Africa is primarily sought after by travellers for wildlife safaris and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. However, apart from being renowned for its abundant wildlife and being home to one of the seven summits, there are numerous other compelling reasons to visit Africa.
The African continent is filled with exceptional scenery, historic antiquity, remarkable geographical marvels, and thrilling escapades.
Discover additional compelling factors to explore Africa, which will undoubtedly elevate this extraordinary continent to the pinnacle of your expeditionary desires.
1. Exquisite Coastal Paradises Competing with the Finest Destinations
It is undeniably challenging to pinpoint the single finest beach in Africa due to the abundance of options. However, an exceptional choice would be the beaches located on the tranquil island of Zanzibar, situated near the shores of Dar es Salaam, the capital city of Tanzania.
Situated amidst vast stretches of the ocean, this petite island offers pristine blue waters, exquisite white sandy beaches, and a multitude of underwater adventures such as diving and snorkelling. Its serene ambiance makes it an idyllic destination to unwind and rejuvenate following an exhilarating safari or a challenging ascent up the towering African summits of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.
2. Vibrant Cities
Africa is a blend of ancient and modern cities, none more so than Marrakesh.
Discover Marrakesh, a captivating city in Morocco with a rich historical background tracing back to the Berber empire. This densely populated mediaeval city entices visitors with its labyrinthine alleys and vibrant markets, reminiscent of the enchanting world depicted in Disney’s Aladdin. As you wander through the bustling souks, it will be challenging to resist the allure of countless exquisitely crafted rugs, leaving you with vivid imagery of a magical carpet in your imagination.
On the other hand, Cape Town in South Africa is a contemporary metropolis that showcases a breathtaking shoreline and a diverse cultural legacy. This city is unquestionably stunning, not only due to its location near the majestic Table Mountain, one of the newly recognized wonders of nature, but also because it revitalises formerly industrial areas, architectural influences from Dutch, Malay, and British cultures, and numerous historical structures.
3. Geological Wonders
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Namib desert, home to the highest dunes on the planet. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Victoria Falls, the largest and most potent waterfall in the world, located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Delve into the captivating wonders of the Okavango Delta in Botswana, a vibrant oasis teeming with lush water landscapes to explore.
Explore the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting the largest uninterrupted and unflooded volcanic caldera globally. Alternatively, you can also consider visiting Fish River Canyon, the second-largest river canyon worldwide, following the renowned Grand Canyon.
Experiencing the African continent promises an array of remarkable encounters, encompassing diverse wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures that will leave an indelible mark on one’s memory.
4. Exploring the Range of Outdoor Accommodations: From Camping to Glamping
Camping in Africa provides a rejuvenating and immersive opportunity, allowing individuals to deeply connect with the environment, natural surroundings, and diverse wildlife (particularly avian and insect species, rather than larger animals like buffalos and lions). The experience offers an unparalleled way to discover and explore the wonders of Africa.
One of the great advantages of camping in Africa is the variety of options available. It’s not just about basic bush tents and minimal amenities, although that is also an option. Whether you prefer a traditional tent experience, desire a touch of luxury with amenities like attached bush showers and comprehensive camping services, or seek high-end camping in deluxe dome tents with comfortable bedding and private bathrooms, Africa has it all.
You know about insurance across Africa. You make sure your clients have access to the best medical facilities. But what if your clients are in a different country? Medical evacuation service insurance often doesn’t cover crossing borders. So, you should get in touch with an expert who knows what paperwork and visas are needed to leave and enter different countries.
5. Embark on a Unique Safari Adventure in the Water
While not typically linked to the arid terrain of the nation, there are captivating aquatic endeavours available such as embarking on a mokoro expedition to discover the diverse wildlife inhabiting the lush Okavango Delta or partaking in a canoeing adventure along the Manambolo River in Madagascar, teeming with native bird species. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring and often overlooked Manambolo Gorge as you traverse a limestone plateau. This presents a unique alternative to the conventional game drive safari encounter.
If you have a deep passion for water-related activities and are seeking a destination that can fulfil your desires, Africa offers a plethora of options that will exceed your expectations.
6. Bursting with an Abundance of Enormous Elements
Africa, one of the largest continents globally, is filled with an abundance of colossal wonders that captivate our attention.
- The Sahara Desert, which can be explored through our Morocco itineraries, is recognized as the largest desert on Earth.
- The Nile River, which is the longest river globally, stretches over a distance of 6,853 kilometres (4,258 miles).
- The Okavango Delta, which is the largest inland delta in the world, can be found on our Botswana itineraries.
- Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest standalone mountain globally and one of the Seven Summits, offers the opportunity to embark on our Kilimanjaro treks.
- The Namib desert in Namibia, happens to be the oldest in the world (you can explore it on our Namibia adventures).
- The Serengeti in Tanzania is home to the world’s largest wildlife migration, where more than 750,000 zebras lead the way for 1.2 million wildebeests as they traverse this remarkable terrain. You can witness this awe-inspiring phenomenon by embarking on our Serengeti Explorer tour.
- The African elephant, known as the largest terrestrial creature, finds its habitat in this region. These impressive mammals possess the ability to weigh up to seven tons.
- In this region, you can discover four out of the five swiftest land creatures, specifically the cheetah, wildebeest, lion, and Thomson’s gazelle. The cheetah holds the top position with the ability to reach speeds of 70 mph, while the rest, including the wildebeest, lion, and Thomson’s gazelle, can reach speeds of approximately 50 mph.
- Africa boasts the largest collection of outdoor art galleries in the world, surpassing any other continent in terms of rock art sites. This vast collection is predominantly found in the Sahara Desert, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kalahari, and Botswana. However, numerous sites remain undiscovered due to their remote locations or infrequent human visits. With some rock art dating back approximately 27,000 to 40,000 years, these ancient artworks provide a valuable glimpse into the beliefs, lifestyles, and narratives of the people who created them.
7. Discover a Vast Array of Intriguing Tribes and Cultures, totaling over 3000
Africa is known for its diverse array of over 3000 tribes, each possessing unique languages, cultures, and customs.
Among the various tribes in Africa, there are a few that stand out due to their rich cultural heritage and unique way of life. For instance, the Zulu tribe holds the distinction of being the largest ethnic group in Africa, with a population of approximately 11 million people. The Masai tribe, on the other hand, is renowned for its nomadic lifestyle and the practice of herding cattle as a livelihood, which is deeply ingrained in their traditions and culture. Lastly, the San and Batswana people of the Eastern Kalahari have a cultural legacy that spans over 20,000 years, making them one of the oldest cultural communities in the region.
There are countless other communities and traditions, all equally captivating, that continue to fascinate the contemporary world.