10 Travel Destinations in Africa
Africa is a fast rising travel destination for tourists mainly due to the undiluted beauty of certain attractions such as islands, safaris, beaches, landmarks, sights and exclusive resorts. Although every country in Africa contributes its own quota to the travel and tourism industry, a few of these countries have made it to the top ten because of the special treatment and feeling derived by most tourists during their visit to these countries.
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Cape Town, South Africa.
Cape town is a coastal city in South Africa and the most popular tourist destination in Africa. The city is embellished with beaches, mountains, harbours, gardens and many more- you can say that Cape town has it all. The most remarkable natural feature in the city is the Table mountain. You can have an endless view of the exquisite city either by hiking to the top of the mountain or by taking the Table mountain cableway. Beneath the mountains are the most picturesque beaches and bars to relax at. Cape town is also popular for its colony of penguins and the Red Bull Big Wave Africa surfing competition which takes place every year.
Architecture in Cape Town is excellent, you’ll be awed by the uniquely built skyscrapers in the city. The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a public seaside pool which is open all year round is the most visited tourist attraction in the city. Tourists who would love to experience a touch of nature can visit the Kirstenbosch National botanical Garden, a world heritage site in Cape town which is home to over a thousand species of birds and animals. There is an array of exotic restaurants, bars, hotels and shops with a superb nightlife in the city.
- Mahé, Seychelles.
Seychelles is the most popular island country in Africa known for its beaches and coral reefs and consisting of an archipelago off 115 islands with only a few being inhabited. However, Mahé Island is the largest and the most visited island in the country as well as the home to Victoria, the country’s capital. The island is notable for its serene uncrowded beaches and tourists are mostly attracted to the tranquility of the undiluted atmosphere in Mahé due to its clear blue skies and waters which is a rare find. The island has the perfect water for aquatic activities such as fishing, scuba diving, sailing and snorkeling. The beaches are the most visited spots by tourists in the island the perfect place to sunbath and swim in the clearest waters and graced with picturesque palm trees, white sand and seabirds such as magpie robins, fodies, blue pigeon.
Apart from the idyllic beaches, there are a couple of tourist attractions on the island such as the National History Museum and the National Museum of History. You can also explore the National Botanical Gardens in Victoria, Mahé which is home to bird colonies, rich vegetation and giant tortoise you’ll ever see. Taking a nature stroll at sunset to various markets where fresh fish is sold by the locals and craft shops where you can buy pearl jewelries wont be a bad idea! In Mahé and other intoxicating smaller islands in Seychelles, you can as well revel your family holidays, honeymoon and getaways at luxury five star resorts with creole cuisines, dance and music and festivals. Whether you’re a nature lover or just having tropical island fantasies, Seychelles is for you!
- Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is an ancient city in Morocco which is also called the red city due to its famous red walls. The city is very diverse in culture with Berber, Arab and European influences and has continued to attract travelers from all over the world. The mystical city offers all sort of attractions for tourists from museums to monuments, gardens to courtyards, alleys to palaces, mosques to temples and a lot more that the eyes can see. In Marrakesh you will find the most magnificent architecture, the brightest lights and an enchanting landscape which leaves an ambiance of royalty on every visitor. The city is divided into two parts- while Medina presents the traditional Moroccan culture, Gueliz is inimitable for metropolis adventures.
The famous Djemaa El Fna, the city square in the heart of Medina holds a large chunk of the Marrakesh life with a myriad of activities ongoing especially at night. The square is filled with snake charmers, musicians, dancers, fortune-tellers who readily mesmerize visitors with their craft. While you enjoy the shows, you’ll more likely be hassled by the locals either to buy their wares, have a henna tattoo or take photos with a monkey. Most tourists also visit the Souks (markets) to shop for shoes, spices, kaftans, raffia bags and other locally made products.
Other places of attraction are the Saadian tombs which have been preserved right from the days of the Saadian rulers. Majorelle gardens, a lush garden full of cactus, palm trees and other plants. You can also spend some time at the Marrakesh museum. There’s so much to see and do in Marrakesh! You must not leave this city without indulging a traditional Moroccan dish, getting a henna tattoo or having a steam bath.
