Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Africa ASAP
At about 12 thousand square miles, Africa is the second-largest continent in the world. It consists of 54 countries with a population of about 1.3 billion people.
There are 93 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa, 37 of which are natural sites. There is so much to see and do in Africa.
Visit Africa if you’re looking for adventure, natural beauty, and history. Looking for an amazing trip? It’s time to put Africa on your list.
Keep reading for 10 of the top reasons to visit Africa ASAP!
1. An African Safari
We’ve all heard about African safaris but what are they? Safaris used to mean killing animals. That’s no longer the case.
Theodore Roosevelt popularized safaris in the early 1900s. On his well-publicized safari, he and his son killed over 500 animals.
Ostensibly, the safari was for the Smithsonian Institution. Most of the animals were donated to scientists and museums.
Hunting has a long and storied history but it’s frowned upon today. Most safaris now encourage animal and environmental conservation. Much of the tourist revenue goes toward game reserves and wildlife management.
Safaris today are an exciting visit to see wild animals in their natural habitat. Tourists come to see the “Big Five.” If they see all five, that means they’ve seen:
- Lion
- Leopard
- Rhinoceros
- Elephant
- Cape Buffalo
Other than illegal poachers, most of the shooting done today is with cameras! If you visit Africa, be sure and sign up for a wildlife safari.
2. Beautiful Coastline and Beaches
Africa has many beautiful beaches along the coastline. Want to visit a small island beach? Try Zanzibar. It’s off the coast of Tanzania.
The waters are a beautiful blue and offer lots of snorkeling and diving opportunities.
If you’re into white-sand beaches and turquoise water, try the Watamu beach. It’s part of the Malindi Park Reserve. There’s so much to see, including turtles, marine flats, and coral gardens.
3. Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls straddles Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The falls are the largest in the world at 360 feet high and a mile wide.
The trails on Zimbabwe’s side of the falls offers visitors a wider panoramic view than those on Zambia’s side. If you visit during the rainy season, it’s hard getting photos due to all the mist in the air but it also means you’re likely to catch a rainbow!
The rainy season begins in late November and runs through early April.
4. A Food and Wine Experience
South Africa has wine regions rivaling some of the most famous in the world. Two of the most famous wine regions are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
One of the oldest Cape Dutch wine farms in South Africa is Babylonstoren. Here you’ll find great wine, fine dining, and accommodations.
5. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
You’ve heard of the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro but do you think you could climb it? Many people take safaris to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
At 20,000 feet, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. About 25,000 people attempt the climb each year with more than half successful.
At the top of the mountain, there’s a book kept in a wooden box where most climbers write down their thoughts upon reaching the summit. Maybe you’ll write your thoughts there one day.
6. The Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
The mountain gorillas of Uganda are a valued but threatened species with only about 1,000 left. About half of the remaining gorillas are in Uganda. Most of these are in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s here you’ll find one of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests.
The nearby towns house budget campsites, luxury lodges, craft stalls, and restaurants. You can also find plenty of guided tours so you don’t miss any of the important sites.
7. Akagera National Park in Rwanda
Dian Fossey, the famous conservationist was laid to rest in Rwanda where she had studied the gorillas. Fossey was a staunch opponent of the poachers killing the gorillas and other animals.
Today, you can see the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda also offers iconic wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and buffaloes. Encounter colobus monkeys, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees too.
8. Cape Town
If you love the beach vibe, you won’t want to miss Cape Town. The V&A Waterfront gets over 25 million visitors a year. When you see it, you’ll understand why!
There are over 80 restaurants with everything from fine dining to fusion and more. You can shop, go to museums, or hang out by the water.
Visit Babylonstoren (see #4) for some wine tasting and great food. Take a helicopter tour or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium.
If you love art, check out the Grain Silo. It boasts the world’s largest collection of African contemporary art.
9. Ancient Ethiopia
It’s said that the Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia, though you won’t find a guide to take you there! You will find over 100 shrines and 82 mosques dating all the way back to the 10th century.
You might also find “Lucy,” the remains of the oldest humanoid, at the museum in Addis Ababa. She’s not always displayed there since her remains tour to other museums. Lucy dates back over three million years.
Even if she’s currently not on display, a trip to the museum is a must.
One of the hottest, driest places on earth is the Danakil Depression. It’s also the lowest point in Africa. This lunar landscape makes for stunning photos.
10. Traditions and Culture
While you’re taking in the many amazing sites wherever you visit in Africa, soak up the local traditions and culture. The people of Africa take pride in their traditions and culture.
Experience traditional songs, dance, and local foods. Notice the traditional medicine shops along the way.
So Many Reasons to Visit Africa
There are so many reasons to visit Africa that you’ll want to go back again and again. There are 54 countries on the continent, so you’ll never get them all in one trip!
Go for the wild animal safaris and beautiful coastline, stay for the amazing food and wine. Take in mountain gorillas, ancient sites, and booming waterfalls.
Africa has it all! Ready to book your safari? Contact us here!