Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic

University

SOUTH AFRICA AND WEST AFRICA

A Research Paper
Presented to the faculty of the
College of Hospitality Management and
Tourism Laguna State Polytechnic University
Sta. Cruz, Laguna

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the degree
Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

Prepared by:
KIMVERLY O. ALCAIDE
KIMBERLY L. DAGAOJES
ERICA T. TOLON

Submitted to:
MR. JEROME R. FERNANDEZ

i
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

INTRODUCTION

South Africa is known for its ethnic and cultural diversity. Amongst black South Africans, a
substantial number of rural inhabitants lead largely impoverished lives. Almost all South Africans
speak English to some degree of proficiency, in addition to their native language, with English acting
as a lingua franca in commerce, education, and government. South Africa has eleven official
languages, but other indigenous languages are also spoken by smaller groups, chiefly Khoisan
languages.
Members of the middle class, who are predominantly white and Indian but whose ranks include
growing numbers of other groups, have lifestyles similar in many respects to that of people found in
Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Apartheid state legally classified South Africans into one of four race groups, determined where
they could live, and enforced segregation in education, work opportunities, public amenities, and
social relations. Although these laws were abolished by the early 1990s, the apartheid racial
categories remain ingrained in South African culture, with South Africans continuing to classify
themselves, and each other, as belonging to one of the four defined race groups (blacks,
whites, Coloureds, and Indians) making it difficult to define a single South African culture that doesn't
make reference to these racial categories.

West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of Africa. The United

Nations defines Western Africa as the 16 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The
Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory
Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo as well as Saint
Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The population of West Africa is estimated at about 381
million people as of 2018, and at 381,981,000 as of 2017, of which 189,672,000 are female and
192,309,000 males. The region is demographically[9] and economically one of the fastest growing on
the African continent.
Early history in West Africa included a number of prominent regional powers, that dominated
different parts of both the coast and internal trade networks, such as the Mali and Gao Empires. West
Africa sat the intersection of trade routes between Arab-dominated North Africa and specialized
goods from further south on the continent, including gold, advanced iron-working, and products like
ivory. After European exploration encountered a rich local economies and kingdoms, the European
slave trade exploited previous slave systems to provide labor for colonies in the Americas. After the
end of the slave trade in the early 19th century, Europeans, especially France and Britain, continued
to exploit the region through colonial relationships—exporting a number of extractive goods,
including labor intensive agricultural crops like cocoa and coffee, forestry products like tropical
timber, and minerals like gold. Since independence, many of the West African countries, like Ivory
Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, play important roles in the regional and global economies.
West Africa has a rich ecology, with strong biodiversity and several distinct regions. The climate and
ecology are heavily influenced by the dry Sahara to the North and East, which provides dry winds
during the Harmattan, and the west and humid climate to the south and of the Atlantic which provides
seasonal monsoons. This mix of ecologies, mean that there is both biodiversity-rich tropical forest,
and drylands that support a number of rare or endangered fauna, such
as pangolin, rhinoceros and elephant. Because of the pressure for economic development, many of
these ecologies are threatened by processes like deforestation, biodiversity loss, overfishing, pollution
from mining, plastic and other economic processes, and the extreme changes that will result from
climate change in West Africa.

ii
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

CULTURE

The Culture of Africa is varied and manifold, consisting of a mixture of countries with

various tribes that each have their unique characteristic from the continent of Africa. It is a product of
the diverse populations that inhabit the continent of Africa and the African Diaspora. Generally,
Culture can be defined as a collective mass of distinctive qualities belonging to a certain group of
people. These qualities include laws, morals, beliefs, knowledge, art, customs, and any other attributes
belonging to a member of that society. Africa has numerous ethnic nationalities all with varying
qualities such as language, dishes, greetings, and dances. However, all African peoples share a series
of dominant cultural traits which distinguish African Culture from the rest of the world. For example,
social values, religion, morals, political values, economics, and aesthetic values all contribute to
African Culture. Expressions of culture are abundant within Africa, with large amounts of cultural
diversity] being found not only across different countries but also within single countries. Even though
African cultures are widely diverse, they are also, when closely studied, seen to have many
similarities; for example, the morals they uphold, their love and respect for their culture, as well as the
strong respect they hold for the aged and the important, i.e. kings and chiefs.
Africa has influenced and been influenced by other continents. This can be portrayed in the
willingness to adapt to the ever-changing modern world rather than staying rooted in their static
culture. The Westernized few, persuaded by American culture and Christianity, first denied African
traditional culture, but with the increase of African nationalism, a cultural recovery occurred. The
governments of most African nations encourage national dance and music groups, museums, and to a
lower degree, artists and writers.
South Africa
South Africa has been famously referred to as the rainbow nation because it is made up of so
many diverse cultures and religions.  Contained within South Africa's borders are Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi,
Tswana, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindu, Muslim, and Afrikaner people to name but a few. All of these
people are united by calling South Africa home, and therefore their lives all contribute to forming a
part of the country’s heritage, identity and culture. Understanding that South Africa is composed of all
these various influences is essential for helping South Africans to understand and respect each other
and to learn from each other’s cultural practices. This is part of the healing that democracy has
brought after culture was used to divide South Africans in the past. 

West Africa
West Africa forms the westernmost region of the African continent. People have occupied the
area for thousands of years, and its population is ethnically diverse though culturally relatively
similar. The beliefs of native cultures include Islam, Christianity and various traditional African
religions.

Despite the wide variety of cultures in West Africa, from Nigeria through to Senegal, there are
general similarities in dress, cuisine, music and culture that are not shared extensively with groups
outside the geographic region. This long history of cultural exchange predates the colonization era of
the region and can be approximately placed at the time of the Ghana
Empire (proper: Wagadou Empire), Mali Empire or perhaps before these empires.

iii
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

DELICACY

South Africa
South African cuisine is as diverse as its culture. It is no wonder that people call it the
rainbow nation, as the country is home to many ethnicities from almost every country around the
globe. Interestingly, foreign dishes that migrated to the country saw an evolution in their original
recipes but remain respectful to their origin. 

Bunny Chow
This street food of Durban has become popular across South
Africa and is now starting to hit our food markets back in
London. Hollowed out loaves of bread, stuffed with spicy
curry were originally created by the immigrant Indian
community in the Natal area of Durban and served to workers
for lunch. Try chicken, pork or vegetarian varieties containing
lentils and beans.

Malva Pudding
A Dutch import, malva pudding is a sweet and sticky baked
sponge pudding made with apricot jam and served smothered in
a hot cream sauce. This is South Africa's answer to the
British sticky toffee pudding, served in many restaurants but
mainly baked at home for Sunday lunch.

Bobotie
Another dish thought to have been brought to South Africa by
Asian settlers, bobotie is now the national dish of the country
and cooked in many homes and restaurants. Minced meat is
simmered with spices, usually curry powder, herbs and dried
fruit, then topped with a mixture of egg and milk and baked
until set.

