REMOTE

REMOTE. North of Timbuktu in an isolated piece of the desert lies the centuries old, Festival au Désert. This annual music festival in Mali features Tuareg music as well as music from all corners of the globe. The festival has attracted big names like Robert Plant and Manu Chau. The Sahel, camels, breathtaking music, create an unforgettable experience. 

The storied Festival will be held from February 20-22 in Oursi, Burkina Faso  this year due to Islamic militants who have taken over the north of Mali. Additionally, the Festival au Désert will travel as a "Caravan of Artists for Peace and National Unity", giving performances at the Festival on the Niger in Ségou and the Festival of Mali in Bamako. Let 11.7 take you there to support the musicians, the dedicated organizers and brave Malian people who keep on keeping on. 

CATARACT

CATARACT. Known as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Central Africa, Kongou Falls in Ivindo National Park in eastern Gabon is a 56-meter wall of glory. Bathe in the waters as forest elephants pass you by. If you are keen on ecocamps, a stunning base camp is at your disposal, with composting toilets and solar energy. Reservations can be a bit tricky, so let 11.7 comb out the fine details.

ONE OF SEVEN

ONE OF SEVEN natural wonders of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro is a site to be seen. Known for it's breathtaking views and distinct vegetation zones ranging from cultivated lands of coffee and maize at the base, to rainforests, moorland, alpine desert, and the ice cap at the summit.

The great part is, even a novice hiker can complete the task of climbing to the summit. It is definitively not a stroll in the park, but a little hard work will afford an experience of a lifetime. 11.7 can help you get to the summit before the ice cap receeds furthur and the once legenendary glacier is gone.

SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES

SANCTUARY FOR THE SENSES. In Tanzania between Lake Manyara and Ngrongoro Crater and on the way to the Serengeti is a gorgeous homestead with 17 private cottages. The guest house is surrounded by a working farm that grows organic crops; from fruit in the orchards to Arabica coffee beans in the plantation and fresh milk in the dairy. This place is Gibb's Farm.

The stunning location at the edge of the Great Rift Valley offers the traveller views of a dramatic landscape while the fertile soils encourage verdant gardens and tropical forests. Guests can walk the farm, hike the hill to the rim of the Crater escorted by knowledgeable staff or relax in the spa. Contact 11.7Africa to book a stay.

SURFING HIPPOS?

SURFING HIPPOS? In western Gabon at Loango National Park, hippos surf perfect waves. This little slice of ecotourist heaven is also home to whales, giant sea turtles and eles that casually walk the beach. 

Jen Johnson was one of the first to send tourists to Loango in collaboration with various conservation groups in an effort to forge ahead with ecotourism in what is coined "Africa's last eden." Let 11.7 help you find your way there.