Students will appreciate Africa's astonishingly diverse natural habitats by exploring Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Tai National Park in the Ivory Coast, home to hundreds of different species of birds and grazing grounds for millions of gazelles, antelopes and zebras. Ngorongoro Crater, part of the Serengeti Plain ecosystem in Tanzania, and Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary on the edge of the Sahara in Senegal, offer an equally rich assortment of creatures
Take an in-depth look at treasured sites associated with the rich cultural history of Africa by traveling to Ghana, Mali and Madagascar. In Ghana, investigate the rich Gold Coast, the home of the Ashanti kingdom, which flourished in the 18th century, and the famed villages of clay of the Dogon people in Mali. Then it's off to the beautiful tropical island of Madagascar to investigate the ancient and little known Vazimba culture, a people whose name means "those who have always been here."
In the 19th century, western adventurers reported on Africa's most beautiful natural wonders and exotic locales -- places that students will appreciate on a spectacular trip through Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mali. From Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the largest freestanding mountains in the world, to Zimbabwe's stunning Victoria Falls, students will learn about the intrepid exploits of European missionaries and explorers to find these natural treasures. In Mali, follow the trail of Heinrich Barth's journey to Timbuktu
Africa is believed to be the cradle of civilization, where humankind originated millions of years ago. It is a continent rich in natural resources, and one that has made great strides in improving the quality of life for its people. Yet, Africa is also a continent comprised of many nations that are still struggling to develop. Students will explore Africa's history and learn to what degree its colonial legacy continues to impact the continent.
