Africa

For wildlife enthusiasts, top safari destinations like the Serengeti in Tanzania, Maasai Mara in Kenya, and Kruger National Park in South Africa provide unforgettable encounters with the Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhinocerous and Cape buffalo).

History and culture aficionados can explore the ancient Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia, and the historic streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar.

Coastal paradises such as the beaches of Mauritius, Seychelles, and Zanzibar offer beaches, seascapes and rich marine life.

Highlights

• Kilimanjaro National Park: (Tanzania) Africa’s highest mountain entices hikers and climbers of all abilities to scale her lofty peaks. The three summits, Kibo, Shira and Mawenzie attract thousands of hikers each year.
• The Pyramid: (Egypt) Probably the most celebrated of the Seven Wonders of the World, the majestic pyramids have long lured fascinated crowds. With continuing debate as to how these great structures came into being, the tales of ancient curses have enchanted generations of people.
• Kruger National Park: (South Africa) Africa’s most established reserve features an incredible sundry of animal and birdlife amongst its diversity of habitats. Visitors are drawn to opportunities to catch a glimpse of the big five: elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards and black rhinoceros. Guided hiking trails and game drives are offered while excellent accommodation lures visitors back time and time again.
• Victoria Falls: (Zambia and Zimbabwe) Located between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the world’s largest falls offer magnificent beauty with a spray that can be seen over 30kms away. Permanent rainbows arch over the mist and visitors can enjoy thrilling white water rafting in the river below.
• Table Mountain: (South Africa) Dominating the landscape of Cape Town, the beautiful Table Mountain offers climbing and hiking opportunities as well as a revolving cable car for visitors of less energy. Cape Town’s nearby beaches and wineries draw in the visitors as does the famous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was once held captive.
• Lake Malawi: (Malawi) This tropical UNESCO World Heritage site is lined with banana, avocado, mango and palm trees and is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife as well as some colorful endemic cichlids which can be accessed by diving and snorkeling.
• Serengeti National Park: (Tanzania) Home to more than 35 species of mammals including zebra, lion, wildebeest, giraffe and elephant, Serengeti National Park has been named the ‘endless plains’ in Masai. While the magnificent annual migration of wildebeest is arguably Africa’s most incredible natural event, the birdlife in this park peaks at more than 200 species.
• Djemaa el Fnaa Square: (Morocco) This vibrant marketplace in central Marrakesh is full of wonderful and unfamiliar sights and smells. Fortune tellers vie with street artists and snake charmers alongside colorful stalls selling fresh local produce. Visitors can sip on sweet mint tea or tasty orange juice while waiting to take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Regions

• Central Africa: Central Africa features the vast Congo Basin rainforest, diverse wildlife like gorillas and elephants, and rich cultural traditions. Key sites include Virunga National Park and the cultures of Cameroon and Gabon.

  Angola • Cameroon • Central African Republic • Chad • Congo • Democratic Republic of Congo • Equatorial Guinea • Gabon • South Sudan • São Tomé and Príncipe

• East Africa: East Africa is known for its iconic wildlife and landscapes, including the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors can see the Great Migration and experience Maasai culture and safaris.

  Burundi • Djibouti • Eritrea • Ethiopia • Kenya • Rwanda • Somalia • Somaliland • Tanzania • Uganda

• East African Islands: The East African Islands, such as Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius, offer beaches, unique wildlife, and marine life. Highlights include Madagascar’s endemic species and resorts in Seychelles and Mauritius.

  Comoros • Madagascar • Mauritius • Mayotte • Réunion • Seychelles

• North Africa: North Africa features ancient history and diverse landscapes, with Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza, Tunisia’s Carthage ruins, and Morocco’s medinas. The Sahara Desert offers desert treks and cultural experiences.

  Algeria • Egypt • Libya • Morocco • Tunisia • Sudan •

• Southern Africa: Southern Africa is known for its varied landscapes and wildlife. Highlights include South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Namibia’s Namib Desert, Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia.

