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After You Visit Africa |
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Language: English ISBN: N/A ISSN: N/A 2018 | DOI: N/A
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Africa's Best Destinations and Attractions
Are you making plans to visit Africa? Find out top destinations that you are looking for to make your visit worthwhile from the North Africa to South Africa and across the continent from Cape Verde to Cape Blanco.
Best Places to Visit in Africa
Africa is a huge, diverse continent with limitless opportunities for travelers. Here are my picks for Africa's best destinations. Planning a trip around any of these destinations will be worthwhile.
Dubbed as the Mother Continent due to it being the oldest inhabited continent on Earth, Africa is still home to the Earth’s best travel destinations. Africa offers many hidden gems with great lakes, crystal blue beaches with pearly white sands, jaw-dropping flora and majestic wildlife and mountains within its borders. In this article we will look at top travel destinations in Africa.
Intra Africa travel is relatively popular on the continent; however the majority of visitors traveling to the continent are visitors mainly from North America, Asia and Europe. Intra Africa travel occurs regionally mainly due to the close proximity of countries, and also, visa requirements among regional countries are not as stringent as requirements for nationals outside the specific regional bloc. It is also cheaper to visit neighboring countries or countries within a regional bloc in terms of traveling transportation.
Here are travel destinations in Africa that are a must-visit for any avid African traveler:
Botswana
Botswana is one of the best travel destinations in Africa to go to for an awesome safari holiday. The country, which is bordered by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, has one of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world, the Okavango Delta which is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, where you can experience big game, lush vegetation and natural beauty at its best.
Learn more about the inhabitants of Southern Africa with the exploration of rock painting and villages of the San people as well as the Hambukushu at the Tsodilo Hills.
Botswana offers an array of accommodation for tourists, ranging from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses and camping grounds. Stay at the &Beyond Xaranna Okavango Delta Camp from only $960 per person per night and the Chobe Game Lodge at the Chobe National Park.
For more information on accommodation, visit the Botswana Tourism website. Visa requirements should be checked with Botswana embassies, consulates travel agents before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required from visitors from areas infected with yellow fever.
A drive to Gaborone from Johnnesburg covers 374km should you opt to travel by road, and a flight from Windhoek to Gaborone can be booked via Air Namibia. Flights from Harare, Zimbabwe to Gaborone can be booked via Air Botswana from $431.
Kenya
Kenya is an East African paradise filled with abundant wildlife, mountains, flora, fauna and islands. It’s one of the ideal travel destinations in Africa for family holidays, and the best time to visit is between October and March. Enjoy the tranquil island of Lamu, where you can enjoy rolling dunes, endless beaches and narrow bustling streets where no vehicles are present. Tucked away behind the dunes of the island are yoga wellness retreats where you can go individually or join a group yoga retreat to reconnect with yourself, nature and the universe. The island is rich with friendly people nestled among coconut and mango plantations, with dhow ferries being a truly island paradise method of transportation upon arrival from Manda Island.
Malindi and Watamu are just as breath-taking with best of tropical beaches, pearly white sands and relaxing hideaways. The islands boast with spectacular coral reefs and diversity of marine life, as well as the historic Gede Ruins in Watamu for a touch of the island’s history. For the traveller who is wild at heart, immerse yourself in bird watchers’ paradise of Lake Nakuru and enjoy the wildlife sights at the courtyard of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Amboseli National Park.
Popular hotels to stay at include Diani Place with a start price of $84, Shella Royal House in Lamu with a start price of $151 and Loyx Mara Luxury Lodge with starting price of $308 if you’ll be in the Masai Mara region.
A further variety of accommodation tailored to your specific budget can be found on the Tourism Kenya website. Fly to Lamu from Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach and Malindi at a cost ranging from $198 to $331 via Air Kenya, and a flight to Watamu and Malindi will cost from $231.
