All of these spots have literally hundreds of places you can go to and have a blast, for a fraction of the price of a trip to Paris or Rome.
In most of Africa, low-cost tourism is really adventurous. Backpacking in Africa is nothing like backpacking in Southeast Asia or South America, where there is a whole industry of low cost travelers.
When you prepare your trip really well, traveling in Africa is really fun. You can explore some of the wonders of the world. The safaris, the beaches, meeting amazing and friendly people and doing stuff you cannot find anywhere else but Africa.
The most ideal approach to get a good deal on your travel is by taking benefit of a few budget bus companies. This way, you can visit several destinations. On the other hand, you will be able to visit these places on a very low-cost one-way trip, making your travel as cheap as possible.
Besides the relaxing ride in these transports, you can do other stuff during a long trip such as internet surfing on account of the free wi-fi. Africa is a very beautiful continent, with rich and vibrant culture. There are many hidden untouched places. Many beautiful ans here have covered underrated places in Africa.
Africa is the ONLY continent on earth surrounded by four continental waters; border in the north by Mediterranean Sea, to the West and South, are North and South Atlantic Oceans, in the Northeast, Red Sea, in the East, the Indian Ocean. No continent on earth has such geographic feature.
Many potential tourists stay away because of the perception that Africa is unsafe and because they’re unaware how safe it is to travel to Southern Africa, East Africa and parts of West Africa. They see Africa is one big, dark, scary continent. And the secret that should not be a secret is this: Many parts of Africa are absolutely safe to visit, and stunningly beautiful. Do yourself a favour and visit Africa!
You may be wondering what it feels like and how much it would cost you to take the leap. We're here to help take your dreaming to the next level! We also provide information about the best of the wild and beautiful Tanzania, the country where the safari meets the luxury Zanzibar and the prestigious ascent of Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro.
These are some of the cheapest places to travel in the world that are currently a blessing for both the senses and the wallet.
1. Tunisia
Tunisia is one of the best countries to visit near Dubai and has the colors, the smells, the tastes of many civilizations that have left their mark. Each stone has its sculptor, all of them legendary from those that raise the amphitheater of Djem, the ruins of ancient Carthage, the holy city of Kerouan, the fortresses of Monastir or the mud houses of Tozeur hit by the seas of dust of the desert.
Matmata is a town in southern Tunisia where the local Berbers build underground dwellings to take refuge from the blazing sun. The houses consist of large pits with artificial caves around the perimeter. Matmata was also the site of most scenes on Tatooine in the Star Wars films.
The Tunisian desert has been the scene of films like the Star Wars saga. Tour operators in Douz and Tozeur offer excursions through the desert visiting the places where famous films were filmed. Move through the Douz desert, either by camel or vehicles. You can also go to the dunes of the Sahara with 4×4. The salt sea of Chott El Jerid, formed by a series of lakes that extend through the south of Tunisia as if it were a mirage.
Although the Sahara is famous for sand-swept dunes, the majority of the surface is comprised of hamada or rocky plateau. The Sahara's fabled dune fields cover only about 15% of the entire desert's surface and lie primarily in the north-central region. In the dune laden sections of Algeria and Libya, the sand thickness varies because dunes can pile up to a height of several hundred meters, but then change as the sand moves.
The desert expanse is dominated by rocky barren stretches with arid hills and valleys.
Enjoy the experience of a hammam (Turkish bath). There are baths in all Tunisia, where you can take steam with the locals, many of the natural springs of thermal waters have been used for this purpose since Roman and Punic times.
Play a game of golf near Port El Kantaoui Sousse, Monastir, Tabarka, Carthage, Tozeur, Djerba and Hammamet. See the coral bottoms through diving dives observing the marine life of the waters of Tunisia, in the diving centers of Tabarka Yachting Club, the International Diving Center in Port El Kantaoui or the SAAM Diving in Monastir.
Take a ferry to the Djerba island, with its soft beaches bathed by the waters of the Mediterranean, and throw yourself in the shade of the palm trees. Explore the ksour in southern Tunisia. These barns molded with mud were used as location in the recording of Star Wars. Visit one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the Bardo Museum.
Located in a seventeenth century palace, the museum exposes the archaeological wealth of the Carthaginian, Roman, Christian and Islamic eras. Explore the remains of a great ancient civilization founded by the Phoenicians. Carthage was razed by the Romans who rebuilt it in the third largest city of the Roman Empire, before it was destroyed again by the Arabs.
Visit the medina of the holy city of Kairouan, where there are more than 50 mosques and know how their famous carpets are made. See the magnificent Roman site of Dougga. A good conservation of the ruins gives a tempting idea of how the Romans lived. Stroll around El Djem Amphitheater, Dougga/Thugga, Kairouan, Medina of Susa, Medina of Tunis, Punic City of Kerkuane and its Necropolis, Carthage and the Ichkeul National Park.
