West Africa Discovery's Posts - Tripatini2024-03-28T23:49:44ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscoveryhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/65759790?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://frugalnomads.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=3nuxmqhyqo0kc&xn_auth=noWest Africa Christmastime... Baobab and Palm Winetag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2017-12-24:3169359:BlogPost:250122017-12-24T15:43:25.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/SzIPENwE9KI/AAAAAAAAADE/75_VhnfB3nY/s1600-h/DSCN0781_edited.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418409866765333666" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418409866765333666" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/SzIPENwE9KI/AAAAAAAAADE/75_VhnfB3nY/s320/DSCN0781_edited.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 235px;"></img></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In the UK we usually associate Christmas with family, eating and drinking (often to excess!), giving presents, Father Christmas and a Christmas tree. But how is the tradition celebrated in West Africa, a region of the World where Christianity is at its freshest, where missionaries have only been…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/SzIPENwE9KI/AAAAAAAAADE/75_VhnfB3nY/s1600-h/DSCN0781_edited.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 235px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/SzIPENwE9KI/AAAAAAAAADE/75_VhnfB3nY/s320/DSCN0781_edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418409866765333666" border="0" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418409866765333666"/></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In the UK we usually associate Christmas with family, eating and drinking (often to excess!), giving presents, Father Christmas and a Christmas tree. But how is the tradition celebrated in West Africa, a region of the World where Christianity is at its freshest, where missionaries have only been preaching for about 150 years?</span><p></p>
<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">West Africa is a culturally diverse region; comprised of 16 countries, where Islam and Christianity dominate thousands of different tribes speaking hundreds of different languages. Therefore it is unsurprising that Christmas is celebrated in a multitude of different and colourful ways. West Africa is a very religious place. Belief is central to every household whether it is for Allah, Jehovah, Jesus, or the multitude of gods founds in the more animistic religions. Regardless of deity many have been taking Christmas up as an annual celebration where prayer, family, parties and merrymaking play an important role.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> All over West Africa, from Senegal to Cameroon, Nigeria to Sierra Leone, parties of different sizes and significances are initiated on either the 24th or 25th December. Even in the poorer countries, an effort is made by all to carry out the tradition and join the celebrations.<br/> <br/></span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">According to <a href="http://www.afrol.com/articles/23489">Afrol News</a>, Sierra Leonean celebrations include partying and ancient local traditions. Like in most countries outside Africa, pre-Christian traditions and popular costumes have been mixed with religious sermons, making the Sierra Leonean yuletide quite unique. Ancient and spectacular masquerades and masking ceremonies now play a major part in Christmas celebrations in Freetown, where the majority of people participate in the colourful party. In the cities, the police musical bands and other bands play Christmas songs in the streets during all December, and nobody escapes the yuletide feeling.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Further North, in Senegal, dominated at 95 percent by the Islamic religion, but with a minority of Christians around Dakar and Casamance in the South, the atmosphere of Christmas is still present.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> I remember being in Dakar a week before Christmas, and the local petrol stations and shops had paintings of Christmas trees, Father Christmas and snow on the windows and walls. Decorations were everywhere, and people were greeting me with "Merry Christmas". Maybe the reason for this is because of the increasing presence of televisions in the wealthier households where the most popular programmes are either dubbed American or French sit-coms where Christmas is the main theme during the end of the year. I also heard that even the Islam practicing households hand out gifts on the 24th and 25th of December.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> Nigeria, on the other hand, is a country where Christmas is one of, or even maybe the most important event of the year on the festivity calendar because of the high concentration of Christian practitioners.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/about-us.html">Taiwo</a>, our local expert for Nigeria, explains how festivities are carried out in his home country:<br/> <br/> “Christmas is a unique festival in Nigeria unlike any other part of the world. Christmas Day is a public holiday that is celebrated mainly in the southern and eastern parts of Nigeria.<br/> <br/></span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Nigerians have special traditions they employ to celebrate Christmas. Almost everyone goes to church on Christmas Day. Weeks before the day, people buy lots of hens, turkeys, goats and cows. Children hover around the beasts, taunting and staring at them.<br/> <br/> There are feverish preparations for travel, holiday, and exchange of gifts, carolling and all manner of celebrations.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On Christmas Eve, traditional meals are prepared. In Yoruba, such meals usually include Iyan, (pounded yam) eba or amala, served with peppery stewed vegetables. People find themselves eating this same meal three to four times on that day, as they are offered it at every house they visit; and according to Yorùbá customs, it is considered rude to decline to eat when offered food. Other meals include rice served with chicken stew; some families would include a delicacy called Moin-moin; which are blended black eyed beans, mixed with vegetable oil and diced liver, prawns, chicken, fish and beef. The concoction is then wrapped in large leaves and then steamed until cooked.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> Another tradition is that of decorating homes (compounds) and churches with both woven and unwoven palm fronds, Christmas trees and Christmas lights. There are the festive jubilations on the streets, the loud crackling of fireworks and luminous starry fire crackers going off, traditional masquerades on stilts parading about and children milling about displaying their best clothes, or Christmas presents.<br/> <br/> There are no other celebrations that compare to Christmas festivities in Nigeria, where everyone can personalise their own festival, and one family’s enthusiasm merges with others; both physically and psychologically, creating a universe of fun and bonhomie.”</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">North West of Nigeria, in Southern Mali, tolerance and community feel dominate the festivities in Dogon country, where Islam, Christianity and African religions exist side by side in most villages. The blending of masquerades from an ancient death cult and traditional songs and dances with midnight masses and a local lamb dish inspired from biblical tales, are common place.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> And these are only the tip of the iceberg. West Africa comprises so much diversity that it is impossible to pinpoint every Christmas celebration in the region, however in terms of experiencing them; there is of course the possibility to visit the countries to discover these festivities first hand.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> According to a <a href="http://www.afrol.com/articles/23489">Nigerian blog</a>, “West African rich Christmas traditions even have it in them to become a tourist attraction and should be a serious candidate for Unesco's World Heritage list.” So maybe some of the tour operators in West Africa could think about incorporating these cultural elements into some of their tours, as long as the local communities benefit economically and the destinations heritages are respected.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> Visit <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/west-africa-map.html">West Africa Discovery</a> to learn more about West Africa</span>.<br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Contact me at thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></div>Adventure Travel in Ghanatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2013-08-15:3169359:BlogPost:768372013-08-15T14:38:56.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">n our second instalment of West Africa’s best adventure travel destinations, we explore Ghana, a Land of sunshine and reputed for the friendliness of its people. Rich in history, and home to the Ashanti Kingdom, a once prosperous and powerful dynasty, this country is a great place to start of in…</span></span></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">n our second instalment of West Africa’s best adventure travel destinations, we explore Ghana, a Land of sunshine and reputed for the friendliness of its people. Rich in history, and home to the Ashanti Kingdom, a once prosperous and powerful dynasty, this country is a great place to start of in Africa due to its ‘user-friendliness’ and offers a great deal of opportunities for the demanding traveller looking for the next best beach, the most succulent dish, the intense cultural encounter, or the fast paced adventure activity.</span></span></p>
<div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'trebuchet ms'"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></font><div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/THP-zw72jrI/AAAAAAAAAHs/IuhllrfBr_A/s200/Ghana_Map.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 164px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509026934466973362" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509026934466973362"/><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ghana is on the Gulf of Guinea, the ‘under-belly’ of West Africa, facing south towards the Atlantic Ocean.In terms of geography, the country presents flat plains, low hills and a few rivers. The coastline is mostly a low, sandy shore backed by plains intersected by several rivers and streams while the northern part of the country features high hills and rolling plains. Southwest and south central Ghana is made up of a forested plateau region consisting of the Ashanti uplands and the Kwahu Plateau and the hilly Akuapim-Togo ranges are found along the country's eastern border. Ghana's highest point is Mount Afadjato which is 885 m (2,904 ft) and is found in the Akwapim-Togo Ranges.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For all of those who are in to medium intensity adventure travel or if you are looking for activities that are not solely for making your muscles sore, but are willing to combine it will other activities that will soothe your soul, this is the place to come. Hiking, mountain biking, surfing, whale watching, not to mention the overwhelming smells, bright colours, and entrancing music are some of the awe-inspiring experiences you can have in Ghana.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/THP_EbSlx2I/AAAAAAAAAH0/2UXrzdy9Udo/s200/5174056.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 190px; height: 143px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509027220714538850" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509027220714538850"/><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why not go on a mountain biking excursion through a rural setting, stopping off at mud-hut dotted villages for a rest or to sample the local Jollof rice dish (tomato-flavoured rice to which meat or fish is added) for lunch? Or how about a more intense experience trekking up Mount Afadjato where you can spend the night in a homestay and enjoy a relaxing evening of music and good food (I’ve heard of this place where you can eat village grown mushrooms in a spicy tomato sauce with rice. Vegetarians, eat your... artichoke heart out).</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information on how you can find yourself in these experiences, click</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-outdoor-activity-holiday.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you are looking for something different, look no further than the only tree-top canopy walk in Africa located in Kakum National Park, home to over three-hundred species of birds, unique monkeys and the highly endangered forest elephant and bongo antelope. The rope bridge suspended 100-110 feet off the forest floor yields an extraordinary sweep of nature from what feels like just below cloud level, a must-see if you’re not afraid of heights.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/THQB3nS-mJI/AAAAAAAAAIc/NEpeyK9brRw/s200/1499183.png" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 150px; height: 112px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509030299133974674" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509030299133974674"/><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Down by the Ocean, there are plenty more opportunities for adventure. Ghanaians are natural ocean goers, maybe due to their culture of fishing, and this is reflected in the activities that are on offer. There is the possibility to rent a fishing boat in order to spend a whole day catching your lunch for the evening and learning the different traditional techniques that the locals use to sustain their livelihoods. You might even catch a glimpse of a whale poking its tail fins out of the water! Or if you prefer a more relaxing experience, there are plenty of opportunities to take a traditional canoe up one of the many tributaries and try your hand at fresh water fishing.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A great accommodation idea that offers these activities can be found</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-african-home-from-home-holiday-lodge.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ghana’s coast also offers some of the best waves in West Africa (you know where I am going with this), and therefore surfing and body-boarding are also on the ‘adventure menu’ for you to try and practice.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/THQA-VMKc8I/AAAAAAAAAIM/sX9ufo2O7yA/s200/1629107.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509029315021009858" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509029315021009858"/><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Busua beach, in the west, is one of the best locations for surfing in Ghana and is a wonderful mix of a traditional Ghanaian coastal village and a tourist destination, allowing you to get to know the people and culture of Ghana, meanwhile providing you with many entertainment options in a very relaxed atmosphere. Beginners and veterans alike are welcome to try their hands at the different sized swell found along the Busua stretch of coast.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To find out more about the surfing opportunities, click</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-surfing-camp-and-cultural-experience-holiday.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Of course, as always when visiting a West African country, there is a richness of culture, history and biodiversity to discover, but you would need a life-time to make your way around the amazing things to see and do. The</span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">West Africa Discovery web portal</span></span></b></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">has selected a variety of tours, accommodations and volunteer projects that not only give you the opportunity to experience West Africa to its full potential but also make sure that the tourism projects listed have policies that provide benefits to local communities in the area and that, through their activities, make sure that negative impacts on the local heritage are minimised.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information, email us at</span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></b></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">or join us on</span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestAfricaDiscovery"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">facebook</span></span></b></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">&</span> <a href="http://twitter.com/WA_Discovery"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">twitter</span></span></b></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to keep up-to-date with our progress, and that of the West African sustainable tourism industry.</span></div>
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</div>Responsible Cruising in West Africatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2013-03-24:3169359:BlogPost:629012013-03-24T21:35:53.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TCCiCkPwIUI/AAAAAAAAAE0/d9HcoU51MgM/s1600/DSC01467.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485562511110447426" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485562511110447426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TCCiCkPwIUI/AAAAAAAAAE0/d9HcoU51MgM/s320/DSC01467.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 320px; height: 240px;"></img></a></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cruise tourism is a billion pound industry focusing on offering quality services to their guests whilst visiting exotic locations with beautiful sceneries. A recent report from the Cruise Lines International…</span></span></div>
<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TCCiCkPwIUI/AAAAAAAAAE0/d9HcoU51MgM/s1600/DSC01467.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TCCiCkPwIUI/AAAAAAAAAE0/d9HcoU51MgM/s320/DSC01467.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485562511110447426" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485562511110447426"/></a></p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cruise tourism is a billion pound industry focusing on offering quality services to their guests whilst visiting exotic locations with beautiful sceneries. A recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) estimated that cruise tourism in Europe alone generates goods and services worth more than €32bn and provides over 311,512 jobs.</span></span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">However, over the past few years, this industry has been increasingly criticised for its irresponsible practises and the negative effects that the itinerant boats have on the natural heritage they ‘cruise’ through. Even though the cruise industry has made a significant effort to reduce their negative impact on the environment, according to a presentation I witnessed by Jamie Sweeting, Vice President of Environmental Stewardship and Global Chief Environmental Officer for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, it does not seem that they have concrete policies to provide benefits for local communities in destinations, when I asked the question.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Over the past few weeks, a number of articles have appeared in the digital press about the increasing move of cruise companies towards less explored shores, diversifying their ports of call and using alternative itineraries to break from the norm. Some of these destinations found in West Africa, such as Senegal, Sierra Leone and Ghana are familiar to us at West Africa Discovery.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let’s take an example of responsible tourism cruising in West Africa to explain how responsible tourism practises can be used to benefit local communities in destinations whilst respecting the local heritage and at the same time provide a positive and unique experience for the tourists participating.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In Senegal, on the west coast of West Africa, a small ship offers its passengers an unforgettable cruising experience along the Senegal River. The trip begins in Dakar where the tourist will be able to experience the vibrant and colourful scenery of a West African capital from which an overland journey will be undertaken to the Jazz Capital of West Africa, Saint Louis. From there, the trip diverts inland to a point where the 6 day cruise will begin. A beautifully refurbished Cruiser, which has been doing this journey for 50 years, will be waiting. Through this cruise, the passenger will learn about Wolof, Tukolor and Moore cultures and will witness the magnificence of the local natural heritage in the Parc Oiseau de Djoudj , the world’s third most important breeding grounds for migrating birds. Each day there will be a stop off in villages or visits old French Forts, gardens in the desert, or the birding reserve. Throughout the trip the passenger will be given a thorough history of the region both colonial and tribal.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“How may this cruise differ from the others? How does it make a difference?” you may ask. Well, Senegal is a great example of modern vibrant, open and progressing West Africa. Tourism has helped fuel their boom but, as with its neighbour The Gambia, it has often been package based holidays around the stunning coast. This type of mass tourism gives very little positive cultural interaction.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This trip however aims to show the participant modern Senegal, by spending some time in Dakar, and then to learn about the historic and cultural background in Saint Louis, followed by a cruise through some of the regions very different cultures.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Cruiser itself has been making the journey from Saint Louis to Podor for over 50 years. In the last decade it was fully refurbished and is now back in action providing an important and much loved communication link along this stretch of the Senegal River. Different communities who live along the river will be visited and they all benefit greatly from their links with the cruiser.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The cruiser is run by a local Senegalese company based in Saint Louis and has long established links with the communities visited on the cruise.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Furthermore, the cruise passes through the world’s third most important breeding grounds for migrating birds thus raising awareness towards the importance of natural conservation to show that this location, used for millennia by various species of birds, is extremely important for the survival of our planets feathery friends.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As you may have gathered, not only does this type of tourism offer the tourist a first-hand insight into the local heritage of a destination visited, thus offering an added value to what has become, from my point of view, a bland industry, but it also aims to give back to the local communities who live along the itinerary. In a region such as West Africa, which is fragile in terms of being easily influenced from outside sources, responsible tourism can offer much needed benefits to local communities as well as reducing the negative effects that tourism can have on local natural, cultural and social heritages.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information on the responsible cruising experience mentioned above, click</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/senegal-cruise-through-culture-holiday.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">To discover more responsible tourism holiday ideas in West Africa, click</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">here</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing</span></span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
</div>Sierra Leone, A Country With Huge Tourism Potentialtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2013-02-07:3169359:BlogPost:287922013-02-07T19:16:12.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S1HdAPYVPpI/AAAAAAAAADU/xN6X_un16mA/s1600-h/Sierra+Leone+map.bmp"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427362022156484242" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427362022156484242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S1HdAPYVPpI/AAAAAAAAADU/xN6X_un16mA/s320/Sierra+Leone+map.bmp" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 254px;"></img></a> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Situated in West Africa, with its pristine beaches, transparent seas, tropical forests, unique wildlife, historical heritage sites and most importantly friendly people, Sierra Leone (or Salone, as it is known to the locals), with…</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S1HdAPYVPpI/AAAAAAAAADU/xN6X_un16mA/s1600-h/Sierra+Leone+map.bmp"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S1HdAPYVPpI/AAAAAAAAADU/xN6X_un16mA/s320/Sierra+Leone+map.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427362022156484242" border="0" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427362022156484242"/></a><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Situated in West Africa, with its pristine beaches, transparent seas, tropical forests, unique wildlife, historical heritage sites and most importantly friendly people, Sierra Leone (or Salone, as it is known to the locals), with</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.royalairmaroc.com/">Royal Air Maroc</a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">flights from £500, has great potential to become the next destination for those looking for new experiences and a friendly, relaxing atmosphere.</span></span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/> <br/> Once you have decided that Sierra Leone is your next travel spot, the next step is to decide on what to do on your stay in this fascinating country. The list of things to do is endless with so many attractions to pick from. This list below highlights a few of the possible options.</span></span> <br/> <br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Markets</span><br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sierra Leone is deemed the fishing ground of West Africa. For the fishing enthusiast this is the place to be. The markets in</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freetown"><span style="font-style: italic;">Freetown</span></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">(the Capital) are vibrant and bustling as every trader looks to sell their produce.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Nature and Wildlife</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/paradise-regained-in-sierra-leone-1677671.html?action=Popup"><span style="font-style: italic;">Turtle Island</span></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">is a conservation society surrounded by a fishing community. Besides the fishing there are excellent opportunities for bird watching, with breeding colonies in the</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Western Peninsula Forest Reserve</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">not far from Freetown.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Also found on the south-western coast of Sierra Leone is the</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Yawri bay</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">located about 60km southeast of Freetown. Yawri Bay is home to tens of thousands of birds for a quarter period of the year. It also supports a major local fishing industry.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">National Parks / Reserves</span><br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">National Parks are many in Sierra Leone, and shelter an abundance of Flora and Fauna species. They are</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Kuru Hills</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">,</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Lake Mape/Mabesi</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">,</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Lake Sonfon, Loma Mountains, Outamba-Kilimi, Western Area</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. The</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outamba-Kilimi_National_Park">Outamba Kilimi National Park</a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">has an interesting array of animals from the Chimpanzee to Savanna Buffalo to Leopards. It is also an excellent spot for bird watching.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">There are also a few wildlife Sanctuaries, which aim to protect endangered species of wildlife and plants. These include</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Bo Plains, <a href="http://www.tiwaiisland.org/">Tiwai Island</a>, <a href="http://www.tacugama.com/">Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary</a>,</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">and nature reserves such as</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Bagru-Moteva Creeks, Bumpe Mangrove Swamp, Kagboro Creek (Yawri Bay), Kpaka-Pujehun, Sewa-Waanje</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">are also a must-see.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Some nature reserves in Sierra Leone are strictly non hunting nature reserves and forest reserves. These are:</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">The Kambui Hills Forest Reserve</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">is situated about 300 km south-east of Freetown with the second highest peak in Sierra Leone, the</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Sankan Birriwa</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. The scenic nature would be very appealing to visitors and scientists with over 200 separate species of birds.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Tingi Hills Forest Reserve</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">also a non-hunting reserve is located close to Sierra Leone’s eastern border with the Republic of Guinea. The Tingi Hills is the easternmost mountain range in Sierra Leone. The forest reserve includes two peaks separated by a narrow gorge. Both peaks stand over 1800m, but the northernmost which is 1850m high, is the second highest in Sierra Leone.