Africa is a vast and fascinating continent that has an endless variety of attractions for visitors. Fully exploring just one of the countries within the African continent could take a lifetime, so for most people, the aim of a vacation is to sample a flavor of what each country has to offer. The sometimes perplexing question is, how do you best capture the essence of a country or region in a week or a fortnight?
Before you decide where to go and what to do when you get there, carry out some research. There are many good quality, reliable guides to the history, culture, and attractions of each country, and it’s well worth doing some serious digging to get to the heart of what makes an unforgettable experience. If you want to explore Africa in a more cultured manner, make sure you know what each country has to offer and where to go to enjoy a more comfortable and exclusive experience, as there can be stark differences between places that are geographically very close.
Here are some ideas for travelers who wish for a more cultured approach to their African adventure.
Madagascar
A luxury tour to this unique island off Africa’s east coast is an experience you’ll never forget. Madagascar is a paradise island with a spectacular collection of wildlife and is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Surrounded by luscious beaches and sparkling blue reefs, and comprised of dense rainforest broken only by majestic mountains and plunging desert canyons. Many creatures, such as the island’s best-known inhabitant, the lemur, live nowhere else.
Luxury safaris
Safaris are an enduringly popular theme for many people, and many companies specializing in safaris offer luxurious accommodation and service. For example, you could stay in a fully equipped ranch style chalet, with fine dining facilities on site. Africa has many incredible regions where you can go on safari, including Tanzania’s Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater, Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. If you decide on a Ngorongoro Crater Safari, for example, luxury accommodation options include plantation houses, beautiful lodges, and even treetop mini domes.
Skiing in Lesotho
You may not immediately think of Africa as a place to go skiing, but it offers some fine powder in certain locations for enthusiasts of the white stuff. Lesotho is a less well known but equally rewarding place for a wildlife trip or safari, and also has excellent hiking areas. Many people visit Lesotho because it’s such a great place to escape from the crowds and enjoy an idyllic wellness based retreat. But in the winter season, the stunning mountain peaks of Lesotho turn into prime skiing turf, so if you want to try something different, check out the options for a snow-themed visit to Africa.
These are just a few examples of the many opportunities available in Africa for travelers to enjoy a more cultured experience. Each of these would make perfect dream vacations, so why not start planning yours now?
