Africa is a vast and diverse continent, home to various cultures and landscapes. With its marvelous beauty and scenic landscape, there is much to see and appreciate about the beauty and culture of Africa’s middle part.
You will find a lot of greenery and freshness of the Earth’s spirit in Central Africa which is not an everyday experience because of so much pollution and depleting forest. But the middle region of Africa is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ll explore some of the highlights of this fascinating region. So, pack your bags and get prepared for an adventure!
Middle Africa is one of the continent’s most diverse and beautiful regions. From the thundering Victoria Falls to the wilds of the Serengeti, this is a land of untamed beauty and unparalleled adventure.
But what often surprises people is just how much culture and history this area contains. The ancient ruins of Timbuktu, for example, are a testament to the region’s storied past. And with over two hundred languages spoken, Middle Africa is one of the most linguistically diverse places on Earth.
In northern Central Africa, Adamawa-Eastern and Sudanic languages are also spoken.
If you’re looking for an adventure that takes you off the beaten path, then Central Africa should be your next destination.
The best way to explore the cultures and customs of Middle Africa is to go on a safari. This region is home to abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. It’s also a culturally rich area with diverse languages and customs.
When you go on safari, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the cultures and customs of the people there. You’ll also see some of the world’s most incredible landscapes and wildlife. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget.
When you think of Africa, what comes to mind? The Serengeti? Elephants? The Masai Mara? While these iconic destinations are definitely worth a visit, there’s so much more to explore in the vast continent of Africa. And we are not just talking about the stunning wildlife.
Middle Africa is a region that’s often overlooked, but it’s home to some of the fascinating cultures and landscapes on the continent. From the lazy river safaris in Botswana to the ancient ruins of Zimbabwe, there’s something for everyone in this diverse region.
So, if you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, Middle Africa is worth exploring.
Did you know that Middle Africa is home to some of the most amazing historical sites in the world? From ancient ruins to majestic palaces, you can explore centuries of history and culture with a visit to Middle Africa.
Many sites have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Timbuktu in Mali, Aksum in Ethiopia, and Kumbi Saleh in Mauritania. These locations are abundant with artifacts dating back hundreds of years. You can also explore ancient monuments like the Great Zimbabwe Ruins or the Oba’s Palace at Benin City.
Urbanization rates have been higher in Middle Africa than in most other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa since the colonial era and have continued to grow, reaching 50 percent in 2018, compared to 28 percent in Eastern Africa and 46 percent in Western Africa (UN DESA, 2018).
Visiting Middle Africa is a great way to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions that shape the region. You can find ancient art, taste local cuisines, and even try traditional music or dance. Plus, getting out and exploring enables you to connect with locals and visiting scholars who can provide even more insight into the fascinating history of Middle Africa.
The geography of Middle Africa is incredibly diverse. From the coastal regions of Angola and the Congo to the savannas of Zimbabwe, you will find many unique landscapes. The Congo rainforest is one of the largest untouched rainforests in the world, and it’s home to an excellent array of wildlife and vegetation. You can also explore the vast dunes in Chad or go to Cameroon and climb Mount Cameroon, Africa’s highest mountain.
Middle Africa is also home to vast inland lakes like Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. It’s also known for its diverse cultures and languages, with over 500 ethnic groups speaking more than 250 languages across the region. Some parts of Central Africa lie within the Chad basin (northern Central African Republic) or the Nile basin (eastern Rwanda and northeastern Burundi, the Western Rift Valley north of the Virunga Mountains).
Exploring Middle Africa can be a truly unforgettable experience. With its rich ecological diversity and ancient cultures, it offers something for everyone—whether you want to go on safari in Botswana or relax on the beaches of Malawi.
If you’re considering traveling to Africa, consider going to Middle Africa instead of the more popular destinations like South Africa or Morocco. As of June 2022, the World Bank approved $12.6 billion in lending to the Africa Western and Central region for 92 operations, including $386 million in IBRD commitments and $12.2 billion in IDA commitments which is great news for all the African people.
Middle Africa comprises nine countries: Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome, and Principe. Each of these countries has its unique history and culture, and plenty of tourist destinations. Let’s assume a closer look at each of these countries.
