Road trips are a great way to discover a region, but boat trips are even better, especially when you expect to cover great distances, like the coastline of Africa. It enables you to not only discover the main coastal towns but the islands around it as well. Here are some of the islands you should plan to see on your next visit to Africa by boat, on the East Coast.
Life on a luxury yacht
The last decade has seen a large increase in luxury super yacht tours. Every summer, you can find them close to coastlines, all around the world, cruising and stopping at various ports. The experience is unique for it gives a completely new perspective to the territories that you discover. Yacht owners cannot stop talking about their latest discoveries as life at sea is much different than on land.
Nowadays, it is easier to find the manpower needed on a yacht. From deck jobs (like a captain) to engineers and interior jobs (stewardess and others), a boat owner can address all its needs through a yacht crew agency. They can handle all the recruitment and do so in many different countries. Therefore, if you have an urgent need, they can have someone ready to come onboard at the next port the yacht is heading to.
The Seychelles islands
Lying in the middle of the Indian Ocean, less than a thousand miles from the coast of Africa, Seychelles are a must-see for everyone travelling by boat. The discovery of its flora and fauna will leave anyone breathless. There are 11 species of birds, unique to the area, as well as 200 species of fish and other aquatic life, including the giant tortoises.
Madagascar
Farther to the South, the island of Madagascar is the perfect place to take a swim or to go diving in its crystalline waters. Located 250 miles of the Eastern coast, its unbroken coral reef the largest one in the world, will please even the most experienced divers. When on land, visitors can discover the wildlife of the island and various tribal cultures of its people.
Mauritius and La Réunion
Here, snorkelling and diving are again one of the main attractions with their pristine coral reefs. A largely volcanic land awaits you with luxurious forests. While on the island of Mauritius, you’ll need to try some of the rum being distilled on one of the Island properties. Just be aware that there are a few sharks swimming around La Réunion…
The COVID-19 Virus is also present in Africa and the WHO urges this issue to be taken seriously. All around the world governments have put a lot of restrictions to minimize the spreading of the virus. Some of the measures include social distancing, self-isolations, and limits on social gatherings.
But there have been more serious bans that have closed schools and businesses across the world and also in countries like Zambia, South Africa, Uganda, Nigeria among others. With this being said, it is still our responsibility as individuals to obey these rules and regulations. In this article, you can read more about different ways you can cope with this situation.
Stay Safe
It’s of paramount impotence to stay home and stay safe. If you can work remotely talk with your boss about your options to work from home. However, there are cases where people still have to go to work. In these cases, have hand sanitizers at all times with you and try to keep your distance and avoid close contact with people. This is particularly applicable when you go shopping for groceries, for example. Also, if possible, avoid taking the bus to work and avoid any crowded areas when you’re outside.
Have Fun at Home
In case you’re one of the lucky people that can stay at home, try to incorporate a healthy routine in your day to day life. Equally important, for your mental health is to have fun. Playing games is one way to de-stress, which also burdens your immune system and rediscover your favorite online games. It’s no wonder that during this period video games are being played at record levels.
Fortunately, you have lots of choices that will keep you occupied. From playing board games online, action games to casino games. There are many reputable online casino sites that offer great Welcome Bonus Packages for new players, ongoing Promotions, a wide selection of casino games and other perks for their players.
You can play slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and other casino games in many variations. The best part is that you can also find most casino games in free mode. Try this casino and test your luck and skills with their collection of casino games.
Boost Your Immune System
Now it is important to keep yourself healthy and strong. Therefore, we recommend for you to eat healthier meals, drink a lot of water and take your vitamins regularly. Your immune system is also affected by your mental health, so try to be calm and stay away from stressful situations. It’s also a good idea to exercise (any workout will do) as you will lower your anxiety levels and stress hormones in your body.
Summary
In these new circumstances, everyone plays a valuable part in keeping the situation from escalating and causing more harm to our society. This is why we need to follow the protective measures against the COVID-19 virus. It should also be noted that if you have a fever, difficulty breathing and cough, please seek medical attention immediately.
Many assume Africa is a continent delayed in the field of technology. Some have even assumed that wildlife is in every resident’s backyard. The truth behind this topic is that Africa is one of the hottest tourist destinations making certain countries within Africa more advanced than one could ever imagine.
Unfortunately not all African countries have developed ahead of current times, but one thing is certain, the majority of African countries have access to Wi-Fi so if sports betting is your favourite pastime, you may not be able to access land based sports betting halls but you will have access to at least one sports betting website online.
