TOURIST PLACES IN AFRICA
The famous Swahili saying “Hakuna Matata” pretty much sums it up when one needs to describe the continent of Africa. Africa is indeed the land of “hakuna matata” (no worries); from the people, their cultures, beautiful landscapes and wildlife. Everything screams “no worries”, making it the ideal place to let its sights and sounds soak away your worries as you while away your days during your much needed holiday.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Africa as a continent is a one-stop tourism shop for those of you that are passionate about forest and wildlife tourism. This continent offers something for each person’s preference. From the coastal beaches of Zanzibar in Tanzania to the savannah plains of the Mara in Kenya and the only forest haven left in the world for gorillas in Rwanda. One can follow the journey of the mighty River Nile, Africa’s largest river, as it begins its journey in Uganda and ends up in the land of the pharaohs, Egypt.
EAST AFRICA
East Africa is one of the major tourism hubs in Africa with over one million tourists visiting during each season because it provides the ideal combination of forest and wildlife tourism. One can begin their journey by the white sandy beaches of Lamu and Diani in Kenya and Zanzibar in Tanzania. So tranquil are the beaches that Hollywood celebrities like Naomi Campell, Bratt Pitt and Angelina Jolie sometimes spent their holidays in the exclusive hotels here. But there’s more to the beaches, the East African coast has a rich marine wildlife variety which make it ideal for snorkeling. And if you are an early riser, you can take a boat out to into the sea and swim with the dolphins at Kisite Mpunguti. For the athletic types, you can have a go at the various water sports including deep sea fishing at sea.
And if you are a forest lover, the mangrove forests border the sea and provide a variety of flora and fauna that will keep you clicking on your cameras as you try and memorize each plant species by its Latin name. One can even take a nature walk in the forests and learn about butterfly and bee farming projects within these forests.
Further inland are the savannah plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Mara and Tsavo Wildlife Parks in Kenya. These parks are home to the largest number of wildlife in Africa. The big five animals, that is, the lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, cheetah and leopard are found here. The eighth wonder of the world, “the wildebeest migration” takes place between the Mara and the Serengeti and is indeed a wonder to behold. Along the various lakes scattered in the Rift Valley in East Africa you will find beautiful and rare bird species like the flamingo.
Africa’s largest mountain, Mt. Kilimanjaro is found in Tanzania in East Africa. It is home to some of the rarest plant species and considered an easier mountain to climb than Mount Kenya. And if you are interested in learning about primates, then visit Uganda and Rwanda, the two major African countries that house the almost extinct mountain gorillas and other rare plant species in their forest reserves.
WEST AFRICA
In West Africa, forest reserves make up a good chunk of the tourism output making it an ideal spot for forest and wildlife tourism although beaches are also a big hit here. The tropical rainforests, which account for rainfall almost all year round in West Africa are home to various monkey and bird species. One can do a game drive or nature walk in the forests which are also host to a huge variety of wildlife and plant species.
West Africa is also deeply connected with the United States of America and the Caribbean because of the history of the slave trade that took place in the 1800s. As such there are museums dedicated to preserving that history as well as the rich cultures of those African nations and provide another way in which a tourist can while away their time when they are not in the beach or in the forests.
SOUTH AFRICA
Down south, there is more to offer than one tourist can take in as far as forest and wildlife tourism is concerned. The Sabie River is a must see with its lush forests and extensive birdlife. At the seaside is the legendary but beautiful Cape of Good Hope commonly known as Cape Town which is also home to the Table Mountain National Park. The park is known for its diverse flora and fauna with rugged cliffs and the signature table mountain top with steep slopes.
Up north is a two million hectare piece of land segregated for forest and wildlife tourism and conservation. The Kruger National Park is home to a diverse species of over 300 trees, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.
NORTH AFRICA
Egypt is the first country that comes to anyone’s mind when talking about tourism. The land of the pharaohs hosts a rich architectural and cultural history. At one time, Egypt was the cradle of civilization; the first attempts at the putting together words and numbers were coined here. Ancient mythology and stories of great kings or pharaohs are hidden in the pyramids and sphinxes that dot the desert places in Egypt. Hollywood has even themed it’s best selling movies around this rich history. So a walk into history can best begin here. The River Nile offers an experience that sticks with you for your lifetime as you learn how this one source of water sustains the nation.
Egypt’s wildlife consists of a large number of animals that live in the desert as well as marine and river animals. The Manatee and Sand Boa are vulnerable and hunting them is strictly forbidden. You will commonly come across the camel, crocodile, Sand Boa, Palestinian Yellow Scorpion, sand cat, desert fox, hyrax, monkeys, hedgehog, jungle cat, genet, jackal and gazelle.
The Mediterranean Sea also offers another opportunity to learn more about different marine wildlife like dolphins, whales, dugong and seals as well as hang out by the beaches and sample their sumptuous cuisines.
GET YOUR TRAVEL BAGS OUT
Africa has something to offer for forest and wildlife tourism lovers. So dust off your travel bags, lay out that map and begin planning your dream holiday and be prepared to experience nature and wildlife like never before.
Endangered species include Flower’s gerbil, Arabian oryx, Flower’s shrew, four-toed jerboa, Nubian ibex and Slender-horned gazelle
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