Your Big African Adventure

Africa is famous not only for its rich wildlife and natural beauty, but also for its huge population (the second largest!) - more than 1.1 billion people live on this continent, representing a huge diversity of nationalities, languages and cultures. While some African countries suffer from conflict and poverty, others are peaceful, safe and attractive to tourists. Many travelers are familiar with countries such as South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. In this article we will tell you how to spend a pleasant time in southern Africa outside the Sahara.

Sierra Leone

Of all the countries on our list, Sierra Leone is perhaps the most surprising. It experienced civil war for ten years, but since 2002 significant changes have occurred. Today, Sierra Leone is ranked among the most peaceful countries according to the Global Peace Index (GPI). It is also known for its religious tolerance and relatively high life expectancy - 57 years, which is good by African standards.

Sierra Leone offers many beautiful nature reserves, including the Gala Rainforest and Outamba-Kilimi National Park, as well as pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast. In addition, its capital Freetown is the oldest city in West Africa.

Botswana

Botswana is a leader in security on the African continent due to several factors. Firstly, peace and tranquility are one of the main characteristics of the Tswana and Bushmen people, who make up a significant part of the country's population, and secondly, Botswanans are aware of the economic contribution that tourists make. Sad but true, the security of the country cannot guarantee that you will not be attacked by baboons, so you need to remain careful and follow all the instructions of the guides during the safari!

The search for ancient treasures hidden in the caves of Gchvihab from the colonialists has become one of the popular tourist attractions since the 30s of the last century, along with safaris to the ancient Kalahari Desert. Despite the fact that the treasure has not yet been discovered, the caves themselves with amazing stalactites reaching a length of up to 10 meters are worth a trip to the north of the country.

Ghana

According to the Global Peace Index, Ghana was ranked the safest country in Africa in 2008 and has maintained a high position in the rankings since then. Internal conflicts in the country are rare, and neighboring countries maintain peaceful relations with Ghana. Tourists in Ghana are greeted with friendliness and many locals speak English, which is the official language of Ghana.

In this region you can visit many nature reserves where you can see elephants, antelopes, monkeys and other exotic animals. It is also worth driving to the ruins of the castles and fortresses of Cape Post and Elmina, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. And, of course, don’t forget to spend time on the clean and uncrowded beaches!

Namibia

This country, located in South-West Africa, is an oasis of stability and security in a turbulent continent. It was discovered by Europeans relatively late, in 1878, but quickly overcame all internal and external conflicts. Today it is one of the most prosperous and wealthy countries in Africa. Namibia is very pleasant to travel: there are excellent roads, and the tourist train "The Desert Express" offers a beautiful route between the capital Windhoek and the resort town of Swakopmund, with stops in particularly interesting places.

This country is home to the oldest desert on the planet - the Namib, known as the Skeleton Coast, as well as many national parks, the site of the fall of the largest Hobs meteorite, the second largest after the Colorado Canyon, and much more.

Uganda

Uganda is considered a safe country for foreigners, which is confirmed by the GPI and public opinion regarding tourism. This may be due to the fact that intrusive behavior from traders and touts is not common in Uganda, perhaps because of the low proportion of the urban population, which is only 13%. The main attractions of Uganda are located outside the villages, which also contributes to safety for tourists.

Tourists can enjoy many attractions in Uganda. They can visit one of the oldest national parks in Africa - Queen Elizabeth Park, as well as the botanical gardens in Entebbe, where the first Tarzan film was filmed. The Rwenzori mountain range, known as the Mountains of the Moon, is also a popular place to visit. Tourists can enjoy sailing on Lake Victoria and try rafting on the Nile River, which originates in Uganda.

In Uganda, tourists should still be careful in the presence of wild animals, especially elephants and their cubs. It is interesting to note that Uganda is a key migratory route for many northern birds such as eagles, cuckoos, swallows and kites, which choose this country for the winter.

Cape Verde

The Cape Verde archipelago, also known as the Cape Verde Islands, is located off the west coast of Africa. Here tourists can expect tranquility and relative cleanliness, as well as a high level of service, thanks to European investments in local tourism. This archipelago is also the birthplace of the famous singer Cesaria Evora.

The islands of Cape Verde offer varied and picturesque landscapes, including extinct volcanoes, mountain ranges for trekking and flowering meadows for walking. However, the most remarkable feature of Cape Verde is the ocean, which offers every opportunity for a variety of outdoor activities. Here you can enjoy beaches with black volcanic sand, dive to shipwrecks or go windsurfing, for which there are special schools on each island, especially famous on the island of Sal.

Kenya

Known for its Maasai tribe and unique African nature, Kenya offers beautiful scenery, hospitality and strong tourism. Mount Kenya, the second highest on the continent after Kilimanjaro, is one of its main attractions. Bird migration can be seen throughout the country, and the view of Africa's tallest mountain, Kilimanjaro, from Kenya's Ambosseli Park looks even more superior than the view from the mountain itself.

Tanzania

In Tanzania you will be greeted by friendly and smiling people, but as in any other country, tourists should be vigilant due to the presence of criminals. However, this does not stop many tourists from visiting Tanzania without fear. This country offers many attractions that are worth seeing.

Firstly, Kilimanjaro is a volcano that attracts tourists with its many trails leading to its peak. Secondly, on the island of Zanzibar, the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, there is the Stone City, founded by the Arabs back in the 9th century. Here tourists can go on spice tours, get overwhelmed by the incredible aromas and try unfamiliar spices.

Thirdly, the famous Serengeti National Park covers a huge area and is home to more than three million large wild animals. And fourthly, it is worth noting the Ngorongoro Biosphere Reserve, which is located in a huge crater of an extinct volcano with a diameter of 21 km. About 25 thousand different species of animals live here, and you can also see the highest concentration of predators on the entire continent of Africa.

Madagascar

Madagascar is a unique continent on a miniature scale, which has no analogues either in Africa or in other parts of the world. Here you will find amazing landscapes, and 80% of animals and plants are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.

The island has many natural parks and protected areas, including the largest nature reserve, Tsingy de Bemaraha, which, like many others, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the country is famous for its beautiful beaches, while traditionally it is believed that swimming on the west coast is safer as there are fewer sharks there.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa thanks to its location on the Zambian border and the famous Victoria Falls. Unlike Zambia, the number of tourists here is slightly less, making it an ideal destination for those who prefer a more secluded setting to enjoy natural wonders.

Zimbabwe has an effective conservation system, and there are a lot of animals here, even for Africa. Hunting is allowed in some areas, which remains a rarity, as it is already banned almost everywhere in Africa. In addition to extensive national parks, the country also has a unique historical site - the stone ruins of Great Zimbabwe. This pagan temple complex was built over a thousand years ago and is definitely worth a visit!

Before traveling to Africa, tourists are strongly recommended to get all the necessary vaccinations, a list of which is usually available on the official websites of embassies. Even in countries where vaccination is not mandatory, it is recommended to take anti-malarial tablets starting before travel. It is important to remember that drinking raw water, even for brushing your teeth, is strictly prohibited.

Embark on your great African adventure with mobile internet from fedafone and stay connected even in the most remote places!