Top Destinations In Africa,
Tourism in the African Continent, as is the case in the global economy, was thrown into crisis by the COVID19 pandemic, putting thousands of businesses and jobs at risk. The priority for the sector is to resume operations as early and as safe to do so as possible. Re-opening will just be the start of a difficult path to recovery.
Top Destinations In Africa
Africa is truly an aspirational destination with a combination of breath-taking natural beauty, a warm, welcoming diverse people, and an array of wildlife second to none. Africa’s tourism potential is not limited to its pre-crisis performance and is projected to bounce back stronger than before.
Here are 10 Top Destinations In Africa, to see when you come to Africa
Serengeti
Nestled at the top of many safari-goers lists of best places to visit in Africa, is the Serengeti. This is Tanzania’s largest national park and is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site primarily on account of being the staging ground of the world’s most spectacular annual wildlife migration. Up to two million wildebeest and tens of thousands of zebra move through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of green pasture whilst trying to evade the deadly jaws of crocodiles and lions. It is in these expansive plains that we find Africa’s largest lion population, estimated at 3,000 individuals.
Also read: Exclusive Safari Destination In Kenya – Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
Other big cats such as the cheetah and leopards are regularly observed in the central Seronera Valley. Visitors also stand a chance to see other common wildlife species that include elephants, buffalos, giraffes, spotted hyena, the bat-eared fox, and a wide variety of antelope.
When to visit Serengeti: if truth be told, there’s no bad time. The months from June to October offer great general wildlife viewing and an opportunity to view the wildebeest migration.
Where to stay: There are is a wide variety of midrange to upmarket lodges and tented camps in the Serengeti, as well as several campsites.
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls presents one of the most spectacular sights of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the mighty Zambezi River. It is described by local tribes living in the area as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, and is recognized as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. This breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is roughly twice as deep and wide as Niagara Falls, making it one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. Popular vantage points include the Victoria Falls Bridge, where adrenalin junkies can take part in bungee jumping. After enjoying the view from above, go white water rafting in the Zambezi River to admire the falls from a different angle.Also read: Botswana’s Okavango Delta, The Jewel Of Kalahari
When to Visit: the best time to visit Victoria Falls is from September, October, November, and December (Start of Summer/Wet season). To see the Waterfalls at their peak discharge visit directly after the summer rains from February to May, though
Where to Stay: Visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding lodgings, from upmarket five star hotels, premium lodges, campsites, and well-priced chalets.
Lagos Nigeria
From a buzzing nightlife scene, art culture, fashion, and food, here’s why you should add Lagos to your travel destination must-go list. The largest city in Nigeria, Lagos is known for its exciting food and cultural scene. Find time to explore the vibrant craft stalls at Lekki Market, or float through the Epe mangroves – one of Lagos’s best-kept secret, a 30-minute boat ride through the lush green groves will leave you enchanted, be sure to spot the monkeys and alligators along the way.When to Visit Lagos: with a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters, the best time to visit Lagos for sun-seekers, is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 28 C and an average low of 19 C.
Where to stay: from chic upmarket hotels, luxury penthouses, to budget lodges, Lagos has something for every taste.
Cape Town
We really can’t overstate the case for visiting Cape Town. Firstly, there’s the in-your-face beauty of the mountain range that drops precipitously into the glittering sea, a landscape carpeted in greens and delicate florals. There are numerous hiking trails, stretches of dramatic scenery, and pristine white beaches (including one with wild penguins) that will leave you mesmerized. Apart from the gorgeous natural scenery, Cape Town has a cool urban edge, with hip art galleries, trendy bars, world-renowned restaurants, and chic design shops. Long story short, this pulsating city will leave you hungry for more. Cape Town caters to both adventurous types and laid-back travelers. Be sure to take the aerial cableway up Table Mountain, visiting Nelson Mandela’s jail cell on Robben Island is a must, explore the Constantia Valley wine region, and attend one of the city’s many festivals.Also read: All About Rwanda’s Most Expensive Luxurious Lodge,Bisate Lodge
When to Visit: The best times to visit Cape Town are from March to May and from September to November. These seasons boast enviable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Where to stay: you are spoilt for choice in Cape Town, from beachfront apartments to City apartments.
Masai Mara
Located in the far southwest of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley and the jewel of Kenyan wildlife, the Masai Mara is equally rewarding when it comes to game viewing. The Big cats are the star residents as they are the apex predators in these plains. Pride of up to 20 lions hog the spotlight as they hunt Wildebeest and Zebra on their migratory travels, the Masai is also a place to see cheetah and leopard, along with elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and – if you are fortunate enough – the black rhino.When to Visit the Masai Mara: this place truly comes into its own over late July to early October, when hundreds of thousands of wildebeest arrive from the Serengeti to cross the Mara River, the most outstanding part of the yearly migration. Game viewing is good throughout the year.
Where to stay: there are is a spread of midrange to upmarket lodges and tented camps are scattered in and around the Masai Mara
Pyramids
Cairo is Egypt’s most popular tourist destination and for good reason. There is such a huge culture and history here that leaves visitors with so many things to do in Cairo.From the eminent pyramids of Giza to Islamic art museums and striking mosques, you won’t be of being marvelled. It’s one of the best places to visit in Africa time and time again.
Morocco
Morocco is a popular destination, attracting culture lovers, backpackers, adventure seekers, and couples on romantic escapades, families, and foodies. When it comes to winter sun destinations, few can rival Marrakech. This ancient walled city is known as The Red City thanks to the color of the brick walls surrounding the city and is home to mosques, palaces, and lush gardens.When visiting Morocco: The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant
Where to stay: all budgets are catered for, from luxurious hotels to budget lodges
Namibia Etosha National Park
This is Namibia’s flagship game reserve, Etosha is endowed by the vast, saline, and normally dry pan from which it derived its name. The pan is littered by numerous perennial waterholes – some of these are floodlit at night to attract large herds of antelope, giraffe, and other grazers during the dry season. This is one of the more reliable parks in Africa to view the black rhino, which thrives here alongside lion, leopard, and elephant.When to visit Etosha: Game viewing is good throughout the year, but more so during the dry season which occurs between April and October
Where to stay: there are numerous affordable government-run rest camps sited within the park, with more exclusive camps and lodges just outside the reserve.
Botswana Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is an exclusive wetland found in the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango River which flows from the Angolan highlands, through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and into the Kalahari Desert. The River sinks into the sands of the Kalahari Desert creating one of the best habitats for close encounters with hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic wildlife. This is also home to elephants and smaller numbers of lion and leopard.When to visit Okavango: all year round with July to October is best for wildlife viewing.
Where to stay: The delta is fringed by many upmarket lodges
Zanzibar
With gorgeous beaches and exotic spices, Culture, history, and Beautiful sunsets, Zanzibar should be on everyone’s list. One of the reasons Zanzibar is so popular because it combines so well with safaris in Tanzania. It’s easy to visit Zanzibar as well as the Serengeti and on one budget safari. So, you can have some blissful beach time as well as seeing safari animals in one. If you time it right you can catch the Great Migration in action.When to visit Zanzibar: The best time to visit Zanzibar is from June to October during the cool, dry months of spring. The best time to visit is from December to February when it’s hot and dry.
Where to stay. Affordable beach resorts and lodges.