Africa: A 10 Questionnaire Study Guide with Answers

I. Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. What is the Danakil Depression known for, and in which country is it located?
2. Name three different types of landscapes a tourist can visit in Mauritius.
3. Why is the Sahara Desert in Morocco called ‘user-friendly’?
4. What is the Great Migration in Tanzania and which animals participate?
5. What is the significance of the Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar?
6. What makes Nxia Pan National Park unique?
7. What is the appeal of Djemaa el Fna to visitors in Morocco?
8. What makes Solio Reserve in Kenya an important location for wildlife conservation?
9. What is the significance of Lake Retba in Senegal?
10. Name one unique activity a person can do in Botswana.

II. Quiz Answer Key

1. The Danakil Depression is known as one of the hottest places on Earth, featuring volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and salt formations. It is located in Ethiopia.
2. In Mauritius, a tourist can visit picturesque beaches, dramatic waterfalls, and lush rainforests. It is also known for its hiking, snorkelling, and diving opportunities.
3. The Sahara Desert in Morocco is considered ‘user-friendly’ because it is easily accessible from the northern edge of Morocco, allowing for trekking with Berbers and camping experiences.
4. The Great Migration is an annual event in Tanzania involving the movement of over a million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebra, creating a spectacular display of wildlife.
5. The Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar is famous for its concentration of photogenic baobab trees lining a dirt road, offering an iconic photographic opportunity.
6. Nxia Pan National Park is unique for its vast, salt-rich pans characteristic of the Kalahari Desert and the ancient Baines baobabs.
7. Djemaa el Fna is an exciting town square, full of snake-charmers, henna-painters, storytellers, date-sellers and orange juice vendors in the day, then turns into a vibrant scene with tribal drummers, ladyboy dancers and mobile restaurateurs at night.
8. Solio Reserve in Kenya is an important location for wildlife conservation because it is home to a significant population of black and white rhinos, making it a prime location to see these rare species.
9. Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is unique because of its pink hues, caused by safe bacteria in the water that produce a red pigment to absorb sunlight.
10. In Botswana, a person can enjoy a mokoro (canoe) safari through the Okavango Delta, providing a serene experience of the unique waterways.

III. Essay Questions

Instructions: Choose one of the following questions and develop a well-structured essay response.

1. Compare and contrast the safari experiences offered in two different African countries mentioned in the sources. Discuss the unique features of each, including the types of wildlife, landscapes, and potential challenges for visitors.
2. Discuss the impact of tourism on the economies and cultures of African countries, using specific examples from the provided sources. Consider both the positive and negative aspects of tourism in these regions.
3. Based on the sources, analyse the geographical diversity of the African continent and explain how this variety contributes to its appeal as a travel destination.
4. Explore the ways in which the sources emphasize the balance between adventure and relaxation in African travel destinations. Provide specific examples of destinations that cater to both types of travellers.
5. Examine the historical significance of the travel destinations mentioned in the provided sources. Discuss how history influences contemporary tourism experiences in these locations.

IV. Glossary of Key Terms

• Safari: An overland journey, typically to observe and photograph wild animals in their natural habitat.
• Dune: A hill of sand built by wind or water flow.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: A place listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as being of special cultural or physical significance.
• Savanna: A grassy plain in tropical and subtropical regions, with few trees.
• Mokoro: A traditional dugout canoe commonly used in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
• Desert: A barren or desolate area, typically with little or no rainfall.
• Delta: A landform created by deposition of sediment carried by a river as the flow leaves its mouth and enters slower-moving or standing water.
• Baobab: A tree native to Africa and Madagascar, known for its thick trunk.
• Riad: A traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard.
• Kasbah: A type of medina or fortress, historically used for defence.
• Massif: A compact group of mountains, especially one that is heavily defined by faulting.
• Medina: A distinct city section found in many North African cities, it is typically walled, with narrow streets, fountains and palaces.