Capital: Luanda
Currency: Angolan Kwanza (AOA)
International Airport: Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport.
Angola is located on the southwestern coast of Africa and is bordered by Namibia to the south, Zambia to the east, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the north. It was formerly a Portuguese colony and gained independence in 1975.
Angola’s culture mixes African, Portuguese, and Brazilian influences. The official language is Portuguese, although various African languages are also spoken. The weather in Angola is tropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
There are many National parks in Angola, like Iona National Park, Cangandala National Park, and Mupa National Park, which can be a treat to your eyes.
Capital: Yaoundé
Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XFA)
International Airport: MD-Douala International Airport, Yaoundé Airport, Garoua International Airport.
You’ll find a rich history and culture influenced by Europe and Africa in Cameroon. The country is located on the Gulf of Guinea, and it has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather. Some of the best tourist attractions in Cameroon include:
Capital: Bangui
Currency: Central African CFA Franc (XFA)
International Airport: Bangui M’Poko International Airport.
The Central African Republic is a fascinating country with a storied history, a rich culture, and beautiful scenery. The Central African Republic gained independence from France in 1960 and has seen civil unrest and political turmoil. Its culture is very diverse, with over eighty languages spoken, as well as traditional religions such as Christianity, Islam, and animism.
South Sudan and the Central African Republic are suffering from civil wars and a complicated set of rebel groups.
The weather in the Central African Republic varies significantly between the wet and dry seasons. During the rainy season in the northern part of the central African Republic, the temperatures can reach up to 30°C, while during the dry season, it can drop to around 17°C. The most suitable time to visit is during the cooler dry months of December to February or July to October.
Capital: N’Djamena
Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF)
International Airport: N’Djamena International Airport.
Chad is a vast landlocked country in Central Africa with more than 15 million population. It has almost 3,000 km of land borders shared with six countries, including Cameroon, Libya, Niger, Nigeria, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. The history of Chad goes back to the 11th century when its first capital was established in N’djamena. The culture of Chad is a blend of local African tribal cultures and Arab influences. The official language is French, but Arabic and African languages are also spoken.
In the north a low divide (2,000–2,300 feet) separates the Congo River and its tributaries from the Chad basin. The landscape beyond the divide descends by steps toward Lake Chad.
Chad has an arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from 80°F to 90°F in the summer and can drop to 48°F at night during winter. Precipitation is low throughout the year, especially in northern Chad, where rainfall can reach as low as 4 inches per year.
Capital: Brazzaville
Currency: Central African CFA Franc (F.CFA)
International Airport: Maya–Maya International Airport.
The Congo (Brazzaville) is known for its vibrant culture and colonial architecture. The region’s history dates back to the 19th century when it was a French colony. This explains why French is widely spoken in the country and why some French colonial buildings are still around. This region covers the equator and contains the Congo Basin, with the second-largest rainforest in the world. While the climate is significantly tropical, warm around the year, the Congo basin has the most rainfall on the continent, with a more arid savanna climate in the north and south.
Capital: Kinshasa
Currency: Congolese Franc (CDF)
International Airport: N’Djili International Airport/ Kinshasa International Airport, Goma International Airport, Lubumbashi International Airport.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the fascinating countries in Africa. It was initially a Belgian colony known as Belgian Congo and gained its independence in 1960. The country has a rich cultural history, with over 250 ethnic groups.
When it comes to DRC’s climate, you can expect hot, tropical temperatures throughout the year. The summer season experiences intense thunderstorms and extreme humidity. If you’re planning a visit, the best time is during the dry season, from April to October.
Other National parks like Salonga National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and Garamba National park are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and must be visited.
Finally, if you’re looking for unique cultural experiences, plan your trip around one of the country’s many international events, like Election Day or Independence Day celebrations in Kinshasa.
Capital: Malabo
Currency: Central African Franc (XFA)
International Airport: Malabo Airport or Saint Isabel Airport.
Equatorial Guinea is a small country located on the western coast of Central Africa. Its population is approximately 1.3 million people, and its capital is Malabo. The official languages are Spanish, French, and Portuguese. It was formerly colonized by Spain, which explains the prevalence of Spanish throughout the country. It gained its independence in 1968 and has experienced significant political unrest.
