Africa will touch your heart and after your first visit, you will never be the same. It’s one of the most beautiful continents in the world and I can honestly think of a million reasons to fall in love with Africa, but I tried to narrow it down to 5 reasons why you should visit Africa.
1. Visit Africa to discover the most varied wildlife & bird species in the world
The number one reason to visit Africa is because of its wildlife (and birdlife). Africa has the most varied wildlife and bird species in the world. A game drive (or walk) gives you the chance to see different types of wildlife in their natural habitat. From the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (better known as Zazu), bush babies, and baboons to antelopes, giraffes, hippos, and the well-known ‘Big 5’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino).
Where does the Big Five come from?
The origin of the ‘Big 5’ is from the days when hunters considered these animals the most dangerous to pursue. Except for the Buffalo, all of these animals are tragically endangered because of the poaching crisis or other reasons, which makes it more important than ever to protect and cherish our wildlife.
Primates of Africa
If you want to add different species of primates to your list, you should add Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, or Madagascar to your bucket list. In Uganda, you will find Gorillas, Chimpanzees, and other smaller primates like various species of colobus monkeys. Uganda and Rwanda are perfect countries for Gorilla Trekking or Chimpanzee Habituation experience.
Visit Ethiopia and trek through the Semien Mountains to photograph the Gelada Baboons, which are also known as the ‘bleeding-heart’ monkeys. In Madagascar, you are able to spot different species of Lemurs like the ring-tailed lemur, which are primates as well!
Africa would not be Africa without these magnificent creatures. Spotting wildlife in Africa is the main reason why most people travel to Africa.
2. Visit Africa to witness the most beautiful sunsets in the world
As the sun sets, the grass on the savannah glows gold and the silhouette of an acacia tree appears on the horizon. The sky turns from blue and purple colors into the orange and red colors of the setting sun.
At the end of an exciting day of game viewing on the plains of Africa, it’s a tradition to stop for a sundowner – a cold beer, wine, or a gin-tonic to enjoy the sunset. Whether the sun sets above the open savannah, behind iconic Baobab trees, on a lake, over the colorful dunes, or the sea, you will never get tired of it. Who doesn’t love these orange African sunsets?!
And it doesn’t stop there. The African night skies host millions of bright stars and the sunrise is a real teaser to experience as well. A perfect way to start another incredible day in Africa.
3. Travel Africa for its stunning and ever-changing landscapes
Africa is blessed with magnificent diverse landscapes like tropical beaches and jungles, deserts and mountains, open savannahs, and everything in between. As you travel through Africa the landscape constantly changes, but its beauty always remains.
Beaches in Africa
If you are looking for white sandy beaches go to East-African countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, or Madagascar. These African countries have stunning coastlines with wide beaches and palm trees. Don’t forget to order a coconut drink to stay hydrated while you are enjoying the sun on one of the paradise beaches in Africa. Zanzibar is among my favorite beach destinations in Africa. I wrote an article about the best beaches in Zanzibar.
Adventure-capital of Africa
Visit Victoria Falls – one of the 7 natural wonders of the world – if you like a bit of adventure. I jumped off the 111-meter high Victoria Falls Bridge and had a swim in Devil’s Pool on the edge of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. It’s an exhilarating bucket list adventure.
Magical Savannah Plains
Would you like to see savannah plains with typical African Acacia (umbrella) trees? Visit the wide-open spaces of the Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti in Tanzania.
African Desert
If you are a lover of dunes and desert, definitely add Namibia to your bucket list to climb Dune 45 or Big Daddy Dune, which is located in the Sesriem Canyon near Sossusvlei to watch the sunrise over the Namib Desert and visit the iconic white salt flat with its dead trees in Dead Vlei or ‘Dodevlei’ to discover the best of Namibia.
The most iconic trees in Africa
Baobab lovers have to travel to Madagascar; a Treasure Island with impressive landscapes from rainforests to dry deserts and from stunning beaches to mountains and stone forests. Madagascar has many endemic flora and fauna, like different species of Baobabs that can’t be found anywhere else in the world!
Africa’s Rainbow Nation
Visit South Africa to discover a diverse range of landscapes combined with the most beautiful city in the world and great architecture. South Africa has it all! From beautiful mountains like the Drakensberg Mountains and Table Mountain to amazing plateaus, ridges, beaches, and more. Definitely add Cape Town to your Africa bucket list as it’s the most beautiful city in Africa and maybe even the most beautiful city in the world.
All the different African landscapes are breathtaking and there are spectacular views everywhere.
4. African Beauty has many faces
Africa is a diverse continent where tribes, strong traditions, and stunning beauty coexist. Africa teaches you that beauty has many faces. South Africa alone, has eleven official languages and tons of tribes or ethnic groups and that is also the reason why South Africa is called ‘Rainbow Nation’.
The iconic nomadic Maasai are one of the most famous tribes of Eastern Africa who live in traditional villages near the Maasai Mara and Serengeti. They are incredibly welcoming and love to share their culture with you. In the Southern part of Africa are the Zulu (South Africa) and Himba people (Namibia) among the most well-known tribes. The Himba are well known because of the red coloring of their skin and the reason why the Zulu’s are widely known is because of Shakaland, which is the birthplace of the legendary Shaka Zulu.
Tribes in Africa
Every African country has its own tribes and there are estimated to be 3000 tribes in Africa. It’s an incredible experience to travel to Africa and meet these indigenous African tribes to learn more about their history and traditions.
5. Africa is not just a place, it’s a feeling
Like Kevin Fraser once said ‘Africa is not just a place, it’s a feeling’. And that is exactly what it is. The beauty of the places and the people, as well as the difficulty experienced by those living there, make you feel both very grateful for what you have, and in a strange way also longing for more simplicity. Africa will make you feel more grounded, and connected to nature, the people, and yourself. It forces you to be in the moment because you don’t know what the next minute will bring. Being so close to nature makes you feel alive and free.
Africa Travel Guide
Do you want to read more about travel to Africa? Check out my Africa Travel Guide for more Africa travel inspiration including some useful things to know before you travel to Africa.
Africa travel blog: 5 reasons to visit Africa and fall in love!
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