Port Louis, Mauritus.
Mauritus is a small multicultural island in Africa famed for its white sand beaches, colonial houses, colourful indian temples and exotic plants with Port Louis being the largest and liveliest city on the island. This island country is considered to be one of the most beautiful and most visited country in Africa. Every tourist in Port Louis is dazzled by the effortless fusion of Creole, Indian, Fench, British and Chinese cultures. The city also serves as a gateway to the islands finest resorts as well as best and clear turquoise coloured beaches and lagoon ideal for watersports such as swimming, snorkeling, water skiing and catamaran cruises.
Inside the city, tourists are overwhelmed by the crowded streets filled with one activity or the other. Le Caudan waterfront is a large tourist and commercial complex which houses a luxury hotel- Le Labourdonnais, a shopping center and a casino. Another fascinating part of the town is the bustling Port Louis central market an ideal place to shop for locally made products and tourist souvienirs such as indian incense perfumes, mauritanian spices, traditional saris, wood sculptures, fruits and vegetables all at cheap prices. The Chinatown gives tourists the chance to have a feel of East Asia in Africa where you’ll be wowed by splendid chinese art, food and culture. Mauritanians pride in horse-racing and Port Louis is home to the only racecourse in Mauritus where you can indulge in riding a horse or watch riders take on the races. Mauritus is breathtakingly beautiful and sets the scene for an unforgettable vacation.
- Cairo, Egypt.
Cairo, which is also called the city of a thousand minarets is the capital city of Egypt and the largest metropolitan area in the Arab world. The city is prominent for habouring the world’s most famous monuments and ancient civilizations which has attracted millions of tourists over years from around the world. A trip to the historic city of Cairo will stimulate your imagination and leave you pondering about the wonders of the world. The Pyramids at the Giza Necropolis is the ultimate attraction for tourists in Cairo. Guarding the pyramids is the Great Sphinx, a lion bodied and pharaoh faced iconic monument which is also a tourist attraction in its own right. Visiting the pyramid plateau should be a top sightseeing priority for any tourist!
Another point of attraction in the city is the Egyptian Museum which shelters collections of Egyptian antiquities. Here, you’ll be astonished by the majestic exhibit of pure gold in the Golden Mask of Tutankhamen, the Papyrus and coins used by ancient Egyptians, the Royal Mummies Collection including mummified remains from pharaonic times, the Egyptian Jewellery Collection and a lot more. There are several renowned landmarks in Cairo such as the grand mosque of Al-Azhar which has continually attracted islamic scholars, Muhammad Ali Mosque in the legendary Citadel of Saladin, the Cairo Tower and the Coptic Cairo mostly visited by christian travellers.
Shopping at the Khan el-Khalili souk is great for Egyptian spices, antiques, lampshades, gold and copper goods. You can take a break from sightseeing and embrace nature at the lush gardens of Al-Azhar Park which is surrounded by fountains, waterways, palms, coloured stonework, varieties of plants and a childrens playground. View the city at night by taking a stroll at night when the many monuments are illuminated to some tea and coffee shops, cafes and eateries. There are a couple of five star hotels and roadside inns for visitors in the city. The adventure never ends in Cairo as you’ll always discover new sites for terrific sightseeing scenarios
Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya is famed for being Africa’s safari capital and the only country in the world that boasts of a safari park within a cosmopolitan city which is the main attraction for tourists in the country. Yearly, thousand of tourists troop into Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi to explore the flora and fauna mostly at the Nairobi National Park which is an abode to herds of Zebra, Buffalo, Giraffe, Lion, Elephant, Cheetah, Hippo, Rhino and a collection of other species. At the park, tourists can cuddle baby elephants, bond with giraffes, watch rhinos frolic in the mud and observe other animals as they roam the savannah. Nairobi is an impeccable place for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts to holiday at.
