Kunta Kinteh, a rebellious slave, brought to America in 1767, is one of Gambia's greatest heroes.  His life was described by his descendant, Alex Haley, in the bestseller Roots, of which a very popular series was made in the 1970s. I was looking for those 'roots' in the small village of Juffureh on the island that was named after him, in the middle of the Gambia River.

In the narrow streets of 19th century Stone Town (Unesco world heritage) the doors are an attraction on their own. Every one of them is a piece of massive art with elegant woodcarving. At the same time they are a sample of all the cultures that were important for the Zanzibari architecture. Each and every door tells us a story and shows us the social status of the first inhabitants of the houses. We walk with local Shabaan in the labyrinthof the Zanzibari capital and we pushmore then once literally an open door.

Although Mozambique is peaceful since 1992, the country still has to cope with its warzone image. Despite having gotten through their full Pandora’s box package of civil wars, floods, starvation and endless dry periods; today it is Africa’s fasted growing economy. The people are optimistic, friendly and hospitable. The country has 1500 miles (2500km) of coastline with idyllic beaches, and the coral reefs belong to the most beautiful of the world. The Niassa wildlife reserve, located in the north, is nearly twice as large as the Kruger National Park. So it is high time to look from a different perspective at Africa’s latest hotspot .