Liberia

Located in the Sierra Leone River, a few miles north of Freetown, Bunce Island was home to one of the most lucrative slave trading operations in West Africa. Between the late sixteenth century and 1807, when it was outlawed by the British government, hundreds of thousands of West Africans became victims of the slave trade. From Bunce Island, the furthest point upriver that was accessible to commercial ships, slaves were sold to colonies in the West Indies and North America. The rice-growing skills of Africans from the west coast commanded high prices from rice plantation owners in North America. In recent years, studies have revealed clear connections between the linguistic traits and cultural traditions of the Gullah people in the U.S. states of Georgia and South Carolina and the people of Sierra Leone. As was also the case at other sites in West Africa, European companies erected a fortified trading post with ancillary buildings, referred to as a slave castle, on the uninhabited Bunce Island. The structures that remain, including bastions, walls of the merchants’ quarters, the gunpowder magazine, and the gate to the slave house, were constructed of local stones and imported brick. Although the isolation of the island has helped prevent much human destruction, the severe local climate has resulted in ongoing degradation from the elements. Uncontrolled growth of vegetation in and around the ruins and coastal erosion threaten the preservation of the site. Additionally, conflict and a weak economy that is still recovering from the effects of the 2014 Ebola epidemic have hampered many plans for the preservation of Bunce Island. https://www.wmf.org/project/bunce-island

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary situated outside of picturesque Regent Village is only 30 minutes from Freetown. Located along the Regent/Bathurst mountain road, this sanctuary for orphaned and habituated chimpanzees is a refuge for human visitors as well. Offering daily scheduled visits, as well as 6 eco-huts for overnight stays, Tacugama is the perfect place for those wishing to escape the heat and hustle of Freetown and enjoy fragrant forest breezes in the company of some extraordinary creatures. The Sanctuary now offers self-catering accommodation in the form of 6 beautifully crafted lodges. Established to rescue orphaned and captured chimps, the facilities expanded to encompass two large reserves. Tacugama has been featured in various wildlife programmes and magazines. A rescued albino chimp at the sanctuary also helped to bring it to international attention. Sadly, the albino chimp is no longer alive but the sanctuary continues to grow from strength to strength. These endangered animals share 98.6 per cent of their DNA with humans and their complex social behaviours and human-like tendencies are fascinating to behold. The story behind Tacugama is just as riveting. Established in 1995, this sanctuary, which covers 100 acres of rain-forest and watershed, is home to 90 chimpanzees that have been victimized by the illegal hunting, capturing, and selling of their species. During the conflict, Tacugama staff smuggled food to the chimpanzees and pleaded with the rebels to spare their lives. Don’t miss the extraordinary experience of viewing these intelligent beings up-close in their natural habitat. https://www.visitsierraleone.org/tacugama-chimpanzee-sanctuary/

It is interesting to tour around the restored engines and cars of the amazing National Railway Museum. You don’t have to be a rail lover to catch the fun of Clinetown museums, where there is a great collection of restored locomotives, including one for the Queen of England in year 1961. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/national-railway-museum/

This National Forest Reserve on the outskirts of the city covers an area of 7,500 acres of tropical rainforest. While wildlife is rather hard to spot, there are walking trails, a lake, an arboretum and a great picnic area. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/parc-du-banco/

The museum is an initiative of the city council of Cocody, which was started in November 1993. Featuring a permanent exhibition of modern and contemporary works by Ivorian and other African artistes, the museum’s collection has over 150 paintings, 40 sculptural pieces, 15 ceramics, 11 tapestries and 216 books. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/musee-municipal-dart-contemporai/

A decent little museum located centrally in the Le Plateau region, with a special focus on Ivorian art. Exhibits include; beautiful human and animal statuettes made of terracotta, jewelry, pottery, indigenous musical instruments, wooden masks and other carvings from all parts of the country. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/musee-national/

It was officially opened by the Duchess of Kent during the Independence celebration in March, 1957. Located on Barnes Road, close to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, the National Museum is the repository of the country’s historical and cultural treasures, as well as artifacts from other ancient African Empires. The collections range from prehistoric, archaeological discoveries to colonial antiquities and exhibits of contemporary African Art. http://www.ghana.travel/places-to-visit/regions/greater-accra/

This magnificent monument on High Street was erected in honour of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a great Pan-Africanist who led the country to Independence in 1957. T http://www.ghana.travel/places-to-visit/regions/greater-accra/

Osu Castle, formerly known as Christiansburg, was built in 1659 and named after King Christian V of Denmark. Throughout its history, the Castle changed hands among foreign competitors several times until the early 1920s. http://www.ghana.travel/places-to-visit/regions/greater-accra/

