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Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 8:24pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
Called the dark Continent, Africa is a massive land mass of land still unexplored and untamed. Diverse in its people, religions, languages and heritage, it should come as no surprise that Africa is home to some of the most mysterious landmarks, geological formations and man-made places on earth. Whether in the deserts of Egypt, the dense jungles of the Congo or the beautiful coasts of West Africa, this continent is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes and interesting places on earth. From a set of ancient pyramids overshadowed by the ones at Giza to a deadly lake to the former location of one of the most ancient of Africa civilizations to one of the most breath-taking parks in the world, Africa has a lot to see and do for anyone looking to add a little excitement to their travels. Often off the beaten path but always worthwhile, these ten places might be the most mysterious Africa has to offer. They are listed below;
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 8:30pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
1. Dallol. From pictures, one might guess these landscapes are from the mind of a science- fiction writer or computer generated for a futuristic movie. However, this is actually a place on earth. A place in Ethiopia to be more specific. The city of Dallol was established in this area of volcanic activity and holds the record as being the hottest inhabited place on earth with an average temperature 96 degrees. The city is also one of the most remote in the world and can take a journey of a day or more just to reach it. Today, the city is pretty much a ghost town in the Afar Desert. The combination of railroads and potash mining needed during World War I led to the original settlement of the area, as well as attempts to dig for salt in the area. However, the extremely hot climate and local volcanic activity made Dallol a less than desirable place for most. While the heat and volcanic temperatures have made the area popular for those mining iron oxide, sulfur and salt, it has also recently become a destination for tourists who are seeking something out of this world. The volcanic explosion crater in the Danakil Depression has created some of the most astonishing hot springs, geothermal geysers and beautiful salt flats in the world. Be warned, this is a place the ancient Afar people thought so dangerous they dubbed it Dallol, meaning “disintegrated.” Few volcanologists even dare come to this area to study the rare geothermal wonders in this corner of Africa. Those that can brave the heat can explore the wondrous landscape must be willing to go out of the way to get there. The only means of transport to the area are either by hopping one of the trading caravans that traverses Ethiopia or renting a four-wheel drive vehicle and driving across the sand from the nearest village, Mekele, which is a day’s drive from Dallol. While Dallol is not found in many books about volcanoes, it is believed the area’s unique landscape was formed when the basaltic magma from the eruption mingled with salt deposits and water in the area. This lead to an explosion of of rock, asha, water and steam as well as molten volcanic rock. The last known eruption was in 1926 and toxic fumes still emanate in the area as a result. Needless to say, a trip to Dallol is not for the faint of heart.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Mskrisx(f): 8:48pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
Oya continue na |
Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 9:05pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
2. The Eye of Africa. Also known as the Richat Structure, the Eye of Africa has become a landmark for astronauts and remains a mysterious blue circle in the sands of the Sahara Desert. It was astronauts who first caught a glimpse of this strange land formation and to this day, scientists are still unsure what created this strange landmark. However, there are no shortage of theories about how the Eye of Africa came to be. Initially, astronauts theorized the Eye was the creation of an asteroid impact in the Sahara desert near the city of Ouadane, Mauritania. The structure is about 30 miles - or 50 kilometers - wide and strangely circular. A second theory is that the structure is the remnant of a volcano, though the lack of a dome or rock types associated with volcanoes have caused scientists to be highly critical of that theory. Others believe the rock sculpture was created when tectonic plates moved the rock upward out of the desert, but the nearly perfect circular rings around the Eye have also offered evidence contrary to that theory. Of course, one of the more wild theories is that the area is the ruin of hte lost city of Atlantis as it is so similar to the circular, divided island as described by Plato. The fact that the area is close to the Pillars of Hercules as Plato described has also led some credence to this theory. There are those who theorize the geothermal areas of the Eye are the ruins of a canal osystem or a river delta, especially since the circles are nearly geometrically perfect. About 40,000 years ago, there were huge lakes in the Sahara desert and the area was still humid around 65000 BCE. Of course, it is believed the Eye is around 100 million years old, around the time the Sahara would have been covered by the sea. While scientists are still baffled at how the Eye of Africa was created, the images of the Eye as taken from space continue to intrigue and inspire those on earth. The origin of this strange landscape may never be known.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 9:09pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
