A solar eclipse
happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, blocking its light.
It is fairly fortunate to have 3 total eclipses over Africa within 5
years. The previous one was in February 1980, and in all there were 12 in the
20th century. After the coming 3 total eclipses, the next one will be in
November 2013, and in all there will be 16 total eclipses over Africa in the
21st century.
The Total Solar Eclipse of 2006 March 29 is set to be one
of the best of the past few years, the longest until 2009, and the most easily
accessible of the next 10 years!
The total eclipse begins at sunrise at the coast of
Brazil and the moon’s shadow swiftly crosses the Atlantic before making
its a landfall at the Ivory Coast / Ghana border. The path of totality then
curves through Togo and Benin, before entering Nigeria. Exiting that country,
the path crosses central Niger, gaining in duration all the time before
sweeping across the north-western tip of Chad.
Maximum Eclipse of 4m
07s is reached just across the Libyan border, and the umbra leaves land again
at the border of Egypt and Libya. After crossing the Mediterranean Sea, Turkey
is swiftly crossed and then Russia, where the moon’s shadow leaves earth
at local sunset.
For most the opportunity to see a total eclipse
of the Sun is a once in a lifetime experience, it is a truly remarkable and
memorable sight.
There will probably be many companies offering
specially designed tours incorporating the viewing the Solar Eclipse but it is
advisable that you book as early as possible as many tours are already getting
fully booked and prices are likely to increase closer to the
date.
Full
Solar Eclipse Algeria/Niger 16 days On this true desert expedition
you will venture far into the Sahara to view the eclipse. Fly direct to Djanet
in Southern Algeria amidst the splendid Tassili Plateau, from where your guides
will get all vehicles loaded with water, fuel and provisions for the next five
days - you will be heading South towards Niger. Click
to view full itinerary
Full
Solar Eclipse Togo and Dahomey 6 days After having checked out
Lome, Togo’s capital right on the Gulf of Guinea, you will head North
towards the small towns of Kpalime and Atakpame where you will be watching the
full solar eclipse right in spectacular surroundings before continuing your
journey towards Benin. In Dohomey you will visit the “Venice of
Africa” and experience the essence of voodoo culture. You spend the nights
on this outstanding itinerary in the best hotels available and you are well
looked after by your local guides and your Tour Leader. Click
to view full itinerary
Full
Solar Eclipse 8 days - Libya The Eight Wonder Of The World, the
volcanic Waw an Namus crater provides a spectacular background for the event.
An expedition to one of the remotest locations in the Libyan Sahara. will be
flying right into the middle of the Libyan Sahara, followed by a 4 day 4x4
expedition to one of the remotest locations in the world’s largest desert.
Click
to view full itinerary
Full
Solar Eclipse 14 days - Libya plus Tunisia flying into the island
of Djerba in Southern Tunisia. After an overnight stop on the island your
expedition heads for the Libyan border at Ras Ajdir down to Ghadames, the pearl
of the desert. In Sebha the 4 day eclipse leg begins, heading out to one of the
remotest locations in the world’s largest desert. Click
to view full itinerary
Full
Solar Eclipse Togo and Dahomey 9 days If you wish to relax for a
couple of days on the beach after having toured Togo and Benin and watched the
eclipse, this longer version of our Togo Benin itinerary is just right for you.
You can get a first impression of Lome, Togo’s capital on the Gulf of
Guinea before you will head North towards the small towns of Kpalime and
Atakpame where you will be watching the full solar eclipse right in spectacular
surroundings. Continue your journey towards Benin, here you will visit the
“Venice of Africa” and experience the essence of voodoo
culture. Click
to view full itinerary
If you are planning an
organised tour with a safari company your accommodation will more than likely
be included. But if you are planning to visit independently you should make
reservations as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
How do you capture the amazing spectacle of a
total eclipse with a camera? Photographing an eclipse really isn't very
difficult. It doesn't even take a lot of fancy or expensive equipment. You can
take a snapshot of an eclipse with a 35 mm camera loaded with fast film (ISO
400 or faster) if you can hold the camera steady or place it on a tripod. For
more information please see the excellent websites which will help guide you
through getting the photograph you want:
The Basic Rule is "NEVER look directly at the
sun". The result can damage your eyes. However, below are some websites that
give good information on Eye safety.