These houses were built in Brazillian and British architecture and are mainly in Ebute-Metta, Yaba and Lagos Island. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/old-colonial-houses/

Madam Tinubu, the Nigerian businesswoman and patriot, after whom the prominent Lagos landmark, “Tinubu Square,” is named lived in the area in the 19th century and was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Western Nigeria, to a trading family. Tinubu square is by Broad street, CMS, Marina – and the Brazilian quarters in Lagos Island . https://afrotourism.com/attraction/tinubu-square/

There is only one institution that can pride itself as Nigeria’s Cultural Centre. And that’s none other than the inimitable Terra Kulture – the arts, entertainment and educational hub that has been at the fore-front of redefining Nigeria’s cultural landscape over the last decade. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/terra-kulture/

Built to provide safe passage for the ships entering the port of Praia, the octagonal lighthouse perched on the cliff, the "Farol da Ponta Temerosa" on the southernmost point of the island of Santiago, defies every surf after more than 130 years , It's worth taking a walk, and if you're lucky, the tower is even open, so you can have a great view of the surrounding area. https://www.holidaycheck.at/pi/farol-de-d-maria-pia/8a935783-5ac2-3165-aa89-175f24656d09

Praca Alexandre Albuquerque, also known as Praça 12 de Setembro, was built in 1826 and is located in the south of the Platô district. He has been named after the Portuguese governor Caetano Alexandre de Almeida e Albuquerque since 1975, who ruled from 1869 to 1876. The rectangular square of about 7,200 square meters is covered with trees, mainly mango and kapok. On the square next to a fountain are two monuments, a monument to Alexandre Albuquerque and another for Serpa Pinto. On its east side are the cathedral and the Palace of Justice, on the south side the town hall and on the west and north side commercial buildings. https://www.holidaycheck.de/pi/praca-alexandre-albuquerque/8e763ed6-c47a-3b6d-85ca-e9cef3ea275d

Stroll along this historical street to see pastel hue buildings, local shops and cafes. http://www.capeverde.com/islands/santiago.html

After spending a day on the golden send beaches you can try to continue your adventure with karting races. Test your driving skills and see if you can beat your opponents. https://www.inspirock.com/cape-verde/sal-rei/boa-vista-karting-a8265290047

Praia de Santa Mónica is a golden sandy beach in the southwestern part of the island of Boa Vista. https://www.inspirock.com/cape-verde/santa-monica/praia-de-santa-monica-a1409756471

Boavista contains a real desert in the northwestern part of the island, the Viana desert. Just one kilometer long and about 5 km long, it is characterized by a light sand mixed with grains of black earth. The ocean winds continuously transport huge volumes of sand from the African continent, depositing them on the island of Boavista due to the conformation of the land and the proximity to the mainland. This sand creates real desert dunes, interspersed with a sparse vegetation and some very dark volcanic rocks. The result of this phenomenon is a rainbow of colors and the rapid passage of clouds projects onto the ground an alternation of almost hypnotic light and shadow. The lunar landscape, amplified by the total lack of artificial sounds, makes this place an obligatory stopping point: it is possible to walk without difficulty, in the tranquility of being a few steps from civilization, without the danger of encountering poisonous animals or quicksand. https://www.boavistaofficial.com/en/viana-desert-boavista/

Praia da Chave is a golden sand beach in the western part of Boa Vista island. The beach sits between turquoise waters on one side and impressive sand dunes flanked with palm trees on the other. You can find small local huts for food and beach sport rentals. https://www.inspirock.com/cape-verde/boa-vista/praia-de-chaves-a1333544051

See one of the country's most popular shipwrecks at Cabo Santa Maria, where the unfortunate vessel ran aground on a barren beach. Take a 4x4 ride across the cobbled tracks to the site, where a corroded Spanish cargo ship slowly crumbles among the ocean waves. Besides examining the gradually dissipating wreckage, you can also take a walk along the shoreline. Look for small stacks of rocks left by tourists who've cast wishes out over the ocean, and make your own little contribution. https://www.inspirock.com/cape-verde/boa-vista/cabo-santa-maria-a7332918305

Covering 400,000 acres as at year 2000, the Douala-Edéa Wildlife Reserve boasts an 80% tropical lowland equatorial forests and 15% Atlantic mangrove, including Lake Tissongo. Established in 1932, the reserve was designated a wildlife park in 1971. http://afrotourism.com/attraction/douala-edea-wildlife-reserve/

