| The Gambia is one of the smallest countries of Africa. Yet is has a lot to offer. In january 2004 we visited the Gambia for 8 days, while we stayed in of the big resorts, the Senegambia Hotel, on the coast. Although some tourists don't leave the hotel at all, we ventured is far as we could to see as much as we could of this little country. Once you are away from the touristy coast you encounter the 'real' African Gambia. We rented bikes to visit a couple op nice small National Parks and reserves. We also made use of the services offered by a very amable guide, who showed us several nice places, which we woudn't have found and visited on our own. For a firsttime visitor of Africa, The Gambia is a good choice: They are friendly, speak English and is relatively close to Europe. |
| Uganda is called the pearl of Africa. And it totally lives of to this name. Of course Uganda is mainly known for its Chimpanzees and Mountain Gorillas, but it also has its share in fine savannah parks which are home to most of the big game found in other part of Africa. This combination of both (mountain) rainforests and savannah parks, makes it a unique country to visit. The experience of looking straight in the eye of our closest relatives (both gorilla and Chimpanzee) in their natural environment is unforgettable. In addation, the people speak English and most importantly are genuinly friendly. |
| I visited Gabon twice to conduct a Field study on the influence of parasitic worm infections on the human immune system. We worked in The Albert Schweitzer hosptial in Lambaréné. Gabon is a French speaking country and is one of the richest countries of Africa. As a result, for African standards it's an expensive country and therefore not yet touristy at all. Although I was mainly occupied with the field work I have been able to get a quick look at the natural beauty that Gabon possesses. It harbours enormous rainforests boastin gan incredible amount of animals and plants, including forest elephants, lowland Gorilla's and Mandrills. Luckily, 11% percent of its surface has recently been designated as national Parks. Hopefully this will help to in some extent halt the devastating effects of logging in central Africa including Gabon. During my last trip in May 2007 I had the oppurtunity to visit Loango National Park where we came across forest elephants and buffalos. A wonderful place to visit! |
| In 2003 we went to Kenya and Tanzania in group with the travel organisation Afriesj. It was our first time to Africa and we definately wanted to see the African savanna in optima forma. It was a wonderful experience. The Ngorongoro crater and the serengeti are a magnificant wildlife spectacle. And the rift valley lake Bogoria and Baringo are home to thousands of flamingos and other birds. In addition to venturing into national parks, we also visited tribes like the hazabe (bushmen), Datoq, Masai and Samburu. This is the Africa as we had imagined it. Now that we also visited Uganda, we can say retrospectively, that this part or Africa is really becoming (too) touristy. In the serengeti for instance, you'll always be accompanied by other jeeps in search for animals. Nevertheless, to see animals like the wildebeests in such vast numbers is exceptional, even if more people are watching. |
2008 © Bart Everts
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| Only a few photos taken in The Gambia and Kenya & Tanzania have been digitalized, so for for these countries there are just a handful of pictures online. |