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Beaches and Islands</span><br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banana_Islands"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Banana Islands</span></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">are the location for interesting historical facts like the firing point and four guns near the old wharf at Dublin and the two old Tombstones in the cemetery also at Dublin. You can also enjoy lobster, fish or chicken for lunch before heading back to Freetown.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The west of Freetown is mainly residential and further west (South-West) you will find some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Like the Freetown Peninsula which is bestowed with breath-taking beauty.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">As tourism is still developing in Sierra Leone these beaches remain in pristine condition.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Other beaches include</span></span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Lungi Beaches, Shenge, Sulima, Sherbro Peninsular, and Turner’s Peninsular</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Historical and Heritage Sites</span><br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sierra Leone also offers attractions that cater for those who are interested by historical facts. Remnants from the early colonial eras are still present in the country.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">The Sierra Leone national Museum</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">is the home of the ‘Ruiter stone’, the main attraction of the museum. The replica of a 1664 rock graffito, scratched by bored Dutch sea captains during a lull in a military expedition against the English, was discovered in the course of drainage work on the waterfront in 1923. It stands as the oldest archaeological evidence of a European presence in the strip of land.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">Old Fourah Bay College</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">located in Freetown stands as the oldest university in West Africa having the likes of</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Ajayi_Crowther">Samuel Ajayi Crowther</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, as the college’s first student and the first African Anglican Bishop from Nigeria.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">The St John's Maroon Church</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">was erected by the Maroons in 1822, who arrived in the colony in 1800 as those returning from Jamaica. It is among the oldest churches in Sierra Leone. It stands between current day Liverpool Street and Percival Street.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 100%;">The Gateway to the Old King's Yard:</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">When Sierra Leone became a British Colony and the abolition Act had come into effect, the Navy were deployed in trying to stop the still on-going Slave Traffic. The rescued slaves where landed at King Jimmy Wharf and taken to a compound constructed for them. This site was referred to as the King’s Yard. Popular figures to have passed through ‘The Asylum’ include Samuel Ajayi Crowther and</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ezzidio">John Ezzidio</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunce_Island"><span style="font-style: italic;">Bunce Island</span></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">was the largest British slave castle lying on the Sierra Leone River of West Africa. Founded around 1670, it exported tens of thousands of African captives to North America and the West Indies until it was closed it down in 1808.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">And these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the appeal that Sierra Leone has, and the potential it shows as a popular destination for those seeking new experiences and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. For more information on the things to do, visit and see in Sierra Leone, visit the</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.welcometosierraleone.org/">Sierra Leone National Tourism Board website</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">West Africa Discovery</a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">is currently in talks with ground tour operators and other tourism suppliers in Sierra Leone in order to be able to compile a database of tours, accommodation and voluntourism projects which have implemented or are in the process of implementing policies which reflect the</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/responsible-tourism.html">Cape Town, Kerala and the recent Belize declarations on Responsible Tourism in destinations</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">, and subsequently list them under their Responsible Tourism</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/holidays.html">‘Holidays’ pages</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Article written by Iyaniwura Adewunmi.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Visit West Africa Discovery by clicking</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">.</span></span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Contact me at</span> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="mailto:thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk">thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a></span></div>World Responsible Travel Day at London's World Travel Market (November 5-8, 2012)tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2012-10-25:3169359:BlogPost:4276992012-10-25T19:12:09.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcGSmDwEkeA/UGnPJPYUZAI/AAAAAAAAASc/9Oa-hFHC2No/s1600/!cid_image003_jpg@01CD6B40.jpg" target="_blank"><img class="align-left" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcGSmDwEkeA/UGnPJPYUZAI/AAAAAAAAASc/9Oa-hFHC2No/s1600/!cid_image003_jpg@01CD6B40.jpg"></img></a> <span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I have been going to the World Travel Market since 2007, and this year’s WTM, in my </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">opini…</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcGSmDwEkeA/UGnPJPYUZAI/AAAAAAAAASc/9Oa-hFHC2No/s1600/!cid_image003_jpg@01CD6B40.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dcGSmDwEkeA/UGnPJPYUZAI/AAAAAAAAASc/9Oa-hFHC2No/s1600/!cid_image003_jpg@01CD6B40.jpg" class="align-left"/></a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">I have been going to the World Travel Market since 2007, and this year’s WTM, in my </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">opini</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">on, is going to be the most interesting yet, and the event that I have </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">always looked forward to the most is the World Responsible Tourism Day.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The difference from 5 years ago is noticeable. The awards event, on the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday, has blossomed into a glamorous display of candid debates, exciting </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">nominations and inspirational stories. The competition has grown in leaps and </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">bounds, the judges have become fiercer in their criteria, and most importantly, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">the notion of responsible tourism is spreading across the industry.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The atmosphere in the World Travel Market always feels more positive on </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">that day. The buzz of the tourism entrepreneurs talking about their recent </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">projects, their new environmentally friendly schemes, their community </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">engagement achievements, or the new experiential activities they have launched, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">creates a permeating aura of progress and positivity, especially at the RT </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">networking event.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Clients and customers meet to discuss future plans, connections are made, friendships developed, ideas discussed, and thoughts shared. It is, from experience, one of the most interesting and useful events of the whole tourism calendar in the year. No wonder why responsible tourism has become the talk of the whole WTM.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Having looked at this year’s schedule, responsible tourism workshops and talks have sprouted all over the 4 day travel industry bonanza, rather than just on the World Responsible Tourism Day. Apart from the RT awards, I shall be attending as many workshops as possible, including ‘Maximising Local Economic Development’, ‘Responsible Volunteering’, and ‘Activity Tourism’. Another opportunity not to be missed for someone wanting to expand their knowledge on the subject is the ‘Speakers Corner’ event that will allow people to share their ideas, frustrations and thoughts about how the tourism industry should be more responsible.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wanting to play my part in the debate, I took the opportunity to voice </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">my interest, and was nominated as one of the speakers to talk about a topic of </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">my choice. I shall be talking about the responsibility that international consultants </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">have when working with developing countries to implement tourism products. If you feel inclined to partake in the debate, come and join me at 12pm on the Wednesday. (Location: AS275 - South Hall)</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The World Responsible Tourism Day is a day of celebration for what has </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">been achieved, of reflection for what is left to be achieved, and a coming </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">together of like-minded people who want to make the travel industry more </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">responsible, sustainable and socially aware. An industry in which tourism is </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">not only seen to be an opportunity to discover the beautiful world we live in </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">through more experiential and authentic travel experiences, but can also be </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">used as a tool to make destinations better places to live, and better places to </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">visit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br/> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So join me, and many others, on Wednesday 7<sup>th </sup>November to experience the future of the travel industry, at the World Responsible Tourism Day 2012 (<a href="http://www.wtmwrtd.com/">www.wtmwrtd.com</a>). </span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">You can contact me at thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk for more infromation.</span></span></div>
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</div>The Many Ways Travel Can Benefit Sierra Leone & Other Destinations in West Africatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2012-05-21:3169359:BlogPost:3969702012-05-21T13:21:23.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<p></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"> <i>Being a West Africa aficionado and responsible tourism campaigner, I talk within this blog post about my thoughts on how travelling to a country such as …</i></div>
<p></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;"> <i>Being a West Africa aficionado and responsible tourism campaigner, I talk within this blog post about my thoughts on how travelling to a country such as <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/sierra-leone-information.html" target="_blank">Sierra Leone</a> can help change the countries' image for the better, can allow for the traveller to have amazing experiences, and can go a long way to helping local communities develop a sustainable income. I have recently helped organise an <a href="http://www.secretcompass.com/moa-river-sierra-leone/" target="_blank">expedition</a>, in Sierra Leone, for Secret Compass to that effect.</i></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Western perceptions of African countries are shaped by the media focus on the events that take place within its borders. Let’s take the example of Sierra Leone which was ravaged by civil war for 11 years from 1991 to 2002. The stories of atrocity and bloodshed were given high coverage by the western media.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">In 2006 Hollywood highlighted the plight of the people in Sierra Leone by making the film <i>Blood Diamond. </i>This told the story of diamonds mined in African war zones, sold to finance the civil war and in turn profiting the warlords and global diamond companies. With such high media coverage the image and reputation of Sierra Leone as a war-torn, dangerous country has stuck. Now ten years after the civil war has ended Sierra Leone wants to change that image for<br/> good, in order to show the world that the country is a totally different place today. It is safe, the people are friendly, and it is still untouched by mass tourism.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhIiailvKI4/TwHsTXaVFdI/AAAAAAAAAPo/MipSsg0glXo/s1600/308653_10150431070871422_343615331421_10518036_1121993761_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhIiailvKI4/TwHsTXaVFdI/AAAAAAAAAPo/MipSsg0glXo/s400/308653_10150431070871422_343615331421_10518036_1121993761_n.jpg" width="400"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Does this look like a scene from Blood Diamond?</i></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-xg-p: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">What better way to change peoples’ perspective about a destination than by letting them see for themselves how the country is now, and they will go back home, tell their friends and share their experiences.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">This is what I did. Having travelled to West Africa on several occasions, and having lived in Senegal, I had an idea of some of the misconceptions that people have of West Africa, and especially of countries that had experienced conflict, famine and drought.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">The western media has, for many years, portrayed many of West Africa’s nations as dangerous, oil spilling, disease ridden, dictator ruled, underdeveloped countries; but the truth couldn’t be further from this. I can’t deny that some parts of West Africa are less safe than others, but there are so many exciting places to discover, inspiring people to meet, and life-changing experiences to have.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">In my recent trip to Sierra Leone (locally known as Salone), I travelled across country from the Ocean to the ‘Provinces’ – the Hinterland of the country – to learn more about the backwaters of such a misunderstood part of the world.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">My first experience was the western Peninsula are region found just under Freetown. A place of natural beauty, lined with pristine white and yellow beaches, gradually fading into virgin rainforest covering mysterious hills cloaked in mist, inspiring many a legend told by the locals.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8GPgKTUJ-w/TwHt5vBcJ2I/AAAAAAAAAQM/mPn_ZkkPIuo/s1600/383112_10150431064701422_343615331421_10518003_176000289_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E8GPgKTUJ-w/TwHt5vBcJ2I/AAAAAAAAAQM/mPn_ZkkPIuo/s400/383112_10150431064701422_343615331421_10518003_176000289_n.jpg" width="400"/></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>"A place of natural beauty, lined with pristine white and yellow beaches, gradually fading into virgin rainforest covering mysterious hills cloaked in mist..."</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><br/></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">I don’t want to sound clichéd, but I felt like I was in paradise! I had walked along the vast stretch of beaches from community to community, trying to get a feel of the area. The local communities’ hospitality was overwhelming. One moment I had a freshly opened coconut in my hand, and the next a cup full of sweet Poyo, or Palm Wine, freshly tapped from this special type of palm tree. As the locals put it, the fermenting nectar is “a gift, from god to man!”. I could’ve stayed there for the whole time, but the promises of adventure in the rainforest were calling!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">So I jumped on an Okada (a motorbike taxi) to the next major city of Waterloo, negotiated for a space on a rickety minibus and took-off on a 6 hour trip along a “surprisingly smooth motorway” (recently funded by an Italian mining company) to the second largest city of Sierra Leone, Bo: ‘Gateway to the Gola Forest’. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">I had heard of some amazing places to visit in the Gola Forest located in the Lower Guinea Rainforest belt. Once the notorious stronghold for the rebels during the Civil war, it is now a stable part of Sierra Leone where small mud hut villages are separated by meandering jungle paths criss- crossed by streams. Not to mention the mighty Moa River running through the region!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdBEyBB2nTg/Ts58JZoowOI/AAAAAAAAANM/fBDJZUgQbAU/s1600/384834_10150431059761422_343615331421_10517964_1214247356_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qdBEyBB2nTg/Ts58JZoowOI/AAAAAAAAANM/fBDJZUgQbAU/s400/384834_10150431059761422_343615331421_10517964_1214247356_n.jpg" width="400"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>The mighty Moa River, with Tiwai Island in the background</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">During my brief stint in the region of Bo, visiting a village called Potoru and the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary, I managed to gain a clear insight into the regions potential for organising expeditions, ‘off-the-beaten-track’, so as to explore the region more in depth.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">I had never seen such a concentration of wildlife in one place! Primates, birds and insects; all competing to be the centre of attention. I had also heard of there being cobras and green mambas, as well as crocodiles, hippos and the elusive, rare and endemic pygmy hippo.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">I had conversations with local fishermen about the relationship that the people living along the Moa River have with the animals. Talks of crocodiles saving fishermen from drowning, and hippos warning them of impending danger was one of the topics covered; villagers speaking to monkeys through special calls passed down from generation to generation was another. However, I did meet a local guide who had had a close encounter with a crocodile and had the scars to tell the tale.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">I remember talking to villagers around an open fire about spirits, secret societies and magic. There is still the local fascination with the ‘Kamajor’, traditional hunters who claim that they have supernatural powers thanks to the ‘gri-gris’ or talismans they wear. It is said that they can shape-shift into animals and inanimate natural objects and remain concealed until the opportune moment.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">This is definitely not a place for the faint-hearted, but would appeal to those with a sense of adventure, a thirst for excitement and knowledge, and those searching for unforgettable and awe-inspiring experiences.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJFSL4Y9cSc/Ts5hFcZwvDI/AAAAAAAAANA/7lzVKRpxfTI/s1600/319904_10150431059666422_343615331421_10517963_1720652083_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJFSL4Y9cSc/Ts5hFcZwvDI/AAAAAAAAANA/7lzVKRpxfTI/s400/319904_10150431059666422_343615331421_10517963_1720652083_n.jpg" width="400"/></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>The most important is the journey, and not the destination...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br/></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Sierra Leone is still somewhat of an unexplored part of the world for travellers, but holds an undeniable potential for the development of expeditions, adventure activities and exciting cultural encounters. Slowly but surely however, tour companies and hotel developers are creeping in to tap into the natural beauty and relaxed vibes that Salone’s coast radiates, and if not managed properly, the local communities are at risk from losing what could be their ticket to a sustainable economic development through tourism whilst holding true to their ways of life and unique laid back attitudes. </div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Taking this into consideration, I will be going back at the end of November to explore the coastal and rainforest covered regions of Salone more in depth, as well as to visit many local communities. I will be conducting a recce for an <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/sierra-leone-tropical-river-expedition---the-moa-river.html" target="_blank">expedition</a> run by Secret Compass that I helped organise, and I’m hoping to look into other possibilities that could hold the key to helping local communities develop an income through tourism that respects the social and environmental elements of the destination through the implementation and development of the responsible tourism concept.</div>
<p> </p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">Sierra Leone and its people deserve more than being known as a nation in turmoil. The country’s people are positive, the times are changing for the better, and so should peoples’ perspectives towards some of the most beautiful yet misunderstood parts of the World. Exploring a country such as Salone can help develop more of a respect and understanding towards the country, its culture, its environment and its people. So, what are you waiting for?</div>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: justify;"> <i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Thomas is the founder and CEO of West Africa Discovery, a web portal aiming to raise awareness towards West Africa as a travel destination, as well as promoting responsible tourism ventures that aim to make destinations “better places to live in, and better places to visit”. Visit <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.com/">www.westafricadiscovery.com</a>, or join a growing community of people passionate about West Africa on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/westafricadiscovery">Facebook</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/WA_Discovery">Twitter</a>.</span></i></div>
<p> </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2ndomf7r84/T7bQCLU47XI/AAAAAAAAARc/nQJGR5iW7UE/s200/Logo+with+text.jpg" width="200"/></a></div>
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<div> <i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><br/></span></i></div>Responsible Tourism Week 2012 - Invitation to the SW London eventtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2012-02-11:3169359:BlogPost:3780692012-02-11T16:28:22.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
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<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SuM3Teani5o?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>Event - Responsible Tourism Week 2012 - Volunteering: Good, Bad or Ugly?tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2012-01-30:3169359:BlogPost:3732532012-01-30T12:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Highlighting Responsible Tourism week, Travel Matters in association with West Africa Discovery are hosting an event with guest speakers Ben Keene from Tribewanted and Chris Hill from Hands Up Holidays.</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Voluntourism – good, bad or ugly?</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Wednesday 15 February 2012 at 7pm – 9pm</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Make Travel Matter Talk @</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Harrisons 15 – 19 Bedford Road, London SW12 9EX</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">For interest to attend, contact Travel Matters by email</span> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11.0pt;" xml:lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:info@travelmatters.co.uk"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;" xml:lang="EN-GB">info@travelmatters.co.uk</span></a></span> <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">or tel 0208 675 7878</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #333333;" xml:lang="EN">Responsible Tourism Week</span></b> <span lang="EN" style="background-color: #ffffff; font-size: 11pt;" xml:lang="EN"><span>is a free, five-day</span> <a href="http://planeta.wikispaces.com/unconference"><span>unconference</span></a> <span>exploring down-to-earth applications of noble concepts including</span> <a href="http://planeta.wikispaces.com/responsibletourism"><span>responsible tourism</span></a><span>,</span> <a href="http://planeta.wikispaces.com/conscioustravel"><span>conscious travel</span></a><span>, the</span> <a href="http://planeta.wikispaces.com/ltm"><span>local travel movement</span></a> <span>and</span> <a href="http://planeta.wikispaces.com/ecotourism"><span>ecotourism</span></a> <span>with effective and inexpensive</span> <a href="http://planeta.wikispaces.com/socialmedia"><span>social media</span></a> <span>and local events.</span></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="font-size-3"><b>Organisers</b></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><strong><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;" xml:lang="EN">Travel Matters</span></strong> <span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN"><span>make it their business to not only organise bespoke holidays which minimise on negative impact whilst maximising on quality, but to educate clients as to how they can continue to make a difference in their future adventures. Karen Simmonds, owner of Travel Matters set up the awareness campaign Make Travel Matter</span> <a href="http://www.maketravelmatter.co.uk/"><span>www.maketravelmatter.co.uk</span></a></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; color: #333333;" xml:lang="EN">West Africa Discovery</span></b> <span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN"><span>is a web portal raising awareness towards West Africa as a destination for responsible travel by actively promoting accommodation, tours and volunteer projects that implement responsible tourism principles within their activities.</span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span>www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="background: white;"><span class="font-size-3"><b>Speakers</b></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;" xml:lang="EN">Tribewanted</span></b> <span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN"><span>Their mission is to build sustainable communities in amazing places that benefit locals and visiting members; inspiring positive change within and far beyond the village.</span> <a href="http://www.tribewanted.com/"><span>http://www.tribewanted.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="background: white;"><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; color: #333333; mso-ansi-language: EN;" xml:lang="EN">Hands Up Holidays</span></b> <span lang="EN" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN"><span>is a luxury travel company with one big difference. They want people to have more than an amazing vacation; they want them to have a remarkable experience that you will treasure forever by combining expertly-led sightseeing with meaningful community development through volunteering or philanthropy.</span> <a href="http://www.handsupholidays.com/"><span>http://www.handsupholidays.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="background: white;"><span class="font-size-3"><b>Organisations of interest</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">Fair Trade Volunteering</span></b> <span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US">has been set-up to kick-start a movement towards a more transparent volunteering practice. <span><a href="http://fairtradevolunteering.com/">http://fairtradevolunteering.com/</a></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt;" xml:lang="EN-US">Our thanks to <b>Meet the People Tours</b> for supporting this event.</span> <a href="http://meetthepeople.skedaddle.co.uk/">http://meetthepeople.skedaddle.co.uk/</a></span></p>
<p> </p>Responsible Travel in Sierra Leone: Peninsula, Provinces and Palm Wine (Part 3)tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2012-01-03:3169359:BlogPost:3650332012-01-03T13:45:38.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="text-align: left;">Part 3: Coconut & Poyo Paradise</strong></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Back to Waterloo, I was feeling much more comfortable with my surroundings. I bought a fresh coconut from 2 children who had a barrel full and which they opened with a machete, and walked to the taxi park near the market to which I had already been to before. I grabbed the first taxi to…</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="text-align: left;">Part 3: Coconut & Poyo Paradise</strong></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Back to Waterloo, I was feeling much more comfortable with my surroundings. I bought a fresh coconut from 2 children who had a barrel full and which they opened with a machete, and walked to the taxi park near the market to which I had already been to before. I grabbed the first taxi to Tombo, the biggest fishing village on the peninsula, and immediately jumped on the back of an 'Okada' direction Bureh Beach of which I had heard a lot of good things.</div>
