Tuesday, January 31, 2012

'Banking' on Angola's Future

Angola's soaring economy has excited the interest of foreign investors since peace returned to the country some ten years ago. Nowhere is this more in evidence than in the booming banking sector.

Luanda, the capital, is now the third-largest financial centre in Sub-Saharan Africa, after Johannesburg and Lagos.  Hosting 20 commercial banks, compared to just six in 1999, Luanda currently has a further ten more banks awaiting operating licenses.  The total banking sector in Angola to date has over 700 branches, 11,000 employees and net assets $4.3 billion; remarkable growth considering the total rebuilding of the sector and country after the cessation of the war.

South Africa’s Standard Bank recently opened a branch in Luanda, becoming the first non-Portuguese foreign bank to offer full banking services in Angola. Meanwhile, the first private equity fund exclusively for Angolan investmenthas been launched and brokers are now moving in ahead of the opening of Luanda’s stock exchange – Bolsa de Valores e Derivativos de Angola (BVDA). 

The idea for the private equity fund came from the state-owned Norwegian Investment Fund for Developing Countries (Norfund). Promoting the fund in partnership with Norfund is Angola’s largest commercial bank, Banco Africano de Investimentos (BAI). The two have made a joint commitment of $15 million after the initial round of a financing agreement valued at $28 million. 


Bringing new direct foreign investment into the economy is also firmly on the agenda of Angolan banks. BAI has overseas branches in Cape Verde and Portugal and recently opened a representative office in Johannesburg, the first Angolan bank to do so.

Building on its South African ambitions, BAI announced in December that it would be managing a $255 million credit line from the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the African Development Bank.

The credit line, signed during Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos’s visit to South Africa, was the first of its kind between the two countries and will finance infrastructure and development projects. It mirrors a model used by Angola and the China Development Bank.

Another bank also spreading its wings is BPA. Despite opening only in 2006, BPA already has a branch in Portugal, dealings in Brazil and China, and plans to launch operations in the United States by 2013. (Sonangol Universo Magazine)

10 Most Beautiful Tourist Attractions In Asia


Want to picnic to the most beautiful tourist attractions in Asia? This is a list of Asia's most beautiful tourist attractions which interest to visit:



1. Siberian Altai





Southern Siberian Altai mountains are mountains of western Siberia biogeographic region. This region is the most complete sequence of vegetation zones in Siberia, begun from the pasture, forest, mixed forest, subalpine

Monday, January 30, 2012

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5 Best Tourist Attractions in Arizona


Discover the unique wonders of each Arizona region, it would be the amazing experience in your vacation. Arizona is rich in natural and historic attractions throughout the state set in unique and diverse scenic environments including the desert areas, in the high mountain country, and along rivers. The following list features the most popular of Arizona tourist attractions including ancient

Event - Responsible Tourism Week 2012 - Volunteering: Good, Bad or Ugly?



A SPECIAL EVENT FOR

Responsible Tourism Week 2012


Volunteering

Good, Bad or Ugly?







Highlighting Responsible Tourism week, Travel Matters in association with West Africa Discovery are hosting an event with guest speakers Ben Keene from Tribewanted and Chris Hill from Hands Up Holidays.

Voluntourism – good, bad or ugly?
Wednesday 15 February 2012 at 7pm – 9pm
Make Travel Matter Talk @
Harrisons 15 – 19 Bedford Road, London SW12 9EX

For interest to attend, contact Travel Matters by email info@travelmatters.co.uk or tel 0208 675 7878

Responsible Tourism Week is a free, five-day unconference exploring down-to-earth applications of noble concepts including responsible tourism, conscious travel, the local travel movement and ecotourism with effective and inexpensive social media and local events.

