Africa has a lot of nice places foreigners and tourists can visit during vacation. If you are a traveler looking for new and memorable places, visit Africa to experience sights you’ve never seen before. Few people realize that Africa has amazing tourist attractions that meet international standards. Yes, Africa is more than just a continent occupied by people with dark complexions. There are numerous amazing destinations in Africa that will take your breath away and make you desire to return. Here are the 12 finest places to visit in Africa today.
Best Destinations to Visit in Africa for Vacation
Serengeti National Park
If you enjoy animals and are not afraid of elephants, giraffes and zebras, a trip to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park would be excellent for you. The cost of travel may not be as low as you want, but a journey here provides an outstanding African savanna experience. To save money, you may need to book one of the park’s campgrounds rather than use a resort or luxury accommodation. If you want to have a great game-viewing experience, come in January or February (known as the calving season) or between June and October (dry season and peak migratory time). What you will see will always remain a cherished memory.
Victoria Falls
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, this breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site will surely thrill you. Victoria Falls is located in Mosi Oa Tunya National Park on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. It is about twice the depth and width of Niagara Falls, making it one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls. The best time to plan a visit to this natural treasure is in April or May, when the rainy season has ended. Knife-Edge Bridge, Livingstone Island, and Devil’s Pool are all popular tourist locations you don’t want to miss. You may choose to admire Victoria Falls from above or go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River to see the falls from a great angle.
Tanzania
Most people visit Tanzania to go on safari, but you would miss a lot if you didn’t make time to experience the country’s other attractions. Tanzania is home to fantastic natural wonders such as the red-hued Lake Natron, the huge crater of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa’s tallest mountain (also the largest free-standing mountain on Earth). If you are the courageous type, you can plan a climbing trip up Kilimanjaro mountain with the help of the local guide.
Mauritius
For those who want a taste of every amazing thing, Mauritius might just be the perfect place. While its white sands and rich beach resorts are its main attractions, this little island country located east of Madagascar also attracts tourists with its friendly population, colorful festivals, and tasty teas and rums. You may find it enjoyable to witness the traditional sega dance performance or view the setting sun over the Indian Ocean while crunching fresh seafood at one of the island’s best resorts. This will definitely be worth it after a long day of seeing some of nature’s reserves and feeling the warm sun of Mauritius.
Masai Mara National Reserve
This is one of Kenya’s best places to see some wildlife. The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, is a natural home to cheetahs, elephants, lions, hippos and many other animals. You can go around the over 373,000 acres of grasslands that make up this protected area. You may also go on a hot air balloon tour or go horseback riding for an additional exciting adventure. The best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve is between July and October, when the Great Migration occurs, to get the chance to see the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes), as well as other migrating species.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar has something to offer everyone, especially those looking for an incredible experience on white sand beaches. Just sitting on the quiet Matemwe and Kiwengwa beaches after traveling to this Indian Ocean islands off the coast of East Africa will give you much pleasure. Apart from that, the Stone Town, a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is something worth viewing. There you can see the remains of a 19-century palace and a cemetery connected to the former Arab kings of Zanzibar. Your visit to this Zanzibar will be incomplete without seeing Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park and going on a spice tour around the region. On top of that, visiting Zanzibar is surprisingly affordable. You will be surprised at how cheap it is.
Seychelles
The Seychelles is a collection of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. This place has for a long time drawn travelers seeking a peaceful vacation away from the main road. One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio and Anse Source D’Argent are perfect places to spend your days relaxing without the usual crowds. Also, you may choose to visit the Vallée de Mai nature reserve, which is an approved UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its unique wildlife and plants. However, lodging in hotels is expensive, so you may need to plan ahead to save money.
Cape Town
This South African site is a great attraction to all kinds of travelers. It is a popular place of hiking trails, miles of dramatic landscape and beautiful beaches. Although traveling to Cape Town is not cheap, once you’re there, your little money will do a lot for you. You will have the privilege to see Nelson Mandela’s Robben Island detention cell, ride the aerial cableway up Table Mountain, and explore the popular Constantia Valley wine region. If you have time to spare, go hiking through the Cape of Good Hope, located on the southernmost point of Africa, about 40 miles south of Cape Town. This destination is indeed a place to visit on your next vacation.
Cairo
Cairo is one of the places that will overwhelm you with countless sights and activities. From Islamic Khan El-Khalili bazaar to the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the beautiful Nile River, you will fall in love with the history and culture of this Egyptian city. Although winter is the most beautiful time of the year, it is also the busiest season. So if you want to plan a visit, do it in spring or fall, when lodging prices are lower, temperatures are more appropriate and streets less crowded.
Marrakech
Like other medieval Moroccan cities, Marrakech is a place full of lively activities. Performers compete for the attention of tourists in Jemaa El Fna, an open-air square in the middle of Marrakech, Medina. You will find people selling aromatic spices, handmade textiles, elaborate lanterns and other items at the bazaars along the alleyways. When you need a break from the city, you can visit a hammam, the Jardin Majorelle or a rooftop bar to cool off before retiring to your riad. Throughout your stay, you will hear the unmistakable tons of calls to prayer. Don’t worry, this is a part of the Marrakech experience.
Kruger National Park
This large game reserve in South Africa is home to a wide variety of wild animals such as lions, rhinos, elephants and giraffes. The network of roads at Kruger National Park makes it easier to navigate compared to the Serengeti. It is less expensive to visit too. However, because it is a popular spot, especially between May and October, the place is usually crowded. If you can afford it, you can choose to visit any of the private game reserves. To get accomodation for your visit, plan your tour at least a year in advance.
Madagascar
The land of Madagascar is unlike any other in the world. The majority of the country is calm and quiet, allowing you to observe both nature and creatures in their natural and perfect habitat. As a traveler, you will never dream of missing the country’s iconic animal, the lemur. Madagascar is home to more than 100 kinds of these amazing creatures, as well as over 11,000 types of plants. Amazing, isn’t it?
Conclusion
Africa is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. If you want to experience new cultures, listen to local music or feel the warmth of the beautiful sun, come to Africa and have a taste of nature in its perfect state. Visiting these African destinations will leave you with sweet memories and the desire to come back on your next vacation.