Africa, True Value For Money All Round Travel Destination
The majesty of the African continent is undeniable. Stretching a mammoth 30.4 million km2 the world’s second largest continent is home to an estimated 1.1 billion people. Here you’ll find roughly 54 countries and hear thousands of native languages being spoken.
Beyond its size Africa is unparalleled in its sheer diversity. Extending both north and south of the equatorial line, Africa encompasses numerous climate regions, each with its own unique fauna and flora, making it a year round destination venue.
African adventure holidays are supremely popular. The favourable currency exchange rates ensures holiday makers receive great value for money. Accommodation packages exist for all economic groups, from self-catering campsites for the budget conscious traveller to luxury camps and lodges for those on the hunt for ultimate luxury.
Holiday makers are spoilt for choice when it comes to leisure activities with the following being but some of the tantalising fair on offer:
Game Viewing
One of the primary attractions to holidaying in Africa is its abounding animal life. With the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) being the primary draw, one can forget that the continent is in fact home to hundreds of species of mammals.
Reputable National Parks are numerous including the Hwange and Nyanga National Parks (Zimbabwe), the Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya), the Etosha National Park (Namibia) and the Kruger National Park (South Africa).
Game can be viewed via vehicle, on foot, from the water or from hot -air balloon depending on where you are based.
For those who find themselves lucky enough to witness the legendary annual migration of wildebeest and zebra from Kenya to the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania, life will be forever changed. The crossing of 1.5 million wildebeest and 300 000 zebras is an experience that defies description.
Cultural and Historical Enrichment:
Widely regarded as the cradle of humankind, Africa possesses untold cultural and historical landmarks to be explored. Home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites i.e. the Matobo Hills (Zimbabwe), the Okavango Delta (Botswana), the fossil Hominid sites of South Africa and the Stone Town of Zanzibar, one is exposed to a veritable tableau of cultural riches.
Aspiring archaeologists will be overwhelmed by treasures such as the Bushman rock paintings in Zimbabwe, the great pyramids of Giza and the great Zimbabwe ruins – one of the most well preserved ancient cities in the world.
Sporting Enthusiasts:
Many African destinations boast a number of exciting sporting opportunities with Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls being known as the extreme adventure capital of Africa. There one can partake in spine chilling activities such as abseiling, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and microlight flying. For the slightly less adventurous there is always fishing, mountain climbing, or backpacking to keep you occupied.
Looking for something a little different? Then consider a cycling holiday tour (both eco-friendly and a way to engage intimately with rural cultures) or a forest canopy tour (highly popular in South Africa’s Garden Route).
And for our beach devotees, surfing, scuba diving and shark cage diving are all available to give you that much needed adrenaline rush.
Culinary Tours:
Prefer to experience your excitement through your taste buds? Consider embarking on a culinary tour popular in regions such as Morocco and South Africa. These typically involve hands on cooking, restaurant dining, wine tasting and shopping for ingredients at local markets. This is a cultural education you will not want to miss. And of course, should you find yourself in Cape Town a visit to the winelands is a must for any wine connoisseur.
Humanitarian Holidays:
Despite Africa’s beauty, her people are not immune to suffering. Conflict, natural disasters and poverty are rife in parts. For the altruistic traveller there are opportunities to become involved in teaching, vaccination programs, clean water projects and building as a means of bringing upliftment and hope.
Africa with its mountain ranges, waterfalls, rolling hills, lakes and desserts personifies raw beauty, but it’s the compassion and generosity of spirit of her people that will remain with you. A holiday of a lifetime that will linger in your heart and minds always.