Organisers

Travel Matters make it their business to not only organise bespoke holidays which minimise on negative impact whilst maximising on quality, but to educate clients as to how they can continue to make a difference in their future adventures. Karen Simmonds, owner of Travel Matters set up the awareness campaign Make Travel Matter www.maketravelmatter.co.uk

West Africa Discovery is a web portal raising awareness towards West Africa as a destination for responsible travel by actively promoting accommodation, tours and volunteer projects that implement responsible tourism principles within their activities.www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk

Speakers

Tribewanted Their mission is to build sustainable communities in amazing places that benefit locals and visiting members; inspiring positive change within and far beyond the village. http://www.tribewanted.com/

Hands Up Holidays is a luxury travel company with one big difference. They want people to have more than an amazing vacation; they want them to have a remarkable experience that you will treasure forever by combining expertly-led sightseeing with meaningful community development through volunteering or philanthropy. http://www.handsupholidays.com/

Organisation of interest

Fair Trade Volunteering has been set-up to kick-start a movement towards a more transparent volunteering practice.http://fairtradevolunteering.com/

Our thanks to Meet the People Tours for supporting this event. http://meetthepeople.skedaddle.co.uk/











WHEN


February 15th 2012 - 7pm until 9pm

WHERE

Balham, South West London
Harrisons 15 – 19 Bedford Road, London SW12 9EX



















Wonderful 10 Tourist Attractions In Dubai

City ​​that was formerly the desert is now become a Paradise for tourists. That is Dubai. Dubai is now crowned as the city of the future at once predicted to be the most luxurious city in the world. Why could be the most luxurious city? Only in the not for too long Dubai conjure arid territory which was originally to be like pradise or rather, paradise on earth. Tourism is a booming industry in

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Great Ten Tourist Attractions In Ireland


Want to go to Ireland for your vacation? Ireland could be the right choice to spend your holiday. Ireland offers a complete variety of tourist attractions, ranging from the mountains, desert flowers, cliffs, lakes, and seas. But if you prefer to shop, maybe Dublin could become an attractive haven for you. In Ireland, you can also visit the the main tourist attractions such as Dublin Castle,

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Five Best Beach Tourist Attractions in Brazil


Brazil Has a lot of amazing beach . Brazil is known have some of the best beaches tourist attractions in the world to explore. More than 2,000 beach stretches along the Brazilian coastline and more than 1,000 islands dot the Atlantic Ocean within the boundaries of the state. While many of them are densely populated, many are preserved ecological sanctuaries. Here is the list of best beach in

Friday, January 27, 2012

10 Spectacular Greece Tourist Attractions


One more best choice for holiday, with over sixty spectacular islands, many historic sites that span four millennia, beautiful beaches and towering mountain ranges there is a wide variety of tourist attractions in Greece to explore. Greece is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Throughout Greece, many historical ruins are the remains of ancient civilizations and various

Thursday, January 26, 2012

9 Top Tourist Attractions In Melbourne Australia


Melbourne, Victoria state capital located on the southernmost continent. There is definitely lots of places to visit, ranging from free tourist attractions around the city and out of town, until the need to pay extra according to the condition of your bag. Melbourne, Australia's second largest city after Sydney it should be called a garden city because everywhere there is always a park. The

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

South Beach, Miami


Holidays at the beach is always enjoyable. If the coast be your choice for a vacation, miami South beach will probably be the right choice. One of the best tourist attractions in Miami Florida is South Beach. South Beach located due east of Miami city proper between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. South beach has fine white sand to South Beach with architectural fantasy cheerfully. South

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Waimea Canyon Spectacular Tourist Attractions in Hawai


 Located on the western side of KauaÊ»i in the Hawaiian Islands, Waimea Canyon (known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific) is a large canyon, approximately ten miles (16 km) long and up to 3,000 feet (900 m) deep. 


Waimea Canyon become a spectacular tourist attraction in Hawai. As far as the eye can see, crags, buttes and gorges march into the distance under a dramatic banner of roses, lavenders

Things To Do In Australia




Get a vacation to Australia? it will be the great experiences in your life. Australia the smallest continent in the world is famous for many things, especially the kangaroo. Australia became a habitat for animal life marsupilami. Speaking of tourist attractions in Australia, then we will be enchanted by the variety of natural beauty and tourist cities in the country. The country has six states

Monday, January 23, 2012

5 Top Tourist Attractions In Japan


A vacation to Japan would be very pleasant. Exotic Japanese culture attracts many tourists to Japan from all over the world. About main tourist attractions in Japan, the land where technology and ancient traditions blend beautifully, Japan has many interesting tourist attractions. Japan is undoubtedly one country with an unrivaled delightful and enchanting charm. 