Go to Matmata. Here the Berbers found an ingenious way to overcome the heat of summer by digging the houses in the earth. Many of the troglodytic houses - underground cave that surround the courtyards - are still inhabited, and some of them are now hotels. See another underground world in Bulla Regia. Here the Romans also used architecture as a way to keep cool when the sun warms.
Spend a day in Sousse, built by the Arabs which includes the Grand Mosque and its Ribat. There are several theaters and numerous movie theaters in Tunisia, with plays and films in Arabic and French. In Tunisia and the main tourist centers, many restaurants and bars of the hotels there are live music and dancers in the nights from May to September, there are numerous nightclubs.
Summer is the season of art festivals, and when international artists arrive in Cartago, Hammamet and Nabeul. At the end of summer there are several music festivals in Tabarka on the north coast, with live music in the afternoons. Yasmine, Hammamet, Port El Kantaoui Djerba have great casinos.
2. Mali
In the heart of West Africa, Mali is a territory with many natural and especially cultural attractions, surrounded by Mauritania, Algeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea and Senegal. Each region has a mosaic of ethnic groups whose only evocation inspires myths such as the Peuls, the Dogon, the blue men or the Tuaregs.
Mali follows a glorious past through its cities and historical sites such as Djenné, Gao or Timbuktu. From the Sahara in the north to the forests of the south, one of the main places to visit in Mali is the Niger River, the main river in Mali. The most important cities along the Niger River are Bamako, but also Mopti. The most important cities along the Niger River are Bamako, but also Mopti.
Timbuktu is a beautiful city that was in the hands of Boko Haram for more than a year. The Boucle du Baoulé National Park is a huge protected area that stretches between Siby and Kita, just in the confines of the border with Mauritania.
3. Djibouti
The lake of Lac Assal, Djibouti, is the second-saltiest water body in the world, after a pond in Antarctica. 10 times saltier than the ocean, the waters are so saline that they are devoid of any aquatic fauna whatsoever.
4. Ghana
Acclaimed as the spoiled child of West Africa, travel to Ghana and discover the country of colors. Discover the Volta region and here is the large hydroelectric dam of Akosombo, which contains the largest reservoir of water ever made by man, its majestic lake Volta. From there go to the city of Ho, at the foot of Mount Adaklu.
Go to the city of Hohoe to approach the border with Togo, where you can discover the Wli Falls, the highest in West Africa. Go by boat to the fishing village of Kpandu, on the shores of Lake Volta.
Then go to the Ashanti Country, known for the gold trade. In the north, visit the Mole National Park and meet its famous inhabitants like elephants, baboons, monkeys, buffalos, leopards, lions and antelopes.
Returning to the south, sail through the villages bordering the sacred lake Bosumtwi, emerged in the crater formed after the impact of a meteorite. Crossing lush jungle landscapes and banana plantations, arrive at the sadly famous coast of the slaves, crowned by two of the largest and best preserved European castles in West Africa of Cape Coast and Elmina.
The calm atmosphere of the beaches and coconut trees of Kokrobite will be the final point before returning to the bustling Accra. Akwaaba! It is the warm welcome of the Ghanaians.
5. Benin
In Benin and Togo, it means taking taxi-brousses (basically a car where they try to put as many people as possible in) over dirt roads, sleeping in guest houses that are basically some lady telling you that you can stay at their place, hoping your stomach won’t suffer every time you try local food. Benin and Togo is that they are not very touristic, making you feel like a real explorer.
It is also the birthplace of voodoo, a super interesting religion that begs to be explored. That ancient slave fort on the coast? You’ll be the only visitor for the day. That safari park in the north of the country? You’ll see only one other car on your 2 day trip, and you’ll be stuck for a few hours more because the road decided to turn into a river overnight.
In many places people are genuinely intrigued to see you and don’t ask for money. With the aim of helping a little who wants to travel to these two countries of West Africa, here are a few tips for traveling to Benin. Benin shares borders with the giant Nigeria, the tiny Togo, Burkina Faso and Niger. A trip to Benin is perfect to get into sub-Saharan Africa, a virgin country that has not yet been invaded by tourism.
The capital is Porto Novo, but Cotonou is the largest city in the country. On the opposite side, the northern part of the country is made up of savannas and semi-arid mountainous areas such as the Atakora chain, one of the great tourist attractions of Benin.
On a trip to Benin it is possible to cover the Nazenga Reserve, where the largest number of elephants in West Africa are concentrated. Ouidah is the voodoo capital See Gran Popo and its golden beaches, the floating cities of the south, Lobi, one of the African ethnic groups that best preserves its traditions, the small animist villages and their famous masked dances gèlèdè.