3. Great Zimbabwe. These magnificent ancient ruins are not only a cultural touchstone for the people of Zimbabwe but have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of their importance to world history. The largest collection of ruins in Africa south of the Sahara, the Great Zimbabwe is located between the Zambezi and Limpopo Rivers and show the amazing wealth and architectural abilities of this ancient African culture. The Great Zimbabwe was once the capital city of the Kingdom of Zimbabwe, believed to have been constructed around the 1000s. However, it is believed the occupation of the site dates back even further as it was once used as a burial ground by the ancient Shona people. The Great Zimbabwe was settled by the Gokomere people and eventually the Ziwa cultures also began farming and mining the areas around the city. Evidence suggests the city was a great trading center and a center for gold and ivory. Remnants of Chinese pottery, coins from Arabia and glass beads from other cultures indicate how wealthy the city was. The Great Zimbabwe went into decline and was eventually abandoned around 14500 AD. Several suggestions have been given for the end of this once- mighty civilization including climate change, the arrival of Europeans to the African continent, a decline in trading, political instability and famine or water shortages. By the time the first Europeans arrived in the area - Portugues explorers who went to explore the ruins in the 1500s - the city had long been abandoned. Today, visitors can explore the granite towers and walls, soapstone sculptures, and impressive ancient structures that remain. Modern-day residents of Zimbabwe take pride in this example of their heritage and much work is being done to learn more about this ancient city and the people who once lived here. A small museum on the site also offers visitors a glance at artifacts that were recovered from the area, including some of the pieces that evidence international tradiing that once took place within the city walls.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 9:14pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
4. Lake Natron. From blood-red waters to the ability to calcify animals into stone, Lake Natron near Tanzania's border with Kenya is another African landscape that seems taken from science fiction - or possibly even a horror novel. Despite the ominous appearance of this lake, it continues to be a popular tourist destination and the base camp for climbing one of Tanzania's most impressive mountains. Additionally, the lake is home to a very unique ecosystem, despite is seemingly deadly reputation. Natron is actually one of two saline lakes in Tanzania, the smaller being lake Bahi, in the country’s Great Rift Valley. As the lakes are filled with saltwater and rains in the area are unpredictable, the rains can make the salt levels in the water raise extremely quickly. As a result of this rapid evaporation, the lake leaves behind high levels of natron and trona and the alkalinity of the lake can reach high Ph levels. It is this rapid evaporation that gives the lake its blood red color. This water can also seemingly turn animals unaccustomed to it to stone. The high alkalinity can burn the skin and eyes of animals and the deposits of sodium carbonate in the lake can mummify these animals. In fact, this is the same chemical used by the ancient Egyptians to mummify their dead. Of course, animals don’t instantly die and become mummified as soon as they make contact with the lake. It is believed the calcification occurs ot animals that are just unlucky enough to die in the lake, often times of natural causes. In addition to its salt content, the lake is also extremely hot, often reaching up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite this, there are some animals who still call the area home. in addition to algae, the lake is home to fish and birds. The lake is the only breeding ground for the lesser flamingo, a threatened species. As a result, the World Wildlife Fund is working to help preserve the area from loggers and other threats to the lake’s environment. While the lake may seem dangerous, humans often hang out around its borders. The lake is the site of several campgrounds, many of which are used as base camp before climbing Ol Doinyou Lengai, one of Tanzania’s highest mountains.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 9:18pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
5. Lake Nyos. While Lake Natron may seem to be the most dangerous lake in Africa, it is actually Cameroon’s Lake Nyos that holds the reputation for being the most deadly. One night in 1986, this lake killed about 1,700 people and nearly 3,500 livestock. The incident also left many others with health problems because of the chemicals the lake emanated. As a result, the Guinness Book of World Records has dubbed Lake Nyos the deadliest lake in the world. Nyos is a carter lake about 200 miles north of Cameroon’s capital city of Yaounde. The lake is on the side of an inactive volcano and is impounded by a volcanic dam. There is a pocket of magma underneath the lake, which leaks carbon dioxide into the water. The water then changes this into carbonic acid and makes the lake one of three exploding lakes in the world - all three of which are in Africa. Typically, the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted from the lake is monitored for public safety, but one night in 1986, there was nothing officials could do to stop the deadly lake. It is believed a landslide or small volcanic eruption on August 21, 1986 triggered the sudden release of around 250,000 tons of carbon dioxide as well as hydrogen and sulfur. This cloud rose above the lake and spilled over into the valleys nearby. The carbon dioxide then asphyxiated both people and animals living in the valleys. Those who were not strangled by the lake suffered from coughing, burning sensations in their eyes and throats, respiratory problems, lesions and paralysis. Some 40,000 people fled the area and many of those who were injured by the lake were taken to the capital city of Yaounde for treatment. Many residents made the choice to not return back to the banks of Lake Nyos after the disaster. To prevent any further disasters from happening again, scientists are working to help degas the lake through a process called outgassing. Scientists are installing columns into the lake that feed out the carbon dioxide in a controlled manner. The hope is to eventually degas the lack completely. Research is also being done to ensure neither of the other two exploding lakes in Africa will experience a similar disaster. However, another disaster is looming for Lake Nyos. The natural dam created by volcanic rock is slowly eroding and if it breaks, it could flood the same valleys the lake gassed nearly thirty years ago. Engineers are exploring how to strengthen the natural dam to prevent another disaster.