A visa is required prior entry into the country and you can apply and pay for it online. The cost starts from $50. Tourists who do need a visa for a stay of 30 days of less in Kenya include tourists from Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, South African, Tanzania, Burundi, Seychelles, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Travellers who want to visit Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda simultaneously can apply for an East Africa Tourist Visa at a cost of $100. Kenya’s official language is Swahili and words and phrases to know are available on the tourism site so that travellers are able to communicate with locals. Planning for your trip and bookings can be done via the Tourism Kenya site or via a travel agent.
Lesotho
This list can’t be complete without Lesotho as one of the best travel destinations in Africa. The country boasts an array of majestic mountains adorned with the best that nature has to offer. Visiting Lesotho is best for couples or a group of friends who want to immerse themselves in nature.
Lesotho’s main attractions are its beautiful parks and reserves, those being the Sehlabathebe National Park, Ts’enhlanyane National Park and Bokong Nature Reserve. Sehlabathebe National Park boasts with rolling grassland, wildflowers and prolific bird life (including the bearded vulture) and the odd rhebok. At the national park, you’ll be able to visit the Sani Pass, which is world heritage site that sits high on the Drakensberg escarpment on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, is 2874 metres above sea level.
Ts’enhlanyane National Park is located deep in the front range of the Maluti Mountains at the foot of the Holomo Pass, and boasts an array of wildlife, birds and flora that make for a perfect all-nature getaway. Bokong Nature Reserve is perched on the edge of a 100 meter cliff overlooking the magnificent Lepaqoa Waterfall and Valley, and is perfect for hiking and relaxation.
When visiting the Ts’enhlanyane National Park, stay at the beautiful Maliba Mountain Lodge, and choose to stay at the 5 star mountain lodge chalets (price from $135), the 3 star self-catering river lodge (price from $22 per person) or the 3 star riverside huts (price from $84). At Sehlabathebe National Park, choose between the Sehlabathebe National Park Heritage Lodge and the Sani Lodge, both with accommodation starting at $10, where rooms start at $6.
Lesotho has a list of countries that do require a visa and those that don’t. See the list here or visit a Lesotho embassy in your country for more information. The currency used in the country is called ‘loti’ (plural would be ‘maloti’) and is at the fixed value of the South African Rand. ATMs are only available in Maseru.
South African tourists can drive down to Lesotho, and the preferred border post to go through would be the Maseru Bridge and Maputsoe/Ficksburg Border Posts as they are open 24 hours a day. Travellers from the SADC region can take a flight to Maseru, which will take an average flight time of over an hour. Flight costs range from $530 to $759.
Morocco
Morocco has been described as a distinctly African country on the outskirts of Europe. It has a majestic and medieval feel to it, filled with lots of North African culture. No visit to Morocco is complete without visiting Djemma el Fna in Marrakech, which comes to life from 10am with street theatres, henna tattoo artists and snake charmers and peaks in the evening with the arrival of an array of chefs and food masters.
Have an authentic Moroccan experience on the Berber tour, experiencing the life of Morocco’s nomadic population through camel treks and desert tours. You can choose from single day trips to a 16 day tour.
At Benhaddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit to get a taste of traditional pre-Saharan life. Here you’ll see houses that are built together within the defensive walls, which are reinforced by corner towers, which will give your insight into how ancient civilizations lived before skyscrapers were built.
Attending the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is a must. The festival includes some of the continent’s best musicians all gathered under one roof to reinforce Africa’s cultural beauty and diversity.
Accommodation website The Hotel Guru sites Jnane Tamsna and the Riad Madani as the best hotels to stay in Marrakech. Bookings start from $162 at Jnane Tamsna and $112 at Riad Madani.
All nationals, excluding nationals from the European Union, Switzerland and Canada, need a visa before entering the country. Visit the Moroccan embassy in your country for visa applications.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a popular travel destination in Africa among many travelers. Zanzibar Ocean Panorama Hotel is a popular hotel on the beach, with rooms ranging from $35 to $50, with dormitory rooms costing $20. A visa is required for all visitors entering the country, which can be acquired at any Tanzanian consulate or on arrival at the country designated entry points at the cost of $50.