Chakalaka & Pap

Chakalaka and pap are mainstays on every South African
dinner table. Chakalaka is a vegetable dish made of onions,
tomatoes, peppers, carrots, beans and spices, and is often served
cold. Pap, meaning 'porridge', is similar to American grits and
is a starchy dish made from white corn maize. Chakalaka and
pap are often served together, along with braaied (barbecued)
meat, breads, salad and stews.

Boerewors
This is a traditional South African sausage made from beef,
mixed with either pork or lamb and a mixture of spices.
Boerewors are traditionally served in a coiled shape, similar to
the Cumberland sausage and cooked on a braai (barbecue). The

iv
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
word boerewors comes from the Afrikaans and Dutch words boer (farmer) and wors (sausage).

West Africa
Known for its delectable moorish flavours, rich textures and surprisingly healthy fruit and
vegetable bases, West African food is being increasingly appreciated by visitors to the region and
beyond. From Cape Verde to Cameroon, and all of West Africa in between, here are some of the
tastiest dishes you must try.

Egusisoup from Nigeria

Made from melon seeds rich in fat and protein that have been dried
and ground up, this soup or stew typically contains leafy
vegetables, meat or fish. Popular among the Ibo people of Nigeria,
variations of this rich stew can be found all over West Africa. In
Nigeria, it’s usually eaten with pounded yam.

Moin Moinfrom Nigeria

Moin Moin is a steamed bean pudding made from black-eyed peas,
onions and a combination of freshly ground peppers. It is a fairly
versatile dish and some add smoked fish, corned beef or boiled eggs
to add to the flavour. It can be eaten alone, with bread or with rice.

Thieboudienne from Senegal

This traditional dish is made from rice, fish and tomato sauce and
is flavoured with spiced onions, carrots, cabbage, cassava and
peanut oil. Interestingly, a dish from the American deep south
called Savannah red rice is very similar – many believe it was
taken to the new world from here and adapted by the Creole
people.

Waakye from Ghana
The breakfast of champions, waakye is a supremely popular
morning meal in Ghana but can be eaten throughout the day. Filling
and flavourful, it combines beans, rice, moist gari (ground
cassava), stew and spaghetti (the only non-Ghanaian part of the
dish). It is usually served with a choice of protein, so you can
choose from fish, meat or boiled eggs. Kelewele (spiced plantain)
and a vegetable salad are other extras that take Waakye to a whole
new level.

Eddoe soup from Liberia

Eddoe is a tropical root vegetable similar to yams or sweet potato.
This fragrant and hearty soup is simmered with delicate seasonings
and a meat or fish of choice.

v
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

HERITAGE SITES

South Africa
South Africa has many historical, cultural and natural destinations that merit preservation for
future generations. First Car Rental has put together a list of South African heritage sites, some of
which have been declared World Heritage Sites for their cultural significance or natural beauty. These
destinations are certainly places that every South African must visit at least once in their lifetime.

1. Robben Island, Western Cape

The solitary island of Robben Island situated some 9km offshore

from Cape Town has a deep connection with the history of South
Africa. It is where South African President Nelson Mandela
spent 18 of his 27 years in prison and where he formulated the
notion of forgiveness and dreamed of a nation free of oppression.
Visitors can go on a guided tour to the Robben Island Museum
and get first-hand accounts of Nelson Mandela's life in prison.
You can also visit Mandela's cell, which has been left in its
original state. Dubbed "Robben" (the place of seals) by Dutch
settlers, the island was declared a World Heritage

2. Vredefort Dome, Free State

Over 2 million years ago an asteroid with a diameter of between

5 and 10 km hit the earth at this very spot leaving behind the
largest and oldest verified impact crater on Earth, giving it the
status of World Heritage Site. The Vredefort Dome stretches over
300 km across and bears witness to the world's greatest known
single energy release event, which had devastating global effects
including, according to some scientists, major evolutionary
changes.

3. uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal

This World Heritage Site in KwaZulu-Natal is an open-air
mountain museum where more than 30 000 examples of
Bushman rock art can be viewed on the walls of caves. The park
is a combination of sheer natural beauty and a wealth of
biological diversity. It is also one of South Africa's prime eco-
tourist destinations. Covering 242,813 hectares of area, the park
spans parts of both South Africa, in KwaZulu-Natal province,
and Lesotho. The site's diversity of habitats protects a high level
of endemic and globally threatened species, especially birds and
plants.

vi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

4. Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng

The Cradle of Humankind is where the origins of the human
race can be traced back to and holds great scientific importance.
It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. The
world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves is home to the oldest and
most continuous paleontological dig in the world. It is also the
site of discovery of the famous pre-human skull affectionately
known as "Mrs Ples", and an almost complete hominid skeleton
called "Little Foot", dated 2.3 and 4.17 million years old
respectively. So, if you want to know the history of our origins,
take a trip to this amazing destination. The Maropeng Visitor
Centre is open to the public from 09h00 to 17h00 every day. The
last boat ride departs at 16h00.

5. Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape, Limpopo

South Africa's fifth World Heritage Site and fifth on our list of
must-see heritage destinations is Mapungubwe Cultural
Landscape. Mapungubwe is set hard against the northern border
of South Africa, joining Zimbabwe and Botswana. The
Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape demonstrates the rise and fall
of the first indigenous kingdom in Southern Africa between 900
and 1,300 AD. Mapungubwe developed into the largest
kingdom in the sub-continent before it was abandoned in the
14th century. What survived are untouched remains of the
palace sites and the entire settlement area around them. This
landscape presents an amazing picture of the development of
social and political structures over some 400 years.

6. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Covering about 240,000ha, with a further 84,000ha in, on or
under the sea, thissub-tropical paradise stretches 220km along
the East Coast from St Lucia to the Mozambique border.
iSimangaliso is teeming with life and has a mind-blowing
variety of natural eco-systems ranging from dune, swamp and
coastal forests to rocky and sandy shores, coral reefs and
submarine canyons, mangroves, savannah grassland, thickets,
woodlands, and the largest protected wetland in Southern Africa.
The activities you can enjoy here include game drives,
snorkelling, diving, bird-watching and hiking.

7. The Castle of Good Hope, Western Cape

This unique historical site is the oldest surviving colonial
building in South Africa. It has been a centre of life at the
Cape since its inception in 1666. The Castle of Good Hope
was established as a maritime replenishment station at the
Cape of Good Hopefor the Dutch East India Company, better
known as the VOC (VerenigdeOos-IndischeCompagnie). The
Castle of Good Hope was a welcome sight for sailors
travelling up to six months at sea and they referred to Cape

vi
i
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
Town as the "Tavern of the Seas". In 1936, the Castle was declared a National Monument. As a result
of an extensive, ongoing restoration and conservation programme launched in the 1980's, the Castle of
Good Hope remains the best preserved monument of its kind.

8. Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga

A small town in Mpumalanga, Pilgrim's Rest is protected as a
provincial heritage site. Pilgrim's Rest is situated on the
magnificent Panorama Route in the Kruger Lowveld region
of the Mpumalanga. This living museum takes visitors to the
day of the Transvaal Gold Rush;the spirit of a bygone era and
its people in their quest for gold. Pilgrim's Rest was declared
a gold field in 1873, soon after digger Alec "Wheelbarrow"
Patterson had found gold deposits in Pilgrim's Creek.The
Valley proved to be rich in gold and by the end of the year,
there were about 1500 diggers working in the area. Today,
mining still continues in the hills surrounding Pilgrim's Rest.

9. Nelson Mandela Museum, Mthatha, Eastern Cape

Take an inspirational journey through the life of former
President and world icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at the
Nelson Mandela Museum in Mthatha. The Museum officially
opened in 2 000, ten years after his release from prison in
1990 and incorporates three sites - Mvezo, near Coffee Bay,
where Mandela was born; Qunu, his childhood village; and
the Bhunga Building in Mthathawhere the story of the life and
times of one of South Africa's greatest leaders is depicted.
The Museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4pm.

10. Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, Northern Cape

The Richtersveld is one of the few places where one can still
see a harmonious interaction between man and nature. The
Richtersveld is the pastoral grazing ground for the Nama, the
indigenous community who live the transhumance lifestyle -
migrating seasonally with their livestock from mountains to
the river and, as such, make sustainable use of the fragile
succulent ecosystem. Their seasonal pastoral grazing regimes
help sustain the extensive biodiversity of the area and
demonstrate a way of life that persisted for many millennia
over a considerable part of Southern Africa.

vi
ii
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

West Africa
West Africa is a fascinating region, and despite the occasional outburst of political instability
or virus outbreak, it’s a fantastic place to learn about African cultures and traditions. It was  one of the
main transit points for slaves to the Americas, and was also home to some of the greatest pre-colonial
empires Africa has witnessed, many of the them on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. We hope you
enjoy this roundup of the best cultural and historical sites in West Africa.

Grand-Bassam
Grand-Bassam is a resort town near the city of
Abidjan, in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. It's
known for its busy, palm-backed beach stretching
along the Atlantic coastline. The old French-
colonial town center, once the nation’s capital, is
filled with decaying 19th- and 20th-century
houses. The National Museum of Costume
displays examples of traditional dress in a former
governor’s palace. 
The site includes the N’zima African fishing village alongside colonial architecture marked by
functional houses with galleries, verandas and gardens. Grand-Bassam was the most important port,
economic and judicial centre of Côte d’Ivoire. It bears witness to the complex social relations between
Europeans and Africans, and to the subsequent independence movement. As a vibrant centre of the
territory of French trading posts in the Gulf of Guinea, which preceded modern Côte d’Ivoire, it
attracted populations from all parts of Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean Levant.

The ruins of Loropéni are a medieval heritage

site near the town of Loropéni in
southern Burkina Faso. They were added to
the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2009. These
ruins are the country's first World Heritage site.
The site, which spans 11,130 square metres
(119,800 sq ft), includes an array of stone walls
that comprised a medieval fortress, the best
preserved of ten in the area. They date back at least a thousand years. The settlement was
occupied by the Lohron or Kulango people and prospered from the trans-Saharan gold trade,
reaching its height between the 14th and 17th centuries AD. It was abandoned in the early
19th century.[

The Great Mosque of Djenné (Arabic: ‫امع‬SSS‫الج‬

‫ير في جينيه‬S‫ )الكب‬is a large brick or adobe building in
the Sudano-Sahelian architectural style. The
mosque is located in the city of Djenné, Mali, on
the flood plain of the Bani River. The first
mosque on the site was built around the 13th
century, but the current structure dates from
1907. As well as being the centre of the
community of Djenné, it is one of the most
famous landmarks in Africa. Along with the "Old
Towns of Djenné" it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.

ix
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
The actual date of construction of the first mosque in Djenné is unknown, but dates as early as
1200 and as late as 1330 have been suggested. [1] The earliest document mentioning the
mosque is Abd al-Sadi's Tarikh al-Sudan which gives the early history, presumably from the
oral tradition as it existed in the mid-seventeenth century. The Tarikh states that a Sultan
Kunburu became a Muslim and had his palace pulled down and the site turned into a mosque.
He built another palace for himself near the mosque on the east side. [2] His immediate
successor built the towers of the mosque while the following Sultan built the surrounding
wall.[3]

CURRENCY

South Africa
The South African rand, or simply the rand, is the official currency of the Southern African Common
Monetary Area: South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini. It is subdivided into 100 cents.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the national currency of the country of South Africa, with the
symbol ZAR being the currency abbreviation for the rand in foreign exchange (forex) markets .

The South African rand is made up of 100 cents and is often presented with the symbol R.  The rand
comes from the word "Witwatersrand,"  which means "white waters ridge." Johannesburg, the
location of a majority of South Africa's gold deposits, is located on this ridge.

Symbol: R
Central bank: South African Reserve Bank
Subunit: Cent
Banknotes: R100, R200, R20, R10, R50
Coins: 10 euro cent coin, 20 cent euro coin, R1, 50c, R5, R2

x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

West Africa

The West African CFA franc (French: franc CFA; Portuguese: franco CFA or simply franc, ISO

4217 code: XOF) is the currency of eight independent states in West Africa: Benin, Burkina
Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo. These eight countries had a
combined population of 105.7 million people in 2014,[1] and a combined GDP of US$128.6 billion (as
of 2018).
The acronym CFA stands for Communauté Financière Africaine ("African Financial
Community"). The currency is issued by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO; Banque
Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest), located in Dakar, Senegal, for the members of the West
African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA; Union Économique et Monétaire Ouest Africaine).
The franc is nominally subdivided into 100 centimes but no centime denominations have been issued.
The Central African CFA franc is of equal value to the West African CFA franc, and is in circulation
in several central African states. They are both called the CFA franc.
In 2019, it was announced that the West African CFA franc would be reformed, which will include
renaming it the Eco and reducing France's role in the currency.

TRADITION

South Africa

South African tradition is not homogenous but a blend of different traditions and cultures
practiced by different ethnic groups in the country. Here are some examples of traditions and cultures
as practiced by major ethnic groups in the country.

 Khoikhoi And San

Khoikhoi and San were the original inhabitants of present-day South Africa. The KhoiSan were
known as the “Bushmen” and were skilled hunters and trackers. Their tracking skills are still

xi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
necessary for the fight against poachers. They are mainly nomads who live in desert regions of South
Africa

 Zulus

The Zulus are known for their shield-bearing warriors under the leadership of Shaka. They are also
famous for their beadworks, grass huts, and basketry. The belief of the Zulu people is based on
ancestral spirits which appear mainly in dreams and a supreme being who is rarely involved in the
activities of the mortal. Use of magic is common among the Zulus and any tragedy or illness is
blamed on the evil spirit.

