It doesn’t matter where your travels take you in Africa, as the Sub-saharan region has an answer to everything from the Galapagos Islands to Route 66. We’ve picked out eight of the continent’s doppelganger locations, and a selection of “must do” tours to add to your adventure travel bucket list!
1. Africa’s answer to the Galapagos! The Bazaruto archipelago is hot and happening, in fact this unspoilt region is also ranked alongside Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as one of the world’s most stunning underwater wildernesses. Dive in on our 14-day Mozambique & Zimbabwe Explorer overland expedition.
2. Africa’s answer to the Grand Canyon – The Fish River Canyon may take second place, but it still boasts the same dramatic views, the towering rock faces and ravines formed by movements in the earth’s crust over 500 million years ago. At 160km long, up to 27km wide and almost 550m at its deepest, it’s an A list geological wonder! Instagram it on the 25-day South West Safari overland itinerary.
3. Africa’s answer to the Barbie! – In South Africa you can throw pretty much anything on the braai from steak to oysters, and at any time of year, but if you want to make it a food fest of epic proportions book your tour to coincide with World Heritage Day. Held on the same date every year, the 24th of September is also known as National Braai day, its aim to celebrate the country’s diversity. Feast your eyes on our 8-day Cape To Durban small group safari, and as beer is the most poplar alcoholic drink in southern Africa grab a couple of cold ones.
4. Africa’s answer to Disney – For more of a raw take on Disney head for Gweru in Zimbabwe, home to one of Southern Africa’s best known conservation projects. When you’re not walking with lions, you’ll also have the chance to swim with elephants, saddle up for a horseback safari or take on a thrilling night time drive in the hope of spotting the resident lions tracking down their prey. Get your fill of conservation on our 8-day Rediscover Zimbabwe small group safari
5. Africa’s answer to the Venetian gondola – For the African version try the wilds of Botswana, where you’ll find the last known wetland wilderness on the continent, the Okavango Delta. You’ll also have the chance to learn how to pole your own mokoro and you’ll be able to capture the spectacular sunsets on an early evening ride – bliss! Loll about on the water and book our 35-day Cape Town To Zanzibar overland journey
Image by: Mike Cook
6. Africa’s answer to route 66 – As with America’s Route 66, South Africa’s Route 62 is the gateway from the west to the east, the the 850km stretch running from Cape Town, in the Western Cape, to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Hit the road on our 8-day Coast To Cape Town, and if you’re feeling the need for speed ride an Ostrich in Oudtshroon
7. Africa’s answer to the Med – Nestling between Table Mountain and Table Bay, Cape Town is a cosmopolitan hotspot with a laidback feel, its climate closely resembling that of the Med. World class surfing territory and the perfect place to go cage diving with the great white shark, here the adventure never stops. With so much more on offer why not add on a 4-day Cape Town City Stay to any of our tours departing or ending in South Africa’s Mother city.
8. Africa’s answer to Civilisation – Head for Africa’s Garden of Eden, the Ngorongoro Crater also home to the Olduvai Gorge where some of the earliest remains of man have been found. Homo habilis is thought to have occupied the site from 1.9 to 1.2 million years ago and you can explore one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world on our 21-day East African Explorer
Written by Acacia Sales & Marketing