In 2018, more than sixty million tourists visited the African continent, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations for tourism in the world. When many people think of visiting a new place, Africa is usually not at the top of the list. This is unfortunate, considering all of the incredible natural and cultural wonders that make Africa so unique and interesting.
In this article, we’ve got the top reasons to visit Africa at least once in your life. So what are those reasons? That’s a great question!
Keep on reading and we will take you through everything that you will want to know!
1. South Africa’s Inspiring Attractions
Africa is a true melting pot of international cultures. And you can truly experience this phenomenon in South Africa. The country is a very modern destination while also maintaining the wilderness experience of the continent’s beautiful natural resources.
South Africa has plenty of beautiful landscapes and intriguing wildlife that will capture the eyes and hearts of professional photographers and casual onlookers.
The country has an infrastructure that will rival any cultural destination in Europe as well as a diversified economy and plenty of conveniences.
The country also has some of the best wineries in the world. You can try many local wines in the beautiful cities of Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch.
You can also take part in the country’s many celebratory festivals, including the Franschhoek Bastille Festival, Taste of Joburg, and Oyster Festival in Knysna.
2. Botswana’s Unspoiled Treasures
For people who love to see all kinds of nature, Botswana is definitely an African highlight. Known as the Jewel of the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta is a magical oasis that is full of diverse flowers and plants. In this country, you can travel via boat, car, or foot.
It’s not uncommon to casually see hippos, warthogs, zebras, impalas, reedbucks, elephants, and buffalos. And after you visit the channels, floodplains, and lagoons, don’t forget to check out the rock art tour of Tsodilo Hills. This is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site where you can check out thousands of paintings by the ancient hunter-gatherer San Bushman.
You can watch elephants at Chobe National Park and take day trips to Zimbabwe and Zambia.
3. Kenya’s Contrasting Wilderness
No matter what your thoughts of Africa currently are, your expectations are likely going to be exceeded when you step foot in Kenya. From the running zebras and wildebeests to the Masai Mara game reserve to the beaches of Watamu, Kenya has a ton of beauty and diversity.
You can watch the seasonal Great Migration on a Kenyan safari. And thanks to excellent land management, you can rest assured knowing that the wild animals are protected and cared for.
You can also take a trip down the Kenyan coastline to look for rock pools. You can also go deep-sea fishing, sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Seaside towns such as Shela in Lamu will take you back to a quieter and simpler way of life. You can also interact with the Maasai tribe and buy some of their handcrafted jewelry, wood carvings, and spears. A lot of the communities in Kenya are supported by activities that preserve and improve the quality of life.
And don’t forget to visit Koobi Fora near Lake Turkana, which is often referred to as the Cradle of Mankind.
Before you end your Kenyan trip, give some consideration to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in all of Africa.
4. Uganda’s Pearls Of Africa
If you are looking to lose yourself in the wild heart of Africa, then look no further than Uganda. The country is not as touristy as many other places on the continent but it is home to one of the most valued species in the world – mountain gorillas.
Currently, there are fewer than 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the world. And Uganda is home to half of those gorillas. Many of them can be found in the Ugandan Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
The forest is seen as a safe haven for these animals and there are safaris that take guests to see the primates up close. You can also see chimpanzees in the forests of Kalinzu, Budongo, and Kibale.
You can also check out ancient volcanoes, thriving rainforests, and dense jungles throughout the country. The national parks are home to a variety of stunning carnivores. Consider visiting Lake Mburo, Mount Elgon, Semuliki, Murchison Falls, and Queen Elizabeth.
You can even see the Nile River from Uganda. Boating safaris are very popular here and the outings give people a fascinating view of the wildlife and ecology. Uganda also offers mountain biking, rock climbing, volcano treks, white water rafting, kayaking, and hiking trails.
5. Ethiopia’s Story Of Africa’s People
If you are a history buff then you’ll want to take some time to visit Ethiopia. You can connect with the native peoples and see the influence of global cultures. You’ll also be able to appreciate the high mountains and low valleys side by side.
The Importance of Knowing Reasons to Visit Africa at Least Once in Your Life
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now understand the top reasons to visit Africa at least once in your life. It’s unfortunate that more people don’t have Africa at the top of their lists for vacation destinations. But that thankfully seems to be changing.
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