5 Amazing Reasons To Visit Africa
Can’t decide where your next adventure will be? Having trouble picking between so many amazing travel destinations? Here’s 5 reasons why go to Africa.
Africa has anything any traveller or adventurer could possibly desire. From wild “lion king” safaris, big mountain trekking, white water rafting, gorillas & chimps, stunning beaches, amazing snorkelling and diving, archaeological wonders (some of which have not yet made it on Insta), amazing food, diverse cultures and basically anything else your adventurous heart could desire. If you’re still not convinced, here’s 5 reasons Africa should be your next getaway!
The first thing people think about when Africa is mentioned is safari. Driving through game parks in open top jeep keenly looking for the next elephant herd or lion pride. National Parks such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Masai Mara in Kenya, and Chobe National Park in Botswana are all hotspots for seeing your favourite member of the Big 5 (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Leopard).
Africa also has a lot more than the Big 5. The Northern Highlands of Ethiopia, for example, are home to many species often not associated with the African Continent. Animals like the Gelada Baboon, the Ethiopian Wolf and the Walia Ibex are all unique to Ethiopia. While the Big-5 are magnificent in their own right and deserve the majority of your attention, don’t forget about the other amazing creatures Africa has to offer.
Huge mountains, dense jungles, white sandy beaches, and arid deserts – Africa has it all. Africa has a hugely diverse geography with anything you can possibly think of – yes, even snow if you really want it. From the World’s largest sand dunes in the Namib Desert, to the World’s largest Waterfall – Victoria Falls, and the World’s highest free-standing mountain – Mt Kilimanjaro, you can find whatever you desire.
Whatever your travel style, Africa will provide an unforgettable experience for you.
There are endless options for all kinds of activities all over the continent. Safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, a gigantic volcanic caldera? Africa has it. Mountain ascents with technical rock climbs to the summit? Yep, Africa again. For all thrill seekers and wannabe adventurers like myself, Africa is the place to scratch the itch.
For those looking for something a little more relaxing, try a hot air balloon over the Serengeti, snorkelling the beaches of Zanzibar, swimming with the whale sharks off Mafia Island or visiting the giant tortoises on Prison Island. And don’t stress if you are a little out of shape or can’t walk at all, one of the best thing about African’s is their can do attitude. I’ve even heard of people who can’t walk visiting the majestic Mountain Gorillas with the help of a porter team.
The People of Africa often provide standout moments for many visitors to the African Continent. Generous hospitality is ingrained into their culture and their willingness to go above and beyond for friends, family and strangers alike is amazing and something not witnessed enough in Western society.
The locals in Tanzania and Kenya for example will often invite complete strangers into their homes. Even those living below the poverty line are generous beyond belief and will willingly feed visitors their last piece of bread or Mandazi (a savoury donut). This kind of generosity is very common in places like Kibera, the largest slum in East Africa, through Root Cause Kwanza, our local charity partners, giving you the option of making your travel even more impactful. Read more about how AOL is making travel more impactful in Africa’s poorest communities.
Many Africans will also invite strangers to huge events like cultural celebrations, festivals or weddings.
There are approximately 3,000 different tribes in Africa who speak approximately 2,000 different languages. Each tribe has their own unique values and traditions and many love sharing their culture with travellers.
For example, the Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania are a semi-nomadic group that have traditions dating back hundreds if not thousands of years. Famed for their herding ability, storytelling and unique clothing, they allow travellers to stay with them in order to learn about their ways of life.
