African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

Camel Caravans Created the Internet

Thanks to camel caravans facilitating trade and cultural exchange across Northern Africa, they laid the foundation for global connectivity, which eventually evolved into the internet driven world we know today. 

Raising camels
Raising camels

When business partners in Northern Africa started using camels, it changed how goods were traded. Before the domestication of camels, it was hard to cross much less carry things across the hot, dry desert.

Camels could travel long distances without needing much water, so they made it easier to move valuable items like gold, salt, and cloth from one end of the African deserts to the other.

Camel caravans helped people get things they could not find in their own neighborhoods and allowed them to trade to more people. Camels were kind of like how the internet and technology connect us today.

Why were camels chosen for caravans across Africa? 

Camels were less prone to diseases common in tropical regions, increasing their longevity and utility.

Horses and donkeys required more water and were less resistant to extreme heat, making them less reliable in the desert.

Camels could carry up to 400 pounds of goods, far more than other animals like donkeys or horses, over long distances.

Plus their wide padded feet allowed them to walk freely on sandy terrain without sinking.

Camels are also highly aware of their surroundings and will refuse to move if they sense danger or are overburdened. 

The best camel for traveling across Africa is the dromedary camel. These camels are perfectly suited for the desert and long journeys. The price of this camel varies depending on its age, health, and training. 

Good working camels cost between $1,000 to $5,000 USD. High-quality camels for racing or breeding can cost up to $30,000 USD or more. 

In some cases, camels have been sold for as much as $10 million USD after winning high-profile contests, particularly in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Camel beauty contest winners are highly sought after for breeding. Their offspring are often expected to inherit the prized traits, making them valuable investments. 

Time needed for a caravan of camels to cross Africa.

A caravan of camels travels at about 2-3 miles per hour (3-5 km/h) on average, covering 20-25 miles (32-40 km) per day.

A caravan of camels starting from  Tripoli, Libya Timbuktu, Mali about 1,500 miles or 2,400 km. The caravan would take roughly 2-3 months under normal conditions. Traveling a route of about 4,000 miles or 6,400 km might take 8-10 months, depending on rest stops and terrain.

The establishment of camel caravans trade routes led to the rise of wealthy trading empires, such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai. Consumer demand expanded as urban centers grew and markets diversified.

Did you know?

Grunts and moans are often heard when camels are unhappy, irritated, or being loaded with goods. Growls and low rumbles, these sounds are typical when camels are calm but interacting with each other.

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