Africa has always been on the top list of travellers and fun seekers around the world. The picturesque views, wildlife, rich culture and amazing cuisine have continued to draw tourists to the world’s second largest and second most populous continent. If your globetrotting feet are itching and directing you to take a trip to the motherland, here are 7 tourist destinations in Africa, in no particular order that you can choose from.
Beautiful Places to Visit in Africa
Serengeti
Located in the beautiful East African country of Tanzania, the Serengeti is definitely a place to be experienced at least once in one’s lifetime especially if wildlife excites you. If you want to witness the Great Migration, then you should visit between July and November. This is such a phenomenal sight to behold. Seeing close to two million wildebeests migrate across the plains in search of water and grazing land is simply breathtaking. Perhaps you might want to reconsider if you cannot stand the brutality of nature because you would surely get a lot of this in the Serengeti, especially during the Great Migration. You can only watch helplessly with tears welling up in your eyes as a wildebeest and its calf get devoured by a bunch of lions or giant crocodiles. With the influx of over 300,000 guests every year, I guess it is safe to say a lot of people can handle nature the way it is. A trip to the Serengeti is an unforgettable one.
Zanzibar
Did somebody mention crystal-clear turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and clean sandy beaches? Yes, that’s Zanzibar in a nutshell. If you’ve really got time on your hands and of course money, then you should consider getting two trips for the price of one whenever you are in Tanzania. I mean this country is home to the Serengeti and the beautiful island of Zanzibar. If your vacation time in Zanzibar falls on the period when the Great Migration happens you can take a trip to the Serengeti and double the fun and experience. The cuisine is a mix of African, Indian and Arabian flavours that will take your taste buds on a flavourful adventure. There are super fun activities to do in Zanzibar, you can go snorkelling and swimming with the dolphins, go on a safari, visit historical sites or just explore the island, all at relatively fair prices. This place should be included in your bucket list ASAP!
Cairo
What’s a travel list without the mention of the great land of the Pharaohs? Every corner you turn in this country gives you a feel of what the ancient world looked like. A visit to Egypt gives you the fulfilment of finally seeing and experiencing history like you were part of it first those things you’ve heard Egypt is a very beautiful country. Cairo is a metropolis that is still very much in touch with its ancient side. There are so many historic sites to visit, you can go on a desert safari or go see the Nile. A trip to Cairo is never complete if you do not visit the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. These mysterious works of ancient civilisation which are over 4500 thousand years old still leave us in awe and admiration of the engineering behind them. The Pyramids of Giza are the only standing monuments among the 7 ancient wonders of the world. A trip to Cairo is packed with so many adventures and of course good food. It’s no surprise it is one of the most visited places in Africa.
Victoria Falls
This mesmerising waterfall is on the Zambezi River between the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Referred to as the Thundering Smoke by the Lozi people of Zambia due to the mist that rises from the waterfall. The thundering sound of this waterfall just reminds you of how powerful mother nature is. There are so many activities you can do when you visit Victoria Falls, you can go white water rafting. If you want a panoramic view of the falls, a helicopter flight over the falls is available for that. The outdoor lovers are not left out as there are provisions for overnight camping or perhaps you want to test how fearless you are by taking a daredevil swim in the Devil’s Pool. Whatever activity you choose to do, make sure your heart can take it. Put this awesome location in your travel plans and you’d be glad you did.
Masai Mara National Reserve
You want to see the Big Five? (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) then you should be packing your bags and heading to the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Visiting this place makes you feel like you are watching the National Geographic Channel, only this time, the experience is better because you are witnessing it live. If you decide to take a break from viewing the animals, you can interact with the beautiful Masai people and learn about their rich culture and history. Please practice how high you can jump before you meet with the Masai people if you wish to participate in the Masai Jumping dance known as Adumu. I should put that you can never outjump them so you don’t go getting your hopes up.
Seychelles
The tropical paradise of Seychelles has over time become a favourite for destination weddings, honeymooners and tourists and the reasons aren’t farfetched—the pristine beaches, coral reefs, serene environment and numerous beautiful sites. The views from this island just seem like something out of a painting. Seychelles is an archipelago so you can visit different islands while there. There are so many fascinating things you can see in Seychelles like the very big nut known as Coco de Mer. As an Art lover, you can visit the George Camille and the Le Domaine de Val de Pres galleries both in Mahe. If you are more in tune with nature you can take a tour of the Anse Major Nature Trails also located in Mahe. If the waters call to you then you can go scuba diving or snorkelling. This tropical paradise is a tourist haven that gives you memories that will last a lifetime.
Marrakech
Located in the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is a vibrant city famed for its bustling market, delicious cuisine, stunning architecture and of course the welcoming locals. This culturally and historically rich city gives you so much to do and see. If you are an impulsive buyer, chances are a visit to the souks in Medina will leave you with so many things because there is literally everything here from textiles to traditional clothing, jewellery even spices. Haggling is totally fine here, so ensure you at least get a fair deal for all those items. The nightlife in Jemaa el-Fnaa square is better experienced than told. The square comes alive at night with food vendors, street performers and musicians. This gives you a chance to soak up the local culture and savour Moroccan delicacies. Are history and architecture your thing? Places like the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Ben Youssef Madrasa are just right for you. After a busy day touring the city, you should visit one of the luxurious spas or hammams and treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan bath and massage to help you relax before finally calling it a day.
When you are ready to go on that trip, just pick up the right UBA Card and enjoy hassle-free payments on your trip. Remember to take pictures too— lots of them.
Read Also: 6 Best Places to Visit in Africa