 Xhosa

Xhosa culture is popular for the complex dressing that portrays a person’s social status, position in the
society, and whether they are married or not. They also have a strong oral tradition with stories of
ancestral heroes. Ancestral worship is a common practice and young men have to undergo a rite of
passage. Stick fighting is a common sport among the Xhosa among the young men looking after the
cattle. Women mainly tend the crops and look after the home.

 Ndebele

Ndebele are known for the skilled women who decorate their houses in beautiful geometric designs.
The skills are hereditary and women are tasked with the responsibility of teaching their daughters.
The shapes used in the decoration are inspired by their fashioned beadwork. Ndebele women are
distinguished from other South African women by the neck rings and the striking traditional blankets.

 Sotho

The culture of the Sotho people differs from those of the Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulus in several ways,
especially on how they organize their villages. The Sotho homes are organized into villages rather
than scattered settlements. The villages are further organized into age-sets. Each of the age-set is
given a specific responsibility and the age-set graduate from one responsibility to another. They also
allow their sons to marry from their kin, especially from the maternal side. Their traditional folk art
includes pottery making, beadwork, decoration of houses, and weaving.

 Venda

The Venda culture and tradition is built on mythical beliefs and water. They believe that lakes and
rivers are sacred and that rains are controlled by Python God. Lake Fundudzi is one of the sacred
places among the Venda and hosts the annual rites. Traditional healers known as Sangoma are
believed to have access to the spirits and ancestors. Venda’s art has also been influenced by the belief
in the spirit world. Cattle are considered a sign of wealth while agriculture is the main economic
activity.

West Africa

xi
i
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
Folktales, proverbs, and storytelling were popular oral traditions of West Africa that have
influenced writers of our culture. These traditions were practiced by griots, who were skilled poet-
musicians that told stories as well as performed music, dances, and drama to help preserve West
African history and its legacy.

 Folktales
In West Africa, people used folktales to teach their history to young people so they would develop a
respect for their elders and pass beliefs, values, and morals to other generations. Many traditional
folktales were brought to our country by slaves from West Africa in the 1500s. As a result, the oral
tradition of sharing folktales became part of North American culture.
A popular example of this is a type of folktale called a 'trickster tale'. Trickster tales tell of a clever
animal or human who outsmarts another character in the story. Brer Rabbit is one such character. This
story was brought to our country by West Africans, and in the 19th century a writer named Joel
Chandler Harris made this story popular, along with other African stories that eventually became part
of our culture.

 Griot
A griot is a skilled poet-musician who tells stories as well as performs music, dances, and drama, to
also help preserve West African history and its legacy. Every village in West Africa had its own griot.
Griots are considered human record keepers, living libraries of history and traditions. Their job was to
preserve the oral tradition of storytelling, which could last for hours, even days.
A griot was known to have the ability to recite accounts of births, marriages, deaths, hunts, the
succession of kings, and even battles. Every village in West Africa had its own griot. However, it was
not unusual for a griot from one village to actually know the ancestry of other villages. Currently,
griots are still famous as artists in West Africa, recording popular songs as well as performing new
and old work on radio broadcasts impacting cultures worldwide.

 Proverbs & Music

'Every time an old man dies, it is as if a library has burned down'. This is an example of a West
African proverb. Another says, 'a good story is like a garden carried in the pocket.' The first proverb
represents the importance of oral traditions in West African culture. The other represents the
importance of stories. As a West African oral tradition, proverbs demonstrate the values and wisdom
of West African peoples. Proverbs like these were brought to our country by enslaved West Africans.
West African music portrays feelings, ideas, and values, much like our own music in the United
States. This music is also noted for commemorating special occasions and celebrating historical
events, as well as similar characteristics of American music. Music has always been an important part
of West African lives. The West African music traditions continue to influence art in our country.
Two in particular are a technique called 'call and response' and the custom of playing drums.
Call and response is a typical style of music in West Africa where a leader sings or plays a short
musical phrase (the call) and then the chorus (a group of people) give the response by playing or
singing another short musical phrase. This pattern is repeated throughout the song. This technique is
often used in American music such as rap, gospel, jazz, blues, and rock and roll. Enslaved West
Africans brought this musical technique to our country and used the technique to celebrate social
events, to lessen the burden of hard labor, and at times to relay their displeasure with certain life
events.
Drum playing is also an important part of life in West African culture. Drums made from logs or
pieces of wood, then covered with animal skin, were played by West Africans who later became
slaves when brought to our country. Drum playing functioned as an important role at religious
meetings, weddings, parties, funerals, and other ceremonies. West African drum music is a popular

xi
ii
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
element of music in our country, evident in the music forms used by various bands and musical
groups.
 Visual Arts
Many beautiful and symbolic textiles, sculptures, baskets, and masks were created in West Africa and
have influenced our culture. Stamped fabrics, story fabrics, and 'kente' cloth are all representative of
Western African culture.

CUISINE

South Africa

South African cuisine is a unique fusion of many different external cultural influences. These
include Dutch, French, Indian and Malaysian flavours and techniques that continue to make their way
onto the menus of restaurants and into the homes of locals all over the country. This has translated to
a smorgasbord of textures, tastes and aromas that lure visitors back to sample more of the tasty treats
on offer here. One of the most significant influences is that of the Dutch that settled in South Africa in
the 1600’s. They were soon joined by French Huguenots as well as a number of Germans. This
combination led to what is today known as the Afrikaans style of cooking. Because these folk
traversed the country in search of places to settle, and had no sort of refrigeration devices, they were
known for their dried meats (biltong, which is similar to jerky, and dröewors, a dried sausage) and
their liberal use of spices and salts for the preservation of foods.

1. Biltong

This staple food was originated in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa.
A salty dried meat of beef or kudu but sometimes of ostrich and even
rhino. The word biltong is discovered from the Dutch language where ‘bil’
means rump and ‘tong’ means the tongue. This is among the very popular
South Africa cuisine and there are some added versions to it like chicken
biltong and venison biltong. It tastes like a mixture of black pepper,
coriander, vinegar and also raw meat. Sometimes soups and stews are also
made using these ingredients.

2. Pap En Sous

Pap is considered as a staple in South Africa which is prepared from

ground maize. You can have it in different ways – porridge, balls dipped
in sous ( tomato and onion sauce) or as a fruity salsa. In modern
restaurants, it is served as wedges with fried eggs.

3. Snoek

A species of mackerel, snoek is easily found in the seas around South

Africa. It is a bit tricky to eat snoek but the taste is amazing. Snoek is
usually served as a battered fish with french fries. If you want to try local
delicacies then you should pick Snoek from the South African cuisine

xi
v
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
menu.

4. Koeksisters

This native dish is for every person with a sweet tooth as it is fried dough
which is twisted or plaited and then dipped in the sugary syrup. This is a
heavenly dish and is like a donut but a very sweet and sticky one. This
dish is made in Cape Malay but in a different way where they add a cake
texture to it and roll it in desiccated coconut and has a spicy flavor. This
fried delicacy is spread throughout the country and is a traditional South
African food. The name koeksisters is taken from the Dutch word ‘koek’
which means cake.