Leave the bustling Cotonou, to start the boat route to the popular lacustrine city of Ganvié. Crossing Lake Nokué, continue to historic Porto-Novo. In Abomey visit the palaces of the ancient Dahomey kingdom, before continuing to the Taneka villages and meet the fetish chief and his eternal pipe. Resume your ethnic journey through the Somba region.
See its famous tatas or adobe castle houses, where you can admire the purity of this country of myths and legends. Crossing the border, reach the Togolese city of Kara and its lively market. Continue the route to the Muslim Sokodé, passing through fields of sesame and cacao trees, before reaching the mountainous Atakpamé.
Return to the civilization in Lomé to visit the peculiar market of the fetishes and the Mama Benz. After seeing the coast of the Gulf of Guinea arrive at the colonial Grand Popo, to navigate the lagoons of the Mono River and attend colorful voodoo ceremonies, letting yourselves be carried away by the hypnotizing dance of the Zangbetoor, guardian of the night.
In Possotomé, explore Lake Ahémé, with its small villages, where you can learn about traditional fishing techniques. In Ouidah, annual protagonist of the Voodoo Festival, visit the Pythons Temple and the door of No Return, testimony of one of the most important diasporas in history.
Traveling to Benin also means tasting its gastronomy, which is very diverse due to the ethnic and cultural complexity of the country. In some populations corn is its main food and serves for the preparation of several dishes. The meats - mainly ox, chicken, pork and rabbit - are accompanied with vegetables and rice.
6. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a unique wonder on Earth, the cradle of humanity. Traveling to Ethiopia is a complete experience that few countries can offer in their entirety. Visit the capital Addis Ababa and stroll through the large open-air market, see the skeleton of the famous Lucy Australopithecus in the National Museum, and the remains of King Haile Selassie in the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Lalibela, a place of pilgrimage for Coptic Christians, is one of the essential gems to discover in the country. Gondar, the Camelot of Africa, a city full of castles and walled complexes among abundant vegetation, is a real contrast to the rest of the country's landscapes.
Gondar, one of the largest cities in the country, is probably the most emblematic place of the Timkat, although this event is celebrated with great intensity throughout the region. The Tabot, a model of the Ark of the Covenant, is present in all the Ethiopian altars and goes out in procession.
Nowhere is the festival more spectacular than in Gondar, in whose palaces the Ethiopian emperors reigned from the 17th century. The main ceremony takes place in the Royal Enclosure of Fasilidas Castle, located on the outskirts of the town.
It is also a good place to go on a hiking excursion through the Simien Mountains National Park. In the middle of a green valley you will find the Bahir Dar falls of the Blue Nile, a magical place with the appearance of an oasis. Sail through Lake Tana and discover in the midst of calm its dozens of islands and monasteries and Ethiopian churches, circular in shape and decorated with frescoes of the time.
Omo Valley feels a rhythm of life away from modernity, here live many ethnic groups that continue to practice rituals and traditions. You can spend time with tribes such as the Hamer or Mursi that are a real treasure for anthropologists. Explore the Danakil desert, one of the rarest places in the world as it hosts salt deserts and lava lakes.
Climb the Erta Ale volcano and observe the lava bubbles exploding, in what they call hell on Earth. Aksum and Harar are some of the cities of Ethiopia to visit. The first was an ancient powerful empire and land of the Queen of Sheba which, according to the Ethiopians, houses the relic of the Ark of the Covenant.
In Harar you can travel the thousands of alleys, visit markets, mosques and get into the harari culture. Enjoy the ritual of Ethiopian coffee, a product valued worldwide and that in the country is considered almost a treasure. Visit the churches of Tigray, hidden in the middle of a rural landscape. The location of these, the frescoes that decorate them and the ancient stories that they contain, make this place a magical place.
Some typical dishes of restaurants in Ethiopia are Tif FirFir, FirFir and Tegabino, a kind of red puree that is eaten with the ingest. It is a kind of very thick pea puree with fried tomato and onion. Goman is a dish of dinosaur kale seasoned with a tasty mix of olive oil, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and jalapeño.
Shiro is a stew made of chickpeas, with onions, garlic, peppers, and berbere spice. Fosolia is a sweet and savory dish of green beans, often with carrots and onion. Keysir is a bright red wat made of beets, and seasoned with onions and spices. Atakilt alicha is a fresh mix of cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, simmered in vegetable broth and garlic, ginger and tumeric.
The kik alicha is a creamy stew of soft yellow lentils, very gently and delicately spiced with ginger, garlic and tumeric. Injera is a spongy, fermented, tangy-tasting sourdough that's naturally gluten-free and high in nutrients such as iron. Injera ranges in color from light to dark, depending on the grain quality, but the color differences only really mean less or more tang in the flavor.
