In pictures: Africa's eclipse

Thousands of people in southern Africa watched the first total solar eclipse of the new millennium. Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique saw the skies go dark before the eclipse finally ended over Madagascar.

There was a festive spirit in Zambia, as the country declared a national holiday for the occasion

The thousands of people watching were not disappointed.

Total darkness lasted about four minutes in some parts of the region

The eclipse was unusual because it happened during the southern hemisphere's winter solstice, which marks the start of winter

Some parts of the region experienced only a partial eclipse, but enthusiasm was still high

There was a clear view of the sky

The eclipse headed across the Indian Ocean to Madagascar

Eclipse viewers were warned not to look directly at the sun for fear of seriously damaging their eyesight