Here are top tourist

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Lake Michigan, Popular Tourist Attractions In Chicago

If you prefer to enjoy the lake when get a picnic, Lake Michigan should not be missed when you visit Chicago. At there you can find the great experiences. Lake Michigan is the third largest Great Lake by surface area and the sixth largest freshwater lake in the world. Because Lake Michigan is joined to Lake Huron at the Straits of Mackinac, they are considered one lake hydrologically. Many rivers

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Some Good Trade!

Luanda — Angola is currently considered as the second largest trading partner of the United States of America (USA) in the sub-Saharan Africa and ranks as the US' 30th largest global supplier of imported goods in 2010 .  The largest US trading partner in the sub-saharan region is South Africa.

The information was released on Friday in the capital Luanda by the US deputy assistant Secretary of State for Southern Africa, Reuben Brigety at the end of a meeting with the State secretary of Foreign Affairs, Manuel Augusto.

US goods imports from Angola totaled $11.9 billion in 2010, a 27.9% increase from 2009.  The main import items from Angola to the USA is crude oil and diamonds.   Of the total crude oil that the US imports, 7% comes from Angola in these trade arrangements.

About the bilateral relations between the US and Angola, Reuben Brigety considered the relationship as very strong noting that Angola is one of the top strategic partners of the US in Africa after South Africa and Nigeria.  (Angop, US Dept of Trade)

Friday, January 20, 2012

8 Famous Tourist Attractions in France




France could be the best choice when you want to vacation. France is Europe's famous tourist destination, and not surprisingly because it is a country that offers many tourist attractions of the famous historical monuments and other sites. in France Visitors can enjoy historic cities, a lovely village, the castles of the Loire Valley and Brittany and Normandy.

In Addition, France offers an

Top Tourist Attractions In Texas


Texas is the second largest state in the United States, after Alaska. Texas is often called as cowboy country. Texas is an important country in history and offers visitors a number of landmarks and historic sites to visit. Among the most popular tourist attractions are the Alamo, the Port Isabel Lighthouse, and the San Jacinto Monument. Things to see and do in Texas range from famous historical

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Art Institute of Chicago, Famous Tourist Attractions In Chicago


If you are visiting chicago don't miss to sight these famous tourist attraction. Art Institute of Chicago is a world-renowned art museum housing a permanent collection of the third largest in the United States. Art Institute of Chicago also houses one of the world's largest collection of art. Encyclopedic museum, the Art Institute to collect, maintain, and displays works in every medium from all

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

6 Best California Tourist Attractions


California is one of the destination country's most popular in United States. There is many famous tourist attractions in California. Beautiful and interesting city like San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco attract millions of tourists every year, and the beautiful beaches and coastal states make them coming back. Disneyland, Hollywood, Sea World, and the San Diego Zoo are typical of the

Rome, 'Eternal City' The Main Tourist Attractions In Italy




Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital and largest city of Italy and of Lazio region. It's the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita (sweet life), the Vatican City and Three Coins in the Fountain. Rome, as a millennium-long centers of power, culture and religion, having been the center of one of the globe's greatest civilizations ever, has exerted a huge influence

Monday, January 16, 2012

7 Top Tourist Attractions In Hawaii


Hawaii is one of the island's top tourist attractions in the world, the potential for marine tourism and the natural beauty of "super nice" makes Hawaii renowned throughout the corners of the world. Hawaii is a paradise for the well-known tourist destination and is often featured in movies and television. The island is a magnet for nature lovers and for people looking for a relaxing holiday.

9 Famous Washington Tourist Attractions


Washington, DC is a beautiful place to visit and explore. There is so much to do and see, we can follow the city tour to historic sites in Washington and visit the interesting museums.

this is the favorite recommendations for famous Tourist Attractions in Washington D.C. :

1. The Washington Monument


 


The Washington Monument is the most prominent structure in Washington, D.C. and one of

Saturday, January 14, 2012

6 Popular Chicago Tourist Attractions


CHICAGO is the largest city in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city is very crowded with industrial activities, arts and tourism as well. In addition known as the base centered at the Art Institute of Chicago. Chicago is also known to have a railway network of the most important centers in Illinois Central, Burlington Northern and the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe. In chicago you can find many

Friday, January 13, 2012

6 Top Mexico Tourist attractions


Mexico is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations with more than 20 million foreign visitors per year. Famous with its tequila, the Aztecs and Maya, Salma Hayek, Day Of the dead, Drug war, Lucha free, Corona beer and beach resort in the Pacific and the Caribbean, Mexico can offer something for you nice vacation.