It's made up of a mix of vegan curries and vegetables served on a plate of injera. Yetsom means fasting and beyaynetu means combination platter. Basically, they adhere to a vegan diet during fasting days. As a result, Ethiopian cuisine contains many dishes that are vegan.
Found way up in the towering Ethiopian Highlands, Bale Mountains National Park has a suitably alien landscape. It contains vast moorlands dotted with huge, 6 metre tall lobelias. It’s chiefly known for being a stronghold for Ethiopian wolves, the world’s rarest canine. It also contains the earliest evidence of human settlement at high altitude, in the form of 30,000 year old artifacts.
7. Sudan
At 350, Sudan has well over twice as many pyramids as Egypt does - only its were not built by the ancient Egyptians. Rather, they were the work of Nubia, an early African civilization which had mixed relations with Egypt. Juba is the largest city and the capital of South Sudan. South Sudan is one of the least visited countries in the world.
Enjoy the sunset at the bank of one of the world’s largest rivers -White Nile in Juba while having your evening dinner. Wau, the second biggest city after Juba houses buildings from colonial-era which are a must-see. Wildlife lovers can count on Nimule national park and can hire a boat to Opekoloe island to sight elephants before heading to Fola falls.
Mountain lovers and hikers can make their way to Imatong Mountains to experience the hike with some breathtaking views and maybe if you are lucky enough you can spot some elephants and a leopard too.
Crown hotel, River camp, Acacia village, Tulip Inn are some of the best hotels to stay in.
8. Malawi
Almost 1/4 of Malawi is composed by lake. It might be true to claim Malawi is a lake country. The fate of Malawi is connected to the fate of the lake. Malawi is one of seven landlocked Commonwealth countries, all of which are in Africa, though it does have a border with Lake Malawi of more than 750 km.
Lake Malawi is Africa’s third largest and second deepest lake, and has more fish species than any lake in the world, at an estimated 1,000. In the rainy season, millions of midges hatch beneath the surface and emerge, forming impossibly huge swarms like plumes of smoke. This is, in fact, the largest gathering of animals on Earth.
Lake Malawi National Park is found on the southern end of Lake Malawi, the world’s fifth-largest lake by volume. It is home to more fish species than any other lake on Earth, at more than 1,000! 700 of these are from one family alone, the cichlids. It’s also really interesting because it’s a breeding ground for lake flies, which form immense swarms hundreds of metres tall.
9. Angola
Facing the Atlantic and extending into the interior of Africa, Angola is pure diversity and one of the last mysteries of Africa. The country remains closed to travelers (except the most adventurous), with a severe visa policy. Behind its borders lies the second largest waterfall on the continent, remnants of the Portuguese colonial past, emerging national parks, beaches and a mix of diverse and highly stoic people.
Angola has spectacular natural attractions. The number one is occupied by the Kalandula Falls, on the Lucala River, near Malange. Lubango offers impetuous waterfalls, spectacular volcanic fissures and a vibrant small-town environment, surrounded by mountains and nestled in a cool valley. Kissama (also Quiçama), 70 km south of Luanda, is the most accessible and well-stocked wildlife park in Angola, a huge strip of coastal savanna dotted with knotty baobabs.
Nestled on the Atlantic coast, Benguela is the second largest city in the country and the self-proclaimed cultural capital of the republic.
10. Namibia
Further south in Africa, drive around Namibia and see some world class animal sites in Etosha National Park, and then enjoy the red dunes of Namib-Naukluft National Park. It’s easy to do on your own, but drive carefully on those gravel roads! Nearly 20% of Namibia’s land is a game park or nature reserve and it is internationally known for its ecotourism.
This positively enormous park in Namibia is famous for its endless red sands, flat clay pans and - most of all - its photogenic dead trees, which are more than 500 years old. Cold winds blowing in from the Atlantic also create the world’s tallest sand dunes, one of which is nearly 400 m tall! There are also a pair of mega-dunes called Big Daddy and Big Mama.
The Namib-Naukluft National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It is probably best known for its red sand dunes that are part of Sossuvlei. In Namibia, affordable campings or hostels are almost non-existent.
The only way to travel relatively lowcost is by renting a car and camping in the wild (best to camp on top of the car, you never know). You have nature like the Fish River Canyon in the south. And also some world class safari destinations. In Erindi national park you can have breakfast next to some elephants. Also Etosha National park is amazing. The Etosha National Park, located in the northern part of Namibia and offers some spectacular game viewing opportunities.
For people that like to visit cities and explore the local culture, Namibia is a bit less interesting. The country is very sparsely populated and the few tribes you can visit (like the himba tribe or the san people) are over commercialized. In Erindi for example you have the opportunity to visit a traditional san village.
