Africa is the world's second most populous and second-largest continent. Africa and the islands adjacent to Africa cover roughly 5.9% of the world's surface (or round about 30 370 000 km²).

"Darkest Africa" used to be little more than a bothersome detour on the way to Asia, to yesteryear's European sailors (or at best a convenient spot to pick up a couple of slaves.) But Africa is an interesting continent, offering sailors some of the most spectacular natural scenery and cultural experiences.