Why Travel to Africa? It’s the World’s Most Diverse Continent!

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The second largest continent in the world, Africa is made up of no fewer than 54 independent countries. While it would take months, if not years, to properly explore the whole continent, which is massively bigger than North America for example, there are a few popular things to do. The following is an overview of the five answers to the question, why travel to Africa?

Why Travel to Africa? A Diversity of Reasons!

They’re tourist favorites that draw in adventure-minded people from all over the world. From outdoor adventures in national parks to exotic cuisine and an incredible diversity in cultures, Africa is arguably the world’s most underrated continent.

Exhilarating Safaris

One of the most popular attractions that makes Africa, and in particular Southern Africa, well-known around the world is a wildlife safari expedition. Witness the wildebeest migration in Kenya and Tanzania, or glide alongside hippos and crocodiles in a traditional canoe in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Look for the Big 5 in South Africa’s Kruger National Park or Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, one of the world’s greatest national parks. Trek with gorillas in Uganda, or track endangered rhino species by foot in Namibia. It’s all possible on a luxury African safari expedition, an absolute must if you want to explore Africa.

Breathtaking Landscapes

The vast geographical size of the African continent and its topography means that the myriad of gorgeous landscapes and sceneries are endless. From Cape Town’s mountains and surfable waves, to Namibia’s sand dunes, and the tropical beaches of Zanzibar, the natural landscapes awaiting you will leave you in awe. And the variety doesn’t stop there. The thundering Victoria Falls at the Zambia/Zimbabwe border, the snowy slopes of Lesotho, Lake Malawi, the Sahara desert, and the canyons of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia make Africa as diverse as any other continent on earth.

Fascinating Cultures

The diversity of African cultures exists not only between countries, but even within one nation. In South Africa for instance, there are eleven official languages, depicting each culture that it belongs to. With so much to discover, there are endless possibilities to learn something new and explore ancient traditions. The Masai Mara tribes in Kenya and Tanzania are fierce warriors who still follow a nomadic lifestyle, while the heavy Arab influence is still very much prevalent in the Northern African countries. Music plays a huge part in many African cultures as well, and is usually interlinked with traditional customs, religious beliefs, and important rituals.

Gorgeous Architecture

The pyramids of Egypt are one of the most famous architectural phenomena around the world. Aside from the pyramids, there is plenty of other historic and interesting architecture to admire as well. The city of Chefchaouen in Morocco, for example, attracts visitors with its multitude of houses painted in a various shades of blue. Stone Town and its buildings in Zanzibar are reflections of the blend of cultures that shapes the archipelago, with buildings and large wooden doors depicting Arabic and Indian influences, carved balconies and European churches. Modern architecture in Johannesburg indicate the innovative aspect of the city, while the medieval churches of Ethiopia tell us of its former kingdoms and emperors.

Delectable Cuisine

As expected, different parts of Africa have different food preparation styles, dishes, and eating habits. Traditional Ethiopian cuisine is known to be one of the most delicious in the world, with everyone eating off the communal plate by dipping the injera (thin pancake-like bread) in a spicy stew. Countries in Northern Africa tend to have Mediterranean-style dishes, while in larger and more cosmopolitan cities such as Cape Town, a variety of restaurants offering cuisines from all around the world can be found, much to the delight of its residents and visitors alike.

Have You Ever Visited Africa? Do You Have Another Answer to the Question, Why Travel to Africa? We’d Love to Hear What You Have to Say in the Comments Below!