Start the visit in Windhoek. The capital of Namibia is usually the point of entry and exit of the country and, for the vast majority of travelers, the first contact with the country before entering the desert. The small historical center surrounds the Lutheran Church of Christ and the Alte Feste, a military building built by the German colonial authorities that today houses the Museum of Independence.
In Windhoek there are a couple of other museums, the National Gallery of Art for lovers of African art, a couple of shopping centers and an interesting Local Crafts Center. One day is enough to see the most important part of the city. There are also a couple of good restaurants and some places to have a drink at night. But what most catches attention is the Meteorites exhibition at the Post Street Mall.
There are about thirty space boulders that fell to the planet in prehistoric times near the town of Gibeon. As a curiosity it is said that the tribes of the area used these meteorites as an iron mine for centuries. Another good experience is to take a walk through the popular district of Katutura. The Waterberg Plateau Park is located in a spectacular area marked by a deep valley where an important mass of vegetation develops.
An interesting visit to Ethosa is the Hoba Meteorite, a huge metallic boulder that fell from the sky about 80,000 years ago and is the largest meteor found on the entire planet so far. It weighs about 60 tons. In places like Twyfelfontein 3,000 years of history concentrates with engravings and cave paintings in which many of the great African fauna and the humans who lived here in the transition period from the lithic cultures to the metal ones are represented.
The figures have been interpreted as manifestations of shamanic rites characteristic of hunter-gatherer societies. We are facing one of the most important rock deposits in Africa comparable to those of Tassili N Najer in distant Algeria. Very close to the paintings is the mountainous area of Damaraland, one of the most beautiful and impressive in the country.
If you like arid and monumental landscapes like the Grand Canyon or the Great Australian Desert, you cannot miss this place. There are several accommodation options that range from luxury lodges to campsites. If you go by rented car, you will surely choose to spend a night in the city of Opuwo before continuing towards the border with neighboring Angola.
There you will begin to see the first Himbas, the mythical tribe of the Kunene region (northern Namibia) which is famous for the proud attachment to its traditional culture. From here you can easily access the Epupa Waterfalls and to the Himba villages. Also in this area are the villages of the Herero, a human group related to the Himba that are characterized by the colorful long dresses of their women.
Ah, the incredibly intriguing Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Parts of this remote landscape are so inaccessible, yet so otherworldly, and those two factors make it such an unforgettable experience if you can make your way there.
The Skeleton Coast stretches for about 600 kilometers in the extreme north of the country reaching the border with Angola. This stretch of white dunes meets the Atlantic Ocean in a veritable hell of ocean currents and winds that make the place one of the most dangerous areas for navigation for hundreds of years. Many ships have been shipwrecked there since the time when the Portuguese started the African circumnavigation routes.
Between the mine of Toscanini and Mowe Bay there are a good number of boats stranded, some of several centuries old. 276 miles (445 km) north of that location is an unnamed beach that Portuguese explorers nicknamed the Gates of Hell for good reason. A dozen species of sharks patrol the waters, and hungry lions and hyenas hunt for prey along the coast. This is not an ideal place to take a stroll, nor a swim.
The most evident traces of the three decades of German colonialism in the country are found in the coastal city of Swakopmund. From here you can easily reach the most accessible attractions of the Namibian desert.
One of the oldest and largest deserts, the Namib stretches inland from the Atlantic Ocean, covering large swathes of Namibia and parts of Angola and South Africa. In Namib Desert (the oldest desert in the world, having been around for 80 million years) you can find the tallest dune in the world, known as Big Daddy. Big Daddy is indeed big, as it's a staggering 325 meters tall. It faces another large dune, appropriately named Big Mama.
The Sesriem River Canyon, despite being at the gates of the Namib is one of the few places where there is water throughout the year. The fossil dunes of Deadvlei where the famous petrified trees and the Big Daddy Dune are located are one of the highest dunes in the world. Very close to the Sesriem Canyon is the small airstrip from which depart the air excursions that offers panoramic flights over the Namib.
The Namibian summer rains are between November and April, making February a peak stormy month. More water means lush vegetation and greener landscapes. It also means that the wildlife no longer gathers around water holes like those we find at the Nature Parks; making it harder to spot, but more adventurous to find them.
Nevertheless, the rainy season is marked by the birth of many species as well, which means that you might find a cub or two roaming around. The landscapes are world class with red and orange deserts with some of the oldest and tallest dunes on the planet, weird plants, giant salt flats, one of the least hospitable coastlines in the world, and the mighty Fish River Canyon.
The wildlife is just overwhelming, and because there are relatively few tourists around, you can have much more intimate animal experiences in Namibia than you typically end up with in the famous safari parks of South Africa and East Africa.
