When you mention Africa, two words usually come to mind: safari and Kilimanjaro. Whilst it is true that a trip to Africa can never be complete without experiencing one or both, there are many more reasons for you to travel to Africa. Whether your primary goal is to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the big city for a while or commune with nature, Africa has everything that you will ever need.
Where to go and what to see in Africa
Check out these other reasons that will surely make planning your Africa trip much more exciting.
1. Tropical beaches that can compete with some of the best in the world
Africa is not just rainforests, deserts and savannas. Believe it or not, you’ll be able to find tropical beaches in Africa that can give beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and Asia a run for their money. In fact, there are so many that choosing the absolute best is nearly impossible.
The small island of Zanzibar in Tanzania boasts of clear blue waters and coral white sand. It has a few diving and snorkelling spots and is the perfect place to unwind after going on a safari. The beaches on this island are also ideal for relaxing after your trek up Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Kenya.
Cape Town in South Africa also has contenders in the beautiful beaches category. The most popular beach in this part of Africa, Camps Bay, is lined with cafes and bars.
2. Surfing in Africa? Why not!
Can’t stay away from the waves? Then you’ll be glad to know that Africa has one of the best places on Earth for surfing. Head on to the northern part of Namibia, and you will be greeted by a dazzling white sand strand that will make you do a doubletake. This is Skeleton Coast, arguably the most hauntingly beautiful beach and graveyard for ships in the world.
This high-energy coastline is not ideal for swimming, but surfers rejoice! The cold Benguela Current that sweeps up from the Antarctic provides the best endless summer waves. Plus, you don’t have to compete with too many people to catch the perfect wave. Skeleton Coast attracts just a small stream of surfers and is considered one of the least crowded on the planet.
3. Witness several geological wonders in one trip.
Africa is home to several geological wonders. For example, there is the desert of Namib, where one of the world’s highest sand dunes can be found. One of the world’s largest and powerful waterfalls, the Victoria Falls in Zambia/Zimbabwe, is also in Africa. Also worth exploring is the Jewel of the Kalahari – the Okavango Delta.
In addition, the world’s largest inactive caldera and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the Ngorongoro Crater – can be found in northern Tanzania. The south of Namibia has Fish River Canyon, the world’s second-largest next to the Grand Canyon.
4. Visit vibrant African cities.
Can’t decide if you like cosmopolitan cities or ancient ones? If you visit Africa, you can experience both worlds. Marrakesh in Morocco is a walled, densely packed medieval city that dates back to the Berber Empire. A symbol of the city, the Moorish minaret of the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, can be seen for miles. Its mazelike alleys and thriving souks (markets) make one think of Disney’s Aladdin and magic carpet rides. In reality, one can find an array of beautiful traditional textiles, pottery and jewellery at the souks.
South Africa’s Cape Town is the exact opposite of Marrakesh. A modern cosmopolitan city, Cape Town boasts a rich cultural heritage and history, on top of its spectacular coastline. Best of all, its backdrop is one of the country’s most photographed attractions, the Table Mountain.
5. Glamping, camping
Camping in Africa allows you to find a deeper connection to the land and nature. To complete your African adventure, you can get closer to a great variety of wildlife, such as beetles and birds.
There are many ways to go camping in Africa. You can go ahead and pitch your own tent for a genuinely first-hand outdoors experience or glam up with a little bit of luxury. Called glamping, you can experience the wild outdoors and still enjoy bush showers, luxurious dome tents with full bedding, and magnificent dinners.
6. More than 3,000 tribes with rich history and unique culture
Africa is home to more than 3,000 tribes, each with its own language, cultures and traditions. Some of these tribes, such as the Zulu, Africa’s largest ethnic group, are well known the world over. The Masai is known for their nomadic lifestyle and cattle herding. Meanwhile, the Batswana people of the Eastern Kalahari has a cultural heritage that goes back more than 20,000 years.
Enjoy a well thought out African safari.
Are you planning a trip to Africa? Leave the organising to the experts to maximise your trip! Some travel agencies in Australia have been arranging personalised luxury African safaris for over a decade. You can be sure that they know what they are doing – because Africa runs in their veins. Moreover, their teams are composed of individuals who were born, grew up or lived in Africa. Contact an experienced travel agency today to help tailor a custom private safari for you and your group.