5. Denningvleis

Denningvleis is a traditional Cape Malay delicacy which is

considered as one of the oldest South African dishes. It is a
sweet and sour stew that is cooked slowly with a hint of
tamarind and spices. You can still find this ancient dish at
restaurants like Bo-Kaap Kombuis in Cape Town.

6. Melktert

This pie like dessert is loved by every person in South Africa

and this delicacy has sweet pastry crust and a creamy filling
which is made of milk, flour, sugar and eggs. Families like to
make their own melkterts but you can also find these in
supermarkets. This typical tart dessert is known as melktert by
Africans is also known as mil tart in some areas. This tea tie
snack is delicious and loved by many native people.

7. Potjiekos

This is a traditional Africans stew made on a three legged pot.

Meat and vegetables are added to this stew and cooked for long
hours on coals in iron pots. Various spices and ingredients are
added to this stew which gives it a unique flavor and is popularly
made during family gatherings and get together. Many people
experiment with different spices and vegetables and sometimes
even with seafood. A large group comes together and makes this
amazing stew and it is a kind of social gathering which is fun and easy.

8. Bokkoms

These are a bunch of mullets which are salted and tied in a knot

x
v
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
and hung up to dry. Quiet popular dish on the west coast in South Africa. These mullets are kept in
the sun to dry and then eaten after peeling of their skin and is sometimes smoked by some people. It is
a kind of fish biltong. This dish is not really an all-time favourite among the South African snacks but
is loved by fish lovers and can be served with pastas and soups.

9. Gatsby

Gatsby is a giant foot long roll which is a street food of South Africa.
The roll is bursting with soft fries soaked in vinegar, egg, spiced steak,
sausage, and peri peri. If you are in South Africa, then you must try
this legendary roll to satiate your hunger.

10. Peppermint Crisp Tart

Even though is not one of the stylish desserts available on earth,

still it is one of the most popular dishes in South Africa. It is a no-
cook pudding layered with biscuits, caramel treat, whipped
cream, and thin peppermint chocolate bars. It is one of the must-
try food items in South African cuisine.

West Africa

1. Yassa
If you ever travel to West Africa, this is a must-try. From
Senegal, it is so good it has become popular throughout West
Africa, and there is no doubt why. Chicken is marinated in
mustard and lemon, then slowly grilled for a smoky flavor in a
base of caramelized onions, garlic and chilis. You can also find
Yassa made with fish, and the results are equally delicious.

2. Cachupa from Cape Verde

This famous dish from the volcanic archipelago is a stew of slow cooked corn, cassava, sweet potato,
fish or meat. It is commonly referred to as the country’s national dish and nine out of the ten inhabited
islands have their own version of the cachupa.

3. Ndole

One of the national dishes of Cameroon, ndole is a beautiful blend of

bitter leaf greens, spices, a lot of oil and protein through groundnuts, as

x
vi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
well as the optional addition of meat or fish. A rich and calorie-dense dish, it is always found at
parties and festivities in Cameroon. Oh Ndole!

4. Kedjenou

From the Ivory Coast, Kedjenou is a deliciously spicy meat and

vegetable stew often made with guinea fowl or chicken. Slow-
cooked in a sealed clay pot with little or no liquid, the resulting
dish is juicy, flavorful and tender.

It is surprisingly easy to make, and well worth the wait! Served

with attieke, a side made from ground cassava with a texture similar to couscous, this is a wholesome
dish with the taste of fine dining.

5. Jollof

There are (sometimes heated) debates about the origins of jollof,

but it is generally known as a Nigerian creation, with variations
around Western Africa. To say it is a simple tomato rice dish is to
undersell this delicious one pot wonder.

With a range of delicious spices, vegetables and even meat if you wish, this dish can rival any other
tomato rice found around the world. There’s even a song (Cuppy – Jollof On The Jet Ft. Rema &
Rayvanny (Animation Video) – YouTube) with the lyrics “Pass the jollof, the party jollof; I can’t get
enough…” It’s true!

6. Fufu
Fufu is a food made from fresh or fermented cassava, a staple in the
region. The cassava is pounded into flour, then mixed with water and
cooked over heat into a paste of varying textures depending on the
meal you are serving it with or your preference.
You can find versions of fufu all over Africa, of course with the
ensuing arguments about whose is better. But in general, any version
of this hot, starchy paste eaten with your hands and dipped into your
favorite sauce or stew is a delight that everyone should try.

7. Alloco

A popular street food, alloco, as it is called in the Ivory

Coast, is very simply fried plantains. But serve it with a
meal and it becomes a tasty side with a deliciously spicy
chili sauce that brings all the flavors on the plate to life.
Plantains are another staple food around the region (so
lucky!), with neighboring countries having their own
names and variations for the fried treat. 

x
vi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
8. Maafe (West African Peanut Stew)

Meaning ‘sauce’ in the Fula language, this delicious dish is

hugely popular across West Africa with regional variations of
course, but always containing a tasty peanut sauce (Peanut
allergies? Sorry!) and some kind of meat, although it can also
be made vegan.

With layers of rich flavors from tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, herbs, vegetables, chilis, meat and
peanuts, this iconic dish can be served with rice, couscous, fufu or my favorites, sweet potatoes or
yams. The mix of sweet, savory and spicy is fire!

9. Egusi Soup

Variations of this delicious soup can be found all over West

Africa, but it is hugely popular in Nigeria. What makes it unique
is the use of protein- and fat-rich melon seeds (egusi) from
specific plants, which are then dried and ground up and used as a
thickener.
Besides the seeds, water and oil, egusi soup typically contains leafy greens such as bitter leaf or
pumpkin leaf, palm oil, other vegetables like tomatoes and okra, seasonings and meat.

10. Okra Soup/Stew

Indigenous to West Africa, okra can be found in a wide variety of

dishes. This underestimated and misjudged mallow plant packs
antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber into its gooey little
body.
Mixed with meat and fish and/or seafood and then with beans,
vegetables and spices, this is a satisfying dish regardless of your feelings about okra.

TOURIST ATTRACTION

South Africa

South Africa is a country on the southernmost tip of the African continent, marked by several
distinct ecosystems. Inland safari destination Kruger National Park is populated by big game. The
Western Cape offers beaches, lush winelands around Stellenbosch and Paarl, craggy cliffs at the Cape
of Good Hope, forest and lagoons along the Garden Route, and the city of Cape Town, beneath flat-
topped Table Mountain. 

1. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces

Kruger National Park is one of the best game
reserves in Africa, and one of the oldest in
South Africa. If you're a wildlife lover, this
famous park definitely needs to be on your
South Africa itinerary.

x
vi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
The park lies about a 3.5- to 4.5-hour drive from Johannesburg and offers visitors the chance to see
the "Big Five": lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino, as well as an astounding diversity of other
wildlife. It's also home to San (bushman) rock paintings and archaeological sites.

You can explore Kruger National Park on the large network of sealed roads; organize a walking
safari; or soar over the vast grasslands, gallery forests, and river systems in a hot air balloon.

