Current Shows
A Virtual Tour of East Africa
Thursdays 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon - Online Class from May 8 to June 12, 2025 - Simon Fraser University
Join Peter Langer on six amazing safaris, featuring breathtaking photography along with background information and expert advice such as how and when to visit, and how to make the most of a wildlife safari, as well learning about the various cultural groups that inhabit the region. Get useful tips on local food and shopping. This playful, informative mix of inspiring personal narratives and intriguing facts will appeal whether you are an active traveller or you simply dream of visiting far-flung destinations in this part of the world.
CONTENTS
Weeks 1 Northern Ethiopia
Ethiopia goes back to the very beginning of human existence and features a wealth of historical sites without parallel in sub-Saharan Africa. In this presentation we will explore several cultural highlights, such as lively Addis Ababa; the monasteries of Lake Tana; Tigray's remarkable rock-hewn churches; the giant obelisks in Axum; the medieval castles of Gondar; and the ancient rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. We will also witness the elaborate Ethiopian Christmas celebrations held by the Ethiopian Orthodox church. Ethiopia also features incredible natural landscapes, dominated by a high central plateau that falls away abruptly into the chasm of the Great Rift Valley. Here we will see the Blue Nile waterfalls; endemic wildlife such as Gelada baboons in the Simien Mountains and the Danakil Depression, featuring other-worldly geological landscapes that resulted from the divergence of three tectonic plates in the Horn of Africa..
Weeks 2: Souhern Ethiopia
Discover the unique and fascinating fusion of African and Middle Eastern influences in Harar Jugol, an old walled city, located in Eastern Ethiopia. We continue to the the World Heritage sites of the Tiya Stelae Field and the Cultural Landscape of Konso. We then will witness the elaborate Timkat celebrations, the Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of the Epiphany in the Oromia Region. We then head to a string of beautiful lakes that characterize the southern Rift Valley, stretching down towards the Kenyan border. . We explore the Omo Valley, home to a diverse and fascinating range of villages, home to some of Africa’s most fascinating ethnic groups. We explore traditional Dorze, Mursi, Karo and Daasanach villages; and witness the Hamer people performing a Jumping of the Bulls coming of age ceremony.
Week 3: Eritrea
Eritrea is one of the most secretive countries in Africa, going through a tough political and economic situation, yet Eritrea remains one of the most inspiring destinations in Africa. We will take an in-depth look at Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. This UNESCO World Heritage city features incredibly well-preserved modernist architecture created by Italian architects. We get to see the lively atmosphere of the Monday camel market in Keren and experience a vintage train ride on the Eritrean Railway, constructed between 1887 and 1932 by the Kingdom of Italy. We also will see Massawa, a historical and important port for many centuries, located on the Red Sea.
Week 4: Kenya and Tanzania
Kenya and Tanzania are a nature photographer’s dream in terms of wildlife and vast landscapes. Discover amazing national parks, teaming with wildlife. The presentation takes us to Samburu, the Masai Mara, Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as ell as the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley. We will also have a look at the Mara Conservancies, which offer incredible day and night game viewing; and are managed according to a model that protects the delicate ecosystem and benefits the landowners themselves - the Masai people.
We then head to the islands of Zanzibar, one of the world's great cultural crossroads, where Africa meets Arabia meets the Indian Ocean and travel back in time, as we explore the narrow alleys of historic Stone Town.
Weeks 5: Uganda and Rwanda
Uganda boasts the most varied safari circuit in Africa. The lush montane forests of Bwindi protect the world's largest remaining population of mountain gorillas, many of which have become habituated to tourists. Elsewhere, Queen Elizabeth National Park, set below the snow-capped Mountains of the Moon, is renowned for its tree-climbing lions and abundant wildlife. Kibale Forest offers chimpanzee tracking as well as the opportunity to see other monkey species in their natural jungle habitat.
In Rwanda we explore Volcanoes National Park, which runs along the border with the DRC and Uganda,and is home to the Rwandan section of the Virungas; and take a painful look at Rwanda's Genocide Memorials, which honour the victims of the horrific genocide that brutalized this country in 1994.
Weeks 6: Madagascar
Madagascar is often referred to as the “Eighth Continent” and the island’s legendary uniqueness is best reflected by its plethora of amazing lemurs, colourful chameleons, many endemic bird species, and a fascinating array of endemic flora, all of which combine to make for a truly exceptional photo safari. We start in the capital, Antananarivo and the tranquil surroundings of Ambohimanga Palace. We then explore Perinet Reserve; the sparkling green highlands and typical villages to Antsirabe; the Rainforests of the Atsinanana and the Ranomafana Rainforest. Descending from the high plateau to Ranohira, we explore bizarre sandstone rocks and weirdly sculptured erosions in Isalo National Park, Madagascar's 'Grand Canyon'. We also will explore the area around Tulear on the southwest coast.
What You Will Learn
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
- Describe and tell the difference among several Cultural and Natural UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout Eastern Africa.
- Learn about the incredible biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna of the region.
- Get insights useful to travellers to the Horn of Africa and the great National Parks in the African Savanna.
How You Will Learn
- Participation in Zoom seminars
- Participation in written discussions with other students
- Supplementary resources accessed through Canvas
- Reflective essay (applicable only to certificate students)
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