Predators of the most lethal order; that feeling of danger lurking around the corner accompanied with the serenity of white sand beaches with crystal clear water and the awe of sitting atop the world’s highest waterfall. This humbling roller coaster of emotions is what defines Africa as it takes you through a journey and history of life as we know it. Here are 5 countries in Africa that will blow you away!
TANZANIA
Be it the thrilling climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro – the top of Africa, or traversing the quintessential safari route along the Serengeti national park – home to the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world, Tanzania offers an immense dive into the natural history of our planet. More than a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of Zebras make the annual trip in search of green pastures from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. If spotting wildlife along the vast craters and plains is not your thing, the island of Zanzibar will offer you the most mesmerising of beach destinations along the African coast with crystal blue warm waters and white sands, awakening the dreamer within you.
MOZAMBIQUE
A 2500 Kilometer long coastline, a lot of it untouched by humans, Mozambique is the land of the smiling people. Often overlooked and underrated, the coastal nation offers a wide array of marine wildlife and countless spots to unwind, reflect and relax. Dune-fringed beaches with turquoise waters and multicolored marine life offers contrasts that refresh you with every wave and ripple. Inhambane – the very spot where Vasco Da Gama arrived in the late 15th century, boasts one of the world’s largest concentrations of marine mega fauna, the marine Serengeti – Manta rays, Bull Sharks, Leatherback Turtles and Whale sharks. What’s more, native fishing traditions, diverse cultural exchanges and a melange of Afrikaans, Portuguese, Swahili, French and Goan foods and languages will only spice things up!
MADAGASCAR
An independent ecosystem bustling with life, with seriously odd and evolved creatures lurking just about everywhere, a trip to Madagascar – Indian Ocean’s largest Island will certainly never be replicated. Bug-eyed Lemurs, Geckos, super sized Moths, and a million other animals listen to every step you take through the dense and immensely rich rain-forests. With new species of animal being discovered very regularly, it is quite a journey to understand how these odd creatures have survived in this unique ecosystem. Nosy Mangabe – situated within the Masoala National Park is one such hotspot where you can find a myriad of odd creatures. If you ever feel claustrophobic under the dense foliage of the untouched forests, walk out and find Tsingy – sharp limestone peaks scattered along the island, or just hang back at Anjajavy Le Lodge – a cluster of beach bungalows staring out into the vast ocean!
NAMIBIA
The Sossusvlei Dunes (world’s largest) in the Namib Desert, the mountainous wilderness in the North, the fish river canyon in the West and the Kalahari Flatlands to the East is a testament to the diversity that defines Namibia. The land of the last free-ranging population of the Black Rhino, a quarter of the world’s Cheetahs and the Skeleton Coast (aptly named for the countless shipwrecks that blot the coast) make Namibia one of the most remarkable natural landscapes in the world. And if that’s not enough, abandoned diamond mines, whale ribs and skeletal remains washed ashore will transport you to another world – eerie, unusual, inexplicable.
SEYCHELLES
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, the Seychelles are granitic and coral islands off the Tanzanian coast. A warm, tropical climate is aided by its location outside the cyclone belt. Beaches like beau Vallon Bay, Anse Royale and Ansle Lazio offer surreal and impeccable views of the oceans with dense rain-forests with booming wildlife behind you. If you’re up for a hike, a quick walk up to More Blanc offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and these islands dotted the horizon.