  Botswana • Lesotho • Malawi • Mozambique • Namibia • South Africa • Swaziland • Zambia • Zimbabwe

• West Africa: West Africa offers rich cultural heritage, historic sites, and diverse landscapes. Highlights include Ghana’s Cape Coast Castle, Senegal’s Goree Island, Nigeria’s bustling markets, and Mali’s Timbuktu. Travelers can experience traditional music, dance, and vibrant local festivals.

  Benin • Burkina Faso • Cape Verde • Cote d’Ivoire • Ghana • Guinea • Guinea Bissau • Liberia • Mali • Mauritania • Niger • Nigeria • Senegal • Sierra Leone • The Gambia • Togo • Western Sahara

Top Cities

• Cairo: Egypt’s sprawling capital known for the Giza Pyramids and the Nile River.
• Marrakech: A historic city in Morocco famous for its medinas, palaces, and souks.
• Johannesburg: South Africa’s largest city and financial hub with a significant Apartheid history.
• Cape Town: South African city known for Table Mountain and Robben Island.
• Lagos: Nigeria’s largest city and economic center, notable for its bustling markets and ports.
• Casablanca: Morocco’s largest city and economic hub, known for its modern architecture and historic medina.
• Durban: A coastal city in South Africa known for its beaches and large Indian community.
• Accra: The capital of Ghana, known for its vibrant markets and coastal forts.
• Nairobi: Kenya’s capital, known for Nairobi National Park and its status as a tech hub.
• Dakar: Senegal’s capital, known for its cultural sites and as the end point of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
• Entebbe: A town in Uganda, known for its international airport and Lake Victoria.
• Tunis: The capital of Tunisia, known for its ancient ruins of Carthage and the medina.

Islands & Beaches

Africa’s islands and beaches offer some of the most diverse coastal experiences in the world. From the luxury resorts of Seychelles and Mauritius to the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar and Lamu Island. Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago and Tofo Beach are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and marine biodiversity, great for diving and snorkeling. Madagascar’s Nosy Be and Comoros provide unique ecosystems.

• Zanzibar: (Tanzania) Known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and historic Stone Town.
• Seychelles: Famous for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and luxury resorts.
• Mauritius: Renowned for its white sandy beaches, blue lagoons, and diverse marine life.
• Lamu Island: (Kenya) Offers a mix of stunning beaches and Swahili culture.
• Cape Verde: Features beautiful beaches and a vibrant Creole culture.
• Bazaruto Archipelago: (Mozambique) Known for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and marine life.
• Nosy Be: (Madagascar) Popular for its beaches, snorkeling, and lemur reserves.
• Comoros: Offers volcanic islands, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.
• Pemba Island: (Tanzania) Known for its lush forests, diving spots, and traditional Swahili culture.
• Tofo Beach: (Mozambique) Famous for its wide sandy beaches and excellent diving opportunities.

National Parks

Africa’s national parks are renowned for their incredible biodiversity and unique wildlife. From South Africa’s vast Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five, to Tanzania’s Serengeti, famous for the Great Migration, these parks offer unparalleled wildlife viewing. Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Amboseli provide big cats and elephants against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. Botswana’s Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta are known for their arge elephant herds. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers rare encounters with mountain gorillas. Each park presents a distinct and unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.

• Kruger National Park: (South Africa) One of Africa’s largest game reserves, known for its diverse wildlife including the Big Five.
• Serengeti National Park: (Tanzania) Famous for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, as well as its rich wildlife.
• Maasai Mara National Reserve: (Kenya) Renowned for its population of big cats and the annual wildebeest migration.
• Etosha National Park: (Namibia) Known for its salt pan and abundant wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos.
• Chobe National Park: (Botswana) Famous for its large elephant herds and diverse ecosystems.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: (Uganda) Home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas, offering unique trekking experiences.
• Okavango Delta: (Botswana) A unique inland delta known for its rich wildlife and waterways.
• Hwange National Park: (Zimbabwe) Known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife.
• Amboseli National Park: (Kenya) Offers stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and is known for its large elephant herds.
• Virunga National Park: (Democratic Republic of Congo) Africa’s oldest national park, known for its mountain gorillas and active volcanoes.