Asides taking safari adventures, there are a couple of other places to visit in Nairobi such as the Nairobi National Museum where visitors can explore the country’s rich heritage both for education and leisure. Uhuru gardens bears a captivating and beautifully designed landmark and an excellent place to relax within the busy city. There are lots of shopping centers within the city to shop local products like crafted jewellery, ceramics and wood carvings. Hotels in the city ranges from luxury to budget hotels that accomodates tourists. Both wildlife and nightlife is fascinating in Nairobi and the city is ideal for energetic adventure seekers.
Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Zanzibar is an archipelago lying of the cost of Tanzania with two major islands of Zanzibar island (unguja) and Pemba island. Zanzibar island is however the most famous of all the islands that make up the Zanzibar archipelago offering spectacular white sand beaches which is said to have the consistency of castor sugar. Tourists who prefer a more unruffled beach time are attracted to other islands scattered around such as Pemba, Mafia and Chaguu island. Watersports such as kite surfing is very popular on the islands as well as fishing and scuba diving. There are a lot of beach side resorts where you can relax in the comfort of your room and enjoy the cool breeze from the sea. Zanzibar islands ranks among the world’s best dive sites.
Apart from unwinding at the beach, You can explore Stone Town, a world heritage site and Zanzibar City’s old quarter formerly the seat of the sultans which reeks of ancestry with historic palaces, alleys and buildings including the famous House of Wonders. Any visit to Zanzibar would not be complete without a spice tour! You wouldnt want to miss out the local delicacies especially the seafood or the sugar cane juice in Zanzibar. There are a whole lot of resorts to give you that paradisiac holiday treat excellent for romantics or honeymooners.
- Dakar, Senegal.
Dakar is a vibrant city in Senegal and a major west African hub visited by more than 700,000 tourists per year. The city is home to historic forts, museums, mosques, cliff walks and beaches. The most visited tourist attraction is Île de Gorée, a small island off the coast of Dakar and a world heritage site rich in colonial history with attractions such as the infamous House of Slaves and Le Castel, a towering structure with WW2 gun turrets. Tourists can also tour the IFAN Museum of African Arts to take a look as historical artefacts, masks, statues and musical instruments. The minaret of the Grande Mosquée in Dakar is an interesting structure to gaze at when lit at night.
The colossal African Renaissance Monument is statuesque landmark to all tourists in Dakar. If you’re going shop for Senegalese textiles and craft, visit the main tourist market of Sandage. Dakar has an electrifying nightlife and music. This city is the only place you can find good music in the African continent, reason why it is nicknamed- the city of sights and sounds. Whether out on the streets, beaches or nightclubs you’ll be sure to hear music blaring at every hour of the day and night from French jazz to Senegalese classics. The Senegalese never miss a chance to have fun, every one out of three people you’ll meet has a musical instrument. If nightlife is your thing, Dakar should be top on your itinerary.
- Lagos, Nigeria.
The metropolitan city of Lagos is the commercial capital of Nigeria and the largest city on the African continent with a collection of islands seperated by creeks and long sand spits. Tourists flock into the city daily to catch a glimpse of some exquisite landmarks, historical sites or just to relax and have fun. An outstanding feature of the city is the Third Mainland Bridge, undoubtedly the longest bridge in Africa which links the mainland to the island. The city is also known to have the longest sand beaches where you can enjoy the cool breeze of the sea while having fun. Taking a trip to Badagry town, you’ll see the first storey building in Nigeria, the Ancient Slave Port of Badagry– Point of no return, and the Badagry Black Heritage Museum.
There are a whole lot of other eye-catching places to visit in Lagos. The National Museum with significant collection of antiquities, the National Arts Theatre, always swamped with stimulating events and Freedom Park, a memorial and leisure park which includes an amphitheatre, skeletal cells, fountains, historical statues, food court and souvenir shops. If you want to chill from the hustle and bustle of the city or cradle nature, you should visit Lekki Conservation Center a dense park with few animals and birds. Art lovers can stopover at Nike Art Gallery for contemporary and traditional Nigerian Arts. The on-the-go nature of the city makes it a very bubbly place for entertainment and nightlife. You’ll find more nightclubs in Lagos than any other place in Nigeria which is always filled with zesty fun seekers and night crawlers. The city is always brimming with activities and places to visit ranging from parks, gardens, museums, markets, restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas, beach resorts and luxury hotels. A trip to Lagos will intoxicate your senses!
