Victoria Falls outlines the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, along the Zambezi River. It is amongst the largest waterfalls in the world, and creates an immense thunderous sound when near. The view is best from the Zambian side, as you can face the falls directly, as seen above in this photo. When close, the mist from the falls is so great, it will cause sheets of water to collect and crash down almost as if in a rain downpour which continuously starts and stops again. Rainbows are commonplace here, and make for some wonderful photo ops as well. At the bottom of the falls, are some of the greatest rapids in the world, which makes for an incredible white water rafting experience. Please note, however, that if in rainy season, the water coming over the falls may be too powerful for the rafting.
 
No visit to the Serengeti would be complete without a day trip down to the Ngorogoro Crater. It is a Mecca of wildlife. Like a magical paradise where almost all animals from the Serengeti come to feed (except Giraffes.. they can't navigate down the steep slopes). One of the animals found here in the most impressive numbers is the pink flamingo, which fill the three soda lakes found within the crater. Truly a spectacle in itself, and one of the few places in the Serengeti you will see them in these numbers.
 
Around the times of dusk and dawn, the shores of Lake Malawi become scattered with farmers, fishermen and other locals strolling along the water's edge, enjoying the beautiful hues the sun casts out. It's a perfect way to unwind after a long day for both locals and visitors alike. This shot was taken on Kandi Beach, which is an area full of campsites and hotels, all found along the waterfront of one of the world's biggest lakes. Definitely worth stop along your journeys. 
 
One thing I found most delightful about the children in Tanzania, was their enthusiastic effort to come say hello to foreigners. Sometimes it would be as simple as a wave, or smile, other times it would be running and screaming "Hello Mister!! How are you? How are you?". The genuine friendliness that stems from many of these children is something much of the world could take lessons on. It's purity and innocence is unparalleled.
 
Story and photos by: Ivona Siniarska
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I have always traveled, and I volunteered before in various parts of the world, however I have never traveled with the sole purpose of volunteering; this was my reason for journeying to Ghana.

If you’ve met me or spoken to me you know that the very mention of Africa will cause my eyes to sparkle and I will smile in nostalgia from the months spent here last year. This trip is no different, I miss Ghana, most importantly I miss the kids, my beautiful kids, the ones who bring twinkles to the eyes and make my heart pitter patter.

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In mid May when I was boarding my flight from Washington to Accra I wont lie, I had a mini breakdown, caught myself worried that emotionally I may not be able to handle spending time in a village so remote with people who have so little.

This is where I am ashamed of myself, Ghanaians like many other Africans may not necessarily possess a lot but in Dodowa I was reminded that while we Westerners may have a lot more that we own, in Africa there is one consistency across the continent that I find we struggle with in North America and that is humanity.

Its weird,the continent of Africa probably has more genetic diversity than the rest of the world combined with over 2000 languages spoken and countless cultural, tribal, and religious beliefs as well, yet I speak of it as though it were a country (and never would I refer to Europe or South America in the same sense); but in every country I have been to in Africa (13 so far) people share one goal other than survival and that is to be happy.

There is a universal language of celebration across Africa that is usually expressed through music; while the rhythms and dancing will vary – you will always find people dancing with rejoice – enjoying being human, celebrating each day and proclaiming their love of life. It is not that in the first world we don’t celebrate – but our daily achievements are almost always shadowed with a false modesty. In Africa neighbors celebrate being together, living next to each other and being able to wake up each day with the sun. Walk the streets of any big city in North America and you will see people stressed out, frowning or grumpy… I have yet to see anyone in Africa frown.