There are so many wonderful places to visit in Africa, but where you go is determined by your budget and the type of vacation that you want. Whether it is safari, beach, mountains, or desert that you seek, here are some suggestions for where to travel in Africa based on each scenario.
Safari:
Something about Africa screams “safari” to anyone who has seen a wildlife documentary or national geographic special. Africa is home to the last remaining populations of some truly magnificent animals–lions, zebras, elephants, and giraffes, just to name a few. To experience these animals in their natural habitats, consider Kenya as one of the best places to travel in Africa for safari. It has been estimated that there are over 200 different species of mammals and over 500 species of birds found only within the borders of Kenya! The country also includes several beautiful beaches along its coast, which makes it a great place to stay if you can’t decide between a mountain view or sea life.
Beach Getaway:
If you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation, consider Morocco or South Africa. Morocco’s beaches are great for surfing and include several ancient medinas (a medina is an old city), which makes it one of the best places to travel in Africa for culture seekers. From Marrakech, the main city in Morocco, there are over 1500 kilometers of coastline where resorts can be found. South Africa’s coastline on the Indian Ocean is more than 1,500 miles long, including some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. There are also some fantastic game reserves if you feel like getting out into nature during your African getaway.
Mountain Getaway:
Morocco has some spectacular mountain ranges with skiing opportunities along with Atlantic views–which is why it makes it one of the best places to travel in Africa. At just over 11 degrees north latitude, Morocco has a moderate climate with hot summers and mild winters along its coastline. If skiing isn’t your thing, then you can hike or take a leisurely trip through some of Morocco’s national parks, which include cedar forests, mountains, and lakes offering incredible views. For mountain lovers who want to experience the desert at the same time, consider Egypt as one of the greatest places on Earth to visit. You can climb Mount Sinai, which is where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God before passing them along to his people on Earth. In addition to the desert and mountains, there is also fantastic sea life that exists off Egypt’s coast, including dolphins and sea turtles.
Desert Getaway:
If you want to experience the desert without traveling to the Sahara, consider Mali or Namibia. Some of Africa’s most impressive cave formations can be found in South Africa, which makes it one of the best places to travel in Africa for nature lovers. If you are not up for braving all 382 kilometers of trails found throughout South Africa, there are other options, such as Victoria Falls, where you can take a helicopter tour overlooking these breathtaking caves. For those looking for something off the beaten path, consider Mali, which also has some great Saharan views along with other archaeological wonders, including Timbuktu–an ancient city surrounded by sand dunes that were an important crossroad during its time and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