A flight from Dar Es Salaam to Pemba Island will cost from $130 with ZanAir and a flight from Zanzibar to Pemba will cost from $84 with the same carrier.
Tanzania’s hidden gem, Pemba Island, is about 100 kilometers outside Zanzibar and is abundant with healthy coral reefs, mangroves, lagoons and fish, which make it heaven for diving fanatics and beach lovers. Its natural surroundings have earned it the nickname ‘the Green Island’.
30-minute flight from Stone Town airport in Zanzibar will get you to the island. Historically, the island was a major spice producer and provided the Omani sultanate with money for trade and military dominance over the surrounding areas. The island is still a major spice producer in the Zanzibar archipelago, and it depends more on agriculture than on tourism. Pemba’s terrain is hilly and fertile, filled with fruit and spice trees, and its beaches, with diverse species of marine life, beautiful coral reefs and crystal white sand, remains unspoiled and is a diver’s delight. What makes the island a true gem is that it gets far less visitors than Zanzibar, which makes it the perfect getaway from congested holiday sites and the best way to experience a true island holiday.
The island portrays the idyllic African village, with traditionally-designed square mud houses with thatch roof, ox-drawn carts stacked high with a variety of fruit, villagers who speak mainly Swahili and a small population of 350,000 people. Main attractions include the island’s main town of Chake, Vumawimbi beach and Makoba beach.
Reunion Island
Nestled in the warm Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is described best kept island paradise. Reunion boasts with the remarkable active Piton de la Fournaise volcano and a multitude of hiking trails that offer some dazzling natural sights. The island’s beaches will supply you with much tranquility as you enjoy their crystal blue waters, and you can enjoy all sorts of aquatic activities at the island’s rivers and lakes. What’s even more enjoyable is discovering and experiencing the island’s Creole, African, Indian, Chinese and French cultural and festivities.
Stay at the boutique guesthouse Rougail Mangue with prices starting from $44 or the gîte set in a Creole house, La Mandoze, with prices starting from $20 per person per night.
A visa is not required for nationals of EU countries as well as nationals of the USA, Canada, Britain, Australia, South African and India. All other nationals are required to obtain a visa which will cost from $67.
The principal local airline which serves numerous destinations in Africa, including South Africa, Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mayotte and Seychelles, is Air Austral. Air Mauritius also flies to the island.
Rwanda
East Africa’s mountainous paradise, Rwanda, is a haven for travellers that are avid wildlife lovers. The country has earned the nickname ‘land of a thousand hills’ due its mountainous landscape and its renowned Volcanoes National Park, which is home to mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. The park is the most visited park in the country, which is no surprise as it is home to 3 extinct and 6 active volcanoes, and you will experience the best tracking safari to see mountain gorillas. The shores of Lake Kivu can enjoyed with beach sports, kayaking, fishing or boat tours.
Rwanda is also a haven for coffee and tea as it is the country’s biggest export. Tea leaves create a beautiful contrast with blue skies and never-ending sunshine as they adorn mountain tops. Tea plantation tours can be enjoyed in a variety of locations across Rwanda, including at Sorwathe Guesthouse and Tea Tours.
Recommended accommodation includes the Mountain Gorilla View Lodge located on the foothills of the Mount Sabinyo neighboring the Volcanoes National Park, with prices starting from $227 per night and the Gorillas Lake Kivu Hotel in Gisenyi overlooking Lake Kivu, with pricing starting from $92 per night.
Visas are required from certain foreign nationals at a cost of $30. Visit the Rwanda Tourism website for up to date visa information. Citizens of the DRC and Mauritius may visit Rwanda without a visa for a period of up to 90 days. Citizens of the East African Community, namely Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be issued with a 6 months visitor pass (renewable) upon arrival with no fee. South African citizens will be issued with a entry visa valid for a period up to 30 days and pay for a visa ($30) upon arrival without prior application.