One of the best things about Kruger National Park is that the accommodation caters to all budgets —
you can stay in basic campsites, book a thatched bungalow, or relax in a luxury lodge.

2. Cape Town, Western Cape

Cape Town, South Africa is one of the

planet's most breathtaking cities. Nature
surrounds this multicultural city, which
nuzzles between a rugged range of
mountains and the sea. One of the top
things to do in Cape Town is visit Table
Mountain, the flat-topped peak presiding
over the city. For a spectacular overview,
hike to the summit, or glide up on the
cableway. The hour-long hike up Lion's
Head also provides panoramic city vistas.

On Table Mountain's eastern slopes, the

magnificent Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens lie within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cape Town's
coast is also full of natural wonders. Strolling along the waterfront boardwalk, you might see whales
spouting from the harbor. Penguins waddle along the golden beaches in False Bay, and south of the
city, Cape Point is home to abundant wildlife and diverse botanical beauty.

Cape Town is also known for its beautiful boulder-flanked beaches. Camp's Bay is a favorite, with
plenty of chic shops and cafés nearby. Cape Town residents love their coast so much that at sunset,
they stake a spot along spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive to toast the sunset in a dusk ritual known as
"sundowners." Celebrating nature's beauty in this way is one of the unique things to do in South
Africa, and something you might encounter on your travels at various locations around the country.

3. The Garden Route

Along the country's southeast coast, the

Garden Route runs for about 200
kilometers through some of South
Africa's most breathtaking coastal
scenery. The route stretches along the
Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay, in
the Western Cape, to the Storms
River, in the Eastern Cape.

This popular driving route passes

through rolling green hills, pretty
coastal towns, lagoons, lakes, and

xi
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
coastal cliffs. Highlights of the Garden Route include the charming town of Knysna, snuggled
between dense forests and a sparkling lagoon; the beautiful Garden Route National Park, with its
gorges, tidal pools, and thick forests; Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms and Cango Caves; and the seal
colony of the Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay.

4. Kgalagadi (Kalahari) Transfrontier Park, Northern Cape

A merger of South Africa's Kalahari

Gemsbok National Park and
Botswana's Gemsbok National Park,
the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
is one of the largest wilderness areas
in the world.

Established in 2000, it is Africa's

first officially declared transfrontier
park and one of the top places to visit
in South Africa's Northern Cape.
Gnarled camel thorn trees, red sands,
golden grasslands, and deep blue
skies provide a bold backdrop for photographs and game viewing. Among the huge diversity of
wildlife, this vast conservation area is home to the famous black-maned Kalahari lion; stately
gemsbok, with their V-shaped horns; the sprawling nests of sociable weavers; meerkats; and many
birds of prey. Other predators such as leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are also found here. Four-wheel
drive vehicles are recommended for some of the minor rugged roads or for those venturing into
Botswana.

5. Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Stellenbosch is one of the most

picturesque towns in South Africa.
A mosaic of farms, old oak trees,
and white-washed Cape Dutch
dwellings, it's one of the best
preserved towns from the era of
the Dutch East India Company.

Today, it's a university town, with

a vibrant feel and fantastic
scenery. Foodies will love it here.
Stellenbosch is home to some of
South Africa's best restaurants, as
well as many sidewalk cafés.

History buffs can take a walk back

in time at The Stellenbosch Village Museum, a group of four restored houses and gardens dating from

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
1709 to 1850. Rupert Museum displays important works by South African artists, and strolling around
the Botanic Garden at the University of Stellenbosch is another top thing to do here.

In the surrounding area, nature buffs can hike and bike on the wilderness trails in the
breathtaking Jonkershoek Nature Reserve.

6. The Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

The spectacular Drakensberg,

meaning "Dragon Mountains," is
one of the top places to visit in
KwaZulu-Natal and a popular
vacation destination for South
Africans. It's also home to the
country's highest peaks.

The region encompasses the World

Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-
Drakensberg Park, a region of jaw-
dropping beauty, with jagged
basalt buttresses and San rock art,
and Royal Natal National Park,
home to the awe-
inspiring Amphitheatre, a magnificent cliff face and source of South Africa's main rivers.

The Giant's Castle Game Reserve in the region protects large herds of eland. Dense forests flourish in
the sheltered valleys, and the area is home to more than 800 different species of flowering plants, as
well as a rich diversity of wildlife.

In the summer, the mountain landscapes are lush and fertile, with gushing waterfalls and crystal-clear
streams. In the winter, snow cloaks the dramatic peaks.

Visitors flock here to hike and bike the scenic mountain trails, fish for trout, rock climb, abseil,
parasail, and raft the waters of the fast-flowing rivers. Hot air balloon rides are a great way to
appreciate the dramatic topography.

7. Pilanesberg National Park

Are you short on time but want to

see Africa's Big 5? Pilanesberg
National Park is home to prolific
wildlife and a dazzling diversity of
birds about 2.5 hours away from
Johannesburg and Pretoria. Easily
accessible from these major cities,
it makes a great day trip or multi-

x
xi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
day stay. It's much smaller than massive Kruger National Park but as a consequence, it has a higher
concentration of game.

Pilanesberg lies in a transition zone, between the parched Kalahari Desert and the rain-soaked
lowveld, which means you can see a rich variety of animals here. Besides most of the Big 5 (elephant,
rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo), you have the chance to spot African wild dogs, herds of zebra, the
magnificent sable and roan antelope, giraffes, and more than 350 species of birds.

8. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal

iSimangaliso means
"miracle and wonder" in the
Zulu language, and it's a
fitting name for this World
Heritage Area, home to
Africa's largest estuarine
system. Formerly the Greater
St. Lucia Wetland Park,
iSimangaliso lies on the
northeastern coast of
Kwazulu Natal and connects
eight interwoven
ecosystems, including coral
reefs, croc-filled rivers,
lakes, towering coastal
dunes, swamplands, and
savanna.

Not surprisingly, the area supports an incredible variety of wildlife. More than 526 species of birds
inhabit the reserve, as well as leatherback and loggerhead turtles, leopards, rhinos, and Africa's
highest concentration of hippos and crocodiles.

This unique wilderness area offers you the chance to combine a classic safari experience with coastal
adventures in the marine reserve, such as kayaking, fishing, diving, and snorkeling.

9. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga

Beautiful Blyde River Canyon

Nature Reserve (also called
Motlatse River Canyon) is a
favorite stop on the drive between
Johannesburg and Kruger National
Park. The park is home to Africa's
second largest canyon, as well as a
rich diversity of wildlife and
plants. Lush subtropical foliage,
waterfalls, glistening rivers, and
lichen-covered rock formations
create a striking canvas of color
and texture.

x
xi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
Game viewing can be particularly rewarding, with all the common species of South African primates
and many hippos and crocodiles.

10. Robben Island, Western Cape

In Table Bay, World-Heritage-

listed Robben Island is a
haunting reminder of the horrors
of apartheid. Nelson Mandela
spent 18 years imprisoned in a
tiny cell here along with other
political dissidents and social
misfits.