- Accra, Ghana.
Accra is a small city off the atlantic coast and the capital city of Ghana known for its shanty towns, bustling streets and lively markets. Accra is one of the safest cities in Africa with a warm and relaxed atmosphere that is appealing to tourists. There are quite a few but interesting places of attraction in Accra. The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum strategically placed in the city allows tourists to learn about the freedom struggle of Ghana. Independence square known by the locals as Black Star Square having an eternal flame lit decades ago by Kwame Nkrumah is another admirable sight to see.
Jamestown a captivating and busy town in Accra that holds a colonial fort, a lighthouse, hidden alleys, cliff tops and old stone houses. The town is famed for its colourful fishing harbour which is the largest in Ghana. The National Museum and National Theatre is a good place to visit for historical exhibits and performances. Tourists can as well pay go to view Osu Castle, the seat of government in Ghana or visit the great Makola market for traditional African shopping, sit back at the popular Labadi beach while you enjoy music, food, drumming, dancing, pony rides and acrobatic performances. You can also spend some good time at restaurants, nightclubs, shopping malls and hotels in the city.
foods in Africa
Food in Africa is incredibly diverse and varies widely depending on the region and country. African cuisine is known for its use of a wide variety of grains, vegetables, fruits, and meats, often combined with spices and herbs to create unique and flavorful dishes.
Some of the most popular African dishes include:
- Jollof rice – a dish made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices, popular in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ghana.
- Tagine – a Moroccan dish made with slow-cooked meat or vegetables, flavored with a blend of spices and served with couscous.
- Injera – a staple Ethiopian flatbread made from teff flour, served with a variety of stews and curries.
- Bunny Chow – a South African dish made with hollowed-out bread stuffed with curry.
- Bobotie – a South African dish made with spiced ground meat and topped with a custard-like topping.
- Fufu – a West and Central African staple food made from boiled cassava, yams or plantains, which is mashed into a dough-like consistency and served with soups or stews.
- Pap – a maize porridge that is a staple food in many African countries.
- Ugali – a popular dish in East Africa made from maize flour that is boiled with water to create a starchy, dough-like consistency.
Overall, African cuisine is diverse, flavorful, and often reflects the culture and history of the region.
Culture
Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a group or society. It encompasses the social and material aspects of human life, including language, religion, arts, cuisine, music, clothing, and traditions.
Culture is passed down from one generation to another through socialization and learning, and it shapes how people view themselves and the world around them. It can be influenced by factors such as history, geography, religion, politics, and economics.
One of the key features of culture is its diversity. There are many different cultures around the world, each with their unique customs and practices. Cultural diversity is celebrated and valued as it enriches human experience and provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning and understanding.
Culture also plays an important role in shaping individual and group identities. It provides a sense of belonging and shared identity among members of a community or society. It can also serve as a means of resistance and empowerment for marginalized groups.
Overall, culture is a vital aspect of human life, shaping our behaviors, beliefs, and values, and influencing how we interact with each other and the world around us.
Wildlife
Wildlife refers to the animals and plants that live in the natural environment, without any human intervention. It includes a diverse range of species, from small insects and birds to large mammals like elephants, tigers, and bears.
Wildlife is essential for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. It plays a crucial role in pollination, seed dispersal, and nutrient cycling, and helps to maintain healthy ecosystems. Many species also have economic, cultural, and recreational value, providing food, medicine, and other resources to humans and serving as a source of inspiration for art and literature.
However, wildlife is facing numerous threats due to human activities such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. These threats have led to the decline of many species and the loss of biodiversity, which has significant consequences for ecosystems and human well-being.
Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting wildlife and their habitats. This includes measures such as protected areas, wildlife corridors, and sustainable resource management practices. Education and awareness-raising are also essential to help people understand the importance of wildlife and to encourage responsible behavior towards it.
Overall, wildlife is an integral part of the natural world, and its conservation is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of humans and other species.
