Africa Local Custom Tips by Wafro Top 5 Page for this destination

African tattoo's

African art is more than wooden masks and sculptures alone. The local youth is trying to express themselves with a western art form such as tattooing. They have very basic instruments but the results sometimes are fascinating.

African dances

Dancing is a common activity in Sub- Saharan Africa, there are so different African dances as there are cultural differences. Many dances have a social connection they dance to learn patterns in life, to praise and pray, they use it to celebrate weddings and maturation,….. Most of the dances are accompanied with African drums and music.
The modern city youth also dance in discos with a western character.

The internet

Anno 2011 the internet is widespread around Africa. The first time I visited the African continent they didn’t have any connections with the WWW. These days you can find the internet almost everywhere in the larger cities. Prices vary from place to place, but never pay more than 5€ for an hour.
Connections arn't always that fast as at home!!!

Local toys

Many African kids don’t have the luxury to afford toys as they do over here, but the elder people are inventive and they prepare there own. Maybe next time you should bring some cars or dolls along. Give them to the mothers and never directly to the children otherwise you could create beggars.

Water transport

In many places of the African continent water is still transported manually or should I say head(ly)? In rural areas water supply is the day job for women and children, the fill their jugs or buckets with river-, source- or pump water. Sometimes they have to walk for mile before they reach clean and potable water. I once tried to balance a jug filled with water on my head, LOL. This is something you do when you have a lot of experience.

Salaam Aleikum

“Salaam Aleikum” or “Peace Be Upon You” is a common welcome in many areas or Islamic countries in Africa. You only have to answer with the words “Aleikum Salaam” and a conversation is started.
Only use it when arriving or leaving.

Fatima's Hand

Fatima's hand became a symbol in the north African Muslim world and Middle East. For hundreds of years the Hand of Fatima was worn as the symbol for loyalty and forbearance. Hamsa(hand) necklaces and Hamsa bracelets are used to bring good luck and protection to the owners.

Shisha or Hookah

Shisha(waterpipe) is smoked in many north African countries on a social basis, usually in one's home with guests or in a cafe with friends. Most cities have shisha cafes where hookah is offered with a non-alcoholic drink (mainly tea). Often people will smoke hookah after dinner as a replacement for cigarettes. This is mostly for health reasons rather than cultural reasons.

Egyptian Massage

When relaxing is the most important reason of your holiday you certainly should try an Egyptian massage.
They are real finger-wizards and control the art of massaging perfectly.
Lay back and relax.

The 5 pillars of Islam

Shahada: the profession of faith
Salat: prayer
Zakat: alms
Sawm: fasting
Haj: pilgrimage