There are so many reasons to visit Mexico. Places are so incredibly

Venice, The Famous Tourist Attractions Of Italy


Venice is  the most beautiful city in Europe and in the World. And Venice became the famoust tourist attractions in Italy. The city stretches across 117 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic Sea in northeast Italy. The saltwater lagoon stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po (south) and the Piave (north) Rivers. Romantic, unique, and beautiful all

10 Most Popular Tourist Attractions In London


Interested in London? Want a vacation to London? London is the largest city and most populous metropolitan area of ​​England. As the center of England, London certainly save a lot of history and interesting tourist attractions to visit. In London you can do water sports, spending a good night to enjoy a great cultural or theatrical performances, sight seeing both manmade and natural wonders,

Thursday, January 12, 2012

7 Great Tourist Attractions In Brazil


Brazil is a country of great natural beauty. Brazil is also home to a people of great ethnic and cultural diversity, Whose heritage is expressed in the vibrant art and Celebrations, historical cities and bustling urban centers. 



Widespread in half of South America, Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. White sand beaches, tropical islands, music-filled cities and charming colonial

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Most beautiful cities to visit in Italy







ITALY is one European country is famous for its history, art, culture, architecture, fashion, and culinary. A visit to Italy is an experience that will not be forgotten, because this country has the most beautiful cities in the world, like Rome, Florence and Venice. Here, 10 most beautiful cities to visit in Italy :





Rome

As the capital city of Italy. Rome is a famous city in Italy. It

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

5 Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Paris


As we know, Paris is known by the romantic city in the world. Paris can be an option for you to spend time on vacation or honeymoon. Paris offers many famous tourist attractions in France, and possibly in Europe. In addition to some of the world's most famous musuems, which has a beautiful historic city center, beautiful riverscape, a wide selection of historical monuments, including the

Monday, January 9, 2012

7 Famous Tourist Attractions In Germany


There are much famous tourist attractions in Germany. Speaking of interesting places in this country, of course, countless. Sights here include many things, in accordance with the wishes and pleasure of the visitors. You can shopping, adventure and nature trips. If you want to learn the history of the old towns, you can choose visit many towns and villages of the Middle Ages. Also if you want to

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Angola's Neighborly Game Reserve


Angola has joined forces with Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe to create the world’s largest nature reserve area, measuring a massive 287,000 sq km.

The Okavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area or KAZA TFCA, is made up of 36 national parks across the five countries, creating a reserve 15 times the size of Tanzania’s Serengeti. The idea is not only to protect the wildlife within the conservation area but also to boost tourism between the neighbouring countries. 
The KAZA TFCA is expected to span an area of approximately 287 132 km², almost the size of Italy (300 979 km²) and include no fewer than thirty six (36) formally proclaimed national parks, game reserves, forest reserves, game/wildlife management areas as well as intervening conservation and tourism concessions set aside for consumptive and non-consumptive uses of natural resources.

 

The biological resources of the KAZA TFCA will incorporate the largest contiguous elephant population on the African continent. The area is also endowed with an abundance and diversity of wildlife species that are of considerable economic and ecological value. The plant life is equally phenomenal with at least 3,000 species, some 100 of which are endemic to the sub-region, as well as more than 600 species of birds that are characteristic of the southern African savannahs, woodlands and wetlands. The KAZA TFCA also includes some of the world’s renowned natural features and tourist attractions, such as the Victoria Falls (one of the seven natural wonders of the earth and a World Heritage Site) and the Okavango Delta (the largest Ramsar Site in the world).

