5 THINGS TO DO IN AFRICA

 

 

Right now, as much as people can and are willing to travel, Africa is one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. In fact, Africa saw the highest growth in the average number of tourists visiting the continent year over year in 2019.

 

Two nations that saw significant growth were North Africa’s Tunisia and Morocco. Tunisia had more than 7 million tourists, a 23% increase from the year prior.

 

It is not surprising that Africa is such a popular travel destination. Africa has everything in its 55 countries — ancient civilizations and cities, gorgeous deserts, beautiful beaches, extraordinary wildlife, and so many other wonders.

Here are 5 of the best things to do when you get there.

 

 

Visit the Pyramids

 

Egypt, once the most powerful empire in the world, built enormous pyramids, without anything close to our modern technology, which seem to defy logic. The pyramids were designed as a burial site for the nation’s pharaohs. They also remain a symbol of the Egyptian ingenuity.

 

The pyramids are one of the classic Seven Wonders of the World. The largest, the Pyramid of Khufu, is on the outskirts of Cairo. In total, there are more than 100 pyramids in the country.

 

 

Go to the Beach

 

Quixotically, many people don’t associate Africa with the beach. But in reality Africa is surrounded by oceans and the North is on the Mediterranean, and has tens of thousands of miles of beaches.

 

The continent divides the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. You can visit the iconic Red Sea beaches on Egypt’s eastern coastline. Many travelers prefer to travel through the jungle to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world on the Seychelles shoreline. Mauritius and Madagascar also boast world class beaches and resorts. South Africa has extraordinary beaches and vibrant coastal cities. Only Somalia has beaches you want to stay away from — as we pointed out in The World’s Worst Beaches, they have Pirates, and not the Disney ones.

 

 

 

Wildlife Safari

 

Wildlife safaris are of course one of the primary reasons tourists travel to Africa. The continent is home to some of the most magnificent wildlife in the world. On safaris you will see elephants, zebras, and lions and hundreds of other glorious species up close. You can take self-drive safaris or guided tours. You can take a week long safari or multiple weeks. Either way, you’ll be changed forever.

 

While safaris are commonplace throughout Africa, nations like Namibia, Kenya and South Africa are particularly popular for them.  And you can even stay at an ultra stylish safari lodge. Uganda and Rwanda allow you to track mountain gorillas, an endangered species.

 

 

 

See the Great Migration

 

The Great Migration is one of nature’s great phenomena. Each year, Africa’s wildlife takes an epic journey. The trek begins each Fall in Tanzania and ends in Kenya. The total distance is a staggering approximate 3000 kilometers. There are online apps that help you track the herd. Some ambitious tourists take a hot air balloon to get an aerial view.

 

 

 

Take Selfies at Victoria Falls

 

The Victoria Falls are on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia and this is one place to circle on your map. The falls are nearly 2 kilometers wide and 100 meters high. A helicopter ride over Victoria Falls is an experience you will never forget.