Listen to the voice of Africa with Superb Africa Safaris part 02

The civilians of Egypt, Kush, Nubia and Axum in North Africa, great Zimbabwe in the south, and the great medieval gold-and bronze smelting cultures of Songhay, old Ghana, Ife, and Benin in West Africa, were all indigenous, but there have been many non African influences down the centuries. The Phoenicians created Carthage (modern Tunis) while Ancient Rome destroyed the power of Egypt, turning North Africa into the grain basket of the empire. In the process they also devastated North Africa’s game in their passion for gory gladiatorial contests between man and animals imported from Africa.

 In the creation of cultures and kingdoms, both Christianity and Islam have been powerful influences in Africa. Soon after the death of the Prophet Mohammed, founder of Islam AD 632, Arab followers of the new religion conquered first Egypt then, within 80 years, much of North Africa and substantial enclaves along the East African coast. Meanwhile the Trans Saharan gold traders on their romantic caravans introduced Islam to the great Africa kingdom of the Sahel.

There are many similarities between medieval Europe and Africa. Around the time William the conqueror invaded England, the king of the Wolof of Senegal had an army of 10,000 horsemen; In Southern Uganda subjects dared not look into the eyes of their Kingsland, in the south, rich cattlemen at Great Zimbabwe were building the magnificent stone structures that were to become the focal point of a city of 40,000 people. By 1450, however, a new wave of invaders, the Portuguese were sailing down the coast of Africa intent on capturing the fabulous spice trade of the East. They were followed by the Dutch 200 years later, then the English and, in the last century, the Germans, Belgians, French and Italians.

For Africa keeping these horse riding, musket-firing Europeans at bay was a tough task and one after the other African nations collapsed under the onslaught. A total of ten million Africans were transported out of Africa by the slave trade, along with the treasures of the Pharaohs, gold, diamonds, ivory, and every manner of living creature.

 “Listen to the song of Africa”, as a Senegalese poet Leopold Sedar Senghor begs us, “Listen to the beating of the dark pulse of Africa in the midst of lost villages”.