São Tomé and Principe
São Tomé and Principe is Africa’s smallest state situated in the gulf of Guinea in western Africa. This is a perfect beach holiday for a couple or for a group of friends wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of crowded beaches. The island is blessed with beautiful and serene beaches where you can enjoy fishing and go diving with the island’s main diving agency Club Maxel. The best sites for diving are Ilheu das Rolas, which is situated south of the Sao Tome Island, and Ilha da Santana.
Whale watching is quite popular on the island between July and September mainly at Ilha das Cabras and Lagoa Azul. Avid hikers will enjoy trekking through exotic jungle to reach the top of Pico de São Tomé, which is the island’s highest point above sea level at 2024 metres and the island’s old volcano.
There’s an array of graded accommodations to stay at on the island, popular choices being the Miramar Hotel at a cost of $134 per night, and Cocoa Hotel Residence, which will cost you a minimum amount of $40.
A visa is required before entering the country and can be obtained from a São Toméan embassy. You will also have to produce a medical certificate upon arrival showing that you have received vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria. Airlines that fly to São Tomé and Principe include TAP Portugal, Air Angola, Africa’s Connection, STP Airways and Ceiba Intercontinental. Visit the São Tomé and Principe site to start planning your trip.
South Africa
If you’re seeking for a great summer adventure, head down to South Africa as the country offers the best beach holidays between September and February. Enjoy the warmth of the Indian Ocean and all year round summer weather in the province of KwaZulu Natal. The province also boasts with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park in St. Lucia that contains Africa’s largest estuarine system, over 500 bird species and decades old coastal dunes as well as endless beaches that stretch from Maphelane in the south to Kosi Bay on the Mozambique border, the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the Wild Coast, which encompasses South Africa’s highest mountain range.
The Western Cape is provides the best in nature viewing, with the deep blue waters of the cold Atlantic as well as diverse vegetation and numerous lagoons and lakes along the Garden Route. There are many hidden gems along the route that can only be discovered once you stop and soak in every stop.
There’s an array of accommodation available in South Africa, from luxury hotels to backpacker accommodation. When in the Wild Coast in KwaZulu Natal, the Wild Coast Sun hotel is a popular choice among visitors. Rooms start at a price of $158 per person per night. When in the Western Cape on the Garden Route tour, it is best to stay in George, which is the main center of the Garden Route. Enjoy your stay at the Garden Villa Bed and Breakfast from $49.
A visa is required before entering the country, and can be applied for at your nearest South African mission or consulate. For more information, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs. Also note that a full unabridged birth certificate is required when traveling with children under the age of 18. For more information, see the South African Department of Home Affairs information leaflet. Travelers from certain African states can enter the country with only a passport. Those countries include Botswana, Namibia (90 days per year), Tanzania (90 days per year), Zambia (90 days per year) and Zimbabwe.
Seychelles
The 115-island country with the smallest population of any African state, the Republic of Seychelles, is a hidden gem located in the Indian Ocean and is perfect for a romantic getaway. The Outer Islands of Seychelles are the less visited of the island-country, offering pristine beaches, lonely rock outcrops and untouched habitats for many species of wildlife. The Outer Island groups, namely Alphonse and Desroches, currently offer luxurious lodges for accommodation, as well as idyllic and untouched spots for fishing, sailing and diving.
Seychelles is definitely among the best travel destinations in Africa. The best and most interesting facet of the Seychelles is their multi-ethnic population comprised of peoples from all four corners of the earth. Every nation is represented on the island, including freed slaves, European settlers, political exiles, adventurers, traders of Arab and Persian origin as well as Chinese and Indians. Creole (a lilting, French-based patois), English and French are widely spoken in the Republic, and knowing a few phrases makes your stay more enjoyable as you’ll be able to interact with the locals.
