Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
standards or expand education for West Africans, let alone build the institutions on which
their future depended.
During the first half of the 20th century, France controlled its West African colonies
with a firm hand, and through a policy of 'assimilation' allowed Africans to become
French citizens if they virtually abandoned their African identity. Britain made no pre-
tence of assimilation and was slightly more liberal in its approach towards its colonies.
Portugal ruled its empire in Africa with a rod of iron.
EUROPEAN EXPLORERS IN WEST AFRICA
»
Travels in the Interior of Africa,
by Mungo Park, is an epic tale of exploration on the Niger River in the late
18th and early 19th centuries.
»
Difficult & Dangerous Roads,
by Hugh Clapperton, is a vivid portrait of the Sahara, Niger and Nigeria in the
1820s by this haughty but ever-observant traveller.
»
Travels Through Central Africa to Timbuktu,
by Réné Caillié, is the first account of Europe's first encounter
with Timbuktu in 1828.
»
Travels & Discoveries in North and Central Africa 1849-1855,
by Heinrich Barth, is a fascinating insight into
what is now Niger, Nigeria and Mali, from arguably West Africa's greatest explorer.
»
The Gates of Africa - Death, Discovery and the Search for Timbuktu,
by Anthony Sattin, is a stirring account
of Europe's fascination with Timbuktu and West Africa.
»
The Race for Timbuktu - In Search of Africa's City of Gold,
by Frank T Kryza, covers similar terrain and is an-
other great read.
