Top 5 reasons why you should visit Africa
Table of Contents
One of the most common misconceptions people have about Africa is that it is just one big country. It’s not.
In fact, Africa is actually the second-largest continent right after Asia—both in land size and population—and it also holds some of the most diverse wildlife and the best landscapes you will ever see.
If the travel bug has hit you again and you are itching for your next grand adventure, a trip to Africa is definitely one that you should consider doing at least once in your life. From visiting the Great Pyramids of Egypt in the north to riding a safari vehicle and meeting the Big 5 in the south, there is virtually no shortage of things to do and sights to see should you choose to go there.
Still not convinced? Here are a few more reasons why you should plan your next trip now!
1. See the diverse wildlife
Have you ever gone to the zoo? Did it feel uncomfortable seeing some of the animals locked up in cages and prowling in narrow spaces? Would you prefer to see animals in their actual habitats?
If you want to get the chance to get up close and personal with these wild animals and witness them in all their glory, then going on an African safari is definitely something you should consider.
Some of the most iconic animals you will see when you join any safari vehicle adventure are members of the “Big Five” or the lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses. These are animals that were once considered to be the most dangerous and challenging animals to capture on foot by trophy hunters, but they are now simply animals that you automatically think of when you think of “African safari.”
Aside from these animals, Africa is also home to over 1,100 species of mammals and more than 2,600 species of birds. You can even find some African penguins or Cape penguins flipping around near the cape in South Africa.
Another majestic thing that you might get to witness is the year-round Great Migrations where thousands of animals move from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Reserve in January to the Serengeti and finally end in Masai Mara in September, and vice versa.
Meet new people and experience their culture
Africa is composed of 54 independent countries and the whole continent is located just under Europe and in between Asia and the Americas. It has been estimated that there are over 1250-300 languages and ethnicities practiced all over the continent and it is also considered to be the “oldest continent in the world.”
By land area, Algeria is the largest country on the whole continent, while Nigeria is the largest in population. Overall, the whole continent has more than 1.2 billion inhabitants, yet it is not as overpopulated as Asia or Europe.
With all of these people and diversity, you will surely never run out of things to discover in the whole continent. Africa is a unique mix of cultures that you will not be able to witness anywhere else, and meeting their people and experiencing their culture up close and personal will give your trip to Africa an entirely new depth and perspective.
Taste amazing flavors
If you are more of a foodie and you prefer traveling with your taste buds, you will surely never run out of new food to taste and new drinks to try when you are in Africa.
From the spice-packed Piri Piri chicken of Mozambique, to the flavorful Kepanta with sadza of Zimbabwe, to the Cape breyani of South Africa, no matter where you go, all the traditional food you will get to taste in this continent packs a punch and are undeniably well seasoned.
Although most of the traditional dishes in this part of the world are meat-based, there are also a lot of vegan options if you are a bit stricter with your diet. Some things you should try are East Africa’s flaky chapatis, Nigeria’s creamy Jollof rice and egusi soup, as well as Morocco’s savory Tagine.
See the beautiful Landscapes
Aside from eating the most flavorful food and meeting the best people, another reason why you should visit Africa is to see some of the most amazing sites. You can find almost all types of landscapes on this continent so you will never tire of seeing the same things during your stay there.
Some of the iconic places you can visit during your trip to this continent include the one of a kind Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, which also happens to be part of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the unbelievable Table Mountain in South Africa, and the busy streets of Djemaa el Fna in Morocco.
Other places that you should consider putting in your to-visit list include a cruise down the River Nile—the longest river in the world—which is located in Egypt, a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and even a visit in Lake Retba in Senegal which is one of the few “pink lakes” in the world.
Join one of a kind activities
If you are not yet convinced about putting a trip to Africa up on your to-do list, here are a few other activities you can do that you would not be able to experience anywhere else.
Island hopping in Seychelles – if you are more of a beach and tropical locations person, the islands of Seychelles are definitely a must for you to try. This archipelago is made up of more than a hundred different islands such as Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue where you can find some of the most pristine beaches in the world.
Hot air ballooning in Serengeti – although you can ride a hot air balloon in other parts of the world as well, doing it in Serengeti will give you a view unlike anything you can even imagine. These trips up in the air start just as the sun rises and, depending on the winds, will take you over glorious landscapes where you can even see groups of animals out in the wild just starting their day. You can also have a scrumptious breakfast right after you land which is just the icing on the cake.
Riding through the Sahara desert in Morocco – another activity that you can take part in is riding dromedaries, or one-humped camels, through the Sahara desert in Morocco. This area is considered to be the largest hot desert in the world and is unique to the African continent.
A trip to Africa is more than just riding in a safari vehicle and watching animals. It is about experiencing nature authentically, meeting the best people, eating flavorful food, and so much more.
This continent is undeniably one of a kind and will give you experiences that you will not be able to get anywhere else. So what are you waiting for? Book that trip now and experience the wonders of Africa for yourself.
If you have any more questions or you would like help in planning a tour, do not hesitate to get in touch with experts like African Travel Hub.
This article is brought to you by Bayer Australia “Improve the productivity of your animals with our livestock agronomy services.”
Comment (1)