Country Brief
Ethiopia is nestled in the northeast region of Africa and is referenced as the ‘Horn of Africa’ because as a horn protrudes from an object and this particular area is a protrusion from Africa. The Horn of Africa consists of the following countries: Djibouti, Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of Africa’s unique gems Addis Ababa is the vibrant, cultural hub and capitol of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa is home to an endless list of ancient artifacts including the burial place of Emperor Haile Selassie I and prehistoric fossils dating back to the early hominid, Lucy.
Intersting Facts:
- Ethiopia’s resilience to European rule was led by the great Emperor Haile Selassie I, author of ‘Appeal to the League Of Nations’. This speech is recognized as one of the most brilliant and influential speeches in our time as Emperor Haile Selassie I correctly predicted the fall of nations if the countries within the = The League of Nations failed to honor the mutual code to not attack another country within the League
- Ethiopia was one of Africa’s last countries to withhold colonialism. This moment of colonialism was a brief five years and occurred about 20 years after the ‘Scramble for Africa’
- Ethiopia is Africa’s oldest independent country
- Ethiopia is the only country in the world to have 13 months
- The legendary Ark of the Covenant, which is reported to hold the 10 Commandments, is housed in an Ethiopian church
- Shashamane is a town in Ethiopia which Haile Salassie I donated 500 acres of private land to allow Pan-Africans an opportunity to repatriate to Africa
- Ethiopia has small reserves of gold, platinum, copper, potash, natural gas and extensive hydropower potential
- Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and Ethiopia is the only country in Africa to have its own alphabet, Ge’ez
- The currency of Ethiopia is the Ethiopian birr (ETB)
- Ethiopia does not have an Independence Date because the country was never colonized
Recommended Travel Dates (Dry Season) & Holidays
- In most of the country, the main rainy season runs from June to the end of September, with short rains in March
Country Brief
Ghana, formerly known as the “Gold Coast,” is conveniently located on the West Coast of Africa and is bordered by Côte D’Ivoire, Togo, and Burkino Faso. Accra is the sprawling capitol of Ghana which boasts beautiful beaches, markets, museums and the Kawme Nkrumah Park.
Interesting Facts
- Ghana is a prominent force among African nations, emerging as the first sub-Saharan country to break away from colonization and gain its independence in 1957 led by the great, Kwame Nkrumah who served as Ghana’s first prime minister and president of the independent Ghana.
- Once referred to as the Gold Coast of Africa, Ghana’s vast array of natural resources include gold, timber, cocoa, coffee, shea nuts, rice, cassava and other assets.
- English is the official language of Ghana as well as the native languages of Twe, Akan, Ewe, Ga and Moshi-Dagomba./li>
- The currency of Ghana is the cedi (GHC).
- Independence Date: March 6, 1957 from Great Britain
Recommended Travel Dates (Dry Season) & Holidays
- Ghana is a tropical country with the south of Ghana (Accra) sees its rainy season from April-June and then from September to October. The north of Ghana sees rain from April-October.
- Temperatures average around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Country Brief
South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and borders Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. South Africa is nestled on the southernmost tip of Africa, perfect for unforgettable sunrises on the ocean overlooking mountains and terrains.
Interesting Facts
- South Africa is home to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black president, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize due to Mandela’s contribution to end Apartheid
- Vilakazi Street in Soweto is the only street in the world to house two Nobel Peace prizewinners; Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela
- Table Mountain is located in the capital, Cape Town, and is said to be one of the oldest mountains in the world
- South Africa has the longest wine route in the world
- South Africa is home to the largest tree in the world, Baobab Tree.
- South Africa is the second largest exporter of fruit in the world.
- English is the official language of South Africa as well as the native languages of Xhosa, Zulu, Tswana, Northern Sotho, Venda, Tsonga, Swati, Ndebele.
- The currency of South Africa is the Rand (SAR).
Independence date: December 11th, 1931, – April 1994(end of apartheid)
Recommended Travel Dates (Dry Season) & Holidays (List Holidays under Details Tab)
- South Africa’s dry season usually lasts between November to March, with temperatures averaging around 28 degrees Celsius/82.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
