Family time is one of the positives of the ongoing global lockdown, which most of us didn’t realize we needed until now. If you are like me, you should be aching to step out and get on the next plane to discover a new location with bomb pictures for the gram and souvenir to tease your crew with. While the world heals, here are the top five African destinations to travel once the gates are open and safe to go through.
Massai-Mara National Reserve, Kenya: Kenya is located in East Africa, home to about 53.4 million people. The country plays host to beautiful spots for family holidays, beach holidays and Safaris. The Gede Ruins in Watamu, an island richly displaying the nations rich history and culture. However, the jewel spot Is the Masai Mara National Reserve is linked to the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The joint park is a colourful scenery with an endless variety of wildlife to be spotted, including East Africa’s Safari Big Five.
Zanzibar, Tanzania: Zanzibar hosts a lot of cultural tourist spots, but Zanzibar Island is famous for honeymoon lovers, both
young and old. It is also a great choice for an all-boys or all-girls trip. Also known as the Zanzibar Archipelago, it is located in the Indian Ocean, 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania. It is the perfect spot to escape the rest of the world, with numerous islands and shallow sandbars. Fun activities to do on your trip include scuba diving and snorkelling in the turquoise blue waters, touring the bars, clubs and unique pubs and visiting the Nature and Wildlife resorts. You can even try fishing using your best beginner fishing rod. Heads up though, after one trip you will start crunching the numbers on steps to owning one of those pristine islands.
Cape Verde: Cape Verde is a great travel destination as well, with beautiful islands and local villages rich in language and diversity. One look at the city, you would be able to spot the European influences from architecture, to the variety of European languages alongside breath-taking landscapes and a beautiful tropical climate to match. Interesting spots like the Sal is one of the most attractive spots, it is a world-class destination for wind and board surfing on long white beaches and turquoise seas. Other islands like Santiago, Fogo, and the nation’s cultural and political centre, Sao Vicente, are places you must visit on this trip.
Tip: It’s essential to carry cash in hand, preferably in dollars as credit cards are not usually accepted outside International hotels.
Marrakech, Morrocco: The famous Red city of Maghreb was founded almost a thousand year ago and it sits at the edge of the Sahara desert. The city is a mixture of history and present diverse cultures, a visible mix of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The
intimate courtyards and maze-like alleyways of the historic Medina to explore, the historic mosques and magical palaces tell of the pride and beauty of Middle Eastern culture. It is a great spot for destination weddings, hallmark birthdays and family anniversary celebrations. Attractive spots to visit include, the Bahia Palace, Musee Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle and the largest souk markets, Souk Semmarine amongst others. The unique travel essential is your babouche, a comfortable footwear fit for sightseeing.
Seychelles: Seychelles is located miles east of Kenya and north of Madagascar, with 115 islands suspended in the Indian Ocean, to was reportedly first sighted by a Portuguese explorer, Vasco De Gama in 1502. This location hosts the most beautiful coral reefs on Earth, clear beaches and nature reserves, including rare animals like the giant Aldabra Tortoise. The capital, Victoria located in the Main Island, Mahe, beautifully displays French and British colonial architecture. Seychelles has a tropical rainforest climate, with cooling ocean breeze perfect for a summer holiday. It is advised to pack swimwear, loose-fitting clothes and comfortable footwear for a better tourist experience. If you enjoy hiking, you should throw in sturdy boots for exploring the trails on the numerous islands.