5 Top Tourist Attractions In Spain


Spain, one of country with many fascinating tourist attractions. Spain is better known as "sun-drenched and wild land". The country has amazing, "toreros '(bullfighters), and' flamenco bailaors '(dancer). Also, popular for the' Steaming paella and 'pitchers of sangria', this place is simply awesome. The country is also known for its beautiful splendor. You can enjoy many famous touris

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Most Popular Tourist Attractions In Argentina


Argentina is known for its natural beauty and diversity in a landscape that adds to its charm. Many interesting tourist attractions here. People from around the world come to spend a relaxing holiday. In Argentina you can find a subtropical forest in the north, to the farthest south of the Antarctic ice, the geography of Argentina offers a variety of exciting trips, from some of the world's

Friday, January 6, 2012

7 Top Tourist Attractions in Miami You Must Visit


Miami is the most popular tourist attractions in Florida, United States. Miami is a major city located on the Atlantic coast in southeastern Florida. The city including the most densely populated areas in the United States with a population of 2,500,625. 


Because of its friendly climate, Beaches in Miami also features with variety of interesting attractions such as quality hotel. Many local

Thursday, January 5, 2012

5 Wonderful Tourist Attractions in Bali


Bali is one of famous tourist attractions in the world. Bali is an Indonesian island located in the western Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Bali is a beautiful island with native culture are still strong. You can find many uniqueness in this island such as ancient buildings or temples, traditional dances, traditional Hindu ceremonies, and many beautiful

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

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Monday, January 2, 2012

Ovimbundu Wisdom! No. 7

Here are some more Ovimbundu wisdom proverbs.  Enjoy!

Proverb 1: Mwela ke bamukwata na maboko ne.

Translation: Wind is never caught by hand.

Explanation:  You can never recall your words once they are out!

***********

Proverb 2: Kuja kwa lubilo kulengela kwishipawila.

Translation:  To eat with speed causes one to spit out continuously.

Explanation:  It is not good to criticize a person until you know all the facts!

Responsible Travel in Sierra Leone - Part 3: Coconut & Poyo Paradise

Part 3 of my trip to Sierra Leone follows on from 'Responsible Travel in Sierra Leone - Part 2 - The Provinces: Waterloo to Bo & Beyond' which you can read here.

Back to Waterloo, I was feeling much more comfortable with my surroundings. I bought a fresh coconut from 2 children who had a barrel full and which they opened with a machete, and walked to the taxi park near the market to which I had already been to before. I grabbed the first taxi to Tombo, the biggest fishing village on the peninsula, and immediately jumped on the back of an 'Okada' direction Bureh Beach of which I had heard a lot of good things.

Bureh Beach

My mission this time was to visit as many communities along the peninsula as I could whilst walking the length of the beach. So, I walked through Bureh Town down to the beach. There I met a few local guys who called themselves 'Beach Boys' and who looked after the accommodation. The day had been long, so I decided to stay for the night. The sun was still up, there were some waves on which the locals were surfing, so naturally I grabbed a body-board and joined in the fun.

Maroon Island at Sunset

After dinner, with which I had the most amazing groundnut soup, I chatted to my new found friends and was then invited to their house to listen to some music and drink 'Poyo' (palm wine), which I readily accepted. Walking through the community, I could see myself living in a place like this: sitting around candlelit courtyards, sipping on palm wine whilst discussing the latest news. A slow pace of life which made me feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to experience it.

Bureh Beach & Maroon Island

That night I went for a walk on the moonlit beach. The waves were gently lapping against the shore and the outline of the tall and bent palm trees were distinct against the pure star filled sky. The shape of Maroon Island, so called because the first 'Maroons' (runaway slaves) landed there in the 1700's, was apparent in the distance. This idyllic scene seemed like a dream, probably emphasized by the Poyo, and I had to pinch myself a couple of times to make sure that it was indeed reality. This set the scene for my 2 day 'beach walk'.

Palm Tree Point - Bureh Beach

Waving Goodbye to my hosts

The next morning, I waved goodbye to my hosts and crossed a river - one of many flowing down from the forest covered mountain range into the Ocean - before heading off at a slow pace towards the next community. Along the way, I laid my backpack down and went for a swim in the translucent water. Feeling refreshed, I continued along my way following the magnificent coastline that stretched as far as the eye could see. After about an hour's walking, I reached the John Obey community (see part 1) where I said hello to the friends I had made and to check on the progress of the second earth bag dome, before I moved on to my next destination: Tokeh.