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<div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8GPgKTUJ-w/TwHt5vBcJ2I/AAAAAAAAAQM/mPn_ZkkPIuo/s320/383112_10150431064701422_343615331421_10518003_176000289_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693092980103849826" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693092980103849826"/><i>Bureh Beach</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">My mission this time was to visit as many communities along the peninsula as I could whilst walking the length of the beach. So, I walked through Bureh Town down to the beach. There I met a few local guys who called themselves 'Beach Boys' and who looked after the accommodation. The day had been long, so I decided to stay for the night. The sun was still up, there were some waves on which the locals were surfing, so naturally I grabbed a body-board and joined in the fun.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PiW0VtYBiaE/TwHt6GUXYcI/AAAAAAAAAQo/pdn_TLKSCTo/s320/296383_10150431066256422_343615331421_10518010_434053621_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693092986357244354" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693092986357244354"/></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><div><div><div><i>Maroon Island at Sunset</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">After dinner, with which I had the most amazing groundnut soup, I chatted to my new found friends and was then invited to their house to listen to some music and drink 'Poyo' (palm wine), which I readily accepted. Walking through the community, I could see myself living in a place like this: sitting around candlelit courtyards, sipping on palm wine whilst discussing the latest news. A slow pace of life which made me feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to experience it.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ql3X7NGYaio/TwHsTpHH0ZI/AAAAAAAAAPw/lq6jio1GfsY/s320/319508_10150431069376422_343615331421_10518021_791767517_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091226170413458" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091226170413458"/><div><div><div><i>Bureh Beach & Maroon Island</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">That night I went for a walk on the moonlit beach. The waves were gently lapping against the shore and the outline of the tall and bent palm trees were distinct against the pure star filled sky. The shape of Maroon Island, so called because the first 'Maroons' (runaway slaves) landed there in the 1700's, was apparent in the distance. This idyllic scene seemed like a dream, probably emphasized by the Poyo, and I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure that it was indeed reality. This set the scene for my 2 day 'beach walk'.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eRW6fChLX7w/TwHsT19Qk6I/AAAAAAAAAQE/RV1WmJWhN3w/s320/381383_10150431065921422_343615331421_10518007_1736490418_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091229618705314" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091229618705314"/></div>
<div><i>Palm Tree Point - Bureh Beach</i></div>
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<div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E8GPgKTUJ-w/TwHt5vBcJ2I/AAAAAAAAAQM/mPn_ZkkPIuo/s1600/383112_10150431064701422_343615331421_10518003_176000289_n.jpg" style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ex1STrPtfJE/TwHt59xsknI/AAAAAAAAAQU/1jOJ4cHW3zc/s320/388696_10150431069346422_343615331421_10518020_1670892958_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693092984064348786" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693092984064348786"/></a></div>
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<div><i>Waving Goodbye to my hosts</i></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next morning, I waved goodbye to my hosts and crossed a river - one of many flowing down from the forest covered mountain range into the Ocean - before heading off at a slow pace towards the next community. Along the way, I laid my backpack down and went for a swim in the translucent water. Feeling refreshed, I continued along my way following the magnificent coastline that stretched as far as the eye could see. After about an hour's walking, I reached the John Obey community (see part 1) where I said hello to the friends I had made and to check on the progress of the second earth bag dome, before I moved on to my next destination: Tokeh.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div><div><div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DhIiailvKI4/TwHsTXaVFdI/AAAAAAAAAPo/MipSsg0glXo/s320/308653_10150431070871422_343615331421_10518036_1121993761_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091221419136466" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091221419136466"/></div>
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<div><i>John Obey Community hauling the fishing boats onto the beach</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I had heard that Tokeh was a fine producer of Poyo, so I decided to inquire as to who was the best Palm Wine seller in Town. I was told to ask for Katy at the bus station, and a little girl was ordered to show me the way. We walked through alleys bordered by mud walls covered in raffia and arrived in a small courtyard where men were drinking palm wine. When they saw me, they made me feel at home straight away and gave me a jar of Poyo to start off. I stayed there for about an hour and learnt a lot about Tokeh and the surrounding area. Finally, before departing, as I was going to meet a friend at my next destination, I bought a gallon of Poyo for the road and set off towards the beach.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div><div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KuTsiQykUGI/TwHsSvVIlKI/AAAAAAAAAPc/tKQTjKnSJGo/s320/373888_10150431071106422_343615331421_10518038_653053696_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091210659927202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091210659927202"/></div>
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<div><i>Friends made at Katy's Place in Tokeh</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">There I met some fishermen who offered to take me to some 'twin' islands which I had noticed in the distance, for a nominal fee of course. I decided to accept the offer and jumped into the dugout canoe along with my bag. I had not realised how unstable the boat was and thought we were going to capsize a few times. Finally we arrived on the islands and my guide waited at the boat for me. I could see that a storm was coming, so I quickly walked around the island and got back to the canoe just in case. I felt like I was on a treasure Island, and who knows, maybe I was.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QQkuy1WtJl0/TwHp5iohOwI/AAAAAAAAAO4/POrmiItxUVc/s320/300626_10150431072911422_343615331421_10518061_1858543514_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693088578731588354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693088578731588354"/></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>The 'Twin Islands' in the distance</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br/> <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WpFuQyvFoc/TwHsSd8l8cI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/2OeeMPtw4aU/s320/309722_10150431071216422_343615331421_10518039_128827584_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091205993591234" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693091205993591234"/></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking back from the Islands with my guide, Mohammed</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M9BTLq4cRdE/TwHp5y6YoCI/AAAAAAAAAPE/2bRLWjRE298/s320/311892_10150431072326422_343615331421_10518056_1816593732_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693088583101489186" style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693088583101489186"/></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>On the way back to mainland</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">When I reached the beach, I grabbed my bag, paid my guide, and then went on my way along the beach towards River #2, singing a song to myself about Palm Wine drinking Pirates.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">River #2 is a pioneer in community based tourism. The guest houses available to day trippers or seasonal domestic tourists are owned by the community, and each member of the community contributes to the project. The activities, accommodation, food, reception, transport, are all provided by the community, and therefore the money goes back to the community itself. It seems to work well and is well organised.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>River #2 Lagoon</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">After a grueling walk of about an hour and half, I reached the last river I needed to cross before I reached my destination. Just as I got there, a canoe pulled up carrying others across. The timing was perfect. When I stepped off the boat, I was greeted by Ishmael, Daniel's (my friend) little cousin, who had been expecting me. He guided me to my beach hut, where I would be staying the night. I then had a well-deserved swim.</div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My accommodation at River #2</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I was then brought a bowl of rice and fish covered in a very spicy ‘hot pepper sauce’ as well as two freshly picked coconuts. This was going to be my last dinner before I left paradise so I appreciated every mouthful of ‘chop’ and every sip of fresh coconut milk whilst staring at the clear horizon whilst the sun was setting. The coconut milk was probably the best I had ever tasted.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">That night, my hosts decided to build a bonfire around which we sat to talk about their stories and my experiences in Sierra Leone. I was told many stories about the civil war which I will not recount here because I feel they are too graphic to share within this blog, but I must say that I realised how awful the whole situation was. You can see a film like ‘blood diamond’ a million times, but will never get even close to understanding what the local communities went through until you hear the stories from the mouths of those who were on the ‘front line’.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">We talked well in to the night, the moon shining down onto the Ocean gently caressing the golden sands of River #2.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><div><div><div><div><div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFxENwTHElY/TwHp4quVOWI/AAAAAAAAAOU/uI2ojQhwx5g/s320/298465_10150431073741422_343615331421_10518069_2038890743_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693088563723581794" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693088563723581794"/></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i>River #2 Community Based Tourism project</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">The next morning I awoke to the resident cockerel pecking away at the half coconuts left over from the night before. I opened my tent’s door to a blazing sun and went straight to the sea for an early morning swim. The fire’s remains were still smoking. Daniel brought breakfast and we drank our coffee speaking about the days plan. I was to meet up with my contacts at the National Tourism Board so that they could show me more of the peninsula and the potential that it has for the development of responsible tourism.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">After having had a refreshing bucket shower, and having packed up my rucksack, we walked to the top of the dirt road and hailed down a heavy duty truck on which we jumped and rode back to Tokeh where we were to meet Umaru Woody and his colleagues of the National Tourism Board.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">To be continued… ‘The great potential for responsible tourism in Sierra Leone’</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Responsible tourism can be practiced in a variety of ways as long as it benefits the local communities in which you spend time, whilst respecting the local heritage. One of the ways to do so is to meet with the local communities, share stories, accept invitations, be curious but respectful, be friendly and humble, and make sure that the money you spend is shared amongst the most people possible. You can buy local drinks (like Poyo), participate in activities organised by the local communities, stay in local accommodation and make sure you know where the money goes, how it is shared. By doing so, you will get to know the people with whom you stay, the places you visit more intimately and have an overall more authentic and satisfying experience.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">For more of Part 3, <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2011/11/travels-in-sierra-leone-peninsula_24.html">click here</a>; for Part 1 <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/travels-in-sierra-leone-peninsula-provinces-and-palm-wine-1" target="_blank">click here</a>; for Part 2 <a href="http://www.tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/travels-in-sierra-leone-peninsula-provinces-and-palm-wine-part-2" target="_blank">click here</a>.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">To discover more of the authentic experiences you can have in West Africa, don’t hesitate to visit <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a> or join a growing community passionate about Travel in West Africa on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestAfricaDiscovery">Facebook</a>.</div>
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</div>Responsible Travel in Sierra Leone - Peninsula, Provinces and Palm Wine (Part 2)tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2011-11-25:3169359:BlogPost:3528622011-11-25T17:54:59.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: left;"><span><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: justify;"><span><span><b>F</b></span>ollowing on from the <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2011/11/travels-in-sierra-leone-peninsula.html">first installment</a> of his adve</span></i><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: justify;"><span>ntu</span></i><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: justify;"><span>re, Thomas recounts his experiences on his journey through Sierra Leone…</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: justify;"><span><span><b>F</b></span>ollowing on from the <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2011/11/travels-in-sierra-leone-peninsula.html">first installment</a> of his adve</span></i><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: justify;"><span>ntu</span></i><i style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; text-align: justify;"><span>re, Thomas recounts his experiences on his journey through Sierra Leone to discover tourism projects which work towards implementing the <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/responsible-tourism.html">responsible tourism</a> concept of "making destinations better places to live in, and better places to visit"</span></i></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span>Part 2: The provinces - Waterloo to Bo & Beyond</span></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>My next mission was to visit another community tourism project based around an Island of outstanding natural beauty and rich in biodiversity found on the Moa River, and on the fringes of the Gola Forest in the South-East of Sierra Leone. Tiwai Island is owned by 8 communities who live around it, and, in theory, they all benefit equally from tourism. I am planning on basing my MSc Responsible Tourism Management dissertation on how this can be done successfully.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>To reach Tiwai, I was to take a 'Poda Poda' (local mini-bus) from Waterloo to Bo, then travel from Bo to Potoru from where I was told to catch an 'Okada' (motorbike taxi) to Kambama where you can take a speedboat to reach the Island.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>One of the villages dotting the side of the highway</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The journey from Waterloo to Bo went without any incidents. We stopped a few times to pick people up or drop them off and this gave me the opportunity to learn a bit more about the differences between the coast and the hinterland. At every stop, tradesmen/women would come to the vehicles windows selling plantain crisps, 'Benny Cake' (sesame seed and sugar), grilled meat, bananas, oranges, corn, water, etc... you could never go hungry. The road was perfect. No pot-holes anywhere. I later learnt that an Italian prospecting company had invested in tarmacking the road which has now made a big difference between a day-long journey and a 3-4 hour journey.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>The image which says: "West Africa" to me.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Arriving at Bo, I noticed a lot of social campaigns which were going on. Billboards denouncing domestic violence, encouraging family planning, addressing the AIDS/HIV issue, promoting agriculture and community, and many more. It was also my first reminder that there had been a civil war not so long ago. Billboards promoting the 'Guns for Development' campaign where an NGO was buying guns off people (very successful), 'Social Integration' and 'Peace Development' were common words around the city, even Diamond re-sellers were called 'Peace & Love'. Bo and the Provinces were the hardest hit by the civil war and where the worst atrocities were committed.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Example of social development billboards (<a href="http://terriblyfabulous.wordpress.com/">terriblyfabulous.wordpress.com</a>)</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>From Bo to Potoru - a ‘junction town’ leading to several villages, one of which was my destination - the road was less favorable. The rainy season was just ending, so heavy rain showers were common place. Pot-holes and mega-puddles dotted the road, and our driver - who's name is William 'Bobo' Decker - expertly guided the 'Poda Poda' without even breaking a sweat. Orange vendors and Plantain Crisp sellers were everywhere. The smell of 'the bush' is something you never forget. The sweet scent of tropical flowers mixed with the damp earth smell, the odour of oranges and limes; this coupled with the landscape of lush green vegetation, small streams meandering across the dirt road, the bridges crossing over fast flowing mighty rivers; time seems to go slowly yet you don't see it fly by.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Road to Potoru. Notice the storm in the distance.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>Potoru, which I later learnt was a rebel stronghold during the 1992 to 2002 war, was a quiet village which had a certain vibe about it. People were very friendly, respectful and eager to please. It was noticeably a trading hub too, being at the junction linking several villages together. We briefly stopped before we headed direction Kambama. Bobo Decker kindly offered to take me all the way as he had noticed that a tropical storm was brewing in the distance and knew that I would've gotten soaked if I had taken an 'Okada' (motorbike taxi).</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The road was still dirt but was much better than the Bo to Potoru route. This was partly due to the small amount of vehicles that rode this way. We could see the storm approaching. Like a grey blanket, it covered the landscape, engulfed the forest, roads and villages. I thanked Bobo, as you can imagine. Finally, we arrived at Kambama. It was dusk and the distance rumble of thunder reminded us that we didn't have much time before another storm would unleash its wrath. I was guided down a path, from the village to the river bank and got on a speedboat captained by Ibrahim who told us a story about how crocodiles in the river and villagers had a mutual respect for each other.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Tiwai Island</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Local guide from Kambama leading me into the jungle</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>When we set foot on the island, I felt like an explorer. This was the real jungle! Creepers were hanging from the forest canopy, the sound of insects was overwhelming, birds were nesting above us. We started walking towards the camp where I would stay the night, and suddenly I heard something moving in the branches above me. I looked up and saw a black and white blur. A double take revealed that it was a monkey, a Diana monkey to be more precise. Ibrahim said: "This is a good start, you have already been very lucky!" and he was right.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Can anyone identify this spider?</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Red Colobus Monkey</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The next morning, after a beautiful night's sleep, I went with a local guide on a 3 hour jungle trek where I saw a group of Red Colobus Monkeys, Black & White Colobus', Diana Monkeys, Suti Mangabe's, Hornbills, 'big-as-your-hand' spiders building their webs which shone golden-greenish hues when reflecting the sun’s rays, and the cream of the crop: 2 duikers; a very rare sighting according to my guide. Unfortunately, but not surprisingly, we did not come across the elusive pygmy hippo. Maybe next time.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Solar power at Tiwai. Tent hut in the distance.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>Traditional building where the food was prepared</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>During my stay, I also took a canoe onto the Moa River and learnt about traditional fishing techniques, wildlife, plants and pygmy hippo habits, as well as how to call monkeys by pinching your nose, mouth and emitting a cry so that they come to you thinking that you are a baby monkey in distress. The local language is Mende (from the Mende tribe) of which I learnt how to say:</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>'Hi Man/Old Man/Young Woman/Children' = 'Dake/Keke/Niande/Dupui Boaa'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>'How are you?' = 'Ka hui ye na?'</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>'I am fine' = ' Ka ing goma'</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>The next morning, I took the speedboat at 4am in the morning to catch the local transport back from mainland. I will never forget speeding up the River Moa lit only by moonlight. That was definitely an experience.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span>In the next installment, Part 3: Back to the Peninsula - Coconut & Poyo Paradise, Thomas visits the communities located on the Western Peninsula to discover the tourism projects already put in place and the potential for implementing the responsible tourism concept.</span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span>To learn more about Responsible Tourism in West Africa, you can either visit the West Africa Discovery <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">web portal</a>, or join the growing community of West Africa passionate people <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestAfricaDiscovery">here</a>.</span></i></div>Travels in Sierra Leone: Peninsula, Provinces and Palm Wine (Part 1)tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2011-11-12:3169359:BlogPost:3470452011-11-12T23:30:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span class="font-size-5"><b>A</b></span><span>fter coming back from Sierra Leone, and having had one of the most amazing times of my life, I decided to share my experience with others to hopefully inspire more people to go and explore this beautiful yet misunderstood part of the World. This is the first part of Travels in Sierra Leone: Peninsula, Provinces and Palm Wine.…</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span><span class="font-size-5"><b>A</b></span><span>fter coming back from Sierra Leone, and having had one of the most amazing times of my life, I decided to share my experience with others to hopefully inspire more people to go and explore this beautiful yet misunderstood part of the World. This is the first part of Travels in Sierra Leone: Peninsula, Provinces and Palm Wine.</span></span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span>When I first mentioned that I wanted to travel to Sierra Leone, I would have been a rich man if I was paid for every time someone either said: "Isn't there a civil war in Sierra Leone?" or "It's dangerous in Sierra Leone, are you crazy?". My answer to them was: "Sierra Leone has been at peace for 11 years" or "You're crazy for not going!". The misconceptions of Sierra Leone's current state are still rife, partly because of the 2006 film Blood Diamond, which wasn't even filmed in SL, and the lack of people willing to go there themselves to bring back true stories about a country struggling to change their image and grow in a positive way. Needless to say that I wanted to be one of those people: a bringer of news from a land which deserves to be viewed as a beacon for hope and World historical heritage rather than for a brutal civil war built around greed and deception.</span></div>
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<p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span>I arrived at Lungi airport at 9:30pm. The first th</span>ing that you experience is the difference in climate (if you had come from the Northern Hemisphere). I went through passport check. No problems there. Collected my bags quick sharp. Outside was the usual bunch of porters, taxi drivers and name card brandishing guys. I was then directed to the Water Taxi ticket office -Lungi airport is on a different peninsula to Freetown, and to get to the other you need to either take a Water Taxi, Ferry, Speedboat or Helicopter. In not time, I was speeding towards Freetown. When we approached the Aberdeen port, I got a small insight into what to expect from Salone, little electricity, candle light, humidity, a slow pace of life and a community feel. I disembarked and changed my money (current rate: $1 = 4500 Leones) with a guy called Solomon, just in time for my ride to arrive to take me to my first destination, John Obey beach.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span><b>Part 1: John Obey - Community-excha</b></span><b>nge & Sustainable Living Tourism Project</b></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span>When I arrived, I was greeted with a big plate of chop (food in Krio) and a Star beer (national beer of Sierra Leone) by Kat, a volunteer overseeing the project. We got along straight away and then I was introduced to the night security guards, Momo and Mister Alou Sene who is also the village Imam. I was shown to my accommodation and after debating about the differences and similarities of Islam and Christianity (SL is 50/50 and there are no conflicts) until 4am, I called it a night.</span></p>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span><img name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674183858530119842" style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674183858530119842" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qHJPG_xhRY/Tr7AJ_3xcKI/AAAAAAAAAK8/9NcvpIbSEFY/s400/DSCF2434.JPG"/></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span><i>Mister Alou Sene & Momo, the security guards</i></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span>The next morning, I awoke to the sound of waves c</span>rashing and birds twittering. I slowly rose from my mosquito net covered 'four-poster' bed and opened the door to my beach shack to discover Sierra Leone in the daytime. It was beautiful! Just outside my accommodation was a lagoon which rose and fell with the Ocean tide, multicoloured butterflies flew gracefully between the palm trees, a gentle breeze carried the smell of jasmine around the shack. Welcome to Sierra Leone!</span></p>
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<div><div><span><span><span><img name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674184868889035202" style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674184868889035202" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yvJOsLVjpjg/Tr7BEzwHAcI/AAAAAAAAALU/e8z5P1VLEeM/s400/DSCF2403.JPG"/></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><i>The lagoon at low tide</i></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><i>My beach shack for 3 nights</i></span></span></span></div>
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<p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span><span>After breakfast I was shown around the project. Solar</span> tower, recycling area, compost toilets, earth bag 'honeydomes', permaculture garden, bucket showers, all the signs of a sustainable development project that works. The project also employs 30 people from the local community, 10 of them were working on a new structure using the skills they had learnt over the past year to build earth bag domes as accommodation for guests. I was told that this was the main project, so I lent a hand on the 'building site'. By the afternoon, after lunch, the structure was nearly finished. I was given the honor of laying the last earth bag on the top which we then celebrated by playing drums and singing. Such a good feeling!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><br/> <img name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674186608540488994" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674186608540488994" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVHPD-JgvI/Tr7CqEdVlSI/AAAAAAAAALs/3kiptR3PIJQ/s400/DSCF2410.JPG"/></p>
<p style="text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i><span>From left to right: Solar tower, recycling center and compost toilets</span></i></p>
