Welcome to Africa

AFRICA IS A CONTINENT WITH 54 COUNTRIES. CLINTON MOODLEY TAKES YOU ON A VISUAL

JOURNEY TO SOME OF THESE FAMED DESTINATIONS

Botswana

Why visit: Known for its stunning safari attractions, guests can immerse themselves in wildlife and luxury. Botswana is also rich in culture and history.

Where to go: Visit Maun and Kasane, two towns that showcase the country’s rich diversity. Of course, no trip to Botswana is complete without visiting the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are into wildlife, head to Chobe National Park, Gaborone Game Reserve and Mokolodi Nature Reserve. If you love to know about history, visit the Three Dikgosi Monument that depicts three dikgosi: Khama III of the Bangwato, Sebele I of the Bakwena, and Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse.

What food to try: Botswana’s national dish is a pounded meat dish called seswaa. Also, try matemekwane, a dumpling stuffed with meat and vegetables.

Eswatini

Why visit: Once known as Swaziland, Eswatini is becoming a top travel destination. It offers the perfect balance of history, wildlife and culture.

Where to go: Tour Ngwenya Glass to see how a group of Swazi craftsmen and women create masterpieces from 100% recycled glass and browse the showroom. For wildlife enthusiasts, head to Hlane Royal National Park, known for its Big 5 sightings and affordable camps. Sibebe Rock, located 10 km from the capital city Mbabane, is the second-largest monolith in the world. Be sure to book a cultural tour.

What food to try: Eswatini has a strong South African and Portuguese influence. Try umbidvo wetintsanga, a meal made with boiled pumpkin leaves and nuts. Braai food is also popular.

Kenya

Why visit: Kenya boasts the Indian Ocean coastline, lakelands, the Great Rift Valley, mountain highlands and wildlife offerings.

Where to go: Kenya is home to Maasai Mara National Reserve that boasts the most spectacular ecosystems and safari experiences. Many travellers visit this Kenyan gem to see the wildebeest migration, which takes place between July and October. Include Lamu in your itinerary. Once on the island, enjoy a range of activities, including dhow sailing and exploring Lamu Town, known as the oldest inhabited Swahili town in Kenya. Another town to explore is Malindi, known for its tropical beaches.

What food to try: The staple dish in Kenya is ugali, made from either maize, sorghum or millet. It is paired with nyama choma, a speciality of grilled goat meat.

Zanzibar

Why visit: Zanzibar is the ultimate destination for travellers who want to put their feet up and marvel at the ocean views.

Where to go: Once you land, escape to a resort, indulge in tantalising cuisine and soak up the sun. Be sure to explore Stone Town, Nungwi Beach and go on a spice tour.

What food to try: Like its picturesque sights, Zanzibar’s foodie scene rivals many destinations on the continent. Expect dishes with loads of spice. Try the Zanzibar pizza, which isn’t your traditional style pizza, biryani (also famous in India) and urojo soup.

South Africa

Why visit: Where do we start? South Africa is home to breathtaking and diverse scenery, over 2 700km of coastline, wine and safari experiences.

Where to go: South Africa’s 9 provinces offer a mix of history, culture, adventure and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Safari at Kruger National Park, trek up Table Mountain, tour Soweto, jump off Bloukrans Bridge and spend an afternoon in a township, to mention a few.

What food to try: Besides its wine experiences, travellers can enjoy an assortment of food offerings, including the bunny chow, shisanyama, Cape Malay curry, boerewors and pap, biltong, malva pudding and milk tart.

Madagascar

Why visit: Madagascar, located 400km off the coast of East Africa, is recognised as the largest African island in the Indian Ocean.

Where to go: Spend a few days at Nosy Be, the country’s leading beach island. Nosy Be is covered with forests and picturesque beaches. Also visit Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. The protected rainforest area in eastern Madagascar is home to the indri indri lemur, famous for its loud song.

No trip to Madagascar is complete without a trip to the Avenue of the Baobabs, a group of Grandidier’s baobabs that line the dirt road between Morondava and Belon’i Tsiribihina in the Menabe region of western Madagascar.

What food to try: Madagascar is renowned for romazava, the country’s national dish. Lasary, a dish made with cabbage, green beans and carrots, is also a winning dish for guests.

Uganda

Why visit: The East African country is one of Africa’s most underrated destinations. Here, you can enjoy cultural tours, national parks and mouth-watering cuisine.

Where to go: Start your journey in Kampala, the country’s capital. While there, explore the Kasubi Royal Tombs and take a stroll through the craft markets.

Go gorilla trekking at the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to more than half the world’s population of mountain gorillas. Also, check out Queen Elizabeth National Park – famous for having among the highest biodiversity ratings in the world. Other attractions include Murchison Falls National Park and Lake Mutanda.

What food to try: Dine on matooke, a type of plantain, or try the Luwombo, a traditional Ugandan dish cooked in a banana leaf. End a meal with mandazi, which is similar to doughnuts.

Mozambique

Why visit: Besides the white sand beaches and seafood, Mozambique makes the perfect road trip getaway for South Africans who want to avoid flying.

