Africa travel seems mostly limited to Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt. Beyond these countries the remaining parts of Africa rarely seem to be visited by travelers. Africa’s reputation for diseases, war and genocide, and its lack of infrastructure and extreme poverty are intimidating to most people. While there are the obvious problems in the continent that everyone should be aware of and help in any way possible, it should also be realized that Africa has some of the most amazing places and people on earth. I was surprised myself when I learned that certain countries in western Africa are considered some of the safest places in the world. Some even have lower murder rates than western Europe! Africa is also the continent of adventure, home of the great Sahara desert, the world’s third largest canyons, the highest free standing mountain, and some very exotic and powerful wildlife. The most obvious ancient structures are the pyramids and tombs in Egypt, but you might be surprised to know that there are medieval castles still standing in other parts of Africa.