11. Botswana
Many experts consider their safaris to surpass even Kenya and Tanzania. The country features lions, rhinos, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, and zebras, everything but the cheetahs. These are some places to see in Botswana. Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and is located in the south of the country, near the border with South Africa.
See the Okavango Delta by sailing in mokoro (traditional canoe) or flying over it in a small plane. Imagine a 1000-kilometer river that does not flow into the sea, but into the arid Kalahari desert and the salt pans of Makgadikgadi, thus connecting three ecosystems and the impressive baobabs.
Here live the Bushmen (San people), nomads of the desert. Spend time with the San people, the oldest people on earth whose presence goes back to 20,000 years ago. They are nomads and inhabit the Kalahari desert. Camp in full safari and spend the night under the stars, in the middle of the African nature. Observe the cave paintings in the Tsodilo hills.
Take advantage of the proximity to move and see the Victoria Falls from a helicopter, in the border area of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Chobe National Park is a huge park crossed by the Chobe River, which goes from the Victoria Falls to the Okavango delta. You can tour it by 4x4 or by the river, so you will see an extensive fauna in its wild habitat, including the other Big Five. The best time to travel to Botswana is from May to October.
Technically not a national park (Moremi Game Reserve was designated a game reserve so the native Bushmen could continue living there) but still worth mentioning. It’s part of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland river delta. Its floodplains, lagoons and swamps eventually peter out and evaporate in the Kalahari desert of Botswana.
12. Cape Verde
This is another island in the Atlantic Ocean on the West Coast of the African continent. It is very beautiful and had lots of history. You can’t go wrong with the beach. Apparently, only 1% of Africans can locate it on the map. Just a bit warmer, you get to Cape Verde, where it is about 22 degrees and the sea is perfect for diving and long days on the beach.
In March, Cape Verde is set to 25 degrees with relaxing days on the golden sands. A light sea breeze means that it does not feel too hot. Cape Verde is the country people forget (or have never heard of). This underdog has the best beaches in Africa, better than South Africa, with 350 days of sunshine and completely safe to visit!
Yet only half a million tourists arrive each year. End the day with fresh seafood and a drink at one of the music bars. The Macaronesian archipelago of Cape Verde is located just over 1,500 kilometres south of the Canary Islands, that is, a length less than the journey to Madrid. The Cape Verdean ensemble is a reflection of the Canary Islands of half a century ago. Both archipelagos coincide in features such as meteorology and volcanic origin.
Live the incredible experience as a crew member on a tall ship on a journey through the Atlantic Ocean with the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales along the route. At night, you can lie back and reconnect with the universe, gazing at the stars.
Among things to do in Cape Verde, in Plateau, a neighborhood located on the top of a hill in the city, the visitor can find a variety of restaurants set with live music and taste the popular seafood, tasty fresh fruit or the typical cachupa (dish based on corn, beans and fish or meat).
13. Uganda
Uganda is in East Africa. The equator almost divides Uganda into two equal parts. Temperatures average 21 degrees Celsius, giving Uganda one of the best average weather conditions in the world. The sun rises daily, all year round. Here are the reasons to travel to Uganda. You get to see the Big Five: Lions, Elephants, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Rhinos, and a bonus of Leopards, Zebras, the kob among others.
Roughly one quarter of Uganda’s area is taken up by lakes and rivers - the highest ratio of water area to land area of any country, I think. Among these water bodies are Lakes Victoria, Kyoga, Albert, Edward and George. For a landlocked country, it certainly has plenty of water.
There is no other wildlife encounter in all Africa that parallels the astonishing experience of meeting and spending time with Mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a very restricted activity and takes place in only a few isolated locations, so getting there is not only a fascinating adventure as well as a once in a lifetime experience.
Track the only surviving mountain gorillas in the world, found in the Bwindi impenetrable national park in South-Western Uganda, bordering Rwanda. And choose from the 1061 different species of birds to watch, such as the crested crane. One of the biggest fresh water lakes in the world is Lake Victoria, locally known as Lake Nalubaale, which Uganda shares with Kenya and Tanzania. You get to taste its fish such as the tilapia and Nile perch.
Bathe in Sempaya and Ekitagata hot springs, said to have healing powers. Enjoy the fresh and succulent fruit, fresh from the garden all year round. Go rafting or bungee jumping at the source of the Nile river, the longest river in the world. Great sights like the Crater lakes is in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is bio diverse! Its popular for its tree climbing lions, big elephant herds, amazing boat rides on the Kazinga Channel populated with hippos, buffalo on its banks and several bird species that include migratory birds coming from as far as Europe depending on the time of the year.
Queen Elizabeth National is host to over 10 primate species including chimpanzees, about 600 bird species and beautiful crater lakes. The park lies around the equator line and overlooks the beautiful “mountains of the moon” as the snow capped Mountain Rwenzori is sometimes referred to.
