Africa Tour Packages​

The origin of the name Africa has intrigued historians for centuries. While there is no single agreed-upon explanation, many scholars trace its earliest use back to the Romans, who referred to the lands around present-day Tunisia and Northern Algeria as “Africa.” Others suggest the term could have come from the Greek word a-phrike, which means “without cold,” reflecting the continent’s generally warm climate. An alternative theory connects the name to the ancient Egyptian phrase afru-ika, translating to “motherland.” These varying theories only deepen the rich historical tapestry of Africa.

Many people hold the misconception that Africa is a culturally homogenous continent. However, one of the most fascinating truths about Africa is its remarkable ethnic and linguistic diversity. The continent is home to over 3,000 tribes, such as the Zulu, Bantu, Berber, and Maasai. These communities collectively speak more than 2,000 languages, including Arabic in the north, Zulu in the south, and French across many West African nations like Mali, Senegal, and Benin. This cultural richness is what makes exploring Africa an unforgettable experience through our carefully crafted Africa tour packages.

Geographically, Africa is equally awe-inspiring. It is a land of striking contrasts and vast ecosystems. The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, stretches across 31% of the continent. In contrast, savannahs—home to iconic wildlife like lions, elephants, and giraffes—make up about 46% of the landmass. Meanwhile, the lush and biodiverse Congo Basin rainforest spans roughly 12% of Africa. This vital ecological zone extends across nine countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, and Zambia.

Whether you're interested in ancient history, tribal cultures, or awe-inspiring landscapes, our Africa tour packages are designed to take you deep into the heart of the continent. Learn more about Africa as you journey through its deserts, rainforests, and savannahs, each offering a glimpse into the continent's unmatched natural beauty and vibrant heritage.

Northern Africa – A Blend of Desert, Culture, and Coastal Charm

Northern Africa comprises six Arab nations: Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Sudan. Arabic is widely spoken here, and Islam is the predominant religion. Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Arabian Plate to the east, the region serves as a cultural and historical bridge between Africa and the Middle East. Egypt, uniquely, spans two continents—Africa and Asia—via the Sinai Peninsula. Our Africa tour packages offer enriching experiences in Northern Africa, highlighting its ancient cities, Islamic architecture, and desert landscapes.

Eastern Africa – Vibrant Cultures and Rapid Growth

Eastern Africa, part of Sub-Saharan Africa, includes a diverse list of countries: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Territories like Reunion Island and Mayotte also fall under this region. Known as the continent’s fastest-growing area, nations like Kenya and Tanzania have made significant economic strides in recent years. With our Africa tour packages, travelers can witness the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro, serene beaches, and rich tribal heritage.

Middle Africa – Heart of the Continent and the Congo Basin

Middle Africa, another Sub-Saharan zone, features countries like Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Dominated by the vast Congo Basin, this area is home to the second-largest tropical rainforest on Earth. The equator runs through many of these nations, contributing to their tropical climate. Explore pristine rainforests, river systems, and rich biodiversity with our specially designed Africa tour packages for Middle Africa.

Southern Africa – Land of Wildlife, Minerals, and Scenic Beauty

Southern Africa encompasses Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This region is renowned for its expansive savannahs, abundant wildlife, and scenic landmarks like Victoria Falls and the Kalahari Desert. Mineral wealth—including diamonds, gold, and platinum—adds to its global significance. Our Africa tour packages showcase everything from thrilling safaris to cultural tours and scenic drives along South Africa’s Garden Route.

Western Africa – Rich in Culture, Yet Economically Challenged

Western Africa includes nations such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Although this region faces economic hardship, it is rich in cultural traditions, natural resources, and historical significance. Islam is the dominant religion, especially in the northern areas. Our Africa tour packages to West Africa dive deep into its musical heritage, colorful festivals, and coastal charm.

From breathtaking wildlife safaris and stunning natural landscapes to centuries-old history and vibrant cultures, Africa is a continent that promises endless exploration. With such a wide variety of experiences across its 54 countries, Africa tour packages are the perfect way to uncover the continent’s unmatched beauty and depth. If you're searching for a one-of-a-kind travel destination, here’s why Africa should be at the top of your list.