World Heritage

• Pyramids of Giza: (Egypt) Iconic ancient pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, and the Sphinx.
• Serengeti National Park: (Tanzania) Famous for the Great Migration and diverse wildlife.
• Victoria Falls: (Zambia/Zimbabwe) One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world.
• Great Zimbabwe Ruins: (Zimbabwe) Ancient city ruins, reflecting the height of the Shona civilization.
• Robben Island: (South Africa) Notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years.
• Timbuktu: (Mali) Historic city known for its ancient manuscripts and Islamic architecture.
• Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela: (Ethiopia) Eleven medieval monolithic churches carved out of rock.
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area: (Tanzania) Crater teeming with wildlife and archaeological sites.
• Kilimanjaro National Park: (Tanzania) Home to Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Djenne: (Mali) Ancient city with the Great Mosque, the largest mud-brick building in the world.
• Simien Mountains National Park: (Ethiopia) Spectacular mountain scenery and rare wildlife like the Ethiopian wolf.
• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: (Uganda) Known for its population of mountain gorillas.
• Sanganeb Marine National Park: (Sudan) Renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and coral reefs.
• Le Morne Cultural Landscape: (Mauritius) Symbolic site of resistance against slavery.
• Stone Town, Zanzibar: (Tanzania) Historic trade center with Swahili and Islamic influences.

As a continent, Africa experiences an extremely varied climate, with Mediterranean temperatures in the north and south, extreme conditions in the Sahara desert, areas of tropical savannah though the center and tropical rainforest elsewhere.

December to March: This is the dry season in Eastern Africa and is one of the best times to go on safari in Kenya or Tanzania as the vegetation is not so lush, and viewing animals around the water hole can be easier. This is a great time to witness the Great Migration in the northern parks of Tanzania. Northern Africa receives some snowfall on its higher plains while winds on the coast blow sand around unpleasantly.

March to May: Between March and May is monsoon time in much of Eastern Africa, and is not the best time to enjoy safari. The Sahara gets dangerously hot in the summer months and should be avoided by those not used to such high temperatures.

June to November: Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco often reach into the 90s (Fahrenheit), in July and August while the time between July and October is the opportune time to go on safari in the Serengeti or the Masai Mara as Tanzania and Kenya are pleasantly cooler. Southern Africa can be a little cold during these months so it is not the best time to enjoy South Africa’s wonderful beaches. October and November are the best times to visit South Africa as the weather is pleasantly warm and the beaches can be enjoyed to their full extent. Between June and September is a great time to go on safari in the Tanzania or Uganda as these tend to be mostly dry months. Uganda receives heavy rainfall between October and November.

Northern and Southern Africa: The northern and southern parts of the continent tend to enjoy Mediterranean type seasonal weather, with subtropical temperatures and high concentrations of rainfall during the autumn and winter months.

Tropical Rainforest: Madagascar and areas near the equator have a tropical rainforest climate featuring monsoon rains and soaring temperatures all year. Other countries in this region include Zimbabwe, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Tropical Savannah: These middle regions feature tropical savannah climate and are hot throughout the year with heavy monsoon rains tending to fall in the summer months. Countries include Zimbabwe, Botswana, South Africa and the plains of Tanzania and Kenya.

Best Times

Choosing the best time to visit Africa depends on your specific interests, such as wildlife safaris, cultural experiences, or beach holidays, and the region you plan to explore.