Travel to the main island via Air Seychelles, and get to the Outer Islands via Zil Air. No visas are required to enter the country, however a valid passport, return or onward tickets, proof of accommodation including contact details and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay are all documents that will need to be shown in order to obtain immigration clearance at the Seychelles International Airport.
When visiting the Outer Islands, you can stay at the beach front resort of Alphonse Island at a cost of between $3,689 and $9,497 per night per person. Another exquisite resort is the Desroches Island Resort on Desroches Island. The prices range from $1,101 to $2,202 per double room per night. When on the main island of Mahé, a popular hotel is the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Hotel & Spa, which is a 5-star resort offering the most scenic views of the Indina Ocean and spectacular sunsets. Prices range between $557 and $807.
Visiting every country in Africa is what you ought to do, because each has unique attractions, both cultural and natural. Below is “best of lists” I have broken down for the more popular countries.
Best Things to Do in Africa
Africa is a dream for adventure travelers, but the romantics can have their fair share of perfect beaches and relaxed pampering as well. Of course, going on an African safari is one of the most popular attractions in sub-Saharan Africa while you are on a horse back.
Being the second largest continent in the world, Africa is filled with exciting things to see and places to go that will make any vacation there a memorable event. There are over 50 countries as well as several stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural landmarks, such as the Giza Pyramid Complex, the Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Visitors there shouldn’t miss seeing the art at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, drink the wine in the winelands of South Africa, or meet the tribes people living in the Omo Valley.
Victoria Falls
Found on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visitors are in for an exhilarating outdoor adventure while exploring the scenic terrain and swimming in the Devil’s Pool. There are so many activities for visitors to participate in, such as scenic helicopter flights, bungee jumping, abseiling, zip lining, micro light flights, and whitewater rafting. Some of the more unique activities include riding horseback on surrounding trails, going on elephant-back safaris, and even walking with lions. The bush walks are enthralling and make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will let visitors learn about the culture and traditions of the local people. Address: Mosi-o-tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia.
Banana Islands
Known for its sparkling beaches and lush forests, the Banana Islands are a group of islands consisting of Dublin, Ricketts, and Mes-Meheux. They lie off the coast of Yawri Bay in Sierra Leone and are mostly surrounded by the Freetown Peninsula. Visitors can access the islands, which have about 900 inhabitants combined, by boat, ferry, or helicopter. There are many things to see and do other than sunbathe and swim at the beach, and visitors can scuba dive to see coral and shipwreck ruins, visit the ruins of a church built on Dublin Island in 1881, and meet with the tribal chief of the islands.
Boulders Beach
Located in Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach got its name from the 540 million year old granite boulders that surround it. The sheltered beach, which is part of Table Mountain National Park, is a popular tourist stop. This is mostly because of the colony of African penguins, which are only found along the coastline of Southern Africa and are a fun and unique sight to see. Visitors can go swimming, walk the boardwalk, and see almost 3,000 penguins at close range as they wander around freely in the protected natural environment.
Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is a popular excursion and visitors can combine this day trip with one to Boulders Beach. The coastal scenery and amazing sights are incomparable and allow visitors to get up close and personal with African penguins. The adult and fluffy baby penguins are adorable and make for a fun way to spend the day; some visitors take it one step further and take a refreshing swim with the penguins. Other than appreciating the wonderful views and the friendly animals, visitors can also spend their time hiking, climbing up the lighthouse at Cape Point, or whale watching during the summer months.
Cueva de los Verdes
Visitors can pick one of many tour guides to explore Cueva de los Verdes, located on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, with all its peculiarities and characteristics. The unique mythological cave is full of natural heritage and culture that visitors can explore in detail. The extraordinary beauty and landscape will leave people in awe, especially after they learn of the legends of the land. This impressive hidden wonder was used as a hideout in the 16th century, when pirates would often attack the area; visitors will be able to see this and the remnants of a natural volcanic sanctuary. The spectacular rocky structures are amazing and a must-visit when there.