Since the recent introduction of online sports betting, many countries have adopted the popular form of wagering on popular sports online. Not every country has been legally permitted to do so however and this has led to numerous illegal establishments being developed both online and offline in terms of underground land based establishments. If you do visit South Africa however, you will find there have been recent developments within the online gambling industry which have introduced sports books as a gambling alternative for avid sporting fans.
Popular Sports Betting Events
One of the biggest sporting events to generate the most online traffic to sports betting bookies is soccer. Soccer events generate the most traction and during season, online punters have been known to be actively involved in bets with in-play options.
Current Online Sports Betting In Africa
According to reliable sources, online sports betting in Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa has been projected to be over $37 billion and this was a statistic from last year 2018. The multi-million dollar industry is now being fuelled by mobile platforms encouraging users to access their favourite sports online while making bets. The majority of internet users in Africa are mobile users, which has had a rather conflicted effect on the people of the nation as mobile service providers have taken advantage and charge excessive rates for data and cellular services across Africa.
Regardless, both mobile and land based sports betting establishments have thrived over the recent years and the current situation is just looking promising for the government, it is incredibly lucrative.
Leading Sports in Online Sports Betting Africa
As online sports betting is one of the most popular forms of betting in Africa it is a common question, usually asked amongst foreigners, where the money lies and what the most popular sports are to bet on. As mentioned above, soccer is by far one of the most popular sports to wager on, thereafter it is rugby, horseracing and golf.
Although Africa holds an unexpected market for the world of online sports betting, the continent’s online gambling market is growing at an expedient rate and times are keeping up with the trends. You may not find lions in some resident’s backyard but you could potentially find a rugby or soccer field. African citizens love their sports more than Americans love their barbeques!
For a few years now, the Chinese government have been lending billions of US dollars to help African countries in their infrastructure building projects. According to a report by the World Bank, 18 countries are currently at “high risk of debt distress”. These African countries show no apparent capacity to repay their debt but China is still lending, thereby increasing its influence on the continent.
Why are Chinese’s loans so loved by African leaders?
Asking why African leaders have developed such a sharp taste for Chinese debt is a relevant question. Reportedly, getting loans from institutions like the IMF, the World Bank and Paris Club is considered slow and burdensome. The Chinese, however, seem to attach fewer conditions to their loans, which are relatively less burdensome.
Furthermore, the current state of these borrowing countries shows a high demand of infrastructure project, modernization of transport, etc. As such China’s offer is irresistible. But the long-term consequences can be quite unbearable.
Furthermore, one of the reasons that makes China’s offer so irresistible to African countries is that these easy loans meet the high demand of the developing nations for infrastructure projects, modernization of transport, etc. With these loans, they also launch various programs to lend money in order to help start and improve local business. However, in case China stops lending, access to loans for local business is still possible on platforms like Moneybanker.fr.
Is china helping or tying Africa up ?
According to a 2015 report presented by the China-Africa Research Initiative (CARI), 17 African countries are said to be potentially unable to repay their loans. Among them are Zambia, Djibouti who, according to the 2017 figures, owe respectively about 75% and 77% of their external debt to China.
As for now, 18 African countries are considered to be at “high risk of debt distress”. Their debt-to- GDP ratios have exceeded 50%. It makes no doubt that these nations will have a hard time repaying their debts. And the Chinese government must be aware of that fact. So what is the goal behind? What are their real motives for lending so much to poor countries?
What is the real motive behind the Chinese loans?
After the unforgettable episodes with Europeans countries, Africa is now playing a new scenario of excessive loans with China. The figures are daunting. Africa currently owes about 417 US dollars to China. And to add to the surprise, about 67 USD will still be invested in this year 2019.
Though the projects which call for such loans are capital to the development of those countries, there are reasons to think that Africa is diving into a sea of debt and will, soon enough drown.
Rex Tillerson, former US Secretary of State asserted that these loans to Africa not only "encouraged dependency” and “endangered its natural resources". China is expanding its influence of the continent. Very soon, they will have a total control on the raw materials, on the major economic deals etc. Not only will that endanger the European influence, but it is decreasing Africa’s future power of negotiation.
It was a blow to African football fans this past summer when North America won its bid to host the 2026 World Cup. The event will take place primarily in the United States, but will also have matches hosted in Mexico and Canada, making for a vast spread and a great deal of variety among host cities.
This seems to be fitting given that 2026 will mark the first time the tournament expands to 48 teams. Hosting more teams requires a bit more space, at least in theory, and there is some logic to the idea of putting the Cup in a part of the world with countless tournament-ready stadiums and a reliable infrastructure.
