SPECIAL REPORT
W
ith the framework of promoting intra-trade in the
region, tourism stands out as an under-exploited
and, yet, profi table sector that directly contributes
to the economic diversifi cation and structural transformation
of COMESA countries. Despite the global economic shocks
in the market that the world has been experiencing in recent
years, the general outlook for the growth of the tourism sector
in the coming years has been positive.
Across Africa, tourism remains one of the most promising
sectors, especially with regard to the impact it has on
agriculture, manufacturing, logistics and complimentary
services industries. Tourism greatly contributes to the socio-
economic welfare of countries and is seen as a key instrument
to poverty alleviation. The sector has the potential to create
jobs for millions of citizens of the continent and provide
signifi cant revenue for cultural and ecological conservation.
Burundi: A Place with Rising Mountains and Beaches
The Republic of Burundi is a small country with rising
mountains and lovely beaches which makes it a beautiful
place which can be visited by tourists. If you are thinking
about relaxing on the beaches of the enormous Lake
Tanganyika, or bird viewing in one of the country’s many
national parks, Burundi just might be your ideal holiday
Comoros islands
spot. Burundi is getting a drip of travellers, and the country
is safer now than it has been in years past. Its humid capital,
Bujumbura, is located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika,
with the outer parts of the city possessing some of the fi nest
inland beaches on the continent.
From the lakeside to the mountainside, Burundi does
not disappoint adventurous travellers looking for active fun.
The geographical position of Bujumbura makes it a strategic
jumping off point for exploring the rest of the country’s
attractions.
French cuisine can be found at various restaurants in the
city, occupying a wide range of prices and quality. Sights
in the city include the University, which is the only such
institution in Burundi, and the Independence Monument,
which commemorates the hard fought struggle of Burundians
for independence from French, Belgian and German rulers.
The Living Museum is also located in Bujumbura and is
arguably one of the best museums of its kind in Africa. It
shows ancient and modern crafts used in Burundi.
Comoros: The Perfumed Islands
Comoros is a group of four islands off the African coast,
on the eastern side, situated between the historic Mozambique
and Madagascar in the Indian ocean. Comoros islands are
made up of Ngazidja (Grande Comoro), Mwali (Moheli),
Nzwani (Anjouan), and Mayotte, the oldest of the islands.
The grandeur of Comoros’ natural attractions is enough to
make you want to stay for a few days. Its shores are laden with
fi ne sand and fringed by palm trees, typical of an untouched
beach paradise with unrivalled opportunities to see diverse sea
life. Located inland are quaint towns and cultural discoveries,
plus beautiful mountains, lakes, and vegetation that unfold
each step of the way. From stunning rock formations shaped
and reshaped by the volcanic Mount Karthala to the diving
bays, laid-back villages, and the distinct Arabian glamour of
Moroni, Comoros will never run out of pleasant surprises.
Mount Karthala is the most notable feature of Grande
Comore, not just because of its “largest in the world” title
but also because of its undeniable beauty. The largest of the
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