What were the major explorations and discoveries in Africa during this time?

During the Age of Exploration, several major explorations and discoveries took place in Africa. Here are some of the notable ones:

1. Portuguese Exploration: The Portuguese were the first Europeans to explore the African coast extensively. In the 15th century, under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, Portuguese explorers like Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama discovered new trade routes to Africa, India, and Asia. Dias became the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa, known as the Cape of Good Hope, in 1488. Da Gama later reached India in 1498, opening up lucrative trade opportunities.

2. Trans-Saharan Trade: Although not strictly explorations, the Trans-Saharan trade routes played a significant role in connecting Africa with the Mediterranean world. Caravans traveled across the Sahara Desert, exchanging goods such as gold, salt, ivory, and slaves. This trade network facilitated cultural exchange and contributed to the wealth and development of various African kingdoms, such as Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

3. Timbuktu: The city of Timbuktu, located in present-day Mali, became a center of learning and trade during this period. It attracted scholars, traders, and explorers from across Africa and the Islamic world. Timbuktu was renowned for its prestigious Sankore University and its vast collection of manuscripts, making it a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange.

4. European Colonization: As European powers expanded their influence, they established colonies along the African coast. The Portuguese, Dutch, British, French, and other European nations established trading posts and forts, primarily for the purpose of controlling trade routes and acquiring valuable resources. These colonial ventures led to the exploitation of African resources and the transatlantic slave trade.

5. Nile Exploration: European explorers, such as Richard Burton and John Hanning Speke, ventured into the interior of Africa to discover the source of the Nile River. In 1858, Speke claimed to have found Lake Victoria as the source, although this was later disputed. These expeditions contributed to the understanding of African geography and the exploration of the continent's interior.

Overall, the major explorations and discoveries in Africa during the Age of Exploration were driven by the search for new trade routes, resources, and knowledge, leading to significant interactions between African societies and European powers.