If you happen to be traveling in Africa over Valentine's day, there are plenty of ways to say "I love you".  In fact you could declare your love every day in a different language for several years, and still not be done.  Because more than 2000 languages are spoken around the continent, Africans have their pick of loving words to use. I've narrowed the list of "I love you's" down to some of the more common language groups. Of course Je t'aime works for a number of countries, as does Nakupenda, and Ana Behibak (to a male) or Ana Behibek (to a female). If you can't find the right language, you can always give a bouquet of fresh cut flowers or a box of chocolates.

More About: Romantic Destinations in Africa l African Languages l Valentine's Day, A Blooming Business for Africa

_{Image © Getty Images/David Malan}

After a thrilling first round, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations continued to entertain this past week. The quarter finals were disappointing for the co-hosts who were both knocked out. But to be fair, neither Gabon nor Equatorial Guinea could have expected to get as far as they did in the tournament. So, a marvelous showing by both teams and a real treat for the fans. Equatorial Guinea lost 3-0 to the Ivory Coast, one of the strongest contenders in the Cup of Nations. Zambia's Chipolopolos continued to shine by beating Sudan 3-0. Mali beat Gabon on penalties (just imagine the anxiety of the home crowd) and Ghana narrowly beat Tunisia 2-1.

The semi-finals were played on 8 February. The Ivory Coast stunted Mali's hopes in a match that ended with a fantastic solo goal by Gervinho.  The Elephants "golden generation" have had a relatively comfortable run up to the finals. Zambia continued their winning streak by ousting Ghana's Black Stars 1-0. Ghana said they were unlucky, they missed a penalty and several other chances to win. But I believe Zambia's Copper Bullets have more than just talent, luck and drive in this tournament. They have the spirits of the dead on their side.

Zambia's Copper Bullets Powered By Angels?
In 1993, a tragic plane crash killed all but two members of the Zambian national soccer team. The plane exploded just off the coast of Libreville, Gabon's capital. The final match of this 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will be played out in Libreville on Sunday, February 12. The only way the Zambian team was going to play there was by reaching the final (their matches have all taken place in Equatorial Guinea thus far). You could not have written a better script. Yesterday, the Zambian side arrived in Gabon and went down to a beach in Libreville to lay wreaths in honor of their lost players. The current Zambian team were joined at the ceremony by one of Zambia's greatest players Kalusha Bwalya, who missed the tragic flight because he was playing for a European club at the time and was on a different schedule. As Bwalya put it, "their dreams are our dreams". If Zambia wins the Africa Cup of Nations, it will be their first.

Update Sunday...

Can the Elephants beat the Copper Bullets powered by angels? Yes they can!! After 18 penalty shots, Zambia's Copper Bullets take the cup for the first time. The angels were with them indeed, destiny won this game. Congratulations Zambia. All of southern Africa will celebrate this victory!

I have spent the past three months immersed in the colonial lives of the first white settlers in Kenya (or "Keenya" as they liked to call it). It started off with a re-read of Beryl Markham's excellent West with the Night, and I just got carried away with the genre. If you loved watching "Out of Africa" or "White Mischief" and have become enchanted with the Edwardian drama Downton Abbey, you may enjoy reading the list of books below. They are ranked in order of my personal preference.

• Beryl Markham -- West with the Night (beautifully written autobiography)
• Elspeth Huxley -- The Flame Trees of Thika (autobiography)
• Bror Blixen -- African Hunter (autobiography)
• Mary Lovell -- Straight On Till Morning (life and times of Beryl Markham)
• Elspeth Huxley -- Out in the Midday Sun (autobiography)
• Isak Dinesen -- Out of Africa (autobiography, made into the famous movie of the same name)
• Sara Wheeler -- Too Close to the Sun (life and times of Denys Finch Hatton)
• Mark Seal -- Wildflower (life and times of conservationist Joan Root - set a bit later in the century)
• Frances Osborne -- The Bolter (life and times of socialite Idina Sackville)

I have now had more than enough of the "upstairs", it's time to check back into the "downstairs" crew. I have just ordered Tsitsi Dangaremba's 1988 novel Nervous Conditions. I can't wait to start it.

More About: Best Movies Set in Africa l Best Books About Africa

Many of us plan and book our trips online, so why should a safari be any different? The main problem with booking a safari yourself, is that there are so many variables to take into consideration. I usually end up recommending that people plan their safari about a year in advance and use a travel operator that specializes in Africa. Because unless you really know your African geography, weather patterns, animal behaviors and airline options, you can go horribly wrong.

But what's my advice when a safari specialist creates their own online safari planner? I was just dabbling with one designed and built by Natural Habitat Adventures. It's very easy to use, looks wonderful and has one of my favorite features -- the ability to browse and choose different camps at different prices, for a specific itinerary. If you are a travel agent that is not too familiar with booking safaris, but have clients that want to go, this is very useful for you too. I think a first time safari goer will need more hand holding and information, so a few calls are still necessary. But for those who know what they want and where they'd like to go, it's a good safari planning tool. You also end up with a snazzy journal/itinerary to send off to your friends once it's all booked.

More About: When To Use a Tour Operator l When to Go on Safari l Choosing the Right Safari