival is one of the biggest jazz festivals on the continent. This 2-day festival is hosted in the beautiful Cape Town and known for its all-star lineup of local and international acts.
APRIL
Festival of Urban Music of Anoumabo (FEMUA) ~ Cote d’Ivoire
This annual music festival is a party with a purpose – the proceeds are used to build schools and hospitals across the country. Started by Salif “Asalfo” Traoré, singer of the Ivorian band, Magic System, as a way to give back to the Anoumabo neighborhood, this celebration has morphed from a neighborhood party to a major festival, drawing crowds of more than 100,000 people to Abidjan. FEMUA features a variety of Ivorian and Pan African music and has an annual theme aimed at spurring social awareness and change. Be warned — the festival starts late and typically runs until 5:00 am.
Harare International Festival of the Arts ~ Zimbabwe
The Harare International Festival of the Arts is one of Africa’s largest art and cultural festivals, held in Zimbabwe’s capital city, Harare. The 6-day festival and workshop program showcases Zimbabwean, regional and international arts and culture with dance, music, circus, street performances, fashion, spoken word, theater and visual arts.
MAY
Azgo Festival ~ Mozambique
The Azgo Festival is a contemporary celebration of arts and culture, with a strong focus on artists from Mozambique and the entire African continent. The four-day festival includes live music, films, dance, artistic and cultural development workshops and gourmet street food vendors.
Bush Fire Festival ~ eSwatini (formerly Swaziland)
One of Africa’s most popular events, Bush Fire is an annual 3-day festival which showcases music, art and culture from all over the African continent. Through its mantra “Bring Your Fire”, Bushfire encourages creative expression and social change, and invites everyone to contribute and engage through a program of creative workshops, discussions, art exhibitions and guest speakers.
La Biennale de L’Art Africain Contemporain/Dak’Art ~ Senegal
La Biennale de L’Art Africain Contemporain, commonly known as Dak’Art, is a month-long contemporary arts festival held every two years in Senegal’s capital of Dakar. The festival features art exhibitions with a variety of national and international artists, as well as in situ mural and sculpture creations, lectures, films, live performances, African culinary presentations, and more. The next edition of Dak’Art is in 2020.
Saint-Louis Jazz Festival ~ Senegal
Held in the former French capital of Saint-Louis, the renowned Saint-Louis Jazz Festival happens annually in May and attracts local and international jazz greats. The 5-day festival is in its 28th year and attracts close to 100,000 music lovers from around the world.
Windhoek Annual Cultural Festival ~ Namibia
The Windhoek Annual Cultural Festival is a new festival, which seeks to promote Namibian cultural diversity and provide a platform for upcoming artists and entrepreneurs to exhibit and promote their businesses. Participants celebrate their cultural backgrounds through traditional dress, dance performances and food. Additional activities include a battle of DJs, choir competition, battle of chefs, eating competition and talent show.
JUNE
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music ~ Morocco
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is 10-day celebration held in Fes, in northern Morocco. The festival advocates music as a means of promoting dialogue and harmony between civilizations and is a combination of concerts, workshops and discussions on climate change, human and civil rights, social justice and other important issues.
Jazzablanca ~ Morocco
Jazzablanca is an international jazz festival held yearly in Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. The 9-day festival features local and international artists with a mix of famous and up-and-coming jazz, pop, rock, blues and funk. Food and fashion workshops are also held.
JULY
Zanzibar International Film Festival ~ Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), also known as Festival of the Dhow Countries, is an annual 10-day film festival held on Zanzibar island. ZIFF includes workshops and screenings of African films in various genres, including African Animation, TV series and Web series.
Panafest ~ Ghana
The Pan African Historical Theatre Festival, commonly known as Panafest, is a cultural festival held every two years for Africans and people of African descent. The festival is intended to bring together Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora around the issues raised by the transatlantic slave trade. The two-week festival includes a variety of cultural events, performance arts, dance and music workshops, speaking colloquiums, and tributes to the ancestors. The next Panafest is in 2021.
AUGUST
Chale Wote Street Art Festival ~ Ghana
Chale Wote has quickly become one of West Africa’s biggest and most popular events, with more than 100,000 attendees and 200 Ghanaian and international artists participating. The 10-day street festival includes street painting, graffiti murals, photo exhibitions, live street performances, extreme sports, African cinema, street boxing, a fashion parade, a music block party, design labs and more.
Gaborone International Music and Culture Week (GIMC) ~ Botswana
GIMC is a weeklong annual festival that celebrates the city of Gaborone through music, theatre, comedy, poetry, fashion and other cultural activities. Performers include local, regional and international artists.
SEPTEMBER
Lake of Stars Festival ~ Malawi
Lake of Stars is an annual 3-day international music festival held on the shores of Lake Malawi, the third largest lake in Africa. The activities include music, talks, poetry, theater, film, art and wellness activities from Malawi and across the globe. On-site camping is available and encouraged. The festival is on hiatus for 2020, but is expected to return in 2021.
Nyege Nyege Festival ~ Uganda
Held on the shores of the Nile River, the 4-day Nyege Nyege festival is one of the biggest underground music festivals in East Africa. Nyege Nyege is a Swahili word meaning an uncontrollable urge to move, shake, or dance and you’ll do just that at this non-stop party and celebration of Ugandan and African culture. Nyege Nyege showcases an eclectic mix of music genres from Africans and the diaspora, including electronic music, Ugandan dancehall, Balani (Mali), Kweito (South Africa), Kuduro (Angola), Cumbia (South America) and more.
OCTOBER
Felabration ~ Nigeria
Felabration is an annual music and arts festival commemorating the life of Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician and human rights activist known for pioneering the afrobeat music genre. The weeklong celebration includes a wide range of activities, including debates, symposiums, afrobics dance competitions, art exhibitions and competitions, and music concerts.
NOVEMBER
Mombasa Carnival ~ Kenya
The Mombasa Carnival is one of Kenya’s biggest and most popular festivals, held every year in November. This lively street party revolves around two parades, which converge on Moi Avenue and display Mombasa’s diverse cultures with an array of floats, traditional dress, music concerts, and dance. A mix of traditional and contemporary artists join the celebration.
DECEMBER
Afrochella ~ Ghana
Afrochella is Africa’s answer to America’s Coachella. This annual one-day festival seeks to highlight the thriving talent from and within Africa and features African music, culture, art, fashion and food. Related happenings, including panel discussions, charity events, and parties, are held the week of the festival.
Afropunk ~ South Africa
Afropunk is an annual alternative arts festival that includes live music, film, fashion, and art produced by black artists. The festival debuted in Brooklyn, New York and has since expanded to locations across the globe, including Johannesburg, South Africa. The two-day Afropunk Joburg features live concerts, panel conversations, battle of the bands, and food and craft markets.
Calabar Carnival ~ Nigeria
Called Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival takes place the entire month of December in the city of Calabar in southeastern Nigeria. It attracts more than 2 million revelers and has participants from 25 countries. The festivities include street parades, battle of the bands, concerts, art shows, street parties, food competitions, fashion shows, sporting events and non-stop parties. Carnival week, the final week between Christmas and New Year, is when most of the highlights occur.
Victoria Falls Carnival ~ Zimbabwe
The Victoria Falls Carnival is a 3-day blowout party held annually at the end of December. The party starts on Day One with a Carnival train ride and secret bush party. Day Two features an electric safari concert with the best live house, African, indie and electro-pop music. The party culminates on New Year’s Eve, with a concert and year-end countdown complete with fire breathers, traditional dancers, and a host of African music artists. All of the fun is held in the backdrop of Victoria Falls, one of the biggest and most famous waterfalls in the world.