Giza Pyramid Complex
One of the most recognized and a renowned architectural structure in the world, the Giza Pyramid Complex comprises several buildings and structures including the most famous, the Pyramid of Khufu, also known as the Pyramid of Cheops. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and was originally built as a tomb for the pharaoh in 2560 BC. Though visitors cannot enter the pyramid itself, a tour of the attraction will give them endless information about its construction and the chambers located inside the Great Pyramid as well as the smaller pyramids and temples.
Hassan II Mosque
The Hassan II Mosque is a beautiful place of worship in Casablanca. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and has the tallest minaret in the world, at 689 feet high. The mosque was designed by renowned French architect Michel Pinseau in 1993 and stands on a promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The structure is built with hand-crafted marble and can hold over 105,000 people inside and on the outside grounds. In addition to the marble, visitors will also see beautiful mosaics, Zellige tile work, and carved and painted wood ceilings. One aspect that shouldn’t be missed is the retractable roof, which allows worshippers to pray under the warm sunlight or the stunning stars on a clear night.
Hell's Gate National Park
As ominous as the name sounds, Hell’s Gate National Park is a national park in Kenya that is known for its stunning scenery and varied wildlife. Having been established in 1984, the park includes three campsites, three geothermal power stations, and the Maasai Cultural Center, which is dedicated to showcasing the culture and traditions of the Maasai people. Visitors will be able to see views of gorges, lakes, hot springs, and two extinct volcanoes in addition to the number of the many other natural sites the park houses. Fauna that visitors may run into include lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, gazelles, hyenas, and vultures. Other activities include hiking, bicycling, motorcycling, mountain climbing, and camping.
Best of the Rest in Africa
Everlane Twill Weekender
We like Africa and we like books so what better to feature in today’s blog than books about Africa. We have compiled a list of some of our favorites that have stood out over the years from reading them in the corridors of school to watching the films based on them to recommendations by friends – and Oprah.
They make great books to take with you on your own African holiday – to read on the beach under the palm trees or back at the game lodge… Don’t worry if you forget your book at home. Many of the top safari lodges have their own well-stocked libraries anyway.
Here they are, new and old and in no particular order:
1. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight – Alexandra Fuller. In this memoir, Fuller recounts tales of living in Rhodesia (during the Rhodesian Bush War), and and highlights what it was like growing up white in mostly black countries.
“What I know about Africa as a child… is her smell: hot, sweet, smoky, salty, sharp-soft. It is like black tea, cut tobacco, fresh fire, old sweat, young grass… The other thing I can’t know about Africa until after I have left… is her noise.” – Alexandra Fuller, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
2. A Good Man in Africa – William Boyd. The main character is a British diplomat living in the small republic of Kinjanja in West Africa. He keeps on fumbling through his job due to his own hedonistic tendencies and a strong dislike for the country he finds himself in.
“Actually I can’t stand the man. Sanctimonious, Calvinistic, so-and-so. Totally unsympathetic -can’t think why he became a doctor – hectoring, bullying-sort of moral storm-trooper” – William Boyd, A Good Man In Africa
3. Long Walk to Freedom – Nelson Mandela. In his significant autobiography, former South African president Nelson Mandela profiles his early life, coming of age, education and It eloquently details his beliefs and passion in the struggle against apartheid.
“I had no epiphany, no singular revelation, no moment of truth, but a steady accumulation of a thousand slights, a thousand indignities and a thousand unremembered moments produced in me an anger, a rebelliousness, a desire to fight the system that imprisoned my people. There was no particular day on which I said, henceforth I will devote myself to the liberation of my people; instead, I simply found myself doing so, and could not do otherwise.” – Nelson Mandela
4. The Famished Road – Ben Okri. Labeled the classic magical realist novel of West Africa, the novel follows Azaro, a spirit child, living in an unnamed city that is thought to be in Nigeria. It covers the traditional African belief in the co-existence of the spiritual and material worlds.
