Sub-Saharan Africa - Eastern Countries
Overview
Most anthropologists refer to the Eastern sub-Sahara, namely Kenya, as the “cradle of humanity,” with archaeological evidence suggesting that the earliest ancestors of mankind existed there more than 3 million years ago.
The area is rich with natural resources and beauty, with beaches and coral reefs lining the eastern borders and the wildlife-rich savannah to the west. Much of the area has now been designated as refuge and conservation sites to preserve the areas resources, attracting many environmental and conservationist volunteers from all over the world. Another major draw is that political stability of both Kenya and Tanzania, which allows volunteers an amount of personal safety not present throughout much of the continent. By contrast, Uganda hosts the collision of jungle and savannah, attracting more and more tourists every year. Volunteers in Uganda have the unique opportunity to work with the mountain gorilla population. One third of Zambia's land is designated as national park or game reserves, and the nation's 17 waterfalls and abundance of exotic birdlife offer volunteers another environmental volunteering option.
Population & Politics
Few continents have the ethnic diversity present in Africa, with hundreds of tribes with varying customs and languages coexisting in the vast African landscape. English is widely spoken throughout the region, along with hundreds of local dialects, the best known including Swahili and Luganda (the most widely spoken language in Uganda). The majority of the population identify themselves as Catholic or Protestant, with a small number of Islamic and tribal religions still being practiced.
Kenya is ruled by a presidential representative democratic republic, and has held free elections since 2002, with Kenyans enjoying and ever increasing degree of political freedom. Similarly, Zambia is a democratic republic, and has been heavily involved in political reforms throughout the Southern African nations. It is world noting, however, that Zambia has been hardest hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the nation's life expectancy is only 40 years.
Tanzania held its first multi-party elections in 2000, but the election was marred in controversy and violence leading to major election reforms in 2001. While Tanzania remains stable, it does not yet have the degree of political freedom as its northern neighbor. Similarly, while Uganda held its first free, multi-party presidential election in 2005, the current president's term has been highly criticized, with many accusing him of embezzlement and corruption.
Climate
The hot, dry climate of the Sub-Sahara is a big draw to visitors, who look forward to sunny days and cool nights. Climate along the coastline is more tropical, with slightly heavier rainfall and more humidity. There are two rainy seasons in the area: the long season is from April to June, and the short from October to December, with heaviest rainfall often occurring in the early afternoons. The hottest temperatures (as high as 105) occur between February and March and the coolest (as low as) between July and August. Millions of species of wildlife, including wildebeests, elephants, leopards and lions migrate between the months of June and September to forage during the dry season.
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