Africa is the second largest continent in the world.  Its highest point is Tanzania's Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world's highest free-standing mountain and the Nile, the world's longest river.  Africa is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, by the Red Sea to the northeast and by the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

• Malaria is prevalant in many African countries.  Check for up-to-date advice before you travel.
• Lariam (mefloquine) is an anti-malarial drug used in regions of the world where chloroquine resistant falciparum malaria is prevalent. e.g. East Africa, South East Asia.  Possible side effects of lariam, such as dizziness, blurred vision and a disturbed sense of balance, are common and could cause problems for divers.  These effects can often imitate or even worsen the symptoms of DCI. There could also be confusion between the side effects of lariam and the symptoms of DCI or nitrogen narcosis resulting in a misleading diagnosis.  Therefore, lariam must not be taken by persons intending to take part in scuba diving.