Africa is such a diverse continent, possibly the most diverse in the world. The likelihood is you will find something to float your boat in at least one of the 54 countries that make up Africa. From vibrant cosmopolitan cities to beautiful beach breaks, together with amazing historic sites and not forgetting the thing that Africa is most often associated with and why a lot of people visit – safaris. Tours and safaris to Africa are on a lot of people’s bucket lists, ours included. However, narrowing down which country or countries to visit, especially if it’s your first time visiting Africa, can be difficult. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of 8 countries perfect for touring/or taking an amazing safari. We hope this helps you if and when you are planning your trip to Africa.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia (officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia) is located in the northeastern part of Africa. It is fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Many people, especially those in their late 30s and older will be familiar with the 1980s Ethiopian famine. However, the country has long since recovered from that turbulent time in its history and it now has a lot of offer visitors. Ethiopia has an extremely diverse landscape from the fertile west with numerous lakes and rivers to the Ethiopian Highlands, known as the roof of Africa, which is the largest mountain range in Africa and the Sof Omar Caves one of which is the largest on the continent and not forgetting one of the hottest places on Earth – Dallol. You will also find the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Africa in Ethiopia.
Egypt
If you love history and architecture, Egypt’s the place for you. From the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, located close to the capital Cairo. To the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and not forgetting the temples of Abu Simbel. This country is an open-air museum, just waiting to be explored. Egypt also has a more relaxed side too. It’s a great place to head if you enjoy 5-star luxury. This can be found in abundance at the Red Sea resorts including Hurghada. Hurghada is renowned for scuba diving and has a modern vibe to it. It has numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs, yet is still home to traditional Egyptian coffee shops and souks. If you want to combine sightseeing with luxury, opt for a Nile Cruise. This will allow you to see all the key sites, yet enjoy the facilities on board your cruise ship too.
Kenya
Kenya is an extremely popular safari holiday destination. This is primarily because of the Maasai Mara National Reserve located in the south-west of the country. However, did you know Kenya is actually home to over 54 sanctuaries? These are all set aside for the conservation of wildlife. They include Samburu Game Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Lewa Conservancy, Chyulu Hills, Meru National Park and Tsavo. Therefore, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, Kenya is a great choice for you. There are safaris and accommodation to suit a range of budgets. From modest bell tents to luxury bush lodges. Kenya also has a number of fantastic beach resorts. These include Vipingo, Nyali and Diani Beach. Perfect if you want to split your time between wildlife watching and soaking up the sun.
Madagascar
Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar, is located in the Indian Ocean. It lies approximately 400 kilometres (250 miles) off the coast of East Africa. It’s featuring more and more on people’s bucket lists. One of the main reasons for this is because 90% of its wildlife cannot be found anywhere else on earth. This includes certain mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and not forgetting the country’s most famous inhabitants – lemurs. In fact, Madagascar is home to over 100 species of lemur. It is the 4th largest island in the world. Yet is relatively untouched. This makes Madagascar a great destination if you’re interested in conservation, ecotourism and biodiversity. Madagascar’s landscape is also diverse with mountains, savanna grasslands, white sandy beaches together with dramatic rain forests.
South Africa
South Africa is possibly the most diverse country in Africa. It has large cosmopolitan cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. All three of which are brimming with a range of accommodation, numerous restaurants and plenty of entertainment options. If beaches are your thing then head to the Western Cape, you will not be disappointed. If wine tasting is on your to-do list, you’re in luck, the Cape Winelands, especially around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl is where you need to head. And, if you’re heading to South Africa for the wildlife, Kruger National Park ticks all the boxes. It’s usually the destination most people think of when it comes to taking a safari and for good reason, Kruger National Park is home to the ‘Big 5’ – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.
Tanzania
Another world famous national park in Africa that most people are familiar with is the Serengeti. The Serengeti is predominately known for its annual mass migration of wildebeest and zebra between August and October. However, other animals call the Serengeti their home too. These include giraffe, waterbuck, impala, warthog, hippo and not forgetting the largest number of lions in Africa. You’ll also find the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania where the largest concentration of elephants in the world lives. If you’re looking for adventure and are a keen and capable climber, Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa can be found and conquered in Tanzania. But if rest and relaxation are more your things, the 5-star resorts and crystal clear waters of the island of Zanzibar are for you.
Uganda
Uganda is today ‘known as the ‘Pearl of Africa’ and there are two key and very different reasons why people flock to Uganda. The first is white water rafting on the River Nile. Whether it’s your first time, you’re taking part as a family or you’re a fully fledged adrenaline junkie, head to the city Jinja in eastern Uganda. It’s a prime spot to hit the water. Other activities to get your blood pumping you can partake in include bungee jumping, kayaking, mountain biking and river boarding. The second reason so many people visit Uganda are the gorillas. The two best places to catch a glimpse of the primates in their natural habitat are Mgahinga Gorilla Park and in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The best time for gorilla trekking is during Uganda’s two dry seasons – January and February and from June to September.
Zimbabwe
Although recent political unrest has resulted in fewer people visiting, tourism is now on the up in Zimbabwe, located in southern Africa. It is also another great African country for white water rafting and frequently makes it on to lists of the best places to do it in the world. Rafting on the Zambezi River which plunges 120m over the Victoria Falls is a truly unique experience, yet not one for the faint-hearted. If water-based action is not your cup of tea, don’t worry, Zimbabwe has a number of other activities to take part in. These include helicopter flights (more commonly known as ‘Flight of The Angels’) around and over Victoria Falls, visiting the granite boulders and rock art in Matobo Hills National Park and of course taking a game drive in Hwange National Park home to elephants, lions and African wild dogs in western Zimbabwe.
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