Nevertheless, with Morocco the other finalist for 2026, the decision naturally disappointed anyone who would have liked to see the Cup return to Africa, where it was last held in 2010 (in South Africa). Now, these same people will have to wait at least 12 years, with 2030 marking the next World Cup that doesn’t yet have a home.
Over the next couple of years, we’ll likely start to see a picture painted of the frontrunners for this event. Football inspires endless speculation and debate on matters such as these, and in the modern sport, with technology moving faster than ever, betting markets too are constantly updated and refined. That means that when we start to see regular odds listings for 2030 - and rest assured, the Cup will have its own betting market - we can likely trust them as a fairly reliable indicator of which bid is in the lead. For now however, it’s still a little bit early for that, and we’re left more with speculation.
So far as we know at this point, there are three serious prospective bids for the 2030 World Cup.
One is from England, and by the sound of things Ireland would be a joint host. This essentially means we’d be in for a British Isles World Cup, presumably with England and Ireland qualifying automatically as hosts - and potentially Wales and Scotland as well. It would be an appealing bid, particularly after London did such a memorable job of hosting the Olympics in 2012, and also given that England - one of the top countries in the world as far as pure football adoration goes - last hosted way back in 1966. On the other hand, it’s a little bit difficult to imagine FIFA awarding a second consecutive Cup to a predominantly caucasian Western nation, after the North American tournament in 2026.
Another bid will come from Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. This is already being viewed as a particularly formidable bid, to the point that some British publications have suggested it may be impossible to beat for the English/Irish bid. The main reason for the perceived strength of the bid is that 2030 will mark 100 years exactly since the first World Cup, which happens to have been held in Uruguay. There’s a lot of poetry there that the FIFA committee may find it hard to ignore, particularly given the sporting and diplomatic clout of the three nations in question. Argentina and Uruguay in particular are legitimate powerhouses on the world stage, and while the Cup certainly doesn’t have to go to a such a nation (as proven in South Africa, Russia, and Qatar), there’s always an allure to the idea.
And then there’s the African bid, which at this point appears to be getting the least attention of the three. The bid will come from Morocco again, though this time it will be aided by Tunisia and Algeria for what would effectively be a North African World Cup. There’s a nice balance to the idea as it would be exactly 20 years after South Africa hosted, and there is sometimes a feeling that a nation that misses out in one year deserves another chance soon thereafter. It’s certainly not a bid to be overlooked.
Again, at this point there seems to be a bit more chatter about the other bids, and the South American one in particular. But Africa, and specifically Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, will have a shot at it.
Communities play an important role in the art industry, especially when it comes to supporting and nurturing African art. Once a community is supportive of an artist, the artist will find their success increasing and their notoriety improving. Not only will the arts flourish, but the community will also see an increase in their tourist economy and in their overall morale. Below are just some of the reasons why it is important for communities to support local art.
It can help to fuel the economy
In communities with tight economic situations, artists often struggle to sell their work to individuals and often battle to support themselves because of the costs involved with creating the art.
Local art is affordable, and it is easier for communities to support an artist or artists because of this affordability. The economy will improve and the awareness of the artists’ work will also burgeon. As a community, if you support local creativity you will be showing the world how important their art is and you will be allowing them to continue to create stunning artworks that resonate with the community.
Art fairs are good for local merchants
While the focus of an art fair should be on the art and the artists, these events are also highly beneficial for local merchants. This is because attendees of events such as African art fairs spend money on food items, curios, parking and even babysitters.
People who live outside the country of the art fair are likely to spend twice as much as locals, which is great news for merchants who rely on such events to increase their revenue. Communities rely on the custom of visitors and locals to keep their merchants up and running, which is why it is so important to support artists and art fairs.
Art has a social impact
Art has always been an industry that strives to send a message to the world, whether overtly or subtly. This is most seen in African art by artists such as Mary Sibande, whose art focuses on ‘Sophie’ an alter-ego who is a domestic worker dreaming of freedom from this role.
Art such as Sibande’s can help to initiate social change within a community, as it helps to address issues that people might be feeling within that community. Issues such as racism, corruption, political upheaval and so forth are often examined in modern art and if a community supports this art, they will be helping to make the world more aware of the issues they face on a daily basis.
The youth’s engagement will increase
Including young people as meaningful contributors to the social and economic aspects of the community is important in building their engagement in helping to solve problems that community members face.
Engaging the youth should not fall onto the shoulders of parents and schools alone but on community projects such as organising art fairs or evenings where children are taught how to paint and sculpt by local artists. Supporting the arts will give children, teenagers and young adults an exciting and unique outlet and artists will be given a new source of income.
