Having grown up in Malawi, it still annoys me that so many people have never even heard of the country. For those planning to go to Africa you'll no doubt encounter some astonishing ignorance about the continent. It's a shame when you consider its diversity and all it has to offer. So, here's a quiz that will hopefully be fun and informative and make everyone who takes it want to visit.
Note: The title link will take you to the page where you'll find the answer.
1. Tutankhamen's Treasures
Question: Where can you see the treasures found in Tutankhamen's Tomb?
2. Lekker Namibia
Question: What is the most commonly spoken language in Namibia?
3. Complete the Big Five
When you start researching an African safari, the term "Big Five" often crops up. The term "big five" was actually coined by big game hunters (not safari tour operators). It refers to the difficulty in bagging these large animals, mostly due to their ferocity when cornered and shot at.Question: The "Big Five" include elephant, leopard, lion, rhino and what other animal?
4. Bilharzia (Schistosomiasis) - Know Your Parasites
Schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia (bill-HAR-zi-a), is a disease caused by parasitic worms. About 200 million people are infected worldwide and it is common throughout Africa. The parasite can damage the liver, intestines, lungs, and bladder.Question: Can you catch bilharzia by swimming in a lake or do you actually have to ingest infected water?
5. Where Can You See Mountain Gorillas?
A gorilla safari is really the king of all safaris in Africa. Not only do you get to see a highly endangered species at play (only 650 mountain gorillas are left in the world), but you get very muddy doing it. Scrambling after a family of mountain gorillas for several hours in dense foliage, getting rained on and perhaps charged at is a true adventure.Question: You can see mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and what other country?
6. Where is Timbuktu?
The best way to get to Timbuktu is by boat down the Niger river. First you have to find a bus to Koulikoro, 35 miles east of Bamako. Next, you hope it's the rainy season and find a boat to take you to Kabara. It should take you a mere 4 days (give or take a week) to get to Kabara. Luckily, at Kabara you're just 4 miles away from Timbuktu and a shared taxi should get you there in no time to book in to one of the two hotels in town.Question: OK, but what country is Timbuktu in?
7. Breaching and Lobtailing in South Africa
South Africa can offer some of the best wines, game parks, roads, restaurants, surfing, beaches and trains on the continent. It can also offer the spectacular sight of whales jumping about in the ocean, or rather "breaching', "spyhopping", "lobtailing" and "sailing".Question: When is the best time to go whale-watching in South Africa?
8. Birds of Southern Africa
Africa is arguably the most exciting destination for bird watchers. There are more than 900 species in Southern Africa alone. What's so fun about bird watching in Africa is that you can often see the big mammals at the same time. The best time to go birding in Southern Africa is from October to March.Question: Which commonly seen bird in Southern Africa has a head shaped like a hammer?
9. Moroccan "Kif"
Morocco is one of Africa's most popular destinations. Bazaars, medinas, riads, bubbly pipes, Marrakech, Casablanca and yes, excellent beaches make Morocco a wonderful starting point for an African adventure. But lets get back to those bubbly pipes. Many young (and some older) tourists travel to Morocco to sample the "kif" or hashish that is grown there in abundance.Question: Is smoking marijuana or hash legal in Morocco?
10. The Wild Drivers of Nairobi
Kenya has a lot to offer as a travel destination. You can find the most affordable safaris and still get to see the "big 5", laze on the beach in Mombasa, float in a balloon over the Masai Mara, or explore the old Islamic town of Lamu. You'll probably also spend at least a night or two in the capital, Nairobi.Question: What are the colorful, exhaust-spewing, crazily-driven mini-buses called, that clutter up the roads in Nairobi?
