The world’s media portray Africa as a land where people war for a living and are plagued by poverty and diseases. In fact, some persons in the Western world see Africa as a country. So, do not be surprised if you hear/read statements like, “in China, US, France and Africa…”.
But the reality is, Africa is beautiful, and diverse, even though it faces many challenges, just like everywhere else in the world. The landscape, topography and culture of Africa is something every adventure lover and sight-seeing enthusiast must witness at least once in a lifetime. So, if that is you, here are some of the places that you can add to your bucket list.
Victoria Falls
Source: victoriafallstourism.org
The Seven Wonders of the World is not complete without mentioning Victoria Falls. It is the largest waterfall in the world and it is on the Zambezi River, which shares a border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Because of the roaring noise that emanates from the water, the locals call it “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, meaning “smoke that thunders”.
If you have ever wanted to have a feel of bungee jump in one of the most breath-taking locations in the world, then visit the Victoria Falls around May to October. You also have the opportunity of seeing African elephants, which are currently the largest land animal on the planet. You might get a peek at lions, cheetahs and leopards in the jungle that surrounds the Fall.
Lalibela
Source: Pinterest
As a Christian, you can never fully understand the history of Christianity in Africa without visiting the city of Lalibela in Ethiopia. This historic site boasts of 11 monolithic, rock-cut churches, which have different history and symbolism. These churches date as far back as the 12th century. If for some reason you can’t visit all churches, ensure that you visit the Biete Giyorgis (House of St. George). This church was constructed entirely from rock in a cross-like shape.
In the Biete Golgotha Mikael (House of Golgotha Mikael), you will find a replica of the tomb of Adam and Christ, as well as the crib of Nativity. With these historical reenactments, some Africans see Lalibela as an alternative to the Holy Land of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
What Lalibela offers is more than sight-seeing. It’s a pilgrimage. You can’t visit the architectural masterpiece and not have a broader perspective on religion.
Serengeti National Park
Source: Pinterest
For most people, the only experience they have of a lion dashing after its prey is on TV. But the Serengeti National Park brings that virtual experience to life. The 1.5 million hectares of savannah located in the north of Tanzania is not something an explorer can cover in just a visit. The Serengeti National Park is regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders in Africa.
The Serengeti experiences the migration of over two million wildebeests as they search for food and water. This is the largest migration of mammals in the world and it’s known as “The Great Migration”. Tourists flock to the Park during December to see this migration for themselves.
Praslin
Source: traveltriangle.com
For those looking for a place to have a good time, while forgetting about the troubles of the world, Praslin is the right place to be. It is the second largest tropical island in Seychelles. Everything on this island screams paradise! From the Vallee-de-Mai, where giant Coco-de-Mer nuts grow, to the Anse Lazio beach, where you have the opportunity of snorkeling.
As you cruise through the La Digue, you will get to see giant land tortoises and listen to the crispy clear voice of the rare Black Parrot. Once you are done touring the island you can cool off in one of the luxury resorts, where you will be treated to the best African cuisines.
Kruger National Park
Source: safari.com
The Kruger National Park is the third largest in the world, with an area of 360 x 65 km. It is bigger than Wales or Belgium, so it can host millions of tourists, explorers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors have the opportunity of driving around the park.
The bane of most tourist destinations is inaccessibility. Thankfully, the Kruger National Park can be easily accessed by air if you don’t want to spend several hours on the road.
If you have a thing for birds, you will be glad to know that the Kruger National Park is home to 517 bird species. On top of that, thousands (yes, thousands) of zebras, hippos, lions and leopards thrive in the region. There are five different vegetation, which houses diverse varieties of rare species in the park. This is simply nature at its best!
Marrakech
Source: worldtravelguide.com
Marrakech is a lovely and lively place to visit in Morocco. The streets are packed with snake charmers and fortune-tellers who thrill visitors. Unlike parks where you have to cruise around in vehicles or any other available means of transportation, you have to go on foot in Marrakech if you want to get a feel of its narrow and maze-like streets.
The jaw-dropping work of arts in the raids (rooms) cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From the carved archways, multicolour-tile mosaics to the plush cushions, and spa-like dipping pools, visitors can’t help but feel like royalties.
Your visit to Marrakech will not be complete if you fail to visit the souk (market). You can shop for handmade bags, jewelries, scented oils and lots more.
Ouarzazate (pronounced Wa-za-zat)
Source: moroccosunnydays.com
Movie lovers will find Ouarzazate very exciting because quite a number of movies have been shot there, including classics like Babel, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Passion of Christ, Gladiator and The Jewel of the Nile. What’s more, some episodes of the global hit, Game of Thrones, was shot in this southern Moroccan town. Looking at these productions, it’s not surprising that Ouarzazate is commonly referred to as “Moroccan’s Hollywood”. If you are lucky, you might get to be on set for the production of the next big hit that will come out of the Ouarzazate.
Apart from the Hollywood Ouarzazate offers, tourists can prowl the maze of 300 rooms connected by passageways. This is a fun game for families and friends to enjoy while they also explore the intricate plasterwork, mosaics and painted stucco that adorns the rooms.
If you are ready to release some adrenaline you can go for quad biking in the desert that surrounds the town.
