One of the first things you'll notice when you arrive in Africa is that nearly everyone has a cell phone. And I really mean everyone. That includes the Maasai warrior dressed in a traditional red shuka blanket, complete with rubber tire sandals on his feet. While tending cattle on the shimmering northern Tanzanian plains, he'll have a stick in one hand and a Nokia phone in the other. In Ghana people love their phones so much, they can actually be buried in a cell phone coffin.

The cell phone industry has revolutionized communications on the continent, and in some key areas, Africa has revolutionized the use of cell phones. This is all fantastic news. However, you may find that your own beloved iPhone is quite useless when you arrive in Africa. Your San Bushman tracker can text his wife to ask if dinner is ready, but you are likely to be stuck with no signal at all. So how do you make sure your phone will work while traveling in Africa? Read on...

More About: Calling Home From Africa l Africa Calling Codes l Time in Africa

African athletes are legendary in long distance running events. In the recent London marathon, Kenyan athletes Wilson Kipsang and Mary Keitany won both the men and the women's race. Long distance races at the Olympics are dominated by East and North Africans. But you don't hear enough about marathons being run in Africa.

At the end of June, Kenya will host the 13th Safaricom marathon. The race takes place in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and runners will be up against non-human contestants as well, zebra, impala and maybe even a rhino or two. More than 2000 runners will take on the challenge and the money raised will go toward wildlife conservation and community projects. The mere possibility of spotting a lion while running, would certainly propel me to the finish line.

Other Marathons Taking Place in Africa in 2012/13

Running a marathon is always a great excuse to travel. So why not try one of these marathons and run in the desert, mountains, savannah, or forest. All of these marathons can be combined with safaris, treks and cultural tours.

• International Peace Marathon Kigali - Kigali, Rwanda - May 27, 2012
• Big Five Marathon - Entabeni Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa - June 23, 2012
• Knysna Forest Marathon - Knysna, South Africa - July 14, 2012
• Amazing Maasai Marathon (Ultra) - Mt Kenya, Kenya - September 29, 2012
• Kilimanjaro Marathon - Moshi, Northern Tanzania - March 3, 2013
• Two Oceans Marathon - Cape Town, South Africa - March 29, 2013
• Marathon des Sables (extreme 6 days) - Western Sahara Desert, Morocco - April, 2013

And for more dates and races check this African marathon calendar

_{Image © Safaricom Marathon}

You're looking at Africa's lowest geographic point. This lake lies 515 feet (155m) below sea level. It's a salt water lake, with beaches literally made of pure salt. Some of the salt banks are over 200 feet (65 m) deep. Saltier than even the Dead Sea, when you dive in you don't have to swim a single stroke, you can just float and read a book. Salt cakes everything along the shores of this lake, loose vegetation that has been blown here from far away, dead birds -- everything is crystallized in salt. And not surprisingly, no vegetation grows here. Slabs of salt are carved out of the upper crust, hoisted onto camels and donkeys, and taken over the mountains to sell in neighboring countries. These salt caravans are still going on today. Where is this?

Click here for the answer along with more information about this destination.

Coming up with a "Top 10 list of things to see and do in Cape Town" is remarkably simple.  The main problem is everyone else has a similar list. So if you've been to Cape Town a few times and feel you've covered the big sights like: Table Mountain, Robben Island, and have taken a Township Tour -- then check out some of these alternatives.

Cape Town off the Beaten Track...

• Organic Food Markets in the Winelands - Most visitors to Cape Town will delight in a visit to one or two wine estates and a top notch restaurant.  But you can get your fill of the most delicious organic produce, biltong, olives and fresh baked bread at several local organic markets in this area. You can then bring it with you to enjoy on the fabulous lawns that adorn the wine estates. Stellenbosch and Hout Bay are both excellent markets, see more details.




• Ride a vintage steam train to Simon's Town - Once or twice a month (check schedule) Atlantic Rail Heritage runs a lovely old steam train along the spectacular coast from Cape Town to Simon's Town and back. The vintage carriages all date from before the second world war, and there's a cash bar on board. If you miss the vintage train, a regular commuter train plies the same route. Once you get to Simon's town and have explored the "historic mile", don't miss the penguins on Boulders Beach. You can also stop in Kalk Bay to browse the art galleries, and enjoy a light lunch at C'est La Vie ...More info...




• Visit Langebaan and eat at the Strandloper - The seafood is fantastic in Cape Town and it doesn't get fresher and more down to earth than at the Strandloper Restaurant in Langebaan, about an hour drive up the west coast from the city center. The meal lasts 3-4 hours, so do check the web site for up to date opening times to avoid disappointment. Langebaan is a great family destination with every manner of watersports on offer in the Langebaan Lagoon. The town also nestles up against the West Coast National Park, home to lots of wildlife, perfect for hiking and mountain bike enthusiasts.  In spring the wild flowers are spectacular, and the bird life is second to none year round... Read more




• View Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand - The views are spectacular from this beach, but watch you don't get blown away! Kite surfers love this area, and are always fun to watch. Once you've marveled at the view, head to On The Rocks for a sundowner and dinner.

For a great resource about what's happening every week in Cape Town, check out the Cape Town magazine.

More About: Cape Town's Top Attractions l Cape Town's Best Restaurants l Cape Town Weather

_{Image is View of Table Mountain from Bloubergstrand}