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<div><span><span><span><span><img name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674185678706242562" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674185678706242562" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77k7_0RD0aQ/Tr7Bz8jk9AI/AAAAAAAAALg/cmL50g5MrRY/s400/DSCF2395.JPG"/></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><i>Happy faces after the earth dome was completed</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span>For the next couple of days at Tribewanted, I learnt how to cook 'special sauce', practiced yoga, went to visit the local school, cooked an amazing 'lime and spice mackerel wrapped in banana leaves and baked in the mud oven' dish, swam every morning and every night at sunset, went baby croc spotting, drank palm wine, visited the market at Waterloo, experienced tropical thunderstorms, visited the improvised turtle sanctuary on the beach, listened to local legends around the hot stove, learnt about the local communities' aspirations and positive ambitions. As you can imagine, it was hard to leave, but my feet were itching to walk other paths and discover more of hidden Salone (Sierra Leone).</span></p>
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<div><p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><img name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674191660077217026" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674191660077217026" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-olc84z14Ey8/Tr7HQG5i9QI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/uRMpdK7AUlk/s400/DSCF2419.JPG"/></p>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span>John Obey School photo...</span></i></div>
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<div><div><span><span><span><span><span><img name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674190282939346834" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674190282939346834" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAVaNr96fRI/Tr7F_8qSr5I/AAAAAAAAAL4/WSIpx1aOJUc/s400/DSCF2425.JPG"/></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span><span><span><span><i>A John Obey sunset...</i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i><span><span>To be continued... next time: Part 2:</span> <span style="line-height: 18px;">The provinces - Waterloo to Bo & Beyond</span></span></i></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><i><span><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br/></span></span></i></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span>To learn more about my project, visit <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a> or join us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestAfricaDiscovery">Facebook</a>.</span></p>
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</div>Tips on How to be a Responsible Tourist in West Africatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2011-10-11:3169359:BlogPost:3369602011-10-11T15:19:41.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px;"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662209713428962610" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662209713428962610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhhjjnWRiGs/TpQ1vBSzHTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/v7BBEZ-P1jk/s320/6233442.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 320px; height: 239px;"></img></span></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span>Responsible tourism is about tourists making environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical and respectful choices when travelling and minimising the negative impact of tourism. Being responsible is…</span></span></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xhhjjnWRiGs/TpQ1vBSzHTI/AAAAAAAAAKE/v7BBEZ-P1jk/s320/6233442.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 320px; height: 239px;" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662209713428962610" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662209713428962610"/></span></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span>Responsible tourism is about tourists making environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical and respectful choices when travelling and minimising the negative impact of tourism. Being responsible is something all tourists needs to take into consideration when making a decision on travelling to a destination.</span><br/> <br/>
<span>Responsible travel can be considered as the most enjoyable way to travel because it brings you closer to local people and culture, it gives you the chance to experience the authenticity of the destination. It shares some of the benefits of tourism more widely with local communities, and helps minimised some of the negative impacts tourism might often have.</span></span></p>
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<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px; background-color: #ffffff;"><span>No matter the type of travel you’re involved in, tourism brings both positive and negative impacts to a destination but responsible travel and tourism maximises the benefits of tourism and reduces some of the negatives.</span><br/> <br/>
<span>The majority of us travel to experience new cultures, take on new challenges, experience new activities, or even to discover ourselves. Travelling gives us the opportunity to take a break from our typical daily routines and to reflect on the importance of life. But yet almost all travellers show an abject ignorance of anything other than a westernised world view. Being a responsible tourist can make a big difference by supporting the type of tourism that is not harmful to the environment and is supportive of local communities who lead the effort to gain or maintain sustainable livelihoods.</span><br/>
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<span>Contact between tourists and local people may result in mutual appreciation, therefore tourists need to be aware of local customs, traditions and to show respect to the host community in question. Residents will then be open minded and will be more willing to be educated about the outside world without leaving their homes, while their visitors significantly learn about a distinctive culture. Local communities are benefited through contribution by tourism to the improvement of the social infrastructure like schools, libraries, health care institutions, internet cafes, and so on. If local culture is the basis for attracting tourists to the region, it is important to preserve the local traditions and handicrafts.</span><br/>
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<span>If tourists’ attitudes change and they allow themselves to become responsible travellers, the host communities will benefit from this by protecting endangered wildlife, as the importance of preserving and conserving this resource will become more apparent. Many of West Africa’s countries depend on their wildlife as tourist attractions and if it’s not protected, there will be a decline of tourist numbers and as a result will have a bad effect on the economy. For example every year around 23000 tourists visit the Bijilo forest park in the Gambia and because the park is close to Banjul which is the capital city, it is easy for tourists to commute from the park to the town. However, the number of incoming visitors tends to be high which causes overcrowding. This causes damage to local wildlife especially the green monkeys which no longer find the need to look for food but instead sit beside nearby road sides and wait for tourists to feed them. In addition, tourists purchase bags of peanuts for the animals and litter the grounds with the empty bags. This is a danger for the monkeys who attempt to ingest them. Also, by over feeding these monkeys, they become over-friendly and become susceptible to theft by poachers.</span><br/>
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<span>Bearing this in mind, it is advisable for tourists to be educated on the effect of their ignorance. In doing so, tourists will become responsible for their actions while enjoying the experience.</span><br/>
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<span>At the end of the day by protecting and enhancing favourite destinations, future enjoyment for visitors and local resident will be sustained.</span><br/>
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<span>Another point is that tourists need to recognise that water and energy are precious resources which need to be used carefully. It’s important to buy from the local stores, use local taxis, local tour guides etc. All these little transactions help the local community. In the Gambia, for example, there is an excellent selection of good quality</span> <a href="http://www.gambia.co.uk/Docs/Gambia-Guide/Restaurants/Default.aspx" style="color: #af2639; text-decoration: none;">restaurants</a><span>, therefore by eating in local restaurants you are ensuring that your visit benefits the wider community.</span><br/>
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<span>Applying the WCED’s definition of sustainability¹ to tourism, as coined in Bruntland’ Commission, the reason for responsible travel to be practised is “to meet the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet the need and aspiration of future generations.” The core issue is conserving resources. There is a need to balance social, economic and environmental impacts for both tourists and host communities.</span></span></p>
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<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px; background-color: #ffffff;">To learn more about projects that work towards implementing responsible tourism principles in the Gambia, you can view out selection <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/the-gambia-holidays.html" style="color: #af2639; text-decoration: none;">here</a>.</span></p>
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<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px; background-color: #ffffff;">You can also learn more about travelling in and around West Africa by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestAfricaDiscovery" style="color: #af2639; text-decoration: none;">joining</a> our growing community of 1000+ people passionate about West Africa and its beautiful local heritage.</span></p>
<p class="Standard" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; line-height: 22px; background-color: #ffffff;"><br/> ¹ World Commission on Environment and Development (1987). Our Common Future. Oxford: Oxford University Press.</span></p>Tourism as a Tool for Poverty Reduction in West Africatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2011-07-20:3169359:BlogPost:2716212011-07-20T19:32:45.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<br></br>
<img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631509783079083138" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631509783079083138" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YILxHjjkQ6I/TickT4mQ3II/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Wh9dZZ2ICBM/s320/Gambia5.jpg" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 314px; height: 210px;"></img> <span class="font-size-3">Every year different NGO’s, and other private organisations come together with one purpose: to raise money to reduce poverty in the world. This gesture extends to the whole of the African continent. The idea of these fund-raising activities is to help improve the lifestyle and betterment for the poor. There are numerous NGO's with different aims to reduce poverty in Africa. Orphan Aid Africa helps families of children at risk of abandonment and gives…</span>
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<img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YILxHjjkQ6I/TickT4mQ3II/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Wh9dZZ2ICBM/s320/Gambia5.jpg" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631509783079083138" style="float: left; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; cursor: hand; width: 314px; height: 210px;" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631509783079083138"/><span class="font-size-3">Every year different NGO’s, and other private organisations come together with one purpose: to raise money to reduce poverty in the world. This gesture extends to the whole of the African continent. The idea of these fund-raising activities is to help improve the lifestyle and betterment for the poor. There are numerous NGO's with different aims to reduce poverty in Africa. Orphan Aid Africa helps families of children at risk of abandonment and gives them secure futures within their communities in Ghana, Igbo Charitable Association Inn is an organization delivering community level poverty alleviation support to people in Eastern Nigeria and creating employment opportunities for young people in all of Africa and the Helping Hands Healing Ministries Inc is also another charitable organisation helping the poorest of the poor with educational, medical, social, and spiritual needs. All of these organisation have one thing in common to provide any help they can in education, employment, security and safety for the young and old.</span><br/>
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Poverty alleviation is an important issue for many developing countries within western Africa. It is believed that poverty can be alleviated mainly through achieving higher sectoral growth and ensuring that the poor have a share in that growth. Both the tourism industry and community development are still at a very early stage of understanding what will actually work most effectively in reducing poverty through tourism development, there is evidence that tourism contributes a lot to the economic growth, especially in countries with poor economies through foreign exchange earnings, creation of employment opportunities and provision of public revenues. Therefore with proper intervention, such economic benefits can play a crucial role in the process of poverty alleviation.</span><br/>
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<div><span class="font-size-3">Tourism can be a tool for poverty alleviation but the challenge is 'how' and 'where' tourism can intervene to provide opportunities, employment, and security for the poor at the local level and boost economic growth at the national and regional level. It is a fact that tourism is one of the few industries in which many developing countries actually have a comparative advantage over developed countries in term of cultural heritage, climate, wildlife etc. Therefore tourism can be an effective tool to bring about these synergies. By focusing on rural areas instead of the urban areas (capital cities) in western Africa, pro-poor tourism can be used to not only promote tourism in unknown areas but also to provide opportunities and access for both tourists and local residents.</span></div>
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<div><span class="font-size-3">Since tourism operates through different geographical areas such as remote mountainous, coastal and forest environments, it can be an important tool which could reduce poverty at national, rural and urban levels. For example when visiting Ghana, instead of spending all their time on Labadi beach in Accra, tourists can be more adventurous and go on a mountain biking excursion on Mount Afadjato in the Akwapim-Togo Ranges. In doing this tourists’ spending can provide economic gain through the creation of full time or part-time employment, it has the potential to reduce rural ‘out-migration’ to urban areas, or create other livelihood benefits such as access to potable water, roads which bring poor producers through, improved access to markets, improved health or education.</span></div>
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<div><span class="font-size-3">I therefore believe tourism is an appropriate mechanism for poverty reduction. Tourism contributes to economic growth, and also has a positive effect on social, environment and cultural benefits; but having said that, it also has it negative aspect to it. Tourism can create high level foreign ownership which leads to a high level of economic leakage and minimizes local economic benefits; however this can be seen in any other industry. This has led to the creation of <a href="http://www.asset-gambia.com/">The Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism</a> (ASSET) by the British High Commission in 1999 and established in 2000 in the Gambia. ASSET brings together 40 small and micro enterprises including craft market vendors, tourist taxi drivers, official tourist guides, juice pressers and fruit sellers. It also includes a number of small hotels, guest houses and ground tour operators. Its main objective is to enable small-scale tourism enterprises to benefit from the industry by putting pressure on the government and local leaders to do more for them such as tax relieve easy business set-up processes and infrastructure development such as markets. Also, through the <a href="http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home.html">United Nations Development Program</a> (UNDP), the government received an <a href="http://www.worldbank.org/ida/">International Development Assistance</a> (IDA) to help build road networks linking the hotels, the airport and the main urban centres.</span></div>
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<div><span class="font-size-3">So, considering the above, with the effect and contribution of the tourism industry to the world and especially developing countries, the continuation and improvement of these measures will surely help sustain and improve the local economies at the receiving end of tourism.</span></div>
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<div><span class="font-size-3">For more information on tourism projects in West Africa which are working towards reducing poverty and creating opportunities for local economies through their activities, visit the <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">West Africa Discovery</a> web portal, or join a community dedicated to travel in West Africa by clicking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/WestAfricaDiscovery">here</a>.</span></div>Changing the Image of Sierra Leone, West Africa, through Tourismtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-09-23:3169359:BlogPost:847172010-09-23T12:30:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Western perceptions of African countries are shaped by the media focus on the events that take place within its borders. Let’s take the example of Sierra Leone which was ravaged by civil war for 11 years from 1991 to 2002. The stories of atrocity and bloodshed were given high coverage by the western media.<br></br><br></br>In 2006 Hollywood highlighted the plight of the people in Sierra Leone by making the film Blood Diamond. This told the story…</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Western perceptions of African countries are shaped by the media focus on the events that take place within its borders. Let’s take the example of Sierra Leone which was ravaged by civil war for 11 years from 1991 to 2002. The stories of atrocity and bloodshed were given high coverage by the western media.<br/><br/>In 2006 Hollywood highlighted the plight of the people in Sierra Leone by making the film Blood Diamond. This told the story of diamonds mined in African war zones, sold to finance the civil war and in turn profiting the warlords and global diamond companies. With such high media coverage the image and reputation of Sierra Leone as a war-torn, dangerous country has stuck. Now eight years after the civil war has ended, Sierra Leone wants to change that image for good to show the world that the country is a totally different place today. It is safe, the people are friendly, and it is a perfect place to visit on holiday.<br/><br/>
What better way to change peoples’ ideas about a destination by letting them see for themselves how the country is now, and they will go back home, tell their friends and share their experiences. After all, word of mouth has been proven as one of <a href="http://www.hear2.com/2003/11/some_amazing_st.html">the most efficient marketing tools</a>.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/> Sierra Leone is developing a number of Tourism projects, from traditional to Responsible, from beach to leisure, and adventure to discovery. As an emerging country it is also attracting investment from overseas, especially the USA and Europe. It is a dramatic change from the Sierra Leone of yesteryear.<br/><br/> Cecil Williams became head of the national tourist board in 1991, the year the war started, and watched as the number of visitors plummeted from close to 100,000 a year to almost zero. Now the number of arrivals has edged up to 4,000 a year, but most are visiting friends or family, or are more likely consul¬tants than care free holidaymakers.<br/><br/>
“Tourism is still virgin here,” Mr Williams explains. “But there’s great enthusiasm and people are starting to come. We could have 10,000 tourism jobs in the next five to seven years but it depends on government support – at the moment we are grossly under-funded.” Another acolyte of tourism’s uphill struggle is Bimbola Carrol, 32, who left Sierra Leone in 1997 when Freetown was under fire. Just over a year ago he gave up a nine-to-five job in London to go back to his homeland to start up a tourism business.</span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/> “I always saw myself returning,” says Mr Carrol, who is one of an estimated 50,000 in the diaspora who have returned since the war ended. “It’s down to Sierra Leoneans to rebuild Sierra Leone. We have a responsibility to give back to our society.” Today he employs four people and runs the popular, information-packed <a href="http://visitsierraleone.org/">Visit Sierra Leone website</a>, which he started in 2004, as well as organising trip itineraries. “It was only two years after the end of the war and at that time no one was talking about tourism,” he says. “But I had a much longer-term view about it: Sierra Leone hasn’t received as much credit as it deserves.”<br/><br/> In the face of uncertainty there are people who have kept faith, and have carried on the beacon of hope by getting together and creating solutions to the problems that have come about. Those people are pushed forward by the love for their country, the history of their people, and the dream of a better future for all.</span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/> In this case, the creation of tourism projects to boost the economies of the country and to let the world know that Sierra Leone, or ‘Salone’ as Sierra Leonean people affectionately call it, is no longer a place of unrest. According to the <a href="http://www.thenewsalone.com/">New Salone website</a> it is: “a peaceful and tranquil place where you can find many-coloured beaches, swim-perfect seas and glorious rainforest-mountain backdrops. You can dine on fresh-grilled lobster and refresh yourself with a cool beer beside the ocean. You can discover the country’s threatened primates and rare exotic birdlife, or the region’s highest mountain.<br/><br/> Many are unaware that its capital is one of the safest cities in Africa and that people dance with a mesmerising lust for life until after dawn. Or that, despite the decade of war, the nation’s tenacity, affection and spirit is what really defines it.”</span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/> Slowly, tourists are trickling in to Sierra Leone to discover or re-discover a land which offers so much. It may take time to change the image of the country, but through the means of tourism and positive marketing of the destination, the goal is in sight. The path may be long, but as a West African saying says; ‘the path is only made by walking.’<br/><br/> To discover some of the amazing holiday opportunities in Sierra Leone, have a browse through our selection of local and responsible holiday ideas.</span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/> Contact me at <a href="mailto:thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk">thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a><br/><br/> website: <a href="www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk">www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a><br/><br/>
twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/WA_Discovery">WA_Discovery</a><br/><br/>
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</div>West Africa's Potential as a Responsible Tourism Destinationtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-09-03:3169359:BlogPost:795192010-09-03T17:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/Suh8ZGvcZuI/AAAAAAAAACM/KGN88tMozNw/s1600-h/n930815_31043404_1281%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397700924151719650" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397700924151719650" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/Suh8ZGvcZuI/AAAAAAAAACM/KGN88tMozNw/s320/n930815_31043404_1281%5B1%5D.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 128px;"></img></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Once considered as a beach resort paradise with approximately 3500km of coast line dotted with palm trees and covered with white…</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/Suh8ZGvcZuI/AAAAAAAAACM/KGN88tMozNw/s1600-h/n930815_31043404_1281%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 128px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/Suh8ZGvcZuI/AAAAAAAAACM/KGN88tMozNw/s320/n930815_31043404_1281%5B1%5D.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397700924151719650" border="0" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397700924151719650"/></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Once considered as a beach resort paradise with approximately 3500km of coast line dotted with palm trees and covered with white sand, West Africa has seen a steady</span></span> <a href="http://www.tourismroi.com/InteriorTemplate.aspx?id=26464"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">decline in traditional tourists</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">over the past few years. Now there seems to be a renewal of interest and tourists are beginning to trickle back to the hustle and bustle of the colourful markets, the relaxing sound of the Atlantic waves crashing on a pristine beach or to the exhilarating beat of the Jembe and talking drum.</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are several recent articles that have appeared within the UK press which have demonstrated that tourists are choosing West Africa as a ‘good value for money’ region where there is a wealth of activities, sites, ‘untouched’ beaches and landscapes to explore (</span></span><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/africa/article6865979.ece"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Times</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">,</span></span> <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/sunandsea/6347814/Gambian-coast-Under-a-West-African-sun.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Telegraph</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and</span></span> <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/01/sierra.leone.ecotourism/#fbid=QwM5SXotuKa&wom=false"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">CNN</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">) . However, these tourists are not the traditional type, those who come to the resorts and lie on the beaches in order to escape the cold British winter. They are the more adventurous type, those seeking thrills and the sense of discovery and exploration, but also who like to relax on a beach after a long day. They choose West African countries as a destination because of the ‘off-the-beaten-track’ feeling when walking through the streets of Dakar, or staying at a hostel in Guinea-Bissau. They go to West Africa to learn more about culture and appreciate the regions biodiversity, to experience ‘something new’, to do ‘what other people don’t do.’ Furthermore, they are the tourists which have less of an impact on the environment, who will happily eat a meal made from local ingredients, visit a local craft shop to buy souvenirs, use public transport when possible and stay in a hotel owned by community members. They are the responsible tourist.</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The potential is there, the local populations are enthusiastic to show their country to new arrivals,</span></span> <a href="http://www.thenewsalone.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89:paradise-discovered-in-sierra-leone&catid=34:demo-category"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">tourism projects are under way</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and a lot of the ground based Tour Operators practice Responsible Tourism policies because of the cultural attachment to the sense of community, respect for nature and pride for their cultures.</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Organisations such as</span></span> <a href="http://www.onitsenegal.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">O.N.I.T.S</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Senegal),</span></span> <a href="http://www.ecobenin.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Eco-Bénin</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Bénin),</span></span> <a href="http://www.asset-gambia.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ASSET</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(The Gambia),</span></span> <a href="http://www.cameroun-infotourisme.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tourisme Cameroon</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(French) and</span></span> <a href="http://www.visitsierraleone.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Visit Sierra-Leone</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">are all working towards the implementation of Responsible Tourism policies within the countries Tourism Industry. They have appreciated that only sustainable tourism (which advocates the conservancy of Natural, Cultural, Social and Historical heritages whilst promoting their countries wealth of activities, beaches, learning opportunities and new experiences, and at the same time boosting local economies) is the key to a successful long-term answer to the declining number of tourists.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Marketing</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The next step is the marketing of the West African region through the most cost-effective and carbon efficient means possible:</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">With the ever increasing</span></span> <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/the-ever-increasing-trend-of-ethical-consumerism-1314657.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">UK market trend towards ethical consumerism</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">the term Responsible Tourism, as long as the policies are respected and that there is something to do in the destination, is a unique selling point that should not be shunned.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Social networking tools such as</span></span> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Twitter</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">,</span></span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Facebook</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">,</span></span> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Flickr</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">and</span></span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Youtube</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(to name but a few) are some of the free ‘marketing tools’ available to start a marketing campaign, and they are</span></span> <a href="http://website-marketing.suite101.com/article.cfm/social_networks"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">gaining popularity day-by-day</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Guide book listings (Rough Guides, Lonely Planet, etc.) are also a great way to get noticed, and travel writers are always looking for the next exciting tourism venture to review.</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Getting in contact with UK based Responsible Tourism marketing agencies such as</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">West Africa Discovery</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">can also be a means of getting a wider coverage of the UK market.</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My experience of West Africa</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Having visited West Africa myself, and lived in Senegal, I can appreciate how beautiful the region is. I can still taste the heavily spiced fish and rice dishes, smell the Atlantic Ocean breeze, feel the sun shining brightly on my skin and hear the drums calling to one another from neighbouring villages. I have images of towering waterfalls, cathedral-like termite mounds, colourfully dressed women, awe-inspiring sunsets and lush tropical forest. I have memories of bike riding from one village to another, meeting the elder of a remote tribe in Iwol, swimming in the Gambia river near Kédougou, sitting on the beach near a bonfire sipping tea in Casamance and eating Mafé-Yapp (A peanut based spicy sauce and meat dish usually served with rice) in the sahel regions of the Lac de Guier (Northern Sénégal).</span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I would like other people to experience special moments like the ones I had and to go back home with a head full of stories and a camera full of beautiful photos, but in a respectful and sustainable way. You will not regret it, as long as you’re open-minded.</span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Visit</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk">www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Contact me at</span></span> <a href="mailto:thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">thomas@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></a></p>