Breathtaking Wildlife Experiences

If you've ever been captivated by David Attenborough’s legendary wildlife documentaries showcasing the Maasai Mara or the sweeping African savannahs, then exploring Africa in person is the ultimate bucket-list experience. Nowhere else on Earth offers such an extraordinary variety of wildlife in one place. Africa is home to more than one million animal species, including over 1,000 types of mammals, 2,600 species of birds, and more than 3,000 species of fish.
From the elephant, the world's heaviest land animal, to the giraffe, the tallest, and the cheetah, the fastest—Africa proudly hosts nature’s most iconic species. Through our expertly designed Africa tour packages, you can witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration in Kenya and Tanzania, swim alongside whale sharks in Zanzibar, observe the magical sight of sea turtles hatching along the East African coastline, and embark on gorilla trekking expeditions deep in the lush jungles of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.

Food

The vast continent of Africa offers a variety of dishes, ranging from tagines of North Africa to the savoury stews and flatbreads of East Africa to the barbecues of Southern Africa. You must visit Africa to sample the colourful one-pot jollof rice in West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana, flatbreads like injera and dholl puri in East African countries like Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Mauritius, the unique carbs like fufu, ugali, and deep-fried plantains.

African cuisine has also been influenced by immigrants who settled here over time. Indian influences include sambusas, chapatis, bunny chow, and pakoras. In addition to the Arabs, Ottomans, and colonials, Italians have influenced African cuisine, especially in Libya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.

Some popular dishes on the continent include falafel, tagine, jollof rice, injera, boerewors, egusi soup, and fufu

Adventure

With such dramatic landscapes, it’s only natural that Africa offers unlimited adventure opportunities. You can go trekking in the Congo Basin rainforests in Rwanda and Uganda, trek through the Sahara Desert, enjoy watersports in Mauritius and Seychelles, go hot air balloon ride above the Masai Mara, or join your friends for a whitewater rafting adventure in the Zambezi River. Lake Malawi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its extensive fish species and is also a renowned watersport destination offering snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, and wakeboarding.

Some popular adventure activities you can enjoy in your Africa tour package include:

History

Cultural Diversity

The ignorant often make the mistake of painting Africa with a broad brush. The continent is a kaleidoscope of various tribes and cultures, teeming with tangible and intangible heritage. The 54 nations of this continent are diverse regarding religion, rituals, food, arts, and language. For instance, the Zulu people, South Africa’s largest ethnic group, are very different from the Berber people of North Africa, although they are both native to the continent.

There are over 3000 tribes in Africa, each with a unique culture. Some of the major tribes in South Africa include the Masai people of Kenya and Tanzania, the Himba of Namibia, the Zulu people, Bushman, San, and Southern Ndebele from South Africa, and the Samburu from Northern Kenya. The values and behaviour of these tribes differ strongly. Given the influence of Western imperialists and immigration, Africa today is a hotspot of different religions, cultures, and ethnicities.

Through our Africa tour packages, you can explore Africa’s diverse cultural practices by camping with local tribesmen, staying with them, and joining them as they go about their daily lives.

Friendly Locals

While tourists love Africa for its nature and wildlife, more often than not, it’s their interaction with the friendly locals that remains etched in their memories. South Africa was recently named the friendliest country in the world. But people from across the continent are generally warm and welcoming of strangers. They are happy to engage you in a conversation and make you feel at ease.

1. Africa is the second-largest and the second-most populous continent.
2. It is home to the largest river in the world the Nile
3. The equator divides Africa into two almost equal halves.
4. Africa is called Mother Continent as it is the oldest inhabited continent.
5. Africa is the only continent that crosses all 3 lines of latitude: the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Equator.
6. The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.
7. The Congo Basin is the world’s second-largest rainforest.
8. Many areas of Africa receive snow Drakensberg, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, Tunisia
9. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest & longest animal migration in the world
10. Coffee supposedly originated in Ethiopia
11. Africa is slowly splitting into two through the East African Rift System that runs through Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
12. The Sahara Desert was once a tropical rainforest.
13. Africa has 30% of the world’s mineral reserves rich in cobalt, platinum, manganese, chromium, and bauxite.
14. Africa is home to the heaviest (elephant), largest bird (ostrich), the largest frog (Goliath frog) and the fastest animal (leopard) in the world.
15. Africa produces 70% of the world’s cocoa beans.

