Africa is a dream holiday destination; it is a vast expanse that features some of the most impressive and awe-inspiring scenery that you will ever experience. It is famous for safari and animals, as well as fantastic cuisine. There is plenty to see and do, and it’s essential that you prepare in advance so that you get the best out of your time there. Basic things like understanding the customs and rules of the country, making sure you always carry some cash for tips and ensuring that you have the correct vaccinations are a great way to make a start. Next, you want to plan your itinerary and here are ten reasons to visit and things that you should see and do when you are in Africa.
Global Backpacking: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Africa
- Year-Round Appeal
Some holiday destinations are only really good at certain times of year because of the climate, rainy seasons, and other things that will interrupt your enjoyment. However, Africa has year-round appeal and going out of season still ensures an excellent visit, but you can avoid the crowds that you may come across from July to September. There is plenty of temperate weather to be enjoyed, so no matter when you decide to go, Africa has plenty to offer.
- Camping
If camping makes you think of your childhood and windy, wet campsites in the UK, then it’s time to rethink your camping enjoyment. Africa has a vast glamping movement. Although you will be under canvas within your tent, you will find proper beds, duvets and pillowcases and even the chance to experience your private balcony. In many cases, you will also have a hot tub where you can sit and look out over the fantastic scenery of the Savannah. This positively transforms camping and brings it a massive appeal.
Camping in the Serengeti – my luxury tent in the jungle!
- Meerkats
Meerkats are the clowns of the animal world, and you can spend hours enjoying watching them play. You can get up close and personal with meerkats in Africa as they go about their daily life in their natural habitat. They live in South Africa in the desert regions. They are very sociable animals who do not fear humans, making this a fantastic experience for animal lovers everywhere.
- The Scenery
There is a massive difference between seeing the stunning scenery and landscape on offer in Africa on the television to being there in person. If you have never experienced a Savannah close up you are in for a real treat. Africa also boasts some fantastic mountain ranges and glorious beaches with pretty much every natural feature you can imagine. Remains of volcanoes, canyons., sugar plantations and more. Just be sure to pack your camera, a stack of memory cards and some spare batteries as you will not want to miss a thing.
- Seven Wonders of the World
Don’t worry; we’re well aware that the seven wonders of the world are not all located in Africa but thankfully, one is. Victoria Falls is part of the borderline between Zimbabwe and Zambia and is a sheet waterfall that is thought to be the most impressive in the world. Again, you can see it on the television, but until you have stood next to it, you cannot understand the sheer majesty and magnificence of this natural wonder.
The pure magic of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
- The Coast
Africa may not be renowned for its beaches and coastal areas, but some coastal cities are stunning. Cape Town, for example, sits between the ocean and the mountains and is colourful and unique. Table Mountain is one location that you want to check off your bucket list, and the views are seriously amazing once you reach the top. Clifton beach is an impressive stretch of coastline with a Blue Flag status and gives you an excellent place to swim, see the marine life, and enjoy soaking up the sun on the sand.
Backpacking in Africa
- The Food and Drink
No holiday experience is complete without checking the local cuisine, and Africa is also well known for vineyards and winemaking. This means you can enjoy tours of the winery, the chance to taste some of the magnificent produce, and they will also provide you with meals outside as you soak up the fantastic views.
Friday’s Featured Food: Barbecued Fish and Flag Beer on N’Gor Beach, Dakar, Senegal
- Politics
The political history of Africa is varied, some of it is shocking and upsetting, and some of it is simply fascinating. Of course, anti-apartheid and Nelson Mandela are two of the things that come to mind when you think about the historical politics in Africa. Robben Island, which is where he was imprisoned, sits just a few kilometres off the coast of Cape Town, and his cell is now a tourist attraction that remains untouched to this day.
Nelson Mandela’s House
- Go on Safari
No trip to Africa would be complete without heading out on safari. It is probably the first thing that everybody mentions when they talk about the country. The Kruger National Park is one of the most famous, and you can see the most impressive creatures from Lions to elephants, giraffes to rhinos, zebras and more all in one place. The organised tours are unique, and you will have a wonderful time seeing these creatures in their natural habitat.
Safari
- Head to the Water
Water lovers will also be impressed by the sheer number of activities you can take part in while visiting Africa. In Kenya, the River Tanner offers some tremendous white water rafting experiences; you can canoe on the Zambezi and Manambolo River.