• Southern Africa: The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around waterholes and rivers.
• East Africa: For the Great Migration, visit Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Maasai Mara from June to October. The dry season (June to September) is also excellent for general wildlife viewing.
• North Africa: The cooler months from October to April are best for exploring desert regions and historical sites, avoiding the extreme heat of summer.
• Central Africa: Visit from June to September for the best weather conditions, particularly for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
• West Africa: The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for travel, offering comfortable temperatures and clear skies.

Festivals & Events

• Festival au Désert: (Mali) - A vibrant music festival celebrating Tuareg culture, held in the Sahara Desert near Timbuktu.
• Cape Town International Jazz Festival: (South Africa) - Africa’s largest jazz festival featuring local and international artists.
• Ouidah Voodoo Festival: (Benin) - An annual event celebrating Vodun (Voodoo) religion and culture with traditional ceremonies and performances.
• Marrakech Popular Arts Festival: (Morocco) - A showcase of Moroccan arts, including music, dance, and storytelling, held in the historic city of Marrakech.
• Lake of Stars Festival: (Malawi) - A music and arts festival on the shores of Lake Malawi, featuring international and African performers.
• Fez Festival of World Sacred Music: (Morocco) - An annual gathering that brings together performers from various religious and spiritual traditions.
• Durban International Film Festival: (South Africa) - Africa’s longest-running film festival, showcasing local and international films.
• Timkat: (Ethiopia) - A major Ethiopian Orthodox celebration of Epiphany, featuring colorful processions and religious rituals.
• Gerewol Festival: (Chad) - A traditional courtship festival of the Wodaabe people, known for its beauty pageants and elaborate dances.
• Mombasa Carnival: (Kenya) - A lively event featuring parades, music, dance, and cultural displays, celebrating Kenya’s diverse heritage.

Many travelers come to Africa to visit the stunning national parks of Kenya and Tanzania, experience the dramatic scenery all over the continent and spot incredible wildlife. Adventurous souls can climb to the peak of Mount Kenya or Mount Kilimanjaro, soak up some rays on the glorious beaches of South Africa and Mozambique, or try their hand at surfing, windsurfing or scuba diving.

In the north you can take a camel trek in Morocco or soak up the atmosphere of Egypt’s pyramids. For something different, enjoy some of the continent’s vibrant music festivals or go skiing in the Atlas Mountains.

Cultural Experiences

• Visit the Pyramids of Giza (Egypt) - Explore the iconic ancient pyramids and the Sphinx.
• Explore the Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela (Ethiopia) - Discover the stunning medieval churches carved into rock.
• Walk Through the Medina of Fez (Morocco) - Experience the bustling markets and historical sites in one of the world’s oldest cities.
• Witness the Ouidah Voodoo Festival (Benin) - Participate in vibrant ceremonies and rituals celebrating Vodun culture.

Natural Experiences

• Safari in Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): - Witness the Great Migration and encounter the Big Five.
• View Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe) - Marvel at one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
• Hike Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) - Challenge yourself with a trek to the summit of Africa’s highest peak.
• Explore the Okavango Delta (Botswana) - Experience a unique safari in this vast inland delta, rich in wildlife.

Urban Experiences

• Stroll Along the V&A Waterfront (Cape Town, South Africa) - Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment in this vibrant area.
• Visit the Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg, South Africa) - Learn about South Africa’s history of apartheid and the struggle for freedom.
• Experience the Souks of Marrakech (Morocco) - Shop for spices, textiles, and crafts in the bustling markets of this historic city.
• Discover the Contemporary Art Scene in Lagos (Nigeria) - Explore galleries and exhibitions showcasing modern African art.

Unique Experiences

• Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) - Encounter mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Dune Boarding in the Namib Desert (Namibia) - Glide down the world’s highest sand dunes for a thrilling adventure.
• Dive in the Bazaruto Archipelago (Mozambique) - Explore pristine coral reefs and vibrant marine life in this beautiful island chain.
• Attend the Festival au Désert (Mali) - Enjoy traditional Tuareg music and culture in the Sahara Desert.