1. Africa is home to over 3000 different ethnicities speaking more than 2000 languages
2. The evil eye is a familiar concept across Africa. The evil eye pendant, or nazar pendant, is believed to have originated in Egypt.
3. Africans were the first to go on fishing expeditions; harpoons, daggers & other tools said to be over 90,000 years old have been found in Congo.
4. Africans were the first miners; a 43,000 year old mine was discovered in Eswatini (erstwhile Swaziland).
5. Pyramids aren’t specific to Egypt alone you can find them in Libya, Algeria, Sudan, and Nigeria. The Nubian pyramids (Sudan) are older than Egyptian pyramids.
6. Mali was one of the wealthiest ancient empires. Mansa Musa, the Mali King, is believed to be the wealthiest man to have ever lived.
7. Africans are pioneers of astronomy; the 7000 year old Nabta Playa stones help track summer solstice & are the oldest known astronomical site.
8. Maize is the most common source of starch in Africa. It goes by different names across the continent: ugali, sadza, nsima, chima, bugali, sokoro, pap, etc.
9. The Maasai people participate in adult, a practice where men jump high to show social status and even attract potential brides.
10. The Mursi women wear lip plates, i.e., they insert wooden plates in their lips to symbolise beauty and social status.
11. Christianity & Islam are the major religions in Africa. While North Africans predominantly practice Islam, Christianity is predominant in Southern Africa.

Egypt (11.7 Million)

Egypt is a major tourist destination in Northern Africa, attracting tourists for its pyramids, ancient Egyptian ruins, and historic cities like Alexandria, Cairo, and Giza. It was ruled by several empires, including the Achaemenids, Romans, and Ottomans, who built beautiful buildings and temples. Tourists visit Egypt to explore its beautiful architecture, including the pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the Luxor and Karnak temples, and the Abu Simbel complex. Remember to include a Nile cruise on your African tour packages itinerary if you visit this beautiful country.

Morocco (10.9 Million)

Morocco has always enamoured tourists with its ancient cities, Islamic architecture, beautiful handicrafts, and delectable cuisine. The Sahara Desert is another popular attraction, with activities like buggy riding, desert safari, and dune hiking. Famous cities like Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Meknes. Morocco’s souks are equally famous for their spices, argan oil, tea, shoes, and ceramicware. Remember to visit Morocco’s popular attractions like Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, and the Ouzuod Waterfalls with our Africa tour packages. 

Tunisia (6.4 Million)

Tunisia is famed for its balmy beaches along the Mediterranean Coast and its historic cities like Carthage, Hammamet, and Mahdia. Some of Tunisia’s Medinas or old towns are legendary with their colourful markets, palaces, alleys, fountains, and small craft workshops. If you’d like to explore ancient Roman ruins without the crowd and the hassle of Rome, Tunisia is the place to visit. The Roman amphitheatre in El Jem is the largest outside of Italy. For instance, Carthage, one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient Mediterranean, was once home to over 700,000 people. Some of its famous ruins include the Baths of Antoninus, Roman Theatre, ancient Roman houses and statues.

South Africa (3.51 Million)

From beautiful beaches and wildlife safaris to delectable food and wine tours, there are plenty of reasons to visit South Africa. The country is called Rainbow Nation because of its multicultural ethos, including multiple religions, ethnicities, and languages. The weather is equally pleasant, with sensational summers and mild winters. South Africa is also home to prehistoric fossils, including skeletons of early humanoids, aptly called The Cradle of Human Civilisation. For those interested in apartheid history, we recommend visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent several years in prison. Call us at (+91 99404 63566 / +91 73973 56334) for a detailed Africa tour packages itinerary. 

