Most people who know little about Africa would probably picture it as an area of disease-infested and malnourished people, drought and extreme poverty.
While it is not necessarily wrong, the second largest continent in the world actually has many things to boast. In fact, it is even considered as the "Cradle of Humankind". Recent research also found out that the earliest humans came from North Botswana.
Poverty is prevalent in Africa. Aside from sending relief goods and financial assistance, you can help the region strive through tourism. After all, tourism brings money by creating jobs for local people and attracting foreign investors which, again, can also give the locals some source of livelihood.
Below is a list of places you can visit in Africa:
The wildlife from various locations
One reason why most tourists visit Africa is to watch wildlife. One example of this is the Great Migration, which involves hordes of wildebeests and zebras running in a follow-the-leader style to make their annual migration.
The migration usually starts in January at Ngorongoro Reserve in Tanzania. Then, the animals will move to Serengeti in June before going to Masai Mara, Kenya three months later. They will complete the loop by traveling back to the south again.
But if you want to ride a zebra, Kenya has a riding safari.
Another one you can enjoy watching are the mountain gorillas in the Rwanda rainforest. Aside from a close encounter with friendly primates, you can also traverse the highest canopy in East Africa.
If you want to dive to see some marine species, you can visit Lake Malawi, which is dubbed as "Lake of Stars" by Dr. David Livingstone. The freshwater park is the home of at least 1,300 species and is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Table Mountain, South Africa
On the 11th day of November 2011, Table Mountain was declared among the official New7Wonder ofNature. Why not? The beautiful flat-topped mountain is making one of the best beach cities in the world, Cape Town, photogenic.
You can ride a cable car to have a closer look at the well-shaped plateau or enjoy the fantastic sunrise or sunset. You can also take pictures but try to control yourself from taking too much.
Enjoy the wonder of Egypt
Egypt is probably the most popular country in Africa, primarily because of its major role in shaping the world's human history. Famous historical figures from Egypt like Moises, Tutankhamun and Cleopatra have been introduced to popular cultures.
The first place you should visit is probably the ever famous Pyramids of Giza. One of these pyramids is owned by King Cheops built around 2650 BC. Its sides facing exactly the four cardinal directions and were built with more than 2.5 million blocks of limestone. The pyramid was so perfect that it became a subject of conspiracy theory connecting to extra-terrestrial creatures.
Other than the pyramids, you should also visit the colossal statue of Sphinx near the Valley Temple of King Chefren. Don't forget the Nile River, where one of the oldest civilizations emerged.
Cradle of Humankind
The first humans settled in Makgadikgadi-Okavango palaeo-wetland in southern Africa.
And of course, you should not miss this site, especially if you love anthropology and history. Aside from exploring the anthropological sites, tourist agencies offer various activities if you want an adrenaline rush like fly fishing. You can also observe wildlife, experience the local culture, and dine out. They also offer catering services for weddings.