Weather and Seasonal Info:
Most of Africa is in the tropics, and except for the peaks of mountains in the Great Rift Valley, it never freezes. The continent's northern half is primarily desert or arid, while its central and southern areas contain both savanna plains and very dense jungle (rainforest) regions.
Africa is the hottest continent on earth; dry lands and deserts comprise 60% of the entire land surface. The Sahara Desert (including its satellite deserts) is the world's largest hot desert, and temperature above 37.78 °C (100 °F) are common. In fact, the record for the highest temperature ever recorded was set in Libya in 1922; 58 °C - (136 °F).
To the immediate south of the Sahara Desert in the Sahel region, drought and annual rains way below average are rather common, and major dust storms are a frequent occurrence. In the central African rain forests (along the Equator) warm to hot climate conditions are the norm with very high humidity; Africa's heaviest rains fall in this area.
In the far south, the Kalahari Desert, a large semi-arid sandy savannah covers much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. Rainfall is sparse and summer temperatures run high. It usually receives 3–7.5 inches (76–190 mm) of rain each year.
Summers in Southern Africa can be be quite hot, especially along the coastal areas. Inland in the higher elevations, temperatures do moderate. Winters are generally mild, with some light snow in the hills and mountains.
Things to Do/See in Africa:
Most of Africa is in the tropics, and except for the peaks of mountains in the Great Rift Valley, it never freezes. The continent's northern half is primarily desert or arid, while its central and southern areas contain both savanna plains and very dense jungle (rainforest) regions.
Africa is the hottest continent on earth; dry lands and deserts comprise 60% of the entire land surface. The Sahara Desert (including its satellite deserts) is the world's largest hot desert, and temperature above 37.78 °C (100 °F) are common. In fact, the record for the highest temperature ever recorded was set in Libya in 1922; 58 °C - (136 °F).
To the immediate south of the Sahara Desert in the Sahel region, drought and annual rains way below average are rather common, and major dust storms are a frequent occurrence. In the central African rain forests (along the Equator) warm to hot climate conditions are the norm with very high humidity; Africa's heaviest rains fall in this area.
In the far south, the Kalahari Desert, a large semi-arid sandy savannah covers much of Botswana and parts of Namibia and South Africa. Rainfall is sparse and summer temperatures run high. It usually receives 3–7.5 inches (76–190 mm) of rain each year.
Summers in Southern Africa can be be quite hot, especially along the coastal areas. Inland in the higher elevations, temperatures do moderate. Winters are generally mild, with some light snow in the hills and mountains.
Things to Do/See in Africa:
Safari means "to journey" in Swahili. Going on wildlife safaris are a great way to spend your visit to Africa. East and Southern Africa contain the most popular safari destinations.
Cycling vacations in Africa are also becoming very popular. Cycling is an eco-friendly and cheap way to see, hear, and experience Africa first hand. If you prefer a thrilling cross-continent cycling adventure or just spending the day exploring, African bike tours will please any visitor.
Contemporary Artist/Culture:
Tracey Rose, South Africa (b.1974):
Tracey was born in Durban and currently resides in Johannesburg. She is an established multimedia artist and outspoken femininst. She is most known for her bold performances, videos, and photography. She often addresses the politics of identity throughout her artwork. She often addresses identity, body, racial, and gender issues. Her experience of growing up as a mixed-race person in South Africa is shown through her work as she uses popular culture and sociology to spread her beliefs through her art works. Rose has held exhibitions in South Africa, Europe, and America. The Kiss is a work showing a naked black man and 'white' woman kissing. The woman lies across the man with her arms and legs delicately placed. This work is mean to show how racial conflict and sexual difference should not come between you and the one you love.
Contemporary Artist/Culture:
Cheri Samba, Democratic Republic of Congo (b.1956):
Cheri Samba is a well-known contemporary African painter. His paintings show his views of daily life in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He often uses himself as the subject of his paintings. At first, he was a billboard painter and a comic strip artist. He started to paint on sacking fabric and combined his comic style of word bubbles to present his commentary in his art works.
Cheri Samba, Democratic Republic of Congo (b.1956):
Cheri Samba is a well-known contemporary African painter. His paintings show his views of daily life in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He often uses himself as the subject of his paintings. At first, he was a billboard painter and a comic strip artist. He started to paint on sacking fabric and combined his comic style of word bubbles to present his commentary in his art works.