Special Interest

• Climbing in Africa
• Diving in Africa
• Golfing in Africa
• Nightlife in Africa
• Shopping in Africa
• Skiing in Africa
• Surfing in Africa
• Trekking in Africa
• White Water Rafting in Africa

Travelers to Africa have a lot to contend with. Extreme weather conditions, tropical diseases, contaminated water and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS all combine to make Africa a somewhat dangerous destination. An important part of any trip is getting the necessary vaccinations, and visitors should remember to never have unprotected sex, especially with local prostitutes and sex workers.

Some of the political tensions in Africa are too extreme for travel to these destinations to be recommended and violence is often known to erupt during election times in certain African countries. Travelers to Africa should keep up to date with current affairs before their trip. Although Africa can be a dangerous place to travel, it need not be any more dangerous than any other part of the world. Tourists should always remember to be careful when handling money or expensive camera equipment in public.

Scams & Petty Crime

Despite its reputation, violent crime throughout much of Africa is rare, though visitors to the cities of Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos and Dakar should be aware of the dangers of violent crime, carjacking and sometimes murder. Travel at night is not recommended in general, and travelers should follow local wisdom when it comes to going out at night and traveling alone.

Political Unrest

Africa is a continent which always has some nations in conflict, and travelers should get in contact with their embassies if they are in any doubt. The situation in the Central African Republic has been volatile for some time. Countries such as the Congo, Sudan, Eretria and Somalia are regarded as being too dangerous for travel and parts of Nigeria and Chad are best avoided or at least avoided at night. Algeria has seen an increase in terrorist attacks recently, and travelers are urged to journey with caution.

Diseases

All travelers to Africa should be up to date with all their childhood vaccinations and other recommended inoculations include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, diphtheria, meningococcal meningitis, typhoid and rabies. Some countries will not let travelers in without proof of having received inoculations such as yellow fever. Malaria is a danger in some countries and then anti-malaria prophylactics should be taken. Some of these need to be taken several weeks in advance so travelers should ensure they contact their doctors within good time.

Nature’s Fury

Africa is a place of extreme weather conditions and travelers should be aware of what weather they are likely to encounter. The desert areas should be avoided during the summer months when those who are not used to the heat can easily become dehydrated and great eddying winds sweep vast amounts of sand across the Sahara. Monsoons can cause roads to become impassable, and flooding and dangerous potholes in the roads often occur.

Sexual Harrassment

Although Africa has a bad reputation when it comes to safety, much of region is safe for female travelers. However, African women in most countries tend not to travel alone and therefore women traveling independently should take precautions to avoid unwanted male attention, such as wearing modest clothing and avoiding unnecessary eye contact.

This diverse continent offers a wide range of work opportunities and many chances to volunteer for varied and interesting projects. South Africa has job opportunities in anything from health care and hospitality to business consultancy, while some of the bigger tourist destinations have openings in hotel management, catering and cruise ship staff.

There are many opportunities to work or volunteer for NGOs in Africa. Many of these organizations take on young people with little or no experience in their fields of work, but by far some of the most interesting options can be found by those who have some level of experience or expertise within their fields. Work ranges from basic education and English language teaching to AIDS prevention, wildlife preservation and social work.

English teaching is a popular way to earn money while you travel, and many travelers find themselves doing this at some stage. You can often find work without a qualification, but better jobs can be found if you have a TEFL or equivalent qualification. With regards to work permits, once you have a job lined up, employers will often help you to obtain a work visa.

There is some opportunity to study in Africa, with countries like Kenya and Uganda accepting students on internships to study subjects ranging from wildlife conservation to game park management and veterinarian studies. Some countries accept students for one-year work placement projects. Courses range from beekeeping and archaeology, to medicine and AIDS prevention.

Most of these educational experiences are planned very carefully, making use of armed guards and rangers. Students can stay in campsites or bungalows and usually an onsite kitchen is provided. Many students also have the option to spend some free time on the continent at nature reserves or exploring the cities.