John Obey Community hauling the fishing boats onto the beach

I had heard that Tokeh was a fine producer of Poyo, so I decided to inquire as to who was the best Palm Wine seller in Town. I was told to ask for Katy at the bus station, and a little girl was ordered to show me the way. We walked through alleys bordered by mud walls covered in raffia and arrived in a small courtyard where men were drinking palm wine. When they saw me, they made me feel at home straight away and gave me a jar of Poyo to start off. I stayed there for about an hour and learnt a lot about Tokeh and the surrounding area. Finally, before departing, as I was going to meet a friend at my next destination, I bought a gallon of Poyo for the road and set off towards the beach.

Friends made at Katy's Place in Tokeh

There I met some fishermen who offered to take me to some 'twin' islands which I had noticed in the distance, for a nominal fee of course. I decided to accept the offer and jumped into the dugout canoe along with my bag. I had not realised how unstable the boat was and thought we were going to capsize a few times. Finally we arrived on the islands and my guide waited at the boat for me. I could see that a storm was coming, so I quickly walked around the island and got back to the canoe just in case. I felt like I was on a treasure Island, and who knows, maybe I was.

The 'Twin Islands' in the distance

Looking back from the Islands with my guide, Mohammed

On the way back to mainland

When I reached the beach, I grabbed my bag, paid my guide, and then went on my way along the beach towards River #2, singing a song to myself about Palm Wine drinking Pirates.

River #2 is a pioneer in community based tourism. The guest houses available to day trippers or seasonal domestic tourists are owned by the community, and each member of the community contributes to the project. The activities, accommodation, food, reception, transport, are all provided by the community, and therefore the money goes back to the community itself. It seems to work well and is well organised.

River #2 Lagoon

After a grueling walk of about an hour and half, I reached the last river I needed to cross before I reached my destination. Just as I got there, a canoe pulled up carrying others across. The timing was perfect. When I stepped off the boat, I was greeted by Ishmael, Daniel's (my friend) little cousin, who had been expecting me. He guided me to my beach hut, where I would be staying the night. I then had a well-deserved swim.

My accommodation at River #2

I was then brought a bowl of rice and fish covered in a very spicy ‘hot pepper sauce’ as well as two freshly picked coconuts. This was going to be my last dinner before I left paradise so I appreciated every mouthful of ‘chop’ and every sip of fresh coconut milk whilst staring at the clear horizon whilst the sun was setting. The coconut milk was probably the best I had ever tasted.

That night, my hosts decided to build a bonfire around which we sat to talk about their stories and my experiences in Sierra Leone. I was told many stories about the civil war which I will not recount here because I feel they are too graphic to share within this blog, but I must say that I realised how awful the whole situation was. You can see a film like ‘blood diamond’ a million times, but will never get even close to understanding what the local communities went through until you hear the stories from the mouths of those who were on the ‘front line’.

We talked well in to the night, the moon shining down onto the Ocean gently caressing the golden sands of River #2.

River #2 Community Based Tourism project

The next morning I awoke to the resident cockerel pecking away at the half coconuts left over from the night before. I opened my tent’s door to a blazing sun and went straight to the sea for an early morning swim. The fire’s remains were still smoking. Daniel brought breakfast and we drank our coffee speaking about the days plan. I was to meet up with my contacts at the National Tourism Board so that they could show me more of the peninsula and the potential that it has for the development of responsible tourism.

After having had a refreshing bucket shower, and having packed up my rucksack, we walked to the top of the dirt road and hailed down a heavy duty truck on which we jumped and rode back to Tokeh where we were to meet Umaru Woody and his colleagues of the National Tourism Board.

To be continued… ‘The great potential for responsible tourism in Sierra Leone’

Responsible tourism can be practiced in a variety of ways as long as it benefits the local communities in which you spend time, whilst respecting the local heritage. One of the ways to do so is to meet with the local communities, share stories, accept invitations, be curious but respectful, be friendly and humble, and make sure that the money you spend is shared amongst the most people possible. You can buy local drinks (like Poyo), participate in activities organised by the local communities, stay in local accommodation and make sure you know where the money goes, how it is shared. By doing so, you will get to know the people with whom you stay, the places you visit more intimately and have an overall more authentic and satisfying experience.

To discover more of the authentic experiences you can have in West Africa, don’t hesitate to visit www.westafricadiscovery.co.uk or join a growing community passionate about Travel in West Africa on Facebook.