Where to go: Spend a few nights in Ponta de Ouro to unwind at the beach, scuba dive or visit the Dolphin Encounters Research Centre. Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is another fantastic destination to spend a few days. Once here, visit Tunduru Botanical Gardens and Catedral de Maputo. Other attractions include Bazaruto Island, Vilankulos, Pemba and Inhambane.

What food to try: A trip to Mozambique will heighten your culinary senses. Sink your teeth into peri peri chicken or tuck into a fresh seafood dish. Try Matapa, a meal prepared with cassava leaves.

Ethiopia

Why visit: Ethiopia is a country with a distinct history and culture. Add tantalising foodie experiences and you have a winning destination.

Where to go: Visit Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, where you can explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Addis Mercato Market, Mount Entoto and the National Museum of Ethiopia. Or snap a selfie at the Blue Nile Falls or wander into Simien Mountains National Park. Other attractions include Bahir Dar and Gondar.

What food to try: Most meals are served on injera, a sourdough flatbread made with teff flour. People use the injera to scoop up whatever is served, whether a curry or meat. Try the Dabo Kolo, an Ethiopian snack prepared with roasted barley, chickpeas and peanuts available at street vendors and kiosks.

Ethiopians are also big on coffee, the country’s national drink. Coffee drinking is a ritual for locals that can take up to an hour.

Tanzania

Why visit: Tanzania is known for its wildlife experiences, alluring beaches, archaeological sites and more.

Where to go: One of the biggest attractions in the country is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The Serengeti, known for its wildebeest migrations, spans northern Tanzania and includes 30 000km of land, including the Serengeti National Park and several game reserves.

Tanzania also boasts many national parks and the Ngorongoro Crater. Spend a few days in Dar es Salaam.

What food to try: Tuck into local barbeque, Chipsi mayai (chips and egg), nyama choma and ugali.

Zimbabwe

Why visit: Besides the natural landscapes, Zimbabwe offers a mix of culture and history.

Where to go: Undoubtedly, one of the biggest drawcards for Zimbabwe is Victoria Falls. Located on the Zambezi River, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, measuring 1 708m wide and 108m. Visit the largest nature reserve in Zimbabwe called Hwange National Park. Mana Pools National Park is also popular. Add cities like Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Mutare to your list.

What food to try: A must-try is sadza (also known as ugali) and Mopane worms. Chimodho, a wood oven-baked maize bread, is also popular. Wash it down with locally brewed beer called usthwala or the non-alcoholic option of maheu.

Namibia

Why visit: Namibia boasts fantastic landscapes, which are ideal for road trip adventures.

Where to go: Visit Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, for its history and culture, or escape to Walvis Bay, where you can take a boat trip to see seals and pelicans. Add Swakopmund to your bucket list. The coastal city is known for its sandy dunes and adventure activities. The Moon Landscape, about 30km from Swakopmund, is ideal for sundowners and striking views.

What food to try: Enjoy a plate of oshifima – a Namibian stiff porridge made from pearl millet flour.

Mauritius

Why visit: Mauritius is a bucket list destination for many travellers. The island nation is famed for its beaches, reefs, lagoons and stunning temples.

Where to go: Mauritius is one of those places people go to relax and unwind. However, there’s plenty to see and do. Visit Port Louis, Grand Baie, Mahebourg, Le Morne, Chamarel and Rodrigues. Add Black River Gorges National Park, Seven Colored Earths, the vibrant markets and blue flag status beaches to your itinerary.

What food to try: Mauritius has Indian, French, English, Creole and Chinese cuisine influences. Try the dholl puri, the country’s national dish, or a beautifully spiced rich tomato stew with sausages. Other options include biryani, Vindaye, curry and an upside-down bowl called Bol Renverse.

Egypt

Why visit: Egypt offers many unbelievable experiences that go beyond the pyramids.

Where to go: Cairo is ideal for those who want to see history and world famous sites like the sphinx. Take a tour of the Pyramid of Giza, the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering El Giza in Egypt.

Sharm El-Sheikh is a resort town known for its sandy beaches and coral reefs. Once there, add Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve and Jabal Mousa to your itinerary. Also, see Valley of the Kings in Luxor and enjoy a Nile cruise.

What food to try: Koshari is Egypt’s national dish. The meal consists of spiced lentils, rice, tomato sauce, pasta and chickpeas. Other popular dishes include molokhia soup and ta’ameya.

Morocco

Why visit: Morocco is one of the most visited countries on the continent, mainly because of its grand beaches, sweeping views of the desert and distinct architecture.

Where to go: From Asilah, a picturesque seaside town, to Ifrane, a city showcasing alpine-style architecture, Morocco offers a vast range of experiences. Rabat, its capital city, features the Kasbah of the Udayas, Chellah and Andalusian Gardens. Marrakech is a trendy city that merges old and new perfectly. Here, discover Medina, stroll through the souks and treat yourself to a hammam. A day trip to Fez and Casablanca is a must.

What food to try: Moroccan food is loved all over the world. Couscous, the national dish of Morocco, and tagine are some of the many dishes to enjoy during your trip. Other meals include zalouk, harira and b’ssara. Wash it down with mint tea.