Algeria (2.9 Million)

Algeria has a varied landscape, with the northern part of the Mediterranean and the southern part encompassing the Sahara Desert. The country also has beautiful Roman archaeological sites in Timgad, Djemila, and Tipaza. The cuisine is another popular attraction with flavourful dishes like tagine, couscous, and brik. If you’re planning a stress-free beach vacation, Algeria is the perfect destination with Tipasa Beach, Ain El Turck Beach, and Sidi Fredj.
The Sahara Desert is popular for desert safaris, camel rides, and dune bashing. If you’d like to include Algeria in your Africa tour packages itinerary, Call us at (+91 99404 63566 / +91 73973 56334)

Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea is an unexplored paradise surrounded by jungles, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. There are hundreds of plant and animal species endemic to the country, including island bronze naped pigeon and the annobon paradise flycatcher. While it is popular among adventure tourists, poor marketing and infrastructure, corrupt government, and a lack of medical care make it impossible to visit Equatorial Guinea. Obtaining a tourist visa is an equal nightmare.

Sao Tome & Principe

Morocco has always enamoured tourists with its ancient cities, Islamic architecture, beautiful handicrafts, and delectable cuisine. The Sahara Desert is another popular attraction, with activities like buggy riding, desert safari, and dune hiking. Famous cities like Fez, Casablanca, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Tangier, and Meknes. Morocco’s souks are equally famous for their spices, argan oil, tea, shoes, and ceramicware. Remember to visit Morocco’s popular attractions like Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, and the Ouzuod Waterfalls with our Africa tour packages. 

Comoros

Comoros is an island country in East Africa located between Mozambique and Madagascar. It comprises three islands: Grand Comore, Moheli, and Anjouan. The country is famous for its beaches, mountains, and abundant marine life, including sea turtles, corals, humpback whales, and dolphins. It is one of the very few places where you’ll find lemurs outside of Madagascar. While it is indeed beautiful, Comoros isn’t a preferred tourist destination because of its remoteness and insecure political climate.

Mauritania

With its beautiful geography, abundant wildlife, and cultural heritage, Africa is a blessed continent that offers tourists a wholesome experience. Africa is home to some of the best wildlife safaris, gorgeous beaches, prehistoric artefacts, and even ski resorts. Here’s a list of tourist attractions you must include in your Africa tour packages.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeests migrate searching for fresh pastures and water. Its rich biodiversity allows tourists to observe the Big Five from close quarters, ensuring an unforgettable safari experience. In addition to the Big Five, the national park is home to millions of ungulates, leopards, cheetahs, and several bird species. Call us at (+91 99404 63566 / +91 73973 56334) to include a safari on your Africa tour package itinerary.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world – almost twice the height of Niagara Falls in North America. It is located on the border of two countries – Zambia and Zimbabwe. The local name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-Oa-Tunya, or smoke that thunders, which refers to the huge roar and misty spray that resembles smoke. Victoria Falls is considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world and is always included in our Africa tour packages itinerary. 

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara is located in Southwest Kenya and is famous for its scenic savannah plains and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. Other animals you can observe at the Masai Mara include wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, and cheetah. The reserve gets its name from its original inhabitants, the Masai people. You can spend a night observing animals from close quarters, watching wildebeests from a hot air balloon, going on a game drive, or spending time with the locals in their village.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain and the largest free-standing mountain in the world. It probably gets its name from the Swahili word for mountain, kilim, and the KiChagga word for whiteness the mountain is famed for its snow-capped peak. The mountain is a popular hiking spot because the trail is relatively easy and does not require as much equipment or experience. While the glaciers are believed to be over 11,000 years old, environmental changes are causing the glaciers to retreat.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is the largest in Africa and the oldest in South Africa. Besides the Big Five, you can observe a range of animals from close quarters, including the African wild dog, warthogs, spotted hyenas, wildebeest, and the vervet monkey. With our Africa tour packages, you can stay in one of the many hotels near the park and enjoy a full-day safari or a guided park tour or go hiking, walking, and backpacking. 

Pyramids of Giza

The pyramids of Giza are a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. These were originally tombs built for Egyptian pharaohs as they were believed to become gods in the afterlife. The Giza pyramids were built for Pharoah Khufu, his son Pharoah Khafre, and Khafre’s son, Menkuare. The materials to build the pyramid were shipped from across Egypt through the Nile. The tombs are invaluable as they describe everyday life in Egypt thousands of years ago.

