Africa

When I first visited Zimbabwe ten years ago, hyperinflation had sent the entire country into a controlled state of panic. While there was no specific ‘danger’ of which to speak, tourists were still frightened by the actions of President Robert Mugabe and the prospect of visiting a country in the midst of so much turmoil.

Not so many fascinating wetlands are present on the African continent. However, one of these few is the Okavango Delta, situated in the  Kalahari Desert within the ancient country of Botswana. The Okavango offers both an unusual environment and an amazing host of diverse wildlife.

Wilderness Safaris’ Serra Cafema Camp, hidden in the Hartmann Valley, surrounded by the infinity of the Namib Desert, in the extreme north-west of Namibia, has reopened after an eco-friendly rebuild about two days ago. The park, located at an extremely remote region by the banks of the Kunene River offers travellers incredible journeys to the local deserts. The unique point of this camp is its ability to combining incredible landscapes at an uncommon destination, completely eco-friendly facilities and socially responsible tourism that focuses on experiencing local Himba culture and aims to strengthen local businesses.

Tutankhamun was an Egyptian Pharaoh ruling from approximately 1341 BC to 1323 BC. The boy-king was only eight years old when he became Pharaoh. Howard Carter, a British Egyptologist had found clues to the existence of the Pharaoh, but the location of his tomb was unknown and there were very few records of any type on Tutankhamun.

A tweet from Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane Meskel, confirmed that the war between Eritrea and Ethiopia has ended.

Suspected rhino poachers who trespassed on a South African game reserve were killed by a pride of six lions.

St. Vincent coast.  Photo:  Tonya Fitzpatrick World Footprints will introduce the African country of Kenya--considered to be the Cradle of Civilization because its history can be traced back six million years ago.  Kenya is also considered the heart of Africa and the safari epicenter of the world.  The country in East Africa famed for its scenic landscapes and vast wildlife preserves.  We'll learn more about this ancient country from Jacinta Nzioka with the Kenyan Tourism Board. During the latest Caribbean Tourism Organization conference we met over a dozen of country representatives to learn what distinguishes their country from another Caribbean nation.  The CTO’s vision is to position the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination. Its purpose is Leading Sustainable Tourism – One Sea, One Voice, One Caribbean. We also discovered some interesting history and traveled deeper through our conversations.   Listen. Learn. Explore. as we speak to: [...]

It’s hard to imagine a more versatile and exuberant land that is filled with all kinds of experiences than Northern Africa. With piles of treasures, dozens of snake charmers, and endless glasses of flavorful mint tea, there’s no better place to immerse yourself into the vibrant mix of African and Arab worlds than in Morocco.

A very talented musical group in Mondesa greets us with beautiful sounds.  Photo:  Ian Fitzpatrick Today, World Footprints will explore elements of American history from small towns and historic hotels to Fort Monroe.  We'll also visit the shanty town of Mondesa which sits just outside of Swakopmund, Namibia.  There we will mingle with the locals and witness how black Namibians are preserving their history and traditions. Fort Monroe in Virginia has been defending America since 1607 and today it remains the largest stone fortification in the United States.   Tour guide Robin Reed gives us the backstory of the Fort's rich history and the important role it has played in American history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is on a mission to preserve and share all of America's history.  We'll share the work the organization is doing and we'll introduce two interesting historic hotels in Washington, DC--the Mayflower and the [...]

As the world remembers Nelson Mandela on the anniversary of his death, Tonya and Ian travel full circle from their law careers to South Africa, a destination they hold close to their hearts.  (Hint:  they honeymooned there).  World Footprints shares the lasting legacy of Mandela as it showcases other sides of South Africa, including an extraordinary student exchange program between the University of Missouri and the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, South Africa. Manta Ray Then you’ll hear about the legacy of animal conservation that stretches across the globe as World Footprints introduces Nandi, a rescued South African manta ray who Tonya got to scuba dive (one of her great passions) with at the Georgia Aquarium.  You'll hear about the integral role that the Aquarium plays in sea life conservation. The aquarium is involved in research initiatives that focus on whale sharks in the Yucatán Peninsula, beluga whales [...]

Marrakesh, often called the "Red City," is a captivating blend of ancient tradition and modern life. Nestled at the base of the High Atlas Mountains, this former hub of North African caravan routes now thrives as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

Produced by celebrity powerhouses Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, as well as Ruth and Stephen Hendel, FELA! (pronounced FAY-lah) is the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.