<p></p>Adventure Travel in West Africa – Part 1: Senegaltag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-07-30:3169359:BlogPost:711662010-07-30T11:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">A</span>dventure travel has to be the most invigorating form of travel out there, combining the thrills of physical exercise and adrenaline rushes with the beauty of local scenery and the immersion in the destination. We all know of Australia as an adventure destination with the many possibilities to stimulate those rushes of adrenaline such as bungee jumping or…</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">A</span>dventure travel has to be the most invigorating form of travel out there, combining the thrills of physical exercise and adrenaline rushes with the beauty of local scenery and the immersion in the destination. We all know of Australia as an adventure destination with the many possibilities to stimulate those rushes of adrenaline such as bungee jumping or skydiving, or Chile for its w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">hite water rafting a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">nd trekking possibilities, but what do we know about West Africa as an adventure destination? Not muc</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">h I suspect. That is why I decided to explore, by</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">country over a four part series’, the opportunities for a good old escapade in a few of the 16 countries of this little known part of the World.</span><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="'trebuchet ms'"><br/></font><div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TFKyAC2ZPNI/AAAAAAAAAHE/eTYydP9gPKc/s200/591px-Mungo_Park_portrait.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499653808807558354" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499653808807558354"/>For those of you who are in to exploration, you may well have heard of Scottish born <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mungo_Park_(explorer)"><b>Mungo Park</b></a> who made it his life mission to go where no man had gone before on the African continent. He concentrated his efforts on the West African countries of Senegal, The Gambia and Mali, and was said to be the first Westerner to encounter the Niger River and set up residence in the fabled city of Timbuktu. Well, following in his footsteps, I am going to concentrate on a more modern timeline and will attempt to give you a breakdown of ‘adventure travel’ opportunities and cover the possibilities for the development of activities which reflect the adventure ethos and aim to cause less damage to the environment they operate in.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Let’s start in Senegal which is a diverse country in many ways. It has a variety of ethnicities and a climate that changes dramatically from North to South. This country has been nicknamed ‘Le pays de la Teranga’ (Teranga, in Wolof, can be approximately translated as ‘The art of hospitality’) due to the overwhelming thoughtfulness of its inhabitants and their willingness to share, even though most have nothing. The coast in the West, stretching 531km (330mi), is our starting point for our ‘adventure discovery’.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TFKyKfF3NaI/AAAAAAAAAHM/JyM7VqS9OYg/s200/baidescarpesngorislandinthebackground.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499653988187321762" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499653988187321762"/>An Atlantic coastline means waves, and waves mean body-boarding or surfing! In the capital, Dakar, there are several surf camps that make it possible to ride on the longest swell window in the World. Not only do these camps provide you with expert knowledge of the areas surf spots, but they also aim to give employment to local people by training them in hospitality and surf instruction. They also boost the local economy by bringing tourists to the destination and encouraging them to live ‘local’. Check out <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/senegal-surf-camp-holiday.html"><b>this surf camp</b></a> near the Island of N’Gor for an example of what you can expect.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">If you fancy taking a break from the Ocean breeze and prefer discovering the hinterland of Senegal, bike tours are possible on which it is possible to stay in homestays and immerse yourself in the local life whilst appreciating the awe-inspiring, baobab dotted, landscapes. Visits to the Lac Rose (the pink lake) or the Lac de Guièr near the Sénégalo-Mauritanian border are a great way to discover the rural culture on Northern Senegal and appreciate the beauties of the semi-arid Sahel region. For more information <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><b>contact us</b></a>.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TFKyd0LE_8I/AAAAAAAAAHU/djxqAR0teHc/s200/Saloum.gif" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499654320263856066" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499654320263856066"/>Moving down south to the Siné-Saloum, dotted with mangroves and small tropical-like islands, there are possibilities to go <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r6zPWRQqNA&feature=PlayList&p=D344B890164E6E04&playnext=1&index=4"><b>powerchuting</b></a> to discover the splendours of scenery where land intertwines with the Ocean, or take a pirogue (traditional fishing boat) with a guide to go fishing in the maze of waterways which a variety of birds, butterflies and monkeys call their home. Obviously, you will need a place to rest, and there is no lack of accommodation in idyllic spots to recover from the day’s thrills and spills. Many an eco-lodge are available for your needs to be pampered, and other budget accommodation is also available (enquire with us to learn more). So why not kick back and relax in a traditional hammock with a glass (or bucket) of palm wine and listen to the sounds of nature. You might even catch sight of a mischievous monkey or two.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TFKzIYI_vBI/AAAAAAAAAHc/uJlEHmAtt5E/s200/n930815_31043429_6496.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499655051473304594" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499655051473304594"/>Moving to the complete opposite on the map, we find ourselves in the South-East of the country, also nicknamed Bassari Country after the mysterious tribe of the same name linked to the Dogon people in Mali. Here, lies the Senegalo-Guinean border dominated by the Fouta Djallon, a granite and sandstone formation with the highest elevation of 1,515m dominated by tropical-like forests and home to the headwaters of three major rivers, the Niger River, the Gambia River and the Senegal River. This is an ideal place to get your hiking boots out and take on a medium-hard trek up to the highest point, Mount Loura. Along the way you will encounter a number of species of monkeys including green colobus and patas, and even chimps are known to dwell in the depths of the jungle. At the foot of the Fouta Djallon, on the Senegal side, lies the sleepy eco-village of Dindéfélo which you could call your base, and is the location of one of the only two waterfalls in Senegal.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br/></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TFKz8aEg_KI/AAAAAAAAAHk/FXRZOQ-UHtY/s200/8cfc6ef3613e45b5a6045ab95aa11969-350-350_350-233.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499655945344580770" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499655945344580770"/>If you fancy a bit of exploration, you can retrace your steps to the Gambian border and cross over to some of the least visited parts of that region where you can find some hidden eco-lodges which have purposely been built for those in need of a getaway from mass tourism. To the South is Casamance, one of the most beautiful parts of Senegal but least touristy due to the lack of marketing and the occasional news about rebel activity. However, I have been there and take it from me, there is nothing to worry about, in fact it is probably the best place I have visited in my life.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">When in Casamance there are plenty of adventure activities to partake in, although less organised. From mangrove exploration in canoes, scuba diving or snorkelling on the coast, beach hiking or mountain biking, there are plenty of options for those open enough to approach the locals for a bit of advice.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There are many other activities that can be found in Senegal to quench your thirst for adventure; however I would probably need another thousand words to describe the entirety of the possibilities, but needless to say that if the adventure travel industry was developed to a higher level, whilst taking into consideration the local communities and local heritage of course, then Senegal’s relief and different climates could open a number of doors for those seeking new locations and new alternative ways of getting that all important adrenaline rush.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Imagine kite surfing near the South’s deserted beaches or paragliding from the Fouta Djallon plateau, canoeing down the whole length of the Gambia River or hot air ballooning over the sand dunes in the North. Only imagination is the limit!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br/></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">But until then, why not visit the <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><b>West Africa Discovery</b></a> website for more information on unique and exciting holiday ideas that will tickle your explorer glands or provide you with your next hit of adrenaline. Alternatively, email our dedicated team of West African Manatees who will be delighted to help you!</span></div>
</div>Discovering Gambia and Senegal Independentlytag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-07-24:3169359:BlogPost:691532010-07-24T15:30:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Andrew, a traveller who has recently booked a responsible tourism holiday to Cameroon through the</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">West Africa…</span></span></a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Andrew, a traveller who has recently booked a responsible tourism holiday to Cameroon through the</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">West Africa Discovery website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, suggested that we post his story about his journey through Senegal and the Gambia in order to raise awareness to the rich experiences t</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hat can be had in West Africa. Of course,</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">without hesitation, we agreed! So, without further ado, sit back with a cup of tea (or coffee, as you prefer) and enjoy the following recount of what seems like an unforgettable experience.</span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br/></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">E</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">very t</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ime I plan a trip abroad I weigh up the benefits of travelling as part of a group and going myself. Group travel certainly mak</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">es things easier, probably more sec</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ure, and doesn’t require so much planning.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Travelling entirely on your own can, of course, bring you into much closer contact with the people in the country you have chosen to visit, and every penny you spend ends up in the local econom</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">y. I have enjoyed</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">both, many times, but when my partner Sheila and I decided to visit Senegal and The Gambia earlier this year, we decided that we would do this one ourselves.</span></span></span></div>
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<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TEsFBMya8II/AAAAAAAAAGc/DYXYiwXtul4/s320/shutterstock_16122259.jpg" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497493288306536578" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497493288306536578"/><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Both Senegal and the Gambia have relativ</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ely well developed transport networks. In Senegal fleets of Peugeot estate cars connect major towns regularly, smaller destinations less often, making travel quick and tro</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">uble free. We rarely had to wait longer than half an hour for the seven seater ‘sept-places’ to fill up travelling between major to</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">wns, and it seemed that the seven seat rule wa</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">s strictly enforced preventing overcrowding. For the price of all seven seats it would usually be possible to hire the whole car if extra comfort or a quick departure to a less popular destination was required. French, at le</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ast at basic survival level, is really essential to communicate with local drivers - they are not going to speak English. Because of the quite large number of French tourists who visit Senegal, individual travellers are not that unusual.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There are lots of high quality hotels in lar</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ger towns, as well as more basic options, and</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">finding food in markets, shops or restaurants was never a problem - as long as you have enough French to ask for what you want and understand the price.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In (Englis</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">h speaking) Gambia, transport is by minibus - much more cramped as extra bodies are crammed in - with much less frequent connections once the coast was left behind. Public transport did seem, however, more easy than some of the popular guidebooks suggested, not to mention one UK based tour operator who tried his best to suggest that individual travel would be a totally miserable experience.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br/></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Gambia has a huge variety of hotels and restaurants on the coast, including many hotels catering to wes</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">tern package tours, and finding good accommodation and good food is not a problem - a much more limited range of options exist</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">s inland, but we always managed to find somewhere reasonabe to sleep. Electricity in most inland towns is not constant, and most hotels will only run a generator for a limited number of hours. We met many friendly people, working hard to make a living from the small number of foreigners who venture away from the coastal resorts.</span></span></span></div>
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<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TEsHgusweEI/AAAAAAAAAGk/pf0Xj27IU1I/s320/n930815_31043432_7851.jpg" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497496029008787522" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497496029008787522"/><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt; text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If time is more important than money, there are plenty of local taxi drivers and guides who can arrange transport. Many advertise on the web, or offer individual fares to any destination in the</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">country through tourist agencies in the coastal resort. We took advantage of the services of Moses Coley (</span></span></span><a href="http://www.realgambiamoses.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">http://www.realgambiamoses.com/</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">)</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">who, along with his driver Sheriff, drove us from the coast to the Senegal border in the far East of the country, stopping along the way to see wildlife and birds. You can see some of my photos from the trip on his website.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt; text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Travelling</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">with a guide has many advantages. Moses has a great knowledge of his country, and many friends and contacts throughout. He took a real pride in ensuring we enjoyed our trip, we tol</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">d him where we wanted to go, and then on the way between these main destinations he took us to many out of the way places to see the birds and wildlife that were one of the main reasons for our visit to The Gambia. By arranging local guides from remote villages for a relatively small price we managed to make an impression on local people that the wildlife and wild environment around them did have a value, as well as making sure that local people did benefit from our visit. One young man who took us to the fields round his village (one of the best habitats for viewing birds, monkeys and baboons!) had never seen European visitors in his village before. Moses is an enterprising man, keen to develop eco-tourism as a way of benefiting his village. He has recently financed a local school, as</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">well as arranging inovative cultu</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">ral tourism opportunities, for example the opportunity to get married in a Gambian village ceremony (try 'googling' his name for more info on this!)</span></span></span></p>
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<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TEsHrqVoCBI/AAAAAAAAAGs/3FruO7dNnA8/s320/n8401185_31042590_8103.jpg" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497496216816584722" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497496216816584722"/><p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt; text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One of the things that stuck me most about both Senegal and The Gambia is the strength of Islam. More than once, our driver would stop at the side of the road, take out his prayer mat, and pray. Driving before sun-u</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">p was usually accompanied by Islamic music and prayer on the radio, before the driver changed over to local popular music as day broke. Every town had its mosque, many of them new. I maybe shouldn’t have been surprised by this, but I witnessed a mush greater level of religious devotion than I have even in countries such as Pakistan, Iran and the Middle East.</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Highlights of our trip were national p</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">arks in Senegal - Langue de Berberie and Djoudj near St Louis, and Nikolo Kobo in the East - and the Gambia - Aboko, the Bao Bolon wetland area around Tendaba Lodge, and the River Gambia National Park. We also enjoyed visiting Dakar and St Louis in Senegal, eating good food on the Gambian coast and visiting the small up-river towns in The Gambia.</span></span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt; text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I think Senegal and the Gambia must be amongst the easiest countries in Africa to visit as individual travellers. Both are relatively well developed, and have established tourist industries, although in both these are concentrated in specific areas and easy to leave behind if that is what you want. With a healthy dose of common sense both seemed secure enough, and in both it was easy to find help if long wait for the next, possibly non-existent, minibus just seemed too much! Why not discover them for yourselves?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:12.0pt; text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To see what unique experiences you can have in Senegal, the Gambia and the rest of West Africa, why not have a browse through our selection of responsible and sustainable holiday ideas on</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">our website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. Or if you have a particular query, please contact us on</span></span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.</span></span></span></p>
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</div>Ghana: Home to the Black Stars, But Also Much More Than That!tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-07-02:3169359:BlogPost:643842010-07-02T16:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Sck67e6I/AAAAAAAAAFs/UA4SNocUlFU/s1600/ghana_map.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489345277967694754" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489345277967694754" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Sck67e6I/AAAAAAAAAFs/UA4SNocUlFU/s320/ghana_map.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;"></img></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-size:small;">After dispatching the USA in their last game of the World Cup, Ghana are due to make history as only the fourth African team to reach the quarter final when they face Uruguay tonight. Ghana has already done better than four…</span></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Sck67e6I/AAAAAAAAAFs/UA4SNocUlFU/s1600/ghana_map.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Sck67e6I/AAAAAAAAAFs/UA4SNocUlFU/s320/ghana_map.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489345277967694754" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489345277967694754"/></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-size:small;">After dispatching the USA in their last game of the World Cup, Ghana are due to make history as only the fourth African team to reach the quarter final when they face Uruguay tonight. Ghana has already done better than four years ago when they were knocked out in the last 16. It seems that all of Africa celebrated Ghana's qualification for the quarter finals of the World Cup. And many are hoping the Black Stars will beat Uruguay to become the first African team to qualify for a World Cup semi-final. Perhaps flying the flag for a whole continent after the elimination of the other five African teams will allow them to play with passion rather than playing under pressure.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not only does Ghana have a world class team who represent a whole continent, but closer to home they also are one of the friendliest, most stable countries in West Africa with rich local heritage.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From the pristine sandy beaches in the south to the hilly and rainforest covered north, bordered by Togo to the east, Côte d’Ivoire to the West and Burkina Faso to the North, Ghana is truly a gateway to West Africa. And what a gateway it is! For the beginner to Africa, the traveller who wants to experience the ‘dark continent’ first-hand, the cautious tourist wanting to learn more about West Africa’s culture, this country is a great choice. Here are a few examples of the unique things you can do and see in the Black Stars home country.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4QfiFS6II/AAAAAAAAAFE/z5S8C-ahM2s/s200/Untitled.jpg" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489343129722218626" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489343129722218626"/></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">For the avid historian</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Ghana, unfortunately, is infamously known for being one of the main departure countries from which the slave traders filled their ships with ‘cargo’ to take them to the ‘New World’, and the remnants of this barbaric trade are still present. On cape coast near Accra, the capital, Elmina castle is the oldest European building in sub-Sahara Africa. According to records, thousands of captives passed through the dungeons of both castles to be shipped as commodities.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Museums are also numerous, and you will not be disappointed with the amount of choice. From the ‘National Museum of Ghana’, home to a varied collection of objects relating to the ethnography and culture of Ghana, to the ‘Dubois Memorial Centre for Pan African Culture’, a national historic monument in its own right documenting the life of the influential Du Bois family, passing by ‘Museum of Science and Technology’ displaying and preserving natural history specimens found in Ghana, you will need an entire lifetime to satisfy your curiosity.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Recently vestiges from an ancient civilisation were found in a remote part of the country which has questioned many theories that were put forward about the history of the regions people. To read the BBC article on the find, click <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8518185.stm">here</a>.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Or to learn about the possibilities to visit the country to learn about the history of slavery, click <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-history-of-slavery-tour.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4SDbkekEI/AAAAAAAAAFk/cdHlx3nkv4o/s200/May2010+102.JPG" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344845960876098" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344845960876098"/></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">For the budding naturalist</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The vegetation of Ghana ranges from Evergreen forests and Savannah grasslands, to the lowlands to the highlands which boasts the highest point in the country, Mount Afadjato which is 885 metres high and found in the Volta region. The landscape is very suitable for both hiking and trekking which will allow you to get up-close to the wide variety of flora and fauna species.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For example, Tafi-Atome in the Volta region, is home to 300 endangered Mona and Pata Monkeys and is a traditional conservation area backed by statutory enforcement in co-operation with local communities. These monkeys are found in a remnant patch of forests, which has survived fire and human disturbance around the village.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Agumatsa wildlife sanctuary is another place of interest for those interested in wildlife. The area boasts Ghana’s highest waterfalls. The beauty of the falls is enhanced not only by the towering face of the gorge but most impressively by the several thousands of fruit bats clinging to its sides. At the base of the falls, in the surrounding forest, butterflies of various colours and other wild animals make the area significant for conservation. The falls also plays an important part in the cultural life of the communities around it. The people regard it as a fetish protecting them in all walks of life.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For a holiday idea that will take you to the sites mentioned above, click <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-trekking--natural-discovery-holiday.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4RSuveADI/AAAAAAAAAFU/X_KE_P6308A/s200/C13.jpg" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344009293660210" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344009293660210"/></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">For the culture enthusiast</span></span></div>
