Africa has some if the most interesting destinations imaginable. My favorite is Ethiopia, a country that claims to be very different from the rest of Africa and lives up to that claim. However the other regions are in itself diverse enough. A continent with dramatic problems, like overpopulation, poverty, repression and aids, but also a continent where you can find the most optimistic and happy people.

The people, their cultures, the landscapes and the wildlife are my main reason to visit Africa, the accent very much depending on the country. Rituals that are fascinating have survived the ages, like the early form of Christianity in Ethiopia and the Voodoo culture in Togo and Benin. But there is something more, Africa can touch your soul.

Every country lets you learn more about the different aspects of Africa, both physical and cultural. There is no wildlife in Togo, but the very diverse people are fascinating and heartwarming. See the colorful album. Ethiopia is in a class of it's own, the Northerners do not even consider themselves Africans. The deserted landscapes of Namibia, the wildlife in Botswana and the somewhat detached country that Djibouti seems to be. And the duality of South Africa where the wealth and comfort you experience is in stark contrast with how the invisible majority lives.

I have not visited nearly enough of Africa although apart from the countries on this site I visited Kenya, Morocco, Mali, Tunisia and more of Egypt. Images residing in a huge collection of slides.

Benin

Benin

Benin is famous for its Voodoo culture, once the seat of the legendary kingdom of Abomey and a country where hundred thousands of slaves were shipped. The country turmed out to be home to some very

Benin - the Voodoo festival at Ouidah

Benin - the Voodoo festival at Ouidah

Benin is famous for its Voodoo culture. In January the major Voodoo festival of Benin and perhaps the world is held in Ouidah, at the beach near the monument for the slaves, The Door of No Return.

Botswana and Victoria Falls

Botswana and Victoria Falls

Botswana is one of Africa's great game destinations. Wildlife protection has a high priority in Botswana as has land conservation. National parks and reserves make up 25 percent of the land. T

Djibouti

Djibouti

Djibouti is a strange country to visit as a backpacker. I shared a plane with legionnaires, other military, Indian guru's, missionaries, nervous small businessmen from Ethiopia and India, tradition

Egypt - Dahab impressions

Egypt - Dahab impressions

I went diving in Dahab for a week or so, visited the Sinai as a side trip and partied a bit. I did some experiments with my camera, trying to create a impressionistic feel. Nothing is done with Pho

Egypt - The Sinai

Egypt - The Sinai

Mozes got lost in the Sinai for 40 years, says the legend, but maybe he just liked the landscape. He also seems to have received some divine recommendations there. So the Sinai has its place in his

Ethiopia - The North

Ethiopia - The North

The northern part of Ethiopia is a highland country. It has become Christian in a very early stage and has stayed that way even when the Islam spread through the region

Ethiopia - The South

Ethiopia - The South

The south of Ethiopia is a tribal country where some of the tribes live in remote areas, hardly touched by modern ‘civilisation’.

Namibia

Namibia

Namibia, the county of the vast empty spaces, immense dunes, forbidden places, German Towns, wildlife, strange plants and exotic people. It is all there. But prepare for the distance. I did Namibia

Namibia - Sperrgebiet

Namibia - Sperrgebiet

Near the mining town of Luderitz You'll find a vast deserted area with ghostowns and deserted mining facilities. The original German name is 'Sperrgebiet'

South Africa

South Africa

South Africa, a country with a fair amount of natural beauty and with Cape Town, a city that appeals to many. Good dining, the iconic Table Mountain, the Cape and vineyards close by. A lot of natur

Togo

Togo

Togo is a small country in West Africa between Ghana and Benin. Not filled with sights and not full of animals. 'We ate them all' say the Togolese. But this mainly agricultural country has a very w