Perhaps the best part about this

experience is that ex-prisoners
are usually the guides, sharing
poignant first-hand accounts of
the atrocities they endured.

Tours to the island begin with

multimedia exhibits in the
museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Sightseers then board
boats to Robben Island, often braving rough swells on the 30- to 45-minute ride. Be sure to book
early, as the tours can fill up fast.

West Africa
What makes a city rise above the rest in the hearts of travellers? Is it the iconic landmarks, the
distinctive culture, or just the dizzying array of food options? West Africa is a huge territory featuring
beautiful countries with several hundred million inhabitants. These countries boast a rich history,
beautiful scenery and friendly people. For many people, visiting Africa is a once in a lifetime
experience and making the most of this trip is a top priority. West Africa is a truly unique place to
explore endless adventures, and of course, Nigerians can explore it without a visa! So if you are
preparing for a vacation to countries in West Africa soon, here are places that are worth visiting.

1. Cape coast castle

This castle in Cape Coast, Ghana—once

known as the Gold Coast of West Africa—
was one of around 40 “slave castles” that
served as prisons and embarkation points
for slaves en route to the Americas (the
Caribbean, South America, and the U.S.).
Thousands of enslaved Africans from
regions near and far, sometimes hundreds

x
xi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
of miles away, were taken to these castles to be sold to slave ships. One of the most well known parts
of Cape Coast Castle, that you can visit today, is the “Door of No Return,” which led slaves out of the
castle and onto the ships setting off on the Middle Passage. Their boat journeys could last several
months, and an estimated 15 percent of slaves died aboard, en route. Somewhere around 12 millions
slaves were sent from Africa, millions of whom died in the process. Cape Coast Castle was a way
station in history’s largest, and darkest, forced human migration.

2. Osun Sacred Grove

The dense forest of the Osun Sacred Grove, on the
outskirts of the city of Osogbo, is one of the last remnants
of primary high forest in southern Nigeria. Regarded as
the abode of the goddess of fertility Osun, one of the
pantheon of Yoruba gods, the landscape of the grove and
its meandering river is dotted with sanctuaries and shrines,
sculptures and art works in honour of Osun and other
deities. The sacred grove, which is now seen as a symbol
of identity for all Yoruba people, is probably the last in
Yoruba culture. It testifies to the once widespread practice
of establishing sacred groves outside all settlements.

3. Praia Banana

Once the subject of a world-

famous Bacardi advertisement
(you'll remember it when you
see it), this picture-perfect
tropical beach is located on the
grounds of Roça Belo Monte, a
15-minute walk from the front
gate. It is first seen from above,
at a clifftop mirador (overlook;
where the ad was shot), before
descending to sea level, where
you'll find its golden sands, in
the shape of a banana, beneath
swaying palms. Hidden beneath
the trees are a small bar and lounge chairs. There is snorkeling at either end, excellent swimming in
between, and kayaks available from resort staff. The perfect beach day is here!

4. Cao Grande
Pico Cão Grande, or as the
translation would be Great Dog
Peak, is a towering needle-
shaped volcanic plug peak,
located on the São Tomé Island
in Obo National Park, in São
Tomé and Príncipe. The total
height of this extinct volcano is
over 663 meters (2,175 feet). It

x
xi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
rises dramatically over the surrounding terrain and it makes it really interesting for everyone visiting
this African island. People are trying to climb on it, however, the locals have said that the peak is
unclimbable, due to its position in a tropical terrain, where most of the time it rains, or if not it is
foggy and moist. There are as well moss which is not helping to climb it too. It is not the tallest peak
the islands have, it is only numbered 37th among all the peaks, which means that there are a lot of
interesting peaks like this one. But this peak is considered a volcanic plug, created when the lava of
another volcano formed hardened magma over the mouth of an active volcano. Alluring and pointing
always towards the sky.

5. Baia das Agulhas

The spectacular Bay of

Spires is not just
Príncipe's top attraction,
but STP's as well. It's
best seen from the water,
where the postcard view
of the island's world-
class skyline slowly
unfolds, including
phonolite towers named
(for obvious reasons) the
Father, the Son and the
Grandson, along with
Table Mountain. You
expect to hear the
primordial roar of T-Rex at any moment. If you've flown all this way, you do not want to miss this.

6. Jamestown
Jamestown is a historic site in east Virginia. Historic
Jamestowne is home to the ruins of the first permanent
English settlement in North America. It includes the
remains of 18th-century Ambler Mansion. Artifacts from
the region’s settlers are on display in the Archaearium
archaeology museum. Nearby, the Jamestown Settlement is
a living-history museum with recreations of a 1610s fort
and a Powhatan Indian village
Pico do fogo

7. St George’s Castle
Saint George's Castle (Portuguese: Castelo de São
Jorge; Portuguese pronunciation: [kɐʃˈtɛlu dɨ sɐw ̃ ̃ ˈʒɔɾʒ(ɨ)]) is a
historic castle in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, located in
the freguesia of Santa Maria Maior. Human occupation of the castle
hill dates to at least the 8th century BC [1][2] while the first
fortifications built date from the 1st century BC. [3] The hill on which
Saint George's Castle stands has played an important part in
the history of Lisbon, having served as the location of fortifications
occupied successively by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans,
and Moors, before its conquest by the Portuguese in the 1147 Siege
of Lisbon. Since the 12th century, the castle has variously served as
a royal palace, a military barracks, home of the Torre do Tombo

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
National Archive, and now as a national monument and museum.

8. Mole National Park

Mole is rich in biodiversity and home to some 742
vascular plant species, over 90 mammal species including
5 primatespecies, of which species of conservation and
tourist interest include Elephant, Buffalo, Kob, Western
Hartebeest, Roan Antelope, Defassa Waterbuck, Oribi,
Bohor Reedbuck and Red-flanked Duiker. Rare and
endangered species include the Yellow-backed Duiker,
Black and White Colobus Monkey, Leopard and Lion. The
Park is also home to 334 bird species, 33 reptiles, 9
amphibian species, and some 120 butterfly species.
Mole is one of seven National Parks in Ghana. The other
wildlife estates include six Resource Reserves, two
wildlife sanctuaries, one Strict Nature Reserve and five
Ramsar sites, managed by the Wildlife Division of the
Forestry Commission of Ghana. The Park’s mission is to
sustainably manage the wildlife resources of Mole
National Park, increase revenue, and generate economic activities around the Park with a view to
contribute towards local socio-economic development.
Effective law enforcement and protection of the Park is ensured through the establishment of the
range system, and collaboration with fringe communities. Today, Mole National Park is inscribed on
UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Properties in 2000 and is working and striving to
achieve World Heritage Site status soon.
The Park is accessible by road. It also has an airstrip, which is out of use. 