The climate in Equatorial Guinea is tropical, with a rainy season between June and October and a dry season from November through May. The country receives plenty of sunshine year-round, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Whatever your itinerary, Equatorial Guinea is sure to have something to offer that’s perfect for you!
Capital: Libreville
Currency: Central African Franc (XFA)
International Airport: Léon-Mba International Airport.
Gabon, a country in Central Africa, has a population composed of numerous ethnic groups, such as the Fang, Bapounou/Eschira, and Nzebi. The official language is French. Gabon’s history is quite diverse. In the 19th century, it underwent colonization by the French, who named it Gabon after the Portuguese word “gabão,” meaning “cloak .”It gained independence in 1960 and has since adopted a multiparty system of democratic governance.
Weather-wise, Gabon has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. There are two distinct seasons: dry and wet. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to August), as this period features clearly defined weather patterns with fewer rain and thunderstorms than other times of the year.
It is currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other National Parks like Minkébé National Park, Mayumba National Park, Akanda National Park, etc., let you embrace nature and guide you into its paradise. Some great festivals occur throughout the year, such as the FEKAM Festival in early July, showcasing traditional African music performances and local artwork.
Capital:São Tomé
Currency: The Dobra (STD)
International Airport: São Tomé International Airport.
Sao Tome and Principe, a pair of islands located off the coast of Central Africa, is one of the smallest nations in the world. It’s also one of the oldest African countries – its history dates back to 1621, when Portuguese explorers took over the islands. The culture of Sao Tome and Principe is a mix of African and Portuguese influences, with about three-quarters of its population speaking Portuguese Creole.
The weather here is tropical; hot days and humid nights with plenty of sunshine. It’s also pretty lush, with lush jungles, beaches, and mangrove forests.
Middle Africa is full of flavor and culture, none more so than in its diverse cuisine. Middle African cuisine is renowned for being flavorful and rich in spices, and it has something to offer every palate. You’ll be spoilt for choice, from traditional dishes like egusi soup to unique delicacies like jollof rice.
Various types of meat are available, such as beef, pork, fish, and game meats. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try out odd delicacies like roasted grasshopper or bushmeat. Some famous cuisines of middle Africa are Bushmeat, Cassava, Egusi sauce, Foutou, Chichinga, etc. The taste of these delicious dishes will surely stay rent-free in your mind.
In addition to the beautiful array of dishes in Middle Africa, various beverages are available. Popular drinks include alcoholic beverages such as palm wine and plenty of non-alcoholic options such as ginger beer, hibiscus tea, fruity smoothies, and coffee, usually brewed with a spicy-yet-sweet twist.
Some of the cuisines that one must enjoy while visiting the Middle African continent are: –
Regardless of what you choose to sample on your culinary journey across Middle Africa, one thing is for sure – the experience will be truly unforgettable. Let us look at some of the best restaurants to dip into while being in Middle Africa:
When it comes to when to visit Middle Africa, there are a few things to consider. Most of these countries have tropical climates, meaning the weather can be hot and humid at certain times of the year. But temperatures in the winter months (November to February) are more relaxed and more comfortable.
Rainfall is another critical factor. Angola, Cameroon, and Congo (Brazzaville) receive the most rain from November to April, so you should avoid this season. On the flip side, Chad and Equatorial Guinea get higher rainfall in the middle of the year (May to October), so you’ll want to plan accordingly if this is your destination.
Finally, as with any international travel, it’s always a good idea to research local festivals and holidays before booking your trip. And be sure to check what type of visa is required for your travels!
When traveling to this region, you should know the various transportation options available. Train travel is one of the most popular modes of transport in Middle Africa and air travel. If traveling by train, remember that some countries offer discount fares with a valid student card or if tickets are purchased in groups. Also, if traveling longer distances by train, it is essential to check out the conditions and safety of the rails before departure.
Air travel is also an option when visiting this region, with Angola being home to several international airports, including Luanda Airport and Malanje Airport. In addition, many cities offer shuttle services between airports and town centers so you can quickly get around without worrying about transporting your luggage from one place to another. However, it is essential to check whether each airport offers these services. Lastly, several car rental companies offer car rentals at reasonable prices for those wanting to drive themselves on their journey.