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 9:22pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
6. Marafa Depression. The Marafa Depression in Kenya goes by many names. Some have nicknamed it “Hell’s Kitchen” while the locals call it Nyari, meaning “the place broken by itself.” This large sandstone ridge worn by erosion now showcases some of the most beautifully colored gorges in Africa. This beautiful area not far from the Kenyan coast is also the source of legend for the Kenyan people. According to local legend, the area where the Marafa Depression is located was once a plain that was home to a very prosperous village. One day, the people of the village received a nightmarish vision that a miracle was coming and they had to move their town. The majority of the villagers decided to heed these communal vision, save for one elderly woman who did not want to leave her home. The people moved and later returned to the area to find the Marafa Depression where their town had once been. There was no sign of the elderly woman who had stayed behind. Another legend states the area was inhabited by a very wealthy family with several heads of cattle. The family was so rich they allegedly bathed themselves and their cattle in milk, but they were cruel and would not share any of their wealth with their poverty- stricken neighbors. This angered the gods, who punished the family with a torrential rain storm that eroded away their rich land and the family, leaving the Depression in its wake. Of course, scientists say erosion over millions of years is the more likely culprit for the create of the feet-high sandstone structures in the Depression. Regardless of the cause, the area is now part of Hell's Gate National Park and a spot to see both magnificent animal and plant life. Additionally, the sunset and sunrise bouncing off the colorful layers of the Depression make for some beautiful sites and photography. While the area is not one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, it is ranked as one of its most beautiful. Other sites in the national park include the inspiration for "The Lion King's" Pride Rock, hot springs, the wildlife and even an annual wheelbarrow race.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 9:26pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
7. Meroe Pyramids. Most people are familiar with the astounding ancient Egyptian pyramids at Giza, but these are not the only pyramids that dot Northern Africa. The ancient Nubian peoples also built pyramids outside their city of Meroe, which are even older than the pyramids at Giza. In fact, it is believed it was the Nubians who introduced pyramid building to Egypt when they took over the country in the 700s BCE. While the pyramids at Giza are dated to about 2600 BCE, the pyramids at Meroe and other Nubian pyramids are belived to have been constructed about 500 years earlier. The city of Meroe was the third and final capital city of the Nubian empire known as Kush along the Nile River in the present- day Sudan, though the construction of these pyramids began in the early days of the Nubian empire when the capital was at Kerma. The Kush empire competed strongly with ancient Egypt, and while they could be military rivals, the two also traded goods, technology, information and customs. More than 200 pyramids were constructed at Meroe in three separate groups, relating to the three kingdoms and capitols of the empire. The pyramids were the burial grounds for kings and queens of the empire, though many of those buried here remain unidentified. There are similar royal burial grounds in pyramid form at el-Kurru and Nuri, though Meroe is the largest burial ground for the Nubians. Along with the royalty, burial items include musical rocks and entire cow to help accompany the Nubian kings and queens into their afterlife. In addition to the pyramids themselves. visitors can also explore the ruins of the ancient city of Meroe, which was a major powerhouse because of its proximity to iron mines as well as its agricultural importance due to the annual flooding of the Nile. Several royal palaces and temples remain at the site. Today, the sites are a UNESCO World Heritage site and archaeological excavation continues to learn more about the ancient Nubians.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by ubiquitousade(m): 10:01pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
this is insightful but without pictures |
Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 10:55pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
