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Apart from the amazing climate and plenty of wildlife, Africa is known for its large mineral reserves. In addition, civilization began in Africa before spreading to other parts of the world, and the earliest man is believed to have first appeared in Africa. There are 56 countries in the world’s second-largest continent, and each has its own unique attractions.
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This article will highlight the 5 most spectacular tourist destinations to visit in Africa this year.
1. Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Ngorongoro crater formed about 3 million years after a volcanic eruption collapsed on itself. It is the largest inactive volcanic caldera in the world, located in Arusha, Tanzania. Ngorongoro crater is 600m deep and covers an area of 259 square km, offering scenic views of the crater and the conservation area surrounding it. In the Maasai language, Ngorongoro means ‘gift of life’.
A UNESCO world heritage site, the Ngorongoro crater which is rightfully considered Africa’s Garden of Eden was once recognized as one of the seven wonders of Africa. The crater is lush during the rainy months between April and May when the wildebeests have calved, but the best time to catch great views of the 25,000 animals that live there is between June and October.
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Some of the animals you will see include the endangered black rhinos, Masai lions, elephant bulls, buffalos, leopards, zebras, wildebeests, cheetahs, gazelles, hyenas, and over 500 bird species.
Attractions inside the crater include Lerai forest, Lake Magadi with its flamingos, Gorigor swamp, and Ngoitokitok springs where hippos swim. The flamingos leave in April and return in November.
From Kilimanjaro International Airport, you can hire a tour van or get a travel agent to take you there. It is possible to tour the crater in a day, but a 3-day trip can give you the opportunity to tour the surrounding attractions including the Olduvai Gorge.
Tanzanians and East African citizens pay Tsh 11,800 (adults) and Tsh 2,360 (children) to access the crater while non-East African citizens pay USD 70.8 (adults) or USD 23.6 (children). Residents pay USD 35.4 (adults) and USD 11.8 (children). Entrance is free for children below 5.
2. Masai Mara National Reserve & The Serengeti
Serengeti and the Mara are like twins when it comes to tourism. Serengeti in Tanzania while Maasai Mara in Kenya, separated by a vast savannah, Serengeti plains. The wildebeest migration begins in December at Ngorongoro Reserve. In June, the animals cross to Serengeti and reach Maasai Mara by September. In November, rains cause the animals to move back to the Serengeti for the calving season which usually happens between December and January, creating the famous Great Migration.
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About 750,000 zebras and 1.2 million wildebeest cross the Mara river in Kenya and Grumeti river in Tanzania every year, attracting thousands of tourists who come to witness this wonder of the natural world. Many tourists flock to the parks in the dry months of July – September when animals come out to search for food. However, January – March offers a less crowded experience in the lush greenery brought by the rains, and you can spot newborn calves born in this calving season.
3. Mauritius
Popularly known as Paradise Island, Mauritius has great tourist spots and powder-soft beaches against a backdrop of spectacular volcanic mountains. A culturally diverse destination and one of the most peaceful and safest places in Africa, it boasts a great tropical climate, botanical gardens, and a wide range of water sports.
As a romantic getaway, Mauritius competes closely against Bali and Seychelles as a top beach destination for honeymooners.
Seven coloured earths of Chamarel is among the most spectacular places to visit during your tour of Mauritius. This geological formation consists of layers of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow colored sand dunes formed over a duration of 600 million years and has been a tourist attraction since 1960s.
Best time to visit: May to December
4. Mosi-Oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls)
This spectacular waterfall sits along the Zambezi river, on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Locals refer to it as Mosi-oa-Tunya, literally translating to “smoke that thunders”
The 108-M waterfall flows at 12,800 cubic meters per second, making it the 4th largest waterfall in the world after Niagara Falls, Angel Falls, and Iguazu Falls.
5. Nzulezo, the floating village of Ghana
Nzulezo is a 400-year-old settlement on Lake Tadane, Ghana. It was built on water to protect the residents against attacks during war. It has been a tourist destination since 2000.
Which tourist destinations do you love most in Africa? Share via email and we’ll feature it.
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