“I understood why spirit-children are so feared. Faced always with the songs and fragrances of another world, a world beyond death … where spirit companions know the secret of one’s desire, and can fulfill those desires … spirit-children do not care much for the limited things of the world. Ade did not want to stay anymore; he did not like the weight of the world, the terror of the earth’s time. Love and the anguish of parents touched him only faintly, for beyond their stares and threats and beatings he knew that his parents’ guardianship was temporary. He always had a greater home.” – Ben Okri, The Famished Road
5. No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency – Alexander McCall Smith. This series of twelve novels tells the tale of a detective agency in Gaborone, , founded by a Motswana woman, Mma Precious Ramotswe. Besides being full of adventure and humor, it covers themes pertinent to Africa, such as traditional and non-traditional gender roles, rural life in Southern Africa, multi, social relations, Christianity and traditional beliefs, AIDS, domestic violence and more.
“It was time to take the pumpkin out of the pot and eat it. In the final analysis, that was what solved these big problems of life. You could think and think and get nowhere, but you still had to eat your pumpkin. That brought you down to earth. That gave you a reason for going on. Pumpkin.” – Alexander McCall Smith, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
6. Circles in a forest – Dalene Matthee. This international success of a novel details the extermination of the elephants and the exploitation of the woodcutters of the forests in , South Africa.
7. Cry, The Beloved Country – Alan Paton. Considered one of, if not the most, famous and important novel in South Africa’s history, this novel tells the tale of the pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son, Absalom, against the background of a land and a people torn by racial injustice.
“I have one great fear in my heart, that one day when they are turned to loving; they will find that we are turned to hating.” – Alan Paton, Cry The Beloved Country
8. Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town – Paul Theroux. In this non-fiction novel, traveller Theroux tells of his adventures overlanding from Cairo to in a witty and observant way, detailing the strange experiences and mishaps along the way.
9. Green Hills of Africa – Ernest Hemingway. In this novel, Hemingway recounts the month on safari he and his wife experienced in East Africa, peppered with tales of his hunting adventures and the magnificent landscape in the region of Lake Manyara in .
10. Out of Africa – Isak Dinesen (pseudonym of author Karen Blixen). “I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong Hills.” The story recounts the events of Blixen’s life on a coffee plantation in , then British . It’s a tale of African colonial life and the people who touched her life while there.
“You know you are truly alive when you’re living among lions.” – Karen Blixen, Out of Africa
11. A Far Off Place – Laurens Van Der Post. This is the story of four survivors of a massacre who undertake a long and dangerous journey across the African desert to find safety. The cast includes a teenage European boy, a young white girl and two Bushmen.
12. Jock of the Bushveld – Percy Fitzpatrick. This is the true story of South African Fitzpatrick’s travels with his dog, Jock, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, during the 1880s, when he worked as a store man, prospector’s assistant, journalist and ox-wagon transport-rider in the Bushveld region of the Transvaal.
13. The Bang-Bang Club: Snapshots from a Hidden War – co-written by Greg Marinovich and Joao Silva, two of the four members that made up the Bang-Bang Club. This was a group of photographers who filmed South Africa’s townships during the transition from apartheid to democracy, experiencing a mix of violence, comradeship and exhilaration.
14. Gorillas in the Mist – Dian Fossey. This significant novel tells of American zoologist Dian Fossey’s thirteen incredible and admirable years spent working with the endangered mountain gorillas in the remote forests of .
15. Born Free – Joy Adamson. This is Adamson’s moving memoir where she recounts looking after an orphaned lion cub, raising it in captivity while teaching it to fend for itself in the wild. She eventually releases the lion in the grasslands of for it to live out its days.
