Top 10 African Destinations

Vacations, Safaris, Beach Holidays, Eco-tours and Adventure

Jun 22, 2007

Africa has it all as a vacation destination. Safaris, adventure, culture, shopping, eco-tours, beach holidays, history or just to get away to a different culture.

Making a top ten vacation destination list is almost impossible given the size and diversity of the African continent. One could make a top ten list in almost each country. A few of these are obvious – one could not leave them out, others well I just don’t know, so expect another list soon.

Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s largest national park spanning over 14000 sq kms. It continues into Kenya in the north as the Masaai Mara National Park and to the southeast in Tanzania as the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. During the dry season from July to October the wildlife spectacle of the annual migration is awesome.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakesh is a big, busy, polluted city, but it will enchant even the most jaded traveler with its culture and history and its Djemaa el Fna Square - described as the most exuberant marketplace in the world. Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, close to the desert. Marrakesh is the kick off point for many exciting Sahara desert tours.

Durban, South Africa

Many people prefer Cape Town, but sub-tropical Durban, in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal is a city where you can feel the pulsating heartbeat of Africa. Miles and miles of sandy beaches, crashing surf and a first world infrastructure make eThekwini, as the locals call it, a great vacation destination. If you drive south down the picturesque South Coast you are headed towards the incredible Wild Coast - a perfect vacation destination!

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Egypt

Cairo is a fascinating city, a perfect kick-off point to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The valley of Giza with its wonderful monuments is truly a marvel of architectural prowess. The age of the Sphinx has been estimated to be roughly 4,636 years old.

Timbuktu, Mali

Timbuktu in Central Mali in West Africa is one of the candidates for the new Seven Wonders of the World. The lingo is French, so get a local guide, one with a 4x4. The whole Dogon region of Mali, including Timbuktu, boasts breathtaking desert scenery with the beautiful mud architecture.

Think Gorillas in the Mist – According to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, there are about 700 mountain gorillas left. The Virungas are a place of legend along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the DRC in East Africa where visitors can buy permits to track gorillas and spend a small slice of time watching the mountain gorillas up close in their natural environment.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola and flows southeast into the Kalahari, where it spreads out into a delta formation. This is Botswana’s Okavango Delta where you can fly in to a number of private luxury camps for a range of safari’s ranging from horseback, to walking to elephant safari’s at the legendary Camp Abu. A vacation destination that will provide you with a lifetime of memories.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands at 19,340 feet (5896m) and will take about six days to conquer. Be warned, three quarters of the attempts fail because people underestimate the mountain and the altitude and overestimate their fitness level. It may not be a serious climb like Everest but Mt Kilimanjaro demands respect.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Stonetown, House of Wonders, Spice Plantations and incredible beaches make this Indian Ocean Island one of Africa's top destinations. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar also became an important slave trading post under its Arab rulers. Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site cannot be missed. And the beaches…

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is a perfect place for a family safari. The Park covers 7,332 sq miles (18,989 square km). Kruger National Park Accommodation styles range from bungalow, to luxury safari lodge, to camp site, with prices to suit every budget. You don’t just have to drive, you can hike, do horse trails of go by hot-air balloon. And the Big Five, you’ll see them over and over, every day.

The copyright of the article Top 10 African Destinations in Safaris/Jungle Travel is owned by Karen Lotter. Permission to republish Top 10 African Destinations in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.