arcca (tema),ghana Many travelers praise the Ghanaian people for their friendliness, sincerity and pride.

On the street, in the market, in a bar: you will never have to wait long to have a chat with someone. Accra is Ghana's capital and largest city, as well as being the executive, financial and educational center of the country. In this coastal region, you can enjoy beautiful palm beaches and explore small fisherman villages.

BANJUL, GAMBIA Experience the flavors of West Africa with the beaches, sunshine and culture of Banjul, the capital city and government seat of The Gambia. Shop for locally made batik, silver filigree jewelery and other crafts. There are regular tours of the city, and it is the starting point for trips to all parts of the country and coastline.

BOM BOM ISLAND, PRICEPE Just off the coast of Principe, Bom Bom Island is part of the Guinea Island archipelago. Bom Bom, which means "Good Good," offers a wide range of activities. Its crystal clear waters are perfect for scuba diving or its internationally famous sailfishing, and the island provides a beautiful, untouched setting for forest hikes or beach-bumming in the sun. At night, enjoy some of the local bars and restaurants for a relaxing tropical evening.

COTONOU,BENIN Cotonou is the largest city and the main port in Benin. You can find good shopping, a variety of restaurants, museums and cultural centers here -something that is not always available in other parts of the country. Visitors will enjoy stopping by the Dan Topka market. Many day trips are also available.

DAKAR,SENEGAL The capital of Senegal is a bustling, modern town. The most popular shore excursion is a ferry ride to the island of Goree for a visit to the historical museum, slave houses and colonial mansions. City tours offer a look at an eclectic collection of African masks and artifacts at the Ifan Museum and usually include stops at street fruit markets and handicrafts villages.

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANAI

Located on the Indian Ocean coast, Dar es Salaam is the capital and commercial center of Tanzania. Today a teeming city of 3.5 million people, Dar es Salaam is the terminus of the new Tan-Am Railway that connects Tanzania with Zambia. Travelers to Dar es Salaam will find sites of historical interest both in the city and the surrounding area. An organized sightseeing tour provides a good overview for the first-time visitor. Of main interest are the game reserves and national parks, which are a distance from Dar es Salaam and require full-day or overnight excursions

DJIBOUTI,DJIBOUTI

Djibouti, the former French Somaliland, is a small country sandwiched between Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. The construction of the country's capital began under the French in 1888. More than half of the country's population lives in Djibouti City, which acts as an international transit port and refueling center. The town has an Arab flavor, and a colorful

market near the mosque in the center of town is the main attraction. It retains elements of African, European and Arab culture. Most travelers visit the country for its desert scenery, interesting sea life and white-sand beaches.

DURBAN,SOUTH AFRICA

The sophisticated city of Durban shakes to the beat of tribal dancing. Visitors can learn about local customs and the merging of African and Oriental

cultures. Popular excursions take tourists along the palm-lined Victoria Embankment, to the Orchid House of the Botanical Gardens or through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, with a stop at a Zulu village for a taste of native cooking. Shoppers will enjoy the brilliant Indian Market and art lovers will delight in the African Art Centre.

EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA

Located at the mouth of the Buffalo River, East London is a peaceful area surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The city is a surfer's dream, with its coastline and prevailing southwester. The fishing is also great! Or, if the beach isn't for you, the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve and Mpongo Game Park are located just outside town, and both offer unique game-viewing experiences.

INHAMBANE, MOZABIQUE

The town of Inhambane possesses numerous colonial era buildings, including a 170-year-old cathedral, from its time as a Portuguese colony, as well as numerous beaches and bays popular with surfers and sunbathers. However, the primary draw for travelers is Tofo Beach, where divers have the chance to swim with the enormous whale shark, as well as giant manta rays and sea turtles.

LA POSESSION, REUNION ISLAND

On the northwest side of Reunion Island, the commune La Possession is a terrific destination for travelers looking to spend time in the great outdoors. Hike the remote Cirque de Mafate caldera, or take a mountain bike or go on horseback over your choice of the more than 200 kilometers of trails. For an original way to take in the splendor of Reunion Island take an ultra-light aircraft or helicopter ride

over the striking landscapes, or go diving in the waters off La Possession

LOME, TOGO

Togo is a tiny stretch of land that has been popular amongst European travelers for years, but it is still a hidden gem to United States tourists. Lom is full of uncrowded white-sand beaches, unique villages and vivacious markets and festivals. Keran Park is a beautiful nature reserve nearby, and Lake Togo is a great place for a peaceful afternoon picnic.

LODERITS, NAMIBIA

Luderitz has a long and illustrious history dating back to 1488 when Bartolomeu Diaz erected a stone cross here, similar to one you can see now at Diaz Point. Some architectural highlights of this town include the railway station, designed by Metje & Ziegler; Goerke House, the most beautiful home in town; and Troost House, built in typical colonial style. Or take a cruise on Redford Bay to view the penguins. One of the most interesting attractions in Luderitz is Kolmanskop, an old diamond-miners ghost town.

MADAGASCAR

This island is a place where the jungle meets the ocean to create a unique ecosystem. Most cruise ships visit Nosy Be and Nosy Komba, two small tropical islands that lie off the northwest coast. Nosy Be is a fragrant island of rolling hills embraced by tranquil waters. Ylang-ylang perfume taken from the flowering trees is sold in tiny bottles. Nosy Komba is

encircled in coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling. The native lemurs of this tiny island will eat bananas right out of your hands.

MAHE,SEYCHELLES

These golden isles in the Indian Ocean, 1,000 miles

from any other landmass, offer some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The cliffs sprout from warm seas that are perfect for water sports and snorkeling. A Mahe Island tour delivers a remarkable view of Victoria from the mountains and provides an up-close encounter with the giant Aldabran tortoises at the Botanical Gardens. Praslin Island is home to black parrots and other rare species of sea birds and plant life.

MAPUTO,MOZABIQUE Maputo is a seaport on the Indian Ocean and the capital of Mozambique. As such, it is a melting pot of several cultures with strong influences from South Africa, Portugal, India, and China. For more information about these cultural influences and Mozambican history, stop by the Museum of the Revolution, which chronicles the 10-year war for independence from Portugal. Also, tourists should not miss the Central Market, a hub of activity with all kinds of goods, including handicrafts, baskets and carvings, fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

MAURITIUS (PORT LOUIS) Founded in 1735, Port Louis is the busy capital city and main port of this volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, and its charms have attracted various poets and writers over the centuries. There are some fine French colonial buildings off the palm-lined Place d'Armes, such as the 18th-century Government House and Municipal Theater. Other sites include two cathedrals, a mosque, 18th-century barracks and a natural history museum. Go to Fort Adelaide for splendid views of the town, harbor and a racecourse -- known as Champs de Mars, the course was originally laid out by the French for military parades. Barter for souvenirs, crafts and clothing at the lively Port Louis Market, where merchants also sell fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish. South of town is Le Reduit, the former residence of the Governor-General of Mauritius that is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Also near Port Louis is the Domaine Les Pailles, a nature park that encompasses more than 3,000 acres; visitors can

view deer, monkeys and rare birds from Land Rovers, horse-drawn carriages or a train.

MOMBASA,KENYA Kenya's chief port touts long stretches of white-sand beaches and some of Africa's most extraordinary wild game. Two- or three-day trips to Tsavo National Park, Kenya's first and largest game reserve, and to other game parks are the most sought-after excursions. A tour around the historic Old Town rewards travelers with views of intricate mosques and carved houses and a visit to the 16th-century Fort Jesus.