Are you thinking of a vacation destination? Think Africa. Tagged as the second largest and populous continent, it is home to 48 mainland countries and 6 island nations. The variety that the mixture of dry land, beautiful beaches, lakes and islands, highlands and lowlands, nature parks, and safari destinations offer certainly make Africa a destination to consider when planning a vacation.
The breathtaking views that abound in Africa give you the privilege to choose a destination that suits your preferences and, to make taking your trip easier, you may not need to get a visa to enter many African countries if you hold the ECOWAS Passport.
Africa perfectly blends a touch of ancient traditions with modern-day civilization and showcases rich cultures, which would make your vacation fun and educative. In celebration of World Tourism Day, we have decided to share these top five countries to visit in Africa.
1. Kenya
Kenya is an East African country with a population of nearly 50 million people. The country is home to wildlife, savannahs, mountain highlands, and Lakelands. The top sites for sightseeing in Kenya are Amboseli Park, for the array of exotic wildlife such as elephants, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes, and various species of birds.
Maasai Mara is a famous safari park juxtaposing savannah plains views with the presence of wildlife, and grasslands. This park consistently attracts tourists.
Another site to visit is Lamu Island, housing a rich town popularly called Lamu Old Town. here, you will find agelong houses along sandbanks.
Your vacation would be incomplete without a visit to Nairobi, the country’s capital. Check out the Nairobi National Park and catch a glimpse of the Mbagathi River. Treat yourself to scenic nightlife while at it and have a taste of Kenyan traditional food.
2. Nigeria
Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa. Although largely a landlocked country, it boasts of beautiful beaches in various states across the country. Enjoy beautiful sea views on beaches on the island of Lagos, or book a stay at the iconic Obudu Moutain Resort in Cross River state for its green scenery and lake view. Twitch it up with some adventure and hike on Ado-Awaye Mountain and Iyake Lake at Oyo state. Appreciate creative artworks at the Nike Art Centre both in Lagos and Osun states.
Get in touch with the history of Nigeria and its people by visiting historic sites like the first oil well site in Bayelsa state, the historical slave trade location in Badagry, and Ile-Ife, the touted home of the Yoruba people, rich with preserved historical artifacts pointing to the evolution of the Yoruba race.
One of the things to look out for when in Nigeria is the food. Because of the multiplicity of ethnic tribes, there is a wide menu to choose from. Taste the spicy, zingy, and flavourful dishes in Nigeria. There is also an array of dining settings to choose from. You can either opt for local restaurants or dine at exotic restaurants. Many Nigerians would confirm to you that the former feels more at home.
3. Uganda
Kampala, the capital of Uganda, is a good place to start your tourism, especially for the preservation of ancient thatched remains at Kasubi Tombs – the regal tomb of the Buganda people (according to Google). While you are there in the country’s capital, visit the largest market in central East Africa – the Owino Market.
For the love of serenity, get sunkissed at Ssese Islands whilst enjoying a beautiful view of the coast or make your way to Lake Bunyonyi speculated to be the deepest lake, with a depth of about 900 meters. Also, you can stay back in Entebbe and enjoy the quiet, laid-back ambiance in the town.
Do you think you may be daring? Try out the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that lives up to its name. The park indiscriminately combines the habitation of large animals, wildlife, and crawling insects.
4. Ghana
The first word that comes to mind when we think of Ghana is Charlie. The word means friend or mate.
Ghana is one of the African countries you can visit on a budget and without a visa. The country offers a variety of beautiful sites, including nature parks, historical sites, leisure parks, and markets.
Check out one of the oldest mosques in West Africa located in Labaranga and on your way, stopover at Mole National Park for a view of the Savannah. Go back in time by visiting the Elmina Castle which was built in 1482, first as a trade settlement and later used as a slave trade center. Cape Coast Castle serves as a museum for the Atlantic slave trade history.
Sit by the shores of Labadi Beach and retire to the Kwame Nkrumah Park built in the memory of the Kwame Nkrumah who is regarded as the founding father of the Ghanaians.
5. Tanzania
Tanzania is a cherished vacation spot for its beautiful beach destinations like the ones in Zanzibar and Pemba. However, Tanzania has a higher percentage of dry land compared with its mass of islands. Therefore, like Kenya, expect to be treated to a wide variety of nature parks like Tarangire Natural Park with traditional safaris and diverse wildlife, Arusha National Park with its distinguished landscapes: Mount Meru – the second highest peak in Africa, Ngurdoto Crater consisting of grassland, and Meru Crater channeling into the Jekukumia River.
Don’t forget to visit Mount Kilimanjaro both for its wildlife and a view of the highest mountain in Africa. You could even climb the mountain if you feel up to it.
Visit an African country to join in the commemoration of World Tourism Day. You should not be stranded while on a trip and if you do, you can receive money via the Ileero Remit app. It is easy and quick.