The very heart of the town (declared an Asset of Cultural Interest) is represented by the church of San Antonio Abad, from the 18th century, located right in the space that a hermitage occupied a hundred years ago. Inside the temple, the image of the Christ of Health is its most valuable piece. Around, the stately homes and cobbled streets invite a peaceful walk. https://www.webtenerife.com/que-visitar/lugares-historicos/centros-historicos/centro+historico+de+arona.htm

You can not miss that wonderful National Park. You will enjoy landscapes that will seem like another planet. You will breathe the pure air of the highest peak in Spain. You will walk among the volcanic lava and you will feel tiny when you see the impressive environment declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. https://www.webtenerife.com/que-visitar/parque-nacional-del-teide/?tab=1

The city grew around San Ginés, a historic fishing centre established on the shore. Amid its streets steeped in the local seafaring atmosphere is the church of San Ginés. Standing on the site of the first hermitage to be constructed in the capital, it was rebuilt in the 17th century, while its slender belltower dates from the 19th century. http://www.spain.info/en_IN/que-quieres/ciudades-pueblos/otros-destinos/arrecife.html

Created at the initiative of architect César Manrique , the Museum of Contemporary Art (MIAC) is located in an old 18th-century fortress called San José Castle. http://www.spain.info/en_IN/que-quieres/arte/museos/lanzarote/museo_internacional_de_arte_contemporaneo_-_castillo_de_san_jose.html

If you love wild nature and surfing, Almáciga will make you fall in love. It is one of the three beaches of Taganana, a charming town that preserves its traditions almost intact. Located right under the farmhouse that gives it its name, it is next to the Roque de las Bodegas and Benijo, one of the most beautiful beaches in the northeast area of ​​the island. https://www.webtenerife.com/que-visitar/playas/playa-almaciga.htm

Because of the spectacular fields of solidified lava that make up the island of Lanzarote, Timanfaya is the land of volcanoes. http://www.spain.info/en/que-quieres/naturaleza/espacios-naturales/parque_nacional_de_timanfaya.html

Agadir has one of the most stunning bays in the world. It opens to the Atlantic Ocean and features long expanses of sand that encourage idleness. These beaches are bathed in sunshine all year, making them a top destination for anyone who loves idle lounging or water sports. http://www.visitmorocco.com/en/get-active-or-play-it-cool-bay-agadir

Step back from the ocean front and slip into the medina. Lose yourself in alleyways lined with zellige-adorned walls, walk through ornate doors and get acquainted with the craftsmanship of Agadir's artisans. Then head to the Kasbah, which is perched on a rock 775 feet above the ground. http://www.visitmorocco.com/en/culture-agadir

A few miles from Agadir, Taghazout awaits with a different kind of fun. This former fishing village is now a modern seaside resort with impeccable facilities where surfing and other water surface sports are the main attraction. http://www.visitmorocco.com/en/surfers-paradise

The royal necropolis of the saadian family, a first series of funeral chambers was created after the burial of Prince Mohamed Cheikh in 1557. his son had a koubba erected, known as koubbat lalla Messaouda, where he was himself buried in1574. in 1591, ahmed el Mansour had his mother buried there. his three successors also lie there. a second edifice was raised, with a central room called the room of the twelve columns, it houses the sultan ahmed el Mansour’s grave, the mirhab room, the room with the three alcoves. another space is reserved to children’s graves. all the rooms are exquisitely decorated. https://visitmarrakech.com/discover-marrakech/tourist-attractions/the-saadian-tombs

Dar el Badii, the unrivalled palace was built between 1578 and 1603 by Yacoub el Mansour, an almohade ruler. The richest raw materials, some of which came from india were chosen for its construction: gold, onyx, italian marble…The andalusian influence in the plans of the palace is undeniable and one may think that the unknown architect must have come from granada. an almost absolute symetry was imposed in the plan of this magnificent residence completely built on arches with extremely solid bricks. The interior gardens, called gardens of desire, of which only an immense esplanade remains today with artificial lakes and orange trees, are surrounded by the ruins of the palace and high walls on which a multitude of storks is nestled. https://visitmarrakech.com/discover-marrakech/tourist-attractions/el-badii-palace

“Bahia”: literally, the marvellous, the brilliant, this name probably refers to the favourite wife of Ba ahmed, the grand vizier who had the palace built. The plans were designed by the Marrakchi architect si Mohamed el Mekki el Mesfioui, like a real labyrinth reflecting the whims of a powerful man. The best Moroccan and andalousian craftsmen worked on this palace for fourteen years. The tiles were imported from Tetouan, the marble from Meknes while the cedar wood used for the painted and shimmering ceilings came from the atlas. https://visitmarrakech.com/discover-marrakech/tourist-attractions/el-bahia-palace