Abu Simbel

Ramesses II built the Abu Simbel temples on the west bank of the Nile River. The temples are carved out of a mountain and contain four giant statues of a seated Ramesses II. They were built so that on two days of the year, sunlight falls directly in the inner sanctuary. However, as a result of relocating the temples to their current site, the sun no longer shines in the inner sanctum. The smaller of the two temples is dedicated to Queen Nefertiti.

Marrakech (Morocco)

Marrakech is a colourful city famous for the medina, which hosts old souks, cafes, and art deco homes. The town probably gets its name from the Berber word murr akush or land of God. The city is only a few kilometres away from Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Some iconic buildings in the city include the El Badi Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, and La Jardin Majorelle. Don’t miss to sample Moroccan cuisine, especially the iconic mint tea. To include Marrakech to your Africa tour packages, call us at (+91 99404 63566 / +91 73973 56334)

Cape Town (South Africa)

This is South Africa’s capital city and the country’s oldest city. Situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, the city is home to over 10 Blue Flag beaches, including Boulders Beach, where you can spot African penguins. Cape Town is also home to the famous Table Mountain, a flat-top mountain offering breathtaking views of the city. It is a popular hiking trail and is especially famous for providing the perfect backdrop to people looking to propose to their fiancés.

Johannesburg (South Africa)

Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest city, offering a perfect blend of traditional heritage and modern amenities. Some of its famous attractions include the Cradle of Humankind, Lion Park, the Johannesburg Zoo, the Johannesburg Botanical Garden, and Mandela House. You can also visit the local market in Soweto, grab a drink at one of Jo’burg’s rooftop cafes, or try one of the many adventure sports offered in the city.

Fez (Morocco)

Fez is Morocco’s cultural capital and is famous for its Medina, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monuments within the Medina include palaces, residences, mosques, and markets. The thousands of alleyways within the Medina are over 1000 years old, bearing witness to the city’s popularity that waxed and waned over the centuries. It is a car-free zone where tourists can travel by camel or walk by foot to observe the city’s historical buildings. Fez is also home to tanneries that date back almost 1000 years, the oldest in the world.

Cairo (Egypt)

Cairo is Egypt’s capital and is famous for its heritage, especially Islamic and military monuments. Because of its ancient history, the city is often called the cradle of civilisation, especially the pyramids of Giza. The longest river in the world, the Nile, flows through Cairo, which is probably why locals call it Umm al Dunya or the Mother of the World. Cairo is also home to the oldest university in Africa, the Al-Azhar University and the Babylon Citadel, an ancient fortress built in 30 BC.

Nairobi (Kenya)

Nairobi is Kenya’s capital and home to the famous Nairobi National Park. It is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. Besides its wildlife safaris, the city has a vibrant nightlife, including restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Within the city, you will also find traditional Kenyan villages or Bomas that showcase the life of the indigenous tribes. When in Nairobi, don’t miss Giraffe Manor, the most Instagrammed hotel in the world, where you can enjoy breakfast with giraffes and even feed them. To include the Giraffe Manor in your Africa tour packages, call us at (+91 99404 63566 / +91 73973 56334)

Alexandria (Egypt)

Alexandria is Egypt’s second-largest city. It was established by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. He wanted the city to be the finest in the world, so it was for over 1,000 years, thanks to its strategic location between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The beautiful Montazah Palace is another famous attraction that now houses a museum. Visit the famous beaches of Al-Ma’moura, Mandara, and Al-Assafrah, dotted with beautiful seafront boulevards

Casablanca (Morocco)

Casablanca is a modern city that is very unlike the rest of Morocco. Some of its iconic attractions include the Hassan II Mosque and the Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes. The Casablanca Festival and Jazzablanca are some of its famous festivals. The Medina in Casablanca is equally historic and established since 15 BC.

Given the huge diversity of cultures, it’s only natural that Africa offers plenty of shopping options. Northern African countries like Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Tunisia are famous for their carpets and rugs, while beadwork is famous in Sub-Saharan countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The souks of Morroco and Egypt are also famous for their leather products, ceramicware, and spices.

Call us at (+91 99404 63566 / +91 73973 56334) for a detailed shopping experience included in our Africa tour packages.

