Welcome to Africa
What comes to mind when you think of Africa? Maybe it’s ancient secrets locked away in the pyramids. Perhaps it’s getting a glimpse of the circle of life playing out in the savannah. How about its dynamic cities bursting with culture? There are so many opportunities for adventure that you can’t find anywhere else in the world! It’s easy to write this wild continent off as “for seasoned travelers only”, but let’s break it down so you can infuse your African fly-by with exciting destinations and expeditions, no matter how experienced a traveler you are!
Must see countries in Africa quick links: Botswana | Egypt | Kenya | Morocco | Mozambique | Namibia | South Africa | Tanzania | Zambia
Botswana
Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans is one of the largest salt flats in the world that developed in the wake of the enormous, ancient Lake Makgadikgadi’s evaporation tens of thousands of years ago. When the pans flood, the arid landscape becomes a haven for wildlife, resulting in a “secret migration”. A less popular than what you might find in Maasai Mara or the Serengeti, but no less amazing. Getting to this park can be a bit of a challenge. The easiest way to get there is with an organized safari by road or by air, though you may choose to drive into the park yourself.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa found in northern Botswana. It’s a permanent and seasonal home to several different kinds of animals, including big game like lions, leopards, and rhinos, making for a great safari opportunity. If you’re into birdwatching, the birding here is incredible too, so be sure to pack your binoculars! Several camps can be found throughout the delta with experiences for every budget.
Egypt
Giza Pyramid Complex
The Pyramids of Giza are a popular destination for travelers of all experience levels. And it is a great way to incorporate Africa into your fly-by if you aren’t interested in an outdoor-oriented journey. In the complex, you’ll find nine pyramids, temples, tombs, cemeteries, and of course, the Great Sphinx. Situated just outside of Egypt’s capital, a trip to the pyramids would make for a fantastic half-day trip, allowing you to enjoy Cairo’s modern accommodations. It gets really hot in Giza, so schedule your travel November-February to avoid extreme heat.
The Wonders of the Nile
The Nile is the longest river in the world, bringing life to the people and animals of East Africa. The Nile’s presence combined with the region’s fertile soil contributed to the rise of the ancient Egyptian civilization. If you’re looking to ride down the Nile in style, book a river cruise! If your fly-by has a lot going on or if you’re budget-conscious, a 4-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan is a great option for enjoying the beauty of the Nile. Some companies also offer longer cruises from Cairo which last upwards of 10 days.
Kenya
Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara National Park gives adventurers an incredible opportunity to view the great migration in its full glory. The permanent big cat residents of the reserve make Maasai Mara a year-round destination. However, July-October is the best time to go if you want to catch the migrating wildebeest. The park is about 5 hours outside of the Kenyan capital of Nairobi and can be reached by road or by a quick flight. You can find accommodations of varying costs to find a safari experience that fits your budget.
Morocco
Jemaa el-Fna
Moroccan tradition is on full-display in Marrakesh main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Your experience there varies on the time of day. In the morning, merchants dominate the square. Later in the day, the square becomes more lively with entertainers and storytellers with food stalls moving in as the square peaks in popularity in the evening. This is a great place to take in elements of Berber and Gnawa culture, two ethnic groups found in Morocco.
Sahara Dunes
They don’t call it the Great Sahara Desert for nothing! A breathtaking sea of sand gives way to a vast ocean of stars at night, so if you’re a stargazer, be sure to spend a night out there to take in the view. Even if organized tours aren’t your thing, we recommend touring the Sahara with a group as the landscape is vast and unforgiving. However, you choose to explore the Sahara, be sure to check out the massive Erg Chebbi dune while you’re there!
Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago
Looking for some time to chill? The Bazaruto Archipelagois home to some of the best beaches in the world, perfect for a little relaxation. There are plenty of resorts in the area that offer incredible views, activities, and local cuisine. Looking for something a little more active? There’s excellent diving and snorkeling here, due to the presence of well-preserved reefs and the sea-life that comes with it. Kayaking, parasailing, and sport-fishing are also popular tourist activities.
Namibia
Sossusvlei
When you think of African dunes, you think of the Sahara, right? Well, we challenge you to consider the Namib desert for your dune-viewing pleasure, as the dunes of Sossusvlei are some of the highest in the world. There are many tour companies to choose from in Namibia’s capital Windhoek if you prefer a structured experience where you won’t have to worry about driving or food. However, if you are an experienced traveller and hiker, you can design your own trip beginning at the small town of Sesreim, just outside the gates of Namib-Naukluft National Park
Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe is found in the northern Namib desert and is known as “the Matterhorn of Namibia”. In addition to its appeal to climbers, travellers with a flair for anthropology will be interested in the nearby Bushman Paradise’s ancient rock paintings. Its unique geography and landmarks have made Spitzkoppe and the surrounding area a popular backdrop for films, including 2001: A Space Odessey.
South Africa
Cape Town
Cape Town is the place to be if you’re looking for a little of everything. Crazy-pretty scenery? Check. You’re never far from the beach when you’re there! Tasty food? For sure—Cape Town has several restaurants that have garnered global attention. Arts and culture? It’d be coming out of its ears if it had any. Cape Town is home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, the largest repository of contemporary African art in the world! Nightlife? Absolutely! Whatever vibe you’re looking for, be sure to check out Long Street.
Table Mountain National Park
If natural beauty’s what you’re after in South Africa, spend some time in Table Mountain National Park. A number of trails wind through the park that accommodate hikers of all experience levels. The hike up Table Mountain along Platteklip Gorge is surprisingly approachable if you have 2-3 hours. If you’re not a hiker (or you’re pressed for time), there’s a cable car that will allow you to get a good glimpse of the mountain. The park also contains the Cape of Good Hope, which has held great significance to sailors through the centuries due to its location at the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Tanzania
Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. Its five climatic zones ranging from hot plains to its icy peak, allow for viewing many different types of animals and vegetation. Even though it’s a popular destination for hikers, active travellers might find an expedition up Kilimanjaro to be a fun and fulfilling challenge. Kilimanjaro International Airport allows for convenient travel to the mountain along with other attractions in northern Tanzania including the Serengeti Plains and Lake Victoria.
The Great Migration
An epic tale of survival plays out every year during East Africa’s great migration, in which millions of animals travel in search of food, water, and safe refuge. If you’re looking for a good spot to watch it unfold, venture out to Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania or the Maasai Mara game reserve in Kenya. Book your fly-by sometime January-March to view calving season in action, during which hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and other herd animals are born to ensure the survival of their herds. There are many Serengeti safari experiences you can choose from accommodating your timeline and your budget. As with any outdoor experience, be sure to pack for your safari accordingly! Most providers will have suggestions on what to take with you.
Zambia
Lower Zambezi National Park
Is a safari in your African travel plans, Lower Zambezi National Park is the perfect place due to its high concentration of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, lions, and so many others! We recommend visiting April-October during the dry season for the best wildlife-viewing and for more lodging options. This park is in a remote location but can still be easily accessed from the Zambian capital Lokasa by plane.
Victoria Falls
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous view than at Victoria Falls where mist from one of the world’s largest waterfalls blankets lush rainforest and creates stunning rainbows. You can view the falls from Zambia in Mosi-oa-Tunya or across the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park. No matter where you decide to view the falls, they are accessible by bus and train, making it simple and inexpensive to get there. If you’d like to get a full view of the falls, you can even purchase a visa at the Zambia-Zimbabwe border for the day.
Must see places around the World by continent:Africa | Antarctica | Asia | Australia/Oceania | Europe | North America | South America
