Why Visit Africa?

6 Reasons to Visit Africa for the First Time

Visiting Africa for the first time is an experience beyond description. It is a continent brimming with magic – from it’s immensely beautiful and diverse landscapes to its cultural richness and lifechanging wildlife encounters. Being a vast and highly diverse continent, Africa offers some of the most incredible travel experiences in the world. There’s something for every type of traveller – whether you’re seeking thrilling adventure activities, immersion in untamed nature, eye-opening cultural experiences, luxury getaways or a wildlife-rich safari.

Africa’s wide range of destinations means a multitude of different holiday experiences in both East Africa and Southern Africa. Some of the most popular include:

• Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park
• Wildebeest Migration safaris in the Masai Mara and Serengeti
• Gorilla trekking in the forests of Uganda and Rwanda
• Beach holidays and cosmopolitan ‘world-in-one-city’ experiences in Cape Town

So, if you’re looking for your next travel destination but aren’t quite sure where to go yet, consider a trip to The Mother Continent – especially if you’re a first timer. There’s tons of advice for first time safari goers we could give you, but the first thing you need to know is why you should visit Africa:

 

1. Experience Authentic African Safaris & Incredible Wildlife

It should be considered downright criminal to visit Africa without going on safari! A safari is an immersive holiday experience that sees you travelling the natural, unspoiled landscapes of the continent to observe and experience African wildlife in their natural habitats. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll explore national parks, game reserves and wildlife-rich regions through a myriad of activities, including game drives, hot-air balloon trips, boat cruises, canoeing or nature walks.

The vast amount of wildlife is one of the top reasons to visit Africa – particularly for first time travellers to the continent. From the famous Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) to characters from the Lion King come to life (think meerkats, warthogs, hyenas and wildebeest) and nearly every creature in between, Africa is a wonderland for animal lovers.

And for a truly magical encounter with Africa’s wildlife, you’ll want to time your visit with the Great Wildebeest Migration. This is an annual occurrence that sees thousands of animals make their way from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara and back in search of fresh grazing opportunities. Or for year-round wildlife experiences, take a trip to the tropical rainforests of East Africa to see habituated mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat.

 

2. Relax in Paradise: Africa’s Tropical Islands & Pristine Beaches

When you ask yourself: ‘why should I visit Africa?’, it’s most likely that thoughts of safari, open bushland and untamed wildlife come to mind. After all, safaris are what Africa is known for. Something that we’d wager didn’t pop into your mind though is that Africa is a fantastic destination for tropical island and beach getaways.

The continent is brimming with idyllic islands and soft-sand beaches surrounded by azure water. Places like South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Mauritius and other paradisiacal spots all offer amazing beachside holidays in luxurious yet comfortable resorts, lodges and hotels.

Africa’s stunning waterside locations also pair perfectly with a safari itinerary to make the perfect bush and beach combo. There’s nothing better than ending off a week exploring the untouched plains of Africa with a little rest and relaxation in paradise.

 

3. Enjoy an Urban Safari in Africa’s Vibrant Cities

Holidays in Africa are not limited to luxury tented accommodation in remote bush areas. Safaris are only one of the many reasons to visit Africa. The vibrant cities that are dotted all around Southern and East Africa are another. The continent is a melting pot of cosmopolitan cities that either act as modern hubs or historic reminders of a time before.

Cape Town and Johannesburg are two of Africa’s most well-known cities. Both boast a rich tapestry of urban comforts, from the many world-class restaurants and retail stores in the Mother City to the spirited nightlife of the City of Gold.

In contrast, cities like Arusha in Tanzania and Nairobi in Kenya are just as vibrant as their southern counterparts, albeit in a different way. The streets of these cities are infused with a rich culture and history, from the colonial architecture mixed with modern craftsmanship to the lively street markets and unique local cuisine.

 

 4. See Africa’s Amazing World Heritage Sites & Geological Wonders

The numerous World Heritage Sites and geological wonders are a real treat when visiting Africa. Pictures of these natural landmarks are breath-taking but seeing them with your own eyes is a magical experience that words alone can’t capture. And what’s more is that you can do more than just view these marvels from a distance – you can enjoy them for what they are.

Scale humungous sand dunes, like Big Daddy and Dune 45, on a Namibia safari. And experience the world’s largest waterfall on a trip to Victoria Falls, through a range of activities, like bungee jumping, white water rafting, ziplining and swimming in Devil’s Pool. World-famous sites like Table Mountain and Mount Kilimanjaro are begging to be hiked, while the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater, awaits your exploration through walks on its rim and game drives through its thriving environment.

 

5. Gain Insight into Africa’s Different Cultures & History

One of the best reasons to visit Africa is to experience the different cultures and learn the rich history of the continent. Home to 54 recognised countries, each African nation has its own distinct cultural heritage and complex history. When travelling in Africa, you’ll have the opportunity to visit local villages and interact with traditional tribespeople, gaining lifechanging insight into ancient cultures and traditions.

From the semi-nomadic Himba people in Namibia to the pastoral indigenous tribe of Tanzania and Kenya, the Maasai, there is so much to learn and see from Africa’s people. And for those who enjoy a more formal style of learning, the continent has many museums and testaments to its past that can be visited. This includes the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum, as well as Dian Fossey’s grave, in Rwanda, the Karen Blixen Museum in Kenya and South Africa’s Apartheid and District Six museums.

 

 6. Bask in the Natural Beauty & Picturesque Landscapes of Africa

The stunning natural landscapes the continent has to offer is one of the top reasons why people travel to Africa. In a world where nature often takes a backseat to suburban and urban hubs whose only bit of greenery is a tiny garden or myriad of indoor plants, Africa offers the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in unrefined, untouched wilderness.

Be awe-struck by gasp-inducing views and landmarks, from rolling sand dunes in an arid landscape to the sweeping open grasslands and bushlands of popular safari destinations to the lush greenery of tropical rainforests and everything in between.

First timers might visit Africa for its diverse wildlife, incredible safari experiences, cultural richness or vibrant cities, but we’ll guarantee you’ll come back over and over again just to glimpse the soul stirring natural beauty that every corner of the continent possesses.