Nigeria is famous for its handcrafted wooden facemasks, handstitched leather purses, and indigo-dyed cloth produced by Yoruba women. Kenya is renowned for their soapstone carvings, Maasai beads, masks, ebony carvings, and kitengala glass.

If you visit Tanzania, remember to buy Maasai crafts like jewellery, wood carvings, and Tanzanian coffee. Ethiopia is also famous for its coffee, with locals believing it originated there. Straw baskets, honey, wickerware, and clay pottery are also common handicrafts in Ethiopia.

When in Madagascar, remember to buy their prized vanilla and vanilla-infused products. Baobab-themed souvenirs like oil and powder are also popular.

South Africa is famous for its batik fabrics, beaded jewellery, pewter cutlery, and handmade silk. You can also buy handwoven textiles, wooden masks, sculptures, and pottery.

Mauritius is famous for its dodo souvenirs and the fabled Mauritius rum. When in Seychelles, don’t forget to buy spices, tea, vanilla, and perfumes made from locally sourced ingredients like ylang ylang and coco de mer.

As for where to buy these products, local African markets are the best place to shop for souvenirs. However, tourists need to exercise caution when purchasing from local shopkeepers. For instance, shopkeepers in the old souks in Morocco and Egypt will likely quote ten or twenty times the original price. In contrast, a local seller in Tanzania will likely even quote even double the actual price.

Call us or send a message on Instagram for a customised Africa tour package.

The Africans were among the first to practice agriculture, cultivating millet, yams, sorghum, and oil palms since 3000 BCE. In fact, parts of North Africa, including the Nile Delta, were part of the Fertile Crescent, i.e., regions where the first settled agricultural communities settled. They also domesticated cattle, sheep, and donkeys over 7000 years ago or earlier. Given its vast geography, it is natural that the food is diverse and inspired by the local climate and landscape.

For instance, beef is rarely eaten in East Africa, where cattle are revered and even used as currency by some tribes, including the Maasai and Samburu. But beef is a common protein in North Africa and is used to make koftas and kebabs. Central Africans are traditionally hunter-gatherers, hunting exotic animals like baboons and warthogs for meat. Today, the diet includes cassava, plantains, yams, and sweet potatoes as the main starch, which are eaten with stews made using peanuts, chicken, beef, and okra.

West African cuisine incorporates rice, millet, and cassava as starches. Popular dishes include jollof rice and fufu, which are eaten with a spicy stew called egusi soup. Goat, chicken, and beef are common protein sources. Black-eye peas are another common ingredient in Western Africa, where they are added to stews and ground to make fritters and porridge.

Southern African cuisine is a blend of various influences, including Portuguese, British, Indian, Malay, and Dutch. Barbecue is a huge part of the cuisine in this region and called braai. Beef and chicken are common protein staples, but game meat like antelope, crocodile, and ostrich are also common.

Seafood is a common ingredient in most regions, especially Western Africa. It is often included in stews and is also smoked. In fact, smoked fish is even given as dowry by some tribes. Smoked prawns are ground and added to soups for added flavour and even form a main ingredient in shitto, a spicy sauce in Ghana.

Religious practices and historical trade with other regions also influenced African cuisine. For instance, in some native religions like Ifa, Bukongo, and Vodun, food is considered spiritual medicine, and ethically butchering an animal is considered an important aspect of a priestess’s learning. Cardamom seeds and cloves are a staple of Ethiopian cuisine and East African cuisine in general, thanks to the influence of trade from India and the Arab countries.
Berbere is another unique spice blend that gets its name from the Berber people and probably originated in Ethiopia.

Similarly, sacrifice is an essential aspect of Islamic African cuisine on Eid-Al-Adha. Cow, lamb, camel, goat, etc., were the common sacrificial animals.

Communal eating is common in many African countries, including Ethiopia, Mali, Eritrea, Ghana, and Nigeria. Injera is a common bread across Ethiopia and Eritrea and is often served on a plate upon which the gravy is placed.

As for cooking medium, ghee is a common fat used in East Africa, while West Africans predominantly use palm oil for their cooking and religious practices. In the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, olive oil is commonly used, while ghee and sesame oil are widely used in Sudan.