1. African & Middle Eastern Potpourri Chapter 27

2. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited

3. Before You Go Check current travel advisories to the countries you wish to travel to www.voyages.gc.ca Keep up to date with world affairs Check documentation requirements and keep your passport updated Check with your doctor on health concerns in the countries you wish to travel to

4. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Morocco www.visitmorocco.com www.visitmorocco.com Exotic yet accessible Easy access from Spain Cruise destination Capital Rabat Language French & Arabic Gateway Casablanca (CAS) Royal Air Maroc www.royalairmaroc.com Flights from YUL Atlas Mountains

5. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Casablanca Blend of east & west, tradition & innovation Active nightlife Beaches - surf and sand Casbah Souk explore and haggle Hassan II Mosque 2 hectares – 80,000 faithful – 200 m minaret Only mosque open to non-Muslim in country Notre Dame de Lourdes Church 1956 - Dangleterre Stained glass windows

6. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Rabat Capital Archaeological Museum Chellah Site of ancient port city of Sala Roman ruins dating from 200 BC includes forum, temple, craftsmen's quarter.

7. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Tangier Major port across from Gibraltar White city on hill Medina Original town Beaches Mediterranean & Atlantic

8. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Fez Oldest Imperial city – founded 790BC Medina – UNESCO world heritage site Most complete medieval city in existence 143 mosques Souks – famous tanneries Quaraouyine University Oldest in world Qarawiyin ( Karaouiyne) Mosque Day trips MeknesVersailles of Morocco VolubilisRoman ruins

9. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Marrakech Founded in 1062 Most visited of 3 Imperial cities Djemaa el-Fna Square with snake charmers, and bazaar Fantasia Feast with charging horse guards Riad Unique accommodation Rooms in Palaces Nightclubs Nearby Agadir – beach resort– golf Oukaimeden – ski resort in Atlas Mountains

10. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Tunisia www.tourismtunisia.com www.tourismtunisia.com French influence 1 st Club Med Tunis Capital Formerly Carthage Excellent Roman ruins Bardo Museum Roman mosaics Great Mosque

11. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Tunisia (cont.) Matmata Underground city Site of Star Wars Beach resorts Island of Djerba Hammamet www.tourismtunisia.com

12. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Mali www.voyage.gc.ca Canadians are advised against non-essential travel to the regions of: Tombouctou ( Timbuktu), Gao, Kidal due to the presence of armed groups. Air travel to the northern regions of Mali is preferable to overland travel due to security threats.

13. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Ethiopia SAFETY: www.voyage.gc.ca Canadians should evaluate carefully the implications for their security and safety before deciding to travel to Ethiopia. Addis Ababa – capital Aksum – Palace of the Queen of Sheba Cathedral of St May of Zion Lalibela 11 churches carved out of rock www.tourismethiopia.org/pages/ethiopia.asp

14. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Eritrea Asmera - capital city Italian influenced architecture Red Sea coast Diving Canadians should check with Foreign Affairs before considering a leisure trip to Eritrea www.voyage.gc.ca

15. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Middle East Volatile Historically important Religious Centre Travel presently not recommended for non- VFR leisure travellers

16. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Middle East – Travelling Safely Foreign Affairs Canada advises against all travel to Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia Canadians travelling to Bahrain should carefully evaluate security concerns Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at greater risk travelling to Syria and Unite Arab Emirates www.voyage.gc.ca

17. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Saudi Arabia Riyadh – RUH Gateway and capital Jiddah (Jedda) – JED Major port Red Sea beaches Arabic, strict Islam Shamal sand-laden winds most frequent in early summer can blow for days at 40-48 km an hour

18. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Saudi Arabia (cont.) Mecca http://lexicorient.com/e.o/mecca.htm http://lexicorient.com/e.o/mecca.htm Birthplace of Mohammed Travel forbidden to non- Muslims Hajj Major pilgrimage for all able bodied Muslims Approx 2 million per year Holy Kaaba Shrine the centre of Islam, a rectangular brick building Great Mosque - al-Haram Medina Travel forbidden to non- Muslims Tomb of Mohammed Dhahran Business travellers, oil fields

19. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited United Arab Emirates www.uae.org.ae www.uae.org.ae 7 emirates Business travellers Abu Dhabi – capital - AUH Dubai – gateway www.dubaitourism.ae Sheikdom Burj Al Arab Hotel Palis The Wind

20. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited United Arab Emirates (cont.) Etihad Airways YYZ – AUH weekly www.etihadairways.com Abu Dhabi www.exploreabudhabi.ae

21. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Lebanon Once one of the most popular destinations of the region Beirut popular destination Paris of Middle East Tyre Port, beaches, diving Baalbek Roman City of the Sun Byblos Site dates back 7,000 years Tripoli mosques, Turkish baths, souks, crusader castle.

22. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Bahrain www.bahraintourism.com www.bahraintourism.com Business travellers 33 islands – area 707km ² Largest island – Bahrain Linked to airport Oil and pearls Souqs, mosques, forts, temples, oil museum Shopping Beaches and diving

23. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Not ready for visitors… Iran was the centre of the Persian Empire Iraq ruins of Babylon, including the Hanging Gardens Baghdad

24. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited West Africa Nigeria Ivory Coast Liberia Sierra Leone Gambia Ghana Togo Benin *Check with www.voyage.gc.cawww.voyage.gc.ca before travelling to any of these countries

25. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited West African Countries Nigeria Oil producer Senegal Dakar – capital Island of Goree Cape Verde Basse Casanace National Park Ivory Coast Abidjan Paris of Africa Grand-Bassam Sassandra Plantations Yamoussoukro Our Lady of Peace largest and tallest place of worship in Africa Benin Cotonou – gateway Ganvie – city of canals Abomey Former French colony Liberia Settlement of freed slaves from US Monrovia – capital Lake Piso Sierra Leone Settled by freed English slaves Freetown – capital National Museum The Gambia Starting point for Roots Banjul – capital Ghana Accra – capital Festivals Togo Akrowa Waterfalls Lome - capital

26. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Central Safari Belt Democratic Republic of the Congo Formally Zaire You are advised against non-essential travel to the DRC at present www.voyage.gc.ca Virunga National Park Kahuzi-Biega National Park One of the last groups of mountain gorillas (only 250) between 2,100 and 2,400 m above sea-level. UNESCO World Heritage Site

27. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Central Safari Belt (cont.) Cameroon Waza National Park Herds of elephants Rwanda & Uganda Mountain gorillas Parc des Volcans – Rwanda Bwindi National Park – Uganda Gorillas in the Mist - Dian Fossey

28. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Zambia www.zambiatourism.com www.zambiatourism.com Lusaka – LUN Gateway & capital Seasons opposite Canadas Dry season May – Oct Victoria Falls Livingstone Museum 546 million cubic m. of water per minute 2 km. wide -108 m. down Kafue National Park Elephants & 400 bird species South Luangwa National Park 60 different animal species & over 400 different bird species

29. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Zimbabwe Formally Southern Rhodesia Harare- HRE – gateway & capital Victoria Falls Better vantage Zambezi National Park Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, sable, eland, kudu, waterbuck Hwange National Park Elephant, buffalo, zebra, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffe Matobos Hills National Park White rhinoceros, impala, zebra, giraffe, leopard Great Zimbabwe Remains of a city 12 th C – 15 th C

30. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Southern Africa Lesotho Maluti Mountains Sehlabathebe Natl Park Swaziland Wildlife reserves Namibia Etosha Natl Park Fish River Canyon Natl Park Namib Desert Skeleton Coast Botswana Chobe Natl Park Moremi Wildlife Reserve Okavango Delta

31. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited South Africa South African Airways (SA) – via NYC Pretoria – administrative capital – PRV Johannesburg – JNB - gateway Cape Town – legislative capital – CPT Sep – Nov – best weather (spring) Currency - Rand Kalahari Desert Drakensberg Mountains www.southafrica.net

32. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited South Africa (cont.) Johannesburg Gold - 1886 Largest city and economic centre Gold Reef City Recreation of mining era Kimberley Diamond mining centre Soweto Apartheid Museum Nelson Mandelas home

33. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited South Africa (cont.) Sun City - www.suninternational.com www.suninternational.com Casinos, theme attractions, resort hotels Tourists, golfers & conference delegates 55 000-hectare Pilanesberg game park Stocked with Big Five Palace of the Lost City Fairytale palace residence http://sun-city-south-africa.go2africa.com/palace.asp Cascades Hotel, Sun City Hotel, The Cabanas

34. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited South Africa (cont.) Cape Town Oldest city in S.A. Cape of Good Hope Cape Point Table Mountain Landmark 1,086 m above the city Garden Route To Port Elizabeth Wine Routes Over 3000 wineries Robben Island Prison of Nelson Mandela

35. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited South Africa (cont.) Durban SE coast Golden Mile beach Kruger National Park Jun–Oct – best months 20-million hectares Zululand Zululand Historical Museum

36. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited South Africa (cont.) Sabi Sand www.sabisand.co.za shares a common 50km unfenced eastern boundary with Kruger Private reserves Mala Mala http://malamala.krugerpark.co.za/ Mala Mala Main Camp is the oldest of its kind, and well known as the top safari lodge in the world Blue Train www.bluetrain.co.za A window to the soul of South Africa

37. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited The African Islands

38. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited The Seychelles www.seychelles.com/en/home/index.php 115 unspoilt islands Western Indian Ocean Seasons reversed to North America Granite Boulders Beautiful beaches 29° avg. year round Diving, sailing, fishing Hiking, Eco-tourism Spas

39. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Mahé Largest, cultural, economic centre of Inner Islands 28km by 8km International airport - SEZ Nations capital Victoria Rare plants found nowhere else Tour island by car - 2 to 2 1/2 hours

40. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Praslin 10km by 3.7km Tour island by car in 2 hrs. Vallée de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site once believed original site of Garden of Eden Coco-de-Mer- world's heaviest nut Beaches Anse Lazio & Anse Georgette Top-10 list of worlds best beaches in recent years

41. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited La Digue 10 km² - ferry from Mahé Birds Black paradise flycatcher one of rarest birds Chinese bittern, cave swiftlet, waxbill Terrapin (tortoises) 2 rare species Flora orchids, vanilla, hibiscus Travelling by ox-cart and bicycle are popular Beaches Union Beach Anse Source dArgent

42. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Bird Island Most northerly island 100km north of Mahé. May – Sep > million Sooty Terns each lay eggs on own exclusive sq. ft Marine life Hawksbill and green turtles Dolphins Whales

43. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Denis Island Population: 78 Terrapin Game fishing Barracudas, bonitos and sailfish Marlins May & Oct to Dec Denis Island Lodge 5-star 25-chalet

44. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Mauritius www.mauritius.net Accessible Tropical paradise, beaches, reefs, diving Port Louis – capital La Caudan Waterfront Casino, cinema, shops bars, restaurants Black River Gorges National Park Hiking, rare birds and plants Curepipe Size due to malaria epidemic of 1867 Thousands fled from Port Louis – and stayed

45. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Madagascar S.E. coast of Africa 385km 4 th largest island (+smaller islands) Flora & fauna Lemurs – 10 species 3000 butterfly Antananarivo - Tana Nosy Be Premier resort island of Madagascar Diving

46. Copyright © 2007 by Nelson, a division of Thomson Canada Limited Canary Islands http://www.canarias.org/eng/turismo/playas.html Atlantic – west of Morocco 7 islands – 2 provinces of Spain Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura capital Las Palmas Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro capital Santa Cruz de Tererife Mild climate, >500 beaches Whale watching