9. Abuko Nature Reserve

Abuko is rare among African wildlife reserves: it's tiny, it's easy to
reach and you don't need a car to go in. With amazing diversity of
vegetation and animals, this well-managed reserve is one of the
region's best bird-watching haunts (more than 250 bird species have
been recorded in its environs). There are 5km of paths through the
106-hectare reserve, and a field station with views over a watering
hole that's often a good place for wildlife watching. Among the 52
mammal species calling Abuko home are bushbucks, duikers,
porcupines, bush babies and ground squirrels as well as three monkey
types: green or vervet monkeys, endangered western red colobus
monkeys and patas monkeys. The reserve is particularly famous for its
Nile crocodiles and other slithering types such as pythons, puff adders,
green mambas, spitting cobras and forest cobras.

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

LANGUAGE

The languages of Africa are divided into several major language families: Niger–Congo or perhaps
Atlantic–Congo languages are spoken in West, Central, Southeast and Southern Africa. Afroasiatic
languages are spread throughout Western Asia, North Africa, the Horn of Africa and parts of the
Sahel.

The languages of Africa are divided into several major language families:

 Niger–Congo or perhaps Atlantic–Congo languages (includes Bantu and non-Bantu, and

possibly Mande and others) are spoken in West, Central, Southeast and Southern Africa.
 Afroasiatic languages are spread throughout Western Asia, North Africa, the Horn of
Africa and parts of the Sahel.
 Indo-European languages are spoken in South
Africa and Namibia (Afrikaans, English, German) and are used as lingua francas in
the former colonies of Britain and Liberia that was part of American Colonization
Society (English), former colonies of France and of Belgium (French), former colonies of
Portugal (Portuguese), former colonies of Italy (Italian), former colonies of
Spain (Spanish) and the current Spanish territories of Ceuta, Melilla and the Canary
Islands and the current French territories of Mayotte and La Réunion.
 Various families of Nilo-Saharan languages (unity debated) are spoken
from Tanzania to Eritrea and Sudan and from Chad to Mali.
 Austronesian languages are spoken in Madagascar.
 Khoe–Kwadi languages are spoken principally in Namibia and Botswana.
There are several other small families and language isolates, as well as creoles and languages that
have yet to be classified. In addition, Africa has a wide variety of sign languages, many of which are
language isolates.
The total number of languages natively spoken in Africa is variously estimated (depending on the
delineation of language vs. dialect) at between 1,250 and 2,100, and by some counts at over
3,000. Nigeria alone has over 500 languages (according to SIL Ethnologue), one of the greatest
concentrations of linguistic diversity in the world. However, "One of the notable differences between
Africa and most other linguistic areas is its relative uniformity. With few exceptions, all of Africa’s
languages have been gathered into four major phyla."
Around a hundred languages are widely used for inter-ethnic
communication. Arabic, Somali, Berber, Amharic, Oromo, Igbo, Swahili, Hausa, Manding, Fulani an
d Yoruba are spoken by tens of millions of people. Twelve dialect clusters (which may group up to a
hundred linguistic varieties) are spoken by 75 percent, and fifteen by 85 percent, of Africans as a first
or additional language. Although many mid-sized languages are used on the radio, in newspapers and
in primary-school education, and some of the larger ones are considered national languages, only a
few are official at the national level. The African Union declared 2006 the "Year of African
Languages".

LIST OF COUNTRIES IN NORTH AND REGION

Subregion Country / Territory

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University

 Algeria

 Canary Islands

 Ceuta

 Egypt

 Libya

Northern Africa

 Madeira

 Melilla

 Morocco

 Sudan

 Tunisia

 Western Sahara (  Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic)

 Burundi

Eastern Africa
 Comoros

 Djibouti

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
 Eritrea

 Ethiopia

 French Southern Territories

 Kenya

 Malawi

 Mauritius

 Mayotte

 Mozambique

 Reunion

 Rwanda

 Seychelles

 Somalia

 South Sudan

 Tanzania

 Uganda

 Zambia

x
xi
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
 Zimbabwe

 Angola

 Cameroon

 Central African Republic

 Chad

Middle Africa

 Congo, Democratic Republic of the

 Congo, Republic of the

 Equatorial Guinea

 Gabon

 São Tomé and Príncipe

 Botswana

 Eswatini (Swaziland)

Southern
 Lesotho
Africa

 Madagascar

 Namibia

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
 South Africa

 Benin

 Burkina Faso

 Cape Verde

 Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

 Gambia, The

 Ghana

Western Africa  Guinea

 Guinea-Bissau

 Liberia

 Mali

 Mauritania

 Niger

 Nigeria

 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
 Senegal

 Sierra Leone

 Togo

FLAG CARRIER

The flag of South Africa was designed in March 1994 and adopted on 27 April 1994, at the
beginning of South Africa's 1994 general election, to replace the flag that had been used since 1928.
The flag has horizontal bands of red (on the top) and blue (on the bottom), of equal width, separated
by a central green band which splits into a horizontal "Y" shape, the arms of which end at the corners
of the hoist side (and follow the flag's diagonals). The "Y" embraces a black isosceles triangle from
which the arms are separated by narrow yellow or gold bands; the red and blue bands are separated
from the green band and its arms by narrow white stripes. The stripes at the fly end are in the
5:1:3:1:5 ratio. Three of the flag's colours were taken from the flag of the South African Republic,
itself derived from the flag of the Netherlands, as well as the Union Jack, while the remaining three
colours were taken from the flag of the African National Congress.

West African flag probably Itsekri. A red wool bunting flag with a linen hoist, machine sewn with a
rope halyard attached. The design is applied in white fabric with painted details, representing a naked
man decapitating another with a sword.

The flag was said to have been brought back by Admiral F. W. Kennedy from the 1897 Benin
expedition. 'Kennedy' is inscribed on a paper label attached to the rope. The Itsekri people acted as
middle men between the Edo people of Benin in the interior and the Europeans on the coast - the Edo
would not cross or travel on waterways.

The Benin expedition was launched in reprisal against an attack on a British mission in the service of

x
x
 Republic of the Philippines
Laguna State Polytechnic
University
Niger Coast Protectorate by forces of the Oba of Benin. It was a combined naval and military
operation under the command of Rear-Admiral Harry Holdsworth Rawson C.B. with local troops and
carriers. The towns of Guato and Sapobar were attacked by detached forces while the main part of the
expedition marched on Benin. The town was captured and accidentally burnt. Oba Overami, was
exiled to Calabar where he died in 1914. The famous Benin bronzes were removed as reparations by
the British.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://theculturetrip.com/africa/ghana/articles/14-mouthwatering-west-african-dishes-you-need-to-try/
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/defining-culture-heritage-and-identity
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/native-societal-cultures-west-africa-36008.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_cuisine
https://www.firstcarrental.co.za/news/travel/top-10-heritage-sites-in-south-africa.html
https://afktravel.com/66487/15-interesting-historical-sites-west-africa/4/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_African_CFA_franc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_rand
https://traveltriangle.com/blog/south-african-cuisine/
https://www.chefspencil.com/20-must-try-west-african-foods/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/west-africa/attractions

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_South_Africa

x
x