This park conveniently lies close to Mount Rwenzori National Park and Kibale National Park besides other tourist sites, definitely a good combination with other interesting parks close by when on safari. This Ugandan area protects Africa’s highest mountain range, the Rwenzori Mountains. Some are even snow-capped, and have glaciers, despite being on the equator. To withstand the cold, many plants have grown to be outlandishly huge - giant lobelias and heathers the size of trees. There are also a lot of endemic animals, especially birds.
Chimpanzee trekking in Kibale National Park is a life-changing experience for travellers to Uganda. Get a close encounter with the Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino sanctuary while Rhino trekking in Uganda.
On the border between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda is Africa’s highest mountain range - the Rwenzori Mountains. While Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya stand taller, they are freestanding volcanoes not part of any range. The highest peak in the range - Mount Stanley - is 5,109 metres above sea level, and covered in snow year-round.
The Rwenzori Mountains are one of the only places in Africa where you can see glaciers, although many of these have shrunk at an alarming rate in the last century. The Rwenzori Mountains are part of a larger area of mountainous terrain known as the Albertine Rift. This is the western arm of the Great Rift Valley, and contains more endemic species than almost anywhere in East Africa. Speaking of species, let’s look at the wildlife.
In the mountain range, you can see some bizarre, larger-than-life plants, such as the giant groundsel. Amongst the strange plants live many large mammals, such as African forest elephants, chimpanzees, hyraxes, duiker antelope and several species of monkey. Due to the isolation created by the mountains, there are many animal species found only in the Albertine Rift.
You can find 19 of the birds - and 4 of the mammals - endemic to the Albertine Rift in the Rwenzori Mountains. If you love mountain climbing, the Rwenzori snow-capped mountains should guarantee you a memorable experience.
A typical Ugandan meal (we would call it local food) would be steamed and mashed plantain Matooke accompanied by stewed groundnuts, cabbage or kale Sukuma Wiki, peas or beans, steamed pumpkin, cassava or sweet potatoes and chicken/goat/dried fish and groundnuts that have been steamed in banana leaves all day Luwombo.
14. Rwanda
See the awesome scenic features of the volcanic landscapes and crater lakes and breath-taking waterfalls that will make your holiday unforgettable. Kigali is a peaceful and thriving city, nestled against scenic hills. Golden monkeys are beautiful and unique primates found on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda will take you adventuring into the tropical rainforest jungles.
Watch the exhilarating colourful cultural gala of the Rwandese people at Iby'iwacu Cultural Village. The Batwa cultural experience is one of the highlights as far as cultural and community experiences go. Learn about the unique pastoral life and rich cultural heritage of the Karimojong people.
Lake Kivu is the biggest lake in Rwanda and it is located in western province of Rwanda mainly in Rubavu district/Gisenyi sector. It is characterized by many kind of activities like fishing, swimming and the final of beach volleyball took place at the same beach.
15. Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is where wildlife meets hills and beaches. This African nation offers an experience of a lifetime.
16. Comoros
The Comoros is a small archipelago, consisting of three major islands, which lies in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. Its capital is the attractive port city of Moroni. It’s the 24th smallest country in the world, and the only Arabic one in the Southern Hemisphere. Comoros is home to the main population of West Indian coelacanths.
The coelacanth order of fish was thought to have gone extinct over 65 million years ago, but a living specimen was remarkably discovered in 1938. In 1938, a trawler first turned up one of these strange fish, and it was later identified as a coelacanth - a type of animal which was thought to have gone extinct hundreds of millions of years ago! The discovery shocked the world.
The vast majority of the world’s African coelacanths live in Comorian waters. African coelacanths can grow up to 2 metres in length and weigh around 80 kilograms, but are sadly critically endangered. Comoro islands is the house to Mount Karthala - world's largest active volcano.
17. Congo
African Rain Forest, which parades or features some of the tallest and biggest trees in the world is located in the HEART OF AFRICA, the Congo Basin. The region has multiple forests, such as Ituri Forest, which has from small trees to gigantic hardwoods reaching heights of 170 feet or 52 meters.
And here came the legend of the Giant Congo Snake. Others speculate that the serpent could have been a surviving Titanoboa, an extinct species of snake that used to live in prehistoric Colombia – and most likely crossed the Atlantic ocean to reach the Congolese jungle, where it survived for the next millions of years, though that’s unlikely since snakes don’t have a long lifespan, or maybe even an undiscovered species of giant constrictor.
Here you can find Diosso Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Congo because of its spectacular red cliffs.
Kinshasa Botanical Garden is a real green setting in this big city. Located in the town of Gombe, it is home to Congolese biodiversity with more than 100 tree species spread over 7 hectares. You can take a tour for a stroll, for a moment of relaxation or for a picnic in the shade of the peaks.