<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Like the rest of West Africa, Ghana has a rich cultural heritage</span></span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:small;">which has been passed down from generation to generation for millennia, and its origins have been lost in the midst of time. However, being ever present gives the open-minded traveller a glimpse into the various rites, rituals, ceremonies and belief systems which make this country and its people ‘oh so special’.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">One of the most important cultural remnants from a bygone era is the Ashanti stemming from a once prosperous Kingdom that ruled the region. There are certain days each year on the Ashanti calendar that are set aside for a celebration at the Royal Palace. This ceremony is called Akwasidae.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">During the celebration, the King is seated under a spectacular umbrella of colourful, draped cloth and is adorned in vivid cloth and massive gold jewellery which is centuries old (the Ashanti gold jewellery and masks are considered masterpieces of African art). This traditional ceremony takes place in one of the last African Kingdoms to have kept its ancient rituals alive.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">But Ghana is also known for its overwhelming hospitality, and there will be no lack of people who will offer to show you their home, offer you meals or just to have a friendly chat. In the remote villages of the Volta region, you can experience the culture first hand by learning how to cook the various traditional meals, discovering the history of weaving in this area and trying your hands on the weaving process, or visiting some farms in the local communities to learn how to use local farming tools.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">There is no lack of educational opportunities in Ghana, and you will surely learn a thing or two from <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-cultural-experience-through-volunteering-holiday.html">this holiday idea.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight:bold;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/TC4Rsun2PvI/AAAAAAAAAFc/TINgBkTlxXg/s200/Surf+Tour+Main.jpg" style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344455938293490" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489344455938293490"/></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">For the adventure fiend</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">For the adrenaline junkie, the exercise addict or for the simple traveller looking for a bit of fun, Ghana offers the possibility to partake in an array of activities including hiking, mountain biking, surfing, canoeing, canopy walking, fishing, and many more.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Let’s take example on the possibilities of surfing. Ghana’s south coast is perfect for those wanting to learn how to ride waves. Constant warm water, no crowds and perfect waves (that’s right, no fighting for waves and no wetsuits) make Ghana’s coasts a great location for beginners and intermediate surfers. To learn more about the surfing possibilities, click here.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Sticking to the water theme, the marshes created by the Volta River, create a rarely visited environment which allows for excellent canoeing where you can observe an exotic collection of birds and a baobab grove.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Or if you fancy something different, in Kakum National Park you can find the only rainforest canopy walk experience in the whole of Africa. Suspended 100 feet above the ground, this offers you what is truly a bird's eye view of the rainforest. At this height, you don't have to be an expert to identify the colourful patterns of tropical birds as they glide through the forest below you.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Unfortunately I could not include all the amazing things available to do and see in Ghana, but I am sure that through the above description you have become curious to know more. So do not hesitate to get in touch with us at <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a> with any queries about this beautiful country or any of the other 15 West African countries. Or you can visit our website <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">here</a> to discover all the other unique and awe-inspiring holiday ideas available in one of the most undiscovered parts of the World.</span></div>
</div>Surf Tourism in West Africa: A Working Model for Responsible Tourismtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-05-25:3169359:BlogPost:580372010-05-25T13:06:24.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S_gIrUkamXI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Rn0mtLN7hHc/s1600/Surf+Tour+Main.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474134887417682290" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474134887417682290" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S_gIrUkamXI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Rn0mtLN7hHc/s200/Surf+Tour+Main.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;"></img></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sun, sea, waves, tanned bodies and relaxed attitudes are all part of the surfing lifestyle, but it has also come to my attention that tourism can be a part of the ‘gnarly’ world of riding…</span></span></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S_gIrUkamXI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Rn0mtLN7hHc/s1600/Surf+Tour+Main.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S_gIrUkamXI/AAAAAAAAAEs/Rn0mtLN7hHc/s200/Surf+Tour+Main.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474134887417682290" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474134887417682290"/></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sun, sea, waves, tanned bodies and relaxed attitudes are all part of the surfing lifestyle, but it has also come to my attention that tourism can be a part of the ‘gnarly’ world of riding waves.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whilst researching alternative tourism activities in West Africa, I came across a great number of surf shops, surf camps and surf tours along the coastal areas in countries such as Senegal, Liberia and Ghana. These are little known projects, and not only take the tourist to some beautiful beaches, but also have a low environmental impact and provide economic and development opportunities to the local communities through empowerment initiatives.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I became interested in how the surf tourism model could be considered as an alternative, unique and fulfilling experience for those seeking to discover the local heritage of a destination whilst being sure that the local communities will benefit directly from their presence on the ground.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let me set the scene:</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“After first impressions, the destinations look like paradise on earth. White pristine beaches bordered by palm trees, rolling green hills dominated by lush untouched rainforest, the silence only disturbed by the birds calling after one-another and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, not to forget the sea at a constant warm temperature. As you look deeper into the local area, you will find friendly local communities, usually fishermen, who work hard to survive in the poverty stricken rural areas, children playing football on the beach who invite you to kick the ball about, a family having lunch outside on the porch who motion for you to come and taste a local dish, and everyone with smiling faces, showing that you don’t need much to be happy. You feel a sense of being part of the bigger picture, a sense of freedom, devoid of materialism and barriers, a feeling of, at last, finding the true sense of the word ‘living’.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Going back to your accommodation near the local surf shop, you hear the crash of the waves and feel an overwhelming need to be on a board, waiting for the swell so that you can get up and slide down the wall of water, trying to keep your balance but falling into the clear blue, warm water. You emerge into a soft breeze, dust yourself off and try again until you get it just right.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jesper, owner of a surf camp in Senegal adds to this: “Surfing in west Africa is something special. The sport has exploded the last 10 years, and therefore everyone is surfing. That brings many problems to all the famous surf spots around the world. In surfing jargon it's called localism. The people that live at the surf spot do not like that the tourists come and surf at "their spot". This leads to fights, negative atmosphere in the water and so on.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">He continues: “Senegal is very different, the locals are very happy for tourists to come. They welcome people in the water, talk and guide them. You will not see this in many places on the planet. Senegal doesn't have many ‘surf tourists’, and surfers who come to Senegal usually donate boards, wet suits, clothes and more. So it’s something special to surf here. This is one of the main reasons I moved here.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tempting hey? Well, not only are there opportunities to experience the above fantasy first-hand, but also you will be making a contribution to the sustainable development of the local community in the destination.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The surf shops in West Africa strive to train members of the local community to become surf instructors, therefore empowering them to earn a living for themselves and their family. Surf tourism usually being small-scale projects bring small groups of tourists to the area thus reducing the possible negative effects of tourism and nurtures the rise of local entrepreneurship to cater for the arriving guests. This, subsequently, boosts the local economy. Furthermore, all the produce used to cater for the guests are locally sourced, as well as the labourers who maintain the premises.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jesper explains: “surf tourism provides many jobs for the locals. I employ six locals at the camp plus two more in the busy season. There is also more business for everyone living around the surf project. I think that is the main reason for the good atmosphere here.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In terms of raising awareness towards the local heritage, it is needless to say that through involving the local community in the tourism project, the guest will experience the cultural aspect of the locality, by walking around the area and not being afraid to start chatting to an elder, the historical setting of the area will come into focus, and activities such as cycling, hiking or canoeing to areas where natural heritage is present will be a learning experience for anyone not used to these settings.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most importantly, as a result of the increased interest to the local heritage, the local community will surely be inspired to protect it, not only because of a renewed sense of pride towards what they have always considered as ‘normal’ but also because of the economic opportunities that can be felt by conserving it and not destroying it.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Surf tourism, if managed properly of course, could be used as a working model to show how tourism can be used as a tool to alleviate poverty in local communities in destinations by boosting local economies, providing entrepreneurship opportunities, empowering members of the community and sourcing products and labour locally. It can be a means to raise awareness towards wealth of local cultural, historical and natural heritage not only to the visitor, but also to the local communities.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Why not see for yourselves how surf camps are set up, by checking out</span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana-surfing-camp-and-cultural-experience-holiday.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">this example</span></a></b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in Ghana.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Or if you desire to learn more about other projects out there, email us at</span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></div>Have you ever wanted to be the member of a tribe?tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-05-11:3169359:BlogPost:560762010-05-11T14:30:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S-lh_MpoArI/AAAAAAAAAEk/bJd6Ea0Y46w/s1600/PIC6.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470010960773644978" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470010960773644978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S-lh_MpoArI/AAAAAAAAAEk/bJd6Ea0Y46w/s200/PIC6.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;"></img></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ever wanted to be part of a tribe? Or just like the idea of chilling on a beach, going snorkelling, catching some fish for the evenings dinner, or just getting your hands dirty in some community development work... Well, for all…</span></span></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S-lh_MpoArI/AAAAAAAAAEk/bJd6Ea0Y46w/s1600/PIC6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S-lh_MpoArI/AAAAAAAAAEk/bJd6Ea0Y46w/s200/PIC6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470010960773644978" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470010960773644978"/></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ever wanted to be part of a tribe? Or just like the idea of chilling on a beach, going snorkelling, catching some fish for the evenings dinner, or just getting your hands dirty in some community development work... Well, for all those of you who have the 'outdoors instinct', the need to get away, or the want to experience something different and make a difference along the way, here is what you have been waiting for; a new community-based cultural exchange tourism project based in Sierra Leone, West Africa, courtesy of the award-winning Tribewanted team.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Tribewanted team have proven that this kind of project can work well for both those wanting to be part of a like-minded global community of over 10,000 members and the community in the chosen destination where members can visit and take part in the everyday life. This pioneering project started off in Fiji, in 2006, and since has gained recognition as an excellent model for sustainable community development through cultural exchange programmes using Responsible Tourism practises as a basic doctrine.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Tribewanted Sierra Leone project has launched today, and will welcome the first tribe members in October this year. For your reference, we have added <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/sierra-leone-cultural-exchange-holiday-tribewanted.html">a description of the project</a> on the West Africa Discovery web portal to show you what it is all about.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ben Keene, the co-founder of Tribewanted, explains: "Tribewanted on Vorovoro in Fiji has become a way of life for visiting members and the local community. People find it very hard to leave - they feel like they’ve come home. It’s been clear for a while we should try and take the model elsewhere.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">“Tribewanted Sierra Leone aims to do this and more. When you take part in the project you’re not sacrificing your hard earned time-out for an intense volunteer programme nor are you replacing a much-needed beach holiday. You can sunbath, build, swim, cook, canoe up river, trek, fish, play beach football, share skills, teach, drum round bonfires, and eat great seafood. You’re living alongside a local community whilst connecting with a global network of like-minded people.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At West Africa Discovery, we are thrilled to have listed them on our Responsible and Sustainable Tourism listings, as we feel that tourism can be a tool to develop local communities in a sustainable way, raise awareness towards the rich local cultures in the destination, and change the image of a country which is generally known for the wrong reasons. Tribewanted Sierra Leone aims to do just that, and we think that it will have a positive impact on all those involved.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">To learn more about the Tribewanted project, click <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/sierra-leone-cultural-exchange-holiday-tribewanted.html">here</a>.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For more information, please email us at <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a>.</span></div>
</div>Overland travel to West Africa - the possibilities are endlesstag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-05-03:3169359:BlogPost:547342010-05-03T10:00:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S96DCCSa01I/AAAAAAAAAEU/kx44vTme7z0/s1600/truck1+(1).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466951068671464274" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466951068671464274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S96DCCSa01I/AAAAAAAAAEU/kx44vTme7z0/s320/truck1+(1).jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;"></img></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since the recent news touching on the chaos that the Icelandic Eyjafjallajokull volcano caused for tens of thousands of air travellers, I decided to look at the possibility of travelling overland to West Africa. It may take…</span></span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S96DCCSa01I/AAAAAAAAAEU/kx44vTme7z0/s1600/truck1+(1).jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S96DCCSa01I/AAAAAAAAAEU/kx44vTme7z0/s320/truck1+(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466951068671464274" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466951068671464274"/></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Since the recent news touching on the chaos that the Icelandic Eyjafjallajokull volcano caused for tens of thousands of air travellers, I decided to look at the possibility of travelling overland to West Africa. It may take much longer, however it also could cost about the same as a flight, be much more rewarding, allow you to explore different elements of African culture along the way and be more environmentally friendly when it comes to your carbon footprint. After all, according to a Chinese proverb, “The journey is the reward.” Overland travel veteran, David Hatter, explains:</span></span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Overlanding through</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">will allow you to meet many people unaccustomed to seeing travellers, and it is in their nature to offer you their hospitality. You will witness a way of life that has unchanged for centuries, yet one that is rapidly changing as the world around them is developing fast. Local markets scenes, village festivals, and marriage ceremonies will help you understand the cultures of</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in a way that the media can only hint at."</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Let’s take an example of Sierra Leone as a destination.The Itinerary is simple, and believe it or not, it is not dangerous either. A few people have even cycled the same trail that I will suggest.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Starting from the UK, you would most likely go through France and Spain, then head over the Gibraltar Straight to Morocco for a pit stop. In Morocco, you could relax in a Kasbah</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">in one of the four Imperial cities of</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rabat</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Meknes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fez</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, or</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Marrakesh</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The hustle and bustle of Djemma-El Fna or the tanning pits in</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fez</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">will offer a great introduction to the “assault on the senses” that is</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">North Africa</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and experience the first signs of African hospitality over a cup of traditional tea and a Narguilé (traditional bubbly pipe with aromatic tobacco).</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Continuing on, you will then head in-land to the Atlas Mountains, where the climate changes considerably as the altitudes get higher,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">with fantastic opportunites for hiking in the famous Todra, Ziz, and Dades Gorge</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and have you first glimpse of the majestic Sahara desert.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br/></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"The Erg’s around Merzouga and Zagora are not to be missed. Picture postcard sand dune ranges roll for as far as the eye can see and suggest but a small hint as to the vastness of the Sahara desert which stretches out to the east as far as Sudan, with ample opportunity for camel trekking and 4x4 exploration." notes David.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br/></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 17px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Back to the coast, you will follow the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Sahara, considered as one of the most sparsely populated areas in the World, and in majority composed of desert flatlands. You will no-doubt encounter Tuareg herders on their way to a hidden Oasis or even one or two of the friendly folk that Michael Palin met on his way to Senegal in his ‘Sahara’ series.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The true remoteness of the Western Sahara is really appreciated as you bushcamp on the coastline with unspoilt views of the night sky above as the moon shimmers off the hulks of abandoned ships lost long ago to the Atlantic ocean.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Next stop, Mauritania,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">a transition country between Arabic North Africa and Black Sub-Saharan Africa,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">largely populated by Berbers and Moors, this country is where you will come face-to-face with ‘true Islam’ and learn about the hospitality of those who practice this misunderstood religion.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br/></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">David describes some of the wonders of Mauritania: "</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Witness what many people say is the longest train in the world as it carries iron ore from the mines at Zouarat to the coastal town of Nouadibou, explore the ancient and seventh holiest Islamic city of Chinguetti whose libraries reveal all kinds of clues as to its famous and glorious past, while the beautiful Oasis’ at Terjit and Ouadane allow for some well earned R&R from desert travel."</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br/></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After staying in a Berber camp overnight, you will head over the Senegalo-Mauritanian border to a busy ‘market town’ called Diama, a hub for all trade coming from North Africa to West Africa. In Senegal, there are loads to do and see. Stop off at the ‘Lac de Guier’ where the desert meets the Savannah, visit St. Louis, the Jazz Capital of West Africa</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and a wonderful opportunity to watch the fishermen bring in their catch in their elaborately painted boats</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, go bird-watching in ‘le Parc du Djoudj’ (migratory pit-stop for thousands of birds), get lost in the vibrant sounds and colours of Dakar, explore the natural waterways on a Pirogue (traditional canoe) in the Siné-Saloum Delta, and much more.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br/></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From Sénégal, head over the border to The Gambia, home of the Kora instrument, first choice for the traditional musician caste of the region, the ‘Griots’. After a night or two in an eco-retreat on the Atlantic coast, head up the Gambia River for some fishing and experience nature at its best, untouched.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Leaving the ‘Smiling Coast’ behind, cross the border to southern Sénégal, also known as Casamance, where you will notice a huge difference from its northern counterpart. Tropical climate, animistic belief systems and road-sides dotted with Mango trees are some of them. From here, head east along less travelled roads to South-Eastern Sénégal home to the Bedick and Bassari tribes who practice Animism.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A new day, a new border! This time it’s the turn of Guinea-Bissau to welcome you. Once a Portuguese colony, this country is dotted with remnants of old-style colonial towns such as Boloma, former capital of Portuguese Guinea before the capital was moved to Bissau in the 40's. The Atlantic Ocean, which you have followed but not always seen, re-appears like a long lost friend, and this time welcoming you into a paradise like environment known as the Bijagos Islands, beautiful and untouched tropical Islands surrounded by turquoise seas, inhabited by friendly and hospitable tribes. Here you will have the chance to participate in the Bijagos masked carnival, a little known yet colourful and awe-inspiring cultural festival.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here you will be able to relax for a few days on a Hammock, only disturbed by the sound of birds singing and waves lapping against the beach. After a well deserved rest, you will be back on the adventure trail to cross the last country before arriving at your destination.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Guinea is a tropical, French-speaking country, famous for its Jazz and Latino style music. It is also home to the</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fouta Djalon, a beautiful area of waterfalls, mountains, and small villages… many say this area is the highlight of Guinea.</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">After witnessing such beautiful natural scenery,</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">you will arrive in Sierra Leone, and your final destination, Freetown.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Freetown is a coastal town which is surrounded by beautiful scenery. To the East you will find lush tropical hills rolling down to meet you, and to the West beautiful beaches made famous by the 80’s bounty commercial ‘a taste of paradise’. The coast is dotted with Islands, some of which have shacks where you can spend a few relaxing days snorkelling, sun-bathing, swimming and indulging in some of the best fish and seafood in the world.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For this particular journey of a life-time, you would obviously need an adapted vehicle. There are some companies that already do this kind of trip, and we are currently in the process of talking to them. For those of you who do not like flying, are worried about getting stranded at an airport due to unforeseen natural occurrences, or just plainly think that the journey is more important than the destination, then this could be the answer to your prayers.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa is perfectly placed with respects to Europe in order to experience a multitude of different cultures, historical sites and natural habitats of Africa when journeying to your destination.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For more information on West Africa, Sustainable and Responsible Tourism or just if you would like to chat about your experiences in West Africa, don’t hesitate to contact us at</span></span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You can also join us on</span></span> <a href="http://twitter.com/WADiscoveryLtd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Twitter</span></span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">or</span></span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Africa-Discovery/343615331421?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Facebook</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, where you will be updated on West Africa news and newly listed responsible tourism tours. We look forward to welcoming you!</span></span></div>
