10 Unusual Holiday Destinations in Africa
Winter is the perfect season to escape the cold temperatures of the Northern Hemisphere for sunny African holidays. Here are ten unique destinations, starting at the top of the continent and travelling clockwise.
1. Merzouga, Morocco
Merzouga is ideal for travellers who want to experience the life of a Bedouin riding a camel across the Sahara. On an overnight camel trek, adventurers can sleep under the blackest sky lit with millions of stars and then journey over the highest dunes in Morocco the next day.
2. Omo River Region, Ethiopia
This remote location in south-western Ethiopia, accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle, has been undiscovered for years and is a World Heritage site. The customs and beliefs of its many native tribes have barely changed in centuries. Thrill-seekers can ride the current down the Omo River in a white-water rafting trip that lasts over a week.
A view of the Omo River, taken just nort of Omorati. (Source)
3. Bandiagara Cliffs, Mopti, Mali
This is an ideal destination for backpackers and a World Heritage site too. Visit the Bandiagara Cliffs and meet the Dogon people. The Dogon tribe/culture is believed to be one of the oldest in Africa. They live along a 150 kilometre sandstone escarpment. A lot of climbing is involved with this particular travel destination.
4. Shimba Hills Coastal Reserve, Kenya
Shimba Hills is one of the largest rainforest reserves in eastern Africa, with great numbers of baboons, monkeys, warthogs and other animals. The reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 111 species sighted. Visitors can even lodge in the birds’ habitat at the Ndovu Bonde Treehouse Hotel. There is also a guided night safari where tourists can hear hyenas howling in the darkness.
5. Virunga Mountains, Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Approximately 800 mountain gorillas are left in the world, so seeing them in their natural environment makes this one of the most memorable and unusual holidays. About 300 mountain gorillas live in this region of extinct volcanoes along the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Since the gorilla groups migrate within the region, it’s best to check with safari agencies to see where the gorillas are located.
6. Seychelles
With its unspoiled beaches, many visitors consider this island archipelago northeast of Madagascar the most beautiful place on earth. Winter is the perfect time for fishing, sailing and snorkelling in Seychelles’ crystal-clear water. A variety of cultural bazaars are held every day in December where visitors can shop, accompanied by bands playing Creole music.
7. Makgadikgadi, Botswana
Travellers to this region of the Kalahari Desert can walk with the Zu/’hoasi bushmen trackers for an inside look into their ancient culture. At Planet Baobab, visitors can stay in a traditional grass-hut village among ancient baobab trees. December is Botswana’s wet season and the perfect time to see the spectacular annual migration of zebra and wildebeest.
8. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Visitors to the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia will witness a wildlife extravaganza. The 9050km² park has over 60 animal and 400 bird species. View Buffalo, Thornicroft Giraffes, Leopards, various species of Antelope and many more in their natural surroundings. There is plenty of local accommodation and organise safaris, it is best to tour with a local guide who will use his knowledge to maximise the time on your tour.
Image above: The Mopane Forest in South Luangwa National Park. (source)
9. Chamarel, Mauritania
Southwest Mauritania is famous for its surrealistic Seven-Coloured Earth. The red, violet, brown, blue, green, yellow and purple dunes of this natural wonder were created when volcanic rock cooled at varying temperatures. At nearby Chamarel Falls, three waterfalls plummet from a table-like plateau hundreds of feet to the jungle below.
10. Quirimbas Archipelago, Northern Mozambique
The Quirimbas Archipelago, a world heritage site is a range of 27 islands off the coast of Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. This is definitely an “unusual” holiday experience and off the beaten track. It’s best to hire a boat or go on an organised boat tour, which often involves island hopping. Kayaking, fishing, diving and general relaxing are popular here and you won’t have to worry about a mass of tourists in this remote group of island paradises.