8. Tiya Stelae. Quite possibly Africa’s answer to England’s Stonehenge, these massive stone monuments in the central part of Ethiopia create one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. Roughly 160 similar sites have been discovered in Ethiopia’s Soddo region south of the capital of Addis Ababa, and this is the largest site. It contains 36 stone monuments with 32 stelae with carvings that still baffle researchers. The archaeological site takes its name from the nearby Ethiopian town of Tiya. The stone columns are called stelae, the Greek plural term for stone slabs erected as monuments, often for funerary or commemorative purposes. They are also called menhir, a French term for standing stones. These megalithic structures are found in Europe, China and along the Horn of Africa. One of the first expeditions to try and uncover the mystery of these standing stones took place by a German archaeologist in 1935, though Europeans were aware of the site for several decades by that time. What is known about these stones is that they were most likely erected by an ancient Ethiopian culture, though no name is certain of this culture. Tools indicate the area was constructed in the Middle Stone Age. What isn’t known about the stones far exceeds what is. While many of the stones depict swords and a few humanoid figures, researchers are not sure what to make of many of the symbols on these stones. Some theorize the area is a funeral site or burial ground as many tombs have been found in the same area. As Ethiopia is an area where not much archaeological work has been done, researchers are just now beginning to uncover the secrets of this site and other similar sites across the country. In addition to determining the meaning of the individual standing stones, these researchers are hoping to uncover how the site at Tiya is connected to other sites in the area. Some are hoping that oral histories and legends passed down to nearby people and tribes can also help them piece together the history and purpose of the Tiya site.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 10:59pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
9. Nyiragongo Volcanic Lake. Not only is Africa home to a lake that calcifies animals and another that emits poison gas, but it is also home to a volcanic lake filled with hot magma. Mount Nyiragongo is located near Congo's border with Rwanda and features a permanent lava lake at its peak. The lake is only one of half a dozen lava lakes known in the world, but it is often difficult for scientists to study it because of political strife and bureaucracy. The lava lake in the center of the volcano is around 700 feet wide and could be miles deep. The city of Goma built in the shadow of the mountain is in constant danger of eruptions, but because it is so hard for scientists to study the lake, the process of protecting nearby residents remains a slow one. It is still unknown how long Mount Nyiragongo has been active, but the first eruption recorded by Europeans was in 1882. Since then, the mountain has erupted 34 times, including the seemingly continuous of the churning lava lake. Two of the most powerful eruptions occurred in 1977 and 2002. The 1977 eruption led to the lava lake draining for several hours and flooding into nearby villages and killing 70 people. The disaster was compounded by an unexpected eruption of another, smaller volcano nearby. In 2002, the eruption sent lava flows into nearby villages, Lake Kivu and even the Rwandan border. An estimated 147 people died in this eruption, mostly from asphyxiation emitted into the air rather than from the lava flows themselves. Presently, the people of the Congo are a little bit more concerned with warlords and constant political strife plaguing the area and less with the eruption of the volcano at the top of Mount Nyiragongo. Still, scientists are braving the war-torn country and the political problems that presents to do their best and protect the residents of Goma and other nearby cities from further eruptions and lava flows.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 11:04pm On Jun 19, 2015 |
10. Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The home of some of the rarest wildlife in all the world, Madagascar is home to the beautiful Tsingy De Bemaraha National Park and neighboring Tsingy De Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve, the home of the island’s famous lemurs. Of course, the most famous feature of this area is the stone forest or Tsignys for which the parks take their name. In the native tongue, Tsingy refers to the karst plateaus and limestone fissures created by erosion. These limestone peaks in the canyon created by the Manambolo River is also home to several undisturbed forests, lakes and mangrove swamps. As a result of its rare geographical features and the relative isolation of the island of Madagascar, this park and nature reserve are home to some of the most rare and endangered animal and bird species in the world. Animals that call this area home include 11 species of lemur, six bird species, two amphibian species, 17 species of reptile and one rodent species that exist nowhere else in the world. This combined with its needley stone forest are why the reserve and park were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most amazing things about this area is that the top of these stone needles are a completely different ecosystem from the floor of the forest. With 90 percent of the species living in this park living only in the area, it should come as no surprise that new species are being discovered in the area all the time. in fact, one of the most recent species discoveries include a bat found in 2005, a lemur named after comedian John Cleese in 2005 and a new species of frog found in 2007. Of course, the long rainy season and winter snowfall can make it hard for biologists and other researchers to get into the area for study. For tourists, there are also very few ways to access the park. The majority of tourists visit via the road from the town of Morondava, which is approximately an 86- mile, four hour drive. Additionally, visitors can also get into the park by Antsalova, but the only way to reach that town is by plane. This area also provides limited access to some parts of the park.
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Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by Olamitisoji(m): 12:28am On Jun 20, 2015 |
Re: Most Mysterious Places: Africa by kingzx0(m): 11:04am On Jun 20, 2015 |
Really weird, I'd love to visit one soon. 1 Like |
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