Africa Cruise - from Tenerife - 114171

The largest of the Canary Isles is Tenerife. Due to the mild climate and its geography, the island has a number of micro-climates. A mountain range spans the island at the centre of which is the impressive volcanic crater Cañadas del Teide with a diameter of around 20 km, and 'Teide' itself, which measures 3,718 metres in height. The valleys on either side of the mountains are extremely fertile, with important banana and tomato cultivation. By the sea there are beautiful sections of coastline with craggy cliffs and others with wide, fine sandy beaches. Active holidaymakers should visit Teide National Parks, Loro Parque, Barranco del Infierno, the cliffs of Los Gigantes, the pyramids at Güimar, the Anaga mountains, La Laguna, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz, Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas and the Aqua Park.

The largest city on the Canary Isles is on Gran Canaria and has a population of 355,000 and a totally original and unique architecture. The cathedral, on which construction work began following the discovery of America, has a Gothic and Neo-classical style. It stands on the lovely square "Santa Ana", which is where the archiepiscopal palace and several other buildings in the distinctive 'Canary' style are also situated. The "Barrio de la Vegueta" area stands out due to its many manor houses, which show the influence of the Latin American colonial style. Sights include: the "Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno" which has an important collection of contemporary art.

'The capital of the Republic of Senegal has the largest port in West Africa. Its oil refineries and the international airport mean it is one of the most important trading centres in West Africa. Dakar has a population of 1.7 million and is known as the finishing point of the world famous intercontinental car rally from Paris to Dakar. Cultural and scientific highlights of the city are the university, which was founded in 1957, the research institute "Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire" (IFAN) and the museums.

At the wide mouth of the Gambia river lies a narrow marshland peninsula. This is where Gambia's capital city was founded by the English colonial powers in 1868. The city's houses are well-kept and the viewing platform on the tallest building provides a beautiful panorama view of the entire surrounding area. In the old town you can still find old trading stations, dating back to the colonial age. The most important attraction is the "Albert Market", an interesting market and centre for tradesmen. Other sights include: the National Museum with exhibits about the country's cultural history; the major port of Banjul, where massive freight ships drop anchor.

Cape Town, (Afrikaans Kaapstad) is the seat of the South African parliament, an anglican and a catholic archbishop and the capital of the Western Cape province, as well as a cultural centre with two universities and various research institutes, museums, libraries, theatres, botanic gardens and a zoo. Cape Town is situated at the northern edge of the Cape peninsula and is one of the largest ports and one of the most important centres of industry in South Africa. The suburbs stretch around the bay by the Cape peninsula and far into wine-growing country. The oldest part of the city between Table Bay and the slopes of Table Mountain (which measures 1,086 metres in height) is also a popular holiday destination. The surrounding area is dominated by Table Mountain. A cablecar route to the summit has been in place since 1926. The historic sights include the oldest building in the city (and, indeed, the country), Castle Good Hope (1666), the Dutch Reformation Church (1699), the old town hall (1755) and the Malai district around Signal Hill. Other sights include the parliament building (1886), the South African Museum (1825), the South African National Gallery (1871) and the South African State Library.