For nature lovers, Lac Ma Vallée should be among the essentials for this stay in Kinshasa. This small lake is about thirty kilometers from the capital and you can have a good time with family, friends or couples. Put on your walking shoes to be able to take a tour of the lake following the narrow paths.
During these long walks, you can discover the wonders of Congolese nature. This place is also a tasting point for the best local dishes and do not deprive your taste buds. Fishing and pedalos are available on site. Lola Ya Bono is 25 km from Kinshasa city center. The sanctuary is constituted by a wooded environment and shelters only one species of animals: the Bonobo which is one of the biggest monkeys.
The Mfuti or Mfuti beach is a seaside site along the Congo river and it is not far from Mbudi Nature. You will be impressed by the natural beauty of the landscape and on the spot, a sandy beach awaits you. You will not be able to swim as you want, because the current is not very favorable. However, you can explore the surrounding green hills. The site was recently developed to accommodate those who want to sleep under the stars.
To mark this holiday in Kinshasa, treat yourself to this unique opportunity for camping at Mfuti beach and don't forget your camping kit for a minimum of comfort and your camera to capture these moments. You proceed to Mbanza Ngungu the town in Bas-Congo that form the background for the naming of the adjacent caves.
Standing at 2,296 feet above sea level in the Lower Congo River basin stretching to 750km, the caves have water supply from River Congo and are habitats to African Blind Bard Fish and apparition that have evolved millions of years past. The caves could be home to other unique fish species or invertebrate spices among others are not yet to explored.
18. Zambia
Zambia offers a range of tourist attractions, including the mighty Victoria Falls – one of the Natural Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site. Additionally, the country offers an authentic holiday experience, priding itself as a bastion of African wildlife with 20 national parks and 34 game management areas.
The national parks have achieved coexistence between people and wildlife, preserving natural resources while opening up to the world so visitors can experience Zambia’s rich biodiversity. Parts of the country like Kafue National Park host a high population of endangered African wild dogs and a great diversity of antelope.
The sheer size of Zambia’s conservation areas coupled with a small population means that there is little conflict between humans and animals and hardly any adverse effect on the environment. The South Luangwa National Park is internationally recognised as one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries with a sustainable concentration of game, which includes large elephant herds. Plus, 400 of Zambia’s 732 species of birds can be found here, forming part of the reason for its prestigious status.
To top it all, the walking safari, which is an exclusive way of viewing game was pioneered in South Luangwa National Park. Unique hospitality coupled with comfortable accommodation and local participation by communities all add to the Zambian experience. Sustainability and responsible tourism are guiding principles in Zambia’s agenda, making it an attractive destination for eco-conscious visitors.
Zambia’s Lake Kariba is the largest man-made lake in the world, at 5,580 square kilometres. Before filling Kariba, they burnt all the plants to clear the land. This has created a layer of highly fertile soil, and as a result, the reservoir has a thriving ecosystem of big game, fish, birds and more.
Victoria Fall along Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the wonders of modern world. Victoria Fall is 5604 wide; 108 meters or 354 feet high. It is twice the size of Niagara Fall, twice Horseshoe Fall width; about the same size with Iguazu Fall in South America. Two of South Luangwa National Park’s finest camps, Kuyenda and Tafika, are the locations for this exclusive group tour. Sightings should include wild dog, lion, elephant, carmine bee-eaters, leopard and many other species.
19. Algeria
The Sahara Desert engulfs about 90% of Africa’s largest country. The Algerian Sahara experienced snowfall, something that has only happened to the world’s largest hot desert 5 times in the past 100 years.
20. Burkina Faso
This country is one of the richest in art and culture in Africa. One Burkinabé ethnic group, the Bobo, are known for their exquisite masks. During fertility ceremonies, painted butterfly masks are worn to invoke a god known as Do.
21. Burundi
The Ruzizi River of Burundi is the haunt of the infamous Gustave. Gustave could be the world’s largest Nile crocodile, and the deaths of over 300 people have been attributed to him. He’s also survived direct gunfire and allegedly kills and eats fully grown hippos.
22. Cameroon
Cameroon is the primary home of the aptly named goliath frog, the largest frog in the world. About a foot long, the adults have been known to eat very large prey like other frogs, turtles, snakes and even bats.
23. Chad
Thousands of years ago in the African Humid Period, the Sahara was green, and Lake Chad was probably the largest lake in the world. At over 402,000 square kilometers in area, it would have outsized the Caspian Sea and made its modern equivalent look like a pond.
24. Cote d’Ivoire
In this nation’s capital, Yamoussoukro, you’ll find the world’s largest church, the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. It was completed in 1989, and estimates say it may have costed up to 600 million US dollars.
