Over my 237 day journey I have encompassed nine different African countries and over 100 different cities. Each one of them possesses their own little charm and offers something unique; hence I would have no hesitation in recommending any (except maybe Kampala or Mbabane). In saying that, though, a few destinations stood out above the rest.
1. VICTORIA FALLS (Zambia-Zimbabwe border)
Some choose to bungee, some choose to microlight, and some choose to take in the lunar rainbow. I was lucky enough to do all three, making my experiences at this world heritage site – also one of the seven natural wonders of the world – truly unforgettable. However, one does not need to spend money here to gain satisfaction; simply seeing the falls with your own two eyes and getting splashed by the incredible backwash is truly remarkable. Rainbows rise from the tonnes of falling water as ‘rain’ magically defies the laws of gravity. Just make sure you don’t carry your passport.
See: Winter Under The Sun(otherwise known as WUTS) and Leap of Faith
2. SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK / NGORONGORO CRATER (Tanzania)
Africa is obviously renowned for its wildlife and the national parks of northern Tanzania are arguably the best of the best. One can spend days on end here exploring the plains of the Serengeti in search of the big 5 – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo – and plenty of other feral animals. The migration of the wildebeest has to be seen to be believed as an implausible number of wildebeest cross from Tanzania into Kenya (without visas), while the sunset over the savannah provides endless photo opportunities. Next door the Ngorongoro Crater is one mammoth of a bowl; inside it are hundreds of animals waiting to be found.
See: Tanzania Mania!
3. CAPE TOWN / CAPE PENINSULA (South Africa)
Possibly the coolest city in the world (in terms of awesomeness, not weather) Cape Town is a tourist’s dream. Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head all tower over the city and its suburbs, providing picturesque panoramas from every angle. The vibrant Waterfront and the busy City Bowl showcase Western elements, while curio stores help keep the African scent intact. Down south baboons take their place in forests and houses as penguins and seals line the beaches. The Cape Peninsula peaks sculpt an impressive coastline, highlighted by the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, while the nearby wine region presents some beautiful mountainous scenery.
See: esCape Town
4. STONE TOWN (Zanzibar Island, Tanzania)
The archipelago of Zanzibar is absolutely paradise (unless its raining) but disregarding the yellow beaches and the light blue shore this island still has a lot to offer. Stone Tone, a city that would be more appropriately situated in the Middle East during the 1800s, offers a completely different side to Tanzania. Tattered buildings and narrow back streets provide a maze for busy locals, while the seaside fish market comes alive when the sun goes down. Desperate touts may get on your nerves but the lively reggae bars provide a convenient escape route.
See: Tanzania Mania!
5. THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA
It may be one of the most war-torn countries on the face of the planet, but this tiny nation is home to some outstanding natural scenery and the last remaining group of mountain gorillas. Doing their best to compensate for the 1994 genocide, which claimed up to 1 million citizens, the people of Rwanda are warm-hearted and friendly; everybody – from the excited children to the weary oldies – is willing to give a wave and say hello (in Swahili, English or French). Upon entering the country one witnesses amazing slopes of the countryside, before crashing into Virunga Mountains where trekking for gorillas is an intensely popular sport for tourists and locals alike. It may be small, but don’t forget to include the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ on your African itinerary.
See: Hakuna Matata – it means no worries
6. BLYDE RIVER CANYON (South Africa)
The Mpumulanga province may be home to the beautiful Drakensberg Escarpment and the Kruger National Park, however the real highlight is found at the world’s 3rd largest canyon. The wonder of the Three Rondavels look-out is simply unbelievable; it’s like looking into a painting of heaven. Moreover, God’s Window, The Pinnacle, an abundance of waterfalls and quaint village towns vindicate this area as a necessary detour from the chaos of Johannesburg.
See: School of Rock
7. KAZINGA CHANNEL (Queen Elizabeth II NP, Uganda)
Boasting the highest concentration of hippopotamuses on the face of the planet this thin channel connects Lake George and Lake Edward in style. Stretching 32km in length one has to be blind to miss the hippo and buffalo population that call this lake their home. As the sun sets beautiful colours fill the sky as the wildlife depart the water and the kingfishers catch their dinner.
See: Hakuna Matata – it means no worries
8. THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY (Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, etc.)
This is more of a long, series of mountains and lakes than a single location, however that shouldn’t negate its inclusion on this list. Stretching from Syria, all the way down to Mozambique, this geographical trench is a masterpiece and any opportunity to witness it should be grabbed with both hands. Travelling around East Africa allows one to see the peaks and troughs spread out all over the country. Of note, the Viphya Plateau in Malawi is a breathtaking drive, while the Ngorongoro Consevation Area’s provides an intriguing contrast to the flatness of the Serengeti.
See: Safari Njema , Hakuna Matata – it means no worries, Tanzania Mania! and Winter Under The Sun(otherwise known as WUTS)
9. THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
It may be masked by the daunting landmasses of South Africa and Mozambique, but tiny Swaziland is a hidden treasure. Having avoided much of the political turmoil of its neighbours Swazi displays impressive amounts of independence, exemplified by its ruling monarchy. Furthermore the rolling hills of the countryside are home to cute beehive huts, home to traditional people, living traditional lives in a traditional culture. One looking for a genuine African experience needs not look further than Swazi.
See: Swazi Land Tuté
10. DODOMA (Tanzania)
There’s absolutely nothing special about Dodoma, the administrative capital of Tanzania, however I can’t help but feel attached to this place, having spent my first month in Africa here. Bustling market places, bumpy dirt roads, loud soccer games, cheap canteens and friendly people, however, ensure that tourists are treated to the heart of Africa. Swahili language skills are recommended and international volunteers are treated with reverence. All over Africa I’m certain that there are thousands of places with a similar vibe; perhaps when you visit Africa you’ll find your own Dodoma…
See: “Mambo!” – Conversations in Tanzania, You gotta have faith , Karibu! and Safari Njema
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