When the heat and humidity of summer roll in, our natural tendency is to turn up the a/c and retreat inside. But Africa isn’t nearly as inhospitable as we make it. The continent has so much to offer the traveler that taking a little adventure might just be what you need. Africa’s got something for everyone, from culture-lover to wildlife-addict.
Here are five ways to take the vacation of a lifetime in Africa.
Decide Which Part of Africa You Most Want to Visit
The parts of Africa you most want to visit are likely to be the most interesting. This is partly because you’re more likely to be in contact with the locals and have a better chance of experiencing the real culture.
If you’re interested in a more up-close and personal experience with some of the world’s most fascinating wildlife, the eastern and southern part of Africa is for you. You have the chance to see some of the continent’s most stunning animals, like the elephants, giraffes, and leopards that call the Serengeti of Tanzania home.
If you’re a sunset type of person, the sierras of southern Africa offer some of the most enjoyable experiences. You’ll likely see some of the region’s most beautiful wildlife, like elephants, giraffes, and Cape vultures. You can check out budget-friendly Africa vacation packages on Exoticca. They offer the best deals for travel in the vast continent that’s Africa.
Go on an African Safari
What’s not to love about safaris? They’re incredibly stress-free, allow you the opportunity to see wildlife up-close and personal and many can be quite affordable. A safari is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Safaris are generally longer than a visit to the zoo and have plenty of time to explore the surrounding area and see wildlife in their natural habitat. Plus, many have unique accommodations if you’re not interested in staying in a hotel and would rather stay in a traditional safari camp.
Safaris are highly regulated, so make sure you’re aware of the risks and consequences of going on one.
Visit the Continent’s Natural Wonders
One of the fascinating things about Africa is its natural wonders. The continent has everything from the effects of climate change to the biodiversity of different ecosystems. You can visit places like the Lake Victoria Waterfall or see the wildebeest migration in the East.
If you’re a nature-lover, you might want to head to the Kruger National Park in South Africa to see some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. You may come across elephants, lions, or other animals you’ve seen in documentaries, but in the wild.
Travel Through Some of the Continent’s Most Beautiful National Parks
Many people think of Africa as a place that’s only suitable for safaris. But there are plenty of other ways to experience ethical animal tourism in Africa, including national parks home to elephants, giraffes, and other iconic African animals. Many of these parks are tourist attractions as the animals they contain usually come out at night to roost in the open-air “lodges,” and you can usually spot them from the safety of a parked vehicle.
If you want to get in closer and see some of these animals up close, there are a few options. You can take a game drive in a safari truck or book a “High-velocity 2” experience to get a closer look at the animals in their natural habitat.
Boat Down Some of Africa’s Most Stunning Rivers
If you’re interested in experiencing the river life up-close, a boat ride is a way to do it. Whether you go with a local community or on your own, boat rides are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can choose from a plethora of different boats, some of which cost as little as $50 per day to charter.
The boats vary in size and can comfortably hold between 8 and 64 people. Depending on the season, you might see fish, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, or other wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a leopard or two.
Sleep in an Oasis or Under the Stars
Outdoor enthusiasts will want to head to an oasis. You’re likely to find palm trees, fruit trees, and other trees that bring back memories of childhood vacations.
It’s easy to miss this fun experience if you’re in Africa for a safari. The oasis is usually a little settlement with palm trees and a pool. You can stay in an open-air, primitive yurt or a luxurious hotel. You can even stay in a commercial oasis, where you might just be lucky enough to find an exotic species of animals.
Taking a vacation may seem daunting, but the opportunities that come with it are almost too good to be true. The more you plan, the more you’ll have to look forward to, and the less likely you’ll miss out on anything.
Author bio
Nadine Westwood is an experienced travel writer with a passion for creating insightful and engaging content that’s easy to digest. Occasionally she spends her time playing with her cat while listening to her favorite podcasts.
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