posted by Travel Cat on Jul 16
There are thousands of amazing locations in Africa, but I have narrowed it down to my Top 10.
Spread across this huge continent and all showing off the varied cultures and landscapes that can be found from the very north to the southern tip of this diverse and colourful continent!
Africa is the second largest continent in the World – and there is plenty here to prove it. From the glorious Mediterranean Sea way north of the Tropic of Cancer, to within miles of Antarctica in the south; from the roaring Atlantic Ocean on the West Coast to the gentle azure water to the Indian Ocean to the East. And everything in-between!
Currently known as the birthplace of human evolution, this country is still filled with indigenous people and new-comers alike. There are over a billion people living here, with over 2000 languages spoken by those living here.
But it’s not just about the people – the places are breath-taking too, with every known habitat type found here. From mountains and volcanoes to deserts and valleys; from tropical cloud forest to barren Savannah – and all the different wildlife that offers.
So, imagine you are planning your next vacation here – and choose your ideal location!
1) Okavango Delta – Botswana
The most lush and verdant wetland – that doesn’t empty in to the sea! This inland ‘estuary’ fills with water during the wet season – leaving you totally surrounded by endless wildlife and plants.
Miles and miles or canals and waterways to travel along, attracting huge numbers of elephants, hippos and giraffes. Not to mention flowers, insects and birds galore! Hotels are on the main rivers and tributaries – so you can share breakfast with a herd of elephants!
2) Garden Route – South Africa
Famed for it’s ocean views and mountain backgrounds – this coastal stretch is crammed full of flowers in the peak season – crammed full!
Not only are there whales to see in the warm Indian Ocean where it meets the cooler Atlantic, but our own history right before us. The shells on the beaches weren’t brought here and dumped – they are thousands of years worth of human waste; from when we first became humans and discovered seafood!
3) Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe & Zambia
This huge slice through the middle of 2 countries is just jaw-dropping. The nearly 2000 metres wide Zambezi river falls over the top – and has cut back into the rocks over thousands of years to engulf 7 different gorges – and now looks like a great big gash in the landscape that seems to swallow up the river into the ground beneath it!
Needless to say there are different locations from which to view it – and there are hotels along it’s banks – but the best view must be from a helicopter flying into the heart of the gorge! Nothing would be more amazing than getting inside this amazing natural feature!
4) The Seychelles – Indian Ocean
Needless to say that these tiny islands are totally beautiful! Surrounded by the Indian Ocean and dotted with tropical jungles and exotic species – you can’t go wrong here!
There are 115 islands to choose from for your visit – although some are more populated than others! Some have those amazing giant granite ‘pebbles’ resting at the waters edge, and others are a haven for tropical birds and insects. Whichever you choose – I doubt you will be disappointed!
5) Madagascar – Indian Ocean
Another island nation – altogether larger than any in the Seychelles – but is unique for it’s lemurs, chameleons, baobab trees and the Dodo!
With miles of exotic coastline edged up to by dense tropical jungles – this is a haven for wildlife lovers! The island was under colonial control for thousands of years so there is a lot of European influence in language, culture and architecture. Quite a interesting mix!
These are just the first 5 beautiful places in Africa that I would recommend – so join me in a few days for the remaining 5 spots – if these aren’t enough for starters!
