Here are 5 of the top 10 reasons to visit Africa. Stay tuned for the next 5 as we shop at local markets, get to the adventure side, mix with the locals and more!
Go on Safari:
Wilderness & wildlife are probably one of the first things people think about when planning a trip to Africa. With its rolling savannah, rainforest, saltpans, endless mountain ranges desert dunes & dedicated National Parks; Southern & Eastern Africa is sure to impress. Apart from the masses of wildlife to be seen, ‘Big 5’ sightings are common place on game drives with opportunity for unforgettable experiences like trekking the Mountain Gorilla’s, spending time with wild chimpanzees and so much more – not to forget East Africa’s nature’s most spectacular show, best seen by hot air balloon: the annual wildebeest migration through the Serengeti & Masai Mara.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
Relax on the beach:
Africa is surrounded by the cold Atlantic & the warm Indian Ocean as well as the Mediterranean, Red & Arabian seas. There are several areas on the continent that offer excellent beach vacation spots! From the sandy beaches of Lake Malawi to the meeting of the cold Atlantic ocean & the warm Indian Ocean in South Africa, offered up to you in the form of spectacular coastal beaches & cliffs, shark cage diving, whale watching, seal and Penguins viewing at the famous Boulders Beach to only scratch the surface. But there is something special about the warm Indian Ocean with its white powdery beaches, with turquoise waters and abundance of marine life, dotting the coastal stretch from tropical Zanzibar to the prolific beaches of Mozambique to help you relax & unwind – African style. Beach connoisseurs, head this way for an unforgettable dip.
Volunteer – making a difference while you travel:
Although rich in culture & tradition with a wealth of potential & incalculable natural resources, Africa remains the poorest & most underdeveloped continent on earth.
Connect with the African community and wildlife and be a part of the various cultures and activities that you may never experience otherwise in any other continent by giving up some of your holiday time to volunteer. People who do volunteer work in Africa get first hand exposure to the problems facing Africa like hunger, poverty, disease, environmental degradation, unemployment and systemic corruption. Whether volunteering in a local community or monitoring and protecting the wildlife, volunteering in Africa offers you a chance to give back in a tangible way.
Hiking and Trekking:
The hiking and trekking opportunities in Africa are without a doubt truly spectacular. Mountaineers, whatever your level of experience, will be spoilt for choice, attempting to summit Mount Kilimanjaro or the neighbouring Mount Kenya to the beautiful Drakensburg Mountains & of course Table Mountain National Park. Exploring on foot unveils secrets which would otherwise be missed. Top of the list has to be Gorilla trekking in Uganda followed closely by walking safaris in places like South Africa’s Wild Coast and South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Wherever you are though, you will be rewarded, twice a day, with the African sky putting on a show that will leave you breathless every sunrise & sunset.
Learn about History and Archaeology:
This continent is believed to be the place where mankind began. Since then, every state and country in Africa has – at some stage – struggled for independence, to be free from control of other nations. Africa was also a large role player in the slave trade. So needless to say there is rich, fascinating & sometimes painful history to explore & stories to be discovered as you traverse this great land. Visit South Africa’s historic battlefields; the oldest desert in the world, Namibia; the famous archaeological sites of our early human race at Olduvai Gorge, Great Rift valley and the Sterkfontein caves – the famous remains of Mrs Ples; meet the bushman – one of the oldest races still in existence. Something to peak anyone’s curiosity & sure to leave you in awe
Image by: Michelle Lewis
Blog written by: Michelle Lewis & Sophia Vos – Acacia Africa Marketing and Reservations team