It helps to drive tourism
Tourism is what communities thrive on, and supporting local art is one of the best ways to drive tourism into your community. If you look at the newly opened Zeitz MOCAA art museum in Cape Town, South Africa you will see just how many people have stopped to visit it, both locals and those from foreign countries. African art is highly popular among tourists to the continent, so it is important that communities support and showcase the local art of their area. People from other countries will be educated on the culture of the community too. It is a fantastic opportunity to garner more income to the community, so why not organise an exhibition of a local artist and invite the whole community, and encourage everyone to invite as many outside people as possible to increase awareness and improve the tourism industry.
The art is original
Supporting local African art or local art in general means that your community will be able to get to know the artist, what their creative process is and the story behind their work. You will find that original art has much more meaning to it than mass-produced pieces, which also increases its value in the eyes of buyers and art lovers alike.
The lovingly crafted, hand-made pieces of art created by local artists are more special than something that has been created in a factory and supporting these artists make them a part of the community. There is also a sense of exclusivity to the purchase, something which will help to make the pieces more interesting to foreign buyers.
Lonmin, the third largest producer of platinum, made a gesture to persuade the miners on striking to return to work after five weeks of social conflict. The British company has proposed Tuesday a premium of 140 euros to its employees over 98 euros salary increase proposed last week. This pay increase was rejected by minors. Since August 10, minors of Marikana go on strike to protest against the security and demand a to their boss to triple their incomes from 400 to 1200 euros monthly. This social movement has taken a dramatic turn Thursday, Aug. 16 when South African police opened fire on the strikers killing 34 of them
An Egyptian soldier was killed Sunday in clashes with gunmen in the Sinai Peninsula, according to a spokesman for the Egyptian army, state television reported. The soldier was fatally wounded during an exchange of fire between security forces and militants in the northern Sinai. According to officials of the security services, he succumbed to his injuries after being transferred to a hospital in Cairo.
Damara and Sibut, two cities located respectively 75 km and 185 km from Bangui, the CAR capital, were stormed Saturday by unidentified armed group reports the BBC. Suspicion would be for a dissident wing of the Chadian rebellion Popular Front for Unity (RPF). reports the BBC.
According to reports from Burundi’s national radio, several people, including 12 school going children and a teacher, were killed and some seriously injured, when lighting struck two provinces on Wednesday, 16 February. The affected provinces include the central region province of Karuzi, where most of the fatal cases were reported, and Bubanza province in the western region. October last year, AFP reported that: "Three people were killed by lightning... as heavy rains pounded the hills of Murambi and Kiganda (southern Burundi), where at least 37 homes were destroyed". A few days earlier, in the same month of October, a lightning incident caused the death of an Anglican priest and three of his church members during mass in southern Burundi.
Uganda MP Bahati accused of calling for a “gay death penalty” says he has been misrepresented and is only trying to criminalize child abusers. David Bahati says the new offence of “aggravated homosexuality” is a penalty against “defilement” of under-18s. He claims there has been distortion in the media and that the death penalty is aimed solely at homosexuals “who defile a kid less than 18 years old,” notes BBC.
According to VOA, President Jose Eduardo dos Santos has announced the country’s first post-war presidential election will likely be delayed for another three years. The leader, who had previously said the vote would take place in 2009, says he wants his MPLA party to complete the mandate it won in last year’s parliamentary elections.
A Nigerian court has issued an arrest warrant for a senior member of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration charged with abuse of office and criminal conspiracy, reports Angola Press. Authorities have planned to ask Interpol for help in tracking down Nasir El-Rugai, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under Obasanjo from 2003-2007, after he failed to show up to any of his court hearings in the past seven months.
British admiral in charge of the European Union fleet watching out for Somali pirates wants to extend its patrol area, the Press Association has revealed. Rear Admiral Peter Hudson said his flotilla’s range needed to increase because pirates were launching attacks up to 1,000 miles off the coast, nearer India tha Africa. The EU Naval Force currently deploys up to seven warships, covering a sea area said to be 10 times the size of Germany.
According to Al Jazeera, Zimbabwe’s Zanu-PF party has met for its first party congress since the formation of a unity government with its rival, the Movement for Democratic Change. Thousands of Zanu PF members are expected to attend the two-day event in Harare. Deligates are hoping to revitalize the party in the wake of last year’s post-election standoff that pushed it into a power-sharing deal with the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), lef by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
More than 3.8 million Kenyans are currently facing hunger as drought in the Eastern African country persists, writes All Africa. As a result, the team coordinating the emergency intervention program launched in August, the Crisis Response Centre, has recommended in a report that more funds should be raised. The report says areas at high risk of becoming a humanitarian emergency include the greater Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir and most parts of Rana River districts.