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</div>Is Education the Key to Reducing "Irresponsible" Tourism?tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-04-19:3169359:BlogPost:530022010-04-19T09:30:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
Having read a recent <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5g11Rcqo7Yr4m0k7RPY-MPJDEOQvQ" target="_blank">article</a> in the Associated Press about the lack of knowledge that travellers between 18 to 30 have about the World, I asked myself: is this ‘responsible’? Shouldn’t they know about the destinations they are going to visit? In my view, education before departure nurtures a sense of respect and responsibility towards a countries people and heritage and can have a…
Having read a recent <a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5g11Rcqo7Yr4m0k7RPY-MPJDEOQvQ" target="_blank">article</a> in the Associated Press about the lack of knowledge that travellers between 18 to 30 have about the World, I asked myself: is this ‘responsible’? Shouldn’t they know about the destinations they are going to visit? In my view, education before departure nurtures a sense of respect and responsibility towards a countries people and heritage and can have a substantial effect on minimising the negative effects of tourism. <br/><br/>
There are many reasons why young people want to travel; to escape from their daily routine, flee from their household to acquire independence or to take a break to decide whether they want to go to university or to work; but do they consider their impact on local populations in destinations? I am sure a lot of them do, but there are also a lot who definitely don’t.<br />
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I would like to illustrate a simple example of ‘irresponsible tourism’ from when I was in Banjul, the Gambia. I remember, whilst travelling through the country from Northern Senegal to Casamance in the South, being at a beach bar on the tourist stretch near Banjul and hearing a group of young British people shouting abuse at the waiters in a very derogatory way. This really offended me and also made me embarrassed of being of the same nationality as these ‘irresponsible tourists’.<br />
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The negative impacts of tourism are very present and are much easier to quantify than the positive ones due to the sheer number of cases and the rapidity of negative influence, however, the positive effects of tourism are very possible. As a result of the increased focus on ethical consumerism, specifically that of sustainable and responsible tourism, more and more stories are surfacing on the benefits tourism can have on local communities in impoverished rural areas of the world, if managed efficiently.<br />
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For example, in the Gambia, a movement of sustainable and responsible tourism projects has been increasing for the past 10 years and, as a result, an organisation called the <a href="http://www.asset-gambia.com/" target="_blank">Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism</a> (ASSET – Gambia) has been created to efficiently manage a network of community-based tourism activities which allows the money spent by the tourist to be distributed amongst the local communities in the area. Benefits such as a boosted local economy, sustainable community development schemes, environmental protection initiatives, empowerment of local individuals, entrepreneurship opportunities, cultural pride and historical preservation, amongst others, are starting to be felt by the local communities in the areas operated in such as Kartong and Gunjur.<br />
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<a href="http://www.icrtourism.org/" target="_blank">The International Centre for Responsible Tourism</a> (ICRT) has been successful over the past 10 years in creating a buzz around the term ‘Responsible Tourism’. They have organised events such as the Cape Town (2002), Kerala (2008) and Belize (2009) International Responsible Tourism Conferences which resulted in the drafting of declarations outlining policies and guidelines for the development and management of Responsible Tourism in destinations. These events have inspired many governments around the world to change their tourism policies to implement more ‘responsible and sustainable’ practices.<br />
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Now, slowly but surely, tourism practices which not only focus on providing an unforgettable and unique experiences for tourists, but also emphasise on maximising benefits for local communities and environments whilst minimising the negative effects of tourism, are being implemented by tour operators and other tourism projects all around the world. The best part about this is that most of these are small to medium and locally based companies who have a link to the local communities in the destination, therefore focussing on a solely locally produced product, developed by, managed by and involving local people.<br />
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Obviously, there are stories of ‘green-washing’ and ‘false-advertising’ using the ethical terminology to attract tourists, however there are also those genuine projects that do work towards these positive outcomes.<br />
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For these positive outcomes to be felt, not only do travellers who decide to undertake a ‘journey of a lifetime’ need to consider reading up more on the destinations they plan to visit, but government bodies, tourism professionals, local organisations and communities also need to realise that tourism can be much more beneficial to their country if managed in an efficient and sustainable way. Not only would sustained local economies be created in communities in rural areas, providing these with sustainable development opportunities, but they would also attract more tourists thanks to unique experiences coupled with the promise of an ethically managed holiday.<br />
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For more information on the ‘Responsible Tourism’ concept and suggested practices, click <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/responsible-tourism.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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You can also contact us at <a href="http://mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk" target="_blank">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a>West Africa Festivals: Move Aside, Glastonbury!tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-04-07:3169359:BlogPost:465032010-04-07T18:36:55.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S7zFFi9xPEI/AAAAAAAAAEE/V4NPWx_FHRA/s1600/0108-mali-timbuktu-festival-desert_full_600.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457453547542101058" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457453547542101058" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S7zFFi9xPEI/AAAAAAAAAEE/V4NPWx_FHRA/s320/0108-mali-timbuktu-festival-desert_full_600.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;"></img></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Music has always been part of the commonly shared culture found in the geographical region of west Africa, and the region has produced, in my view, some of the most talented and influential…</span></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S7zFFi9xPEI/AAAAAAAAAEE/V4NPWx_FHRA/s1600/0108-mali-timbuktu-festival-desert_full_600.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S7zFFi9xPEI/AAAAAAAAAEE/V4NPWx_FHRA/s320/0108-mali-timbuktu-festival-desert_full_600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457453547542101058"/></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Music has always been part of the commonly shared culture found in the geographical region of west Africa, and the region has produced, in my view, some of the most talented and influential artists of music history. For millennia, the likes of the Jembe, Kora and Balafon musical instruments have influenced much of the music that we hear today on our radios.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For example, blues music has always been linked to the deep south of the United States, but have you ever wondered where the origins of blues lie? Look no further than West Africa. During the 400 plus years of slavery, the populations who were forcefully kidnapped from their homelands strived to hold on to their cultural roots, and through that, traditional music lived on. Various research projects into the musical origins of blues trace the chords back to traditional instruments such as the ‘Kora’, played by a professional caste of praise singers, called griots or jails, for the rich and aristocracy, and the ‘Akonting’, a folk lute of the Jola tribe of Senegambia, a clear predecessor to the American banjo in its playing style.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As a result of findings in musical research and a renewed interest in the rich local heritage found in West Africa, this style of music has become more and more popular in the West and the names of Amadou & Mariam, Tinariwen, Toumani Diabaté and Vieux Farka Touré are rivalling the most famous of musicians to have set foot on the stages of the big festivals in the UK. Classed as ‘World Music’, a term which I personally find derogative because I feel that it detracts from the real origins of the music and throws all music which is not 'Western' into one basket, this West African genre has found its way in to the line-ups for Glastonbury, WOMAD, the Big Chill and the Isle of Wight festival to mention but a few. This, in turn, has increased media attention and provided marketing opportunities for lesser known festivals in these musicians own countries.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Move over Glastonbury! Make way for the likes of ‘Festival in the desert’ near Essakane and the fabled city of Timbuktu, or ‘Ségou festival’ celebrated on the banks of the Niger River, probably the longest river in the whole of Africa. What better way to experience the ancient melodies of West African blues than to be in the Sahara desert listening to Tinariwen, sipping traditional tea with a group of Tuareg herders who have travelled over the Sahara desert to perform their music with others.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Roberto, a regular to the ‘Festival au Desert’ (the French term is commonly used as Mali is partly French speaking) or ‘Essakane music festival’, recounts some of the unforgettable moments from his last trip: “I remember Amadou & Mariam, who are now world-renowned, sitting at 3 am beside the stage with their sun glasses on waiting for their turn to play. They were like two kids waiting for their exam.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The atmosphere of conviviality also marked him, as he recounts: “Beside our tent, Swedish girls were singing Swedish songs accompanied by local Tuareg drummers. That set the scene for the theme of this festival: playing together, no matter what nationality, to produce quality music.”</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But these festivals, even though the most well know, are not the only ones in the whole of West Africa. In nearly every country, for nearly every season, festivals exist to celebrate a multitude of events. From the St. Louis Jazz Festival in Senegal to the Voodoo rites festivals in Togo and Benin, from the Ashanti Royal Ekisadiwae festival in Ghana to the Dogons Sirius Star celebration in Southern Mali, your thirst for new and unique experiences could never be quenched, and you would need a life-time to discover all of them.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">However, every life-changing journey starts with the first step, and there are a variety of tour operators who do offer travel options to experience these exotic and awe-inspiring events. You can find a few examples of tours on the</span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">West Africa Discovery web portal</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Not only do these give you the opportunity to experience the festivals first hand and in the most genuine way possible, but they also work towards providing economic benefits to local communities in the destinations whilst advocating the use of ‘Responsible Tourism Practices’ to minimise the negative effects of tourism on the local cultural, historical and natural heritage.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you would like more information on specific festivals in the west African geographical region, or other information concerning local cultural, historical or natural heritage and holiday ideas which can give you the opportunity to experience these first hand, email mail us at</span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You can also keep up to date with news touching on West Africa by joining us on</span> <a href="http://twitter.com/WADiscoveryLtd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">twitter</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">or</span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Africa-Discovery/343615331421?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Facebook</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. We look forward to welcoming you!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Until then, enjoy this great video showing behind-the-scenes at the ‘Festival du Desert’.</span></div>
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<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7e_JrozuOyI&hl=en_GB&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7e_JrozuOyI&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Sustainable Tourism: Educational Field Trip for Local Secondary School Students in Nigeriatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-03-29:3169359:BlogPost:397372010-03-29T16:38:20.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S6pe-mw4iII/AAAAAAAAAD8/4HR1bJMYIBs/s1600/462655_11941790968021_bigthumb.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small;">Having read some shocking stories about Jos town in central Nigeria over the past few weeks, I would like to also bring you some positive news about the country, to counter these generalisations which give the impression of the whole of Nigeria being…</span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S6pe-mw4iII/AAAAAAAAAD8/4HR1bJMYIBs/s1600/462655_11941790968021_bigthumb.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: small;">Having read some shocking stories about Jos town in central Nigeria over the past few weeks, I would like to also bring you some positive news about the country, to counter these generalisations which give the impression of the whole of Nigeria being a violent country.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In Oyo state, in the South-East of the country, our local expert in Nigeria, Fasoranti Oluseyi Taiwo is organising an educational youth project to increase the awareness of secondary school students towards or about the concept of sustainable tourism. This one-day field trip will involve the children in the development of the concept, by introducing them to a set tourism circuit of a historical site, on which they will be involved in workshops, talks and debates covering different aspects of sustainable tourism. They will also participate in a tree planting scheme to promote environmental awareness and conservation of the local natural heritage.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The historical site in question is the ‘Ancient Warlord Palaces of Idaban’, a location of significance for the local storytellers. It is said that Efunsetan Aniwura, the Iyalode of Ibadan, a powerful, rich and influential High Chief, lost her only child during child labour. Gripped by a terrible sense of loss and the stigma of not having a progeny to inherit her legacies, Efunsetan, who blamed God for her tragedy, vented her anger on the very society she had sworn to defend by the oath she had taken on her installation as the Iyalode of Ibadan.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She became a wicked, cruel, callous, bitter, heartless monster, dreaded by the townspeople. It took the concerted efforts of Ibadan warriors led by Latoosa to loosen her grip of terror on the city. It is a heart-rending story that keeps anyone on the edge of their seat during any theatrical performance that narrates it.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is hoped that this field trip, by collecting the entry fees to the site and by sourcing local products for the proposed lunch, will make the students value the local natural, cultural and historical heritage as being important elements for the development of tourism and subsequently will ensure the conservation and respect for them.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This project, in association with the</span> <a href="http://www.oyostate.gov.ng/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oyo State Government</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, the</span> <a href="http://www.oyotourismboard.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Oyo State Tourism Board</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and various schools from different sectors (private, public and special needs) has been received positively and is being seen as a step forward towards the development and diversification of the tourism industry in a sustainable way.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We will keep you updated on the projects progress.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you desire to know more about this project, or would like a copy of the project proposal please email us at</span> <a href="mailto:info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To learn more about West Africa and the Responsible Tourism concept, please visit our website at</span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You can also follow us on</span> <a href="http://twitter.com/wadiscoveryltd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">twitter</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and</span> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Africa-Discovery/343615331421?ref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Facebook</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">to keep up to date with news, photos, videos, discussions and newly listed West Africa based sustainable tourism projects.</span></div>
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</div>The increasing popularity of West Africatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-03-06:3169359:BlogPost:364762010-03-06T14:42:00.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S5JeR24NuAI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ADfY96pp81I/s1600-h/3681204-Travel_Picture-highest_water_falls_in_West_Africa_Wli_falls.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445518560326432770" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445518560326432770" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S5JeR24NuAI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ADfY96pp81I/s320/3681204-Travel_Picture-highest_water_falls_in_West_Africa_Wli_falls.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 282px;"></img></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Four years ago I embarked on a life-changing journey to Senegal, to live and study there. I remember before leaving that none of my friends or family in the UK could tell me the location of one of West Africa’s 16 countries, let alone tell me the…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S5JeR24NuAI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ADfY96pp81I/s1600-h/3681204-Travel_Picture-highest_water_falls_in_West_Africa_Wli_falls.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 211px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S5JeR24NuAI/AAAAAAAAAD0/ADfY96pp81I/s320/3681204-Travel_Picture-highest_water_falls_in_West_Africa_Wli_falls.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445518560326432770" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445518560326432770" border="0"/></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Four years ago I embarked on a life-changing journey to Senegal, to live and study there. I remember before leaving that none of my friends or family in the UK could tell me the location of one of West Africa’s 16 countries, let alone tell me the name of one of its hundreds of tribes, or tell me about the climate in a particular region. Nor had they ever heard of Amadou & Mariam, Tinariwen or Ali Farka Toure, now big names in most of the major European summer music festivals.</span> <br/><br/><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thanks to increased media coverage such as articles in the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2008/dec/14/trave-senegal-winter-sun?page=all">Guardian</a> and the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/africa/travel-by-numbers-ghana-1793146.html">Independant</a>, covering a range of topics from politics to travel and music coming out of West Africa reaching out to the millions at big UK festivals. Documentaries on the <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/the-wodaabe-2711/Overview">National Geographic</a> and <a href="http://www.yourdiscovery.com/web/animalplanet/going-ape/">Discovery</a> channels introducing us to different tribal systems and natural wonders and various exhibitions displaying the region’s rich cultural heritage. West Africa is coming out of the ‘black hole’ – as someone described the region to me at last year’s WTM Trade Show - to become a region of the world that inspires, intrigues, mystifies and excites the Western cultural scene.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Why is it only now that we are really discovering a region of the world which is only five hours away by plane? What has made the eyes of the West’s popular culture scene turn towards the likes of Senegal and Sierra Leone, Mali and Cameroon?</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/>
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West Africa has been off the media map in terms of positive stories for a long time - the only stories that had come out of the region were tales of bloody civil wars, gold and diamond mining, corrupt leaders, disease and famine - but now that is changing; and we are learning a lot more about the deeper aspects of the rich heritage of West Africa.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/>
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Musically, West Africa produces some of the most talented acts in/on the so-called ‘World Music’ scene and has included some of the most famous musicians to come out of Africa. Festival organisers such as Glastonbury Festival and WOMAD are now queuing up to get the likes of Tinariwen (Mali), Ismael Lo (Senegal), Baka Beyond (Cameroon) and the Sierra Leone Refugee all stars, booked for the main stages. But also small events such as the <a href="http://www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk/ticketing/index.aspx?q=africa">Fringe festival</a> in Brighton display musical and dancing acts from West Africa in their Africa Unite II event this year.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/>
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Culturally, there are many documentaries being shown on TV which have introduced us to the different tribes of West Africa. The Ashanti from Ghana, the Igbo from Nigeria and the Dogon from Mali are the most well known of them, and have sparked curiosity and stimulated the hearts and minds of those who have watched these programs. Maybe this is because we lack the social values that they have, we are seeking to re-learn something lost or because we find that our lives of too much work and no play need some sort of escape route.<br/>
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</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Proof of the ever increasing popularity of West Africa’s traditional cultures is demonstrated by the 'Kingdom of Ife' exhibition (which we will cover in next week’s blog) now showing at the <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/future_exhibitions/kingdom_of_ife.aspx">British museum</a> and is already being hailed as ‘Potentially the exhibition of the year’ by the Telegraph newspaper.</span><br/>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sport</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">is also a big influence on popular interests. Football, for example, has a lot of role models within the most supported teams in the UK who come from West Africa or have an affiliation with the region. Didier Drogba who hails from Côte d’Ivoire and plays for Chelsea is an example and is well known for his skills on the pitch; however it has also come to light that he is a big charity supporter having <a href="http://www.thedidierdrogbafoundation.com/">donated millions to build and sustain hospitals in his home country</a>.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/>
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Another player who has created a media buzz about West Africa is Craig Bellamy (Man City) whose foundation has contributed towards setting up sports academies in Sierra Leone.</span><br/>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">West Africa’s natural heritage has also come to our TV sets through programmes such as the BBC’s <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/autumnwatch/2009/11/photostory_filming_our_ospreys.html">Autumn Watch</a> which has covered Senegal, showing that West Africa has been on the migration path of many species of birds for millennia.</span><br/>
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In terms of Tourism, the Guardian and Times travel sections have regularly published articles describing West Africa as an alternate, exciting and new destination for travellers seeking new experiences full of educational opportunities, coupled with sea, sun and beaches (see our <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2009/10/potential-of-west-africa-as-responsible.html">previous blog</a> on the potential for West Africa as a Responsible Tourism destination). It also seems as though tourism to the geographical region of West Africa is set to increase. The latest <a href="http://www.brusselsairlines.com/com/book/flights/africa-our-second-home.aspx">Brussels Airlines' news</a> stating that the airline is now flying directly to Ghana, Benin, Togo and Burkina-Faso from European destinations can only be a sign that the shores of West Africa are worthwhile touristic destinations to fly to.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/>
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All the above factors have contributed to the UK’s increasing interest in West Africa and that interest is only set to grow even stronger because of the sheer diversity of cultural, natural and historical heritage still to be discovered.</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/>
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But instead of waiting for more news, start your own discovery by visiting our web portal (<a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk</a>) , joining us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Africa-Discovery/343615331421?ref=ts">Facebook</a> or following us on <a href="http://twitter.com/WADiscoveryLtd">Twitter</a>. We look forward to welcoming you!</span><br/>
</div>Working together towards our common goalstag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-02-19:3169359:BlogPost:340422010-02-19T18:58:56.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S369UdMNfYI/AAAAAAAAADs/gmBRHR14Lpo/s1600-h/logoICRT_eng.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439993559041015170" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439993559041015170" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S369UdMNfYI/AAAAAAAAADs/gmBRHR14Lpo/s320/logoICRT_eng.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 302px;"></img></a> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In a world such as ours it is essential to work together in order to achieve goals If attempted alone it is not possible. Since West Africa Discovery started we have made a big effort to develop partnerships to help develop Responsible Tourism in West African region. We are extremely grateful to our…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S369UdMNfYI/AAAAAAAAADs/gmBRHR14Lpo/s1600-h/logoICRT_eng.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 302px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S369UdMNfYI/AAAAAAAAADs/gmBRHR14Lpo/s320/logoICRT_eng.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439993559041015170" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439993559041015170" border="0"/></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">In a world such as ours it is essential to work together in order to achieve goals If attempted alone it is not possible. Since West Africa Discovery started we have made a big effort to develop partnerships to help develop Responsible Tourism in West African region. We are extremely grateful to our <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/partners.html">current partners</a> in the field who have made a lot of effort already to spread the word of Sustainable Tourism in their respectful countries, and to have gathered important information which has helped us grow in the past five months.</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><br/>This week was a mile stone! After filling out various application forms and having waited for board meetings to decide our fate, we have finally been accepted as a member of the <a href="http://www.coalition-tourisme-responsable.org/ENGLISH/index.html">International Coalition for Responsible Tourism</a>, a Paris based ‘umbrella’ which has gathered together experts & professionals of the tourism industry, more than 80 NGO’s & associations in 35 countries, and a committee composed of experts each specialised in one of the three axes of sustainable development (economic & fair-trade, social & culture, ecology & biodiversity).</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The main aim of the International Coalition is to inform, to raise awareness, to convince and to mobilise the main actors in the tourism field (professionals, governments, national & international NGO's) to the interest of the concept of Responsible Tourism.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">As a member, we have been given a mission…</span></div>
