On July 1, 2012, the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee discussed and approved the inclusion of the “Lakes of Ounianga” in the World Heritage List. The Lakes of Ounianga are located in the Ennedi Region of the Republic of Chad, and they are currently the only natural World Heritage site in Chad. Covering an area of 62,808 hectares, the Lakes of Ounianga consist of 18 interconnected lakes in the extremely arid Ennedi region of the Sahara Desert. Their vibrant colors and shapes create a magnificent natural landscape. The lakes, which include salty, hypersaline, and freshwater, are fed by...

The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the Zambezi River, situated above the Victoria Falls at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, connecting the town of Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. It is a famous bridge known for bungee jumping, highly favored by bungee enthusiasts worldwide. Construction of the Victoria Falls Bridge began in 1904 and was completed in 1905. It is 198 meters long, 128 meters high, with a maximum span of 156.5 meters, serving as the only railway link between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The bridge’s fame comes not only from being located above the world’s largest Victoria...

Dodoma is located in the central part of Tanzania, established in 1907, serving as the capital of Tanzania and the capital of Dodoma Region. In 1973, the Tanzanian government planned to move the capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. In February 1996, the Tanzanian National Assembly moved to Dodoma, but most government agencies still remain in Dar es Salaam. Surrounded by a fertile agricultural area and beautiful scenery, Dodoma is a relatively small city with constantly improving infrastructure and rapid urban development. The presence of two universities adds a humanistic touch to Dodoma, providing vitality to the city’s cultural...

Nouakchott is located in the western part of the Sahara Desert, 5 kilometers from the Atlantic coast. It is the capital and largest city of Mauritania, serving as the political, cultural, commercial, and financial center of the country. The city, centered around Independence Square, is home to an airport, seaport, and industrial area. Nouakchott lies in the vast desert region of western Mauritania, with only a narrow coastal sand dune separating it from the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a tropical charm. The city boasts several buildings constructed with Chinese assistance, such as the International Conference Center, Olympic Stadium, National Museum,...

Cotonou is located on the coast of Benin, serving as the economic capital and administrative center of Benin, and it is also the largest city in the country. The city boasts the largest port in the nation and serves as the political, economic, transportation, and foreign trade center of Benin, with the central government institutions and foreign diplomatic missions stationed in Cotonou. In the 19th century, Cotonou was an important stronghold invaded and looted by French colonialists. Later, it gradually developed on the basis of port trade activities and completed the construction of an artificial deep-water port in 1965, becoming...

Juba is situated on the banks of the White Nile River, serving as the capital of South Sudan and the location of the Central Equatoria State government and Juba County government. It is a vital commercial and transportation hub in South Sudan, experiencing rapid population growth due to the booming oil sales. Juba has a tropical wet and dry climate, with a summer-like temperature year-round and very little rainfall. The dry season typically lasts from November to March each year. As an inland port and the end point of the Nile River navigation, Juba is bustling with activities and also...

Qena is located on the eastern bank of the Nile River, at the confluence of the Wadi Qena and the Red Sea, serving as a major transportation hub between Upper Egypt and the Red Sea. Travelers moving between Luxor and the Red Sea must pass through this area, contributing to its economic prosperity. As the capital of Qena Governorate, the city boasts Islamic cultural heritage and renowned mosques. One of Qena’s most famous historical landmarks is the Temple of Hathor, dating back to the late Pharaonic period and representing one of Egypt’s most iconic structures. The city also features a...

Zagazig is located in the eastern part of the Nile Delta in Egypt, 47 miles northeast of Cairo, the capital of the Eastern Province. Due to its fertile soil in the Nile Delta, it has become a center for cotton and grain trade in Egypt. Additionally, the important Egyptian university Zagazig University is also located here. Established in the 1920s, Zagazig is known for being the birthplace of the famous Egyptian journalist and reformer Salama Musa in the 1920s. There is a small museum here called the Orabi Museum, which exhibits interesting archaeological discoveries and is very attractive. About 3...

The mysterious natural landscapes of the southern region, with colorful soil, have created natural scenery with peculiar shapes despite not having high mountains. Apart from the culturally rich northern region, Mauritius also boasts mysterious natural landscapes in the south, with the Seven Colored Earth being a favorite among tourists. In a lush forest, suddenly appears a colorful land, which is truly astonishing. Being of volcanic origin, Mauritius has created natural landscapes with peculiar shapes despite not having high mountains. The Seven Colored Earth in Chamarel was discovered by a Frenchman who planted sugarcane fields here. Among the sugarcane fields, this...