“The Adamson’s gave us truths about the species that cannot be found in a biologist’s notebook.” – George Schaler in the introduction to Born Free
16. I Dreamed of Africa – Kuki Gallmann. This powerful memoir tells the tale of Italian writer, Gallmann’s life-long affair with Africa – from her childhood fascination with the continent to her relocation to , where she managed a farm with her husband and son.
17. Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe. Considered the archetypal modern African novel in English, it tells the tale of Okonkwo, the leader of a village in Nigeria, and his three wives, his children, and the influences of British colonialism and Christian missionaries on his traditional Igbo community.
18. Power of One – Bryce Courtenay. This moving coming-of-age novel tells the story of an Anglo-African boy living in South Africa, at a time when there was a strong anti-English sentiment among Afrikaners.
19. Disgrace – J.M. Coetzee. This is the disturbing tale of a university professor who is dismissed from his teaching position and takes refuge on his daughter’s farm in the . He struggles to get comfortable with rural life, especially after he and his daughter are attacked on the farm; his daughter is raped and impregnated and he is violently assaulted.
“(I) f we are going to be kind, let it be out of simple generosity, not because we fear guilt or retribution.” – J.M. Coetzee, Disgrace
20. Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad. This classic novel tells the tale of an Englishman sent to Africa on assignment by a Belgian trading company to be a river-boat captain. The novel depicts the “darkness” of European colonization and the colonials’ cruel treatment of African natives, as well as that of the Congo wilderness and humans in general.
“Principles? Principles won’t do. Acquisitions, clothes, pretty rags — rags that would fly off at the first good shake. No; you want a deliberate belief.”– Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness
Some of the items that mean the most are the ones that help the wider world share in our good fortune. Give a lightweight camping hammock and you’ll also be funding malaria treatments in Africa, or support programs to conserve and promote U.S. National Parks with a cool graphic tee.
Whether it’s a gift for a holiday or a special occasion, these ideas will make meaningful presents for your fellow world wanderers. And don't miss out on the rest of , where we've curated this year's best gift ideas for anyone you're shopping for: , , , , , and many, many more.
Everlane is a pioneer of transparent pricing in fashion, selling designer-quality product often for less than half of the traditional retail price. This is sized to fit easily into all overhead compartments, has an external pocket for easy on-the-go access to items like a passport or boarding pass, and the base is screen-printed 11 times over for resistance to any dirty floors or wet grass it may encounter.
To buy: , $115
Slip Silk Eye Mask
One of , this pure silk mask has been recommended by dermatologists and beauty experts for its crease-resistant properties. Silk doesn’t tug on the delicate skin around the eyes like cotton or other fabrics would, giving it an anti-aging reputation. Slip also makes , which offer the same skin benefits.
To buy: , $45
Herschel Packable Daypack
It's always a good idea to pack a backup bag, whether it's intended to store souvenirs on the return trip or to step in as a day trip bag when a cross-body won't cut it. This lightweight from Herschel packs down into an internal pouch that's about the size of your palm. And with 33 color ways, there's one to suit every kind of traveler.
To buy: , $30
Cork Globe
Help your loved ones track previous and future adventures with . Colored pins keep track of bucket-list destinations and favorite vacations, while the stainless-steel and cork design gives it a fresh, grown-up look
To buy: , from $48
Scratch Map
Have a gift exchange coming up? Luckies of London's is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And we'll happily get behind any gift that encourages its recipient to see more of the world.
To buy: , from $26
After You Visit Africa
Once you have seen the beautiful sceneries done a trek here and there and probably shopped in one of the old cities in Africa. You can share your experiences with your friends and encourage them to visit Africa because by doing so you will be promoting cares for wildlife and creating jobs for many.
By renowned writer
Language: English ISBN: N/A ISSN: N/A 2018 | DOI: N/A
Difficulty: intermediate Mood: all
Content: non-academic
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