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*To promote West African Responsible Tourism to the European market<br/>
*To promote World Day for Responsible *Tourism in June by organising a local event during that particular day<br/>*To inform, raise awareness and make tourism development authorities (Ministries, local or regional authorities, professionals, etc.) in
West Africa understand the importance of getting engaged in a more responsible tourism through lobbying and defense speeches and actions<br/>*To raise travelers’ awareness about Responsible Tourism and Sustainable Development<br/><br/><ul style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This is exactly what we have set out to do when we started West Africa Discovery. Convenient hey?</span> <br/><div style="text-align: justify;"><br/><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So, we are looking forward to the 2nd June 2010, as we will be organising an event to raise awareness and promote the Responsible Tourism concept around West Africa. Watch this space!</span> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br/><br/>In the mean time, to learn more about Responsible Tourism, West Africa and what we do at West Africa Discovery, visit our website <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">here</a>.</span><br/> <br/> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We also list a selection of unique and unforgettable <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/holidays.html">responsible and sustainable tours, accommodations and volunteer projects</a>, offering the opportunity to discover the wonders of West Africa.</span><br/></div>Come rain or shine, West Africa has it all!tag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-02-13:3169359:BlogPost:333602010-02-13T13:08:55.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S3Z0wDjS7NI/AAAAAAAAADk/Fy3Q2tZj9ws/s1600-h/n930815_31043429_6496.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437661969032342738" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437661969032342738" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S3Z0wDjS7NI/AAAAAAAAADk/Fy3Q2tZj9ws/s320/n930815_31043429_6496.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 201px;"></img></a> <span style="font-family: ";";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sitting in the cabin of a hotel security guard in the Gambia, sipping Ataya ( a bitter tea), I was deep in discussion about tourism in the area, and the decline in the so called ‘beach tourists’ over the…</span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S3Z0wDjS7NI/AAAAAAAAADk/Fy3Q2tZj9ws/s1600-h/n930815_31043429_6496.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 201px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S3Z0wDjS7NI/AAAAAAAAADk/Fy3Q2tZj9ws/s320/n930815_31043429_6496.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437661969032342738" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437661969032342738" border="0"/></a><span style="font-family: ";";"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sitting in the cabin of a hotel security guard in the Gambia, sipping Ataya ( a bitter tea), I was deep in discussion about tourism in the area, and the decline in the so called ‘beach tourists’ over the past few years. Abdul, my new found friend, was speaking with a serious tone about how a lot of people living in the area were relying on tourism to survive and put food on the table.</span></span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">He was concerned with the decline and made a point of saying that tourists were only coming in the dry season, that someone should try and educate the tourists that there is a lot still to do in the rainy season. So, here I am writing this blog about the wonderful and unique things you can do, see and visit in West Africa come rain or shine.</span></span></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">West Africa is one of the poorest regions in the world, but if wealth would be determined by heritage, then it would be one of the richest.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">The geographical region of West Africa abounds with diverse natural habitats where thousands of species of plants and animals thrive. From the dry Sahel region of Senegal and Mali, passing through the tropical rainforests of Sierra Leone and Ghana, down to the equatorial vegetation of Cameroon, there are endless activities to be carried out. How about a rainforest trek in Sierra Leone, visiting the lush waterfalls, witnessing the songs of the variety of bird-life living in the canopies teaming with life; or maybe taking a trip up the Gambia River on a local fishing pirogue visiting the fishing villages along the way and sampling the fresh water fish dishes typical to the region?</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">These unique activities can be experienced during the dry season, but the rainy season offers another, more lively side. The forests are full of energy, teaming with wildlife making the most of the presence of water; migratory birds, living on an age old instinct arrive from all corners of the world to relish in this lush environment rich in food and ideal for a good rest; plants that have been waiting months for the rain to come let loose their beauty and release their multicoloured flowers, looking as if they are showing off. Another world opens up to the observing eye.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">But the natural beauties of West Africa are only the tip of the iceberg! Culturally, the West African region in one of the most diverse in the whole of Africa, and a lot of the cultural events, festivals and rites are as much alive and intact today as they were back in the days of the great Kingdoms. Roberto, from TransAfrica operating for 30 years in West Africa offers an insight into the cultural events that can be witnessed in the rainy season:</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">“Along the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, it rains from May to July and from September to the start of November, and inland from May to September. Contrary to common belief, it does not rain all the time. There are heavy rains, but they do not last long, maybe an hour or so, and if it is more than a couple of hours it is an event.” He says.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">“However, despite the rain, or from the locals’ perspective, because of the rain, a number of big events are celebrated. In Ghana for example, the Asafo festivals in Elmina start in July, the festival in Ada starts in August and the big Accra festival starts in the second half of the same month. The end of September marks the main Voodoo festival in a town called Glidji, in Togo; and then the Yam festival in a village called Bassar, in the North of Togo. So maybe the rain could give travellers plenty of opportunities to witness genuine traditions first hand and a good reason to travel to West Africa!”</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">But also, the abundance of Historical sites, from relics of the infamous slave trade, ancient vestiges of prosperous Kingdoms, archaeological sites showing signs of the first steps of humanity, and a wealth of museums, libraries and university archives, make a rainy hour or two a great opportunity to learn more about facts which have shaped the way that we live today. Here is a pick of the different rainy day attractions:</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">In Benin, the <a href="http://epa-prema.net/abomeyGB/index.html">Abomey Historical Museum</a> houses the palaces of the ancient Kings of Bénin including King Guézo and King Glèlè; and the <a href="http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Instruments/Anglais/measa_c_txt01_en.html">Ethnographique Museum</a>, which is Porto Novo’s first museum, currently holds a large collection of archaeological artefacts from different eras of humanity.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">In Sierra Leone, <span style="">the Sierra Leone National Museum</span> is home to the ‘<a href="http://www.welcometosierraleone.org/heritage-sites.asp#Ruyter">de Ruyter stone’</a>, the main attraction of the museum. The replica of a 1664 rock graffiti, scratched by bored Dutch sea captains during a lull in a military expedition against the English, was discovered in the course of drainage work on the waterfront in 1923. It stands as the oldest archaeological evidence of a European presence in the strip of land.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Senegal, on the other hand, is the location for Gorée Island, one of the most famous, or even infamous, vestiges of the slave trade. ‘La porte du non-retour’ (The door of no-return) is one of the main attractions of the island and depicts the horrendous and brutal trade which was allowed to be carried out for more than 400 years.</span></p>
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<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">So there you go, West Africa is not only a ‘dry season’ holiday destination, it also has the potential to be a great ‘rainy season’ destination for those seeking the thrills of new discoveries, the excitement of participating in age old cultural events, the satisfaction of learning about important historical facts and the excitement of witnessing nature at its best. Come rain or shine, West Africa has it all!</span></p>
<p style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;" class="MsoN</body"></p>Bénin: tourism profile of a unique west African countrytag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-02-03:3169359:BlogPost:314172010-02-03T17:03:10.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S2mkp3vPmCI/AAAAAAAAADc/EmsBjEmOWyk/s1600-h/Benin_map.png"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434055464642910242" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434055464642910242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S2mkp3vPmCI/AAAAAAAAADc/EmsBjEmOWyk/s320/Benin_map.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 262px;"></img></a> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bénin, a former French Colony in the Central West of Africa lies east of Togo, west of Nigeria and south of Burkina Faso and Niger. It is one of the smallest countries in West Africa, and is a place of unusual beauty. This destination is home to rich natural and cultural…</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S2mkp3vPmCI/AAAAAAAAADc/EmsBjEmOWyk/s1600-h/Benin_map.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 121px; height: 262px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_S8hy1YOboMw/S2mkp3vPmCI/AAAAAAAAADc/EmsBjEmOWyk/s320/Benin_map.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434055464642910242" border="0" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434055464642910242"/></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Bénin, a former French Colony in the Central West of Africa lies east of Togo, west of Nigeria and south of Burkina Faso and Niger. It is one of the smallest countries in West Africa, and is a place of unusual beauty. This destination is home to rich natural and cultural heritages, interesting architecture and UNESCO World Heritage historic sites in its capital city Porto Novo. Bénin is easily accessible by air with flights to the city of Cotonou departing from Belgium, France, and a number of African countries.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br/><br/> Markets</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br/> Bénin has markets which can be found all over its various towns. For example the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APWiTsCp3iM&feature=related">Marché Dantokpa</a> street market, in Cotonou, sells traditional items to fetish/voodoo ornaments and handicrafts.
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</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ganvie">Ganvié</a>, another makeshift market is Africa’s largest lake village. It is in actual fact a fishing village with wood and thatched houses built on stilts over a lake. Visitors use pirogues (small wooden boats) as transport over the lake. At Ganvié, women sell their goods from their boats.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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Nature and Wildlife</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
Bénin’s landscape that is mostly flat with hills and low mountains. There are rivers for fishing, terrain for <a href="http://www.happytellus.com/trekking/benin">trekking</a>, and in the north, Bénin has some of the best wildlife areas in West Africa - The Pendjari National Park, one of our <a href="http://http//www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/partners.html">partners</a>, is home to leopards, elephants, lions, hippopotamuses, buffalos, antelopes, monkeys and hundreds of bird species.<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;">National Parks and Reserves</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
The <a href="http://www.pendjari.net/english/">Pendjari National Park</a> is known for its varied wildlife is a hotspot for birdwatchers. The W National Park also offers a good experience. This park is located in the far north of the country and stretches into Bénin’s next door neighbours, Niger and Burkina Faso.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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Beaches and Islands</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
Bénin has a selection of palm-fringed beaches, lakes and lagoons waiting to be explored. Also located in Cotonou is <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3736403654_be7533c6d2.jpg">Fidjrosse Beach</a> which is known for being a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Also located in the Southwest of the country is the beach resort of <a href="http://www.pbase.com/bmcmorrow/image/78976220">Grand Popo</a>.<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;">Historical and Heritage Sites</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
Porto Novo, the capital city of Bénin lies between Cotonou, its largest city and Nigeria. It includes a variety of museums, historical attractions and local markets.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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Another interesting place to visit is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouidah">Ouidah</a>, known for the practice of Voodoo, Bénin’s traditional religion. In addition to the history of the religion, Ouidah also offers an insight into the history of the slave trade.<br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">In terms of museums, the <a href="http://epa-prema.net/abomeyGB/index.html">Abomey Historical Museum</a> houses the palaces of the ancient Kings of Bénin including King Guézo and King Glèlè. The abundance of ruins and temples in the area are a testimony of the presence of a previously spectacular Empire.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">The Porto-Novo Musée Honme (Palais Royal), located in the capital, is a castle that was once the former home of King Toffa. Not far from the castle is the Da Silva Museum. This museum displays the history of the Dahomey kingdom to its current democracy.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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Also present in Porto Novo is the <a href="http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Instruments/Anglais/measa_c_txt01_en.html">Ethnographique Museum</a>, which is Porto Novo’s first museum. It currently holds a collection of historical artefacts.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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The Door of No Return (Slave Trade Memorial), located in Ouidah is another important historical sight. Slaves were said to circle a sacred tree three times which was believed to help in the process of them forgetting about their past.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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There are many more unique and exciting things waiting for you to discover in Bénin. For more information, visit the Bénin Tourism <a href="http://benintourisme.com/">website</a>.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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Visit the West Africa Discovery <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/">website</a> to see our selection of Responsible Tourism trips based in West Africa.</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />
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By Iyaniwura Adewunmi</span></span></div>African Cup of Nations: Kicking off a great year for African footballtag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2010-01-06:3169359:BlogPost:268792010-01-06T12:35:59.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BR3dYmDyhk/S0Rfb7U3wFI/AAAAAAAAABw/n-4qrOZpaqQ/s1600-h/african_cup_of_nations_2010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423564784647258194" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423564784647258194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BR3dYmDyhk/S0Rfb7U3wFI/AAAAAAAAABw/n-4qrOZpaqQ/s320/african_cup_of_nations_2010.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;"></img></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Happy New Year and welcome to the first WAD blog of 2010! As Tom mentioned…</span></span> <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2009/12/happy-new-year-from-west-africa.html"></a></p>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BR3dYmDyhk/S0Rfb7U3wFI/AAAAAAAAABw/n-4qrOZpaqQ/s1600-h/african_cup_of_nations_2010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7BR3dYmDyhk/S0Rfb7U3wFI/AAAAAAAAABw/n-4qrOZpaqQ/s320/african_cup_of_nations_2010.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423564784647258194" border="0" name="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423564784647258194"/></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Happy New Year and welcome to the first WAD blog of 2010! As Tom mentioned</span></span> <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2009/12/happy-new-year-from-west-africa.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">last week</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the last year has been a busy one, and there is going to be plenty of exciting stuff coming up too. As I’ve talked about in a</span></span> <a href="http://wadiscovery.blogspot.com/2009/12/world-cup-effect-west-african-role.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">previous blog</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">there is going to be a massive focus on the African continent this summer with the World Cup Finals hosted in South Africa. For the sport hungry people amongst you there is a nice warm-up to the World Cup with the African Cup of Nations starting in Angola within the next few days.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The African Cup of Nations is the main football competition for African countries held every two years. This historic year of African football kicks off the continent's football extravaganza this Sunday when Angola hosts the 27th Cup of Nations. The competition started in 1957, three years before Europe staged a similar tournament. Since then the Cup of Nations has evolved from a small event to become one of the most eagerly awaited tournaments in the world, featuring some of the finest talent from Europe's biggest clubs.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This event has been highly anticipated by Angolans who, using funds from the IMF and China, have constructed four new football stadiums. It was only seven years ago that the 27 year long civil war came to an end, a war which took a million lives and displaced four million others. The fact that Angola has been chosen to host the 2010 cup is a sign of confidence in the stability of the region and shows that this once deeply troubled country is on the rise. It is an oil rich country, and despite the controversies around African oil mining, this is surely what the government are relying on to help build up the infrastructure and bring the country out of poverty. Oil provides 95% of Angola’s export wealth, mostly from exporting to China. China’s role in Africa gets a bad rap in the Western media at the moment;</span></span> <a href="http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/index.php/news/content/view/full/85181"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">this article</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">gives an interesting counter viewpoint (but that’s a whole debate for another day).</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">By hosting the African Cup of Nations over this month, Angola also hopes that it can kick start its tourism industry. Angola has a lot to offer with its pristine beaches, warm climate, and distinct colonial Portuguese architecture. However Angola is not a destination for your regular English speaking tourist, seeking creature comforts. English is not widely spoken (80% speak Portuguese) and means of transport such as taxis were only</span></span> <a href="http://www.news24.com/Content/Africa/News/965/21107b1d44ed41d7af676d6010baa89d/25-11-2009-04-24/Angola_turns_to_taxis_for_2010"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">introduced a month before the cup</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. But this is where local operators on the ground can help and give tourists a unique and inspiring experience.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Unfortunately, flights to Angola from Europe are expensive and tend to be booked up by oil and construction companies in advance, with flights starting at 1,000 dollars. Travelling to Angola to watch their team this month will be way too expensive for most African football fans. A standard hotel room in the capital of Luanda cost more than 400 dollars per night, and restaurants charge the same if not more than what you would expect to pay in London. As Angola continues to grow a better tourism infrastructure can be implemented, with the money created going back into local communities.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Egypt may be the competition’s current champions, but once again the West African region has shown its dominance of African football, claiming four of the five spots for the World Cup in South Africa. Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria have booked their places in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For the 2010 African Cup of Nations, fifteen teams join host country Angola. They are Cameroon, Gabon, Togo, Nigeria, Tunisia, Mozambique, Ghana, Benin, Mali,</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">C</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ô</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">te</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Malawi; eight of which are West African countries!</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The bookmakers’ favourites for the competition are C</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 17px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ô</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">te</span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">d'Ivoire with a team filled with players from the top levels of European football clubs. They qualified comfortably and have a number of talented players in their side including Didier Drogba, brothers Kolo & Yaya Toure, Didier Zokora, Emmanuel Eboue, and Salomon Kalou, also making them one of the outside chances for the World Cup. Two years ago Cote d’Ivore arrived at the Cup of Nations in Ghana as favourites only to be overrun 4-1 by Egypt in the semi-final. This time around they will be keen to dispel accusations of complacency and showcase their talent in what is set to be a great year for African football.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The groups have been drawn as follows:</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Group A: Algeria, Angola, Malawi,</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/mali.html"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mali</span></span></b></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Group B:</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/burkina-faso.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Burkina Faso</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ivory-coast.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cote d'Ivoire</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/ghana.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ghana</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">,</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/togo.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Togo</span></span></a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Group C:</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/benin.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Benin</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Egypt, Mozambique,</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/nigeria.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Nigeria</span></span></a></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Group D:</span></span> <b><a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/cameroon.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cameroon</span></span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Gabon, Tunisia, Zambia</span></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The first match is on Sunday with Angola Vs Mali. A full schedule can be found on the Confederation of African Football</span></span> <a href="http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations-angola_2010/groups"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">website</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Stay tuned to West Africa Discovery for updates on the West African teams’ progress in the Cup. Until Sunday check out</span></span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BCuiEFDenE&feature=youtube_gdata"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">this video</span></span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">made by Puma showcasing the new African team kits.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Visit</span></span> <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">www.westafricadiscovery.com</span></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Contact me at</span></span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/harry@westafricadiscovery.co.uk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">harry@westafricadiscovery.co.uk</span></span></a></p>
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<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>New step towards internet marketing opportunites for tourism in West Africatag:frugalnomads.ning.com,2009-12-21:3169359:BlogPost:244162009-12-21T11:09:46.000ZWest Africa Discoveryhttps://frugalnomads.ning.com/profile/WestAfricaDiscovery
Last month a Nigerian Telecoms company announced that it will expand their top of the range fibre optic network to include Benin and Togo thus giving more opportunities for Internet based marketing to a wider number of businesses and individuals.<br />
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Phase3 Telecom, Nigeria’s leading communications network provider plans this move to bring the total of network connected West African countries to six, enabling faster and more efficient communication for the region and linking them to the rest of…
Last month a Nigerian Telecoms company announced that it will expand their top of the range fibre optic network to include Benin and Togo thus giving more opportunities for Internet based marketing to a wider number of businesses and individuals.<br />
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Phase3 Telecom, Nigeria’s leading communications network provider plans this move to bring the total of network connected West African countries to six, enabling faster and more efficient communication for the region and linking them to the rest of the world. By doing this they also allow the possibility of the network spreading even further to Ghana, and maybe beyond to cover the whole of the West Africa region.<br />
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As my interests are in the Responsible Tourism industry within the West African region, I see this as a great opportunity for Responsible Tourism projects to invest in internet marketing and potentially attracting a wider market to their countries. This could contribute towards the development of sustainability, and put emphasis on the valorisation and conservation of cultural, historical, natural and social heritages.<br />
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New technology and tourism marketing could work hand in hand to achieve the goal of putting West Africa on the map as the next Responsible Tourism destination. This in turn would valorise the awe-inspiring and inspirational elements that make the region so special and increase the awareness of markets that were not before reachable towards the potential for sustainable development, renewable energies and responsible tourism in the concerned countries.<br />
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This may be the next big step in the development of the West African region, the step that may unite the countries of West Africa through communication so that they can work together as a community towards their common goals.<br />
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To read the article that prompted me to write this blog, click <a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/200909150368.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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To visit our web portal, follow <a href="http://www.westafricadiscovery.com" target="_blank">www.westafricadiscovery.com</a><br />
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Email me at info@westafricadiscovery.co.uk